As vehicle development becomes increasingly integrated across propulsion, software, testing and design, a new industry event focused on chassis and powertrain engineering will launch this October as part of Vehicle Tech Week North America 2026.

The Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase will debut alongside three established exhibitions within a newly unified event framework designed to reflect how modern vehicles are engineered today.

Taking place October 27-29, 2026, at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi, Michigan, Vehicle Tech Week North America will bring together four co-located exhibitions covering the full vehicle development lifecycle:

• Intelligent Vehicle Expo (previously known as Autonomous Vehicle Tech Expo)
• Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase (new launch)
• Automotive Design & In-Cabin Expo (previously known as Automotive Interiors Expo)
• Automotive Testing Expo (the world’s largest and most established event for automotive testing, validation and quality engineering)

The event is expected to attract thousands of OEM engineers, Tier 1 suppliers and technology leaders, creating a single destination for cross-functional collaboration and technical insight.

About Vehicle Tech Week North America 2026

Vehicle Tech Week North America is a new multi-event platform designed to reflect the full complexity of modern vehicle development. By bringing together four co-located exhibitions in one unified framework, the event connects the technologies, teams and disciplines shaping the future of mobility.

From propulsion systems and software-defined vehicles to testing, validation and in-cabin experience, the event provides a comprehensive view of the vehicle ecosystem. Hosted in Novi, Michigan, a region with deep roots in automotive engineering, the event is positioned as a central meeting point for innovation across North America.

A new platform for chassis and powertrain innovation

The Advanced Chassis & Powertrain Showcase has been developed in response to the growing complexity of propulsion and platform engineering. OEMs are now managing internal combustion, hybrid and battery-electric programs in parallel, often across shared vehicle architectures, introducing new challenges around efficiency, cost, thermal management and vehicle dynamics.

Rather than focusing on individual components, the showcase will highlight system-level approaches to vehicle performance and integration. Key technology areas include:

• Battery systems and energy storage
• Electric drivetrains and e‑axles
• Power electronics
• Thermal management
• Braking and suspension systems
• Vehicle dynamics and control
• Simulation and validation technologies

“Chassis and powertrain technologies are at the center of some of the industry’s most complex engineering decisions,” said Peter Massey, commercial director at Vehicle Tech Week organizer UKi Media & Events. “This new showcase creates a dedicated platform for engineers and suppliers to explore how those challenges are being solved at a system level, and how those solutions translate into real-world performance.”

Repositioned, market‑leading events in a single framework

Alongside the launch of the new chassis and powertrain showcase, two established events have evolved to reflect their expanding roles within the vehicle ecosystem.

Intelligent Vehicle Expo highlights the growing impact of software, AI and connected systems across all areas of the vehicle, while Automotive Design & In-Cabin Expo reflects the increasing importance of interior architecture, HMI and user experience.

Together with Automotive Testing Expo, the industry’s leading event for validation, testing and quality engineering, Vehicle Tech Week North America creates a unified environment where traditionally separate disciplines converge.

“Vehicle Tech Week North America reflects how vehicles are engineered today,” added Massey. “It brings together advanced technologies, specialist expertise and real-world application into one connected experience, accelerating collaboration across the entire vehicle development process.”

For more information, and to exhibit or register, visit: https://www.vehicletechweek-northamerica.com/.

For speaker enquiries, please contact Marc LeDuc, senior conference content producer NA, UKi Media & Events (marc.leduc@ukimediaevents.com).

Supplying technologies that support vehicle makers across the powertrain evolution, Marelli will showcase its latest e-Transmission Cooling Pump, a system engineered to deliver precise, on-demand oil cooling for modern transmissions. The solution maximizes efficiency, enabling a 30-watt saving compared with the main market benchmark.

With solutions for different propulsion configurations and regional requirements, Marelli will highlight a selection of innovations among the solutions at its booth at Auto China 2026.

The company’s latest e-Transmission Cooling Pump technology is based on a modular solution for transmission control, designed and optimized specifically for e-axles and dedicated hybrid transmissions (DHT), which offers high efficiency (40%), seamless integration and a competitive cost. Leveraging a flexible design which uses brushless technology and integrated electronics, the same base module can also support other multiple applications at the transmission level.

Among its main features, the technology delivers operational efficiency, minimizes energy consumption and improves both electric and fuel economy. Designed for compatibility with mechanical and electronic environments, the solution reduces integration and validation costs. Available in both 12-volt and 48-volt variants, it is the first application of Marelli’s modular smart actuator concept that will address a wide range of automotive applications, ensuring compatibility with current vehicle architectures and emerging multivoltage platforms.

