Truck & Fleet ME June 2015

takata airbags Faulty inFlators Force uae recalls

017 junE 2015

MIDDLE EAST 500,000km breakdowns early end for engines if not properly lubed

Close to Customers man’s new md on strategy

heavy lifting a visit to gotrade

KEEP IT MOVING

How cHoosing a HigH-quality lube will keep your veHicle running smootHly for longer

N E W

H I - R E L I A B I L I T Y

I S

P O S S I B L E

Iveco with

W W W . I V E C O . C O M

10 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

16

totAl reCAll Safety and service recalls are a fact of life for the automotive industry, but the scale of the recent announcement for Takata’s airbags is unique. In the US, 34 million cars are being recalled, and globally since 2008 more than

NETWORK

04 / unfit CArs Cost Abu Dhabi Police has issued 11,000 fines to errant motorists in the first quarter of this year.

10 / nissAn surges AheAd Nissan sales are stronger than ever in the GCC, despite tougher market conditions globally.

12 / heAvy lifting T&F ME visits the premises of Gotrade, the UAE dealer for Palfinger cranes.

16 / Close to Customers Franz Freiherr von redwitz, mAN’s new middle East mD, on his plans to boost sales.

CommErCiAL DirECTor micHaEL STaNSFiELD michael.stansfield@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5497

largest ever recall in consumer history.

The safety concerns are warranted, caused by the airbag inflator exploding with

SALES EXECUTiVE BiPiN SoNEJi bipin.soneji@cpidubai.com +971 4 433 2856

too high pressure, spraying metal shrapnel

deSiGn

since there have been a number of fatalities

seeping into the inflators may be to blame.

GCC vehicle brands have announced

22 / keep it moving Why investing in the right lubricants can reduce total cost of ownership on vehicles.

28 / uAe CArs reCAlled

MarKetinG mArKETiNG mANAGEr LiSa JUSTicE lisa.justice@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5498

worth remembering that during the recall the inflator will be tested, and if found faulty will

CirCUlatiOn & PrOdUCtiOn

be replaced, but many will be working fine.

DiSTriBUTioN mANAGEr SUNiL KUmaR sunil.kumar@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5476

For the company at the centre of the recall, reputation, as well as the multi-billion dollar cost of replacing the defective parts. But it is arguably the vehicle brands on the consumer front-line that have the most to lose, since affected by bad news. One consolation is that the recall affects up to 11 different brands, so

diGital WEB DEVELoPEr moHammaD awaiS UmaiR SHamim PUbliShed by

other consolation will be higher service traffic and reconnect with their customers. Not, however, in the way they would have wanted.

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

Automated transmissions are gaining traction in the region, says ZF Services middle East.

ProDUCTioN mANAGEr ViPiN V. ViJaY vipin.vijay@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5713

no one single company will be disfavoured. The

Thousands of cars in the UAE will be affected by recalls over faulty airbags.

32 / Auto trAnsmissions

JUNior GrAPhiC DESiGNEr PERciVaL maNaLaYSaY

in humid climates, these will be necessary to

for dealers, providing a chance to upsell service

WORKshOp

ArT DirECTor SimoN coBoN

recalls, and since the fault most affects vehicles

consumer decisions are emotive and can be

COvER FEaTURE

SUB EDiTor aELRED DoYLE

the defective airbag inflators, perhaps the

Takata, this means inestimable damage to their

iNTERviEW

rEPorTEr JERUSHa SEqUEiRa jerusha.sequeira@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5477

advertiSinG

ensure peace of mind for vehicle owners. It’s

siTE visiT

EDiTor STiaN oVERDaHL stian.overdahl@cpidubai.com +49 176 271 203 87

53 million cars have been recalled due to

into the vehicle. It is suspected that moisture

NEW vEhiCLEs

editOrial

© copyright 2015 cPi. all rights reserved

Stian Overdahl 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.

JUNE 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 1

ONLINE

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EDITOR'S CHOICE

READERS' COMMENTS

1

Egyptian national killed in Qatar crane collapse At least three others were injured in fatal incident on busy highway in Doha.

2

Atkins makes key appointments in Middle East property division British consultancy announces senior architectural roles for Janus Rostock, David Tripney and Mark Kelly.

3

Futuristic bridge to Dubai’s Bluewaters Island gets green light A $130m contract has been awarded for bridge linking $1.6bn island that is set to become home to world’s largest Ferris wheel.

PHOTO GALLERIES

Dubai’s theme-park megaproject under construction MEConstructionNews.com paid a visit to the Dubai Parks and Resorts project near Jebel Ali. See photo galleries at: meconstructionnews.com/photos

Ramsey Meyer, via email, ‘New UAE property regulations “prevent overheating in Dubai”

4

READER POLL

Dubai outlines tender timeline for Route 2020 metro line Construction of 15km route serving Expo 2020 site is scheduled to begin early next year, the Roads and Transport Authority said.

5

Chinese construction firm builds 57-storey skyscraper… in 19 days Broad Sustainable Building Company says it also wants to build world’s tallest skyscraper in just three months.

New UAE property regulations “prevent overheating in Dubai” It is probably true that the UAE mortgage cap and registration fees have had a limited impact on the Dubai property market.

But what is really causing prices to come down is fear of another property downturn and negative sentiment in the market. I’d characterize it as a ‘decline’ rather than a limit on the market ‘overheating’.

Should contractors be obliged to provide mentalhealth support for workers?

72% 11%

VIDEO

Volvo Trucks launches auto traction control in FMX model System will be standard on all FMX trucks sold in the Middle East with front-wheel drive capability.

See videos at: meconstructionnews.com/videos

Yes: All firms should provide access to psychiatrists

No: Firms could voluntarily do so, but not forced to

5%

5%

No: Addressing such issues is up to the local government

No: This isn’t a major problem, there are more pressing issues

Log on for the latest from across the Middle East construction sector. Write to the editor at contact@meconstructionnews.com 2 TRUCK&FLEET ME

JUNE 2015

NETWORK

NETWORK 06 15

YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO THE MIDDLE EAST’S TRUCK AND FLEET OPERATOR NETWORK

Abu DhAbi issues 11,000 trAffic fines in Q1 2015 RENAULT TRUckS OffERS fLExIbLE fINANcING fOR MIDDLE EAST

Police have encouraged motorists to keep basic safety items in vehicles.

Abu Dhabi Police issued more than 11,000 traffic fines in the first quarter of this year, for vehicles technically unfit for road use, state news agency WAM reported.

The fines issued by the Traffic and Patrols Directorate included 7,040 fines for wornout tyres; 2,544 fines for vehicles without brake lights; 147 fines for vehicles with gas emissions exceeding specified standards; and 179 fines for vehicles with no lights on the back or sides of trailer containers.

