The point of the programme is to reduce CO₂ emissions from public transport, lower operator costs in the long term, and stimulate the domestic and European market for zero-emission commercial vehicles.

Taking the ‘Voith Electrical Drive System’ (rated at 410 kW peak) and a 420-kWh battery system, the partners electrified a diesel coach which has been dubbed “TZ-S eCoach”.

In Truck & Bus Builder’s “Global Truck Report 2007”, published just before the financial crisis and “great recession” of 2008, we claimed that “across the developed markets, the demand for trucks can often be seen as a leading indicator to inflexions in the overall economic cycle.” Whether or not the truck industry can really be taken as a bellwether of the global economy, the truck wheel, a commodity that exhibits inelastic demand – no commercial vehicle can run without wheels – is undoubtedly a reliable indicator of market trends within the industry. “Usually, when we see shifts – positive or negative – on the truck side, they serve as an early indicator of what’s to come in the market,” said Giorgio Mariani, chief commercial officer at Maxion Wheels and vice president of global purchasing at parent company Iochpe-Maxion. “A good example is when, immediately post-COVID, it was the truck segment which began the industry recovery.”

This sustainable spare-parts solution provides operators with a cost-effective, “like-new alternative” to new batteries while cutting lifecycle emissions by one-third.

According to Trailar, pilot tests proved that each vehicle could reduce its fuel usage by up to 1,040 litres and its CO2 emissions by up to 2.8 tonnes per year by drawing power from the solar panels.

In addition, Schmitz has committed to sharing its innovations in temperature-controlled transportation with Sub Zero and helping it to modernise its facility in Pune, Maharashtra.

This is part of a broader strategy of integrating AI across its product portfolio.

The agreement will see Winkler become a key distribution partner for Krone’s Genuine Parts range, improving availability and delivery times of critical trailer components to end customers.

The result of this partnership is a bespoke lightweight, recyclable motor that is now a commercial product for trailer electrification.

The investments will support both internal R&D and strategic acquisitions, including stakes in emerging AI startups through its venture capital arm, Bosch Ventures.

Today, Wörth is the world’s largest Mercedes-Benz truck plant, employing around 10,000 people and playing a central role in Daimler Truck’s global manufacturing strategy.

Available in four power classes—from 0.65 kWh (50 Ah) up to 2.6 kWh (200 Ah) and expandable with additional modules, the system provides clean, emission-free electricity to run tools, appliances, work lights and charging stations directly from the vehicle.