Marelli will also showcase its flex fuel system, which addresses the demand for sustainable, high-performance 3- and 4-cylinder engines by enabling the use of biofuels and ethanol. Automatic fuel detection optimizes fuel efficiency and emission performance, while integrated fuel rail heaters ensure reliable cold starts. The system delivers enhanced flexibility, reduced environmental impact and design and manufacturing tailored to regional market requirements.

Thermal management

In addition to propulsion solutions, Marelli will also present innovations from its Green Technologies division, which focuses on optimizing vehicle thermal energy and exhaust gas management.

Merelli will highlight a selection of technologies designed to maximize thermal efficiency for hybrid and electric powertrains, including the High-Performance Chiller, which enhances battery thermal management in electrified vehicles. Compared with previous designs, the solution delivers higher heat exchange performance, improving battery temperature control and energy efficiency. These gains are achieved through an ultra-fine inner fin structure and a lightweight design, which allow compact dimensions and more uniform refrigerant flow. The system supports high charging rates, while offering strong cost advantages.

The eAxle Oil Cooler is a lightweight and efficient solution for effective heat exchange. It features a new inner fin design that enables compact size and improved thermal performance, combined with an optimized dimple structure that increases water flow speed and reduces dead water areas, boosting cooling efficiency. The miniaturized design delivers space and weight savings, offers flexibility to accommodate different layouts and provides cost advantages while meeting stringent performance standards.

Finally, the company will feature the Full Aluminum Radiator, a solution for electric powertrains. The low-temperature radiator is designed to support efficient and reliable battery cooling for new energy vehicles. The solution enables high heat transfer performance and flexible layout, offering reduced costs and faster cooling.

Auto China 2026 will take place in Beijing from April 24 to May 3.

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MG has launched the SolidCore Battery, a semi-solid-state system designed to improve electric vehicle (EV) range, charging speed, performance and cold-weather reliability.

The battery features solid-state electrolytes within each cell, forming a protective barrier that extends lifespan and ensures compliance with future regulatory standards. According to MG, this architecture performs well in low temperatures, enabling immediate vehicle start-up without preheating and delivering improved acceleration compared with conventional EVs. The SolidCore Battery is expected to appear in MG electric vehicles in Europe by the end of 2026.

Alongside the new battery, MG has also introduced its Hybrid+ technology, which combines advanced software and hardware to optimize fuel consumption, provide faster power delivery and improve integration between mechanical and electric systems. The technology includes a larger 1.83 kWh battery to extend electric-only range, an innovative three-speed hybrid transmission and an eight-mode Logic Engine to enhance power management.

MG said Hybrid+ also improves cabin refinement through noise and vibration suppression while maintaining high thermal efficiency and responsive, smooth power delivery. A fully integrated Hybrid Control Unit with real-time terrain detection enables the system to adapt propulsion strategies to changing conditions. In 2025, MG sold 137,000 hybrid vehicles across Europe, with the MG HS ranking among the top 10 best-selling hybrid models in most countries.

Commenting on the latest technology advances, MG Europe and the UK’s vice present, Kimi Li said, “MG’s new SolidCore Battery and Hybrid+ technology provide tangible benefits for our customers and position our vehicles at the forefront of their class. These advancements reinforce MG’s commitment to making cutting-edge technology and electric mobility more intuitive, accessible and widely available. Our strategy of developing MG vehicles in Europe, for Europe further enhances the desirability, versatility and value that our cars deliver to customers across the European market.”

The announcements coincide with the opening of MG’s European Engineering Centre in Frankfurt, Germany, which will serve as a hub for developing vehicles tailored to local climate conditions, road environments and customer preferences.

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A 3D-printed, configurable transmission oil cooler developed by Conflux Technology has completed a full-distance endurance race in a car engineered by Multimatic Motorsports. Using Conflux’s configurable core platform, the transmission cooler was adapted to the programme’s specific boundary conditions and produced in just two weeks using metal additive manufacturing.

Multimatic Motorsports selected and integrated the unit for an endurance application, without the cost and delay of a clean-sheet design. The Conflux oil cooler used engine coolant to manage gearbox oil temperatures within a shared water circuit. In this endurance application, it delivered approximately 20% higher heat rejection than the incumbent solution within the same packaging envelope, providing additional thermal headroom without extra space, weight or aero penalty.

