Supply Chain AI Symposium in Chicago, 15 July 2026
FreightWaves has scheduled a Supply Chain AI Symposium in Chicago on 15 July 2026 and has assembled founders, enterprise providers and marketers to demonstrate AI applications, hold rapid demos, a Marketing and Media Summit and networking and sponsorship opportunities.
Karas Plating opens silver busbar electroplating line
Karas Plating has commissioned a £1.5m automated silver electroplating line in the UK, which has added 4,500 tonnes per year of busbar capacity, reshored plating capability and has achieved defect rates below five parts per million.
MATTER integrates Iontra battery intelligence
MATTER has integrated Iontra’s battery intelligence into its AI‑Defined Vehicle platform, enabling real‑time state‑of‑health sensing and adaptive charge control to predict degradation, manage thermal stress and potentially improve charging speed, reliability and lifetime ownership costs.
BYD Considers Canadian Manufacturing and Acquisitions
BYD has indicated it has considered building a wholly owned Canadian manufacturing plant and has said it has been open to acquiring struggling legacy manufacturers as part of its international expansion strategy.
Fleet optimisation to reduce TCO and improve efficiency
Analyses have shown telematics-led fleet optimisation has reduced total cost of ownership, improved utilisation and enabled EV integration, while predictive maintenance and driver-behaviour monitoring have lowered downtime and operating expenditure.
Ciena and Meta achieve 800G over 16,608 km subsea link
Ciena and Meta have reported transmitting 800 Gb/s over 16,608 km on a Meta-owned fibre pair in the Bifrost subsea system, using Ciena's WaveLogic 6 Extreme and have recorded 18 Tb/s per fibre pair on an unregenerated link.
Siemens reports private 5G growth in industrial automation
Siemens has reported growing, use-case-driven uptake of private 5G, has positioned the technology as an enabler embedded in automation solutions, and has sold systems via existing industrial channels to address mission-critical connectivity and productivity needs.
Telefónica targets automation and transport upgrades
Telefónica has outlined a network modernisation plan that has combined AI-enabled SDN, a shift to coherent pluggables and a 400G/100G transport upgrade, and has targeted Level 4 autonomy by 2030 and 60% IPoDWDM by 2027.
ROHM and Suchi Semicon to localise semiconductor packaging
ROHM has formed a partnership with Suchi Semicon to establish local back-end manufacturing for power semiconductor packaging and testing in India, has initiated technical evaluations and has targeted mass production from 2026 to strengthen automotive supply-chain resilience.
Pony.ai, Chenqi deploy 100+ Gen-7 robotaxis in China
Pony.ai and Chenqi Mobility have launched over 100 Gen-7 robotaxis in China, have adopted a technology-licensing model, and have assigned Chenqi responsibility for fleet ownership, operations and safety to scale commercial robotaxi services.
Toyota adopts Panasonic infotainment for new RAV4
Toyota has partnered with Panasonic to integrate an advanced infotainment system into the 2026 RAV4, has aligned it with the Arene software platform and has enabled over-the-air updates, improved user experience and enhanced connectivity.
Audi E7X: China-focused electric SUV for local market
Audi has been developing a China-focused E7X electric SUV under a Volkswagen Group–SAIC joint strategy and has used a dedicated local platform to shorten development cycles, enhance digital features and improve competitiveness in China’s EV market.
2026 Volvo EX30 launched in China after battery recall
Volvo has launched the updated 2026 EX30 in China, introducing a lower-priced RWD Plus entry model, revised trim line-up and limited-time prices from 159,800–209,800 yuan, and has implemented the changes following a recent battery recall.
IRF Activities at Intertraffic Amsterdam 2026
The International Road Federation has presented a member-led programme, has delivered master classes, and has maintained exhibition engagement at Intertraffic Amsterdam 2026, and has promoted capacity building, partnerships and a proposed unification with the European Union Road Federation.
Marelli and AWS launch AI for SDV test automation
Marelli and AWS have unveiled an AI-powered System Test Generation Agent that has automated creation of traceable system test cases, has reduced validation time and has integrated with existing engineering workflows to support software-defined vehicle development.
Dandenong underpass excavation reaches breakthrough
Excavation for a Dandenong underpass has broken through, advancing the Webster Street level crossing removal. Groundwater controls have been implemented, over 21,000 tonnes of soil have been removed and excavation-related recycling and pipeline relocation measures have been completed.
