Truck & Fleet ME September 2016 by Construction Machinery ME

GAME CHANGERS THE TRUCK TRENDS THAT MATTER

032 SEPTEMBER 2016

RAPID TRANSIT Autonomous riding at 70km/hr

MIDDLE EAST

A FRESH FRANCHISE DESERT CHILL INTERVIEW

Busting out Best-in-class Bus technology From selF-Driving to hyBriDs

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Engine

∙ Clutches ∙ Power Steering Pumps

Drivetrain

It’s what’s inside that counts.

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many CV applications.

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steering pumps are a genuine OE alternative to the main dealer part.

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Scania Middle East www.scania.com

05 CONTENTS

A supplement of Cmme

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

When you WAnt something Done My ever reliable iPad has travelled with me across the world but died in August. As I sat and looked at its tattered blank screen I realised just how important it is to me when it comes down to running the magazine. It was with me the last time I scooted across Saudi Arabia, it was in my

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 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

LAUNCH

bag when I made recent trips to Europe for the

08 / koreAn giAnt killer

magazine and will definitely be packed when I

DESIGN

Following a year of tests in the UAE Tata Daewoo is ready to launch its huge V3TXF.

head to Renault’s big launch in France this month.

ArT DIrEcTor SIMON COBON

Unfortunately the downside to all this cotravelling has been its gradual detireoation to

COVER STORY

12 / 2016 Bus reVieW Get onboard and buy your ticket for this year’s bus round-up.

the point of disintegration. It’s been rebuilt in the cavernous Mall of Emirates in Dubai three times and quite frankly it has cost me a fortune

16 / loWering CoVer Costs How telematics can help you to lower the costs of your fleet operation.

myself. A few nerve-wracking hours of replacing almost everything on it and it returned to life. It has led me to the realisation that

18 / DriVer of the future You can meet the truck driver of the future at this year’s IAA.

to keep critical equipment going.

20 / Desert Chill The operator and franchise owner opens up on its regional frustrations.

that faces buyers of fleet vehicles. The cost

WEB DEVELoPEr MOHAMMAD AwAIS WEB DEVELoPEr SADIQ SIDDIQUI WEB DEVELoPEr SHAHAN NASEEM

PUbLISHED by

challenging operation for some companies. For others whose vehicles are located away from convenient dealer-run service centres the idea of sacrificing uptime to send the vehicle away Simply put, sometimes when you want

24 / telemAtiCs is ineVitABle

something done you’ve got to do (and

Will the region adopt telematics to control the cost of insurance?

figure it) out for yourself. Unfortunately.

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) PRINTED by PRINTwELL PRINTING PRESS LLC

TRENDS

28 / An eye on the mArket What key trends should you look for ahead of the year’s biggest truck show?

DISTrIBUTIoN MANAGEr SUNIL KUMAR sunil.kumar@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5476

and effort of maintaining and servicing fleets

just doesn’t cut it from a budget perspective.

OPINION

CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION

DIGITAL

It also reminded me of the classic dilemma

can be a tiresome outlay and logistically

INTERVIEw

MArKETING MANAGEr LISA JUSTICE lisa.justice@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5498

ProDUcTIoN MANAGEr VIPIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5713

just throwing money at a problem is often the least rewarding and costly way

DRIVER TECHNOLOgY

MARKETING

to keep going. So this month, I decided I would gather my tools and take the thing apart by

INSURANCE

JUNIor GrAPHIc DESIGNEr PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY

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.

SEPTEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 1

ONLINE

MOST POPULAR

FEATURED

READERS’ COMMENTS

CONSTRUCTION

LESS TURbULENT

Habtoor Leighton Group CEO arrested in Dubai

TIMES FOR DUbAI PROPERTy MARkET

It makes sense that real estate values are back on the way up (Dubai property price rises ‘imminent’, August 22). The days of mass speculation are well and truly behind us and the market is much more mature. So the severe highs and lows are a thing of the past.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Muscat airport terminal works ‘on schedule’

In pictures: Emaar ‘Act One | Act Two’

Name withheld,

project in Dubai Opera District

online comment

CONSTRUCTION

Saudi Oger ‘faces $800m liabilities, bankruptcy’

HIgH-SPEED FUTURE FOR LOgISTICS

I am happy to see the hyperloop in the media again, given the DP World

CONSTRUCTION

study over its potential use

Workers evacuated in Viceroy Dubai tower fire

at Jebel Ali port (Dubai’s DP World to study ‘hyperloop’ container transport, August 17). It’s interesting to see how high-speed tube transport could work in logistics. Perhaps forwardthinking Dubai is where

CONSULTANT

RMJM appointed to work on ‘The Tower’ in Dubai

Video: Ain Dubai, world’s largest observation wheel,

2 TRUCK&FLEET ME SEPTEMBER 2016

takes shape in Dubai

this will really take off. James Swift, online comment

NETWORK

NETWORK 09 16

YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO THE MIDDLE EAST’S TrucK and fleeT operaTor neTworK Greater road safety is critical to protect employees and staff, says RoadSafetyUAE.

Al Habtoor’s new facility in Riyadh is now open.

Corporations need to road saFetY Csr sCHeMes RoadSafetyUAE has called on corporations to play a vital role in achieving the UAE government’s drive to reduce road fatalities as part of its ‘UAE Vision 2021’ programme. RoadSafetyUAE is an initiative led by Thomas Endelman which is encouraging businesses and organisations to place road safety at the centre of their CSR strategies. “The nation is challenged to support the government in reducing road traffic fatalities from 5.99/100,000 inhabitants (end 2015) to 3.00 by 2021. In this context, the support of corporations is vital. More and more companies embrace CSR and they want to educate and protect their eco-system,” said Endelman. The platform was joined by Dubai Metro operator and service provider Serco last month and Endelman welcomed its participation as a step towards better stakeholder understanding of the issue. “Corporations have a great asset in their ‘touch-points’ with staff and external audiences.

We are working with our CSR partners, such as Serco Middle East to activate those touch-points with meaningful road safety messages and activities like staff awareness campaigns, staff workshops, staff road safety days, consumer campaigns, research projects, and much more,” added Endelman. David Greer OBE, CEO, Serco Middle East, said his company joined the CSR platform in the hope it could share best practices with other corporations and provides a call to action for all companies who want to protect the wellbeing of their employees. He added that Serco has introduced a series of its own initiatives such as a full year staff-engagement calendar including monthly focus topics, defensive driving courses, a seat belt awareness drive, corporate policies for staff and bus transportation, including ‘Bus Champions’. “It is vital to understand, that corporations have a direct influence over staff, suppliers, customers and consumers,” he said.

NEw RIYADH HQ SET TO bOOST FUSO Al Habtoor Motors, the official dealer of the Fuso brand of trucks in Saudi Arabia, has opened two new sales, service and parts facilities in Riyadh. They are situated at Khurais Road, Exit 30 and Eastern Ring Road, Exit 17, Al Habtoor Motors said in a statement. Michael Kamper, senior vice president, Daimler Trucks Asia, inaugurated the Riyadh facilities, while Fuso delegates included Roland Schneider, president and CEO, MENA and other senior officials, Al Habtoor said. “We are delighted to make this investment in Saudi Arabia and have been very impressed by the welcome we have received. We place very high importance on training our Saudi team to be the best in the industry and this will help us provide excellent service to the KSA truck market,” said Hamer. “Fuso Trucks is a division of Daimler and delivers German design and Japanese manufacturing. With our UAE experience we are confident of dramatically increasing Fuso sales in Saudi Arabia.”

