\nPlusAI today announced an expanded collaboration with NVIDIA that supports the commercialization of PlusAI\u2019s SuperDrive\u2122 virtual driver for fully driverless commercial operations on factory-built autonomous trucks expected to begin in 2027.<\/p>\n
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20260316111292\/en\/<\/a><\/p>\n PlusAI\u2019s AV2.0 architecture for the Physical AI world<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \nThe collaboration, announced at NVIDIA GTC, advances three interconnected capabilities in the SuperDrive self-driving system: AI reasoning through the NVIDIA Alpamayo<\/a> foundation model, hardware-level integration through NVIDIA DRIVE<\/a> Hyperion and safety through NVIDIA Halos<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\u201cBy working with NVIDIA as one of the first partners to apply Alpamayo to autonomous trucking, we are building on an AI foundation that spans cloud reasoning to edge deployment. This continued collaboration between PlusAI and NVIDIA across Alpamayo, Hyperion, and Halos ensures that as AI evolves, PlusAI remains at the forefront, delivering a certifiable, autonomous trucking solution that can redefine global freight,\u201d said David Liu, CEO and Co-founder of PlusAI.<\/p>\n Teaching Trucks to Reason<\/b><\/p>\n \nBuilding on years of collaboration, PlusAI is now one of the first to move into the next generation of AI reasoning with adapting the NVIDIA Alpamayo foundation model specifically for heavy duty trucking. The adaptation begins with the sensor setup. A fully loaded semi-truck sees the world differently, with distinct sightlines, blind spots, and spatial requirements that must be considered in the model’s foundational representations.<\/p>\n \nTo deploy that capability within the strict compute limits of automotive-grade hardware, PlusAI uses a teacher-student architecture. A large 10-billion-parameter reasoning Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model is trained using reinforcement learning against safety constraints and traffic rules. As a result of this training, it develops advanced reasoning capabilities. A compact 0.5-billion-parameter model then learns from it, inheriting that reasoning while running efficiently at the edge, where latency is measured in milliseconds. The reasoning model works in conjunction with other models running on board.<\/p>\n \nThe result is a system that can reason about complex, novel driving situations without requiring a data center on wheels.<\/p>\n Built Into the Truck, Not Bolted On<\/b><\/p>\n \nIn collaboration with International Motors, PlusAI and NVIDIA are advancing production-ready Level 4 autonomous trucks built on the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Hyperion platform.<\/p>\n \nThe new factory-built vehicles will integrate:<\/p>\n \nEngineered from the factory floor up, the trucks feature a combination of sensors including lidar, radar, and cameras which provide 360-degree awareness surrounding the vehicle. Paired with high-performance AI computing from NVIDIA, the platform delivers the redundancy, sensor fusion, and high-speed inference required for safe driverless operation in complex, long-haul freight environments.<\/p>\n Independent Validation, Not Just Internal Testing<\/b><\/p>\n \nTo ensure the safe scaling of fully driverless commercial operations, PlusAI has joined the NVIDIA Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab<\/a> and is now one of its newest members.<\/p>\n \nNVIDIA Halos is a full-stack, comprehensive safety system that unifies vehicle architecture, AI models, chips, software, tools, and services to support the safe development of autonomous vehicles (AVs), from cloud to car.<\/p>\n \nNVIDIA is the first company in the world to establish an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited AI Systems Inspection Lab, integrating functional safety, cybersecurity, AI, and regulations into a unified safety framework.<\/p>\n \nIn addition to third-party certifications PlusAI obtained<\/a>, the integration of PlusAI\u2019s SuperDrive\u2122 with NVIDIA platform is scheduled to undergo independent assessment against three international standards as part of Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab scope: functional safety (ISO 26262), cybersecurity (ISO\/SAE 21434), and AI safety (ISO PAS 8800).<\/p>\n \nPassing inspection yields an official certificate that directly supports final certification by globally recognized bodies. The approval from global organizations opens doors to commercial deployment in major markets.<\/p>\n \n\u201cPlusAI\u2019s integration of the NVIDIA AI stack, from training foundation models with Alpamayo to deployment on Hyperion platform, marks a significant milestone in our continued, long-term collaboration. By being one of the first to adapt Alpamayo for the unique demands of heavy-duty trucking, PlusAI is demonstrating how generative AI can move from the data center to the driver\u2019s seat. This comprehensive approach across our Alpamayo, Hyperion, and Halos platforms provides the end-to-end framework that can accelerate the deployment of safe, production-ready autonomous trucking to the global market,\u201d said Rishi Dhall, Vice President of Automotive at NVIDIA.