Reports

  • PowerTALK™, May 2026

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    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

  • Alternative Power Report, May 2026

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    The May 2026 issue of the Alternative Power Report produced by Power Systems Research and authored by Guy Youngs, features articles on battery development, critical materials, Kentucky coal and an update on Brazil’s electric buses. Read these articles and more in the May 2026 issue of Alternative Power Report today. PSR

    Guy Youngs is Forecast and Technology Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research

  • Q1 2026 Truck Production Index Falls 4.2%

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    St. Paul, MN —The Power Systems Research Truck Production Index (PSR-TPI) decreased from 119 to 114, or -4.2%, for the three-month period ending March 31, 2026, from Q4 2025. The year-over-year (Q1 2025 to Q1 2026) gain for the PSR-TPI was, 113 to 114, or 0.9%. 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.

    Jim Downey

    All Regions. MHCV demand will vary by region in 2026. North America and European 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 putting pressure on truck demand this year.

    Chris Fisher
    Chris Fisher

    North America. Medium and heavy truck production in North America is expected to increase by 9.4% this year compared with low 2025 production. While class 8 truck production is expected to increase by 11.3% this year as order rates for class 8 trucks improved strongly from December – March. 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. However, a protracted conflict in the Middle East would put significant downside pressure on truck demand primarily due to higher fuel cost, supply chain disruptions and an overall concern about the state of the economy moving forward throughout the year.  PSR

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

  • North America 2026 Crawler Production

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    3,000 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Crawlers expected to be produced in North America during 2026.

    Crawler Dozers are heavy, driver-operated machines used for clearing and grading land. Usually, they have continuous treads and a broad hydraulic blade in front. Large crawler dozers normally have a set of claws called a ripper that is installed at the machine’s rear end and can crush hard rock.

    A Crawler Loader is a piece of mobile construction equipment used to load materials; it’s used primarily in tough, off-road terrain. It’s similar to a wheel loader, except it has treads instead of wheels.

    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 Crawlers in North America (US) decreased 9.7%, and production is expected to remain flat in 2026 with a nominal 1% drop.  The decline is attributed to losing production by Case along with the weakening in construction related activities that include supply chain issues.

    High dealer inventory (mostly cost related) and slower demand for new equipment resulted in lower production.

    Prior manufacturing increases were reduced with newer efficient models that make tasks more productive and safer. 2021-year declines were mostly due to COVID-19 related factors such as plant shutdowns, parts availability and lack of workforce.

    The market also dropped significantly in the Spring of 2020 – 2021 caused by low oil prices along with a lull in mining and construction projects.   PSR

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

  • PowerTALK™, April 2026

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    In the April 2026 issue of PowerTALK News you can read articles about reports from CONEXPO 2026, Alternative Power News, and DataPoint, plus reports on Iran and Tariffs, BYD Developments, and more.

    IN THIS ISSUE

    ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT

    • A “Failed Experiment”? Biofuels Under Spotlight
    • US Battery Recycler Lands $1.1B Metals Refining Deal
    • When Fossil Fuel Supplies Falter, Interest In Renewables Increases
    • Oil Crisis Makes Drivers Reconsider Electric

    DATAPOINT: 2026 Aerator Production
    GLOBAL REPORT: 2026 Global MHCV Production Gains Seen
    EUROPE REPORT:

    • Volvo Moves into Big Electric Equipment
    • KTM Completes Strategic Realignment and Leap into Premium EVs

    SOUTH AMERICA/BRAZIL REPORT:

    • Import Tax Decision on Buses Is Reversed
    • Indian Preet Enters Brazil With Tractor Manufacturing Plant
    • Selic Interest Rate Cut Has Limited Impact in Auto Market
    • VWCO Tests B100 Soybean Biodiesel in Engines
    • GAC Plans Vehicle Production in Brazil

    JAPAN REPORT: Yanmar To Build Plant for Marine Hydrogen Engines
    SOUTH KOREA REPORT: HD Construction Sets Electric Safety Training System
    PHILIPINES REPORT: Power Shortages Boost Reliance on Generators
    CHINA REPORT: Zhangxue Demonstrates Strength of “Made in China”
    INDIA REPORT: Ashok Leyland Takes Major Step Toward EV Leadership

  • Alternative Power Report, April 2026

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    The April 2026 issue of the Alternative Power Report produced by Power Systems Research and authored by Guy Youngs, features articles on problems with biofuels in Europe and how drivers consider EVs again. Read these articles and more in the April 2026 issue of Alternative Power Report today. PSR

    Guy Youngs is Forecast and Technology Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research

  • North America Aerators Production

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    6,200 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Aerators expected to be produced in North America during 2026.

    Aerators are machines that have tines for soil penetration. The process involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots.

