The total number of city buses with alternative drivelines in European Union 27 countries plus the UK, Norway (NO), Iceland (ICE) and Switzerland (EU 27+4) totalled 13,466 units  comprising 6,354 electric buses (excludes trolley buses), 4,022 hybrid-electric buses, 2,883 CNG buses and 207, hydrogen (fuel cell) buses.

Bus and coach deliveries in Europe* reversed a three year downward trend in 2023 increasing by almost 21% (*Countries EU27+UK+ICE+NO+CH).

The European Parliament in Brussels has agreed improved Weights and Dimensions Directive rules, moving from an initial 40-tonne heavy-goods gross vehicle weight limit to 44-tonnes. The caveat, however, is that after 2034, these weight exemptions will only apply to zero-emission vehicles.

DAF Trucks Vlaanderen (a subsidiary of Dutch truck manufacturer, DAF Trucks NV) has been named “Factory of the Future” by the Belgian technology federation Agoria. The criteria are based on sustainability and the use of pioneering technology and manufacturing practices.

Inflation, higher energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the company’s finances were cited as reasons behind the decision to slash the company workforce.

For the first time, the legislation covers cars, vans, and heavy-duty vehicles in one single piece of legislation. The above-mentioned agreement retains the Euro 6 emissions limits for cars and vans but adds stricter limits for buses and trucks, whilst introducing new limits for particles emitted from the exhaust, tyres and brakes.

BYD Europe is set to supply 92 electric buses to the Flanders-based public transport operator, De Lijn. The EUR 42 million order consists of 92 standard 12-metre electric buses, set to be delivered next year.

The ‘E-500e’ is powered directly by the vehicle battery and does not require additional investment in a dedicated battery or shore connection module.

European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has elected Domenico Nucera (President of Iveco Bus) as Chairman of its bus and coach division for the year 2024.

The decline in demand for coaches and the higher cost of raw materials had a “major impact” on the company’s finances, which are only just beginning to recover.

European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has elected Harald Seidel (President of DAF Trucks), as Chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Board for 2024. Seidel will work alongside the ACEA President, Luca de Meo (CEO of Groupe Renault) who is serving in his second one-year term and has been in close consultation with EU policymakers over the now proposed, Euro VII legislation.

Idem customers using its fleet management platform now have access to data collected from Thermo King products, including its refrigeration units and its ‘AxlePower’ energy recovery and storage system.