Colonel Mohammed Ahmed Saif Al Mazrouei, chief of the Peripheral Regions Traffic Section at the directorate, urged drivers to inspect their mirrors, directional signals,

brake efficiency, vehicle oil level and quality, and air conditioning and cooling systems.

He also encouraged motorists to keep basic safety items in their vehicles, such as a spare tyre, tool kit, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flares or a reflective triangle, a mobile device battery charger, an electric tyre inflator and a flashlight.

The fine for driving a vehicle causing pollution is AED 500, Abu Dhabi Police said.

Operating a vehicle unfit for driving, or one with poor tyres, incurs a fine of AED 200 and vehicle confiscation for seven days. For broken lights, the penalty is an AED 200 fine and six black points, while broken indicator lights incur an AED 100 fine and two black points.

Renault Trucks Middle East has launched a flexible financing programme to support industry demands, with particular focus on the construction sector.

“This scheme allows us to bring our customer service to a new level and assist them in choosing products depending on their specific needs and financial capabilities. Our role as an advisor is to help them make the best possible choice,” said Henrik Larsson, sales finance advisor for Renault Trucks Middle East.

Renault Trucks works with several regional and international banks in a range of currencies, which will allow businesses in the region greater financing options.

Financing is typically offered up to five years and can be tailored to individual business needs. The scheme provides a range of payment options to reduce payments or down payments and build equity. Islamic financing options are also available for customers in the region, Larsson added.

bUs DRivERs iN DUbAi WhO sTOP by ThE ROADsiDE FOR PRAyERs WiLL bE FiNED AED1,000, POLiCE hAvE WARNED. 4 TRUCK&FLEET ME

JUNE 2015

NETWORK

ChEvROLET MiDDLE EAsT sALEs RisE 10% iN APRiL Chevrolet Middle East has announced a 10% increase in year-on-year sales of its cars in April. Increased demand for mid-size and large passenger cars is driving growth, with sales of the Chevrolet Impala up 19%, the Cruze up 43% and the Caprice up 37%. The best markets were Jordan, the UAE and Kuwait.

VOLVO hybRid bUs saLEs CROss 2,000 gLObaLLy Volvo Buses has sold over 2,000 hybrid buses in about 20 countries since it introduced them in 2010.

The largest market for the hybrid buses is Great Britain, while Colombia, Sweden, Germany, Brazil and Switzerland have also purchased large numbers. The buses have also entered markets like Denmark, Hungary and Poland.

Volvo’s hybrid bus range includes the two-axle Volvo 7900 Hybrid, the Volvo 7900 Articulated Hybrid and the Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid.

This June will also see the first allelectric Volvo buses beginning regular operations in Gothenburg, Sweden.

“Full-electric buses are highly suitable in the city centres, electric hybrids are excellent for somewhat longer routes, and hybrids are perfect for feeder traffic bringing commuters into the city,” said Håkan Agnevall, president of Volvo Buses.

Copart held its first Middle East auction in Dubai in 2012.

COPART OPENs sECOND GCC AUCTiON siTE iN bAhRAiN Online vehicle auctioneer Copart has opened its second GCC facility, Copart Bahrain Auctions. Copart opened its Middle Eastern headquarters in Dubai in 2012, and held its first auction there in August 2012.

The Volvo 7900 Articulated Hybrid city bus.

“We are pleased to open this new facility in Bahrain,” said Carlos Sabugueiro, Copart’s CEO of the Middle

NISSAN cHANGES GEARS ON DEALERS IN SAUDI AUC will no longer be Nissan’s Saudi dealer.

Nissan Middle East has announced that the Alhamrani United Company (AUC) will no longer be the authorised distributor of Nissan and Infiniti

branded vehicles and parts in Saudi Arabia. The Japanese carmaker will instead focus on their non-exclusive dealers, Alissa Auto Company (AACO) and Al Ghassan Motors, to serve Nissan and Infiniti customers respectively.

AACO was appointed authorised dealer for Nissan in 2013, bringing to an end its exclusive arrangement of almost 50 years with AUC. “Our priority will be to deliver our best service and customer care in KSA. We remain committed to our customers and will continue to deliver high-quality products and services through our authorised dealer, Alissa Auto,” said Samir Cherfan, managing director of Nissan Middle East.

East and Africa. “We now have a solid buyer base in the region that is familiar with Copart, and it just makes sense to expand. We believe this location will bring significant value to our customers in the Middle East and across the globe. It will also help us reach more buyers from the Middle East.”

Copart has signed agreements with a number of leading motor insurers in Bahrain. The company continues to attract buyers from around the GCC, where Copart offers its patented online auction technology.

“We are excited about the growth in the Middle East and what it ultimately means for our buyers and sellers,” said Vinnie Mitz, Copart’s president.

“We sell to buyers in over 150 different countries, so as our global operations expand, so does the buyer base for

AbU DhAbi PLANs TO ROLL OUT ADAPTAbLE sPEED RADARs by 2016.

our locations worldwide. Copart will continue to add value for its buyers and sellers throughout the Middle East.”

JUNE 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 7

new vehicles

REnaULT LaUnChEs DoKKER Van Renault has launched the Dokker Van in the Middle East as it eyes a greater share of the light commercial vehicle market.

With a payload of 750kg, the van has a load-carrying capacity of 3.3m3 and a load length of 1.9m. The Dokker van can also be ordered with a folding passenger ‘Easy Seat’ that can be removed, extending the load capacity to 3.9m3 and the load length to 3.11m.

In addition, the Dokker offers sliding door functionality and a twin-door tailgate that opens at 180 degrees, enhancing ease of loading.Under the hood, the van is equipped with a 1.6L petrol engine offering a torque of 128.5Nm at 2,800rpm, and maximum power of 85hp (62kW) at 5,000rpm.

“The new Renault Dokker Van is the perfect van for SMEs to large companies seeking an affordable, reliable and practical business companion,” said Hakim Boutehra, managing director at Renault Middle East.

The Dokker went on sale last month in the GCC, and is offered with a three-year/100,000km standard manufacturer’s warranty.

750kg

Payload on the new Dokker

VoLVo CLaiMs woRLD FiRsT wiTh aUTo TRaCTion ConTRoL FoR FMX Volvo Trucks has claimed a world first for its automatic traction control on its FMX, the mainstay of its offering to the construction sector. The system is already used by Volvo Construction Equipment in their articulated haulers, on all FMX models with front-wheel

drive capability sold in the Middle East.

