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Toyota Drives Toward a Greener Future with Hydrogen-Powered Logistics Fleet

In a bold step toward carbon-neutral logistics, Toyota Motor Europe has rolled out hydrogen fuel cell trucks across key European routes.

Toyota Motor Europe, in partnership with Dutch manufacturer VDL Groep, has launched a groundbreaking emission-free logistics program powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. The initiative introduces five zero-emission trucks into Toyota’s core logistics network, linking Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Departing from the European Parts Center in Diest, Belgium, the trucks are now transporting goods to strategic destinations in Lille, Cologne, Rotterdam, and Weesp. Each of the 40-ton vehicles delivers performance on par with conventional diesel trucks but with the added benefit of producing no harmful emissions. Under real-world conditions, the trucks are capable of traveling up to 400 kilometers on a single hydrogen charge.

The project brings together prominent logistics partners including Vos Transport Group, CEVA Logistics, Groupe CAT, and Yusen Logistics. These companies will play a vital role in evaluating the day-to-day operational performance of the new fleet, particularly within the high-demand environment of Toyota’s logistics center, which handles over 500,000 parts daily.

This move is part of Toyota’s broader strategy to reach carbon neutrality across its logistics operations by 2040. Thiebault Paquet, Vice President of Research and Development at Toyota Motor Europe, emphasized the broader vision behind the initiative: “This project not only supports our decarbonization goals but also helps build the foundations of a hydrogen-based economy by increasing demand and awareness for clean hydrogen fuel.”

By pioneering hydrogen-powered logistics at scale, Toyota is reinforcing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and a cleaner transportation future across Europe.

Source: Toyota Motor Europe

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Ford Recalls 2025 Super Duty Trucks for Potential Brake Failure

Ford Motor Company has issued an urgent recall and “Do Not Drive” warning for a limited number of its 2025 Super Duty trucks due to a potentially dangerous defect in the brake pedal assembly that could lead to a complete loss of braking power.

The recall affects 2,345 vehicles across the Super Duty lineup, from the F-250 to the F-550. According to the automaker, the issue centers around a possibly missing spring in the brake pedal assembly, a small but critical component responsible for ensuring braking responsiveness.

The problem first came to light in late May when team members at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant alerted the company’s Critical Concerns Review Group (CCRG) after identifying a defect in the brake pedal of a 2025 F-350. A troubling report followed shortly after, documenting a technician’s experience during a pre-delivery inspection in which the brake pedal moved freely with no resistance—indicating a complete lack of braking force.

By early June, a second incident had been reported involving another F-350. In that case, a technician discovered a missing spring during a routine inspection. Further investigation by CCRG revealed that both affected trucks had been assembled by a new operator still in training. Complicating matters, a camera system meant to monitor the production line was found to be malfunctioning at times, leaving Ford without visual confirmation that the affected trucks were built correctly.

As a result, Ford is recalling all potentially impacted trucks out of an abundance of caution.

“We are taking immediate steps to ensure the safety of our customers,” the company said in a statement. “Owners of affected vehicles are being notified and instructed not to drive their trucks until they have been inspected and, if necessary, repaired by a certified Ford dealer.”

The company has already begun reaching out to owners and coordinating with dealerships to perform the necessary inspections and repairs.

This recall underscores the vital role of quality control in vehicle manufacturing and highlights the importance of pre-delivery inspections in catching potentially life-threatening defects before vehicles hit the road.

Customers with questions are encouraged to contact their local Ford dealer or visit Ford’s website for more information on the recall and next steps.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Photo: Ford

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Škoda Unveils L&K 130 to Celebrate 130 Years of Automotive Heritage

In a nod to its rich automotive heritage, Škoda has unveiled the L&K 130, a one-of-a-kind vehicle created by students from the Škoda Auto Vocational School. The unique project commemorates the 130th anniversary of the founding of Laurin & Klement, the company that laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of the Czech auto industry.

Founded in 1895 by Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, Laurin & Klement began as a bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer before venturing into automobiles a decade later. In 1925, the company merged with the industrial giant Škoda Works, marking a new era in Czech automotive excellence.

To honor this legacy, Škoda’s apprentices transformed a Superb wagon into an eye-catching pickup truck—their tenth student-conceived concept car and the first to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Under the guidance of Škoda engineers, 28 students reshaped the vehicle’s B- and C-pillars and removed the rear section to create space for a custom-designed bike rack.

The result is an elegant yet functional machine, with two bicycles secured on an electrically extendable bed. The platform features rails that elevate and tilt the bikes at a 35-degree angle, allowing them to fit neatly when the rear compartment is closed. A third bike can be mounted on the roof.

However, the engineering ingenuity doesn’t stop there. On the passenger side, a specially designed rear door swings outward and slides back, revealing a single seat—an unconventional touch that replaces the original rear bench. In its place, students installed a cool box and an external speaker system, turning the vehicle into a mobile leisure unit. A custom rear window complements the modified frame, while the front is outfitted with a radio transmitter and a tablet linked to a rear-view camera.

Visually, the L&K 130 wears its heritage proudly. Adorned in gold, red, white, and black—a color palette inspired by the Laurin & Klement crest—the vehicle also features the original L&K logo, replacing the familiar Škoda winged arrow emblem. The intricate transformation took over 2,000 hours to complete.

The L&K 130 will make its public debut next month at the 112th edition of the Tour de France, an event Škoda has supported for more than 20 years. While a commercial production run isn’t planned, the concept stands as a creative tribute to innovation, craftsmanship, and a legacy that spans more than a century.

Source: Škoda

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Škoda Unveils L&K 130 to Celebrate 130 Years of Automotive Heritage

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