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Abertis opens global challenge for safer motorway operations
Abertis has invited startups and technology partners to propose solutions to protect motorway workers and reduce operational risks. Three finalists will receive €6,000 each, with the winning solution eligible for a €40,000 pilot; applications close on 16 November 2026.
Geely Auto plans Canadian market entry in 2027
Geely Auto says it will enter Canada in 2027 and is developing its retail and service network. It has not yet disclosed which models it will offer.
Chery plans to reposition Jetour as a high-end off-road brand
Chery’s Globalization 3.0 strategy will move Jetour upmarket with a focus on off-road vehicles, while integrating the core Chery brand further into global operations. Li Xueyong will oversee the Jetour Brand Division.
IoT Global Awards 2026 winners announced, including fleet telematics provider Wialon
Wialon won the Automotive, Transport & Travel category at the 2026 IoT Global Awards. The winners also included projects in IoT security, connectivity, industrial data and analytics.
OmniAir seeks nominations for four board seats
OmniAir Consortium is seeking candidates for four open board seats. Candidates must represent eligible members, and nominations are due by 5pm EST on 2 November. Elections will be held at the consortium’s annual meeting in San Antonio on 15 December.
HDT opens 2026 Emerging Leaders award nominations
Heavy Duty Trucking is seeking nominations for its 2026 Emerging Leaders awards, recognising professionals under 40 working in Class 7 and 8 truck fleets. Nominations close on 15 October 2026.
Fortescue plans first Australian Formula E team
Mining company Fortescue plans to enter Formula E with a team acquired from Penske and a Jaguar-powered electric race car. Its engineers will use the championship to develop battery, software and hardware technologies for mining and other applications.
Powerstar to put VL 550 through its paces at South Africa’s Truck Test
Powerstar will enter its VL 550 extra-heavy truck in Truck Test 2026 on South Africa’s Johannesburg–Durban route. The 405kW Weichai-powered vehicle will be assessed for fuel consumption, journey times, speed and productivity under long-haul operating conditions.
European Mobility Week 2026 launches with intergenerational focus
The European Commission’s European Mobility Week runs from 16 to 22 September, with more than 2,500 towns and cities promoting accessible, inclusive and sustainable urban transport through car-free days, educational activities and new mobility measures.
Egis wins UK contract to enforce vehicle tax using ANPR
Egis will deliver the DVLA’s UK Vehicle Excise Duty compliance and enforcement service from February 2027, using ANPR-equipped vehicles to identify untaxed vehicles nationwide. The contract includes warning notices, immobilisation, removals and vehicle disposal.
Finalists named for 2026 Australian Novated Lease Car of the Year
Fleet News Group has named the BYD Sealion 7, Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X as finalists for its 2026 Novated Lease Car of the Year. NALSPA member data covering more than 200,000 salary-packaged vehicles indicates growing demand for battery-electric SUVs.
Ford Australia introduces seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty
Ford Australia will offer a conditional seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty on eligible new and demonstrator vehicles delivered from 1 September 2026. Fleet operators must use scheduled Ford dealer servicing to retain coverage, potentially affecting maintenance costs, vehicle replacement cycles and residual values.
AddSecure separates CoDriver and frameLOGIC fleet brands
AddSecure is positioning CoDriver and frameLOGIC as distinct transport-management brands. CoDriver targets larger fleets with telematics, video and compliance tools, while frameLOGIC supports complex mixed fleets with planning, operations, reporting and invoicing capabilities.
Ford outlines broader Australian product and fleet strategy through 2030
Ford Australia aims to cover more than 60% of the new-vehicle market within three years, with a broader range of powertrains and models, including the electric Transit City van, plus the rollout of Ford Pro and enhanced aftersales support.
Xiaomi Auto signs eight German dealer groups ahead of 2027 European entry
Xiaomi Auto has signed memorandums with eight German dealer groups to establish sales and after-sales coverage ahead of its planned 2027 entry into Germany and other European markets. The agreements support its broader European expansion strategy.
Subaru Forester Hybrid AWD named finalist for Australian fleet car award
The Subaru Forester Hybrid AWD is a finalist for Fleet Car of the Year at the 2026 Fleet News Group Vehicle Awards. The winner will be announced on 14 October, with the hybrid SUV recognised for efficiency, all-wheel-drive capability and fleet practicality.
Microlise backs UK Driver Health Week 2026
Microlise is supporting Driver Health Week from 1–6 September 2026, a UK campaign focused on the physical and mental wellbeing of professional drivers. Driver Health Day will take place in Loughborough on 4 September.
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.