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Wielton and Libner to show trailers at TransLogistica Poland
Wielton will exhibit its EVO van trailer, featuring walls with cores made from recycled PET bottles, and Libner’s multi-purpose Cargo Master Multi at TransLogistica Poland in Warsaw. The designs aim to improve load flexibility and transport efficiency.
BMW China reportedly lays off about 1,800 employees
BMW Brilliance Automotive has reportedly begun laying off about 1,800 employees, roughly 10% of its workforce, at its Shenyang operations. The cuts affect production and administrative roles, with frontline production staff most affected; BMW has not officially confirmed the China-specific layoffs.
GAC’s Quark 2.0 electric drive reaches 99.03% peak efficiency
GAC says its Quark 2.0 electric drive achieved 99.03% certified peak motor efficiency and 94.184% under CLTC conditions. The drive is in batch production, with subsidiary RuiPai’s Guangzhou line capable of making 100,000 units a year.
Tesla records 4,050 Australian sales in October, four times last year’s total
Tesla sold 4,050 electric vehicles in Australia in October, down 28% from September but more than four times the year-earlier figure. Model Y deliveries reached 3,105, and Tesla’s year-to-date sales rose 94% to 45,755.
Dongfeng seeks first launch of CATL’s six-minute Shenxing battery
Dongfeng has reportedly negotiated with CATL for first-launch rights to its third-generation Shenxing battery, capable of charging from 10% to 80% in 3 minutes 44 seconds. The companies have also agreed to develop an integrated fast-charging and battery-swapping network.
All seven finalists for 2027 European Car of the Year are electric
The 2027 European Car of the Year shortlist consists entirely of battery-electric cars, the first time all seven finalists have been BEVs. The article notes that several models are not expected to reach Australia, raising questions about the market’s access to small electric cars.
GAC Aion sets 12 November launch for Ray 7 electric sedan
GAC Aion will launch the Ray 7 in China on 12 November, with pre-sale prices from 128,800 yuan. The electric sedan offers up to 702km CLTC range and driver-assistance technology including Huawei LiDAR.
LiveWire warns of substantial doubt over its ability to continue operating
LiveWire reported a third-quarter net loss of US$18.6 million and warned that recurring losses, cash-flow pressures and limited liquidity raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Its board has formed a restructuring committee.
Chery electric kei car appears to target Japan
Spy images show a small Chery electric car under development, with Japan a likely target. Reports say its EMTA brand plans four models for Japan by 2029, initially produced in China using Chery technology.
Ford Pro expands support for fleet vehicle conversions
Ford Pro outlined a four-level pathway for fleet conversions, from accessories to bespoke engineering for sectors such as mining, forestry and emergency services. Ford Finance can fund eligible conversions worth up to half the vehicle’s value.
ZF Aftermarket to roll out unified branding in North America from 2027
ZF Aftermarket will phase in unified packaging across North America from 2027, linking its established brands more visibly to ZF while retaining their identities. The design is intended to make its parts, services and digital solutions easier for workshops, distributors and fleets to navigate.
ZF adds OE diagnostic insights to MultiScan for independent workshops
ZF Aftermarket is adding built-in diagnostic insights for vehicles with its Continuous Damping Control system to the MultiScan tool. The feature provides fault-specific checks, key data and system guidance to independent workshops in North America.
ZF Aftermarket expands fluids, drivetrain repair kits and remanufactured solutions
ZF Aftermarket is showcasing expanded all-makes fluid coverage, repair kits for electrified drivetrains and remanufactured powertrain products at AAPEX 2026. Its North American expansion includes 250 transmission SKUs, oil solutions covering 75% of vehicles in operation and 100 transmission component SKUs.
Jurni Leasing and Targa Telematics partner on data-led fleet management
Jurni Leasing will integrate Targa Telematics’ OEM vehicle data and AI-driven insights into its Jurni 360 platform, helping its 31,000 customers improve fleet visibility, maintenance planning and operational efficiency.
US drug-testing changes leave trucking fleets waiting for oral-fluid tests
Federal changes have eased one hurdle for oral-fluid testing, but no laboratories are certified, so fleets still cannot use the method for required DOT tests. Proposed HHS guidelines and marijuana rescheduling proceedings remain unresolved.
IMS survey finds interest in UBI exceeds adoption among US drivers
An IMS survey of 1,067 US drivers found 46% would consider usage-based insurance at renewal, while an estimated 12% of US auto policies use it. IMS promotes on-phone driving-data analysis as a lower-cost way to expand connected insurance.
