News

Mobile testing going nowhere

THE NEW MOBILE ROLLER BRAKE TESTING (MRBT)

machines being introduced as part of the ``Road to Zero” road safety campaign are proving to be anything but. Mobile that is.

In fact, the first five of the six new machines that should have been deployed around the country by NZ Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Teams earlier this year remain in storage at its Stanley Street base in Auckland. The sixth unit has yet to be completed as parts have been delayed.

Police Vehicle Safety Officers have been trained to use the machines but eight months after their public launch in late-February, they remain idle with Police unable to provide a timeline for introduction.

The MRBT units should have been rolled out to carry out random checking of heavy vehicle braking systems nationwide, supplementing the permanent roadside facilities in the Bay of Plenty and in North Canterbury.

CVST officials had identified braking system issues as a safety issue and had identified a 67% failure rate for vehicles tested at the Paengaroa site between 2018 and 2021.

New Zealand Truck & Driver asked the NZ Police for comment regarding the delayed introduction.

“Police operate Permanent Roller Brake Machines (PRBMs) in Paengaroa and Glasnevin, but the mobile versions of the roller machines are being stored in Auckland until the trailers used to tow them have had an identified safety defect resolved,” says Senior Sergeant Mike Moloney, Relieving National Manager, Commercial Vehicle Safety Teams.

“Police are currently working with the manufacturer, supplier and an independent engineer to resolve the safety issues before the RBTMs can be deployed more widely throughout New Zealand.

“Safety is our number one priority and we are still able to use the non-mobile RBTM machine’s in areas where they are located.” We also asked the Police if there was any timeframe for the units to go into service. “This is a priority for Road Policing. We are working very closely with all concerned, all going well we hope to have this issue resolved by early next year, we can’t give an exact date though because safety is our priority.” The NZ CVST opened tenders for the supply of six new machines in 2020. The tender requirement was for a roadside brake tester that had the capacity to test fully laden vehicles. It needed to be in a self-contained trailer with a generator and an overall weight around 3000kg. Police went with the BM Autoteknik BM20200 system from Denmark capable of testing cars, vans, four-wheel-drives and heavy vehicles to a COF-B standard. Another requirement was for the system to be set up using just two people and be ready for operation within 15 to 20 minutes of arrival to site. The MRBTs were to allocated around the country one per each to the four CVST areas and the other two in a “floating” role. T&D The MRBT units were designed to move around the country in car transporter trailers.

Energy and Resources Minister Dr Megan Woods.

More co-funded EV projects

THE THIRD ROUND OF LOW EMISSION TRANSPORT

Fund allocations will provide $2.14 million in co-funding and includes several road transport projects.

Among 11 new projects are clever solutions for electric vehicle charging, ways to cut fuel costs in heavy freight, and the first marine project will get co-funding for a trial of small electric outboard motors.

“In total, the projects will receive $2.14 million from the Government’s third round of The Low Emission Transport Fund so they can trial new ways of slashing emissions in the transport sector, in areas that were previously seen as hard to decarbonise,” says Energy and Resources Minister Dr Megan Woods.

“It’s also great to see projects looking at saving money and waste at the same time by targeting inefficiencies in freight.

“Freight and transport management companies Findatruckload and iCOS LIVE, will partner to identify `empty legs’ - when trucks return empty,” says Dr Woods.

The service will automate freight alerts to trucks about to run empty to allow them to fill their empty leg, generate more revenue, eliminate the need to put another truck on the road to move the same freight, and thereby save emissions. The project has received $91,000 in funding.

“We are also happy to support work on one of the big reasons that stop prospective buyers from purchasing EVs - slow charging.”

A $397,000 grant will see Red Phase Technologies working with Z Energy and Powerco to integrate a super high-speed charger at a Waiouru site, using technology that will reduce the impact on the grid. The system delivers four chargers providing over 180kW each.

Jump Charging is the recipient of $101,094 to build a portable skidmounted 75kW DC rapid charging station that can be installed in locations that require temporary increases in EV charging demand such as special events or emergency situations.

Other grants include $252,000 for Swire Shipping’s coastal shipping company, Pacifica Shipping to deploy two XCMG E700 electric trucks to move full containers for the first and last mile at the ports of Auckland and Christchurch, connecting with Pacifica Shipping’s coastal services operating between Auckland and Lyttleton.

