Hyundai Tests Truck Platooning
Hyundai Motor Co. has begun testing automated semi-truck platooning in South Korea.
Hyundai Motor Co. has begun testing automated semi-truck platooning in South Korea.

During the tests, a pair of Hyundai Xcient 40-ton trailer trucks are equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle communications and advanced driver-assist systems. Hyundai says the following truck is able to maintain a constant distance from the lead vehicle within the same lane, and automatically adjust the trailing distance if another vehicle cuts in between them.
Hyundai says the V2V technology enables the following truck to react quickly to hard braking and emergency maneuvers. The trailing vehicle also can access the front truck’s camera to provide video images of the road ahead.
The tests are part of a demonstration project led by Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on the country’s Yeoju Smart Highway, a 4.8-mile closed course used for autonomous vehicle testing. Last year Hyundai tested an SAE Level 3 self-driving truck on a public highway in Korea.
Additional tests are planned in coming months to gauge the viability and potential benefits of the technology. Traveling in close platoons can reduce air resistance, thus improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Platooning also promises to improve safety and traffic flow.
RELATED CONTENT
-
On Automotive: An All Electric Edition
A look at electric vehicle-related developments, from new products to recycling old batteries.
-
Robotic Exoskeleton Amplifies Human Strength
The Sarcos Guardian XO Max full-body, all-electric exoskeleton features strength amplification of up to 20 to 1, making 200 pounds—the suit’s upper limit—feel like 10 pounds for the user.
-
When Automated Production Turning is the Low-Cost Option
For the right parts, or families of parts, an automated CNC turning cell is simply the least expensive way to produce high-quality parts. Here’s why.