PlusAI-Enabled Autonomous Trucks to Launch Via TRATON Brands in the United States and Europe; Partnership to Expand Following Upcoming IPO

§ TRATON GROUP reinforces commitment to accelerate scaled commercial deployment of SuperDrive™-enabled, factory-built autonomous trucks in the U.S. and Europe.

§ TRATON commits $25 million in dedicated R&D funding to PlusAI and will nominate a member to the initial PlusAI Board following it’s planned public listing expected to occur during 1Q26

§ Initial deployment milestones support up to $400 million of revenue to PlusAI from TRATON, underscoring aligned expectations for scaled autonomy adoption.

§ Partnership builds on 2025 milestones across Scania, MAN, and International, including launch of commercial fleet trials in Texas, a precision demonstration together with Red Bull, NVIDIA-powered Level 4 development, and driverless safety maneuver validation.

PlusAI, a leader in AI-based virtual driver software for autonomous trucks, and the TRATON GROUP, one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, today announced an expanded global partnership to accelerate the development and scaled deployment of on-highway autonomous trucking solutions in the U.S. and Europe.

Significant Growth in the Strategic Partnership

The expansion of the partnership is quite impressive. This comes as PlusAI moves towards a public listing via its previously announced business combination with Churchill Capital Corp IX (Nasdaq: CCIX).

Here’s the scoop.

First, TRATON will provide $25 million in non-dilutive R&D funding to PlusAI to accelerate factory integration of SuperDrive™ into autonomous trucks of TRATON’s brands. Specifically, this addresses funding for the advancement of SuperDrive™, deeper integration across truck platforms of TRATON’s brands, expansion of safety cases, and commercialization programs in the U.S. and Europe. The agreement also includes the potential for additional funding as the partnership progresses and milestones are achieved, reflecting a long-term commitment to autonomy development by TRATON.

In connection with PlusAI’s planned public listing, TRATON will nominate a representative to the PlusAI Board of Directors to further align the organizations as they prepare for a planned U.S. commercial launch. Plus states that this nomination reflects TRATON’s strong strategic support for PlusAI and further aligns the companies on product development, market rollout, and customer adoption—while maintaining PlusAI’s independent governance structure.

In addition, TRATON will receive warrants that vest based on initial deployment revenue milestones, measured on the first $400 million of revenue to PlusAI from autonomous trucks of TRATON’s brands deployed to fleet customers—an incentive structure designed to align both parties around accelerated commercialization and scaled adoption. TRATON will receive up to 5.0 million private warrants tied to initial deployment revenue milestones based on revenue earned by PlusAI from commercial deployments of TRATON-branded trucks equipped with SuperDrive™. The warrants will have an $11.50 per share exercise price (representing a 15% premium to PlusAI’s go-public valuation) and a seven-year term. Vesting is milestone-based, with 25% of the warrants vesting upon $100 million of revenue to PlusAI, an additional 25% upon $200 million, and the remaining 50% upon $400 million. This structure reinforces the parties shared focus on accelerated commercial launch and reflects aligned expectations for scaled fleet adoption and revenue realization.

In parallel, TRATON and PlusAI say they will continue advancing customer fleet trials, preparing TRATON’s manufacturing systems for scaled production of SuperDrive™-enabled trucks, and coordinating deployment planning across priority freight corridors. The companies will jointly define routes and operational design domains (ODDs) for commercial service in the U.S., while laying the groundwork for expansion into key European markets.

Executive Perspectives

“Autonomous trucking is a strategic pillar of TRATON’s long-term technology roadmap,” said Niklas Klingenberg, Member of the Executive Board, responsible for Research & Development in the TRATON GROUP. “From day one of our collaboration, PlusAI’s technical capabilities and commercial execution have exceeded our expectations, giving us even greater confidence that we have chosen the right partner. Autonomy represents a meaningful opportunity to deliver higher uptime and greater value for our fleet customers while strengthening the long-term competitiveness of our brands. Our increased financial commitment reflects both this confidence and our shared goal of bringing factory-built on-road autonomous trucks to market at scale.”

This expanded partnership builds on the collaboration first announced in 2024, when PlusAI’s virtual driver system, SuperDrive™, was selected as the on-highway autonomous driving platform for TRATON’s brands, including Scania, MAN, and International.

