Uptime issue #2, 2012 by Irina Lau

BUSINESS How to put economy in the driver’s seat CHALLENGE Fuelwatch 2012 is here! GLOBE TRUCKERS A club for truck drivers!

UPTIME A MAGA ZINE FROM VOLVO MAL AYSIA SDN BHD #2/2012

Owned Dealers: SHAH ALAM (HQ) No.6, Jalan Bicu 15/6, Seksyen 15, 40200 Shah Alam Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel : 03-5510 3300 Fax : 03-5519 4233/ 03-5519 0592/ 03-5510 9096 (Parts)

VOLVO FM

PRAI No.2410, Jalan Perusahaan Prai, Kawasan Perusahaan Prai, 13600 Seberang Prai, Pulau Pinang Tel : 04-398 9184/ 04-398 9185 Fax : 04-398 9187 IPOH 56, Lengkok Rishah 2, Kawasan Perindustrian Silibin, 30100 Ipoh, Perak Tel : 05-527 8892 Fax : 05-528 0941 KUANTAN Lot 108, Semambu Industrial Estate, 25350 Kuantan, Pahang Tel : 09-566 9182 Fax : 09-566 9184 JOHOR BAHRU PLO 251, Jalan Firma 2 Kawasan Perindustrian Tebrau IV 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Tel : 07-357 4855/ 07-357 4834/ 07-358 4835 Fax : 07-357 4899 KUCHING Lot 1017, Section 66 KTLD Jalan Kilang (P.O.Box 1400) Bintawa, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak Tel : 082-330 131 Fax : 082-333 387 BINTULU Lot 3069, Sublot 4 Kidurong Industrial Estate 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak Tel : 086-327 646 Fax : 086-255 722 SIBU No.5, Lorong Lanang Barat 20A/2 96000 Sibu, Sarawak Tel : 084-210 613 Fax : 084-210 612 Private Dealer Dai Lieng Machinery Sdn Bhd BINTULU Lot 429, Blk 38, Kemena Industrial Estate, P.O. Box 2025, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak Tel : 086-311 699 Fax : 086-310 331

A partner you can rely on mile after mile. One that cares for its cargo and is equally competent as

MIRI Lot 2541, Jln Manettia, Piasau Lorong 8, Pujut-Lutong Road, 98000 Miri, Sarawak Tel : 085-655 855 Fax : 086-655 618

a tractor or rigid. The Volvo FM ﬁtted with a 11 liter engine gives you maximum torque within a

SANDAKAN Lot 2, Block G, Ground Floor, Bandar Ramai-Ramai, P.O. Box 3541, 90739 Sandakan, Sabah Tel : 089-272 707 Fax : 089 235 855

System), which contributes to low fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions.

wide rev range which gives very good driveability. It boasts a sturdy, dependable design featuring an overhead camshaft four valves per cylinder and precisely controlled electronic injection. The engine’s various functions are controlled electronically by Volvo’s EMS (Engine Management

CONTACT OUR NEAREST DEALERS OR CALL OUR CUSTOMER CARE CENTRE AT +6012 373 1030 / +6019 240 1030 FOR MORE DETAILS

KOTA KINABALU Lots 34-6 & 7, Jln 1E Industrial Zon 4 (IZ 4), KKIP Selatan, Jln Sepangar, 88460 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Tel : 088-499 855 Fax : 088-493 618

VOLVO TRUCKS. DRIVING PROGRESS www.volvotrucks.com.my

MESSAGE FROM MANAGING DIRECTOR

MANAGEMENT TEAM Managing Director Mansoor Ahmed (mansoor.ahmed@volvo.com)

he year is certainly going by very fast. It felt like it was only yesterday that I relocated from India to Malaysia with my family but only today, my son made a comment that made me realise it has already been 10 challenging months! I am proud to be a honorary Malaysian and already love this country like my own.

You would have noticed that in this issue, that there are 2 new highlights in the magazine.

CFO Finance Philippe Roques (philippe.roques@volvo.com)

VP Sales & Logistics Jerome Wong (jerome.wong@volvo.com)

VP After Market Martin Kavanagh (martin.kavanagh@volvo.com)

One, we have a brand new name! Volvo Trucks Malaysia has decided to rename the magazine Uptime to reflect the importance of us helping keep our customer trucks constantly on the roads and in great condition. Two, there are 2 covers in this issue. We have decided to feature After Market more prominently as it is an integral part of the business. In 2012, the After Market department will be increasing their parts and service offers. The pricing as well as packages have gotten more attractive and we hope to bring more non-Volvo Malaysia workshop customers into the fold. For enquiries, do call our customer care line at 012-3731030 or 019-2401030. Now, what other updates do we have for you? Fuelwatch is entering its 3rd year in Malaysia and right on time as international fuel prices are on an upward trend. The Malaysian government will not be able to continue the subsidies much longer so this is the time for all drivers and owners to learn driving efficiency to save fuel and thus reduce costs in the long run! The competition will be divided into the Preliminary round, Semi-finals and Finals. Preliminary will be a written test while those who qualify for the semi-finals will need to pass the walk round test as well as complete a 20 km route in the shortest amount of time possible with the lowest amount of fuel used. The finals will see 6 drivers competing to complete a 50 km pre-designated route. Wait, it does not end there.

