Older trailers can also be retrofitted. As demand for smarter logistics grows, this partnership strengthens Krone’s digital offering and adds real value for the commercial vehicle sector.

Startling claims were made by two panellists on the mainstage of the Anaheim convention centre on the first day of the ACT Expo. The first – Peter Ludwig – announced that software-defined vehicles will make today’s vehicles look as outmoded as the steam train. The second claim came from David Liu, who said that self-driving vehicles will be the industry’s greatest invention since the diesel engine. These men have business interests in the development of software-defined and autonomous vehicles; we would expect them to say as much. A moderate response to the advent of these technologies came from Sherry Sanger – executive vice president of strategy and marketing at Penske Transportation Solutions – who sat on a different panel: she warned delegates not to rashly take up a new technology or “solution” without first having a clearly-defined problem for it to solve.

The software is set to debut in select markets in late 2025, with full commercial rollout anticipated by early 2026. Delivered through a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, the platform allows businesses to subscribe based on fleet size and feature requirements.

At last year’s ACT Expo in Las Vegas, Truck & Bus Builder met for the first time with Range Energy to learn more about its “electric trailer platform”. This year’s show provided the opportunity for a business update after two major announcements: the appointment of a new chief executive officer, Jon Foster, and a supply agreement with ZF Group for its ‘AxTrax 2’ e-axles. I spoke with founder Ali Javidan – now chief technology officer – and Foster about what the company hopes to achieve in the next five years.

The joint venture’s primary objective will be to build the “non-differentiating core” of the software-defined truck: a standardised digital platform and dedicated commercial vehicle operating system which will be open to Daimler and Volvo’s competitors.

The company says it has initiated cost cutting measures to decrease its expenses by approximately 55% to an average of USD2.7m per month, with the aim of maintaining the business as a going concern beyond the next twelve months.

Its e-services portfolio includes enhanced digital fleet solutions, depot infrastructure, and turnkey electrification support services to its customers.

On Samsara’s ‘Connected Operations Platform’, customers can now view information on Rivian vehicles in their fleet alongside other vehicle data, providing a “unified” platform for monitoring fleet assets.

ZF describes its new ‘Software Update Management System’ as a “service suite” or “comprehensive toolkit” that simplifies the work of updating trailers over-the-air in line with international regulations.

Mack launched two new digital products: a service for connecting truck operators with spot shippers; and a driver application designed with the new ‘Pioneer’ in mind.

Daimler Buses sees digitalisation as a key enabler in meeting both challenges. By leveraging smart tools to optimise efficiency, reduce downtime, and manage energy use more effectively, these digital solutions can help operators transition to cleaner fleets while staying commercially viable.

Geotab’s CV Show presence underscored its expanding UK ambitions and its role at the forefront of connected fleet innovation.