If there are two phrases that sum up what the following yr seems like for brand spanking new OEM merchandise, it could be sustainability and security. On the sustainability entrance, there are the apparent zero-emissions, electrical car (EV) developments we’ve come to count on from truck producers worldwide, but it surely additionally seems like pure gasoline engines may nonetheless be having their second.
With regards to security, we’re seeing an excessive amount of funding in collision-avoidance and driver-assist programs, as many such programs now have gotten customary choices on new fleet tools. And the expertise is advancing quickly, so count on the next-generation updates of OEMs respective proprietary programs, with larger performance and extra bells and whistles.
There’s even a bit little bit of motion within the autonomous car area, which may speed up on the heels of some key mergers inside the supply car area.
Right here’s a take a look at what’s on producers’ docket for 2026 and some years past.
Daimler/Freightliner
Daimler introduced the launch of what it says is the business’s first 15-liter pure gasoline engine — the Cummins X15N — within the Fifth Technology Freightliner Cascadia. The providing got here lower than a yr after Cummins started full manufacturing of the X15N, marking the primary of the Cummins HELM engine platforms. Every HELM platform engine mannequin supplied is particularly constructed and optimized to run on a selected gasoline kind, similar to pure gasoline, diesel or hydrogen to satisfy prospects’ wants.
Manufacturing of the Fifth Technology Freightliner Cascadia, powered by the Cummins X15N, started this previous summer season. This engine might be obtainable for the 126-inch bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) Cascadia in each sleeper and day cab configurations. Moreover, Freightliner is providing elective body drilling prep configurations for frame-mounted and back-of-cab-mounted compressed pure gasoline (CNG) gasoline tanks to assist buyer vary wants.
The X15N is licensed at 50mg NOx and was constructed particularly as a pure gasoline engine. The X15N options as much as a ten% enchancment in gasoline financial system over Cummins’ 12-liter pure gasoline engine with related score and responsibility cycle. The X15N delivers the efficiency, sturdiness, and energy required in quite a lot of heavy responsibility and vocational functions and is a wonderful different for fleets seeking to considerably scale back their carbon footprint. The engine could be paired with different Cummins powertrain elements to ship optimized options that additional enhance emissions past what the engine can do by itself.
The Fifth Technology Freightliner Cascadia gives the Detroit Assurance Suite of Security Programs with Energetic Brake Help 6 (ABA6), refined aerodynamics, and new enterprise intelligence instruments to maximise profitability. ABA6 enhances collision avoidance with computerized braking in additional situations. Streamlined elements just like the Max Aero Bumper and redesigned hood scale back drag and enhance effectivity.
Freightliner additionally introduced that, starting with 2026 builds, all Freightliner M2 106 Plus, eM2, and M2 112 Plus fashions will characteristic superior LED headlights as customary tools.
The brand new LED headlights characteristic a daylight-like white mild with 6,000K coloration temperature, just like pure daylight. This lighting high quality enhances visibility and helps driver consciousness of highway hazards, signage and pedestrians. There’s additionally an elective computerized deicing characteristic that retains headlights clear in snow, ice or freezing rain, making certain dependable efficiency in all situations with out the necessity for handbook intervention.
Made to resist harsh environmental situations, the LED headlamp system is engineered for longevity, with a lifespan of as much as 30,000 hours. This prolonged service life, Freightliner says, interprets immediately into diminished upkeep wants, fewer service interruptions and decrease substitute prices over the car’s lifetime. In addition they are totally appropriate with earlier M2 Plus sequence and legacy fashions, permitting for straightforward upgrades throughout present fleets.
Daimler/Mercedes-Benz Vehicles
In different Daimler information, Mercedes-Benz Vehicles introduced in November that it’ll develop its driver help programs with new features, starting in February 2026. Amongst these is Energetic Brake Help 6 Plus, which replaces Energetic Brake Help 6. The corporate notes that the Help Plus 6 will allow to car to react to crucial conditions even quicker than the earlier model, selling the next degree of accident prevention.
A complicated model of its consideration assistant expertise, Consideration Help 2, additionally might be obtainable on vehicles beginning in February. The system will help forestall accidents by issuing visible and acoustic warnings if the motive force’s consideration drifts or if the motive force is overtired. It makes use of an built-in infrared digital camera for visible recognition of head and pupil place, detecting not solely the extent of fatigue by way of cues like growing blinking, yawning, or drooping eyelids, but additionally the motive force’s consideration primarily based on the calculated angle of view.
