The market for electric vehicles in North America is currently a very crowded one. In the wake of two crucial U.S. government bills – the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021) and the Inflation Reduction Act (2022) – established OEMs and startups are enjoying a boost in interest as grants and tax incentives support the expansion of EV manufacturing, sales, and charging/fuelling infrastructure.

This will encompass its EV chargers (inductive and DC fast chargers), mobile chargers, related infrastructure and the management software for these charging solutions.

In the Dutch city of Eindhoven, there remains one of those odd survivals of the former industrial age, now largely superseded by the digital revolution: the privately owned diversified manufacturing company, VDL Groep. Founded by Pieter van der Leegte in 1953, it now comprises more than 100 companies operating in 19 countries, overseen by Willem van der Leegte, who represents the third generation of the VDL family.

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 investment will target Coherent’s silicon carbide unit, which will be separated into an independent subsidiary named Silicon Carbide LLC. This investment gives Denso a 12.5% non-controlling equity stake in Silicon Carbide LLC and most importantly secures access to and supply of SiC wafers for its electric components.

Post pandemic, BAE Systems increasing its efforts to add more transit bus customers to its client portfolio but also new customers in truck, marine and military. Tom Webb, Director Business Development at BAE Systems explains the company's approach to market.

“HÜBNER is more than just a supplier of articulated bus systems,” announces Uwe Bittroff, Managing Director of the HÜBNER Group of Kassel at Busworld Europe last month. “As a global supplier, we offer our customers integrated, customized solutions."

The German trailer manufacturer's earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) were positive, standing at EUR108.5m – whereas the company reported a loss of EUR15m the year before.

The purchase will enlarge WEG's turnover and global reach substantially. The net operating revenue of these businesses in 2022 was approximately BRA 2.8 billion (USD541.5m), with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.5%.

The deal between the two companies is aimed at helping legacy fleet operators transition to electric by providing a comprehensive offering for fleet deployment and charging infrastructure. The data provided will offer operators information on the status of their vehicles, batteries and charging infrastructure, enabling them to optimise their fleets.

Mellor Bus was just another vehicle conversion specialist before it started taking Ducato vans and installing them with electric powertrains. Now, according to Gustavo Marqueta-Siibert, Group Business Development Director for Mellor’s parent, WN VTech Ltd, Mellor is challenging the major European bus manufacturers in segments and applications which have thus far been neglected in the transition to electric vehicles.

The rebranding is part of the company's plan to completely reinvent itself going from light duty truck builder to producer of EV charging equipment.