27 minute read
COLD CHAINS
BY COSTAS XYLOYIANNIS
FIVE EASY PIECES
FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR BEST-OF-BREED TECHONOLOGY
Extensive disruption at the beginning of the decade put resilience at the top of the agenda for most organizations. Now, more attention than ever is being placed on how digital procurement solutions can be used to boost agility.
But as digital transformation accelerates and procurement teams look beyond their established P2P or S2P suites to address pain points, this shouldn’t be done in a haphazard way. To be successful, organizations need a plan as to how new software is identified, selected and implemented.
When adopting best-of-breed technologies, what should procurement consider? The following are five key factors.
Stop comparing best-of-breed versus single suite
One of the greatest advantages of developing a best-of-breed stack is that organizations can benefit from vendor expertise in a particular area. With best-of-breed you are accessing this specialist knowledge. This means that specific issues can be addressed more rapidly and with greater success, which translates into better user experience and adoption.
Large P2P suites, on the other hand, can feel disconnected from the day-to-day reality of users because they are often restricted to a core set of use cases that apply to the broadest range of companies. Of course, compared to an individual best-of-breed vendor, the suites have considerably more capacity to invest and innovate. However, when taking the best-of-breed ecosystem, the combination of expertise, agility and resources makes this option compelling for many use cases.
This is not to suggest that suites no longer have their place. They address core procurement functionality for many organizations exceptionally well and are ‘best-of-breed’ for several scenarios. It’s not a question, therefore, of one or the other, but rather how to identify and select the best solution today, while maintaining flexibility to adapt to tomorrow’s challenges.
Know the benefits of an environment that enables specialist solutions
A best-of-breed enabled environment means that organizations can plug-and-play different solutions into large suites or other platforms that are provided by experts in their respective fields. They can empower users to self-serve even complex changes to forms, to adapt workflows or manage integrations, while providing an accelerated time-to-value and a superior experience for suppliers.
The best-of-breed approach yields many other advantages. For instance, it enables focused investment in solutions that address specific requirements. The approach offers depth and scale of knowledge. Because each best-ofbreed provider tends to solve a relatively narrow set of business challenges, they have significant in-depth experience in their area.
The approach also supports agility, because it’s far easier to make changes to the overall technology landscape if an enterprise is not locked into one vendor. Incidentally, the combination of these advantages results in new solutions brought to market more rapidly, which enables access to innovation.
Make planning a priority
The Procurement Technology Landscape 2021 by Procurement Leaders reports that 59 per cent of procurement functions are targeting a best-of-breed approach to technology this year. But while best-of-breed adoption is accelerating, experts warn that randomly buying multiple software is not a strategy. Be mindful not to get carried away with new solutions that address specific pain points in an elegant and user-friendly way.
There’s a tendency when implementing a suite to adopt the standard workflow and practices that the suite best supports. This can be fine if it meets your requirements. However, while a bestof-breed strategy requires more upfront planning to decide how to assemble the various components to work together, this additional prep results in a much richer and deeper solution that more closely meets individual business goals.
Organizations that incorporate best-of-breed into the environment in a planned manner can realize the full benefits of the approach. To be efficient and profitable in the long run, it’s
important to be explicit about what the organization requires and select software accordingly, in a deliberate manner.
Put data at the heart of your strategy
Having a plan in place also helps to prevent data silos from occurring, which need to be avoided. Underpinning any procurement process is robust data that’s accessible across different services and platforms. It’s key to have the right centralized platform configuration to enable a best-of-breed landscape.
The route to achieving good quality data is a single-entry point for information. It is much simpler to funnel data through one entry point down into different systems rather than creating multiple systems, then struggle to bring it all together. This helps to provide a single source of truth for supplier data, making procurement operations easier and more efficient.
The result is visibility, which otherwise wouldn’t be possible, and a foundation from which digital initiatives or automation can be run. To further avoid creating silos, data should ideally be consolidated, integrated and governed across systems.
Futureproof your approach
Something else to account for in a best-of-breed landscape is adaptability. With the best will in the world, no business can predict what their data needs will be in 10 years. The environment should remain as useful in a decade as it is on day one. It’s worthwhile building a supplier data model that can evolve as new systems and use cases are introduced over time.
It’s also good to consider user experience in the landscape design – both from the perspective of internal teams and in particular the supplier. For example, avoid having multiple systems, each with their own accounts and credentials, to support a more positive supplier experience.