The system automatically activates front axle drive when sensors on the rear wheels detect a loss of traction. The feature saves fuel and ensures better manoeuvrability by preventing drivers from prematurely engaging the front

Lower fuel usage

Auto traction control on FMX

8 TRUCK&FLEET ME JUNE 2015

axle differential, according to Jonas Odermalm, construction segment manager at Volvo Trucks.

“Many drivers connect front-wheel drive or differential lock in good time before a difficult section of terrain, in order to avoid getting stuck. Volvo Automatic Traction Control engages the front-wheel drive when in motion, and only for the short time that it is really needed,” said Odermalm.

One result of the new traction control is the revelation that drivers frequently overestimate how often they need the front diff lock, said Odermalm in a new video produced

by Volvo to demonstrate the technology.

This creates extra fuel consumption and wear on the driveline and tires.

The feature is especially suited to construction trucks that regularly drive on difficult terrain, including sand. It automatically deactivates when the driver releases the gas pedal.

The Automatic Traction Control system is now standard on FMX vehicles with a front-driven axle, meaning the 4x4, 6x6 and 8x6 configurations, including Euro 3 trucks sold to the Middle East.

new vehicles

NissaN surges ahead NissaN sales are stroNger thaN ever iN the gCC, eveN as eCoNomiC aNd politiCal faCtors slow dowN other markets NISSAN PICKUP

NISSAN NAVARA

2.4L DOHC Direct Injection petrol or 2.5L diesel 94.7kW (diesel) 22.0kg-m (diesel) Manual (5spd) Single and double, both 4x2 and 4x4 From 56,000 AED ($15,250) Higher ground clearance on 4x4 variants; friendly price for a recognised brand Fewer safety features, including airbags

ENGINE POWER TORQUE TRANSMISSION CAB OPTIONS PRICE PROS CONS

2.5L, diesel or petrol options 128.kW (diesel) 42.0kg-m (diesel) Manual (6spd) or automatic (5spd) Double only From 76,000 AED ($20,700) Clearly the powerhouse for towing when specced with the diesel engine No auto transmission option for the diesel variant

Specifications and pricings may vary between markets and may be updated by manufacturers. Check with your local dealer for final details.

g

lobal economic uncertainties in the past year may have cast a shadow on the automotive industry in many markets worldwide, but demand in the GCC remains strong.

This rings especially true for Japanese automaker Nissan, which had a strong performance in the fiscal year 2014 in the Gulf.

The brand reported an 18.1% sales increase in the GCC, with 185,135 units sold last year, bringing its market share in the region up to 10.3%.

Despite strong growth in the GCC, the market situation in the rest of the Middle East has had an impact on sales, says Samir Cherfan, managing director for Nissan Middle East.

“There are plenty of headwinds impacting the industry at the moment, such as falling oil prices and currency fluctuations, plus closer to home there are instabilities in Iraq and the Azerbaijan regulations situation.”

In Iraq, the total industry volume for cars has dropped by 60%, Cherfan says, adversely

10 TRUCK&FLEET ME JUNE 2015

affecting Nissan sales. But the brand’s strong performance and sales growth in other markets like GCC countries has helped it cope with lost business in troubled territories.

In the UAE, Nissan has maintained its number two position on the sales charts, selling a total of 63,036 units last year – up 10% on 2013. This gives Nissan a 15.3% market share in the Emirates.

CONQUERING THE KINGDOM Meanwhile, in Saudi Arabia, after the first full year of operation under its revival plan, Nissan sold 61,806 units in conjunction with Alissa Auto, its dealer in the Kingdom. The figures represent 141.7% growth year-on-year from 2013. The brand’s market share in the Kingdom, however, is only 7.2%, well below other countries like the UAE and Qatar, where it holds 16% of the market.

Still, Saudi Arabia is undoubtedly an important country for the car-maker, and it aims to boost sales by revising its strategy for the Kingdom. Nissan recently announced that

it has scrapped its dealership agreement with Alhamrani United Company (see Network, p.7), in order to focus instead on its partnership with Alissa Auto. The change in dealers will not have an impact on Saudi customers, Cherfan says.

On the commercial vehicle side, the Nissan Pickup has been doing especially well in the Saudi market, where its sales have grown by 148%.

The key driver behind the pickup’s success in the Kingdom is strong brand loyalty and a heritage that goes back decades.

“People were buying Nissan pickups in the 70s and 80s, so when we revived the brand in the market, the pickup was immediately selling very well,” he explains.

HYBRID VEHICLES Apart from passenger and commercial vehicles, Nissan is also exploring more niche segments such as hybrid vehicles. The brand has received a positive market response for its Pathfinder Hybrid SUV, Cherfan says.

new vehicles 11x26 ad001.pdf 1 5/13/2015 1:08:28 PM

Although the hybrid car market remains small in the Middle East and worldwide, there’s no denying that the move towards it can gain momentum as emission standards become stricter and the push to go green intensifies, he adds.

“It’s a market which will develop. If you establish CO2 emissions and you [impose] taxes, this can change the market, and it will come one day. Saudi is already implementing CO2 emission regulations. It will progressively come across the region.”

Moreover, the Pathfinder Hybrid is expected to do well in countries like Jordan, where the government is mulling tax benefits for hybrid vehicles.

When asked whether such vehicles will be able to successfully adapt to the tough operating conditions in the region, Cherfan says it will not be an issue. “Today, we sell electric vehicles in Arizona, which is as warm as the GCC, so the technology to cool them exists. It’s not technically impossible.”

REDUCING TCO Looking ahead, in line with its Power 88 strategy – which Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn announced the company would achieve by 2016 – Nissan Middle East plans to sell 240,000 units in the GCC by fiscal year 2016, earning itself a 12.3% market share in the region.

It also expects 4% market growth in the territory in 2015.

But while growing new vehicle sales and market share is certainly important, Nissan is also looking at boosting its after-sales services, chiefly by offering regular maintenance at costs below the competition. The automaker also plans on expanding its lineup with products such as engine oil, batteries and affordable parts for vehicles more than three years old.

This is part of Nissan’s aim to cut down the total cost of ownership, which is a high priority, especially for fleet customers, Cherfan says.

C

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CM

MY

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CMY

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The Nissan Sunny sold nearly 30,000 units in the GCC last year.

MOST POPULaR NISSaN MOdeLS Across the GCC region, the most

The Nissan X-Trail had the

popular models are the Nissan

most significant growth rate,

Patrol, Sunny, Pathfinder and X-Trail.

with a sales hike of 300% from

The Nissan Patrol sold 34,015 units in 2014, a 35% increase

2013, with 4,400 units sold.

