Truck&Fleet ME August 2021

VEHICLES/ TECH / TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS

O89/AUGUST 2O21

MIDDLE EAST

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’ S K C U R T T L U A N E R T E E M

S R E L U A H R E V O the h t i w e r e h n is o i t a r e n e g rom ew f n l u k c a u h r r t e v K o C and The T p m a v e r e ang r g n i t s u b l fue que r a m h c n e r F the famous

A I N E H P O R QUATATT DOES T&FME THINK OF WH PORTBACK? S 3 Q S R AUDI’S NEW

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25 Jan

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Celebrating the truck and machinery industries, commending organisational and individual excellence 25 January 2022

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS FEATURE

20 / RENAULT JOINS THE NEXT GENERATION Renault Trucks on overhauling the design of its heavy haulers.

ALSO THIS ISSUE …

NETWORK

06 / NEWS FROM THE MONTH Western Bainoona Group marks a decade of using telematics to keep it “ahead in the industry”.

LAUNCHES

10 / E-ACTROS EMERGES An electric world premiere for Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ new eActros.

06

10

12

16

24

28

FEATURE

12 / CARGO A GO-GO Fredrick Vimal, GM, Sales-Renault, Al Masaood Automobiles on how the new Duster Cargo can help companies taking on the last mile.

REVIEW

16 / QUATTRO-PHENIA T&FME is given the new Audi RS Q3 and takes it through its urban paces.

FLEET INSIGHT

26 / COLD CHAIN CHANGES Shereen Nassar of Heriot-Watt University Dubai asks what can we learn from the pandemic?

FEATURE

28 / THE UPTIME CHAMPIONS Experts share the experiences and give their advice on maximising uptime during a crisis.

FEATURE

32 / PARTING SHOT The new truck stops that will give drivers the rest they deserve in Dubai.

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AUGUST 2021 01

WELCOME

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5483 MANAGING PARTNER VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5472 DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & BUSINESS OPERATIONS SHIYAS KAREEM shiyas.kareem@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5474

SUMMER: IS IT TIME TO TAKE A CHILL PILL? Last month, we witnessed soaring temperatures during the Eid Al Adha break across the Middle East. From Morroco to Musandam 40-plus degrees was the norm. Meanwhile in Europe, flooding on the Belgium/Germany border left vehicles wrecked, took almost 200 lives and robbed 40,000 others of their homes. In North America, records were broken in some parts of the west as the mercury topped 50 degrees Celsius.

If you needed reminding that climate change is here to stay, then consider your log-book updated.

This is the time of year where the industry steps out to offer advice on how to keep your vehicles road-worthy and your tyres in tact, but we don’t often hear about the affect extreme weather has on drivers. Of course in the Middle East we are well-aware of the difficulties and dangers of working in the heat. But while, construction workers have their midday working hours changed to keep them safe and out of the sun, we don’t currently have an industry-wide initiative to do the same for our drivers.

The question I ask myself every year is perhaps we should? (On that note, if you do exercise a break to avoid the heat of the sun, please do let me know!) The summer heat is one of the possibly intangible costs that fleets face every year. Car and truck drivers are

more than likely to be in an air-conditioned environment for much of the time but that is in between stops. I read a report put together between Continental and RoadSafetyUAE last month that found that 1-in-3 drivers are affected negatively by the stresses on the job on a day-to-day basis. We all know that sitting in traffic during the hot months isn’t much fun even with the AC turned up… and I can only imagine how that changes during the summer for professional drivers.

Also, the toll on the vehicles, particularly heavy vehicles carrying large tonnage, can be immense. All of us probably have anecdotes on the wreckage caused by a truck tyre blowout and I’m sure you don’t have to travel too far out of the industry to find someone who has been delayed or, worse, distressed by one.

So long considered one of the causes, it is time that it was recognised that drivers are on the frontline of climate change.

And it seems to me that there must be practical solutions to using the roads at this time of year which balances the need to keep a profit margin but also tweaks the fleet operation to minimise stops at peak temperatures. At the very least we need to be ensuring our drivers are physically and mentally able to cope as well as taking on the advice on ensuring vehicles remain fit for purpose.

STEPHEN WHITE EDITOR, TRUCK&FLEET ME STEPHEN.WHITE@CPITRADEMEDIA.COM 02 AUGUST 2021

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR ANDY PITOIS andy.pitois@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5473 EDITORIAL EDITOR STEPHEN WHITE stephen.white@cpitrademedia.com +44 7541 244 377 ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER BRIAN FERNANDES brian.fernandes@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5479 DESIGN ART DIRECTOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com DESIGNER PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.com PHOTOGRAPHY MAKSYM PORIECHKIN maksym.poriechkin@cpitrademedia.com MARKETING & EVENTS EVENTS & CONFERENCE PRODUCER PAUL GODFREY paul.godfrey@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5470 EVENTS EXECUTIVE MINARA SALAKHI minara.s@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 433 2856 CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER VIPIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 DATA & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER PHINSON MATHEW GEORGE phinson.george@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5476 WEB DEVELOPMENT SADIQ SIDDIQUI ABDUL BAEIS FINANCE 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 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 2021. All rights reserved.

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INFRASTRUCTURE

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CONSTRUCTION

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FLEET

Randon Implementos to set up Kenya assembly plant

04 AUGUST 2021

ANALYSIS: USSBC – Value of Saudi contract awards passed $5 billion in Q1 2021

I found myself recently googling how many residences there are in Dubai - if you want to know there were 432,278 apartments and 96,222 villas, or 528,500 residential units in 2017! - and it struck me at the time that was a serious amount of air conditioning units to be running, particularly at the height of summer.

Obviously, the numbers I found do not represent all the buildings, offices, labour facilities, and more, that we have here, but it is clear that we need to be doing everything we can as individuals and developers to be keeping on top of the energy we are using.

So the figures in this story should be warmly received by all of us in Dubai (DEWA announces installation of 2mn electricity and water smart meters in Dubai) and with a budget of almost $2 billion to spend on creating state of the art monitoring the onus has been placed on the bill payer to be more responsible. This is a major landmark to be celebrated but we all have much more work to do!

Name withheld by request

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NETWORK

WBG CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF FLEETBOARD / AFM LAUNCHES NEW DIVISION / FIRST AV IN ME / LOGIPOINT BUILDING NEW COMPLEX / AMAZON RAMPS UP GREEN SCHEMES

NETWORK

WBG celebrates track record WESTERN BAINOONA GROUP SAYS FLEETBOARD HAS KEPT IT “AHEAD IN THE INDUSTRY” FLEET Western Bainoona Group (WBG) says the adoption of Fleetboard telematics has helped save it 10% in fuel savings over the past 10 years.

Both Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA (DCV MENA) and the general distributor of Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Abu Dhabi – Emirates Motor Company (EMC) described WBG’s 10-year anniversary with Fleetboard, “a remarkable achievement”.

WBG is one of the largest professionally run fleets in the region, with every MercedesBenz trucks in their fleet activated

with Fleetboard services. Based in the UAE, WBG is one of the most prominent names as an integrated group in the areas of construction, land transportation and crushers, and has been a cornerstone in the development of roads, bridges and infrastructure projects in the UAE, explained DCV MENA and EMC. “We truly value the partnership and appreciate the trust from WBG. Together with EMC, we are committed to providing the best services and to further strengthen our long and prosperous partnership,” said Olaf Petersen

- general manager Daimler Trucks Sales, DCV MENA. Fleetboard was first introduced to WBG in 2011.

By actively utilising the data from Fleetboard’s unique Driver Performance Analysis, Trip Records and Service/ Uptime data, WBG has not only benefitted from operating cost savings such as fuel consumption, but also an increased uptime due to efficient management of services schedules.

This led to the management’s decision to equip Fleetboard as standard in all of their MercedesBenz Trucks in 2015. As of

today, there are over 250 active Fleetboard units in WBG’s fleet.

“We continuously enhance our capability to ensure we remain the forefront of our industryt,” said Zouheir Chamandi, president, WBG. “Thanks to Fleetboard, we managed to save over 10% of fuel consumption from idling and achieved almost zero fuel loss from potential fuel theft.”

Drivers also received customised driver training offered by EMC based on the data from Fleetboard’s comprehensive Driver Performance Analysis report.

HEAVY VEHICLES MAKE 375,000 JOURNEYS THROUGH DUBAI, LIFTING ABOUT 5 MILLION TONS OF CARGO EVERY DAY, SAYS THE HEAD OF DUBAI RTA

06 AUGUST 2021

meconstructionnews.com

NETWORK

AMAZON LAUNCHES SEVERAL SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS IN MENA REGION

AFM LAUNCHES NEW DIVISION FOR USED CVS TRUCKS

Al-Futtaim has entered the used equipment market with the launch of Al-Futtaim Automotive Industrial Equipment (AFA-I.E), a new division that incorporates pre-owned products of both Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (FAMCO) and Al-Futtaim’s Commercial Vehicles division. The UAE-based group said in a statement that the new division’s range of products will include used construction and material handling equipment, used commercial vehicles, power and industrial products and remanufactured genuine spare parts, this catering to a diverse range of industries from construction and transportation to oil & gas, manufacturing, warehousing and marine sectors.

“AFA-I.E will provide customers with used Volvo trucks, buses and construction equipment in addition to storage and handling products, power and industrial equipment, marine solutions from internationally renowned industry heavyweights,” said the statement.

Also available will be used HINO 300, 500 and 700 series trucks and Toyota Material Handling equipment. Each piece of equipment or commercial vehicle will be reconditioned to a defined set of criteria by trained technicians who will inspect every aspect and ensure they meet the required quality and durability standards, said Al-Futtaim.

Ramez Hamdan, managing director – Industrial Equipment (FAMCO, HINO, Toyota Material Handling), Al-Futtaim Automotive, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a shift in customer preference for used vehicles and equipment. The new division will tap into this massive potential and will provide customers with complete peace of mind and assurance.” meconstructionnews.com

LAST MILE Amazon has announced that it is launching a number of sustainable projects in the MENA region, including in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt, as part of its commitment to its sustainability roadmap in the region.

Amazon said that its MENA operations are working to support The Climate Pledge, a global drive to achieve net-zero carbon across its businesses by 2040. This target is fully aligned with the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives, which aim to unify sustainability efforts in Saudi Arabia and the region to increase reliance on clean energy, offset the impact of fossil fuels and combat climate change.

Furthermore, the company said that it aims to have all its Fulfilment Centres in the MENA region powered by renewable energy, an ambition that supports the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives’ drive to develop the local and regional clean energy sector.

Two facilities in Saudi Arabia and Egypt are scheduled to adopt this technology by 2022.

In addition, the company is working to strengthen its control systems, data, and analytics to improve energy efficiency across all facilities with the implementation of state-of-the-art Building Management Systems (BMS).

