Chery announces iCaur electric brand for Australia from 2027
Chery will introduce its iCaur electric-vehicle sub-brand in Australia in early 2027, starting with the V25 electric SUV. The boxy, lifestyle-focused model will be shown at Sydney’s Everything Electric show, with specifications, pricing and launch details to follow.
Dreame shuts down automotive business after rapid contraction
Dreame Technology is liquidating its Starry Sky automotive project after layoffs reduced its division from nearly 1,000 employees to a few dozen. The venture faced regulatory scrutiny and allegations that its high-performance car demonstrations relied on show vehicles rather than genuine production.
Gurtam launches European aftermarket telematics scenario study
Gurtam is launching a scenario-planning study examining how regulation, energy economics, capital costs and other forces could reshape Europe’s aftermarket telematics sector by 2035. Research will run from August 2026 to January 2027, with publication planned for early 2027.
Four fleet leaders named finalists for 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year
Dominika Leja, Jen VrMeer, Linda Ellis and Ron McGuigan have been named finalists for the 2026 Edward J. Bobit Fleet Manager of the Year award. The winner will be announced at the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association conference.
John Rossant named opening keynote speaker for 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
John Rossant will deliver the opening keynote at the 2026 Fleet Forward Conference in Maryland, discussing AI, electrification, hydrogen infrastructure and global trends affecting fleet planning.
CATL plans 100-city global EV battery repair network
CATL plans to expand its Ning Service EV battery-repair network to 100 cities worldwide by late 2026. Directly operated centres will use robotic diagnostics and repairs, while mobile repair trucks will support less complex work.
Fleet Supplier of the Year finalists announced
Bridgestone Australia, Daimler Trucks Canberra, Euclidic Systems, Kia Australia, mycar Tyre and Auto, Sensium and Toyota Fleet Management are finalists for Fleet Supplier of the Year. The winner will be announced in Sydney on 14 October.
Volkswagen shareholders urge faster overhaul amid restructuring threat
Volkswagen’s controlling Porsche and Piëch families have urged management to accelerate cost cuts, reduce excess capacity and consider all options as the carmaker weighs up to 100,000 job cuts amid falling profits and Chinese competition.
CCC expands Digital Key certification network with US test labs
The Car Connectivity Consortium has authorised Accenture and DEKRA laboratories in the US for Digital Key certification testing, expanding its network across North America. The facilities will test interoperability across UWB, NFC and Bluetooth Low Energy for automakers and suppliers.
NAFA announces 2026 Fleet Safety Symposium programme
NAFA has announced the education programme for its 19 October 2026 Fleet Safety Symposium in National Harbor, Maryland. Sessions will cover safety metrics, policies, telematics, driver monitoring, training and safety culture, with a new Fleet Safety Awards presentation.
Trucking HR Canada announces finalists for 2026 Top Fleet Employers awards
Trucking HR Canada has announced 98 finalists for its 2026 Top Fleet Employers awards, including contenders for a new Exceptional New Fleet category. Winners will be revealed at the October 14 gala in Toronto.
Tesla denies report of potential separation of China operations
Tesla denies a Wall Street Journal report that it is considering separating, selling or closing its China operations amid speculation over a possible SpaceX merger. The Shanghai plant remains central to Tesla’s global production and exports.
Isuzu launches US veterans apprenticeship for commercial-truck technicians
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America has launched a nationwide paid apprenticeship programme for US military veterans, combining dealership experience, mentorship and Isuzu technical training to strengthen its commercial-truck technician pipeline.
New Spirit of Fleet Award to honour service to the fleet profession
A new Mike Antich Spirit of Fleet Award will be presented at the 2026 AFLA Corporate Leasing Conference in Las Vegas, recognising service, leadership and contributions to the fleet profession. Nissan is sponsoring the award.
Doug Marcello receives TAEC award for trucking industry service
Doug Marcello, a trucking-ind industry lawyer and trade-association leader, has received the J.R. “Bob” Halladay Award from the Trucking Associations Executive Council for his contributions to state trucking associations.
