News of the week
MAN, Navistar, DB Schenker, Amazon and more
MAN Truck & Bus offers a comprehensive digital package for operators of electric commercial vehicles, TRATON subsidiary Navistar has rebranded under a new name as of October 1st, DB Schenker is introducing real-time monitoring for containers, and Amazon is using cargo trams for deliveries. Electric trucks made an appearance at Oktoberfest—these are the top news highlights for Week 41 of 2024.
MAN Truck & Bus offers a comprehensive digital package for operators of electric commercial vehicles, TRATON subsidiary Navistar has rebranded under a new name as of October 1st, DB Schenker is introducing real-time monitoring for containers, and Amazon is using cargo trams for deliveries. Electric trucks made an appearance at Oktoberfest—these are the top news highlights for Week 41 of 2024.
- 1. New Service for Electric Truck Customers: MAN Truck & Bus Offers Comprehensive Digital Package
- 2. TRATON Subsidiary Navistar Rebrands as "International" on October 1st
- 3. Ocean Bridge: DB Schenker Introduces Real-Time Container Monitoring
- 4. Trams as Delivery Vehicles: Amazon Uses Cargo Trams for Urban Deliveries
- 5. Electric Trucks at Oktoberfest: Renault and Mercedes Deliver Beer Emissions-Free
MAN Truck & Bus has introduced a new digital package specifically designed for operators of electric commercial vehicles. The goal of this package is to increase operational efficiency and profitability. According to MAN, the package enables real-time monitoring of the vehicle's charge status and allows users to manage charging based on operational needs. Additionally, the package includes a feature for forecasting energy consumption, based on factors like load and driving style, to help maximize range.
As of October 1st, the US-based TRATON subsidiary Navistar has rebranded under the name "International." This name change marks a new phase in the brand’s development, focusing on a stronger global presence while emphasizing its American roots. Navistar plays a key role in TRATON’s efforts to advance electromobility and digitalization in the truck sector. The new brand name reflects this transformation and highlights the company’s international scope.
DB Schenker has launched "Ocean Bridge," an innovative system for real-time monitoring of ocean freight containers. The Ocean Bridge system is designed to provide seamless tracking throughout the entire shipping process. Customers can access critical information in real time, including location data, temperature history, humidity levels, and even shocks experienced by the container during transit. This data is collected through telematics solutions and is accessible via an online portal at any time.
A pilot project between Amazon and the city of Frankfurt is demonstrating how urban logistics can be optimized using trams. For some time now, Amazon has been delivering packages in Frankfurt via tram. In partnership with the Frankfurt Public Transportation Company (VGF), Amazon is leveraging the existing tram network to distribute deliveries across the city. Normally used for passenger transport, the trams in this project are partly repurposed for freight. This approach reduces traffic congestion by decreasing the number of delivery vehicles on the road, while also utilizing the dense tram network to improve delivery efficiency. The trams transport packages to central hubs, where they are then loaded onto cargo bikes for final delivery to customers. According to the city of Frankfurt and Amazon, the project has already led to a reduction in CO2 emissions from urban deliveries. Delivery times have also been shortened, and traffic congestion has been eased. Amazon plans to test the model in other cities to further enhance sustainability and efficiency in its supply chains.
In a bid to contribute to environmental protection at the world’s largest folk festival, both Renault and Mercedes-Benz used electric trucks to deliver beer to selected tents at this year’s Oktoberfest. Renault Trucks provided an E-Tech D Wide electric truck for the Paulaner brewery, while Mercedes-Benz used the event to showcase its electric trucks as well. The fully electric Mercedes-Benz E-Actros delivered freshly brewed beer to the festival grounds for the Augustiner brewery.