STMicroelectronics launches integrated safety sensors for ADAS
STMicroelectronics has put four automotive combination sensors into production, integrating multi-axis accelerometers and gyroscopes in ISO 26262-compliant packages. They are intended for safety applications including vehicle stability control, crash protection and radar beam stabilisation.
Manitou secures ADEME support for hydrogen telehandler research project
Manitou Group has secured ADEME funding for MATHyS, a collaborative project developing a hydrogen internal-combustion telehandler with solid-state storage. The research involves Mincatec Energy and Centrale Nantes and supports the group’s emissions-reduction strategy.
CCC expands digital access work to two-wheelers and micromobility
The Car Connectivity Consortium’s Light Motor & Mobility Task Group is examining interoperable digital access for motorcycles, scooters and other two- and three-wheelers, including vehicle starting, component access and digital key sharing.
Sunwoda advances polymer solid-state battery as customer evaluation continues
Sunwoda says its 20 Ah polymer-composite solid-state cell has completed design and process verification and remains under customer evaluation. Its pilot line has a 0.2 GWh annual design capacity; CATL’s 2027 small-batch target is separate.
Yangwang U9 Xtreme crashes during high-speed test run in China
BYD’s electric Yangwang U9 Xtreme crashed during a high-speed closed-track run in China, detaching its rear axle; the driver was uninjured. The car is expected to attempt a 500 km/h run in the UAE in November.
Volkswagen pauses development of electric ID. Golf amid cost pressures
Volkswagen has temporarily paused development of the future electric ID. Golf, saying it cannot currently secure the necessary investment. The move comes as lower margins on electric vehicles add to cost pressures.
Nio-led 925V electric-drive project wins China-SAE first prize
A Nio-led 925V electric-drive system has won a 2026 China-SAE award. Mass-produced since December 2024, it reports motor power density of 19.06 kW/kg and peak voltage-boosted charging power of 202.78 kW.
North East Link conveyor removed after tunnelling ends
The enclosed conveyor used to move excavated material from Melbourne’s North East Link tunnels has been removed. Work is progressing on the Watsonia tunnel entrance and surrounding infrastructure, with the tunnels scheduled to open in 2028.
Sydney Southwest Metro begins passenger services
Passenger services have begun on Sydney’s 66-kilometre Southwest Metro after the Bankstown rail line was converted for automated, driverless trains. The service will run every four minutes at peak times.
China exempts sodium-ion batteries as Hina plans 10 GWh factory
China will exempt qualifying sodium-ion batteries from consumption tax through 2028, while Hina plans a 10 GWh production base in Wuhan and is developing electric sanitation trucks. Tests also reported strong cold-weather performance in a heavy truck.
Fleet costs remain elevated as operators weigh replacement against repairs
Fleet operating costs are more than 20% above 2020 levels, with fuel, maintenance and acquisition costs pressuring budgets. Fleet managers are weighing vehicle replacement against continued repairs and using right-sizing, utilisation reviews and earlier ordering to manage spending.
BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao passes 600,000 sales amid production delays
BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao has sold more than 600,000 vehicles since launching in 2023, but production ramp-up issues put October deliveries below target. The China brand plans to launch its six-seat Ti 9 plug-in hybrid SUV after 15 November.
CCAT International 2026 to examine automated transport lessons for Australia
CCAT International 2026 will bring Australian and overseas experts together across three Wednesdays from 18 November to discuss robotaxis, automated freight, regulation and connected transport. The conference will be online, with a hybrid option in Melbourne on its final day.
Automakers expand 3D printing to cut costs and speed production
Rivian, Ford and GM are expanding additive manufacturing for vehicle parts, tools and plant operations. The automakers say 3D printing can reduce costs and shorten lead times, with Ford planning labs at more than 23 plants by year-end.
Updated Xiaomi SU7 Ultra prototype tests revised aerodynamics at Nürburgring
An updated Xiaomi SU7 Ultra prototype has been spotted testing at Germany’s Nürburgring with a twin-plane rear wing and other revised aerodynamic features. Xiaomi has not confirmed whether the wing is active or announced specifications or a launch date.
Lexus plans China-made electric SUV for 2027
Lexus plans to build its first China-made vehicle, a battery-electric SUV, at a new Toyota-owned Shanghai plant from 2027. The factory is expected to use aluminium gigacasting and conveyor-free assembly; the vehicle’s specifications and pricing have not been disclosed.