<\/p>\n \nThis tightly integrated approach can enable scalable manufacturing and position PlusAI and its OEM partners for large-scale freight deployment of autonomous trucks.<\/p>\n About PlusAI<\/b><\/p>\n \nPlusAI 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\u2019s Most Innovative Companies. Partners including TRATON GROUP\u2019s Scania, MAN, and International brands, Hyundai Motor Company, Iveco Group, NVIDIA, Bosch, DSV, and Goodyear are working with PlusAI to accelerate the deployment of next-generation autonomous trucks. PlusAI announced in June 2025 that it plans to go public via a merger with Churchill Capital Corp IX (\u201cChurchill IX\u201d). For more information, visit www.plus.ai<\/a> or follow PlusAI on LinkedIn<\/a>, X<\/a>, and YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n About Churchill Capital Corp IX<\/b><\/p>\n \nChurchill 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. It may pursue an initial business combination target in any business or industry.<\/p>\n Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It<\/b><\/p>\n \nThe proposed transaction will be submitted to shareholders of Churchill IX for their consideration. Churchill IX has filed the Registration Statement with the SEC, which includes a proxy statement\/prospectus that has been distributed to Churchill IX\u2019s shareholders in connection with Churchill IX\u2019s solicitation of proxies for the vote by Churchill IX\u2019s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction and other matters described in the Registration Statement, as well as the prospectus relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to PlusAI stockholders in connection with the completion of the proposed transaction. The Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC and Churchill IX has mailed a proxy statement\/prospectus and other relevant documents to its shareholders as of the record date established for voting on the proposed transaction. Before making any voting or investment decision, Churchill IX shareholders, PlusAI stockholders and other interested persons are advised to read the proxy statement\/prospectus, as well as other documents filed with the SEC by Churchill IX in connection with the proposed transaction, as these documents will contain important information about Churchill IX, PlusAI and the proposed transaction. Shareholders may obtain a copy of the proxy statement statement\/prospectus, as well as other documents filed by Churchill IX with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC\u2019s website located at www.sec.gov<\/a> or by directing a written request to Churchill Capital Corp IX, 640 Fifth Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10019.<\/p>\n Forward Looking Statements<\/b><\/p>\n \nThis press release includes \u201cforward-looking statements\u201d within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as \u201cplan,\u201d \u201cproject,\u201d \u201cwill,\u201d \u201cestimate,\u201d \u201cintend,\u201d \u201cexpect,\u201d \u201cbelieve,\u201d \u201ctarget,\u201d \u201ccontinue,\u201d \u201ccan,\u201d \u201cscheduled\u201d, \u201ccould,\u201d \u201cmay,\u201d \u201cmight,\u201d \u201cpossible,\u201d \u201cpotential,\u201d \u201cpredict\u201d, \u201caccelerate\u201d or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. We have based these forward-looking statements on current expectations and projections about future events. These statements include: expectations regarding the completion of the business combination between PlusAI and Churchill IX; estimates of customer adoption rates and usage patterns; projections regarding the value and capabilities of autonomous driving solutions; projections of development and commercialization timelines; expectations regarding the impact of partnerships on the commercialization of SuperDrive; expectations regarding PlusAI\u2019s ability to execute its business model; expectations regarding safety and system maturity of SuperDrive; PlusAI\u2019s deployment of virtual driver software; the impact of new features and capabilities on SuperDrive\u2019s performance; PlusAI\u2019s expectations concerning relationships with strategic partners, suppliers, governments, regulatory bodies and other third parties; the improvement of SuperDrive in future updates; the ability of PlusAI or its partners to improve iteration and the speed of development cycles; and the SuperDrive platform\u2019s ability to support long-term development and commercial deployment.<\/p>\n \nThese 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, an assurance, a prediction or a 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.