Since then, the companies have achieved multiple technical and operational milestones toward delivering Level 4 autonomous trucking capabilities. Notably, International initiated autonomous fleet trials in Texas with one of the largest logistics and transportation operators in North America, marking a significant step toward scaled commercial deployment.

“Together with TRATON, we’ve moved autonomy from the lab to factory integration and now to real-world operations,” said David Liu, CEO and Co-Founder of PlusAI. “We now have a common Level 4 software stack operating in Europe and the U.S., proven integration on truck platforms of TRATON’s brands, successful driverless validation, and customer pilots underway. The expanded partnership allows us to build on this momentum and accelerate towards scaled commercial deployment.”

Getting Real

TRATON is one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, delivering 278,000 trucks globally in 2024. Autonomous trucking is a core pillar of TRATON’s long-term technology roadmap, and the Group spent several years evaluating autonomy partners through a rigorous technical, safety, and operational assessment process. The result? Early in 2024, PlusAI was announced as TRATON’s virtual driver software provider for on-highway autonomy, based on the two companies collaborating at the technical level substantially earlier.

TRATON, via their International brand, was one of the first truck OEMs to get serious about an autonomous driving product. In 2020, Navistar (the prior brand name of International) announced a strategic partnership “to co-develop SAE Level 4 self-driving trucks targeted for production by 2024.” This was going along swimmingly until Tu-Simple went into its storied self-inflicted collapse in late 2022, leaving Navistar in the lurch. Because International and their TRATON bosses were clearly committed to being a leader in autonomous trucks, a search for a new supplier partner was launched, with PlusAI the winner.

PlusAI frames itself as a differentiated leader in autonomous trucking software, built from the ground up as an AI-native software company replacing traditional hand-coded autonomy stacks with advanced AI models. Founded in Silicon Valley in 2016, PlusAI developed SuperDrive™—a proprietary virtual driver system built on an advanced “Reasoning–Reflex” autonomy stack that combines learned driving intelligence with rule-based guardrails and system redundancy to support safety-critical operation. The architecture pairs a vision language model based “Reasoning” layer with an end-to-end transformer based “Reflex” layer, running on the vehicle’s primary edge computer to act as the virtual driver. SuperDrive™ is trained on more than seven million miles of real-world operations across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, augmented by simulation and synthetic data to accelerate edge-case learning. This global dataset, together with proprietary foundation models and a highly optimized in-vehicle neural architecture, enables SuperDrive™ to generalize across routes, geographies, and vehicle platforms. Designed specifically for heavy-duty trucking, the system integrates advanced perception, prediction, and planning with multilayered safety and redundancy to support reliable, commercial-scale Level 4 operation.

Together, TRATON and PlusAI are developing factory-built autonomous trucks and the integrated systems required for hub-to-hub freight operations. These vehicles will be offered by TRATON through its established global brand sales and service channels, providing fleets with the performance, reliability, and support infrastructure they expect from a leading truck manufacturer.

PlusAI recently provided an update on its three commercial readiness metrics: Safety Case Readiness (SCR), Remote Assistance Free Trips (RAFT), and Autonomous Miles Percentage (AMP).

The SCR metric tracks the maturity and completeness of the Safety Case Framework (SCF) that underpins the safe operation of SuperDrive™. The SCF is built as a structured hierarchy of safety claims and supporting evidence across five core pillars, covering system architecture, development and operational processes, performance validation, and ongoing maintenance. It provides a disciplined, scalable foundation for commercial autonomous deployment.

The RAFT metric measures the share of autonomous trips completed end-to-end without intervention from a remote operator or onboard safety driver on a defined commercial route. A trip qualifies as RAFT-compliant when SuperDrive™ maintains full control from departure through arrival with no human input. While remote assistance remains available as a safety backstop, RAFT is a key indicator of operational autonomy, system maturity, and readiness to scale economically at commercial volumes.

The AMP metric reflects SuperDrive™’s ability to sustain autonomous operation across varying conditions along a commercial corridor. AMP is a route-specific measure that quantifies the extent and reliability of SuperDrive™ in real-world operations. It complements PlusAI’s RAFT metric by providing a continuous measure of autonomous engagement across distance traveled and supports readiness assessments, regulatory engagement, and system maturity evaluation.

Through the second half of 2025, PlusAI’s SCR has reached 90.1%, from 86.1% earlier in the year; RAFT increased to 79.0%, up from 76.2% earlier, and AMP is at 99.2%, up from 98.6% earlier.

