Europe's bus and coach operators accelerate safety and sustainability goals with Samsara's Connected Operations platform

Smaller trucking fleets are increasingly turning to innovative fuel card solutions to combat rising fuel costs, optimise routes, and streamline financial controls, offering a crucial edge in a competitive industry.For smaller trucking fleets, fuel costs tend to be the biggest and most unpredictable expense, directly impacting how profitable the business can be. From what I’ve seen and read, using fuel cards smartly can make a real difference — they can cut down the cost per mile significantly, fit right into existing cash-flow systems, and even improve how well finances are managed overall. When new carriers are setting up shop, figuring out a solid fuel management plan really becomes crucial if they want to boost their margins and run things more smoothly. Getting a handle on how fuel prices work is pretty important. The price you see at the pump isn’t always what you end up paying. Fuel card programs, for instance, often negotiate discounts either off that posted price or based on benchmarks like the cost-plus model. These negotiated discounts can vary quite a bit depending on the location and the fuel brand — so planning routes carefully is key in squeezing out the most savings. Take this example: If a truck drives 1,500 miles a week, gets around 6.5 miles per gallon, and saves about 35 cents a gallon thanks to a fuel card, that’s over $4,000 saved every year per truck. Of course, bigger fleets or trucks with better mileage can save even more — which highlights how important it is to choose stops wisely on the route. Now, fuel cards definitely beat regular credit cards meant for consumers in many ways. They usually come with exclusive discounts at fuel stations that you can’t get through standard cards, and they often let you set spending controls. Carriers can limit transactions, restrict purchases to fuel only, or get alerts if something weird happens with spending. A lot of programs even support IFTA — the International Fuel Tax Agreement — which simplifies tax reporting. Features like locking cards so they can only be used for fuel, setting time and location restrictions, adding driver PINs, and tracking odometer readings give fleet managers better control. Basically, they help prevent costly misuse or fraud. Plus, real-time alerts can tip off managers immediately if a transaction isn’t in line with the route or usual patterns, which helps protect margins. Putting together a complete fuel buying plan means focusing on discount locations in the network rather than just going to the most convenient or advertised pump prices. It’s often better to do some smaller, strategic fills instead of blindly filling up at expensive stations, especially when you’re trying to stay flexible and cost-conscious. Also, watching how long trucks idle and how fast they go can boost fuel efficiency. Small improvements in miles per gallon can lead to big savings over time — sometimes thousands of dollars a year per truck. Combining fuel cards with factoring companies or digital wallets can keep cash flowing smoothly, which is a huge plus for new businesses. When invoices are approved, loading funds onto fuel cards via digital wallets means trucks aren’t held up because of lack of cash at the pump. This kind of steady access to fuel money can be a lifesaver during the often tricky first year in business. When choosing a fuel card, it’s smart to ask about how transparent their discounts are—can you see exactly how much you’re saving at each station? It’s also worth clarifying any fees upfront, like card fees, transaction costs, or minimum usage requirements. Make sure to compare control features and alerts—are they included or considered extras? Customer support is another big one—since issues at fueling stations can be time-sensitive, having support available during nights or weekends matters. And if the card can work with factoring and digital wallets seamlessly, that makes managing finances way easier. Some fuel card providers also go beyond just fuel — they might cover vehicle maintenance or repairs, combining operational expenses into one platform. Security features like fraud prevention tools, PIN-protected cards, and detailed activity reports help keep transactions safe and organized. Additionally, some providers report on-time payments to credit bureaus, which helps build a good credit profile for startups and smaller fleets. That’s a real bonus. Wide acceptance networks are another benefit — some programs are accepted at over 14,000 truck stops nationwide, making it convenient for drivers no matter where they are. Some cards also come with perks like rebates on fuel, discounts at repair shops, or partnerships with hotels, which can really help drivers and fleet managers alike. Plus, detailed expense reports give fleets insights into fuel usage and vehicle performance, helping to make smarter decisions and optimize routes. Industry data clearly shows that fuel cards aren’t just about saving money. They also improve operational management and even help with driver retention. For example, reports from specialized providers show average savings between 14 and 35 cents per gallon. Many tools—like fuel price searchers—help plan routes smarter. Managed properly, accounts become more controlled, and drivers tend to appreciate the benefits too, making it easier to keep good drivers happy in a competitive market. All in all, for trucking firms — especially those just starting out or running smaller operations — fuel cards turn out to be pretty versatile financial tools. They help cut down fuel expenses with negotiated discounts, keep cash flowing through factoring and digital wallets, and provide comprehensive oversight with spend controls and detailed reports. Choosing a program that’s transparent about pricing, offers solid customer support, and has flexible controls makes a lot of sense if you want to protect profit margins and keep operations running without hiccups in this tough industry. References: - Paragraph 1 – [1], [4] - Paragraph 2 – [1], [3], [6] - Paragraph 3 – [1], [5] - Paragraph 4 – [1], [3], [6] - Paragraph 5 – [1] - Paragraph 6 – [1], [2], [5] - Paragraph 7 – [3], [4], [7] - Paragraph 8 – [5], [6] - Paragraph 9 – [1], [2], [3], [4], [6] Source: Noah Wire Services