The trucks can handle around six containers each daily, at both Auckland and Christchurch between warehouse and port. Swire estimates that this system will decarbonise 3,000 truck movements in the first year alone building to over 9,000 decarbonised journeys by the third year of operation.

The combined use of zero emission first and last mile transport, connected to coastal shipping, will offer shippers the lowest emission supply chain for inter-island containerised cargoes in New Zealand. One of the trucks will be at Swire’s own cost.

A grant of $343,398 will allow National Steel to purchase a 28-tonne electric truck fitted with a fully electric hydraulic arm and hook, to operate at its metal shredding and recovery facility in Wiri, Auckland. The truck will replace a 5-year-old diesel truck, and a lengthened chassis will enable the truck to carry standard skips.

The Low Emission Transport Fund, administered by EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), supports the demonstration and adoption of low emission transport technology, innovation and infrastructure to accelerate the decarbonisation of the New Zealand transport sector. Learnings from LETF projects will lead efforts reduce transport emissions by 41% by 2035.

Organisations were able to apply for up to 50% of the cost of projects that met specific objectives. Recipients of round four and round five funding for projects that support the adoption of public charging infrastructure will be announced in the near future. T&D

It’s all go at Bombay

WITH AN UNPLANNED extra year to prepare, no thanks to Covid-19, the Transfleet Trailers/Allied Petroleum Bombay Truck Show is ready to return even bigger and brighter as the first big road transport event of the new year.

With over 400 trucks entered for display, 60 trade stands and a new Careers Zone added to the event, the second running of the show is at the Bombay Rugby Club grounds on Saturday January 21.

The show provides an early chance for the industry to showcase new models and the latest builds for 2023.

Show coordinator Marieka Morcombe says the anticipation is building not only in the industry, but also in the local community.

“The show committee and the whole community is really excited about the show. There is a real buzz building and I hear people talking about it at the rugby club, school pick-ups and in online chatter,” says Marieka.

“With it being such a huge build up – three years – it’s a huge amount of time between shows. The public that came to the first event can’t wait to come back. Exhibitors are putting plans together and organising giveaways on their stands and truck drivers are polishing.”

The UDC Show & Shine is a keenly contested element of the Bombay Show. “To join our own 68 trophies, we have also been entrusted with an old trophy, the A&A Transport Cup. This was donated by Allan & Adrienne James in 1992 for The Best Presented Mercedes Benz Commercial Vehicle. “From the limited information we have, it was awarded at a few different North Island truck shows from 1992 to 2000. It then sat somewhere for 19 years before being awarded to Pukekohe Carriers in 2019. We look forward to seeing it continue in circulation and awarding it at the next Transfleet Trailers/ Allied Petroleum Bombay Truck Show.” Marieka says the history of the trophy isn’t clear. “If anyone has history to share with us on this trophy’s travels, I’d love to hear about it.” Other attractions include food trucks, live music and a free Kidzone entertainment area. While the truck show has a commercial and entertainment format it’s primary goal is to raise funds for charity and community groups. “Having already donated $37,500 to charity in advance of the show, we look forward to handing over the balance and we know our charities look forward to receiving it,” says Marieka. The three groups - Franklin Hospice, Blood Cancer & Leukaemia Foundation and the Bombay Rugby Club - will all have a presence on the day. The A&A Transport Cup for The Best Presented Mercedes Benz commercial vehicle returns to circulation at the “Take a moment to speak to them to find out what they do to help so many people around the Bombay Truck Show. country. Drop another coin in their buckets. It all helps!” T&D

Stuart Thornton is managing the new Brokers United branch in Wellington.

Brokers moves into Wellington

BROKERS UNITED HAS OPENED A FIFTH BRANCH

and extended its specialist commercial vehicle repair network into the Wellington region.

Based in Petone, the new Brokers United location joins its existing Waitara, Rotorua and two Tauranga facilities.

“We were looking to better support our customers around the country, and we were aware the Wellington region was underserviced. Operators around Wellington were having to travel to have their repair work done,” says director Kurt Broker.

“We’ve bought a new and well-equipped business in Petone which will be managed by Stuart Thornton.

“Stuart is very experienced in many aspects of the paint and panel industry and he’s looking forward to working with our customers.

