idem telematics GmbH of Ulm, Germany (a BPW Bergische Achsen KG subsidiary) and trailer manufacturer, Wilhelm Schwarzmüller GmbH of Freinberg, Austria have signed a comprehensive and multi-year co-operation agreement aimed at making the connected-trailer the standard in the commercial vehicle industry.

T/CCI Manufacturing of Decatur, Illinois, a specialist in compressor technology is introducing a range of electric compressors for heavy-duty and mass transportation markets. The new range extends the company’s existing robust product portfolio with electric and variable compressor capabilities to meet growing industry demand globally.

Suspension specialist, Link Manufacturing Ltd of Sioux Center, Iowa, has reached agreement to buy the valve and suspension control product lines and related expertise from Michigan-based Hadley Products Corp. Hadley has been a manufacturer and supplier to commercial truck, bus, RV, military and special vehicle markets since the 1940s. Its brands include SmartValve Electronic Height Control System and Smart Air Management System (SAMS).

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), based in Brussels, has agreed a set of new labels for electric vehicles and charging stations for certifying compliance with the EU Directive on the deployment of alternative fuels and infrastructure (2014/94/EU). The new labels will start to be used throughout Europe as of March 20 this year.

Paris-based transport operator, Transdev Group, is planning to introduce autonomous shuttles into global transport systems starting in Europe.

Daimler Truck and the Volvo Group have completed transactions allowing the formation of their previously announced fuel-cell joint venture.

Hyzon Motors, a global supplier of hydrogen fuel cell powered commercial vehicles, has entered a strategic alliance with Australian energy supplier, Viva Energy.

Toyota Motor Corporation of Toyota, Japan has developed packaging to house fuel cell systems into compact modules, which, it says, it plans to begin selling it in the spring of 2021 or later. The new module is designed to be utilised easily by companies developing and manufacturing fuel cell systems for a wide variety of applications, including transport such as trucks, buses, trains and ships.

Westport Fuel Systems Inc of Vancouver, Canada and AVL, the Austrian-headquartered independent specialist in development, simulation and testing of powertrain systems, have jointly released a report entitled: ‘Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Analysis for Heavy Duty Hydrogen Fuelled Powertrains.’

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg have produced a structural battery claimed to perform ten times better than all previous versions.

The Lion Electric Company, a Canadian manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles, is investing in the construction of a battery manufacturing plant and innovation centre in Quebec.

Alexander Dennis Ltd of Larbert, UK, part of Winnipeg, Canada’s, NFI Group Inc, says its next generation double deck hydrogen bus can deliver a zero-emission range of up to 300 miles (480km).