
Victorian government launches electric heavy vehicle trial
The Victorian government has launched the $1.5 million Victorian Electric Heavy Vehicle Trial, which has enabled freight operators to trial electric heavy vehicles, charging infrastructure, driver training and maintenance at no cost to participants apart from charging.


ANCAP assessment underway for STARIA Load Hybrid
Hyundai has initiated ANCAP testing to validate the STARIA Load Hybrid against the existing five‑star rating; destructive element tests have been conducted and confirmation has been expected within weeks to inform fleet procurement decisions.


Foton launches local accessories range for Tunland
Foton Australia has partnered with three local specialists and has developed a genuine accessories range for Tunland V7 and V9, and has provided warranty-supported fitment via its authorised retailer network to simplify fleet configuration and deployment.


Digital Communications: Fleet Telematics Platform
Digital Communications Technologies has provided fleet telematics and industrial IoT solutions, has offered the Pegasus IoT Cloud PaaS for analytics and compliance, and has developed custom APIs to support fleet monitoring, diagnostics and data-driven decision-making.


Great Dane trailers designed with driver input
Great Dane has designed trailers with driver input and has equipped them with features such as LED lighting, slip-resistant surfaces and antimicrobial linings, and has integrated FleetPulse telematics, which has provided fleets with enhanced visibility and asset-recovery capabilities.


UMS and Renault Trucks decade-long mining partnership
UMS and Renault Trucks have formed a decade-long partnership supporting Guinea's bauxite sector; they have deployed 350 Renault Trucks K vehicles and have provided maintenance, telematics and training services to sustain 24/7 ore transport and improve fleet availability.


CATL launches Tectrans II 8C battery for LCVs
CATL has launched the Tectrans II 8C battery for light commercial vehicles, which has enabled 20–80% charging in 6 minutes 48 seconds, has offered a 10-year/1,000,000 km warranty and has announced deployment of integrated ultra-charging and swap stations.


Tachographs Required for 2.5–3.5t Vans from 1 July 2026
EU rules have required tachographs for 2.5–3.5‑tonne vans on international and cabotage operations from 1 July 2026, and fleet operators have had to install devices, issue driver cards, and revise recordkeeping and route planning to meet driving‑time limits.


Renault Trucks unveils 2027 T High and electric range
Renault Trucks has presented new diesel and electric models at IAA 2026, including the 2027 T High with the DE13 R engine and E-Tech long-haul trucks, and has showcased expanded electric and light commercial offerings.


EU extends smart tachograph rules to 2.5–3.5t vans
The EU has extended smart tachograph obligations to vehicles over 2.5 tonnes up to 3.5 tonnes engaged in international goods transport and cabotage, and operators have been required to fit G2V2 units and to retain expanded tachograph data.


BYD Linghui M9 hybrid van reaches showrooms in China
BYD has commenced showroom deliveries of the Linghui M9 across China and has not disclosed official pricing; the model has been positioned within a specialised mobility sub-brand and has integrated advanced driver‑assist and dual‑mode plug‑in hybrid systems.


Li Auto launches 2026 Li L8 five-seater SUV
Li Auto has launched the 2026 Li L8 five-seater SUV in China, offered in Ultra and Livis variants, equipped with a 72.7 kWh 5C range-extender battery, EMB in the Livis, advanced driver-assistance options and a US$52,900 starting price.


Temporary reduction in vehicle tax for commercial vehicles
The government has introduced a temporary motor vehicle tax reduction from 1 July 2026 to 1 January 2027, has halved entrepreneur-rate van charges and has applied a nil rate to heavy trucks, and has aligned implementation with three-month tax periods.


Next-gen Nissan NV200 MPV to launch in China
Zhengzhou Nissan has revealed the next-generation NV200 MPV, set for a Q4 2026 launch in China, and has confirmed a plug-in hybrid powertrain alongside entry-level ICE options and showroom-ready exterior and interior designs.


Overview of European fleet regulations and compliance
The report has summarised divergent national vehicle rules across Europe, has highlighted compliance risks for cross‑border fleets, and has recommended centralised registers and automated processes to reduce fines, delays and operational disruption.


