new vehicles mitsubishi rolls out l200 in the uae
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nG a b a H T i w K C ba iK a auTomeCHuarnns dubai reT
MIDDLE EAST
and m e d n i o o w e da ns a l p s ’ r e l a e d ab ia r a i d u a s r o f
4 .8 litr e Inline-6 engine that churns out 280hp and 451Nm of torque
D E G RUG ILIT Y B A I REL a s i p u k c i p l o r t a p n a s s i n s l l i r f f f o o n d e n h t a d a o r e h t n o , t e b d goo
Apollo Tyres Middle East FZE T : + 971 4884 1603 www.apollotyres.com
Middle East Tyres LLC
T : + 971 4255 7172
08 CONTENTS
A supplement of Cmme
12
MIDDLE EAST
GroUp CHAIrMAn AnD FoUnDEr Dominic De SoUSa GroUp CEo naDeem HooD pUBLISHInG DIrECTor RaZ iSLam raz.islam@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5483 EDITorIAL DIrECTor ViJaYa cHeRian vijaya.cherian@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5472
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mAde in the uAe Last month, UAE-based heavy equipment manufacturer Bion Industrial launched three new tippers, designed, developed and built entirely in the Emirates. Although Bion Industrial – part of the Bion
NETWORK
04 / reCAlls Continue Close on Toyota’s heels, Honda and GM are rolling out service campaigns for vehicle defects.
06 / finding A foothold Continental executives speak about building the German tyre brand amidst tough competition.
08 / bACk with A bAng Automechanika, the region’s largest automotive after-market show, returns to Dubai.
12 / reliAbility on pAtrol Why the nissan patrol pickup is one of the most robust LCVs on the market.
CoMMErCIAL DIrECTor micHaeL STanSFieLD michael.stansfield@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5497
was a way of announcing its presence to the industry. And with construction and infrastructure projects gaining even more momentum in the GCC, it’s obvious that there’s a large and booming market, even What’s also interesting about the launch is that it signifies the steady growth of the UAE’s manufacturing and industrial capabilities. As the country looks to diversify key role. Its contribution to the UAE’s GDP
SALES EXECUTIVE BiPin SoneJi bipin.soneji@cpidubai.com +971 4 433 2856 deSiGn ArT DIrECTor Simon coBon JUnIor GrApHIC DESIGnEr PeRciVaL manaLaYSaY MarKetinG MArKETInG MAnAGEr LiSa JUSTice lisa.justice@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5498
is expected to increase from the current
CirCUlatiOn & PrOdUCtiOn
11% to a quarter of the total by 2025.
DISTrIBUTIon MAnAGEr SUniL KUmaR sunil.kumar@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5476
The growth of the manufacturing sector with heavy vehicle OEMs now leveraging the advantages of having production and assembly facilities in the region. The Volvo Trucks joint venture has now begun assembly at its new facility in Saudi
FEaTURE
Arabia (see ‘Parting Shot’ on page 24).
How TATS, the new Saudi dealer for Daewoo Trucks, plans to grow sales in the Kingdom.
for fleet buyers. After all, not only are local
16 / dAewoo in demAnd
SUB EDITor aeLReD DoYLe
a fairly low profile thus far, the launch event
is clearly visible around the GCC as well,
TEsT dRivE
rEporTEr JeRUSHa SeqUeiRa jerusha.sequeira@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5477
advertiSinG
its economy, manufacturing is set to play a
shOW REviEW
ACTInG EDITor STian oVeRDaHL stian.overdahl@cpidubai.com +49 176 271 203 87
Group established in 2007 – has maintained
for a relatively new company to tap into.
iNTERviEW
editOrial
These are encouraging developments
proDUCTIon MAnAGEr ViPin V. ViJaY vipin.vijay@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5713 diGital WEB DEVELopEr moHammaD awaiS UmaiR SHamim
PUbliShed by
manufacturing and assembly companies more responsive to the demands of the local
WORKshOp
22 / bion reveAls tippers
market, it suggests that a strong service offering will be part of the package.
UAE’s Bion Industrial launches three new tippers at a recent event.
Registered at imPZ Po Box 13700 Dubai, Uae Tel: +971 4 440 9100 Fax: +971 4 447 2409 www.cpimediagroup.com Printed by Printwell Printing Press LLc
paRTiNg shOT
24/ off the Assembly Volvo Trucks begins production at a new facility in King Abdullah Economic City.
© copyright 2015 cPi. all rights reserved
Stian Overdahl ACting editor
while the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.
