Torc Expands Autonomous Testing to Michigan Ahead of 2027 Launch

Key Details Torc, a Daimler Truck autonomous software unit, has launched testing operations in Michigan with Freightliner Cascadias equipped with its self-driving technology. This expansion joins existing trials in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and near Blacksburg, Virginia, as the company works toward commercial operations in 2027. Why Michigan Matters Vice President of Engineering Dave Anderson highlighted Michigan's diverse weather and seasonal conditions as critical for training autonomous models and validating safety performance. The varied climate data collected helps improve software capabilities and real-world readiness across different driving scenarios. Building the Team Torc opened its Ann Arbor office in 2025, strategically positioning the operation near University of Michigan's top-ranked engineering and computer science programs. The office now employs approximately 200 people and continues hiring across software engineering, artificial intelligence, and machine learning disciplines. Path Forward Anderson confirmed Torc's commitment to continuous testing and development throughout 2026, with commercialization targeted for 2027. The company emphasizes that its autonomous vehicles are software-defined platforms designed to continuously improve and learn during operations as they progress toward final safety verification.