Leapmotor updates C10, C11 and C16 line-up
Leapmotor has launched refreshed C10, C11 and C16 models, priced from ¥125,800; it has introduced extended-range and pure-electric powertrains, 800V architecture, LiDAR-equipped high trims, and upgraded interiors and infotainment features.


Strategic upfitting for vocational fleets
Holman executives have outlined that tailored upfitting strategies have optimised fleet efficiency and reduced operating costs, and have stated that an integrated supply chain has streamlined the build-out process for vocational fleets.

Omnitracs logistics solutions for retail distribution
Omnitracs has provided AI-enabled routing and dispatch solutions across grocery, consumer goods, furniture, auto parts and medical supply distribution, enabling load optimisation, real-time ETAs and autonomous rerouting to reduce transport costs and improve delivery reliability.
Dayton Freight improves driver experience and productivity
Dayton Freight has implemented digital solutions, has reduced driver paperwork, has enhanced dispatcher communication, has improved safety and autonomy, and has accelerated field-to-office data access to address turnover and strengthen operational efficiency.
Omnitracs One fleet intelligence platform
Omnitracs has connected data, applications and devices through Omnitracs One, and has integrated driver workflows, video-based safety, route optimisation and performance analytics to support fleet operations and cross-team coordination.
Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports and Regulatory Compliance
Carriers have been required to ensure daily Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports to meet FMCSA rules; non‑compliance has resulted in fines, out‑of‑service orders and liability, while technology providers have offered solutions to streamline reporting and compliance.
ELD and Compliance Solutions for Fleet Operations
Omnitracs has offered ELD and compliance tools, including automated IFTA tax calculation, Drivewyze-powered weigh-station bypass and digital DVIR forms, which have been designed to reduce downtime and support regulatory compliance.

Haval H6L PHEV filed with lidar and dual battery sourcing
Great Wall Motor has filed a plug-in hybrid Haval H6L with China's MIIT, featuring optional lidar and battery packs sourced from SVOLT or CATL, and has broadened the H6L range with electrified powertrains.

New warranty options for used commercial vehicles
The dealer has partnered with mobile GARANTIE to offer warranty options for used commercial vehicles, which have provided buyers with protection against repair costs, high coverage limits and expedited European claims handling.

Holman commercial van productivity equipment
Holman has introduced equipment to enhance commercial van productivity, including sliding shelving, a redesigned ladder rack and an intuitive locking system, aimed at supporting last-mile delivery, mobile service units and vocational fleets.


Alternative fuel options for vocational fleets
Holman has outlined renewable diesel, renewable natural gas and hydrogen options for vocational fleets, and has noted trade-offs in cost, carbon intensity and infrastructure, emphasising that suitability has depended on fleet class, operating patterns and organisational objectives.


Queclink launches GV650MG trailer tracker
Queclink has launched the GV650MG, a rugged hard‑wired trailer tracker with Open CAN architecture, IP67/IP69K protection, LTE Cat‑M1 and dual‑band GNSS, offering extended backup power and integration options for scalable telematics in complex fleet operations.


BYD Dolphin Cargo e-Van targets last-mile fleets
BYD has launched a Dolphin Cargo e-Van for last-mile delivery and has removed rear seats and has installed a metal bulkhead to provide over 1,090 litres of cargo space. It has been equipped with a 60 kWh battery and Vehicle-to-Load.


Chinese carmakers adopt cross-border leasing for exports
Chinese carmakers have adopted cross-border leasing to sustain export growth amid trade barriers, have converted sales into long-term service contracts, and have leveraged financial leasing to improve cash flow, market access and recurring revenue through B2B partnerships.


Average passenger-car kerb weight in China rises 392 kg
China's average new-car kerb weight has risen 392 kg from 2012 to 2024 due to electrification, larger battery packs and demand for bigger models. Regulators have introduced energy-efficiency standards and tax thresholds, while battery advances have been announced.


Renault Trucks introduces DE13 R powertrain
Renault Trucks has introduced a DE13 R engine and next‑generation Optidriver gearboxes across its T, T High, C and K ranges, which have delivered up to 4% reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions and support renewable fuels.


