Reports

  • PowerTALK™, August 2026

    Sign-up for PowerTALK

    In the August 2026 issue of PowerTALK News you can read articles about China’s move to EV trucks, CATL’s truck battery swapping project, the forecast for 2026 production of PWCs, soft Argentina demand weakens Brazil exports, Hyundai winning data center power order, Geely acquiring stake in Ford’s Spanish production plant, and more.

    IN THIS ISSUE

    ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

    • China’s Electric Truck Moment Has Arrived
    • $5M Startup Claims Rare Earth-free Electric Motor
    • 2030: More Than One Million Worn Out Batteries Likely
    • CATL Building Battery Swapping Hubs for EV Trucks
    • Laos Used Drastic Approach To Go 100% EV Overnight

    NORTH AMERICA REPORT: Daimler Truck Group Plans Two Plants
    DATAPOINT REPORT: 2026 North American PWC Production

    SOUTH AMERICA/BRAZIL REPORT:

    • Volvo Buses Introduces Flex Chassis for Biodiesel Operation
    • BYD Adds High Floor Blade Battery Chassis To EV Bus Portfolio
    • Scania Targets Bus Market Growth with Super Platform
    • Falling Argentine Demand Drives 20% Decline in Brazil Exports

    JAPAN REPORT: Yanmar, Hitachi Explore Equipment Collaboration
    SOUTH KOREA REPORT: HD Hyundai Heavy Wins US Data Center Power Order
    MALAYSIA-INDONESIA REPORT: Diesel Costs Disrupt Palm Harvest
    CHINA REPORT: Geely To Acquire 34% Stake in Ford’s Spanish Plant
    INDIA REPORT: Auto Expansion Bets on Next Growth Cycle

  • North America 2026 PWC Production

    Sign-up for DataPoint Reports

    92,000 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Personal Watercraft (PWC) expected to be produced in the United States during 2026. This production number includes jet drive boats and jet drive pontoons.

    There are several types of personal watercraft (PWC), depending upon the number of people the vessel is designed to carry, anywhere from one to three or more people.

    PWC Sit-Downs 1-2 People is defined as a type of vessel which is specifically designed to haul one or two riders in a sitting position, one in front of the other; commonly referred to as jet skis. A larger PWC sit-down model carries three people. Finally, PWC Stand-Ups are a type of water scooter with the purpose of one rider standing or kneeling on the watercraft.

    Jet Drive Boats are boats propelled by a jet of water ejected from the back of the craft; they have no propeller and can maneuver in shallow water.

    This product information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.

    Market Share. With a combined plant total of 50%, Yamaha leads in production of PWC in North America.  In second position is Bombardier (BRP Mexico & US) with 39.5%; third, is Kawasaki (Mexico) with 9%.

    Exports: Up to 30% worldwide.

    Trends. In 2025, production of Personal Watercraft (including pontoon and jet drive boats) dropped 17.2%, caused in part by increasing interest rates which reduced demand. However, production is expected to gain 5.3% in 2026. 

    The 2026 increase is based on slight demand for new products in the market, especially for jet drive boats and pontoons. Following the pandemic (2021), according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), this trend is here to stay – the boating industry is booming with demand at an all-time high as Americans plan for a summer on the water.  Expect the production of Personal Watercraft to gain an additional 10% by 2035.   PSR

    Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations

  • PowerTALK™, July 2026

    Download PDF

    In the July 2026 issue of PowerTALK News you can read articles about the Q2 2026 Truck Production Report, a new battery that could make larger aircraft possible, expanding Chinese vehicle imports to Brazil, South Korea government’s action on AI investments, and more.

    IN THIS ISSUE

    ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

    • New Battery Could Lead To Big Leaps in Performance
    • Air Battery Makes Larger Electric Aircraft Possible
    • Batteries Can Reshape Shipping Fuels
    • Fossil Fuels Are 40% of Freight Shipping Tonnage
    • Paving the Way for Lithium-Nitrogen Batteries

    TRUCK PRODUCTION REPORT: Q2 2026 PSR Truck Production Index Climbs 11.3%
    DATAPOINT REPORT: 2026 North American Hydroseeder Production

    SOUTH AMERICA/BRAZIL REPORT:

    • Bus Chassis Production Shows Gains Despite Likely Downturn
    • Chinese Vehicle Imports Reduce Brazil Exports to Argentina
    • Scania Brazil Plant Prepared for Electric Truck Production
    • Sany Announces Production Plant in Campinas, Brazil

    JAPAN REPORT: IHI Tests Ammonia-Fueled Land-based Engine
    SOUTH KOREA REPORT: Government Links Semiconductor, AI Investments
    THAILAND REPORT: MHEV Production Investment Approved
    CHINA REPORT: XCMG Group, ZF Establish Joint Venture for Ag Macinery
    INDIA REPORT: India-UK CETA: A Strategic Opportunity for Auto Industry
    PSR REPORT: PSR Provides $2,000 STEM Scholarship

  • Q2 2026 Truck Production Index (PSR-TPI) climbs 11.3%

    and

    St. Paul, MN — The Power Systems Research Truck Production Index (PSR-TPI) increased from 115 to 128, or 11.3%, for the three-month period ending June 30, 2026, from Q1 2026. The year-over-year (Q2 2025 to Q2 2026) gain for the PSR-TPI was 127 to 128, or 0.8%.