The number of school buses in operaTion in 2015 To more Than 650 buses by 2021, an 4 TRUCK&FLEET ME SEPTEMBER 2016

NETWORK

nissan unveils world’s firsT solid-oxide fuel cell vehicle Nissan has revealed a prototype of the world’s first vehicle powered by a solid oxide fuel-cell (SOFC) which runs on bio-ethanol electricity and offers a cruising range of 600km. The zero-emission model, an all-new light CV named e-Bio Fuel-Cell, premiered in Brazil on the sidelines of the Olympic Games, and can use multiple fuels such as ethanol and natural gas.

BAHMAN GROUP WANTS NEW JAPANESE PARTNERS iN iRAN Bahman Group, Iran’s only privately-owned manufacturer, says that it is looking to build on its successful partnership with Mazda by working with other Japanese automakers. The Tehran-based company first started producing Mazda cars in 1959 and began assembling complete knockdown kits of the Mazda 3 in 2007. Mohammad Zarabian, Bahman Group’s vice president for planning and development told the Japan Times that the Group has begun to consider viable new brands. “We are looking for new partners. Daihatsu and Toyota could be one of the candidates,” he told the newspaper.

The Urban eTruck will be able travel for 200km on single charge, says Daimler Trucks.

daimler showcases fully-elecTric heavy disTribuTion TrucK Daimler Trucks says its upcoming Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck will be the first fully-electric heavy truck model to offer a range of 200km on a single charge with an admissible weight as high as 26t – comparable to a diesel-powered model. Daimler Trucks recently demonstrated the model at its headquarters in Stuttgart and said in a statement that in the future, heavy trucks will take part in urban cargo distribution with zero local emissions and whisper-quiet operation. The zero-emission Urban eTruck is based on a heavy-duty, three-axle shortradius Mercedes-Benz distribution truck but with a totally revised drive concept,

SELLANYcAR.cOM TO FOcUS ON FLEET SELLERS AND bUYERS

Sellers and traders of light commercial vehicles in the Middle East could soon have their own dedicated real time online service, Saygin Yalcin, CEO of SellAnyCar.com has confirmed to T&FME. SellAnyCar.com is the Middle East’s first and largest car buying service guaranteeing

the purchase of any car within 30 minutes. Yalcin added that a sister site, SellAnyVan. com, could go live as soon as the company has inspectedenough commercial vehicles. SellAnyCar is now also giving traders and dealers the option of buying cars in real time when an individual shows up to sell their car. Once connected, traders are given instant updates on any vehicle SellAnyCar.com receives for sale – including the results of SellAnyCar. com’s standardised vehicle inspection. The network of connected dealers establishes a fair market price for the car, and a sales offer is made to traders within 12 minutes.

the statement added. The drivetrain is a new electrically driven rear axle with electric motors directly adjacent to the wheel hubs – a technology that the German manufacturer has derived from the electric rear axle it developed earlier for the Mercedes-Benz Citaro hybrid bus. Power comes from a battery pack consisting of three lithium-ion battery modules, resulting in a range of up to 200km – enough for a typical daily delivery tour, Daimler Trucks said. An integrated concept with motors adjacent to the wheel hubs allows the batteries to be housed in a crash-proof location inside the frame, it added. “We are underlining our intention to systematically develop the electric drive in trucks. We integrate customers to gain valuable joint experience with

in dubai will rise from 117 increase of more Than 450%

respect to the operating ranges and the charging infrastructure in daily transport operations,” said Stefan Buchner, head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

SEPTEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 5

NETWORK

EURO MOTORS iNviTES LANd ROvER “ExPERiENCES” Visitors to the Land Rover Experience Centre Bahrain (LRE) at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) can now test their skills on the 2016 range of Land Rover models. The LRE is operated by Euro Motors, the exclusive dealer and distributor for Jaguar Land Rover in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The Land Rover fleet at the LRE Centre will now be boosted by the includesion of a Range Rover Sport, two Range Rover Evoques, two Land Rover Discovery Sports and three Land Rover LR4s. “The LRE has been extremely successful delivering over 2,000 experiences to date and raking in rave reviews for both our highly capable vehicles and the fluidity and rugged

The LRE is the brain child of Bahraini car enthusiast Karim Jawed.

technicality of the course in itself. It gives me great pleasure to be handing over a brand

new 2016 model fleet of our vehicles,” said Yates, general manager of Euro Motors.

DAIMLER bUS MAkES 20kM AUTONOMOUS TRIp Daimler Buses has completed its first live city bus autonomous run on a 20km route in Amsterdam. On a section of the longest bus rapid transit (BRT) line in Europe, the Mercedes-Benz Future Bus equipped with CityPilot technology, was driven at speeds of up to 70km/h, while negotiating traffic and signals, During the trip it sucessfully stopped and departed from bus stops on its own accord without input from the on-board driver. “The system allows us to drive partially autonomously on marked bus lanes. This makes public transport safer, more efficient and more productive,” said Daimler Buses executive Dr Wolfgang Bernhard.

dUBAi TAxi CORP FLEET TO GROW By 2,000 iN FivE yEARS Dubai Taxi Corporation’s (DTC) fleet is set for a 40% expansion by 2021 after the emirate’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) approved a five-year plan. The Dubai Taxi Corporation Projects & Investment Initiatives 2016-2021 sets out an aim to increase the number of DTC cabs from 5,000 in 2015 to 7,000 by 2021. Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the authority, told the UAE news agency WAM that the plan also covers other types of vehicles. “The number of limousines is set to leapfrog by as much as 340% from 113 vehicles in 2015

6 TRUCK&FLEET ME SEPTEMBER 2016

to 500 vehicles by 2021. The larger number of taxicabs is required to cater for the growing needs of customers comprising residents and visitors, as well as the requirements of hosting the Expo 2020 in Dubai,” Al Tayer said. “The plan covers converting 50% of taxis into hybrid vehicles by 2021 as part of a master plan to curb carbon emissions in the taxi sector by 2%. This step is prompted by the deregulation of fuel prices, and the reduced lifespan of hybrid vehicles compared with conventional vehicles. Thus, the number of hybrid vehicles at the disposal of the DTC would soar from 145 in 2015 to 2,280 vehicles in 2021,” Al Tayer added.

LAUNCH REVIEW

Heavy, rugged and robust TaTa Daewoo officially enters big boy territory with the 100t VX3tf 100t tractor

400l + 400l capacity

ata Daewoo has officially launched its V3TXF heavy duty truck following the successful completion of a 12-month trial in the Northern Emirates. Heavy duty trucks are the workhorses of the mining and quarrying sector and Tata Daewoo says it is confident the 100T tractor will prove popular among transporters in the Middle East. According to the South Korean automaker, six units were deployed in a quarrying operation in Ras Al Khaimah during a year of torturous testing. Having proven its suitability for carrying sand from quarries on a close to 24-hours-per-

8 TRUCK&FLEET ME SEPTEMBER 2016

day rotation, Tata Daewoo said the truck is now ready for an official launch into the region. The manufacturer claims the V3TXF comprises the “best combination of components” from the US, Europe and South Korea to take on the harsh working conditions of region. The V3TXF will compete with the European brands in the 100T-plus segment and features the powerful 481Ps Cummins ISX Euro 3 engine. The gearbox is from global leader ZF and is available in both manual and automatic options. “It caters to all segments of the customers,” said Tata Daewoo. “The Cummins engine coupled with the optimised driveline gives best work efficiency while saving on fuel and maintenance bills.”