In the light commercial vehicle

on 2013. The Nissan Sunny

segment, the manufacturer sold

sold close to 30,000 units

nearly 57,000 units in 2014. One of

with 30% sales growth, while

the best-performing models from the

the Pathfinder recorded 15%

LCV line-up was the NV350 Urvan,

growth with 6,800 units sold.

with 27% sales growth in the GCC.

JUNE 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 11

Site ViSit siTE VisiT

Heavy Lifting Jerusha sequeira visits the premises of GoTRadE, a subsidiary of uae's Gorica Group, to learn more about PaLFinGER CRanEs

Gotrade initially began selling Palfinger tail-lifts, after which it became dealer for its loader cranes as well.

12 TRUCK&FLEET ME JUNE 2015

Site ViSit

The Gotrade showroom in Ras Al Khor, Dubai.

A

Paul Aust in -P

rice, general

manager at Go

trade.

t the Gotrade workshop in Ras Al Khor, Dubai, two trucks are parked in the yard with bright red Palfinger loading cranes mounted on top, while technicians are busy at work a few feet away. The machines have been brought here for servicing, a product manager explains in the midst of the bustling activity at the site. Inside the showroom at the facility, a range of cranes in varying capacities are on display for prospective buyers to look at.

Gotrade, the trading arm of Dubaibased GORICA Group, is the UAE dealer for Palfinger, an Austrian manufacturer of cranes, hydraulic lifting, loading and handling systems. Palfinger’s vast product portfolio has grown to include access platforms, tail lifts, truck-mounted forklifts, railway systems and bridge inspection units. The company’s core product, however, remains the hydraulic knuckle boom crane, used for loading and unloading trucks and other vehicles.

In the loader crane segment, Palfinger has established itself as a global player, offering close to 150 models with a worldwide market share exceeding 30%.

The products are deployed in a wide range of industries including JUNE 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 13

Site ViSit

Palfinger has a 30% global market share for loader cranes.

construction, logistics, emergency services, waste management and mining.

The relationship between Palfinger and Gotrade goes back about five years, says Paul Austin-Price, general manager at Gotrade.

It began when some customers looking to buy truck bodies from GORICA wanted their vehicles fitted with tail lifts as well, leading Gotrade to partner with the Austrian manufacturer to meet the needs of the market.

“It was a natural progression,” Austin-Price says.

As business continued, Gotrade went on to sign with Palfinger three years ago to distribute cranes as well and is currently in talks to sell its access platforms, he explains. The cranes have been doing reasonably well so far.

The construction sector is the biggest market for the loader cranes in the UAE, with a large proportion of the products supplied to block manufacturing companies. However, other businesses in the industry are also starting to see the value of investing in cranes, as it means they need fewer labourers on-site, Austin-Price says.

Gotrade’s key clients for Palfinger cranes include Dubai Municipality and contractors like Khansaheb Civil Engineering and J&P. Apart from its Ras Al Khor facility, Gotrade also has a branch in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi.

So how does the process work, if a customer wants a truck fitted with a crane? Austin-Price explains that customers generally approach GORICA for a truck body, after which the company receives the vehicle from the manufacturer to fit out the body. “Once the body is fitted, it will come to me, and we’ll fit the crane on it. Then the customer will take delivery.”

This ability to deliver a truck body along 14 TRUCK&FLEET ME JUNE 2015

Safety features on cranes have become a lot more sophisticated.

with a loader crane gives the GORICA Group an advantage over its competitors, who typically aren’t in a position to supply both.

Once the order has been placed, the time frame for delivery varies depending on customer needs. “If the chassis is available, and if it’s a straightforward body and a straightforward crane, we’re probably looking at between six and eight weeks from start to finish. It varies depending on how big the body is, if there's anything special within that body.”

Safety firSt While earlier a crane was little more than “an arm with a hydraulic lift”, machines have now become a lot more sophisticated, Austin-Price says. Customers in the UAE have also grown increasingly demanding, particularly as far as safety is concerned.

In line with these developments, Palfinger cranes are now equipped with sensors to alert the driver or operator when the machine is overloaded or in danger of tipping over. They can also be fitted with extra stabilisers, Austin-Price says. “Safety is a very important aspect of selling cranes. We have

to know that the crane we're supplying to the customer is safe for his type of operation.”

Apart from issuing warnings, the machine automatically goes into safe mode and stops functioning if it’s overloaded or forced into a difficult position. In this case, the driver or operator has to retrace his steps to restart it.

Manufacturers can equip products with top-of-the-line features, but there’s no discounting the importance of the operator in ensuring safety on-site. Austin-Price agrees.

“We have a handover procedure that's been laid down by Palfinger, so when any crane is finished and ready for the customer, we always train the driver in operating [it].”

Moreover, maintenance agreements are offered if buyers require them. In case an issue arises during operation, Gotrade can send technicians to the customer’s site to sort it out. However, such instances are rare and are typically caused by the operator or other external factors, he adds.

“If the crane’s in a position that it's stuck, and if some of the operators aren’t 100% sure what to do, we might have to go out and release the crane because it's gone into safe mode.”

“Safety iS a very important aSpect of Selling craneS. We Have to knoW tHat tHe crane We’re Supplying to tHe cuStomer iS Safe for HiS type of operation”

IntervIew InTERvIEw

Close to customers A tightening mArket meAns strong ties with customers Are cruciAl, sAys Franz Freiherr von redwitz, the new mAnAging director of mAn truck & Bus middle eAst

Franz Freiherr von redwitz, the recently appointed Md of Man truck & Bus Middle east.

16 TRUCK&FLEET ME JUNE 2015

IntervIew

Man is eyeing opportunities in the Middle east's public transport sector.

c

ustomers looking to buy commercial vehicles in the GCC are spoilt for choice. With a host of major international players eager to cash in on a price-conscious market, it can be challenging for a premium brand to stay ahead of the game.

MAN Truck & Bus Middle East, however, seems to be managing just fine. The manufacturer reported a 35% sales increase in the UAE in 2014, and has already seen a 19% hike in order intake for the Middle East so far this year.

Ensuring this growth continues is one of the main tasks facing the truck and bus maker’s new managing director for the Middle East, appointed in March.

Franz Freiherr von Redwitz brings 16 years of experience within the MAN Group to the new role, including working as a lobbyist for the automotive company in the German capital, and has handled a variety of International Bus and Coach sales management roles, including playing a leading role delivering 400 buses to RTA in Dubai in 2008.

Truck & Fleet ME sat down with him to get his take on the market and his plans for further boosting MAN’s growth in the region.

