37 minute read
Aeolus News
“Don’t panic” call on AdBlue supply
NEW ZEALAND PRODUCTION OF ADBLUE IS BEING
ramped up at the Ballance Agri Nutrients Kapuni plant in Taranaki as international supplies remain tight.
And NZ distributors say there is sufficient supply – providing users don’t panic buy.
A halt on urea exports from China last year has sent AdBlue/DEF fluid manufacturers scouring the globe for automotive grade urea – the raw material needed to make the AdBlue used in the emissions control systems of modern diesel engines.
Ballance Agri Nutrients says it has increased local production of its GoClear-branded AdBlue while other local distributors are searching global supply chains for alternative sources. Indications are China will remain closed as a source of urea until at least the end of next month.
Ballance business manager – industrial products, Kate Davies, says it’s important to avoid panic buying or other actions that could stress the market: “We are seeing high demand and we have ramped-up production. We are running at more than double our normal output (at the Kapuni plant),” she says.
“The key message is that we are continuing to see the urea market globally is unbalanced and there is a real shortage of automotive grade urea.”
Ballance uses natural gas at the Kapuni plant to manufacture urea. It makes the GoClear product, which is distributed by Ixom.
Until last year GoClear was a relatively small player in the NZ AdBlue market, before Ixom purchased the SCR Solutions distribution network.
“It’s important that the market doesn’t become distorted by panic buying or by people buying AdBlue to send to Australia,” says Davies.
“We are a farmer-owned co-operative, so our loyalty is to the NZ primary sector and the supply chains that support it.”
Ixom’s NZ general manager, Sean Eccles, says it has a resilient supply of AdBlue and is well placed to meet local demand: “We work hard to maintain multiple supply channels, with both imported and locally-produced product, to ensure continuity of supply to our customers.
“Most people understand that there is sufficient product available. We’d like to thank the end users of AdBlue – truck drivers, bus drivers and farmers – and our customers, for their collective response; most are purchasing product in line with their normal buying patterns.”
DGL Manufacturing (DGL), which produces and markets the AdBlue by Chempro brand in NZ, says it is also seeing higher demand and is fielding inquiries from new customers.
Jono Kney, sales and marketing manager for DGL, says: “We have got stock for our existing customers till the end of March, and we are in the process of securing raw materials from alternative sources.”
DGL currently supplies roughly one-third of the NZ market. The country’s estimated annual usage of AdBlue is in the region of 32 million litres.
In Australia, where the shortage of AdBlue has had significantly more general media coverage, the federal government is supporting fertiliser manufacturer Incitec Pivot to increase production at its plant near Brisbane.
Prior to the AdBlue supply issue, the plant – the only Australian factory producing automotive grade urea – had been earmarked for closure at the end of 2022. T&D
FUSO claims No. 1 spot
The FUSO return to the top has been powered by many factors.... including the arrival of a new 510hp Shogun flagship model
FUSO HAS ENDED ISUZU’S 21-YEAR
run as New Zealand’s best-selling truck – achieving a goal set five and a half years ago.
When Fuso New Zealand (FNZ) was appointed the new FUSO distributor in late 2016 it immediately went public with its ambition to return Daimler Truck’s Japanese brand to the No. 1 spot in the NZ new truck market.
The make had been the market leader for six years until Isuzu took over the top spot in 2000.
FUSO had languished in third place (behind Isuzu and Hino) for three years before the distribution rights for the make were taken from Mitsubishi Motors NZ and given to FNZ – a company set up by longtime FUSO dealer Keith Andrews Trucks.
FNZ MD Kurtis Andrews said then that the distribution deal provided an exciting challenge – and a great opportunity to return FUSO to market-leader status, although he conceded: “There is significant work to be done to reestablish FUSO as the No. 1 truck brand in NZ.”
Now Andrews says: “We are all extremely proud...
“Since Fuso NZ was established, one of our milestones was to reclaim the top market position. We knew we could only get there if customers valued what we have to offer and we promised to deliver better and to look after our own. This result is the outcome of that.”
He credits the loyalty of FUSO customers and “the passion and commitment” of the FNZ team and dealerships across the country for delivering the result.
FNZ says it has “delivered a renewed focus for the manufacturer in this country, across every aspect of customer experience.
“The FUSO dealer network has been further strengthened, parts stock and supply has significantly increased, and a slew of new models have expanded options for NZ truck and bus operators.”
