19 minute read
THE NEW ECONIC
THE TRUCK THAT PUTS
PEOPLE FIRST
Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA talks about bringing its highly regarded Mercedes-Benz Econic to the region
First introduced in 1998, the Mercedes-Benz Econic has enjoyed significant success in multiple European markets for over two decades due to its safety, efficiency, ergonomics and reduced impact on the environment.
In the intervening years, the Econic has developed a reputation of hardworking, cost effective, environmentally friendly, reliable and safe solution across multiple international markets in a variety of sectors and applications in the market, and today The Econic has become the proven choice for airport ground services, municipality and waste management applications.
This summer, Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA FZE (DCV MENA) announced it was launching a new range of the benchmark setting trucks for the Middle East and North Africa region.
“After the success of the MercedesBenz Econic worldwide, we are excited to bring it to the region. Since its launch in 1998, it has proven itself as a reliable truck across numerous industries and markets due to its versatility, safety and efficiency,” says Olaf Petersen, the General Manager at Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA. “With the MENA launch of the proven Econic, DCV MENA is pleased to note that production slots are immediately available, thus allowing for short delivery timelines of only a few months.”
The Econic remains a versatile lowentry truck designed in response to growing urban areas and the increased demands placed on mobility, logistics, the environment and quality of life. The trucks are efficient, powerful and reliable, and offer maximum safety for those in the surrounding environment, as well as optimum working conditions for the driver and/or crew.
The latest range features a choice of engine outputs and transmissions to suit a variety of applications, Econic is an efficient and responsible response to the challenge of increasing global emissions levels.
Cited frequently as one of the best solutions on the market when it comes to low entry design, the Econic concept is best summed up in three words: Putting People First.
Econic offers a plethora of benefits for drivers and crews, as well as for people in the surrounding environment. The low entry design allows two step ingress and egress, which means the vehicle is not only safer and gentler on the back and joints, but also allows for quicker cycle times on jobs requiring frequent stops (such as waste management applications).
The walk-through cab offers space for four and even allows the driver to conveniently enter and exit the cab from the traffic-free side of the road using the inward-opening folding door. The glazed folding doors extend from floor to roof, which aids pavement visibility, while shockabsorbing full air suspension boosts driving comfort and dynamics. The truck also offers raising and lowering functions across its axles.
A choice of either a high or a low cab (the low cab can fit under the vast majority of aircraft wings ranging from the Boeing 737 to the Airbus A380) can be selected depending on the intended field of work but regardless of the choice, the cab offers great vision of the road and surrounding areas.
According to a study commissioned in 2016, the design offers a 23% reduction in reaction times and braking distances, leading to a reduced number of collisions compared to standard cabs.
The low driver’s seating position makes it possible to make direct eye contact with people in the surrounding environment, while a mirror system designed to extend the field of view works to cover the working area and vehicle’s blind spots.
The vehicle can also be equipped with as many as ten safety assistance image and sensorbased systems that are designed specifically for urban operations and complement each other logically. In addition to boosting the safety of those in the surrounding environment, the overlapping imaging and sensory systems can significantly aid the driver in dangerous situations, thus fostering a more relaxed working environment.
The Econic commercial trucks have proven themselves time and again to a variety of customers across markets and in different use cases, thanks to the broad versatility of the platform.
Available in 2-axle (4x2 traction) and 3-axle configurations (6x2/4 or 6x4 traction), with wheelbases ranging from 3450mm to 5700mm and permissible gross
FILLING IN FLEET REQUIREMENTS
The Econic’s regional debut means that private and public fleets can now take advantage of a suite of features that have made the trucks internationally popular in a huge variety of roles, including waste management, construction and distribution.
MADE FOR EFFICIENCY
The Econic arrives in the region with a 6-speed automatic Allison transmission as standard. The optional PowerShift gearbox makes optimises efficiency with its 12 forward gears and four reverse gears. The Euro VI engines, meanwhile, offer high torque at low speeds, as well as optimised fuel and AdBlue consumption.
weights of 18- to 26-tonnes, the Econic can potentially suit a wide range of applications for many fleet operators in the region.
Certainly, in a variety of international markets, the Econic is already successfully addressing customer requirements from airports to the public services sector (municipality and waste management). The trucks can also be seen frequently tackling short-radius distribution jobs, construction site transport and even fire & rescue.
