Truck & Fleet ME May 2015

new vehicles NISSAN’S SENTRA SCOOPS SAFETY AWARD

016 MAy 2015

kizad foundry auto parts boost

MIDDLE EAST

sHiftinG GEars VoLVo’s i-sHift risEs

ANCHORED iN quAlity How investment in tecHnology and training Helped man optimise bus production at its ankara plant

HI- RE L IABIL ITY Unstoppable and ready for the toughest challenges

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H I -C O M FO RT & ERGONOMICS Making you feel at home wherever you are

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H I -P E R FO R M A NCE 380, 420 and 440 HP CURSOR 13 engines for improved acceleration and driveability

H I -PRO J E CT T h e best syn th esis between tech n ology an d econ omy

C R E AT ING A NEW STANDARD. Iveco with

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

U.A.E. • Dubai Regional Representative Office • City: Dubai • Telephone: 00971 4 2994935 Lebanon • OMATRA • City: Beirut • Email: info@omatra.org Oman • AL JENAIBI INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOBILES L.L.C. • City: Muscat • Email: prp@suhailbahwanautogroup.com Saudi Arabia • OMATRA • City: Jeddah • Email: famco@omatra.org U.A.E. • UNITED ALSAQER HEAVY EQUIPMENT L.L.C. • City: Abu Dhabi • Email: mohammad.himmo@alsaqergroup.com U.A.E. • AL GHANDI AUTOMOTIVE GROUP • City: Dubai • Email: rashidak@alghandi.com

w. parting shot CONTENTS

24 / smooth sailing Dongfeng Trucks leverages sport to connect with buyers, sponsoring the Volvo Ocean Race.

a supplement of Cmme

08

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 editOrial

14

automeChanika roars baCk Dubai is certainly one of the most international cities in the world, and it has a busy schedule special place for Automechanika Dubai, which

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR MicHAeL STAnSFieLD michael.stansfield@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5497

East, but also Europe, Africa and Asia.

For fleet managers it’s a chance to survey an impossibly large selection of after-market products, from major international brands that

04 / Changing gears Volvo Trucks’ sales soar 112% in Middle East for vehicles with I-Shift gearbox.

INTERVIEW

10 / heavy-duty serviCe Mercedes-Benz Trucks is a formidable presence in the heavy-duty truck market in the GCC.

supply to OEMs, down to smaller companies that operate in innovative niches. Whatever the segment, there’s always some new product that promises to solve one or more of your pressing problems, or else provide a more cost-efficient alternative to one of your existing solutions.

With the show being held June 2-4 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, it’s also a chance to interface with local dealers, compare service

FaCTORy VIsIT

16 / anChored in quality T&F ME visits the largest MAN bus factory in the world, located in Ankara, Turkey.

WORKshOp

20 / kizad foundry News of a new $140m foundry in Abu Dhabi to produce automotive spare parts.

SuB EDITOR AeLReD DoYLe advertiSinG

and wide – not only from the greater Middle

NETWORK

REPORTER JeRuSHA SequeiRA jerusha.sequeira@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5477

of international trade shows. But there’s a always seems to bring in visitors from far

16

ACTING EDITOR STiAn oVeRDAHL stian.overdahl@cpidubai.com +49 176 271 203 87

offerings and perhaps sign a deal or two.

There’s also a conference day that will provide statistics on the commercial vehicles and automotive after-market industry, discussion of trends and projections, as well as presentations on safety for road freight operators.

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 CirCUlatiOn & PrOdUCtiOn DISTRIBuTION MANAGER SuniL KuMAR sunil.kumar@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5476 PRODuCTION MANAGER ViPin V. ViJAY vipin.vijay@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5713 diGital WEB DEVELOPER MoHAMMAD AwAiS uMAiR SHAMiM

PUbliShed by

In our June issue, Truck & Fleet Middle East will profile some of the must-see exhibitors, so pick up a copy when you’re at the show.

Registered at iMPZ Po Box 13700 Dubai, uAe

NEW VEhICLEs

23 / nissan plays it safe

Tel: +971 4 440 9100 Fax: +971 4 447 2409 www.cpimediagroup.com

Nissan Sentra 2015 bags safety award from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Printed by

paRTINg shOT

Printwell Printing Press LLc

24 / fast and furious

© copyright 2015 cPi. All rights reserved

How India’s Tata Motors is proving the new Prima’s prowess on the race track.

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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EDITOR'S CHOICE

READERS' COMMENTS

1

Construction workers torch building site, 17 cars in UAE strike Protest in Ras Al Khaimah apparently sparked by death of worker after fall from fifth floor of under-construction building

2

Dutco Balfour Beatty wins $408m Dubai Creek project Meraas appoints contractor to build waterfront hotels, markets, restaurants and retail outlets

PHOTO GALLERIES

Site visit: Volvo CE road machinery on show in Abu Dhabi FAMCO, local distributor for Volvo Construction Equipment (CE), organised an event for customers in Abu Dhabi.

See photo galleries at: meconstructionnews.com/photos

3

Migrant workers ‘forced to run Qatar marathon’ Workers allegedly “pressganged” into participating, although organisers deny claims of coercion

Simon Crompton, comment to the story, ‘Mental health of construction workers needs more thought’

4

Nakheel unveils threeyear plan for Dubai projects worth $3.8bn Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed briefed on developments, which include extensions to Dragon Mart and Ibn Battuta Mall

5

Dubai property prices drop, rents flat in Q1, says JLL Residential rents remain ‘relatively flat’ while sale prices see ‘marginal decline’, consultancy says

It is certainly a good thing that this website has addressed the issue of the psychological impact of construction work – which is, as you say, a labour-intensive, high-stress environment.

And while I would applaud more focus on this in the Gulf, it is surely worth noting that the availability of easily accessible mentalhealth services is lacking across the board, not just in construction.

READER POLL

Are Gulf governments doing enough to ensure fire safety?