Over the past five years, FNZ has introduced the big-selling Canter Tipper, the Enduro workhorse range and returned to the market the popular Shogun badge – on an all-new, Euro 6 lineup of medium to heavy-duty trucks, headlined by the latest 510 horsepower models.
FNZ points out that advanced safety features are now standard across its light, medium and heavy-duty offerings, while the FUSO eCanter – “the world’s first series-produced electric light truck” – is now in work here with “emissionconscious customers.”
For an in-depth look at the 2021 NZ truck market results, turn to CrediFlex Recently Registered on Page 102. T&D
CAL Isuzu owner Ashok Parbhu
CAL Isuzu’s big growth plans
NEW ZEALAND’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT ISUZU
dealership has big expansion plans for 2022.
CAL Isuzu has announced a $34million investment in new facilities – with $22m earmarked for a new dealership and workshop in East Tamaki and a $12m project creating a new Whangarei dealership and workshop.
The investments follow a 2021 redesign and upgrade of the CAL Isuzu site at Mount Maunganui.
It’s a vote of confidence in the industry at a time when some companies are taking a cautious approach and putting business plans on hold.
Ashok Parbhu, the owner of CAL Isuzu, says this is the right time to do the opposite: “When the first lockdown occurred, people were spooked and cancelled their orders with us. Materials were also in short supply.
“But, rather than shrink our operations, I thought CAL Isuzu should work smarter and take advantage of the new landscape.”
Before the COVID outbreak, he had been working with a developer to lease new high-tech facilities in Auckland, but as the pandemic pressure mounted, the developer pulled out – presenting Parbhu with an opportunity: “With the developer gone, my leadership team had a rethink,” he explains.
“We felt the need to secure our future from the vagaries of the property market, so we asked ourselves: ‘What if we owned the land in both Auckland and Whangarei – and building instead of leasing them?’ After weighing up the pros and cons, we decided to look for land.”
Both projects will soon be out for tender, with construction set to begin mid-year. The timeframe is for both new facilities to be fully operational in early 2023. The Whangarei operation will also grow its staff numbers from three to around 12 once the facility is completed.
For CAL Isuzu, these are exciting times – the latest steps in Ashok Parbhu’s 34-year journey: “There’s a saying. ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day – but they were laying bricks every hour.’ That’s how I feel about our new trucking facilities,” he says.
“What we’re doing now is the continuation of what my late brother Raman started in our parents’ backyard in 1987. Way back then, our motto was ‘Better Service.’ Through nearly 35 years, we’ve never lost sight of that.”
The CAL Isuzu dealer network and its 187 staff service 55% of Isuzu’s NZ truck market – as the only independent dealership with a large-scale engineering business that can build and modify trucks.
The new multi-million-dollar facility upgrades will further enhance CAL Isuzu’s ability to customise trucks down to the finest detail. T&D
The $34million investment will see a new dealership and workshop complex built in East Tamaki (left)....and another in Whangarei (right)
NEWS Kiwi tyre fitter now tyre boss
Heath Barclay
THE NEW BOSS OF BRIDGESTONE AUSTRALIA & NEW
Zealand is a Kiwi – whose career with the tyre giant started when he was still at high school in the Manawatu.
Heath Barclay, who took over as the company’s Australasian managing director on January 1, worked part-time as a tyre fitter at his local Firestone tyre shop in Dannevirke – and became its fulltime manager in 1994.
Barclay attracted the attention of Bridgestone NZ (then Firestone) and was offered a management cadet role in 1996. He worked in NZ in marketing, consumer business and general management roles until 2013, when he relocated to Australia as the group general manager of retail and marketing.
His rise to the top continued when he became the company’s associate director sales and marketing and a new member of the board….then, in 2017, was appointed sales director.
“It’s no secret that I’m passionate about this company, having spent half my life working for Bridgestone,” says Barclay.
“As a business, we have significant plans, and we have a great team to bring them to life and realise our mid to longterm strategy.
“Last year the global strategy for Bridgestone 3.0 was announced, and since then we have been laying the foundations to execute this strategy, and I’m honoured to be presented with the opportunity and responsibility of leading Bridgestone Australia & NZ through this period.”
Former MD Stephen Roche, who retired at the end of 2021, says the Australasian business has a bright future – and Barclay is “the ideal candidate to see the business through the next phase of its evolution towards a mobility solutions provider.