Volvo Vehicles North America
Volvo Vehicles North America earlier this yr unveiled its all-new VNR line, that includes a 90 p.c redesign over the earlier era truck. The brand new iteration is optimized for shorter-range operations, with a tighter turning radius ideally suited for navigating city routes, with the pliability to deal with long-haul operations when crucial.
Superior security, connectivity, maneuverability and visibility options additional improve its functionality, making it effectively fitted to areas with heavy pedestrian exercise. Fashions embody VNR 300, VNR 440, VNR 640, VNR 660, and VNR straight truck. The brand new VNRs options high-strength metal building and gives customizable exterior and inside design choices, obtainable in two trim ranges: Core and Edge.
The Core trim degree is good for fleets with a number of drivers or functions that require frequent cab entry and exit. The inside door panels, kick panels, and sprint are all product of powerful molded polymers, making it straightforward to scrub and to cover put on and tear. Exterior trim items that may very well be impacted by high-traffic operations could be repaired and changed with no portray wanted. The Edge trim options chrome accents across the grill and air consumption, in addition to a brand new chrome-plated steel bumper designed to deal with regional and native deliveries. Different upgrades embody a leather-wrapped steering wheel, comfortable contact sprint and armrests.
The brand new VNR line additionally incorporates 24-volt electrical structure that was launched with the all-new Volvo VNL. The 24-volt structure permits for quicker and extra correct diagnostics, minimizing battery and electrical failures. Its design incorporates lighter elements and extra dependable, serviceable wiring harnesses, lowering put on and tear because of the decrease amperage whereas making certain most operational effectivity.
So far as security is worried the VNR line consists of the Volvo Energetic Security Platform, which incorporates Volvo Energetic Driver Help (VADA) with ahead collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise management, and computerized emergency braking. Different options embody the E-Name emergency response system and built-in cab-mounted facet curtain airbags obtainable on each the motive force and passenger facet.
Non-obligatory superior security packages (VADA Plus) with Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) provide lane-keep assist and blind spot monitoring. Utilizing radar on either side of the truck, the system detects when different highway customers, like pedestrians or cyclists, is perhaps within the truck’s path. The passenger-side system informs the motive force through a strong mild within the A-pillar or Digital camera Monitor System and flashes with audible warnings if the flip sign is activated or the car is popping. A driver-side possibility can also be obtainable.
The totally built-in Digital camera Monitor System permits for smaller, extra aerodynamic cab-mounted mirrors versus the massive, conventional mirrors. The Digital camera Monitor System gives superior visibility and helps secure maneuvering for the motive force.
Moreover, infrared expertise for low-light operation eliminates blinding from headlights of the autos behind the truck. Digital reference traces assist the motive force choose the tip of the trailer and the space to things behind the truck, whereas the Auto Pan characteristic permits the digital camera to observe the trailer. These superior security options assist the motive force’s capability to make lane adjustments extra safely in congested areas.
The truck sequence additionally delivers as much as 7.5% improved gasoline effectivity in contrast with the legacy VNR by way of enhanced aerodynamics, powertrain improvements and idle discount applied sciences lowering gasoline prices and emissions for fleets. Co-roll expertise will disengage the driveline on a downhill grade and let the truck roll for an optimum period of time to assist save power.
The cab options three ranges of seat consolation, with continuously used seat controls repositioned to the right-hand facet for simpler changes. A wraparound dashboard design retains key controls inside attain, minimizing distractions. Steering wheel-mounted controls enable drivers to function crucial features with out taking their fingers off the wheel, whereas elective navigation displayed immediately within the Driver Data Show (DID) retains routing data at eye degree.
For drivers working in colder climates or making frequent stops, Volvo’s new Brief Cease parking heater, obtainable in day cab fashions, retains the cab heat for as much as half-hour with out idling — lowering gasoline consumption and enhancing driver consolation throughout breaks or whereas unloading.
The Volvo Join portal and MyTruck App give fleets complete car knowledge, distant entry and exact management over operations. With the MyTruck App, drivers can remotely monitor fluid ranges, verify lamp standing and alter settings immediately from their smartphone, making certain optimum efficiency and comfort.