12% 12% VIDEO

‘Spiderman’ climbs world’s tallest twisted tower in Dubai French climber Alain Robert, also known as ‘Spiderman’, scaled Dubai’s Cayan Tower without a safety harness.

See videos at: meconstructionnews.com/videos

Yes: Regulation in place is adequate

Yes: It’s up to the private sector to address

31% 43% No: Better legislation is needed

No: There should be stricter enforcement

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

MAY 2015

NETWORK

NETWORK 05 15

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

The I-Shift was reintroduced on the FH, FM and FMX ranges in 2014.

VolVo Trucks sees 112% hike in Middle easT sales for i-shifT Trucks Volvo Trucks Middle East has reported a 112% increase in sales of trucks equipped with its I-Shift automated gearbox for 2014, compared to the previous year.

The number of trucks sold in the Middle East equipped with the 12-speed gearbox contributed to 40% of sales last year, as opposed to 24% in 2013.

Initially launched in the region in 2006, the I-Shift was reintroduced on Volvo’s new FH, FM and FMX ranges in 2014, and offers up to 7% fuel efficiency.

In addition, the I-Shift also provides high comfort for drivers, said Ralf Lind, product manager at Volvo Trucks Middle East:

“The I-Shift’s intelligent electronics constantly monitor factors like road grade, speed, weight and engine load to help keep the truck in the most fuel-efficient gear possible.”

Khalil Shir Mohammed, UAE driver training manager for FAMCO, Volvo Trucks’ dealer in the UAE, said the I-Shift also helps drivers avoid common mistakes associated with manual transmission and focus on driving instead.

“We are now selling more and more I-Shift equipped Volvo FMX models for heavy construction, and I can assure you that our customers are very satisfied.”

DUbAI RTA SpOTS 25,000 TRUck vIOLATIONS AcROSS 2014 Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) found 14,784 light and heavy commercial vehicles flouting regulations in surprise checks last year, recording a total of 24,975 technical faults in driving standards.

The inspections were conducted to ensure that heavy truck drivers complied with prescribed loads, said Jamal Assada, Director of Monitoring & Enforcement at RTA Licensing Agency. Additionally, the inspections are also conducted to check for other factors, such as vehicle roadworthiness, validity of driving licences and vehicle registration, as well as compliance with rules for transporting hazardous materials.

“The most frequent technical faults detected in heavy trucks last year order-wise were: 5,711 faults relating to tyres, 5,702 faults of lacking red rear light, 4,796 faults of lacking security and safety accessories, 4,402 faults relating to unclear plates and 2,999 faults of lacking road worthiness,” Assada said.

ShARjAh POLiCE RECORDED 2,248 viOLATiONS ENTAiLiNG DRivERS USiNG ThE hARD ShOULDER iN ThE FiRST qUARTER. 4 TRUCK&FLEET ME

MAY 2015

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NETWORK

NiSSAN PATROL SALES RiSE 55% iN DUbAi, NORThERN EmiRATES The Nissan Patrol saw a 55% surge in sales for 2014 across Dubai and the Northern Emirates, distributor Arabian Automobiles has announced.

The vehicle is one of the bestsellers for the dealer, said CEO Michel Ayat. The 2015 Patrol comes equipped with a host of new options, including upgraded safety features.

The Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi.

AW ROsTAMANi TO bE UAE dEALER FOR dONgFENg AW Rostamani has signed with China’s Dongfeng Motors (DFM) to be the exclusive UAE distributor for its passenger and light commercial vehicles.

The agreement was marked by the launch of two DFM models in the Emirates, the S30 and H30 Cross, at a Sharjah event.

Founded in 1969, DFM is one of China’s largest auto manufacturers and has a portfolio covering passenger and commercial vehicles alongside other automotive businesses. It was ranked third among China’s top 500 manufacturers in 2012.

The S30 sedan and H30 Cross will be

available in Elegant and Nobel models.

A driver computer with reverse radar information is included as standard, while a power sunroof and multi-functional steering wheel with acoustic control and cruise control are available for Nobel models.

KhALiFA PORT TO hANDLE AbU DhAbi’S RORO CARGO Abu Dhabi Ports plans to move all the UAE capital’s roll-on/roll-off (RORO) cargo traffic to the new Khalifa Port.

RORO cargo is wheeled cargo driven on and off ships, as opposed to being lifted using cranes or containerised. Heavy vehicles like tractors and bulldozers, as well as private and commercial automobiles like cars, trucks and buses, are typically transported as RORO cargo.

Abu Dhabi RORO volumes grew by 18.8% in 2014 compared with the previous year, with the emirate recording

AW Rostamani will distribute Dongfeng vehicles in the UAE.

an all-time high of 106,071 units, Abu Dhabi Ports said in a statement.

“Over recent years, Abu Dhabi’s RORO

AL GHUwAIfAT SpEEDS Up bORDER cLEARING fOR TRUckS

Trucks are moving faster at the Saudi border.

UAE checkpoints at Al Ghuwaifat on the Saudi border have begun clearing trucks in a matter of minutes, as part of the

government’s strategy to provide more efficient services.

While there is occasionally a long line of trucks at the border, this reflects increased traffic and not delays in transactions, Lieutenant Colonel Salim Al Ameri, chief of Al Ghuwaifat Police, told Gulf News.

The border checkpoints have facilities in place to help travellers rest, Al Ameri said, adding that passport counters are working to avoid congestion and all transactions can be cleared within five minutes. The number of staff on duty has also been increased to process passports of truck drivers and travellers headed to the Kingdom, he noted.

business has increased significantly.

As the UAE is a growing market for the automotive sector, our business strategy is to support this growth by developing and enhancing Abu Dhabi’s port infrastructure,” said Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports.

Khalifa Port, which began operations in 2012, offers additional berthing facilities and an enhanced throughput capacity.