The V3TXF joins other 6×4 models like the 75T V3TVF and Tata Daewoo is building a formidable presence in the Middle East’s heavy duty segment with 10,000 vehicles currently on the road, of which about 35% are in the UAE alone. BRIEF SPECS: Engine- Cummins ISX Power- 481Ps@2000rpm Torque- 2509 Nm@1200 Gearbox- ZF 16S Manual or 12S Automatic Safety features- Jake Brake, Hub reduction Cab suspension- Air Springs Fuel tank capacity- 400l+400l

BUSES 2016 REVIEW

CatCh the bus

Hop on board T&FMEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2016 bus review

t may not be immediately obvious but the Middle East bus segment is becoming one of the most exciting markets in the world. A recent presentation by Frost and Sullivan (Brief Insights on the Global Bus Market by Ananth Srinivasan) predicts

that the market will almost double from 11,500 units to 20,500 units by 2022. Egypt and Iran are emerging as potentially important manufacturing and assembly hubs for both domestic and international bus makers. Meanwhile tourism and air-travel destinations in the

GCC are increasingly interested in cleaner and more advanced technology which, according to Srinivasan, will see the region become a rapid adopter of the kinds of hybrid and electric vehicles popular in the segment. A huge range of vehicles is now

available in the market with Asian manufacturers snapping at the heels of the European buses sitting in ageing fleets. For buyers there has never been a greater choice of safer and cleaner vehicles. Hop on board the world of coaches and buses.

for long term anti-corrosion protection. The Travego is also packed with safety features such as Active Brake Assist based on the Distronic system. It uses the Distronicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s radar sensor, which has three radar joints to recognise any obstacles which come within a defined area in front of the

bus. If the driver is momentarily distracted, there is a risk that the bus or coach will unintentionally depart from its lane. The Lane Departure Warning System (LDW) was developed with these situations in mind. A small camera fitted behind the windscreen additionally records

the lane area up to 30m ahead of the vehicle.

Mercâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flagship coach

Mercedes travego Mercedes describes the Travego as its flagship bus and is manufactured in one of the most modern bus production plants in the world with the German giant intent on improving and assuring quality. The cathodic dip priming (KTL) of the entire body skeleton saturates the Travego

10 TRUCK&FLEET ME SEPTEMBER 2016

travego sPecs: Seating: 48-59 seats Length: 12.18m-14.03m Width: 2.55 m Permitted GVW: 18t-24t Power: 315kw-350kw

BUSES 2016 REVIEW

safeTY WiTh a sMile? global Traveller

Mercedes citaro Mercedes says that you’ll find the Citaro across the globe from Mexico, Japan, Singapore, Abu Dhabi to the island of La Réunion in the Indian Ocean. It is the backbone of the Metrobus routes in Istanbul, Nancy and the platform for a largecapacity rescue vehicle in Dubai. The standard equipment of the Citaro includes numerous safety features. For example, rapid-reaction disc brakes on each axle help the driver

to diffuse critical situations. The electropneumatic brake system (EBS) ensures that the brakes react more rapidly and with greater precision and minimises the stopping distance during emergency braking. citaro sPecs: Seating: Up to 59 seats Length: 10.32m-13.9m Width: 2.55 m Permitted GVW: 18t-24t Power: 260kw-315kw

Mercedes tourisMo Available in three lengths with 3-star seating for 49 to 57 passengers, Mercedes’s Tourismo promise plenty of flexibility with regard to your choice of vehicle. the Tourismo is among the safest touring coaches in its class. ESP comes as standard to master critical driving situations. Brake Assist (BA) aids your driver and the Continuous Braking Limiter (DBL) prevents the driver from exceeding the legal speed

The Euro 6 CNG engine of a MAN Lion’s City CNG bus offers an environmentally-friendly public transport mobility solution with extremely low pollutant levels. MAN Truck & Bus was commissioned by Abu Dhabi’s department of transport to conduct extensive trials and it operated for eight months along with regular diesel-powered buses to achieve a direct comparison; the result showed a higher exhaust gas

tourisMo sPecs: Seating: Up to 59 seats Length: 10.32m-13.9m Width: 2.55 m Permitted GVW: 18t-24t Power: 260kw-315kw

safeTY iN MiND

2015 bus of The Year

MaN LioN city cNg

limit. Mercedes also seems to be particularly pleased with how it looks: “With double-slotted panels, the Star in the centre and smiling headlight eyes, the front makes a particularly friendly impression.”

quality compared to diesel buses and less nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxides and particles in the air. Additionally, the bus complies with the strictest of security standards. LioN city cNg sPecs: Seating: 45, 76-seater Engine: CNG 6cyl Power: 272hp or 310hp Wheelbase: 5.545m Overall Length: 12m-18.75 Max. Width: 2.5m

tata starbus skooL Tata Motor’s LPO 1618 has proven to be very popular with buyers in the region and continues to set a benchmark in its price bracket. One of the chassis’ plus points has been its ability to fit a number of key roles including worker and school transportation. The Starbus Skool continues the emphasis on fuel economy and comfort while adhering to strict safety standards. The bus has been shaped and developed to

comply with mandatory (Dubai’s RTA was been instrumental in its evolution) norms for safety and design standards. starbus LPo 1618 sPecs: Safety: ABS Engine: CUMMINS 5883cc Wheelbase: 5.545m Overall Length: 10.9m Max. Width: 2.6m Max GVW: 16t Max speed: 96 km/hr

SEPTEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 11

BUSES 2016 REVIEW

tata starbus hybrid (coNcePt) The Starbus Hybrid consists of the CNG — Electric Series and Parallel Hybrid buses. The 30-seat Tata Starbus Fuel Cell Concept was developed with support from the Indian government. The bus features a fuel cell stack has gross peak power of 85 kW, Li-ion battery pack, and two rear motors motor with the peak power output of 186 kW with motor speed from 600 rpm to 2100 rpm and torque of 1,050 Nm (774 lb-ft) at 800 rpm. The maximum speed of the bus is 70 km/h and gradeability is 17%, which is suitable for city applications. “These are the cleaner buses and ideal for the public transportation in cities. These low emission buses are the future of public transportation in the world,” says Tata.

high coNcepT sTarbus

tata starbus (CONCEPT) SPECS: Seating: 30-seater Battery: Li-ion battery Power: 1,050 Nm@800rpm Gradeability: 17% Max speed: 70 km/hr

voLvo 7900 hybrid

sMooTh operaTor

12 TRUCK&FLEET ME SEPTEMBER 2016

The Volvo Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid has been designed to offer complete urban coverage with silent, clean and energy-saving performance. Volvo believes it enables the start of a ‘paradigm shift’ in on-road public transport and opening up for a range of new possibilities in city development, “The city can offer public transport in sensitive areas, such as silent and zero-emission zones close to schools, hospitals and residential areas. It is even possible to open up for indoor bus terminals, which could be an attractive solution in shopping malls, railway stations and airports,” says the Swedish manufaucturer. The 7900’s zone management system means it can hop between zones with low speed or zero-emission requirements. The Volvo Opportunity Charging

System provides automatic fast charging of batteries in the Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid. The system is designed to be part of ordinary bus stops and it includes the complete interface between the energy grid and the vehicle. Charging starts automatically during certain stops. 7900 hybrid sPecs: Seating: Up to 95 persons, 32 + 1 (folding) seats Length: 12 m Width: 2.55 m Permitted GVW: 19,000 kg Power: 240 hp/918 Nm Volvo D5K 240, 4-cylinder, in-line diesel engine with common rail injection Transmission: Volvo I-Shift automated gear-changing system Charging system: Rapid charge time – up to 6 min.

