Truck&Fleet ME November 2019

VEHICLES/ TECH / TranSporTaTIon/LogISTICS

o70/NOVEMBER 2O19

MIDDLE EAST

LI CENSED BY D U BAI D EvELo pm ENt AU th o rIt Y

l a t i p a C E h t MEEt

S r o T S E In V

eet fl w o h n o t as o C t s e w s ’ i abu Dhab n e e r g t i s p e ke purchasing

n o T a r T InSIdEl VEhiClEs giaNt ON COM M ERC ia iN g ON th E futuRE tak hOw it is

Fuel efficiency is built in The leader in long haul, the Volvo FH delivers unmatched driver comfort, safety and economy.

The key to profitability is total cost of ownership. With the right truck, the right services and the right support network, you drive profitability.

Fuel is everything. To help you get the most out of every drop, we’ve pioneered world-leading technologies, developed innovative services and devised fuel saving strategies that make a big difference to your bottom line. for more information about Volvo FH Please visit famcouae.com Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Co. LLC, Dubai: +971 4 213 5100 Dubai Investments Park: +971 4 815 4800 Abu Dhabi: +971 2 502 9100 Madinat Zayed: tel +971 2 894 1000 Ras Al-Khaimah: +971 7221 6120 e-mail: famco@alfuttaim.ae www.al-futtaim.com

contents

contents FEatuRE

22 / dRiVER-lEss MiNERs Scania explains the thinking behind the autonomous AXL.

also this issue …

NEtWORK

06 / NEWs FROM tHE MONtH IVECO and OMATRA step up Lebanon presence and AVERA goes on buying spree.

06

12

14

18

26

38

lauNCHEs

12 / ExECutiVE Class BMW M launches third generation of executive-class SAV and SAC models. iNtERViEW

14 / WEst COast iNtERViEW T&FME meets West Coast, one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest fleet owners. tEst dRiVE

18 / NEW EsCORt iMPREssEs T&FME takes the new Ford Escort for a test drive at its official launch in the UAE. FEatuRE

26 / tRatON OPENs uP TRATON demonstrates its brand strength at its huge Innovation Day event in Sweden.

FEatuRE

35 / aBs at 50 Continental celebrates the golden jubilee of the invention of the life-saving technology.

EVENt PREViEW

36 / BiG 5 HEaVy Preview of this month’s Big 5 Heavy event in Dubai.

NOVEMBER 2019 TRUCK&FLEET ME 01

WELCOME

GROUP MANAGING DIRECtOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5483 EDItORIAL DIRECtOR VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5472 EDItORIAL EDItOR StEpHEN wHItE stephen.white@cpitrademedia.com +44 7541 244 377

Your chance to get up close with oeMs and their latest trucks With just over a month to go, final plans for the upcoming Truck&Fleet Conference in Dubai are in full swing and I’m happy to announce you will be able to get a rare chance to meet OEMs up close and personal, as well as see their latest trucks.

Since we began the planning for the event early this year, we have been reaching out to some of the biggest names in the industry, securing their participation on the conference programme, and with the hope we may also be able to give delegates some sort of showcase for vehicles.

Well, it is now my happy job to be able to confirm that we will not only be holding our first ever full conference but also an exhibition. Ample time will be made during the day to enable the audience to step away from the heat of debate and out into the surrounding display area where you will be able to see some of the newest trucks in the market.

As many long time readers will know, I’ve always been an advocate of events that allow you to see the latest technology. I’ve also stressed many times that I am fortunate to have access to some of the finest minds and thinkers ion the sector.

Finally, Truck&Fleet Middle East magazine now has a platform that will help you get the same privileged access.

December is a busy time for most fleets in the UAE, but we hope we’ve put together a condensed programme for the 5th December at the Ghaya Grand Hotel close to Jebel Ali that allows you to maximise your time and get the most from the experts and technicians that will be present at the event.

As for the programme itself, there will be special debates on the state of the industry in the region, as well as discussions and case studies aimed at making your fleet operation leaner and run faster and longer.

If you are planning on coming, don’t hesitate to reach out to me for any information and please do come armed with all those questions you don’t normally have the time or opportunity to ask.

See you at the conference.

sUB EDItOR AELRED DOYLE aelred.doyle@cpitrademedia.com ADVERtIsING sENIOR sALEs MANAGER BIpIN SONEJI bipin.soneji@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 433 2856 DEsIGN ARt DIRECtOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com DEsIGNER pERCIVAL MANALAYSAY percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.com PHOtOGRAPHY MAKSYM pORIECHKIN maksym.poriechkin@cpitrademedia.com MARKEtING MARKEtING MANAGER SHEENA SApSfORD sheena.sapsford@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5498 CIRCULAtION & PRODUCtION PRODUCtION MANAGER VIpIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 DIstRIBUtION MANAGER pHINSON MAtHEw GEORGE phinson.george@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5476 WEB DEVELOPMENt SADIQ SIDDIQUI ABDUL BAEIS fINANCE ACCOUNts NAHEED HOOD naheed.hood@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5474 CREDIt CONtROL ExECUtIVE CAMERON CARDOZO cameron.cardozo@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5499 fOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015)

the publisher of this magazine has made every effort to ensure the content is accurate on the date of publication. the opinions and views expressed in the articles do not necessarily reflect the publisher and editor. the published material, adverts, editorials and all other content are published in good faith. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publisher in writing. publication licensed by Dubai Development Authority

stEPHEN WHItE EdiToR, TRUCK&FLEET ME STEPHEN.WHiTE@CPiTRAdEMEdiA.CoM 02 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

to CpI trade publishing fZ LLC. printed by printwell printing press LLC. CPI trade Media. pO Box 13700, Dubai, UAE. +971 4 375 5470 cpitrademedia.com © Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.

safe drivers for safer traffic Highways, crowded streets and narrowcorners. The office of a driver differs a lot from the regular workplace. It’s demanding and dangerous. And it calls for safety measures beyond the ordinary. At Scania we are taking the driver’s seat to create the safest possible vehicle, always using the experience from our driver to ensure the saftey of others.

For more information about our new generation trucks and services, please visit scania.com/ae

ONLINE

MOST POPULAR

ReAdeRS’ COMMeNTS

feATURed

CONSTRUCTION

MASdAR CITy NOW OffeRINg

Arabtec Construction’s CEO Boyd Merrett resigns

TeSLAS fOR CAR-ShARINg

As someone who moved to Dubai without a driving licence but has subsequently realised that owning one is essential if you want

CONSTRUCTION

Masterplan for 7.1mn sqm megaproject in KSA revealed

to make the most of

C

the city, I have had

M

to learn the power of

Y

mobility the hard way.

Thankfully, I have

Insight: Why you should be moving to a cloud-based platform

CY

considering my first

CMY

vehicle and I would love Well, that probably

Abu Dhabi Ports breaks ground on Marsa Mina waterfront project

isn’t going to happen any time soon but this (read ‘Masdar City now

offering Teslas for carsharing’ on MECN) could be the next best thing.

Car-sharing and the cloud-based tech that CONSULTANT

powers it, really is

Savills adds Building and Consultancy services to its portfolio

a great idea. In fact, in an ideal world we wouldn’t need to own a car, we could just hop into the next one that is available. It also seems like a good way to encourage people to try electric vehicles for

CONSTRUCTION

Emirates RDF breaks ground on UAQ waste-toenergy treatment plant 04 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

Righting the Balance: Industry reacts to dubai’s real estate reforms

MY

now passed and am

it to be a new Tesla!

CONSTRUCTION

CM

themselves. Plug me in!

Name withheld by request

K

NETWORK

EKAR hEADS glOBAl CAR ShARINg lIST / NEW BEIRUT BASE fOR IVECO / AVERDA ACqUIRES ZENATh RECyClINg / Al yOUSUf MC SECURES NEW DISTI DEAl / IMK UNVEIlED

network

Industry turns out for IVECO and OMATRA opening IVECO lINE-Up ShOWCASED AT ThE NEW BEIRUT pREMISES INClUDINg TRAKKER AND DAIly VANS DISTRIBUTORS Local business leaders and government officials were out in force for the opening of IVECO and OMATRA’s new facility in Beirut, Lebanon earlier last month.

The inauguration was held under the patronage of Lebanese President Michel Aoun and attracted more than 200 guests, including government representatives, local authorities, business leaders and the national press.

The full IVECO line-up was on show, featuring two 6x4 and one 8x4 Trakker heavy trucks, two Eurocargo trucks, a Daily Van, a Daily Cab, one 8x4 Astra

HD9, and three Daily vehicles equipped as food trucks.

OMATRA has developed a solid presence in the Lebanese territory, promoting IVECO commercial vehicles and contributing to the country’s economy, security and infrastructure, said IVECO in a a statement.

Among its customers are government agencies and companies in the private sector with firefighting equipment, ambulances, concrete mixers, food distribution transport vehicles and more.

“We have great confidence in the ability of our people to overcome all our present economic

difficulties,” said Nicolas J. Tueny, president, OMATRA. “We believe that the investment and capital expenditure in trucks and transport, which are at the heart of productive economic activity, will continue.”

IVECO supplies the Middle East with a full range of onand off-road vehicles as well as tailor-made solutions. The company said the launch fits the brand’s position as a major player in international markets.

“In the past two years we have worked with our local partner OMATRA to enhance IVECO’s brand perception in Lebanon,” added Fabio De Serafini, IVECO

Africa & Middle East business director. “In particular, we developed an expansion plan together for the heavy range business, with the aim of standing out from our competition by offering new tools and a bestin-class Aftersales service. This site is the culmination of this expansion plan, which will enable our customers to enjoy IVECO service standards at levels of absolute excellence in Lebanon.”

OMATRA and IVECO said they, “both share a long-term commitment to providing customers with the best value for their investment and products that meet their expectations.”

AffORDABlE ChAUffEURS: DUBAI RESIDENTS CAN NOW RENT A pERSONAl DRIVER fOR 4ODhS pER hOUR ANNOUNCES ThE RTA

06 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

NETWORK

UAE’S EKAR lEADS glOBAl CAR ShARINg fIRMS

AVERDA ACqUIRES ZENATh RECyClINg AND WASTE MANAgEMENT flEET

Waste management firm Averda has inked a deal with Zenath Trading Enterprises to acquire its Dubai-based recycling and waste management business. The acquisition was administered by Averda’s inhouse team and supported by Hogan Lovells LLP as Averda’s legal advisor for the transaction. The acquisition will enable Averda to capitalise on the strength of its operations, and enhance long-term value, while also positioning Averda as the leading waste services operator in the UAE. The deal will see Averda significantly increase the number of private and public sector clients in its portfolio.

According to the statement, Zenath Recycling & Waste Management was established in 1988 and offers collection and disposal services, and is said to service over 1,000 clients across Dubai. Following the deal, Averda will inherit 38 trucks and a workforce of 150 employees.

“This acquisition enables Averda to continue to deliver on its growth in the Middle East market.

I am delighted with today’s announcement and look forward to ensuring clients continue to receive exceptional levels of service from the enlarged business. Averda’s global expertise, technology and full suite of waste management services combined with the operational capability of Zenath Recycling will leverage Averda’s position to serve the multitude of corporates across Dubai,” said Malek Sukkar, CEO of Averda.

The acquisition will allow Averda to realise several synergies, including further economies of scale and the ability to cross- and up-sell end-to-end waste services to a larger client base, the statement said. This is expected to further enhance the profitability of its operations in the UAE. Sukkar states that Averda has built a resilient waste management business based on four key pillars: providing a fully integrated offering; long-term contracted revenue; geographic diversification and a strong customer base of both private and public sector clients.