Its current annual capacity of 360,000 vehicle units per year is nearly three times that of Zayed Port, with plans to upgrade the capacity to 500,000 units annually in the future. The port’s RORO hub also has the potential to cater to the wider GCC, Africa and the Indian subcontinent.

Moreover, the port can handle up to four of the largest RORO vessels at a time. It is in the Khalifa Industrial Zone (Kizad), halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

qATAR’S Cv mARKET iS ExPECTED TO GROW AT 13% CAGR, FROm 2015-2020.

“With Khalifa Port, we are now able to offer a consolidated fullservice RORO hub supported by the adjacent Kizad,” Al Shamisi said.

NETWORK

Tasjeel To open Three new TesTing siTes

Tasjeel is seeing increasing demand for its testing and registration services.

Tasjeel, a UAE-based vehicle testing and registration service provider, plans to launch three new sites in Dubai, citing high demand on the back of the emirate’s economic growth.

Tasjeel currently operates 10 sites and two mobile units in Dubai and Sharjah, and is planning new branches at Dubai World Central, Dubai Motor City and Dubai Investment Park.

The company, a joint venture between the Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC)

and the Dubai Road Transport Authority (RTA), serviced more than a million vehicles in 2014, said Burhan Al Hashemi, Managing Director of ENOC Retail.

His comments were made at the 2015 CITA International Conference and General Assembly, held at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai and co-hosted by ENOC and Tasjeel. CITA is the International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee.

“With the economic growth of Dubai, demand for vehicle testing and automotive services has also gained strength,” said Johan Cobbaut, CITA President.

“Tasjeel is fully equipped to address this growing demand from diverse business sectors, and now offers testing of heavy vehicles, trailers and hazardous goods vehicles, in line with international safety standards set by RTA, Civil Defence and Police authorities.”

VoLVo AB BRings in sCAniA Boss Volvo AB has appointed Martin Lundstedt, current head of rival Scania, to be their new chief executive after ousting Olof Persson, who led the group for about four years.

Lundstedt will assume his new position in October. Jan Gurander, Volvo’s CFO, will be acting president and chief executive of the Swedish manufacturer until then.

Amidst tougher international competition and mounting pressure from shareholders to boost profits, Volvo removed Persson from the helm as it seeks to revamp its strategy.

“After three years of focus on product renewal, internal efficiency and restructuring, the Volvo Group is gradually entering a new phase with an intensified focus on growth and increased profitability,” said Carl-Henric Svanberg, Volvo’s chairman.

“Martin Lundstedt has 25 years of

8 TRUCK&FLEET ME

MAY 2015

Scania CEO Martin Lundstedt will head up Volvo AB from October.

experience from development, production and sales within the commercial vehicle industry. He is also known for his winning leadership style.”

In February, Volvo posted considerable losses for the fourth quarter of 2014 as

its construction equipment sales took a blow. The group’s operating loss for Q4 2014 totalled $272 million, compared to a profit of $114.9 million a year earlier.

“Operating income was negatively impacted by provisions related to the EU antitrust investigation and expected credit losses in China,” Volvo said in a February statement.

Scania said in a statement that Per Hallbergh, executive vice president and head of production and logistics, would be appointed acting president and CEO. “We respect Martin Lundstedt’s decision to leave the company and wish to thank him for his successful efforts to further develop and strengthen Scania’s strong market position during his years as president and CEO,” said Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn, Scania’s chairman.

NETWORK

DUBAi’s RTA To opERATE 650 sChooL BUsEs By 2024

The RTA wants to increase students who use school buses.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plans to offer schools the option of hiring buses to transport students, the government entity said. It will launch the new service in the academic year starting in September with 50 buses, and plans to gradually increase its fleet to 650 over the next nine years.

The move comes as the authority aims to encourage more school students to use buses, said RTA chairman Mattar Al Tayer. “Dubai has a strength of 253,000 students, of whom 151,000 use school

buses, which is 60%. The RTA is seeking to raise this proportion to 70%.”

Al Tayer has issued an administrative order establishing the School Transport Department affiliated to the Dubai Taxi Corporation. The new department’s tasks include mapping annual operation plans, drafting future programmes for school transport activity, contracting with schools to provide students transit services and operating the bus fleet.

The RTA also inspects and monitors school buses in 356 public and private schools and nurseries, Al Tayer added.

The government body is keen on boosting school transport safety through awareness campaigns, training workshops and issuing fines to bus operators who flout rules, the chairman said.

“About 2,916 offences were reported in 2010, and the number dropped to 2,467 offences in 2012, before going up to 3,086 offences in 2014.”

As a result of the campaigns, however, awareness among bus operators has increased. This has led to a drop in the number of school bus accidents, from 81 accidents resulting in one fatality and six injuries in 2007, to 10 accidents in 2010.

The number fell further in 2014, to five accidents and zero fatalities, the RTA said.

anTi-rollover warning for mixer-Trucks Renault Trucks is extending its Nav’Truck GPS navigation application, with a new anti-rollover warning for concrete transport customers. The Mixer Rollover Alert, available for 8x4 concrete mixer vehicles, alerts drivers to the risk of their vehicle rolling over during concrete transport assignments.

The feature works by warning drivers of excessive speed when approaching a bend. Based on Nav’Truck GPS cartography, the system estimates the risk of a rollover according to topography, speed and the vehicle’s load characteristics in real time.

Once a risk is detected, it immediately warns drivers through an audible and visual signal, which can be orange or red depending on the level of danger and recommended speed.

sCAniA To DELiVER 200 TRUCKs To inDiAn Mining FiRM

Mining is demanding work for machines and for trucks.

Indian mining company BGR Mining & Infra has placed an order for 200 Scania P 410 tipper trucks, the Swedish manufacturer announced. The Indian firm, whose headquarters are in Hyderabad, already has a fleet of 246 Scania vehicles.

“Scania P 410 tippers offer excellent performance and we are extremely satisfied with them,” said BGR Managing Director B. Umapathi Reddy. “Since we started using these vehicles in our mining fields, we have observed a clear increase in operational performance and efficiency.”