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1
First leg of Dubai Eye big wheel lifted into place Contractor AlEC says leg sections of what is set to be world’s biggest Ferris wheel are expected to be completed by the end of June PHOTO GALLERIES
2
Blatter resignation casts further doubt over Qatar 2022 World Cup With construction of stadiums in full swing, loss of FIFA competition would cost Qatar about $16 billion, according to estimates
Inside Siemens power plant being built in Germany MEConstructionNews.com gets an insider view of the new combined cycle power plant being built by Siemens in Dusseldorf, Germany. See photo galleries at: meconstructionnews.com/photos
3
Chinese construction firm “eyes $3bn Balfour Beatty takeover” China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation looking at feasibility of bidding for Britain’s biggest contractor, the Sunday Times reports
Oliver Whyte responds to the story, ‘Midday break for UAE construction workers to start on June 15’
4
UAE employers will need permit to hire Indian workers Foreign employers looking to recruit blue-collar workers will need to register online and declare terms and conditions of employment
5
Dubai’s RTA to extend metro tracks to 421km by 2030 Roads and Transport Authority’s strategic plan also involves extending marine lines to 450km
“The UAE appears to be even more serious about the enforcement of its midday work ban this summer, which is indisputably a good thing. This should be a great example to other countries in very hot regions of the world. However there should be some additional measures taken either side of the threemonth period as it can also get extremely hot during those times”
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What will be the major challenge for your company in 2015?
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Watch this game of golf… played on giant moving Caterpillar trucks A Cat promotional video shows two Japanese golf pros tackling a course made entirely of heavy equipment. See videos at: meconstructionnews.com/videos
10% 14%
Cost of raw materials
Competence of sub-contractors
30% 46% Poor contract margins
Non-payment or slow payments by clients
Log on for the latest from across the Middle East construction sector. Write to the editor at contact@meconstructionnews.com 2 TRUCK&FLEET ME
JUly 2015
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NETWORK
NETWORK 07 15
YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO THE MIDDLE EAST’S TRUCK AND FLEET OPERATOR NETWORK
Carmakers roll out serviCe Campaigns in uae
The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado is one of the models affected by the recalls.
Carmakers Honda and General Motors (GM) are rolling out special service campaigns for more than 10,000 vehicles, due to technical defects and glitches across several models. The campaigns come close on the heels of the recent recall of 25,825 Toyota vehicles in the UAE by Al-Futtaim Motors, due to potential airbag defects. Honda has recalled 10,144 vehicles from 2006 and 2007 models, namely the CR-V, City, Civic and Jazz, Emirates 24x7 reported. The model most affected is the Civic, with 7,988 vehicles recalled, followed by the Jazz with 1,031, the City with 611 and the CR-V with 514. The recalls have been announced due to a possible defect in the output from the driver’s
airbag inflator container, which could lead to abnormal airbag deployment. Owners of the models in question are advised to contact 8004 6632 for the Al-Futtaim Honda Service Centre. Meanwhile, GM has also recalled a number of Chevrolet and GMC models due to various technical defects. Models affected include the 2011 models of the Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, GMC’s Sierra and Yukon. GM has also announced a service campaign for 2005-2007 models of Corvette. The carmaker said all affected vehicles are safe to drive, and customers can contact 04 4290 352/3 for assistance. GM, however, has not disclosed how many vehicles have been recalled as part of the campaign.
ADNOc bUSTS RUMOURS Of fUEL TANkS bURSTING Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) Distribution has dismissed rumours circulating on social media in the UAE about the dangers of filling fuel tanks to full capacity, local media sources have reported. Floated in the form of official statements, the rumours claim that filling a vehicle fuel tank to the brim in summer can lead to fire or explosion, due to scorching temperatures. “We would like to point out that filling fuel tanks to capacity does not imply any risks, as all car fuel tanks are designed to withstand pressure build-up in high temperatures,” said Khalid Hadi, vice president of marketing and corporate communications at Adnoc Distribution, in a statement to local newspapers. Adnoc has not recorded any such incidents, Hadi added. “The rumour attributed to us is based on unknown sources, and is therefore completely false.”
ThE UAE hAs DELivERED 200 bUsEs TO EgyPT, ThE sECOND b PUbLiC TRANsPORT AUThORiTy. PREPARATiONs ARE UNDERWA 4 TRUCK&FLEET ME
JULY 2015
NETWORK
RENAULT DELivERs 195 TRUCKs TO NUmiLOg Renault Trucks has delivered 195 Renault Trucks C Road vehicles to Numilog, an Algerian road haulage and logistics firm. The delivery brings the number of Renault trucks in Numilog’s fleet to 377. The vehicles handed over were Renault Trucks C Road 4x2 tractors fitted with the Optidriver gearbox and 440hp engines. Ian Drury, head of the driver development programme.