“I feel very honoured and I'm very happy to find a very motivated team here that gave

“We don't need to put a brand-neW gearbox into a truCk that already has tWo million kilometres on the road and Will live another 500,000. you’d rather take a refurbished one that has a far loWer priCe” JUNE 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 17

IntervIew

total cost of ownership is becoming more important to customers in the region.

opportunities in publiC transport

“this is my personal approaCh. be Close to the Customer, understand his needs and be his partner over the lifeCyCle of the vehiCle” me an almost overwhelming welcome,” he says, commenting on his appointment as MD. “I have already collected more ideas than I could write down, what we could do, where we could optimise and so on.”

In light of MAN’s strong performance in the region last year, he is optimistic about the market, even as global uncertainties like the oil price slump and weak conditions in Russia and Brazil have slowed worldwide demand for commercial vehicles.

“We were the number one importer into Russia. Russia used to be our most important export market, and if such a market breaks down, you have no chance to compensate that,” he says.

The group has faced a tough year in Brazil, China and Europe as well. “So the only stronghold market-wise is Middle East and Africa at the moment.”

The figures back it up. The brand recorded 50% growth in Qatar, 38% growth in Bahrain and 30% growth in Kuwait; its best markets in the GCC are the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman.

MAN doesn’t intend to rest on its laurels, however, and von Redwitz plans to meet customer needs by working closely in conjunction with dealers and importers in the region. After all, a key reason for MAN’s

18 TRUCK&FLEET ME JUNE 2015

sales growth in the UAE was its local dealer, Darwish Bin Ahmed & Sons, he points out.

“What I'm aiming for is a very close relationship to our distributors in the country. My task is to be their closest business partner and their mentor, and also their advocate in the headquarters, to help them to be successful in the market.”

When asked where the manufacturer will be concentrating its efforts in 2015, von Redwitz notes that while he aims to grow both the truck and bus business, buses will be a key focus going forwards.

“We have a couple of interesting tenders coming along now in Oman, in Kuwait, in Saudi Arabia, but also here in the Emirates. Dubai wants to do even more environmentally friendly buses. They're looking at alternative drive systems where we have good and strong solutions available."

On the trucks side, MAN’s TGS range for heavy-duty applications like construction is already well-established in the region, and the bestselling vehicles for the brand. But the company is also seeing increasing demand for 2x4 tractors, von Redwitz says. “Traditionally, MAN is stronger in the heavy-duty applications, and on these standard tractors we were not leading. We

as governments in the GCC look to ease traffic woes and minimise environmental impact, the public transport sector is increasingly important. von redwitz recalls a UitP Mena Congress he attended in dubai a few years ago where speakers discussed how to get people out of their luxury cars into public transport. the solution that emerged was very simple, he says: give them luxury public transport.

Shortly after, he went on to play an instrumental role in helping Man win a dubai roads and transport authority (rta) tender for 400 buses in 2008, as the dubai Metro was in its developing stages and it was clear that a feeder bus system would be needed to support it. “that was my project at the time, and we had to modify these vehicles tremendously to withstand the conditions here. that was when i first was involved with the region.” the public transport sector in the rest of the GCC also holds enormous potential, particularly in Saudi arabia, he says. opportunities in the segment are two-fold: supplying new vehicles to transport ministries, and replacing vehicles and extending repair/ maintenance contracts on existing fleets, such as those owned by dubai’s rta and abu dhabi’s department of transport (dot). a recent significant public transport deal for Man was a contract last year to supply 127 buses to Bahrain’s Ministry of transport. “eighty out of 127 units are on the street. it’s going very smoothly. i get good reports from there,” von redwitz says.

are getting in the lead due to our efforts to reduce the fuel consumption of the vehicles.”

Fuel consumption, he notes, is one key way the market in the Middle East has evolved over the past few years, as customers look to minimise operational costs on vehicles.

Additionally, with other firmly established European and Asian brands in the region, it can be a challenge to hold on to market share.

“We are facing more and even harder competition than we did ten years ago,” he admits, but adds that this is normal and doesn’t keep him up at night. MAN’s direct competitors in the Middle East are the same as in Europe, he points out.

“Our Asian competitors, they are playing in different segments. You don’t mount a concrete pump on a chassis that doesn’t last 15 years, because it’s too expensive to remount it to another one, so the heavy-duty applications are no question. The reliability of the European

IntervIew

Market realities mean it is more important than ever to have a customer-centric approach, von redwitz says.

brands is especially well-known in this region.

It’s just different applications, different fields.

That's how I see it with respect to our Chinese and Indian competitors.”

Moreover, customers themselves are becoming more “professional”, he adds, considering more than just initial purchase price when buying a truck or bus. Total cost of ownership, already a key driver in Europe, is gaining traction in the Middle East too, though purchase price still plays a paramount role.

Another similarity to Europe is the growing need for safety features in vehicles. “Ten years ago, nobody wanted an adaptive cruise control.

Today in Europe, every truck has to have an adaptive cruise control and even an electronic brake system. We see now that this demand is

also coming here in this region.”

Sales of new vehicles will not be the only area of business MAN will focus on developing in the years to come.

The manufacturer is looking at boosting its after-sales activities, through offering more workshops and training as well as improving parts availability. It will also look at expanding its used business, wherein customers can purchase second-hand vehicles from the MAN TopUsed facility in Jebel Ali. Apart from used vehicles, the brand also offers refurbished spare parts under its MAN Genuine Parts ecoline range. The parts are fully reconditioned and MAN-approved, offering a better alternative for vehicles well into their lifecycle that may not require new components.

“We don't need to put a brand-new gearbox into a truck that already has two million kilometres on the road and will live another 500,000. You'd rather take a refurbished one that has a far lower price.”

When a truck is brought into the workshop, an assessment is made as to whether it really needs new parts. Fitting it with refurbished parts is far cheaper, and in line with MAN’s lower-TCO strategy.

Although it remains a battle to ensure customers buy original parts, the business is doing better than ever, growing even through the 2008 crisis and increasing ever since. “The growth in spare parts turnover is higher than the growth in vehicle turnover, and this tells me that we're on the right path.”

While there may be plans afoot to boost after-market services alongside new vehicle sales, von Redwitz’s main goal, more important than any other strategy, is to develop an even closer relationship with MAN’s customers.

Through direct interaction with end users, he hopes to learn more about customer needs and priorities when buying vehicles. “This is my personal approach. Be close to the customer, understand his needs and be his partner over the lifecycle of the vehicle.”