CAR ShARINg An audit by movmi has found that ekar Dubai is achieving the highest free floating utilisation globally.

Ekar is among a group of free floating operators that allow members to book and return cars anywhere within a specified city or ‘geofence’.

They typically offer pay-per-minute bookings via mobile Apps.

A key efficiency metric for operators is the percentage of time a fleet are driven per 24 hours, known as utilisation, explained movmi. ekar’s own data was compared to the ‘Comparison of Free-floating Car Sharing Services’, a study by Habibi et Al published in 2017 by members of the Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden.

“This leading study compares free floating utilisation averages across 21 major cities worldwide. The study shows that free floating utilisation rates are highest in Madrid, New York, and Hamburg with values of 21.6 %. 12.7 % and 11.7 %, respectively,” explained movmi.

The audit conducted by Sandra Phillips, a TED Speaker on Mobility and CEO of movmi, and her team compared this study concluded to ekar’s data revealing that is achieving higher utilisation rates than registered elsewhere.

“The Dubai service, run in partnership with the Roads and

Transportation Authority (RTA), has achieved an unprecedented 22.0% utilisation rate,” noted movmi.

Phillips added that convenience and ease of use are the number one reasons why people use carsharing. “ekar has actively been investing in its own technology to create an exceptional user experience. movmi’s team evaluates carshare apps on a regular basis and we were very impressed with ekar’s app. In fact, we found it on par with car2go, the carsharing app that consistently ranks as the best,” said Phillips. ekar is the first and largest carshare operator in the region and is actively investing in its own tech and has raised funds to fuel its growth.

Since inception in 2016 by Vilhelm Hedberg, ekar’s Co-Founder and CEO, ekar has grown from a 15 vehicle pilot program with Etihad Airways to a multi-country service used by more than 80,000 customers and boasting an impressive 25 million kilometers booked across UAE and Saudi Arabia.

“Although we are proud to have achieved a great utilisation milestone in Dubai, this is just the beginning of our journey,” stated Hedberg. “ekar is on trajectory to one million members and over ten thousand ekars by 2022 and we aspire to mirror such utilisation successes across all major cities in the Gulf, Turkey, and Egypt. The sky is the limit.”

NOVEMBER 2019 TRUCK&FLEET ME 07

NETWORK

flyINg SpUR ENTERS REgION

CARS

The all-new Flying Spur is now available to order across the Middle East. Designed, engineered and handcrafted at the Home of Bentley in Crewe, England fuses limousine luxury and sports sedan performance.

“Re-designed from the ground up, the Flying Spur pushes the boundaries of both technology and craftsmanship to deliver segmentdefining levels of performance and refinement,” says Bentley.

The company claims new Flying

Spur is the most advanced luxury Grand Touring sedan available today, “offering a host of cuttingedge technologies to deliver a driving experience of extraordinary breadth and capability not seen in this segment before.”

At the heart of the new Flying Spur is an enhanced version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twinturbocharged W12, mated to a dual-clutch eight-speed transmission for faster, smoother gear changes.

This new TSI engine delivers 635 PS (626 bhp) and 900 Nm (664 lb.ft.), 0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 333 km/h.

hINO gOES WhOlESAlE IN KSA DISTRIBUTORS Jamjoom Group and Toyota Tsusho Corporation have agreed to establish wholesaler and retail partnership for Hino Motors in Saudi Arabia.

According to the Saudi Gazette, the pair began full-scale sales activities as TJT in October 2019; creating the first-ever Japanese-owned truck wholesaler in Saudi Arabia.

Demand for trucks is expected to increase in the Kingdom due to the role

they play in the logistics infrastructure supporting new industry born from industrial diversification and the increase in construction investment.

Toyota Tsusho first began exporting Hino trucks to Saudi Arabia in 1972, with the Jamjoom Group as a local Hino distributor. The newly established TJT will combine the Jamjoom Group’s local sales network with Toyota Tsusho’s after-sales service know-how developed through its automobile business. TJT

will not only enhance the sales function, but bolster total support for commercial vehicles encompassing vehicle inspection, maintenance and repair, and spare parts supply, said the Saudi Gazette report.

Toyota Tsusho is reportedly striving to “contribute to the country’s further development through supplying Hino trucks with QDR (excellent quality, durability, and reliability), generating new jobs, and training technicians”.

tAtA Motors showcAses enhAnced rAnge MANUfACTURERS

TATA Motors used the recent the Futuroad Expo 2019 event in South Africa to launch two new models for its HCV (heavy commercial vehicles) Ultra range of trucks. The new 7.5t Ultra Plus 1418 and an AMT variant of the Ultra 814 variant were unveiled in Johannesburg, joining the 5.5t Ultra 1014 and three models from the Prima range - the Prima 2528.K 6 x4 Tipper, Prima 3338.K 8×4 Tipper and Prima 4938.S - at an official event.

While the Ultra AMT 814 is from the existing range, the Ultra Plus 1418 is an entirely new multipurpose vehicle in the Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) range. The Ultra Plus 1418 is powered by the TATA New Gen 5.0L common rail engine. It will be available in wheelbase options of 4900 and 5300 mm. The vehicle will also offer a payload capacity between 7-8t making it ideal for both medium and short haul distribution, said TATA, adding that the tractor head offers class leading value and low cost of operation.

According to local media, Rudrarup Maitra, head (commercial vehicles), Tata Motors International Business, said that South Africa market is one of its strategically important hubs in Africa as it continues to expand across the continent and the nearby Middle East market.

The Free Press Journal quoted Maitra as saying: “The whole of sub-Saharan Africa as well as southern Africa has been key for us for the past 10 to 15 years. We are getting increasingly committed to Africa. I only see this relationship getting deeper.”

INSIDE ThIS ISSUE: WEST COAST INTERVIEW, fORD ESCORT TEST DRIVE, ThE SCANIA AXl, TRATON INNOVATION hIghlIghTS AND MUCh MORE

08 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

NETWORK

AA DISCOUNTS ThE RENAUlT MEgANE gT DISTRIBUTORS

Al Yousuf Mc secures tVs Motor coMpAnY disti deAl DISTRIBUTORS

Al Yousuf MC has formally announced a UAE-wide distribution deal with two- and three-wheel vehicle specialist TVS Motor Company with the inauguration of a 250sqm showroom located on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road and the launch of the TVS Apache RR 310 super bike.

With the premium bike firmly targeted at racing enthusiasts, other vehicles from the Indian manufacturer’s TVS Apache RTR range include the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and TVS Apache RTR 180 Race Edition.

The new showroom is the first of its kind for TVS Motor Company in the region and displays a wide range of two-wheelers as well as carrying spare parts and housing a service facility.

Through this showroom, TVS Motor Company will introduce diverse product offerings which will cater to both the personal commuting as well as the delivery segments in the United Arab Emirates, said the companies.

“We are delighted to expand our presence in the UAE market with Al Yousuf MC. They have a rich experience in the region and share our ethos of keeping customers at the center of our offerings,” said R Dilip, EVP, International Business, TVS Motor Company.

“The marquee showroom inaugurated here in Dubai will help us consolidate our presence in the region. The showroom will host products across segments and fulfill the diverse requirements of customers.”

10 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

Arabian Automobiles, the exclusive distributor for Renault in Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates, has unveiled a limited-time offer that tempts sports car enthusiasts to drive away with the sporty Renault Megane GT while saving over AED 20,000 off its marked value.

From the moment drivers sink into its comfortable seating, they will enjoy exceptional features, including the ability to go from 1 to 100 km/hr in just 7.1 seconds, 205HP, and four-wheel steering with launch

control, making it one of the most attractive vehicles in its category.

“A limited stock availability, and the price of AED 84,000, the

sleek, dynamic, and super-sporty Renault Megane GT is the sports car lover’s ultimate desire,” said the AW Rostamani Group company.

IMK lEADS NISSAN TMS ShOWINg MANUfACTURERS Nissan used last month’s 46th Tokyo Motor Show to showcase 14 models at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show, including the IMk, its new zero-emission concept car.

The Nissan LEAF e+, Serena e-POWER, GT-R and the new Skyline equipped with the ProPILOT 2.0 driver assistance system were also on the stand at one of the world’s most popular automotive events.

The Nissan IMk is being pitched as the ‘ultimate urban commuter’, and features cutting-edge technologies and powerful EV acceleration, “in a compact body that signals the future of Nissan design. More than just a

functional city car, it’s a chic vehicle designed to reduce driver stress while offering excitement and confidence on an all-new EV platform”.

Equipped with the latest ProPILOT advanced driver assistance technologies and seamless connectivity features, the IMk provides a glimpse of how urban-oriented cars may look and feel in the near future.

The IMk reflects a minimalistic aesthetic, drawing on Nissan’s new design philosophy, called Timeless Japanese Futurism.

Incorporating “Japanese DNA” in details inside and outside, the concept car hints at the new direction of Nissan’s design language and how it helps bring to life the Nissan

Intelligent Mobility vision.

The Serena minivan, meanwhile, is known as an early adopter of advanced new technologies such as ProPILOT and e-POWER. Introduced in March 2018, the Serena’s e-POWER electrified powertrain has been named Technology of the Year for 2019 by the Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC).

Refreshed in August 2019, the Serena now provides 360-degree safety protection as standard equipment across the entire model range. The updated front grille effectively communicates the Serena’s premium qualities and gives it a distinctively sporty character.

LAUNCHES

BMW M LAUNCHES itS MUCH ANtiCipAtED tHiRD gENERAtiON Of HigH-pERfORMANCE ExECUtiVE-CLASS MODELS / ALtiMA gEtS REgiONAL pOWER BOOSt

launches

625 Hp PRECisE PowER

Do you want to be an extrovert?

BMW SAyS itS NEW RANgE Of SAVS AND SACS WiLL HELp yOU StAND OUt fROM tHE CROWD BMW M has launched its much anticipated third generation of high-performance executive-class Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) models.

“The new BMW X5 M, new BMW X5 M Competition, new BMW X6 M and new BMW X6 M Competition capture the imagination with their classical M genes, which deliver handling agility, dynamism and precision unmatched in their class. Their superior performance attributes combine with the versatility, extrovert design and modern luxury for which BMW X models are renowned,” says the German auto-giant.

According to the launch notes, their V8 engine develops up to 460 kW/625 hp of ‘precisely controlled’

power transfer bolted onto an M-specific chassis – tailored to both the engine’s performance profile and the SAV / SAC vehicle concept – and design features “taken from the M playbook ensure imposing power and supremely controllable handling, even at the dynamic limits”.

The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is dispatched in just 3.9 seconds (Competition models: 3.8 seconds) – which is up to 0.4 seconds faster than the outgoing models.

“The intoxicating all-round performance package benefits from fine-tuning carried out during intensive testing at the BMW Group’s proving grounds, the Nürburgring-Nordschleife and

12 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

other race tracks,” says BMW. The new BMW X5 M, new BMW X6 M and Competition models will celebrate their show premieres at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2019 ahead of a market launch beginning in April 2020.

The V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology is a significant jump in grunt developing up to 460 kW/625 hp. The 4.4-litre engine teams up with two turbochargers – positioned in the “V” between the cylinder banks – whose impact is further enhanced by a crossbank exhaust manifold.

The power unit’s maximum output of 441 kW/600 hp exceeds that of the predecessor models by 18 kW/25 hp; the Competition models add 37 kW/50 hp to

hit a figure of 460 kW/625 hp.