VP Business Development & Marketing Suzanne Ooi (suzanne.ooi@volvo.com)

VP Human Resource Harvindar Singh (harvindar.singh@volvo.com)

VP Fleet Sales Adrian Cham (adrian.cham@volvo.com)

DEALER MANAGERS Northern Aziz Abd Rahman (+6012-315 0557)

Central Laurent Lyonnet (+6016-226 9700)

Volvo Malaysia has also launched a brand new club for all truck enthusiasts which we are calling “Globe Truckers” and all truck drivers are welcomed to join! Every new member will automatically get a welcome pack upon sign-up and members will enjoy beneﬁts not accorded to the rest. In Phase 1, members will get newsletters to keep track of all activities and global events as well as be invited for annual parties. In Phase 2, members will be able to use their cards to enjoy discounts are certain retail outlets as well as purchase original Volvo merchandise. Do spread the message and get all your friends and colleagues to join as members now!

Southern Muhammad Khairulnizam

We now also have our own Facebook page facebook.com/VolvoTrucksMalaysia. With daily updates on the latest news on Volvo around the globe, video content like ‘My Cab”, After Market campaigns, do have a look at the page and be a fan today! In the near future, we will be running contests and other interactive activities and you can also stand a chance to win trips across the world to visit a Volvo factory!

East Malaysia Adrian Chua

Last but not least, the team has been working hard to bring all our customers and readers brand new content issue after issue. If you, our valued reader has any story contributions, do write to us and let us know. You might even be featured in our next issue with your interesting story!

MANSOOR AHMED

Managing Director Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd

(+6012-751 9600)

Eastern Gary Chin (+6016-339 9026)

(+6012-809 9671)

CONTENTS #2/2012

6 Local Happenings Fuelwatch Challenge is back for the 3rd year!

8 Local Happenings There is a new kid in town!

9 Local Happenings A long standing relationship bears fruit

10 Features 1 Volvo Ocean Race â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Moving forward with Volvo Trucks

I-SHIFT

24 Swedish Inspiration Propelled to greatness

26 Uniquely Volvo More is less

30 Uniquely Volvo Gear up with the latest I-Shift upgrades

32 In a snapshot

UPTIME

A MAGAZINE FROM VOLVO MALAYSIA SDN BHD EDITOR: IRINA LAU

146.6 km

Darwin

12 Features 2 Cementing Ties

14 Features 3 A True Volvo Truck Ambassador

16 Crossing Borders Streamline logistics

22 Crossing Borders Straight through the Nullarbor

VOLVO TRUCKS SERVICE CAMPAIGN You Can Always Trust Genuine Volvo Parts

100% EFFICIENT With Genuine Volvo Parts! March 1 - December 15, 2012

Volvo 101 Genuine Volvo Parts

35 Aftermarket New Volvo Workshop on the Way

36 Aftermarket Volvo Trucks Service Campaign

38 Aftermarket ProďŹ les

facebook.com/VolvoTrucksMalaysia

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

Fuelwatch Challenge is back for the 3rd year! Volvo Trucks Malaysia unveils Fuelwatch Challenge 2012, an extensive customer-outreach initiative centered on boosting fuel efﬁciency as an avenue to improving proﬁtability while cutting carbon emissions – and Globe Truckers, a membership club, tailored to share news and elevate the health and well-being of Malaysian Truck drivers and our environmental care. Prizes: 1 x Second runner up 1 x RM 2,000 BSN voucher 1 x Fuelwatch trophy

1 x First runner up 1 x RM 3,000 BSN voucher 1 x Fuelwatch trophy

Volvo Trucks Malaysia shares its third-year people-focused initiative, Fuelwatch Challenge, at its headquarters at Shah Alam on 16th May 2012. Fuelwatch Challenge is designed to help Malaysian truck drivers achieve maximum fuel economy through a comprehensive approach encompassing vehicle spec’ing and maintenance, performance monitoring, and driver behavior through a nationwide competition format.

All participants are required to undergo a briefing and a written test to prepare and qualify them for the Malaysian challenge finals. As of now, the Driver Training program is optional. During the semi-finals, the participants will be divided into groups and compete for one of the six finalists standing. The winner for the Malaysia Fuelwatch Challenge will compete in Australia against other countries across the Asia region in the Asian Finals.

1 x Fuelwatch Champion 1 x RM 5,000 BSN voucher 1 x Fuelwatch trophy 1 x trip to Australia to participate in the Asia Finals. The company the winners work for also get prizes!

Employer of the 2nd Runner up: 1 x RM 5,000 Genuine Parts voucher which can be used to redeem parts at any Volvo Malaysia workshop in Malaysia (retail value).

