Aeolus Truck & Driver News

The past two IAA Transportation expos held in Hannover, Germany have shone the spotlight on electrification with the European brands leading the way.

The big news theme of the 2027 show held in September was a barrage of fresh and future truck models from Chinese brands developed to challenge the European establishment.

IAA Transportation 2026 featured 1,589 exhibitors from 46 countries, and set a new record for international participation.

About 460 Chinese companies were represented in Hannover this year and China had its strongest presence ever with truck brands including BIAC Foton, BYD, GAC, Farizon Geely, FAW, and SANY premiering new trucks.

A significant milestone on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Papakura to Drury Road of Regional Significance has been reached with southbound traffic now using a new motorway alignment and bridge.

“The Southern Motorway carries about 80,000 vehicles each day and is critical to Auckland and the upper North Island’s economy,” says Transport Minister Chris Bishop.

“The Papakura to Drury project will improve safety, resilience, and journey reliability, while supporting growth in South Auckland and strengthening connections for people and freight.”

Moving southbound traffic onto the new alignment (between the BP motorway service centre, south of Papakura Interchange...

The new site covers 6,250m² - up from 1,500m² at TDX’s previous location at 6 Rerewai Place. Positioned by State Highway 2, it will give TDX greater visibility, and room to support its growing customer base in the Bay of Plenty and the wider Central North Island.

TDX National Aftersales Manager Craig Wymer says the move reflects the region’s growth and TDX’s commitment to strong local support.

“Tauranga and the wider Central North Island have become increasingly important areas for both TDX and LDX. With...

The BYD ETT 44 premiered at Hannover with its debut coinciding with a 5-star EuroNCAP safety assessment and a CitySafe award for vision.

The ETT 44 is specifically targeted at Europe markets, with a 4x2 tractor configuration capable at working at 44t GCM.

It uses a 651kWh version of BYD’s `Blade’ battery and the truck operates on a 851-volt architecture with a rated power output of 743PS and a peak output of 1,000PS.

BYD says the ETT 44 has a range of...

The latest part of a nationwide network aimed at improving road safety and regulatory compliance for heavy vehicles is up and running.

The new Mackays Crossing Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre (CVSC), located on State Highway 59, between the Mackays Crossing and Paekākāriki interchanges, is the eighth of 12 planned CVSC facilities around the country to become operational.

The cost of the new Mackays Crossing CVSC is approximately $13.3 million and the facility enables vehicle screening with weigh-in-motion

(in-road) scales, automatic number plate recognition cameras and electronic signs working together to identify potentially overweight vehicles.