Volvo Join is a portal the place fleets can analyze near-real-time knowledge similar to location reporting, route evaluation, pending distant programing updates, gasoline financial system, and driver security data similar to cruise management use, harsh braking incidents and seatbelt use. The autos additionally embody an progressive 6×2 raise axle designed to optimize gasoline effectivity and efficiency. Adaptive Loading balances the load between the axles when the truck is closely loaded, and at an acceptable level, the non-drive entrance axle routinely lifts, lowering friction and saving gasoline. Throughout lighter hauls, Adaptive Loading improves traction by transferring extra weight to the rear axle.
And, powertrain enhancements on the all-new Volvo VNR account for almost 30% of the gasoline effectivity enchancment. The following-generation D13 VGT engine options design enhancements to drive larger gasoline financial savings.
Volvo additionally introduced that built-in facet curtain airbags will now be customary tools on new Volvo truck fashions constructed for the North American market. Volvo Vehicles launched the motive force entrance airbag in 1996 with the launch of the VN mannequin and made it customary tools going ahead.
The facet curtain airbags are engineered to deploy in a rollover, providing added safety for each the motive force and passenger. Rollovers stay among the many most extreme crash varieties, accounting for roughly half of all truck occupant fatalities. By making facet curtain airbags customary, Volvo Vehicles is increasing entry to a confirmed security innovation that may assist scale back accidents and fatalities in these high-impact conditions. This added safety will now be customary on each new Volvo VNL and new VNR as a part of Volvo’s safety-first strategy.
Worldwide Motors
Worldwide introduced the launch this yr of the latest addition to the corporate’s electrical car lineup: an all-electric Class 8 Worldwide eRH Collection.
The eRH Collection is offered in 4×2 and 6×4 axle configurations, and gives a variety of as much as 300 miles, relying on configuration, battery capability and use.
The eRH is optimized for productiveness in native and regional functions. It includes a 113-inch bumper to again of cab (BBC) measurement for optimized ahead visibility, in addition to specifically designed wheelbases for tight turning radius. These options, mixed with the Bendix Fusion built-in driver help programs, have been built-in for safer highway operations, in keeping with Worldwide.
The sequence comes with lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery configuration choices starting from 300 kilowatt hours to 500 kilowatt hours usable battery capability, offering excessive power density in a compact area and revenue for the client.
The tandem and single eAxle configurations scale back the complexity and maximize effectivity of the car drivetrain. The corporate contends that this ends in decrease whole working prices whereas offering peak and steady energy with optimum efficiency. The eRH gives three ranges of driver-selectable regenerative braking, extending vary whereas permitting drivers to finest go well with their wants.
Moreover, Worldwide in October introduced that it’s accelerating Stage 4 autonomous car improvement by way of its partnership with tech corporations PlusAI and Nvidia. The truck is being constructed on Nvidia’s Drive AGX Hyperion infrastructure platform with PlusAI’s SuperDrive AI-based autonomous driving software program.
PACCAR/Kenworth
Kenworth not too long ago debuted its next-generation T680E battery electrical truck, that includes not solely the most recent advances in battery-electric expertise, however an enhanced exterior design and new in-cab expertise.
The up to date T680E features a new PACCAR-integrated ePowertrain system that gives between 365 and 470 horsepower steady energy and as much as 605 peak horsepower with 1,850 pound-feet of torque. Three totally different battery-string configurations can be found, the biggest of which includes a 500 kilowatt-hour battery pack that gives greater than 200 miles of driving vary. The car makes use of a CCS1 DC quick charger with a 350 kilowatt-hours peak cost price, enabling it to cost as much as 90% in about two hours.
It includes a full exterior redesign, incorporating aerodynamic refinements and customary LED headlights.
Within the cab, there’s an upgraded digital interface that gives drivers with battery-electric-vehicle-specific insights into vary, regenerative braking, and efficiency. Moreover, Kenworth’s new DriverConnect show integrates a 15-inch digital touchscreen to reinforce operation of the battery-electric truck. The T680E additionally is obtainable with Kenworth superior driver help system (ADAS) packages for patrons serious about DigitalVision Mirrors, Bendix Fusion and Lane Maintaining Help.