    The PSR-TPI measures truck production globally and across six regions: North America, China, Europe, South America, Japan & Korea and Emerging Markets.

    This data comes from OE Link™, the proprietary database maintained by Power Systems Research.

    All Regions. MHCV demand will vary by region in 2026.  North America and Europe have seen orders increase through much of the first half of the year and vehicle demand is expected to improve somewhat over last year. China is expected to see a single digit decline in production much of the decline comes on the heels of very high levels of production in 2025.

    Global Index. Overall, global production is expected to decline slightly in 2026 over last year.  Ongoing tariffs along with the conflict in the Middle East and the shipping disruption in the Strait of Hormuz are currently putting pressure on truck demand.  However, at the time of this writing fuel prices have been declining as more vessels are able to pass through the Strait.

    North America. Medium and heavy truck production in North America is expected to increase by 9.5% this year compared with low 2025 production. While class 8 truck production is expected to increase by 13.5% this year as order rates for class 8 trucks have improved strongly throughout much of the year.  Improvement in freight rates and freight demand along with tightening truck capacity and some level of truck pre-buy ahead of the 2027 GHG emission regulations is expected to drive increased truck production this year.  While truck sales have been down for much of this year, production levels are expected to be strong in the second half of the year.  Oil prices have been recently declining which will also help drive truck demand in the third and fourth quarters of 2026.  PSR

    By Jim Downey, Vice President-Global Data Products
    Chris Fisher, Senior Commercial Vehicle Analyst

  • North America  2026 Hydroseeders Production

    Sign-up for DataPoint Reports

    4,000 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number Seeders/Hydroseeders expected to be produced in the United States during 2026.

    Hydroseeding sprays a slurry of seed, water, fertilizer, and mulch to rapidly establish grass. Demand is driven by its massive cost savings (up to 80% cheaper than sod), rapid germination, and superior erosion control. It is the premier method for large-scale landscaping, land restoration, and climate-resilience projects.

    This product information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.

    Exports: Up to 10% worldwide.

    Trends. In 2025, production of Seeders/Hydroseeders in the United States decreased 4.4%.  Production is expected to gain 3% in 2026.  The gain is attributed to healthy lawn needs that include parks, residential, commercial/professional landscaping and sport fields. Expect production to increase by 10% by 2035. PSR

  • Q2 2026 Truck Production Index Climbs 11.3%

    and
    Sign-up for TPI Reports

    St. Paul, MN — The Power Systems Research Truck Production Index (PSR-TPI) increased from 115 to 128, or 11.3%, for the three-month period ending June 30, 2026, from Q1 2026. The year-over-year (Q2 2025 to Q2 2026) gain for the PSR-TPI was, 127 to 128, or 0.8%.

    Jim Downey
    Jim Downey

    The PSR-TPI measures truck production globally and across six regions: North America, China, Europe, South America, Japan & Korea and Emerging Markets.

    This data comes from OE Link™, the proprietary database maintained by Power Systems Research.

    All Regions. MHCV demand will vary by region in 2026.  North America and Europe have seen orders increase through much of the first half of the year and vehicle demand is expected to improve somewhat over last year. China is expected to see a single digit decline in production much of the decline comes on the heels of very high levels of production in 2025.

    Global Index. Overall, global production is expected to decline slightly in 2026 over last year.  Ongoing tariffs along with the conflict in the Middle East and the shipping disruption in the Strait of Hormuz are currently putting pressure on truck demand.  However, at the time of this writing fuel prices have been declining as more vessels are able to pass through the Strait.

    Chris Fisher
    Chris Fisher

    North America. Medium and heavy truck production in North America is expected to increase by 9.5% this year compared with low 2025 production. While class 8 truck production is expected to increase by 13.5% this year as order rates for class 8 trucks have improved strongly throughout much of the year.  Improvement in freight rates and freight demand along with tightening truck capacity and some level of truck pre-buy ahead of the 2027 GHG emission regulations is expected to drive increased truck production this year.  While truck sales have been down for much of this year, production levels are expected to be strong in the second half of the year.  Oil prices have been recently declining which will also help drive truck demand in the third and fourth quarters of 2026.

    The next update of the Power Systems Research TPI will be in October 2026 and will reflect changes in the TPI during Q3 2026.  PSR

    Jim Downey is Vice President-Global Data Products at Power Systems Research
    Chris Fisher is the Senior Commercial Vehicle Analyst at Power Systems Research

  • PowerTALK™, June 2026

    Download PDF

    In the June 2026 issue of PowerTALK News you can read articles about Toyota pulling the plug on its Lexus EV, PV equipped vehicles that may produce as much as 80% of needed electricity, endangered European EV investments, 2026 North American ATV production, Chinese CFMoto launching motorcycle production in South America, China stepping up EV production in the heavy-duty truck market, and more.

