Mercedes will deliver nearly 5,000 panel vans for parcel delivery over the coming months, of which roughly three-quarters will be large-size ‘eSprinter’ models.

The strategy behind this is, of course, to roll out the necessary infrastructure to support more electric HGVs in the market.

On display at UITP last month were two eAxles, a central drive unit for the midibus segment and a low floor eAxle with independent suspension for heavy-duty transit bus transport segments.

According to Daimler, “among the announced additions are semitrailer tractors and platform‑chassis models featuring extended wheelbase configurations, alternative long‑cab designs with different roof profiles, and options with just two battery packs instead of the standard three.”

As of 1 July, approximately 9,000 employees from research and development departments across the four brands were moved to the new groupwide team.

From groundbreaking electric and hydrogen-powered buses to next-gen battery platforms, AI-enabled mobility, and innovative drivetrain technology, UITP 2025 underscored how commercial vehicle OEMs in the public transport space are accelerating toward a zero-emission, data-rich future.

Truck-maker to also open new service centre in Gyeonggi Province.

The restructuring reflects broader trends in the German automotive sector, where legacy OEMs face rising competition, high wage costs, higher energy prices and a growing urgency to adapt to the post-ICE era.

The company commemorated the establishment of its heavy truck factory – now also its headquarters – in 1955, since which date it has built more than 1.25 million trucks and 2 million cabs.

Speaking with T&BB at the UITP event, Karsan CEO Okan Baş said that the decision to launch the e‑ATA LE reflects a strategic move to expand the company’s e-mobility offering and respond to public transport authorities' growing focus on fleet electrification, energy efficiency, and service flexibility.

In the meantime, prototype development and pilot manufacturing continue as the first pilot fleets are scheduled for deployment in Hamburg in August 2025 in partnership with the German transport operator, Hamburger Hochbahn.

At the summit, Iveco announced a strategic partnership with ABB focused on high-power charging infrastructure for bus depots and opportunity charging hubs, aimed at delivering turnkey charging solutions for operators. This agreement complements the roll-out of their E‑Way fleet.