The economic contraction in Chile went beyond the negative forecasts predicted by the Monthly Economic Activity Indicator in a more pronounced way than estimated and majorly compromised sales of commercial vehicles.

The Uruguayan market in January to September registered 2,242 commercial vehicles (trucks, buses and minibuses) an increase of 8.8% compared with the 2,061 units sold in the same period of 2022.

Habas is a branch of a 67-year-old holding company that specialises in producing industrial gases. The holding company decided to invest in the automotive sector in 2021 and set up a bus-building arm of the corporation. The first port of call was establishing a factory in the Manisa Organised Industrial Zone, in Manisa, Turkey.

The Lithuanian group presented a 12-metre battery electric bus (seating up to 34) with a distinctive aesthetic and material design.

Brazilian truck production fell by 38.5% in the first nine months of 2023 to 71,765 trucks compared with 116,675 units in the same period of the previous year, according to data from the São Paulo-based ANFAVEA.

All trucks segments recorded a fall in demand, except for semi-light truck segment, which grew by 24.1% totalling 6,638 units in the first nine months compared with 5,348 units in the same period of the previous year.

T&BB decided to have a closer look at the world’s 4th biggest tyre manufacturer as it looks to expand its global presence through fleet digitalisation, product range and aftermarket services in the context of the impending Euro VII regulation.

Ebusco is set to supply another twenty Ebusco 2.2 12-metre buses to Belgian transport operator Multiobus. The company also confirmed that the framework agreement signed last year with Deutsche Bahn will be extended until 2026.

Brazilian production of bus and coach bodies grew by 9.1% from January to September 2023 with 14,888 units, compared with 13,646 in the same period of the previous year.

ZF displayed this model variant at Busworld Europe in Brussels at the same time.

According to São Paulo-based ANFAVEA, the result reflected the engine change to Euro 6 compliance in January, which made the vehicles 20% to 30% more expensive.

" .... the European truck market appeared to defy deteriorating macro conditions this summer as selling rates rose sharply."