Ronaldo Mouchawar, Vice President of Amazon MENA said: “We are proud to be operating in countries that have a heightened consciousness of the impact of climate change on future generations. As we embark on our path to a low carbon economy a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement, I call on businesses in MENA to join us as signatories to The Climate Pledge.

“By agreeing to decarbonise on a faster time horizon, we will play a critical role in stimulating innovation, policies and investment that will help to tackle the climate crisis in our communities, our countries and our region.”

The statement highlighted that solving the climate crisis is a shared responsibility with shared dividends, requiring collective action between businesses, organisations and

governments. It pointed out that the company has made ambitious commitments towards reaching its goal, including the deployment of carbon reduction strategies at every stage of the operations process – from the time an item is picked off the shelf in a Fulfilment Centre, to the materials used to pack the item, and the transport that gets the package to the customer’s door.

Prashant Saran, Director of Operations for Amazon MENA added: “We understand that human-induced climate change is real, serious, and requires immediate action. As we continue to grow in the region, our MENA sustainability roadmap embodies Amazon’s commitment towards building an environmentally sustainable business and supporting the communities where we live and work.”

Co-founded by Amazon in 2019, The Climate Pledge calls on signatories to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement 10 years early through regular reporting, carbon elimination and credible offsets. More than 100 organisations have signed the Pledge to date.

AUGUST 2021 07

NETWORK

EURO AUCTIONS APPOINTS NEW UAE MANAGER AUCTIONS

Euro Auctions has announced the appointment of Milad Akhitar as a new territory manager for the UAE in pursuance of its expansion in the country. The international auctioneer said Akhitar joins Euro Auctions with a “solid sales background. having worked in the media for many years in the plant and machinery sector”.

In his previous job, Akhiter worked as a key account manager for a publication in the regional equipment sector and “has good connections across the region, with an excellent understanding of the market, with

experience in evaluating and assessing machinery and equipment”.

“With his connections with OEMs, dealers of used equipment, contractors, rental companies,

as well as end-users, Akhitar will be active in introducing the Euro Auctions brand to more potential consignors across the Middle East,” said the Euro Auctions statement.

Speaking about his new role, Akhitar added: “I have seen the growth of Euro Auctions in Dubai and across the region. The company is seen as a trusted business partner attracting new consignors at each sale… I was also impressed with the management structure and being a privatelyowned business there is real sense of family, with all of its employees working as a cohesive team.”

FIRST SAUDI ARABIA GRAND PRIX ON TRACK MOTORSPORTS Construction work is in full swing on Formula 1’s fastestever street circuit, which is being prepared at Jeddah Corniche track, for the inaugural Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place later in the year.

According to Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC), the promotor of the 2021 F1 Saudi Grand Prix, the 27-corner, 6.1km circuit will be the secondlongest on the calendar and will feature an average speed of 250km/h, as per simulations.

It added that the Jeddah race will be run under floodlights, and that it could feature three

DRS zones to add even more excitement. A key part of the high-speed layout will be Turn 13, which is banked at 12-degrees, plus the stretch from Turn 23 to Turn 27, which will see drivers hit 322km/h, the SMC statement said.

Due to make its F1 calendar debut on 5 December, 2021, the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will be the newest circuit in the sport. With drivers reaching an average speed of 250km/h, it will be the fastest street circuit in the world, and amongst the top five fastest Formula 1 circuits altogether.

With 27-corners, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit will

be 6.175km in length, making it the second-longest circuit on the current F1 calendar behind the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps and the longest street circuit in the sport, stated SMC in its statement.

SMC also revealed plans for its state-of-the-art Pit & Team Building that will be the centrepiece of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

Designed by Tilke GmbH architect, Ulrich Merres, the 280m-long, four-storey, structure takes the form of a “landscape of multi-storey staggered buildings sitting alongside the main straight.”

LOGIPOINT BUILDING WAREHOUSE COMPLEX AT JEDDAH ISLAMIC PORT LOGISTICS

Saudi Arabia’s LogiPoint has awarded a $18.5 million contract to Sahara Building Contractors for the construction of its multi-purpose warehouse complex, Warehouse Village V, at Jeddah Islamic Port, it has been announced.

In a statement, LogiPoint said that the new facility will be built on a 24,500-sq-m area within the group’s flagship logistics park – the Bonded and Re-Export Zone in Jeddah – with dedicated zones for handling frozen, chilled, ambient and dry cargoes.

The Bonded and Re-Export zone is a 1 million sqm fully integrated logistics platform dedicated to facilitating trade and development in the Kingdom by enabling the supply chain and logistics industry and by creating value through investments in innovative, next generation solutions and state-of-the-art logistics infrastructure, the statement explained.

LogiPoint is regarded as one of the Kingdom’s premier developers and creator of transformative logistics parks and zones, the statement added.

Warehousing Village V also introduces a LogiPoint first with a dedicated zone designed and equipped to handle pharmaceutical goods.LogiPoint warehousing facilities are currently operating at over 100% utilisation.

The Value Addition Zone will enable LogiPoint to extend their time tested and much in demand value added services.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: THE NEW RENAULT TCK RANGES, THE UPTIME CHAMPIONS, AL MASAOOD HITS THE LAST MILE, AND MUCH MORE!

08 AUGUST 2021

meconstructionnews.com

NETWORK

DP WORLD OPENS BERBERA PORT TERMINAL

FENIX LAUNCHES 10 MINUTE FOOD SERVICE LAST MILE

Micromobility specialist FENIX has launched has launched a 10-minute grocery delivery service, F10, in the UAE. The firm claims F10 is the first delivery service in the Middle East region to offer 10 minutes fast and fresh grocery deliveries with no minimum order and free delivery, bringing flexibility and freedom to grocery shopping. For the initial launch period new users can try their first order for free, up to AED 50 off.

The 10-minute promise is made possible by FENIX’s vertically integrated approach across the entire value chain, using FENIX’s best-in-class micromobility vehicles and in-house full-time employees to deliver fresh groceries from FENIX dark stores, thereby minimizing any lost time.

According to FENIX, the F10 service brings a “new level of speed and quality that just hasn’t been possible by typical food tech marketplaces” in the region that have less control over inventory and logistics.

“We started FENIX with a mission to unleash urban potential and propel communities forward. We are focused on everyday activities for everybody, which started with new mobility models affordable to all and now with F10 we are creating a paradigm shift in how families think about groceries,” said Jaideep Dhanoa, Co-Founder and CEO of FENIX. “Using F10 there is no burden to plan and prepare to make sure one has the groceries they need a week in advance. Imagine having a supermarket on demand in your kitchen. You get your time back - with ultimate freedom.”

Through their network of centrally located dark stores, F10 can service customers quickly within a speed-optimised delivery radius. meconstructionnews.com

PORTS Following the completion of the first phase of a port expansion project in line with a development plan for the Horn of Africa region, DP World and Somaliland have inaugurated a new container terminal at Berbera Port.

The container terminal has a deep draft of 17m, a 400m quay and three ship to shore (STS) gantry cranes and can handle the largest container vessels in operation today.

The upgrades increase the port’s container capacity from the current 150,000 Twenty Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) to 500,000 TEUs annually. The terminal also includes a modern container yard with eight rubber tyred gantry cranes (RTGs).

A new port ‘One Stop Service Centre’ is also currently being built and will be ready in quarter three this year, the statement explained.

The terminal was opened

by Somaliland president Muse

Bihi Abdi and DP World group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem at a special event attended by over 200 guests, including a government delegation from Ethiopia, led

by Ahmed Shide, minister of Finance and Dagmawit Moges, minister of Transport.

The event also included a symbolic ground-breaking for the new Berbera Economic Zone, the first phase of which is under construction, said the statement.

CSP AD TO USE REGION’S FIRST AV PORT TRUCK LOGISTICS

CSP Abu Dhabi container terminal, operating within Abu Dhabi Ports’ flagship deep-water port Khalifa Port, has announced its terminal will be the first in the Middle East to implement

an autonomous port truck system. A total of six electric Q-Trucks will be commissioned by CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal following a two-month trial period, said a statement from CSP. The autonomous trucks will be tasked

with supporting mother vessel loading and unloading activities within the facility’s container yard.

The L5 Autonomous Freight Trucks are produced by Qomolo, and are equipped with an advanced 360-degree sensory system with traffic monitoring and driving guidance system, which enables operators to direct vehicles’ navigation and transportation of general and reefer containers with ease. The use of smart automation is another key step forward for one of the world’s most technologically advanced ports, said the statement. Moving forward, CSP Abu Dhabi and Khalifa Port are exploring other potential applications for AI-powered solutions within terminal and port operations.

AUGUST 2021 09

LAUNCHES

MERCEDES-BENZ TRUCKS GIVES WORLD PREMIERE FOR ITS BATTERY-ELECTRIC E-ACTROS / FLYING SPUR HYBRID DETAILS DO NOT COMPROMISE ON LUXURY OR PERFORMANCE

LAUNCHES RANGE EXTENDER 400KM

The e-Actros: At home on the long range AN ELECTRIC WORLD PREMIERE FOR MERCEDES-BENZ TRUCKS’ TRAILBLAZING EACTROS Mercedes-Benz Trucks has given a world premiere for its battery-electric eActros, a truck it says is suitable for heavyduty short-radius distribution.

The first series-produced electric truck to bear a three-pointed star, the truck can carry up to four battery packs with its twin liquid-cooled motors powering it to a range of 400km. MercedesBenz Trucks says it is ringing in a new era and simultaneously highlighting its clear desire to achieve CO2-neutral roadbased goods transport.

“We have to acknowledge that transport is a part of the problem when it comes to climate change.

At the same time, we can and we will be part of the solution,” said Karin Rådström, member of the Board of Management at

10 AUGUST 2021

Daimler Truck AG and responsible for Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

The company also revealed it is fast tracking the development of its low-floor heavy duty waste management electric truck, the eEconic.

That truck will go into series production later this year, and more battery-powered models are set to follow.

Rådström added: “We start with our eActros that has covered more than half a million kilometers on public roads. The eActros and its dedicated services are a big step for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and for our customers towards CO2-neutral transport.”

The standard model of the eActros is planned will roll off the production line in Wörth am Rhein (Germany) from autumn

2021. The firm said that feedback from its ‘eActros innovation fleet’ programme, which saw trucks tested in real life fleets, was critical in the development of the series-production model.

Alongside this, proven features such as MirrorCam and the Multimedia Cockpit Interactive have been adopted in the standard specification, said Mercedes-Benz Trucks: “The eActros is now ready to assist customers of MercedesBenz Trucks on the road to CO2-neutral transport services.”

The battery of the eActros seriesproduction model is equipped with either three or four battery packs, each with an energy capacity of around 105 kWh, the firm explains in its launch notes.

The maximum battery capacity of 420 kWh enables ranges of up to

400 kilometres to be achieved.

Both liquid-cooled motors generate a continuous output of 330 kW as well as a top performance of 400 kW. With conservative driving the recuperation enables the vehicle to recover electrical energy.

