Truck & Fleet ME November 2016

DIGITAL DAIMLER GERMAN GIANT’S ELECTRIC DREAM

034 NOVEMBER 2016

MIDDLE EAST

IN FOR THE LONG-HAUL TRUCKS WITH THE BEST TCO A mighty EFFORt 5.5 million cubic metres of rock moved

no LImItS CREW THe FAMCO TRUCKS THAT TOOK On THe UAe’S HigHeST PeAK And wOn

Advantages of the FAG SmartSET

The FAG SmartSET design

The FAG SmartSET offers clear product advantages over standard tapered roller bearings.

The FAG SmartSET consists of two bearing units (graphic shows one unit) each of which comprises the following components:

• Ready-to-fit wheel bearing set • Pre-installed inboard and outboard bearing units • Pre-greased ex works – correct specification and amount of grease guaranteed • The rolling elements are pre-positioned by means of a support ring, which eliminates additional wheel rotation when adjusting the bearing • Dust cover prevents ingress of dirt particles and therefore possible contamination of the grease • Durotect® B coating on the outer and inner rings eliminates typical negative influences on the bearing's service life • Sliding fit by means of a modified inner ring – prevents the hub tilting during assembly • Special tool included • Doubled service life

• Outer and inner ring • Rolling elements • Synthetic cage with retaining clips • Support ring • Dust cover

Outer ring with Durotect® B coating

Synthetic support ring

For more information:

Schaeffler Middle East FZE Tel. +97 1 4 8144500 automotiveaftermarket.ae@schaeffler.com www.schaeffler-aftermarket.ae

Durotect® B coating The outer and inner ring of each unit have a special Durotect® B coating developed by Schaeffler, which has the following advantages: • Protection against corrosion • Lower friction • No micro-cracks • Reduction of slippage damage in the bearing (speed difference between the inner/outer ring and the rolling elements) • Longer service life

The service life of the FAG SmartSET is double that of a standard tapered roller bearing. Thanks to optimized product properties, the set saves one wheel bearing repair during the service life of truck.

In addition, compared to standard tapered roller bearings, complex work steps can be omitted for all brake repairs using the FAG SmartSET. When disassembling the hub, the FAG SmartSET remains a sealed unit. Furthermore, it does not need to be cleaned and re-greased. The time needed for each brake repair is therefore reduced by up to two hours per axle. Over the service life of a truck, up to six brake repairs per axle can incur.

Thus, the FAG SmartSET increases the vehicle's mobility and reduces the operating cost of commercial vehicles and trailers.

Modified inner ring with Durotect® B coating Synthetic cage with retaining clips and rolling elements

Maximized mobility – minimized operating costs

Dust cover

Standard-tapered roller bearing Mileage

Costs Operating costs with a standard tapered roller bearing

Operating costs with FAG SmartSET

Mileage

FAG SmartSET Brake repair

Wheel bearing repair

04 CONTENTS

A supplement of Cmme

30

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

38

WHY IRAn Isn’t A done deAl

coNSULtANt eDItor GAVIN DAVIDS gavin.davids@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5480 eDItor StEpHEN wHItE stephen.white@cpimediagroup.com +44 7541 244 377 SUB eDItor AELRED DOYLE

There’s plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about the future in this month’s issue of Truck & Fleet Middle East magazine – whatever the outcome of the US presidential race.

At IAA, I saw an industry that is feeling confident again after years of incremental changes. The digital age is finally finding its

ADVERTISING coMMercIAL DIrector MICHAEL StANSFIELD michael.stansfield@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5497 AccoUNt MANAGer BIpIN SONEJI bipin.soneji@cpidubai.com +971 4 433 2856

VEHICLE ROUND-UP

role in truck and vehicle platforms to the point

08 / long-HAul ReVIeW

where the industry has not only caught up

DESIGN

Vehicles to keep your total cost of ownership lower in the long run.

with information technology it is daring to set

Art DIrector SIMON COBON

its own programme of exciting developments.

JUNIor GrAPHIc DeSIGNer pERCIVAL MANALAYSAY

Commercial vehicles are frequently an easy target

COVER STORY

12 / mAKIng tHe HIgH RoAd How Famco’s rental and Used Division cut its teeth on the UAe’s highest peak.

for critics. We’re a noisy and often dirty road user but I saw many different examples of how it wants to be an active and positive member of

18 / dAImleR spARKs to lIfe

a lot of time recently talking to people about the Iranian market. Like Iraq’s return at the

Former sceptic Dr Wolfgang Bernhard tells t&FMe why the German giant is going electric.

beginning of the decade, a realism is now

SPECIAL REPORT ON IRAN

investments, uncertainty over regulation,

How some of the industry’s biggest names are tackling the challenge of the re-emerging market.

30 / teCHnologY upgRAde technology & tyres – t&FMe travels to IAA to see a vision of a joined-up and well-tread future.

among many ongoing challenges. The ravages

MOHAMMAD AwAIS SADIQ SIDDIQUI SHAHAN NASEEM

of sanctions that have spurred on a change PUBLISHED By

community may have indelibly harmed the chances of those that left Iran behind. Its automotive industry is making the right noises but unless, like Scania, you hung in there, the lost ground may never be made back up again.

EVENTS

Potentially a huge market, nearly a year on

37 / pmV lIVe / meC 2016 pReVIeW

since its return, Iran remains just potential.

Registered at IMpZ pO Box 13700 Dubai, UAE tel: +971 4 440 9100 Fax: +971 4 447 2409 www.cpimediagroup.com FOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015)

What to see and who to meet later this month.

PRINTED By pRINtwELL pRINtING pRESS LLC

WHITE PAPER

© Copyright 2016 CpI. All rights reserved

46 / RoAd HAZARd AWAReneess Mix telematics’ analysis of where o&G operators get it wrong and what they should do right.

DIStrIBUtIoN MANAGer SUNIL KUMAR sunil.kumar@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5476

WEB DEVELOPMENT

regional tensions, local competition are

in its attitudes towards the international

IAA SPECIAL

CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION

ProDUctIoN MANAGer VIpIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5713

kicking in after a honeymoon period.

Issues such as finance, security of

26 / IRAn bACK on tHe sCene

MArKetING MANAGer LISA JUStICE lisa.justice@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5498

an increasingly urbanised world at the event.

Talking of noisy neighbours, I have spent

INTERVIEW

MARKETING

STEPHEN WHITE 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 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 1

ONLINE

MOST POPULAR

FEATURED

READERS’ COMMENTS

CONSTRUCTION

DUbAI OFFICE DEMAND

Building work starts on ‘The Tower’ in Dubai

A TALE OF MANy MARkETS

CONSTRUCTION

UAE wage protection decree comes into force

In pictures: Sheikh Mohammed launches The Tower at Dubai Creek harbour

As someone with 12 years’ experience renting commercial space in the UAE, it was interesting to read your report about the complex nature of the market (Office rents flat or falling in most Dubai submarkets, October 18). It’s a sign of a mature and maturing market that the city’s many different areas are seeing vastly different patterns in supply and demand.

Name withheld, via email

CONSTRUCTION

Arabtec awarded $92m hotel project in Dubai

MAN AND MAChINE vERSUS ThE ENvIRONMENT

INFRASTRUCTURE

Oman: Turkish firm wins $277m Duqm Port contract

CONSTRUCTION

Wael Allan named CEO of Dubai’s Drake & Scull 2 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

video: Abu Dhabi Airports’ Midfield Terminal building construction update

Your report on the building of the UAE’s highest road (up its tallest mountain) was an inspiring tale (Moving mountains: How the UAE’s highest road was built, October 19). The rugged environment (as you say – like you ‘have set foot on a different planet’) just shows the power of these machines –machines that we see in use in less extreme settings every day.

Mandeep Nahel, via website

The Stars to run your business.

From Accelo to Zetros. Short to Long-distance transportation from 8 – 48 tonnes GVW. Heavy haulage up to 250 tonnes GCW. In tough operating conditions, we have to be more productive – demanding more from our products, more from our services, and more from ourselves. The uniquely wide range of Mercedes-Benz products and tailor-made customer services, combined with our comprehensive and widespread Sales and After-Sales network, result in more profitability and better performance for you, our customers.

To find out more, please contact your local authorized Mercedes-Benz Distributor or visit our website: Trucks.MercedesBenzMENA.com

NETWORK

NETWORK 11 16 YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO THE MIDDLE EAST’S trucK aNd Fleet operator NetworK The 131 specially-designed Astra HD9 vehicles will provide support for seismic surveys across the country.

SOUped Up AStrAS jOin AlgeriAn O&g SeArch Italian truck specialist Iveco has delivered 131 Astra heavy trucks to Algerian stateowned petroleum company Enterprise Nationale de Geophysique (ENAGEO) for logistics and transport support in seismic surveys across the North African country.

According to Iveco, the truck fleet is specially fitted to operate in the extreme conditions found in much of the country’s vast desert areas.

The delivery includes 4×4 and 6×6 all-wheel drive vehicles for logistics and support that use the Astra HD9 truck model as a base. They have been designed and built in record time for a public tender won at the end of last year, claimed Iveco.

The Italian truck-maker said the job order included a variety of specialised configurations and versions, such as vehicles equipped with fuel and water tanks, trucks for transporting people, tractors and refrigerated vehicles – all of which have been designed and built to work in the desert on extremely rugged terrain and in the most adverse weather conditions.

The Astra is Iveco’s specialised brand for heavy duty and off-road applications and the working conditions the trucks are expected to face will demonstrate the HD9 model’s extremely robust and versatile nature, the truck maker claimed. Features that have been developed specifically for the mission that these

vehicles will face include special reinforced leaf springs at the front, ADR systems for transporting hazardous materials, a Steyr 2000 transfer unit, enlarged tanks and special desert tyres to handle the long and uneven desert tracks, Iveco said in a statement.

In addition, the Iveco Astra HD9 vehicles are also distinguished by their heavy-duty components, including a broad 820mm stainless steel chassis, with resistance figures of 530 MPa and sections with large dimensions, Iveco added.

The Astra HD9 also sports a closed-loop undercarriage shoulder for added strength and stability of the entire chassis structure, and an advanced driveline with simple electronic architecture for reliability, it said.

ENAGEO is part of the Algerian governmentowned Sonatrach group, which is a global player in the extraction, energy, oil and gas sector.

The energy company operates mainly in the North African country but is also active across the continent in Mali, Libya, Nigeria and Egypt. It is also in some European countries, Latin America and the USA. Sonatrach recently stated that the country’s oil and gas output is improving and entering a period of growth after years of stagnation; as production improves at existing oil and gas fields.

A report by the company commented that oil output in the North African country could top 69mn tonnes of oil equivalent (mtoe) this year, a rise of 2mn tonnes on 2015. Sonatrach added that gas production will also rise to 132.2bn cu/m from 128.3b cu/m in 2015 and 130.9bn cu/m in 2014.

CEO Sonatrach CEO chief Amine Mazouzi said: “The era of stagnation is behind us and we are now in a phase of growth.”

Nearly 430 MillioN Vehicles globally are teleMatics by 2025, accordiNg to a New 4 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOvember 2016

NETWORK

westerN oeMs will challeNge chiNese doMiNaNce iN regioN The authors of the Truck Industry in the Middle

East report believe the lifting of sanctions in Iran and a decline in budget vehicle sales will level the commercial vehicles sales field. They write: “Western brands will need to expand their presence and even (re-)enter markets with hightech trucks that are calibrated specifically to the region at price points that are still realistic.”

The solar power plant will include 25,000 solar panels on the carpark and roofs of the facility.

QaTaR’s GROUp8 hELps FUNd FRENCh sELF-dRiviNG bUsEs

New solar parK oN top oF al Nabooda body shop largest iN regioN

French start-up company Navya, says that Qataribased investor Group8 has helped it to raise the $34 million it needs to fund the launch of its selfdriving shuttle buses. Also involved in the funding is Keolis and automotive parts group Valeo.

“We have chosen a partnership strategy that allows us to optimise costs and ensure most effectively the international deployment of our autonomous mobility solution,” said chairman Christophe Sapet.

Navya added that it is working with Group8 to set up manufacturing in the Middle East of its 45km/hour electrically powered Arma shuttle bus ahead of a launch in the region.

deal with ALEC Energy for the design,

Al Nabooda Automobiles has struck a construction, operation and maintenance of a private solar power plant on top of its new body and paint shop.

The project is considered to be the largest private-sector solar plant in the region, the wholly owned ALEC subsidiary said in a statement.

Once completed, the 6.8MW combined roof and carpark plant will cover 70,000sqm of roof space and will be connected to the DEWA MV grid.

It is expected that the plant will provide Al Nabooda Automobiles, Body and Paint-shop with 70% of their total energy

AL HABTOOR DEAL cOULD LEAD TO UAE ROUTEMASTERS

The manufacturer of the famous New London Routemaster, Wrightbus International, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Al Habtoor Motors in Dubai.

Under the new agreement, Al Habtoor Motors will become the official

distributor for Wrightbus International’s products in the United Arab Emirates.

Paul Brannigan, Wrightbus International Middle East Manager, who heads up the company’s office in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, said: “This comes at a time when we are penetrating new market segments in the UAE.” “We are excited to be made their official distributor for the UAE and are looking forward to working with them to grow their market share in the region,” said Jagdish Parulekar, CFO, Al Habtoor Motors. “We are proud of our new association with a truly innovative manufacturer with a long history and global presence.”

needs annually, for the next 25 years.

The launch of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 has seen Dubai target the production of 25% of their total energy needs from solar plants by 2030. By 2050, the emirate aims to meet 75% of its needs through solar energy.

“We are proud to be able to play a role in fulfilling the vision set out by the Dubai Supreme Energy Council by bringing this power plant. We see this investment as a part of our Corporate Social Responsibility towards promoting sustainability,” said K Rajaram, CEO of Al Nabooda Automobiles.

The solar power plant will include 25,000 solar panels on the carpark and roofs of the facility. These will produce 10 million units of electrical energy in a year.

The resulting offset will be 5.3 million kg of CO2 annually, which is

expected to haVe built-iN report by NaVigaNt research

equivalent to offsetting the annual CO2 emissions of 1,600 passenger vehicles.

The project is expected to be completed over a six-month period.

