Truck & Fleet ME November 2015

on the right track tyre makers go green

022 NOVEMBER 2015

MIDDLE EAST

100 years of manufacturing man marks a century

rise of the machines autonomous trucks are here

new kid

in town iveco rolls out the new daily in oman

BOOSTING BUSINESS, MAXIMISING KILOMETRES

10 CONTENTS

A supplement of Cmme

20

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

26

eDiTOriaL

tACkling the tCo DilemmA

CONSULTANT EDITOr STiaN OVERDaHL stian.overdahl@cpidubai.com +49 176 271 203 87

Several interviews with manufacturers operating in the GCC all seem to yield the same complaint: customers always focus on initial purchase price, rather than total cost of ownership (TCO).

04 / Al hABtoor eXpAnDs UAE’s Al Habtoor Motors bags the Mitsubishi Fuso franchise in Saudi Arabia.

shelling out for genuine parts, buyers in the region tend to look only at up-front cost. This is in direct contrast to the approach adopted in Europe, where firms usually prioritise long-term savings and less downtime, over initial purchase price.

To be fair to both sides, it’s natural that

COvER sTORy

10 / new kiD in town Iveco targets the LCV segment with the launch of the all-new Daily in Oman.

manufacturers would use the TCO argument to justify higher prices. And with the tight margins and cut-throat competition that many in the

20 / mArking A CenturY MAN Truck & Bus celebrates 100 years of manufacturing commercial vehicles.

they can. This is one of the key challenges faced

26 / Built to orDer A visit to Cardan Shaft Network’s facility to learn how drive shafts are made.

30 / on the right trACk How tyre manufacturers are working towards making products greener and more durable.

DesiGN ArT DIrECTOr SiMON cOBON JUNIOr GrApHIC DESIGNEr PERciVaL MaNaLaYSaY

MArKETING MANAGEr LiSa JuSTicE lisa.justice@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5498 CirCuLaTiON & PrODuCTiON

manufactures drive shafts in its facility in Silicon

DISTrIBUTION MANAGEr SuNiL KuMaR sunil.kumar@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5476

Oasis. Hans Georg Brune, managing partner of shafts are manufactured on p. 26.

It goes without saying that fleet owners and operators are best placed to decide what’s right for their business. But before making a purchase solely based on price, it would be worth doing

FEaTURE

SALES EXECUTIVE BiPiN SONEJi bipin.soneji@cpidubai.com +971 4 433 2856

by Dubai-based Cardan Shaft Network, which

the firm, discusses this further as we look at how

siTE visiT

COMMErCIAL DIrECTOr MicHaEL STaNSFiELD michael.stansfield@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5497

MarKeTiNG

transportation industry operate under, it is no surprise if they’re under pressure to save where

FEaTURE

SUB EDITOr aELRED DOYLE aDVerTisiNG

Whether it’s paying for premium vehicles or

NETWORK

DEpUTY EDITOr JERuSHa SEquEiRa jerusha.sequeira@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5477

a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis to find out whether the short-term saving is worth it.

prODUCTION MANAGEr ViPiN V. ViJaY vipin.vijay@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5713 DiGiTaL WEB DEVELOpEr MOHaMMaD awaiS uMaiR SHaMiM

PubLisheD by

By factoring in other costs such as spare parts replacement, maintenance, fuel and the money lost during downtime, you might be able to make

NEW vEhiCLEs

42 / All-new mAXimA

better-informed decisions.

Registered at iMPZ PO Box 13700 Dubai, uaE Tel: +971 4 440 9100 Fax: +971 4 447 2409 www.cpimediagroup.com

The eighth generation of the Nissan Maxima sedan hits the road.

PriNTeD by Printwell Printing Press LLc

paRTiNg shOT

48 / rise of the mAChines Daimler tests the world’s first self-driving truck on German roads.

© copyright 2015 cPi. all rights reserved

Jerusha sequeira DeputY 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.

NOVEMBER 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 1

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EDITOR'S CHOICE

READERS' COMMENTS

Qatar Rail floats tenders for 12 Doha Metro stations

Company was to accept tender forms between October 11 and 25, officials said

2

SKAI looks to export patented Dubai building concept

Design of Viceroy Dubai Jumeirah Village property could be replicated in cities like Shanghai, Singapore or New York

3

PHOTO GALLERIES

Mall of the Emirates extension, Dubai Majid Al Futtaim has opened its $272m extension of the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai.

See photo galleries at: meconstructionnews.com/photos

Dubai apartment prices down 11%, set to fall further – JLL

Tighter regulations, higher inflation and a stronger dollar

Name supplied, comment to story ‘Hacking scam alert after fraudsters target Dubai construction firm’

expected to push prices down further

4

READER POLL

Top 10 Oman infrastructure projects

Are low oil prices having an impact on the Gulf construction sector?

Despite the decline in global oil

67% 13%

prices, Oman is pressing ahead with several large projects

5

Dubai’s Nakheel awards construction

contracts worth $626m Three major retail projects expected to be completed in 2018

“We also had a similar situation [as described in MEConstructionNews.com article about online fraudsters targeting regional construction firms]. But thankfully, our accounts realised that there was fraud interception of our emails and our emails were compromised. Hence we took immediate action by informing the client through phone and personal emails to avert a disaster of money being transferred to the fraudsters’ accounts. The matter was reported to the police.”

VIDEO

Strongman ‘Thor’ plays tug of war… with a Cat Dozer Hafthor ‘Thor’ Bjornsson, winner of Europe’s 2015 Strongest Man competition, engaged in an epic tug-of-war against a Cat D10T Dozer. See videos at: meconstructionnews.com/videos

Yes: There’s been a big drop in business

Yes: But only in the government sector

13% 5% Yes: Only a limited reduction in activity

No: I’ve not seen any impact

Log on for the latest from across the Middle East construction sector. Write to the editor at contact@meconstructionnews.com 2 TRUCK&FLEET ME novemBeR 2015

NETWORK

NETWORK 11 15

YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO THE MIDDLE EAST’S trucK and fleet operator netWorK Al Habtoor plans to set up a wide network of Fuso showrooms in KSA.

UAE’s Al HAbtoor bAgs FUso FrAncHisE in sAUdi Al Habtoor Motors has been awarded the franchise for Mitsubishi Fuso in Saudi Arabia, marking a regional expansion for the UAE-based firm.

The distributor said it plans to set up a wide network of Fuso showrooms, parts and service centres across various cities in the Kingdom.

The new appointment sees Al Habtoor Motors – the official dealer of Mitsubishi Fuso in the UAE – venture into the region’s largest automotive market.

“To us, Saudi Arabia poses a great challenge in terms of being a very large and significant market. Our 35 years of experience in the UAE is our solid foundation to now move ahead,” said Ahmed K Al Habtoor, CEO of Al Habtoor Motors.

The Fuso range of mediumduty trucks is popular in sectors like construction and transportation. The brand’s other vehicles include Canter light-duty trucks and Rosa buses.

Al Habtoor Motors’ appointment as a dealer for Fuso in Saudi Arabia comes on the back of the company registering a 78.7% growth for Mitsubishi passenger vehicles in the UAE this year.

“With the appointment of Al Habtoor Motors as a business partner in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we are looking to dramatically drive growth of the Fuso brand in what is currently our second biggest market in the Middle East,” said Roland Schneider, CEO of Daimler Commercial Vehicles in MENA.

DUbAI’S RTA TO ADD 3,200 TAxIS TO fLEET bY 2020 Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) says it will add over 3,200 new taxis to its fleet by 2020, reflecting a 34% increase in the current capacity.

In line with a five-year plan, the government body plans to add 3,268 taxicabs to the Dubai Taxi fleet between 2016 and 2020. The plan will see the number of taxis operating in Dubai rise from 9,497 in 2015 to 12,765 vehicles by 2020.

“The five-year plan sets the planned additions of vehicles to the fleet as follows: 880 vehicles in 2016, 552 vehicles in 2017, 580 vehicles in 2018, 612 vehicles in 2019 and 644 vehicles in 2020,” said Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the RTA. The decision to increase the number of taxicabs comes in response to rising demand in the emirate, as outlined in a study conducted by the RTA, he added.

the recent deregulation of fuel prices in the uae is ($2.5bn) in subsidies, according to suhail al mazrou 4 TRUCK&FLEET ME

NOVEMBER 2015

NETWORK

Qatar recalls malibu models Qatar’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce,

The new auto park will be operational in 2017.

in collaboration with Jaidah Automotive, has recalled Chevrolet Malibu 2014-2015 models due to defects in the rear right-hand seat belt buckle.

The ministry will coordinate with the dealership to follow up maintenance and repair operations and will communicate with customers to ensure implementation of procedures to fix defects.