Torque, meanwhile, peaks at 750 Nm (553 lb-ft). A super-stiff engine mounting results in direct transmission of power to the drivetrain, and the sports exhaust system generates a soundtrack of particular emotional richness.

Precise power transfer: eightspeed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, M xDrive and Active M Differential.

The high-performance engine in the new BMW X5 M, new BMW X6 M and Competition models teams up with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, whose gearshift characteristics can be adjusted using the Drivelogic button on the M-specific selector lever. The M xDrive all-wheeldrive

LAUNCHES

altima gets power boost

NiSSAN ALtiMA 2.0-LitER VC-tURBO ENgiNE NOW AVAiLABLE ACROSS tHE MiDDLE EASt

CONtEMpORARy SpORtS The contemporary style of the cabin is complemented by displays and controls which help to sharpen the driver’s focus on the driving experience at their fingertips.

fiNELy tUNED pERfORMANCE The engine was fine-tuned extensively on the Nurbering race track in Germany ahead of the launch.

system has been specially tuned to transfer drive to the road with characteristic élan and to optimise traction and directional stability on loose ground and in adverse weather conditions. M xDrive works in tandem with the Active M Differential at the rear axle and already displays a conspicuous rearwheel bias in the default 4WD setting. However, the driver can also dip into the Setup menu to select 4WD Sport mode, in which an even greater proportion

of the engine’s torque is directed to the rear wheels.

The new high-performance additions to the SAV and SAC segments are fitted with extensive measures to optimise the stiffness of the body structure and suspension mountings. The model-specific design and tuning of the chassis technology also helps enhance handling precision.

Standard specification includes M-specific adaptive suspension with dampers, the active roll stabilisation system and M Servotronic steering.

The world’s first variable compression production-ready engine is now replacing Nissan Altima’s 3.5-liter V6 in the Middle East while providing improved performance and 4-cylinder fuel economy, says the company.

Following the successful launch of the all-new 2019 Nissan Altima in the Middle East earlier this year, Nissan says the new 2.0L VC-Turbo engine is available for consumers across the region.

The new VC-Turbo engine by Nissan is the world’s first production-ready variable compression (VC) ratio engine and delivers improved performance and efficiency to add on the Altima’s low and wide exterior look. The car also introduces an elevated luxury experience through its interior design coupled with two new powertrains, and advanced Nissan Intelligent Mobility features. The VCTurbo engine is one of the most advanced internal combustion engines ever created, and continuously adjusts its compression ratio to optimize power and efficiency.

The new 4-cylinder engine, which replaces the previous generation’s 3.5-liter V6 engine, ensures Altima fans in the Middle East can still enjoy similar performance while providing better fuel efficiency.

Thierry Sabbagh, managing director, Nissan Middle East, said, “As part of

Nissan’s steadfast commitment on delivering ground-breaking technology to uplift user-experience, we are thrilled to announce availability of the improved VC-Turbo engine in the Middle East.

Combining the car’s exhilarating style, cutting-edge performance, and affordable luxuriousness, we are confident that the engine advancements made to the existing model will further increase demand for one of the region’s most popular product lines.”

With over 20 years in the making, the development of the Altima’s powerplant technology ushers a new era in combustion engine design that continuously calibrates compression ratio to optimise power and fuel efficiency. The VC-Turbo provides enhanced performance that offers a doubledigit percentage increase in fuel economy.

The engine uses both multi-point injection and gasoline direct injection to balance efficiency and power in all conditions.

Gasoline direct injection improves combustion efficiency and performance and enables the engine to avoid knocking at higher compression ratios.

SpECifiCAtiONS Engine

4cyl, VC-Turbo

Engine Capacity

2.0l

power

248 hp

torque

370 Nm

SpECifiCAtiONS Engine

4.4l V8

power

625 hp

torque

750 Nm

transmission

AwD M xDrive

0 to 100 km/h (62 mph)

3.9 seconds

NEW 248Hp ENgiNE ALTiMATE UPGRADE NOVEMBER 2019 TRUCK&FLEET ME 13

INTERVIEW

WesTside connecTion

T&FME meets West Coast, one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest waste management fleet owners

T

he West Coast Group says it has been on a mission to keeping businesses and societies clean since the turn of the millennium.

And in 2020, the Abu Dhabi-based waste management company will celebrate its 20th anniversary as it continues to provide environmentally friendly waste disposal solutions in the UAE capital and beyond.

The UAE’s rapidly growing population and developing and economy, has inevitably led to the quantity of waste in the Emirates increasing in the last decade. Historically most of the waste has ended up in its municipal landfills or dumpsites, where organic waste generates a large amount of the potent methane greenhouse gas.

Since the establishment of Tadweer (Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center) in 2008,

14 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

Abu Dhabi has transformed itself into arguably one of the most progressive cities in the region in tackling waste and in 2012 it set itself the goal of reducing the amount of waste being sent to the landfills to zero over 20 years.

With the city looking to use an integrated and innovative approach to dealing with waste, the demands to keep pace on the companies providing waste management services can be high. Waste management companies must follow the highest international standards and the services and trucks they deploy are under more scrutiny than ever.

West Coast, then, must stay true to its commitment of being a responsible business that “adopts strict resources optimisation and safeguards human health and the environment” in all of its processes and operations. The company continues to evolve and is using the latest in fleet

Having a Renault truck in our fleet provides a guarantee of the quality and reliability we seek”

best practices, technology and vehicles to balance its own business demands with the need to be greener than ever.

General manager Dany Rmeily says the ISO 9001 and 14001-certified company always chooses vehicles that can have a positive impact on the environment and the bottom line.

“Trucks are in the frontline of our business. They are the primary appendage to the backbone of our business, which is our people. The success of our service delivery significantly relies on the trucks we use in the field. As an environmental service provider, we always endeavour to uphold environmental protection in our service delivery,” Rmeily explains.

“We make sure of our fleet’s efficient performance in order to prevent minimise pollution.

INTERVIEW

“As much as possible, we procure vehicles which have high emission standards. In the vehicle selection, we opt for ‘greener vehicles’ which can reduce CO2 emissions and fuel costs. Also, as we are utilising vehicles of large capacities, we are able to reduce our trips going to recycling or disposal facilities, thereby reducing carbon footprint.

West Coast Group’s workforce is made up of over 6,000 employees coming from at least 22 different nationalities. Within the operation, trucks are of paramount importance to the service delivery of West Coast with almost a thousand vehicles running within its fleet inventory.

“Our fleet comprises of different types of trucks varying in sizes ranging from 1.5 ton to 90 ton,” explains Rmeily.

Utilisation within the fleet varies according to the types of services that West Coast provides, including waste collection and transportation, street sweeping and cleaning, logistics and support, as well as supervision of waste operations. Rmeily explains that spanning such a broad range of services requires an equally expansive variety of truck specifications.

“Specially designed trucks are used to collect municipal solid waste and haul them to solid waste treatment or disposal facility.

Road sweepers of different capacities are being operated to work on the streets, roads and even alleys whenever applicable,” he says.

“Aside from competent personnel being in the frontline of our business, we rely on efficient and dependable transport solutions to facilitate service delivery in the highest quality possible.”

West Coast’s fleet is out in the field around the clock and every day of the year making reliability and operational stability a challenge and a priority: “We need all our fleet to be in full functional capacity and condition at all times,” Rmeily remarks. Any breakdown could cause interruptions in the operations and impede the efficiency of the service delivery.

“The quality of our service and obtaining excellent customer satisfaction are our main priorities when it comes to service delivery.

We always endeavour to ensure that the quality of our services is at par with international standards and constantly meeting our customers’ standards and expectations.”

Rmeily highlights West Coast’s, which opened its own West Coast Training Center in 2010 (earning approval and certification as an Assessment Center by the British Institute of Cleaning Science), insistence of a fully fledged fleet and driver programme as an example of how those standards are maintained.

The company opened its own West Coast

ThE hIghEsT sTANDARDs Rmeily says West Coats must opt for ‘greener vehicles’ which can reduce CO2 emissions and fuel costs.

Large capacities that can reduce the number of trips is equally vital.

Training Center in 2010 earning approval and certification as an Assessment Center by the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc).

“We provide continuous training to our drivers and fleet management personnel adjunct to the well-planned maintenance programmes we continually implement.”

Vehicle purchasing, inevitably, also lies at the centre of this delivery strategy with West Coast opting for trucks that can offer greater fuel efficiency and cuts to operating costs.

“Efficient, safe and reliable transportation is achieved through proper selection and purchase of vehicles,” says Rmeily . “We make sure that we purchase only from companies which are globally known for high standards.”

The company has turned to the latest generation of Renault Trucks

6,000 West coast Group’s workforce is made up of over 6,000 employees coming from 22 nationalities

waste management vehicles as as it looks to grow the operation.

“Most of the Renault features are useful for our operations especially the safety features and the driving control,” he remarks when asked why Renault specifically.

“In our line of business, the proper selection of trucks is very important, especially that we are rendering services to high profile entities in the region,” he says. “Quality and reliability are essential especially when it comes to our fleet.

“Aware of Renault’s significant presence in the global industry, we acknowledge that having a Renault truck in our fleet provides a guarantee of the quality and reliability we seek and helps uplift our brand of service as well.”

Over the last decade, West Coast’s fleet operations have matched the environmental progress being made in the UAE and has become more efficient with the integration of current and emerging technology.

“As the nature of waste management is developing all the time, we strive to continuously keep up with current innovations and technology when it comes to our fleet,” comments Rmeily, adding that the fleet had to be upgraded with the latest tracking and communication hardware to help create a leaner operation.

“The utilisation of the GPS system and onboard computers enables our managers and dispatch to optimize the collection routes and assign service orders proficiently, saving more time and resources. Real-time data are collected with higher rates of accuracy.

“In addition, in case of emergencies or any need for immediate service,

RENAulT’s ROlE Most of the Renault features are useful for the operation especially their safety features and driving control systems, says Rmeily.

NOVEMBER 2019 TRUCK&FLEET ME 15

INTERVIEW

real-time communication facilitates faster service delivery.

“Utilising vehicles with the latest fuel and engine technologies facilitate fleet optimization for vehicle efficiency which provides us visibility into the vehicle location and condition, and enable us to use our vehicles proficiently, promoting lower operating costs, CO2 emissions and improved safety, people.”

He adds: “The success of our service delivery significantly relies on the trucks we use in the field.”

The company has put considerable

effort into optimising its collection and sweeping routes, to maximise the uptime of vehicles, he adds.

“Optimised routes ensure that the vehicles are used efficiently in such a way that all necessary collection and cleaning tasks are accomplished in the shortest possible time without compromising the quality of work.

Also, since the drivers play a critical part in keeping the vehicles in good condition, hence we make sure that they receive sufficient training in handling the vehicles to guarantee the good operating condition at all times.”

Looking ahead, Rmeily says that company

We need all our fleet to be in full functional capacity and condition at all times”

can look positively ahead as it enters its third decade of service and believes it can remain as one of the sector’s leading companies.

“In the future, aside from the increasing prices in the market, rise in taxes which could be imposed on the acquisition of vehicles could definitely create a significant impact on our operations. We believe that in spite of this anticipated challenges, we shall remain a leading company in our industry with our competent people and as we continuously find innovations to streamline our services and increase efficiency in all aspects of our business.”

QuAlITy AND RElIABIlITy Renault trucks in the fleet provide a guarantee of the quality and reliability, says Rmeily, as West Coast seeks to uplift its brand identity and service to clients.

