Iran traffic-camera hack exposes cybersecurity risks for connected transport
Iran’s compromised traffic-camera network highlights vulnerabilities in connected transport infrastructure. The feature examines centralised ITS architectures, AI-enabled threats and defences, and how EU NIS2 and Cyber Resilience Act requirements are reshaping cybersecurity responsibilities.
Companies target US demand for affordable electric low-speed vehicles
Stellantis, Waev and Chip Motors are targeting US demand for affordable electric low-speed vehicles, with models priced from about $15,000 and sales or trials planned in markets including Miami.
Maska acquires Kenworth and PacLease Montréal operations
Maska has acquired four Kenworth dealerships, three TRP parts stores and PacLease Montréal’s leasing operations, expanding its network to 19 locations, nearly 150 service bays and about 700 employees.
Trucking and logistics firms announce four senior executive appointments
Crawford Trucking, Kenworth Sales Company, CCM and BNSF Logistics have appointed or promoted senior executives, including new presidents and chief commercial officers, as they strengthen leadership across trucking, logistics and intermodal operations.
Citilog enables incident detection on PTZ cameras with AI calibration
Citilog has developed AI-based scene calibration that enables automatic incident detection on PTZ traffic cameras without presets or manual configuration. The system learns roadway zones from live traffic and detects stopped vehicles, pedestrians and debris using existing RTSP or ONVIF streams.
Opsys applies solid-state lidar and embedded AI to wrong-way detection
Opsys Technologies’ ALTOS platform combines solid-state lidar with embedded AI to deliver three-dimensional vehicle tracking and wrong-way alerts. The sensor is designed for permanent roadside deployment, with no moving parts, PoE connectivity and low power requirements.
Farizon adds long-wheelbase electric van and cuts Australian prices
Farizon has added a long-wheelbase, high-roof SV electric van to its Australian range, with a 106kWh battery and up to 398km WLTP range. It has also cut prices across the SV range by up to $8,500.
FAW-Volkswagen reveals Jetta M6 as its first electric car in China
FAW-Volkswagen’s Jetta brand has revealed the M6, its first battery-electric vehicle, in China. The mid-size sedan offers 113kW and 145kW single-motor variants, while battery and range details remain undisclosed.
Wiltshire uses connected vehicle data to identify junction hazard
Wiltshire Council used three years of connected vehicle data and imagery to identify overgrown hedges as the cause of worsening braking and sightline problems at a Westbury junction. Vegetation was then cleared to restore visibility and signage.
Toyota expects hybrids to remain key to Australian fleet transition
Toyota expects hybrids to make up 39% of its Australian sales in 2026, maintaining their role as a practical lower-emissions option for fleets without dependable charging. PHEVs and BEVs will be added where duty cycles and infrastructure support them.
NIO to open 4,000th battery-swap station in China
NIO will open its 4,000th battery-swap station in Quanzhou, China, on 7 August. The fifth-generation site will support NIO, Onvo and Firefly vehicles, complete swaps in 1 minute 48 seconds and hold up to 28 battery packs.
Xpeng reveals G9L electric SUV with 800V charging and AI assistance
Xpeng has revealed the G9L, a five-seat electric SUV in China, with an 800V architecture capable of adding 450km of range in nine minutes. It also features AI-powered driving assistance, self-parking and 2,250 TOPS of computing power.
Leapmotor exceeds 100,000 July sales as Chinese EV makers report growth
Chinese automakers reported July 2026 NEV sales, with BYD retaining leadership at 411,072 units and Leapmotor exceeding 100,000 for the first time. BYD’s overseas sales also reached a record high, while several newer brands posted strong year-on-year growth.
Sydney Metro Southwest extension enters final testing phase
Sydney Metro’s Southwest extension has entered Trial Running, testing fully automated services, emergency scenarios and timetable operations between Sydenham and Bankstown before regulatory approval and passenger opening.
Queensland expands Gold Coast transport routes and road upgrades
Queensland has announced two new Gold Coast east-west transport routes and road upgrades, including expanded bus lanes, a new station and preservation of a future rail corridor to Gold Coast Airport ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
SG Fleet makes conditional takeover proposal for FleetPartners
SG Fleet has made a conditional, non-binding $3.60-a-share proposal to acquire FleetPartners through a scheme of arrangement. The potential transaction would combine major fleet-management and vehicle-leasing businesses in Australia and New Zealand, subject to due diligence and regulatory approvals.
