Isuzu to invest THB32bn (USD900m) in its Thai operations over the next five years as it looks to step up its transition to zero-emission vehicles.

With almost CNY1bn (USD138m) invested in the new “Super Plant”, which occupies an area of 72,000 sq m, it can assemble and paint up to 320,000 sets of drive axles per year.

The planned facility will cover 46,000 square metres and employ more than 500 workers, engaged in storing and distributing spare parts as well as electric vehicle batteries.

Daimler Truck has signed an MOU with state-owned renewable energy company, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), to explore the feasibility of importing liquified green hydrogen from Abu Dhabi (in the UAE) to Europe by 2030.  

The company says it will focus on commercialising its ‘Solar Bus Kit’, which (despite the name) is intended for trucks and trailers as well as buses.

The company reported that sales of Maxus vans grew by 46% in 2023, while its battery electric vans took fourth place in the UK LCV-EV market, and it forecasts growth of 50% across all brands this year. 

The money will finance the construction of a 72,000-square-foot extension, which will expand the total size of the facility to 352,000 square feet.

With the announced investment, ZF will hire 400 new workers and prepare the site for a wider range of manufacturing outputs, serving both internal combustion engines and electric powertrains.

ICPT perhaps is best described as a developer of energy storage systems for a range of heavy-duty mobile applications, including buses, trams, trolleybuses and industrial vehicles and has to date supplied customers predominantly located in Europe, New Zealand and the USA.

Recently, Librelato opened five new units in five key states of Minas Gerais, Paraná, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Sul and Tocantins. Since 2018, when the first unit was created, Libreparts stores have grown consistently year after year.

The strategic investors include Mitsui, Hy24, and Hexagon Composites. This will help fund upcoming investments, including expanding its hydrogen fuel storage tank factory in Weeze, Germany.

The JV aims to manufacture battery cells for commercial electric vehicles at a 21-gigawatt hour (GWh) factory that is anticipated to cost between USD 2-3 billion and come online in 2027.