MERCEdEs-BENz zETROs LaUNChEd iN KUWaiT A.R. Albisher & Z. Alkazemi Co (A&A), the Mercedes-Benz distributor in Kuwait, has launched the Zetros off-road truck for the first time in the country, at the Big 5 exhibition held this year at the Kuwait International Fair.

“The Zetros, the first of its type in Kuwait, is the answer to the enormous demand for a truck with unsurpassed reliability, durability and sustainability,” said Ralph Geyer, general manager – Commercial Vehicles and Daimler Buses at A&A. The truck is well suited to deal with a wide range of transport requirements, said Tamer Al-Ghazouly, marketing manager

of Commercial Vehicles at A&A. “Powerful engines [and] future-proof technology make the Zetros the perfect fit for a huge range of operations on the most challenging terrain.”

al-futtaim to open auto parK in dip Al-Futtaim Automotive Division has announced plans to open a 34,466sqm auto park in Dubai Investments Park (DIP), set to be operational in 2017.

The auto park will showcase car brands distributed by Al-Futtaim, including Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge. It will also include Al-Futtaim’s ALAC business, comprising tyres, batteries, workshop equipment and body shop divisions.

The multi-level showroom complex will be among the largest automobile parks in the region, according to a company statement. Once ready, it will offer a wide range of services, including sales, service, repairs, car hire and spare parts sales. In addition, the auto park in DIP

HERTz UAE REfRESHES fLEET TO GO GREEN The rental firm has added over 1,600 vehicles to its fleet.

Hertz Rent-A-Car UAE has refreshed its UAE rental fleet, focusing on increased fuel efficiency.

The rental firm, part of the Al-Futtaim Automotive Group, has added over 1,600 new vehicles from a variety of manufacturers that offer some of the lowest C02 emissions and best fuel economy. Popular options like the Toyota Yaris, Toyota Corolla and Honda Jazz feature prominently in the fleet.

“Hertz is always looking for opportunities to improve and grow our sustainability efforts, so we’re excited to add additional fuel efficient rental options to our existing fleet. This fleet enhancement will add more choice and availability in our fleet,” said Neil Parkins, general manager of Fleet Operations for Hertz UAE.

expected to save aed9.1 billion ui, the country’s minister of energy

will accommodate over 1,400 vehicles for sale, service and stock inventory.

“We are on the threshold of aggressive expansion in the UAE, and the Auto Park is designed to meet the growing demands of customers in DIP, and neighbouring communities,” said Len Hunt, president of Al-Futtaim Automotive Division.

Commenting on the choice of location, Hunt noted that DIP is expected to witness significant growth due to its proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and the Expo 2020 site. “Our strategic market research revealed a huge potential for an auto park in DIP. The project will be completed in two phases and the concept designs have been finalised.”

Al-Futtaim Motors also currently operates a parts distribution centre in DIP to meet the growing demand for automotive parts and accessories in the region.

The company’s facility, said to be one of the biggest Toyota parts distribution centres in the world, consists of two warehouses plus ancillary buildings.

NOVEMBER 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 5

NETWORK

Volkswagen hit by global recalls amid diesel scandal

The carmaker has announced plans to recall 8.5 million vehicles in Europe.

Germany’s Volkswagen AG’s repair of 11 million vehicles worldwide following an emissions scandal is proving to be among the most complex and costly fixes undertaken in automotive history.

The carmaker has announced plans to recall 8.5 million affected vehicles in Europe alone, while US regulators have already ordered the company to recall nearly 500,000 vehicles. The recall in Europe will begin in January 2016, according to media reports.

In September, Volkswagen admitted to cheating US diesel emission tests through the use of illegal software in its cars, enabling it to detect when they were being tested and temporarily reduce toxic emissions.

The scandal led to the resignation of

CEO Martin Winterkorn, who had pushed the German firm to surpass Toyota and General Motors to become the world leader by global sales. Winterkorn has now been replaced by Matthias Mueller, the former chief executive of Porsche.

“My most urgent task is to win back trust for the Volkswagen Group – by leaving no stone unturned and with maximum transparency,” Mueller said upon his appointment to the post.

In addition to carrying out the repairs, the carmaker has stopped sales of diesel models in several markets as it brings engines into compliance. It has also suspended a number of engineers and executives in connection with the scandal.

Ford sees opportunity in green vehicles Ford Trucks is actively working on minimising its carbon footprint through the development of new engine technology, and will be launching a series of green trucks in 2016.

The manufacturer’s new E6 Emission Ecotorq Engines will be much more environment-friendly, said Emrah Duman, international markets director at Ford Trucks.

The development of vehicles powered by alternative fuel sources, such as LNG and CNG, is also increasingly important in the company’s future product cycle plans.

Ford Trucks is also working on making vehicles more efficient from an aerodynamic perspective, Duman noted, speaking ahead of the PMV Live exhibition this month from November 23-26.

“Our product development teams are working on a new cab and vehicle design that minimises drag force on the vehicle, and increases fuel economy in the process.”

the automotive sector in the gcc is expected to see sales of 1.88 million units by the end of 2015 6 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2015

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NETWORK

toyota camry sales rise 27% Sales of the Toyota Camry in the UAE have grown 27% in the three months since the 2016 model was launched, Al-Futtaim Motors has announced.

The vehicle is proving popular among taxi companies, particularly in its hybrid version, with Toyota seeing an 82% growth in the Camry hybrid taxi market, Al-Futtaim Motors said.

Last month, the dealer delivered 50 hybrid Camrys to Arabia Taxi, a franchisee of the

Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

“The Toyota Camry has been one of our top performers since we launched the car 23 years ago,” said Saud Abbasi, managing director of Al-Futtaim Motors.

“This year alone, more than 100 Camry Hybrid vehicles have been delivered to major taxi operators in the UAE.”

DUbai CoMMERCiaL vEhiCLE REgisTRaTion To MovE onLinE

The registration of commercial vehicles in Dubai will go online-only from November, the local Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced.

Registration services currently offered at customer service centres will be diverted to electronic and smart channels, such as the RTA website and its Drivers and Vehicles smartphone app, said Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the RTA Licensing Agency.

The move will ease congestion in customer service centres and enable firms to process transactions without being obliged to visit service points, he added. The government entity began the process of moving commercial vehicle registration online in 2013, when it banned the use of cash payments by companies to renew vehicle registration.

nissan begins sentra assembly in egypt As part of its business expansion strategy in Africa, Nissan will begin assembly of its popular Sentra sedan in Egypt, at its 6th October City Plant near Giza.

Assembly at the plant, which also produces the Sunny and Nissan Pickup models, was scheduled to begin in October, ahead of the locally-built model’s sales launch later that month. The Egypt-built Sentra will replace the model imported from Thailand.

The Japanese automaker currently holds a 10% share of the Egyptian automotive market and views localisation of production as key to future growth in North Africa’s largest car market.

Total potential plant capacity at Nissan Motor Egypt (NMEG) has now reached nearly 30,000 units per annum, providing Nissan with an overall African capacity of 125,000 units, including facilities in Nigeria and South Africa.

“By sourcing Sentra locally we will be able to react more quickly to demands from the Egyptian market,” said Isao Sekiguchi, managing director of NMEG. “We were one of the first overseas manufacturers to construct a plant here and, to date, we have invested around $100 million into our Egyptian operation across sales, manufacturing and new products.”

The locally built Sentra model will replace the one currently imported from Thailand.

more than 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the dubai international motor show this month NOVEMBER 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 9

Feature FEaTURE

NEw Kid in Town Iveco has launched Its latest offerIng for the lcv market, the all-new daIly, In oman

2.6 million: units of the Iveco daily sold 10 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2015

Feature

A

fter carving out a niche in the heavy-duty truck segment in the GCC, Iveco has now set its sights on increasing its share of the region’s LCV market, with the launch last month of the new Daily in Oman.

The Italian brand’s international and local partners, along with customers and media representatives, got their first glimpse of the re-engineered Daily at a launch event at the Muscat Holiday Hotel on October 7, organised in conjunction with International Equipment & Contracting Company (IECC), Iveco’s dealer in the sultanate.

Currently in its third generation, the new Daily has already managed to bag an accolade, International Van of the Year at the Hanover International Motor Show last year. Adapted to a wide variety of business needs, the new Daily is available in both van and chassis cab versions, and the range includes vans, semiwindow vans, chassis cabs, chassis crew cabs, chassis cowls and minibus models.

The Omani market is significant for the manufacturer, and it has been finding success there with both its brands, Iveco and Astra, comments Pierre Lahutte, brand president at Iveco. They occupy second and third positions in the market, historically dominated by German manufacturers. This was a factor behind the choice of Oman as the first market in the entire Africa & Middle East region that the new Daily is being launched in.