OVER A MIllION TONs OF WAsTE COllECTED IN ABu DhABI IN h1 2019 Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre (Tadweer) collected 1.208 million tons of waste in the first half of 2019 through the companies contracted to provide waste collection and transportation services across Abu Dhabi, reported Gulf News last month.

Municipal solid waste amounted

to 567,721 tons, whereas bulky waste stood at 65,220 tons, green waste from residential areas and farms at 272,234 tons, and animal waste from farms at 228,245 tons. Tadweer also collected 49,408 tons of demolition and construction waste, 7,794 tons of animal carcasses, 16,250

16 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

tons of slaughterhouse waste and 1,474 tons of used tyres.

“In line with its strategic objective of adopting the most stringent international standards in integrated waste management, Tadweer has stepped up efforts to ensure the effectiveness of waste management services and

facilities over the first six months of 2019,” said Dr Salim Al Kaabi, director general of Tadweer.

“This will contribute significantly to achieving the objectives of Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 that aims to create a sustainable environment and preserve the cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of Abu Dhabi.”

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pin, s a r o f t r sco E w e n e h vel t e l s e d i k a m t e E h at t T&FM g n i h c t i p et s k i r a d r m o t F e r e a fl ac executive

umours that the Ford Focus was no longer going to be sold in the Middle East began to emerge late last year but it was unclear what would fill the void in the US company’s ranks in the region. Fans of the hot-hatch version may be disappointed to hear that the answer has seemingly arrived in the form of the new Escort, but for car fleet owners the vehicle may be a smart new option.

The original Ford Escort was designed as a family car back in 1968 and for decades afterwards the car-maker seemed intent in proving that it could be the shapeshifter in its family. For the next 30 years, there were hatchbacks, estates and, to underline its flexibility, van Escorts. And before the saloon car market was re-shaped by Asian manufacturers in the late-1990s there was even

18 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

time to arm it with the mighty RS Cosworth engine to compete on the rally circuit.

After a decade and more in the doldrums, the Escort name re-emerged as a model exclusively for China a few years ago; a surprise move considering its long history in Western markets and zero heritage in the land of the dragon. It now seems that marketed exclusivity may have been part of a longer term strategy to test other fresh territories; where the Escort can enjoy a new start and re-emerge as a compellingly priced alternative (some observers believed it was over-priced in China) to other vehicles in its class.

A look at the New Escort and a promised test drive, proved too much for T&FME to resist last month, especially as the car is being pitched at the fleet market here; and the magazine dutifully arrived at Al Tayer Motors for unveiling.

the Escort underlines our commitment to present UAE customers with a range of vehicles to meet all their transportation requirements”

The new Escort is tailored for customers looking for great value, sophisticated design, interior roominess and superior safety features in a small car, we were told.

“The new Ford Escort underlines our commitment to present UAE customers with a range of vehicles to meet all their transportation requirements,” added Ashok Khanna, CEO, Al Tayer Motors. “We are confident customers will enjoy the car’s unique blend of style, technology and safety features backed by our reliable and wide after-sales network across the country.”

After a short ceremony, the covers were taken off and it was immediately clear that the Escort outwardly shares the same DNA with the models now in China and has likewise been based on the global C1 compact car platform. Chassis-wise you can see the influence of the older Focus models but it

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WhaT FORD SayS…

ChOOSE yOuR TRIM Three trim options are available for the Ford Escort from the Ambiente to the leather-trimmed Titanium model.

IN ThE DNa Keen-eyed buyers will spot features from other Ford cars when they pick up the Escort.

is armed with the LED headlamps straight off the Mustang GT – that will probably pass you on the Sheikh Zayed Road when you take the smaller car for a spin. It’s a nice touch and gives the car a sharper edge (no pun intended there, Ford SUV fans).

Ford arguably has a stronger reputation for its sportier models like the aforementioned GT and its powerful pickups like the Raptor in the market, so it seems like a sensible decision to invoke those models in the Escort. Although, make no bones about it, this is a car being pitched firmly at the fleet and family car market.

The engine for instance is no slouch – 125 horsepower and 150Nm – in the car’s class but the 1.5l unit has been designed to be light, strong and favour impressive fuel efficiency over sheer grunt. Al Tayer itself believes at19.3 km/l, the Escort is one of

1968

the Mark I Ford Escort was introduced in Ireland and the United Kingdom in 1968. It replaced the successful, long-running Anglia

the most efficient cars in its segment on combined cycle. With the engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive, it believes the Escort is the perfect vehicle for those, like fleet company car owners, who need to make every drop of fuel count. It is also important for Ford and Al Tayer that even at a competitively priced 72,345 AED that it can swing the return of investment argument with buyers.

Thankfully, those figures can be backed up with actual data from out in the field – not always a given in the region. In fact, it was revealed during the unveiling that Ford tested throughout the summer heat of 2018 as part of its wider global testing programme.

Many will be relieved that the testing focused on performance of both the engine and the air-conditioning systems with Ford saying it wanted to test the Escort during one

“The Escort offers tremendous value, with segment leading levels of refinement and equipment as standard.

Three trim levels are available at launch Ambiente, Trend and the range topping Titanium, with its higher specifications and leather trimmed interior.

The new Escort is tailored for customers looking for great value, sophisticated design, interior roominess and superior safety features in a small car.”

of the most demanding times of the year when ambient temperatures push them to their limits.

The test programme went beyond the engineering to also include ride comfort and see how the car performed in both an urban and highway environment, T&FME was told.

Ziyad Dallalah, chief engineer, Ford MEA product development said the local team were impressed with the way the Escort conducted itself throughout the tests.

“It coped with the kinds of temperatures we get here at the height of summer extremely well, cooling the cabin quickly and efficiently,” he said.

Thankfully T&FME got a hot and humid Thursday morning to test that out for itself when the keys were passed over to take a spin.

We opted for the premium Titanium leather trim, which will retail just below 90,000 AED, and like most Ford models in NOVEMBER 2019 TRUCK&FLEET ME 19

TEST DRIVE

this market, you really do get a strong suite of features, including eight-way adjustable power memory seats and power folding memory mirrors “for greater convenience”.

Front and centre of the dashboard is an 8-inch touchscreen for the on-board infotainment system. This also displays what the rear view camera is seeing as well as what you are listening to. Audio devices can be connected to the system via Bluetooth, or via an A/V jack, USB charger and auxiliary port.

The real eye-opener here for those fresh to newer Ford models will be the crisp 3D digital instrument cluster. The company has come along way since its first demonstrations of the technology a decade ago, and you can even check your wheels’ conditions via the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

What else do you get? Well, there’s the auto on/off headlamps, auto dimming rear

It coped with the kinds of temperatures we get here at the height of summer extremely well”

view mirror, automatic rain sensing wipers, and keyless entry with push button start.

Beyond the TPMS, other enhanced safety features on the new Escort include standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), side curtain airbags. The rear seats also come fitted with ISOFIX for two child safety car seats as standard. Less obvious perhaps but no less important is the highstrength boron steel chassis and the advanced six-airbag restraint system. The new Ford Escort earns its full five-star safety rating.

On the road, the vehicle tested well and comparable to its competition. Where the testing in the region has certainly paid off, is the ride comfort for both driver and passenger which were good and sound levels remained low. The steering in particular was silky smooth and responsive. Driving in direct sunlight and in the heat, the dashboard

stayed razor-sharp to the eye and the airconditioning performed admirably. (From a buyer’s point of view, a selling point is sure to be the re-assurance of Al Tayer’s support network should anything go wrong.)

In terms of space, the driver is well catered for and Ford says the multi-function steering wheel and dash-mounted touchscreen have been designed to give passengers generous leg, shoulder and headroom. In T&FME’s opinion, it would be fair to say that while the interior is comfortable, it doesn’t feel exceptionally ‘roomy’. Nor is the boot.

However, both compare favourably to other cars in its class, like say the Nissan Sunny, but like cars from others like KIA and Peugeot, you are not buying this car for a cheaper limo. This, then, is a car, whose role is to get a sales executive to a meeting and not look out of place in your customer’s car park.

C

WhaT T&FME SayS… Fans of the Focus may be disappointed not to see a replacement for the hot hatch in the UAE, but priced competitively and fully specced and tested in the region, the New Ford Escort may be the company car of choice for mid-level executives and fleet managers with one eye on the fuel bill.

TESTED IN ThE REgION Ford used the UAE to test the Escort last summer to ensure it would be ready for this year’s launch.

SuITED aND BOOTED? Rear storage is useful but doesn’t compete with limo-style boot space. Ford says it is more suitable for fleet car use.

20 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

Ford Escort 2020 prices start from AED 72,345 up to AED 89,000-plus

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FEATURE

TakIng The lId off

Scania explains why it has made the Scania AXL, a fully autonomous concept truck, without a cab

I

n what is another milestone in the development of heavy self-driving vehicles, a group of Scania experts in different fields have teamed up and developed a concept truck, which, even without the cab, has the company’s modular system at the heart of the design.

As different industries look to streamline transport assignments and make them more sustainable, self-driving vehicles are increasingly being considered. Mines and large closed construction sites are examples of environments that are favourable for self-driving pilots since they are well-controlled locations.

“With the Scania AXL concept truck, we are taking a significant step towards the 22 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

smart transport systems of the future, where self-driving vehicles will play a natural part,” says Scania’s President and CEO Henrik Henriksson. “We continue to build and pilot concepts to demonstrate what we can do with the technology that is available today.”

For autonomous vehicles, software is in many ways more important than hardware.

Scania AXL is steered and monitored by an intelligent control environment. In mines, for example, the autonomous operations are facilitated by a logistics system that tells the vehicle how it should perform.

“We already have self-driving trucks in customer operations. However so far, they have been with room for a safety driver who

We are taking a significant step towards the smart transport systems of the future”

can intervene if necessary. Scania AXL does not have a cab and that changes the game significantly,” says Claes Erixon, Head of Research and Development at Scania. “The development in self-driving vehicles has made great strides in the past years. We still don’t have all the answers, but through concept vehicles like Scania AXL we break new ground and continue to learn at great speed.”

The combustion engine that powers the concept vehicle is an example of how traditional and new technology is mixed. It is advantageously powered by renewable biofuel.

The robust and powerful features and design behind Scania AXL match the tougher environments in mines and large construction

FEATURE

sites. A new intelligent front module replaces the traditional cab, but even without a cab the concept is easily recognisable as a Scania.

In many respects, the engineers entrusted with developing the concept truck Scania AXL entered uncharted territory. For most, building the autonomous truck has been the greatest challenge of their professional lives.

In a very short time, Scania’s engineers have transformed a conventional truck to a fully autonomous vehicle, with the traditional cab replaced by a front module with intelligent technology.

“We’ve learned a lot and I believe there now is the widespread insight that it is much harder than many initially realised to develop a safe self-driving vehicle for varying applications in different environments,” says Eric Falkgrim, Project Manager for Scania AXL. Scania AXL’s brain is the intelligent front module, where data from cameras, radar and lidar sensors together generate a common view of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings.

Development Engineer Magnus Granström was one of those developing the software for the front module. “In software terms, the greatest challenge has been to ensure that the concept truck is sufficiently safe to be driven without a steering wheel. In essence, the steering wheel has been the precaution through which a driver can intervene if something goes wrong. When we don’t have that, the system must simply work perfectly,” he says.

Development Engineer Carl Wettergren has been involved throughout the Scania AXL project. “One of the early issues was to what extent the front module could be subjected to motion. The aim was for the cameras and sensors to be built into the module and we had lengthy discussions how these would connect with the chassis.”