NOvember 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 5

NETWORK

LEaF aNd ZOE Ev CaRs sET FOR COp22 iN MOROCCO The Renault-Nissan Alliance has sold more than 360,000 electric vehicles.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance will provide a fleet of 50 all-electric vehicles as the official passenger-car provider for this month’s United Nation’s COP22 Climate Conference in Marrakech, Morocco.

More than 25,000 participants from 195 countries are expected to attend the annual climate summit. The COP22 fleet will feature the Renault ZOE subcompact car, the Nissan LEAF compact car and the seven-seat Nissan e-NV200 van. The vehicles will be available to shuttle delegates to key venues at the conference, as a complement to public transportation fully The Alliance will also provide a network of more than 20 accelerated and standard charging stations at strategic locations. The accelerated charging stations will be able to charge the EVs from 0 to 80 percent in about one hour.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance is a global leader in zero-emission vehicles. With six models, it has already sold more than 360,000 electric vehicles worldwide.

Nissan LEAF, launched in 2010, remains the industry’s best-selling EV. Renault ZOE is the best-performing EV in Europe.

The Alliance has sold about half of the electric vehicles on the road globally today including the Renault Twizy twoseat, urban commuter vehicle, and the Nissan e-NV200 van, which has been on sale in Europe and Japan since 2014.

In addition, the Renault-Nissan’s Tangier, Morocco, plant is designed to move towards ‘zero CO2’ emissions through the use of renewable resources, for thermal energy produced on site, as well as its purchased electricity. The plant began operations

in 2012, and its approach remains unique in the automobile industry. In Morocco, Renault Group is the only major automaker to market a fully electric range of vehicles.

Thanks to COP22 and the desire of the Kingdom to develop low-carbon energy, several companies have decided to bet on the 100 percent electric car by buying fleets.

“The Renault-Nissan Alliance is proud to contribute to COP22 by providing a fleet of 50 100 percent electric vehicles,” said Marc Nassif, managing director of Renault Morocco Group and Alliance COP22 leader. “This technology, coupled with an increasingly decarbonised electric mix, is the solution for individual mobility to address the issue of global warming and enhance air quality in our cities.”

Isao Sekiguchi, managing director of the North Africa Region and Egypt for Nissan Group, agreed. ”Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today,” Sekiguchi said “The Renault-Nissan Alliance was not only quick to recognize the import contribution the automotive industry could make to the collective effort to tackle emissions, but was also quick to act”.

The Alliance is also participating in Solutions COP22, an international exhibition on climate-change solutions. The exhibition features CO2 solutions from cities, businesses and other organisations around the world.

In addition, the Alliance will have electric vehicles available for public test drives.

SELLANYcAR OpENS THREE NEw UAE LOcATIONS SellAnyCar, the Middle East’s first and largest car buying service, has opened three new locations within the United Arab Emirates on the eve of its third birthday.

Since the UAE has one of the highest automobile turnover rates in the region, it is the ideal location to add to the existing current four locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

“We’re excited to celebrate this anniversary,” says SellAnyCar.com Founder and CEO Saygin Yalcin. “In our three years of business since 2013 we have evaluated almost 2 million cars at a value of AED 40 billion and SellAnyCar. com’s successful business model has made us

6 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOvember 2016

the largest car buying service in the Middle East. Every minute a car is being evaluated

by SellAnyCar.com, with an evaluation taking place every 15 seconds on our record days. Our vision is to be present within every country in the Middle East as everyone’s premium go to service for selling their cars, and I’m proud to say that in response to market demand we have extended our service throughout the UAE. Yalcin told T&FME last month in a special interview that his company is now the largest purchaser of used cars in the Emirates and is planning on rolling out the online retails service across the region.

NETWORK

RTa REvEaLs ROad pLaNs FOR EXpO’s ROUTE 2020 HE Mattar Al Tayer, director-general of the RTA has revealed that the Dubai authority has mapped out a master plan for roads and transport projects to serve Expo 2020, with the proposed Route 2020 of the Dubai Metro a prominent part.

The plan envisages the construction of road networks and main interchanges to ease the accessibility to the site.

“The RTA has coordinated with all developers and government service providers of concern with the planned metro route, in order to ensure that Route 2020 will provide support to vital areas served by the project over the short and long terms.”

AbdulMohsin Ibrahim Younes, CEO of the Rail Agency at the RTA said that during the feasibility study for the Route 2020 project, the RTA worked with all concerned stakeholders to also ensure that proposed station locations

AbdulMohsin Ibrahim Younes CEO of the Rail Agency at the RTA.

were integrated properly within their urban settings and that they met the mobility demands within each particular location. This attention to detail also extended to the release of the tender.

The RTA has put in place governance and assessment principles for the Route 2020 project, to ensure transparency and achieve the best results.

These include clear-cut objectives and standards for the technical and financial assessment process during the tendering phase, says Younes. These standards cover several perimeters.

“The assessment process was based on the following: the project construction programme; the integration and linking of the systems with the existing lines of Dubai Metro; the station designs and modern project construction techniques, and finally, the rail technologies and systems that will be introduced to the project.”

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2016/04/19 10:19

NOvember 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 7

Long-HauL 2016 REViEW LonG-HAUL Review

In for The long-hAul

T&FME lines up the best medium and long distance runners in the region

T

otal cost of ownership is becoming more and more critical when making buying decisions on which long distance

transporter to choose. Especially as the cost of fuel rises in line with operational cost increases.

The current generation of haulers have been designed with the demanding emission and load restrictions placed in the tier 1

markets but there are benefits for Middle East buyers keen on getting more bang for their buck. T&FME has trawled through the trucks that are currently available in the region and there is a wide selection out there, many of which are based on

tractors that would be classified as heavy duty in other markets.

In this region being able to go far and efficiently is only half the story. Taking on big loads in tough conditions is vital and hopefully we can help you to buy wisely.

power and robustness

Mercedes Actros Mercedes-Benz’s Actros truck recently reached a milestone in the region with the delivery of the 100,000th truck in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It remains the most successful heavy-duty truck in the world with one in 10 trucks rolling out of Germany being delivered to the Middle East and North Africa region. Saudi Arabia is

the core market in the MENA region for Mercedes-Benz Trucks, with nearly 44,000 Actros Trucks having been delivered since 1997.

The Actros has been the flagship model in the product range of Mercedes-Benz Trucks since its production start in 1996 - and it still is in the year of its 20th anniversary.

Mercedes claims the truck remains an “economical, dynamic, versatile and

8 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

comfortable” for long haul operators.

“The Mercedes-Benz Actros is highly fuel efficient and enjoys a reputation for supreme power, reliability and safety since many years – in the Middle East, North Africa and all over the world. With an unreached level of quality, the Actros is the truck to trust, even after hundreds of thousands of kilometers in operation under the

harshest and most challenging conditions,” says Mercedes. sPecs: Gross vehicle weight (t): 20-48 Wheelbases (mm): 3,300-6,000 Cabs: S-Cab / M-Cab / L-Cab Axle configuration: 4x2 / 8x8 Engine types: V6 / V8 Horsepower: 313-435hp Gearboxes (speeds): 12 / 16

Long-HauL 2016 Review

rugged hauler

renAult c roAd Renault Trucks introduced new distinct truck ranges to the Middle East in 2014 – the C and K ranges.

The C and K share the same chassis frame but have been designed for different purposes. The lighter C has been developed with typical trailer tipping in mind and off- and onroad roles essential for supporting construction operations. Its cab has also been designed to a spec typical of long haulage (the newest model has improved space); making the tractor head a flexible addition to a fleet. The C trucks get Renault’s Optitrack hydrostatic traction on

the front axle, for temporary extra pulling power. It is worth noting for Middle East buyers that the system is not standard on manual versions of the C but it does come with the automatic transmission variants.

SPECS: Cabin width: 2.5m Engines: DXi 11: 330 / 380 / 440 HP DXi 13: 460 / 500 HP GVW: 19 - 32 T GCW: 60 - 100 T Cabin configs: Day cab (Standard roof), night and day cab (Sleeper cab, Standard roof), Sleeper cab (Sleeper cab, High roof)

designed For tCo

Iveco strAlIs XP The Stralis celebrated its appointment as Truck of the Year 2013 with a starring role in Batman v. Superman and it has designed with the rigours of hauler driving in mind. Product development engineers conducted a battery of very demanding reliability trials and tests on the vehicle. A choice of five versions are available to suit many different applications.

The cabs offer an ideal environment for work and onboard relaxation. Cursor engines ensure power and reliability in all circumstances.

scAnIA r-serIes

sMooth operator

The Scania R-series set a new standard in long-haulage truck design and technology when it was first launched. The new grille, with more distinct horizontal bars, features a brighter colour and a larger logo. The shape improves airflow around the corners and admits more air to the radiator and into the engine compartment. The new bumper design blends into the strength of the frontal styling, while extending the availability of adaptive cruise control (ACC) to a wide range of models. Optional LED daytime running lights and high-pressure headlamp cleaners are integrated in the design and available for all cabs.

Low drag sideskirts are also introduced for several tractor configurations. They harmonise

Iveco’s summer launch of the newest version of the Stralis, the XP, majored on its total cost of ownership compared to its competitors. The XP may be a Euro 6 engine truck, but there are elements to its overall approach to TCO that will surely filter into higher emission markets, such as the Middle East and T&FME was impressed by its use of telematics data from trucks to compile a database of mission profiles. Having gone through a virtual testing phase, trucks have been gifted to some partners to allow customers to test them on real live missions.

with the frontal styling and lines from the boarding steps. The new aerodynamic shape also improves fuel consumption by 0.6% compared to the current sideskirts.

The new sideskirts are designed to accommodate larger fuel tanks, a step up to the catwalk and an integrated left-hand side exhaust outlet. A fuel tank capacity of up to 1,500l can now be specified on all 4x2 tractor unit, both with EGR and SCR engines.

SPECS Swept volume: 15.6l Maximum power: 500hp (368 kW) @ 1900 r/min Maximum torque: 2,400nm between 1,100 & 1,300rpm Engine PTo: 600nm Flywheel PTo: 1,200nm

NOVEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 9

Long-HauL 2016 Review

MAn tgs WW The robust TGS WW is able to carry very heavy loads and has been specially developed by MAN for use outside of Western Europe.

The vehicle configuration of the MAN TGS WW can be optimally adapted to particular geographical requirements. As an efficient commercial vehicle for driving on the roads during short- and long-haul transport, MAN offers two-, threeand four-axle semitrailer tractors and chassis with permissible gross weights of up to 50 tonnes.

The combination of numerous special features makes the MAN TGS WW a particularly reliable and costeffective working vehicle: A sturdy radiator grille with stone guard,

protective grilles on the headlights, rear lights and on the fuel tank, 24-inch tyres and a desert cooler radiator or cold-weather equipment for temperatures as low as -50 °C provide the essentials for tackling the challenges drivers face during international heavy-duty transport.

The EfficientLine package available for the TGS WW further reduces fuel consumption and therefore CO2 emissions as well.

SPECS: Engine: Euro 3 10.5l Power: 360-440hp Torque: 1,800-2,100hp Engine: Euro 3 12.4l Power: 440-54hp Torque: 2,100-2,500nm

proVen in the region

volvo Fh Volvo revealed a more ruggedized version of the FH (based on the FMX heavy duty construction) truck earlier this year but the tractor head continues to benefit from a series of active systems that will appeal to long haulers.

The i-shift transmissions has been enhanced and improved since being launched in the Middle East a few years ago and now includes an optional crawler gear. The Tandem Axle Lift also offers the driver better comfort when the truck is driven empty, which in many cases corresponds to 50% of the operating time.

The in-cab noise level is lower and steering wheel vibration is reduced when only the tyres of one drive axle are in contact with the road. Features such as Volvo Dynamic Steering, rear air suspension, i-shift (which all rolled out for FMX 2.0 in 2013) are now available on more trucks than before. The FH16 remains the big daddy of the range offering a GVW of 250t but the 100t FH should be the vehicle of choice for long distance hauliers looking for flexibility.

10 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

Crawler now Fitted

SPECS: Gross combination weight: up to 100t Driveline configuration: 4x2 / 6x4 : i-Shift Engines: D13A: 400, 440, 480, 520hp Cabs: Sleeper cab, Globetrotter, Globetrotter XL

TRUCKS IN ACTION

The Trucks that conquered The mounTain T&FME looks at the massive truck operation behind the construction of the uae’s highest road

12 TRUCK&FLEET TRUCK&FLEETME MENOVEMBER NOVEMBER2016 2016

TRUCKS IN ACTION

I

t is a road that is set to become one of the most awe-inspiring spectacles in the tourist haven that is the UAE. Winding up and around the 1,700m peak of Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the Emirates, travellers on the road can soon enjoy views over rocky mountain tops and drops that veer dramatically down into shadowed valleys.

Behind the construction of the 36km vertiginous route is the story of a truck mobilisation, led by FAMCO and its fleet of Volvo trucks, in an effort of gargantuan proportions as they moved 5.5 million cubic tonnes of rock (that’s 2,200 olympic-sized pools, for those that like that sort of stat).

“This is 36km of some of the most challenging and difficult roadworks you can find,” says Yaghoub Alipour Vaezi of General Mechanic Company (GMC), the project’s contractors. “When we compare this road with regular roads and highways, you can see that our work here was tough.”

Vaezi recalls that when the project started in 2005 it was planned to only take three years to complete. Unfortunately the 1,910m Jebel Jais was to prove a daunting challenge.

“The estimation by the consultant was way off the mark,” says Vaezi. “We also had to do some extra work, such as protection barriers, bracing walls, etc. So it took around eight years to build the road up to the point it already stands built until now.”

So large was the task that the project owners, the Ras Al Khaimah government, made the brave decision of stopping construction for two years. According to Vaezi the first big challenge was to create access.

“It is impossible to imagine how difficult it was to access the area at the beginning, and especially transport heavy equipment to the places it was required. We had these very narrow

and rough tracks back then to move on with the Volvo trucks. Sometimes one or more wheels were hanging off the road in midair over a sheer drop.

“You can imagine how perilous it can be when some of your wheels are not in contact with the road surface. And it wasn’t as if the drop on the side was just a couple of metres. Instead, if your equipment rolled off the road, the plunge would probably be about a hundred metres and you could kiss both operator and the machine good bye.”

Another challenge was the remoteness of the terrain, he adds. “Transporting all the necessary things for the project up to the site was difficult and costly. And if an equipment broke down on site, it was a completely different story compared to building something in a city. If you are in Dubai you can just go to the dealer and get what you want, but not here.”

