Equipment
Commercial freight transportation is a machine-based business. Highly technical equipment and advanced engineering are at the center of supply chain and require constant innovation. Transport Topics equipment coverage focuses on the machines and other physical assets that make delivery possible. It looks closely at available truck, trailer, and chassis models, developments in the engineering space, and maintenance innovations and best practices.
GM to Spend $6.5 Billion on Michigan EV Factories
LANSING, Mich. — General Motors is poised to announce the week of Jan. 24 major electric vehicle investments in Michigan, with plans to spend $6.5 billion and create up to 4,000 new jobs at two plants.
Affinity Truck Center Gains EV Dealer Status
Affinity Truck Center achieved certified electric vehicle dealer status at its Fresno, Calif., dealership from both Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks North America, each a brand of Volvo Group.
January 21, 2022Intel to Build $20 Billion Chip Facility in Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Intel will invest $20 billion in a new computer chip facility in Ohio amid a global shortage of microprocessors used in everything from phones and cars to video games.
Traton Group Reports Sharp Gains in 2021 Sales, Orders
The Traton Group reported sharp increases in its unit sales and incoming orders for commercial vehicles in 2021 compared with 2020 despite the continuing influence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficulties in the supply of semiconductors.
December Medium-Duty Sales Hit Year’s Second-Highest Level
U.S. retail sales in December of Classes 4-7 commercial vehicles reached the second-highest volume for 2021 despite declines across the board. Sales in the month fell 8.9% compared with a year earlier, WardsAuto. com reported.
Felony Charges Are First in a Fatal Crash Involving Tesla’s Autopilot
DETROIT — California prosecutors have filed two counts of vehicular manslaughter against the driver of a Tesla on Autopilot who ran a red light, slammed into another car and killed two people in 2019.
Automakers Realize They Need to Develop EV Charging Networks
Electric vehicle makers are beginning to recognize that charging is so critical to their mission of selling vehicles that they can’t afford not to get involved in building and operating charging networks.
Fleets Sustain Safety Culture Through Driver Relationships, Technology
While technologies have provided real-time data and new insights into how to reduce incidents and help drivers to improve their skills, many fleet executives say building a reputation for safety boils down to trust, culture and accountability.
Chinese EVs Find Niche Making Shorthaul Deliveries in Japan
Logistics companies in Japan, striving to cut costs and make the most out of the pandemic-inspired online shopping boom, are finding an unlikely white knight in Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, whose vans make last-mile deliveries not only cheaper, but cleaner as well.
Bollinger Motors Shifts Focus to Medium-Duty Trucks
Bollinger Motors announced a postponement to its consumer-truck production and delivery.The electric vehicle manufacturer intends now to focus its efforts on commercial all-electric platforms and chassis cabs for commercial vehicles in Classes 3-6.
January 14, 2022