Mid-April saw global CV and agricultural vehicle construction giant, CNH Industrial, which is headquartered in London, UK announce it would be continuing to pursue its strategy to sell off its On-Highway business in 2022, despite talks breaking down with China’s FAW Jiefang as a possible future owner.

While the European market is growing at a phenomenal rate – the European electric bus market is forecast to grow from 2,114 units registered in 2020 to more than 12,760 units in 2030 - the market in Asia really accounts for the lion share of the electric city bus market, stated Rueben Scriven - Senior Analyst at Interact Analysis, during an on-line presentation at the Sustainability Bus conference last month.

Switch Mobility Ltd of Sherburn-in-Elmet, a developer of electrified buses and light commercial vehicles, has announced the creation of two subsidiary companies to support its global expansion plans.

Iveco Ltd of Basildon, UK has added new variants to its relaunched Drive Away bodybuilder programme for Daily diesel-powered LCVs.

Electric van and bus manufacturing start up, Arrival Ltd of London, UK, on 24 March 2021 completed its previously announced merger with CIIG Merger Corporation of New York, NY, USA to become a publicly listed company trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market with its ordinary shares and warrants listed under the new ticker symbols ‘ARVL’ and ‘ARVLW’, respectively.

Tyre manufacturer, Michelin of Clement-Ferrand, France, has launched its first range of dedicated electric bus tyres with the introduction of the new Michelin X InCity EV Z for the original equipment and replacement markets.

Alexander Dennis Ltd of Larbert, UK has delivered a new, fully accessible Plaxton Panther coach to Norfolk-based Sanders Coaches Ltd.

Jost-Werke AG of Neu-Isenburg, Germany, a manufacturer and supplier of coupling components for trucks and trailers has been bought by investment fund management company, sold Edbro Ltd of Bolton, UK to Enact and its fund manager, Endless LLP of Leeds, UK for an undisclosed sum.

Chelmsford-based Tevva Motors Ltd, a developer of long-range zero emission trucks and Vattenfall Network Solutions of London, UK, a division of Sweden-based energy company, Vattenfall AB, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-operate over helping businesses switch to zero-emission vehicle fleets and reduce the overall carbon impact of their operations.  

With the option exercise for delivery of a further 198 Environ500 double decks for BVG in Berlin, Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL) of Larbert, UK has opened a new office, service workshop and parts warehouse in Berlin.

Alexander Dennis Ltd of Larbert, UK has confirmed the Berlin bus operator, Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe has exercised options for 198 Enviro500 double deck buses, to be delivered to Berlin by the end of 2022.

Van Hool NV of Koningshooikt, Belgium, has set up a new subsidiary in the UK called Van Hool UK Ltd. Based in Wellingborough, it will undertake the import, distribution, sales and aftersales support of the company’s bus and coach products.