QaTaR’s ashghaL TO bUiLd 40 iNTERChaNgEs Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) will build about 40 multi-level interchanges within the next four years in the western region, as part of major road projects. The interchanges will be spread over eight different expressway projects currently at different stages of execution, said Nasser alKuwari, head of the Engineering Information Program at Ashghal, quoted in Gulf Times. The 15km Dukhan Highway Central dual carriageway, slated for completion in 2017, has three multi-level interchanges. It is expected to improve traffic between Dukhan and central Doha.Meanwhile, the 6.5km Dukhan
Highway East, billed for completion in 2018, will have six multi-level interchanges. The two phases of the 103-km Orbital Truck route and highway, which will feature 13 multi-level interchanges, will eliminate truck traffic from city areas.
vOLvO TRUCKs OFFERs DRivER TRAiNiNg PROgRAmmE Volvo Trucks Middle East is offering a driver development programme at its importers, to further educate truck drivers in the region. The initiative is aimed at increasing driver knowledge to result in safer driving practices, greater fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact for businesses. The programme covers a range of topics, including health and safety, efficient driving skills and product knowledge. “A large percentage of our customers’ business success is dependent on the productivity of its drivers and fleet,” said Ian Drury, head of the driver development programme in the Middle East. “Our programme can result in up
RTA UNvEILS NEw DESIGNS fOR DUbAI ScHOOL bUSES
DTC plans to increase school bus fleet to 650 by 2024.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled the design of its new school buses, which will be operated by the Dubai Taxi Corporation
(DTC) in the upcoming academic year. The DTC will launch the service with 50 buses, with plans to increase the fleet to 650 buses by 2024. The vehicles will be fitted with features like hydraulic suspension systems, a remote control and tracking system, and a navigation system compatible with Dubai Municipality’s geographical addressing system, Makani. The school buses will also be equipped with surveillance cameras, tracking systems and text message services to inform parents of the safe arrival of their children, as well as optional Wi-Fi services for interested schools, said Ahmed Khalfan Al Suwaidi, executive director of the DTC.
bATCh OF 600 TO bE DONATED TO CAiRO’s Ay TO hAND OvER ThE ThiRD iNsTALmENT.
to 10% reduction in fuel consumption, improved vehicle uptime, and greater safety for the driver and other road users, resulting in increased productivity.” Poor driver safety education can endanger the lives of other road users, while also affecting businesses financially due to increased downtime, repair and insurance costs. The Volvo Trucks driver development programme, run by instructors in Sweden, is designed to educate regional trainers on features like the I-Shift gearbox and Dynafleet, which help optimise uptime and fuel consumption. The I-Shift automated manual transmission was upgraded with Volvo’s new FH, FM and FMX ranges in 2014. Combined with a welltrained driver, it can save fleet owners 3% in fuel costs compared to a manual gearbox. Meanwhile, Volvo Trucks’ fleet management system, Dynafleet, allows customers to track the fuel consumption of their fleet and helps improve driving habits.
JULY 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 5
IntervIew InTERvIEw
the new showroom is Continental's third facility of this kind in the Uae.
Finding a foothold Continental executives speak to Jerusha sequeira about establishing the german tyre brand amidst tough competition, and developing products for the local market 6 TRUCK&FLEET ME JULY 2015
Herbert Mensching, managing director eMea – marketing & sales for replacement truck tyres at Continental.
IntervIew
the ribbon-cutting at the new showroom in al Quoz, Dubai.
W
ith the sheer number of vehicles on the UAE’s roads, it’s easy to see the country is an important market for tyre manufacturers. But with so many established brands vying for customers’ attention, it can be difficult for a tyre-maker that hasn’t been around that long in the market to find a foothold. German tyre manufacturer Continental plans to strengthen its presence in the Emirates with the opening of a new showroom and service centre in Al Quoz, Dubai in May. The facility was inaugurated in conjunction with the brand’s UAE dealer, Emirates for Universal Tyres (EUT). The new showroom – Continental’s third such facility in the UAE – will stock passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle and speciality tyres. It will also provide mobile services to allow fleet customers to receive regular visits from EUT representatives to monitor tyre pressures or refill nitrogen gas. One highlight is the Bead Bazooka, an inflation product which minimises refilling times, resulting in more efficient service. Other showroom services on offer include nitrogen gas tyre-filling, fitting facilities, balancing, alignment, rapid oil change, vehicle AC repairs, brake-disc skimming and minor mechanical repairs. The new facility is an indication of Continental’s interest in the Middle East, says Herbert Mensching, managing director EMEA – marketing & sales for replacement truck tyres. “It's an area where we all expect growing business, and from that point of view, it's of high interest for our industry and for
Continental. This is the key reason why such an opening is of importance for us.” Although the brand has not been around in the UAE and Middle East for as long as some of its competitors, opening the facility is a way to more firmly establishing its presence in the market, says Dr Hartmut Wöhler, Continental vice president EMEA – passenger and light truck tyres, adding that long-term plans in the region entail closely studying the needs of customers and continuing to develop products especially designed for local conditions, most notably heat and high loads. One such product is the ContiCoach HA3 AC, a coach tyre designed with Active Cool technology especially for the Middle East. Other tyres that will be on sale in the new showroom include the ContiSportContact 5P and ContiPremiumContact 5, which are designed to perform on hot roads in the harsh summers typical of the region. Apart from the harsh climate, overloading is also a fact of life on roads in the Middle East that tyre manufacturers need to account for, Mensching says. “Not everyone sticks 100% to the regulations, so that means the tyres have to stand a higher payload.” Operating conditions are tough throughout the region but often differ slightly by country, says Andreas Bertram, managing director for Continental Middle East. “Here in the UAE, you are mainly concerned with the overload situation. In Saudi Arabia, you have long haulage and you have speed and heat.” While these factors generally dictate how products are developed, the size of the market affects distribution strategy, Bertram adds. “In a huge market like Saudi Arabia, you
have to use wholesale channels, otherwise you're not able to cater to the whole region.” But Continental’s approach is typically to sell directly to end users, he notes. “Only by doing this can you ensure that the tyre is used in the proper way. You also have the possibility to control sales and usage of your tyres, and offer the right service to the end consumer.”
