The Russian financial and tech group Sberbank, through its subsidiary Sberavtotech, has partnered with Belarusian truck maker MAZ to explore and launch large-scale production of an autonomous tractor. Izvestia reports that the collaboration centers on a fully driverless, on-line assembled tractor designed to operate without a human driver. Industry insiders estimate the annual project cost at roughly 5 to 8 million euros, reflecting a sizable investment in autonomous heavy equipment and industrial digitization.
In a shift from earlier experiments, Sber has moved beyond retrofitting conventional vehicles with autonomous propulsion. Previously, the company tested self-driving propulsion systems on Kia Ceed automobiles in Moscow. The new approach is different: instead of modifying existing cars, the plan is to develop and produce a dedicated autonomous tractor right at the assembly line. This strategy aims to optimize integration between vehicle hardware and autonomous control software from the outset, potentially reducing the complexity and cost of later conversions.
The project targets the MAZ-54402L as the initial model in the driverless tractor lineup. While the partners have kept many specifics under wraps, they have publicly indicated their intention to supply driverless tractors to Belarus and Russia first, with readiness to receive orders from other Commonwealth of Independent States countries as demand grows. This approach positions the venture within a broader push to modernize freight and agricultural logistics through autonomous mobility solutions in the region.
Questions about why Sberbank chose MAZ remain. Analysts note that MAZ entered the unmanned vehicle development arena relatively recently, with active work beginning around 2021. A MAZ representative, however, notes that the company has already digitized control systems for several freight and passenger vehicle models and has produced components that would support seamless connections to autonomous control networks. This expertise in digital integration likely complements Sberbank’s emphasis on data-driven autonomy and secure, scalable fleet management capabilities.
Looking ahead, the development of driverless trucks aligns with a growing interest in unmanned logistics corridors in the region. The Moscow to Saint Petersburg corridor, including the M-11 route, represents a strategic testbed where autonomous tractors could prove their value in real-world freight operations. As these trials advance, the market could see stronger demand for large, driverless tractors that can operate reliably over long distances, manage complex loads, and integrate with automated warehousing and routing systems. The collaboration between Sberavtotech and MAZ thus sits at the intersection of automotive manufacturing, digital transformation, and advanced logistics infrastructure, signaling a broader shift toward autonomous, efficient, and connected freight mobility across the region.
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