August 2021 saw the opening of a start-of-the-art cataphoresis facility at bus builder, Otokar, and March saw completion of several enhancements to its R&D facilities including an extension to the climate chamber (March 2022) to allow articulated city buses of 21m to be tested; as well as adding ‘SORT’ test driving cycles for electric buses and trucks.

Otokar is looking to develop a complete portfolio of electrically-powered vehicles for the on-road commercial vehicle segment within the next two and a half years - it says will be unveiling new products periodically over this timeframe.

T&BB interviewed Gary Patterson, Executive VP of North America at GAUSSIN, where he explained the firm's move into the continent and its plans to develop products for the on-highway segment.

The Traton group's strategy is to increase profitability and efficiency by reorganising and consolidating its business operations, targeting a 9% return on sales for the entire group in 2024. 

Costs of production most challenging, says Krone's marketing and sales MD, yet investment continues in production, R&D and technology

Senior VP of sales, Kouji Maruyama, now President of UD Trucks

Otokar unveils full electric 18.75-metre articulated version of e-Kent at Busworld Turkey

Maumee, Ohio-based Dana Inc has entered an agreement with Lion Electric Co of Saint-Jérôme, Canada, to supply its electric trucks and buses with drive components. The agreement covers electric motors, inverters, controllers, axles, and driveshafts for all of Lion’s electric platforms.

Cummins has begun a partnership with Daimler Trucks North America to retrofit Freightliner Cascadia trucks with a Cummins fourth-generation hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. The firms expect initial units will be available in 2024 for the North American market.

The joint partnership between Larbert-based Alexander Dennis Ltd and the UK subsidiary of BYD Auto Co Ltd of Shenzhen, China, has delivered its 1000th electric bus. The BYD ADL Enviro400EV double decker bus was part-funded by the Scottish Government and was handed over to Stagecoach in Aberdeen.

CATL, based in Ningde, China, has opened its new battery manufacturing plant in the city of Zhaoqing, Guangdong. With a substantial total investment of 12 billion yuan (USD1.8 billion), the first phase of CATL’s Zhaoqing production base is set for the production of both EV batteries and energy storage batteries.

The UK bus manufacturer signed an agreement for up to 60 Kite Hydroliner single deck buses to be delivered to bus operator Regionalverkehr Köln over the next two years.