dEVEloPMENtS IN thE MARKEt As manufacturers look to develop products in line with customer requirements, it’s interesting to examine how the market for tyres has evolved. Although there haven’t been many technological advances in tyres, the market is increasingly leaning towards tyres being customised for different industries and applications, Mensching says. “In a certain way, a tyre is still a tyre. [But] what you can see now is that tyres are more dedicated to certain applications. "Before, you had a tyre which was meant to fit everywhere, so regardless of what kind of business you were operating, in construction or goods transport or people transport, you quite often used the same tyre. This is something which is coming to an end.” Even as tyres become more specialised, mileage and durability remain paramount for customers in the Middle East. Offering reliable and robust German-engineered products is how Continental hopes to ultimately differentiate itself from more established rivals, Bertram concludes. “We have to admit we're not the first one here in the market. We have competitors who have been here for 30-40 years. But if you have the right product, the right performance of the product, the right service, you can find your place.”
JULY 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 7
Show Review REviEw
Back with
A bAng With over 30,000 buyers flocking to this year’s AUToMEChAniKA, the region’s largest trade fair of its kind is gaining even more momentum. Jerusha sequeira reports
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Show Review REviEw
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ou can’t help being struck by the size of Automechanika Dubai. With 1,889 exhibitors and more than 30,000 trade buyers at the show last month, the largest automotive aftermarket trade fair in the Middle East and Africa is showing no signs of slowing down. “We are getting very close to being one of the top five shows in the world for automotive after-markets,” says Gazi Bilikozen, show director, Automechanika Dubai and Automechanika Jeddah. Ninety percent of the exhibitors at the show are international ones, he adds. “So you’ll see really the world of automotive spare parts and equipment all under one roof. There’s no other match within the Middle East and Africa. That’s why we’re so proud to have a show of this scale, not only in size but also in diversity.” Held 2-4 June at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Automechanika Dubai 2015 was divided
“We are getting very close to being one of the top five shoWs in the World for automotive after-markets” into six product categories: Parts and Components, Electronics and Systems, Tyres and Batteries, Accessories and Tuning, Service Station and Car Wash, and Repair and Maintenance. While Parts and Components was undoubtedly the largest section, the show saw over 20% growth in the Service Station and Car Wash as well as Repair and Maintenance sections, Bilikozen says. UAE tyre distributor ZAFCO presented a line-up of five brands, including its own brand Zeetex, along with Otani, Double Coin, Accelera and Forceum. The ZAFCO booth had PCR, TBR and OTR tyre categories as well as Zeetex batteries and lubricants on display for visitors and potential customers.
Exhibiting was a success for ZAFCO, says Raghavendra Sanga, head of product communication and marketing at the company. “Automechanika is definitely a decent platform to enhance brand awareness and has benefited ZAFCO for the past few years. This is the reason we displayed five different brands at our booth [this year], to cater to the relevant target market based on their needs.” The tyre distributor generated a considerable number of leads at its stand, Sanga says. Most were from the Middle East and Africa, which are promising markets for ZAFCO. “We believe that some countries from the African market have a lot to offer. We are focusing on tapping into the right
JULY 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 9
Show Review
ZAFCO generated a considerable number of leads at its stand.
countries at the right time to capitalise on those untapped opportunities.” Chinese tyre manufacturer Linglong Tire showcased its product range at Automechanika. The exhibition is an important opportunity to strengthen brand awareness in the Middle East, says Lisa Sheng, director of EuropeAfrica at Linglong Tire. “This show not only enhanced the connection between Linglong and its existing clients, but also attracted lots of new clients from the Middle East and Africa.” The Middle East was one of the first overseas markets for Linglong Tire, and the Chinese brand is here to stay, Cheng adds. “Despite the intense competition, Linglong will maintain its rapid growth with increasing brand power and an excellent product.” Another Automechanika exhibitor was WABCO, a provider of electronic braking, stability, suspension and transmission automation systems for commercial vehicles. The Belgian firm displayed an array of products and systems for fleets, such as the Advanced OnLane, a camera-based lane departure warning; OptiTire, a tyre pressure monitoring system for trucks and trailers which can increase fuel economy by up to 2%; and its AMT technology. This year’s exhibition also featured a massive number of companies displaying spare parts for trucks, trailers and other commercial and passenger vehicles. One was Dynatrade Automotive Group, which showcased its line-
“We are focusing on tapping into the right countries at the right time to capitalise on untapped opportunities” up of spare parts for European trucks and cars, Japanese cars and heavy equipment. Dynatrade saw increased interest from new markets such as Southeast Asian countries at the show, observes Sajan George, assistant senior manager (exports). A core strength of the company is that it houses large stocks of parts imported directly from manufacturers in Europe and elsewhere, enabling it to offer quicker delivery of parts to dealers, with no minimum purchase required.