“Oman represents a key country for our development in the Gulf, a growing market with important construction and infrastructure projects moving forward as the country’s economy grows year over year,” Lahutte says.

“We chose Oman for the launch of the new Daily because it's one of the most stable economies in the region, and it’s also a good example of a country which has managed to diversify its economy from oil.

In the tourism sector it's really growing, and there are a lot of opportunities here.”

In 2015, Iveco has more than doubled its performance in the heavy-duty truck market in Oman compared to last year. The brand’s popularity in the heavy segment is illustrated by a major order from Oman’s Galfar Engineering & Contracting for 207 Iveco Trakkers (see box-out). Now, it is looking to replicate that success in the light commercial vehicle market with the rolling out of the new Daily

NOVEMBER 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 11

Feature

Iveco supplIes trakker unIts to galfar Shortly after the launch of the new Daily in Oman, Iveco announced that it had supplied 207 Trakker trucks to Galfar Engineering & Contracting, through its dealer in the sultanate.

The key handover ceremony was held at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel in the presence of officials and executives from IECC. Galfar’s truck procurement criteria place an emphasis on safety, fuel efficiency, low environmental impact, driver comfort and total cost of ownership, Iveco said in a statement.

“We have a strong business relationship with IECC that dates back to 2008,” said Salim Saeed Hamad Al Fannah Al Araimi, chairman at Galfar Engineering & Contracting, commenting on the purchase.

“In addition to the recent order of 207 units, our fleet already has approximately 200 Iveco trucks of different models.”

range, Lahutte tells Truck & Fleet ME in an interview on the sidelines of the launch.

With a history going back over three decades, the Daily has sold over 2.6 million vehicles to date in over 110 countries worldwide. Each generation of the vehicle has been marked by a significant breakthrough in terms of features, Lahutte explains.

“The Daily was the first vehicle with independent front suspension at that time, it was the first with Common Rail engine technology. It has the strength of a truck, but it has the drive of a car, and all the safety features which come with that.”

load conditions).Another feature, the Smart Alternator, recovers kinetic energy from the vehicle during release and deactivates the absorption of power in battery-charging conditions. Along with improved aerodynamics, the new features allow total fuel savings of up to 5.5%, depending on vehicle version.

In addition, the manufacturer has worked on increasing comfort, with improvements to sound insulation and air conditioning.

The dashboard has been completely redesigned to enhance vehicle ergonomics, seat and steering wheel, for the more carlike drive Iveco has been striving for.

On the new Daily van, available wheelbases have been revised and now include options

Improvements

load-carrying capacity of the former and the ground clearance and maximum allowed payload on axles of the latter.

For the single-wheel models, the rear suspension has also been redesigned, yielding two major improvements: a decrease in the height of the load platform by approximately 55mm to facilitate vehicle loading and unloading, and a reduction of oversteer in load transfers when cornering.

The third generation of the Daily also boasts a considerable reduction in fuel consumption.

This is achieved by new technological features such as an EcoSwitch function, which allows engine mapping with the availability of reduced maximum torque (suitable for reduced

While 80% of the components on the new Daily have been redesigned, the vehicle has preserved its classic ladder frame chassis structure. The new architecture of the vehicle incorporates longer wheelbases and reduced rear overhang, assuring improved driveability without compromising agility in confined spaces.

Under the hood, the new Daily is equipped with three-litre engine capacity in two fuel types: 146hp diesel and 136hp CNG. The new front suspension QUADLEAF, standard on all models up to 3.5 tonnes, is a blend of the previous single- and twin-wheel versions, with the increased

“We launched the neW daIly last year, and thIs year We've got tWo plants at full capacIty, WhIch Is testament to the strong demand and the great success of the vehIcle In europe”

12 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2015

MAN Truck & Bus looks back to 100 years of construction truck manufacturing. Being active in the Middle East since more than 50 years, MAN trucks are perfectly fit for the tough conditions. Reliable performance, robustness and a dense service network is part of our strength to keep our customers in action. Visit us at the Big 5 exhibition to see for yourself at Stand No. OS70 (DWTC Plaza).

Driven to make efficiency ever more efficient and clients ever more satisfied, we’ve been thinking ahead of the curve for 100 years.

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Feature

Pierre Lahu tte,

brand presiden

t at Ive co.

of 3,520mm and 4,100mm. With the longer wheelbases, the van offers a wider range of load-carrying capacities, with 18m3 and 19.6m3 models now available. The GVW of the van models range from 3.5t to 7t, with vehicle load space volumes of 9-19.6m3 and load-carrying capacity of up to 4,000kg.

The new Daily chassis cab model has a load-carrying capacity of up to 4,700kg.

The 146hp engine on twin-wheel versions is now also available with three-litre capacity and variable geometry turbocharger, improving payload capacity by more than 60kg while offering enhanced fuel consumption and lower emissions.

“the phIlosophy Is defInItely that sellIng a vehIcle Is easy. maIntaInIng It Is What makes really the dIfference. and that's What We focus all our efforts on�

14 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2015

Feature

In Europe, the new Daily commands 11.5% of the LCV market in the 3.5-6t category.

Safety standards have also been enhanced. Apart from the optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP), the new Daily also introduces safety features such as a Lane Departure Warning System.

enterIng the gcc market In Europe, the new Daily currently commands 11.5% of the light commercial vehicle market in the 3.5-6t category, Lahutte says.

The market share increases in the 6-7.5t medium segment, with 33% market share.

“We launched the new Daily last year, and this year we've got two plants at full capacity, which is testament to the strong demand and the great success of the vehicle in Europe.

This explains why we're only launching it now in Oman and the wider GCC,” he notes.

“We should have launched it earlier, but the demand in Europe was so successful that we had to cope with it first. We increased our production by 25% just over six months.”

While the Daily has been a strong

performer in Europe thus far, it’s no secret that the LCV market in the GCC is dominated

by Japanese players. How does Iveco plan to position its vehicle against the competition?

“The Daily has the strength and the capacity of an Asian truck because it's a truck on the base,” Lahutte asserts. It’s also well poised to take on its rivals when it comes to car-like driveability and safety features, he notes.

The Daily also finds applications in several different industries and is suited to a range of applications, including vehicle rescue, distribution, refrigerated transport, garbage collection and recycling.

To effectively penetrate the market in Oman and the wider GCC, Iveco will continue to rely strongly on local partners like IECC, Lahutte says, pointing out that stable local partners unaffected by economic uncertainty are all the more crucial in the current environment of low oil prices.

Even as government spending on infrastructure projects is likely to decline, the manufacturer will still need to maintain

its presence in the market, while ensuring it has an offering that meets different business needs, from heavy-duty trucks and off-road vehicles for industries like construction and mining, to light commercial vehicles for distribution and people transport.

“We had a very good performance in heavy trucks. And once you reach that, behind that, you need to start to develop an alternative business,” Lahutte says.

Going forward, in addition to working towards increasing sales, the brand will focus on continuing to provide quality after-market support for vehicles, in conjunction with local dealers “We've got a parts depot in Dubai to serve the region, plus we encourage all local dealers to have their own depot and training,” Lahutte concludes.

“The philosophy is definitely that selling a vehicle is easy. Maintaining it is what makes really the difference. And that's what we put all our efforts on.”

NOVEMBER 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 15

AdvertoriAl

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AXEL GROSSMAN, MANAGiNG diREctOR Of MANN+HuMMEL MiddLE EASt, SHEdS LiGHt ON tHE GERMAN fiLtER MAkER’S pROduct OffERiNG cheaper alternative when it comes to servicing.

For instance, air filters are often just cleaned with a high-pressure air pump and then reused. That doesn't really protect your engine.

An engine requires a mixture of air and fuel to run, so the air has to be filtered and you need to use OE quality products for your air filters. The same goes for fuel and oil filters as well.

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This also holds true for fuel injection pumps, braking systems, and so on.

Can you give us some background on the company and its presence in the Middle East?

MANN+HUMMEL mainly produces air, fuel and oil filters for commercial and passenger vehicles as well as heavy equipment. We have distributors for our products all over the Middle East. Our distribution network covers the whole region and constitutes wholesalers, retailers and fleet owners. We set up our base in DAFZA in 2006 and have been stocking our own automotive and industrial filter products in Jebel Ali since 2012 to cater to the Middle East and Africa market.

How has business been for the company in the region? What effects are you seeing of the current instability in the Middle East?

16 TRUCK&FLEET ME novemBeR 2015

MANN+HUMMEL has been seeing doubledigit growth for the last five years all over the Middle East. Of course, the market can have stability issues at times. Recently, Yemen has not been doing well, for instance. We do face issues in certain turbulent markets, but markets like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are all very high growth regions, so that balances it out. We also have a strong channel management strategy in terms of distribution and prefer not to have exclusivity in distribution dealership.

