Japan’s ZM Trucks Collaborates With City of Fontana, CA on Commercial ZEVs
On Sept. 2, 2025, ZM Trucks, a leading manufacturer of next-generation commercial zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), announced a strategic collaboration with the City of Fontana to accelerate the transition to clean transportation and support the city’s long-term sustainability goals.
As part of this partnership, ZM Trucks will provide the city with a ZM8 LWB Stake Bed, a long-wheelbase, all-electric commercial truck, for demonstration in municipal operations. Engineered for durability, high performance, and zero-emission functionality, the ZM8 LWB Stake Bed is designed to meet a variety of city use cases, including logistics, facilities maintenance, and transportation services.
This initiative reflects a shared commitment to reducing environmental impact and enhancing operational efficiency. By deploying ZM Trucks’ advanced electric vehicles, Fontana continues to take proactive steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. ZM Trucks will also provide ongoing technical support, infrastructure consultation, and training resources to ensure a seamless integration into city operations.
Beyond environmental benefits, ZM Trucks’ solutions deliver a strong economic value proposition. With lower fuel, maintenance, and operating costs, the company’s vehicles consistently outperform comparable diesel trucks in total cost of ownership (TCO). Even as a single-vehicle collaboration, the deployment underscores ZM Trucks’ real-world value in municipal applications.
“We’re excited to work with the City of Fontana and contribute to their forward-thinking approach to clean transportation,” said Joost de Vries, CEO of ZM Trucks. “The ZM8 LWB Stake Bed delivers practical performance without compromising on sustainability, aligning perfectly with the city’s goals.”
Strengthening Roots in Fontana
This collaboration comes on the heels of a major milestone for ZM Trucks earlier this year. On Jan. 22, 2025, the company announced the opening of its first North American manufacturing plant and new regional headquarters in Fontana, California, located at 10271 Almond Avenue.
The newly constructed facility spans 9.67 acres with a 210,000-square-foot factory floor and will serve as the cornerstone of ZO Motors’ U.S. operations through its subsidiary, ZM Trucks. Production is set to begin in the first half of 2025, supporting a portfolio of zero-emission products including electric commercial trucks, terminal tractors, and airport ground service equipment.
The Fontana facility is expected to create significant job opportunities in the region while reinforcing ZO Motors’ mission to scale sustainable transportation solutions globally. With additional manufacturing operations in Asia, ZO Motors continues to expand its footprint across North America, South America, and the Middle East.
ZO Motors and ZM Trucks
ZO Motors is a Japanese manufacturer and global leader in zero-emission commercial vehicles, delivering sustainable transportation solutions for industries including commercial logistics, port and aviation ground operations, transit, and tourism. With manufacturing facilities in Asia and North America, the company is at the forefront of innovation, combining advanced technology with a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
ZM Trucks, a subsidiary of ZO Motors, specializes in the R&D, manufacturing, and sales of intelligent new-energy commercial vehicles. Originating in Japan, ZM Trucks’ powertrain portfolio includes Battery Electric, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric, and upcoming Hydrogen ICE platforms, enabling a wide range of applications for global markets.
