Edition No. 003 · Weekly
DIESEL INDUSTRY NEWS
Proudly brought to you by Berrima Diesel Service · est. 1956
From the Editor's Desk
First weekly edition. From here on, Diesel Industry News lands every Wednesday instead of every second one, because the trade moves faster than a fortnight and we would rather be regular and reliable than occasional and thick. This issue leads on the diesel-hybrid Pajero, the clearest signal yet that Australia's best-selling diesel utes and wagons are about to get electric assistance without losing the diesel underneath them, and we have picked up the pace on that theme across the book: five separate diesel-hybrid items this week, from a 48V mild hybrid HiLux on display in Germany to a supplier transmission that can run a truck on battery power alone through town before the diesel takes over for the highway. Enjoy the read. Bob, Editor
Stop Press · The Last 48 Hours
Ford Australia says it wants to lean less on diesel Ranger and Everest
Ford Australia CEO Fadi Mawal says the company wants to double its market segment coverage and reduce its reliance on Ranger and Everest, which made up 47,286 of Ford's 53,512 Australian sales so far in 2026. Full story under Desk 1.
Seven European truckmakers demand a three year delay to 2030 CO2 targets
DAF, Daimler Truck, Ford Otosan, Iveco, MAN, Scania and Volvo went public at IAA Hannover this week asking Brussels to push back the binding 2030 emissions deadline, saying the charging and hydrogen network needed to hit it does not exist yet. Full story under Desk 8.
Mahle moves diesel range-extender for electric trucks into real OEM projects
The German supplier has started joint development work with (unnamed) truck manufacturers on a bolt-on diesel generator that turns a battery-electric truck into a plug-in hybrid with over 800km of range. Full story under Desk 3.
Montenegro launches its first diesel-electric navy patrol vessel
Petar Njegoš I, a NATO-member navy's new diesel-electric offshore patrol vessel, hit the water in France on 11 September. Full story under Desk 4.
Front Cover, Best Story This Week
Mitsubishi confirms diesel-hybrid Pajero is coming, and fixes Triton's biggest customer gripe
Diesel-Hybrid: Diesel base confirmed, with HEV and PHEV variants to follow (battery and motor specs not yet disclosed)
Mitsubishi says the new-generation Pajero, launching as a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel (150kW/480Nm) from December 2026 at $68,490 before on-roads, will also arrive in FULL/SELF-CHARGING HYBRID (HEV) and PLUG-IN HYBRID (PHEV) versions further down the track, using a P2 hybrid layout with the electric motor sitting between engine and transmission. Battery capacity and motor output have not been released yet, so treat exact figures as unconfirmed until Mitsubishi publishes them. On the diesel launch model, chief product specialist Kunitoshi Itagaki confirmed the overly sensitive driver-attention alerts that annoyed Triton owners have been retuned out, and the Pajero gets steering-based lane-keep assist and front cross-traffic alert that Triton does not have. Mitsubishi is investing 16 billion baht (about A$680 million) in its Thailand plant to support the new powertrains. The hybrid Pajero would go head to head with the GWM Tank 500 PHEV and BYD Denza B5.
Desk 1 · Australia & New Zealand, The Home Desk
Deputy PM leaves door open to reviving Australia's fuel excise cut as global oil prices spike
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said on 12 September that a return of the temporary fuel excise cut is not ruled out if elevated oil prices persist, but cautioned against reacting to a short spike: it is not a decision you make on the basis of a day or two. Australia's standard fuel excise is 52.6c/litre; it was cut by 32c from April 2026 amid Middle East conflict, then partially extended through July at a 16c reduction. Brent crude was trading near US$108/barrel on 11 September amid Middle East tensions and Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, with Goldman Sachs flagging a possible US$80 to 120/barrel range.
Fire destroys cab of $18 million diesel excavator at Kalgoorlie's Super Pit
A fire tore through the driver's cab of a 750 tonne Komatsu PC8000 excavator during night shift at Kalgoorlie's Super Pit on 9 September, destroying the cab interior. The machine, one of four PC8000 shovels working the Oroya Brownhill section, runs on a 13,900 litre diesel tank and carries a replacement cost of around $18 million. The operator evacuated safely, no injuries were reported, and WorkSafe WA is investigating alongside gold miner Northern Star Resources, which operates the pit through the KCGM joint venture. Northern Star said the damaged excavator had in any case been due for retirement in November 2026.