What would you say is the key challenge you face in the market?

One of the issues we face in Middle East is that, although vehicle owners are dedicated to maintaining their cars, they tend to go for the

Are there any new products you plan to introduce down the line?

We have a product we recently introduced called the Frecious Plus, which is a unique cabin filter. The objective of an air filter is to block any dust entering your cabin, but the Frecious Plus also blocks pollen, so it's ideal for people who are allergic or asthmatic. It's a new technology, and it has not been launched in full swing yet over here, but we will definitely be marketing it this next year.

Can you comment on the company’s plans for expansion, if any?

The Middle East is a key market and we want to ensure our customers are further educated and aware of the benefits of using MANN-FILTER in their vehicles. We plan to continue to expand organically as well as introduce new products down the line, such as Frecious Plus. We are also aiming for greater penetration in existing markets by empowering our distributors and pursuing active marketing strategies.

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Vocational Value Allison transmissions are specified by more than

300 of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers for use in applications including construction, city bus, defence, distribution, energy, fire, refuse and motorhome. Allison is already relied upon in a wide range of commercial and military applications in the Middle East, as well as oil field and port authority operations. Allison’s Torqmatic transmissions have become a popular choice with a growing number of Asian imported coach and bus OEMs in the region, and the refuse sector is expanding, with municipal fleets in the UAE and Qatar choosing Allison Automatics.

continuous Power technologytM Featuring uninterrupted power shifts and a patented torque converter which smoothly multiplies engine torque at launch, Allison Automatics provides more power to the wheels than other transmission technologies.

In applications such as construction, refuse collection and container transport, this means

Allison Transmission has positioned itself to deliver outstanding sales, customer service, parts distribution, engineering, marketing and training to its growing authorised distributor and direct dealer network across the Middle East, with an innovative facility in Dubai.

18 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2015

more loads per day, because Allison-equipped vehicles accelerate faster and can operate at higher average speeds than manual or automated manual transmissions (AMTs).

Allison’s latest generation of electronic controls features FuelSense, a set of advanced strategies that automatically controls shift schedules based on vehicle load and duty cycle, for reduced fuel consumption and optimal performance.

Quality, reliability and durability Allison fully automatic transmissions are built to deliver and world-renowned for their quality, reliability and durability.

Allison Automatics experience very little wear, unlike AMTs, which use a mechanical clutch. Requiring only periodic fluid and filter changes to maintain peak performance, minimal scheduled servicing means not only lower maintenance costs, but also that vehicles equipped with Allison Automatics spend less time in the workshop and more time on-site.

The Waste Management Department of Dubai Municipality uses Scania and Iveco trucks equipped with the Allison 4000 and 3000 Series fully automatic transmissions.

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Allison Transmission Middle East FZE \ Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 815 3600 \ Fax: +971 4 880 7989 \ adminmee@allisontransmission.com \ allisontransmission.com

© 2015 ALLISON TRANSMISSION INC.

Feature FEaTURE

Celebrating a century As MAN MArks 100 yeArs of MANufActuriNg coMMerciAl vehicles, Truck & FleeT Me tAkes A look At the coMpANy’s pAst, preseNt ANd plANs for the future 20 TRUCK&FLEET ME novemBeR 2015

Feature

Franz Freiherr von redwitz, managing director of MAN Truck & Bus Middle east.

F

ew companies can claim to have been in the commercial vehicle manufacturing business for as long as MAN Truck & Bus has.

As the German brand marks a century since its first truck rolled off the production line in 1915, it’s worth examining its history and contributions to the field thus far and plans for the years to come.

“We were one of the early ones to make trucks and buses, and we're one of the few who still make trucks and buses,” says Franz Freiherr von Redwitz, managing director of MAN Truck & Bus Middle East.

“The industrial group is now 257 years old, but the commercial vehicle business started a hundred years ago.

Many companies have been born and have grown over time in the commercial vehicle industry, but we belong to the early ones.”

The firm will be marking its long presence at the PMV Live exhibition this month, where it will be exhibiting a vintage truck at its stand, along with more recent vehicles.

MAN’s history of commercial vehicle manufacturing in Germany can be traced all the way to June 21, 1915 when a new company entered the trade register of the city of Nuremberg: Lastwagenwerke M.A.N.Saurer. The company was established as a joint venture between Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg AG and Saurer, a Swiss producer of commercial vehicles.

The first MAN-Saurer three-tonne truck soon left the joint factory in Lindau at Lake Constance, and it was followed by the first buses, which were used as long-distance buses by the Imperial Post Office and transported passengers as well as letters and parcels.

“The first engines we used were

petrol engines,” von Redwitz points out.

“Diesel engines came to commercial vehicles only in the 1920s.”

While diesel engines were around, they were too heavy for use in vehicles at first.

In 1924, MAN introduced the first truck with a direct-injection diesel engine, paving the way for the use of diesel engines in truck construction. This saved up to 75% of operating costs in comparison with the petrol engines common at the time.

In the same year, MAN produced the first low-floor bus with a specially designed low-frame chassis. The buses that MAN had previously built since 1915 had run on truck chassis.

Decades later, at the end of the 1970s, MAN entered into cooperation with Volkswagen in the light truck segment. The 6t and 8t trucks of the G-series were jointly produced until 1993.

While milestones in the company’s

“the issue of fuel consumption will play a bigger role in the operating costs of our customers. the less subsidies there are on fuel, the higher the fuel costs will be” novemBeR 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 21

Feature

milestones in manufacturing 1897: rudolf Diesel develops the first diesel engine with MAN engineers 1915: First trucks and buses in lindau built, in cooperation with Saurer 1924: First truck engine with diesel direct injection and first low-frame chassis bus 1937: All-wheel drive for trucks introduced; later a key competitive advantage for tractors 1955: Truck, bus and tractor production moves from Nuremberg to Munich. The first truck to roll off the production line is a MAN 515 l1 1961: launch of the 750 HO, the first bus with modular chassis for city, intercity and coaches

in 1924, MAN developed the first truck engine with diesel direct injection.

manufacturing history are by and large well documented, its story in the Middle East is less so, von Redwitz admits.

“That part of our history is a little bit in the dark. We don't have clear records on that, unfortunately."

“The main reason is that at the end of World War II in 1945, we lost a lot of documents because our facilities were making military goods at the time and thus the target of the Royal Air Force and the American Air Force. Therefore, as our industrial plants were destroyed at the end of World War II, a lot of documents have been lost.”

However, the brand’s presence in the Middle East and Indian subcontinent goes back a long time, with some vehicles in Pakistan from as far back as the 1940s.

“We're currently looking for the oldest truck in the region that is still operating, and we found one in Damascus that is a 1951 model produced just after World War II, and is still in daily operation in Syria.”

MAN’s relations with importers in the GCC also go back a long way, and the company is marking 30 years of partnership this year with Haji Husein Alireza, its Saudi dealer.

“It's a very long-term successful partnership.

We started 30 years ago with nothing.

Now we're number two in the market."

In Oman too, MAN has had a long partnership with its importer. Its presence began in 1981 with AES, a part of Saud Bahwan Group. “There, we are market leaders. Business is booming in Oman, and we are the leaders of the commercial vehicle market there.”

1971: MAN takes over ÖAF and Büssing automobile plants. Büssing's lion added to MAN’s logo 1977: cooperation with Volkswagen commercial Vehicles, beginning with the development of a light vehicle range from 6-10t gross weight 1986: F90 series brings a completely new cab to the market

SAFeTY AND SuSTAINABIlITY With a firmly established presence in the GCC and wider Middle East, what are the plans for the region going forward?

A key area of focus will be lobbying for better road safety standards and load regulations as part of a wider road safety campaign, von Redwitz says.

Pushing for tougher standards for heavy trucks and fleet operators can not only potentially save lives, it can also help governments save on long-term costs, such as the cost of damage to infrastructure when overloaded trucks ply the roads.

“Governments now realise that the more load you have on one axle, the more it damages the roads. It's not just a question of the

1992: MAN introduces the lion's Star travel bus 2001: MAN takes over NeOPlAN, erF and Star 2004: Introduction of the D20 common rail engine series with a completely new electronically controlled injection technology 2010: MAN Hybrid city bus goes into series production 2012: New MAN TG TGl, TGM, TGS and TGX series make euro 6 debut 2014: Articulated natural gas lion city Gl cNG named Bus of the Year at IAA in Hanover

“we're currently looking for the oldest truck in the region that is still operating, and we found one in damascus that is a 1951 model produced just after world war ii” 22 TRUCK&FLEET ME novemBeR 2015

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Feature

Sustainability will be a key area of focus for MAN in the years to come.