Aerospace sector discusses talent attraction and retention
Fly News has hosted an industry forum where GMV and other stakeholders have examined talent attraction, development and retention in Spain’s aerospace sector, and participants have proposed initiatives to strengthen domestic skills and reduce professional emigration.
BAIC advances prismatic sodium‑ion battery tech
BAIC has completed development of a prismatic sodium‑ion cell achieving 170 Wh/kg and 4C fast charging, has validated mass‑production processes and has reported safety and low‑temperature performance; vehicle application and launch timing have not been disclosed.
AI and Fleet Technologies Improve Truck Safety
Fleets have adopted AI-driven video telematics, predictive maintenance and tyre pressure monitoring, which have delivered reduced incidents, improved uptime and enhanced route management, while providing managers with real-time visibility and actionable safety insights.
Europe for Aviation at Airspace World 2026
Europe for Aviation has announced participation at Airspace World 2026 in Lisbon and has outlined demonstrations, panel sessions and SESAR tours to showcase collaborative progress on Single European Sky implementation, sustainability and airspace modernisation.
NHTSA expands probe into Tesla Full Self-Driving systems
The NHTSA has escalated its investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving after reports that the system has failed to detect hazards in reduced visibility; the probe has covered 3.2 million vehicles and has been moved to engineering analysis.
Transition to Software- and AI-Defined Vehicles
Automakers have adopted software-defined architectures, have begun integrating artificial intelligence across vehicle platforms, have implemented centralised computing and over-the-air updates, and have pursued flexible powertrain strategies and cross-regional partnerships and have created new monetisation opportunities.
CharIN opens Unified Error Codes repo on GitHub
CharIN has launched a public GitHub repository for Unified Error Codes, has invited community contributions, and has partnered with the UEC Initiative to develop protocol‑agnostic hardware and software error code specifications, with software definitions due by October 2026.
Integrated thermal safety for electric transit fleets
moviTHERM and Troman have launched an integrated thermal-safety platform for buses, rail and paratransit, combining infrared monitoring, onboard detection and suppression to cover vehicles, depots and charging sites via a single cloud-based system.
On-Time In-Full (OTIF) Metrics for B2B Distribution
B2B distributors have adopted delivery management systems and have used GPS, scanning and automated updates to measure OTIF accurately, have reduced delivery discrepancies and have strengthened customer transparency and operational performance.
Telcos and Nvidia deploy distributed AI grids
Nvidia and several telecoms operators have announced geographically distributed 'AI grids' to run AI inference at the network edge; validation tests have indicated potential latency and cost benefits, and operator deployments have commenced.
AI Integrates into Manufacturing Operations and Strategy
Manufacturers have increasingly integrated AI into operations, prioritising pilots, data standardisation and network infrastructure, and leaders have emphasised cross-disciplinary talent and sector-specific models to scale applications, with automotive companies having led early adoption.
Uber to invest $1.25bn in Rivian for robotaxi fleet
Uber has agreed to invest up to $1.25bn in Rivian and has arranged to acquire up to 50,000 autonomous R2 vehicles for deployment through 2031, with funding tranches and initial purchases contingent on regulatory approval and performance milestones.
Italian carriers form JV to build up to 6,000 towers
TIM and Fastweb+Vodafone have signed a non-binding agreement to form a 50:50 joint venture to develop up to 6,000 open-access mobile towers, have agreed long-term anchor tenancy, and have said the plan is subject to regulatory approvals and external investment.
AT&T, Cisco and Nvidia integrate AI into telecom networks
AT&T, Cisco and Nvidia have announced a collaboration that has integrated AI inference into telecom networks and edge computing. The partners have targeted enterprise video analytics, industrial monitoring and transport systems and have demonstrated deployments in public safety and industrial trials.
ZF Reports Improved 2025 Operating Performance
ZF has improved operating performance in 2025, achieving an adjusted EBIT margin of 4.5% and adjusted free cash flow of €1.4bn, while recording a €2.1bn accounting loss from one-off charges and reducing net debt to €10.2bn.
Global muon network for space and atmospheric monitoring
The Georgia State University‑led gLOWCOST project has established a global network of low‑cost muon detectors to monitor space and atmospheric conditions, has installed over 17 detectors across ten countries by February 2026, and has invited partners to join.