What are the commercial launch targets? PlusAI aims to achieve 100% Safety Case Readiness and greater than 90% Remote Assistance Free Trips.

“Our performance on the Safety Case Readiness and Remote Assistance Free Trips metrics demonstrate that SuperDrive™ is advancing toward commercial readiness,” said PlusAI CEO David Liu. “Safety and system maturity as well as operational efficiency are foundational requirements for deploying factory-built autonomous trucks at scale. We continue to make consistent, measurable progress on both as we get closer to our planned 2027 commercial launch.”

PlusAI is headquartered in Silicon Valley with operations in the United States and Europe,

Partners include TRATON GROUP’s Scania, MAN, and International brands, Hyundai Motor Company, Iveco Group, NVIDIA, Bosch, DSV, and Goodyear.

Roadmap and Key Milestones Ahead of Commercial Launch

In 2025, TRATON and PlusAI achieved a series of high-impact milestones across TRATON brands, demonstrating progress across the full stack of autonomous trucking—software, compute, safety validation, and live freight operations. Together, these achievements position the partnership as a highly advanced global autonomy program, laying the foundation for the commercial launch of factory-built autonomous trucks. In Texas, International and PlusAI initiated customer fleet trials along the I-35 corridor between Laredo and Dallas, deploying next-generation tractors equipped with factory-installed sensors, onboard compute[LB1] , and the latest release of PlusAI’s SuperDrive™ autonomous driving software. Additionally, public road testing was underway in Sweden, which continues.

In today’s announcement, TRATON and PlusAI outlined a set of milestones that will guide the next phase of the partnership and provide clear markers of progress toward the commercial launch of SuperDrive™-enabled, factory-built autonomous trucks for customers and investors:

Scaling Hub-to-Hub Operations and KPIs in Texas: TRATON and PlusAI plan to expand activity under the current fleet trial in Texas, including additional SuperDrive™-enabled trucks, routes, and loads along key freight corridors such as I-35. As the program scales, PlusAI expects to report on key performance indicators, including autonomous miles driven, safety performance, uptime, and cost-per-mile impact, providing a transparent view of operational and economic progress.

Additional Customer Fleet Trials: In addition to the current fleet trials, TRATON and PlusAI are working with other fleet customers and intend to announce additional autonomous freight trials. These new customer deployments are expected to diversify across lanes and use cases and to provide further proof points on integration into existing logistics networks, operational reliability, and customer demand for factory-built autonomous trucks.

Advancing Toward Commercial Launch: TRATON and PlusAI will continue preparing SuperDrive™-enabled platforms for commercial launch, including pre-production builds, validation of factory processes, continued safety case development, and readiness for driverless-capable operation. These efforts are intended to ensure that, as commercial services begin, customers can rely on a mature technology stack, scalable production, and a robust support model across TRATON’s brands.

TRATON and PlusAI expect to discuss the expanded partnership and commercialization roadmap in more detail at PlusAI’s Investor Day, currently planned for January 28, 2026, where TRATON management intends to participate alongside PlusAI and Churchill leadership.

Beyond the USA: Impressive Global Footprint Expands to Spain and Japan

PlusAI’s geographic footprint is unparalleled in the autonomous trucking space.

PlusAI’s OEM partners, TRATON GROUP’s Scania, MAN, and International brands, IVECO, and Hyundai plan to integrate SuperDrive™ into their vehicle platforms at the factory-level. These partnerships are critical for large scale commercial deployment of autonomous trucks given the safety, reliability, and long-standing fleet relationships.

First, PlusAI recently announced southern Europe’s first autonomous trucking program with IVECO, the commercial vehicle brand of Iveco Group N.V. Together, the companies will launch the first deployment of heavy-duty trucks equipped with Level 4 Autonomous Driving Systems in Spain in collaboration with Spanish logistics operator Sesé and the Government of Aragon.

Under this program, PlusAI and IVECO will develop two IVECO S-Way heavy-duty trucks integrated with PlusAI’s SuperDrive™ virtual driver. The autonomous trucks will undergo multi-year testing starting this year. For the entire trial period, these trucks will operate with a safety operator on board on freight routes between Madrid and Zaragoza, a corridor spanning approximately 300 km.