<\/p>\n \nThese forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause our 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. Such risks and uncertainties include: that PlusAI is pursuing an emerging technology, faces significant technical challenges and may not achieve commercialization or market acceptance; PlusAI\u2019s historical net losses and limited operating history; PlusAI\u2019s expectations regarding future financial performance, capital requirements and unit economics; PlusAI\u2019s use and reporting of business and operational metrics; PlusAI\u2019s competitive landscape; PlusAI\u2019s dependence on members of its senior management and its ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the capital requirements of PlusAI\u2019s business plans and the potential need for additional future financing; PlusAI\u2019s ability to manage growth and expand its operations; potential future acquisitions or investments in companies, products, services or technologies; PlusAI\u2019s reliance on strategic partners and other third parties; PlusAI\u2019s ability to maintain, protect and defend its intellectual property rights; risks associated with privacy, data protection or cybersecurity incidents and related regulations; the use and regulation of artificial intelligence and machine learning; uncertainty or changes with respect to laws and regulations; uncertainty or changes with respect to taxes, trade conditions and the macroeconomic environment; the combined company\u2019s ability to maintain internal control over financial reporting and operate a public company; the risk that shareholders of Churchill IX could elect to have their shares redeemed, leaving the combined company with insufficient cash to execute its business plans; the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings or government investigations that may be commenced against PlusAI or Churchill IX; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction; the ability of Churchill IX or the combined company to issue equity or equity-linked securities in connection with the proposed transaction or in the future; and other factors described in Churchill IX\u2019s filings with the SEC. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact such forward-looking statements can be found in filings and potential filings by PlusAI, Churchill IX or the combined company resulting from the proposed transaction with the SEC, including under the heading \u201cRisk Factors.\u201d If any of these risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, these statements reflect the expectations, plans and forecasts of PlusAI\u2019s and Churchill IX\u2019s management as of the date of this communication; subsequent events and developments may cause their assessments to change. While PlusAI and Churchill IX may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, they specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon these statements.<\/p>\n \nIn addition, statements that \u201cwe believe\u201d and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this press release, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements.<\/p>\n \nAn investment in Churchill IX is not an investment in any of its founders\u2019 or sponsors\u2019 past investments, companies or affiliated funds. The historical results of those investments are not indicative of future performance of Churchill IX, which may differ materially from the performance of its founders\u2019 or sponsors\u2019 past investments.<\/p>\n Participants in the Solicitation<\/b><\/p>\n \nChurchill 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\u2019s 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\u2019s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction are set forth in proxy statement\/prospectus filed by Churchill IX with the SEC on January 12, 2026. You can find more information about Churchill IX\u2019s directors and executive officers in Churchill IX\u2019s final prospectus related to its initial public offering filed with the SEC on May 1, 2024 and in the Annual Reports on Form 10-K filed by Churchill IX with the SEC. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests is included in the proxy statement\/prospectus. Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the proxy statement\/prospectus carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources described above.<\/p>\n No Offer or Solicitation<\/b><\/p>\n \nThis press release 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. This press release is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an advertisement or a public offering of the securities described herein in the United States or any other 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.<\/p>\n View source version on businesswire.com: <\/span>https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20260316111292\/en\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Investors Contact Media Contact KEYWORDS:<\/b> United States North America California<\/p>\n INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:<\/b> Software Networks Internet Automotive Artificial Intelligence Data Management Technology General Automotive<\/p>\n![\"PlusAI\u2019s](\"https:\/\/mms.businesswire.com\/media\/20260316111292\/en\/2748489\/4\/PlusAI_AV2.0Architecture.jpg\")
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Derrick Nueman
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Lauren Kwan
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