Senior Mechanic Pierre Jacobsson says that during its development, Scania AXL was sometimes hoisted into axle stands to prevent the truck from moving uncontrolled.

He’s delighted with the end product.

“Two years ago, we saw some rough sketches of what the truck might look like and it seemed very strange. This was something completely new for us. But the result is far cooler than that. It’s bold, really bold.”

A key motivation for Scania’s development of the self-driving truck has been to start exploring customer needs.

“When autonomous vehicles have reached full maturity and we approach customers, we need to understand all their needs,” says Falkgrim. “This is our interpretation of what we believe customers may require for future transport needs.

And we welcome their response.”

“It was a tremendous feeling to see the project cross the finishing line, when Scania AXL actually drove for the first time. That was a truly amazing experience,” Falkgrim recalls.

With cameras, radar and lidar sensors, Scania’s engineers have taken powerful steps towards fully autonomous vehicles. The challenge has been to replace the human eye and the ability of the human brain to process decisions based on what the eye sees.

Autonomous vehicles have often relied on data from cameras and radar. Radar sensors are reliable, but the resolution is insufficient to identify the likes of pedestrians

I believe there now is the widespread insight that it is much harder than many realised”

and small objects at a distance. The camera offers a sufficient level of detail and a good overview in two dimensions but requires massive software to convert 2D images of the surrounding environment to 3D. Generally, for autonomous vehicles, software is more important than hardware.

For safe autonomous driving, an additional sensor is therefore needed. It’s called lidar, which stands for light detection and ranging.

“We need there to be overlap between the sensors, so that one can be a backup to take over from the other if needs be,” says Fredrich Claezon, System Architect for Autonomous Vehicles. “What happens if the camera and

UNchARTEd TERRiTORy Scania’s engineers have transformed a conventional truck to a fully autonomous vehicle, with the traditional cab replaced by a front module with intelligent technology.

pLANNiNg FOR ThE FUTURE The Scania AXL is designed as an interpretation of what the company believes customers may require for their transportation needs.

NOVEMBER 2019 TRUCK&FLEET ME 23

FEATURE

radar suggest conflicting information? Which of these sensors should we trust? With lidar, we can obtain a better basis for decisions.”

Scania’s first fully autonomous self-driving concept truck, Scania AXL, is equipped with cameras, radar, lidar and GPS receivers. The system is designed for a level that meets the operational needs of mines. “The system isn’t yet street smart but it’s certainly smart enough for being used in mines,” says Development Engineer Magnus Granström, Autonomous Systems Development.

The human eye is not easily replaced but a relatively good overview of surroundings can be obtained through sensors. “In

this case, we see what we need to see,” Granström explains. “Driving in a mine is fairly simple and predictable. If you’re driving in a more dynamic and less predictable environment, more work is needed.”

It’s been difficult to decide just how complex the system should be. This involves balancing an opportunity to develop a more general system for many applications with ensuring there is a robust and reliable system for the mining industry. “Scania AXL would most probably not be fit for city driving but considering the envisioned environment and planned assignments, it’s sufficiently smart,” says Granström.

When Scania aXl actually drove for the first time was a truly amazing experience”

A vehicle from Scania must be recognised as a Scania even if it comes without the cab.

The fully autonomous Scania AXL concept is tailored for heavy duty operations and should therefore convey robustness and strength.

Scania’s new autonomous truck concept is another major step forward in the development of future vehicles. “Since this is a new concept, there are plenty of things that we could do in terms of how it might look, but it is imperative to show everyone that this is still a Scania,” says Xavi Carreras Castro, the designer at Scania’s vehicle styling department with responsibility for Scania AXL.

ROBUSTNESS ANd pOwER Vehicle styling is mainly determined by the planned environment and application. If the vehicle is being designed for mining and construction work, it should convey robustness and power, whereas the design of a self-driving distribution truck for downtown cities should give a gentler, kinder impression.

“This is the first time that that we’ve built a truck that has

many new components and technologies. That enables us to alter earlier forms and expressions. This is what we believe the future looks like, so this has been really exciting.”

The challenge has been to balance the truck’s proportions and blend the front module with the tipper unit. “Half the cab is gone without a driver. A

24 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

conventional mining truck has two distinct parts – the cab and the tipper unit. We’ve aimed for an integrated styling with a more dynamic design language.”

Although the Scania AXL concept is a novel and innovative vehicle it can be clearly recognised as a Scania. The colours identify it as part of the Scania family and there is still room for the

characteristic ‘wrapping T’, which on conventional trucks is formed by the grille and the windscreen.

The development and design of the concept truck has required many new approaches, since little was known when the project started. “It will be a tremendous feeling when a truck such as this eventually appears at a mine,” says Carreras Castro.

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fEatuRE

The bIg TRATON ReveAls

the newest auto giant on the block unveils its vision for the industry

I

nnovation. Oh dear it’s that word again. Over-used, filed under the last resort of desperate marketing budgets looking to find one way, any way, to differentiate from the competition. Innovation. A word that promises so much and delivers so little. The ultimate antonym, a word that pretends to mean one thing but we all know means another.

In short, in someone tells you something is innovative it probably means it isn’t.

But here we were last month with TRATON giving the industry its broadest, deepest look at what and how Scania, VW and MAN Truck and Bus are being combined to take on the commercial vehicle industry at its, ahem, innovatively titled… you probably guessed it… Innovation Day. And the thing is, for all the last two paragraphs rant about the word, TRATON 26 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

genuinely is threatening to seize the initiative in the market. Even if it fails at that, it is clear that this carefully designed product showcase/multiple all-star executive keynotes event is a milestone in proving that the company has a seriously compelling line-up of vehicles and services to re-invigorate the brands that fall under its umbrella. Just a shame they couldn’t come up with a more imaginative title for it.

So what does innovation mean to the man tasked with balancing the needs of shareholders and an industry that could with an ejection of, erm, innovation [okay I think we’ve made that point enough – Ed] “Innovation,” says CEO Andreas Renschler in front of the audience, “is a state of mind. Innovation means always striving to be better — to offer our customers and their customers added value.”

every third of our trucks and buses can have an alternative drivetrain – and most of them will be fully electric”

“What do we mean with ‘Innovation’?

Innovation does not only mean products.

We don’t say technology for the sake of technology. But to create customer value. Innovation for us goes far beyond technological progress. Innovation is a mindset, an approach. Innovation is an attitude of getting better every day – and thereby offering our customers and their customers true value for their businesses.

“Innovation means finding new ways to tackle things, and to make our customers happy. To make our customers profitable and sustainable. Creating innovation is in the DNA of our brands.

But now, under the roof of the Group, we can act stronger and faster together.

“Look at the radical changes in the transport industry. The entire business and its players will consolidate and adapt to new

fEatuRE

a cOMBiNEd appROach TRATON COO Christian Levin (centre) focussed on how the group will leverage the best from the three commercial vehicle brands for the Group.

tappiNg iNtO VW MAN’s eTGE, unveiled last year, is based on the VW Crafter and uses the battery and motor used on the latest VW e-Golf.

business models. To compete in this new world, “innovation strength” is the most important factor. And this is why customerfocused INNOVATION is one of the key pillars of our Global Champion Strategy.

Looking back on the four years since TRATON was formally announced as a strategy to reposition the Volkswagen-owned vehicles brands, Renschler praised how they had come together to achieve a row of results.

“We raised synergies and we are running on record levels: 26 billion euros in revenue in 2018, more than 13 in the first half of this year. We set a new record and crossed the 1 billion EUR mark in operating profit in the first six months of this year. But of course, since we are in a cyclical business, this cannot be the case forever, you all know that.

With a more and more challenging market environment, and less growth predicted

in the outlooks of the markets – we keep going, and we are confident after all.”

Renschler is in expansive mood as he addresses the crowd, taking on the many challenges the commercial vehicle industry faces head-on. He says that in just the short time that TRATON has been formed there has been a significant shift in attitudes towards alternative drive systems and systems with reduced CO₂ emissions, as well as the rapid pace at which consumerism and logistics is changing.

“When we started this journey four years ago, attempts at e-mobility in commercial vehicles were brushed aside as experiments.

Today, we are already taking orders for electrically powered trucks and buses and are confident that over the next 10 to 15 years, every third truck and bus we deliver will have alternative drive systems, of which

2,000 30% of TRATON’s engineers (over 2,000) are currently working on software and systems development

the majority will be purely electric.”

But to do that, the appropriate infrastructure is needed, and really on an international scale.

“Every third of our trucks and buses can have an alternative drivetrain. And this is only a conservative calculation. But: this is only possible – and what’s important – if all necessary conditions are in place at the right time, especially the seamless infrastructure system all over Europe that we will need.”

TRATON is aiming to spend a total of 1 billion euros by 2025 purely on its R&D for electric mobility. Renschler believes fleet will see a time in the not-too-distant future where they will be able to afford the technology.

“We believe in mid-term TCO parity: That means a total cost of ownership of electric vehicles, comparable with traditional powered vehicles already in the NOVEMBER 2019 TRUCK&FLEET ME 27

feature

next years. We are doing our homework,” he says before aiming a broadside shot over the bows of governments that in the past have been keen to see the industry fund its own green initiatives – such as the changes to emission standards that has shaped development over the past decade.

“We do enjoy making our contribution but we also expect the decision-makers in politics to do their homework, too.

By the way: E-Mobility is not just driven from a technology perspective – it is furthermore about our responsibility for a sustainable future – ecologically, economically and socially.

“It is exciting to experience such a radical transformation – and for us to be a driving force of it. But how can we achieve innovation in such a tight framework? I think: it is not a tight framework, instead, it is a great tailwind.”

With the automotive industry still reeling from having to put it hands up and admit it has not behaved fully in the spirit of law in terms of its interpretation of engine emission stipulations, this was a reminder that it still has a vital role to play in the development of societies.

Bridges of trust must be re-built, particularly if a practical pathway to e-mobility is going to be laid down.

Nevertheless, here was a hand being extended. Both the private and public sectors need to work with each other to establish, say, the electrification of public transport. And on that point, TRATON is making good progress already when you consider the work Scania is putting with municipalities across Europe.

Renschler moves on to TRATON’s three-pronged strategy (‘innovation drivers’) in how it is going to bring the best practice and methods from within its portfolio – with shades of Volvo Trucks’ own approach - and share them across the vehicles they all produced.

Harnessing synergies between the three brands MAN, Scania, and Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus collaboratively will be key to TRATON’s success, he says.

“Number one is Modularisation.

Our industry requires incredibly many variants. Every commercial vehicle is different. Different purpose, different size, different load, different mileage, different requirements,” he says. “If we develop and work with modules instead of completely newly engineered vehicles, we can drive customized innovation faster, more individual, and more cost-efficient.

28 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

MOMENtuM fOR ElEctRic dRiVEs ITRATON projects that demand for electric vehicles will continue to rise over medium and long term because electric vehicles will become more affordable and cost less to maintain.

thE MOVE tOWaRds full E-MOBility One big strength of the TRATON GROUP is its ability to spread development costs across the three brands. “In the Group, we are developing a common modular electric powertrain toolkit, that will be used in 2020 in the first serial produced all-electric city buses made

by Scania and MAN,” said Christian Levin, the head of R&D. “It can be individually modified depending on the brand and area of use. As a result, a maximum number of individual solutions can be produced with a minimum number of components and costs.” For the first time, TRATON has also introduced a cross-brand development budget for electro mobility and brought together teams from all over the Group. They are working on the next generation of e-drive systems, a software for battery management, and the compatible frame structure.

