Torc Robotics: New Strategies and Relocation of Test Sites

Torc Robotics, a subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, plans to realign its growth strategy for 2025. This includes establishing an autonomous hub in Texas and expanding its software presence in Michigan. As part of this restructuring, the company will, however, bid farewell to its previous locations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Stuttgart, Germany. These will be closed in the first half of 2025. Andrew Culhane, the Chief Commercial Officer of Torc Robotics, commented on these changes: "The locations in Albuquerque and Stuttgart were crucial for our development phases. As we now focus on testing on the route from Dallas-Fort Worth to Laredo and building a top-notch team, it is important to place our resources where they align with our future plans." The company recently signed a lease for a facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which will serve as the new autonomous truck hub. This strategic decision comes just in time for plans to start full commercialization in 2027. One reason for choosing Dallas-Fort Worth was its proximity to Laredo, which, as the largest economic port in the U.S., offers ideal growth opportunities. Last year, Torc Robotics also achieved a milestone in testing an autonomous truck that successfully operated on a multi-lane route without a driver. Meanwhile, Amazon recently ordered 200 eActros600 trucks from Mercedes-Benz Trucks. This fleet expands the already existing number of 38 electric trucks operated by Amazon in Europe. This order marks the largest contract ever received by Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The eActros600 are characterized by a battery with over 600 kilowatt hours and can travel up to 500 kilometers without recharging. A major obstacle to fleet electrification in Europe and the U.S. remains the lack of charging networks. Currently, there are only a few charging stations for the rapidly growing truck fleets. Additionally, there are legal challenges for companies like Aurora Innovation, which is suing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Despite a negative decision regarding an exemption, Aurora's introduction of its driverless trucks will not be affected.