Smart is having A RELIABLE PARTNER PRESENTING THE WORLD-SMART TATA PRIMA WITH BEST-IN-CLASS WARRANTY AND EXTENSIVE AFTER-SALES SERVICE.

GREAT BUSINESS IS ALL ABOUT SMART CHOICES. AND THEY JUST DON’T GET ANY SMARTER THAN THE TATA PRIMA. BUILT ON A GLOBAL PLATFORM, IT COMES WITH A PAN-GCC ROAMING WARRANTY WITH BEST-IN-CLASS WARRANTY COVERAGE AND LOWEST MAINTENANCE PLAN IN ITS CATEGORY. EXCLUSIVE BAYS IN WORKSHOPS WITH PRIORITY SERVICE BY TATA-TRAINED PRIMA SPECIALISTS, 24X7 BREAKDOWN ASSISTANCE WITH DEDICATED MOBILE SERVICE VANS, 24-HRS HELPLINE ASSISTANCE, DUTY-CYCLE MAPPING OF VEHICLES TO SUIT INDIVIDUAL CUSTOMER’S REQUIREMENT FOR BEST USE OF THE VEHICLE. THE TATA PRIMA IS, TRULY, A SMART CHOICE FOR YOUR TRUCKING NEEDS.

BUSES 2016 REVIEW

picK Your role

eicher skyLiNe 66-seater Eicher Motors, owner of the iconic Indian motorcycle brand Royal Enfield, has a long history of vehicle manufacturing in India. In 2008, the automaker entered into a joint-venture with Volvo AB, a move designed to give the Swedish giant inroads into the lucrative Indian CV market, while

challenging the dominance of other major local competitors already established in the market. As Eicher continues to cement its place in the Indian market, it is also looking to expand its footprint abroad, with the Gulf countries a natural choice. In 2013, Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (FAMCO) announced that it would be distributing

Eicher labour and leisure vehicles in the UAE through the launch of its new subsidiary, Pacific Machinery, marking its entry into the value end of the market. However, the Eicher brand needs to hold its own against more famous and established rivals in the UAE market. Indian manufacturers in particular have had a stronghold in the staff and

MaN regio

MulTi-role Mover

14 TRUCK&FLEET ME SEPTEMBER 2016

The MAN all-rounder is suitable for the city, countryside and long distances. The modern model range sets new standards. It combines a striking design with a large number of technical innovations. The Lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regio masters a wide variety of uses. Always ready to drive, it also meets high demands with regard to comfort and profitability. The equipment on each model can be fitted out for excursions or long distances as required. Also in public transport, the versatile regional buses safely and comfortably bring their passengers to their destination. The dynamic common rail engines

labour transport segment, and FAMCO now hopes to find a foothold with the launch of the new Eicher Skyline 66-seat bus. skyLiNe 66-seater sPecs: Seating: 66-seater Engine: 4.9l, 60cyl Power: 170hp at 3200 rpm Torque: 550Nm at 1350rpm Length: 11.5m

ensure fuel consumption is tremendously low over every route. The MAN Lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regio intercity coach series has high-torque six-cylinder in-line engines with common rail fuel injection; engines, that consume less fuel, comply with the Euro 6 exhaust-gas standard and therefore protect the environment. MaN regio sPecs: Seating: 55+1 (standard) Engine model: 6-cyl in-line D 2066 LUH Wheelbase: 6.12m Overall Length: 12.25m Turning circle: 21m Max GVW: 19.5t

MAN Lionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City natural gas bus. The Clean Alternative.

Economic miracle meets environmental protection. Higher passenger capacity, fewer emissions. A powerful drive, dynamic acceleration and superior driving: MAN natural gas engines are just as powerful as their diesel counterparts. Explore MANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innovative technologies for the public transport service. www.man-middleeast.com

INSURANCE

Tracking The cost of insurance

T&FME traces Fleetmatics’ stacey PaPP’s view that telematics can have an imPact on the cost oF your insurance 16 TRUCK&FLEET ME SEPTEMBER 2016

INSURANCE

elematics is growing in importance in fleet management as operations begin to better utilise its ability to track costs in close to real time. In her recent report, Stacy Papp, Fleetmatics’ corporate communications manager argues that for companies that employ fleets of vehicles, telematics can be a money saver in several ways. Tracking software contributes to safer drivers, easier recovery of lost assets, better monitored – and therefore often less expensive to maintain – vehicles, fuel savings and other cost efficiencies, she says. But one of the most important savings that fleet tracking can produce is on fleet insurance, a big cost even for the smallest fleet. “While the savings for insurance might not be obvious, you can find it if you look a bit closer. The great thing about fleet tracking is that the benefits can combine to contribute to the overall savings – including on insurance costs,” says Papp. One of the biggest costs of any fleet will be the drivers that are entrusted with the vehicles. Middle East operators are frequently charged with overworking and undertraining their drivers. Whether or not that is true for most operators, the high rates of heavy vehicle-related accidents in countries throughout the region are having an impact on the bottom line as well as the cost of insurance across the board. The tighter monitoring that telematics offer could ultimately cut accidents and premiums. “Perhaps the best way to manage fleet insurance costs is to employ drivers with spotless driving records. But once they’re hired, how do you keep those records spotless?” asks Papp. “Fleet management solutions maintain data specific to each driver in your fleet. You can see how often drivers exceed the speed limit, where they divert from their standard routes, and when and where they engage in hazardous driving practices like quick stops, fast cornering and dodging in and out of traffic. By taking this specific driving data and applying it, you can turn dangerous behaviour into teachable moments.” Papp argues that stains on drivers’ records are a big factor in driving up insurance premiums, “but fleet tracking gives you the tools to tame that beast by helping you to head off dangerous behaviour that might result in violations - or worse - accidents that will drive up your premiums and potentially tarnish your company’s reputation.” “Simply put, the cost of replacing stolen

vehicles is a huge factor in the overall cost of insurance. Having a fleet tracking solution installed on a fleet can make it much easier to recover stolen assets, resulting in fewer comprehensive claims against the insurance policy and fewer rate hikes that result from claims. In addition, it does a bonus social service by making it easier to catch the culprits, hopefully preventing any crime they might attempt in the future. It’s a win all around.”

insurance goes online in uae The UAE ministry of interior has announced the development of its online portal system — Markabati — which provides users with all related vehicle services, including insurance claims, documentation, and car repairs. The online portal comes as part of the government’s wider strategic plan of adopting best international practices. Drivers and car dealers who want