US DOT launches campaign to recruit veterans into trucking
The US Department of Transportation has launched Freedom Haulers, a campaign using digital and radio advertising plus a resource microsite to recruit veterans into trucking. It highlights CDL training support and military-experience waivers.
Ryder launches free 60-day warranty for used commercial vehicles
Ryder has launched a free 60-day limited warranty for DOT-verified used commercial vehicles sold in the US until year-end. The programme covers key powertrain and comfort components, alongside optional extended cover of up to 36 months.
Mack extends Premium Service Contract to medium-duty MD trucks
Mack Trucks is extending its Premium Service Contract to the medium-duty MD6 and MD7, offering scheduled maintenance, repairs and selected powertrain coverage with fixed monthly pricing and dealer support.
Voting opens for 2026 Fleet Hall of Fame
Voting is open until 15 August for the 2026 Fleet Hall of Fame. Inductees will be selected from seven fleet professionals and recognised at the AFLA Corporate Fleet Conference in Las Vegas in September.
Microlise launches customer advisory board focused on AI in transport
Microlise has launched Microlise Labs, a customer advisory board for shaping transport technology. Its first 2026 session in Birmingham examined AI’s potential to improve transport management, safety, compliance and operational decision-making.
Capela Transport driver named TCA Highway Angel
Capela Transport driver Harry Gough has been named a TCA Highway Angel after using his truck to shield an injured motorcyclist from passing traffic at a crash scene in Pennsylvania.
ArcBest to consolidate brands and cut 2% of workforce
ArcBest will consolidate three businesses under its main brand from 1 August 2026, cut about 2% of its workforce and close service centres representing 1% of network doors. The restructuring is expected to save about $40 million annually.
SureCam integrates AI video with TruckerCloud telematics data
SureCam has integrated its AI-powered video and event data with TruckerCloud’s aggregated ELD, GPS and telematics feeds, giving fleets and insurers a combined view to support safety coaching, claims handling and risk assessment.
Emovis launches AccelerAIte AI adoption initiative
Emovis has launched AccelerAIte and has committed resources to accelerate AI adoption, has established governance, applied learning and a global AI champions network, and has partnered with a consultancy to integrate AI across operations and enhance productivity.
Corgi enters trucking insurance with AI-enabled platform
Corgi has entered the trucking insurance market with an AI-enabled platform using real-time operational data to streamline underwriting, claims and policy access. It is integrating the offering with AtoB’s factoring, payments, telematics and brokerage services.
Nine fleet leaders nominated for 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year award
Nine fleet professionals have been nominated for the 2026 Edward J. Bobit Professional Fleet Manager of the Year Award. Their profiles highlight measurable work in fleet electrification, safety, procurement, telematics, standardisation and operational efficiency.
365 Assistance sponsors inaugural Fleet News Group Awards
365 Assistance has joined the Fleet News Group Awards as Foundation Sponsor and has said fleet management has evolved to include risk, compliance, sustainability and data analytics; it has invested in AI and positioned roadside assistance as a continuity tool.
Lucid denies exploring bankruptcy or privatisation
Lucid has denied reports that it has considered bankruptcy or going private after its shares have plunged, and has said it has sufficient liquidity, has engaged AlixPartners for advisory work, and has implemented job cuts and suspended production guidance.
IH-MIE opens €1.8m call for hydrogen mobility innovation
IH-MIE will launch a €1.8 million open call on 3 July 2026, offering up to €60,000 per project plus technical and business mentoring for hydrogen mobility innovation. Applications close on 25 September.
HDT names nine finalists for 2026 Truck Fleet Innovator programme
Heavy Duty Trucking has named nine finalists for its 2026 Truck Fleet Innovator programme, recognising fleet professionals advancing operations through electric trucks, AI, safety initiatives, software and new approaches to recruitment and workforce development.