According to Mercedes-Benz Trucks, the energy obtained in this way during braking is fed back into the batteries of the eActros and is again made available for use by the drive system.

Meanwhile, the two integrated electric motors are claimed to offer great efficiency and a constant delivery of power with high starting torque: “The provision of immediate torque by the electric motors which are coupled with a two-speed transmission ensures powerful acceleration, impressive

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LAUNCHES

BENTLEY EARNS ITS E-SPURS

FLYING SPUR HYBRID DOES NOT COMPROMISE LUXURY OR PERFORMANCE

PACKING POWER The E-Actros has a range of up to 400 km and a permissible gross vehicle weight with trailer of up to 40t. Two powerful electric motors delivering a top performance of 400 kW.

A SEAMLESS SWITCH TO E-MOBILITY Digital services and the new eConsulting teams help customers to make the switch to e-mobility as simply and seamlessly as possible.

driving comfort and driving dynamics which enable more relaxed, low-stress driving than a conventional dieselpowered truck. Plus, the low centre of gravity is also favourable when it comes to cornering. In full-load operations, drivers enjoy a pleasant noise reduction of 10 dB inside the cab, which roughly corresponds to a halving of perceptible

noise volume. Thanks to the low noise level, night-time deliveries are also possible.

Contrary to a diesel truck, there are also noticeably fewer vibrations.”

The eActros can be charged with up to 160 kW: When connected to a regular 400A DC charging station, the three battery packs need a little longer than 1 hour to charge from 20-80%.

Bentley Motors has released details of the company’s latest luxury model, the Flying Spur Hybrid, as it continues its journey towards electrification. The vehicle builds on the success of the third generation Flying Spur and uses a third powertrain to deliver “the most environmentally friendly Bentley to date”.

Bentley wants to be the world’s leading sustainable luxury mobility company and this will be its second hybrid. According to Bentley, new sedan demonstrates that the hybridisation of its range does not compromise luxury or performance: “With an unperceivable blend between the internal combustion engine and electric motor, refined serenity is on offer regardless of driving mode or style.”

The new powertrain combines a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with an advanced electric motor, delivering a total of 536 bhp (544 PS) and 750 Nm (553 lb.ft) of torque.

The new Flying Spur becomes the most efficient Bentley ever, capable of covering over 700 km when fully fuelled. With high power reserves, superior torque and quick throttle response, the latest hybrid model gives little away to the Flying Spur V8 in acceleration, passing 60 mph from a standstill in 4.1 seconds.

Inside the cabin, the automatic Start-Stop

switch has been replaced with a control for the three E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode, enabling the driver to manage the battery usage during a journey. EV Drive mode is engaged as soon as the car is switched on, and maximises the electric driving experience.

The combination of a highly efficient engine and advanced E-Motor delivers the same flexibility and practicality associated with the W12 and V8 powertrains on offer today, claims Bentely, “achieving a responsive, engaging and supremely refined experience.”

The interior of the Flying Spur Hybrid combines the very latest integrated technology, luxury materials and design prowess, with the features required for a plug-in hybrid vehicle. A dedicated button allows control over the three E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode.

SPECIFICATIONS Powertrain

2.9-litre V6 petrol

Battery

14.1 kWh lithium-ion

E-motor power

134 bhp and 400 Nm

0-60 mph

4.1 seconds

Top speed

285 km/h

HYBRID POWER 536 BHP

SPECIFICATIONS GVW class

18t/25t

Permissible GVW

40t

Driveline

Electric drive train

Power

2x126 kW

Chassis

4x2, 6x2

Charging time

1 hour (20%-80%)

meconstructionnews.com

AUGUST 2021 11

INTERVIEW

TAKING ONLINE ON THE ROAD

Fredrick Vimal, general manager, SalesRenault, Al Masaood Automobiles talks about how the new Renault Duster Cargo can help companies taking on the last mile

L

ast month saw Al Masaood Automobiles, the authorised distributor of Renault in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western region, launch the all-new and highly customisable 2022 Renault Duster Cargo SUV. The launch couldn’t be more timely in a market that is finally embracing the concept of last mile deliveries. As more of us are moving online, now really is the time for fleets to take on vehicles that are nimble and flexible to get moving in the ‘new normal’.

Fredrick Vimal, General Manager, Sales-Renault Abu Dhabi, tells T&FME 12 AUGUST 2021

that he wants to use the Duster Cargo SUV to position Al Masaood Automobiles as a modernising pioneer in the market and help change the mindset of fleets along the way. Having started his career in the advertising and retail sectors before spending the past two decades in the automotive industry, he believes that the vehicle is the best answer for SMEs wanting the best last mile delivery solution for their business. Especially as we all come to terms with a post-pandemic world.

“Two years ago, the time would not have been right,” he says. “But we have seen how popular this model is in Europe – you know

We’re sitting in a market that’s a long way behind Europe”

Renault is one of the most popular brands in Europe, particularly in France. We wanted to replicate and have this particular Duster commercial model in our market, so we spent a lot of time trying to understand how best we can offer it. When the pandemic came, we saw a great opportunity because people really began moving online. You know, one of the major credit card companies said that 73% purchases are now made online.”

He pauses to reflect: “Never before did I think I would be purchasing online, so I’m a good example of what millions of others are now doing.”

“This is the new normal. And since meconstructionnews.com

INTERVIEW

people are getting used to the online way of purchasing and its convenience. We all hope that the worst of Covid situation has gone forever. I think the learnings and trends we have seen will continue and I’m sure that’s going to help us keep the Duster Cargo alive in the market.”

The Duster Cargo SUV itself is designed in a way that it can be utilised for both individual and company purposes.

It is the only auto transmission SUV B offered as a light commercial vehicle (LCV) bearing the Renault Marque.

Al Masaood Automobiles is offering buyers a warranty period of three years or 100,000kms, depending on what comes first. The importer boasts that the fourcylinder engine automatic transmission and eco-mode and cruise control/speed limiter features, makes the Duster Cargo the sort of highly fuel-efficient vehicle – its consumption rating is 15.9 kilometres per litre – that would be attractive for fleets where the bottom line is everything.

It is pretty roomy for its class featuring a maximum boot capacity of 1,623 litres. It also makes the most of Renault’s latest digital and electronic features with Bluetooth connectivity and its wellregarded Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which heads a list of safety features.

Vimal says the finished package is the result of direct consultation with the market.

“We saw this model as a great opportunity. We went and spoke to a few of our key top clientele in the fleet market to have feedback on what kind of competition there is and whether this vehicle will be welcomed – because although this is a cargo vehicle in terms of space, we do have other models which are bigger in space,” he explains.

As in the European market, Vimal sees two major market strands for the Duster Cargo. He says that while there is now the need for Cargo-style vehicles

People are getting used to the online way of purchasing”

which can operate alongside bigger vehicles for Transport and Logistics (T&L) firms, the growth in online sales is also creating a level playing field for SMEs across a variety of sectors. This is a vehicle which will help those businesses serve their growing list of customers.

“We are certainly targeting the smaller courier companies, retail chains and food distributors. We are also looking at facilities management companies as they require vehicles. It is surprising that the national retailers are interested in the Duster Cargo as a commercial vehicle, and so we are also targeting them.”

He adds: “Interestingly, we had an early large bulk order made by a major, Abu Dhabi-based distribution company.

They had never used a smaller cargo vehicle like this before, so we offered them our demonstrator and they were thrilled by the practicality of it. At that point, the vehicle had only been out for a few weeks – it helped us have a very good take-off.”

Could this be a sign that the UAE market is ready to downsize its vehicles? T&FME asks.

“Realistically, these types of vehicles are not going to shake-up the heavy vehicles market here, but a cargo vehicle can be a great addition to their fleet,” he replies, and then pauses: “Possibly in the mid-segment there might be a slight disruption but not

DUSTER CARGO LAUNCHED WITH THE SME IN MIND Fredrik Vimal believes that the Duster Cargo is best suited for SMEs needing a last mile delivery solution in their business.

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necessarily a huge impact. Obviously, the cargo space is relatively small compared to those vehicles. There is a niche about it. So, a fleet business who is going to buy this particular vehicle will likely keep their large fleet of bigger trucks.”

Niche it may be but, as Vimal suspected after studying the European market, a key to the Duster Cargo’s success could be its ability to fulfil a long list of roles across a wide number of sectors.

“This is something that can be an entry level SUV cargo and commercial vehicle.

We are focusing on the fact that that it is an SUV cargo for a very affordable price.

I think people relate to it and it won’t cost them heavily,” he remarks. “While most of these online companies do want bigger space, there are more companies, who want a cargo vehicle that is not very big and at the same time has agility and manoeuvrability on the road.”

As ever, a new type of model in the UAE market can often find a role beyond its original purpose. To that end – and most surprisingly – Al Masaood Automobiles is seeing demand from private Emirati customers through its passenger retail arm.

“This is doing wonders for us as the other vehicles from the competition are

It’s a plugand-play solution that you can switch back to increase the residual value for customers”

not SUVs which is one of the largest classes in the market. It is one of the plusses for the Duster Cargo and it’s definitely regarded as one of the smartest offerings in conjunction with the current scenario.

He continues: “The SME companies are primarily going to be the target, but we have been pleasantly surprised that we have even seen the some of the retail customers are interested for their home purpose,” he explains. “In the UAE, and especially Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, there are more UAE National customers. They have huge villas and large farmhouses and interestingly we keep getting a lot of enquiries from them because they feel they can give it to their caretaker. He can then use it to run-around

from one farm to another, or to the villa.”

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, fleets were finding it tougher to secure funding for new vehicles and this became an even greater concern at the start of 2021 with fewer banks offering loans for capital purchases. Six months on, Vimal is seeing a loosening from banks as the year enters its second half but adds that Al Masaood Automobiles is continuing to plug customers into its own financial ecosystem, providing in-house funding on a case-by-case basis where it can.

“Banks have become a little more accommodating as long as the length of business is there and they are able to prove they can pay the loan,” he tells T&FME. “However, we do provide a one-stop solution here. When a customer enters into Al Masaood, we make sure that we are there to assist them from every point of view along their own customer journey. Most certainly the finance aspect is a very important thing and we do assist our clients to get the right funding.”

Some fleets in the UAE are seeing leasing as a potential route to growing their fleet and 2020 saw the authorised distributor of Nissan, INFINITI and Renault launch Al Masaood Auto Leasing launch its own

AL MASAOOD FOCUSES ON THE MARKET Al Masaood is focusing on affordability, adaptibility and space with the vehicle able to cater for a long list of roles.

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service solution intended to providing personalised leasing solutions according to a retail or corporate customer’s needs.

“This is an area we have already looked at for the Duster Cargo,” explains Vimal.

“We are working with our counterparts in the leasing department. There will be a leasing option offered in the market which I’m sure many of the SMEs will look into.”