How it works

to use the online portal can register

Fleet tracking keeps a watch on where your vehicles are at all times, continues Papp. “So if one goes missing, the solution can provide you and the police with a real-time location as well as a data trail showing the path that the vehicle took to get there, making it easier to recover the vehicle and catch the persons responsible. And in the end, getting the vehicle back may mean no insurance claim and no hikes.” A well maintained vehicle is a safer vehicle, and fleet tracking is your ticket toward better vehicle maintenance. “Fleet tracking software allows you to set alerts that notify you when a vehicle has traveled a certain number of miles or hours, or you can set a reminder tied to a date that service will be due. The element of error is eliminated from the maintenance process,” continues Papp. “What that means is that your fleet will always be made up of well-maintained vehicles, making for a safer and more efficient fleet overall. Vehicles that are less likely to break down are less likely to cause catastrophic problems that result in insurance claims and increased rates. The Middle East is behind many parts one the world when it comes to the role of telematics in costing insurance. However the technology continues to be adopted on an upward trajectory and could be crucial in helping transport authorities to lower accident rates. In regions such as North America and Europe, insurance companies are rewarding good driving using telematics data. “You may have noticed that auto insurance companies are using telematics solutions to monitor drivers on a real-time basis and offering discounts to those who maintain safe driving habits,” says Papp. “Where there is data, there is the ability to predict risk, which allows insurers to offer those better rates (and, frankly, sometimes hit the poorer drivers with higher rates). Papp adds that while it’s not widespread yet, “there is reason to think that insurers will find

online at www.evg.ae, with the ministry encouraging the public to register online to be able to access the services of the portal, as well as saving time by not having to fill in several paper forms, with everything already prepared online. Captain Mohammad Darwish Al Bolooki, chairman of the Technical Committee of the Federal Portal for Vehicles, said the ministry held several workshops for insurance companies and car service workshops giving detailed explanations on how the online services would work before they launched the new system. Al Bolooki added that the ministry was keen on raising awareness among the public on its latest services as the public are partners in helping the federal government improve the quality and efficiency of the services they provide. The ministry also said that the online portal was the first of its kind globally to provide most services for vehicles and drivers under one unified electronic umbrella, and that through its system drivers would not have to visit service centres.

a way to leverage the data that fleet tracking” makes available to set insurance rates. “In fact, some insurance companies have begun partnering with fleet management companies to offer tailored fleet insurance rates,” she says. “The benefit for the fleet operator is that the combined data collected showing the safety improvements that fleet management makes possible can one day be leveraged to actually incur a discount, not just hold prices down. Small business owners need to take advantage of every saving opportunity they can find, and fleet tracking makes savings available in several ways. Make sure you’re taking advantage of every edge you can get, and your business will benefit.”

SEPTEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 17

Technology

FUTURE TRUCKER

You can meet the truck driver of the future thiLo Schneider at thiS month’S iaa in GermanY

t is the year 2030. A ‘15’ is flashing on the display of Thilo Schneider’s tablet. Now he knows that in a quarter of an hour he will have to leave the convoy and take action himself at least for a short period. But before that he still has time to check the GPS coordinates and update his destination. The traffic seems pretty calm today off the freeway. Just a quick look at his e-mails: there’s no important news. Schneider uses WhatsApp to inform the other trucks that he’s about to leave the platoon. The more or less random series of trucks that get together to form platoons on the freeway represent real progress compared with the long, lonely journeys of previous years, when again and again you were forced to brake by other vehicles, especially when going uphill, or else one truck pointlessly tried to overtake another. But now platoons of trucks have a uniform, brisk speed and what’s more, the 40-tonners are more economical and use the road far more efficiently – leaving more space for other road users. Furthermore, accidents have long been a thing of the past, ever since sensors and computers relieved the burdens on drivers in critical situations. The technology for this scenario has existed for a long time, allowing trucks from various manufacturers to form coordinated moving groups on the road. The vehicles communicate with one another smoothly, and thanks to unified systems there are no longer any language barriers like there sometimes used to be between the truck drivers. The autopilot gives the signal to leave the group in good time before the exit, and while

18 TRUCK&FLEET ME September 2016

leaving the freeway Thilo Schneider takes over control of the truck again. Although in fact he doesn’t have to. His truck would also manage this task by itself, but during the last few hours in the cab Schneider has sorted out his logistics online and now decides to enjoy a bit of nostalgia, even if the joystick for steering the 40t truck does not really resemble the huge steering wheel that heavy trucks used to have up until the mid-2020s. Since large and small trucks have been connected and as a rule are on the move without needing a classical driver to take action, the large steering wheel is simply no longer required. Instead, in the cab you now fold out a small desk where you can deal with your everyday logistics tasks. Connectivity has completely changed both the truckers’ job and their image. Truck drivers used to be responsible mainly for driving and for loading and unloading, but today Schneider and his colleagues are not only trained to drive trucks – they have also completed an apprenticeship in logistics. The proportion of women is much higher than before. The higher qualifications are also accompanied by higher incomes. So Schneider can do his office work while his truck is traveling in the platoon or driving itself on special lanes on the freeway. After all, loads have to be confirmed today, especially because the clients will snap up unused space in the trucks on whatever route they are taking. First come, first served – as long as it makes logistical sense. Empty trips should always be avoided, and to this end your truck must always be connected with the planners at

the various clients, and with the loading and unloading points. It’s hard to believe that back then – at the beginning of the 21st century – on average trucks were empty on around one third of all journeys. Some inefficiencies made the transports unnecessarily expensive. Fuel consumption – and with it CO2 emissions – was much higher. It is true that diesel engines are still in operation, particularly in long-distance traffic. But they use climate-neutral fuels. Electric-powered trucks and fuel-cell trucks are on the roads as well. Today the forwarders are connected and freight exchanges ensure that goods are distributed efficiently. Thilo Schneider has now reached his destination – a large logistics hub close to a major city. Long-distance trucks have

Technology

DIGITISATION AND DATA bEcOmES mISSION cRITIcAl Daniel Mahnken of TimoCom, a leading IT service provider for the transport industry, is convinced that automation, networking and digitising will become more and more important within the industry. “Mobile data communication and mobile use of the internet, anywhere and at any time, are no longer confined to the private sphere. For the transport industry, in particular, speed, mobility and flexibility are incredibly important. Users should be able to enter into transport deals securely while on the move. “Customers want real-time information regarding the location of their goods. Telematics helps transport companies plan the use of their resources better. “Sending, downloading and uploading data and documents to the cloud, via data transfer, email or public messaging services is becoming more and more common in the professional world. In other words: In the future, anything that can be digitised, will become digitised – there is just no stopping the transformation. In general, digitising significantly improves your ability to compete on the market. “Information flow between all participants is optimised, while at the same time, work processes are done faster and more transparent. However, there is a discrepancy between perceived Technology is transforming the productivity of the driver and truck.