FedEx expands AI-powered autonomous trailer loading at Maryland hub
FedEx is expanding its collaboration with Dexterity by deploying an AI-powered autonomous trailer-loading system at its Hagerstown hub in Maryland, moving beyond a pilot towards larger-scale parcel-logistics operations.
International expects 1,341 layoffs after Ohio plant sale
International Motors expects to lay off 1,341 workers after agreeing to sell its Springfield, Ohio, assembly plant and Truck Specialty Center to Roshel. The buyer plans to use the facilities for defence-vehicle production after International’s GM contract ends.
BYD Australia partners with Smart to improve EV affordability
BYD Australia and Smart will integrate novated leasing and salary-packaging support into BYD and DENZA dealerships, helping eligible customers assess EV affordability, tax treatment and total ownership costs.
China sets 5% accuracy limit for passenger EV battery-health displays
China’s recommended GB/T 46991.1-2025 standard sets evaluation requirements for passenger EV battery-health displays, including a maximum 5% SOCE error, virtual-mileage accuracy limits and battery-retention benchmarks based on age and mileage.
US sets preliminary 4.29% anti-dumping duty on Canadian trailer makers
The US Commerce Department has set a preliminary 4.29% anti-dumping duty on cooperating Canadian trailer manufacturers, with higher rates for non-respondents. Cash deposits will begin after Federal Register publication while the investigation proceeds to final determinations.
Range Energy powered trailer brings hybrid assistance to existing heavy trucks
Range Energy’s powered trailer, using ZF’s AxTrax 2 electric axle and batteries, can add propulsion and regenerative braking to existing heavy trucks. A test-track ride showed smoother launches, potential fuel and emissions savings, and power for trailer equipment without new charging infrastructure.
Optimise and Geosecure extend Australian fleet partnership for five years
Optimise and Geosecure have extended their commercial agreement in Australia for five years. The Algorithm People’s AI-driven route-optimisation platform is intended to improve fleet utilisation, reduce costs and emissions, and support electric-vehicle transition planning.
Freelander targets 300,000 annual sales ahead of Freelander 8 pre-sales
Freelander is targeting annual sales above 300,000 vehicles within three to five years, split between China and overseas markets. Pre-sales of its first model, the extended-range Freelander 8, are due to open on 10 August ahead of a planned six-model new-energy line-up.
Hyundai retains rear-door choice for updated STARIA Load van
Hyundai is retaining twin-swing and liftback rear-door options on the updated STARIA Load van after research found Australian customers’ requirements vary. The van’s dimensions accommodate up to two Australian pallets, reinforcing application-led fleet procurement.
Vincentric finds wide maintenance-cost gaps across 27 fleet vehicles
Vincentric’s analysis of 27 model-year 2026 fleet vehicles finds maintenance-cost gaps of up to $3,646 over three years or 60,000 miles. It also highlights scheduled-service frequency, hybrid and electric-vehicle performance, and the operational impact of downtime.
Washington, DC’s AV bill fuels labour battle over robotaxi deployment
Washington, DC’s proposed autonomous-vehicle legislation is intensifying a labour dispute over robotaxi deployment, driver employment and hybrid human-AV networks. Uber supports AVs but backs workforce safeguards, while Waymo opposes market restrictions.
MG 07 draws 21,000 China reservations as SAIC prioritises capacity
SAIC says the electric MG 07 received more than 21,000 refundable reservations within 20 hours of pre-sales opening in China. The company is prioritising production-capacity expansion ahead of the model’s August launch.
API approves PC-12 heavy-duty oil category for EPA 2027 engines
API has approved the PC-12 heavy-duty diesel oil category for engines designed to meet US EPA 2027 standards. Its CL-4 and FB-4 specifications target improved oxidation control, wear protection and aftertreatment compatibility, while fleets assess maintenance impacts using their own data.
Averitt raises regional driver pay and standardises mileage rates
Averitt will raise regional drivers’ top mileage rate to 66 cents from 64 cents from 9 August, standardise base rates and pay $25 per hazmat load. The carrier expects average weekly regional-driver pay to reach about $1,550.
Tesla produces its 10 millionth electric vehicle at Fremont
Tesla has produced its 10 millionth electric vehicle at its Fremont factory in California, reaching the milestone six years after building its first million. The latest production milestone followed the company’s rapid global manufacturing expansion.
Jaecoo adds non-plug-in hybrid J5 SUV to Australian range
Jaecoo has added a non-plug-in hybrid J5 compact SUV to its Australian range. The front-wheel-drive model combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor, claims 5.6L/100km consumption and includes extensive driver-assistance and long-term warranty support.
