News
WTF? Daimler Announces Strategic Expansion onto the Lunar Surface!
Stuttgart, Germany, 7.Dec 2025
Stuttgart, Germany
Daimler today announced its intention to strengthen its presence in an entirely
new marketplace: the surface of Earth's Moon. This strategic move follows the
company's long-term ambition to explore unconventional territories and
accelerate growth in all segments of heavy-duty transportation.
Entering a Market Historically Dominated by Two Vehicles
For more than five decades, the lunar vehicle market has been dominated by two units of the Soviet Lunokhod program. With no significant competitive activity since the 1970s, Daimler sees a clear opportunity to increase its lunar market share by introducing the Actros 2663 GigaSpace Lunar Edition — the company's first truck prepared for operation in a low-gravity, vacuum environment.
"The Moon represents a virtually untapped environment for mobility innovation," said a Daimler spokesperson. "We believe our presence here marks a new chapter in the global expansion of commercial transport."
Unique Cabin Configuration for Lunar Operations
The new lunar Actros features several unconventional design decisions, including a right-hand-drive cabin layout — a configuration typically associated with the United Kingdom or Australia.
According to Daimler, the decision was intentional.
"There is no traffic code on the Moon. This gives us complete operational freedom regarding cabin ergonomics."
The company added that global right-hand-drive markets may benefit from future lunar-based testing programs.
Speculation Regarding Divestment of the Truck Division
Industry observers have recently speculated about a potential sale of Daimler's truck division to well-known tech billionaire Neon Mlusk, founder of the aerospace-mobility initiative RocketRoll and other experimental ventures. While rumors suggest that Mlusk aims to integrate lunar freight transport with his proposed MLUSK Base One, Daimler has issued no confirmation.
"We do not comment on market speculation," the company stated. "Any conversations with external parties — if they exist — are purely hypothetical."
A Vision Beyond Earth
With this announcement, Daimler positions itself at the forefront of next-generation logistics, pushing the boundaries of commercial mobility far beyond terrestrial limits.
More Schnitzel and Fries, Less CO₂!
In its latest push for climate neutrality, the European Commission has unveiled a bold new initiative encouraging citizens to eat more fried food — and then recycle their used cooking oil for the production of HVO biofuel.
Under the catchy slogan "Eat fried, drive green!", the programme promises to turn Europe's love of schnitzels and fries into a powerful renewable energy source.
"If that means having a few extra schnitzels to save the planet — so be it,"
said EU Commissioner for Climate and Energy Ingrid von Fritto.
Each household will receive a special 'FryBag' to collect used oil for hand-in at local recycling points or participating fast-food chains.
Pilot projects have already started in Austria and the Czech Republic, praised as "leaders in sustainable frying."
Meanwhile, nutrition experts across Europe are reportedly horrified, warning that the initiative could trigger a "fried food boom of historic proportions."
Czech environmental specialist Zbyněk Wiedergayer cautiously welcomed the plan:
"If we can turn kitchen grease into clean fuel, it's progress.
We just need to make sure Europe doesn't deep-fry itself in the process."
Even climate activist Greta von Thunberg has joined the campaign, urging Gen Z to "embrace responsible frying as part of a greener lifestyle" under the new movement #FryForFuture.
The initiative was also praised by ETRC chairman Markus Grillmeister, who noted that European Truck Racing already uses HVO as a sustainable fuel:
"If Europe starts frying more, our trucks will have plenty to run on."
Because in the EU, even lunch can drive decarbonisation.
#EU #Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #Biofuel #HVO #Satire #GreenDeal #Environment #GenZ #GretaThunberg #ETRC #TruckRacing #FryForFuture
Plong Ping Pong: When "Inspiration" Drives Off on Its Own
The well-established Chinese automaker Plong recently reached out to the TOP Torques editorial team, asking us to test their latest SUV — the Ping Pong. A catchy name, we admit, and one that suggests both energy and reflection. What it doesn't suggest, however, is how familiar the car looks.