Encouragingly, large mature organizations with complex requirements across source-to-pay have initially been driving the trend towards best-of-breed alternatives. As procurement
Costas Xyloyiannis is co-founder and CEO of HICX, a supplier experience management solution.
moves forward, the potential for digitization is significant. With good planning, best-of-breed provides organizations with the best mechanism to support digital transformation and futureproof themselves.
As organizations work to build supply chain resilience through best-of-breed, procurement should consider the value of big suites, specialist solutions, strategic planning and centralized data management – while adopting a forward-looking mindset. SP
BY CHRISTIAN SIVIÈRE
CHILL FACTOR
THE PANDEMIC DIDN’T DULL DEMAND FOR TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED SHIPPING
Thanks to globalization, the movement of products around the globe has dramatically increased over the years and this includes food. We find fresh fruits and vegetables, from blueberries to asparagus, in our food stores and supermarkets year-round. In addition to fruits and vegetables, both fresh and frozen, we also find an array of cheese, meat and seafood products from all over the world. Many other products require temperature control, some chemicals and pharmaceuticals, fresh cut flowers, chocolate in summer, so it doesn’t melt, and wine in winter, so it doesn’t freeze. This industry has been growing constantly.
From a historical perspective, we owe this convenience to an African-American engineer named Frederick McKinley Jones, who invented the first portable air-cooling unit in 1935. Originally trained as a mechanic, Jones was awarded 61 patents in refrigeration equipment and in other fields like X-ray machines, sound equipment and gasoline engines. These refrigeration units were placed on the outside of trucks that carried perishable goods and this innovation greatly improved their long-haul overland transportation. He went on to create the U.S. Thermo Controls Company, which was eventually renamed Thermo King. The ability to keep food fresh and frozen during transport greatly contributed to the growth of the frozen food, supermarket and hospitality industries in the early 1950s.
The 50s also saw the invention of the ocean container, when then-trucking magnate Malcolm McLean, frustrated with the inefficiencies of unloading and reloading cargo from trucks to ships by hand, acquired a Second World War-era oil tanker, renamed it the Ideal X and had it converted to carry metal boxes: a steel platform was added above the tank tops and piping, so that trailers, soon to be called ocean shipping containers, could be loaded on the deck.
The first recorded ocean container movement took place on April 26, 1956, when the Ideal X left the port of Newark, New Jersey bound for Houston, Texas, which it reached five days later, carrying 58, 35ft-long by 8ft-wide by 8ft-high loaded containers on deck, along with 15,000 tons of bulk petroleum in the holds.
This marked the beginning of containerization. By using steel containers, McLean increased the speed and efficiency of shipping products by ocean freight and reduced losses from breakage and theft. His company, SeaLand, became the first container ocean carrier. Other shipping lines quickly followed suit. Looking back, we can say that ocean container shipping was a great enabler of globalization, since it enabled the safe and economical movement of products around the globe.
From there, containerships then got bigger and bigger, creating economies of scale, which led to very low ocean freight rates, until early 2020. The biggest containerships today can carry almost 24,000 TEU’s (twenty-foot equivalent units). The pandemic upset the equilibrium in March 2020, resulting in exorbitant ocean freight rates, container shortages, delays, congestion, poor service and severe supply chain challenges and disruption. Hopefully, this is a temporary situation, as the world gradually emerges from the pandemic.
INSULATION
We touched on the invention of refrigeration units for overland transportation and standard containers for ocean transportation in the 1950s. It is in the early 1960s that ocean carriers developed insulated containers known as “porthole containers.” They were connected to a ship’s cooling plant, had two holes at one end, one at the top and one at the bottom, through which cool air was pumped in and warm air extracted. The first refrigerated marine containers were developed in the late 60s, based on converted truck units and the first “reefers,” with integrated cooling units coming to life in the early 70s.
Thanks to technology, today’s reefer containers are very sophisticated and provide controlled atmosphere – in other words, not just refrigeration and temperature control but they can slow down the ripening process of fresh fruits by controlling the level of CO2 inside the container.
Ocean carriers have continued to invest in reefer containers, since they provide higher revenue than standard containers and in
response to market demand. This did not slow down with COVID-19 – food is one of the few sectors that remained strong during the pandemic and it continues to grow. Industry had to adjust to changing consumer patterns, the rise in e-commerce, click and collect orders, as well as home deliveries.
Technological advances in cold chain today are centred on tools enabling the monitoring of movements, temperatures and all other relevant data, in order to provide maximum visibility to operators.
