Railway Safety and Mergers, EV Charging Network Expansion, and More Transportation News Trends

A look at the transportation news from PR Newswire in March and April that you might have missed.

By Logan Tierno | Published May 9, 2023

This spring, stories of electric vehicle improvements and railroad infrastructure are dominating the transportation industry. Consumers have voiced their concerns in recent years on the instability of lithium batteries in electric cars, and automakers have tirelessly looked for a more stable, cost-effective alternative. Range anxiety has been another issue, with companies scrambling to provide greater accessibility to EV charging networks as the world shifts to a zero-emission future.

Let’s take a closer look at the trends that transpired out of the more than 2,200 transportation press releases that were distributed during March and April.

Popular Auto/Transport Releases

These were some of the most-read and engaged-with transport news releases of March and April.

• Overlanders Rejoice! Introducing the All-New 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter
• Harley-Davidson Introduces All-New CVO™ Motorcycles
• Lucid Air Wins 2023 World Luxury Car of the Year
• Dodge Fires Up Ordering for Challenger SRT Demon 170 - World's Fastest, Quickest and Most Powerful Muscle Car Ever Produced

Auto/Transport News Trends

We noticed an uptick in four different transportation topics, which we expand upon below.

The Ohio Train Derailment

On February 3, at least 50 cars from a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, and spilled toxic materials into the surrounding environment. Since then, Norfolk Southern has worked around the clock to implement new safety protocols and improve railroad infrastructure.

Undoubtedly one of the most highly reported events in the transportation industry over the last two months, it generated quite a few press releases:

• Norfolk Southern announces six-point safety plan
• A statement from Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw
• Norfolk Southern to establish regional safety training center in Ohio
• Norfolk Southern determines urgent railcar safety issue
• Norfolk Southern working toward long-term funds to benefit East Palestine

By the numbers: Safety was a large issue in the wider auto/transportation industry in recent months. In March and April, there were 682 releases related to transportation that mentioned “safety.”

Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern Merger

Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern railways combined to create CPKC, making history as the first and only railroad connecting Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Various companies are announcing agreements with CPKC to utilize this accomplishment in the supply chain/logistics sector to expand their customer base.

Explore CPKC’s announcements below from the past two months:

• CP sets date for combination with KCS, announces CPKC executive leadership team
• Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern combine to create CPKC
• CPKC announces multi-year agreement with Schneider
• CPKC and Knight-Swift announce multi-year agreement

By the numbers: Nearly 100 rail-related releases were distributed throughout this time period.

EV Charging Network Expansion

The desire to switch from a gasoline-powered vehicle to an electric vehicle is increasing, but consumers fear that the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles lacks ubiquity. Companies are attempting to remedy this fear with the construction of charging ports in residential, commercial, public, and urban environments, allowing sustainability for all.

See how the electric vehicle charging network has been expanding throughout March and April:

• 7-Eleven, Inc. Launches New Electric Vehicle Charging Network, 7Charge
• EVCS Partners with ChargeHub to Expand and Simplify Access to Public Charging for Electric Vehicle Drivers on the West Coast
• Shell USA, Inc. finalizes acquisition of Volta Inc., scaling up its U.S. public electric vehicle charging network
• Hyundai CRADLE and itselectric Partner to Deploy Curbside Chargers for Electric Vehicles in New York City
• Enel X Way Plans to Add 2M+ EV Charging Ports in North America Across Home, Commercial and Public Charging Segments by 2030

By the numbers: In March and April, 826 electric vehicle releases crossed the wire, hinting at skyrocketing consumer and corporate interest.

Catalytic Converter Theft

The platinum, palladium, and rhodium contained inside catalytic converters are high-value targets for thieves, and replacements can cost thousands of dollars. Experienced thieves are in and out in about a minute, but there are ways to deter them, and stronger laws may be implemented soon.

Over the last two months, several press releases crossed the wire that offered updates on the latest stats, legislation, and ways to protect yourself:

• The Recycled Materials Industry Calls for Stronger Laws to Curb Theft of Catalytic Converters
• CARFAX: Up To 153,000 Catalytic Converters Stolen In 2022
• Catalytic Converter Recycling Leaders Unite to Combat Growing Theft Problem

With such a growing demand for electric vehicles, this may not be quite as large a cause for concern over the long term.

Conclusion

The industry continues to work on reducing emissions, whether it’s by electrifying product offerings, improving EV battery durability, or facilitating more environmentally friendly logistical methods within the supply chain. The question is no longer “How will we get there?” Instead, today’s innovative minds ponder “How will we get there safely and efficiently?” These trends are not temporary fads, but rather stepping stones to a cleaner future.

About the Author

Logan Tierno is a Customer Content Specialist for PR Newswire, Industry Ambassador, and contributor to Beyond Bylines. She sits at the forefront of press release distribution and works with clients on increasing engagement and providing editorial support. You can find her off-duty doing yoga, engaging in some sort of artistic endeavor, or relaxing with her family.