A Japanese commercial truck maker is planting its US headquarters in Fontana where it’s building out an electric truck manufacturing hub.
ZM Trucks , a subsidiary of ZO Trucks based in Tokyo, leased a 210,000 square foot facility at 10271 Almond Ave.
The company said it will use that facility to manufacture a range of zero-emission products including electric commercial trucks, tractors, and airport ground service equipment.
The automaker joins a growing EV business movement in the Inland Empire. Karma Automotive announced in 2023 it was adding electric trucks to its assembly line in Moreno Valley. Luxembourg-based B-ON is manufacturing its electric light-commercial trucks at Karma’s facility on N. Perris Boulevard.
That same year, Riverside officials welcomed a New Zealand maker of autonomous electric shuttles to the city, where it established its international headquarters.
An effort to create a tax-credit zone for EV development was turned down by Gov. Gavin Newsom, who cited budgetary concerns.
Discussions with the city and San Bernardino County officials started in early 2024.
“Our Economic Development team worked extensively with ZM Trucks to ensure they found the perfect site in the county to support their continued growth in the zero-emission vehicle sector,” said Curt Hagman, San Bernardino County’s Fourth District supervisor.
The Fontana base, city officials said, should create “significant job opportunities in the region.” When fully operational, ZM Trucks said it will have approximately 200 employees.
The facility is expected to begin production this year. Production is estimated at 35,000 to 40,000 vehicles per year.
Moreno Valley Dutch Bros. property sells for $2.6M
A new Dutch Bros. drive-through property in Moreno Valley recently sold for $2.61 million, according to Hanley Investment Group Real Estate Advisors.
The property at 23140 Hemlock Ave. includes a new 15-year lease with the Oregon-based coffee chain.
Dutch Bros., known for its coffee concoctions and drive-through only stores, opened its Moreno Valley store in September 2024.
Hanley represented the seller and property developer, Evergreen Development. The buyer was only identified as a Los Angeles-based investor.
For all you Dutch Bros. fans out there, the company has at least six other locations coming to Riverside and San Bernardino counties, according to food reporter Fielding Buck.
Colton gas station sells for $5.2 million
A Mobil Gas Station with a convenience store and car wash in Colton has traded hands, selling for $5.2 million.
Progressive Real Estate Partners represented both parties in the sale.
The sale included the land at 130 West Valley Blvd. and the business.
Victor Buendia, a senior vice president at Progressive Real Estate Partners, said the unidentified seller owned the property for more than 30 years. The buyer, identified only as an Inland Empire investor, will renovate the convenience store and to help improve the overall customer experience, Buendia said.
The gas station is across from a Stater Bros. grocery store and several other businesses including Dennys, Starbucks, McDonalds and a US Postal Office.
News from last week
CTA moves forward: The Supreme court revived the Corporate Transparency Act , a new law requiring the owners of millions of small businesses to register with an arm of the Treasury Department charged with fighting money laundering and other financial crimes. The CTA had been held up after two judges put the order on hold. Now, owners and part-owners of an estimated 32.6 million small businesses must register personal information with Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN. The information includes photo IDs and home addresses. It’s unclear whether the Trump administration will devote much effort to enforcing the registration requirement.
Broncos and Mavericks recalled: Ford Motor Co. is recalling 272,827 Broncos and Mavericks due to a power problem that can cause vehicles to stop unexpectedly or fail to start. The problem is related to a 12 volt battery made by Camel Battery of China that has “internal manufacturing defects,” including weld failures that can cause open circuits.
Samsung’s new phones: Samsung is doubling down on artificial intelligence in its next Galaxy smartphones. The three Galaxy S25 models unveiled in San Jose will get an added does of AI while keeping most of the hardware of previous S25s. The phones also will come equipped with a faster chip and an ultrawide lens on the camera. Samsung opted not to raise prices this year. The baseline phone starts at $800; the Plus model is $1,000 and the Ultra model $1,300. The phones should be be in retail stores by Feb. 7.
JCPenney tries again: The beleaguered retailer, after weathering a bankruptcy, store closings and a CEO straight out of Silicon Valley, is getting another shot at rebirth. The chain with 650 locations has joined the company behind Eddie Bauer and Aéropostale, forming a new company called Catalyst Brands. Based in Texas, it will be led by the former head of JCPenney. It’s not entirely clear how all the brands could be used together, or if the concept will work.
The Associated Press and The Dallas Morning News contributed to this report.
The business briefs are compiled and edited by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items to sgowen@scng.com . High-resolution images can also be submitted. Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.