CONTINUED DEMAND
As consumers’ appetite for both exotic and local products continues to be strong, we’ve seen an increase in investments into cold storage facilities. In the US for example and illustrating the anticipated growth in this field, Bain Capital and Barber Partners have teamed up on a US$500-million plan to build 10 to 15 refrigerated warehouses under the banner “Chill Storage” over the next few years. They are targeting grocery chains and logistics operators with multi-tenant facilities of around 300,000sq-ft each.
Grand View Research recently published a report showing that the global cold chain market overall is expected to grow steadily as many nations recognize the need to avoid food waste and loss of healthcare products due to spoilage. Countries like China and India are also boosting
Christian Sivière is president at Solimpex.
their cold chain investments to meet both increased demand for exports and growing consumer appetite for imported refrigerated food.
Although the notion of cheap and efficient shipping has been challenged by the pandemic, due to various factors, the cold chain has a bright future and the need for temperature-controlled logistics, including trained professionals, will continue to grow. SP
Fleet Management
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Fleet news The latest updates from the fleet world.
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Road test Driving the Mazda CX-50.
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Van update What’s new in commercial vans.
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Chip shortage What the semiconductor shortage means for the auto industry.
Fleet Management is a special section of Supply Professional magazine. It is an important resource for Canadian supply professionals who recommend, select and manage fleet vendors and service providers. EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: Michael Power, 416-441-2085 x110, michael@supplypro.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Alex Papanou, 416-441-2085 x101, apapanou@iqbusinessmedia.com
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AJAC announces two Canadian vehicles of the year
The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) has announced the recipients of its Green Car of the Year and Green Utility Vehicle of the Year awards, coinciding with the kick-off of the AJAC EcoRun, a rolling showcase of fuel-efficient vehicles.
The 2022 Polestar 2 takes home top honours as the Canadian Green Car of the Year, while the 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge takes home the win in the Canadian Green Utility Vehicle of the Year.
These vehicles were selected by numerous AJAC journalists across the country after careful consideration recharge time, driving range, vehicle dynamics and overall value.
Element’s offering to help electrify fleets
Goodyear adds two sizes to Workhorse MSA line
Element Fleet Management has launched Arc by Element, an electric vehicle fleet offering to help navigate and simplify the move from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs. The offering adds an EV solution to Element’s existing services.
Element’s full-service ICE fleet offering has been expanded to support the needs of EVs. Arc by Element is designed to help clients:
Design and support EV pilot programs and build roadmaps to full EV deployment integrated with ESG mandates, Maximize public and private incentives to lower costs, Connect clients to Element’s network of EV-specialized providers, Plan EV infrastructure and charging solutions across mixed charging scenarios, Support driver reimbursement for home charging, and Work with fleets on driver training, change management and stakeholder engagement.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has added two sizes to the Workhorse MSA tire line. These new, all-position tires deliver the same high-mileage tread features and construction as the other Goodyear Workhorse MSA products, now available in two new super single sizes.
The lineup now includes super single 425/65R22.5 and super single 385/65R22.5 sizes, designed for construction, logging, oil and mining applications.
“The addition of two new super single sizes to the Workhorse MSA lineup extends the hardworking benefits of the full line to even more end-use applications,” said Jessica Julian, commercial product marketing manager, Goodyear North America. “For jobs that take you on- and off-road, these new MSA tire sizes will help deliver long miles to removal with enhanced toughness and re-treadability.”
The two new Workhorse MSA sizes feature:
A deep tread for long miles to removal; A tread compound designed for mixed service applications to help improve miles to removal and cut/ chip resistance; Stone protectors to resist drilling and enhance toughness; and Honda released the first sketch previewing the design of the all-new Prologue full-electric SUV launching in 2024. The first Honda model designed primarily through virtual reality visualization technology, Prologue styling suggests an adventure-ready SUV capable of satisfying everyday driving and weekend getaways with a strong hint of the Honda e in the front fascia, the company said.
The exterior styling of the Prologue represents the clean, simple and timeless values of the global Honda design direction, together with a long wheelbase, shorter overhang and a strong stance. Prologue was designed at the Honda Design Studio in Los Angeles in collaboration with a Honda design team in Japan.
“The Prologue is Honda’s first electric vehicle in Canada and is the result of a strategic North American plan announced 2 years ago that includes a collaboration with GM to produce EVs in a more efficient manner,” said Steve Hui, vicepresident, Honda Canada. “The Prologue signifies our transition to electrification, with more Honda engineered and manufactured EVs in North America coming in 2026. Our Canadian dealers are excited to see it come to their showrooms.”