“Brokers point of difference is it’s efficiencies to have quick repair turnaround times and dedication to customer service,” says Kurt.

Brokers United has established in Waitara 13 years ago and now employs more than 50 staff across its five branches, providing crash repair, panel beating, sand blasting, industrial coatings and painting for trucks and heavy machinery.

“Brokers United is an expanding company. We are looking for more opportunities to build our network and support our customers around the country,” Kurt says. T&D

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Level 4 Kenworth debuts

KENWORTH DEBUTED A T680 NEXT GENERATION

equipped with the Aurora Driver Level 4 autonomy system at the recent ATA Management Conference and Exhibition in San Diego.

Launched at the Kenworth booth at the San Diego Convention Centre, the prototype features new control interfaces along with redundant braking, steering, and power systems to achieve the requirements needed for reliable and safe self-driving operations.

The Aurora Driver consists of sensors that perceive the world, software that plans a safe path through it, and a computer that powers and integrates the sensors and software with the truck, allowing the Aurora Driver to drive safely in autonomy on the road.

The sensors on the T680 Next Gen include Aurora’s FirstLight Lidar, imaging radar, and high-resolution cameras. These sensors work together to build a 3D representation of the world, giving the Aurora Driver a nearly 360-degree view of its surroundings in real-time.

“Kenworth and Aurora are working closely together to develop nextgeneration autonomous trucks designed to safely and efficiently transport goods. The Kenworth T680 Next Gen combines our expertise in heavy duty truck development with the Aurora Driver system’s advanced technology,” says Kevin Baney, Kenworth general manager and PACCAR vice president.

“This initial platform is the result of close collaboration over the past year and represents a significant milestone toward our shared goal of deploying autonomous trucks that can haul goods around the clock, safely and reliably,” said Sterling Anderson, chief product officer and co-founder at Aurora.

The show also featured Kenworth’s fully electric Class 8 T680E and a W990 with the 52-inch flat roof sleeper configuration introduced in North America last year. T&D

The Aurora Driver equipped Kenworth T680 Next Generation.

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On site H2 refuelling

JCB, DEVELOPER OF THE WORLD’S FIRST WORKING

construction machines powered by hydrogen combustion engines, has unveiled another world first for the industry - a mobile hydrogen refueller.

The pioneering British company is investing £100 million (NZ$194 million) in a project to produce super-efficient hydrogen engines and has already showcased working prototypes of a backhoe loader and Loadall telescopic handler powered by hydrogen.

The mobile hydrogen refueller will provide a quick and easy way to refuel these machines on site. Around 97% of construction machines have fuel delivered to them while working on site. This means customers are already used to a transportable fuel, allowing refuelling to take place in a matter of minutes.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford, who is leading JCB’s hydrogen project, says: “Since we became the first construction equipment company to unveil machines powered by hydrogen, many have asked how they can be refuelled.

“We have an answer with our new mobile hydrogen refuelling system, which allows hydrogen to be taken from on-site tube trailers and distributed to machines by our refueller as they work on the job site. This is no different to today when diesel is taken in bowsers to refuel machines.”

JCB has a team of 100 engineers is working on the hydrogen project. The first hydrogen powered machine to be unveiled was a JCB backhoe loader followed, a year ago, by a Loadall telescopic handler. The technology went on to be shown in the Green Zone at COP26 in Glasgow as world leaders debated measures to drastically reduce greenhouse emissions.

Lord Bamford challenged JCB’s engineers to develop a hydrogen combustion engine in 2020 because he believes the technology offers the quickest way to reach UK emissions reduction targets. JCB is at the forefront of the drive to reach zero emissions by 2050 and has a number of prototype machines on test powered by hydrogen.

“Fossil fuels are not the future and hydrogen is the practical solution to powering our machines in the decades to come. Our British engineers are doing a fantastic job in developing this technology and there are many more exciting developments to come,” says Lord Bamford. T&D

JCB is supporting its hydrogen fuelled backhoe loader with an onsite refuelling unit.

Prizes lined up for Dunedin show

SPONSORSHIP AND PRIZES ARE

being confirmed for the sixth running of the Dunedin Truck Show on Saturday January 28.

The truck show runs in conjunction with the Otago Taieri A&P Show at the Mosgiel Showgrounds.

