Together the companies will leverage their strengths to accelerate the global deployment of an autonomous tow tractor solution for airports and industrial sites, while providing the financial means for the coming phases of the autonomous journey.
The venture also aims to streamline the customer experience, with clients engaging only with TractEasy as the exclusive distributor of the co-developed autonomous towing solution.
The EZTow autonomous tow tractor has established itself as the most-deployed autonomous tow tractor globally, with industrial and airport customers around the world, and a number of repeat orders.
This includes high-profile deployments such as:
- John Deere, US: Serving as a global supplier.
- BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, Germany: Operating on the production line with 3-shift operations.
- Daimler AG Truck Assembly Plant, Wörth, Germany: Supporting assembly operations
- Changi Airport, Singapore: Functioning in a fleet for baggage transport.
- Japan Airlines, Narita International Airport, Japan: Enhancing airport operations.
With TLD's global network and industrial capability, EasyMile's technological expertise, and airport distribution from Alvest Group sister-company Smart Airport Solutions (SAS), TractEasy is positioned to serve a wide range of clients across multiple industries and regions, providing tailored solutions to meet specific operational needs.
“TractEasy is purpose built to scale autonomous vehicle deployments with quality and speed. We have the technology track record, IP rights, experienced resources around the world, and the financial backing to extend our product capability and installed base leadership position,” said TractEasy CEO, Richard Reno.
"TractEasy is testament to the successful synergy between TLD's extensive experience in ground support equipment, EasyMile's safe and efficient driverless technology for both airport and industrial environments, and SAS’ niche expertize in aviation," said Valentin Schmitt, CEO of TLD. "Together with the financial stability of the Alvest Group, this joint venture will not only manage the current surge in demand for the EZTow but will also drive further innovations in the autonomous vehicle market."
“Scaling up the deployment is the next challenge in aviation. With a technology now proven, and the financial stability of the Alvest Group, TractEasy is positioned as a unique partner for the long term,” added Maxime Mahieu, CEO of SAS.
Gilbert Gagnaire, CEO of EasyMile, concluded, "We have been in the autonomous vehicle industry for over a decade and it's clear that industrial applications are taking off. We are thrilled to take the next step with our long-term partner TLD to form TractEasy. Our multi-platform software and experience combined with TLD's industrial capability and global service footprint ensure TractEasy has the technology and capability to continue leading the way in autonomous tow tractor solutions, providing unparalleled efficiency and reliability to our global customers."
