Volvo Trucks introduces Load Finder to cut deadhead miles and boost efficiency

European and Chinese automakers are forging closer partnerships, leveraging their respective strengths in innovation and manufacturing, to shape the future of sustainable and intelligent mobility amidst escalating global market tensions.The future direction of the global car industry is increasingly leaning on openness and collaborative efforts—especially between European and Chinese companies—according to Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, a prominent German automotive expert and head of the Center for Automotive Research in Bochum. Speaking just before the 2025 IAA Mobility event in Munich, Dudenhoeffer pointed out that the changing landscape of automotive innovation and industry overhaul is driven by the synergy between Europe's deep expertise in vehicle dynamics, brand heritage, and China's strengths in digital infrastructure, software, and automation. This cooperation, I think, is becoming more vital as the industry navigates contrasting geopolitical trends. On one side, the U.S. has pushed aggressive tariff policies aimed at reducing trade deficits, but Dudenhoeffer warns that these policies might create unpredictable trade barriers which could hurt the global automotive scene. Meanwhile, Europe and China are forming partnerships that boost the uptake of electric vehicles and smart car tech. The upcoming Munich show, which is set to feature around 116 Chinese firms, is expected to showcase progress in autonomous driving, smart cockpit systems, and digitalization—all areas where Chinese companies are really making strides. China's role at IAA Mobility also highlights how competition between European and Chinese automakers—especially in electric vehicles—is heating up. Brands like BYD, GAC, Changan, and Hongqi have made significant inroads into Europe. For example, BYD's global sales hit 4.2 million units in 2024, with European sales soaring by nearly 290% in 2025 alone. European legacy automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, and Volkswagen are reacting cautiously but are increasingly pushing out new EV models to fight for market share. Some analysts say Europe has been a bit slow to respond to the Chinese EV boom, which makes the need for collaborative innovation even more urgent. Beyond just competing, Chinese firms are actively investing in Europe’s manufacturing hubs and innovation landscapes. Major Chinese battery producers are setting up large battery cell plants in Germany, aiming to accelerate the deployment of green tech in line with Germany’s goal of having 15 million electric cars on the road by 2030. Brands like NIO and BYD are rolling out new EV models in European countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden. These cross-border investments and technological exchanges are further cementing China's role as an essential partner in Europe’s push toward EV adoption. Dudenhoeffer emphasized that this kind of Europe-China cooperation isn’t just about market share—it’s also a strategic necessity for maintaining competitiveness amidst global uncertainty and protectionism. He’s quite optimistic about ongoing negotiations to reduce tariffs between China and Europe, hoping for a future where auto tariffs are minimized or eliminated altogether. This, he suggests, would be beneficial for both sides. He contrasted this optimistic outlook with the U.S. policies back home, which he criticizes for cutting green energy incentives and enacting tariffs that complicate global supply chains and threaten sustainability efforts. Looking further ahead, Dudenhoeffer believes that the overarching goal for the automotive world involves pushing toward sustainable development through electrification, digitalization, and automation. Combining the European mastery of traditional automotive craftsmanship and road handling with Chinese innovation in intelligent tech and long-term planning creates a kind of complementary partnership. By leveraging these combined strengths—through openness and better infrastructure—the industry could really lead the way in transitioning to next-generation, low-carbon mobility. So, in a nutshell, this transformation is unfolding amidst geopolitical tensions and market turbulence, but international platforms like the Munich auto show still paint an encouraging picture of shared development. It’s not just about rolling out smarter, more comfortable, and automated vehicles—the process also paves an important path for building a resilient and sustainable future for the global automotive scene. Honestly, it’s pretty interesting, right? Despite all the turbulence, cooperation seems to be the way forward, and everyone stands to benefit from it. References: - Paragraph 1 – [1], [4] - Paragraph 2 – [1], [2] - Paragraph 3 – [2] - Paragraph 4 – [3], [5], [6] - Paragraph 5 – [1], [4] - Paragraph 6 – [1] Source: Noah Wire Services

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

MAN Truck & Bus's fully electric trucks have surpassed five million kilometres across Europe in demanding operational roles, demonstrating their viability and rapid adoption in sustainable commercial transport, with major companies and municipalities leading the charge.Since early 2025, MAN Truck & Bus's fully electric trucks have traveled over five million kilometres in demanding daily operations across Europe, really showing their increasing viability and acceptance in the world of commercial logistics. Big names in European logistics, like DB Schenker, Dachser, Duvenbeck, and Dräxlmaier, played a big part in reaching this milestone. These approximately 200 battery-electric trucks, which consume about 90 kWh per 100 km on average, have together helped save roughly 3,600 tonnes of CO₂, especially when compared to traditional diesel trucks that burn around 27 litres per 100 km. If you think about it, over the trucks’ typical lifespan — which is around 1.2 million kilometres — that could amount to roughly 172,000 tonnes of CO₂ saved. To put that into perspective, it’s about the same as what a mid-sized German city of around 32,000 people might produce each year. What’s quite remarkable is how versatile MAN's eTGX and eTGS electric models have proven to be, operating successfully in all sorts of sectors. These include automotive logistics, timber, food transportation, and municipal services. They’re built at MAN’s Munich plant, where they use a pretty innovative mixed production line—capable of rolling out up to 100 units every day. These trucks are designed not just for city driving but also for medium to long-distance haulage, construction jobs, and urban deliveries. Friedrich Baumann, who’s in charge of Sales and Customer Solutions at MAN Truck & Bus, mentions that hitting five million kilometres practically serves as "impressive proof of the practical suitability" of their electric trucks, really highlighting how adaptable they are in real-world settings. The first batch—about 200 pre-series electric trucks—rolled off the line in 2024. They were built for customers eager to move toward electric mobility. These trucks have been put to work in several countries—Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Poland, Portugal, Norway, Denmark—you get the idea. For instance, the Behrens Group, a major German timber wholesaler, has clocked over 50,000 kilometres using MAN eTGX trucks equipped with swap bodies for electric forklifts and partly powered by solar energy. Then there’s the Jacky Perrenot Group in France, which ordered over 100 units for food delivery, and Danone in Poland, using these trucks to cut back on supply chain emissions. Also, Royal Unibrew in Denmark and Nor Tekstil—the largest textile service provider in Norway—have incorporated MAN eTrucks into their fleets. It’s like a wave across Europe toward greener logistics. And it’s not just companies—the public sector is taking note too. An Austrian consortium, involving 12 cities and municipalities, has signed contracts for up to 45 MAN electric trucks, which signals a rising trend in municipal adoption. From a production side, MAN aims to exceed 1,000 electric truck orders by the end of 2025. That’s after they saw nearly 800 confirmed orders shortly after starting series production in June 2024. In fact, there was a huge jump—about 238% more electric vehicles sold in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period the previous year. Admittedly, they started from a pretty low base, but still, the growth is promising. These trucks are also quite capable on long hauls, with typical daily ranges between 400 and 600 kilometres, and some even reaching up to 800 km with strategic charging in between, as Dr Frederik Zohm, one of MAN’s R&D leaders, points out. A core part of the MAN approach is modular battery design and durability, which aims to make it easier for fleet operators to transition, especially since they often have heavy-duty schedules. From the feedback so far, it seems that electric trucks can handle the tough demands of various tasks, while also delivering environmental advantages and dependable operation. It’s pretty interesting, right? I find it surprising that electric trucks like these can really match up to traditional diesel ones in so many ways—while also helping reduce emissions significantly. The future of logistics, it seems, is heading toward cleaner, smarter technology, and MAN appears to be leading quite well in that shift. Source: Noah Wire Services