Market realities in the Middle East mean it is more important than ever to have a customercentric approach, he adds. “It's clear with the oil price dropping like this the incomes are lower, and therefore there are less funds. But if the overall market declines, then we have to be more competitive than our competitors, and that's exactly what we're aiming for.”

foCused on safety Man truck & Bus recently participated in a seminar on road safety held by the dubai Chamber of Commerce & industry. as part of the Uae’s 2021 road Safety vision, the Uae government and various stakeholders such as Man are working towards an objective of reducing road deaths to three deaths per 100,000 population, which would make the Uae one of the five safest countries in the world. the seminar was organised as part of the dubai Chamber Sustainability network road safety campaign: "Be responsible – drive Safe".

Man’s head of product management in the Middle east, dr richard Brown, outlined three main areas where Man could support the Uae 2021 vision based on its global expertise and familiarity with the challenges of improving road safety. these were supporting introduction of road transport governance regulations; education for transport operators and enforcement officers; and enforcing mandatory vehicle specification standards for new commercial vehicle deliveries. these areas could have a huge

20 TRUCK&FLEET ME JUNE 2015

impact on improving road safety standards, said Brown.

“Man has always been a leader in commercial vehicle products with technical developments, training and component solutions ensuring the highest safety ratings. improving road safety is one of our highest priorities,” he said. “the implementation of safety solutions depends to a large extent on government legislation, and owner and operator understanding of the investments and return on such investments, by reduction in operational cost

that can be achieved through safety initiatives. the target set cannot be achieved by any one group alone, and there needs to be communication and collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure high safety standards on Uae roads today and in the future.” during his presentation, Brown discussed the top areas of importance for road safety from a commercial vehicle perspective, including vehicle load, driver alertness, worn tires and incorrect or incomplete maintenance. various technology alternatives are available,

such as tachographs to monitor driver working hours, which have a huge impact on accident rates, said Brown. Studies show that drivers working for 10 hours continuously leads to a 5% increase in crashes, going all the way up to 30% when drivers work for 18 hours. he also highlighted technologies such as electronic safety programmes (eSP) to prevent accidents caused by overturning or straying from the lane, and anti-spin regulators to increase ride safety and controlled braking.

TRUCK & BUS RADIAL TYRES

Feature FEaTURE

Keep it moving

choosing the right lubricant can decrease vehicle ownership costs and minimise downtime, learns jerusha sequeira

22 TRUCK&FLEET ME JUNE 2015

Feature

Using the right lubricant prevents wear and tear on engine components.

L

ast November, Truck & Fleet ME covered an impressive feat achieved

by Al-Futtaim Auto and Machinery Company (FAMCO), Volvo Trucks’ UAE distributor, in conjunction with Emirates Transport. Sixtyfive Volvo FH 440s supplied by FAMCO to Emirates Transport for use by the Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Limited (GASCO) managed to each rack up over a million kilometres on their odometers, without reporting a single breakdown or major component failure.

This is testament to the importance of carrying out proper maintenance and servicing at regular intervals, along with using genuine parts on a fleet's vehicles.

And if other fleet operators want to emulate this feat, then ensuring they’ve got the right lube is an essential step.

Using good-quality lubricants is the one aspect of maintaining vehicles well which is the most easily overlooked, says Mike Fritz, divisional manager of the truck and bus division at FAMCO. “Oil is probably one of the most crucial parts when it comes to maintaining a vehicle.

If you don’t have a good lubricant in your vehicle, everything else you do is wasted.

Your engine just won’t last, your gearbox won’t last, and your axle won’t last.”

For most fleet owners, unfortunately, there seems to be a widespread mentality that oil is oil, and the advantages of using quality lubricants are dismissed in favour of options easier on the wallet, Fritz said at a recent seminar on Volvo’s lubricants held by FAMCO. Unlike the case of the GASCO trucks, in several instances fleets have had engines break down even after 500,000km on account of not using genuine parts and lubricants, he points out.

But there is plenty of reason to be judicious in selecting the right lube, since OEMs, dealers and lubricant manufacturers are all heavily investing in developing tailor-made oils to keep vehicles and machines in top condition.

Volvo, for one, has a partnership in place with ExxonMobil to develop oils specifically for Volvo vehicles and equipment. “On a global level, we work with Volvo head offices when they develop their machines, engines and parts,” says Ahmed Farwiz, strategic global accounts manager for the Africa Middle East Cluster at ExxonMobil Egypt. ExxonMobil then develops oils for Volvo according to the manufacturer’s requirements, making the product “a genuine spare part” for Volvo, he adds. “It's not just an off-the-shelf oil that can be used.”

The most important advantage of using these Volvo-branded oils is ensuring the

JUNE 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 23

Feature

gargash EntErprisEs to usE mobil lubricants for mErcEdEs-bEnz vEhiclEs Gargash Enterprises, the distributor for

that prevents engine wear and breakdown,

Mercedes-Benz in Dubai, Sharjah and the

giving you longer engine life and peace of

Northern Emirates, has signed an agreement

mind. Mobil motor oils offer protection that’s

to exclusively use Mobil lubricants in its

been tested and proven – even under severe

passenger and commercial vehicles.

driving conditions.”

The association between Mercedes-

incorporated in 1984 to market Mobil

world land speed record was set by a Mobil-

lubricants, greases and specialty products.

lubricated Mercedes-Benz at 205.7km/h.

It blends Mobil products at its joint-venture

Karl-Johan Sandesjo, general manager of Gargash Enterprises, says the partnership

longevity of the vehicles on the road, Fritz says, referring to the Emirates Transport example.

Other oil companies are also investing in research and development to create high-quality products.

French giant Total has four research centres worldwide – two in France, one in Belgium and one in India – where more than 500 scientists work on developing new products to meet the manufacturer requirements, says David Khalife, managing director of Total Marketing Middle East.

In the Middle East, where tough operating conditions are the norm, lubricants have to be developed specifically to adapt to market needs in the region.

The high temperatures and dust which are characteristic of the territory hugely affect the kind of products that can be used, Khalife notes.

Additionally, while some countries are stepping up standards for fuel quality in an effort to curb pollution, diesel with high sulphur levels – which is commonly found in the region – can also adversely affect lubricants.

“Unfortunately, high sulphur content does break down the oil. So Volvo has developed a service schedule for various markets, and depending on the sulphur content of the diesel,

plant MELUBCO in Jebel Ali. Calling the agreement a “landmark

with ExxonMobil joint venture EMA Lubricants

occasion”, Samy Elansary, general manager

Company will help deliver better performance

of EMA Lubricants Company, says Mobil’s

and protection to customers’ vehicles.

lubricant range is ideal for both new vehicles

“Keeping your car well maintained means David Khalife, managing director of Total Marketing Middle East.

