The move forms part of a broader strategy to decarbonise road freight and make zero-emission trucks more cost-competitive with diesel models. The proposal must be approved by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. A final vote is expected by early 2026, following ongoing consultations.

This is the third award between the two parties within two years, following previous orders for 22 Daily minibuses and 42 hybrid Crossway units in 2023. The buses will be manufactured in Vysoké Mýto, located in the Czech Republic.

The Gradius business has been renamed as “Thermo King Belux” and will continue to serve customers in Belgium and Luxembourg.

This follows the acquisition of Tankcare Engineering Ltd, an aftermarket firm based in Wisbech, England.

This month, our focus shifts to Europe, where the European Union (EU) has rolled back its CO₂ targets.

Focus on developing flexible refueling systems for cars and trucks.

The money will help to fund 4,900 electric charging points and alternative fuel stations across the trans-European road network.

ACEA has published its 2024 EU commercial vehicle sales statistics, with new truck registrations declining by 6.3% (2024: 327,896 units) compared to 2023.

Whilst making the argument that Europe can maintain competitiveness whilst reaching its climate goals, the Union faces a multitude of issues relating to the rise of the Chinese EV automotive industry, pending American tariffs from the new Trump regime, internal political instability and unforeseen market reluctance relating to the uptake of zero-emission trucks.

Levin (President and CEO of Scania) takes over the function from Harald Seidel, President of DAF Trucks. He will work closely with ACEA President Ola Källenius (Mercedes-Benz Group AG chairman) who is serving in his first term.

Oberwörder succeeds Domenico Nucera, the former President of Iveco Bus. To get more zero-emission buses on the road, Oberwörder will need to bring together policymakers, bus operators, energy suppliers and manufacturers to plot a sensible way forward that not only helps decarbonise the European bus industry but also maintains the competitiveness of European bus OEMs.

Källenius’s stated priorities are to lobby for less bureaucracy, to push for a more “market-driven” transition to electric vehicles, and to champion international trade that is “free, fair and rule based”.