At first glance, the Ping Pong bears an uncanny resemblance to a certain Czech SUV whose name we won't mention — let's just say it starts with K and ends with -q. Plong's design team clearly believes that copying is the sincerest form of engineering, and in this case, their 3D scanner has truly outdone itself.
In an unexpected twist, Plong's PR department even attempted to bribe our expert Gaston Martin with a wreath of sausages, hoping we'd overlook a few minor issues — like the windshield washer being operated together with the high beams, or the fact that the car can drive off on its own if left in Drive. (The seventeen driver-assist systems seem perfectly fine watching that happen.)
Naturally, we declined the offer. The TOP Torques editorial team remains fiercely independent — and frankly, we can buy our own sausages without Chinese support.
Verdict:
The Plong Ping Pong is a bold attempt to combine European design with Chinese
confidence — and a reminder that sometimes inspiration hits just a little too
close to home.
Sausages, yes. Bribes, no. BUFF BUFF!
Pandamonium at Sea: Gnome Motors Sold More Cars Than It Built — Thanks to "Creative" European Dealers
Chinese automaker Gnome Motors is under scrutiny after internal audits revealed it sold more vehicles than it actually produced. The culprit? A glitch in the automated warranty system, combined with overly ambitious European dealers who discovered they could trigger warranties multiple times for the same car, even while the vehicles were still on cargo ships from China.
The company's CEO, Li Wei, was dismissed after the incident. Rumor has it he has been reassigned to a state-run facility producing sneakers and footballs with pandas for the upcoming World Footvolley Championship.In an official statement, Gnome Motors said:
"A limited number of vehicles were affected by a synchronization error. Corrective measures are underway, and transparency remains our priority."
A leaked internal email added: "Vehicles still on a vessel cannot be considered delivered, regardless of GPS movement."
Analysts are amused:
"It's capitalism meets quantum mechanics — cars can be sold and accumulate mileage before they even arrive."
Whether farce or accidental innovation, Gnome Motors has shown that imagination can move faster than logistics.
Cooler Than Expected? Gorenje Sues Daimler Trucks Over "Fridge-Like" Design
In a bizarre turn of events, Slovenian appliance giant Gorenje has filed a lawsuit against Daimler Trucks, claiming that the design of one of their latest truck models bears an uncanny resemblance to Gorenje's refrigerator lineup.
According to court documents, Gorenje alleges that the front grille, boxy structure, and sleek silver finish of Daimler's newest heavy-duty truck are "strikingly similar" to their premium fridge models. The company insists that the truck's design "creates an undeniable association with food preservation technology," potentially confusing customers and damaging Gorenje's brand identity.
"A Chilling Resemblance"
Gorenje's legal team points to the ventilation slats, metallic accents, and LED light positioning as evidence that Daimler may have taken "inspiration" from the cooling giant. One spokesperson even went as far as to say:
"If you look at this truck head-on, you might as well be staring at a Gorenje Supreme NoFrost fridge. It's got the same clean lines, the same symmetry, and—if it were just a bit quieter—it might even pass as a kitchen appliance."
Daimler's Cool Response
Daimler Trucks, however, has brushed off the allegations, stating that their designs are purely functional and that "no reasonable consumer would mistake a multi-ton transport vehicle for a kitchen appliance." A company representative responded with humor, saying:
"While we appreciate the efficiency and reliability of Gorenje's refrigerators, we can assure you that our trucks are built for highways, not kitchens. Plus, our cooling systems focus on engine temperature, not groceries."
A Frosty Legal Battle Ahead?
While legal experts are skeptical about Gorenje's chances in court, the case has already sparked debate among design enthusiasts. Some social media users have even Photoshopped truck-sized fridge doors onto Daimler's vehicles, fueling the internet's fascination with the unlikely dispute.
For now, the world waits to see if this lawsuit will melt away—or if Daimler will be forced to "defrost" its design strategy.