New Zealand truck registrations fall 19 percent in August as commercial vehicle market keeps cooling
New truck registrations in New Zealand fell to 500 units in August, down 19 percent on the 617 registered in August 2025, according to trade data reported by TransportTalk. Year to date, registrations sit at 3,612, slightly behind the 3,659 recorded over the same period last year. Used truck registrations fell harder, down 29.2 percent year on year to 63 units. Mercedes-Benz led the new truck market with 95 registrations despite a 36.2 percent fall, while LDV surged 216.7 percent to 57 units and Scania rose 33.3 percent to 44. Nearly all trucks in this weight class sold in New Zealand run on diesel, so the trend is a direct read on near-term diesel demand across the Tasman.
Ford Australia wants to rely less on diesel Ranger and Everest as it chases new segments
Ford Australia CEO Fadi Mawal has told local media the company wants to double its market segment coverage from around 30 percent to 60 percent, reducing reliance on the diesel Ranger ute and Everest SUV, which accounted for 47,286 of Ford's 53,512 total Australian sales so far in 2026. Ford has slipped from second to fourth in the Australian sales race this year, behind Toyota, BYD and Kia, as Chinese brands take share. New nameplates flagged include an all-electric Transit City van from November 2026 and a China-sourced Bronco Basecamp range-extender EV in the second half of 2027, alongside future small and mid-size SUVs.
Desk 2 · Road Vehicles & Performance
Ford adds V6 turbodiesel power to Ranger and Everest range in the Philippines
Ford Philippines has expanded its Ranger and Everest line-up with new V6 turbodiesel variants: the Ranger Wildtrak 3.0L V6 4x4, the range-topping Wildtrak X 3.0L V6 4x4, and the Everest Platinum 3.0L 4x4. The V6 unit produces 250PS at 3,250rpm and 600Nm of torque from 1,750 to 2,250rpm, paired with a 10-speed automatic, more than 190Nm above the existing 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel. Philippine trade outlet CarGuide.PH took the new line-up for an on-road first drive on 8 September, noting Ford did the unexpected by doubling down on diesel rather than following hybrid trends.
BMW recalls almost 190,000 older 3, 5 and 7 Series worldwide over water-prone starter-relay fire risk
BMW is recalling 189,130 vehicles worldwide, 5,788 of them in Germany, built between 29 July 2014 and 12 November 2020, after finding the starter relay housing had insufficient protection against water ingress, risking corrosion, short-circuiting and a fire hazard. BMW has redesigned the relay housing and dealers will replace the entire starter motor free of charge. The affected chassis generations (F30/G20 3 Series, F10/G30 5 Series, F01/G11 7 Series) carried BMW's core four and six-cylinder diesel lineup through most of the last decade across Europe, Asia and Africa, though BMW has not broken the recall down by engine variant.
Toyota's mild-hybrid diesel HiLux gets its German commercial-fleet moment at IAA Transportation 2026
Diesel-Hybrid: MHEV, 48V mild hybrid: motor assists the diesel and runs start-stop only, cannot drive on electric power alone
Toyota's Professional commercial arm is showing its full HiLux Hybrid 48V pickup lineup at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover this week. The HiLux Hybrid 48V pairs a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel (150kW/500Nm) with a 12kW/65Nm electric motor-generator and a 48V lithium-ion battery under the rear seats, delivering regenerative braking, a 20 percent lower idle speed and smoother low-speed response without cutting into the ute's 3,500kg towing or 1,000kg payload capacity. Toyota is displaying it alongside diesel, full-electric and (from 2028) hydrogen fuel-cell HiLux variants as part of what it calls a multi-pathway powertrain strategy for fleet buyers. The 48V system itself was first detailed in 2024; this week's Hannover show is its formal debut to European commercial-fleet customers on the new-generation HiLux.
Desk 3 · Trucking, Agriculture & Heavy Industry
Mexican Class 8 truck output nearly doubles in August as Freightliner and International ramp exports to the US
Mexican commercial vehicle production hit 16,389 trucks and buses in August, up 100.2 percent year on year and 24.9 percent over July, per INEGI government data reported by Transport Topics. Freightliner led with 10,240 units from its Saltillo and Santiago Tianguistenco plants, a 133.1 percent jump, with exports up 151.4 percent to 10,073 trucks. International Motors built 4,525 trucks (up 100.8 percent) and Kenworth produced 1,087 (up 8.5 percent). The three OEMs made up 96.7 percent of August output, with the US absorbing over 90 percent of Mexican truck and bus exports each month, a leading indicator for North American Class 8 diesel supply into 2027.
