The UD Trucks Innovation Roadmap aims to delivery a variety of high-tech logistics solutions, among them fully-electric and autonomous trucks by 2030.
The Roadmap centres around automation and electromobility, aiming to introduce options from 2020, before achieving fully-autonomy by 2030.
UD Trucks believes the logistics industry can overcome growing transport demands by utilising transformative innovations in automation and electrombility and in doing so reduce CO2 emissions, addressing driver shortages and the online commerce boom.
UD Trucks takes inspiration for their innovation roadmap from the gods of wind and thunder, as depicted in the famous gold-embossed Japanese folding screen, “Fujin and Raijin.”
UD Trucks’ progress in automation is inspired by Fujin, the god of wind, who symbolizes the power of movement, while its work in electromobility is inspired by Raijin, the god of thunder, who symbolizes the power of energy.
WATCH: UD Quon full review video
“When delivering on our promise to provide the trucks and services the world needs today, we have always done things a bit differently from others in our industry. As we now look forward, we are convinced that the world needs Smart Logistics, “said UD Trucks Chairman Joachim Rosenberg during the roadmap’s announcement at the Embassy of Sweden in Tokyo on April 23.
UD Trucks highlights that connectivity through digitisation is the enabler of automation and in Japan the truckmaker already has around 45,000 vehicles connected through the UD Information Service.
“We are pleased to share the Innovation Roadmap, launched by UD Trucks Corporation in Tokyo, on their vision towards 2030,” said UD Trucks Australia Vice President Mark Strambi.
“This initiative demonstrates their commitment to offer commercialised fully-electric and autonomous trucks.
“This announcement shows a commitment by UD Trucks to be a major player in the future technology of the transport industry whilst at the same time addressing the issues facing the industry today including the increasing road freight task, environmental impact, driver availability.
“UD Trucks Australia is committed to providing a range of trucks that meet the demands of our current and future customers. As always, UD Trucks Australia will only launch products into the local market after the extensive testing and validation required to ensure it withstand the unique conditions of Australia and New Zealand.”
UD Trucks highlights that connectivity through digitisation is the enabler of automation and in Japan the truckmaker already has around 45,000 vehicles connected through the UD Information Service.