Mahindra selects Mobileye EyeQ6 ADAS for future models
Mahindra has selected Mobileye's EyeQ6-based ADAS for at least six upcoming models, with production due from 2027, and has adopted SuperVision and Surround platforms to consolidate perception, mapping and occupant monitoring into a single architecture.
Volvo and AiDEN deploy integrated SENT compliance service
Volvo has partnered with AiDEN via CampX and has embedded a digital SENT-compliance service into trucks and Volvo Connect, enabling operators to meet Poland’s new tracking rules without external devices.
AiDEN and Volvo Group integrate compliance tech into trucks
AiDEN and Volvo Group have integrated AiDEN’s compliance service into Volvo trucks’ infotainment to support Poland’s SENT regulation, have reported operational benefits from the pilot and have initiated a second phase to explore wider commercial deployment in 2026.
Connectivity infrastructure limits cellular IoT scaling
Industry analysis has argued that hardware constraints and fragmented telecoms infrastructure have inhibited cellular IoT scaling, and that MVNOs have not yet adapted connectivity to device needs, limiting reliability, security and operational efficiency for large deployments.
Geely targets top domestic sales in China by 2026
Geely has set a target to become China’s top-selling automotive brand by 2026 and has reported robust 2025 results, including revenue growth, rising profits and expanded cash reserves, as it has pursued domestic market share and has accelerated international expansion.
Eve Energy unveils two solid-state battery cells
Eve Energy has begun pilot production in Chengdu of two Longquan solid-state cells; it has positioned Longquan No.3 for low-pressure consumer use and Longquan No.4 as a 60 Ah EV cell, and it has not disclosed commercial timelines.
Guides update composite and weathering steel bridge design
BlueScope and WSP have released updated guides that have aligned composite and weathering steel bridge design with AS/NZS 5100.6:2024, and have provided visual span tables, material options and early-stage planning tools for economical, durable bridge solutions in Australia.
Gosafe issues Eid al‑Fitr greeting to partners
Gosafe has issued an Eid al‑Fitr message to global partners, citing values of patience and gratitude and reaffirming its service focus in telematics and GPS tracking.
Global EV fleet cut oil consumption by 1.7m bpd in 2025
A report by Ember has found that the global electric vehicle fleet has avoided 1.7m barrels per day of oil consumption in 2025, equivalent to roughly 70 per cent of Iran's exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
Geotab launches fuel gauge harness for Southeast Asia
Geotab has launched a Fuel Gauge Tap-In Harness for Southeast Asia that has exposed fuel-level data for vehicles without ECU or OBD access and has integrated with its telematics platform to inform fuel-efficiency, driver behaviour and maintenance analytics.
Geotab launches integrated AI copilot Ace
Geotab has launched Geotab Ace, an integrated generative AI copilot in MyGeotab that has provided tailored fleet insights, has retained telemetry within Geotab's environment, and has been designed to accelerate data-driven decision-making for fleet operators.
GMV at Expansión defence meeting on European autonomy
GMV has sponsored and participated in the Expansión Defence Meeting, has highlighted Spain's increased defence investment and the need to invest efficiently in industrial capabilities, while panels have addressed European strategic autonomy, aerospace strategy and AI in defence.
GMV joins ES-ISAC Automoción for automotive cybersecurity
GMV has become a member of ES-ISAC Automoción through the Castilla y León Automotive and Mobility Cluster (FACYL) and has joined Spain’s collaborative automotive cybersecurity forum, which has been established to share intelligence and strengthen industry cyber resilience.
Closed-loop digital maintenance for fleet compliance
Fleets have adopted closed-loop digital maintenance and electronic DVIRs, have integrated telematics to document inspections and trigger work orders, and have reported reduced maintenance costs and improved asset uptime.
Volvo Trucks offers factory-fit Geotab telematics package
Volvo Trucks has partnered with Geotab and has launched a factory‑fit, cloud‑based telematics package for 2015‑onwards Volvo engines that has provided fleet management, ELD compliance, diagnostics and analytics via integrated hardware and a user dashboard.
Volvo Trucks partners with Geotab on integrated ELD
Volvo Trucks has partnered with Geotab and has deployed an integrated ELD for Volvo-powered trucks (model year 2015 onwards), has used cloud-based telematics to capture HOS, RODS and DVIR data, and has provided FMCSA-compliant reporting via MyGeotab.
