Blin will remain with the Volvo group as a senior advisor.

The acquisition brings E.M.T. fully under BPW’s control. E.M.T. operates six branches in the Czech Republic (Modletice, Prostějov, Jihlava, Pilsen, Hradec Králové, Liberec) and two in Slovakia, strengthening BPW’s existing network to a total of 13 branches across both countries.

Announced at IAA Mobility, the strategic partnership between MAN and TUM is intended to promote innovation and strengthen Munich’s position as a global centre for research and development.

On-site battery storage will cut energy costs, stabilise supply for bus charging, and improve the use of renewable power. This investment forms part of First Bus’s strategy to create resilient, cost-efficient infrastructure as it transitions to a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035.

According to Sono Motors, the public listing will support the further growth of the business by “enhanc[ing] liquidity”, attracting a “broader and more diverse investor base”, and boosting the company’s visibility.

Although sluggish sales and wavering government support have cast a general shadow over the EV market, one segment has continued to enjoy healthy growth. The bus market – in particular, the market for urban buses – has experienced a rapid recovery from the slump during COVID-19, and operators and local authorities in Europe’s cities are resolutely backing battery electric over all other options available. As far as Valeo is concerned, the electric bus market is set to keep on expanding, not just in Europe but in other parts of the world as well. Having built up a great deal of expertise and capabilities in supplying components to automotive EVs, the French group is now ready to turn its attention to commercial vehicles, using its competitive scale and global reach to acquire a sizeable share of the market.

Operators, policymakers and manufacturers will explore how cities and regions can scale up zero-emission bus fleets, integrate charging infrastructure and adopt supportive policy frameworks.

The new company, called ‘Driventic’, will continue to operate out of Heidenheim and 25 other locations across the globe, although its operations will gradually be separated from those of its parent company.

The first Hess buses installed with OPmobility batteries are already on the road, with more to follow in France, Switzerland, and Italy.

Visitors can explore these innovations at Hall 8, Booth 808a, where BAE Systems’ experts will be on hand to demonstrate how its proven technology can help operators and OEMs meet new regulatory and performance demands.

The ‘E-100e’ and ‘E-200e’ refrigeration units are lighter and more compact than the ‘E-500e’ system that launched in early 2024 and feature improvements in energy consumption and heating capacity.

Municipal leaders, regulators and operators will explore how local and regional bus networks can adapt to decarbonisation, digitalisation and growing passenger demand.