EMA Lubricants Company was

Benz and Mobil goes back to 1909, when the

protecting your engine with quality motor oil

they would shorten or lengthen the oil change intervals,” Fritz says, adding that the high loads frequently carried in the UAE and other parts of the region make it even more crucial to invest in genuine parts and oils for your vehicles.

a tough sEll Despite the benefits of paying attention to lubricants, manufacturers often find it challenging to get customers to make the switch to genuine products, as not everybody is interested in the oil that goes into their vehicles.

“In this segment, customers largely depend upon advice rendered by OEMs or mechanics,” Khalife says. In order to cope with this and ensure customers get their hands on the right products, Total has developed a network of oil change centres where customers can find the most appropriate lubricants for their vehicles.

It has also created OEM recommendation charts based on Middle East specifications that highlight Total-recommended products for various types and makes of vehicles.

In addition, the company invests in training OEM personnel and their mechanics regarding new trends in lubricants to service customers better, Khalife says.

and older ones, helping ensure fuel efficiency and protection from high temperatures.

Fritz also emphasises the benefits of training personnel to increase customer awareness.

“When our team goes out to see our customers, they don’t just sell the product. They can actually look at the performance of the vehicle, what the vehicle's requirements are, and make sure that the correct products are provided.”

Events like the Volvo lubricants seminar further help get the message across, he adds.

Even with these efforts, it is still challenging to convince customers to invest in genuine oils, primarily due to the price factor. Fleet owners have a wide range of alternative, non-genuine parts and oils that they can buy at far cheaper prices, he admits.

The benefits of using better lubricants manifest over the long term in reduction of wear and tear on engine components, leading to lower repair and maintenance costs and ultimately decreasing total cost of ownership.After all, as Fritz points out, the purchase price of a vehicle is only about 15% of the TCO, with the remainder spent on servicing and maintenance. Investing in good products, therefore, may be more expensive initially, but pays for itself in the long run, decreasing operating costs and downtime.

“if you don’t havE a good lubricant in your vEhiclE, EvErything ElsE you do is wastEd. your EnginE just won’t last, your gEarbox won’t last, and your axlE won’t last” 24 TRUCK&FLEET ME JUNE 2015

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FEaTURE Feature

Customers often favour cheaper alternatives over genuine oils.

Moreover, fleet owners can also benefit in terms of fuel savings by purchasing the right lubricants, further strengthening the TCO advantage, Khalife notes. Total claims its Rubia and Transtec lubricants, used in combination, can achieve fuel economy of 3% on average, or approximately 1L per 100km.

If customers do make the decision to go with branded oils, how can they ensure they get value for money? Khalife points out that apart from choosing the right product, respecting service and oil change intervals is crucial.

“The purpose of lubrication is to protect the engine from wear and tear, clean the engine components, and reduce heat and so on. Not changing the lubricants at the specified intervals may lead to various mechanical problems and eventual breakdown of the equipment.”

“ninEty pErcEnt of wEar and tEar takEs placE from cold start to opErating tEmpEraturE”

total’s product rangE

making thE right choicE There are several considerations that are important to bear in mind when choosing the right oil for your vehicles.

Apart from fairly obvious factors like brand image, quality and whether the product is OEMapproved, it’s important to be very familiar with the operating conditions your vehicles are subjected to. Conditions like high idling, high loads, dust and heat all affect the type of lubricant that should be used, Khalife says.

It is also essential to read the HSE guidelines for the products, which are generally available in the Material Safety Data Sheets of the lubricants.

26 TRUCK&FLEET ME JUNE 2015

Another factor to pay attention to is viscosity, Khalife and Farwiz both agree.

Viscosity, a fluid’s resistance or thickness to flow, is generally specified by manufacturers and is an important criterion when choosing oils.

Farwiz strongly cautions against adding substances to lubricants to improve viscosity. “You buy the finished product with the right viscosity at the time of the purchase, but never add anything additional to what the manufacturer has done. This creates much more trouble.”

Lubricants should also be able to function at a wide range of temperatures, not just when it’s hot, Fritz notes.

“Ninety percent of wear and tear takes place from cold start to operating temperature. Therefore, if you’re using a lubricant that is not designed to be able to work even at cold temperatures, you have all this major wear and tear taking place.”

If this wear and tear leads to engine failure and other components needing repair, fleet owners face more than just the longevity of their vehicles being compromised. Vehicle downtime, after all, can translate into very real costs in terms of lost revenue on a daily or hourly basis, which doesn’t bode well for businesses.

“It's one thing losing an engine or losing a gearbox due to bad maintenance or using incorrect products,” Fritz concludes. “[But] what's probably one of the biggest things which we don't normally calculate is customer satisfaction, or the lack thereof.

When you start dropping loads, you're not delivering as you've promised, and the customer suffers. That's probably one of the biggest costs, a disappointed customer.”

Total has various ranges of

the Transtec range for

conforming to the latest

products designed specifically

transmissions, Coolelf range

environmental norms and fuel

for the commercial vehicles

for coolants, HBF range for

economy requirements.

segment, Khalife notes.

brake fluids and Multis range

The manufacturer’s Rubia range of engine oils is

for greases.

Additionally, the Total

Total also has an agreement with Scania to manufacture and supply

recommended for medium

Rubia TIR 900 series offers low

genuine Scania oils to

and heavy commercial diesel

SAP (Sulphur, Sulphated Ash

Scania dealers in Europe,

vehicles, while its Quartz

and Phosphorous) products,

Asia, Latin America and

engine oils are recommended

and its Rubia TIR FE (Fuel

some countries in the Middle

for LCVs running on petrol.

Economy) range of products is

East. GCC countries are not

Lubricants designed for

recommended for European,

currently included in the

other applications include

American and Asian trucks

agreement, Khalife says.

The largest international automotive aftermarket trade exhibition in the wider Middle East

June 2 – 4, 2015

Drive your business forward in the Middle East & Africa.

Find everything you need to keep your fleet running like new.

1,696 Exhibitors from 59 Countries 88% International Exhibitors 28,709 Trade Visitors from 130 Countries* *2014 actual figures

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WORKSHOP

WORKSHOP Maintaining yOuR fleet’S efficiency

Thousands of cars in uaE affEcTEd by faulTy airbags Toyota and Nissan have announced the worldwide recall of millions of cars over a defect in airbags manufactured

by Japan’s Takata Corporation.

Thousands of cars in the UAE, manufactured between 2003 and 2007, will be affected by the recalls.

Al-Futtaim Motors, the distributor for Toyota vehicles in the UAE, will run a service campaign for certain models equipped with faulty airbags.

“Following communication with Toyota Motor Corporation, we have started a special service campaign on 25,825 Toyota Yaris sedan, Yaris hatchback and Corolla manufactured year 2003 to 2007 in the UAE,” Al-Futtaim Motors said in a statement to local newspapers.