Chinese luxury auto brand Hongqi unveils its all-electric EHS5 SUV at IAA Mobility, signalling a major expansion into Europe's competitive EV landscape with localisation and safety innovations.Chinese luxury auto brand Hongqi, which is a part of the state-owned FAW Group, has just revealed its latest all-electric SUV, the EHS5, at the IAA Mobility event held in Munich. This move signals a clear strategic push to grow its presence in Europe's fiercely competitive EV market. The midsize SUV is designed to attract European families, offering a good balance between everyday usability and the ability to cover long-distance trips, all while cutting a pretty handy figure with strong safety features, roomy interiors, and advanced digital connectivity. Now, traditionally, Hongqi has been well known in China for making official state vehicles powered by combustion engines. But recently, they've made a pretty decisive shift towards electrification and expanding internationally. Since debuting in Europe in 2022 with their flagship E-HS9 electric SUV—initially in countries like Norway and the Netherlands, and later Germany—the brand has been broadening its range. At the Paris Motor Show in October 2024, Hongqi launched the EH7 luxury sedan and the EHS7 premium SUV, both of which have started getting to European customers later that same year. The new EHS5 is positioned as a smaller, more affordable option compared to the EHS7. Specific pricing isn’t out yet, but industry experts are guessing it'll come at a price lower than the £59,995 starting point of the EHS7. This SUV uses an 85 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which they say should give a WLTP-certified range of roughly 550 km, and energy consumption around 16.2 kWh per 100 km. When it comes to charging, it supports rapid DC fast charging. Claims are that the battery can go from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes, although the specifics about voltage and max charging power are still under wraps. Essentially, this setup seems to aim for a good mix of performance and practicality, making it suitable for city driving or suburban trips. Safety, naturally, is a big deal with the EHS5. The vehicle’s body is built with 78% ultra-high-strength steel to boost crash protection. It’s loaded with advanced driver-assistance systems like predictive emergency braking with multi-scenario detection, a 360-degree environment monitoring system, and front and rear cross-traffic alerts with brake intervention. These features clearly show Hongqi’s commitment to meeting the strict safety standards required in Europe. Inside, comfort is emphasised with what they call the "Queen’s Seats" up front—offering 18-way electric adjustments, plus heating, ventilation, and even massage functions. Passengers in the back can enjoy reclining seats for those long journeys. The cabin comes equipped with a 15.6-inch 2.5K central display, an augmented reality head-up display projecting over 65 inches, and a premium 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system. For connectivity, it supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and popular streaming apps like Spotify and YouTube, paired with four-zone voice control. Practical features include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) power export capability, wireless smartphone charging, and significant cargo space—1,611 litres in the rear boot and a 42-litre front trunk—making it quite versatile for different needs. Hongqi’s plans for Europe go beyond just launching cars. They aim to introduce 15 electric and hybrid models across 25 European markets by 2028—an aggressive growth strategy, no doubt. This includes expanding local sales and after-sales support, as well as partnering with European stakeholders to better cater to regional preferences and driving conditions. Their approach seems to align with a broader trend among Chinese automakers adopting a “for Europe, from Europe” philosophy—something we’ve seen in BYD’s factory in Hungary or Xpeng’s R&D hub in Munich. This local focus underscores a real commitment to the market. Of course, this expansion faces stiff competition, both from domestic rivals and European brands. Chinese automakers are fighting price wars at home and dealing with increasing regulatory hurdles—such as recent EU tariffs on Chinese EV imports. As a result, they’re actively seeking profitable growth abroad. Hongqi’s entry into various European markets, including Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, exemplifies this strategy. Plus, their market share in Europe is rising—almost doubling from 2.4% to 4.8% in just a year. Analysts believe that within the next decade, Chinese brands could even rival established Japanese and Korean automakers in the region. European carmakers aren’t standing still either. At the same Munich show, BMW showcased an updated iX3 SUV, Mercedes rolled out the new GLC EV, and Volkswagen revealed their more affordable ID.Polo EV—signaling a pretty intense "Europe vs. China" battle in the EV space. While the EHS5 sounds pretty promising for European buyers, its success will depend on more than just the vehicle itself. The company will need to navigate Europe's complex regulations, build out charging infrastructure, and manage how it’s perceived by consumers. Their focus on localised support and development, plus the investments they’ve made in tech and safety, position Hongqi as a noteworthy contender in this changing EV landscape. Sources: - [1] - [2] - [3] - [4] - [5] - [6] Source: Noah Wire Services