TRATON’s brands already hold more than 1,000 electro mobility patents — and, thus, some 25% more than in 2018.

Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus (VWCO) has signed the world’s largest purchase intention

agreement for e-trucks — 1,600 trucks have been ordered by the Brazilian beer and beverage producer Ambev. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2020 — and it was available for test drives for the first time in Europe at the Innovation Day. In order to speed up the introduction of e-vehicles in Brazil, VWCO has formed an e-Consortium at its Brazilian R&D and production complex. This is the first time that a vehicle manufacturer has established a complete support structure for its electric trucks, from manufacturing to setting up the charging infrastructure and managing the life cycle of the battery pack.

Later in 2019, Scania plans to put a bus in operation which will electrically and autonomously transport passengers for Nobina in the Stockholm metropolitan area. Together with Asko, Norway’s largest food wholesaler, Scania is testing fuel-cell trucks with an electric powertrain in which the electrical energy is converted from hydrogen gas from renewable resources in fuel cells on board the vehicles. Later on, Asko will

be testing a Scania batteryelectric truck. E-trucks made

by MAN with a total weight of 26 tons are currently being tested by customers in Austria; an extended production of the eTGM for further customer tests is scheduled to start this year.

And sales of the new electric MAN van eTGE have taken off since it was introduced into the market: More than 150 of them have been sold in the past 12 months.

TRATON projects that demand for electric vehicles will continue to rise over medium and long term because electric vehicles will become more affordable and cost less to maintain.

In the process, they will be able to take full advantage of their edge in energy costs.

“We have the products for today and tomorrow. We are in the starting blocks,” Renschler said. The executive urged political leaders to initiate in their respective countries “an incentive program for electric commercial vehicles and a European master plan for charging infrastructures” that would ease customers’ transition to electro mobility.

feature

“Modularisation is not new in our industry,” he says. An observation more sharply made when you consider that particular method of production was pioneeered by Scania within the commercial vehicles industry.

“But it is a complete game-changer for our Group. TRATON is the first truck and bus Group that is taking the challenge to invent a modular toolkit for the entire Group!”

Renschler says that as the world is becoming more and more connected it will bring huge benefits for TRATON’s customers.

“We increase efficiency, we improve our customer’s business. Software and Systems (his second part of the strategy) are of utmost importance for every future product and service. This is why already today, more than 30% of our engineers are working on software. That is more than 2,000

people! We are planning to connect more than a million trucks by the year 2025.

“Why? Because we want to move into the digital fast lane. To give you an idea: within the next five years, we are willing to invest more than 1 billion euro in digitalisation of our products and services.

“We see totally new business models that are being developed in our Group and with partners. Just one example: With our cloud-based logistics brand RIO, we are planning a cooperation with Volkswagen ‘Konzern-Logistik’ – one of the biggest logistics players with more than 18,000 truck loads a day in Europe.”

The ultimate aim, he says, is to improve utilisation of trucks, reduce empty runs and idle times, “and drive our customer’s business to the next level.”

He adds: “Because, let’s face it: We cannot be satisfied with the existing 50 to 60% utilisation of trucks out there. This

A common modular toolbox across all brands allows us to respond even faster, better, and more efficiently”

is not a good ratio, not for our customers’ efficiency, not for society and not for the environment. When we optimise the capacity through software, then digitalisation can contribute to climate protection.”

“The combination of electric and electronic systems is also key for MAN’s new truck generation: We are approaching to witness the most digital truck in the history of MAN. And what comes next?

Well, we are working on it…,” he says alluding to the cab-less, autonomous AXL (more on which you can read on page 22).

Having looked at the hardware and the software shaping his business, Renschler says the third driver comes under the term ‘People and Collaboration’. It allows him to drop the mention of a new concept vehicle: A light delivery truck from Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus in Brazil which has been equipped with e-drivetrain components from Hino.

Out tO iMpREss The event was an opportunity to showcase the brands owned

by TRATON and how they fit the group’s overall strategy.

thE chaNgiNg shapE Of thE iNdustRy The Scania AXL was demonstrated during the event and is an example of how TRATON is looking to find solutions for industries undergoing digitalisation.

NOVEMBER 2019 TRUCK&FLEET ME 29

feature

BRaNd NEW liNE-up TRATON is combining the best of all worlds of its brands; sharing technology and knowhow across its portfolio.

“Creating innovation is not just about finding brilliant ideas – it is about bringing the right people together beecause that is when the magic happens. For us, Collaboration can be seen on three levels: with our customers. We see some great use cases today - with external partners - be it in the development stage, or with our alliance partners globally just like Hino in Japan.

“Why don’t we use our own engines?

Because we understand partnerships the right way: learning from one another, and using the complementary strengths of a partner in segments where it makes sense.”

The third level of collaboration is the one within the Group and its three different truck and bus brands.

“How we work together at TRATON, how we create synergies and how we benefit together from the individual strengths. We are striving to enforce pluralism and inclusion in order to realize the best mix of people possible.

30 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

It makes no sense to invent vehicles that can drive on the moon – because we have no business and no customers there”

“One thing is clear – and I don’t think I have to convince you: Transport is the backbone of the global economy and it is hard to think about a world without transport. So we better make transport a better one. Better transportation makes a better world! And we are committed to prove that we actively contribute to that.”

With the why out of the way, it was left to TRATON COO Christian Levin to speak about how the group will leverage the best from the three commercial vehicle brands for the Group. Responsible for research and development, purchasing, strategic product planning, the management of strategic alliances, and the strategic production network, Levin is a driving force of synergies at TRATON. “Group-wide coordinated research and development empowers us to achieve our mission of becoming a Global Champion.

A common modular toolbox across all brands allows us to respond even faster,

RENschlER ON thE challENgEs faciNg flEEts “Innovation means successful and satisfied customers. It makes no sense to invent vehicles that can drive on the moon – because we have no business and no customers there. But we have thousands of customers on this earth – who are facing the big challenges of radical transformation.

• Increasing pressure on costs and delivery times • Growing globalisation • Resource scarcity • Demand for more sustainability in every aspect”

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MOViNg tO MOBility TRATON is investing more than 1 billion euros in its products and services to meet the needs of the next generation of mobility.

better, and more efficiently to customer needs,” says Levin, who leads the TRATON GROUP’s global operating activities with his team located in Sweden.

Levin also emphasises the key role realising the potential of digital systems plays in this effort. “The proportion of electronics and software experts in our development departments is rising considerably. We intend to invest over a billion euros in digitalization over the next five years.”

Within the TRATON GROUP, the brands’ activities are clearly positioned: Scania is the leader of sustainable transportation solutions and is working on many different alternatives to fossil fuels.

As a full-range business partner, MAN is pursuing a broad strategy, offering products from light commercial vehicles to heavyduty trucks. And VWCO is specialising in offering tailored solutions with the best value for money, primarily for the Latin American and African markets.

a tRatON state of mind

Throughout the Innovation Day, it was stressed that the group sees THAT word as being more broadly defined as a state of mind.

A few months prior to the launch of the new MAN truck generation, Joachim Drees, CEO of the Munich brand MAN Truck & Bus, explained the role modularization has played in the development of MAN vehicles in the past. With the right design and a clever combination of a few parts, better variants are possible — and along with that a more tailored configuration for specific customer requirements.

Drees also spoke about other examples in the TRATON GROUP and described, together with Niklas Bruce, TRATON expert for modularisation, the newly developed modular toolbox, called Byggladan in Swedish, which covers the powertrain to the vehicle frame for the vehicles in the Group — inspired by the Swedish brand

1BN

TRATON is aiming to spend a total of one billion euros by the year 2025 purely in research and development for electric mobility

Scania’s modular toolbox model. However, even with modularisation, the three brands will retain their clearly defined positioning.

Helmut Schweighofer, CEO of the logistics group DB Schenker Europe, as session guest, emphasised how important it is for him and his customers to be able to meet the high demands placed on the truck fleets; he also underscored the added value of a customised configuration using modularisation concepts offered by manufacturers. MAN CEO Drees: “With our new configurator, it will be easier and quicker than ever to put together the vehicle of your choice based on customer requirements.”

Scania CEO Henrik Henriksson described the far-reaching impact of digitalization and networked systems on the transport industry. The heart of a modern commercial vehicle is digital. Control systems, services, and interconnecting vehicles and services enable the development of new innovative solutions that increase efficiency for customers. “Already about a third of our engineers are software developers,” Henriksson pointed out.

He then proudly demonstrated Scania’s new concept vehicle — an autonomous vehicle for use in mines — for the first time. Henriksson, together with Daniel Mohlin from the Swedish transport service provider Nobina from the Stockholm region, also presented the collaborative solution of an autonomous shuttle service in the area around Stockholm.

Roberto Cortes stressed the fact that it’s not enough to have the brightest minds in the industry under one’s roof: “It is more important how well people collaborate,” emphasises the CEO of the Brazilian truck brand Volkswagen Caminhões e Ônibus. Collaboration at TRATON is a success factor at all levels: with customers, external partners, as well as within the TRATON GROUP. The CEO of the South American brand highlighted in particular the modular consortium at the plant in Brazil, where integrated production of commercial vehicles is operated jointly with partners and suppliers.

The model is now being extended to the production of electric vehicles for the first time. Sofia Vahlne, Head of Labor Affairs responsible for pluralism and inclusion at Scania, presented everyday examples of a modern and integrated way of working in the company – and the added value for customers that arises when instead of hierarchical decision-making, people with the most complementary skills are united.

NOVEMBER 2019 TRUCK&FLEET ME 31

WORKSHOP

HYdROGEN CELL TECH PuSH / GENESiS G70 SCORES aWaRd / FORd PuSHES CaRS TO THE LiMiT iN ME / aPOLLO TYRES SuV FOCuS

workshop

Hyundai and Cummins to collaborate on fuel cells NEW POWERTRaiNS WiLL COMBiNE HYuNdai’S FuEL CELL SYSTEMS WiTH CuMMiNS’ ELECTRiC POWERTRaiNS TECHNOLOGY Hyundai Motor Company and Cummins Inc. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly evaluate opportunities to develop and commercialise electric and fuel cell powertrains.

Announcing the move, a joint statement from the two companies said the new powertrains are expected to be developed by combining Hyundai’s fuel cell systems with Cummins’ electric powertrain, battery, and

control technologies.

The initial development will be focused on the North American commercial vehicle market, including working with North American OEMs on the integration of these systems into their vehicles. The companies will also explore ways they can work together to develop next generation fuel cell systems and have each committed to assign a team of individuals to investigate and pursue other areas of collaboration, the statement added.

FuEL CELLS iN dEMaNd The MOU comes at a time of heightened demand for fuel cell technology. Energy experts predict hydrogen will become increasingly important in meeting fast-growing global energy demand.

Thad Ewald, VP, Corporate Strategy at Cummins, said: “This partnership is a terrific opportunity for both companies to leverage our respective strengths and create new opportunities to grow and broaden the product portfolio we bring to our customers. We’ve made significant investments over the past year to accelerate our fuel cell capabilities including our acquisition of Hydrogenics and this partnership is another step forward.”

Saehoon Kim, head of Fuel Cell Group, Hyundai Motor Group, added: “With Hyundai’s global leadership in fuel cell systems coupled with Cummins’ electrified powertrain technologies, we expect this partnership to leave a mark in the market. Collaborations such as this will enable us to further diversify our business, as well as reinforce our global hydrogen leadership.”

