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WASHINGTON — U.S. manufacturing activity fell to the lowest level in more than a decade, as the sector was hurt by weakening demand and last year’s global economic slowdown.

From electric trucks and startups to international megamergers, the state of the fast-evolving auto industry in Illinois comes down to a tale of three cities: Normal, Belvidere and Chicago.

The long-standing joint venture between Cummins Inc. and Westport Fuel Systems Inc. for the manufacture of natural gas engines is nearing a turning point, with the companies and industry observers discussing what lies ahead both for the partners and for natural gas technology.

The day Youngstown’s steel mills began shutting down 40 years ago remains fresh in the minds of those who live in the blue-collar corner of Ohio. Community leaders don’t want the recent closing of General Motors’ massive assembly plant to leave that same lingering gloom.

All but the smallest civilian drones would have to broadcast radio tracking data to ensure greater safety and prevent terrorism under a sweeping proposal unveiled by U.S. regulators Dec. 26.

Despite some cautionary notes, public comment on a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advanced notice of proposed rulemaking largely favored permitting camera-based, rear-visibility systems to replace mirrors on light vehicles and heavy trucks.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. announced it is expanding its company-owned presence in the Midwest by purchasing Raben Tire Co., based in Evansville, Ind., from affiliates of Palladium Equity Partners, a private equity firm.

If 2018 was one big party for the trucking and freight business, 2019 was the day after the party.

Sales volume and prices of used Class 8 trucks were substantially down in November, according to ACT Research.

Net orders for U.S. trailers in November fell 56% to just below 20,000, ACT Research reported — putting excess production capacity in the spotlight.