There are two major trophies up for grabs on the day - King Rig and People’s Choice - along with 22 other prize categories. City Auto Glass as the major sponsor of the show will also be awarding a sponsors choice prize.

Naming rights sponsor City Auto Glass is joined by Scott Transport, Southpac Trucks, Truck Stops, CVC, Envirowaste, TWL, Gough’s, CTS, Helicopters Otago, SiLodec Scales, Roadmaster, Dunedin Trucks, Beaurepaires and STMS as the Dunedin show plans to bounce back from a 2022 Covid cancellation.

“On site will be a barbecue kindly supplied by Dynes Transport and manned by the Arthur Burns Kindergarten doing the sausage sizzle. Come along and support them,” says organising committee spokesperson Stan Mason.

Other attractions include a Pro Shine truck chrome polishing demonstration, a Beaurepaires tyre display along with all the normal attractions of the annual A&P show taking place the same day.

The A&P Showgrounds is at Dukes Rd, Mosgiel with gates open to trucks at 7am. Truck entry fee is $5 per truck registration at the prize tent.

“Judging starts at 9am and the latest trucks can arrive is 10am to be parked up as the public has entry from 10am onwards. We can have no truck movement from 10am till 4am and prize giving is at 3pm,” says Stan.

Organisers also advise that due a restricted entry and exit, the show is truck only. There’s also no blowing of air horns due to equestrian events at the A&P Show the same day. T&D

The Dunedin Truck Show is set for Saturday January 28.

Western Star 48X has been developed exclusively for the Australian market.

Triple stars debut

PENSKE AUSTRALIA HAS UNVEILED NEW WESTERN

Star X-Series trucks developed for the Australian market and also destined for New Zealand next year.

The line-up includes right-hand-drive versions of the 47X and 49X models recently introduced in North America and the Australian-exclusive 48X. The three new X models will replace the existing 4700, 4800 and 4900 line-up.

Penske New Zealand is anticipating the new X-Series will arrive in the New Zealand market in mid-to-late 2023.

The 47X has a short, sloping bonnet that yields payload flexibility, a set-back front axle, and choice of Cummins L9 or Detroit DD13 Gen 5 engines. The Detroit DT12, Allison fully automatic, or Eaton Fuller manual transmissions are available along with various sleeper options.

Designed specifically for Australia, the 48X is powered by the 450-525 hp Detroit DD13 Gen 5 or 500-600 hp DD16 engine. It features a setforward front axle, and has a bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) measurement of 113.5 inches for flexible solution.

The 49X is powered by the 500-600 hp DD16, has up to 200+ tonnes GCM capability. It is available with multiple cab options, including the largest cab on the Australian market, the 72-inch Stratosphere sleeper.

“Our team has worked closely with Daimler Trucks North America on the design of these three models, including the 48X which is a global

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The new X Series range, 47X in silver, 48X in green and 49X in red.

exclusive, to deliver a product that is bespoke to our local needs,” says Craig Lee, executive general manager of on-highway, Penske Australia.

“We’re excited by what the X-Series means for Australian customers. We have passionate Western Star enthusiasts who will want a 49X 6x4 with the 600 hp Detroit DD16, drum brakes, spring suspension, and an Eaton Fuller manual transmission – a space in which we are renowned – and we can deliver that.

“On the other side of that, for a fleet operator after a 47X or 48X to haul B-doubles with Detroit’s DT12 transmission and all the advanced telematics that comes with that, we can deliver that too.

“The Detroit DD13 13-litre engine in the 47X and 48X also open up new markets for Western Star, such as local distribution or B-double intrastate.”

The new models are billed as lighter, safer, stronger, and more spacious than any Western Star before.

“Ingrained with the tough Western Star DNA for which we are renowned, the X-Series-specific cab is reinforced with steel for added strength ensuring customers can continue to depend on Western Star in the most challenging of applications – whether that is heavy haulage onhighway or heavy haulage off-road,” says Kurt Dein, head of Western Star Trucks, Penske Australia.

“Inside the cab, premium noise and temperature insulation and triple door seals deliver a quiet and comfortable environment, and the multifunction steering wheel and primary instrument cluster result in a highly intuitive workspace.

