Technology
Commercial freight transportation businesses rely on data, intelligence, and novel solutions for operational efficiency. Transport Topics technology coverage investigates available technologies, real-world applications of business solutions, and the strategies necessary for advancement. News topics focus on the latest applied science, and issues range from autonomous vehicle and robotics innovations to management software, tracking and transparency, data analytics, blockchain, and the internet of things.
CARB Board Hears Public Comment on Plan for Electric Truck Future
Just when will heavy-duty electric trucks be ready for prime time, and when will motor carriers purchase them?
Trump Rebuffs Corn Farmers With Status Quo on Biofuels
The Trump administration on Dec. 19 set relatively flat quotas for plant-based fuels in 2020, rebuffing ethanol and biodiesel allies who said the targets don’t do enough to support the industry.
After Century of Automaking, Last GM Truck Rolls Off Canada Line
After more than a century and 20 million autos built, the General Motors Co. plant in Oshawa, Ontario, will make its last vehicle Dec. 18 when a final pickup truck rolls off the line.
Perspective: Looking Forward With 5G
The technology elephant in the room for warehouse operators is 5G wireless technology; specifically, whether it’s worthwhile for the sector to convert from existing 4G systems.
Volvo Sells UD Trucks Unit to Isuzu for $2.3 Billion
Volvo Group agreed to sell its UD Trucks unit to Isuzu Motors Ltd. for about $2.3 billion and announced plans to forge a strategic alliance with its Japanese rival, the latest sign of consolidation in the global automotive industry.
North Carolina Pays Researchers to Prep for Autonomous Vehicles
Teams of researchers based at three state universities will spend the next three years developing ways to help North Carolina prepare for autonomous vehicles and other new transportation technologies.
Fiat Chrysler, Peugeot Sign Deal for 50-50 Merger
MILAN — The boards of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Peugeot on Dec. 18 signed a binding merger deal creating the world’s fourth-largest automaker with the scale to confront the challenges of stricter emissions regulations and the transition to new driving technologies.
TuSimple Reports Its Autonomous Trucks Reduce Fuel Consumption
Self-driving truck company TuSimple announced its autonomous technology reduced fuel consumption for trips by its prototype heavy-duty trucks by at least 10% compared with manually driven trucks.
PSA’s Board Approves Merger With Fiat Chrysler
The board of Italian-American automaker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV approved a merger with PSA Group of France to create the world’s fourth-biggest auto manufacturer, people familiar with the situation said.
December 17, 2019Toyota’s 2020 Forecast Nudges It Closer to Volkswagen
Toyota Motor Corp. is forecasting sales of 10.77 million vehicles worldwide during 2020, nudging it closer to No. 1 automaker Volkswagen AG.