“The remote location far from supply points in the cities and the limited access points around the mountain were some of the problems,” says Nigel Johnson, senior managing director, FAMCO Group. “Even more challenging was the extreme and inaccessible terrain, the unpredictable and harsh weather conditions such as snow, fog and blowing winds, and the surrounding hazards such as the loose rocks and rock avalanches at the mountain.”

“Being in a remote location far from civilisation, we had to be as self-sufficient in our operations as we could,” adds Vaezi. “This included the upkeep of the machines we were using and so we set up a workshop here onsite to do most of the routine maintenance and regular repair work. Of course we need parts and sometimes we need the suppliers’ technical team to be available here because our workshop cannot solve some issues.

“We just had to call FAMCO and they sent their technicians, who solved our problems quickly.

“You can imagine how perilous iT can be when some of Your wheels are noT in conTacT wiTh The road surface. and iT wasn’T as if The drop on The side was jusT a couple of meTres” NOVEMBER NOVEMBER2016 2016TRUCK&FLEET TRUCK&FLEETME ME 13

TRUCKSCOMFORT DRIVER IN ACTION

Shahir El Essawy, Volvo Construction Equipment

When the problems were big, the machinery were taken away to FAMCO’s workshop, but such occasion were few and far between.”

Johnson says that building the road was a major milestone for the then newly created company’s Rental & Used Equipment division – a relatively new concept for the contractors in the market at the time. He describes the timing and nature of the project as a winwin for FAMCO and the contractor, who had struggled in the initial stages of the project.

“The contractor realised that in order to be able to deliver according to the time plan and allocate budgets, he needed a cost effective salutation to his equipment needs. By teaming up to undertake such a challenging project, it was a win-win deal for both of FAMCO and GMC. He adds: “ FAMCO’s Rental & Used Equipment division was searching for challenging and unique projects which would help it build its fleet in order to be able have the flexibility and the reliability to accommodate such projects. It was a learning curve for this division to cultivate its experience and enhance its capabilities through undertaking challenging projects that anyone else might find it too complicated and too demanding. Our Rental & Used Equipment division was a major option for the contractor and provided him with solutions to meet his requirement for a large fleet of machinery and trucks for as critical and challenging project.”

FAMCO’s support had to go much deeper than typical on projects, a necessary consequence of the scale of the undertaking on the mountain, helping to save capital

14 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

Jan-Erik Thoren, Volvo Trucks

expenditure and improve delivery timelines, explains Johnson. In total, FAMCO’s Rental & Used Equipment division provided a crack team of 40 equipment operators, truck drivers, technicians, workshop supervisors and foremen. “FAMCO not only provided the machinery and trucks, but we also provided the operators and drivers, outstanding aftersales support, the flexibility of replacing any unit with a supporting one to ensure optimum uptime and smooth flow of operations,” explains Johnson. “All these factors, as well as FAMCO’s leading position in the market as a solution provider for construction equipment and commercial vehicles, played a key role why the contractor selected FAMCO.” A fleet of 33 Volvo trucks were provided on site with FMX370 Tippers being deployed in a variety of roles including moving excavated materials away before being dumped off-site.

“And when the mountain was carved and a path

was finally cleared, it was Volvo’s SD110 soil compactor that helped to lay the smooth road you can find up there today,” Johnson adds proudly.

The trucks primary role was to support the earthmoving and excavation operation as it carved its way around Jebel Jais. Volvo EC700, EC480, EC460, EC380, EC360, EC290 and EC210 crawler excavators scratched endlessly away as Volvo A35F and A35E articulated haulers worked in tandem with L120F and L180G wheel loaders. The assault on the mountain was an onerous task for the contractor with FAMCO prepared to mobilise its resources in the continuous effort.

“We provided ‘in-house’ high quality Operator/Driver 24/7 support, plus 24/7 service and site support and trained supervisors for ‘on the job’ instruction and production expertise,” says Johnson. “Additionally, we provided our own experienced machine operators and truck drivers who contributed towards eliminating any major accident in the project’s duration, ensured timely delivery and helped to reduce the contractor’s operational costs.”

Jan-Erik Thoren, business team director, Volvo Trucks Middle East tells T&FME, that the project demanded a specification for the FMX trucks that could deal with heavy loads on the terrain. He says that included looking at the gearboxes, engine sizes, gear ratios and rear axle capacities. “There was obviously a lot of uphill and downhill movements. Trucks are different from cars, we can optimise them to a certain specification.”

Crucial to the operation of the trucks was the iShift transmission system. Just prior to start of Jebel Jais the now popular system (he estimates that customers use it on 90% of Volvo trucks sold in the region), was only specified to handle a gcw up to 44t. Today, thanks in no small part to field testing in the Emirates, the

“we jusT had To call famco and TheY senT Their Technicians, who solved our problems quicklY when The problems were big”

TRUCKS IN ACTION

33 Volvo Trucks carried more than 5.5 million cubic meters, working around the clock to build the 36km road around the 1,910m peak.

automated gearbox can cope with loads of up to 100t. Thoren adds that Volvo’s own engine brake which avoids placing extra loads on the brake linings was also important to the running of the FMX fleet on the project. A rear backfill bogey was also added to the FMX 6X4 heavy duty trucks.

According to Thoren, FAMCO also worked with a bodybuilder in the UAE to create a specification that could take the loads. As one might expect on a project of this size, planned maintenance programmes were critical to ensure uptime. Again this was handled by FAMCO. “You have to do that at an early stage to avoid problems. The trucks and machines have performed beyond expectations and that is due to the planned maintenance and using Volvo spare parts. When you have that, then you know you will be able to give good productivity. Uptime and productivity were the key notes of this operation.”

While FAMCO handled most – if not all – of the day to day running of the truck, Thoren says that one of Volvo’s key roles

was providing driver training to the rental operation’s team. Crucial information on how to use the trucks safely and efficiently could then be passed onto to those on the mountain.

“We request each dealer to have a specific driver trainer. We train them once a year or once every two years on the new specifications of the vehicles. In this case, it was very important that those drivers are trained by the FAMCO trainer.

That’s really important to ensure that the drivers are using the trucks correctly and there was some specific learning on how to use it uphill and how you stop when it is heavy loaded.”

Thoren’s colleague at Volvo CE, Shahir El Essawy, business director, agrees that working on such treacherous ground and in the extreme climate meant the teams working on the road had to be able to work safely and with a degree of autonomy.

El Essawy explains that all the operators, drivers and technicians received special and thorough training on all the equipment they

were assigned to operate before they were mobilised on-site: “This training covers all the technical, mechanical and operational features and aspects of each and every equipment and vehicle as well as any specific and unique project’s challenges and requirements.”

The fact that both the contractor and FAMCO recorded no major breakdowns or accidents during the excavation work is testimony to the effectiveness of this approach.

“This contributes positively to the safety of the work site as well as minimising if not eliminating any major breakdowns which will ultimately reflect on the enhanced uptime and increased productivity,” says El Essawy. “This contributes positively to the safety of the work site as well as minimising if not eliminating any major breakdowns which will ultimately reflect on the enhanced uptime and increased productivity.

“Safety has always been one of our core values.

Our vision is to have zero accidents with Volvo machines and we incorporate safety into each and every aspect of design and operation in our machines. This clearly puts our machines as best suited for such tough conditions with extremely narrow haul roads and high altitudes with big drops. We are proud to say that we have gone through this project without any incidents.

“Once again this project clearly confirms to us the importance of continuing to incorporate safety in all aspects from design to production. It was also a testament to the great partnership we have with FAMCO and how we teamed up on this project.

“FAMCO had set-up great aftersales support on-site at this remote location, and that has definitely been a key element in our joint success.

It is surely an iconic project and a badge of honour for us to have been part of building the UAE’s highest road,” concludes El Essawy.

volvo fmX Truck The Jebel Jais mountain road

operate in tough environments and

weather conditions, the fleet of

extreme conditions. The truck has

project was completed with the

a comfortable cabin for the drivers,

Volvo FMX trucks completed the

also been designed for optimised

help of the Volvo FMX 6X4 rigid

which made the job less physically

ambitious project without any major

fuel consumption and maximum

truck, equipped with the I-Shift

draining and allowed them to drive

breakdowns or accidents.

uptime, which is essential for a

automated gearbox.

for longer.”

Ahead of its arrival in the Middle East, the FMX was

project of this size,” Thoren says.

He adds. “We were confident

“This innovative gearbox is the

For eight years, a fleet of

first transmission of its kind which

33 Volvo FMX trucks worked

extensively tested in the region to

that this model would provide an

has been specifically designed

round-the-clock to carry more

ensure that it can tackle some of

unbeatable transport solution for

for heavy long-haulage and

than 5.5 million cubic metres of

the roughest, most demanding off-

this project and stand out from

construction applications,” says Jan-

rocks and aggregates to build the

road conditions in the world.

competitors. We are very proud to

Erik Thoren, business team director,

36km road. Despite challenges

Volvo Trucks Middle East. “The

such as the rugged terrain, steep

tough construction operations with

to see it meet completion after

truck has high ground clearance to

slopes, loose rocks and extreme

tailor-made specifications for such

eight years,”

16 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

“The Volvo FMX is designed for

be a part of this development and

YOUNG AT HEART has only just begun. In partnership with our customers, we will continue our successful journey on which innovative solutions meet the future.

www.scania.com

IntervIew: InTERvIEw: DAIMLer daIMLER

ElEctric dREaMs

T&FME meets with the top brass at DaimLer to pLug into their vision of the future of commerciaL vehicLes in the DigitaL age 18 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

IntervIew: DAIMLer

D

aimler, the company that owns Mercedes-Benz, Fuso and BharatBenz, stole the PR-limelight from its rivals by hosting the world’s commercial vehicles media at a huge launch for its range of electrically powered vehicles on the eve of the IAA event.

Taking over a giant power plant in the heart of Hannover, Daimler rolled out its own take on the future of eMobility: an emerging battery-powered future for urban transport and logistics where buses run silently from one stop to the next, trucks sport digitally generated grilles and your mail arrives by drone. The message delivered as executives talked and embraced each other in the Jobsian-style (keynotes on technological evolution dressed down with unbuttoned collars and hugs on stage) was clear: digitally connected electric vehicles are coming and coming fast.

Is this the start of a new style of Mercedesbadged E-class of vehicles? Asked T&FME as . “I think our colleagues at Mercedes cars will have something to say about that,” replied a nearby Mercedes executive. Speaking to the magazine on the sidelines of the event, the head of Daimler's truck division, Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, says the company has most recently focused on expanding its regional centres in the Middle East and Africa.

“Doing this in support of our other activities has really given us a global presence. It’s now easier to name the countries we are not in,” he explains. “In the past, we steered the Middle East business from Stuttgart and we feel this wasn't good enough. We want people that

wake up in the morning in the same time zone are living in the same world as our customers – they open up the newspaper and read the same stories our customers are reading” Daimler reached a major milestone 12 months ago in achieving this goal when its commercial vehicles operation opened its first Middle East office in Dubai. Dr Bernard says the company gifts the German automaker a strong presence in what he describes as a uncertain but strategically important region.

“It is difficult these days with all the conflicts we see and it is risky with the unstable countries we have like Libya, Egypt and Syria.

However we still believe there is business to be made and that we can play a constructive role in the region. We also believe the oil price will come back; purchasing power will come back and the violent conflicts we see now will be solved. Mercedes and Fuso is very strong there.”

With the office now fully up to speed, he tells the magazine that customers can also expect improved access to the latest parts for its platforms as part of its ongoing commitment to marketing, technology and widening the scope of its intelligent platform management programme.

Daimler is determined to sit at the centre of cutting-edge technology and the world got a glimpse of how it is attempting to pack several different areas of advancement into the current and coming generations of urban delivery vehicles at IAA. It kicked off the world’s biggest commercial vehicles show with the Urban eTruck, a 6x2, 200km concept that is powered by two electric motors that can be charged in two

Technolo gy at your fingertips . Both Fuso and Mercedes trucks featured their own take on integrate d telematic s.

NOVEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 19

IntervIew: DAIMLer

“we still believe there is business to be Made and that we can play a constructive role in the region. we also believe the oil price will coMe back; purchasing power will coMe back and the violent conflicts we see will be solved” hours. “For many years now we have put in front of you our technology leadership consisting of efficiency, safety and connectivity,” he remarks.

Daimler says it is aiming for a roadworthy version of the Urban eTruck, which comes complete with a LCD front grille, to be in series production by the end of the decade. With a capacity of 26t that pushes the limits in terms of practical range and battery

technology, a heavy construction version could take years to be produced however.

Impressively, the Urban eTruck holds its own against similar internal combustion engine-powered trucks. The additional weight of the batteries stands at 1,700 kg pushing it above current permissible gvw of trucks with alternative drives in the critical European market, but Mercedes believes that the European

Commission will increase it a further by 1,000kg.

This will more or less cancel out the weight disadvantage of the electric drive, says Daimler.

Electrical-drive vehicles tear up the sheet in terms of the engine to driveline and axles set-up that is ingrained in traditional mechanics. The Urban eTruck features a drive that connects an electrically powered rear axle and electric motors directly adjacent to the wheel hubs.

Make your own apps be installed in the vehicle. The

app also shows how economically

Fleetboard store at IAA which

customers select one or more

FleetBoard Manager provides

the vehicles perform when out on

features a FleetBoard Developer

apps from the FleetBoard store

customers with useful information

the road. The overview is shown

Portal where interested partners

from the comfort of their office

on their fleet, such as the total

as a simple cluster of scores

and developers can find all relevant

and install them over-the-air on

number of kilometres driven

that is very straightforward to

information on the FleetBoard

the removable DispoPilot.guide

over the last seven days, and

understand. FleetBoard uses this

store and the app submission

tablets – to a single truck, several

a comparison to the previous

data to calculate the percentage

process. All apps available in

trucks or even a whole fleet. The

seven days. It also shows the

saving in fuel that could be

the FleetBoard store undergo

installation is done remotely so

vehicles with the highest and

achieved across the whole fleet by

a stringent quality assurance

there are no periods where the

lowest mileage. This data enables

targeted driver training – important

process to ensure they comply with

vehicle is out of service. Drivers can

customers to see exactly how

information that can help to identify

FleetBoard's safety standards.

operate the apps via the DispoPilot.

fleet capacity has been used

further cost-saving potential.

guide tablet in their truck. The

over the course of a week.