“Endurance racing is the ultimate test for any cooling system,” said Glenn Rees, principal engineer at Conflux Technology. “We’ve shown that our configurable, 3D-printed technology can move from design to race car in weeks, deliver significantly improved performance, and still be trusted to reach the finish line in some of the world’s toughest races.”

The 3D-printed core incorporates highly optimized internal channels to increase heat transfer while controlling pressure drop within a compact, lightweight envelope. Conflux’s configurable design platform enables engineers to rapidly tune geometry for different gearboxes, layouts and duty cycles, reducing non-recurring engineering costs and shortening program time-to-track, without compromising durability or consistency over long stints.

“At Multimatic, we look for partners who can combine innovation with robust delivery,” added Julian Sole, design manager at Multimatic Motorsports. “The Conflux oil cooler, built from their configurable design and packaged efficiently in a very tight space, delivered the reliability we required over a full endurance race distance.”

The same configurable oil cooler architecture is available to other OEMs and race operations seeking a step change in thermal capacity and packaging without a complete cooling-system redesign.

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Greene Tweed has announced the development and deployment of its Metal-Spring-Energized (MSE) seals for McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team’s limited-slip differential clutch pack.

McLaren turned to Greene Tweed for an advanced sealing solution for the hydraulic actuator that clamps the friction clutch inside the differential. This system optimizes torque distribution for maximum traction and cornering speed. Seal integrity is paramount, as leakage could cause a catastrophic loss of system function and force the car to be retired.

“This project was a true example of collaborative engineering at its best,” said Matthew James, director of engineering and product design at Greene Tweed. “Our teams worked side by side to validate seal behavior under real operating conditions, refining the design through testing and iteration. The result is a robust, leak-free sealing solution that supports McLaren’s pursuit of marginal gains while meeting the long-term demands of Formula 1 racing.”

Greene Tweed developed two MSE seal assemblies featuring a unique C-shaped profile and a corrosion-resistant metal spring to provide uniform sealing force. Designed to operate under the application’s extreme conditions – including temperatures up to 150°C, pressures from 5 to 250 bar and exposure to aggressive fluids – the seals use Greene Tweed’s proprietary Avalon 44 (PTFE). This material ensures superior wear resistance, high strength and low friction.

“Given Greene Tweed’s longstanding reputation for excellent quality, choosing them was an obvious choice for us,” said James Manning, head of transmission at McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team. “The MSE Seal has consistently demonstrated its durability and reliability within our system. We’re confident this is only the beginning of a long-term collaboration to drive even greater performance in future seasons.”

Following testing on a dynamic transmission test rig, Greene Tweed and McLaren engineers have successfully qualified the next-generation MSE sealing system for the 2026 season. This more robust version, reinforced with backup ring support and a 301SS finger spring, has enabled McLaren to develop a more compact version of its system for future performance gains.

In related news, Xtrac boosts transmission systems production with £1m machining investment

Xtrac has announced a £1m (US$1.35m) investment in new machining technology at its Thatcham HQ in the UK. Recently installed, and starting production in January 2026, are three key pieces of equipment: a Sodick electrical discharge machining (EDM) machine; a CMG Mori-Seiki computer numerical control (CNC) turning center; and a Behringer high-performance band saw. These investments will improve Xtrac’s ability to deliver high-precision gearing solutions, the transmission specialist says.

Wire cutting

Xtrac has expanded its EDM capabilities with the new Sodick ALC 600P wire EDM machine. Featuring Sodick’s latest generator and full CE-certified safety compliance, the machine delivers high performance, quality and precision, enabling highly accurate and repeatable cutting of internal splines.

Commenting on the investment in EDM technology, Xtrac CEO Adrian Moore said, “This machine will primarily be utilised to deliver to the very highest quality required for Xtrac’s gears and splined components used in Formula One engines and gearboxes. It will also be used to manufacture gears used in top level professional motorsport series around the world such as the all-electric racing Formula E, as well as for hybrid transmission components used in global Sportscar racing such as the Le Mans 24 Hour race.”

Sustainable CNC turning capability

Fully commissioned in December 2025, the DMG Mori-Seiki NLX 2500/700 is an energy-efficient, automated CNC turning center. Equipped with automated bar feed, robotic unloading, Y-axis capability, dual spindles and a digital tailstock, it supports integrated turning and milling for high-productivity machining of complex automotive components.