“This is a fantastic result for our business and for Heath. He’s passionate about the company, understands the future direction and no doubt will drive the Bridgestone Australia & NZ team towards realising our global and local goals.”
Barclay says that his predecessor “played a significant role in laying the foundations for Bridgestone Australia & NZ’s future over the past few years….
“He’s left big shoes to fill, and I’m looking forward to this challenge.”
Bridgestone Australia & NZ is part of the Bridgestone China and Asia Pacific (BSCAP) region structure, and Barclay will report to COO Asia Pacific, Agustin Pedroni, who says: “Heath is a committed and trusted professional, and the right leader to take BSANZ into the next level of its evolution.” T&D
Euro EV charging JV
RIVAL TRUCKMAKERS DAIMLER,
Traton and Volvo have moved a step closer to rolling out a Europe-wide high-performance charging network for battery-electric long haul trucks and coaches.
The three trucking giants have signed a binding agreement that aims to establish a joint venture to install and operate the network.
They will have equal ownership in the JV, with the charging network scheduled to start operations later this year, subject to regulatory approvals.
The total investment is in the region of 500 million Euros – believed to be easily the Euro road transport industry’s largest charging infrastructure investment to date.
The target is to install and operate at least 1700 high-performance green energy charging points on (or close to) highways, as well as at logistics and common destinations, within five years.
Additional partners and public funding will probably significantly increase the charging point numbers.
The JV partners say the project will help enable the European Union’s Green Deal – for carbonneutral freight transportation by 2050.
They say a high-performance charging network is urgently required to support truck operators with their transition to CO2-neutral transport solutions, especially in heavy-duty long distance trucking.
High-performance charging for long-haul trucking is a cost-effective way to help achieve significant and rapid emission reductions.
The JV’s charging network will be open to all commercial vehicles, regardless of brand. T&D
YOUR HAMMAR. YOUR WAY
HAMMAR 110:
+ Fast – new SledgeLeg™ technology, 50% faster + Narrow – SledgeLeg™ use for confined spaces + Light – from 8.4-tonne tare + Safe – optimal crane geometry + Reach – long outreach cranes + Weighing – by each crane or total + Strong – 36-tonne Safe Working Load (SWL) + Stable – legs extend for firm base and transfer + High lift – ideal for stacking option + Ease – crane/stabiliser side-by-side design + Safety+™ – computer monitored handling as std + SDS – Hammar Soft-Drive System + Flex – Trailer or Truckmounted
HAMMAR 195:
+ Versatile – PrecisionLeg™ for optimal stabilising + Light – low tare + Strong – 36-tonne Safe Working Load (SWL) or 40-tonne option + Stable – legs extend for firm base and transfer + Weighing – by each crane or total + High lift – ideal for stacking option + Reach – long outreach cranes + Ease – crane/stabiliser side-by-side design + Safety+™ – computer monitored handling as std + SDS – Hammar Soft-Drive System + Flex – Trailer or Truckmounted
HAMMAR 130:
+ Versatile – handles two 20’ containers or one 40’ container via 3 cranes + Unique – middle crane folds into chassis to accommodate a single 40’ + Sliding – for maximum payload with a single 20’ option + Light – only 7.5 tonne tare + Strong – 16-tonne Safe Working Load (SWL) + Stable – legs extend for firm base and transfer + Reach – long outreach cranes + Ease – crane/stabiliser side-by-side design + SDS – Hammar Soft-Drive System + Flex – Trailer or Truckmounted
Every freight delivery is different, so our three high-performance HAMMAR models are designed for your needs. Each HAMMAR is constructed from premium grade steel from Swedish and NZ components, to be stable, strong, fast and built to last. Designed for easy operation, service and maintenance in mind. You cannot buy a better sideloader.
With more than 45 years experience in sideloaders and a reputation for quality of manufacturing and service, HAMMAR sets the standard. Now sold in 115 countries
NEWS We’ve got a new editor
NEW ZEALAND TRUCK & DRIVER HAS
a new editor – longtime newspaper journalist Colin Smith taking over the role from retiring editor Wayne Munro after this issue.
As the second editor of the magazine, Colin brings some of the same background to the job that Munro brought to the magazine when it was founded 22 years ago.
In more than three decades working in daily newspapers, Colin specialised in motoring and motorsport for a variety of papers…as well as contributing to various motoring and motorsport magazines.
