Michigan launches $9 million program to help small auto suppliers shift to electric vehicle production

Murray Bridge’s primary producers can deepen their understanding of heavy vehicle compliance and safety with a no-cost workshop on 20 August, featuring expert advice and follow-up vehicle inspections aimed at reducing road risks and regulatory breaches.Heavy vehicle operators in the Murray Bridge area are getting a great chance to boost their compliance and safety understanding with a free, all-inclusive workshop happening this August. The session, dubbed 'Roadworthy Heavy Vehicles... Made Easy!', is designed to demystify regulatory details and improve vehicle safety practices. It’s scheduled for 20 August at the Murray Bridge Imperial Football Club, running from 9am right through to 3pm. The workshop primarily targets grain producers and other primary industry folks who own and run heavy machinery, with industry expert Bernie O’Hara from National Transport Consulting doing both classroom-style teaching and practical demonstrations. This event is part of a broader initiative led by Grain Producers SA (GPSA) in partnership with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Primary Producers SA (PPSA), and it’s supported by the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative. The program zeroes in on key topics like road safety awareness, maintenance duties, and how to effectively use the NHVR Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual—think of it as a crucial compliance guide for producers. Attendees will also get help on how to navigate NHVR’s online platform, NHVRGo, which makes managing heavy vehicle permits and compliance a bit easier. Brad Perry, the CEO of GPSA, highlighted how practical this program really is. He said it’s not just about ticking regulatory boxes but making sure vehicles are safe, businesses stay protected, and operators can relax knowing they’re doing the right thing. Perry made special mention of the local mechanics who donate their time afterward to carry out follow-up roadworthy inspections. These inspections are a wonderful chance for producers to roll up their sleeves, put their new knowledge into practice, and verify that their vehicles meet all the legal standards—all under the watchful eye of experts. Though, it’s worth noting, those inspections aren’t unlimited; you’ve gotta book them through GPSA after the workshop if you’re interested. The Murray Bridge session is just the beginning—there are similar workshops planned in other parts of South Australia like Loxton, Narracoorte, Kadina, and Jamestown. All these sessions are tailored especially for primary producers, blending hands-on mechanical tips with regulatory info to lift overall heavy vehicle safety standards in farming and rural industries. The NHVR points out that these sorts of educational efforts are more vital than ever, given the special hurdles agricultural heavy vehicle operators face—they’ve got to keep up productivity but also follow strict road safety and maintenance rules. Around the country, the NHVR keeps organizing forums, webinars, and other events throughout the year, trying to keep operators up-to-date with compliance and best practices. This movement shows a clear shift toward proactive learning in the heavy vehicle world, aiming to cut down on non-compliance fines and, more importantly, improve safety on the roads for everyone. For producers, the workshops aren’t just about gaining knowledge—they also come with practical tools and personalized support to help ensure their vehicles meet all legal requirements and keep everyone safe as they travel on public roads. If you’re interested in attending the Murray Bridge workshop, make sure you register early because spots are limited. Producers should contact Grain Producers SA to save a spot and also to express interest in the free vehicle inspection afterward. 📌 Reference Map: Paragraph 1 – [1], [2], [3] Paragraph 2 – [1], [4], [7] Paragraph 3 – [1], [4] Paragraph 4 – [1], [2], [3], [5] Paragraph 5 – [4], [7] Paragraph 6 – [5], [7] Paragraph 7 – [1], [3], [4] Source: Noah Wire Services