The new collaboration may extend beyond the commercial vehicle market, as the companies will also evaluate the development of fuel cell power generators.

Genesis G70 scoops award TECHNOLOGY

The Genesis G70 was awarded top segment honors in last month’s J.D. Power 2019 Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study. In taking this award among all compact premium segment cars and SUVs, the brand adds to its consecutive first place overall finishes in J.D. Power’s 2018 and 2019 U.S. Initial Quality Studies (IQS).

The annual study measures customers’ satisfaction with audio, communication, entertainment and navigation systems. Both J.D. Power studies award brands and vehicles with the lowest instance of problems per 100 cars sold (PP100). The G70s researched in the Multimedia Study witnessed just 7.4 PP100, representing 28% fewer issues than the closest competition. Similarly, in this year’s IQS study, Genesis vehicles saw 63 PP100 in leading the premium segment as well as the industry overall.

This 2019 IQS Study result show 32% fewer issues than the industry standard.

iNSidE THiS MONTH’S WORKSHOP: CONTiNENTaL’S BiRTHdaY FOR aBS, BiG 5 HEaVY PREViEW aNd CiFa iNTERViEW, 45 EV CONCEPT, aNd MuCH MORE 32 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

WORKSHOP

MOTOROLa LauNCHES daSH-BOaRd CaMS

Ford liFts lid on Me testinG TESTiNG

In the wake of launch of the New Ford Escort, the company has revealed details of how facilities in Thailand, India, Australia, the Middle East and China, are used to ensure its vehicles are ‘shaken, rattled and rolled’ in a variety of tests.

Based out of Jebel Ali, near Dubai, in the UAE, the engineering team at Ford’s Product Development base take the heat during testing on a daily basis, said the company.

It added that thanks to the extremely high ambient temperatures during the summer months – and a country covered primarily in sprawling desert landscapes – “hot weather testing in the UAE places vehicles under real world conditions quite unlike that experienced anywhere else on the planet”.

“With ambient temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius, we need to ensure our cooling systems,engine, transmission, driveline systems, and also our passenger comfort are all robust to temperatures like this,” said Ziyad Dallalah, chief resident engineer, Ford MEA. “Driving in deep sand places a unique load on the engine and transmission – with high revs at low speed. That means the engine works very hard, placing demands on systems that rely on the engine for power – like the air-conditioning.”

According to Ford, dust and sand can also play havoc with engine internals and suspension components by accelerating wear on moving parts, “so the team also monitors sand and dust egress on the engine, dampers and the cabin to make sure every Ford remains a comfortable place to be, even in the peak heat of a Middle East summer”.

TECHNOLOGY Motorola has launched new dash-board cameras in the UAE. The Motorola Dash Cam is engineered to provide users added reassurance on the road. The MDC500GW and MDC300GW have a smart automatic collision detection (G-Sensor) that recognizes shocks and records the incident that is then saved and protected. The Motorola Dash Cams are available at Virgin mega store and will soon be available at Sharaf DG, Jumbo and Dubai Duty free.

Alpha Tech (A Division of Alpha 55) has been appointed as the exclusive distribution partner for the Dash-board cameras in the UAE. MDC500GW Dash Cam has 1080p Front camera and 720p rear dash cam with GPS, Wi-Fi,

and a wide 150 ° angle view. It monitors the entire front or back view of your vehicle and gets the perfect live videos with full HD quality to the built-in 2-inch colour LCD. The 150° field of view captures everything on its radar. The integrated GPS, Wi-Fi® capabilities and smart automatic collision detection (G-Sensor) gives you the added confidence and reassurance on the road that you need.

MDC300GW Dash Cam has

1080p HD dash cam with 3-inch display & 2.19MP Sony sensor for amazing clarity and strong colours. The easy-to-use 3-inch colour display streams videos in 1080P HD quality with a 2.19MP Sony sensor. An outstanding 150° field of view lets you capture the road and its surroundings.

With integrated GPS, Wi-Fi capabilities the automatic collision detection sensor (G-Sensor) warns you for lane departures and forward collisions.

aPOLLO TYRES FOCuSEd ON THE SuV SEGMENT TYRES

Apollo Tyres says the new all-terrain SUV tyres, Apollo Apterra AT2, is a demonstration of how it is sharpening its focus on the SUV segment in India.

Designed and developed as a collaborative effort between the two global R&D centres in Enschede, the Netherlands and in Chennai, India - and a cross-functional team comprising members from R&D, Manufacturing, Service, Business

Quality and Marketing - Apterra AT2 will be produced at the company’s Vadodara unit in Gujarat. The tyre has been thoroughly tested in the Middle East as well as South Africa, the US, India and SE Asia.

“We are sharpening our focus on the SUV segment in India, with specialised tyres for different terrains and applications, as the SUV vehicle segment is growing faster than passenger cars,” said Satish Sharma,

PuTTiNG SuV iNTO FOCuS Apollo Tyres’ Satish Sharma says its new Apterra AT2 sets a new standard in all-terrain tyres.

president, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (APMEA), Apollo Tyres. “The excellent test results, and the global efforts that have gone into developing the Apollo Apterra AT2, gives us the confidence that this tyre will set a new benchmark in the all-terrain tyre space, and will further propel our leadership in the SUV segment.”

Equipped to handle obstacles both on-road and off-road, the Apollo Apterra AT2 is designed to outperform on all terrains. It has a patented tread design with 3D interlocking sipes and the shoulder design with SAW-Tooth technology, which provides a higher level of traction. Triplex casing and high tensile steel belts makes the tyre highly durable and impact resistant.

The herringbone grooves of the tyre ensure efficient water drainage on wet roads and provide better control during off-roading. The wider tread width provides stability during cornering. Even being an aggressive product for On/Off application the product still conforms to global regulation especially for NVH.

NOVEMBER 2019 TRUCK&FLEET ME 33

25 - 28 NOVEMBER 2019 Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre

THE LARGEST EVENTS DEDICATED TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND HEAVY CONSTRUCTION COMMUNITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST 5

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THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE FREE EDUCATION SERIES FOR THE INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRY IN THE REGION AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE CONFERENCE

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27 NOVEMBER I 12:00 - 16:50

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FEATURED

Got it on locked

Continental marks the Golden Jubilee of ABS

G

erman tyre and automotive technology giant Continental celebrated 50 years of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) last month, marking five decades of a technology it first presented at the 1969 IAA in Frankfurt.

According to a statement from Continental, ABS is a technological development that has helped prevent thousands of road fatalities in the Middle East and across the world.

The idea of preventing car wheels from locking while braking and thus ensuring that the vehicle is able to steer, had already occurred to designers in the 1920s. But a solution to the problem only emerged with the development of powerful electronics.

Starting in 1965, engineers at Teves (later ITT-Teves) - the company became part of Continental in 1998 - worked on an anti-lock brake system for passenger cars. By 1984 the world’s first microprocessor-controlled ABS for passenger cars on the road, the MK II, was launched. In North America it was available for the Lincoln Continental, while in Europe it became a standard feature of the Ford Scorpio.

Helmut Fennel, who at the time held a key function in promoting the use of

microprocessors for ABS, said: “Due to its programmability, our system could be quickly and optimally validated both for braking manoeuvres on rough roads, that is, with a high coefficient of friction, and on slippery roads, such as on ice in winter.”

Continental explained that the MK II was the first ABS on the market to combine the brake function, brake booster, hydraulic control and anti-lock brake system into one compact unit. A traction control system (TCS) was also integrated shortly afterwards.

“It was also considerably more flexible than other solutions and could therefore be quickly adapted to different vehicle concepts, such as models with front-wheel or all-wheel drive,” added Fennel. “The microprocessor solution gave us a head start of several years.”

An important milestone in the development of ABS was the later MK IV system, which went into series production in 1989 and for the first time also included an electronic brake force distribution system, making mechanicalhydraulic components superfluous. The German company added that its developers took another developmental leap in 1995, when an electronic stability control (ESC) was integrated into the MK 20 system for the first time.

11.5

the first productionready ABS from continental was the size of a fivelitre petrol can and weighed 11.5kg, compared to today’s ABS that weighs just 2kg and is the size of an SlR camera

An ABS today is equipped with up to 50 additional and safety functions, such as the automatic release of the parking brake when starting off, hill start assist or as an important component of adaptive cruise control systems. The entire system weighs just two kilograms and takes up as much space as a an SLR camera. The first productionready ABS from Continental was the size of a five-litre petrol can and weighed 11.5kg.

The introduction of ABS has significantly improved road safety, with other factors such as the safety belt and the introduction of speed limits playing a role alongside the spread of ABS. Since the introduction of the first systems at the end of the 1970s, the total number of people killed in road traffic in Germany has fallen by 80%. Similarly, in the UAE deaths from road accidents have fallen from 33 per 100,000 people in 1988 to just 3.83 in 2018.

According to Continental, ABS - for both passenger cars and motorcycles - makes a significant contribution to the long-term goal of Vision Zero, a future without road traffic crashes. In order to come ever closer to this goal, the company says it is still pressing ahead with the development of this safety system after 50 years of ABS.

NOVEMBER 2019 TRUCK&FLEET ME 35

SHOW PREVIEW

The Big 5 Turns 40

Education now a major reason to visit Big 5 Heavy in November

C

elebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Middle East’s leading event for the construction industry has much in store to support construction companies through a shifting economic landscape, boost business, launch the latest building solutions, educate industry professionals, and foster best practices championing technological innovation.

“This 40-year milestone is a great testament to how our teams have effectively worked towards keeping the show fresh and relevant for our stakeholders and attendees.

Innovation and adaptability have always been at the core of our strategy as we transform each edition to keep up with the changing business environment and industry needs,” says Matt Denton, President at dmg events.

For the first time, The Big 5 2019 will 36 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

cover the full construction cycle. This year, in fact, the exhibition will run together with six co-located events allowing industry professionals to source thousands of products for every stage of the construction projects, from inception to completion. The Big 5 Heavy, Middle East Concrete, HVAC R Expo, Middle East Stone, The Big 5 Solar, and the Urban Design & Landscape Expo will all run alongside The Big 5 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, from 25 to 28 November.

This year, The Big 5 Heavy and Middle East Concrete will offer an extended education agenda including the ACI Concrete Summit, the RTA Innovation in BIM Summit, the Geospatial Leaders Conference, the Geotechnical and Engineering Summit, the ACI Seminar Series, and the Geotechnical and Engineering Workshops.

The event will feature the all new

220

complimentary high-level summits, practical seminars, and CPD-certified workshops will be on offer to Big 5 attendees

Construction Technology product sector complimented by the first Geospatial Leaders’ Conference.

Middle East Concrete will once again be situated alongside The Big 5 Heavy, giving visitors access to all infrastructure products and solutions under one roof.

The role of technology on today’s construction sites is becoming more prevalent as project owners race against time constraints and increasing demand for cost efficiency.

In response, The Big 5 Heavy exhibition will return this November with an all new product sector dedicated to Construction Technology.

The region’s only event dedicated to the heavy construction industry will host exhibitors across four more products sectors including Plant Machinery Vehicles, Lifting, Materials Handling & Transportation, Subsurface, Quarrying & Mining, and Site Equipment.

SHOW PREVIEW

aBOut BIg 5 HEaVY The Big 5 Heavy is the largest exhibition dedicated to the infrastructure and heavy construction industry in the Middle East. Running from 25 to 28 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event will host hundreds of local and international companies showcasing innovative solutions and products.