ICCT analysis says faster ZEV adoption is key to global electrification targets
ICCT modelling finds road-transport electricity use could reach 62% by 2050 under an ambitious ZEV pathway, versus 18% under current policies. It also highlights how managed charging and vehicle-to-grid systems could ease grid costs and peak demand.
Go EV showcases portable charging skid for electric trucks
Go EV has showcased ChargeNow, a portable depot charging skid with a 261 kWh battery and 640 kW charger. The Australian-made system is designed to help heavy-vehicle operators start charging sooner while reducing the need for lengthy grid upgrades and construction work.
Ferrari Luce electric SUV approved for sale in Australia
Ferrari’s first electric vehicle, the Luce SUV, has appeared on Australia’s vehicle approval register with a listed price of A$991,446. Its 122 kWh battery is rated for up to 530 km of WLTP range, with charging of up to 350 kW.
Kodiak agrees to equip 75 DTL trucks for driverless operations
Kodiak has signed an agreement for DTL Transport to operate 75 trucks using its autonomous-driving system, with initial routes planned from Dallas to El Paso and Atlanta. The deal adds to Kodiak’s Texas freight operations as it reports 99% progress on its long-haul safety case ahead of a planned driverless highway launch.
Toyota showcases Mirai hydrogen car at Melbourne energy conference
Toyota displayed its Mirai fuel-cell car, a hydrogen refuelling station and an electrolyser at Melbourne’s All Energy conference, alongside its electric Hilux ute. The article notes Toyota sold just two Mirais in Australia over the past two years.
Lower-priced cars are selling faster, despite falling sales in some segments
Edmunds data shows vehicles priced at $20,000–$29,999 sold 20% faster from Q1 to Q3 2026. But sales of compact cars and compact SUVs have fallen, with analysts citing limited supply, higher costs and buyers shifting to used vehicles.
Report examines cross-border trade in stolen vehicles and parts
A report traces stolen vehicles and parts moving from the UK and EU to overseas markets. Case studies show how vehicle-tracking data and cooperation with law enforcement helped locate cars shipped through Belgium, Ghana and other countries.
BYD Seal 07 reaches Chinese dealers with up to 875 km claimed range
BYD’s second-generation Seal 07 has arrived at Chinese dealerships. Its electric version offers up to 402 hp and a claimed 875 km CLTC range, with LFP Blade batteries; a plug-in hybrid variant is also planned. Customer deliveries are expected in November.
Deepal applies for patent for retractable in-car foot bath
Changan’s Deepal has filed a Chinese patent application for a retractable foot bath housed beneath the front passenger seat. The application describes anti-slosh and disinfection features; whether the device will be fitted to production vehicles is unconfirmed.
EU grants Infineon €319m for GaN semiconductor production in Austria
The European Commission has awarded Infineon €319m to help fund a €1.1bn upgrade of its Villach factory. The investment will scale up production of gallium nitride power semiconductors on 300mm wafers, including chips used in electric vehicles.
US DOE sets battery strategy and launches manufacturing consortium
The US Department of Energy has set goals for a domestic battery supply chain by 2030 and US leadership in battery technology and manufacturing by 2035. Its BattMan consortium will work to reduce production costs and scale new battery technologies.
Geely reports Q3 profit of 5.21bn yuan, with exports driving earnings
Geely Auto reported Q3 revenue of 99bn yuan and core net profit of 5.21bn yuan. The article says exports accounted for 39.8% of sales but generated 92.9% of profit, as the company raised its annual export target to 920,000 vehicles.
BEV adoption accelerates in emerging markets as global uptake broadens
First-half 2026 data show Vietnam and Thailand among the leading markets for battery-electric passenger-car sales share, while Vietnam, Indonesia, Türkiye and Thailand recorded rapid sales growth. China, the US, Germany, the UK and France still accounted for 68% of global BEV sales.
BYD’s third-generation Tang EV reaches Chinese dealers ahead of November launch
The five-seat electric SUV moves to a dedicated EV platform and offers up to 850 km of claimed CLTC range. Features include LFP batteries, dual-chamber air suspension and LiDAR-based driver assistance; retail prices have not been announced.
Ballan Road intersection upgrade to open three months early
New traffic lights at the Ballan, McGrath and Greens roads intersection in Wyndham Vale are due to open on 9 November, three months ahead of schedule. The upgrade aims to improve safety and traffic flow; overnight closures and detours will support final works.
Three TBMs tunnel on the Suburban Rail Loop East
Three tunnel boring machines are excavating twin tunnels for Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop East, with 138 metres completed since tunnelling began. A fourth machine is being assembled, and more are due to launch next year.