Three manufacturers have stepped up their effort for alternative energy for their vehicles, especially in the commercial sector.
Toyota Motor Corporation, Isuzu Motors Limited and Hino Motors Limited have joined hands with Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT) to develop light-duty fuel-cell (FC) electric trucks for the mass market.
The joint initiative is expected to contribute to the realisation of a hydrogen society, as well as carbon neutrality by expanding the options available for customer use and increasing the demand for hydrogen. The companies will also promote the introduction of FC electric trucks to the market along with their widespread use.
On the road to carbon neutrality, there are various powertrain options that meet customers' demands – including Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Battery Electric Vehicles, and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, depending on the energy conditions in different countries and regions and how customers use their vehicles.
Light-duty trucks are often used by supermarkets and convenience stores for distribution purposes, in addition to supporting people's daily lives. They are also equipped with refrigeration and freezing functions as they are required to drive long distances over extended hours to perform multiple delivery operations in one day. Furthermore, they must also meet requirements such as fast refuelling capability.
The use of FC technology, which runs on high energy density hydrogen and has zero CO2 emissions while driving, is considered effective under such operating conditions.
The four companies will mobilise their combined knowledge – the truck technology that Isuzu and Hino have accumulated over the years as well as Toyota's FC technology – in pursuit of products that meet the performance and conditions required for light-duty trucks. It will be introduced to the market in 2023 and used by the partners at actual distribution sites in Fukushima Prefecture and Tokyo social implementation projects.
General Motors (GM) has renewed its joint venture with China's SAIC Motor Corp for another 20 years, enabling the United States (US) automaker to use China as an export hub amid rising competition from Chinese brands in and outside their home market.
Audi South Africa has expanded its compact SUV line-up with the introduction of the new Q2 S line derivative.
LDV South Africa has added a new entry model to its line‑up with the launch of the T60 Utility Single Cab. Priced from R299 900, it is positioned as one of the most affordable single‑cab bakkies in the country, aimed at businesses and fleet operators who require a dependable workhorse with modern equipment.
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