MAN trucks at the PMV live exhibition held last year.

MAN's presence in the Middle east goes back a long way, with a truck from 1951 still operating in Syria.

destruction of infrastructure, it's also really a question of the safety of the vehicle,” he says, pointing out that even a truck engineered to top-notch safety standards becomes unsafe when constantly subjected to overloading.

“But this is only one part of our road safety campaign. We also strongly lobby for regulations on the time a driver is allowed to drive without taking a break. That is something enforced electronically in Europe.”

Sustainability will also continue to be a core area of focus for the German manufacturer, which recently announced its listing in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for the third time in a row. MAN was the only German company to be represented in its sector, Machinery and Electrical Equipment, and improved in all three main categories – economic, environmental and social matters.

Fuel efficiency and sustainability remain a current driver of product development as fuel resources worldwide continue to decline, and various alternative drive concepts are in the works for the manufacturer. At last

24 TRUCK&FLEET ME novemBeR 2015

year’s IAA fair, MAN introduced the TGX Hybrid, a concept vehicle for a TCO-optimised truck hybrid drive that might be used in long-distance transport. It has also built the Metropolis research vehicle, a fully electrically operated heavy truck with a range extender for tasks in the city. It is currently in the test phase.

Even with the low fuel costs in the GCC, von Redwitz expects increased interest in efficiency over the coming years, something that might gain traction in the UAE, with the current deregulation of fuel prices.

“The issue of fuel consumption will play a bigger role in the operating costs of our customers. The less subsidies there are on fuel, the higher the fuel costs will be."

Fuel consumption will thus play an even more critical role in influencing a customer’s decision over which vehicle to purchase, he points out. “At the moment, diesel has become cheaper, but this is only the beginning. If the fuel price rises, the selection of an efficient vehicle becomes even more important than it is now.”

In line with the increased focus on fuel efficiency and safety, MAN will also be launching telematics systems this year, enabling fleet operators to keep better tabs on consumption and monitor vehicles and driver behaviour more effectively.

While MAN’s dominance in the heavy truck segment is well established, does the manufacturer have any plans to venture into LCVs in the future?

“We are an 8.5t-up company. That's where we have our base. However, there are thoughts in development in those fields, but nothing concrete yet,” von Redwitz says.

Although the German manufacturer has constantly been reinventing itself, it does not see LCVs as a financially viable segment. “Light- and medium-duty vehicles are quite difficult to earn money from. It's a very big market with very tight margins, and there we have strong players. We are therefore very cautious in what we do and where we put our development money. There are things on the way, but nothing to be presented or communicated currently.”

Site SiTE viSit viSiT

Built to order

Truck & FleeT Me visits the manufacturing facility of cardan shaft network middle east to get a closer look at how drive shafts are made

26 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2015

Site SiTE viSit viSiT

cSN delivers custom-built cardan shafts to customers across the region.

W

ith the tough operating conditions, long distances and number of years that trucks in the GCC run, it’s no surprise that breakdowns are a fact of life for many fleet owners.

To prevent them, and the subsequent downtime, regular maintenance is essential, as is a willingness to invest in quality spare parts.

Dubai-based Cardan Shaft Network (CSN) Middle East began as a solution for fleet managers facing cardan shaft failure, promising to deliver custom-built drive shafts in under 24 hours for customers in the UAE and 48 hours for those across the GCC. CSN overhauls and builds new and remanufactured cardan shafts in its facility in Dubai Silicon Oasis, for heavy and light commercial vehicles, construction equipment and even industrial applications such as oil and gas. This is a highly precise and demanding process. Nearly every shaft needs to be made to order, depending on factors such as enginegearbox combination, the application the vehicle or equipment is deployed in, and so on.

A visit to CSN’s premises reveals work in full swing at the facility. The work area is separated from the front office by rows of shelves stocking various sizes of flanges, cross joints and tubes.

Shaft manufacturing is highly precise work and depends on exact measurements and the right machinery for assembling, points out Hans Georg Brune, CSN managing partner.

Explaining how the process works, he says the firm first gets an inquiry from a customer. If the buyer in question has a European truck which hasn’t undergone any modifications, he simply has to provide CSN with the chassis number, which will enable the company to identify the dimensions of the cardan shaft required through its database.

“We only need confirmation from the

customer that the truck is still in original condition. Sometimes, the truck is modified for specific applications like a concrete pump or mixer, and in such cases, there could be changes,” Brune says. In case of changes from the original specification of the vehicle, CSN can build as per provided measurements or sample unit.

“Once we have identified what is required, we take the components like flanges, yokes, the length extension and the bearings, and we preassemble the two ends of the shaft manually.”

The technicians then cut the length of tube required, depending on the size of the shaft. The firm stocks tubes in a wide range

A price-sensitive mArket As any manufacturer will admit, in a priceconscious market the biggest challenge remains educating customers on the importance of buying quality products. This is particularly true in the automotive aftermarket, where fleet owners are often not willing to shell out for premium parts.

“A cardan shaft is not as simple as people think it is,” Brune says. “We are getting more and more enquiries, and business is starting to pick up since we started our operations in spring 2015. But it takes time to convince customers to abandon long-used methods of repairing shafts.”

The firm has been finding more success in heavy equipment and industrial applications, where customers tend to be less price-sensitive, Brune notes. But truck owners, in a bid to save short-term costs, continue to cut corners in buying parts.

“If your truck is not operating, it’s not making any money. Do it right the first time, and we won't see your truck again for the same problem for at least another 400,000km.”

NOVEMBER 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 27

Site viSit

“When We stArted the setup, our mAin focus WAs on trucks And light commerciAl vehicles. But once We entered the mArket, We noticed thAt there WAs A lot of resistAnce” of sizes, 50-155mm in diameter and 1.5-7mm in thickness. The size of the shaft varies, depending on the performance required.

After the length of pipe is cut, the components are hydraulically pressed into the Cardan tube, welded by a welding robot and finally electronically re-balanced per the manufacturer’s requirements.

Once the shaft is ready, it is painted, labelled, packed and delivered to the customer with a one-year warranty.

As straightforward as the manufacturing process sounds, Brune admits that establishing a presence among heavy vehicle fleet

28 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2015

owners has not been without its challenges.

There’s a long way to go as far as educating customers is concerned, he asserts.

“When we started the setup, our main focus was on trucks and light commercial vehicles. But once we entered the market, we noticed that there was a lot of resistance.”

Buying new drive shafts has not been an option for several fleet owners in the Middle East for many reasons, mainly the cost and time involved. As there is a lot of variation in shaft sizes, dealers do not typically store them.

Hence, if the vehicle is of a European make, a new shaft needs to be ordered from Europe.

“The shaft for an Actros weighs up to 80-90kg and can sometimes be more than 3 metres long. It has to come by sea freight, so we’re talking four to six weeks,” Brune says, noting that the time required for shipping translates into downtime for the truck, which cannot operate without a shaft.

Fleet operators have often resorted to buying shafts from a scrap yard and then buying new parts like flanges and cross joints.

After this, the shaft and parts are taken to a machine shop. “The machine shop doesn’t have the right devices to manufacture a shaft," Brune explains. "To make a shaft, the most important thing is balancing it.

Balancing is also required for repairing and/ or overhauling an existing shaft when the cross joints or flanges have been replaced.”

If the shaft hasn’t been balanced properly, the bearings do not last for long and problems can develop with the gearbox and axles because of vibrations.

CSN is well poised to offer a solution through its shafts overhaul service, using parts imported from Germany as well as a German-patented machine park and manufacturing management system which ensures shafts are properly balanced. The end result is a cost-effective and timely service for cardan shaft replacement, the first of its kind in the Middle East.

FEATURE

On the right track Trends in Tyre manufacTuring clearly indicaTe a push Towards greaTer efficiency, susTainabiliTy and durabiliTy. Jerusha sequeira speaks To manufacTurers To learn more

30 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2015

FEATURE

t

yres are a significant portion of the operating cost for any company owning a fleet of heavy commercial vehicles, and their importance cannot be overstated.

Well-maintained tyres from reputed brands do not only save on fuel costs, they also minimise the risk of accidents or downtime caused by flats or punctures.

While it’s important for fleet owners to be well-informed on all aspects of tyre care, it’s also worth examining how manufacturers are working to improve the efficiency and durability of tyres, while also ensuring they are produced in a sustainable way.

Tyre design primarily revolves around three broad elements – tyre geometry, structural architecture and constituent materials – explains Dr Seshu Bhagavathula, chief

technology officer at India-based Apollo Tyres.

Although the basic function of any tyre is to move loads, the requirements it needs to fulfil differ greatly according to application, and this determines its success, he says.

