Two heavy-duty Iveco Stralis trucks traveled in a platoon to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, as part of the European Truck Platooning Challenge.

Organized by the Netherlands as part of its six-month EU Presidency, the overall objective of the challenge was to accelerate the introduction of truck platoons by putting the subject high on the agenda of EU policy makers.Truck platooning is part of the industry's approach to further reducing CO₂ emissions. This approach examines all elements that affect emissions when operating a truck, according to Iveco.

These two semi-automated vehicles traveling in a platoon had not been performed on a public road prior to the challenge.

Truck platooning is the linking of two or three trucks in a convoy. These vehicles closely follow each other at a set, close distance by using connectivity technology and automated driving support systems. The truck at the head of the platoon acts as the leader, with the vehicles behind reacting and adapting to changes in its movement, according to the company.

The main event in Rotterdam was held on April 6 and demonstrated the advantages of truck platooning with an aim to foster European cooperation between truck manufacturers, member states, logistics service providers, road operators, road and vehicle approval authorities, research institutes and governments, according to the company.

Iveco, a member of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, joined five other European truck manufacturers travelling via platoon to the event.