In July, American powertrain manufacturer, Cummins Inc, opened a new test facility at its engine plant in Darlington in the northeast of England, with the attendance of T&BB and other members of the trade press. The company has carried out engine testing at Darlington for many years, but the new facility represents a definitive change in approach to product development and evaluation. While the older test cells are solely designed to assess engines, the new facility can accommodate an entire truck or bus for whole vehicle testing. Moreover, the building which houses the new facility is specifically made to safely test gas and hydrogen combustion vehicles.

The new facility located at Phoenix House in Basildon offers a modern and technology-driven workspace designed to support the company's growth.

The new building provides eight vehicle bays, accommodating sixteen workspaces and an authorised testing facility lane for Ministry of Transport (MOT) vehicle tests.

Brigade has introduced a refreshed brand identity which includes a new logo and updated visual elements designed to reflect its evolution from a hardware supplier to a technology-first company that offers innovative safety solutions harnessing AI-powered technologies.

The order, which will be fulfilled in three batches, is for 139 twin-axle trailers with box van bodies measuring four metres in height.

These 8.9-meter-long buses have been specially modified by the AD24 workshop in Harlow to enhance functionality, with more standing room and an additional door on the driver’s side for flexible boarding.

Equipmake has made several additions to its senior management team, including the appointment of Dr Nicholas Moelders as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), replacing James Bishop who stepped down.

The new facility, covering 20,000 square feet, is located on the same site as the old facility in the Carrs Industrial Estate, which Solomon Commercials demolished following a fire in June 2023. 

Cenex is the UK’s premier event for the future of mobility, combining insights from the Low Carbon Vehicle (LCV) and Connected Automated Mobility (CAM) sectors.

DAF Trucks celebrated 50 years of DAFaid, its roadside assistance service. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive service, handling around 100,000 roadside jobs annually, including support for non-DAF vehicles like trailers, buses, and agricultural equipment. The service is available 24/7.

Moakes informed us that the Mira Technology (MTP) Park in Nuneaton is close to rolling out its hydrogen refuelling capabilities, producing its own green hydrogen on-site, which refers to hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources like wind, solar, or hydropower, making it a zero-emission fuel.

The bus was commissioned by the country’s largest bus operator, Dota S.A. This electric bus is part of the city's broader plan to reduce carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.