The joint venture’s primary objective will be to build the “non-differentiating core” of the software-defined truck: a standardised digital platform and dedicated commercial vehicle operating system which will be open to Daimler and Volvo’s competitors.

Volvo announced the start of electric truck production at its facility in Wacol, Queensland, which coincided with a 30-unit order from logistics firm Linfox.

Volvo’s new ‘Safety Zones’ feature, available through its ‘Volvo Connect’ digital services, allows operators to “geofence” certain locations, such as a port or a logistics centre, and assign specific speed limits (20 km/h and above).

These tyres feature a new tread design which reduces rolling resistance and noise and improves traction, offering robust performance in the most demanding conditions while realising fuel savings, according to Michelin.

With the combined effect of these aerodynamic improvements, Volvo’s FH Aero model can reduce fuel consumption by up to 7% versus an unimproved FH model.

According to the terms of the agreement, MAN will begin deliveries of ‘TGX’ heavy-duty trucks to Gartner this summer, in batches of up to 350 units per year until the end of 2028.

With MAN’s Charge&Go service, drivers can find truck-compatible charging stations and pay with a special card that authenticates the driver and bills the operator at the end of each month.

9,738 new HGVs were registered between January and March, a marked decline from the 11,068 units reported last year.

Mack calls the Allison 3000 a “lighter-weight, low-cost option” compared to the Allison ‘4500 RDS transmission”, the other option for the CNG-fuelled Granite.

The ‘Super 11’ is 85 kilograms lighter than the ‘Super 13’ while delivering a 7% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the 9-litre version.

Volvo has revealed that the new truck will be able to carry up to eight battery packs, providing up to 780 kilowatt hours of energy capacity.

The two companies announced they would work together to develop a 4x2 prototype heavy truck with a fuel cell driveline supplied by Symbio.