DAF Trucks N.V., based in Eindhoven, has begun field testing the new generation of the XF, XG, and XG+ distribution trucks. DAF will unveil its New Generation of distribution trucks in the second half of the year. The new series will become available in addition to the range of DAF CF trucks.

Bridgestone Corporation, based in Tokyo, Japan, has launched a joint programme to develop chemical recycling technologies that utilise used tyres to achieve high-yield production of isoprene, a raw material used in synthetic rubber production.

Daimler Truck AG, based in Stuttgart, Germany, has announced the Mercedes-Benz eEconic has completed its final endurance tests before the start of series production. The eEconic was tested in the Arctic Circle at temperatures as low as -25°C to prepare it for its intended municipal use in Rovaniemi, Finland.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation, based in Kawasaki City, Japan, has unveiled the next generation eCanter test vehicle. Prior to the official launch, the test vehicles are destined to undergo a total test distance of over 1 million km, which includes testing in severe hot and cold climates both domestically and abroad.

Allison Transmission Inc, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, has unveiled a new 96,000-square-foot facility at its headquarters. The centre features enhanced technology development and validation capabilities, and will also consolidate teams from multiple locations into a single facility.

Group spending in research and development into electric vehicles will increase to EUR2.6bn between now and 2026, adjusting its original budget of EUR1.6bn to 2025.

Cummins Inc, based in Columbus, Indiana, USA, has announced it will open a new Powertrain Test Facility at its Darlington, UK campus. Ground preparation work has begun on the site, with the firm expecting the first phase of the GBP14 million investment expected to open for operations by May 2023.

Daimler Truck AG, based in Stuttgart, Germany, has announced the launch of its new product engineering and IT centre in Bangalore, India, named Daimler Truck Innovation Centre India (DTICI).

Hankook Tire & Technology, based in Seoul, South Korea, has announced the official opening of a new test centre in Idiada, Spain, around 40 miles outside Barcelona. The test centre operates a highly automated testing process with an on-site team of around 20 people.

HVAC systems supplier for bus and coach and rail, Hispacold SA has opened a climate testing laboratory at its headquarters in Seville. The new purpose-built facility has two separate climate chambers, one for bus and one for rail. Hispacold says it has invested close to EUR1million in the centre, with initial plans first drawn up as far back as 2010.

The Swedish manufacturer plans to invest SEK975m in the test track, which is waiting for approval by the local authority.

The South Korean Ministry for Land, Infrastructure & Transport in late December 2021 announced that trials of hydrogen fuel-cell trucks in real logistics operating environments had begun to help determine accurately the full eco-system requirements before these vehicles are introduced commercially.