Says Smith: “I started at the Waikato Times features department in 1985 and moved from Hamilton to Tauranga in 1987 to join the Bay of Plenty Times.
“That role evolved over 33 years into a group motoring writer role, as the company ownership moved through Wilson and Horton, APN Regional Newspapers and then NZME.
“My main role was producing road test, new model launch and motorsport copy for the regional motoring publications in Tauranga, Rotorua, Whangarei, Hawke’s Bay and for many community newspapers.
“Quite a few in the road transport industry who also have connections to motorsport – in particular, the speedway and rallying world – will already know me: I was a rally co-driver for many years, a photographer at nearly every form of motorsport and I’ve tried my hand at TV and online livestream pit reporting.
“I’m looking forward to renewing those contacts and making a lot of new ones.”
Colin started working with the magazine in October – his first contributions appearing in the November and December-January issues.
It has, he says, “been exciting to begin learning a new industry.
“Road transport plays a very important role in almost every aspect of life in NZ.
“The technology and infrastructure that supports road transport has already started to change significantly and the pace of change only looks like accelerating.
“There will be no shortage of news in the years to come but it’s also important for the magazine to be a place for industry to celebrate its history.”
See retiring editor Munro’s “It’s goodbye from me….” feature on Page 63 T&D Colin Smith
PBT joins hydrogen trial
PBT EXPRESS FREIGHT NETWORK
says it is taking a leadership position in reducing emissions generated by New Zealand heavy vehicles – by signing up for a hydrogen fuel-cell truck trial later this year.
The courier and freight solutions provider will operate one of the first Hyzon hydrogen fuel cell trucks scheduled to start arriving here mid-year.
The 600 horsepower, 58-tonne GCM tractor unit, which is based on a DAF CF chassis, is powered by 100% green hydrogen. The only emissions are water vapour and, compared to a standard diesel truck, it will remove approximately 250 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere every year.
PBT’s CEO Dave Lovegrove says: “Our customers are increasingly focused on more sustainable supply chains, and we share similar values when it comes to decarbonising the transport network and delivering a better tomorrow.
“At PBT, we’re focused on a range of initiatives, from in-vehicle technology to improved fuel efficiency, to electric forklifts in our branch network….and now with this exciting new and 100% green heavy vehicle technology.”
PBT will operate the Hyzon hydrogen fuel cell truck under a fully-maintained operating lease with TR Group, and in association with Hiringa Refuelling and Hyzon Motors.
A trial fleet of 20 trucks has been ordered – the first of them due mid-year for performance testing, the balance scheduled to arrive towards the end of the year. T&D
PBT will be part of the Hyzon hydrogen fuel cell heavy truck trial
NEWS IVECO to end Aussie assembly
THE CLOSEDOWN OF IVECO’S AUSTRALIAN ASSEMBLY operation in mid-2022 – announced in November – will result in several changes to the model lineup offered in New Zealand by the European marque.
The Stralis and ACCO models – along with some X-Ways – are currently assembled at the Dandenong factory.
From the end of June, the heavy-duty range will (like IVECO’s Australasian supply of light-duty, medium-duty, selected HD, minibus and offroad models) be built at IVECO’s plant in Spain.
The Victorian plant’s closure – unsurprising given IVECO’S relatively low market share in Australasia – will bring to an end 70 years of truck manufacturing at the factory…..which was an International Harvester plant before IVECO bought it, in 1992.
However, IVECO says its Australian assembly operation will be replaced by a Customisation and Innovation Centre (CIC) – part of a global transformation towards the customisation of its vehicles for local markets.
The CIC will support Australasian customers and body-builders, particularly those with complex body requirements, with a more streamlined design and body fitment process.
IVECO Australia and NZ MD Michael May says that by focusing on the CIC, the make will strengthen one of its key selling points Down Under: “Historically, our most unique value proposition has been our ability to customise and specialise vehicles for our market, leveraging the expertise of our local engineering team and the local facility.
“By further enhancing this service, we believe there is considerable potential to provide additional value to existing and prospective customers, while growing the CIC’s capacity and scope of work.”
IVECO NZ dealer principal Barry Woods says that about 75% of the make’s trucks sold in NZ are already built in Europe, while the Stralis – along with some X-Way and ACCO units – are built in Australia.
