Discover how China’s Huaneng Group launched the world’s biggest autonomous electric truck fleet, boosting mining efficiency. Learn more now!
China’s state‑owned Huaneng Group has taken a bold step into the future of mining by rolling out a fleet of 100 fully autonomous electric haul trucks at the open‑pit Yimin coal mine in Inner Mongolia. Powered by high‑capacity batteries and backed by Huawei’s 5G‑Advanced AI platform, the fleet operates round‑the‑clock without a driver on board, marking the largest deployment of driver‑less electric trucks in the world.
Why the Fleet Matters
The new trucks boast massive payloads, rugged designs for harsh mine conditions, and a performance boost of roughly 120% compared with conventional diesel units. Real‑time navigation, AI‑driven route optimisation and seamless coordination via 5G cut operational costs and dramatically improve safety by removing crews from dangerous zones.
- Zero‑emission propulsion reduces the mine’s carbon footprint.
- Automated scheduling trims idle time and maximises throughput.
- Advanced diagnostics predict maintenance needs before failures occur.
Huaneng plans to expand the autonomous fleet in the coming years, signalling a broader digital transformation across the mining sector.
Lotus Cars Sets Its Sights on Vietnam
British sports‑car legend Lotus Cars is gearing up for an official launch in Vietnam in the first quarter of 2026. After more than seven decades of crafting lightweight, driver‑focused machines, Lotus aims to diversify the local premium‑performance market, which has long been dominated by German marques.
The upcoming Vietnamese lineup is expected to feature the Lotus Emira as the flagship model, embodying the brand’s heritage of pure driving enjoyment. In parallel, Lotus is accelerating its electric‑vehicle ambitions with high‑performance models such as the Eletre SUV and the Emeya GT, targeting the fast‑growing EV segment.
Lotus’s entry will give Vietnamese enthusiasts another choice for a true sports‑car experience and intensify competition among luxury‑performance manufacturers.
Porsche Faces Its Steepest Sales Decline in 15 Years
German sports‑car powerhouse Porsche reported its sharpest drop in global sales since the 2009 financial crisis. In 2025, the company delivered just 279,449 vehicles—a 10% decline from the previous year.
The slump is largely attributed to weaker demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in key markets, including China, where Porsche’s previously robust growth has stalled. In response, Porsche has paused the rollout of new EV models and is refocusing on internal‑combustion and hybrid offerings, acknowledging that many loyal customers still prefer traditional powertrains.
Compounding the challenge, stricter EU cybersecurity regulations forced Porsche to halt sales of several core internal‑combustion engines, creating a supply‑chain gap. Executives now aim for a “value over volume” strategy in 2026, prioritising profitability and adaptability amid a rapidly shifting market.
What This Means for the Auto Industry
The three stories illustrate a pivotal moment for transportation and heavy‑industry sectors:
- Automation and electrification are converging to reshape mining, logistics and manufacturing.
- Luxury‑performance brands like Lotus are betting on a hybrid future that blends legacy driving feel with zero‑emission technology.
- Established players such as Porsche must balance EV ambitions with market realities and regulatory pressures.
Stay tuned as these trends continue to evolve and impact global markets.