With a choice of proven Euro VI compliant inline 6-cylinder engines offering basic output of 272hp and 1200Nm of torque
23%
to a top output of 354hp and 1400Nm of torque, and with technology designed to reduce particulate emissions and nitrous oxide output, the Econic is a powerful and environmentally friendly solution.
The engines offers high torque at low speeds and features optimised fuel and AdBlue consumption.
In addition, drivers can expect powerful engine braking performance that boosts braking effect and reduces brake wear, all of which means lowering running costs regardless of application.
Econic can also be optioned with one of two transmission choices depending on the intended field of operations: an Allison Tranmission six-speed fully automatic transmission or the Mercedes-Benz-engineered semi-automatic PowerShift transmission.
The former transmission is offered as standard and designed to relieve strain on the driver in busy environments that call for absolute safety and precision such as airport flight operations and logistics. This transmission’s crawler function enables a precise and smooth pull-away for drivers , which is also a key requirement in the waste disposal sector.
The optional PowerShift gearbox from Mercedes-Benz makes it possible to boost efficiency even further; the weightoptimised transmission is equipped with 12 forward gears and four reverse gears and features specially adapted drive programmes for use in urban traffic.
CONNECTING THE DOTS
Your quick round-up to the first Fleet and Mobility Summit held in Dubai
Last month’s Fleet and Mobility Summit took place at a time when achieving Net-Zero has become a major priority for the region’s governments and municipalities. Completing the event, the How can we help the region to achieve its Net-Zero ambitions? session brought together an expert panel of speakers and industry representatives to look at the ways in which they can contribute to making countries and cities greener places to live in, while ensuring that the region maintains the extraordinary growth it has enjoyed over the past half century.
While the panel agreed that the fleet and mobility sectors must tap into the range of green options available, Jonathan Spear Policy and Strategy Advisor, Transportation at Atkins Security put the challenge facing the mobility sector into context by warning the audience that meeting Net Zero by 2050 will require a 45% reduction on present emissions by 2030. Gary Hubbard, CCO, Neutral Fuels added that switching to biofuels could be one solution with an immediate impact for fleets in the market, citing his firm’s work with McDonalds as an example of a successful switch to a greener fleet.
The fleet sector will continue to be a vital contributor to trade and the economy, even as it undergoes a period of disruption. Following Al Masaood Automobile’s CEO Irfan Tansel call for seizing the opportunities of mobility in the market during his keynote address, sessions addressed the viability of electric vehicles and other alternatives in the market, as well as how digitalisation and the use of data could make fleet and automotive businesses greener, safer and more profitable. ekar’s Dheeraj Satta discussed new forms of mobility saying: “Journeys in the future will become more integrated, intelligent and connected”.
Alaa El-Huni, head of Partnerships & Expansion at on-demand fuel and services leader CAFU shared insight into the tech company that is pioneering in the field of mobility. CAFU uses sophisticated algorithms to service its clients, including ekar’s own fleet of cars.
“We are able to know when an ekar vehicle needs fuel and through connectivity we are able to place that order. This is just a small example of how through intelligence and leveraging data and telematics information we can better services.”
Artificial intelligence and machine learning is beginning to find practical applications in the market, and delegates were able to experience AV Living Lab, Continental and Location Solutions’ AI Driving Hub, which uses artificial intelligence to assess psycho-physiological characteristics of the drivers using biometric and sensor data, a digital twin, patented motion platform and customisable road scenarios. As a result, a fleet operator receives a detailed driver behaviour background check with 19 categories.
During a packed day, Anton Bawab of The Red Sea Development Company discussed the challenges of delivering fully sustainable mobility at the prestigious Red Sea Project; including issuing a clarion call to OEMs in the automotive industry to partner with the mega-development and provide the vehicles and solutions it needs.
Meanwhile, CRTKL’s Paul Firth gave delegates insight into how the retail sector is adapting to changing consumer demand and why we have seen a growth in last mile deliveries in the market.
“Like other parts of the world, the region is asking the question: What will it take to get from point to net zero?” Said head of content Stephen White. “Other regions have fallen back on governments to incentivise and push the private sector. We have the opportunity to make rapid progress here, if we make the right decisions now, but this requires full engagement with all stakeholders. This was one of the first chances to get that discussion moving in the market.”