The Big 5 Heavy is co-located with The Big 5, the region’s largest construction event, and Middle East Concrete (MEC), creating a one stop shop for the industry to source all products throughout the construction cycle from concept to completion .

Organised by dmg events, The Big 5 Heavy will also feature a broad educational agenda with CPD-Certified Talks.

Event Director for The Big 5 Heavy, Richard Pavitt comments: “The heavy construction market is becoming increasingly reliant on software platforms that save time and cost at the beginning of build, and that create efficiencies for the full lifecycle of projects thereafter.

“With the introduction of the Construction Technology sector at The Big 5 Heavy, we will bring together solution providers that are best in class from around the world, to help contractors across the Middle East adopt new industry standards as soon as building begins”.

Market heavyweights including Trimble, Tenstar Simulation AB, Command Alkon, and A and Z Technologies will be exhibiting in the new product sector at The Big 5 Heavy, bringing with them a wealth of solutions relating to 3D Printing, Drones and Surveillance, Site Mapping, Robotics, Thermal Imaging, Virtual Reality Trainings and much more.

A total 55 sessions run across two summits, two conferences and Technical Seminars at The Big 5 Heavy and Middle East Concrete. With a major focus on technology, educational sessions are set to provide insight on how to implement the latest digital solutions right at the beginning of the build cycle.

Event Director for The Big 5 Heavy and Middle East Concrete, Richard Pavitt comments: “We are delighted to announce this year’s increased line-up of educational features at The Big 5 Heavy and Middle East Concrete. The spread of learning opportunities is designed so that visiting professionals can leave equipped with realistic pathways for bringing new technological advances into their build projects.”

“With more than $2.5 trillion worth of planned projects yet to be awarded in the Middle East, there is huge opportunity to elevate the region’s construction industry by introducing new processes and solutions right at the beginning of build.”

To compliment the new construction technology products on display at the event, The Big 5 Heavy will also feature the first ever Geospatial Leaders’ Conference which will directly address the real-life application of any solutions connected to surveying, tracking, mapping and virtual designing of worksites.

Regional Director at Trimble, Andrew Caldwell will be speaking at the conference which is held on the last two days of the event.

“We want our customers to do more than just purchase new technology – we want them to know how to use it to full capacity,” he says.

“We are adopting a more consultative approach with clients to address this, and The Big 5 Heavy

LEaRNINg ROLL-Out A total of 55 sessions will be held during the week of The Big 5 Heavy and Middle East Concrete.

We transform each edition to keep up with the changing business environment and industry needs”

a POPuLaR gEt tOgEtHER The Big 5 Heavy and Middle East Concrete showcases attracted almost 20,000 visitors combined in 2018.

is the ideal platform to showcase this initiative.

“Educating customers really is a means to ensuring that our products succeed in making their businesses more productive and more profitable.”

Sherief Elabd, Director of Industry Strategy at Oracle Construction and Engineering, and speaker at the event, welcomes the new conference: “Companies need to be taking technology trends seriously now by investing their resources in quality research and development, and most importantly by focusing on process re-engineering and integration within their business culture and markets. Events such as the Geospatial Leaders Conference help to raise awareness of these issues by reaching key industry decision makers, helping to shape the direction the industry moves in.”

In addition, solutions relating to Drones and Surveillance, Site Mapping, Robotics, Thermal Imaging, Virtual Reality Trainings and more feature within the all new ‘Construction Technology’ product sector.

Marco Polastri, Aftersales & Marketing Director at exhibitor and market heavyweight CIFA concludes: “The Big 5 Heavy and Middle East Concrete in Dubai this November is the best mix of exhibiting ingredients for the GCC markets.” He concludes: “Even in a digitalization era, face-to-face meetings are important to create and consolidate contacts as well as starting the sales process directly right there.”

In 2018, The Big 5 Heavy was situated alongside Middle East Concrete, giving visitors access to all infrastructure products and solutions under one roof. The two events welcomed more than 19,000 visitors and played host to over 300 exhibitors from 132 countries the two events will run side by side again.

NOVEMBER 2019 TRUCK&FLEET ME 37

SHOW PREVIEW

BIG 5 HEAVY:

CIFA soArIng In the regIon

t

Aftersales expert Marco Polastri on concrete truck specialist Cifa and The Big 5 Heavy

he Italian manufacturer CIFA, one of the worldwide leaders in concrete machinery industry, has opted to be one of the main sponsors at this month’s The Big 5 Heavy event in Dubai.

Known for its concrete pump and mixer trucks signed a dealership agreement with Zahid Group, one of the most important Saudi industrial groups, already known for local distribution of other global brands last year. Marco Polastri, sales, aftersales & Marketing Director, says the company believes that there is still potential to grow across the Gulf region and believes end users will continue to push towards the latest technologies and high standard products.

38 TRUCK&FLEET ME NOVEMBER 2019

Please tell us a bit about your company and its vision.

CIFA is a driven by innovation company and a worldwide player in the industry of construction equipment. It designs and manufactures a complete range of machines for the production, transport and laying of concrete. Headquartered in Italy, with production and assembly facilities and branches in Europe, China and America, it is represented by a global sales distribution network, which includes the Middle East region.

Why did you decide to sponsor The Big 5 Heavy and Middle East Concrete 2019?

The Big 5 Heavy is the most important and well-known exhibition in this region, taking place in Dubai, that is the hub and business

even in a digitalisation era, face-to-face meetings are important to create and consolidate contacts�

center of the whole Middle East. In such environment, we believe that it is a great opportunity to increase our visibility by sponsoring this key event and confirm therefore our historical presence in this market. Also, The Big 5 Heavy is the best platform to launch our brand new designed products for the Middle East such as the truck pump K61L. As far as Middle East Concrete 2019 is concerned, we think it is also a great opportunity to be there as this event is very well know and it is a reference in our niche market of concrete equipment.

What makes CIFA S.p.A. stand out from its competitors?

With more than 90 years of history, CIFA has always been a pioneer in the research

SHOW PREVIEW

A STRATEGIC MARkET The GCC is a strategic market for CIFA, says Polastri and he describes it as an advanced territory in terms of its dealers and end-users.

Last but not least, K61L features our Smartronic Silver machine management with LCD monitor, counters, pumping unit management, diagnostics and rear capsense control panel in standard equipment.

This new machine completes our already full range in the Steeltech series over the 60 meters, that have booms completely in steel. The 60+ meter range is also already represented in Midddle East with our CIFA Carbotech series truck pumps K60H, K67H, K80H featuring advanced technologies as carbon fiber in some boom section.

What is your opinion on being part of trade shows to promote one’s brand in today’s day and age?

Tradeshows are excellent channels to promote our brand and maximise its exposure both on local and international perspective. They are also a great opportunity to do networking and get in touch with clients and potential clients. Even in a digitalisation era, faceto-face meetings are important to create and consolidate contacts as well as starting the sales process directly right there.

Why is it important to do business in the Gulf region? What is unique about it compared to other regions?

MATERIAl AdVANCEMENT CIFA is focussed on new sustainable products that are also more ecological, safe and reliable.

and development of products and services in the concrete industry, by designing cuttingedge machines and leveraging the latest standard technologies, such as carbon fiber.

In 1974 CIFA invented the truck mixer pump, in 2011 it was the first manufacturer to present a prototype of hybrid mixer and ever since has been at the forefront for the technical innovation with a range of sustainable machines: from transport to concrete pumping.

There are three keywords at the center of CIFA’s future: new materials such as carbon fiber, electronics and sustainability. Products that are increasingly ecological, safe and reliable. The respect for the environment drives technological evolution, together with the industrialization of new materials.

Finally, the increasing digitization allows

developing machine’s safety. All this without compromising on the strength of the machines, suitable for hard work on any type of job site.

What products will you be showcasing at the show?

At The Big 5 Heavy we will be presenting the new CIFA K61L, a product that is ideal for markets requiring long truck pumps and high performances. It is equipped with a 5-section boom, with RRZ folding, a pumping unit with a maximum theorical output of 180 m3 / h, 83 bar, electronic management, close loop circuit. It features a 10-inch S valve and 260 mm of concrete cylinder, that guarantees less cycle number per minute, and it offers low noise level during operations and a simple maintenance.

1974

CIFA develops the truck mixer pump, which allows one single vehicle to mix, transport and pump concrete

The Gulf region is a strategic market for us as well as for many other worldwide suppliers.

Besides the potential which is there and that will increase in the next years, we do look at it as an advanced market having in operation very well-organised groups, dealers, end users which will definitely keep pushing towards the latest technologies and high standard products.

Being a European manufacturer and leader in R&D with patented technologies, CIFA always wants to keep focus on such advanced markets.

Is there something you are really looking forward to in the pipeline?

We are looking forward to keep our presence, investments and visibility in this region, which has already led us to increase our market share and to be already the leaders of most important markets in the GCC and of course, besides the already well-known portfolio, we are also looking forward to deliver our first K61L to this region.

What would you say to others who are on the fence about exhibiting?

Complete your internal marketing analysis, choose well and move forward.

Combination of The Big 5 Heavy and Dubai in November is the best mix of exhibiting ingredients for the GCC markets!

NOVEMBER 2019 TRUCK&FLEET ME 39

PARTING SHOT

Back to tHe evuture

Hyundai says that its 45 EV Concept pays tribute to both the past and future

H

yundai said that its 45 EV Concept pays tribute to both the past and future as the electric vehicle concept made its debut at the International Motor Show (IAA) 2019 in Frankfurt.

“45 foreshadows a new era of Hyundai’s automotive design, focused on electrification, autonomous technologies and intelligent design.

The dramatic exterior of 45 excites the imagination, also drawing inspiration from the vehicle that first established Hyundai’s design DNA, the 1974 Pony Coupe Concept. The car’s name also owes itself in part to the 45-degree angles at the front and rear, forming a diamond-shaped silhouette that further foreshadows the design direction of future EV models,” said the company.

“The concept strips away complexity, celebrating the clean lines and minimalistic structure of the original coupe concept.

Combining heritage with vision, 45 incorporates the evolution of Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language.”

The batteries in the fully electric vehicles are set throughout the car’s ‘skateboard floor’ helping to create a spacious interior. At the bottom of the door, active LED lights show drivers how much longer they have before needing to recharge, even before they get in the car Front-seat passengers can interact with the infotainment system via a projectionbeam interface, replacing a single central touchscreen with a series of displays and functions integrated into the dashboard itself.

The 45 also features a lattice radiator grille on the outside that utilises a ‘kinetic cube lamp’ design, while a fastback profile “epitomises stability” and dynamism, characteristics accentuated by the vehicle’s significant width and forward-oriented posture. The daylight opening (DLO) terminates in the fast angle of the C-pillar, which “generates a feeling of dynamic forward motion” even when standing still.

“As an icon of Hyundai, the 45 clearly reveals how Hyundai heads towards the future through heritage,” said SangYup Lee, head of Hyundai Design Center. “Through the 45 built upon our design language ‘Sensuous Sportiness’, Hyundai wants to present our vision on how we want to reshape people’s in-car lifestyle in the era of electrification and autonomous driving.”

NEXT ISSUE: MAN TRUCK & BUS ON ITS NEXT MOVE, SCANIA ANd GREEN TRANSPORT, T&F CONFERENCE PREVIEw, ANd MUCH MORE!

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Running faster, longer & leaner Not only is the Middle East a centre for transport and logistics activity, but it is also increasingly embedded into the international landscape of the two sectors in terms of adopting trends and best practices, as well as in the companies involved.

05 December 2019 Ghaya Grand Hotel Dubai, UAE tfconference.com Please scan here to register

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