The firm is also offering clients the opportunity to get the vehicle branded.

Given the uniqueness of the vehicle, it seems like the perfect platform to promote yourself as a unique and innovative business.

“Any customer who is buying this particular vehicle, the first thing they want to do is be seen in the market,” states Vimal.

“One of the ways to see it is through branding and they can do that through us as we offer a one-stop customisation solution through our channel partners. Alternatively, they will go out and find their own solution provider.”

One concern for any potential fleet buyer will be the potential residual value of the Duster Cargo, particularly as it is effectively a hybrid of SUV and van covering a relatively new market segment. Vimal firmly believes that the vehicle’s blurring of the lines between being a personal vehicle and a professional cargo-style will work in its favour down the line.

“It’s a plug-and-play solution that you can switch back to increase the residual value for customers,” he remarks. “With the Duster Cargo, we are converting it from a passenger vehicle to a cargo vehicle which is locally approved by the road authorities in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Being plug-andplay means at a later date, the customers can always put back the seats and can either continue to use the vehicle or they can sell it.

“No other vehicle can offer this particular feature. We have our pre-owned division and again, as I said, it’s a complete solution and we can assist a customer if they seek an exit point or if they want to just merely trade in their vehicle.”

Whatever way they choose to use the Duster Cargo, Vimal says that fleet clients will always get the back-up they need to keep their business moving.

“Al Masaood is a very customer-centric company,” he says. “And specifically with Renault being a smaller brand within the market, we have adapted some of the dynamic ways of approaching the clients during the pandemic to ensure that we are with the customers at every step. You know, meconstructionnews.com

A cargo vehicle can be a great addition to a fleet”

we have a record-breaking response time of 30 minutes from the time an enquiry lands on our desk. The industry standard is two hours. It’s human nature, that, if you respond quickly, people appreciate that this person is interested in them. At Al Masaood, the customer understands that they are being treated properly.”

With our conversation coming to a close, Vimal looks back on his time on the front line of dealing with customers

and how he quickly realised why it was important to put them first. In many ways, it is a road that many of the new online start-ups buying their first Duster Cargo will be travelling in the coming months.

“I started from scratch and have seen both sides of the automotive retail world.

It helps me to understand the customer psychology, how a salesperson should respond and what it means to not just talk but also deliver a true customer experience.”

ADDING TO THE NE A new Renault Ser vice TWORK Centre opened in Mussa fah in May and plugs growing net work of sup into a por t for customers in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

NEW MUSSAFAH FACILITY: AN EXPANDING SERVICE NETWORK Al Masaood Automobiles continues to expand its service network and in May opened a new Renault Service Centre in Mussafah to deliver integrated services to more customers in the city and the neighbouring Khalifa City and Mohamed Bin Zayed areas.

Consolidating all Renault service centres under one roof, the new specialty auto service shop houses eight dedicated service bays, a parts warehouse, a service reception, and a parking area – all designed to bring optimum convenience and high-quality aftersales service.

The centre also provides diverse value-added car and commercial van services, which include window tinting and 24/7 roadside assistance, amidst rising customer demand for such

offerings in Abu Dhabi. Periodical and comprehensive maintenance service contracts are available at the new facility as well, giving customers an option to decide on the duration – between 1 year and 5 years – and the annual mileage according to their needs.

Mirsad Nezirevic, General Manager – Service, Al Masaood Automobiles, said: “The Renault Service Centre is the newest addition to our Al Ain and Beda Zayed branches offering the same top-notch solutions to our customers. This latest development reflects our long-term commitment to Abu Dhabi and the UAE as pivotal markets for Renault’s operations in the region. By inaugurating our latest service centre facility, we are further raising the bar higher in the industry,

especially in the areas of client satisfaction and experience, both of which are at the core of our mission as an organisation.”

“Our professional technicians manning these modern service facilities and workshops will deliver expert vehicle services using technologically advanced automotive diagnostic tools and equipment. Their skills and abilities are continuously being enhanced to make them highly capable of operating the latest automotive technologies and systems,” Nezirevic added.

Customers may utilise the ‘My Renault’ mobile application to book a service and, if they prefer, select the pick-up-anddrop-off solution. ‘My Renault’ was launched to enable users to manage all their vehicle needs under one platform.

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REVIEW:

AUDI RS Q3 SPORTBACK

It’s summertime, so what better way to go on a road trip than with Audi’s RS Q3 Sportback? Jason Saundalkar writes 16 AUGUST 2021

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T

he Q3 is Audi’s smallest crossover and, in standard guise, is designed to be a comfortable and stylish vehicle for small families.

The vehicle T&FME tested last month was not a Q3 however, but rather, the Q3’s pumped up, shoutier cousin, the RS Q3 Sportback.

‘RS’ (Racing Sport) vehicles, regardless of the model in Audi’s line-up, are range-toppers that sit above the ‘S’ (Sport) vehicles. With a RS vehicle, expect better performance, as well as sharper and more aggressive styling – the latter also serves to differentiate RS vehicles from their less expensive S counterparts.

Dressed in look-at-me “Kyalami Green” (unique to the RS Q3 Sportback) and augmented with RS bumpers and other exterior flourishes, my tester proved an attention getter, whether I was cruising on a highway, sitting at a traffic light, or pulling up to park. In fact, a friend who saw a side profile shot of the RS Q3 on my Instagram account even texted to ask if it was a Lamborghini Urus! Job well done on the styling then, Audi.

The T&FME test car had US $7,200 in optional extras, which took its final price to a significant $76,700. The extras included handsome 21-inch five-V-spoke anthracite black finished alloy rims that were wrapped with low profile tires, a black appearance package, RS sport exhaust system, brake calipers finished in red, and several other exterior and interior appointments.

PRACTICAL BUT SPORTY TOUCHES Inside the cabin, there are a few sporty touches including decorative Carbon Twill inserts, illuminated RS scuff plates, a flat-bottomed, leather-wrapped RS steering wheel and steeringmounted paddle shifters. The cabin is logically laid out.

Considering the already significant base price, I reckon it is worth spending the extra money because they complete the look and add useful functions (more on this later). With the extras fitted, I’m confident no one will look at this RS Q3 and mistake it for a regular Q3 or even the Q3 Sportback (the latter sits in between the Q3 and RS Q3 in the model family).

Interior appointments and features

Inside the cabin, there are a few sporty touches including decorative Carbon Twill inserts, illuminated RS scuff plates, a flat-bottomed, leather-wrapped RS steering wheel and steering-mounted paddle shifters. The cabin is logically laid

The RS Q3 Sportback exists to address the growing demand for performance orientated compact crossovers”

out, like most modern Audis are, however as this is an entry level crossover in Audi’s product family, you don’t quite get the same uber plush and luxurious interior that you get from the mid and higher-end Audis.

That said, there were a few surprising omissions considering the vehicle’s significant base price and optional extras: the driver’s seat on my RS Q3 tester had the optional power driver seat specified but there was no memory function; the steering wheel is manually adjustable only; there’s no head’s up display, and the ambience lighting, despite being optioned with “Ambient Lighting Package Plus” didn’t quite blow this reviewer away. That said, the illuminated scuff plates and projection of ‘Audi Sport’ (from under the sideview mirrors) on the ground looks great when the sun goes down or you’re in covered parking.

Most of the touch points I regularly interacted with felt good, while the standard dual-zone climate control proved easy to operate via its dedicated controls, which meant not having to rely on the touch-sensitive Audi MMI screen/ system. And, despite the sweltering Dubai weather (between 40-to-44C through the test period) and reasonably large glasshouse, the climate control managed to maintain comfortable temperature in the cabin, even at midday.

The Audi’s adaptive cruise control system and lane departure warning system/ lane change assistant (both optional extras on this tester) were also highly useful

FEATURES FOR THE ROAD The Audi’s adaptive cruise control system and lane departure warning system/lane change assistant (both optional extras on this tester) proved highly useful in traffic, as well as the open road.

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convenience features, that helped take the stress out of rush hour traffic over the test period. As great as these features were, the 360-degree camera system (also an optional extra) was perhaps the most useful convenience feature, as it made parking and getting in/out of tight spaces a piece of cake. If you intend to spec your RS Q3 Sportback with big wheels, don’t forget to get this camera system because it will save you from scuffing those gorgeous – not to mention expensive - rims.

Moving to the second-row seating, the seats are comfortable but if you are

I’m confident no one will look at this RS and mistake it for a regular Q3”

taller than six feet, you will struggle with legroom and headroom, the latter due to the sloped Sportback roof (it does look cool though). Despite that sloping roofline however, you still get a decent amount of boot space at 530 litres, so it’s a vehicle that you could put your weekly shopping into, as well as do airport runs with.

Plenty of show but what about the go?

The RS Q3 boasts a turbocharged 2.5 litre five-cylinder engine that develops 400hp and 354lb/ft of torque, and it is mated to

a seven-speed ‘S tronic’ gearbox, which feeds a Quattro all-wheel drive system.

As you’d expect of a modern Audi, this vehicle’s driving dynamics can be tweaked via the ‘Audi drive select’ programme – it offers several modes: efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic and individual (individual lets you manually adjust drivetrain, suspension, exhaust and other settings).

If you don’t want to fiddle with these settings, you can leave the vehicle in ‘automatic’ and it will adjust to the way you drive – on one particularly used and abused road, I dialed in ‘comfort’ and found

TURBOCHARGED QUATTRO POWER The RS Q3 boasts a turbocharged 2.5 litre five-cylinder engine that develops 400hp and 354lb/ft of torque, and it is mated to a seven-speed ‘S tronic’ gearbox.

ADJUSTING TO YOUR DRIVING The RS Q3 offers five driving modes including automatic which adjusts to your driving style.

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it offered a slightly more compliant and comfortable ride. ‘Efficiency’ on the other hand is an exercise in patience, as it turned the car into an eco-focused accountant that did everything it could to save me petrol.

I must have tried it for 15 minutes before I thought to myself ‘life is too short’.

This being a RS, I spent a fair bit of time in ‘dynamic’ mode and that’s when I discovered the Audi’s more playful side. It was not an explosive transformation but every time I buried the loud pedal on an empty road or at the apex of a corner, the little green Audi put a big grin on my face.

At full throttle the car surges forward with considerable authority, whilst creating a sublime howl that comes into its own from 3,000rpm and carries on to 7,000rpm.

In ‘dynamic’ the RS Q3 Sportback’s ride quality does become quite stiff, while the gearbox holds onto lower gears even at cruising speeds, so I don’t recommend staying in this mode indefinitely. If you are hammering along, you’ll also need to pay attention to your speedometer because you’ll be at finable speeds, even on highways, in a matter of seconds. (I reckon a HUD should be standard issue on any car with 400 horses under the hood.)

Audi says this car will do the 0-100km dash in 4.5 seconds and it certainly feels fast, going off the seat of my pants.

