Identity crisis: does platooning have a single stand-out strength?

What is platooning for? The answer has proven something of a shape-shifter since the technology’s first mention, with some—principally Daimler Trucks—reaching the conclusion that, frankly, it isn’t particularly good for anything. In its early days, excitement around the technology was generated by the autonomous driving aspect of the technology, and the prospect of removing drivers from the truck. Since then, it has become apparent just how far away higher-level automation is for the industry. Developers today are more ready to emphasise the efficiency benefits available, via the fuel-savings achieved through improved aerodynamic performance.