When UD Trucks launched its Euro 5 Quester and Croner trucks last year it also delivered an expanded suite of telematics technologies, including features such as its vehicles tracking Telematics Gateway device. Typifying the Japanese truck-maker’s ambition for a more connected and efficient fleet sector in the region, Wahaj Malik, sales director, UD Trucks Middle East delivered a deep dive into the technologies currently available in the market and insight into the coming era of advanced trucks and solutions at the first Fleet and Mobility Summit - where a Sharjah Municipality-owned Quester also demonstrated advance features such as the ESCOT automated transmission.
Malik described a huge range of technologies and the potential for smarter, cleaner mobility in the market, and the journey we need to take from this point onwards: “For all these things to happen connectivity is going to be key. Today, many fleet operators fleet that connectivity is more of a cost for them. They don’t see the cost value proposition benefits. We see many examples. For instance, I know a fleet operator who had the possibility to save his truck but he wouldn’t invest in the right solution and in the end there was a disaster. There are plenty of such examples. There needs to be a behavourial mindset change.”.
He added, fleets, distributors and manufacturers must collaborate if the market is going to tap into the opportunities of changing consumer and business demands – although he warned that there is a cost barrier to negotiate first.
“The customers are willing, but still when it comes to put some cost and investment, we see that hindrance come in – after all, they are the guys who are looking after each and every penny because they make money from their services. Everyone has to work together to move forward and be a part of the change.”
Ultimately, there are three clear areas of development in the market: data and connectivity, autonomous technologies, and electrification.
“The data connectivity side may be easier because the infrastructure is already there in the trucks,” explained Malik. “We will see automation coming in but not fully autonomous as that needs more investment. Last but not least, there is electrification. For that there is three way multiplication: product infrastructure, and cost parity – and if any of them is 0, the entire development is off. We have the product coming in now, but the infrastructure still needs to be up and running.”
Does this mean we have to wait to see better use of mobility technology in transportation?
“Even now in this region there are ‘smaller’ technologies that are available and existing that could be used to enhance transportation.”
DUBAI / UAE
Honouring the champions of the truck and fleet sectors, rewarding outstanding performance
25 January 2023 25 January 2023
About The Event
Winning a Truck & Fleet Middle East Award is a recognised badge of excellence amongst clients and peers.
These awards celebrate the champions whose vehicles play a key role in the operations, logistics and projects at the heart of the GCC economy. They award fleets, as well as manufacturers and dealers whose trucks lead the way – whose out-of-the-box innovations deliver critical commercial ‘edge’, day in, day out.
NEW for 2023, potential winners will be able to submit their NOMINATIONS as part of a pre-selection ahead of a public vote. Submitting your entry is easy, simply upload your nomination with images and other information, including technical specifications, before 20th October.
They honour the achievements of the key players responsible for the industry’s dramatic post-Covid re-set. vote. Submitting your entry is easy, simply upload your nomination with images and other information, including technical specifications, before 20th October. judging process conducted by a panel of industry experts The Truck & Fleet Middle East Awards is brought to you by Truck & Fleet ME, the market leading trade publications for
From the 1st November, we will then be staging a public vote to find out the market’s preferred winner in each of the open categories. This is expected to close on the 1st December.
For most of the technical categories, we will be holding a judging process conducted by a panel of industry experts ahead of the Awards evening on 25th January 2023 where the winners will be announced. The Truck & Fleet Middle East Awards is brought to you by Truck & Fleet ME, the market leading trade publications for the sector in the region.
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ZETROS:
THE TRUCK THAT ACCEPTS NO LIMITS
Heiko Schulze, CEO of Juffali Commercial Vehicles (JCV) talks to T&FME about the limitless resilience of the New Zetros
Few trucks fit the challenging topographical and climate extremes, as well as the transport tasks, in the region, than the capable beast that is the Mercedes-Benz Zetros.
The toughest climate of all could be the blistering roads and territories of Saudi Arabia, and Heiko Schulze, CEO of Juffali Commercial Vehicles (JCV) says the latest generation of the Zetros – created by Mercedes-Benz – is more powerful, uncompromising, and versatile than ever before.