Stay tuned as we monitor this cooling rivalry between the king of the road and the master of refrigeration.
MAN Electric E-Truck Becomes the Ultimate Roadie for AC/DC's Power Up Tour 2025
Rock and roll is going green as AC/DC partners with MAN Electric to bring the future of transport to the legendary band's Power Up Tour 2025. The tour will feature the MAN eTruck, an all-electric, zero-emissions powerhouse that will transport stage equipment across Europe while staying true to AC/DC's high-voltage energy.
Known for their raw power and electrifying performances, AC/DC has long been a favorite among truck drivers who blast "Highway to Hell" and "Thunderstruck" on the open road. Now, their synergy with the trucking world takes on a new dimension, as the MAN eTruck becomes the band's official roadie on wheels.
A Sustainable Rock Revolution
The MAN eTruck is more than just a heavy-duty workhorse—it's an environmental game-changer. With a range of up to 800 km, fast-charging capabilities, and near-silent operation, it ensures that AC/DC's massive stage setup travels across Europe without leaving a carbon footprint. This marks a major shift in the touring industry, proving that sustainability and rock 'n' roll can go hand in hand.
Rocking the Highways of Europe
From Berlin to Barcelona, Paris to Prague, AC/DC's tour trucks will be whisper-quiet yet powerful, symbolizing the evolution of long-haul trucking. Drivers across Europe, long-time fans of the band, are already buzzing about the electric transition—proving that the spirit of the open road doesn't have to come at the planet's expense.
As the Power Up Tour 2025 electrifies stadiums, MAN's eTruck will power the logistics behind the scenes—bringing legendary rock and sustainable innovation together for the ride of a lifetime.
So get ready, Europe. AC/DC is about to prove that you can still rock hard and roll clean!
BYD said to consider Germany for third plant in Europe
Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is considering Germany for a possible third assembly plant in Europe, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters, after the region's biggest economy and car market opposed EU tariffs on China-made EVs last year.
Stellantis launches mobile service as customer retention tool
San Marcos Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram in Texas has been making mobile service visits since November for light maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations and select recalls.
Continue reading by subscribing to TT News!
Subscribe and get access to articles, videos, and more.
Elon Musk Announces Strategic Investment in AetherFlux-X: The Next Generation of Electric Propulsion
March 28, 2025 | Silicon Valley, CA – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the tech world, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has announced a strategic investment in AetherFlux-X, the cutting-edge electric propulsion startup poised to revolutionize the future of energy storage, electric drive systems, and long-haul transportation.
In a statement released earlier today, Musk described AetherFlux-X as a "game-changer" for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications, with a clear focus on next-generation propulsion systems. AetherFlux-X, which specializes in quantum superconductive technology and hyper-efficient energy transfer, has already made waves with its superconductive coil systems and zero-resistance, frictionless magnetic propulsion, positioning the company as a potential leader in electric vehicle and aerospace innovation.
"The team at AetherFlux-X has cracked the code on energy efficiency and power delivery. Their technology is light years ahead of anything currently in development, and I see limitless potential for both Tesla's electric vehicles and SpaceX's space exploration initiatives," Musk said during a press conference following the announcement.
A New Era of Speed, Efficiency, and Charging
Perhaps the most groundbreaking aspect of AetherFlux-X's technology is its HyperCharge™ system—a proprietary method that enables near-instant charging, capable of fully recharging a vehicle or spacecraft in under 60 seconds. With zero energy loss during charging and nearly 100% energy efficiency, AetherFlux-X's engine promises to eliminate the common bottleneck of energy transfer, a challenge that has long hindered the electric vehicle industry.
AetherFlux-X's quantum-coiled superconductivity is also a major breakthrough, enabling the company to produce a high-output engine that maintains zero resistance, vastly improving the overall performance and longevity of batteries while drastically reducing energy waste. In layman's terms, this means vehicles and spacecraft using AetherFlux-X's propulsion systems will be able to travel further with less power consumed, all while benefiting from incredible acceleration and torque.