Scania, headquartered in Södertälje, Sweden, has been present in the Indian market since 2007. In 2011, the company established Scania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt. Ltd, to strengthen its presence in the country.

Scania has launched a range of on-road haulage truck models specially adapted for the Indian market, namely the R 500 6×4, the G 460 6×4 and the P 410 6×2. In the off-road segment, it offers the P 410 8×4 mining tipper.

Scania also has a partnership in the mining segment with major Indian conglomerate Larsen & Toubro.

MAY 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 9

IntervIew InTERvIEw

heavy-duty service Mercedes-Benz Trucks has a forMidaBle presence in The heavyduTy Truck MarkeT in saudi araBia, kuwaiT, and a sTrong showing in oTher gcc MarkeTs, says Roland SchneideR, The coMpany's direcTor of overseas sales

4,000-4,500 trucks: annual assembly figures for Mercedes-Benz Truck 10 TRUCK&FLEET ME MAY 2015

ks in saudi arabia

InTERvIEw IntervIew

I

f you visit a construction job-site in Saudi Arabia, there’s a good chance you’ll spot a Mercedes-Benz truck. Quite apart from the new vehicles sold each year by the brand’s distributor in the Kingdom, a huge population of older vehicles has been in use for many years, including the iconic bonnet-type trucks which are still widely used today – a true testament to reliability.

There are so many of these in some parts of Saudi Arabia, with fleets of heavy vehicles up to 80% Mercedes-Benz, that people talk about a Mercedes-Benz when they mean a used truck in general, says Roland Schneider, director of Overseas Sales at Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

It’s an example of a brand name standing in for a product type he says, such as ‘Bobcat’ or ‘JCB’ in the construction equipment market.

“There are of course different product generations available. Some of the old bonnettypes are still running around, and they contribute to the huge brand image we have because they are very long-lasting, and at the end of the day you come back to reliability and durability, and to quality,” he explains.

Roland Schneider was formerly head of commercial vehicles sales in the Middle east for Mercedes-Benz.

Saudi Arabia may be the largest market for heavy-duty vehicles in the Gulf, with annual sales estimated to be above 11,000 units, but Mercedes-Benz is well-represented in other Gulf states, particularly Kuwait, and in the UAE, the second largest market, says Schneider.

"For decades we have been extremely strong In the Middle East in the heavyduty segments above 16 tonnes, extremely strong in market share and in reputation.”

The Middle East is also a large buyer of second-hand trucks from Europe, which helps to boost the residual values of the fleet vehicles there and ultimately increases sales in Europe.

Currently in charge of overseas sales, Schneider is well acquainted with the Middle East business, having spent four-and-a-half years running the commercial vehicles business for Mercedes-Benz from the regional office in Jebel Ali from 2001 to 2005. The office opened in 2001, when parent company Daimler merged with Chrysler and was renamed DaimlerChrysler Middle East. Following the demerger in March 2008, the regional office became Daimler Middle East & Levant (DMEL).

Schneider says that at the time it was the first building in the logistics area of the Jebel Ali Free Zone, which today is home to numerous automotive logistics centres. Here Mercedes-Benz Trucks could capitalise on being part of a larger automotive group, since the logistics centre catered to Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles – both trucks and vans – as well as buses and passenger vehicles, giving the company an economy of scale advantage uncommon in the commercial vehicle market.

The ready supply of spare parts helps build up the service level, says Schneider, taking dealers beyond simply selling units by investing in their workshops and having staff become qualified. “This laid the ground for not just being present, but parts logistics. By having parts in the region you also create a higher service level.”

The flagship Mercedes-Benz Trucks heavy-duty truck is the Actros, which corresponds to the most common – and most demanding – requirements, and is of course available in a range of configurations, whether for long-haul distribution or construction.

Schneider is effusive, saying, “The Actros is an excellent, competitive, super-successful heavy-duty truck in the Middle East.”

That’s not to discount the importance of its lighter models designed for off-road applications, such as the Zetros and Unimog,

MAY 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 11

IntervIew

profiled in the February edition of Truck & Fleet ME, in ‘Conquering the Dunes’.

Compared with the Actros sold in Europe, the version destined for the Middle East has to be up-specced to cope with the conditions.

Apart from the different engine to cope with the high-sulphur fuel (though this is no longer a factor in the UAE), Schneider says that Middle East vehicles have to carry heavier loads. While weight regulations vary in the GCC, overload capability is demanded by construction fleet owners, says Schneider. This also improves residual value of vehicles if they are sold in their second or third life, especially into markets in Africa where overloading is common.

Overload specification requires a more rigid and durable vehicle, with special attention paid to the springs and front axles. “We try to specify them with a certain buffer, because we know that the operations will be different to a traditional application in Europe,” he explains.

When it comes to the exact technical demands from a product development point of view, familiarity with the application requirements – whether it’s a mine in Indonesia or a construction site in the Middle East – is essential. “[Application specialists] need to know where the vehicle will ultimately be required to perform, in order to understand how to backwards-specify the truck. For new vehicles, our product engineers are very focused on producing equipment that matches the requirements of the region.”

In Saudi Arabia, the company began selling in the 1950s with E.A. Juffali & Brothers, dealer for both the commercial vehicle and passenger vehicle businesses. In 1974, Juffali and Mercedes-Benz founded a joint venture to manufacture commercial vehicles. The factory was inaugurated by the late King Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz, and heralded as a boost to the economic diversification of the Kingdom. The first trucks rolled off the assembly line in 1977, the first factory of its kind in the region.

The company continues to assemble trucks today, which means the vehicles avoid the

Successful product engineering requires a precise knowledge of how a truck will be used.

import duty that applies to built-up vehicles.

Juffali’s plant in Jeddah produces between 4,000 and 4,500 trucks per year, says Schneider, though its total plant capacity is even larger.