At Xtrac, the machine has been commissioned to turn and mill multiple types of part families of internal gearbox components for motorsport and high-performance automotive applications. It is also able to operate in lights-out mode for larger volumes, adding considerable extra capacity to Xtrac’s existing turning and milling capability. The DMG Mori-Seiki center will enable rapid production of components prior to in-house gear cutting, heat treatment and grinding processes.

Production flexibility

To further increase essential production flexibility, the latest technology Behringer high-performance HBE Performance Series band saw has also been installed in the 5000ft2  (465m2) metal preparation area of Xtrac’s Thatcham plant. Operating in conjunction with the existing Behringer equipment, this investment aims to reduce the time spent in metal preparation. The flexible configuration will ensure that raw material of different bar sizes can be rapidly swapped over, resulting in reduced time from customer project launch to first machining commencing.

Inspection and upgrades 

Alongside acquiring the three new machines, Xtrac continues to invest in upgrading its existing equipment to leverage advancements in gear design, manufacturing technology and software.

In December 2025, the Klingelnberg P40 gear inspection machine was upgraded to deploy the Swiss/German specialist’s latest closed-loop bevel manufacture process and technology suite. Moore said, “This enhancement enables the manufacturing and inspection of gears to dimensional accuracies only recently available. It also improves machine functionality and gives us the ability to unlock vital performance improvements within our gear designs.”

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Honda has announced 15 on-road motorcycle models for 2026, highlighted by the expansion of the company’s E-Clutch technology to the popular CB750 Hornet naked bike. With this move, Honda offers a total of four E-Clutch-equipped motorcycles, including the CB650R, CBR650R and the recently announced Rebel 300 E-Clutch cruiser.

This latest model announcement encompasses a full range of categories, from adventure and sport to touring and standard. “Honda‘s E-Clutch system represents a major step forward in motorcycle technology, offering riders the freedom to enjoy seamless shifting without sacrificing engagement or performance,” said Colin Miller, manager of public relations at American Honda. “Expanding this technology to the CB750 Hornet for 2026, and offering an extensive line-up of fun, practical, value-conscious on-road models, reflects our ongoing goal of making the joy of motorcycling more approachable, intuitive and enjoyable for riders of all experience levels.”

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International Motors has announced that its 2027 S13 Integrated Powertrain meets the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) emissions requirements for 2027 model year trucks. Developed from a clean sheet design back in 2017, the 2027 S13 Integrated Powertrain was designed to meet regulatory requirements while continuing to deliver simplicity, performance and reliability.

The 2027 S13 retains over 90% of its hardware from the current platform, supporting continuity in service tools, parts availability and technician training.

“We’ve been preparing for EPA 2027 for years. Our customers won’t face surprises, only the same proven powertrain,” said Dan Kayser, executive vice president, commercial operations, International. “Our customers get a reliable solution without unnecessary complexity.”

According to the company, customers can expect fuel economy, driving performance and powertrain weight comparable to the current S13 Integrated Powertrain.

The powertrain has a compact, efficient design that meets nitrogen-oxide (NOx) regulations. Fleets across North America have logged more than 700 million miles with the powertrain – demonstrating fuel efficiency, service solutions, reliability and drivability.

The 2027 S13 Integrated Powertrain builds on a proven foundation while introducing targeted updates. The S13 engine retains its core design, including a fixed-geometry turbocharger, dual overhead cam layout, 23:1 compression ratio and established aftertreatment system, maintaining existing packaging and service intervals.

New additions for 2027 include variable valve timing to support variable valve braking, a closed crankcase breather and an oil centrifuge. The T14 transmission continues as a compact 14-speed unit with a planetary gearset, integrated PTO options and advanced lubrication, while gaining a 24V transmission control module with predictive shifting based on GPS and topography data. A standardized 24V electrical architecture has also been introduced across the powertrain to reduce complexity and improve cold-start performance and durability, while the cab and chassis systems remain 12V.

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Allison Transmission has announced strategic initiatives to expand its footprint and powertrain capabilities in India, reinforcing its role as a key hub for global commercial-vehicle and defense applications, and support the country’s Make in India initiative.

“India represents one of Allison’s most dynamic growth regions, with momentum that spans global megatrends in defense, mining, energy and export industries,” said Kartik Ramanan, executive director, APAC and EMEA sales at Allison Transmission.