    Engine-powered aerators are used to combat soil compaction in lawns and turf by creating holes (plugs or spikes) that allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deep down to the grass roots, leading to healthier, stronger growth, better drainage, and reduced thatch, essential for heavily trafficked areas or tough soils. These powerful machines make it feasible to aerate large areas efficiently, delivering benefits that surpass manual methods for serious lawn care or professional use. 

    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 Aerators in North America decreased nearly 3%.  However, production is expected to gain 4% 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

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

  • Alternative Power Report, March 2026

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    In the March 2026 issue of the Alternative Power Report produced by Power Systems Research and authored by Guy Youngs, you’ll find articles on plug-in hybrid research, long-run tests of PV-powered refrigerated trailers, comparison tests of EV batteries, cutbacks in Bosch China operations, and the changing cost differential between Chinese and EU batteries. Read these articles and more in the March Alternative Power Report today. PSR

    Guy Youngs is Forecast and Technology Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research

  • North America Snowblower Production

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    274,253 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Snowblowers expected to be produced in North America during 2026.

    A Snow Blower or snow thrower is a machine for removing snow from an area such as a driveway, sidewalk, roadway, railroad track, ice rink, or runway. It can use either electric power (line power or battery), or a gasoline or diesel engine to throw snow to another location or into a truck to be hauled away.

    Snow blowers range from the very small, capable of removing only a few inches (a few more cm) of light snow in an 18 to 20 in (457 to 508 mm) path, to the very large units, mounted on heavy-duty winter service vehicles and capable of moving 20-foot (6.10 m) wide swaths of heavy snow up to 6 feet (1.83 m) deep.

    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 35.50% of total units produced, Ariens Company leads in the production of Snowblowers in NA (US only).  In second position is Stanley/MTD with 21%; third Toro with 15%.  

    Exports: Collectively, up to 30% worldwide.

    Trends. In 2025, production of snowblowers in North America decreased nearly 7%.  Production is expected to remain flat with a nominal increase of 65 units in 2026.  The 2025 decline is attributed to brands being discontinued along with the termination of unpopular models. The decrease also was driven by weak sales in previous seasons due to milder winters, high inventory and shift towards electric models.

    Production of snowblowers typically starts in spring and summer, months before the first snowfall, making manufactures reliant on forecasting and inventory speculation.  Many models sell out if demand is higher than anticipated. 

    Expect production to gain up to 5% over the next few years as branding issue settle and brand preference buying selecting other brands in the marketplace.  End users still like new innovative products that are more efficient than prior year models.  Two-stage units are extremely popular and are available in four basic grades: Economy, Residential/Homeowner, Heavy Duty/Landowner, or Professional. Consumers are always interested in more efficient units for snow removal and eco-friendly models currently in the market.

    Battery & Corded Combined

    2024: 11223

    2025: 11868 (5.7% increase)

    2026: 13372 (12.7% increase )

    Battery only: (Stanley/MTD & Toro)  Note: Stanley/MTDhas one model

    2024: 10136

    2025: 10789 (6.4% increase)

    2026: 12225 (13.3% increase)

    Corded only: (Toro)

    2024: 1087

    2025: 1070 (1.5% decrease)

    2026: 1147 (7.2% increase)

    *Battery increases due to new models in production

    *Corded decrease model not popular    PSR

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

  • PowerTALK™, March 2026

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    In the March 2026 issue of PowerTALK News you can read articles about reports from CONEXPO 2026, Alternative Power News, and DataPoint, plus reports on Iran and Tariffs, BYD Developments, and more.

    IN THIS ISSUE

    CONEXPO-CON/AGG REPORT
    Summary CONEXPO Show Report
    Hybrid Power Gear Shown
    North America Market Outlook
    ALTERNATIVE POWER REPORT:
    Hybrids May Exceed Government Estimates
    PV-Powered Refrigerated Trailer Completes Long Run
    Researchers Compare EV Batteries
    First Ban on Sale of New Gas Cars Results Positive
    DATAPOINT REPORT:  2026 NA Snowblower Production
    GLOBAL REPORT: Iran War, Tariffs Disrupt Global Markets
    NORTH AMERICA REPORT:  Strait of Hormuz Closure May Tip Global Economy
    EUROPE REPORT:
    Legislation Pushes EU Toward Manufacturing Independence
    Traton Reports Solid 2025 Results
    SOUTH AMERICA:
    Brazil Vehicle Exports Rise To Mexico
    Brazil Truck Production Drops
    VW Pickup Is Brand’s First Flex Hybrid
    Mercedes Axor Debuts in Argentina
    JAPAN REPORT: EcoFlow Launches Power Station
    SOUTH KOREA REPORT: Ammonia-Fueled Marine Engine Tests Completed
    INDONESIA REPORT: BYD EV Plant Nears Production
    CHINA REPORT: BYD Launches Blade Battery and Flash Charging Technology
    INDIA REPORT: TREM V: New Emission Blueprint Will Reshape Industry  PSR

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