Mercedes launched a new

Customers will be able to

Downloading apps is simple:

The app also reveals how ecofriendly the fleet's movements

Alongside the mileage it also

access the FleetBoard store from

driver's tablet may become the only

2017. The market launch will

device in the vehicle in the future,

shows the fleet's average fuel

are, as well as the level of its CO2

start in Germany, with further

as its apps display all relevant

consumption, split into road

emissions. This is where predictive

countries to follow in due course.

information about the driver, the

consumption and stationary

driving plays an important role

vehicle and the assignment.

consumption, with and without

in highlighting opportunities to

The FleetBoard store will be available in both German and English languages.

“The Fleetboard store will be

auxiliary consumers. It also shows

improve fuel consumption and

Mercedes-Benz Trucks customers

the vehicles with the highest

CO2 emissions. The FleetBoard

a simple, fast and free route to

and lowest fuel consumption.

Manager also allows customers

FleetBoard will offer all

This provides customers with an

to see the position of individual

an open platform similar to the

connectivity. This is made possible

itunes store from Apple,” says Dr

by the new FleetBoard Manager

insight into the spread of mileage

vehicles. The updating of the

Wolfgang Bernhard. “Customers

app, which requires the new

and fuel consumption between

vehicle position is based on

can develop their own apps.”

FleetBoard Truck Data Center to

the vehicles. At fleet level, the

events such as the start of a trip.

NOVEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 21

IntervIew: DAIMLer

Market launch of the first truck with sideguard assist Right turns in urban traffic are among the least pleasant tasks for truck drivers, who are required to heed traffic lights and signs ahead while simultaneously observing oncoming and crossing traffic and keeping an eye on pedestrians and cyclists at the side. In addition, the traffic situation can alter in a matter of seconds, and cyclists and pedestrians are not always aware that a truck driver may not be able to see them. MercedesBenz's response has been to introduce Sideguard Assist with pedestrian detection.

It works in several stages. If there is a moving or stationary object in the side

Daimler's vision for an electrically powered future was delivered at the glitzy pre-show launch.

monitoring zone the driver initially gets a visual warning. An LED in the shape of a triangle lights up at the driver's eye level in

“we want people that wake up in the Morning in the saMe tiMe zone and are living in the saMe world as our custoMers”

the A-pillar on the co-driver's side. It intuitively attracts the driver's attention to the situation alongside the vehicle and in the direction of the exterior mirrors on the co-driver's side.

If there is a risk of a collision, an additional visual and audible warning is triggered: the LED flashes brightly several times in red. After two seconds it remains permanently lit in red.

At the same time an alarm sounds on the side where the collision is imminent.

If the sensors detect a stationary obstacle such as a traffic light or street lamp in the tracking pattern of the truck during the process of turning, there is also a visual

This produces a maximum output of 2 x 125kW and torque registering 2 x 500Nm. (A version of the axle on the Future Bus with CityPilot recently successfully trialled in the Netherlands where it successfully navigated a 20km route.)

The basic arrangement of its battery pack comprises lithium-ion batteries with a total capacity of 212kWh but is modular suggesting that operators will be able to load more on if required and Daimler is confident that it will manage a range of up to 200km. T&FME was told that studies by the German manufacturer consider this a typical length for a day of deliveries to city addresses. Route planning will managed and scheduled by the newly unveiled Fleetboard for urban distribution, the first telematics system that hooks up to the drive system. “The Urban eTruck is a really heavy duty truck with intelligent range management,” explains Dr Bernhard

22 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

before adding that he was once a sceptic of the technology behind its drive. Now he can see it extending even into heavy haulage.

“Ten years ago I saw no market for e-trucks.

Until now, the application of electric drive systems in trucks has been extremely limited,” says Dr Bernhard “But meanwhile, battery costs, capacities and charging times are improving rapidly. There’s been a 2½-fold increase in performance and 2½-fold decrease in cost.

We anticipate the launch of electric drives in heavy-duty distribution early in the next decade.

Public transport is already experiencing electrically powered vehicles but the next step is to integrate semi-autonomous systems onboard. Mercedes-Benz used the last IAA to show off its Future Bus with Highway Pilot concept and again arrived at the event with the latest generation of eMobility public transportation the Future Bus with

and audible warning. This helps to avoid collisions – not only on public roads, but also during manoeuvring, e.g. in parking areas.

The tracking pattern alert is active up to a speed of 36 km/h. At the core of Sideguard Assist are two short-range radar sensors on the bodywork in front of the truck's rear axle on the co-driver's side. The side monitoring zone has a width of 3.75m. The system is designed to cover the entire length of the truck. This applies to both semitrailer tractor and full tractor/trailer combinations up to 18.75m in length. The monitoring zone even extends by 2m beyond the front of the truck and 1m behind the end of the semitrailer or tractor. It will be available from December 2016, initially for the left-hand-drive Mercedes-Benz Actros and Antos as a 4x2 semitrailer tractor and as a 6x2 chassis.

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

YEARS

in Dubai

DECEMBER 13 – 15

BIG EQUIPMENT AND A BIG 3-DAY AUCTION

will mark our 20 year anniversary in Dubai and we want you to be a big part of it.

A selection of equipment in our upcoming auction:

2011 IVECO EUROCARGO 140E24 4x4

2012 CAMC HN1140Z19D8M3J 4x2

VOLVO NL12 6x4

2008 TATA DAEWOO 7542 NOVUS 6x4

2007 GMC SAVANA 4x2

Sold in previous Ritchie Bros. auctions:

2007 VOLVO FH12-440 4X2 Sold for $24,000

2008 MAN TGA33.360 6X4 Sold for $37,000

2009 MERCEDES BENZ ACTROS 4031 18000 LITRE 6X4 Sold for $52,500

2009 MERCEDES-BENZ AXOR 3028 6X4 Sold for $30,000

2011 SCANIA P380CB 6X4 Sold for $70,000

UNUSED – MERCEDES-BENZ ACTROS 3331 6X4 Sold for $62,500

UNUSED MERCEDES-BENZ ACTROS 3340 6X4 Sold for $67,000

UNUSED RENAULT KERAX 380DXI 6X4 Sold for $60,000

2012 AL JABER 100 TON QUAD/A Sold for $65,000

UNUSED – 2016 MAF 80 TON QUAD/A Sold for $40,000

Sell your equipment in this auction. Consign early for more exposure. rbauction.com | +971.4.812.0600 Auction location: Gate 8, Junction 9, Jebel Ali Free Zone P.O. Box 16897 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

IntervIew: DAIMLer

The 26t Urban eTruck will have a range and payload comparable to its diesel cousins.

CityPilot. CityPilot can recognise traffic lights, communicate with them and drive safely over junctions equipped with traffic lights. It can detect obstacles and, above all, pedestrians on the road, automatically braking in response to them, it also automatically drives up to bus stops, where the doors are opened and closed automatically. As it proved in the Netherlands earlier this summer, it can also tackle tunnels.

Executives on the show floor of IAA told T&FME that the company believes the sweet spot for all electric vehicles is a threeyear return on investment. The Vision Van presented alongside the Urban eTruck is close to reaching that goal and this unusual last mile delivery vehicle, which comes with its own set of drones and is controlled by a joystick (“we call it drive by wire”), could soon be trialled.

Mercedes-Benz had a record year in 2015 thanks largely to a revamped Sprinter van but the Vision Van is a startlingly display of what is coming down the line – even if it is designed to suit the niche role of same- or next-day deliveries now commonplace in much of the world. This is a van designed for Amazon and the delivery companies it uses.

It is the first van to integrate with a digitally connected process chain from the goods distribution depot to the consignee. It features a fully automated cargo space and integrated drones for autonomous air deliveries. Powered by a 75kW electric drive system with a range of up to 270km, deliveries with the Vision Van would be emission-free. Like the Urban eTruck the slung-under electric drive system opens up the

An eye on the road. eMobility requires cameras. Lots of cameras.

possibility of operating in the controlled emission zones of inner-cities and is virtually silent allowing for late deliveries in residential areas.

T&FME was particularly impressed by the cargo space design which features a management system that automatically transfers packages for manual delivery to the deliverer at the unloading point by means of a package dispenser on board the vehicle. This extends out from the rear of the vehicle after a gull-wing-style door that opens upwards. It is unclear how the drones – that sit on the top of the vehicle – will retrieve the parcels at this concept stage, however, as a demonstration of drone-assisted delivery, it is impressive.

Mercedes-Benz Vans is investing $500 million over the next five years and opening an organisational unit that is spread from Silicon Valley to Stuttgart to develop digitalisation, robotics and automation projects under its adVANce initiative. Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, says that much of the company’s early progress in linking data and the Internet-of-Things can be seen in the Vision Van. “We are presenting the intelligent, clean and fully interconnected van of the future,” Mornhinweg says. "The Vision Van integrates many concrete concepts for future delivery operations in the urban environment, such as a fully automatic cargo space, autonomously flying delivery drones and innovative communication features."

It remains to be seen how much of the Vision Van – a joystick instead of steering wheel? – will eventually filter into the series production model.

The Fuso eCanter, on the other hand, will soon be

delivered to its first customers in Japan, Europe and the US, (sadly not the Middle East). “The Fuso eCanter will see its market introduction by the end of next year,” explains Dr Bernard.

Unveiled as a world premier at IAA, the light truck has a 100km range and can be charged within one hour. It also has its own tablet-style interface that integrates telematics and route planning with the controls for the truck.

T&FME both tested its second generation predecessor (previously called the E-Cell, more on that next issue) and toured the production model at the show, and, unsurprisingly, given its soon-to-be-delivered status, it was the most fully formed example of eMobility at the show. The eCanter benefits from the extensive trialling and execs from the Daimler-owned, Fuso told T&FME that it has helped to reduce the cost of the battery and components pulling the RoI in line with an equivalent light truck over the magic three years target.

(Fuso told the magazine that the results of a year-long fleet test with the second generation eCanter have shown that around 1,000 euros per 10,000km can be saved compared to a diesel version.)

There was a lot of talk revolving around empowering the driver at IAA but will those in the Middle East be able to make the most of these vehicles? Dr Bernhard is convinced that drivers will be able to make the transition.

“They can use phones so they can use apps but they do need to be simple and easy to use without any manuals,” he says. “I believe that some of the emerging markets will adapt very fast."

NOVEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 25

Market REpoRT: MaRKET report: Iran IRaN

ThE RoCKy road to Iran

Truck and bus makers Tell T&FME ThaT we need To be cauTious on The iranian markeT

“The chairs we used To siT on in iran weren’T lefT empTy when we were gone. chinese compeTiTors now siT in These chairs” 26 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

Market report: IraN

t

he truck industry is ahead of some others when it comes to approaching the difficult transition of Iran from global outcast to regional player.

While the US authorities granted aerospace giants Boeing and Airbus permission to start negotiating with the Iranian government in September, truck-makers like Renault, Volkswagen’s Scania as well as aftermarket suppliers are well advanced in their process of re-establishing firm links with the emerging Middle Eastern country.

These are tentative days for its return into the vehicles manufacturing fold and it is only a few years since the EU’s imposing of restriction on oil and trade with the country was tightened.

However a landmark agreement in 2015 in exchange for limits to its nuclear programme led to a lifting of United Nations sanctions at the beginning of this year. Very soon afterwards, European manufacturers began to talk openly again with their dealer counterparts, with whom they shared links stretching back many decades.

The country they are returning to is very different to the one they left. The effect of heavy sanctions dating back to 1979 has led to a dearth of investment into heavy industries and infrastructure. The Iranian government is only cautiously embracing the circling automotive industry, fearful of a flood of foreign imports that will sweep over the existing and ageing vehicles in the market. Meanwhile the vacuum created by the absence of western manufacturers has been filled with largely Chinese brands.

Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, board member of Daimler and the de facto head of its truck division estimates that the market could be as large as the 40,000 truck per year Turkish market. He says that prior to the company’s withdrawal, the German automaker sold as many as 10,000 vehicles in the country. Despite re-opening its partnership with Iran’s own giant vehicle producer Iran Khodro days after the UN ban was lifted, he warns that it is proving difficult to compete again in Iran.

“The chairs we used to sit on in Iran weren’t left empty when we were gone,” he mused after confirming the renewal of its Iran Khodro partnership. “Chinese competitors now sit in these chairs.”

Dr Bernard tells T&FME that negotiations over how that tie-in will work are still ongoing as the year enters the fourth quarter.

He also suggests that with the initial over-

enthusiasm of the manufacturers now fading, the industry is facing more difficult market conditions than initially hoped for.

“We are making things a little more realistic. The market is a little bit down in Iran. It is very difficult to find customers,” he says. “However with the capital markets becoming more fluent again and Iran being able to transfer money out of the country, we hope that regular trade will start to come up; not trade that comes from dark channels.”

Entering Iran on the back of Daimler’s commitment to the market will also be Mitsubishi Fuso and the Japan-produced light trucks will be sold via Mayan, itself part of Dubai bodybuilder Mammut Group.

Dr Bernard presents a balanced perspective on the first ten months of the country’s re-entry into the global market. He is caught between being heartened by Iran’s adherence to the stipulations laid down in its treaty agreements with the international community and the strains caused by ongoing conflict on its borders.

“It is unclear whether the conflicts in the region will mean it can fulfil all the hopes of the international community. We will support Iran because many hopes have been pinned on this change in policy. (We hope) our activities will continue to encourage Iran to go down that road.

We are therefore continuing our technology transfer and start of our activity in Iran.”

Entering Iran on the back of Daimler’s commitment to the market will also be Mitsubishi Fuso and the Japan-produced light trucks will be sold via Mayan, itself part of Dubai bodybuilder Mammut Group. Mammut has also developed a long partnership with Scania in Iran and assembles CDU and knockdown Scania-branded trucks. Oghab Afshan has served as its bus dealer for nearly two decades. While others exited the market at the turn of the decade, the Swedish company has remained active in the territory. It continues to reap the rewards of its extended stay.

Tobias Sigerstad, Scania’s country manager, tells T&FME that the company is one of the leading coach brands in the market. It is aiming for annual sales of 5,000 truck and 1,000 buses in Iran.

“We have been there continuously and are market leaders in buses. The competitors withdrew from the market and but we have stayed in there. It is a matter of having the right distributor and both Mammut and Oghab Afshan managed to do well. Now the sanctions are lifted is when the real fight starts.”

NOVEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 27

Market report: Iran

Access to bank funding is vital if businesses are to renew their fleets of cars, buses and trucks.

Sigerstad beams when he talks about the demand for buses but is markedly cautious about truck sales: “Everyone expects big volumes for the truck side but we haven’t seen that yet. The central bank is lacking money and people haven’t seen any improvement since the sanctions ended.”

Despite the frustration the fundamental demand in the medium to long-term looks positive. Like Dr Bernhard, Ioannis Vrantzoglou of Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket is confident that a vibrant Iranian market could push it ahead of other countries in the region.

He welcomed the increase of Iranian visitors to the Automechanika Show held in early summer in Dubai as a sign that new business can be made with the country’s vehicle sector.

He also feels that as the only major vehicle manufacturer in the region, the opportunity to the manufacturing and supply-side of the industry are obvious.

“We have always been active except during the time of the embargo. We'll go back into Iran again and I believe if the situation stays how it is in Iran and we don't get any changes to political agreements then it is the most important market in the Middle East,” he says. “Even during the embargo they produced 800,000 cars. That's big, and in the next three to five years they will produce will produce 2 million cars per year.”

Vrantzoglou estimates that Iran could be worth more than $30 million to Schaeffler, more than double the revenue it currently accrues in the relatively large Saudi market: “It will be the

28 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

rest of the Middle East and then there will be Iran alone,” he says. “The target is unlimited.

Iran is a huge market for commercial vehicles trucks. That's why Mercedes is now talking to them about starting production again."

He believes that the opening of the Iranian market will not see its domestic manufacturers forced out by incoming competition. Those that have been in the market before will be positioned to understand the complexities of the Iranian market. “It is like a gold rush situation but we (Schaeffler) are not going have a ‘gold rush’ because we have been in there. We know with whom to talk to and how to do business. There are many now thinking about going there – as we are supplying all the big manufacturers in the world, it is of course of very good opportunity for us.”

A low participator in the US market, Renault has walked a legal tightrope for a decade via its Renault Pars joint-venture with Iran's Industrial Development Renovation Organisation. Not to be confused with the Renault Trucks company owned by Volvo, the French car maker and its JV assembles locally and recently produced a pickup (the Logan) with Iran Khodro.

Renault Trucks already has an assembly operation and is eager pick up where it left off in Iran following the lifting of sanctions.

The designer of the C and K series heavy trucks, Patrice Roeser, told T&FME recently that Volvo-owned company has been pleased with its progress in Iraq.

“Iran is very important market generally although it has been a long time since I was there and that was before the restrictions.”

How to approach the Iran market is currently a major issue for the truck industry.

Volvo currently serves the entire Middle East from its hub in Dubai and exec Lars Forsberg says it is evaluating the company’s best approach to the slowly opening Iranian market.

“As you know everyone is hopeful on Iran,” he says. “The sales team sitting in the hub of Dubai are taking all of the commercial decisions and activities for the market. Sales and marketing are based in Dubai and the kits for Iran are coming from Sweden. However the sanctions have been going for quite a while and the banking system is not quite geared in yet. The buyers need it to be and that is what is holding up the speed at the moment but slowly, slowly we are getting there.”

One alternative solution would be to offer financial solutions, when put to him he responds with: “I think it is too early to comment on that.”

“everyone expecTs big volumes buT we haven’T seen ThaT. The cenTral bank is lacking money and people haven’T seen any improvemenT since The sancTions ended”

MAN’s Transport Solutions – Proven technology. Refined.

MAN Truck & Bus, headquartered in Munich, Germany, is a leading international supplier of commercial vehicles and transport solutions. The company draws on more than a hundred years of experience in manufacturing trucks and buses. Products with the letters “MAN“ and the distinctive lion on their grills are synonymous with the economical, safe and reliable transport of persons and goods on the road. www.man-middleeast.com

IAA REVIEW: TECHNOLOGY

TRUCK AND BUS INDUSTRy Makes HUGe tecH leap

The IAA evenT In SepTember SAw hundredS of greener And more connecTed wAyS To run A Truck fleeT 30 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

IAA REVIEW: TECHNOLOGY

T

he drip-drip merging seen in recent years of mainstream consumer technology and the commercial vehicles sector became a flood at this year’s IAA event. Previous shows had shown a glimpse but were understandably focussed on technology centred around meeting emission regulations. With all the major OEMs now on-board the Euro 6 train, the industry took the opportunity to reveal its advances in handling data and alternative drive systems.

There were over 300 premieres at IAA with commercial vehicles manufacturers and telematics houses looking to introduce their take on bringing connectivity and greater vehicle autonomy into the transport and logistics sector.

Dominating the announcements were a raft of electric and hybrid reveals both in terms of nearfuture concepts and here and now launches. If you are not yet familiar with the word electromobility you soon will be and the light and urban vehicle segments were stuffed full of new vehicles T&FME looks at the Mercedes-backed eCanter elsewhere in this issue and it is just one of dozens of eMobile vehicles due for release by

the end of the decade. It is also technology that is making in-roads in the Middle East in terms of short route public transport and it is a relief to realise, after years of watching diesel tech pass us by, to know that these vehicles could be viable in the region. The biggest technological constraint remains battery power and size, especially when you consider the load air-conditioning places on vehicles, but T&FME was told time and time again that this is becoming less of a factor – we just may have to wait longer for it.

Volkswagen came loaded with a fleet of alternative driveline and engine-based vehicles from the e-load up! and eCrafter produced by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, along with the hybrid and electric buses produced by MAN and Scania, to the MAN eTruck, a heavy-duty urban distribution vehicle. Although Volkswagen Truck & Bus CEO Andreas Renschler told its conference audience that he believes diesel remains the go-to power source for heavy and long operations.

“Notably in the case of long-haul transport or on construction sites, the diesel engine will continue to play a significant role for some time yet,” said Andreas Renschler, adding that, “Even if everyone is currently talking about

electromobility, we don´t intend to let ourselves be restricted with regard to our technological scope. Which is why purely electric drives obviously have their place in our development strategy, just as much as fuel cells, hybrid drives, biodiesel and gas. We cannot dictate to customers what they should use, but we will be offering them exactly the solution that is ideal and generates a commercial advantage.”

In addition to the eTruck, MAN displayed the fully electric MAN Lion’s City articulated bus as a concept vehicle and introduced different charging infrastructure concepts. It also showed a TGS semitrailer tractor with electric drive for use in applications relating to inner-city night-time supply. Optimised for use with a city semitrailer, the concept vehicle offers a high load volume with a low tare weight, and is free from emissions (CO2, NOx, noise).

Thanks to its many years of experience with electrified drivetrains and the electrification of further components in the MAN Lion’s City Hybrid, MAN Truck & Bus believes it is an “excellent position to provide transport companies with a practical and efficient solution in the electric bus segment”. MAN’s take on eMobility relies on a modular approach, through which charging technology can be selected and combined as needed, with the number of storage modules depending on the required range and transport capacity. The German manufacturer said it will be sending a pre-series bus version of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) for field testing as part of its eMobility roadmap in 2018. Series production of a 100% electrically-driven city bus will commence before 2020.

While electric vehicles will grab the headlines there was also plenty of room for new developments in hybrid fuel technology and, in the case of Hyundai’s H350 fuel concept, hydrogen.

Iveco showcased its New Daily Electric, a 5.6t, 60kW van at the show. Designed to be a quiet and efficient urban operator, it typifies the advantages of being able to run your deliveries at night and in low emission areas of our increasingly crowded city centres. The Italian company is, however, arguably ahead of the competition in the development of natural gas engines and is banking on the infrastructure for the technology continuing to meet European Union targets. With the Stralis NP now out in the open, it presented its sleek Z TRUCK concept, a heavy truck which runs on Bio-LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) with conformable tanks, enhanced aerodynamics and a waste heat recovery system,

NOVEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 31

IAA REVIEW: TECHNOLOGY

tHe best of tHe rest Eaton Corp displayed a variety of advancements, including a system that will allow for self-docking of a truck. Called Dock Assist, the new feature uses software upgrades to communicate with Eaton’s automated manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The company said by controlling the vehicle speed, Dock Assist can eliminate damage to a trailer and loading dock.

Cummins also unveiled new turbocharger components and a midrange fuel system that combined can offer up to 7% to 8%

ZF’s Innovation Truck is proving that it will compete with the chassis-makers in terms of new technology.

fuel efficiency improvements. Additionally, Cummins demonstrated a new aftertreatment solution with the unveiling of the new higher

to deliver long-haul transport with autonomy of 2,200km and virtually zero CO2 emissions.

Designed in collaboration with CNH Industrial’s design centre and innovation department, it features a human machine interface projected on a smart windshield and active connectivity with its Michelin tyres to provide real-time data on tyre pressure, temperature and usage.

“We are facing a revolution triggered by the concern for the environment, the economy, and safety on and around vehicles,” said Pierre Lahutte, Iveco brand president. “With our focus on our values of sustainability, TCO, technology and business partnership with our customers, we have been working to reduce the impact of our vehicles with alternative fuels such as bioLNG, and putting the driver and the customer at the centre of our development.”

He continued: “With IVECO Z TRUCK and its 29 patents, we are defining where our efforts could lead us in the future: a vehicle with a human dimension, designed to accommodate comfortably and safely the work and leisure activities of the driver, adapting each time to his needs. We are defining a future of long-haul freight transport that is totally sustainable – a vehicle that has zero impact on its environment, with zero emissions and zero accidents.”

The development of electric vehicles and the drivelines they require are forcing – let’s say inspiring – specialist driveline manufacturers to show that they are best positioned to turn the truck chassis and tractor head into a data centre.

For instance, Platooning, which allows multiple trucks to connect and run in an autonomous road train and should increase commercial vehicle safety, reliability and efficiency, was a buzzword at IAA this time around.

It is a method heavily reliant on accurate data from within and around each moving vehicle. Companies like ZF feel they are best placed to take this and other related technology for semi and fully autonomous vehicles forward.

ZF (which used virtual reality goggles on its stand…how 2016) has even taken to creating its own truck to demonstrate the cutting edge possibilities. Wabco recently lifted the veil on its work with ZF’s Innovation Truck which combines active steering with active braking.

At IAA, demoed the TX-TRAILERGUARD, the first fleet management solution that transmits real-time data on the performance of the truck, trailer and driver to the fleet manager’s desk.

One of the more surprising concepts at the show was Bosch and its gnarly looking Vision X truck. he concept demonstrated the company’s

performance compact box and display of the single module that offers a 60% reduction in space and 40% reduction in weight.

Continental shared several of its updated safety technologies for trucking, including its head-up display, or HUD. The display projects a colour image of important driving information into the field of vision of a driver. Display choices include speed, navigation instructions, traffic sign warnings and driving time remaining.

own take on next generation commercial vehicles technology with a hybrid powertrain and connected logistics. Bosch estimates platooning could cut fuel consumption by as much as 10% and told journalists at the how that it is using its progress in autonomous passenger car systems to introduce similar driver assistance systems into commercial vehicles.

“The truckers of the future will go from being drivers to serving as logistics managers,” said Bosch exec Markus Heyn. “As drivers lose the requirement to drive, there’ll be plenty of other jobs for them to do. Bosch says truck ‘drivers’ of the future will plan routes, work on documents or simply sit back and observe.”

“electric drives Have tHeir place, jUst as MUcH as fUel cells, Hybrid, biodiesel and Gas. We can’t dictate WHat tHey sHoUld Use” 32 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

IAA RevIew: TyRe Technology

Tracks of the year

IAA wAs A greAt showcAse for developments In tyre technology

T

he IAA event always features some interesting developments from tyre manufacturers and this year’s was not different.

The most surprising launch of the show, surely must go to Continental Tyre’s Conti EcoPlus HD3. The new range of tyres is the first made from Taraxagum rubber or dandelion roots.

The tyre-maker also showed off its Conti EfficientPro line for the steer and drive axle, with a reduced rolling resistance which it claims helps the tyres to achieve fuel savings of up to 0.64l over 100km compared with its existing Conti EcoPlus tyres.

34 TRUCK&FLEET ME novemBeR 2016

The tyre is currently in the hands of the OEMs only but will be launched to the aftermarket in 2017.

Global powerhouse Bridgestone demonstrated its ‘Tirematics’ tyre monitoring system at the event, which comprises IT systems that use sensors to remotely monitor, transmit and analyse real-time information, such as the pressure and temperature of commercial truck and bus tyres.

Bridgestone shared details on its Tirematics fleet programme at IAA and claimed it provides “added value to fleet operators” by taking a proactive approach to tyre maintenance, before serious problems arise, helping to reduce vehicle

downtime and roadside breakdowns, while optimising tyre life and fuel economy.

“Bridgestone’s Tirematics is a practical, cost effective fleet oriented solution with great impact on tyre performance, fuel economy and breakdown prevention” said Neil Purves, senior manager, Solution Business Systems, Bridgestone Europe.

Expanding on the existing Tirematics connected tyre solution, Bridgestone is now trialling a system to bring further benefits to the fleet.

In addition to tyre pressure and temperature information, this also provides relevant vehicle data to the server, on a

IAA RevIew: TyRe Technology

continuous basis, not just when a vehicle checks in through the gate. This data allows Bridgestone’s advanced data processing system to react quicker to pressure issues, informing the fleet and breakdown service if a tyre is rapidly deflating. The system also enables advanced algorithms to generate predictive maintenance scheduling.

Bridgestone has been providing a TPMSbased-tyre pressure monitoring service as part of its fleet service programme since 2013, via the ‘sensors and gate’ system which was also on display at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016.

Every time a vehicle passes through the gate, special valves on the vehicle tyres send pressure data via the GSM network to the Bridgestone fleet data server.

Tyre pressure is evaluated in real-time and if it falls outside the pre-defined limits, an email is automatically generated to the fleet and service provider, so that immediate action can be taken.

Reports can also be automatically created. More than 100,000 tyres are currently monitored through the server, with over 25,000 tyres measured daily.

Bridgestone believes Tirematics will also lead to significant cost savings on tyre maintenance since monitoring tyre information with a remote eliminates the need to check pressure with manual labour. More efficient maintenance will in turn allow tyres to be used for longer and more safely, reducing the number of tyres discarded prematurely and the total number consumed. With Bridgestone’s Tirematics solutions, fleet operators can therefore expect further cost reductions through more efficient operations.

