The trailer manufacturing business of the Cartwright Group is unlikely to reappear from administration with debts exceeding GBP50m.

Alexander Dennis Ltd in December announced delivery of the first of an initial order for 100, Enviro400ER plug-in hybrid double deck buses to the Republic of Ireland’s National Transport Authority; the first vehicles are expected to enter service in early 2021, 74 with Dublin Bus in the Irish capital, and a further 26 with Bus Éireann in Galway.

High-pressure composite and aluminium cylinder manufacturer, Luxfer Gas Cylinders in Q4 of 2020 delivered bespoke hydrogen fuel systems for 15, Wrightbus double deck buses now in operation in Aberdeen and 50 Hyundai Xcient Fuel-Cell 19t trucks.

Announcing that in 2021, the German Federal Government intends to further promote investments in modern trailer technologies as part of the ‘Fleet Renewal Programme for Commercial Vehicles’, Europe’s largest trailer builder Schmitz Cargobull AG is offering a tyre pressure monitoring system to tipper trailer operators; it is well known that under-inflated tyres or tyre pressure not matching the load on any vehicle can waste fuel and increase carbon footprint.

In response to growing demand in the UK for zero emission buses, Alexander Dennis Ltd and BYD UK, are extending their business partnership with the announcement they plan to assemble electric bus chassis in the UK starting in the second half of 2021.

A short briefing last month by Alastair Hayfield, senior research director for commercial vehicles at market research firm, Interact Analysis UK, provided an insightful analysis about future demand for the internal combustion engine and the rate of its replacement with zero emission technology in different global regional markets.

October 2020 saw Turkish light truck, bus and coach builder, Temsa Transportation Vehicles become jointly-owned by the PPF Group and long-term owner, Sabanci Holding, each holding a 50% stake.

Tolga Kaan Dogancioglu has been appointed CEO of Temsa Transportation Vehicles of Adana.

DAF, Iveco, Foton Caminhões, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, Volkswagen Trucks and Buses and Volvo Trucks Latin America have all added new dealers, adding more than 60 new truck dealer points in the country.

Ford Motor Company do Brasil Ltda has announced plans to assemble its Transit light commercial vehicle range in neighbouring Uruguay, starting next year.

Trailer manufacturer, Montracon Ltd, has extended its machinery carrier range, introducing the MT70, which is plated for operation up to 70 tonnes and runs on four axles.

MAZ-MAN of Minsk (a joint venture between MAN Truck & Bus SE and MAZ, has unveiled a new 8x8 tractor truck, MAZ-MAN 747559.