Mahle moves its diesel range-extender for electric trucks from prototype to real OEM projects
Diesel-Hybrid: Functions as a plug-in range-extended hybrid: charged externally, driven electrically at all times, with a small diesel genset extending range rather than driving the wheels directly
At IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, German supplier Mahle confirmed it has started its first joint development projects with truck manufacturers for its diesel range-extender system, though it has not named the partners or a series-production date. The unit bolts a compact diesel engine, generator, thermal management, fuel tank and exhaust aftertreatment onto a battery-electric truck chassis, with the wheels still driven purely electrically. Mahle says the system adds roughly 400km of extra range on top of about 400km from the battery alone, for over 800km total, while allowing around a third of the battery pack to be removed and cutting overall vehicle weight by about 600kg.
Desk 4 · Marine, Rail, Defence & Power
Ford enters UK Army's Light Mobility Vehicle race with diesel V6 Ranger, teams with GDLS-UK and Ricardo
Ford, General Dynamics Land Systems-UK and engineering firm Ricardo have formed a partnership to bid the Ford Ranger, including the heavier Ranger Super Duty, for the British Army's Light Mobility Vehicle programme, which will replace ageing Land Rover and Pinzgauer fleets. The proposal centres on Ranger's 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine built at Ford's Dagenham plant, in four and six-wheel-drive configurations, with GDLS-UK leading militarised conversion work in South Wales. The bid competes against GM's Chevrolet Colorado, JLR's Defender Wolf and INEOS's armoured Grenadier EPV, all vying for a contract worth up to £900 million with deliveries targeted from 2030.
Montenegro launches its first diesel-electric navy patrol vessel
French-Vietnamese shipbuilder KERSHIP, a joint venture between Piriou and Naval Group, launched Petar Njegoš I, the first of two OPV 60M offshore patrol vessels ordered by the Montenegrin Navy, at a ceremony on 11 September. The vessel is fitted with two fast diesel-electric engines driving two fixed-pitch propellers, giving a top speed of 21 knots and a range of 9,700 nautical miles. Montenegro's Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić called the launch an important milestone that strengthens maritime capabilities within NATO commitment. The vessel is due for delivery in April 2027, with a sister ship to launch in early 2027.
Source:
Naval News · 14 September 2026 (launch 11 September)
Desk 5 · Technology, Fuels & the Future
Cummins hybrid-electric mining haul truck retrofit wins Mining Magazine's Climate and Environment Award
Diesel-Hybrid: HEV-style retrofit: diesel drivetrain plus battery and regen assist, running commercially at one mine site
Cummins announced on 9 September that its hybrid-electric retrofit system, developed with First Mode, has won Mining Magazine's 2026 Climate and Environment Award. The system pairs a high-power battery, energy-management software and regenerative braking with an ultra-class mining haul truck's existing diesel drivetrain, cutting engine load during the most fuel-intensive phases of the haul cycle and capturing braking energy for reuse. It is running commercially at Lundin Mining's Caserones copper mine in Chile, described as the world's first commercial hybrid-electric ultra-class haul truck in production, showing a decarbonisation path for existing diesel mine fleets without a wholesale EV swap.
Toyota Australia and Ampol to trial HVO100 renewable diesel across the existing HiLux fleet
Toyota Australia has confirmed a trial with fuel supplier Ampol using HVO100 (100 percent hydrotreated vegetable oil) renewable diesel, run in existing HiLux utes without modification. Toyota says all mid-2015-onward HiLux models with 1GD or 2GD turbo-diesel engines, more than 500,000 N80/N90 generation vehicles on Australian roads, can run on pure HVO100, with current Toyota diesels already rated for 20 percent low-carbon-liquid-fuel blends. Toyota Australia CEO Matthew Callachor framed it as part of a multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation, arguing the vehicle technology already exists and the barrier is fuel supply and policy support, not hardware.
Desk 6 · Exhibitions & Trade Fairs
Renault Trucks unveils new DE13 R diesel engine in T High world premiere at IAA Transportation 2026
Renault Trucks held the world premiere of its 2027-model-year T High at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover this week, built around an all-new DE13 R diesel engine delivering up to 540hp and 2,800Nm of torque, the claimed highest torque-to-power ratio at 540hp on the market, while cutting fuel consumption and CO2 by up to 4 percent versus the outgoing engine. It is paired with a revised Optidriver gearbox that shifts around 20 percent faster and a standard Optibrake+ engine brake, and is HVO/B100-biodiesel compatible. This is a pure diesel powertrain, no hybridisation, available from the 2027 model year, shown alongside Renault's electric E-Tech range on its 923 square metre stand.