With the move to 100% Spanish-built trucks, IVECO NZ “anticipates an improved and seamless supply of heavy vehicles, owing to the economies of scale….
“The European heavy-duty range specifications are closely aligned with the NZ heavy vehicle requirements and any enhancements will be made locally.”
It will also more closely align model year introduction timings with the European models.
The Australasian debut of new S-Way and T-Way models will, for example, follow the global launch plan – with the S-Way expected to go on sale in the second half of this year as the Stralis is phased out.
May says that the decision to move to local customisation of fully imported vehicles was a natural progression of Iveco’s ANZ transformation: “Given our brand’s long history of manufacturing in Australia, this next step towards customisation strengthens our ability to remain agile and responsive to demanding regional requirements.”
IVECO says the new S-Way model for Australasia will have undergone thousands of hours and kilometres of local validation testing and had input and development from local engineers and selected customer partners to ensure it meets the needs of the local markets. T&D
SUPPORTING NZ TRUCKING FOR THE LONG HAUL
Whether you’re an owner driver or a business operating an entire fleet, we’re ready and waiting with hassle-free finance to help with your transport needs.
Some Kiwi IVECO X-Ways have been built in Australia – along with Stralis and ACCO models
FULL SAFETY SYSTEMS STANDARD ACROSS THE RANGE
96-98 Wiri Station Road PO Box 76463 Manukau City, Auckland, NZ PHONE (09) 262 3181 FAX (09) 278 5643
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Mitchell Redington 021 555 326
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WAIKATO
Adam McIntosh 027 603 1023 Tim Finlay 021 452 805
BAY OF PLENTY - GISBORNE
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EURO 6 DAF XF
TARANAKI
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Bombay show set to be a standout…again
The inaugural show, in 2020, attracted 280 trucks and a crowd of 7000
THE SECOND BOMBAY TRUCK Show, to be held on February 12, is on track to be even bigger than the standout debut event in 2020.
Exhibitor stands are sold out and more than 300 trucks are pre-registered for the UDC Show ‘n’ Shine competition.
And, says show director Marieka Morcombe: “My phone is ringing like crazy. People are really excited and entries are still coming in for the Show ‘n’ Shine.
“There will be food trucks, and we will have three live bands playing, which all have connections to the trucking industry.
“The radio control trucks that were hugely popular with the kids (and some of the big kids) last year, will be back as well,” she says.
“Warren Sare from UDC will be the public address announcer for the day again – interviewing people.”
Trucks entered in the Show ‘n’ Shine will be judged in different categories with trophies and prizes on offer. The “People’s Choice” winner will take home a bar fridge and chilly bin.
The majority of new truck distributors will be represented at the biennial show, along with trailer manufacturers and other key suppliers to the road transport industry. Southpac Trucks will have its popular merchandise trailer on site.
Fresh from its success in propelling the FUSO brand to market leadership in 2021, Keith Andrews Trucks is preparing a showcase of heavy trucks from the Daimler family of brands.
If shipping schedules allow, there will be new FUSO Shogun 510, Freightliner Cascadia, Mercedes-Benz Actros and Arocs models on display, supported by a range of medium and light trucks from the three marques.
The emerging Shacman brand should gain plenty of attention with the New Zealand premiere of its most powerful truck to date – the make’s new X3000 flagship, due to go on sale later this year.
The X3000 is a 6x4 tractor unit with by a Euro 5 560hp Cummins engine and a 12-speed Eaton automated transmission.
The charity show is sponsored by Transfleet Trailers and Allied Petroleum and is held at the Bombay Rugby Club grounds.
Gates open at 10am for the February 12 show, which is operating under the orange traffic light settings of the COVID-19 Protection Framework – with a valid vaccine passport required for entry. Entry is by gold coin donation.
Franklin Hospice and Leukaemia Blood Cancer NZ are the charities that will benefit from the 2022 show, along with the Bombay Rugby Club, which provides the venue.
The 2020 event returned $68,000 to local charity groups, with organisers hoping to increase that figure this year. T&D
CablePrice has new aftersales GM
DAIMLER TRUCK AND ISUZU
dealer (and heavy machinery supplier) CablePrice has appointed Nick Allan as its general manager – aftersales.
Allan, who started with the company late last year, has more than 22 years of experience in the automotive industry and in management.