“From the 36” mid and trench sleeper options to the market-leading 72” Stratosphere sleeper, the cabin options are unbeatable. The 72” Stratosphere is seriously spacious and includes a 65-litre fridge, generous storage solutions with microwave prep, and either a Murphy-style bed – with a foldaway dinette/work table – or a double bunk option.’

Safety features include Active Brake Assist 5, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, side guard assist, tailgate warning and brake hold mode. There’ also improved visibility, a RollTek driver’s seat with rollover restraint and a seat-mounted airbag. T&D

The 47X has a short, sloping bonnet and choice of Cummins L9 or Detroit DD13 Gen 5 engines.

Gen H2 reaches new heights

THE MERCEDES-BENZ GENH2 TRUCK PROTOTYPE

has successfully completed its first high-altitude tests on public roads.

During a week-long test programme, Daimler Truck engineers repeatedly crossed the Brenner Pass with the fuel-cell semi-trailer truck carrying a typical load. On the 120km highway stretch between Bolzano and Innsbruck, the only emission from the hydrogen-fuelled truck was water vapor.

The Brenner Pass is one of the main arteries of European freight traffic. In 2019 alone, around 40 million tonnes of freight were transported by truck via the four-lane transit route located at an altitude of up to 1,370 metres at the border between Austria and Italy. That corresponds to almost 2.5 million trucks per year.

The city of Bolzano in Italy, served as the base for the test drives, as it hosts a hydrogen filling station operated by H2 South Tyrol.

The topography of the surrounding area is ideal for performance testing of the fuel-cell system at various altitude levels. One of the highlights of the tests was driving the tractor unit up the Penser Joch Mountain to an altitude of 2,211m.

This first altitude test programme provides findings in regard to the interaction of the fuel-cell and battery in demanding topography. More test drives in mountainous terrain are planned during 2023.

On its path towards a CO2-neutral future, Daimler Truck has clearly set its strategic course and is consistently pursuing a dual-track strategy in the electrification of its portfolio with both battery-electric and hydrogen-based drive technologies.

The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 truck is being developed particularly for flexible and demanding applications in heavy-duty transport and long-haul applications. The development goal is a range beyond 1,000km.

The start of series production is planned for the second half of the decade. T&D The Mercedes-Benz GenH2 prototype makes a loaded run across the Benner Pass (top) and refuelling at the hydrogen station in Bolzano (bottom).

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Initial results from the sample survey were presented at The Road Ahead conference in September.

Driver health research needed

OTAGO UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL RESEARCHERS

hope to launch a national survey of truck driver health and lifestyle issues next year.

The study will be based on the initial findings of a small scale sample survey of Otago truck drivers, the results from which Dr Rebbecca Lilley from the Otago University Injury Prevention Research Unit presented at the Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting NZ Road Ahead national conference in September.

Dr Lilley says the data from a local sample of 120 drivers reveals concerns in particular in regard to sleep, lifestyle choices and an ageing workforce.

The initial survey was developed to test the methods and suitability of questions for surveying Kiwi truck drivers. A wider national study of over 1000 professional drivers would highlight any regional differences and any concerns that are more or less prevalent among Māori drivers who represent about 23% of the driver workforce.

Fatal injury study findings indicate improvements in driver health are needed while at the same time minimal information on truck driver health has been collected in New Zealand.

“Truck drivers are an important and essential workforce, something that is now understood even more widely following Covid,” says Dr Lilley.

“It’s also an under-researched workforce compared to groups like farmers and forestry workers. Or airline pilots and many others who are in charge of operating machinery.”

Dr Lilley says stage one of the Life Behind the Wheel survey delivered data that highlights the need for a larger and more regionally representative sample.

“This work is a follow-on from a series of other studies we’ve completed into work-related fatalities and how to reduce them. This group [truck drivers] has concerned us in terms of health concerns being a factor in fatal accidents,” Dr Lilley says.

“Of course, driver health concerns also contribute to non-fatal accidents and there’s also the extra level of concern because of the risk to the general driving public.

“There are some consistent concerns we are seeing from both the small sample and from overseas research which suggest more extensive research is needed,” says Dr Lilley.

Dr Lilley says working conditions can dictate many of the lifestyle choices available to truck drivers.

“ Essentially due to the nature of the job there are fewer options available to truck drivers, such as for healthy food choices, opportunities to exercise or comfortable sleep environments.”

