Delegates of Hydrogen UK’s annual conference, held at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham on 12 March, left the event with no doubts about the future of the burgeoning hydrogen economy. Opening the conference, Clare Jackson, CEO of Hydrogen UK, declared that “net zero is not possible without hydrogen”. The burning question is, will the UK have any significant part in its development?

On 14 March, Schmitz Cargobull Ltd took over the King’s Suite of the Hilton Metropole, situated near the NEC in Birmingham, to launch the ‘S.KOe Cool’, an all-new fully-electric refrigerated semi-trailer which is the first of its kind to receive type approval for the European market.

Krone has teamed up with Austrian logistics company LKW Walter, to introduce access to electronic consignment notes (eCMR) on its trailers. Krone has equipped LKW trailers with a QR code, which gives access to the eCMR. The QR code can be scanned on a smartphone (smart device) through the Krone Smart Assistant ap

Inflation, higher energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the company’s finances were cited as reasons behind the decision to slash the company workforce.

These 'S.KO COOL' reefers are installed with Schmitz’s ‘S.CU d80’ transport refrigeration units as well as its ‘TrailerConnect’ telematics hardware.

Krone has fully absorbed fleet digitalisation service provider ECR, which continues to act independently, providing its clients with digital services that optimise fleet efficiency and business processes.

‘ZF [pro]Service’ is a new aftermarket offering which combines ‘ZF Service Point’, ‘ZF [pro]Tech’ (for CVs) and ‘WABCO Service Partner’.

The joint venture facility will grow quickly over the next several years, with the aim of recycling one million metric tons of vehicle tyre material by 2030, representing a third of all end-of-life tyres in Europe. 

Following the acquisition, which is set to close shortly, SAF-Holland will be able to expand its offering of special axle systems which were not previously part of its product portfolio.

Daniela Lorenzer was appointed to the role of Chief Financial Officer in October 2023 and Maik Spindler was appointed Chief Sales Officer in January 2024.

The company says it will focus on commercialising its ‘Solar Bus Kit’, which (despite the name) is intended for trucks and trailers as well as buses.

CEO and founder, Ali Javidan, said that establishing the advisory council is “a major milestone for Range as we bring our electric trailers to the commercial trucking market”.