He started work as an A-Grade auto technician, then moved into various management roles – nationally and internationally. Most recently he was service director for Scania NZ and general manager for Trucks and Trailers.
CablePrice MD Aidan Mahony says: “It was important to select a general manager who has a proven success record – along with extensive industry knowledge and great customer understanding.
“Nick will lead the CablePrice aftersales team as we continue to evolve our aftersales offering and improve our customer experience. We are excited to have attracted an experienced, highcalibre leader. This appointment brings huge strength to our business and senior management team.” T&D
Nick Allan
Scania’s new six-cylinder engine is a “fuel economy hero”
Scania gets a new six (and Euro 6-only for NZ)
SCANIA’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF A NEW-GENERATION
six-cylinder engine is also the pathway for Scania New Zealand’s aim to sell an entirely Euro 6 engine lineup by the end of this year.
At the same time as the new 12.74-litre inline six-cylinder – just announced in Europe – begins arriving here during the fourth-quarter of 2022, Scania’s 16-litre V8 engine will also move to the Euro 6 standard on all units sold here.
By adopting dual overhead camshafts, four-valves per cylinder and Scania’s Twin-SCR exhaust treatment, the new six-cylinder will deliver horsepower, torque and fuel efficiency gains over its predecessor.
Scania NZ sales director Deon Stephens says: “NZ is a horsepowerdriven market and the V8s have been our hero product. But in Europe the six-cylinder is the fuel economy hero, and the new six-cylinder engine will build on Scania’s award-winning fuel economy to deliver another 8% improvement.”
Initially, the new six engine is being produced in 420, 460, 500 and 560 horsepower ratings – with Stephens confirming the full range will be offered here.
Scania says the new engine and accompanying technologies represent its biggest launch since the introduction of the new truck generation in 2016.
“Developing a new engine platform of this magnitude is a once-in-alifetime opportunity for most engine platform engineers,” says chief engineer Magnus Henrikson, who led the five-year development process.
Henrikson says the team was tasked with developing an engine platform based on Scania’s low-rev philosophy, capable of exceeding all coming regulations and dealing successfully with all potential competition for the rest of this decade.
“In my humble view we have accomplished that goal,” he says.
“We knew from the beginning that dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), in combination with four-valve cylinder head technology and SCR-only, was a requisite.”
“With the DOHC solution in place, we were able to develop the optional compression release brake system to the expected performance level. And precise valve control from overhead cams is also a must for the advanced Scania Twin-SCR system, with dual dosing of urea.”
Scania says there has been no carry-over from the earlier engine. Key features include a 23:1 compression ratio, new injectors, optimised fuel pump and new crankshaft designed for low weight and high durability.
Carefully tuned inlets and outlets combine with an optimised turbo and manifold design. Scania says peak pressure inside the cylinders at their combustion stroke is now 250-bar – achieving a highly efficient usage of the energy in the fuel.
Typically, high output internal combustion engines with high combustion pressures and temperatures result in unacceptable NOx levels.
But, says Henrikson: “Our Scania Twin-SCR system, first introduced on the new V8 in 2020, takes care of this very effectively.
“By injecting a first dose of AdBlue in the close-coupled position to the turbocharger, immediately after the exhaust brake flap – where the exhaust gases are still very hot – we dramatically increase the total efficiency of the aftertreatment system,” he says.
“The second dose is then injected in the usual position inside the aftertreatment system. But by then the task is easier since the peak NOx level has already been reduced. The particulate filter, which is positioned between the two SCR catalysts, is regenerated without post-injecting extra fuel to the exhaust system.
“All-in-all the Scania Twin-SCR system is a clever way to make the best possible use of the energy in the exhaust stream.” T&D
NEWS Safety to the Nth degree
ISUZU’S NEW N SERIES, NOW BEING
introduced in New Zealand, is the Japanese make’s “safest-ever,” it says.
The light-duty MY21 N Series is, says Isuzu Trucks NZ general manager Dave Ballantyne, “a significant step forward for Isuzu Trucks.”
Along with the features of the Isuzu Intelligent Safety Suite, some models in the new range also come with a new warranty – extended out to fiveyears/250,000 kilometres, at no extra cost.
The warranty, says Ballantyne, “enhances peace of mind and offers substantial benefits from a cost-ofbusiness perspective.”
Although Isuzu’s N Series has been the strongestselling light-duty truck since 2010, Ballantyne believes its lack of a safety suite has, until now, cost it sales.
