Global Truck Market Transformation And Technological Innovation Go Hand in Hand

1.Global Truck Market Trends

▍ 1.1. Market changes and new car releases
In the late summer of 2025, MAN and Hyundai of South Korea will launch a new truck, leading the market transformation and marking innovation and challenges in the global commercial vehicle industry.
In the last week of August, when we are busy with daily chores, watching TV dramas, and welcoming the start of the school season, the truck market has undergone significant changes

 

 

Mann and Hyundai's new trucks have been launched one after another, European tunnels are about to undergo large-scale repairs, Swedish women's position in the truck industry is becoming increasingly stable, and hydrogen fuel heavy-duty trucks left by bankrupt American companies have also been unexpectedly auctioned off. The global commercial vehicle industry is like a legendary heavy-duty truck, roaring through our daily lives. At the same time, spy photos of the front face of the new generation MAN TGX have also surfaced, with its streamlined design making it more fashionable and dynamic.

 

▍ 1.2. MAN TGX and Hyundai XCient Innovation
The MAN TGX adopts a novel front convex design. Compared with the current TGX models, the vehicles in these photos showcase a novel front face design that not only enhances its streamlined aesthetic, but also reduces air resistance. Although the car body is covered with camouflage stickers, the concave and convex lines on the front face are still clearly visible, which is clearly a carefully designed response by MAN to the new EU regulations

Meanwhile, Hyundai in South Korea has also released its new XCient heavy-duty truck, further driving innovation and transformation in the truck market. The Hyundai XCient in South Korea has improved in multiple aspects. The all-new XCient heavy-duty tractor has undergone comprehensive upgrades and improvements in exterior design, interior configuration, active safety technology, and vehicle networking functions, aiming to further enhance its competitiveness in the long-distance and efficient logistics markets in Europe, Asia, and Australia.

 

In addition, in terms of powertrain, the all-new XCient heavy-duty tractor continues the mature third-generation Powertech 13 L inline six cylinder diesel engine, with an output power of 520 PS and 2550 N · m unchanged. However, through technological upgrades, vehicles not only meet emission standards, but also achieve a significant energy-saving effect of reducing fuel consumption by 1.7%, further enhancing market competitiveness.

hnolo2. Tecgical progress in commercial vehicles

▍ 2.1. ZF's technological innovation

In the field of commercial vehicles, the digitalization process of trailers is constantly advancing. ZF will showcase its electrified and electronic components for trailers at the upcoming September 2025 NUFAM Commercial Car Show. ZF showcases innovations such as iEBS, SUMS, and TrailTrax. The iEBS system, as an innovative intelligent braking system controller, will effectively manage ABS and EBS systems and integrate up to 40 other functions.

At the same time, ZF may also debut its SUMS (Software Update Management System) wireless software update management system. This system relies on wireless connectivity technology to continuously update trailer software, ensuring that vehicles can receive and apply the latest software patches released by manufacturers in a timely manner. In addition, the TrailTrax electric trailer technology showcased by ZF can provide auxiliary power for the tractor, resulting in a fuel savings rate of up to 16%.

▍ 2.2. Electric Trailers and Gender Diversity

In addition, the potential of electric trailer technology has attracted attention and become a focus of recent industry reports. K ä ssbohrer has conducted in-depth discussions on the advantages and challenges of electric trailers. However, gender diversity in the Swedish commercial vehicle industry has also made remarkable progress.

According to the latest report from the Swedish transportation industry organization TYA, a survey of nearly a thousand Swedish transportation companies in spring 2024 showed that the proportion of female truck drivers reached a historic high of 22% for the first time. This marks a record high proportion of women in Sweden's transportation industry and progress towards gender diversity

 

3. Industry Challenges and Future Trends

▍ 3.1. Tunnel maintenance and traffic impact
The Mont Blanc Tunnel is about to undergo a three and a half month long closed maintenance. From 17:00 on September 1st to 17:00 on December 12th, this tunnel will be temporarily closed, posing significant challenges for long-distance European fleets. The closure and maintenance of the Mont Blanc Tunnel poses a challenge to long-distance transportation in Europe, as goods need to take longer detours.

▍ 3.2. Nikola's Legacy and Hydrogen Fuel Challenge
The valuable assets left by Nikola include a production plant located in Arizona, USA and 113 hydrogen fuel powered tractors. After Nikola's bankruptcy, Hyroad Energy entered the hydrogen fuel truck leasing industry with a new perspective. The company emerged in the hydrogen fuel truck leasing industry through its innovative "truck-as-a-service" model.
However, due to the scarcity of bidders, Hyroad Energy won the bid at a much lower price than estimated. Despite the success of the bidding, the company also faces the challenge of providing after-sales service and spare parts support to the transportation company that purchased its tractor before bankruptcy. The challenge and industry transformation of hydrogen fuel will be particularly prominent in the transportation industry in 2025.