BYD Yangwang U8L frame passes 12-ton lift test
BYD has disclosed that the Yangwang U8L’s one-piece aluminium frame has been developed with aerospace casting and joining methods, has reduced parts and weld length, has passed a 12-ton lift test and has lowered vehicle weight by 56 kg.

Tachograph mandatory for light vehicles 1 July 2026
EU regulations have extended tachograph obligations to cross-border light commercial vehicles over 2.5 tonnes, requiring intelligent devices, periodic data downloads and 12-month archiving; fleet operators have been advised to equip vehicles and adopt automated remote-download solutions.

Safety Technologies for Australian Heavy Vehicle Fleets
Regulators have strengthened Heavy Vehicle National Law and Chain of Responsibility enforcement, and fleets have adopted telematics, AI in-cab cameras, EWDs, ADAS, on-board mass systems and preventative maintenance tools to enhance compliance and manage fatigue and vehicle risk.


LDV launches eDeliver 5 electric van in Australia
LDV has launched the eDeliver 5 in Australia, has opened orders and expressions of interest, and has offered a limited-time ABN-holder drive-away price from $47,990 and has scheduled deliveries to begin in July.


Next-generation Nissan NV200 PHEV MPV spotted in China
Spy images and JV statements have indicated Zhengzhou Nissan has developed a production-ready PHEV NV200 MPV with mild off-road capability and optional e-AWD, and it has been targeted for Q3 2026 with multiple powertrain options for China.


Changan launches CS75 Plus and Eado BlueCore HEVs
Changan has launched the fourth-generation Eado and CS75 Plus BlueCore HEVs, has priced them from 79,900 yuan and 109,900 yuan respectively, and has adopted a shared 1.7 kWh battery with BlueCore hybrid control architecture.


Shell launches DC charging system for heavy-duty fleets
Shell has introduced the Recharge PowerPack 500, a liquid-cooled DC charger for European heavy-duty fleets, and has offered scalable output to 500 kW along with charge-point management, maintenance and fleet payment services.


Connected Vehicle Data Platform for Fleet Reliability
Fleets have implemented embedded connected-vehicle data that has increased visibility into vehicle health, enabled earlier detection of faults, supported proactive maintenance and reduced unplanned downtime, and has affected driver operations and schedule reliability.


Open-source collaboration for commercial vehicle platforms
Industry participants have formed an Eclipse SDV group and have developed an open-source reference architecture to standardise non-differentiating software, address interoperability, cybersecurity and diagnostics, and have deployed a prototype on an internal test fleet.


UTAC Special Vehicles Reaches 1,000 Armoured Vehicles
UTAC Special Vehicles has produced its 1,000th armoured vehicle, has developed certified platforms since 2012 with Volkswagen, Škoda and Toyota collaborations, and has delivered bespoke low‑volume armoured solutions to meet specialised requirements.


Chery-built Freelander 8 SUV revealed in MIIT filings
The Chery-built Freelander 8 has been revealed in MIIT filings and has been positioned as a luxury tech all-terrain SUV by the Chery JLR joint venture. It has been specified with an 800V EREV platform, a CATL battery and Huawei ADS.


Renault introduces Clio Eco-G 120 LPG bi-fuel
Renault has introduced the Clio Eco‑G 120, a petrol–LPG bi‑fuel model with two tanks and up to 1,450km range; it has been rated at 120hp, has increased LPG capacity to 50 litres, and has been offered with EDC gearbox.


OpenECU NX3 integrates MCS, CCS and vehicle supervision
New Eagle has launched the OpenECU NX3, which has integrated MCS and CCS charging protocols with vehicle supervisory control in a single ECU, and has been designed to meet ASIL-D safety and ISO 21434 cybersecurity standards.


Canada's first 5-axle B-Train with smart trailer integration
Flying J Canada has unveiled the country's first 5-axle B-Train petroleum tanker fully integrated with smart trailer systems, including independent tyre inflation control, four-camera vision, telematics and load-intelligence capabilities.