“The making of a tyre, therefore, begins with detailed market research to understand customer requirements, which become inputs for R&D to create the product.

"Tyre design involves both virtual and physical simulation tools to build and ensure the necessary product attributes. Different applications call for different tyre characteristics to meet stringent requirements of traction, durability, safety, comfort and so on.”

For city bus applications, for instance, tyres are designed to limit abrasion caused by frequent starts and stops, and are built with protective sidewalls that can resist kerb damage.

Dr seshu Bhagavath ula, chief technolog y officer, apo llo Tyres

NOVEMBER 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 31

FEATURE

requirements of gcc customers With the tough operating

after it's been running for

commercial vehicle tyres are

conditions so typical in the GCC,

45 minutes to an hour, it

typically deployed in long-haul

it’s not surprising that this is a

actually reaches 70-80°C.”

applications, qatar and Oman

particularly challenging market for tyre makers to cater to. high ambient temperatures

Truck and bus tyres for long-haul applications, however, needs to be designed for highspeed running with low heat development.

“An off-road truck tyre, on the other hand, requires patterns which provide sufficient traction in various underfoot conditions together with robust materials and construction,” Bhagavathula says.

Apart from pattern, other considerations need to be taken into account for off-road tyres, says Toshifumi Yuze, senior general manager at Sumitomo Rubber Middle East.

"Two important features for off-road tyres are a durable casing and an anti-cut/chip durable tread compound. A cut/chip durable compound helps to prevent excessive chipping on the tread from continued running on gravel or stones. A normal on-road tyre tread would not last on these kind of surfaces.”

Naturally, customers also have different expectations from the tyres they buy, depending on the application and usage, points out Bhagavathula.

A fleet owner whose vehicles run on highways would expect fuel efficiency and better tyre life, whereas a heavy load application would call for rigidity in structure for durability and safety.

TeChnOlOGiCal aDvanCes With the global shift towards sustainability becoming evident across all industries, tyre manufacturers are also catching up, and tyres are not only becoming more efficient, they are also being produced in a greener manner.

32 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2015

are usually known for mixed

here is because the roads are

(on-road/off-road) applications,

of very good quality, there's

due to the type of terrain.

and high speeds need

a lot of high-speed running

accordingly, tyres need to

to be taken into account

as well. so you'll see trucks

be manufactured specifically

when designing truck and

which are running at 100km/h

to cope with such conditions,

bus tyres for the region.

for four or five hours.”

Bhagavathula points out.

While ambient temperature

raghavendra sanga, head of product communication and marketing at ZaFCO.

“another challenge we see

although high temperatures

“The usage of cooler running

is certainly the biggest

are common across the GCC,

materials and designs which

challenge, roads can get

the applications tyres are

resist tread deformation and

fairly hot too, Parekh says.

most frequently used for

help in faster heat dissipation

“road temperatures can be

vary in each market, sanga

is always the rule to ensure

60-70°C, and if you look at

says. While in countries like

the durability of tyres at high

the temperature of the tyre

the uae and saudi arabia,

ambient temperatures.”

“Advanced technology is now being used in the tyre industry to lower the rolling resistance and reduce the weight of the tyres. All these efforts reap benefits for the customers, like increased fuel efficiency, reduced CO2 emissions and lower noise,” says Raghavendra Sanga, head of product communication and marketing at UAE-based tyre distributor ZAFCO. To reduce rolling resistance, materials like polymer fillers are used to modify tyre properties, Bhagavathula notes. In addition, Apollo Tyres is working on new types of carbon black and material formulation, improved steel ply line geometry and tread pattern design.

Meanwhile, Sumitomo, in its efforts to increase the sustainability of its tyres, began working on the development of a fossilfree tyre over a decade ago, containing no material derived from coal or crude oil, says Yuze. When the company introduced the 97% fossil resource-free Enasave 97 tyre in 2008, its last challenge on the quest to

100% was to replace the petroleum-based chemicals – such as rubber antioxidants, vulcanisation accelerators and carbon black – that constituted the remaining 3%.

“Focusing its R&D efforts on overcoming this challenge, Sumitomo Rubber Industries developed technologies that use special catalysts to synthesise rubber antioxidants and vulcanisation accelerators from plant-derived biomass materials. At the same time, we succeeded in producing carbon black from plant-derived oil.”

The firm’s efforts eventually bore fruit, and a 100% fossil resource-free tyre was achieved. In November 2013, the Enasave 100 was launched.

In addition to using only non-fossil resourcederived materials, the tyre also delivers a 19% improvement in wear durability compared with the company’s conventional products.

Another trend becoming visible in the tyre industry is a much greater degree of automation in the manufacturing process,

“advanced technology is now being used in the tyre industry to lower the rolling resistance and reduce the weight of the tyres”

TOLL FREE NUMBER 800-JASPA(52772)

Website : www.jaspa.com Email : tyres@jaspa.com

FEATURE

notes Jignesh Parekh, managing director at Jaspa, the UAE dealer of Longmarch tyres.

While production at tyre factories five to ten years ago had a significant manual aspect and a fair amount of human involvement, this isn’t the case anymore, he says, "from the inflow of material to the tyres coming out of the machinery, being put into storage, and out of the storage into the container”.

The almost non-existent human element ensures there is no contamination, Parekh adds. “We're seeing factories which are totally temperature-controlled and totally isolated.”

Aside from the push towards sustainability, tyre-makers are also working on delivering better mileage and longevity.

ZAFCO has been gearing its efforts towards delivering tyres that not only offer better fuel efficiency and mileage but can also withstand multiple retreads, Sanga says. “All this leads to lower operating costs, which is what every fleet operator is looking for these days.”

In addition, ZAFCO provides regular training to end users on tyre care and maintenance, in a bid to promote awareness, as well as offering after-sales services such as fleet inspections and scrap tyre analysis.

Apollo Tyres is working on studying contact patch behaviour so as to enhance performance, Bhagavathula says. “Vehicle interaction with the road is through the contact tyres make with the road. Hence, contact patch behaviour invariably becomes a subject of detailed research for us. To have the best performance derived out of the tyre, it is important that the designed contact patch behaviour matches with the one that would result in actual application.”

Apart from focusing on the design aspects, Apollo Tyres also works closely with customers to ensure proper wheel alignments and tyre maintenance and inflation pressures – factors that also affect tyre behaviour. “This way we ensure that the products we design give customers the best mileage in the identified application.”

neW OPPOrTuniTies With all the technological advancements in tyre production, where are manufacturers seeing opportunities for new products?

“There is always room for improvement, and we keep a close eye on capitalising on any opportunity that comes up,” Sanga says.

“While complying with the industry

34 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2015

“we're now entering the generation of intelligent tyres. there are tyres available which are self-inflating” standards and regulations, we keep looking into adding features in our tyre range, such as high load-carrying capacity for construction and commercial purposes, and conversion of tube-type tyres into tubeless to contain heat.”

Moreover, the industry as a whole could also see a potential shift away from pneumatic tyres to airless ones not too long from now, Yuze says. “Imagine a situation where one will not have to bother about checking pressure in tyres. A lot of work is being done in this direction, and this will be a game-changer for sure.”

As the automotive sector sees more and more electronics incorporated into vehicles, it would not be surprising to see this carry over into the tyre segment as well.

“Electronics in tyres that enable the tyre to communicate with the vehicle or user is a promising field we are actively pursuing,” Bhagavathula says.

“While it can be an enhanced version of the already existing tyre pressure monitoring system for the customer, this can also provide performance input to the design engineer and would help us in product improvement.”

Parekh echoes Bhagavathula’s comments about electronics in tyres gradually becoming more prevalent. “We're now entering the generation of intelligent tyres. There are tyres available which are self-inflating. They will have sensors inside the tyre, and the moment their inflation goes beyond a certain point, they will re-inflate themselves.”

“There's also some future concepts coming out where they're developing tyres which can be used on water. Potentially, your vehicle could go off the road straight into the sea and carry on driving, which is quite revolutionary. I'm very sure that ten years down the line, tyres are going to be very different from what they are today.”

Special feature

PumP iT Up

Truck & FleeT Me looks at how manufacturers of truck-mounted concrete pumps are adapting to meet the tough operating conditions typical of the middle east

36 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2015

Special feature

Pu tzmeis ter has had success in the region with truck-mounte d pump s in longe r boom lengths.

I

t’s easy to marvel at the skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, ambitious metro projects and other architectural wonders taking shape across the GCC. But the less glamorous, and sometimes overlooked, aspect of all this construction is the equipment needed to build these projects.

With construction projects in full swing around the region, demand for equipment needed to build them is also growing.

In keeping with this trend, sales of concrete pumps – particularly truck-mounted ones – have been on the rise since the crisis period of 2008, explains Jens Bawidamann, regional director at Putzmeister Middle East.