loWer footfall When asked about the overall response at the Dynatrade stand this year, George
points out that while the number of booths at the exhibition might be higher, footfall appears to have been less compared to last year. Part of the reason might be external political conditions. “Many of the customers we have were not able to make it because some of them had visa problems,” he points out, adding that Dynatrade’s Yemeni customers based in Saudi Arabia in particular faced issues. Azhar Jaleel, regional marketing manager Middle East at Mann+Hummel, echoes George’s comments about a slower response at the stand this year. “It wasn't as much as last year, definitely not.” When asked to comment, Bilikozen noted it was possible some companies received fewer visitors per stand. However, this could be due to other factors, such as booths being more spread out over the exhibition area, he points out. “It depends on the location of their stand as well. Obviously, overall there were more visitors, but of course maybe fewer people came to them, that's also a possibility.” Additionally, he maintains that regardless of footfall, exhibitors have to focus on the quality of leads generated at the show. Despite the slightly dampened response, Mann+Hummel’s booth was quite busy at the show, on account of activities organised for visitors, like a selfie stand, Jaleel says. The German manufacturer displayed its line-up of filter systems and showcased over 50 products, he adds. While all of the products generated interest, the one that got more attention was the Frecious Plus, a three-layer cabin filter with microbial function, which removes dust, odour and allergens. Both George and Jaleel are certain of participation next year. “We participate every year because we get our customers,” George says. “People do come here. As a company, we're able to offer more to everybody and we provide them a solution.” The show holds high significance for Mann+Hummel as well, Jaleel notes. “It's one of the events where we are very, very particular about everything, including the design of the booth, the execution and so on. It’s very important for us."
1,889: number of exhibitors at the show this year 10 TRUCK&FLEET ME JULY 2015
TEST DRIVE
Reliability on patrol A no-frills, utilitAriAn vehicle, the NissaN Patrol PickuP is one of the most reliAble And robust lcvs in the mArket. clAyton vAllAbhAn tAkes it for A spin
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TEST DRIVE
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eeply rooted in Middle Eastern culture, the Nissan Patrol pickup has been part of the region’s heritage for more than 60 years. Fishermen and shepherds relied on it to get them across countries within the GCC, and not just through paved roads. The Patrol pickup excelled off the beaten track, whether through soft sand dunes or gritty gravel. In essence, if you need to get from A to B without the fear of breaking down and getting stuck in unfamiliar terrain, the Patrol pickup is a safe bet. On the job-site, it’s a great workhorse
for transporting workers with a decent haul of equipment and materials, and it can traverse rough roads, whether on a pothole-riddled construction site or a high-altitude pass. With a recently refreshed facia, the Patrol pickup looks more brutish than ever. Its macho styling makes it a highly formidable road presence. Despite its bare bones styling, when T&F ME took it on a test drive it received plenty of attention from other vehicle traffic; a number of people approached us and spoke fondly of their experiences with the vehicle. The Patrol commands respect for what it is – a no-frills, utilitarian 4x4 that gets the job done.
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TEST DRIVE
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“Deeply rooteD in MiDDle eastern culture, the nissan patrol pickup has been part of the region’s heritage for More than 60 years” Under the hood, the Patrol packs a 4.8L inline-6 engine that churns out 280hp and 451Nm of torque. It comes with a choice of five-speed manual and automatic transmission; the vehicle we tested had a manual gearbox. At times I felt the need for a sixth gear, such as during a 120km/h highway run when the tachometer was stuck at 3,000rpm. Then again, this vehicle is not fitted with a neutered CVT that lets out an annoying drone for the sake of improved fuel economy. The Patrol pickup is made for hauling cargo and towing things around; its towing capacity is 2,500kg. When 4x4 is needed, a transfer case allows shifting from 2WD to 4WD High and Low, and the pickup comes with a rear differential lock as standard. The test model was equipped with a winch, which would be really helpful in the event we got stuck, although I think it would probably be best put to use trying to pull out other less fortunate 4x4s. On our test run the Patrol pickup's thirst for fuel was not thrifty, and it's a good thing that the vehicle is equipped with a sub-tank too.