In 2010, Juffali celebrated delivery of the 75,000th vehicle assembled in the plant.

Mercedes-Benz is one of only a handful of manufacturers with assembly plants in the Kingdom, but the advantage is not just shorter lead-times and avoiding customs fees.

Schneider says, “In KSA, traditionally it is a strong political signal if a manufacturer still produces locally. It is perceived as very strong.

If [Mercedes-Benz and Juffali] are using the Kingdom for local assembly, if they create jobs, if there are 4,000-5,000 trucks per year, then it is a strong signal to KSA. Likewise with our joint venture, that is perceived very positively.”

Beyond the advantages of an assembly operation, Schneider credits Juffali with building up an “amazing” brand reputation for Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Saudi Arabia, describing the firm as a well-developed and sophisticated vehicle distributor, comparable with European standards, and focused on all aspects of the commercial vehicles business, including assembly, service and fleet.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks is strong in Kuwait

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“For decades we have been extremely strong in the middle east in the heavyduty segments above 16 tonnes, extremely strong in market share and in reputation” 12 TRUCK&FLEET ME MAY 2015

IntervIew

Trucks in the Middle east have to contend with extremely heavy loads.

“the tendency oF course is the more complex the vehicles become, the more complex they become to repair; this tendency is not just For mercedes-benz trucks, it applies For everyone” too, and there the relationship goes both ways.

In 1974, the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) acquired a major equity stake in parent company Daimler, and is currently Daimler’s single biggest shareholder with 6.8% of the company’s shares. Last year a celebration of the 40-year partnership was attended by Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of Management of Daimler AG, and HH Sheikh Jaber AlMubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait. Kuwait was described as “Daimler’s most reliable partner despite all ups and downs in corporate history”.

Apart from the application requirements, high temperatures and dust, one major difference between the Middle East and Europe is that here overall fleet sizes are often larger. In the GCC, there are fleets with annual purchase volumes of 500-1,000 units, says Schneider, a scale uncommon in Europe.

These larger customers often want to carry out more of the servicing in-house, in their own workshops. Schneider says that naturally there is a desire to see their dealers and distributors carrying out more of the service repairs, for the sake of profitability. “You need the sales and the service to run a profitable organisation,

14 TRUCK&FLEET ME MAY 2015

and we enable and encourage the distributors to do as many service repairs as possible.”

Nevertheless, for customers who want to take care of servicing in-house, there is full support, with training for service technicians and workshop, which may even be extended to authorising a fleet’s workshop to do their own warranty repairs, says Schneiderr.

One factor that tends to work in the distributor’s favour today – and is evident across all areas of the automotive and equipment sectors and beyond – is increasing complexity, with extra on-board electronics or expensive diagnostic equipment. “The tendency of course is the more complex the vehicles become, the more complex they become to repair; this tendency is not just for MercedesBenz Trucks, it applies for everyone.”

When asked whether the current generation of trucks is more difficult for larger fleet owners to fully service in their workshops, Schneider gives the example of the transition from the older SK range to the Actros in the early 2000s. Before the Actros arrived, there was apprehension from service organisations about the electronic injection and electronic engine technologies

they would have to repair, and assembly of the SK model continued in Saudi Arabia for two years longer than in other markets. But once the model arrived, says Schneider, the quality of the product itself, including the engines, meant there were no problems.

There is no stopping the pace of vehicle and engine development, notes Schneider. Manufacturers are focused on the productivity and fuel-efficiency advantages of product features such as fuel injection.

But no matter how Mercedes-Benz Trucks vehicles develop, the way to keep them running remains old-fashioned – namely competent and capable after-sales support, along with the high-quality product.

“We try to support our dealers and distributors with a lot of support, training and tools,” explains Schneider.

“That is why it is very important to have a regional presence there, since by being in Dubai you can go anywhere in one day, and this makes it much easier to work together as dealer and manufacturer on specific fleet requests. That is part of the success of our positive market performance in the Middle East. We have shown that we are looking after the fleet customers.”

Apollo Tyres Middle East FZE T : + 971 488 41603 www.apollotyres.com

Factory visit FaCToRy visiT

Anchored in quality

T&F ME visits the largest MaN bus factory iN the world, iN aNkara, turkey, to see how iNvestMeNts iN facilities aNd iN orgaNisatioN aNd staff traiNiNg lead to high-quality coaches aNd buses 16 TRUCK&FLEET ME MAY 2015

Factory visit FaCToRy visiT

The factory has more than 1,200 blue-collar workers.

Each bus skeleton we

ighs 3,0 00-3,500kg.

3D laser measurement ensures production of the vehicle's skeleton is done to exacting standards.

W

hen it comes to automotive manufacturing, economy of scale is king. Not just because higher volume means lower purchasing costs for raw materials and components, or better utilisation of large investments in factories, machine tools and staff training. Large production volume also results in better products, with factory workers excelling at production techniques through practice and attention to detail.

The quality advantage explains in part why MAN Truck & Bus is consolidating production of its coaches at its major factory in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, where it now produces MAN and all Neoplan buses. The company has ceased Neoplan production at a factory in Germany, which

The cataphoretic dip priming submerges the vehicles for effective corrosion protection.

will instead be used as a bus modification centre for public transport buses and coaches. It will also cease production at one of its two factories in Poland, meaning that, by 2017, all MAN coaches will be produced in the Turkish capital, at a 320,000sqm factory with 1,600 employees, part of a long-term strategy to reduce production costs.

At the recent MAN BusDays event, held at the Ankara plant – MAN’s largest bus factory – the company was able to show off its modern facility, including significant investments such as its cataphoretic dip priming (KTL) process and advanced paint system. The factory was described at the open day as the “showpiece for excellence in leading the production system philosophy” by Dr Carsten Intra, member of the executive board of MAN Truck & Bus AG in charge of Production & Logistics.

Heinz-Jürgen Löw, board member for sales and marketing, underlined the importance of quality and reliability when it comes to reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) for customers.

