The plan is to start mass production of a battery-powered version of the Hilux pickup truck for Thailand and for export.

The basic idea is to turn large-sized cargo vans into “mobile micro-depots” from which cargo bikes can collect and deliver goods during the last mile.

Kia said the new “Tasman” will be a multi-purpose model aimed at the “working” and “life-style” sub-segments of the global pickup truck market.

Of the firm order for 80 buses, 32 will be fitted with another set of doors on the other side of the vehicle, allowing for dual-side boarding.

This is claimed to be the first time school minibuses have been fitted with automatic transmissions.

The LNG agreement is seen as the first and important step towards creating the largest road logistics corridor in Brazil, with a focus on reducing CO2 emissions; initially it will focus on the North and North East of the country.

Sojitz Fuso said the Canter Modern PUV Class 2 aims to provide a reliable, durable and efficient transportation solution to Philippine commuters.

Isuzu said its new PUV was developed to support the Philippine Department of Transportation’s PUV Modernization Programme (PUVMP), which aims to replace the ageing fleet of “jeepney” public transport vehicles across the Philippines.

The contract for 15 buses is worth over EUR10m and includes the provision of 15 stationary chargers at the depot and two pantograph stations located in the city.

February saw PepsiCo take delivery of its first electric heavy-duty truck in Brazil; a semi-heavy rigid (15t ≤ gvw up to 40 tons) P25 6x2 Scania truck, produced in Sweden, which is to be used for internal logistics goods distribution operations between PepsiCo’s four factories* in the state of São Paulo.

Due to the next-generation battery technology supplied by Polish battery company Impact Clean Power Technology, ADL has increased its “warrantable energy throughput” of its next-gen electric buses (Enviro400EV and Enviro100EV).

The first vehicle is being tested over 2,500 kilometres on the streets of Plzeň, after which it will be delivered to the customer later this year.