Allison states that many Chinese-built buses are now equipped with its Torqmatic series, a range of fully automatic transmissions for engine ratings ranging from 172 kilowatts (230hp) to 283 (380hp), specifically designed for suburban buses and tour coaches.

One of the joint ventures will be based in Germany and will be majority owned by Voith, while the other will be established in China with Weifu as majority owner.

The companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order to explore potential collaboration in EV developments, components and joint business opportunities with a focus on the European and South American markets.

Set to enter service in London later this year, the 90-passenger capacity BYD BD11 vehicle is powered by two 150kW electric motors, offering up to 600Nm torque. Debuting a new generation double-decker chassis, the bus has a 532-kWh blade battery pack, providing up to 350 km of range on a single charge.

At the CV Show 2024, held between 23-25 April at the NEC in Birmingham, UK, EV manufacturer B-ON GmbH of Luxembourg announced a joint venture with Chinese car manufacturer Chery Automobile Co. Ltd, based in Wuhu, China.

CV sales grew almost twice as fast as the economy (5.1%) in the first quarter this year.

The agreement provides for a series of initiatives, including the construction of electric charging hubs with the Shell Recharge solution in eight Brazilian state capital cities over the next three years starting this year (2024).

Mats Harborn, president of Scania China Group, said he sees “tremendous potential” in China's economic transformation, adding that the country’s focus on technology and high-quality development will help foreign companies do business there in the long term.

The company confirmed it has agreed to deepen cooperation with Mitsui Sumitomo Marine (China) Company Ltd, and Panasonic Holdings Corporation, in the areas of battery asset management and risk control for new-energy heavy trucks.

The tests are being carried out using BYD’s B70 bus by the company’s local distributor, Rever Automotive Thailand Company Ltd, picking up and dropping off passengers at shopping malls and tourist attractions across Bangkok.

CATL unveiled a new long-life commercial vehicle battery pack with a claimed service life of up to 15 years or 1.5 million kilometres. CATL has been cagey about disclosing details, such as the battery chemistry, order numbers and when the product will go into series production but the new product will be used in Yutong’s next-generation electric Commercial Vehicles.

Higer imports buses to South America via a JV in Brazil.