ZF's TraXon 2 Hybrid transmission headlines diesel-hybrid tech at IAA Transportation 2026
Diesel-Hybrid: PHEV and HEV configurable: large battery option (up to 220kWh), true electric-only running through all gears, diesel/HVO/gas/hydrogen engine options
ZF is showing its TraXon 2 Hybrid transmission at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover. The electrified automated manual transmission integrates a 190kW-continuous (225kW peak) electric motor in a P2 layout, pairable with diesel, HVO/e-fuel, gas or hydrogen combustion engines. ZF offers it in both full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations, with battery options reported up to 220kWh, enabling pure-electric running through all 12 gears for urban legs while retaining diesel range for long haul. ZF's own calculations claim CO2 cuts of up to 47 percent in long-haul and 73 percent in distribution use, with payback under two years versus a straight diesel driveline. Market launch is targeted for 2028. This is a supplier transmission rather than a new OEM vehicle, but a genuine, verified diesel-hybrid-capable product newly on display.
Source:
ZF Group · IAA Transportation 2026, press day 14 September
Desk 8 · Regulation & Policy
FINALUS drops standalone diesel-engine fuel-economy rules: trucks now regulated only as whole vehicles
NHTSA has ruled it never had legal authority to set fuel-economy standards for heavy-duty diesel engines separately from the vehicle they sit in, saying an engine is not a vehicle. Existing Phase 2 engine-and-vehicle standards technically remain on the books, but NHTSA will not enforce the engine-specific piece going forward. Workshop and fleet impact: no change to trucks already in service or being built to current spec today, but manufacturers get more latitude on how they hit fuel targets (transmission, aero, tyres, idle systems, not just the engine) once NHTSA runs the follow-up rulemaking it has promised. No date has been given for that, so there is nothing to action in the shop yet.
PROPOSEDSeven European truckmakers demand a three year delay to 2030 CO2 targets
The CEOs of DAF, Daimler Truck, Ford Otosan, Iveco, MAN, Scania and Volvo used the opening of IAA Transportation in Hannover this week to call jointly for a three year postponement of the EU's 2030 CO2 compliance deadline for heavy-duty vehicles. They argue the charging and hydrogen refuelling network needed to hit the target does not exist: fewer than 2,000 public truck chargers are installed across Europe and fewer than a dozen hydrogen stations are operational. Only 2.4 percent of new EU heavy-duty registrations are currently zero-emission. Daimler Truck CEO Karin Rådström, who chairs ACEA's Commercial Vehicle Board, said manufacturers have already made the investment but the wider ecosystem is clearly delayed. Non-compliance could cost manufacturers an estimated 2.2 billion euros. Workshop and fleet impact: this does not touch current Euro VI diesel rules, but a delay would extend the window in which diesel and hybrid heavy trucks stay commercially central in Europe, a market that sets the pattern much of the rest of the world eventually follows.
The Lighter Side
Watching the world's diesel utes to predict the next conflict
An unusual piece from the Substack newsletter Signal, Not Noise argues that bulk shipments of HiLuxes and LandCruisers turning up in commercial shipping data have, for 40 years running, been a quiet early warning sign that trouble is brewing somewhere in the world, well before the news catches up. It is offered here for what it actually is: a genuinely fun reliability story. When the going gets tough, everyone from aid convoys to armed groups the world over reaches for the same diesel workhorses we service every day, because they start, they carry the load, and they keep running. We will leave the geopolitics to the analysts and just take the compliment on behalf of the diesel ute.
Watch List, Next Issue
Chery Stockman diesel-PHEV ute, still awaiting its Q4 2026 Australian reveal, no fresh movement this cycle. GWM's real diesel-electric hybrid (Hi4-T/Hi4-Z), a China-production early-2027 and Australia-around-2028 roadmap item, not imminent, not to be confused with the conventional-diesel Cannon Alpha/Tank 500. Foton's Hannover stand lists a Tunland V9 PHEV among its display vehicles, but the official release gives no confirmed diesel-vs-petrol detail or battery specs, being chased directly with Foton PR before we file it. IAA Transportation 2026 runs in Hannover through 20 September, with Volvo, Scania, DAF, Iveco and Daimler Truck still to post further detail as the week continues, worth another pass next clock-on. Fenatran Brazil (9 to 13 November) is shaping up as a record-scale show with 700-plus exhibitor brands and 13 truck makers running test drives, a good one to build toward. Ford New Zealand is funding bespoke local brake testing to get the diesel Ranger Super Duty past NZ's 3,500kg heavy-vehicle threshold ahead of a targeted 2027 launch. The US EPA's DEF/SCR no-derate rule remains a PROPOSED change awaiting fall 2026 finalisation, still not law.
DIESEL INDUSTRY NEWS · Edition No. 003 ·
dieselindustrynews.com · Published by the Diesel Industry News newsroom.
19 stories from 7 desks this week (Desk 7, Video, filed nothing verifiable this cycle) · every story verified to the sources shown · proposed vs final law labelled throughout.
Proudly brought to you by Berrima Diesel Service · est. 1956