“In addition to the ongoing benefit of reduced tyre maintenance and breakdown costs, Bridgestone is testing advanced applications.

Combined with vehicle data these can bring enhanced support to the fleet, allow optimal tyre selection for a particular fleet operation and enable us to provide targeted service leading to increased vehicle uptime” added Purves.

In addition to unveiling several new products, Hankook Tire’s big news from the IAA Commercial Vehicles show was its approval by Scania as an original equipment tyre supplier. As of November, Hankook Tire will supply 18 tyre dimensions to all Scania truck and bus models produced in Europe.

According to Stefan Brückner, Hankook OE account manager Europe, 11 of these 22.5 inch dimensions will be for the important long haul

segment, and the other seven for regional haul applications. Tyres to be shipped to Scania include the e-cube MAX for long-haul traffic and the SmartFlex, an all-season tyre for medium-haul applications; this second tyre is suitable for a number of vehicles, including the recently optimised Scania Euro 6 model.

From 2017 onwards, Hankook will also supply the SmartWork, a tyre designed for construction site applications.

“The cooperation with Scania in the original equipment segment is real proof of the quality of our products, since the e-cube MAX, SmartFlex and SmartWork lines were all able to meet the stringent specifications of the Scania engineers particularly in terms of performance, efficiency and sustainability,” commented Ho-Youl Pae, Hankook’s chief operating officer for Europe.

Aeolus Tyre, a Chinese tyre-maker that is in the process of merging with Pirelli’s truck and industrial operation, unveiled a steer axle tyre in the shape of the NEO Allroads S. The tyre will launch in 2017 in sizes 385/55 R 22.5 and 385/65 R 22.5. Aeolus also demonstrated its long distance trailer version, the Neo Fuel T+, with treads are designed to cope with long-haul roles and provide solid braking in the wet, claims Aeolus.

Kumho Tire used the IAA motor show in Frankfurt as the launch venue for several new products, including the company’s self-sealing tyres and tyres for electric vehicles.

The new run-flat tyres include enhanced safety features, and self-sealing-tyres that prevent air leakage in the event of a puncture – the first such product, Kumho claims, to originate from a South Korean tyre maker.

“Further evidence of our future-orientated approach to technology is embodied in the concept tyres developed for Ssanyong’s SUV Tivoli concept vehicles – XAV and XLV,” the company said in a news release. “Specifically designed for off-road driving, the XAV features a tread pattern modelled on the footprint of the mountain goat and offers excellent traction, reduced noise and optimum driving ability on muddy terrain. The XLV boasts superb wet weather performance and is notably quieter than rival SUV products.”

According to Kumho, its most notable new release was the Wattrun. The tyre has been specifically developed for electric vehicles and is said to be 25 per cent lighter than comparable existing products. Kumho also claims excellent wet road braking characteristics and low noise levels.

“The globally renowned IAA serves as a crucial test bed for manufacturers wishing to enter the European market,” commented Cheol-hwan Kim, Kumho’s European managing director of sales. “As a leading Korean tyre maker of global presence, we constantly strive to improve brand recognition for our products in this all-important marketplace.”

Contintental, Bridgestone and others are using data from installed tyres to prevent failures and improve vehicle productivity.

novemBeR 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 35

It is a lot more than just a tyre!

It’s a DoubleCoin; more miles per tyre! Go on…and on…..

With a very , it sets your profits soaring!

PMV LIVE PREVIEW

PUTTING The V INTO PMV

T&FME previews this month’s pmv Live event to see what’s in it for fLeet operators DatES: 21-24 NOVEMBER, 2016 VENuE: DuBai WORlD TRaDE CENTRE hallS: NEW Za'aBEEl Halls 4, 5 & 6 opENiNg houRS: 11aM-7pM

P

MV Live, the spin-off machinery and vehicle event that runs alongside the Big-5 showcase, lands this month in Dubai and will no doubt stir the annual discussion on whether it is worth a visit for those that spend more time on roads than construction sites.

Ever since the demise of the Commercial Vehicles Middle East event at the turn of the decade, the sector has missed a regionallyfocused meeting place to network and window shop. Even pulling in Mercedes was not enough to force its competitors to descend on the show en-masse in 2012 and get the sort of support an IAA, for instance, manages event on event.

The evaporation of CVME has not deterred other event organisers from trying to attract fleet owners and operators to their shows.

Unfortunately, the lack of support from commercial vehicles manufacturers means that the sector is often left as a sideshow forcing fleet visitors to wade through the vast halls of the Dubai World Trade Centre to find something relevant for them.

Take Automechanika, for instance, which comes and goes every year promising to provide a full upgrade on your operation before departing in a flurry of tyre dust. That event is great for those who run workshops or trade in the aftermarket but what is there for fleet and logistic managers, inspectors, controllers, owners?

The question could easily be asked of PMV Live too. The show, which runs

from the 21-24 November, has managed to bring in some big names over the years, such as MAN Bus and Trucks, but it has yet to really create an event where you can justify more than a few hours there, especially if you are looking to buy vehicles.

T&FME still thinks that those few hours are well worth your time, especially if you are willing to make your way to the workshops.

While it may be sparse from a commercial vehicles and fleet perspective, the workshop and seminar programme features a stellar line up of presentations: they are one of the best reasons to visit the show and this year is no different.

The afternoon of the first day features Colin Fredrick Hodgson, technical support manager at Chevron Lubricants, discussing emission regulations and their impact on engine technology and diesel sulphur. Taking the same slot on 22nd November, Dr Rafiq Swash, technical director, Digi Robotics Technologies taps into the current zeitgeist for all things automated and will look at autonomous vehicles and robotics. A timely discussion given the UAE’s commitment to self-driving fleet.

Equally important is the UAE’s drive to reduce its carbon footprint and Karl Feilder of The Neutral Group will be examining how vehicles can contribute to reaching its targeted reduction of 30% by 2030. Meanwhile Tomás Colaç, marketing manager at HYVA MEA will be looking at the evolution of the tipper body weight for the construction market and exploring smart and intelligent alternatives for the tipper sector.

The exhibition side of PMV Live features a strong line-up of machinery and plant but is less impressive on the vehicle side.

However, Al Tayer and Ford have chosen to

support the event in recent years and will be looking to build on the impressive showing at last year’s event. MAN Truck and Buses dealer, United Motors and Heavy Machinery is a stalwart of the Dubai show circuit and will be showcasing its impressively deep range of vehicles and equipment.

Chinese manufacturer Higer, in contrast, may be a less familiar name to some in the region but will be there with KHF Auto Motive Trading. KHF also represents German trailer specialist Meiller which has a solid track record in building efficient tippers – a recommended visit for those in material transportation.

Both Caltex and Chevron will also be there on the lubricants side of the garage.

Show highlightS 21 NoVEMBER 14.45-15.30pm - Commercial vehicle lubricants in a low sulpher diesel environment, Colin Fredrick Hodgson, technical support manager, chevron lubricants

22 NoVEMBER 12.00-13.00pm – Tips to finance machinery, Joe Thomas, Group Internal Auditor, Mohamed Hareb Al Otaiba Group 14.45-15.30pm – Robotics and Applications, Dr. Rafiq Swash, Technical Director, Digi Robotics Technologies

23 NoVEMBER 12.00-13.00pm – Tips to finance machinery, Joe Thomas, Group Internal Auditor, Mohamed Hareb Al Otaiba Group

NOVEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 37

LiVE PREViEW PMV LIVE PREVIEW

STAying POsITIve mustafa Caner sinanogLu, middLe east Countries manager of ford truCks says the us Company remains optimistiC in a diffiCuLt market ahead of pmv Live What are Ford Trucks plans in the UAE and the Middle East?

We know that a well-developed sales and service network is key to success in our business. We currently have a widespread dealer network in the Middle East with powerful partners including Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co Ltd in Saudi Arabia, Al Tayer Motors/Premier Motors in United Arab Emirates, Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC in Oman, Almana Motors Company W.L.L in Qatar, Almoayyed Motors in Bahrain, Al Kasid Commercial Agencies Ltd in Iraq, The Commercial & Industrial Company in Jordan.

Our plan for the Middle East is to extend our facilities to Kuwait and Yemen. With regard to Ford Trucks organisation, we are planning to empower our regional team with local and experienced sales, after sales and marketing team members very soon.

38 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

Are you going to showcase any product at PMV Live 2016?

We as Ford Trucks will be displaying a range of 2017 Model Year heavy commercial vehicles including a 1843T tractor, a 3543M 6x4 chassis mixer as well as a 4143M 8x4 chassis mixer. All our product variants including tractors, road trucks and construction series with tipper and mixer superstructures, customised with transmissions and cabin types for on- and off-road conditions are offered to customers in the Middle East market. Tractors and construction vehicles are also offered with 10mm, 500Mpa chassis frames that further im¬prove the durability of the vehicle. The construction trucks are offered in 6x4 and 8x4 versions with the powerful 12.7 liter Ford Ecotorq engine.

What new products or services are you going to present at the show?

Our new, visually and technologically advanced product range is going to be showcased for the first time in the Middle East therefore we would like to leave further information until PMV Live.

What do you expect from your participation at PMV Live 2016?

We consider PMV Live 2016 will be the most effective regional gathering with our customers, target audience and specialised press members to convey our capabilities on how we manage to cover various market expectations.

We will have chance to showcase our new products, drive brand awareness and improve the ability to communicate our new brand promise “Sharing the load”.

Furthermore, with the ability of our sales force, we aim to reach our target audience and generate sales leads as well.

LIVE PREViEW PREVIEW PMV LiVE

Did Ford Trucks develop any feature specifically designed for the gCC countries?

Thanks to our extensive and long experience in heavy commercial vehicle manufacturing, our product development team brought their knowledge and blend with needs and expectations of our customers as well as the local conditions and regulations in the Middle East region.

The robust components and technology of Ford Trucks are already perfectly suited to our region, but all of our series can also be further customised solutions for the region`s toughest conditions such as heat, humidity and dust.

To ensure this, our “Hot Climate Package” provides comfort in hot and dusty environments with improved A/C and radiator performance, improved cabin isolation and filtration. The package was developed over a two-year period of vehicle durability tests in simulated laboratory conditions and tailored to specific customer expectations through a series of road tests in the region.

What opportunities do you spot in the local construction market in the near future?

Medium to long-term infrastructure projects supported by GCC development fund, as well as government and private sector driven construction projects provide plenty of future potential and make the region a very attractive target of investment for us.

What are the main challenges you face in the local industry, and how are you overcoming them?

For all newly launched vehicles, product awareness is the main challenge, especially in a region like the Middle East where the competition is at highest level. We have been trying to overcome this issue by finalising deliveries to reference companies operating in various segments.

Additionally, our distributors keep test trucks in their fleets for customers who want to try our vehicles for a certain period of time. We believe, this is one of the best ways to assess performance of any vehicle.

Are you experiencing a growing demand for more sustainable, green solutions for heavy commercial vehicles in the region?

Current global vision supports and improves the motivation to develop greener technologies and various industries are affected by this approach therefore we are likely to see more sustainable and green vehicles on the roads in the near future. In the GCC, regulations for transportation give signals to increase emission level to Euro 4 and above which enable vehicle manufacturers to offer environmentally friendly trucks to the markets. At the same time, improvements regarding fuel quality and stricter older vehicle regulations are expected. Some governmental departments have started to request green vehicles in their requirements as well.

$100BN iNfRaStRuctuRE SpEND luRES iNDuStRy to pMV liVE aND MEc 2016 The Middle East Concrete and PMV Live events will be held against the backdrop of some of the world’s largest and most lucrative infrastructure projects, say the show organisers. The outlook remains extremely positive as regional governments continue to splash out on flagship developments to meet the needs of a growing population and the increasing demands of tourism. Multibillion dollar infrastructure initiatives such as Dubai Expo 2020 and the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar have already presented a huge opportunity for construction companies.

How is the heavy vehicle market developing in the region?

We anticipate that Middle East heavy trucks (16+ tons) market will approximately grow 7% annually and reach 22.000 vehicles by 2020. International researches seem to be supporting our anticipation.

Our target is to increase our market share especially in the Middle East and become one of the top 3 heavy commercial vehicle brands in the region.

Construction is the most deeply affected segment by the economical downsizing in GCC markets and as a result HCV market is expected to shrink compared to 2015 however we expect the positive trend to be started by the Q4 2016 and will continue till 2020. Customers tend to postpone their fleet renewal decisions and continue using their existing trucks however we have successfully delivered our trucks to many mid to large size logistics and construction companies in our new entered markets in 2016.

The GCC is looking to spend US$604 billion in the next three years which will include US$100 billion on infrastructure projects.

Governments are turning to PPPs to safeguard project continuity. As well as the Expo and World Cup events, airports in the region are set to expand hugely by 2020 to keep up with the demands of increasing passenger numbers and cargo traffic. Investment is also pouring into road and railway projects such as the Route 2020 Metro expansion in Dubai.

According to dmg : : events, Middle East Concrete and PMV Live will be an “ideal platform” from which to network with the movers and shakers across the Gulf region responsible for some of the major developments that are now taking place.

Furthermore, it is a chance for investors to seal a few money-spinning deals. Exhibitors secured some healthy sales at the Middle East Concrete and PMV Live events last year

What are your top three features that make the brand successful in the local market?

Durability, power, comfort and efficiency are the core features of our products and Ford Trucks combines two years unlimited mileage warranty and long maintenance intervals with low fuel consumption to keep costs to a minimum.

“wE aRE coNfiDENt that ouR pRoDuctS aND gRowiNg NEtwoRk will lEaD to StRoNgER pRESENcE of foRD tRuckS iN thE REgioN”

including Techmatik who sold a concrete block machine for US$ 2.7 million; MB Crusher who sold two crushers for US$85,000 and Basalt Rock Composite who won the overall prize at the 2015 Gaia Awards worth US$50,000 for its basalt fibre-based rebar.

Mr James Meltz, the event director said: This region remains a hotbed of infrastructure investment because the governments are still sanctioning muscular development projects to keep up with the massive pace of change taking place. This is all in line with the aim of the National Agenda for the UAE to be among the best in the world in the quality of airports, ports, road infrastructure, and electricity.”

NOVEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 39

Components

WiTh a TWisT T&FME talks to CSN MIDDLE EAST about challenging the parts market status quo

T

he cardan shaft is a vital component in the drivetrain.