At neighborhood speeds, the engine has enough low-down torque to move the approximately 1.8-ton crossover with light throttle application. Unfortunately, when you’re being gentle with the throttle pedal is when the gearbox seems to be at its unhappiest. Shifts can occasionally be felt, and this seemed to be the case regardless of what drive mode I had the RS Q3 in. It’s not a deal breaker because when you’ll appreciate those lighting quick shifts when you’re engaging in a bit of spirited driving. But, considering the price of the vehicle and the fact that this is an Audi after all, I expected more refinement from the dual clutch gearbox.

Verdict

The RS Q3 Sportback exists to address the growing demand for performance orientated compact crossovers. While it isn’t perfect and is quite pricey, there’s no denying it’s a handsome thing with character and more performance than most owners will ever need on the public roads. meconstructionnews.com

ELECTRIC POTENTIA L WITH VEHICLE2H Through Vehicle to Hom OME e, an Audi’s electric veh icle’s high-voltage bat only charged from the tery is not home electricity supply for use as an energy source for the vehicle but can also provide storage for the home power grid.

AUDI VEHICLE2HOME COMING TO MIDDLE EAST? An interview with sales director Alaa Mousa, sales director of German company Hager Group has revealed that it it is working with Audi to bring bidirectional charging at home, otherwise known as Vehicle to Home or V2H for short to the Middle East.

But what is V2H? Well, according to company, the “idea is as simple as it is ingenious”: the electric vehicle’s high-voltage battery is not only charged from the home electricity supply for use as an energy source for the vehicle, it can also be used as a decentralised storage medium for the home power grid.

According to Ulrich Reiner, e-mobility expert at Hager Group, “A vehicle battery can store about as much energy as an average household needs in a week”. The potential storage capacity is therefore considerable.

In the future, the new charging infrastructure will theoretically allow an electric

vehicle’s high-voltage battery to be charged from any home connection and also to deliver energy back into the home power grid. Property owners who produce their own electricity from rooftop photovoltaic panels, for example, will be able to store it in their car and then return it to the home as required.

The official name of this two-way charging process is Vehicle to Home (V2H).

“V2H has major potential for reducing electricity costs of homeowners and increasing both grid stability and supply security in the event of a blackout,” explains Ulrich Reiner. “Using the battery of thousands of electric vehicles to make a significant contribution to climate protection is a vision that has fascinated us from the very beginning.”

What sounds simple in theory is in practice extremely technically complex, requiring perfect coordination between the various technical

components – hence the joint project between Hager Group and AUDI AG. Hager Group, through its subsidiary E3/D3, an expert in photovoltaic home power stations, is contributing the technical know-how behind the charging infrastructure, which will use the battery of the vehicle prototype, based on the Audi e-tron, as an energy storage system for V2H. This is only the start, however. A bidirectional charging system that is suitable for everyday use requires much more: a smart home energy management system to manage the energy exchange with the vehicle when the sun is shining or when electricity is required in the home, for example, and of course a charging station.

Hager Group was also able to offer suitable solutions from its product portfolio for this. Implementation of the CCS charging standard was supported by US partner company IoTecha.

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VIVE LA

EVOLUTION

Renault Trucks is changing the exterior design of its T, T High, C and K models, Paul Daintree, the manufacturer’s design director, looks back at the genesis of these new models 20 AUGUST 2021

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E

arlier this year, Renault Truck’s president Bruno Blin revealed that 2021 is set to see developments in the marque’s long-haul (T) and construction (C and K) ranges, in terms of comfort, safety and productivity.

This would be the most extensive development since the total overhaul of the manufacturer’s ranges in 2013, he said in the Spring; and signalling his company’s intent to think outside of the trailer box ahead of this major refresh, Renault let drivers test the T in the video game Euro Truck Simulator 2. This was the first time anyone had been able to test an upgraded heavy goods vehicle, including the driving position and cab layout, virtually.

Things got a little more solid during July when the overhaul of the three ranges received a world premiere. Driver comfort has become a major focus for OEMs, particularly in developed markets such as Europe where recruitment and retention are huge challenges for fleet owners.

Consequently, according to the manufacturer, it has made major improvements in terms of both driving comfort and on-board comfort for the well-being of drivers.

The high level of safety for drivers and road users has also been central to the development of the Renault Trucks T, C and K ranges, says Renault Trucks. For customers, vehicle productivity has also been improved, with ever lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and increased vehicle availability, due notably to the related Predict predictive maintenance contracts.

It is also changing the exterior design of its vehicles, adopting a more assertive style, particularly in terms of the headlights, which have been reduced in size in order to increase the painted surface of the lower body section. A new honeycomb grille completes the more modern, sleek design of the 2021 Renault Trucks.

The vehicles are fitted with a new threeaxis adjustable steering column. This enables drivers to adopt the driving position that suits them best, tailored to their morphology, mission requirements or personal preferences.

The column is adjusted using a single foot control to set both the position and the tilt of the steering wheel. Adjustment with both hands on the wheel and instant locking ensures both precision and safety. In addition, the Neman on the column has been replaced by a start button. As an HGV driver spends an average of nine hours a day behind the meconstructionnews.com

THREE PILLARS OF DEVELOPMENT Renault Truck’s president Bruno Blin said the development of the marque’s long-haul (T) and construction (C and K) ranges has focused on comfort, safety and productivity.

wheel, the seats need to remain comfortable throughout the life of the vehicle and be suited to each driver, says Renault Trucks.

It has therefore redesigned its range of seats and now offers a modular range for complete flexibility in terms of settings, choice of combinations and options. The manufacturer has also introduced new textiles, designed to withstand the many climbs in and out of the cab every day. A leather version is also available as an option.

The 2021 version of the Renault Trucks T, T High, C and K also features new and increased storage solutions. A tablet and smartphone holder has been positioned within easy reach of the driver, providing access to several devices simultaneously and charging

One of our customers’ requests was for our trucks to have a carlike driving position”

them via two USB-C sockets. A new A4 document storage drawer has also been added.

On the passenger side, the vehicles have two storage spaces with a total capacity of 7 litres (including a 2-litre refrigerated space).

The manufacturer has recognised that a truck is not only a driver’s work tool, it is also where they rest and sleep. The quality of the bed is therefore crucial. For the driver’s well-being and increased longevity of the equipment, it has increased the thickness of the mattress of the “Serenity” bunk by 13% and doubled the number of springs, providing optimal support thanks to a better distribution of body weight. A washable memory foam mattress topper can be added as an option. The mattress is separate from the base, allowing for the use of fitted sheets.

For added convenience, two USB-C sockets have also been added to the bunk area to make it easier to charge electronic devices, while keeping them within easy reach of the driver during rest periods.

Finally, to improve sound quality in the cab, Renault Trucks has teamed up with the French manufacturer Focal, for the supply of hi-fi equipment and speakers.

High safety levels for drivers and road users have also been a core focus in the development of the Renault Trucks T, T High, C and K ranges. The new Renault Trucks T, T High and C are fitted with LED lights as standard. As it is closer to natural light, LED light gives drivers a better perception of contrasts and colours. This significantly improves night-time visibility and therefore safety. Another advantage of

OVERHAUL OF THE EXTERIOR The exterior design of the new ranges adopts a more assertive style.

The headlights have been reduced in size in order to increase the painted surface of the lower body section. They are framed by a new honeycomb grille which is desgned to aid aerodynamics.

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LED technology is its reliability and longevity.

The life of an LED source is up to thirty times longer than that of a conventional bulb.

Additional LED lights have also been positioned on the inside of the doors to illuminate the door sill for increased driver safety when getting in and out of the vehicle at night. For the optimal safety of drivers, their loads and road users, a number of options are also available, including a mechanical anti-intrusion device (safety door-lock), cameras and presence sensors, as well as vision doors providing excellent visibility of pedestrians and cyclists. Finally, the parking brake emergency application reduces the risk of unexpected vehicle movement when the driver leaves the cab, by automatically activating the wheel lock to stop the truck.

Firstly, the cab’s aerodynamics have been improved around the front grille and wheel arch extensions have been added to improve airflow.

Secondly, the vehicles have been fitted with new technology to further reduce fuel consumption. These include a new version of the Optivision predictive cruise control system and an optimised cruise control system with two selectable driving modes.

‘Eco on’ is the default mode and optimises fuel consumption by adjusting acceleration, gear shifting, cruise control and deceleration, whereas “Eco off” allows drivers to change the driving mode. An indicator gives drivers real-time information about their driving style; the greater the number of

THE DRIVER AT THE CENTRE OF DESIGN Paul Daintree says it is crucial for designers to put the enduser at the centre of their thinking and teams visited truck stops and depots to talk to hauliers and drivers.

We have great trucks and we’re really proud of this new design, so why not show it?”

leaves, the more economical the driving.

A new “Pulse and Glide” function further improves fuel consumption by maintaining the vehicle’s speed around the Cruise Control set point (+/- 2km/h).

Finally, the new Renault Trucks T and T High vehicles are fitted as standard with class A tyres, the most efficient on the market in terms of fuel economy.

In addition, experts in the Renault Trucks network are able to carry out pre-diagnosis, functionality updates and remote adjustments on vehicles. This reduces the number of visits to the workshop and optimises appointments.

Depending on usage and mileage, oil

change intervals for vehicles fitted with 13-litre Euro VI engines can be extended to 150,000 km or 18 months, resulting in lower contracted maintenance costs (labour and parts), optimised maintenance schedules with fewer service stops and additional fuel savings.

Looking back at the genesis of these new models Paul Daintree, says the teams at the Renault Trucks Halle du Design have been working on the evolution of the T, T High, C and K ranges since 2018.

The reflection has been developed in close collaboration with partner customers.

“It’s crucial for designers to put the end user at the centre of their thinking and decision-making”, explained Daintree. “We organised collaborative work sessions with our customers in the design studio and visited truck stops and customer depots to meet hauliers and drivers in order to understand their needs and respond to them.”

This field work by the design teams, shared with information gathered from the dealer network and the expertise of Renault Trucks engineers, formed the basis for changes to the vehicles in terms of style and comfort.

“The vehicle front has been redesigned to allow more space for our customer paint schemes and graphics,” Daintree added. The front lighting has been totally renewed using LED technology, which not only has the benefit of providing better illumination, but also enables designers to reduce the height of the headlamp unit and fit more features into a smaller area. A deflector has been

OUT IN THE FIELD Field work by the design teams helped to combine information from the dealer network with the expertise of Renault Trucks engineers.

This formed the basis for changes to the vehicles in terms of style and comfort, says Daintree.

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OPTIMISED MAINTENANCE

KEEPING YOU AWAY FROM THE WORKSHOP Renault Trucks has developed new technology – as part of its Excellence Predict maintenance offer – for regularly updating the vehicle’s software – at the time requested by the customer without the need to bring it into the workshop.