A reinforced steel belt casing that helps re-treadability through multiple cycles.
Honda teases styling of Prologue Electric SUV
Holman aligns business units under one brand
Automotive services organization Holman Enterprises has unified its business divisions and companies under a new, singular global brand, Holman.
After nearly a century in business, the organization’s seven integrated companies – Holman Automotive, ARI, Auto Truck Group, Kargo Master, Holman Parts Distribution, Holman Insurance, and Holman Growth Ventures – will come together.
“As Holman nears its 100th year in business, we’ve reached a turning point in our evolution as a company,” said Chris Conroy, president and chief operating officer of Holman. “The automotive world continues to experience unprecedented change, which means we face new challenges, but also new opportunities.”
Holman will continue to deliver holistic automotive and mobility solutions including fleet leasing and management services; vehicle fabrication and upfitting; component manufacturing and productivity solutions; powertrain distribution and logistics services; personal and commercial insurance services; and retail automotive sales.
The company will continue to leverage its automotive competencies to deliver integrated automotive solutions.
E-truck charging set to grow
By 2030, over half the trucks operating in North America are expected to be powered by an electric powertrain. Light-duty vehicles will be early adopters, with nearly 86 per cent share of the EV truck market.
That’s according to the recently released North American Electric Truck Charging Infrastructure Market Report 2022: Expanding Revenue Opportunities for Value Chain Participant Growth, released by Research & Markets.
Level 2 (20kW) to Level 5 chargers (350kW) will be the main charging solutions in the next 10 years, with even higher charging power developed by the end of the decade.
The charging infrastructure value chain must be robust and efficient to meet this demand, the report notes. It starts from energy generation, followed by storing and energy distribution through transmission and distributor operators to reach hubs.
After that, charging stations are installed in private and public hubs to offer charging services. multiple participants are involved across the value chain to cater to increasing charging requirements, the report notes.
To ensure truck operation is not affected by charging infrastructure availability, destination, depot, and en route charging must be available. EV trucks will consume 130TW of electricity by 2030; therefore, 440k to 540k chargers are required, the report says.
The 2023 Toyota Tundra adds SX package to lineup
The 2023 Toyota Tundra enters the new model year with a new SX Package offering an updated appearance. The 2023 lineup offers several options, with SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum and 1794 grades. TRD Pro and the new flagship Capstone grade return, both exclusively with the i-FORCE MAX powertrain.
The new SX Package is available on SR5 grades in 4x2 or 4x4. It is offered on Double Cab models with 6.5ft bed and CrewMax models with the 5.5ft bed. It dresses up the Tundra with Dark Gray Metallic 18-inch wheels and by substituting black for body-color trim, including outer door handles and the rear inboard bumper, the company said. The Tundra door badges are removed for a minimalist look, while the 4x4 badge on the tailgate gets blacked out on applicable 4x4 models.
The SX Package is available with four exterior colors: White, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Celestial Silver Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic.
The Tundra offers two new powertrains: a twin-turbo V6 engine and a hybrid twin-turbo V6. Both engines team with a 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECTi). The new 10-speed features a sequential shift mode, uphill-downhill shift logic and tow-haul driving modes.
The i-FORCE 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6 uses DOHC 24-valve cylinder heads and Dual VVTi systems to yield 389 horsepower and 479lbs-ft of torque. Top dog in the Tundra line is the available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain with 437hp at 5,200rpm, and 583lbs-ft of torque at 2,400rpm.
The i-FORCE MAX combines the twin-turbo V6 with a motor generator, with a clutch located within the bell housing between the engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. The motor generator provides more power through the transmission, while the engine start-up, EV driving, electric assist and energy regeneration are done via the parallel hybrid components.
EV chargers coming to BC
British Columbia will see $3.5 million from Ottawa to help install up to 810 EV chargers across the province. The investment is funded through the Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP).
The Government of BC will select recipients based on demand. The EV chargers will be installed at multiunit residential buildings, workplaces or facilities for servicing light-duty vehicle fleets by October 2023. Funding will be available through existing provincial programs, such as the CleanBC Go Electric EV Charger Rebate and Fleets programs.
Investments in charging infrastructure made so far will result in more than 25,000 new chargers, coast to coast.