“There is now plenty of research coming out of Australia where there has been an increased focus on the health and working conditions of truck drivers.”

Dr Lilley says the initial small-scale survey is not representative of truck drivers as a whole, but it does identify some concerning trends in the current state of truck driver health and safety that should be acted upon and managed by employees and employers under the Health & Safety at Work Act and by Government regulators of transport safety.

Data from the stage one survey suggests many of the pre-existing conditions and poor lifestyle factors for heart disease are very common in truck drivers. On average drivers are more obese or over-weight than the rest of the NZ adult population.

“Sleep problems are also common and are troubling drivers while they work. Much of this sleep disruption is due to work, suggesting work schedules need deeper investigation,” Dr Lilley told the conference.

“One in four drivers self-reported that their current health status was very poor. The most common health complaint was pain caused by work, most commonly attributed to back pain, followed by the pain experienced in the knees and shoulders while driving.”

Other commonly reported diagnosed health conditions included high cholesterol and high blood pressure – common preconditions for Cardiovascular or Heart Disease which can manifest itself through sudden heart attack or stroke. Asthma also affected one in four respondents.

Dr Lilley says the 2018 NZ Census shows there were over 37,000 professional drivers in New Zealand and that this group is predominantly male, and mainly European followed by Māori. This group is also ageing with over 60% of professional truck drivers aged over 45 years and 20% being over 60.

A long-term average from 2005-2014 identifies 346 road deaths annually including 10 professional driver deaths on average each year.

“What has us most concerned about these deaths is the major role that driver fatigue and driver health is playing in triggering, or contributing, to these truck crashes – particularly the single vehicle crash events,” says Dr Lilley.

“Our study identified that in one in three fatal crashes resulting in the death of a professional driver, the driver was impaired – be that due to fatigue, to pre-existing health conditions and in a very, very small number of cases due to legal or illegal substance use.”

She says the most common health conditions highlighted in Coronial investigations included heart attacks and other cardiac events and loss of consciousness events such as blackouts due to diabetic, epileptic, or other unexplained causes.

“To underpin our increasing concern regarding the health status of our truck driving workforce and the increased risk of fatal injury in drivers with health conditions the truck driving workforce is rapidly aging therefore we can expect this workforce to have increasing health concerns that may affect their safety – but also public safety and vital supply chains.”

A larger sample and a refined survey format would deliver the information needed to improve the health of truck drivers and help to develop the interventions for achieving a reduction in fatal and non-fatal accidents in which driver health issues are a contributing factor.

“At the moment we are trying to get the funding to move to the second stage. These things take time and it’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation, but we are hopeful of having something in place next year,” says Dr Lilley. T&D

Dr Rebbecca Lilley

Changes at Volvo

SCOTT ROBINSON IS THE NEW

National Sales Manager for Volvo Trucks.

Associated with the Volvo truck brand in New Zealand for more than 12 years, Scott has been responsible for strengthening customer relationships as a Volvo Account Manager for the Lower North Island and managing large fleet customers as National Fleet Sales Manager.

Over this time, Scott has grown his role through dedication, hard work and his ability to build strong customer relationships.

“Scott is a key part of the Volvo trucks team,” says Rob Woods, General Manager at MTD.

“We are delighted to see him continue to grow and develop his career.”

Scott grew up in a trucking family and has been around trucks and machinery from the age of five. He gained his HV licence aged 18 and became a tanker driver before progressing to a driver trainer role. Over the past 12 years, Scott has also been involved in product training for both Mack and Volvo brands across the country.

According to Scott, advice he was given at the start of his career has served him well: “Never turn down the offer of a cup of tea from a customer,” he says. T&D Scott Robinson.

Alex Little gained the early lead in the NAPA Auto Parts NZ Super Truck Championship at Manfeild.

Little leads Super Truck Series

DEFENDING CHAMPION ALEX

Little (Freightliner) of Lower Hutt holds a narrow lead after the opening round of the NAPA Auto Parts NZ Super Truck Championship raced at Manfeild during Labour weekend.

But the series remains competitively poised with three drivers posting championship race wins at Manfeild and only eight points separate the leading trio as the series heads to the South Island in January.