“Based on top quality, we are able to secure optimised TCO for our customers. Due to product reliability, we are able to ensure maximum uptime." A tour of the plant allowed Truck & Fleet ME to witness the high-tech manufacturing techniques that ensure the consistent quality of MAN buses shipped to the Middle East and world-wide. But aside from being modern, the plant was also notable for its cleanliness and its well-ordered production line.

Before 2010, production at Ankara was split between three buildings, but with the ‘One Roof’ project, which took three years to complete, the entire process was moved into a

MAY 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 17

Factory visit

All the vehicles at the Ankara factory are assembled on a single production line.

single large building. This reduced the number of buses on the line from 232 to 120, and cut lead time from 29 working days to 22 (with ongoing efforts to bring it down to 18 days).

Despite a large annual output of 2,000 buses (seven a day), and the ability to produce 24 different vehicle types, the plant operates on an integrated production system, meaning that there is a single production line for all models.

The first stage is production of the bus skeleton, with the walls, roof and chassis components manually welded, before the ‘marriage’, when they are joined together as the bus skeleton. Each bus skeleton weighs 3,000-3,500kg, depending on the model. In order to guarantee precision, in 2011 a 3D laser tracker measurement system was installed, measuring points on the skeleton with very low tolerances. Randomly selected vehicles are thoroughly checked, with around 700 points measured. The length tolerance for a 12m skeleton is 0.05%, or approximately 6mm.

With the side sheeting spot welded to the skeleton, the frames are then ready for the cataphoretic dip priming (KTL). There are 11 vats in a 10,000sqm area, as well as two overhead cranes with 12t capacity to lower and raise the bus skeletons. The KTL process guarantees protection against corrosion for up to 10 years, and was installed in 2011 at a cost of 10 million euros. After their dip bath, the buses are baked in an oven for 60 minutes at 230°C. Then comes the bonding centre, where all the adjoining surfaces of metal sheets are sealed, the front, rear and roof covers are bonded to the bus, and all exterior flaps are screwed to the vehicle.

By now the vehicles are taking on their final form, and following checks are delivered to the

18 TRUCK&FLEET ME MAY 2015

Engines are transported from the MAN engine factory in Nuremburg, Germany.

paint shop. New painting cabins were installed in 2014, beginning operation at the beginning of this year, with improved quality by taking processes which generate dust out of the paint shop. This was an investment of 3 million euros, but has increased the quality of the paint finish. The length of time it takes to paint a bus depends on the type, the colour and whether metallic paint was specified, and the process takes between two and four hours, followed by drying in an oven.

The vehicles then come onto the mechanical assembly line, where the engine, axle, gearbox, air-conditioning and other features are installed

(major components are produced in Germany and transported to Ankara). The pipes – for heating, cooling and hydraulic systems – are manufactured on-site using one-piece flow manufacturing, and installed on the mechanical assembly line, which has a total of 15 different stations.

By now the vehicle is for all intents and purposes complete, and goes through its final quality gate. There are six quality gates, acting as inspection stations between each production process, allowing employees from the quality department to inspect buses, both for quality standards and to ensure that customer requests are fully followed, since virtually

low emission buses for transport providers MAN’s BusDays event is held every

the region which have adopted

two years, and in 2015 featured

ultra-low-sulphur fuel.

the world premier of the new Lion

Air quality is an important

According to Franz von Redwitz, Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus Middle

Intercity bus, aimed at the large

consideration for local

East, “The BusDays Ankara

European intercity bus segment.

municipalities, and purchasing

event is an important platform

more emission-friendly bus fleets

for MAN to showcase our

East included the announcement

is one important way to reduce

innovative product range.

that the Lion Coach will be

noxious fumes. CNG (compressed

available for GCC markets with

natural gas)-powered buses

stylish bus and coach models

Euro 5 fuel quality. The Lion

are another option for a lower

adequately meets the demanding

Coach has a special A/C and

emission bus fleet, and last year

requirements of urban and long

isolation package for very hot

MAN carried out a successful trial

distance passenger transport in

climates; it conforms with the

of a CNG bus in the UAE. CNG

the Middle East to cover every

EEV (enhanced environmentally

is widely used in Europe, and

requirement while offering great

friendly vehicle) norm and will

the Ankara municipal transport

comfort and safety. As the leading

run without the AdBlue additive.

operator EGO provides a glimpse

manufacturer of eco-friendly

The bus will provide transport

of this, with a fleet of 1,300 MAN

natural gas-powered vehicles, our

options with lower emissions to

CNG buses, making up 74% of

CNG range of buses also highlight

help improve urban air quality,

EGO's total bus fleet, and the

our strong commitment to

and is of benefit for markets in

largest CNG bus fleet in the world.

sustainable transport solutions.”

Product news for the Middle

"Our varied range of

Factory visit

(An ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company)

MULTI BRAND BODY AND MECHANICAL REPAIR CENTRE We Specialize in: The audit room allows factory workers and customers to inspect the vehicles in detail.

every bus is built to customer order, though often in large batches.

After the mechanical assembly line, the bus comes to Gate 6, where the buses are given a full inspection, operating from a customer’s perspective. Any imperfections will be reworked, and there are checks of the electrical system, interior details and decorations.

The vehicles then go on to the finishing centre, where they are subjected to an 80km road test and brake tests, as well as axle measurements and touching up of the paint finish.

As a final process, a few randomly selected buses will be taken to the audit room. Opened in 2014 according to Volkswagen standards (VW AG is parent company of MAN) , it uses special illumination that makes it possible to check the layers, paintwork and interior more carefully. Sensitive audio examinations can also be performed. The audit room is used not only for workers at the factory, but also for customers, who often like to carefully inspect a vehicle before the handover.

During the tour, the overall impression from the Ankara plant is of a highly modern facility – clean, tidy and well-organised. Under the guidance of plant manager Münür Yavuz, the factory has used principles of efficient mass production, of the kind developed by Toyota (Yavuz formerly worked as a Toyota plant manager).

