After a spectacular year in 2018, which saw sales expand by almost 80%, Volvo América Latina Group announced in February plans to expand operations in Brazil during 2019 and started with the hire of 300 new employees to increase production at the Curitiba plant.

The difficulties of Argentina’s economy, which began in July last year is continuing and causing damage to Argentina’s automotive industry suggests ACARA, the Association of Concessionaires of the Argentine Republic.

Mercedes-Benz do Brasil has announced it has completed a BRA100m renovation of its cab assembly line in São Bernardo do Campo with expectations in efficiency gains of up to 15% and gains in terms of its logistical operations of some 20%.

The Automotive Research Association of India has announced it is to establish a fourth testing facility on the outskirts of Pune.

ZF Friedrichshafen AG has opened a new ZF branded shock absorber production line at the headquarters of ZF India Pvt Ltd as part of plans to expand its portfolio of locally-made products for the Indian commercial vehicle sector.

Last month, Ashok Leyland Ltd inaugurated a new 3S (sales, service and spares) facility in Dhaka belonging to its sole distributor, IFAD Auto Ltd.

Volvo Trucks India Pvt Ltd, the wholly owned subsidiary of Swedish AB Volvo has introduced the FM 380 8x41 rigid truck to enhance its presence in the Indian construction and other heavy-duty truck segment.

Ashok Leyland Ltd has released some information about its plans for Bharat Stage VI.

Eberspächer Exhaust Technology International and Sharda Motor Industries Ltd last month signed an agreement to create a joint venture of parity (50:50) ownership to supply exhaust after-treatment systems for trucks and buses to enable compliance with the new Bharat Stage VI  emission standards, which come into force from April 1, 2020.

Trailer and commercial vehicle body manufacturer, Tiger Trailers Ltd, has relocated to its new, GBP22m manufacturing facility on the Winsford Industrial Estate.

Akasol AG, producer of high-performance lithium-ion battery systems, has announced it is expanding its long-term framework agreement to supply a Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer with high-performance battery systems for electric buses and trucks.

Eberspächer Exhaust Technology International GmbH and China Yuchai International Limited have formed a joint venture company called Eberspächer Yuchai Exhaust Technology Co Ltd, to produce and sell exhaust emission control systems for Chinese commercial vehicles to meet the highest domestic emission standard, China National 6.