“Right down to the smallest of details, it’s made for extreme conditions, be those on the road or in rough terrain. Get to know the Zetros and discover why we rightfully stand by our slogan: Trucks you can trust, adding more power than ever, he says. RTried and tested features remain while what is better has been further improved. Without compromise, the Zetros is now pursuing its mission: to reach every destination. And now it’s even more powerful.”
This is a region characterised by its extremely hot summers temperatures with a high humidity and the newest generation of the Zetros is equipped in standard with 92dm2 radiator ensuring the best possible cooling for the engine. Another extreme is the dusty environment that you find in Saudi Arabia, and the New Zetros has been fitted with a cyclone pre-filter as standard with a filling level which is clearly visible from the outside and easy to clean. To cope with the high sulphur and water content in the available fuel of the Saudi market, the New Zetros is equipped with a specific fuel filter with water separator to separate the water from diesel (optionally a second fuel filter is also available) and the engine is designed for fuel wih sulphur content greater than 1,000ppm for so-called bad fuel areas without any additional modifications being required.
The new Zetros also combines the strength and characteristics of its predecessors with a series of gradual improvements being included to further improve its usefulness for fleets in the market.
The truck boasts extreme off-roading capabilities; meaning it’s especially suited to deliver high loads to the remote areas with difficult terrain that are characteristic in this region. It also offers easy maintenance
due to the cab-behind-engine concept and easy access to the maintenance points.
The improvements made with the new generation are an increased engine output, increased cooling capacity and new features like the electronic parking brake and therefore is even better prepared for the toughest operations.
Limitless resilience
The latest generation of Zetros results from more than 120 years of experience and knowhow. Manufactured in Wörth at the largest truck assembly plant in the world, this unique off-road truck stands for the excellent quality associated with the Made in Germany label.
In addition to its extraordinary off-road qualities and proven operational strength under extreme conditions, the striking cab-behind-engine truck is now a reliable contender for long-distance haulage, too. For rough and dusty tracks, for example. Or for asphalt roads in disrepair.
When developing the new Zetros, the decision was taken to close the missing wheel configurations for the 4x2 segment with chassis, tipper and tractor head in order to offer local fleets a complete product portfolio with the cab-behind-engine concept. Additionally, fleet operators and their drivers benefit from the low overall height of the truck which is lower than a equivalent a cab-over-engine truck. This is a huge benefit for bodies in which an over-cab installation is needed.
Out in the field, the Zetros has always been known as a truck which can overcome potholes and muddy ruts, mountains and hills, sand, dust, cold, and, of course, heat. While impressing driver and crew alike with its comfort and safety, the lastest Zetros is the ideal vehicle off-road and on the road. Wherever a conventional truck reaches its limits, the new Zetros is able to continue its journey thanks to a proven suite of electronic systems and easily accessible technology from Mercedes-Benz.
Twelve variants of the Zetros are available ex-works in Saudi Arabia. As a dumper, platform vehicle, or semitrailer truck. With two or three axles. With or without all-wheel drive. Compliant with Euro III emissions standards. Whatever the destination, the Zetros is a perfect choice. Saudi fleets interested in the New Zetors can get it now from Juffali Commercial Vehicles with a warranty: Two years or 250,000km, whichever comes first. 1st year bumper-to-bumper & 2nd year on powertrain.
THE BEST ZETROS YET
Heiko Schulze, CEO, Juffali Commercial Vehicles (JCV) describes the latest generation of Zetros as the most powerful, uncompromising, and versatile model that Mercedes-Benz has produced.
THE ENGINE CONCEPT
The overall concept of the Zetros is also reflected in the engine: High output (360hp – 476hp), long maintenance intervals, and low service expenditure were the focus from the start. The Zetros is available as a 4×2/4×4 vehicle with a 6-cylinder inline engine in the weight variants 18–22 tons. The 6×4/6×6 variants of the Zetros with a 6-cylinder in-line engine are available as 25–40-ton weight variants. As a 3-axle semitrailer tractor powered by the OM 460 engine, with a permissible gross combination weight of up to 120 t, the Zetros offers enough reserves to reliably transport the heaviest loads on multi-axle trailers far beyond paved roads.
MORE POWERFUL THAN EVER
Fitted with a Euro III power unit and designed to cope with high sulphus fuels, the Zetros retains the reliability and robustness of earlier models but delivers greater performance and improved engine cooling.
