UD Trucks, based in Ageo, Saitama prefecture (a Volvo Group subsidiary), in January launched the updated Quester – its heavy-duty truck range designed for developing markets with tough road conditions in mind.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, a Daimler company, has relocated its corporate headquarters to the newly constructed Product Centre on the site of its main production facility in Kawasaki City.

Hino Motors Ltd, a Toyota Group Company, plans to invest JPY11.5bn (USD105m) in a new integrated research and development centre and production hub in Thailand, with construction set to begin in July 2019.

January saw the start of pre-production assembly of Hino’s XL-Series Class7/8 trucks in the USA on a brand new production line installed in a new plant in Mineral Wells.

From the second quarter 2019, Mobility Networks Group is to supply Japan's Hato Bus Company with lifts for a selection of its tourist coaches – notably those designated for inbound tourists.

Toyota Motor Corporation and Panasonic Corporation have concluded contracts for business-integration and for a new joint-venture company for automotive battery R&D and manufacture.