As UK car manufacturing declines and global trade tensions threaten exports, industry charity Ben enhances support for displaced workers with proactive upskilling and mental health initiatives in a bid to stabilise the sector's future.The UK automotive industry is currently going through quite a tough patch, with production numbers declining, a significant number of jobs being lost, and a real urgency to tackle skills shortages. Industry charity Ben has stepped up its support for automotive workers affected by redundancies. They're not just offering immediate help for those losing their jobs but also focusing on proactive solutions like upskilling and career coaching. For instance, with UK car manufacturing dipping nearly 12% in the first half of 2025, and thousands of jobs being cut across the supply chain, Ben’s expanded ‘Work, health & wellbeing’ services aim to serve as a safety net. These include free online tools, personalized coaching for CV writing, job hunting strategies, managing stress, and financial advice. Plus, there's added digital mental health support programs to back workers up. Rachel Clift, Ben’s CEO, points out that the industry faces a two-fold challenge: “The automotive sector is dealing with redundancies while also having a long-term technician shortage,” she explains. This concern isn’t unfounded — predictions suggest that by 2035, the industry may need to fill over 111,400 new and replacement roles, including 45,800 technician positions. Ben also works closely with key industry players like Rygor, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). These groups provide tailored career resources to help workers manage these turbulent times. Right now, things are made worse by a handful of economic and geopolitical issues. Recently, Lotus announced plans to cut 550 jobs in the UK — around 40% of their 1,300-strong workforce. The company cited falling sales and financial instability caused by global uncertainties such as trade tensions and tariff implications. Although Lotus said it plans to keep manufacturing at its Norfolk plant, the company’s shift towards third-party production and consolidating globally reflects broader instability across the industry. Interestingly enough, this restructuring follows a government-backed intervention that previously prevented the plant’s closure, which really highlights just how fragile UK automotive manufacturing has become given the changing trade policies. Tariffs from the US are still a huge threat, especially to the UK’s luxury brands like Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover, and McLaren. These companies face a 25% import tariff on foreign-made vehicles, and Mike Hawes, SMMT's CEO, has warned that these tariffs are quickly eating into export volumes. Unless the government steps in or manages to negotiate better trade deals, thousands of jobs — estimates suggest over 25,000 — could be at risk. These tariffs push up costs and also scare away wealthy American buyers, which directly hits order books and company forecasts. Industry experts warn that unless something changes, many jobs in the UK automotive sector could be lost. On top of that, suppliers in Germany connected with car manufacturing are also feeling the pinch. Thyssenkrupp, for example, announced plans to cut around 1,800 jobs, blaming weak market conditions and tariff concerns. Meanwhile, recruitment firm Hays has issued a serious profit warning, mainly because of reduced hiring in Germany’s automotive sector. That market’s been especially hit by US tariffs and economic headwinds. These issues highlight how intertwined the European automotive supply chain is — problems in one area quickly ripple out and affect employment and investment confidence throughout. Despite a slowdown in job openings across the UK motor trade — vacancies dropped to a vacancy rate of 2.7% in May 2025, a 21% decrease from the previous year — there’s still a strong demand for skilled technicians. Many automotive firms report difficulties in filling these technical roles, and wages are climbing for those positions. The average salary for vehicle technicians is now well above the government median, which shows how competitive the market for skilled, hands-on workers has become. This ongoing skills gap underscores the importance of initiatives like the ones Ben supports—focused on reskilling and career development—to help secure a sustainable workforce long term. As the industry grapples with all these challenges, there's a growing consensus that a unified support system is crucial. Combining immediate aid for workers who’ve lost their jobs with longer-term investments in talent development seems to be the best way forward. While companies and policymakers are trying to navigate economic and trade uncertainties, charities and industry organisations are playing an increasingly vital role — helping automotive professionals shift careers, and ensuring the workforce’s capabilities adapt to evolving industry needs. Source: Noah Wire Services