IMPROVED INTERVIOR Improvements have been made to the comfort for drivers including a series of features to adjust the driving position to fit their body shape.

added over the top of the lights. “The front proportions have been completely overhauled – the truck has more presence, more attitude and an immediately identifiable focus.”

The redesigned front grille creates a more sophisticated, automotive look. The fold-down function, by which the grille can be turned into a seat or step, stays the same due to its popularity with drivers.

Lastly, the size of the Renault Trucks logo on the front grille has been increased.

“We have great trucks and we’re really proud of this new design, so why not show it?” enthused the Renault Trucks Design Director.

The ultimate focus within the interior has been on improving driver comfort: “In terms of driving comfort, one of our customers’ meconstructionnews.com

It’s crucial for designers to put the end user at the centre of their thinking and decisionmaking”

requests was for our trucks to have a car-like driving position,” continued Daintree.

The new Renault Trucks T, T High, C and K have a new three-way adjustable steering column, with a foot operated button, and a keyless start. This makes it easy for drivers to adapt their driving position to their personal body shape and preferences. Improvements have also been made to the comfort of life on board.

“We decided to improve the comfort of the basic bunk, increasing the thickness and the density of the mattress and doubling the spring count,” For optimal comfort, an overmattress has also been added.

The Renault Trucks designers have also created bigger storage spaces and

Renault Trucks has developed new technology for regularly updating the vehicle’s software – at the time requested by the customer – without the need to bring it into the workshop.

This new technology is part of the ‘Excellence Predict’ maintenance offer, which enables the manufacturer to act before a malfunction occurs and thus give its customers greater peace of mind by guaranteeing continuous vehicle availability.

In practical terms, the Excellence Predict offer provides: • A connected maintenance plan that is perfectly adapted to the vehicle’s use.

• Monitoring of the main wear components such as the battery, clutch discs and brake pads.

• Innovative real-time breakdown prevention technology for 80% of components that could lead to downtime.

• Collective and collaborative work between Renault Trucks and its network, enabling proactive management of vehicle maintenance. The scheduling of grouped interventions optimises downtime.

added dedicated storage for telephones or tablets with USB charging points close by. Non-visible storage includes a new drawer allowing an A4 size notebook or tablet to be safely stored.

Finally, for a perfectly relaxing on-board atmosphere, the fabrics and colours have been changed to soften the contrasts and help relax drivers’ eyes, which are put under considerable pressure during driving sessions.

“Although our current seats are really appreciated, we took the opportunity to update the materials, notably by replacing the traditional full leather seat with an embossed fabric. As with the exterior, we are proud to be Renault Trucks, so the logo has pride of place on the seats,” concluded Daintree.

AUGUST 2021 23

WORKSHOP

ABB TO POWER BUSES IN QATAR / NEW REGIONAL MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR MICHELIN ALLISON LAUNCHES XFE TRANSMISSIONS FOR MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS

WORKSHOP

ABB brings high-power bus charging to Qatar ABB TO DESIGN AND COMMISSION CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST FLEETS OF ELECTRIC BUSES CHARGING

Qatari authorities have awarded ABB a contract to design, supply, test and commission high-power charging infrastructure for what is billed as one of the world’s largest fleets of electric buses. The contract will see ABB provide high power charging infrastructure for the fleet, which is expected to have 1,000 electric buses operating across the country and with a capacity to transport 50,000 passengers a day.

According to a statement from ABB, the move aligns with Qatar’s aim to have 25% of its public bus

network operating on electric by 2022, rising to 100% by 2030. As part of this plan, the country will create one of the largest e-bus networks in the world, in a single installation.

Partnering with Mannai Trading Company, Qatar’s public works authority - Ashghal - and fleet operator - Mowasalat - ABB will design and deploy heavy vehicle charging equipment across multiple locations in Qatar including four bus depots, eight bus stations and 12 metro stations. The project scope also includes a three-year service level agreement, the statement explained.

AMBITIOUS GOALS FOR QATAR Qatar has set ambitious goals to reduce CO2 emissions and make a valuable global contribution to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

ABB president (E-mobility) Frank Muehlon commented, “As part of ABB’s 2030 sustainability strategy, we are focused on helping fleets to unlock the potential of e-mobility with state of the art and intelligent charging solutions. As the world moves towards green bus fleets, our solutions are at the leading edge to help cities and regions around the world discover the value of electrification and how it can help us all transition to cleaner and greener transport solutions.”

For the project, ABB will supply over 125MW of charging capacity, 1,300 connectors for destination charging and 89 opportunity chargers, four of which will be mobile/ Muehlon pointed out that with this charging solution, the complete Mowasalat electric bus fleet could be charged overnight at the depots and while in use without impacting regular operations, ensuring a fast and convenient charging experience for operators and passengers. As per the terms of the deal, ABB will also provide data connections and interfaces to connect and integrate the charging infrastructure operation into the Mowasalat Fleet Management System for 24/7 fleet optimisation.

MICHELIN APPOINTS NEW REGION PRESIDENT TYRES

Global tyre giant Michelin Group has named Gaganjot Singh as the new president of Michelin Africa, India and Middle East Region. Singh will be based out of Pune, India and succeeds Marc Pasquet, who has been called to other functions in the Michelin Group, said a statement from the company.

Michelin added that in his 10-year tenure with the French multinational, Singh has held various leadership roles in finance, sales and other commercial functions across Asia, Africa and Europe. Since 2019, Singh served as global business model leader – Large Fleets, within the Long Distance Transportation Business Line. From 2016 to 2019, he was the managing director of South Africa Customs Union (SACU), Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique.

INSIDE THIS MONTH’S WORKSHOP: WHAT THE UAE’S COLD CHAIN HAS LEARNED FROM THE PANDEMIC, THE UPTIME CHAMPIONS, AND MORE

24 AUGUST 2021

meconstructionnews.com

WORKSHOP

ALLISON LAUNCHES XFE FOR MEDIUM DUTY

WOLF EXPANDS GAS RANGE LUBRICANTS

Wolf Lubricants says it has expanded its innovative GAS range with the launch of all-new WOLF VITALTECH 5W30 GAS. The new lubricant responds to the growing alternative fuel vehicles market and joins Wolf’s cutting-edge VITALTECH 5W40 GAS engine oil in the brand’s GAS line-up, said the firm.

“The increasing popularity of gas vehicles has been driven by a unique combination of environmental and economic benefits. Growth is being further supported by European incentives to promote the development of alternative fuel infrastructure and the implementation of sustainability legislation,” added a company statement.

As a brand continuously monitoring the car parc and talking with workshops to identify challenges and emerging trends, Wolf has invested in the development of gas-specific lubricants to serve this rapidly growing market.

Currently, 3.2% of passenger vehicles and 1.5% of light duty vehicles are utilising some form of LPG (liquified petroleum gas) or CNG (compressed natural gas) combustion engines. Dual Fuel vehicles – using petrol and either LPG or CNG – make up much of the alternative fuel vehicle market, around 98%.

Wolf’s GAS range features fully synthetic lubricants that have been specially designed to meet the requirements of Dual Fuel, LPG and CNG passenger cars and light duty vehicles, offering complete protection.

“Gas and Dual Fuel vehicles offer a fantastic, sustainable alternative but there is little industry understanding about their unique lubrication requirements,” said Johan Van Hove, senior technical and training manager. “To address this, we established our pioneering GAS range.”

meconstructionnews.com

TRANSMISSIONS Allison Transmission has launched two new versions of its xFE fully automatic transmission for use in medium-duty trucks in the EMEA region.

Available now, the 3000 xFE and 3200 xFE models are designed for engines producing up to 370 horsepower and 1695 Nm (dependent on the application), and gross vehicle weight up to 28.5 tons. Compared to the standard 3000 and 3200 Series transmissions, the new 3000 xFE and 3200 xFE can reduce emissions and fuel consumption by up to 3.7 percent.

It also explained that the greatest gains are made at speeds below 20 mph (32 kph), depending on axle ratio, and above 45 mph (72 kph).

A fully-loaded vehicle’s ability to climb an incline at a steady speed without needing to downshift and work the engine harder, also

FLEETS UNDER PRESSURE Fleet operators are under legislative pressure to reduce emissions according to Sjoerd Vos, Allison transmission director of EMEA Marketing.

improves under 30mph (48 kph).

These characteristics make the new transmissions particularly well-suited to slow-speed urban applications and stop-start duty cycles such as refuse collection, claimed the company.

“Truck fleet operators everywhere are under legislative pressure to reduce emissions, and of course all fleets would like to reduce their fuel costs,” said

Sjoerd Vos, Allison transmission director of EMEA Marketing.

“These could be a critical tool in helping OEMs and fleets make a 15 percent CO2 emission reduction by 2025 and 30 percent by 2030, as required by EU CO2 emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles. Doing much more with today’s efficient diesel technology is an affordable stepping stone towards electrification.”

BKT’S NEW TYRE FOR AGRO-INDUSTRIAL APPS

MADE FOR TRACTION The Multimax MP 569 has an all-steel casing for durability, alongside an optimised tread design to enable excellent traction when used off-road.

TYRES

BKT has released the new Multimax MP 569 tyre for applications in agro-industrial activities and other areas where heavy loads and high speeds are common. The global off-the-road (OTR) tyre major said the new MP 569, part of its Multimax product line, is designed for use both in agricultural trucks and mixed-use vehicles that see a mix of road and off-road use when transporting goods.

The Multimax MP 569 has an all-steel casing for durability, alongside an optimised tread design to enable excellent traction when used off-road, said BKT. Together, these characteristics provide a comfortable ride and lower fuel consumption due to the tyre’s added stability and lower rolling resistance, added the manufacturer.

The Multimax MP 569 is available in size 445/65 R 22.5

(18 R 22.5), with a maximum load capacity of 5,800kg at 100km/h, at a pressure of 9bar.

Denis Piccolo, product manager at BKT, said: “Agro trucks normally have two different tread patterns on the rear drive axle and the front steer axle, depending on the work they have to do: the rear axle must guarantee more traction while the front axle must have more directional ability.

“The ideal equipment for these vehicles, according to our studies, is achieved by combining two BKT products. The new Multimax MP 569 on the front axle features shoulders that assist traction. It also has, in the central part of the tread, a design that guarantees less rolling resistance and excellent ability to maintain direction. And on the rear axle, FL 633 Performa, ultra-resistant, with exceptional load capacity and durability. It represents the future of flotation tyres, which are also ideal for agro trucks.”

AUGUST 2021 25

INSIGHT

COLD CHAIN DURING COVID-19

Shereen Nassar, global director of Logistics Studies and director of MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management programmes, Heriot-Watt University Dubai asks what can we learn from the pandemic?

