Equipment

Tesla’s announcement in November that it will produce an all-electric Class 8 tractor by 2019 helped highlight the potential for electric power in commercial trucking. But while Tesla and others are electrifying the entire truck, some companies are focusing on the axles.

Engineering advancements are producing more efficient alternators for heavy trucks that are helping to reduce fleets’ fuel bills, industry experts said.

It’s a measure of the current frenzy surrounding self-driving cars that a year-old startup can haul in more than $100 million in its first fundraising round.

Auto companies at the CES tech convention in Las Vegas affirmed plans to have their first true self-driving cars in production by 2021 — or in some cases earlier. But don’t expect to see these vehicles on any dealership lots.

PPG announced Jan. 16 it is partnering with the University of Michigan’s Mcity to test paint and other vehicle coatings specially designed for autonomous vehicles.

Self-driving cars could be coming to Arlington, Mass., soon, as the Board of Selectmen have agreed to allow Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine to take the first steps in bringing autonomous vehicle tests to town.

Highway safety advocates are urging lawmakers to pump the brakes on the development of driverless cars.

Aptiv left a piece of Pittsburgh in Las Vegas when it tore down its booth last week at the largest electronics show in Las Vegas.

A consolidation trend among Canadian trucking companies continues, with Manitoulin Transport completing its purchase of intermodal carrier Direct Right Cartage, and Groupe Robert announcing plans to combine its heavy-haul business with QSL Group and Express Mondor.