“We have had extraordinarily good business for our truck-mounted pumps, especially for our newer models,” Bawidamann says, noting that the German manufacturer has seen continuous growth in the Middle East over the past five years, with especially strong sales in the GCC. Putzmeister has had success with truckmounted pumps in longer boom lengths, and the company has launched new machines in the past few years in the 30m, 40m and 50m classes. “They are more user-friendly,

NOVEMBER 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 37

Special feature

cIFA has been seeing strong growth in recent years all over the Middle east.

efficient and maintenance-friendly, and customers are really realising that now.”

A recent addition to the German brand’s line-up is the BSF 36-4 16H, a pump with a 36m boom length. Other boom lengths popular in the range are 42m, 49m and 56m.

Commenting on how the process of buying a pump normally works, Bawidamann says that Putzmeister typically buys trucks and mounts them with the pump, enabling it to offer a complete unit. The pumps are normally mounted on a Mercedes-Benz or MAN chassis, with the Actros most commonly used for truck-mounted pump applications.

“If a customer wants another brand, he can purchase the truck according to our specifications. So if it’s Volvo, then he would place an order, and Volvo will send the truck to Germany. We will mount our pump on his truck and then deliver the complete unit.”

Italian concrete equipment-maker CIFA has also been faring well in the region, with double-digit growth in recent years all over the Middle East, says Adalberto Marcello, head of

38 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2015

“This is The mosT imporTanT machine in The readymix planT. if iT sTops, The whole facTory sTops.

ThaT’s why reliabiliTy is so imporTanT”

Communication, Digital Marketing & CRM. CIFA supplies truck-mounted pumps in its Steeltech and Carbotech ranges in the region.

Pumps in the Steeltech range have booms made of steel, as the name suggests, whereas those in the Carbotech range are made of carbon fibre, designed to be lighter and longer-lasting.

In the Middle East, the Steeltech models with boom lengths of 42m and above are the most popular, Marcello says. While the Carbotech range is also available, it is currently more popular in Europe, which has stricter limits on the loads trucks are allowed to carry.

As the market for truck-mounted pumps continues to grow, Truck & Fleet ME wondered: What are Middle East customers looking for when buying these machines?

Marcello and Bawidamann both firmly emphasise the importance of product reliability and support from the dealer and manufacturer.

“Customers look for a solid partner to assist them in everyday needs. They expect us to be responsive, especially when it comes to spare parts and service,” Marcello says.

Special feature

A reliable concrete pump is crucial to withstand Middle eastern operating conditions.

Bawidamann points out that ease of use and maintenance is essential. “They need machines which are easy to handle for operators, user-friendly and reliable. The resale value is also important.”

Premium vehicle and equipment manufacturers often admit that Middle East customers tend to be highly purchase priceconscious, which means it can be a challenge to convince them to buy quality equipment and original spare parts, rather than cheaper alternatives. Bawidamann points out that since a concrete pump is one of the highest investments for a ready-mix business, buying reliable equipment is crucial. “This is the most important machine in the ready-mix plant. If it stops, the whole factory stops.

That’s why reliability is so important.”

A rugged and reliable product is even more crucial in order to withstand operating conditions in the Middle East, notorious for being among the toughest in the world.

“First of all, you have lots of dust, humidity and heat, which is not good for any machinery. You also have a different level of skills in the people who are operating the machines,” Bawidamann says.

“Third is that the projects are on a

Technological advances are increasingly making pumps safer and more efficient.

much bigger scale here than in Europe. The amount of concrete which is pumped here per year is maybe the highest in the world.”

It’s certainly a long list of demands and challenges for equipment to face, so it’s worth examining how manufacturers are adapting to the demands of the region. One way to do this, of course, is through launching new features and systems geared towards making concrete pumps more user-friendly, safe and efficient.

In response to customer feedback, Putzmeister has been working on ease of maintenance on its concrete pumps, Bawidamann says. One approach is to rely more on bolt connections than welding on newer machines, making it easier to carry out repairs.

Previously, pipe holders were welded, and if they cracked during operations, customers would often weld by themselves – not advisable, as they’re made of a special kind of steel, Bawidamann says.

Meanwhile, technological advances are playing an increasing role in making concrete pumps safer and more efficient. CIFA has introduced the Smartronic system, available as an option on the Steeltech series. The electronic system oversees safety aspects of the pump

to prevent operator error, Marcello explains.

For instance, it can prevent the truck-mounted pump from tilting if stabilisation is incomplete.

Additionally, the system is also capable of recording data, working hours and so on, providing a convenient interface between the machine, operator and service team.

The Smartronic system enables the operator to detect and fix errors as they arise.

Marcello admits that CIFA’s clients in the region often prefer machines with fewer electronics, which could mean a reduced likelihood of things going wrong.

However, the company is actively looking to promote the system, and clients are beginning to recognise its advantages, which also include fuel efficiency.

“The machine is completely managed by an electronic system, one of the main tasks of which is to adapt torque delivery from the truck engine. So it helps to adapt the correct pumping speed and truck engine revolution in order to be more efficient in fuel consumption. In our previous machines, people could have very high RPMs or very low RPMs. Both conditions are not optimal for fuel consumption.”

“cusTomers look for a solid parTner To assisT Them in everyday needs. They expecT us To be reacTive and responsive To Their needs and queries” 40 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2015

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new vehicles

aLL-nEw nISSan MaxIMa hITS ThE Road

$30,000:

Starting price in GCC Nissan has launched the all-new Nissan Maxima 2016 for the Middle East, the eighth generation of the sedan, positioned as a four-door sports car.

The manufacturer expects the new sedan to command a 12% share in the

E-segment in the GCC, and aims to sell around 7,000 vehicles, an increase of more than 70% in sales compared to 2014.

“The new Nissan Maxima reinvents what has been essentially a conservative segment,” said Samir Cherfan, Nissan

Middle East managing director. “It raises the bar incredibly high in design, fuel efficiency, performance and technology.”

The new Maxima 3.5L VQ-series V6 has been redesigned with more than 60% new parts, compared to the previous generation 3.5L V6. With 300hp, the Nissan Maxima has a high specific output of 85.7 hp/litre. The vehicle also comes with a new Xtronic transmission featuring a wider ratio range, which allows stronger acceleration from a standing start.

Safety features include predictive forward collision warning (PFCW), forward emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot warning. In addition, a Driver Attention Alert (DAA) system is available on the SR grade, which monitors steering input patterns to establish a baseline and helps alert the driver when drowsy or inattentive driving is detected.

The 2016 Maxima is available in three grade levels: S, SV and SR. Prices on the vehicle range from $30,000-41,000 in the GCC, and specific prices will be revealed at the launch in each market.

GaC MoToR To LaUnCh In BahRaIn After signing a strategic agreement with Bahrain’s Tasheelat Automotive Company, China’s GAC Motor will be officially launching operations in the Kingdom through collaboration with local sales agencies.

The automaker will introduce an SUBV model, the GS5 Super, as well as two sedan models, the GA6 and GA3S, to the Bahraini

42 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2015

market. The GS4, released this April in China, will also be presented in the near future.

“We are confident that we will be able to bring high-quality products and service to Bahrain and improve our product system worldwide,” said Wu Song, general manager of GAC Motor. “Being able to enter such a competitive motor market shows our real

strength in automobile manufacturing, as well as our position as a mid- to high-end brand.”

GAC Motor also plans to launch over 20 new models over the next five years, including luxury cars, SUVs and multi-purpose vehicles, in both domestic and overseas markets. The firm is exhibiting at the Dubai International Motor Show in the UAE this month, from November 10-15.

new vehicles

FIRST MoToRS UnvEILS 2016 vELoSTER TURBo First Motors, the Hyundai dealer in Bahrain, has launched the 2016 Veloster Turbo in the country, powered by a 1.6L Gamma Turbo GDI engine and a sevenspeed dual-clutch transmission. The engine produces an output of 201hp at 6,000rpm and 264Nm of torque from 1,750rpm.

Safety-wise, the 2016 model includes features such as vehicle stability management, rear parking assist system, electronic stability control and six airbags. Standard features include iPod, USB and AUX input jacks, Bluetooth with smartphone connectivity and voice recognition, a rear view camera and a navigation system. The hatchback also offers a panoramic sun roof and automatic headlights.

“We are extremely excited to announce the arrival of the 2016 Veloster Turbo in Bahrain. From what we have come to realise, the launch of the 2016 Veloster Turbo was very much awaited and it has already become extremely popular among car enthusiasts within the Kingdom,” said a senior official at First Motors.