NETS and CoolSys to present crash-cost research at Fleet Forward Conference
NETS will present crash-cost benchmarking research and CoolSys will detail an 80% reduction in annual auto losses at a Fleet Forward Conference session on 22 October 2026 in National Harbor, Maryland.
Gary Van Orden retires after nearly 40 years in commercial fleet leadership
Gary Van Orden is retiring after nearly 40 years in commercial fleet leadership, including roles at Ford, Nissan, FCA and Mike Albert Fleet Solutions.
American Rheinmetall wins US Army contract for autonomous logistics vehicles
American Rheinmetall has won a two-year US Army contract to develop four hybrid autonomous uncrewed ground vehicles for logistics missions. Harbinger will provide the vehicle platform, Forterra autonomous driving technology and Primordial Labs a voice-controlled human-machine interface.
Canada automated truck project cancelled after federal endorsement refusal
The Canadian Automated Vehicle Initiative has cancelled its proposed cross-Canada automated tractor-trailer demonstration after Transport Canada declined to endorse it, leaving the project unable to secure partners or funding.
Emovis confirms six North American tolling events for late 2026
Emovis has confirmed participation in six tolling and transport industry events across the US and Canada from September to November 2026, including IBTTA gatherings and an online event.
Fuel-card fraud drives stronger security and telematics controls for fleets
Commercial fuel-card fraud is prompting stronger fleet controls, including Petro-Canada’s one-time passcodes and Motive’s AI checks against vehicle location, fuel type and tank levels. Fleets are urged to monitor transactions and understand suppliers’ reimbursement policies.
Atlas targets 100 Kodiak driverless trucks in Permian Basin
Atlas Energy Solutions is expanding Kodiak’s driverless frac-sand haulage in Texas and New Mexico, adding a second load-out site and targeting 100 autonomous heavy trucks by mid-2027. Public-road operations are expected in early 2027, subject to approvals.
Brake Safety Week targets commercial-vehicle drums and rotors
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will focus its 23–29 August Brake Safety Week inspections in Canada, Mexico and the US on drums and rotors, removing vehicles with serious brake or other violations from service and collecting enforcement data.
GM plans native in-vehicle AI assistant launch later this year
General Motors plans to launch a native in-vehicle AI assistant later this year, developed with an unnamed large language model provider. It will use GM vehicle knowledge and OnStar intelligence to support predictive maintenance, telemetry and personalised vehicle controls.
BYD Blade Battery testing dispute escalates after reported police complaint
A dispute over BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery temperature tests has escalated after blogger Cai Shen Dao said the automaker filed a police report. Independent and laboratory tests recorded higher localised surface temperatures than the vehicle’s BMS, while authorities have not confirmed an investigation.
Amerit expands Canadian commercial-vehicle operations with Triple Diamond acquisition
Amerit Fleet Solutions has acquired Mississauga-based Triple Diamond Truck and Trailer Repair, expanding its Canadian commercial-vehicle maintenance and repair operations through the Pro Reefer platform.
British Columbia awards C$4.52m contract for three truck chain-up areas
British Columbia has awarded a C$4.52 million contract for three truck chain-up areas on Highways 37 and 37A. The facilities, due for substantial completion in autumn 2026, aim to improve winter safety and reliability for commercial traffic.
US used EV prices rise despite record supply
Used EV prices rose 5.1% in the first half of 2026 and 7% year to date through mid-July, despite record supply. Analysts attribute demand to high fuel prices, affordability and greater model choice, with lower-priced EVs seeing the strongest gains.
Hyundai announces 2027 commercial fleet incentives
Hyundai has announced 2027 Commercial Fleet Program incentives for eligible small commercial fleets and government organisations, with model-specific invoice credits and enrolment requirements.
AI rules raise compliance requirements for telematics-based insurance
The article outlines forthcoming EU AI Act obligations for high-risk systems and compares them with AI rules affecting insurers in the US, Canada and UK. It highlights explainability, traceability, human oversight and accountability for telematics-based driver scoring.
BYD Qin Max reaches Chinese dealers ahead of 13 August launch
BYD’s Qin Max electric and plug-in hybrid sedan has reached Chinese dealerships ahead of its 13 August launch. The model offers up to 630km of CLTC range, nine-minute flash charging and DiPilot 300 assisted driving with roof-mounted LiDAR.