14 TRUCK&FLEET ME JULY 2015
The main tank can hold 95L and the sub-tank an additional 80L, for a combined fuel capacity of 175L, ideal for long cross-border drives. The pickup has an all-steel body built on a ladder frame chassis, which adds to its ruggedness. Its suspension incorporates a heavyduty coil spring suspension with three links in front and leaf springs at the rear. This means the ride is less comfortable when the vehicle doesn’t have much of a load; but if you’re driving a Patrol pickup, you probably have cargo to move around. With a loaded flatbed, the leaf springs don't allow the vehicle to bounce as much. The seats are uncomfortable, and you can forget about trying to recline, at least in the single-cab version. The only creature comforts in the spartan interior were a CD player, aux-input and electric windows. Perhaps this is a good thing. The less electronics in a vehicle, the less that can potentially go wrong. That said, the pickup’s deficit in terms of interior styling is perhaps also its shield. The Nissan Patrol pickup’s only competition comes from Toyota, in the form of the Land Cruiser Pickup affectionately known in Arabic
in the Middle East as the ‘Bu shenab’, which translates to the “father of the moustache”. The title confers respect and rugged machoism. One of the differences between the two vehicles is that the Land Cruiser comes with a 4.0L engine that puts out 228hp, 52hp less than the Patrol. The engine is also a V6 as opposed to the Patrol’s inline-6, which is a hugely popular engine with tuners. If you're in the moving business or you're an off-road enthusiast, the Nissan Patrol pickup is a great option. What it lacks in fuel economy and comfort, it makes up for in off-road prowess, hauling cargo and towing capacity.
specifications (as testeD) ● Engine: 4.8l, six-cylinder ● Fuel type: Petrol ● Gross power: 280hp ● Gross torque: 451Nm ● Fuel tank: 95L plus 80L sub-tank ● Service intervals: Every 5,000km ● Price: $29,120 as tested
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FEATURE
Daewoo in DemAnD
After recently signing An exclusive deAlership Agreement for Daewoo Trucks in sAudi ArAbiA, trAns ArAbiAn technicAl services (tAts) is confident of boosting sAles in the Kingdom
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t this year’s Construction Machinery Show, held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, one of the highlights was a new range of Daewoo trucks displayed by Trans Arabian Technical Services (TATS), a sister company to Saudi Diesel.
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The display was significant, as it was the first major outing for the vehicles since the company signed an exclusive distribution deal last November, says Mustapha Addada, country manager of the Trucks Division at TATS. The trucks have been well received in the Saudi market, and brand perception in the
market is quite positive, Addada says in an interview with Truck & Fleet ME. “Most of the companies in Saudi Arabia, they already know Daewoo. Everybody likes the trucks.” The value proposition of the Daewoo vehicles is hard to beat, he continues. “The combination of the engine, the gear and the differential is almost
FEATURE
Mustapha addada, country manager of the Trucks Division at TaTs.
European standard with a Japanese price.” The Tata Daewoo trucks are available in the Novus economic and Prima premium ranges. The Novus line-up includes cargo trucks (4x2, 6x4, 8x4 and 10x4); dump trucks (4x2, 6x4, 8x4); mixers (6x4 and 8x4); and tractors (4x2, 6x4). The Prima range consists of dump trucks with payloads ranging from 8-25.5t, tractor heads (4x2, 6x4 and 6x2) and cargo trucks (4x2, 6x4, 8x4 and 10x4). All the vehicles come equipped with FPT engines, and the Prima models are available with ZF manual or automatic transmission. So what are the key advantages that TATS brings to the table as distributor for the Daewoo range? A main benefit, particularly for contractors, is the ease of meeting all equipment needs from the same group of companies. TATS’ sister company Saudi Diesel sells construction, lifting, power generation and concrete equipment from brands like Doosan, Mitsubishi and Everdigm. With TATS now providing trucks, this is an ideal combination for contractors, Addada notes. “If a customer wants loaders or excavators for his project, he can also buy a dump truck at the same time and in the same deal. So the customer in this case will not [need to] go to many places in order to assemble his tools for the project.”
Daewoo in the emirates a common sight on uae roads, Daewoo trucks have become a popular choice for competitivelypriced medium and heavy trucks in the emirates. The Daewoo heavy-duty truck range was introduced in the uae in 2004, and since then has witnessed steady growth in the country in sectors like logistics, construction and applications like water and sewage tankers, says sudhanshu shekhar, general manager, Tata Daewoo commercial Vehicles. The korean brand now has an annual market share of about 15% in the uae, he adds, due mainly to its distributors, Dalma Motors in abu Dhabi and united Diesel in Dubai and the Northern emirates. currently, there are almost 12,000 Daewoo trucks operating in the Middle east. The most popular models in the uae are 4x2 and 6x4 tractors and 6x4 rigid chassis. The tractors are generally used for logistics operations, while the 6x4 chassis is used for applications such as tankers and 18cbm tippers. “while our growth has been satisfactory, we believe there is much more we could do and get more and more customers associated with our brand and products,” shekhar says. He also echoes addada’s comments that the weakening euro and yen have brought more price competitiveness to the market. “However, with a loyal customer base and the intrinsic strengths of our products and after-sales service, we have been able to withstand the emerging scenario.”
JULY 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 17
FEATURE
Longstanding ties with clients helped TaTs get customers to switch to Daewoo.
The Daewoo range on display at this year's construction Machinery show.