It is a critical link between the transmission and engine to the axles; taking on all the torque an engine belting out power can muster. The stresses on the part can be immense in hot, rugged and dusty conditions. A failure can result in lost time in the workshop, if you’re lucky to be in the vicinity of one when it happens.

With OEM parts often many times more expensive than non-certified imports some workshop managers and repair centres are continuing to chance it with inferior products that have shortened lifespans with inferior parts and less than rigorous testing. Enter Cardan Service Network (CSN) Middle East, a company that promises OEM quality shafts for, among others, light and heavy and vehicles.

Importing German-made materials and parts from Europe for assembly in the UAE, managing partner Hans Georg Brune says the Dubai-based CSN Middle East is the only company currently meeting OEM standards on cardan shafts in the region. As such, it is challenging fleet owners to consider a third option beyond buying from the local dealer or importing from countries such as China.

He tells T&FME that prices charged by dealers and distributors in the Middle East can be far higher than in Europe, “because they have a monopoly here, the dealer dictates the price and charge whatever they want. In Europe, you

40 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

may more than one Mercedes-Benz dealer in a big city, for instance. They will compete with each other to keep their business going and hang on to the recommended retail price (RRP).”

As a consequence of a higher prices in the region, he claims that: “Nobody is buying from the

CSN Middle East's managing partner Hans Georg Brune

dealer. We therefore link ourselves to the OEM RRP and we undercut that price by at least 25-30%.”

A long-standing option is to look east for their replacement parts. Brune is convinced that this is a false economy for fleets. “People try to buy duplicates from China. They buy the

longest shaft they get and cut it to what they require but then nobody here in the UAE has a dynamic balancing unit – apart from us – to rebalance it when it is fitted. You can imagine that (the shaft) would not be up to any standard.”

Brune says that like tyres, an unbalanced shaft will cause uncomfortable and potentially damaging vibration on the truck: “You can get damage like broken rear axles, gearboxes and so on.”

CSN has been active for over 30 years, supplying parts suitable for European manufactured trucks such as MAN, MercedesBenz and Iveco. Today, it manufactures over 10,000 different shafts and it not only caters for commercial vehicles but construction equipment and even plants: “Basically anywhere where you might have an engine and transmission in touch with each other, you will need a cardan shaft to run that equipment.”

Brune says that it is the individual customer’s requirements – consider for a moment the countless and individualised Middle East customer specifications out there – that create such huge variety in parts. It means that CSN is constantly updating its offering. “Two Actros trucks could be produced on the same day and on the same production line but be entirely different lengths because of the customer’s order.”

“On our system we have all the specifications, so we know the connections required for the vehicles, the length, strength, etc – based on the OEM part number we can deliver from Dubai within 24 hours,” he concludes.

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ADVERTORIAL

SCANIA VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY:

STAY SAFE, WORK EASILY AND SAVE FUEL

Scania cabs are designed, first and foremost, for safety. on top of this, we add generations of testing in ergonomics, aerodynamics and reliability – all to ensure the best possible driving environment, inside and out EFFICIENT DRIVING – SCANIA OPTICRUISE An automated gear changing system benefits drivers and operators in several ways.

Besides improving comfort and eliminating the need to watch revs and change gears, it enables the driver to devote more attention to handling the vehicle and to other traffic.

The gear changing strategy is designed to adapt to the environment continually by taking factors such as road inclination, trailer weight and engine characteristics into account. As well as rocking mode, clutch overload warning

42 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

system and manoeuvre mode that will serve as good companions during the journey.

To meet the customers demand on a premium gearshift Scania’s new Opticruise features high gearshift speed in combination with excellent comfort.

RETARDER Scania’s retarder lets the driver appreciate the powerful, yet smooth, effect of a hydraulic retarder. Besides comfort and a relaxing drive, it also provides savings by reducing the need for normal brake system maintenance. We

normally recommend to use a retarder when vehicles are operating on hilly roads or braked frequently at higher speeds in flat topography.

DRIVER SUPPORT On the dashboard the drivers receive live feedback from Scania’s Driver Support tool, showing drivers how braking, acceleration and gear-shifting affect fuel consumption and road safety.

ERGONOMICS AND COMFORT – CLIMB IN, RELAX AND FOCUS ON WHAT YOU DO BEST

ADVERTORIAL

“ExtEnsivE aErodynamic tEsting, contributEs to good fuEl Economy”

The driving position in a Scania cab will suit everybody. A wide range of adjustments gives maximum scope for drivers to find exactly the right position for a comfortable, relaxed posture. With a firm grip on the wheel, every principal control is within fingertip reach. The steering column position is also adjustable. Visibility around the vehicle requires no more than small movements of the head if not a mere flick of the eyes.

AERODYNAMICS Wind-tunnel testing is used to refine every surface, every curve and every piece of

exterior equipment for optimal aerodynamic performance. The overall shape of the cab is also designed this way. A gradually tapered front end gives the cab a wedge-shaped profile that significantly reduces drag.

Another key factor in airflow optimisation is the cab’s ability to cope with cross-winds.

The large radius curves around the entirety of the cab help to achieve this while reducing road spray and internal wind noise.

For a final, but optional aerodynamic touch, side and roof air deflectors may also be attached to the cab. The new generation

trucks comes with improved roof and side air deflectors, as well as an improved cab front design that reduces air drag.

CAB SAFETY – YOU’RE ALWAYS IN GOOD HANDS Active safety is all about making the driving of your truck as secure as possible, with the aim of minimising road risks, collisions and other incidents that could lead to injury. Active safety is centred around giving the driver better feedback and control. To this end, we at Scania are constantly at work to improve

NOVEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 43

ADVERTORIAL

visibility, handling, braking and stability.

Passive safety focuses on design aspects that minimise the consequences resulting from a collision – consequences that affect the driver and the occupants of other vehicles.

This includes structural integrity, instrument positioning and dispersion of impact forces.

The new cab structure offer an outstanding crash performance but it also significantly reduces the risk of a car ending up under the vehicle in the event of a collision. Plus, new rollover airbags have been installed to protect occupants from side impacts, and the roof hatch has been enlarged to serve as an emergency exit.

VISIBILITY – SEE IT BEFORE IT HAPPENS A Scania cab offers panoramic views to the front and sides. This provides drivers with unobstructed, long-range visibility of both

44 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

the road and approaching obstacles. For full close- and long-range rear views, each cab is also fitted with large, well-positioned and adjustable mirrors. As an advanced alternative, camera systems with full-frontal display monitors are available for an even wider and more centred field of vision.

When driving at night, automatically levelling halogen headlights, directions indicators, position lights and side indicators improve safety for everyone on the road. Highmounted spot lamps above the windscreen are incorporated into the sun shield, while auxiliary lighting includes fog and spot lamps for adverse weather conditions.

The new cab design improves visibility considerably, both on the highways and when operating at low speeds. Slimmer A-pillars, lower side windows, a lower instrument panel combined with the

adjusted driver position all contribute to enhanced direct visibility for the driver.

QUALITY – CONSISTENTLY ENJOY HIGH RESIDUAL VALUES One of several reasons for Scania’s cost benefits is the high and lasting quality of the cab. Every cab we build is the result of extreme structural strength, high-quality materials, comprehensive corrosion protection and a sheer, lasting finish.

The distinctive shape and imposing presence of a Scania cab is built around a tough, rigid steel cage. This structure has been thoroughly designed to withstand severe impacts – to protect the driver as well as to reduce damage on surrounding vehicles in the event of a collision.

The result of painstaking attention to detail is a cab of genuine quality that can, and will, withstand years of daily use as well as the inevitable occasional abuse.

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White PaPer: WhiTE PaPER: O&G ROad rOad SaFETy Safety

Brodie von Berg and Qasim shah of miX TelemaTics look aT journey managemenT and The role crowdsourcing Tech can play in improving road safeTy of oil and gas ops

ImprovIng o&g road safety 46 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

White PaPer: O&G rOad Safety

Oil and gas operator s methods of assessing road hazards are largely outdated.

m

any Oil and Gas producers and service companies have already achieved substantial and sustained improvements in road safety performance over the last decade, evident in the typical lagging indicator: Motor vehicle crash frequency rate, often published in Corporate Sustainability reports.

The single highest risk factor in commercial land transport remains: the Environment in which operations exist where 1.25 million people continue to die on the world’s roads each year (World Health Organisation Global Status Report on Road Safety, 2013).

The traditional method of assessing the environmental risk is by performing a Road Hazard Assessment (RHA) to determine the hazards and risk rating by individual route, this approach is cumbersome and dated. Every time a new route is established in the operation, the current best practice methodology would require a specialist to travel the new route and populate a hazard register with all of the recognizable hazards and the associated risk rating. This method is impractical and therefore rarely achieved in a timely manner.

In the search for a pragmatic solution, an alternative methodology to fixed route is explored in light of new Journey Management technologies available to industry. The technology enables crowdsourcing of hazard information, desktop validation, and real-time analysis of route risk.

The benefits and challenges in adopting this technology in the Oil & Gas community will be assessed in both isolation and in conjunction with

Journey Management.The single highest risk factor in commercial land transport remains: the environment in which operations exist where 1.25 million people continue to die on the world’s roads each year (World Health Organisation Global Status Report on Road Safety, 2015).

Oil & gas operators and service companies attempt to quantify the risk from the road environment by performing (RHA) to determine the hazards and produce a risk rating by individual route, this approach is cumbersome and dated. Every time a new route is established in the operation, the current best practice methodology would require a specialist to travel the new route and populate a hazard register with all of the recognizable hazards and the associated risk rating. This method is impractical and therefore rarely achieved in a timely manner.

SUB JOURnEy ManaGEMEnT Journey Management (JM) is the holistic management of vehicle movements through a process of compliance audit, risk rating of hazards, and route planning. This process provides more holistic planning and risk assessment of vehicle movements and greater assurance of journeys completed successfully otherwise offering early intervention to reduce loss. With advances in technology, JM has evolved and opened up opportunities to evolve the traditional RHA methodology.

The technology enables crowdsourcing of hazard information, desktop validation by an independent party, and real-time analysis of route risk. The benefits and challenges in adopting this technology in the Oil & Gas

community will be assessed both in isolation and in conjunction with Journey Management.

In practice, maintaining a current and comprehensive depositary of RHA Hazard Registers for all common routes travelled by staff and/or contractors is resource-intensive requiring specialists to complete and consequently does not occur consistently. Additionally, variances in the number of identified hazards and risk rating vary greatly from organisation to organisation.

This results in inconsistency and can even occur in multiple organisations even when they operate within the same geographical area.

The OGP365-2 Land transportation safety recommended practice – Guidance note 2 – Journey Management provides a recommended example for journey assessment and approval.

This method categorises the journey in to low, medium, or high risk according to a points system assessing the risk factors. The road conditions contribute to the risk score for the total journey risk but only account for the road type in four categories; Paved, Mixed, Unpaved, and Mountain.

The work carried out in the area is largely ignored and the known risk does not convey across to the total journey risk score.

The evolution of commercially available journey management systems are now catering for the known risk presented from road hazards and factoring in to the total journey risk score. This is achieved by categorising journey risk in to 3 distinct categories; Environment, Asset and People. This enables journey stakeholders to rapidly identify where the risk is highest. A further example is taking the high risk environment rating and expanding the details to reveal the causes. The method of risk categorisation enables simple adjustments to the journey plan to be made during the planning process (e.g. changing the route slightly to avoid high risk road hazards), reducing the risk profile of the overall journey.

Adopting the current recommended practice for RHA provides a hazard register per predetermined route. The process requires for all common routes to be routinely surveyed to update the hazard register. Inefficiencies can and do exist where routes crossover each other or new routes are assessed completely. The concept of and the evaluation of environmental risk within the JM technology significantly enhances this process. Road Hazards no longer need to be tied to a fixed route, instead they are recorded as a geographical location with the required information. Commercially

NOVEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 47

White PaPer: O&G rOad Safety

available JM solutions enable the journey route to be created in real-time utilising a routing engine to increase efficiency of route selection. When the route is created, the JM plan is able to ‘collect’ all the road hazards on the roads which the route passes through and form the environmental risk assessment based on the collected hazards. This enables a multitude of routes to be used and the known hazards to immediately impact the risk rating.

The next challenge with adopting the OGP3651 framework or similar for the RHA process is the risk ranking classification is provided per road hazard and there is no guidance on overall route road hazard risk classification.

Oil & Gas operators/service companies that adopt the OGP365 Land Transport Safety Recommended Practice or a derivative of the same, should have sufficient procedures or practices that enable the driver to control the vehicle and navigate road hazards without resulting in a motor vehicle crash. This assumption is based on: Driver capability and vehicle reliability.

Therefore, the assumption is that as long as there are no physical constraints (e.g. Bridges/ tunnels) that would prevent the vehicle from reaching the destination without interference, and no escalating factors present (e.g. Fog/ Snow), then the resulting risk ranking for all the identified hazards will be Low. In absence of a documented industry best practice, there are different perspectives used across the Oil & Gas industry for calculating overall route hazard risk. The highest risk rating for all road hazards in the route will determine the overall risk rating for the ‘environmental’ risk for the route. While this appears rational on the basis that where a high risk road hazard is identified then the risk for the journey will be high due to the high risk road hazard encounter being imminent, it ignores is the potential for existing policies, procedures or practices to break down and expose higher risk.

The combination of many low or medium risk road hazards allow for multiple road hazards with low or medium risk to compound in to a higher risk rating given that a series of road hazards introduces more exposure than just a single road hazard. This perspective relies on a repeatable formula for risk assessment typically using a calculation of the number and risk rating of each road hazard. The reliance on the number of identified road hazards alone introduces potential for error where many low risk road hazards may be the result

48 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

SUMMMaRy OF OGP365-2JOURnEy ManaGEMEnT RiSK aSSESTMEnT Low risk = < = 14 points

Med risk = 15 - 24 points

High risk = > = 25 points

A

Security escort requirements

0 points for no escortrequirement scaling to 20m points for dual manned patrol

B

Security situation

0 points for no known problems scaling to 20 points for known possible problems

C

number of vehicles & passengers

1 point for 2+ vehicles with 1+ passengers per vehicle scaling to 6 points for single hevy vehicle with no passnger

D

Distance from base

Low points for 50km scaling to 11 points for more than 200km

E

road conditions

-

F

Day/night driving

0 points for driving between 6 am & 7 pm & <35 km scaling to 20 points for driving between 7 pm & 5 am > 20 km

paved road = 1 point mixed (less than 50% paved) =2 points Unpaved = 4 points mountain - 8 points

G

Weather

1 point for dry weather scaling to 8 points for fog /dust

H

Communication

0 points for mobile/satellite phone/radio scaling to 4 points for no comms, single vehicle

I

Driver hours on duty

0 points for driver slept > 8 hours in last 24 hrs scaling to 8 points for under 16 hrs on-duty by end of plan duty

J

Driving contractors usage

0 points for using permanent contract vehicle and driver with inspection and training approved by company, scaling to 20 points for using contract vehicle without inspection by company and driver without training by company

of a much more comprehensive RHA exercise as opposed to a less comprehensive effort.