The first round of the 2022-23 season was sponsored by PTS Logistics and saw a healthy boost in grid size compared to last summer. There were 10 trucks in attendance including newly crowned Australian champ Steven Zammit (Kenworth), the return of Ron Salter driving the ex-Denny Hulme Scania 142 and a Kenworth for Connor Etting in the Team Easy Racing squad alongside Troy Etting (Volvo).

Alex Little set the qualifying pace with a 1m 25.544s lap being just over a second quicker than team-mate Brent “Bones” Collins (Freightliner) with Shane Gray (Kenworth), Dave West (Freightliner) and Zammit next in the order.

Saturday’s opening 6-lap race saw Little in control to finish 3.1s clear of Collins while former champ Troy Wheeler (freightliner) moved through the pack after failing to post a qualifying time. Gray, West and Zammit were next.

There was more work for the pace-setters to do on Sunday with reverse grid formats. On the outside of a three-wide arrival at the first corner, Collins briefly spun into the gravel and re-joined in last place.

A decisive early move through the traffic allowed Gray to hit the front before the opening lap was complete while Zammit ran second till caught by a duelling Wheeler and Little.

Wheeler cleared the Aussie champ quicker than Little could manage. A last lap charge saw Little moving alongside Wheeler at the finish and just 0.2s short of second place. Zammit was fourth, Collins recovered to fifth and West was sixth.

The third points race of the weekend was a split grid 8-lapper which was red-flagged with opening lap completed as Salter’s Scania had a mechanical failure and left oil on the front straight.

After the restart Collins quickly took charge to claim victory ahead of Little, Gray, West and Marc King (International). Zammit retired from the third race.

Little leads the championship with 57 points ahead of Collins on 52 and Gray with 49. West has 38 points and Wheeler has 32. King’s consistent weekend gained him 30 points and sixth position ahead of Connor Etting on 29, Zammit on 28 and Salter with 18. Troy Etting has a single point after his Volvo was sidelined with engine issues during qualifying.

The second round of the championship is at Timaru’s Levels International Raceway over the weekend of January 27-29 with the Teretonga round scheduled for March 18-19. The series finale has recently been confirmed for Pukekohe Park on March 25-26, as part for final meeting before the circuit closes. T&D

Aussie champ Steven Zammit leads the pack in his Kenworth.

Transurban and the vehicle’s provider, the Taiwan Industrial Technology Research Institute are putting the truck through its paces in various controlled conditions.

Autonomous trials in Melbourne

THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN TESTS OF A SELF-DRIVING

connected and automated (CAV) truck in live traffic conditions on public roads are underway in Melbourne.

The trial aims to understand how roads and road technology can be future-proofed to prepare for CAVs.

Australian-owned company Transurban – who build and operate toll roads in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, as well as in Greater Washington, United States and Montreal, Canada – is conducting the trial.

Transurban is one of the world’s largest toll-road operators and also designs and builds new roads as well as researching new vehicle and road safety technology.

Earlier CAV trials have been conducted with driver assistance to test how the sensors in the vehicle interprets its immediate surroundings (for example, line markings and variable speed limit signs).

The latest trial is testing how Melbourne’s CityLink road sensors and other embedded road technology ‘talks’ to the automated truck by providing real-time data about traffic and road conditions.

CityLink is one of the most technologically sophisticated roads in the world, with embedded technology including more than 600 CCTV cameras, automatic incident detection systems and smart sensors to monitor for traffic incidents such as debris and stopped vehicles.

During the trial, real-time data from CityLink’s systems is fed directly to the truck, enabling it to understand road and traffic conditions up to 1km ahead of its sensors.

The on-road trials are being conducted at night, when traffic is typically light. The vehicle will travel in a dedicated lane from Todd Road on the West Gate Freeway, through both the Burnley and Domain tunnels and onto the CityLink/Monash Freeway, finishing at Warrigal Road. The CAV truck will then turn around and return along the same route.

Getting the trial CAV truck to this stage (on-road trials) has taken a lot of preparation. The truck has been subject to weeks of rigorous testing at the Australian Automotive Research Centre (located in Anglesea), with Transurban and the vehicle’s provider, the Taiwan Industrial Technology Research Institute, putting the truck through its paces in various controlled conditions.

While the truck’s automated features will be in operation — testing them is the point of the trial —a specially trained safety driver will be aboard at all times.