    IN THIS ISSUE

    ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

    • EV Investment May Be at Risk in Europe
    • Electrifying Your Fleet Isn’t Just About Going Green
    • Toyota Pulls Plug on Lexus EV
    • New Battery Could Last 16 Years Without Capacity Loss
    • PV Equipped Vehicles May Cover 80% of Electricity Needs

    TRUCK PRODUCTION REPORT: Strict EV Mandates Could Implode Economy
    DATAPOINT REPORT: 2026 North American ATV Production
    EUROPE REPORT:

    • German Market Continues To Struggle
    • Exmar Pushes Ammonia-Fueled Maritime Engines
    • Beneteau Posts Strong Q1 2026 Results

    SOUTH AMERICA/BRAZIL REPORT:

    • AGCO Presents Advances in Alternative Fuels Engines
    • Randon Exports Semitrailers to Indonesia
    • Chinese DFMoto Starts SA Operations with Motorcycles
    • Public Funding Program Fails To Halt Brazil Truck Market Decline

    JAPAN REPORT: Hitachi Moves Toward Remote Construction Deployment
    SOUTH KOREA REPORT: Construction Equipment Exports Move into Strategic Markets
    THAILAND REPORT: EV Policy Moves from Adoption To Industrial Absorption
    CHINA REPORT: Plan Sets New Energy Goal of 40% Market Share for Heavy Duty Trucks
    INDIA REPORT: Biofuels Lead Next Phase of Auto Fuel Transition

  • Alternative Power Report June 2026

    Sign-up for Alt Power Report

    The June 2026 issue of the Alternative Power Report produced by Power Systems Research and authored by Guy Youngs, features articles on European EV investments, Toyota’s plans to pull the plug on its Lexus EV, a new battery that has 16-year life, PV equipped vehicles that can provide as much as 80% of needed electricity, and Honda’s efforts to develop a Silicon-Carbon EV battery. Read these articles and more in the June 2026 issue of Alternative Power Report today. PSR

  • North America  2026 ATV Production

    Sign-up for DataPoint Reports

    232,100 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of 4-Wheel ATVs expected to be produced in the US and Mexico during 2026.

    A 4-Wheeled ATV is another term for All Terrain Vehicle. It has 4 wheels and is designed to be driven off road. It seats one person, or sometimes two, one in front of the other.

    This product information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.

    Trends. In 2025, production of ATVs in North America decreased 12%. But production is expected to gain a nominal 1% in 2026. Uncertain economic outlook, rising production costs and the growing popularity of side x side units (utility vehicles) are main reasons for the production decline. 

    Manufacturers have discontinued less popular models/variants and are concentrating on bestselling units due to saturation in the market.  ATVs are used in a variety of activities that include recreation, sport and military related needs.

    According to investor relations for Yamaha, Polaris Industries and Arctic Cat, consumer discretionary spending is on the rise.  Production is expected to improve as indicated by current economic factors along with the introduction of innovative products and technologies.  Look for an additional increase up to 5-10% by 2035, although gas price increases caused by the war in Iran may affect sales.

    No electric/battery powered units were produced until 2026 MY. BRP Mexico has two Outlander electric models it is introducing 2026 MY.    PSR

    Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, at Power Systems Research

  • PowerTALK™, May 2026

    Download PDF

    In the May 2026 issue of PowerTALK News you can read articles about the Toyota-Maruti realignment in India, Vietnam’s AG machinery expansion, Q1 2026 global truck production, several developments in battery production, and more.

    IN THIS ISSUE

    ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

    • Zwitterions May Be Key To New Solid State Batteries
    • GMG Reports Graphene Aluminum-Ion Energy Density Gain
    • A Closer Look at CATL’s New Sodium-Ion Battery
    • Three Ways To Get More Critical Minerals Now

    TRUCK PRODUCTION REPORT: Q1 2026 Truck Production Index Falls 4.2%
    DATAPOINT REPORT: 2026 NA Crawler Production
    GLOBAL REPORT: Mack Says MP13 Engine Is EP 27 Compliant
    EUROPE REPORT:

    • Volvo Trucks Adds Alternative-Fuel Engine
    • Industrial Accelerator Act Finalized

    SOUTH AMERICA/BRAZIL REPORT:

    • Daimler Truck Launches Zarate Plant
    • EU-Mercosur Pact May Reshape SA MHV Industry
    • Yanmar Announces Brazil Manufacturing Plant

    JAPAN REPORT: Komatsu Reports Record 2025 Sales, But Profits Decline
    SOUTH KOREA REPORT: Shipbuilders Win $1.1 Billion in Contracts
    VIETNAM REPORT: AG Machinery Market Set for Growth
    CHINA REPORT: CATL Launches Mass Production of Sodium-Ion Batteries
    INDIA REPORT: Toyota-Maruti Realignment Reshapes Auto Industry

Filter Reports

Reset

Current Reports

Download complimentary reports that show the type of information available from Power Systems Research.

PowerTALK News

Stay informed each month with insights from Power Systems Research analysts working around the world as they identify and comment on important news items in the company’s monthly newsletter.

Subscribe
View Archive