“Autonomous trucks are a transformative technology that could dramatically improve road safety and reshape commercial freight transportation worldwide,” said Shawn Kerrigan, COO and Co-Founder of PlusAI. “We are proud to deepen our partnership with IVECO and demonstrate how autonomous driving technology can enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability while strengthening Europe’s supply chains.”

Marco Liccardo, Chief Technology & Digital Officer at Iveco Group, added: “Vehicle automation is a key pillar of Iveco Group’s technology strategy. We are thrilled to reinforce our strong partnership with PlusAI to further innovate our ADAS and ADS technologies on board IVECO trucks. This project will take us forward on our journey to offer customers the highest quality technology for increasingly sustainable transport.”

This initiative builds on years of joint research and testing between PlusAI and Iveco Group, including advanced Level 2+ and Level 4 programs.

Secondly and more recently, Plus partnered with Tokyo-based T2 Inc. to bring Level 4 autonomous trucks to Japan. The collaboration combines T2’s technology design and logistics operation strengths in Japan with PlusAI’s proven experience in commercial deployment of autonomous trucks. The companies will work toward introducing Level 4 autonomous trucking solutions tailored to Japan’s needs.

Importantly, in support of this partnership with T2, Mitsui & Co. has made an investment in PlusAI, reflecting Mitsui’s long-term commitment to advancing next-generation mobility and strengthening Japan’s logistics infrastructure.

“Backed by Mitsui, this partnership is about bringing the right capabilities together for Japan,” said PlusAI CEO David Liu, “T2 understands the unique requirements of Japan’s freight ecosystem, and PlusAI brings experience from commercial programs overseas. Together, we are taking an important step toward making autonomous trucking a reality in Japan.”

“T2 is focused on supporting Japan’s logistics by applying autonomous driving technology,” said Mr. Masatomo Kumabe, CEO of T2. “Working with PlusAI, a company with demonstrated global expertise in autonomous trucking, positions us to accelerate the path toward safer, more efficient, more productive freight services in Japan.”

As is the case across the globe, Japan faces persistent driver shortages and rising freight demand. Autonomous trucking represents a critical opportunity to enhance safety, reliability, and productivity across the nation’s logistics network. Through this partnership, PlusAI and T2 seek to support Japan’s transition toward a more resilient and AI-enabled freight system.

T2 Inc. is supported by over 20 leading companies from various industries dedicated to transforming transportation in Japan via autonomous driving. Having pioneered Japan’s first commercial Level 2 autonomous trunk line operations in July 2025, T2 is now accelerating its mission to implement Level 4 autonomous trucking.

Observations

In my 2025 Truck Autonomy 2025 Roundup article last month, I discussed that while having an OEM production partner is the best path forward for an ADS developer, it’s just the beginning.

An ADS supplier still faces the vagaries of OEM decisions: how many vehicles will be equipped this feature? And if the OEM has more than one ADS supplier, how many vehicles will be equipped with “my stack” rather than the other guy’s system? The headaches continue with macro factors unrelated to ADS, such as sourcing raw materials, supply chain disruptions, powertrain requirements, tariffs, and more that an undermine revenue the ADS developer receives.

The deepening of the PlusAI-TRATON partnership directly deals with these risks. Today’s announcement speaks to an “entwining” of the OEM and supplier in ways that give the OEM and the suppler incentives and reassurance as to the issues noted above. With commercial launch with TRATON is planned in 2027, we’re now counting months rather than years for the TRATON launch. In parallel, other OEMs and their ADS partners plan to launch in this timeframe.

PlusAI’s global footprint is remarkable, with deployments planned in several key markets. They are well positioned to address even more locations, given that their tech has been trained on more than seven million miles of real-world operations across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Churchill IX has set a meeting date of February 3, 2026 for its extraordinary general meeting to approve the proposed business combination and related matters. Upon closing, the combined company will operate as “PlusAI” and is expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “PLS.”

These are exciting times for PlusAI and the industry overall. “PLS” will be the third truck autonomy company to go public, after AUR and KDK.

In my view, the long slog of making the tech work is essentially done, although robustness and efficiency of ADS systems will continue to evolve. We are in the launch phase where commercial factors are front and center. And, where the startups and their investors are looking to recoup their substantial investments over the last decade.

(Disclaimer: I am an equity owner and/or strategic advisor to these companies discussed in this article: Aurora, PlusAI.)