In July, American powertrain manufacturer, Cummins Inc, opened a new test facility at its engine plant in Darlington in the northeast of England, with the attendance of T&BB and other members of the trade press. The company has carried out engine testing at Darlington for many years, but the new facility represents a definitive change in approach to product development and evaluation. While the older test cells are solely designed to assess engines, the new facility can accommodate an entire truck or bus for whole vehicle testing. Moreover, the building which houses the new facility is specifically made to safely test gas and hydrogen combustion vehicles.

ZF confirmed that under the new agreement it would further develop the latest version of the hybrid automated manual transmission system, TraXon 2 Hybrid, for heavy-duty trucks in China.

All product brands, including Vitesco, which are currently marketed alongside the Schaeffler brand will “gradually be transferred to the corporate brand”.

In partnership with Trailer Dynamics, the company showcased its new eTrailer, a significant step in the electrification of freight transport. The eTrailer is equipped with a new electric axle that helps reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 50%, depending on the application and route.

Thanks to tweaks made to the engine, gearbox, and axles, as well as fitting class A+ tyres as standard, these trucks boast reduced fuel consumption of up to 3%.

The plant is managed by the company’s local subsidiary, Yuchai Power System (Thailand) Company Ltd, based in Samut Prakan just outside Bangkok.

Holger Lange, head of R&D for truck and bus tyres at Continental explained that the company is focused on enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of its commercial vehicle tyres​.

The agreement is designed to support Farizon Auto’s expansion in the methanol-hydrogen and electric-powered commercial vehicle segment.

The company showcased a variety of powertrain systems, including natural gas-powered engines, and electric propulsion (e-propulsion) systems.

The facility is being built in the technological-industrial development zone near Skopje and represents a significant investment, making it the company’s fifth global factory.

The new highly automated 16,000 sqm battery pack manufacturing facility produces lithium-ion batteries for heavy-duty applications.

He will replace Andreas Endters, who is serving as interim CEO of the group as well as CEO of the paper business unit.