and actual safety, as well as knowledge of what exactly happens to the data. “This is why companies require a digital strategy for handling their data. This ensures

been kept out of inner-city areas for quite a while now, and only e-mobiles are allowed for deliveries and the last mile. And as he lives in a big city, he appreciates this. It has improved the air quality – and today’s quiet e-vehicles don’t create the old traffic noise. As he drives through the main gate his display starts flashing again: he’s to go to loading bay 14. He knows that the ramp will be free when he gets there, so he won’t have to wait. Since the grounds are spacious, he maneuvers the truck himself – a little practice is not going to hurt. But he could just as well let the guidance system do the job, so the truck would take itself up to the loading point. When he arrives, a service vehicle is already waiting for him. His truck has registered

tiny discrepancies in its AdBlue intake and passed this information on to the forwarder. The service technician takes a look while the load is transported to the storage halls. Now that smaller repairs and maintenance measures such as changing the tyres are carried out promptly at such opportunities, the forwarder’s trucks are far more efficient and wear and tear has been reduced. During the fully automated unloading procedure he checks his e-mail. He learns that he has to go back onto the freeway after picking up some goods in the nearby town. A parking space has been reserved for him at the next service station, where he can take his statutory rest period. After that he will join another connected convoy, this time as the leader.

that users and providers will continue to encourage and achieve responsible handling of electronic data in the future.” “There is no transport industry without IT. TimoCom, combines both systems with the TC Connect interface, which was introduced 10 years ago. Thanks to this interface, there is no need to manually transfer data on available freight or vehicles from company transport management systems into the transport exchange. “In addition to this time saving measure, the transport company gains more insight into their own activities thanks to data bundling. Productivity is thus easier to measure and can be optimised.”

September 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 19

OpERaTOR InTERvIEw

Cool operator

Founded by two brothers, Desert Chill could be the coolest Fleet operator and Franchise owner in the Gcc 20 TRUCK&FLEET ME SEPTEMBER 2016

OperatOr IntervIew

Desert Chill is both an operator and franchise brand owner looking for GCC partners.

f you run your own business you will be familiar with that instance the Furlong brothers knew they had hit on the idea that would change their lives forever. “Desert Chill was formed after a eureka moment when my brother asked the question: ‘why is there no ice cream being served at an event with 40,000 visitors in 40 degrees of heat’, says Nathen Furlong. “At the time, it seemed an obvious niche.” Since that moment, Nathen Furlong and his brother Dan set off in pursuit of their dream of turning their fond memories of chasing the ‘familiar chimes’ of ice cream vans outside their home in the UK into a business serving the UAE.

Eight years later, the brothers’ company Desert Chill is a fleet operator that traverses the streets and beaches of the Emirates tempting children and adults (“We know the ice cream van is loved just as much by older Generation and Desert Chill has made a big kid out of many an adult!” says their website) with all the qualities and ingredients to “fill you up and cool you down, in the most unique way possible”. Beneath the wistfully delicious promise of strawberry Cornetto’s and chocolate Magnums on a hot Saturday afternoon is a serious operation that is steadily growing as a GCC-wide franchise business while it adeptly negotiates the challenges of financing and the rules and regulations that govern licensing in the region.

“The fleet started with three vehicles and has grown over the years to ten vehicles,” explains Furlong. Pooling their resources, the initial kick-start for the business came from their own funds. Furlong says that, since then, its expansion has been powered by re-investment from the business and from money raised from local banks. Furlong suggests that receiving capital from the banks has not been easy for a company of Desert Chill’s size. “All growth has been funded by the business and local banks. This was a key challenge as many banks do not lend favourably if at all to SME’s, and if they do the rates are often extortionate,” he says. “More recently peer-to-peer lending has come into the market, and if your accounts are in order, they will probably lend to your business.” Its moves since starting in 2008 has seen a rise in interest by Gulf-based cosmopolitan and sweet-toothed denizens. Clearly the brothers are onto something. “The progress (to date) has been twofold really and can be sub-categorised. Customer demand and sales growth has increased year-on-year,” explains Furlong. As the Desert Chill fleet has grown in turn, the company has been frustrated by the myriad rules that control the food and beverage sector in the markets they operate in. “On the flip side (of the growth), there has been no easing with regards to legislations, Licensing Rules and Regulations sometimes referred to as ‘Red Tape’ which has made growth and meeting the demands more challenging,” muses Furlong. “Desert Chill Ice Cream will be the Premier Traditional Ice Cream Van Service in the Middle East offering a variety of quality products delivered with the highest standards of customer service and safety. We will deliver profits and growth to investors and stake holders and will deliver those profits and generate growth responsibly.”

vEhICLE ChOICE As T&FME’s van review showed last month (see 2016 Van Review, Truck & Fleet Middle East, p12, August 2016), the choice of vans and trucks in the region has accelerated in recent years. Companies like Mercedes and many others now offer fleet owners customisation at a level not previously possible. “Vehicle model availability has dramatically increased over the years and a lot more choice is there in the market,” says Furlong. “We do, however, tend to stay with more reputable

SEPTEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 21

OperatOr IntervIew

Desert Chill went to a brand creator to design its striking and colourful branding.

brands [Mercedes vans feature in the Desert Chill fleet], versus the cheaper new comers.” A great deal of care and fun has gone into Desert Chill’s striking liveries on their vehicles. Bright and colourful, you are not going to miss one of its ice cream vans if they roll into your side of town. “We have worked with a trusted brand creator and designer that we knew personally from the very beginning,” says Furlong. “Hopefully this delivers a personable and vibrant brand that screams ice cream when you see the fleet. They definitely stand out in the roads.” When we discuss the magic behind the scenes – or rather inside the vans – Furlong is understandably coy about the process of kitting out the vehicles. “We have our own way of doing this against simply importing a retro-fit vehicle from abroard but unfortunately I cannot disclose too much,” he tells T&FME. Oh well, for now we’re happy to stand in bated breath beneath the sill of the ice cream van window.

our vision and success to ensure the Desert Chill expansion continues at an accelerated rate across the region by pairing with like-minded, hungry and ambitious partners. The model we look at is to provide a completely built van(s) with a business-in-a-box support covering the complete sales, operations and accountability,” says Furlong “We will provide our on-going knowledge and support that’s been acquired over eight years.” While everything is in place to make a charge in the franchise business, Furlong,

again muses that it has been hampered by a challenging regulatory environment. “Referring back to the licensing issues, this has made franchising very difficult,” he says. “It seems to be a GCC issue rather than just a local issue. Again, the demand is there, but if people or investors want to take a franchise, they want something that is ready to roll out quickly and not something that they need to persuade multiple government departments of a concepts merits.” Arriving at a children’s party with the chimes ringing Happy Birthday or serving music fans at a concert sounds like a good way to spend your day at work. Furlong, however, says that despite being able to provide the ‘chill factor’ from school fetes and fairs to weddings, PR events and corporate functions the business still has room for improvement. “Event services is icing on the cake. It will not provide you with day-to-day income. It can be a very saturated space where the financial risk sits with the vendor,” he says. Looking to the future he says that he hopes that: “more favourable legislation will come into play locally. The company will continue to innovate to play within the parameters we are set. We are seeking strategic franchise partners in Oman, KSA, Qatar and Kuwait that ideally have infrastructure for frozen distribution, or product lines that our model can leverage.”