The dealer will contact customers with affected models as soon as the parts to be replaced are available, the statement added.

The company advises customers to contact their customer care centre on 800Toyota (800-869-682) from 8am to 7pm, Saturday to Thursday, for further clarification.

The vehicles concerned are equipped with front passenger airbag inflators which could have been assembled with

34 million

cars in the US recalled for defective airbags 28 TRUCK&FLEET ME JUNE 2015

Models manufactured between 20032007 are affected by the recalls.

improperly manufactured propellant wafers. This could cause the inflators to rupture and the front passenger airbag to deploy abnormally in an accident.

Nissan Middle East will also recall Sentra, Sunny, Pathfinder, X-Trail and Patrol models between 2003 and 2007. The

manufacturer is recalling about 1.56m cars globally over the issue, Reuters reported.

In the US, Takata said the airbag mechanisms of almost 34 million cars are defective, leading to the largest recall in US automotive history. The airbags have been linked to six deaths worldwide thus far.

AbU DhAbi sTEps Up TyRE inspECTions Abu Dhabi Police will intensify tyre inspections in the emirate to clamp down on people driving vehicles with worn-out or faulty tyres.

Captain Abdul Rahman Al Ali, public relations branch manager at the Western

Region Traffic Section, said the police would raise awareness by visiting truck drivers in Abu Dhabi to educate them about the importance of regular tyre checks and buying highquality tyres.

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ScHMitz caRgObull develOPS neW fuel SenSOR Schmitz Cargobull Telematics has developed a new fuel sensor with LED level display for refrigerated semi-trailers.

The sensor, which is mounted on the semi-trailer’s bulkhead, will help solve the problem of inadequate information about fuel levels in the temperature control unit’s fuel tank. The electronic system has a capacitive sensor that enables precise fuel level measurements,

unlike previous mechanical systems that used a less accurate floating arm to show fuel levels.

The system is also equipped with automatic calibration to compensate for impurities in the fuel.

Additionally, the sensor remains powered even when the unit is switched off and continues to deliver measurements at specified intervals.

QuicK tiPS Stay safe on the roads when driving trucks by following these tips.

1. Avoid tailgating, and maintain enough space with the vehicle ahead of you. Tailgating is a very frequent cause of accidents for trucks, several studies show.

2. Trucks have several blind spots, so minimise lane changing as much as possible. Check side mirrors at least once every ten seconds.

3. Give your vehicle enough time

FREE A/C ChECKs FoR MiTsUbishi oWnERs in oMAn

and space when slowing down to a complete stop. Maintain extra space with vehicles in front when driving in the rain.

General Automotive

ups will be available

Company, the

until July 4, 2015.

distributor of

The AC check-up

Mitsubishi vehicles

includes diagnostics

in Oman, is running a

and general health

free air-conditioning

checks and also

check-up campaign

suggests remedial

long trips to remain alert, and pull

for all Mitsubishi and

measures, if required,

over and take a nap if tired.

Fuso customers in the

for optimum

sultanate. Free check-

performance.

Free check-ups will be offered until July 4.

4. When pulling over to the side of a road because of mechanical problems, always use reflective triangles or road flares to alert approaching drivers.

5. Take plenty of driving breaks during

Source: US Department of Motor Vehicles

AJmAN SigNS with AtCUAE ovEr CUStomS trANSit SyStEm

Trucks will spend less time at UAE borders.

Ajman Customs and Port Department has signed with UAE’s Automobile and Touring Club (ATCUAE) to jointly introduce a customs transit system that will reduce the time spent by trucks

at borders from days to hours.

Currently linking 68 countries worldwide, the TIR (International Road Transport) System reduces transport costs by minimising formalities and delays. This is done through the use of standardised inspection methods and international customs documents known as TIR Carnets, issued on behalf of the International Road Transport Union (IRU).

The agreement was signed by Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Nuaimi, chairman of Ajman Ports and Customs Department, and

ATCUAE president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Al Nuaimi said the agreement would save time, effort and money by using standardised inspection methods on trucks crossing UAE borders, especially heading towards Saudi Arabia.

ATCUAE has previously signed similar agreements with customs authorities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.

“We are very happy to have formed a new working partnership with Ajman Customs,” said Ben Sulayem.

“We now look forward to reaching similar agreements with the customs authorities in the other emirates, and hope to be able to fully activate the TIR system in the UAE by the end of the year.”

80% Of tRucK StandStillS can be avOided by PReventive Maintenance, SayS vOlvO tRucKS. JUNE 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 31

PARTING SHOT

Time To go AutoMAted?

AutomAted trAnsmissions in trucks Are gAining populArity As fleet owners see the AdvAntAge, sAys ZF ServiceS Middle eaSt

M

anual transmission is still the norm for heavy vehicles in the GCC, but fleet owners are gradually recognising the benefits of switching to automated transmission. It’s a trend felt most acutely by ZF, which supplies automated transmissions and other driveline and chassis components to a wide range of OEMs. Dr Khalid Sabbah, managing director of ZF Services Middle East, which provides after-market support for ZF components to fleet customers, says they’re seeing gradual movement towards automated transmissions for heavy vehicles.

Fleet owners see it in terms of driver comfort and fuel savings, says Sabbah.

“Fleets are becoming more and more aware and sensitive on the topic of consumption,

32 TRUCK&FLEET ME JUNE 2015

prices, fuel saving and so on, so we see more of these products here in the market.”

Automatic-style transmissions have high penetration in other automotive sectors, notably passenger vehicles and city buses, and fleet buyers in the truck industry are increasingly aware of the benefits of taking the responsibility for changing gears out of their drivers’ hands.

ZF’s AS Tronic automated transmission is used by a number of OEMs and is performing well in the market, says Sabbah.

In March, the company announced that it had manufactured one million units of the AS Tronic since production began at ZF’s main factory in Friedrichshafen in 1997.

With ZF Friedrichshafen AG spending close to $1 billion on R&D in 2014, it’s no surprise that there’s already a next-generation automated transmission product beyond the AS Tronic.

The TraXon is a modular transmission that can be tailored to suit a wide variety of vehicle applications. Available in 12or 16-speed versions, the TraXon can transmit torques well above 3,000Nm. It also offers average noise reduction of 6dB compared to the AS Tronic, and is equipped with the PreVision GPS, a feature that links up the transmission with GPS data, enabling it to know in advance when to shift gears based on the terrain ahead. This helps increase performance and reduce fuel consumption.

“The special thing about TraXon is its modular design. The all-new transmission can be linked to five modules and therefore can be used in various applications. We believe that within the coming years we will see this transmission being used more and more, also in the local market here,” says Sabbah.

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