Adventure appeal
Test driving the outdoorsy 2023 Mazda CX-50
Camping, hiking, skiing, biking, canoeing and kayaking – compact SUV buyers are doing more of these things post-pandemic, according to data presented by Mazda when explaining the logic behind its newest SUV.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is an entirely new SUV that builds on the baseline created by the popular CX-5, while adding an outdoorsy twist to appeal to those of us who are newly venturing out into nature more often. Also important is that it doesn’t replace the CX-5 in the line-up: they’ll be sold alongside one another in dealerships across Canada.
The CX-50 is longer, lower, and wider than the CX-5—by 145mm, 62mm, and 75mm, to be precise – and it also has a 115mm longer wheelbase. This allows for better access to the cargo area and to the roof, where a cargo box or racks for outdoor toys can be put within easier reach. The doors wrap around the sills to prevent dirt from collecting and help to keep pant legs clean. Otherwise, the exterior of the CX-50 looks much any other Mazda: the grille, headlights, taillights, and other exterior accents would look just as much at home on a CX-5 or CX-9, and there are no ladder-style roof rails or simulated skid plates. It’s a good option for people who like these dimensions but don’t necessarily love the rugged look. Trim levels At launch, the CX-50 will be sold in two trims. The entry-level GS-L comes with a normally aspirated 2.5L, four-cylinder engine with cylinder deactivation, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. At a base price of $39,850, including a $1,950 freight and PDI charge, it starts at a higher price point than many vehicles in its class, but at a price that’s in line with entry-level all-wheel drive grades among its competition.
The base engine produces 187hp and 186lbs-ft of torque, and its estimated fuel consumption according to Natural Resources Canada lands at 8.9L per 100km combined. A panoramic sunroof is standard, as are 17-inch wheels, very effective heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. A strong set of standard safety features is included as well: emergency braking support, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, radar cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane keep assist and lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a driver attention alert are all equipped at no extra charge.
The higher GT grade comes with 20-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 360-degree camera, and a wireless phone charging pad. The base engine is standard, while a 2.5L,
1. The built-in infotainment system is displayed on a 10.25-inch screen, which is set far back on the dashboard and by default is not touch-operated.
2. Cargo figures are higher in the CX-50 versus the CX-5 with the rear seats up at 889L, and less space when the second-row seatbacks are dropped.
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four-cylinder engine with turbocharging is optional, as tested here at a fees-in price of $47,550.
This engine has two sets of power figures listed: one is with 93 octane fuel, with which it makes 256hp and 320lbs-ft or torque, and the other is with 87 octane, which produces 227hp and 310lbs-ft. In either case, the turbo engine uses an average of 9.4L per 100km, according to NRCan. Our realworld figure landed somewhat higher at 10.2L/100km, which is closer to NRCan’s city rating of 10.4L/100km.
Opting for the turbo engine also equips drive modes for Normal, Sport, and Off-Road, as well as a towing mode that works with the turbo’s higher maximum towing capacity of 3,500lbs (versus the 2,000lbs capacity with the base engine).
Cargo figures are slightly higher in the CX-50 versus the CX-5 with the rear seats up at 889L (versus 871L in the latter), while there’s slightly less space to work with when the second-row seatbacks are dropped at 1,595L (as opposed to 1,680L).
Up front True to Mazda form, the climate controls are easy to understand and operate with a simple layout of knobs and buttons. The built-in infotainment system is displayed on a 10.25-inch screen, which is set far back on the dashboard and by default is not touch-operated. Instead, the driver or front passenger interacts with it via a controller in the centre console. Interestingly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect wirelessly as standard equipment, and unlike the rest of the system, they can be operated by touch, but only when the vehicle is stopped (unless touch functions are enabled while driving via the vehicle settings, which works for the smartphone apps only).
Overall, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 takes the brand in a new direction: it’s a functional and family-friendly compact SUV, with a hint of adventure appeal. FM/SP As Tested
Price (incl. freight and PDI): Starts at $47,500 Engine: 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder Power: 256hp, 320lbs-ft (93 octane); 227hp, 310lbs-ft (87 octane) Transmission: 6-speed automatic Rated Fuel Economy (L/100km): 10.4 city/8.1 hwy/9.4 combined Observed Combined Fuel Economy (L/100km): 10.2
Ford E-Transit Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Built for purpose
A look at commercial vans for 2022
In the world of commercial vans not that much changes year to year – mainly because the jobs these vehicles do don’t change much. However, propulsion, as in what drives those vans, is changing. First off, Ford has brought its E-transit to market. This all-electric van looks just like its gas-powered cousin – but what drives it are electrons. This innovation follows GM’s introduction last year of the larger livery van, the BrightDrop. GM’s Ingersoll, Ontario plant has been retooled to deliver these fleet vehicles to the likes of FedEx and Merchants Fleet. In other news, Nissan is now fully out of the commercial van business.