W

hile the COVID-19 vaccine was warmly welcomed, it brought with it even more complex logistical requirements, the most crucial of which was the need for a reliable cold supply chain. Coupled with the sheer size of the operations and a sense of urgency, the fulfillment of these muchneeded vaccines turned into a colossal task to manage. For example, in September 2020, DHL estimated that to reach global coverage over the next two years, nearly 200,000 pallet shipments and 15,000 flights were required. In addition, the final distribution required almost 15 million cooling boxes along with the corresponding amounts of dry ice or cooling bricks.

26 AUGUST 2021

Government initiatives can significantly impact the pharmaceuticals industry by facilitating the implementation of cold chain monitoring solutions throughout the value chain. Accordingly, biopharmaceutical thirdparty logistics companies can minimise supply disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been globally classified into essential services. This helps them to operate and sustain revenue growth. Both government initiatives and rising demand for local logistics are expected to strengthen the market growth over the coming years. The pharmaceutical market is fast-growing and dominated by Europe and North America due to their high global market share and a high number of imports and exports of pharmaceutical products.

They are also leading the implementation of

The UAE has done an incredible job of managing the crisis and supporting other countries during this time”

advanced warehousing and transportation technologies in the supply chain. If we look at the UAE’s supply chain industry overall, it is ranked first in terms of being a logistics-friendly country––in the region. Additionally, the pharmaceutical sector in the MENA region has witnessed tremendous growth over the last few years and is forecasted to reach around USD 60 billion by 2025. Particularly for the COVID-19 vaccine supply, UAE has done an incredible job of managing the crisis and supporting other countries during this time.

Dr Shereen Nassar, global director of Logistics Studies and the director of the MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management Programme – Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, believes the UAE’s logistics industry has demonstrated meconstructionnews.com

INSIGHT

that swift action is needed by fleet and transport to ensure the efficient management of the bio-pharmaceutical cold supply chain management during the pandemic: “Even in the toughest of situations, the UAE has rolled up its sleeves and swung into action. One of the major requirements of a pharmaceutical cold supply chain is the massive requirement for an equipped fleet to support the transport of required goods.

In May, AD Ports acquired 11 specialised refrigerated vehicles to improve the efficiency of the UAE’s Covid-19 vaccine supply chain.

“The vehicles are expected to enhance vaccine distribution and supply to over 1.1 million doses a day. The fleet is entirely designed to serve the purpose and has been fitted with cooling equipment to support the handling of vaccines at temperatures between 2°C to 8°C. As the demand increases across the world, there is an urgent need to reinvent methods and make quick decisions that will support the global need for vaccines and enhance the logistical limitations for other products in the biopharmaceutical sector.”

According Dr Nassar, the market has also seen an enhancement to cargo flight operations as well as storage overhauls.

“Emirates SkyCargo and Etihad Cargo, part of two of the biggest airlines in the UAE, ramped up their cargo fleet offering and enhanced their cold chain facilities,” she says.

“Etihad strengthened its ability to transport COVID-19 vaccines worldwide by expanding its dry ice carrying capabilities across its Boeing Dreamliner and Boeing 777 fleet.

“Etihad’s fleet can now carry up to five times more dry ice per flight, enabling it to provide additional frozen and deep-frozen conditions required for different vaccines. On the other hand, Emirates SkyCargo recently announced that it has enhanced its temperaturesensitive pharmaceutical and vaccine handling capacities by extending its fully automated cool room with 94 airline pallet positions at its dedicated pharmaceutical facility at Dubai International Airport. The expanded cool room will provide an additional 2,600sqm of the temperature-controlled environment (2-25o C) to store and handle vaccines and other pharmaceutical products. Additionally, in May, Emirates announced that it will offer cargo capacity free of charge to NGOs and ship relief items on all its flights from Dubai to nine cities in India, as the country is going through major setbacks in its fight against COVID-19.”

During the early stages of the pandemic, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), Abu meconstructionnews.com

THE UAE PROVES ITS LOGISTICS STRENGTH Dr Shereen Nassar says the pandemic has been an opportunity for the UAE to show its strength as a logistics hub.

Dhabi Ports, Etihad, and other partners formed the HOPE Consortium in the UAE. The DoH Abu Dhabi identified the extensive challenges in delivering COVID-19 vaccines globally and worked with industry key players to provide comprehensive pharmaceutical end-to-end cold and ultra-cold supply solution – supporting the journey from production to patient.

The PPP (public-private partnershop) offers a complete supply chain solution involving transport, cold storage, handling, sourcing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines not only in the UAE but across the world, says Dr Nassar.

“While the government and industry players joined hands to address one of the

There is an urgent need to reinvent and enhance logistical limitations”

SERVING THE PUBLIC’S NEEDS The UAE has pioneered the use of public and private partnerships to keep vaccine supplies moving globally.

biggest challenges of this decade, they worked closely with global last-mile delivery providers to expand the distribution range of the vaccine,” she says. “In fact according to recent reports, the HOPE Consortium has handled over 27 million COVID-19 vaccine vials across 31 different countries around the world. These partnerships have proved beneficial in supporting countries far and wide that lacked the infrastructure or the reach to procure vaccines.”

The UAE’s logistics industry has been resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring uninterrupted supply chain operations to combat any shortages of essential goods and medicine unlike countries in other regions.

The resilience is due to the major investment in multimodal facilities and infrastructure over time, which proved key in managing the COVID-19 crisis from a logistics perspective.

According to the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, the Dh220bn UAE logistics sector, which is expected to contribute 8% to the UAE economy by 2021, has largely benefitted from the country’s free zones and massive infrastructure investments.

From UAE’s HOPE Consortium to Etihad’s flight overhauls to accommodate larger vaccine consignments and Emirates’ increased facility offerings, the UAE understood the urgency of the situation and supported global needs. The UAE has always been a pioneer in actioning activities that make a difference to its population and to the world. UAE’s dealing of the vaccine distribution situation is indeed a massive learning for other countries. At this juncture, it is also important to note that the country’s strategic location between Asia and the western countries also emphasises the country’s position as a key hub for connectivity and logistics.

Some key takeaways from the UAE’s logistics sector during the pandemic are that the country keeps reinventing itself at every point – the government is constantly monitoring situations to enhance the industry, says Dr Nassar.

“Another one being, the coming together of various entities to reach one end goal of serving humanity. The partnership of public and private organisations resulted in an extremely effective way to transport the vaccine across the globe. The UAE has indeed shown the rest of the world its strength as a global logistics hub and the COVID-19 pandemic only further solidified the importance of its reach across the world. While the pandemic wreaked havoc on many industries, the logistics sector has kept going and continues to support global needs and demands.”

AUGUST 2021 27

TRUCK&FLEET CONFERENCE UAE

THE UPTIME CHAMPIONS

Operators and aftermarket specialists gather to discuss how the UAE fleet sector can maximise and optimise in 2021

K

eeping your fleet on the road is without doubt the biggest and most important challenge facing businesses in transport and logistics (T&L). During the recent Uptime Champions session during the Truck And Fleet Conference UAE, the audience had the chance to hear from their peers on both the operation and supply side of the sector to get their advice and learn the approaches they are taking to get their most from their vehicle fleets.

Moderated by Vishal Pandey, partner – Automotive and Mobility Business, Glasgow 28 AUGUST 2021

Analytics Consulting Group, the panel featured local experts representing both fleets and aftermarket specialists in the local market, including: Nicholas Brooks, MD, Zaeto; Mahir Bousselham, regional technical manager, Middle East & Africa; Valvoline Holdings BV, Feras Jawhari, fleet and proactive solutions manager, Emerging Markets, Goodyear, Mohamed Al Zeftawi, GM, Al Masaood Commercial Vehicles & Equipment, Martin Roberts, transport manager, Momentum Logistics and Richard Zielinski, owner and director, Mining Tech & Logistics FZC. Asset-owning transport operator Momentum Logistics runs one of the biggest

We’re sitting in a market that’s a long way behind Europe”

fleets of Scania trucks in the region. Transport manager Martin Roberts is responsible for the firm’s operations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the US. Roberts brings vast experience to the panel and has been in the region for over a decade and with Momentum for the past seven years. Prior to that, he worked for 16 years at one of the leading transport companies in the UK. The GCC market is often perceived as being a slow adopter of cutting edge technology that could improve fleet efficiency and reduce accidents. Casting his eye over high tech solutions currently available on the market, he believes that there is a huge chasm between meconstructionnews.com

TRUCK&FLEET CONFERENCE UAE

the fleets that are driving safely on the road and the thousands of owner/operators in the market that are falling far short of those standards. In a price-sensitive market, the corners they are cutting risks lives on the road and is helping to keep contract prices low.

“There’s now some fantastic safety devices that are being added by the manufacturers and they’re all there and available. But, we’re sitting in a market that’s a long way behind Europe. We, as a company are buying brand new trucks, our average age of our fleet on the road at the moment is 3.5 years, so we’re not averse to investing,” he states. “But when you’re talking about the extra thousands and thousands of dollars for all these added driver aids, customers here don’t want to pay for it.

He adds: “We’re still sitting here with these owner/operators that are living in their truck which they’re not maintaining correctly in the first place and they’re not necessarily taking the correct insurance, etc. There’s really not a level playing field for us, they trade in fuel…you know it causes a problem for us with them operating in the market like that.”

According to Roberts, the difference between a fleet like Momentum Logistics and the owner/operators isn’t just about the age of their vehicles or the solutions they have on board, but the chasm between the owner/ operators and fleets that need a rigorous programme of driver monitoring and training to support any investment they are making.

He says the biggest investment in terms of time should always be on your drivers.

“As a fleet operator, we can’t then turn around and think that safety is not important to us, so we have to attack it in a different way through driver training,” he continues. “We buy our trucks from Scania, they supply us with the driver training via their own trainer that comes out to us.”

“But that is not the end of it though.

Because if we just sat there and think, ‘ah, the driver’s been trained, it’s fine’ and send him out, that’s not enough. So then we have our service providers Location Solutions, who provide us with telematics. (Through that system) We monitor the driver behaviour; monitor whether he’s accelerating hard; whether he is speeding; and whether he’s braking hard or cornering too fast.”

Momentum Logistics’ drivers are asked to rest and are not allowed to exceed their agreed hours on the road. While this is standard practice, frequently back-up by government legislation in many countries, this isn’t always the case in the region. meconstructionnews.com

“There’s no driver hours legislation here.

The drivers can – and will – work all the hours sent because they want to earn the maximum money… because they’re underpaid,” he says, before returning to his earlier point about contract values and hauling rates in the market.

“But, they’re underpaid because customers don’t want to pay the right money in the first place to bring that on. We are all in this vicious circle and until something changes with the way the markets operate, with how ownerdrivers operate, we will not have customers realising that the lowest cost is not always the best way to go. Until that changes, we’re always going to be in the same situation and

Resiliency means operating under difficult conditions”

we will see us, year-after-year, having the same discussions saying the same things.”