USPS, DPD UK and Zipcar named winners of Autofleet’s 2026 awards
Autofleet has named USPS, DPD UK, Zipcar and others as winners of its 2026 Optimizers Awards, highlighting quantified gains in route optimisation, fleet utilisation, automation, AI and EV adoption.
Chips JU opens €300m funding calls for European autonomous-driving stack
Chips JU has opened 16 funding calls worth more than €300 million, including a strategic call to build a European autonomous-driving ecosystem around next-generation software-defined vehicle architectures.
Xiaomi confirms Sky Nomad automotive brand
Xiaomi has confirmed its new automotive brand Sky Nomad and has designated the N90 full-size EREV SUV as its first model; it has also created a brand page on WeChat and has reported May domestic deliveries of 32,759 units.
Wabash schedules second-quarter 2026 earnings call
Wabash will webcast its second-quarter 2026 earnings call on 29 July, with its earnings release, presentation slides and related materials available through the company’s investor-relations website.
Industry groups urge stronger IAA battery provisions
T&E, EIES and RECHARGE have called for prioritising a locally anchored battery value chain, a whole‑value‑chain approach, stronger Made‑in‑EU rules and FDI conditions to enhance Europe’s industrial resilience.
LNS deploys first Volvo A30 Electric haulers at Norwegian hydropower project
LNS has deployed four Volvo A30 Electric articulated haulers at Hafslund Kraft’s Hemsil 3 hydropower project in Norway, with three more due next month. The battery-electric machines will support tunnel construction and reduce project emissions.
EU launches €1.1bn CEF Transport funding call
The European Commission has launched the 2026 CEF Transport call, offering €1.1bn for sustainable and smart TEN-T projects, including rail, inland waterways and electrification of road haulage and airports. EU, Ukrainian and Moldovan bodies are eligible.
Queensland budget increases infrastructure funding but leaves road scheme capped
Queensland’s 2026 State Budget doubles the Residential Activation Fund but keeps the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme capped at A$76 million annually, prompting councils to warn of growing road-maintenance funding shortfalls.
European Commission seeks views on future of Horizon Europe partnerships
The European Commission is seeking feedback on the future of Horizon Europe Joint Undertakings and European Partnerships, ahead of the EU’s 2028–2034 Framework Programme. The consultation covers governance, efficiency, coherence and impact.
WEX and TFS launch equipment finance programme for North American fleets
WEX and TFS Financial have launched a financing programme for trucking and transport companies in the US and Canada, giving WEX’s over-the-road fleet customers access to equipment loans through TFS’s lender-matching platform.
ITS UK names winners of 2026 Allan Prize essay competition
Charlotte Parrish and Esther Fobi have won ITS UK’s 2026 Allan Prize essay competition. Their essays examine digitalisation, AI and inclusive intelligent transport, with both receiving £750, mentoring and publication opportunities.
Renault Trucks opens integrated service centre in Poland
Renault Trucks has opened an integrated service centre near Warsaw that has consolidated sales, maintenance, telematics, training and financing teams to support haulage firms with fleet availability, cost control and energy transition.
ITS Australia opens nominations for 2027 awards
ITS Australia has opened nominations for the 2027 ITS Australia Awards, which have been scheduled for 18 February 2027 in Brisbane, and has invited organisations and individuals to submit entries demonstrating innovation, leadership and measurable impact in intelligent transport systems.
Geely consolidates operations and prioritises engineering
Geely has announced consolidation of manufacturing and capital into Geely Automobile Holdings, has criticised low-cost engineering shortcuts, and has emphasised quality, safety and intellectual-property protection amid strong May deliveries led by the Xingyuan.
Rivian CEO launches separate humanoid robotics firm
Rivian CEO Scaringe has founded Mind Robotics, which has raised over US$1bn and has been established as a separate entity with Rivian as minority shareholder and launch customer; the firm has indicated a product reveal within a year.