With that, here’s a rundown of some of the vehicles available in the work van space. 2022 Ford Transit & E-Transit For 2022 the Transit is a carry-over – emphasis this year is on the E-Transit, which offers the same interior cargo dimensions and most of the same mounting points as Ford Transit. The E-Transit can be ordered with accessories like bulkheads and shelving, so the van is ready to work on delivery. Customers can also work with any of the Fordapproved upfitters, including 13 located conveniently within 50km of Kansas City assembly plant. E-Transit offers the optional Pro Power Onboard, which provides up to 2.4KW of power. This transforms the vehicle into a mobile generator for powers tools and equipment on job sites. That’s enough power to run everything from belt sanders to circular saws. Ford says the average daily range for commercial vans in the US is 74 miles (75km). With a usable battery capacity of 68KWs, E-Transit has an available targeted range of 126 miles (200km) in the lowroof cargo van configuration. The E-Transit battery is underneath the vehicle body, allowing for up to 487.3 cubic feet of cargo space inside the high-roof, extended-wheelbase configuration. E-Transit comes with an eightyear, 100,000-mile (160,000km) electric vehicle component warranty. It has a maximum payload of 3,880lbs, or 4,428lbs on the cutaway version. 2022 Ford E-Series 350450 Cutaway The E-series has added a few new features for 2022, such as a rear-view video camera kit. Flex Fuel Capability has also been added. A speed limitation feature is now available and the economy version of the 7.3L, V8 is available in the E450 chassis. The E-series is only available as a cutaway and or stripped chassis. Single and dual-rear wheel chassis have GCWRs ranging from 13,000lbs to 22,000lbs.
Meanwhile, the 2022 Ford Transit Connect is a carry-over year for Transit Connect. It continues to be offered as cargo or passenger equipped wagon. It has a maximum payload of 1,610lbs and a max towing capacity of 2,000lbs.
RAM Promaster GM BrightDrop
2022 Mercedes-Benz Metris & Sprinter A new generation of Metris arrived late last year. Highlights included enhanced driver assistance systems, the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, a tire pressure loss detection system and a refreshed design. The Metris also offers optional assistance systems, such as Active Parking Assist, Blind Spot Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist. It has a maximum payload of 2,502lbs or 2,447lbs, and a towing capacity of 5,000lbs.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 1500 to 3500 is also a carry-over year for all versions of the Sprinter. There’s a maximum payload of 5,375 lbs and towing capacity of 7,500lbs. 2022 Ram ProMaster City & ProMaster 1500 to 3500 For 2022, the City includes a body-colour front fascia, daytime running lights, backup sensors, driver seat manual height and lumbar adjustments and cruise control. It has a max payload of 1,890lbs and towing capacity of 2,000lbs (w/ tow package).
For 2022, the ProMaster is a carry over. However, the 2023 model has already been shown, and is expected late this year. It will carry a host of updates and upgrades. ProMaster is available as a cargo van, window van, chassis cab and cutaway model. It is a frontwheel-drive platform. It has a max payload of 4,680lbs and towing capacity of 6,800lbs. General Motors BrightDrop GM Canada’s CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll Ontario has been retooled to produce the BrightDrop. This is a fully electric commercial delivery van. When BrightDrop’s Zevo 600 production begins in Q4 2022, CAMI will become Canada’s first full-scale EV plant. The BrightDrop Zevo 400, (a smaller version of the electric Zevo 600) will also be built at CAMI beginning in 2023. BrightDrop currently has more than 25,000 production reservations for its electric delivery vans. The Zevo 600 promises 350km of range and the all-wheel drive motor makes 300hp and 390lbs-ft of torque. It’s GVWR is 10,000lbs. 2022 Chevrolet Express 2500 and 3500 Once again, for GM, the van business remains steady and unchanged. The Chevy Express 2500 and 3500 have a maximum payload of 4,503lbs and towing capacity of 10,000lbs. The interior is 284.4 cubic feet. The 2022 Chevy Express Cutaway 35004500 also carries over with a maximum payload of 9,247lbs. FM/S
