T&BB decided to have a closer look at the world’s 4th biggest tyre manufacturer as it looks to expand its global presence through fleet digitalisation, product range and aftermarket services in the context of the impending Euro VII regulation.

The actual repowering has been made possible with the first Kleanbus “advanced modular electric platform,” (a modular driveline package) which combines battery-electric powertrain components from Tier 1 suppliers with its own integration technology and proprietary software, with a conversion taking just 2 weeks once a system has been designed and tested.

The eHeater controller warms up the diesel exhaust after-treatment catalyst to reduce emissions, mainly nitrogen oxide (NOx) exhaust emissions. The product is seen as aiding those engine manufacturers to better meet current and even stricter emissions regulation, such as the upcoming Euro VII standards.

The ten vehicles are all Ankai double-deckers which will feature Equipmake’s zero-emission drivetrain and a 327-kWh capacity battery pack, providing a 193 km (120 miles) range. The first vehicle will enter service in Q1 2024.

Michael Bycroft has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Asset Finance & Leasing.

The exhibition, which took place from the 6th to the 7th of September, attracted over 150 exhibitors involved in low-carbon mobility. The exhibition had a small collection of companies dedicated to the commercial vehicle market sector.

The new facility will replenish DTNA’s ten Parts Distribution Centres (PDC) across the U.S. and Canada.

About the retrofit of the H2 ICE engine, Lord Bamford, JCB Chairman, said: “We have retrofitted this vehicle with a JCB hydrogen engine to demonstrate how simple it will be to convert existing vans and to show that it is not only construction and agricultural machines that can be powered by hydrogen. While converting vans will not be for JCB to do, it does prove there is something else other than batteries that can work very effectively.”

UK operator, Newport Transport, appoints Equipmake to convert 8 of its double-deckers to electric power with its Zero Emission Drivetrain (ZED).

Whilst South Korea’s biggest tyre manufacturer prepares for the launch of its new electric bus tyre range later this year, we decided to have a closer look at the rise of this tyre giant hailing from the East.

A multi-year deal signed earlier this year with waste management company, Biffa, ensures that an initial order of up to ten 26-tonne Mercedes-Benz Econic diesel-powered refuse vehicles will be repowered with Lunaz electric drivetrains, saving an estimated 210 tonnes of carbon a year.

The company has broken ground on a new (EUR 85 million) 240,000 square foot (22,000 square meters) distribution centre in the city of Massbach, Bayern, Germany to support parts supply to DAF customers in Germany, Switzerland and France.