Transportation Technology News

About Technology News...

Commercial freight transportation businesses rely on data, intelligence, and novel solutions for operational efficiency. Transport Topics technology coverage investigates available technologies, real-world applications of business solutions, and the strategies necessary for advancement. News topics focus on the latest applied science, and issues range from autonomous vehicle and robotics innovations to management software, tracking and transparency, data analytics, blockchain, and the internet of things.

Business, Technology, Equipment, Autonomous

Google Emails Show Internal Concern Over Losing Driverless Lead

Three years ago, the head of Google’s self-driving car project emailed co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin to sound an alarm.

February 8, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment, Autonomous

Autonomous Coast-to-Coast Tesla Trip Past Deadline, Still Coming

Tesla Inc. hasn’t thrown its plan to demonstrate an autonomous cross-country drive out the window — it’s just tapped the brakes.

February 8, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment, Autonomous, TCA

Wintry Weather Illustrates One Challenge Facing Vehicle Automation

Snow-covered blacktop can be a big problem for autonomous vehicles, which to this point largely use cameras that zero in on lane markings to guide the car down the highway.

February 8, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment, Autonomous, TCA

Uber’s Kalanick: We Didn’t Hire Waymo Engineer to Steal Self-Driving Secrets

Travis Kalanick got some vindication in court on Feb. 7. Under friendly cross-examination by a lawyer for Uber — the ride-hailing company he co-founded and led until it ousted him last June — Kalanick got a chance to present himself as an earnest guy who loved his work, cared about the future and didn’t take illicit shortcuts as he competed aggressively in the race for self-driving cars.

February 8, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment, Autonomous, TCA

Fiat Chrysler CEO: Even With Autonomous Vehicles, Brand Identity Will Be Key

The term generic might imply a reasonable, cost-effective choice at the grocery store, but Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne says it’s no way to think about cars.

February 7, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment, Safety, Autonomous, TCA

Uber’s Kalanick Stays Calm on the Stand During Waymo Trade-Secrets Trial

Subdued. Calm. Compliant. Agreeable. Those adjectives aren’t typically associated with Travis Kalanick, Uber’s combative co-founder. But during 50 minutes on the witness stand in the Waymo vs. Uber trial on Feb. 6, a suit-and-tie-clad Kalanick kept his cool, meekly agreeing with most questions posed to him by Charles Verhoeven, Waymo’s lead attorney.

February 7, 2018
Government, Business, Technology

Maryland Transportation Secretary Pete Rahn 'Aggressively' Trying to Woo Amazon HQ2

Maryland Transportation Secretary Pete Rahn is pursuing Amazon.com Inc. with gusto as the retailer determines which state will be home to its second headquarters, HQ2.

February 7, 2018
Business, Technology

Mercedes-Benz Unveils New Sprinter Van

The new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van makes its first public appearance Feb. 6, 2018, at the vehicle's world premier in Duisburg, Germany. (Seth Clevenger/Transport Topics)

February 6, 2018
Business, Technology

Mercedes-Benz Debuts New Sprinter Van

DUISBURG, Germany — Mercedes-Benz has revealed its new Sprinter, a digitally connected, highly versatile vehicle that can be customized to fit a diverse range of applications, from last-mile delivery to construction work to passenger transport. (See video of unveiling)

February 6, 2018
Business, Technology, Equipment

DTNA Unveils DD8 Engine for Medium-Duty Lineup

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Daimler Trucks North America announced the addition of the Detroit DD8 diesel engine to its medium-duty lineup.

February 6, 2018