“there are many elements workinG aGainst us. But we are optimistic really, anD i am sure within the next year sales will Be at least three to four times more than now” The company also offers financing options to customers, with competitive terms for insurance and installments. However, as anybody familiar with Middle Eastern culture can testify, a personal relationship with customers is crucial to getting business done. This is perhaps the most important advantage TATS has: longstanding ties with several clients played a crucial role in getting customers to switch to Daewoo. “The relationship between the owner and some contractors in the market is not new, it is for the past 30 years. So they don’t work only on the basis of money and paperwork. They just trust each other, and this boosts our sales.” He provides an example of a Saudi Diesel customer for Doosan equipment who was buying his trucks from another brand. Once TATS acquired the distribution for the Daewoo range, it was easy to get him to consider making a switch.
after-sales Apart from purchase price and total cost of ownership, after-sales service is a key consideration for most customers looking to buy a fleet. Naturally, this will also be a focus for TATS. “In the after-sales market, we are planning to do service on-site, unlike
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most companies, which do the services in workshops. We will only bring the trucks to the workshop for overhauling and major work.” Saudi Diesel and other sister companies already offer service contracts, but TATS is yet to do so for the Daewoo truck range, as most customers tend to have their own workshops. However, Addada notes the firm is set to begin offering contracts soon. Moreover, once the vehicles have been purchased, training is carried out at the time of handover for the customer’s drivers and mechanics. The first service is carried out on the client’s premises and the customer’s technicians are trained in servicing the vehicles, with additional support available from the dealer if required.
Growth prospects Currently, the most demand TATS has observed for the Daewoo vehicles in the Saudi market is for tractor heads and dump trucks for the long haulage and construction industries. The vehicles are available in payloads ranging from 15-45t GCW, but 40t and 45t models are the most popular in Saudi Arabia. Even as the oil and gas sector slows, construction is stronger than ever in the Kingdom. TATS currently sees the most
opportunities in infrastructure developments like the Jeddah and Riyadh metros, as well as various Saudi Aramco projects. “Of course, with the oil prices going down [business] has suffered a little, but it will not go much longer. The Saudi market always picks up fast.” Apart from the oil slump, another challenge the dealer has faced is global currency volatility. The weakening of the yen and euro has led to more intense competition in the market as other brands slash prices. In response, TATS is continuing to take stock of market conditions and customer expectations, Addada says. Although business for the Daewoo trucks hasn’t been booming yet, he is confident it will pick up soon. “There are many elements working against us. But we are optimistic really, and I am sure within the next year sales will be at least three to four times more than now. Because right now, the numbers are picking up fast, but the problem is that we don't have full stock yet so we're not able to comply with the demand." As TATS is currently on a first-year trial period, they are limited to ordering a set number of trucks from the factory. “But once we pick them, of course, we will start having sales for bigger numbers.”
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new vehicles
MiTsUbishi RoLLs oUT iTs nEw L200
5-speed
Auto or manual trans Al Habtoor Motors, the UAE dealer for Mitsubishi, recently launched the new 2016 L200 pickup, available in double- and single-cab versions. The new L200 boasts more power, agile handling and a new level of comfort. A new feature of the 2016 model is
that the driver can switch from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive traction while driving at speeds up to 100km/h. The driver can transfer torque to all four wheels by either using the drive mode selector dial in the 4H mode or entering 4L mode, which
provides lower gear ratios and higher torque for driving in rough terrain. Moreover, the L200’s suspension features double wishbones with coil springs and a stabiliser bar in front, as well as above-the-axle leaf springs in the rear. The pickup is available in a petrol version with a 2.4L engine and a diesel version with a 2.5L engine. For greater ease of driving, the vehicle comes equipped with five-speed automatic transmission, with a sports mode that lets the driver shift up or down with a flick of the lever for a manual-like driving experience. However, it is also available with five-speed manual transmission for those who prefer it. “The arrival of the all-new L200 in the UAE is a highly anticipated one,” said Joe Rogan, director of sales, Al Habtoor Motors. “It is one of the highest selling pickups used mainly for commercial use.” The vehicle was first launched in Dubai and subsequently rolled out in Abu Dhabi and other Al Habtoor showrooms.
nEw CaMRy LaUnCh FoR ThE KingdoM Abdul Latif Jameel, Toyota’s Saudi distributor, has launched a redesigned version of the popular Toyota Camry mid-size sedan. According to Masato Katsumata, the chief engineer on the car, the new vehicle was designed to appeal to traditional customers as well as new buyers, resulting in what he describes as “the boldest-looking Camry ever”. Since its 1982 debut and subsequent evolution over six generations, the Toyota Camry has firmly established itself in the Middle East and worldwide, selling over 15 million units globally. Toyota designers and engineers have redesigned nearly every exterior surface of the car, keeping only the roof unchanged. Redesigned elements on the 2016 Camry include a new front bumper and grille as well as pronounced side character lines. Comfort also gets a boost in the new model, as the front seatback height and cushion shape have been modified to make seats more comfortable. In addition, the vehicle’s rear seats split and fold forwards to offer more room at the back. Equipped with a six-speed automatic
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transmission, the new Camry features a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, producing 181hp and 235Nm torque. Its chassis and body structure have been bolstered with additional spot welds, enhancing rigidity for better ride quality. Safety features on the vehicle have also been upgraded, and the new model has
been designed to not only ensure occupant safety but also minimise potential injuries to pedestrians in case of a collision. The 2016 Toyota Camry will be offered in the Saudi market in different variants: the GL Standard, GL, GL limited, GLX, GLX Premium, XSE and XSE Premium.