Alongside the production line are sheets of paper detailing exactly what job needs to be carried out and how it should be done.

With around 24,000 work standard sheets in the factory, this is a way for workers to provide feedback on quality, ergonomics or accidents, allowing them to continuously refine their processes.

A further effort to boost quality is the Champion Bus concept, whereby each month a particular bus is chosen and monitored by quality managers as it travels along the production line. With thorough checking for damage or faults, there are discussions of any problems that occur during the process.

After production of the Champion Bus is complete, the number of faults is shared with employees by using graphs.

It seems a given that a high-quality vehicle build results in better outcomes for customers. For buyers of bus fleets who want long-running vehicles with minimal down-time, the impressive organisation of MAN’s Ankara plant demonstrates the brand’s commitment – and ability – to deliver high-quality vehicles.

•

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Accident repairs with Hydraulic Chassis Repair system for Heavy Trucks.

Modification / Retrofitments Fuel Tankers and Trucks.

Fitment - Roll Over protection bars for SUV. Preventive maintenance and Diagnostic jobs for Heavy Trucks - All Brands.

Upgradation / Maintenance - Hydrant Fuel Dispensers / Refuelers.

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Fabrication requirements for Outside Broadcast Van (OB Van).

Refurbishment - Oil Well Intervention machines.

Accident Repair and Modification of CO2 and Helium Tanker.

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• We undertake on site inspection • Inhouse “Recovery - Vehicle facility” available

Talk to US:

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Vidhu P. Babu - Service Manager (Body Shop) Mobile : 050 456 0161 Tel. : 04 8855 169 Ext. 107 Fax : 04 3389 559 / 8858 750 E-mail : vidhu.babu@ase.ae

RTA Approved Truck Chassis Repair Centre

www.alshirawi.com/ent

MAY 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 19

WORKSHOP

WORKSHOP Maintaining yOuR fleet’S efficiency

AutomechAnikA DubAi 2015 to host 1,700 exhibitors

GOTRADE will exhibit a range of Palfinger Cranes.

With car sales in the Middle East and North Africa expected to hit 3.37 million units in 2020, the need for spare parts and after-sales services will also see significant growth. This is promising news for the 1,700 exhibitors who

300,000

metric tonnes: capacity of new steel foundry manufacturing auto parts in Kizad 20 TRUCK&FLEET ME may 2015

will be showcasing their products at the 13th Automechanika Dubai, the region’s largest trade fair for the automotive after-market industry.

The sizeable demand for vehicles in the region makes it lucrative for after-market

suppliers and manufacturers, said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organisers of the exhibition. “The 21 million vehicles already on MENA roads give an indication of the tremendous market potential that exists for global suppliers of auto components, vehicle service and repair, bodywork repair, painting, tyres, batteries and performance systems.”

GOTRADE, a subsidiary of the Gorica Group, will be participating for the second time, exhibiting its line-up of Palfinger Cranes, as well as spare parts for trailers like axles and kingpins, said Paul Austin Price, general manager at GOTRADE. Meanwhile, Marc Borlinghaus, automotive business development manager at Arwani Trading Company, noted that the true advantage of shows like Automechanika is apparent after the show. “The real business is done in the months following an event.

This is where Automechanika Dubai excels.

We don’t go there to sell. We go there to meet new leads, develop quotations and contracts following the show, and then sign deals in the ensuing months or even years.”

DaTa LoggERs Can CUT insURanCE pREMiUMs Fleet managers should consider fitting vehicles with journey data loggers to reduce the cost of vehicle insurance. These devices record speed,

the use of lights and indicators and other driving patterns, helping increase road safety and reduce insurance premiums, the National

reported. Apart from helping fleet managers monitor driver behaviour, data loggers can also help assign blame in case of accidents.

WORKSHOP WoRKsHop

neW fOundRy fOR autOMOtive PaRtS in abu dHabi

Abu Dhabi Ports has signed an agreement to build a steel foundry that will manufacture

automotive spare parts like steep brake disks and brake calipers at the Khalifa Port Industrial Zone (Kizad).

The agreement was signed with Advanced Manufacturing Solutions, a subsidiary of the FourWinds Group of Companies.

The new 233,000sqm foundry, with an annual capacity of 300,000t, will be developed in three phases. The foundry’s first phase, estimated at $140 million, will have a capacity of 75,000t per annum.

It will produce grey iron for brake discs and ductile iron for brake calipers. The foundry’s capacity will be increased to 145,000t annually in phase two, and to its final capacity in phase three.

QuicK tiPS Boost your fleet performance by choosing the right lube: 1. Fleet owners can boost performance and efficiency by choosing lubricants according to OEM specifications as well as adhering to recommended oil change intervals, according to David Kalife, MD of Total Marketing Middle East and Total Lubricants Blending UAE. 2. Apart from choosing the right lubricant supplier, fleet owners should also be mindful of the type and viscosity of the lubricants

isUzU oFFERs sERviCE DEaLs FoR QaTaR CUsToMERs

recommended by the manufacturers.

3. Other considerations when picking lubricants include brand image, quality and shorter lead times.

Isuzu has

F-Series medium-

announced two

duty trucks will get

free services with

two free services

quality lubricants, which can lead to

the purchase of

from Jaidah Heavy

frequent maintenance problems and

selected vehicles

Equipment, Isuzu’s

for customers in

Qatar distributor.

Doha. Customers

A new warranty is

operating conditions your vehicles are

who buy Isuzu

also available on N

functioning under, like high idle times,

pickups, N Series

and F series truck

light-duty trucks or

purchases.

4. Steer clear of using cheap or poor-

thereby loss of time and money.

5. Additionally, it’s important to know the

Free services available on selected Isuzu models.

high loads, dust and heat exposure, to determine the best choice of lubricant.

VolVo FH gets new HeaVy-duty bumper

The new heavy-duty bumper.