Australian fleet operators are adopting advanced electronic braking technologies to overcome delays in pneumatic trailer brakes common in North American rigs, enhancing safety, fuel efficiency, and vehicle handling across mixed truck fleets.For fleet operators and transport businesses across Australia’s heavy vehicle scene, braking performance is pretty much everything—not just for vehicle mechanics but also for safety, smooth operation, and keeping trucks on the road. With a lot of European and North American trucks out there, understanding the key differences in their braking systems can really influence how fleet management is approached. At the heart of it, a big distinction comes down to how braking signals get sent from the truck to its trailers. European trucks mostly use Electronic Braking Systems (EBS) that utilize a high-speed Controller Area Network—CAN signal, to be precise—that communicates in real-time with all trailers linked to the truck. This technology makes it possible for the brakes across the whole setup to be applied or released simultaneously, which is especially important when trucks are zipping along at high speeds or pulling longer trailer combinations. I mean, it’s pretty handy when everything works in sync, right? In contrast, North American trucks usually rely on pneumatic signaling for their brakes. That older-school approach has an inherent lag—basically a delay—between when the driver presses the pedal and when the trailer’s brakes actually respond. And let’s be honest, this delay can be pretty significant. At highway speeds—say, around 100 km/h—the rear trailer in an A-double combo might lag by up to 18 meters before braking kicks in. During that interval, the trailer is sort of pushing forward, which not only affects stability but also makes stopping take longer. This delay doesn’t just mess with safety; it also hampers operational flow. Plus, during acceleration, brakes on the rear trailers tend to linger longer than they should, which can lead to increased fuel consumption and quicker brake wear. Thankfully, electronic braking systems solve many of these issues. They send brake and release signals simultaneously across all trailers, making responses much more predictable and consistent. This synchronized operation improves handling, enhances safety, and gives drivers a driving experience that’s a lot more controllable—something pretty vital considering Australia’s often harsh and varied terrain. Now, a company like Knorr-Bremse has stepped in with some pretty clever products aimed at bridging this gap—kind of a game-changer, really. Their Trailer Roadtrain Module (TRM) and Trailer Electronic Braking System (TEBS) are retrofit kits designed to convert pneumatic signals into electronic ones. That way, operators can ensure that brake commands are transmitted promptly throughout mixed vehicle setups. As per the company, these solutions help kick the response time up a notch, making operations safer, smoother, and more efficient—especially when you're dealing with combination fleets that include both types of trucks. To give some context, industry data shows that systems like Wabco’s Electronic Braking System embedded into Iveco’s Stralis trucks can cut down stopping distances by up to 16 meters at 85 km/h. They balance braking effort, utilize engine braking, and distribute wear across the vehicle and trailers evenly, which translates to less maintenance and longer-lasting brake parts. Pretty handy, huh? On a broader level, integrating electronic control over brake pressure—like Bendix’s EBS or ZF’s electronic systems—has become pretty much the standard for boosting safety and performance worldwide. These systems make braking responses smoother, enable automated driver-assist features, and optimize how brake force is spread out—big pluses for keeping vehicles stable and under control, even under different loads. It’s been particularly noticeable in North America, where electronic brake controls are gaining momentum to improve safety, driver comfort, and in some cases, reducing the complexity of components. Knorr-Bremse’s electronic braking ecosystem doesn’t stop there. It includes components that come with ABS, Electronic Stability Programs (ESP), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), making braking quicker than manual inputs alone. Their systems even allow individual wheel brakes to be controlled independently—supporting advanced vehicle dynamic systems and paving the way for highly automated driving tech. Honestly, these are the kinds of innovations that show where heavy vehicle tech is heading—focused on safety, accuracy, and efficiency all rolled into one. For Australian fleets, upgrading to electronic trailer braking isn’t just a techy novelty; it’s a smart strategic move. It reduces operational risks, prolongs the lifespan of brake components, saves fuel, and boosts overall fleet performance. Knorr-Bremse’s dedicated local support, with trained service partners and ready spare parts, means modernization can happen smoothly with minimal downtime or disruptions. To wrap it up, whether your fleet primarily runs North American trucks or a mix of different vehicles, shifting toward electronically controlled braking systems offers clear benefits. These include safer operations, better fuel economy—thanks to less brake drag—less component wear, and more stable handling overall. As these technologies continue to improve and become more commonplace, aligning your fleet with these innovations isn’t just an option; it’s pretty much essential for staying competitive and safe in Australia’s heavy transport world. 📌 Reference Map: Paragraph 1 – [1] Paragraph 2 – [1] Paragraph 3 – [1] Paragraph 4 – [1], [4] Paragraph 5 – [2] Paragraph 6 – [3], [6], [7] Paragraph 7 – [4], [5] Paragraph 8 – [1] Paragraph 9 – [1] Source: Noah Wire Services

The automotive high-performance electric vehicle market is poised to grow from $155 billion in 2024 to $778 billion by 2032, driven by advances in battery technology, supportive government policies, and soaring consumer demand for powerful, sustainable vehicles.The Automotive High Performance Electric Vehicles (HPEV) market is really on the verge of some massive growth, I mean, it’s expected to jump from around US$155 billion in 2024 all the way up to a staggering US$778 billion by 2032. That's a pretty crazy leap — we're talking about a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 38.1% from 2025 to 2032, which shows not just more numbers but a true shift in how the automotive world is changing, driven mainly by new tech and what consumers are now looking for. This rapid expansion? Well, it’s powered by a bunch of factors coming together — like improvements in battery tech, better powertrain systems, and charging stations becoming easier to access. And, to be honest, governments aren’t just sitting back either; they’re pushing with policies—strict rules to cut down emissions and incentives encouraging folks to go electric. Europe, for example, really shines in this arena, with its varied policies helping push EVs quickly into the mainstream and creating a pretty friendly regulatory environment that’s set to boost market growth even more. When you look at market segments, there are clear trends. High-performance EVs are gaining popularity in both personal and commercial sectors. Major players like Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, and Nissan are making big investments in R&D, trying to stay ahead with the latest tech and keep holding onto their share of the pie. Meanwhile, newer brands from Asia—think BYD, ZOTYE, SAIC—are also making waves by tapping into local market strengths and focusing on innovation. Regionally, North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific are leading the charge. Each has its own unique drivers — like better infrastructure, supportive economic policies, and a rising demand for greener transportation options. Europe, specifically, is benefiting from expanded charging networks and policies aimed at shrinking the carbon footprint of roads, which really helps high-performance EVs find their footing more quickly. Another thing to note is how luxury and sporty EVs are evolving—they’re not just about green credentials anymore but also about performance standards that redefine the game. Consumers increasingly want powerful, sustainable rides, which pushes manufacturers to develop high-energy batteries and advanced powertrain tech to meet those high-performance benchmarks. Looking at the industry side of things, this huge growth is both exciting and challenging. There are massive opportunities—think investors, carmakers, parts suppliers, the aftermarket and more—but also hurdles. Issues like sourcing raw materials for batteries, recycling old batteries, and scaling up infrastructure need serious strategic planning and cooperation among players. For everyone involved in the supply chain—OEMs, logistics companies, parts distributors, repair shops, fleet operators—it’s crucial to stay ahead of these market shifts. They’ll need to prepare for laaarger vehicle electrification, manage increasingly complex servicing needs, and ride the wave of trends focusing on vehicle performance and energy management. All in all, this fast-evolving HPEV market isn’t just growing; it’s transforming the entire automotive scene — marked by rapid growth rates, tech breakthroughs, and regional policies that all play a part. For those who can adapt and push innovation, the upcoming opportunities are pretty huge. It’s a fascinating time, no doubt, and it looks like this wave of change won’t slow down anytime soon. Wouldn’t you agree? This industry is really shaping up to redefine what we expect from vehicles in the years ahead. Source: Noah Wire Services