Transforming Long-Haul Transportation: Redefining the Industry
AetherFlux-X's technological advancements are poised to completely overhaul the long-haul transportation industry, addressing some of the most significant challenges faced by the sector today—especially range anxiety and charging infrastructure.
Musk's investment also highlights a shared vision to decarbonize the freight and logistics industry, which has long been dominated by diesel-powered trucks and fleets. AetherFlux-X's propulsion technology, with its superconductive charging systems and zero-emission output, provides a solution that could drastically reduce the carbon footprint of freight hauling. In fact, the company's HyperCharge™ system could enable electric semi-trucks to recharge fully in under 60 seconds, a crucial capability for ensuring that long-haul freight routes are served efficiently.
For the first time, long-haul truck drivers will be able to cover hundreds, if not thousands, of miles in a single day without stopping for extensive charging breaks. AetherFlux-powered electric trucks will also benefit from significantly lower maintenance costs due to the frictionless magnetic propulsion, which reduces wear and tear on engine components, a major challenge for traditional diesel engines.
"AetherFlux-X could fundamentally reshape long-haul trucking, making it not only cleaner but far more cost-effective in the long run," Musk stated. "By reducing refueling times to a fraction of what they are today, electric long-haul vehicles can operate on par with or better than their diesel counterparts, making them a real choice for trucking companies worldwide."
In addition, the technology could also help solve the pressing issue of sustainability in freight logistics, enabling the widespread adoption of electric fleets for moving goods across continents with minimal environmental impact.
Musk's Vision for the Future: Earth and Beyond
Musk, who has long advocated for the transition to sustainable energy on Earth, also expressed immense interest in how AetherFlux-X's technology could benefit the space industry. With SpaceX's mission to colonize Mars and establish interplanetary travel, Musk sees AetherFlux-X's propulsion systems as the perfect fit for the high demands of deep-space exploration. In fact, Musk hinted at the possibility of an AetherFlux-powered spacecraft being a key component of SpaceX's next-generation interplanetary fleet.
"This is more than just the next step in electric vehicles," Musk said. "It's about reshaping our entire approach to energy usage and propulsion. With AetherFlux-X, we're talking about powering humanity's journey beyond Earth itself."
AetherFlux-X: The Future of Transportation
Founded by a team of quantum physicists and electrical engineers, AetherFlux-X has been quietly developing its technology for the past five years. The startup, led by visionary CEO Dr. Serena Kwon, has already demonstrated its breakthrough propulsion systems in prototype vehicles, which have outperformed current electric and hybrid models on the market.
"We are on the brink of something monumental," said Dr. Kwon. "Elon's investment is a validation of our team's hard work and vision. With AetherFlux-X, we are ushering in a new age of electric propulsion that not only supports Earth's green energy transition but also unlocks the future of space exploration."
The Road Ahead: A New Standard in Electric Power
With Musk's investment, AetherFlux-X is poised for rapid growth and global expansion. The company plans to partner with leading automotive manufacturers to integrate its quantum propulsion systems into both commercial and luxury electric vehicles, making the promise of zero emissions, ultra-fast charging, and unmatched power a reality for everyday consumers.
Additionally, AetherFlux-X's groundbreaking technology is set to redefine the future of long-haul transportation with electric fleets capable of delivering 1000+ miles per charge, instant recharging, and cutting-edge performance—all while minimizing operational costs and reducing carbon footprints. Major logistics and freight companies are already in talks with AetherFlux-X to integrate this next-generation propulsion into their fleets.
In addition, SpaceX is expected to explore AetherFlux-X's potential for spacecraft propulsion, leveraging the cutting-edge superconductive coil technology to reach new heights in propellant-less space travel.
As AetherFlux-X continues to push the envelope in electric propulsion, it is clear that the company is at the forefront of a technological revolution. In the words of Musk himself, "The future is electric. And with AetherFlux-X, the future is now."