Santa Clara, Calif. & Turin, Italy — January 12, 2026 — PlusAI, a leader in AI software for autonomous trucks, announced an expansion of its long-standing partnership with IVECO, the commercial vehicle brand of Iveco Group N.V. (EXM: IVG). Together, the companies will launch the first deployment of heavy-duty trucks equipped with Level 4 Autonomous Driving Systems (ADS) in Southern Europe, in collaboration with Spanish logistics operator Sesé and the Government of Aragon.
Under this program, PlusAI and IVECO will develop two IVECO S-Way heavy-duty trucks integrated with PlusAI’s SuperDrive™ virtual driver, enabling Level 4 autonomous capabilities. The autonomous trucks will undergo multi-year testing starting in 2026. For the entire trial period, these trucks will operate with a safety operator on board on freight routes between Madrid and Zaragoza, a corridor spanning approximately 300 km (184 miles).
“Autonomous trucks are a transformative technology that could dramatically improve road safety and reshape commercial freight transportation worldwide. We are proud to deepen our partnership with IVECO and demonstrate how autonomous driving technology can enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability while strengthening Europe’s supply chains.”
— Shawn Kerrigan, COO and Co-Founder of PlusAI
“Vehicle automation is a key pillar of Iveco Group’s technology strategy. We are thrilled to reinforce our strong partnership with PlusAI to further innovate our ADAS and ADS technologies on board IVECO trucks. This project will take us forward on our journey to offer customers the highest quality technology for increasingly sustainable transport.”
— Marco Liccardo, Chief Technology & Digital Officer at Iveco Group
This initiative builds on years of joint research and testing between PlusAI and Iveco Group, including advanced Level 2+ and Level 4 programs. It also marks a significant milestone as PlusAI moves into its next phase of growth as a publicly traded company through its previously announced business combination with Churchill Capital Corp IX (Nasdaq: CCIX).
Upon closing, the combined company will operate as “PlusAI” and is expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “PLS.” The business combination remains subject to approval by Churchill IX shareholders, the Registration Statement being declared effective by the SEC, and other customary closing conditions. The business combination is expected to close in Q1 of 2026.
About PlusAI
PlusAI is an artificial intelligence company pioneering AI-based virtual driver software for factory-built autonomous trucks. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with operations in the United States and Europe, PlusAI was named by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Partners including TRATON GROUP’s Scania, MAN, and International brands, Hyundai Motor Company, Iveco Group, Bosch, and DSV are working with PlusAI to accelerate the deployment of next-generation autonomous trucks. For more information, visit www.plus.ai or follow PlusAI on LinkedIn, X and YouTube.
About Churchill Capital Corp IX
Churchill IX is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses.
Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It
The proposed transaction will be submitted to shareholders of Churchill IX for consideration. Churchill IX has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, which includes a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and definitive proxy statement/prospectus to be distributed to Churchill IX’s shareholders. Before making any voting or investment decision, shareholders and other interested persons are advised to read the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and any amendments, and once available, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other documents filed with the SEC. Shareholders may obtain copies without charge at www.sec.gov or by directing a written request to Churchill Capital Corp IX, 640 Fifth Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10019.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “plan,” “project,” “will,” “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “target,” “continue,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on as, a guarantee, assurance, prediction or definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions, many of which are beyond the control of PlusAI and Churchill IX. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements.
Participants in the Solicitation
Churchill IX, PlusAI and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Churchill IX’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of Churchill IX’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction will be set forth in proxy statement/prospectus/consent solicitation statement when filed by Churchill IX with the SEC. Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the proxy statement/prospectus/consent solicitation statement carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or exemptions therefrom. INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE OFFERING OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Contacts
Investors Contact Derrick Nueman ir@plus.ai
Media Contact Lauren Kwan pr@plus.ai