Peterbilt showcases first Model 579 equipped with Aurora Driver

Peterbilt recently showcased the first Model 579 equipped with the Aurora Driver, a Level 4 advanced autonomous system.

The manufacturer unveiled the vehicle during CES 2022 in Las Vegas.

“As an industry leader in safety and technology, Peterbilt has a rich history of delivering customers trucks outfitted with the very highest level of safety systems and technologic advancements,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “The New Model 579 with Aurora’s technology is a perfect representation of the continuation of this history.”

Introduced in early-2021, the Model 579 is the most technologically advanced truck Peterbilt has built, the company said. Featuring improvements in aerodynamics, efficiency, comfort, technology and uptime, the new 579 has a bold new exterior design with improved aero and a quieter interior, with best-in-class comfort and new technologies.

These technologies are highlighted by the 15-inch digital dash display, which features a clean and intuitive interface, simplifying the delivery of the important information drivers need to do their job as efficiently as possible, Peterbilt added.

Aurora is designing its technology to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and at large scale. Aurora has incorporated the new 579 into its heavy-duty test fleet, which is hauling freight for customers today.

“Our partnership with PACCAR to co-develop self-driving Class 8 trucks builds on a deep technical foundation and years of collective expertise,” said Sterling Anderson, Aurora chief product officer and co-founder. “The team is making progress as we prepare to launch Peterbilt’s first autonomous trucks at scale.

“Together, we’re building a product and business that will make our roads safer and our supply chains more efficient.”