The ability to create repeatable RHA’s with the same volume of hazards identified is influenced by the hazard perception abilities of the individual or team conducting the assessment. For this reason, there is an increased reliance on the assessor/s that conduct the RHA.

SUB PROCESS FaiLURES In both methods the robustness of the controls adopted according to policies, procedures or practices are not duly tested. This could lead to individual process failures compounding the risk of the road hazard. An example may be if Defensive Driver Training (DDT) is a mandatory requirement during which the driver is trained specifically on navigating crests, the risk presented by a driver not being trained on approach to a crest will make the risk of a crest (An identified hazard) potentially higher than Low. The risk rating of Low is therefore reliant on the DDT control being robust in terms of content, delivery, and controls around ensuring drivers actually successfully completed DDT. When a new route is going to be used by the organisation, a suitably qualified individual or team is required to travel the route and conduct the RHA. The resource/s required to be able to adequately identify hazards is not always readily available and it is not uncommon for organisations to deem the unknown as highest risk, therefore a route without a completed RHA is deemed as high risk. When JM is required, the risk for the journey will in this case increase to High requiring a senior stakeholder to accept the risk for each journey to start using the new route.

There appears to be no documented industry best practice for determining the skills and experience required for an individual to conduct a RHA. This leads organisations to use different criteria for selecting candidates and typically the resource performs the RHA’s as a part time role, if not the task is outsourced.

The hazard identification process requires observation and assessment of the road area to identify hazards although the current OGP365-1 risk classification process ignores the complexity of roadside furniture. An example may be that frangible light poles may line the street and considered low risk due to the design of the poles, however due to the installation method used locally, the frangible poles may not deform correctly in the event of a collision and act more like a tree. The risk may be considered low initially, however a trained eye may identify the higher risk due to the incorrect installation.

So how do we define the skills and experience required to sufficiently perform the RHA process? A pragmatic approach is required to provide feasible solution that will ensure that sufficient knowledge and experience is available to identify potentially high risk hazards without burdening operations with requirements that are not practical to implement. Borowsky et al. (2010) find that older experienced drivers were able to better detect cues and detect more potentially hazardous situations than novice drivers. Additionally, there are several road safety engineering qualifications that focus on the safety aspect of road infrastructure and furniture design and placement. The challenge is the feasibility of having older experienced drivers with road safety engineering

White PaPer: O&G rOad Safety

qualifications available to assess the routes used by operations on a frequent basis.

The ‘crowdsourcing’ concept offers an opportunity to innovate. Surrogate Road Hazard Assessors may be sourced from driver trainers, HSE professionals, and other company resources that frequently travel the routes.

The concept of enabling other internal resources to capture potential road hazards supported by photographic evidence provides an opportunity to gain more frequent updates. The potential issue is that due to the subjectivity of hazard perception, each hazard reported would require validation from a suitably qualified Road Hazard Assessor.

The technology available today allows surrogate Road Hazard Assessors to capture the detail of perceived hazards using just a smart phone and uploading to a central database, ready for review by a Road Hazard Professional. Once the hazard has been vetted, it can be added to a live Road Hazard Register.

When there are multiple organisations operating in the same geographical area, there is now an opportunity to share Road Hazard Registers online between organisations to ensure that each other organisation benefits from each other’s contributions. This enables contractor A to record a new road hazard and the operator and contractor’s B, C, and D to all benefit from the information.

In order to share the Road Hazard Registers

between organisations, there must be a common language and common risk classification system. While a unified global standard may not be possible, certainly a common standard for the organisations operating within the same geographical location would be of benefit.

In the context of JM, with the available technology commercially available today, the use of crowdsourced road hazard information updates will enable planned and even departed journeys to be reassessed in terms of risk based upon new hazard information received regarding road hazards on the route selected.

This can transform the risk assessment from an environmental risk perspective.

The safety performance of Oil & Gas land transport operations has improved on average and this is supported by the trends from the abovementioned operators and service companies. The improvements are diminishing and performance stagnating. Now is the time to identify improvements through advances in technology since the original recommended practices were produced.

The recommended practice for is based on assessing the fixed routes and classifying each road hazard with a risk rating to produce a hazard register per route. The recommended practice ignores the risk profile of the hazards per route, instead utilising different criterion in journey management planning to risk profile the environmental risk.

There are no specific recommendations regarding the skills and experience of the person who should conduct a and in practice, the frequency at which s are performed and/ or the consistency of the information captured varies. Care needs to be taken to ensure sufficient quality without the impracticalities of deploying road safety engineers on a full time basis in to sites to constantly monitor for road hazards. With parallel works on hazard perception being driven by computer-based hazard perception technology, we can learn that with experience, drivers become more attuned to cues that suggest a hazard.

Advances in technology can now enable any person with a smart phone to capture new road hazards and report to a central remote database.

Suitably qualified resources may then validate the road hazard and report in to a live common road hazard database that may be shared across organisations within a geographical location.

This creates a crowdsourcing model of road hazard data collection with quality control from a centralised resource validating road hazard data for many different geographical locations.

More up-to-date road hazard register databases enable a step change in the journey management process, no longer utilising just distance and terrain inputs to quantify environmental risk. There is still a requirement to utilise escalating factors in the JM plan as the presence will escalate the risk of the route.

Organisations should assess the current processes used for evaluating environmental risk from a journey management perspective.

Commercially available technology can enable crowdsourcing of road hazard data by less qualified but more readily available resources. The quality control mechanism can be centralised and when implemented will provide more up to date and accurate hazard register database.

Organisations overlapping in geographical area should work together to define a localised standard for assessing risk profiling logic per road hazard, per route, and per journey.

This logic should account for the robustness of the controls adopted to mitigate risk by using go/no-go compliances, all of which can be applied in commercially available systems to enable crowdsourcing of road hazards and use of the same information in the journey management plans, resulting in a uniform language of journey risk. If adopted, there are efficiencies to be created.

NOVEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 49

White PaPer: O&G rOad Safety

50 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

White PaPer: O&G rOad Safety

Read more about CSN Middle East FZCO, your local specialist of cardan shaft

Tel. +971 4 3333 731 Fax +971 4 3333 732 info@csn-me.com www.csn-me.com

NOVEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 51

Maintenance, tyres and Parts

mAInTenAnce, TYRes & PARTs

SPoNSoreD bY

www.csn-me.com

CUMMINS gIveS JAC edge IN OMAN MArket, ClAIMS tAC Omani dealer Towell Auto Centre claims the use of Euro 3 Cummins engines in its range of JAC light duty trucks gives it an edge with fleet owners in the market.

The 3 Ton (2.8L) and 4 Ton (3.8L) JAC Motors light-duty trucks are available in Oman exclusively with Towell Auto Centre (TAC) and are powered by internationally

renowned Cummins engine and deliver heavy-duty, reliable and safe performance that is suitable for various road conditions.

A senior spokesperson of TAC explains: “Cummins has the best technology to meet your power needs. It gives JAC trucks a clear advantage, improving fuel economy and lowering operating costs,

Towell Auto Centre claims Cummins-powered JAC trucks out perform their competitors.

360˚

WAbCo and mobileye say their advanced emergency braking tech will provide a 360-degree “cocoon of safety” 52 TRUCK&FLEET ME November November2016 2016

power and torque along with reliable and durable performance. In addition, truck operators appreciate significantly lower noise levels with smoother engine operation.

“Indeed, Cummins engine in JAC trucks gives the kind of exceptional performance and productivity that one expects from the world’s largest independent diesel engine manufacturer”.

The 2.8L JAC truck boasts maximum power of 107hp at 3,600rpm with maximum torque of 240Nm at 2,000rpm while the 3.8L model delivers maximum power of 141hp at 2,600rpm and 450Nm of torque at 1,200@2,200rpm.

According to Towell Auto Centre that gives them a performance comparable and at times “exceeding that of their rivals.”

“JAC 4 ton trucks use a Cummins ISF diesel engine that meets Euro 3 emission standards. Cummins ISF engines are fairly responsive and make the truck feel pretty lively and flexible, regardless of what load is carried at the back, being able to merge well with the city traffic,” the spokesperson added.

BKT LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE FOR MOBILE DEVICES BKT’s new website m.bkttires.com for mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, is now officially live.

It offers immediate access to the manifold and specially selected contents thanks to a tailored layout that makes

mobile browsing easy. Users from every country can now enjoy immediate access to detailed product information along with photos and videos, news and much more. BKT’s website recorded 2 million page visits in 2016.

Better keep things running smoothly.

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Maintenance, TyRES tyres AND and PARTS Parts MAINTENANCE,

mIchelIn lAunches new eARThmoveR TYRe RAnge In The mIddle eAsT

High-strength corrosion isolating steel cables in the tyre’s casing extend life, claims Michelin.

Michelin has launched a new XDR3 range of tyres for rigid dump trucks operating in surface mines with new features that increase tyre life by a claimed 10%. It said the new 40.00 R 57 and 53/80 R 63 XDR3 tyres have been designed to face one of the main challenges confronting mine operators who use rigid dump trucks – that of reducing the cost per ton of excavated material while ensuring safety and increasing profitability.

The new XDR3 range incorporates three key innovations, which together increase tyre life by a minimum of 10% compared to its predecessor, the XDR2, Michelin said in a statement.

SAUDI COMMERCIAL VEHICLES SECTOR TO gROW 9% By 2021 According to a new report by TechSci Research, the market of commercial vehicles in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 9% up to 2021. Initiatives and subsidies provided by the government to promote the adoption of alternate fuels such as natural gas and electric power coupled with rapid infrastructure development are expected to boost the market.

QuIck TIPs Fleetanswers shares its priorities for the company and the fleet...

1. The vehicles – The vehicles in your fleet are one of your top priorities. Your planning strategy needs to include plans for the types of vehicles you will own, the number you need and the way you will maintain them.

2. Replacement schedule – Your fleet needs a stated plan for when vehicles will be replaced, and that plan should be outlined and adjusted every time you bring a new vehicle into the fleet.

The replacement schedule needs to balance your costs of replacement with the costs of maintaining an older or outdated vehicle.

3. Energy efficiency –Efficiency is becoming increasingly important for fleets as companies have a greater desire to “go green” and fuel costs continue to be problematic for tight budgets.

4. Improved collaboration between departments – For a fleet to run as effectively as possible.

WolfSburg fC SuPPorter liNgloNg tire oPeNS ACADemY for ChiNeSe tAleNt

More than 60 children took part in training with VfL Wolfsburg coaches.

Chinese tyre manufacturer Linglong Tire says some of the 60-plus football mad teenagers it invited to its football training school in September could soon

be on the way to Germany to train with Bundesliga heavyweights Vfl Wolfsburg.

Linglong Tire has been a major sponsor of the German football team since 2014 and its ‘Youth On The Shoulder of Wolf – 2016 Linglong Football Training School’ was an opportunity for six to 12 year old aspiring players to receive professional coaching from VfL Wolfsburg During two intensive days of training, coaches educated the children in not only football skills but also observation, communication and cooperation skills. The tyre-maker added that the most talented

players at the academy will have the chance to go to Germany, “taking a good memory on the way to achieve their football dream”.

“Teenagers are the future of Chinese football,” said a senior official for Linglong Tire. “We are really pleased to gather so many talented teenagers from different cities to get training from professional coaches. As the organiser, we wish to offer more opportunities and a platform for teenagers who have football dreams. With our advanced resources we hope to contribute to the sustainable development of Chinese football careers.”

“wITh ouR AdvAnced ResouRces we hoPe To conTRIbuTe To The susTAInAble develoPmenT of chInese fooTbAll cAReeRs” November 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 55

PARTING SHOT

Like the hosts, The Grand Tour is the best and worst of auto culture.

A GrAnd EscapE Love them or Loath them, you won’t be abLe to avoid the return of the former hosts of top Gear this month

T

wo of the most distinctive and disruptive coiffures in the history of international relations will storm our screens this month. Most of the free world will hold its collective breath if Donald Trump manages to convince enough US voters to ignore his past indiscretions and dubious cross-border construction project suggestions and may need turn to the escapist petrol-headed nonsense of The Grand Tour for light relief.

Like Trump, former host of the BBC’s Top Gear programme, Jeremy Clarkson invites the sort of disdain and horror in some people normally reserved for banana republic despots.

For others, the man who once compared Mexican cars to Mexican people as “lazy, feckless, flatulent, overweight, leaning against a

56 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2016

fence asleep looking at a cactus with a blanket with a hole in the middle on as a coat” and drove a Porsche 928 to Patagonia in Argentina with a barely concealed reference to the Falklands War on its number plate, is tolerated with a grudging disrespect as he has helped elevate auto culture into the realms of the mainstream.

He and his co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May, whose new series called The Grand Tour begins on Amazon in November, have found global notoriety by fusing the lowjinx of Jackass with the genuine joy of driving.

Amazon was reportedly willing to part with $6.5 million per episode and the online retail behemoth is clearly confident that a global audience will lap up their heady of mix of intellectual idiocy and dads on the loose patter.

Many have come and many have failed to replicate their formula, including the alma

mater BBC which showed a de-nuded Top Gear earlier this year. Skip past the casual racism and contrived races and you’ll still find that only Clarkson, Hammond and May are able to convey the pure unadulterated fun of being behind the wheel.

Shame then that they still haven’t produced a show that has any depth in terms of demystifying the engineering behind the less glamorous vehicles they feature. Clarkson and May (particularly May who was the former editor of Autocar magazine) retain a wealth of auto engineering knowledge that is only drip-fed to the audience – and often at high speed. Park your work brain to one side and go in expecting to see a truck converted into a galleon with a 30ft sail. As Clarkson himself says in the trailer “looking good is more important than looking where you’re going.”

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