“Through strategic partnerships and scalable programs, we’re proud to contribute to India’s industrial transformation with proven transmission technology and long-term investment.”

As a partner in India’s national security and modernization initiatives, Allison has signed a new memorandum of understanding with Armoured Vehicles Nigam, a government-owned defense manufacturer. The multiphase agreement marks a step toward establishing a maintenance, repair and overhaul center in India to service current and future Allison cross-drive transmission programs. This partnership also supports India’s wider defense modernization initiatives, including the Future Infantry Combat Vehicle program, which features the Allison 3040 MX cross-drive transmission.

Allison’s support also seeks to contribute to the growth of India’s core industries. Shar Projects has expanded its fleet with SANY and XCMG wide-body dump trucks equipped with the Allison 4800 fully automatic transmission. The company, which oversees mine developer and operator (MDO) projects, recently ordered an additional 100 XCMG trucks, citing the transmission’s consistent reliability and performance in demanding operating conditions.

“Allison transmissions are an ideal fit for the demanding conditions at MDO sites like Pakur in Jharkhand,” said Amar Kanth Mishra, head technical of Shar Projects. “They’ve consistently delivered the reliability and performance we need in these environments. With the addition of XCMG WBD trucks to our fleet, we’re confident that Allison’s technology will continue to support our growth and operational excellence across current and future projects.”

Allison’s commitment to India’s industrial development also extends to the critical energy sector. The company is collaborating with partners such as OEM pump packager Precision Gasification Services, which has introduced its latest well-killing solution featuring the Allison 4700 Oil Field Series transmission. This equipment will help a leading Indian oil explorer pump heavy fluids into wells to control flow by balancing reservoir pressure.

This integration of local production and global sales is underscored by Allison’s strategic positioning within India’s export hub. Daimler India Commercial Vehicles has begun shipments of Allison 3000 Series transmissions integrated into Fuso 1623 and 1828 medium-duty trucks, exported as Completely Knocked Down kits to support Daimler Truck Southern Africa’s regional transportation needs.

These developments are supported by Allison’s capital investment in the region. The company’s state-of-the-art facility expansion in Chennai is expected to begin initial production in Q1 2026, ramping to full capacity in 2027. This strategic investment not only reinforces Allison’s ability to meet increasing demand across global markets but also solidifies the company’s role as a key partner in India’s industrial growth.

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ZF has demonstrated the capabilities of its TraXon 2 Hybrid transmission following recent public road tests. European transportation fleets and members of the German Association for Freight Transport, Logistics and Waste Disposal (BGL) were able to experience the system in ZF’s test vehicle.

The tests confirmed that the hybrid technology can significantly reduce emissions and lower total cost of ownership (TCO) while meeting the operational demands of modern fleets.

“The long-term and tangible added value for manufacturers and fleets through the newly developed TraXon 2 Hybrid is clear,” said Christian Feldhaus, vice president of the transmissions and hybrids product segment at ZF’s commercial vehicle solutions division. “That’s why we believe the hybrid powertrain will become an important technology for commercial transportation. In applications with high daily mileage, the classic long-haul truck needs a pragmatic and charging-infrastructure-independent solution. The hybrid powertrain will enable OEMs and fleets to achieve their CO2 reduction targets while also delivering a strong economic business case in terms of cost-effectiveness.”

The system is based on ZF’s proven large-scale production technology. At its core is the TraXon 2 transmission for heavy commercial vehicles, complemented by in-house developments in various electrification areas. The electric motor is positioned in the so-called P2 layout between the clutch and transmission, transmitting its power via a planetary gear directly to the input shaft. This enables the truck to drive purely electrically. The e-motor supports the combustion engine in boost mode or enables regenerative braking. The electrical architecture operates at 600-800V, with a continuous power output of 190kW and a significantly higher peak power.

Roger Schwarz, head of the technology working group at BGL, added, “The technology is the ideal combination of efficiency, reliability and sustainability, values that are crucial for our industry. Until European charging infrastructure becomes widely available, the ZF hybrid system presented provides a practical solution for our member companies on the path toward full electrification.”

The TraXon 2 Hybrid was developed to improve overall efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions while preserving the range and refueling capabilities of the combustion engine. The transmission system is suitable for heavy commercial vehicles as a full hybrid or plug-in hybrid.

Calculations using the Vecto simulation tool show a CO2 reduction potential of up to 47% in long-haul transportation and up to 73% in distribution transportation, with consistent recharging.

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