Neale Kelly

Daimler Truck AG (Daimler Truck), the Volvo Group (Volvo), cellcentric and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) have signed a binding agreement for Toyota to join as an equal partner and shareholder in cellcentric, with each owner to hold a third each. The agreement follows the previous non-binding agreement signed at the end of March this year. Completion of the transaction is conditional upon obtaining regulatory approvals. Through the collaboration, the parties intend to strengthen cellcentric's position as a leading developer and manufacturer of fuel cell systems for heavy-duty commercial applications.

Marks & Spencer and its transport subsidiary, Gist Ltd., have commenced the roll-out of ten new DAF XD Electric tractor units, marking a significant next step in the retailer's transition from electric truck trials to scaled zero tailpipe emission operations. Five vehicles are already in active service, with a further five due to enter service in 2026.

Derbyshire-based Gary Fletcher Surfacing is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the delivery of a new high-specification Volvo FH Aero.

Road testing of hydrogen-powered trucks has begun as part of the Bayernflotte project. This marks the final phase of the research project, which was funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy. To this end, MAN Truck & Bus has handed over three fuel cell trucks to LoadFox Transport Solutions GmbH. The vehicles will be deployed in regular logistics operations over a period of three months. Routes will run between MAN locations in Munich, Dachau and Nuremberg, as well as on additional routes throughout southern Germany.

Grundon Waste Management has recently taken delivery of its largest BEV truck order to date, with four XD FAN 270 Electric 6×2 rear steer rigid chassis with specialist trade waste collection bodies. Grundon has been operating five repowered electric vehicles since 2023 along with another OEM's chassis also carrying trade waste collection systems. These new additions take the current number of BEV Trade Waste vehicles to 10 along with one other OEM tractor unit.

The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has welcomed FAST ORIGINAL as its latest member, further strengthening the Federation's growing network of businesses committed to supporting the long-term success of the UK's independent automotive aftermarket.

Transport Focus and SNAP call for greater industry action after new research highlights the need for safer, higher-quality truck parking and stronger collaboration across government and industry.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has enhanced the range, power and functionality of the all-electric ID. Buzz Cargo with a new 58kWh battery model.

Finding available truck parking spaces remains one of the biggest challenges for long-haul drivers. According to the ADAC, there is still a shortage of around 20,000 truck parking spaces along Germany's motorways. Particularly at night, the shortage becomes increasingly apparent. Mercedes-Benz Trucks is therefore expanding its Remote App with a new parking feature designed to help drivers locate available truck parking spaces more easily.

Holderness-based Johnson & Saunt has recognised the contribution of one of its longest-serving employees with the acquisition of a new Volvo FH Lite 500 6x2 pusher axle tractor unit, the business's first truck from the manufacturer since the 1980s.