Wanted: a food truCk that belongs in museum Qatar ‘gets’ the concept of

rescue,” said on instagram.

drinks and snacks; cold drinks

food trucks. Doha Fire station,

“the artists-in-residence

and ice cream; “western” food;

an art gallery in the former

studio now sports both a

and “eastern” food.

headquarters of the Civil

cafe and a food truck built

Defence authority, announced

out of a restored fire engine

applications at the end of

last month that visitors can

(Qatar’s second oldest).

July having asked for several

now enjoy a bite to eat at

Both the cafe and food truck

documents, including concept

it new café and food truck,

feature several menu items

and business proposals;

named #999.

with a local touch, including

successful entries would run

a camel kofta wrap, a sujuk

their food trucks from Oct. 1, 2016 to the end of April 2017.

Doha News said that #999

Qatar Museum closed

BUsInEss In COOL BOx

(no points for guessing it

(Arabic sausage) burger and

Taking a cue from other leading food and beverage companies, Desert Chill, has put together a franchise offering as it looks to expand into markets such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Lebanon and India. Potential franchise partners inherit the strong branding which features on everything from the vans to the website; and all the associated marketing collateral. They will also get access to the experience the company has built up since its start almost a decade ago. As the company says it “will share

is the emergency number

sparkling iced tea flavoured

in Qatar) is a collaboration

with saffron.” [sounds great!]

seen more often as the country

between salam hospitality

Qatar Museums also recently

moves towards hosting the

and Qatar Museums. the

announced that it has begun

World Cup in 2022. Qatar’s

food truck is part of a new

evaluating other potential

first food truck is operated by

development project for the

food truck operators as it

Burgeri – which to state the

art gallery, which will include

plans to set up five such

obvious sells burgers, french

a restaurant, art supply shop

businesses at the MiA Park

fries (or chips Uk readers) and

and cinema.

once the weather cools down.

beverages. A dozen trucks

Cuisine categories include

were also used at March’s

22 TRUCK&FLEET ME SEPTEMBER 2016

“the Fire station’s Cafe #999 wants to come to your

sweets and desserts; hot

Food trucks are likely to

Qatar international Food Fair.

Technology: INSURANCE AND TelemaTics TELEMATICS

A gAme changer

Andrew dArt of CSC SayS that telematiCS Could Change inSuranCe in the region

he use of telematics to enable usage based insurance (UBI) programs has been a growing phenomenon outside the Middle East over the last decade. However, many in the industry are still debating whether this data driven approach to motor insurance will go mainstream. Yet few will debate its effectiveness in reducing accidents once launched. In the UK, early programmes saw reductions in claims by 30% to 40%. Similarly in the US, early adopters found immediate reductions in claims of 20%. The Middle East could benefit greatly through the introduction or wider adoption of telematics based UBI programs – assuming 24 TRUCK&FLEET ME september 2016

they can replicate the European and US experience. The market has been experiencing a steady growth over the past few years, with oil and gas, logistics, construction/ contracting and car leasing sectors all using telematics technology in some way or another for operational and management benefits. From an insurance and road safety perspective, it seems that telematics is a technology whose time has come for the Middle East. With factors such as rising premiums, extremely high accident rates, high fraud rates, an increasing number of vehicles on the road, a large transient workforce and high penetration of luxury vehicle brands, telematics can help insurers quantify and manage their risks in this challenging environment.

A number of barriers have slowed the widespread adoption of UBI programs across the region, primarily: high cost of data transmission; lack of unified import and approval processes for telematics devices; and perceived privacy issues associated with consumer telematics devices These barriers are quite similar to those experienced in Europe and the US five to ten years ago. The key to overcoming them is to show, by moving to this new insurance model, that the benefits will flow to all stakeholders and especially the community through improved road safety. In fact, , several jurisdictions are already making headway at overcoming these barriers. In the Middle East, there are some of the highest motor accident rates in the world and the highest incident of road fatalities. For example, road accidents in Saudi Arabia occur at the rate of one every minute, with resulting annual traffic fatalities of close to 7,000 and injuries at over 39,000 per year. The Kingdom tops the world’s traffic mortality rate at 29 deaths per 100,000 persons. With statistics like these, the benefits to the community would be immense if UBI was implemented. By contrast, Qatar has seen a declining rate of road accidents, despite an increasing number of vehicles on the road. The decline is due in part to the government there implementing a concerted suite of initiatives related to road safety. In addition to this, Qatar Insurance Company launched a pilot telematics programme to enhance road safety through innovative insurance offers and incentives for customers to use this technology. The pilot is expected to evolve into a full UBI insurance plan. Similarly, the UAE has recently mandated emergency call (eCall) technology in all vehicles sold starting in 2018 as part of the country’s overall plan to reduce road fatalities to zero by 2021. The eCall telematics capability will have a range of features to promote road safety and improve response to accident situations by directly linking to emergency services when help is required. The government there has already completed an infrastructure assessment and confirmed the mobile networks are ready to support this initiative. The UBI revolution is fast changing the face of motor insurance around the world and is now knocking at the Middle East’s door. With immense benefits for the community, the customer and the insurer, the conditions in the seem ripe for the adoption of this game-changing technology. Safe driving.

DEALERS TRUCK TREnDS

The big roll-out

AheAd of this month’s AutomechAnikA, T&FME looks At A report thAt highlights the mAjor chAllenges confronting the globAl truck industry

educed fuel consumption, lower emissions, fewer accidents. “The vision of autonomous trucks is within reach,” says the organisers of Automechanika in Frankfurt. This year, however, the latest trends in the truck industry are more pragmatic than ever before and driven not only by economic pressures but also by the desire for greater safety and improved environmental friendliness. Weight saving, CO2 reduction, electronics and networking – it would seem that the latest mega trends in the truck sector can be boiled down to these four terms. However,

26 TRUCK&FLEET ME SEPTEMBER 2016

this superficial summary offers absolutely no insights into the innovative and pioneering projects, products and solutions currently being developed in the truck industry. And it does not have to mean the advent of tomorrow’s fully driver-less truck. Many components, assistants and systems on which the trucks of the future are based are already tried, tested and available. Not only transport companies and fleet operators profit from these developments, which result in lower fuel consumption, greater operational availability, higher payloads and improved economic efficiency for their vehicles. The added margin of safety also benefits other road users and, last but

not least, the environment – thanks to resourcefriendly drive systems and lower emissions. The long-running trend to lighter trucks continues unabated in 2016. After all, a reduction in unladen weight means a higher payload or, alternatively, lower fuel consumption – at all events, it means a more efficient vehicle. Less weight begins at the component level, e.g., brake systems or axles. Thus, Automechanika exhibitor Knorr-Bremse claims a 10% reduction in weight for its new ST7 trailer brake system compared with the previous model. Manufacturers of engine components, chassis and truck bodies also boast similar weight savings for their latest developments. The