Like Momentum Logistics, Mining Tech & Logistics FZC, is utilising a large fleet of Scania trucks at its limestone mine in the foothills of Jebel Jais close to the emirate of Fujairah. Owner and director Richard Zielinski, says the company exports the majority of its steel-grade limestone, as well as clinker, to the Indian market.

“As you can imagine working in the mountains with those steep gradients we need to use heavy duty trucks,” he tells the audience.

Zielinski says that his fleet has learned to lean into the expertise of the OEMs and aftermarket companies that are supplying it.

“As an end-user, running a fleet is a very difficult job. General George Patton from World War II used to say you go to war with the weapons you have but it’s the men who win the war,” he says. “And really, I feel that running a fleet is like going to war every day and it’s not just the operators that we depend on but it’s our mechanics; the dealers, our service providers – people that are bringing these types of technologies to us. So, you have to put this together, you have to coordinate this. All these technologies that we’re putting in the trucks are amazing and great but getting them to be implemented by our team is always a challenge.”

Uptime is crucial to an operation like Mining Tech & Logistics, where the trucks are essential to ensure the flow of materials continues unabated and narrow profit margins are maintained. Much of Zielinski’s work over

FLEET TENSIONS WITH OWNER/OPERATORS The panel discussed balancing out with their needs for safety and efficiency versus remaining competitive with owner/operators in the market who compete on price.

AUGUST 2021 29

TRUCK&FLEET CONFERENCE UAE

the past year has been centred on bringing more resilience to the business as it has faced up to the challenge of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and, what he describes as, economic headwinds; as well as the historic problems that fleets will always face such as the juggling of maintenance for vehicles, breakdowns and the need to continually allow for time loss due to tyre replacement.

“Resiliency means operating under difficult conditions,” he says. “As transporters and as end-users, we have to develop this resilience, not by ourselves, but with our partners and with the dealers. And we need redundancy which, in this context, is about having more than you need… being able to buy spare parts from the open market; having extra vehicles on stand by; having extra operators.

“This resiliency and this redundancy is something that technology is bringing to the table and it allows us to really allows us to increase our uptime.”

One potentially helpful route for fleets could be for OEMs, dealers and suppliers to offer a fixed cost subscription model enabling control of the outgoings of their business.

“A lot of things are going onto this subscription-based model because for cash flow, it allows me to look at my business and control that a little bit more precisely,” says Zielinski.

“Also I can scale up a little easier, if I take things on subscription. I would go a step further, why do we need to be the owners of the trucks in the end? I think in 10, 20, 25 years. There’s going

There’s no driver hours legislation here.

The drivers can - and will - work all the hour’s sent”

to be products, maybe even sooner, where we can rent these trucks from the dealers or maybe from the manufacturer themselves.

“We’ve considered that on some of the heavy equipment – the excavators and the dump trucks. It’s a compelling financial product for us to do this. We’re all doing it in our daily lot, with things like Netflix, and Amazon Prime, and things like this. So yeah, it’s coming.

Momentum Logistics’ Martin Roberts says that when his firm bought its latest tranche of trucks from Scania it agreed a service package which is paid on a cost per kilometre bases.

“That way, for us, as an operating cost, we know the cost of the maintenance.

RESILIENCY AND REDUNDANCY KEY Transporters and end-users and have to develop fleet resilience by working with their partners and with the dealers, said Richard Zielinski, owner, Mining Tech & Logistics (pictured in centre image).

30 AUGUST 2021

If the engine blows up, that’s still the cost of the maintenance.”

Another constant cost to fleets is tyre replacement and Momentum Logistics has conducted its own tyre trial to work out what suits the fleet best.

“Everyone will come and tell you that their tyres are the best value. Some fleet owners are looking and saying, this is the best tyre it’s only 500 Dirhams: this one’s bad because it’s 1,500 dirhams. We’ve got a trial with four, or five different suppliers at the moment. We look up what, what’s the life of the tyre? What’s the cost of the tyre?

What’s the cost per kilometre? Once we know that, then we know what the best tyre is.

“You can bring in factors like these tyres have less friction and or these are more CO2 friendly, but, we’re in a region where that’s not something that everyone’s really taking seriously at the moment.”

In addition to its tractor replacement programme, Momentum Logistics has also replenished a major portion of its trailer fleet. This has allowed the firm to upgrade its efficiency and safety systems: “We’ve now got air suspension trailers, and ABS fitted.”

While he is happy to be in a position to let his fleet evolve, he feels like more work could be done to ensure that other fleets take safety seriously.

“When you go to Ras Al Khaimah, for example, if you’ve got three axles, you’ll pay more than if you’ve got two axles event though we are spreading the load over more axles. If it is more road-friendly and the right way to do it, there should be an incentive for that,” he states. “If you are putting on air suspension and you’re going to three axles, and you’ve got a lift axle – when you’re empty, you’re going to lift your axle – you’re going to save the tyre wear as well lessen the impact on the road and the climate. There are no incentives at the moment to try and push for that.”

While the industry waits for a push for tighter controls on vehicle standards, it can at least look for help from the aftermarket.

Lubricant specialist Valvoline has 150 years of history and expertise to fall back on. Much of its recent work has been to ensuring that its customers are provided with lubricants that are compatible with the latest after-treatment systems in the markket.

Valvoline’s regional technical manager Mahir Bousselham has spent 13 years in the lubricants business “working closely with customers to deliver more value to them. And also, to work on reducing total cost of ownership.” meconstructionnews.com

TRUCK&FLEET CONFERENCE UAE

THE AFTERMARKET: WE ARE HERE TO HELP While the industry waits for push for tighter controls on vehicle standards, it can at least look for help and advice from the aftermarket.

He adds: “And also work out their daily challenges are. There is also a lot of things happening on the new hardware. For example, the engines are getting downsized and we are using more turbo. We need the lubricants to be ready to support all our customers to reduce total cost of ownership. We know that lubricant is only 3% of the budget for a fleet company, but we can really deliver great value and reduce the total cost of ownership.”

Zaeto’s Nicholas Brooks explains his firm produces additives that can help reduce the cost of fuel and emissions: “In three months, we can save x amount of dollars on fuel from using an additive straight away”.

According to Brooks, it would be helpful if some loopholes were closed to prevent them from being exploited by driver-owners wanting to exploit the rules.

“The majority of trucks out there are not run by somebody like Martin. When we first came to the market, we spoke to the RTA about when a truck comes in for registration: that they check the tyres, they do the emissions test... but there’s actually no difference between the diesel test and the petrol test. So you’re not actually checking on nitrogen oxides.

“Also you’ve got guys that will rent you a set of tyres to go and do your registration and then you can hand them back an hour later and they will be rented out to somebody else.

When you talk about efficiencies or benefits or energy’s costs and subscriptions to add value back into the business, the majority of meconstructionnews.com

Really, I feel that running a fleet is like going to war every day”

people actually aren’t worried about it because it’s a cost that they’re not interested in.”

Goodyear’s emerging markets division is responsible for more than 70 countries from Pakistan, Afghanistan and central Asia towards Morocco and the whole of the African continent. Fleet & Proactive solutions manager Feras Jawhari has been in the automotive industry, “mainly trucks for more than 13 years” and is helping to lead the firm’s role in the digitalisation of the region.

Stating that Goodyear’s own studies have shown that tyres are 20% of a fleet’s costs, he adds: “we try to serve our fleets by providing fleets solutions such as telematics.

One of the things, we have tried to do during the pandemic is to provide customers with unique solutions which can help them to increase the efficiency on the operation.

For example, you have one solution called the truck drive over reader where you can fully inspect truck within 20 seconds with no need for any human interaction. So that helps the fleets to avoid using more workers in a time where people are having to work from home. We are also using the drone technology to help fleets inspects tyres and locate trucks and trailers in the yard.”

He believes that the Saudi market stands as an example of where mandated technology is helping to improve standards and is likely to be adopted elsewhere.

“Saudi Arabia is probably one of the biggest markets in our region. It is now mandatory to have a tracking system in each truck. Before tracking would only be on the trucks of Saudi Aramco which are used in the oil industry. I believe this is a good movement and this is where the industry is heading.

“As fleet owners or service solution providers we want to know exactly what’s going on. I believe there have been some studies with ESME in the UAE about this and it is likely that all the trucks should be this way in the future: traceable, the time the driver spend behind the steering wheel monitored; the speed limits; braking forces; and so. I believe in a way, it is helping all of us as users, service providers, as well as the government to move forward, more efficiently and safer.”

AUGUST 2021 31

PARTING SHOT

A SAFE HAVEN

Truck drivers will finally get the rest stops they need in Dubai

L

ast month saw Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) release its much-anticipated tender for the construction of three integrated truck rest stops in the emirate of Dubai.

Despite its long sweeping highways, truck drivers have historically found themselves resorting to parking at service stations or even under the cover of fly overs and under overpasses when they have needed rest. With logistics and transportation viewed as an important link to the rest of the Gulf, a safe place for them to stop is long overdue.

According to Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, chairman of the RTA, the RTA wants to engage the private sector in carrying infrastructure projects and the delivery of services as it looks to improve the infrastructure of roads and transport.

“And support the leading role of Dubai serving this vital economic sector. The project will also improve the quality of public services, transfer knowledge and expertise from the private sector to the public sector and qualify employees of

government entities in managing and overseeing this sort of long-term investment projects,” he explained.

A first location is expected on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road nearby Jebel Ali Industrial Area 3 in the direction of Abu Dhabi.

The second will be on the Emirates Road, close to Dubai’s neighbour Sharjah. A third stop has been identified in Dubai Industrial City near Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. Effectively, the three stops can cover the major truck routes in and out of the city. The first site, which is near Jebel Ali Industrial Area 3 in the direction of Abu Dhabi covers an area of 100 thousand square metres and accommodates 170 to 200 trucks.

The second site adjacent to Emirates Road and Sharjah entry point, spans 70 thousand square metres and will accommodate 130-150 trucks.

The third site is planned at Dubai Industrial City nearby the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road over an area of 50 thousand square metres with a capacity to take 90-100 trucks.

“The three rest-stops will have integrated services that meet all the basic and daily needs

of heavy vehicle drivers such as specialist technical testing centres, truck service centres, warehouses, restaurants, outlets and rest areas,” Al Tayer continued.

The RTA had set out plans to build permanent and temporary rest-stops for heavy vehicles to eliminate issues of parking the vehicles on the sides of highways and residential areas and meet the rising demand for these rest-stops.

Al Tayer said that, currently, heavy vehicles make about 375,000 journeys through Dubai, lifting about 5 million tons of cargo every day.

“These rest stops will enhance the traffic safety level and reduce the number of incidents caused by exhausted drivers sitting behind the wheels for extended hours. They will also ease the movement of trucks during the prohibited timing by finding a place to park them until the elapse of the prohibited timings.”

To complete the project the RTA is turning to the private sector and it is selling the idea as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) aligned with the provisions of Dubai Law.

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32 AUGUST 2021

meconstructionnews.com

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