The Bendix Fusion system gives up to date adaptive cruise management, a brand new pedestrian autonomous emergency braking (PAEB) characteristic, and high-beam help, all supported by a forward-directed digital camera.
Along with Bendix Fusion, all ADAS packages embody tire stress monitoring, providing real-time details about tire well being, alerting drivers to potential points.
PACCAR/Peterbilt
One other PACCAR model, Peterbilt, introduced the supply of latest LED headlights throughout all of its medium responsibility autos. Along with larger mild output, the brand new LED headlights present improved vary and elevated beam unfold, and promise larger effectivity with half the ability consumption of conventional halogen lights.
Additionally, the low-beam head-light glare to oncoming site visitors is 28% lower than the utmost required restrict, Peterbilt notes. The corporate provides that the high-beam headlights radiate 65% farther than halogen headlights.
The brand new LED headlights can be found on Peterbilt fashions 548, 537, 536 and 535.
Peterbilt additionally debuted its next-generation 579EV, constructing on the diesel-powered mannequin 579. The 579 EV gives three distinct battery capability choices with a most vary of 200 miles, as much as 350kW DC charging, enabling 80% cost in simply over 90 minutes; security enhancements, together with a brand new digital parking brake (EPB) and customary Bendix Fusion Cease & Auto-Go Superior.
The outside design of the 579EV options an unique grille with a particular sample and splayed grille bars with blue accents, whereas the hood options trendy facet panels with shiny bezels and blue accents. The inside design options laser-etched trim panels and grey stitching on the EV-exclusive Platinum Ionic Grey inside.
Motiv/Workhorse
EV producers Motiv Electrical Vehicles and Workhorse Group introduced in August that they’d mix operations to create a formidable medium-duty electrical truck OEM, providing a variety of EV choices in Courses 4-6. As soon as accomplished, Motiv’s controlling investor will change into the bulk proprietor of the corporate, whereas Workhorse shareholders would preserve a major fairness stake. The deal is anticipated to shut by the tip of 2025.
Workhorse has been showcasing its W56 Class 5 & 6 all-electric step van designed to satisfy last-mile supply necessities with as much as 150 miles of vary and cargo capacities of 1,000 or 1,200 cubic toes. In the meantime, Motiv’s Class 4 electrical field vehicles have been on the highway for almost 11 years, with a payload of as much as 5,000 kilos and a variety as much as 115 miles. The corporate is anticipated to unveil its Class 6 field vehicles at main fleet commerce occasions in 2026.
Mitsubishi Fuso/Hino Motors: Introducing ARCHION
In different M&A information, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. and Hino Motors have introduced the title of the 2 merged entities’ holding corporations: ARCHION. ARCHION is slated to start operations April 1, 2026, primarily based on the ultimate phrases of the enterprise integration that concluded in June between Mitsubishi Fuso’s majority proprietor Daimler Truck AG and Hino’s mum or dad firm Toyota Motor Corp.
ARCHION plans to attract on the experience of each corporations to reinforce the event of hydrogen gasoline cell expertise. The corporate additionally expects to speed up its progress within the autonomous car realm.
As for the title’s inspiration, the 2 corporations say it’s a little bit of a mash-up between two ideas: “arches,” representing the connection between the businesses and their stakeholders, in addition to to one another; and “eons,” which represents “the way forward for transportation, connecting to a greater life for the following era.”
Isuzu Industrial Vehicles
Isuzu not too long ago broke floor on its new, $280 million, 1 million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Piedmont, S.C., which is anticipated to have a manufacturing capability of fifty,000 models by 2030 and can initially produce Isuzu N-Collection Fuel, N-Collection Electrical and F-Collection Diesel vehicles. Preliminary meeting operations will start in 2027 and can additional develop in 2028. As for particular product information, Isuzu introduced that the N-Collection Fuel, one of many firm’s strongest sellers, might be getting a very new cab design in time for mannequin yr 2028.
There are also new updates to the F-Collection Diesel, full with a Cummins B7.2 engine, a redesigned cab and new ADAS security options.
The corporate is also exploring the event of a battery-electric F-Collection truck, as a part of its long-term electrification technique. Isuzu has been collaborating with Accelera by Cummins — the engine producer’s zero-emissions possibility — to make F-Collection electrical a actuality.
