Allison states that many Chinese-built buses are now equipped with its Torqmatic series, a range of fully automatic transmissions for engine ratings ranging from 172 kilowatts (230hp) to 283 (380hp), specifically designed for suburban buses and tour coaches.

The company has stated that the product has been designed to withstand “harsh environments”. These converters are air-cooled and able to operate in temperatures of up to 85 degrees Celsius.

Jointly developed by the two companies, the engine will be integrated into Isuzu’s new medium-duty truck range. The engine is set to go into series production in Q4 2024, at Isuzu’s engine plant in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

To the west of Bursa, in a village called Hasanağa lies the headquarters of Karsan. Though the company’s history extends back to 1966, it is only in the past decade that it has emerged as an original equipment manufacturer of note in the commercial vehicle industry. Today, it has earned a reputation as a “dark horse” among the Turkish manufacturers, a previously unknown company which has very quickly surged to prominence in the domestic and European markets.

Michelin has added the Smart Predictive Tyre feature to the MICHELIN Connected Fleet suite of digital services in the UK. The system monitors tyre pressure (TPMS), wear and degradation using smart sensors to provide real-time alerts that help fleet operators improve safety and efficiency, specifically regarding scheduled maintenance.

Lynton Refrigeration, based in Manchester has invested GBP 2 million, adding 5 additional engineers whilst Robson Refrigeration in Hull has hired 12 new members of staff.

The new AMXE250 e-motor is a compact, permanent magnet synchronous motor designed for high-efficiency propulsion.

The BP97E is a high-energy-density battery pack and is the latest development in Accelera’s NMC battery platform.

T&BB spoke to Ian Jackson, the digital and fleet solutions manager for Conti UK. Jackson confirmed that by the end of the year, the smart sensors embedded in the new CV tyre range will have a new feature, accurate automated tread depth monitoring.

The system works by tapping into the vehicle’s Controller Area Network (CAN) and then any seatbelt violations prompt drivers to buckle up by sending an instant notification to the dashboard. This ensures compliance with laws and enhances safety.

Isuzu announced it has agreed to invest USD30m in Gatik AI, the US-based autonomous driving technology company, to strengthen its autonomous logistics programme.

The ‘TONY ADAS Kit’ – derived from the ‘To Navigate You’ autonomous vehicle hardware and software kit which is Perrone’s flagship product – provides several active safety features.