TRUCK Truck TREnDS Trends

trend to ‘downsizing’ in the case of truck and van engines, i.e., smaller engines with the same power output – is a result of the quest for lower unladen weights and, therefore, higher payloads. Start-up company CarbonTT aims to score in the truck business with a weight saving of almost 50%. Based in the Airbus Composite Technology Centre in the North German town of Stade, the company’s lightweight materials designers draw their inspiration from aircraft construction and have developed processes for the mass production of large-scale carbon parts, inter alia, for the truck industry. With a refrigerated box body made of carbon, the young company, which will make

a presentation at the ‘Tomorrow’s Service & Mobility’ section at Automechanika 2016, has already demonstrated what can be achieved using carbon. Based on a light commercial vehicle with a gross weight of 3.5t, the refrigerated body has a payload of 1,500kg – almost 500kg more than a conventional refrigerated vehicle in this category – despite refrigeration unit and insulation. Another start-up to be found in the ‘Festhalle’, which is devoted to the subject of ‘Tomorrow’s Service & Mobility’, is Orten Electric-Trucks. Founded by body manufacturer Orten in 2015, the company fits electric drive systems to conventional light

commercial vehicles and 7.5t trucks. Combined with an extra-lightweight body developed by the parent company, the result is vehicles for city-centre distribution, which operate free of emissions locally and with payloads similar to that of comparable diesels over distances of up to 100 km. The latest example is the E 75 AT, a 7.5 tonne truck based on the Mercedes Atego. Fast-charging lithium iron phosphate batteries and a high-torque electric-synchronous motor generating 90kW/122hp ensure the Orten E 75 AT is ideal for everyday duties. Delivery vehicles covering small distances in a citycentre environment are predestined for fully electric operations and, despite the higher

SEPTEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 27

Truck Trends

Traffic safety. The latest Actros will be able to detect pedestrians.

costs, the first series-production trucks are already in daily use in many European cities. The trend is not only towards fullyelectric vehicles. Gas is also regarded as an environmentally friendly alternative to diesel, which still powers around 95% of all commercial vehicles. With the planned expansion of the retail network, LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas – natural gas liquefied by cooling) or CNG (Compressed Natural Gas – natural gas compressed under high pressure) would be suitable as lowemission fuels for trucks operating on extended distribution routes and for long distance

work. The manufacturers already have the necessary engine technology at their disposal.

EvERyThing UnDER ConTRoL The target of lower emissions is also being tackled by system and component suppliers who are looking for ways to further cut fuel consumption. The current trend is towards electronically controlled engine and ancillary components that operate solely on demand and only then consume power. The spectrum ranges from ventilators for engine cooling, via coolant pumps, to oil pumps and air-conditioning compressors. The latest

Collision proteCtion foCus One of the most anticipated

Wolfgang Auer, attracted

through flat-rate offers,

side-events at this year’s

great interest on the part of

automobile service and the

Frankfurt show will be the

bodywork repair specialists

increasing competition.

return of the ‘Collision

and workshops at the last

The guests are: Gerhard

Talk’, which will once again

Automechanika. The topics

Witte (ControlExpert),

focus on issues of topical

to be discussed with leading

Thomas Melzer (Axalta

importance to the collision-

decision makers from the

Coating Systems), Thomas

damage repair sector. The

insurance and collision-

Geck (HUK-COBURG),

fresh and very bold format

damage management

Steffen Struwe (Innovation

was originally an idea of

sectors, as well as the trade

Group), Stefan Artz (Service

trade journalists.

associations, include invoice

Partnernetzwerk) and ZKF

Christian Simmert and

deductions, price dumping

President Peter Börner.

28 TRUCK&FLEET ME SEPTEMBER 2016

innovation: when rolling downhill, generators or compressors recharge fast-charge batteries, heat accumulators or compressed-air tanks, which can release this energy again when it is needed. All, as it were, free of charge. The energy-saving potential of the various measures – depending on the scope and intensity of the overall package – can be as high as ten percent or more. Additional fuel-saving opportunities are offered by new cruise-control systems or GPSaided speed regulators that not only maintain the speed set but also, via GPS, compare the position currently reached with the topographical material stored in the system and thus react ‘foresightedly’ to gradients – generally speaking better than any driver – including gaining momentum before a climb or coasting before the descent. These systems are already available in many new trucks under resonant names such as Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC), Efficient Cruise, Active Prediction, I-See and Predictive Cruise Control. Today, assistance systems continue to boom in the truck sector. Although electronic anti-skid systems, automatic emergency braking systems and lane assistants are obligatory for new heavy commercial vehicles, the process of development goes on. For example, Daimler recently launched a new emergency braking assistant with pedestrian recognition for its Actros

Truck Trends

Are you A Workshop sport stAr?

European manufacturers remain at the forefront of technology.

A competition aimed especially at visitors from the workshop sector – the ‘Mechanic Games’ – will be held during Automechanika Frankfurt (on 16 and 17 September 2016). On the Agora outdoor area, participants can compete in a variety of disciplines and earn points. The most successful male competitor, the most successful female competitor and the most successful team of three people can each win a prize of 250 euros. The awards ceremonies will be held in the mornings and afternoons of the event Competitors must take part in at least four events out of the ten offered and can demonstrate their skills and expertise in piston lifting, high striking, the racing car challenge, bull riding, SMART course, 3D puzzle, football simulator, hoop-la, headlamp-beam setter race and Carrera racing with bike power. The aim is to gain as many points as possible. A maximum of 20 points can be achieved per event. Participants will be

trucks. And ZF has joined forces with Wabco to produce its new electronic evasive manoeuvre assistant for trucks, which the company will present at the coming Automechanika in conjunction with the ZF Innovation Truck 2016. The system detects a stationary obstacle, such as the end of a traffic jam and, if there is no longer sufficient room for an emergency stop, automatically steers the truck around it. At the same time, a specially adapted stability programme prevents the vehicle tipping over, jack-knifing or skidding. Another ZF system is the ‘Highway Driving Assist’ (HAD), a lane-control system that the company’s engineers originally developed for cars and have now adapted for use in trucks. In distinction to conventional lane assistance systems, HDA not only warns the driver before the vehicle actually leaves the lane but also actively and independently steers the vehicle to keep in it automatically in the lane.

awarded at least five points per event for taking part. If a participant takes part in

WELL nETWoRKED

more than four events, only the best four

Its developers call it ‘semi-autonomous driving’. However, for the last step towards a fully autonomous truck, it is not enough that the vehicle be equipped with all kinds of electronic assistants, sensors, processors and electric motors. Only when the truck can communicate with its surroundings, e.g., with other vehicles, does

will be counted. Team participants can also participate as individuals in a second attempt and vice versa. The winner will be the person / team with the most points.

it have all the information necessary to operate autonomously, that is to say, without any input from the driver. In the spring of this year, six European truck manufacturers demonstrated that this is already technically feasible by driving in columns (platooning) from their various headquarters to Rotterdam. For the ‘European Truck Platooning Challenge’, the manufacturers used trucks networked via WLAN, which continuously exchange data with each other and, therefore, can be electronically coupled with only a small gap of about 15 metres between each of them. Only the first vehicle in the electronically linked chain, the platoon, is actively controlled by a driver. The other trucks follow automatically whereby the networking and the resulting synchronisation of the assistance systems ensures the highest degree of safety. According to the manufacturers, another advantage of platooning is greater economy and environmental friendliness: when running in a platoon, the trucks can achieve fuel savings of between two and eleven percent, depending on their position in the column. Thus, the vision of autonomous trucks is really within reach. And, thanks to modern materials, new technologies, and networked systems and vehicles, the trends in the truck industry already point to a future with reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, higher payloads and greater safety.

SEPTEMBER 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 31

Maintenance, tyres and Parts

mAInTenAnce, TYRes & PARTs