2.5L
Four-cylinder engine
TRUCK & BUS RADIAL TYRES
WORKSHOP
WORKSHOP Maintaining yOuR fleet’S efficiency
Bion industrial launches three new uae-Built tipper trailers UAE-based heavy transport equipment manufacturer Bion Industrial has launched three tipper trailers designed, developed and built in the Emirates. The new B480, B340 and B250 tippers have been built for transporting bulk abrasive materials across the Middle East and are equipped with a Hardox steel body, a bigger chassis for less deflection and safer tipping, heavy-duty disc rims, a five-stage tipping cylinder and LED lighting for greater visibility. The tippers were unveiled at a launch event at the Desert Palm Dubai, attended by over 100 guests. The B480 has a capacity of 48m3, while the B340 and B250 have capacities of 34m3 and 25m3. “The new tipper trailers are equipped to serve a wide variety of companies, from construction and agriculture to heavy haulage,” said Noas Al Rawi, CEO of Bion Group. The tippers will be designed and created at the firm’s hub in Dubai Industrial City. The chassis for platform trailers, box trailers, tipper vehicles and demountable systems are produced on-site by a team of technicians and project managers.
$16.9 Billion
Demand estimated for automotive parts in MENA region by 2020 TRUCK&FLEET MEJULY JULY 2015 2222TRUCK&FLEET ME 2015
The tippers were unveiled at a launch event at the Desert Palm Dubai.
The three new trailers have a rounded body shape for higher payload, as well as a low centre of gravity for smoother off-loading and driving, and a curved body for safe unloading.
The tippers come with ABS, tilt alert, a twinline air brake system, heavy-duty disc rims for tubeless tyres, a plastic wheel choke, tool box, water tank and fire extinguisher as standard.
DUbai’s DED, DaiMLER To FighT FaKE paRTs Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) has signed an agreement with Daimler AG to combat counterfeiting in auto parts, WAM reports. Under the agreement, DED will provide Daimler with receipts of
counterfeit Mercedes-Benz spare parts confiscated in Dubai. Daimler will then trace their origins and act accordingly. DED and Daimler will also work together to educate consumers about the dangers of using fake parts.
PARTING SHOT
Off the assembly line A new fAcility At SAudi ArAbiA’S King AbdullAh economic city hAS begun production of VolVo trucks
A
s international OEMs look to capitalise on the lucrative GCC and Middle East markets, the need for strategically located manufacturing facilities in the region becomes critical. Last month, Saudi Arabia’s $100 billion King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) saw the first truck of any kind manufactured in its Industrial Valley. Arabian Vehicles & Trucks Industry Ltd (AVI), a joint venture between Volvo Trucks and Zahid Tractor & Heavy Machinery, began production at a new facility in KAEC, resulting in the first Volvo truck rolling off the new AVI assembly line in June. The facility was designed by a Volvo/ Renault Trucks project team of engineers and process owners from both brands. The new plant will be one of the first in the world
24 TRUCK&FLEET ME JULY 2015
to assemble both Volvo and Renault trucks on the same line, AVI said in a statement. “The new AVI facility represents a significant breakthrough in the diversification of Saudi Arabia’s industrial capabilities,” says Wafaa Zawawi, chairman of the board of managers of AVI. Zahid Group will also work on developing local talent through the production plant by providing employment and training opportunities for Saudi youth, he adds. The facility was relocated from Jeddah to KAEC due to its business-friendly environment and fast-track employment opportunities. “With a current Saudisation rate in excess of 30%, further employment opportunities for Saudi nationals will arise as the plant increases production to meet local demand.” Fahd Al-Rasheed, managing director and group CEO of KAEC, says the start
of production at the plant aligns with the City’s key role in the Kingdom’s diversification into non-oil sectors. “We are happy to see the first Volvo truck roll out from the assembly line, and share AVI’s pride that Saudi nationals are an integral part of this great achievement.” Meanwhile, Anders Olausson, vice president of Volvo Global Manufacturing and AVI board member, points out that KAEC’s location on the Red Sea provides a strategic advantage for AVI, helping serve local and regional markets with greater efficiency. The principles followed in designing the production processes and general layout of the new plant were derived from the Volvo Production System. The new facility will be fully air-conditioned and ergonomically designed, the statement said.
STRONG ON BUSINESS SUITABLE FOR MANY WASTE MANAGEMENT APPLICATIONS
RANGE D GVW: 12 Tons
26 Tons
Available in different axle conямБgurations.