Pilot vehicles are accompanying the truck initially, and the Transurban team of 24/7 traffic control officers have been monitoring the road and conditions using CityLink’s extensive system of CCTV cameras and monitoring systems.

Transurban says the trials will capture valuable insights to assist in making informed decisions about future infrastructure and operations. T&D

Stevens Group expands

MACHINERY DISTRIBUTOR STEVENS GROUP HAS purchased Lincom NZ – the New Zealand subsidiary of Lincom Group.

The transaction includes all machines and parts stock, and the sales rights to the brands represented by Lincom NZ, including Powerscreen, Terex Washing Systems, Pronar, Anaconda, Rapid International, and Kiverco.

“The purchase of the Lincom NZ business fits perfectly with our aspirations to grow our already successful machinery and equipment business into the quarry, mining, and recycling sectors,” says Ken Johnston, Stevens Group General Manager.

All Lincom NZ staff will join the Stevens Group and Johnston says the transition will be seamless for customers who are familiar with Lincom NZ and its brands. All Lincom NZ employees will retain their existing contact details.

“The acquisition of Lincom NZ by the Stevens Group strengthens their market offering and will position them as the market leader for crushing, screening and materials handling equipment in New Zealand,” says Lincom Group CEO Stephen Watterson.

Stevens Group is a third-generation family-owned business founded in 1974 importing, distributing, and manufacturing world-class machinery. They have sold well-known machinery brands such as Walker and Hustler mowers for over 30 years and are a successful recycling dealer for brands such as Morbark and Doppstadt. T&D

Powerscreen is one of the brands now part of the Stevens Group portfolio.

The Orange EV e-Triever yard truck was North America’s first pure electric heavy truck.

Orange is the EV leader

NORTH AMERICA’S TOP-SELLING ELECTRIC HEAVY

truck isn’t a Volvo VNR Electric or a Freightliner eCascadia. And it won’t be found working on any highways.

It’s the e-Triever yard truck built by Kansas City, Missouri manufacturer Orange EV. The company was founded in 2012, deployed its first unit in 2015 and recently delivered its 500th vehicle. Cumulatively, Orange EV trucks have now surpassed 10.9 million kilometres and 2 million duty hours.

According to CALSTART, a non-profit dedicated to the growth of clean transportation technologies, Orange EV has deployed more yard trucks than all its competitors combined.

The 500th Orange EV truck was purchased by United Natural Foods, the largest publicly traded wholesale distributor of health and specialty food in the United States and Canada. The company is adding eight new Orange EV trucks and growing its US fleet to 10 units.

The Orange EV demonstrates the trucking industry’s focus on eliminating diesel fuel and emissions and the significant role yard trucks can play in the supply chain and transportation logistics.

“Orange EV’s launch in 2012 with just $50,000 in our coffers was met with a healthy dose of scepticism, but we were determined to prove that zero emission yard trucks are the real deal,” says Wayne Mathisen, co-founder and CEO, Orange EV.

“With this historic milestone, Orange EV has accomplished the seemingly impossible feat of generating excitement about EV trucks within the commercial trucking space, and we did it by manufacturing trucks that are superior operationally, financially, and environmentally.”

Orange EV says its electric yard trucks deliver financial savings which are significant versus both diesel fuel and diesel truck repairs along with emissions reductions that are a key benefit for drivers and the environment.

“Our trucks are safer, more reliable, save our customers money vs. diesel, and are preferred by drivers and management alike,” Mathisen says.

Orange EV builds both new and re-powered terminal trucks and was the first manufacturer to commercially deploy and scale 100% electric Class 8 vehicles. Now in its 10th year of operations, Orange EV’s terminal trucks have been chosen by more than 140 fleets across 30 states, Canada, and the Caribbean.

“The unsung heroes of supply chain and logistics, yard trucks are typically used to move trailers and containers in distribution centres, rail intermodals, ports, and a range of other facilities where uninterrupted movement is mission critical,” says Orange EV Co-founder and CTO Kurt Neutgens.

“Orange EV zero-emission trucks do the same work as their dieselpowered counterparts while eliminating the diesel fuel and emissions that are endangering people’s health and our climate. Orange EV was the first in this space and will continue to lead the industry with more innovative offerings that build on the success of our current line of EV yard trucks.” T&D