The planned joint venture would repurpose an existing Mercedes-Benz facility in Central or Eastern Europe for the production of electric vans based on two vehicle platforms.

Two FM Electric trucks will be deployed to handle the internal flow of goods between two Ikea factories located 14 kilometres apart in Zbąszynek and Babimost in western Poland.

The German corporation plans to invest in its plants at Düsseldorf and Ludwigsfelde to prepare them for the ramp-up of electric van production over the next several years.

Mercedes-Benz do Brasil Ltda is to supply Volare, a Marcopolo SA mini and small bus brand, with the first 60, Proconve 8 (Euro 6) compliant chassis (LO 916 Euro 6 model) to its vehicles; Proconve 8, is scheduled for introduction in all new and existing commercial vehicles in Brazil from January 1, 2023.

The 18-metre articulated bus, with 8 storage tanks holding up to 51.2kg of hydrogen, can travel 350 km carrying up to 138 passengers.

Sales of front engine bus chassis (OF 1726 and OF 1730 chassis) to South Africa from Brazil has been increasing substantially this year, says Mercedes-Benz do Brasil Ltda.

The ‘389X’, available in day cab or 72”/78” Sleeper configurations, is a limited-run model with a distinctive black design of only 1,389 units, available to order from Peterbilt dealers.

JAC Motors do Brasil has launched another electric model in Brazil – the 12.5t gvw, JAC E-JT 12.5. The new model, its seventh for the Brazilian market, which has been introduced in response to customers requests for a truck with a higher payload capacity.

The retrofit firm will be offering customers the option to electrify used models of the Actros MP5 range – launched in 2019 as an 18-tonne 4x2 tractor unit – and it will also be producing up to 2,500 units by 2030.

The ‘Xcelsior CHARGE FC’ succeeds the ‘CHARGE H2’ and is fitted with the latest fuel cell power modules and electric motors from Ballard and Siemens respectively.

Built in Virrey del Pino, Argentina, Sprinter production exceeds 180,000 since manufacture began in 1996.

Proterra will provide its S-Series battery systems, designed for medium- and heavy-duty transit applications and supplying up to 123 kWh per pack, beginning next year.