While the light-duty Isuzu “has been a staple product for many years…because we haven’t had the safety features in the N Series, we haven’t been able to pick up the volume fleet business. So now, with these safety features, it gets us back on the buy list.”
Adds Ballantyne: “The light-duty segment is fiercely competitive and now, with the new N Series, we’re in a position to offer a well-specified, safetyorientated new model to owners and drivers who desire a reliable and manoeuvrable vehicle.
“It’s a versatile performer which shines in the city and excels at around-town FMCG delivery duties, as well as a variety of other applications such as traffic management, tipper and local freight distribution.”
The suite includes the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) package, comprising electronic vehicle stability control (EVSC), advanced emergency braking (AEBS), distance warning (DWS), lane departure warning (LDWS), traffic movement warning alert….plus hill start aid on some models.
Key to ADAS is a dash-mounted dual optical sensor camera, mounted low in the centre of the windscreen so as not to obstruct driver visibility. It is standard on NMR, NPR, NQR cab-chassis and tipper models.
Ballantyne says “it picks up 3D objects at close range” – making it “a better-suited system for urban environments. So, ideal for spotting cars, bikes, kids and site workers – as opposed to some systems that have a focal point further away. Ours goes out about 100 metres and is quite wide.”
The new N Series trucks now also come with automatic, self-levelling headlights and LED lowbeam, delivering a wider, brighter and deeper beam compared with halogen lights.
The new Ns have an updated interior trim and use the “proven and reliable” existing three-litre or 5.2-litre four-cylinder engine options – neither requiring AdBlue. The two bigger engines don’t demand regen either, says Isuzu – thus reducing downtime and improving cost efficiency.
While Isuzu in Australia has extended the new N Series warranty out to six years, the five years offered here is “better than many competitors” in the segment, according to Ballantyne. It’s conditional on the truck being serviced at an Isuzu dealer.
Ballantyne says that the price of the new N Series trucks has increased slightly – by less than 2%....but says Isuzu feels “that there’s over $8000 to $10,000 of value added.”
He says that “currently 60% of our orders are in the light-duty category and we’re pretty happy with our production situation for N Series.” He believes that the NPR and NQR models will probably be the biggest sellers in the range – with “good support from the tipper market too.” T&D
Alignments Tyre Sales Tyre Fitting Axle and Diff Housing Straightening Wheel Balancing Axle Corrections Contact:
09 250 4286 or 0800 878 252 admin@akltruckalign.co.nz www.truckalign.co.nz 8 Mepal Place, Papatoetoe, Auckland
The new N Series trucks come with a suite of safety systems
THE ALL NEW
THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS JUST GOT BETTER
96-98 Wiri Station Road PO Box 76463 Manukau City, Auckland, NZ PHONE (09) 262 3181 FAX (09) 278 5643
NORTHLAND
Mitchell Redington 021 555 326
AUCKLAND
Steve Willcocks 027 525 0015 Mitchell Redington 021 555 326
WAIKATO
Adam McIntosh 027 603 1023 Tim Finlay 021 452 805
BAY OF PLENTY - GISBORNE
Tim Finlay 021 452 805
TARANAKI
Adam McIntosh 027 603 1023
HAWKE’S BAY – MANAWATU – WANGANUI – WELLINGTON
Mark O’Hara 027 2466 954
SOUTH ISLAND
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Big BoP road project
A FIVE-YEAR PROJECT TO DELIVER LONG AWAITED
improvements to State Highway 2 west of Tauranga is now under way.
Preparation work on phase one of the new Takitimu North Link began in December after the construction contract was awarded to a Fulton Hogan and HEB Joint Venture.
It will see a new expressway run 6.8 kilometres between SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road and Te Puna – providing an alternative to SH2 and moving trucks away from local roads.
This is a key strategic transport corridor, commuter and freight route, as well as an important tourist link for the northern Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Peninsula.
The project requires three million cubic metres of earthworks and includes the construction of eight bridges, 29 culverts, eight stream diversions and seven wetlands. At peak construction, 350 to 400 workers will be employed on the project.
It will provide more transport choice for communities, with provision for public transport and a shared path for walking and cycling.
The Western Bay of Plenty is projected to grow by 16,000 people in the next 20 years, and traffic crossing the Wairoa Bridge is predicted to increase from 20,000 vehicles to more than 30,000 daily by 2031.
Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency director regional relationships, David Speirs says the project is “a huge investment into the Bay of Plenty, and one of the largest projects within the NZ Upgrade Programme.
“We are now into the construction phase of the project, with enabling works under way, essential ecological and environmental investigations continuing, and main construction beginning this summer.”
Since the design portion of the contract was awarded in May last year, contractors FH/HEB JV have progressed site investigations, technical assessments and detailed design.
Says Speirs: “The contract was split into two parts, design and construct – allowing the design to continue while property negotiations were completed. The progress with land acquisition over the past 18 months has brought us to the construction phase.
“Fulton Hogan and HEB Joint Venture bring significant experience to the project, having previously built the Tauranga Eastern Link. They are ready to hit the ground running this summer and enabling works are already under way.”
Stage Two of the project, Te Puna to Omokoroa, will be a protected route under the NZ Upgrade Programme, however there is currently no funding for further work beyond route protection. T&D
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Battery-swap Etruck on freight run
Etrucks’ XCMG E700 tractor unit ran loaded from Auckland to Hamilton and back on 70% of one charged battery
TESTING OF NEW ZEALAND’S FIRST BATTERY-SWAP
electric truck has now included an inter-city freight run.
Etrucks’ XCMG E700 6x4 battery electric tractor unit hauled a loaded Mainfreight semi-trailer on an Auckland to Hamilton return run in the latest phase of its road test programme.
For the depot-to-depot run the gross weight of the quad-axle semi and the Chinese-built tractor unit was 41 tonnes.
Etrucks director Ross Linton says 30% of the truck’s battery capacity remained at the end of the trip.
A repeat Auckland-Hamilton return trip with another trucking company, running at 39t all-up, saw 39% of battery capacity remaining.
The XCMG E700 test truck has a 282kWh battery that Linton says is a “sweet spot” – achieving a good balance between sufficient range and not being excessively heavy.
The battery-swap truck is designed to be used in conjunction with a robotic gantry crane that can swap the battery in minutes.
The truck had previously done trial runs over the Bombay Hills, but Linton says of the loaded inter-city testing: “It was great to give a serious customer a chance to look at the truck.”
More XCMG E700 battery-swap trucks have been built for NZ – two 6x4 tractor units and the first of four 8x4 rigids due to arrive here soon. One of the 8x4s is a tanker, the others are tippers.
Linton says that new XCMG models are also being developed and he hopes to debut a new E100 metro light-duty electric truck at Feildays. The 4.5t GVM truck has a 61kWh battery, a 180km estimated range and a single-speed transmission.
The E300 model – already in use in NZ, mainly in garbage disposal and delivery work – gets an upgrade, with a single-speed transmission and a 30% increase in battery capacity. The updated E300s are also expected here mid-year. T&D
Electric Merc vans on trial here
MERCEDES-BENZ VANS IS PREPARING FOR THE NEW
Zealand launch of its new e-van lineup by partnering with NZ Post for a local trial programme.
The new eSprinter and eVito vans will soon join the NZ Post delivery fleet for an extended in-service evaluation by delivery drivers nationwide.
The trial is supported by a $240,000 grant from the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund – a Government fund administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) to help accelerate the uptake of low emission transport.
The trial begins soon as a leadup to the full market launch of the mid-size eVito panel van, eVito Tourer, eSprinter and EQV models in NZ in the second half of the year.
Mercedes-Benz Vans managing director Diane Tarr says it is a very exciting step towards a more sustainable future for the make and its customers in NZ: “We are confident that the electric drive will gain more prevalence in NZ over the coming years.
“As it does, we will be ready with a strong customer-centric electric product portfolio, which offers the potential to lower operating costs and reduce environmental impacts.”
The Mercedes-Benz Vans strategy is to offer both battery-electric and conventional combustion engine options for all of its commercial models.
It says electrification is becoming an increasingly attractive proposition for van operators looking to show commitment to sustainable practices and reduced total cost of ownership.
Full NZ specifications and pricing will be announced closer to the launch – but in Europe the eSprinter is offered with 41kWh or 55kWh batteries, for an estimated 102-158km range. It offers 11-cubic metres of cargo space.
The eVito Tourer and EQV (a premium MPV passenger model) have 100kWh battery capacity and a range of 350-360km. Specs for the eVito Panel Van are still to be confirmed. T&D
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