Volvo Trucks is introducing a new heavy-duty bumper on its Volvo FH trucks, which was unveiled at INTERMAT in Paris last month.

The reinforced front, available on the Volvo FH and Volvo FH16, will make the truck more suited to rugged roads and rougher applications like construction and timber transport.

“The Volvo FH with heavy-duty bumper boosts the usefulness of our flagship truck. The truck becomes robust enough to better tackle conditions where there is an increased risk of damage,” said Ricard Fritz, vice president, Volvo Trucks Brand.

The new bumper is based on the

same engineering concept as the front of the Volvo FMX, which is designed for construction applications. The corners and skid plate of the bumper are made of 3mm steel. Additionally, a fixed footstep above the skid plate has also been integrated into the design.

Moreover, the bumper has also been extended 132mm forward so as to take the first hits in rough conditions, protecting other components such as the headlamps.

A key design challenge on the bumper was reinforcing it without altering the premium image of the Volvo FH, said Rikard Orell, design director of Volvo Trucks.

“Having a lOcally-baSed autO PaRtS and acceSSORieS fOundRy SuPPORtS [tHe autOMOtive] induStRy and itS gROWtH WitHin tHe eMiRateS” Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports may 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 21

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

www.automechanikaDubai.com/TF

new vehicles

MERCEdEs-BEnz To LaUnCh piCKUp TRUCK

2020

When the new pickup is set to hit roads Daimler AG has announced plans to launch the first Mercedes-Benz pickup truck by 2020, as it looks to expand its product range into the lucrative mid-size pickup segment.

The brand is seeking to cash in on the growing worldwide popularity of pickup

trucks, which are gaining favour with commercial and private customers.

“The Mercedes-Benz pickup will contribute nicely to our global growth targets,” said Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the Daimler board and head of the Mercedes-Benz Cars Division.

“We will enter this segment with our distinctive brand identity and all of the vehicle attributes that are typical of the brand with regard to safety, comfort, powertrains and value.”

The new pickup will initially target commercial and private customers in Latin America, South Africa, Australia and Europe, all regions with positive growth in the segment. It will be developed by the Mercedes-Benz Vans division.

A few days after announcing the plan to introduce a pickup, Daimler revealed that the 1t truck will be jointly built with Nissan.

This will expand the German manufacturer’s strategic cooperation with the RenaultNissan Alliance, which began in April 2010.

The Mercedes-Benz pickup will share some of its architecture with the new Nissan NP300, but will be engineered and designed by Daimler to meet the specific needs of its customer base.

“Thanks to our well-established partnership with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, we are able to drastically reduce the time and cost to enter this key segment,” Zetsche noted.

nissan sEnTRa 2015 wins saFETy awaRd The 2015 Nissan Sentra has been awarded a Top Safety Pick rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The award from the IIHS recognises passenger vehicles that excel in protecting passengers in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, head restraint and small overall frontal tests. The 2015 Sentra scored “Good” in all five categories.

Standard safety features on all 2015 Sentras include the Nissan Air Bag System with front air bags with seat belt; threepoint front and rear seat belts; and front seat belts with pre-tensioners, load limiters and adjustable upper anchors.

“Nissan is committed to safety and innovation, and we are proud to achieve the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating for the 2015 Sentra,” said Samir Cherfan, managing director of Nissan Middle East.

“As a compact sedan, Sentra is a critically important vehicle in Nissan’s line-up, and with its standard safety features we’re bringing a high level of safety and security to a growing consumer segment.”

In addition to the recognition for its safety standards, the Nissan Sentra has also recorded a strong performance in the GCC, with a 5% market share in the region and a 9%

sales increase in 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. In Saudi Arabia, Nissan Sentra sales surged 52% by February 2015, and in the UAE, the vehicle saw a 9% increase in sales.

aEd59,000 Average starting price in UAE

MAY 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 23

PARTING SHOT

The fast and furious As TATA TAkes on The inTernATionAl mArkeT wiTh The inTroducTion of The PrimA, The brAnd is keen To Prove The Truck’s AbiliTies on The rAce TrAck As well

R

acing isn’t generally the first word that comes to mind when one thinks of heavy commercial vehicles, built for functionality rather than sport. Truck racing, however, has become a good way for manufacturers to test how their product functions under extreme conditions – with the added bonus of being a crowd-pleaser.

As European manufacturers establish themselves in the Indian market, Tata Motors saw the opportunity to make a statement about the new Prima’s prowess off the road and on the circuit, explains Ravi Pisharody, executive director – Commercial Vehicles at Tata Motors.

This resulted in launching the first season of the TI Prima Truck Racing Championship last year in India, with 12 Prima trucks built for the task.

24 TRUCK&FLEET ME MAY 2015

This March saw the second edition of the action-packed event, as 45,000 spectators watched the trucks race for glory on India’s F1 track, the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida.

The championship is organised by the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC) and held under the aegis of the FIA and FMSCI, the governing bodies for motor sport worldwide and in India respectively.

Each of the modified 370hp trucks in this year’s race featured a new aerodynamic design, 10% more speed (up to 130km/h), 10% increased acceleration and 10% weight reduction, compared to the trucks used in 2014.

Stuart Oliver of Team Castrol Vecton emerged victorious for the second time, clinching the Team Title in the 16-lap final race.

Steve Thomas of Team Allied Partners was first runner-up, while Steven Powell of Team Tata Technologies finished third.

“The Tata Prima race trucks were fantastic,” Oliver says.

“It’s been an amazing championship, with so much improvement to the truck that it just goes to show the capability of the vehicle and how the sport can be scaled up.”

Pisharody adds that the trucks proved themselves on the track.

“We are extremely delighted with the performance of T1 teams and drivers, who have been supportive throughout the event. We would like to congratulate the winning team, sponsors and all participants for making this event a historic day, and all of the audience for a wonderfully electric atmosphere.”

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