201hp

Produced at 6,000rpm

UaE’S aL-FUTTaIM RoLLS oUT 2016 Land CRUISER

320,000:

Land Cruisers sold in the UAE Al-Futtaim Motors, Toyota’s UAE distributor, has unveiled the 2016 edition of the Land Cruiser, one of the most popular SUVs in the Emirates. The newest version of Toyota’s longest-running production vehicle has been rolled out with 13 exterior changes, a new

interior layout and an eight-speed automatic transmission, touted as a class first.

The Land Cruiser’s exterior has undergone a redesign of the hood and grille at the front, and tailgate and lights at the back.

It is also the first model with Toyota’s flagship

Toyota Safety Sense P, and is equipped with driver assistance features such as a pre-collision system, radar cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic high beam and rear cross traffic alert system for safer reversing in tight car parks.

The SUV also offers a wireless charging system in the centre console for supported mobile phones, as well as a new Google Places Search feature for POI-based navigation.

The Toyota Land Cruiser was first launched in Japan 64 years ago, and was the first Toyota vehicle to be imported into the UAE. Since the introduction of the first BJ models in 1955, Al-Futtaim Motors has sold over 320,000 Toyota Land Cruisers in the country.

The 2016 Land Cruiser will be available in three different engine choices: 4.0L V6, 4.6L V8 and 5.7L V8, the last of which is mated to the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The vehicle is available across all Toyota showrooms in the UAE in 4.0L, 4.6L and 5.7L engines, with prices starting at AED 209,000, AED 229,000 and AED 249,000 respectively.

NOVEMBER 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 43

WORKSHOP

WORKSHOP Maintaining yOuR fleet’S efficiency

Abu DhAbi steps up regulAtion for freight sector

New regulations require freight operators to submit details of their transport manager and fleet.

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport (DoT) is stepping up regulation of the freight transportation and logistics sector to boost safety, local media reported.

New regulations introduced by the body require freight operators to submit the details of their transport manager and existing fleet for securing a no-objection certification (NOC) form the DoT. The NOC applies for any company that intends to renew their trade licence in Abu Dhabi.

Firms can visit www.freight2030.ae and fill in the required information before

$3M

Revenue generated in Qatar from removing abandoned vehicles between 2013 and 2015 44 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2015

going to the Department of Economic Development to renew their licence.

The new rules will improve road safety and professional standards of the freight and logistics sector, said Ahmed Al Hammadi, acting director of freight transport at the DoT. Inspections carried out by the department on 500 vehicles in 2013 found that 60% of trucks operating on roads in the UAE capital failed to meet safety and maintenance standards.

As part of efforts to boost road safety, the DoT is also looking to combat driver fatigue

by regulating how many hours drivers work.

The freight masterplan, launched by the department last year, contains regulations limiting drivers from working overtime, said Dr Osama Tomeh, consultant at the Freight Planning division at DoT. While the maximum driving time for truck drivers in the UAE is 10 hours, almost half of 517 drivers surveyed by the DoT reported working more. “This significantly increases the risk of fatigue-related accidents,” Tomeh said, quoted in Gulf News.

SCania bagS TELEMaTiCS pRizE Scania Fleet Management has been awarded the German Telematics Prize 2016 by ETM Verlag. The technology has been standard in all Scania trucks since 2011, and nearly 150,000 trucks worldwide are currently connected. With

this system, truck and driver performance is continuously monitored, and transporters receive reports on parameters such as hard braking, coasting and idling, as well as real-time data on vehicle location.

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WORKSHOP WORKSHOp

cOOPeR tiRe launcHeS tWO neW tyReS fOR Middle eaSt Cooper Tire has introduced two new tyres into the Middle East market, the Cooper Zeon 4XS Sport and the Cooper Zeon CS8.

The Cooper Zeon 4XS Sport has been developed with an asymmetric tread pattern, designed to cope with the weight of large SUVs. It offers benefits such as noise damping structures, lightweight construction that provides reduced rolling resistance and improved steering response.

Meanwhile, the Cooper Zeon CS8 is a passenger car tyre, offering better grip, fuel efficiency and handling. It features a Wear Square, a visual indicator on the tyre that allows drivers to assess the remaining tread life.

QuicK tiPS Keep your fleet in top shape by following these preventive maintenance tips from Volvo Trucks: 1. Preventive maintenance checks are vital and should be scheduled regularly for each vehicle on a fleet to prevent downtime and extend the lifetime of the vehicle.

2. Maintenance checks are only sustainable if carried out in a well-established automotive facility by professional staff.

CaSTROL SignS WiTH Kia dEaLER in SaUdi

3. Drivers should check for oil, fuel and exhaust leaks regularly and report back to fleet managers directly.

Lubricant manufacturer Castrol has signed an agreement with Aljabr Automotive, the distributor of KIA Motors in Saudi Arabia, to offer its lubricants at KIA service centres around the Kingdom. “We are very proud to have signed this agreement with Al Jabr Automotive to provide them with high-quality lubricants and solutions,” said Haitham Badaoui, managing director of Castrol.

4. Make sure to always refer to the owner’s manual when carrying out work on your vehicle.

5. Volvo Trucks Middle East offers various tailored maintenance services to maximise fleet availability through local dealers, so ask your dealer how you can create a specific preventive maintenance plan to keep your truck and business healthy.

JORdaN iNks dEal tO tRack tRucks ElEctRONically Jordan’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation has signed a nearly $1 million grant agreement with a Kuwait-based fund to finance an electronic tracking system for transit trucks.

The agreement with the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) is part of the Jordan 2025 vision aimed at establishing the Kingdom as a regional gateway and hub for commerce, business and investment, according to a ministry statement.

Planning Minister Imad Fakhoury, who signed the agreement on behalf of the government, said it aims to provide the Jordan Customs Department with modern devices

The agreement will contribute towards the flexible movement of goods in Jordan.

for an e-tracking system of transit trucks.

The grant is also expected to contribute

towards the flexible movement of goods passing through the Kingdom, increase control over goods, limit smuggling and increase treasury revenues.

AFESD has played a major role in supporting development projects in Jordan, Fakhoury said. In the four decades between 1975 and 2015, the fund has financed 46 economic and social schemes for a total value of $1.8 billion and has provided $43 million in grants.

Earlier this year, Kuwait signed with Jordan to facilitate the entry of Jordanian exports into Iraqi land, following the closing of Iraq’s border with Jordan.

“We aRe veRy PROud tO Have Signed tHiS agReeMent WitH al JabR autOMOtive tO PROvide tHeM WitH HigH-Quality lubRicantS and SOlutiOnS” Haitham Badaoui, managing director of Castrol

NOVEMBER 2015 TRUCK&FLEET ME 47

PARTING SHOT

Rise of the L machines

Daimler pilots the worlD’s first self-Driving truck on germany’s roaDs

48 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2015

ast month marked a major milestone for the shift towards self-driving vehicles in the automotive industry, when Daimler Trucks revealed the world’s first series-production truck to operate on an automated-drive basis in Germany.

The truck used was a standard Mercedes-Benz Actros equipped with Highway Pilot system, enabling it to drive autonomously on public roads.

Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, board member of Daimler AG responsible for trucks and buses, undertook the maiden journey on the Autobahn 8 motorway between Denkendorf and Stuttgart airport. He was accompanied by Winfried Kretschmann, Minister-President of the state of Baden-Württemberg.

“Today’s premiere is a further important step towards the market maturity of autonomously driving trucks – and towards the safe, sustainable road freight transport of the future,” said Bernhard.

Safety systems and sensors enable the truck to continually observe the area in front of it and take control in certain situations, giving the driver the opportunity to safely take his hands off the wheel. Upon approaching an obstacle like roadworks, the system asks the driver to take over the vehicle. Once the obstacle is behind the truck, the Highway Pilot can take control again.

The Actros used for the test drive is fitted with a 12.8L engine and safety features such as the Mercedes PowerShift 3, predictive powertrain control, proximity control, drowsiness detection and a Fleetboard vehicle computer, all linked with the sensors of the Highway Pilot.

While the idea of a truck driving itself safely does take some getting used to, the system is well suited for the motorway. It maintains adequate distance from the vehicle in front and brakes in good time if another vehicle cuts out onto the road in front of it.

It’s important to note, however, that the Highway Pilot does not replace the driver. It simply supports and relieves the strain by dealing with long, monotonous stretches of road, or stopand-go driving in a traffic jam. In the automated mode, the driver has control over the truck at all times and can take over driving in tricky situations.

Although it’s uncertain how long it will be before automated trucks take over, the vehicles could potentially be a life-saver, literally and metaphorically, for long-haul transport. By largely reducing the human element in driving, such trucks not only reduce fuel consumption, but also combat driver fatigue, ensuring greater fuel efficiency, lower TCO and, ultimately, safer roads.

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