Employer of the 1st Runner Up: 1 x RM 7,000 Genuine Parts voucher which can be used to redeem parts at any Volvo Malaysia workshop in Malaysia (retail value).

Employer of the Champion gets: 1 x RM 10,000 Genuine Parts voucher which can be used to redeem parts at any Volvo Malaysia workshop in Malaysia (retail value). 1 x trip to, Australia with the Champion to participate in the Asia Finals.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

Fuelwatch Challenge 2012 Schedule Venue

Date

Preliminary Round

Volvo Malaysia, Shah Alam Volvo Malaysia, Kuantan Volvo Malaysia, Johor Bahru Volvo Malaysia, Prai Volvo Malaysia, Kuching Volvo Malaysia, Bintulu

16 May 2012 19 May 2012 26 May 2012 9 June 2012 16 June 2012 23 June 2012

Semi-ﬁnals

Volvo Malaysia, Shah Alam

13 July 2012

Finals

Volvo Malaysia, Shah Alam

14 July 2012

Adnan Laili, the 2011’s Malaysia Fuelwatch Challenge winner, is proud to be a true Volvo Truck custodian and endorses the Volvo values in his everyday routine. Volvo Trucks Malaysia also announces Adnan as the official 2012 ambassador for Fuelwatch Challenge and Globe Truckers club to raise awareness on the importance of fuel-efficiency, safety, quality, and environment care. “Adnan has been a certified truck driver for the past fifteen years. We believe that with Adnan’s experience, knowledge, passion, mentorship capabilities, he can spread our cause of elevating standards across Malaysian drivers to a different level,” affirms Mansoor.

So have you signed up for Fuelwatch? For more information, go to facebook.com/VolvoTrucksMalaysia or call/email Fizah/Salmi at Tel: 03 -5510 3300 nurhaﬁzah.taat@volvo.com/salmi.sinaga@volvo.com.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

There is a new kid in town!

“

GUESS WHAT HAS COME TO TOWN! VOLVO MALAYSIA JUST LAUNCHED ITS NEWEST PROJECT CALLED ‘GLOBE TRUCKERS’ THIS MONTH. GLOBE TRUCKERS IS OPEN TO ALL TRUCK DRIVERS IN MALAYSIA regardless of brand and we are looking forward to an outstanding response across the country. There will be many fun activities, quarterly updates on the truck industry both on a local and international level and best of all, invites to our special events and exclusive contests with fantastic prizes to be won! Wondering how to join? Just pick up the membership form at any Volvo Malaysia dealerships or at any of our roving roadshows, ﬁll it in and pass it back to us for processing. You will receive a Globe Truckers goody bag as well as a membership card when you sign up on the spot! And we don’t stop there. Membership is FREE!

Benefits of becoming a Globe Trucker

9. Be invited to participate in tailor-made Driver Training courses. 10. Be part of the trucking community and share your stories and experiences. 11. Have a trucking question? Use this as a platform you get your answers!

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

In the near future, you can also use your membership card to enjoy special discounts, privileges and redeem goodies at selected retailers and shops. And soon, your family will also be included in the club activities. We are looking into scholarship plans for your high achieving children so keep a look out for updates!

FREE Membership! Get a goody bag when you sign up. Get a special membership card. Annual get-together when all members meet and have fun. Flash your membership card at all Volvo Malaysia workshops and enjoy free beverages when you wait for your trucks in the Drivers’s Lounge. 6. Newsletters will be sent to you with news and updates of the local and international trucking scene. We encourage you to contribute stories as well! 7. Receive a birthday card as well as gift vouchers on us on your special day. 8. Get invited to selected events.

So what are you waiting for? Be a Globe Trucker now! Spread the word and get ready for loads of fun! For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/VolvoTrucksMalaysia Terms and conditions apply.

LOCAL HAPPENINGS

A long standing relationship bears fruit – Air-Marine A team from Beijing and Malaysia made their way to Bintulu, East Malaysia to meet with Robert Chiw and William Chiew (brothers who own the business) from Air-Marine on 8th February 2012. They had generously agreed to give a customer testimonial as part of a success story compilation from each region across Asia. Day 1 started at 3.30am with the team making their way along pot-hole riddled roads to Aloi to film the Volvo trucks being used in extreme situations. We were informed that if it rained heavily, we could be stuck inside the project site for days as the roads were so slippery, the trucks could not climb the steep hills. Previously, one of their drivers was stuck for 2 weeks! The roads were so bad, part of the car’s bumper broke off during the journey. Volvo Trucks Malaysia picked Air-Marine as they are a long standing customer who purchased their first truck in 2004 and to date, has 75 units (delivered and ordered) of VT which makes up to 75% of their total fleet and they have plans to order many more. And a little known fact; Chin Nam Poh, the sales person who is in charge of the region had patiently pursued Air-Marine like a long lost love for 7 years before they finally made their first order. So the lesson imparted here today is that patience and forstering great relationships work wonders. During our trip to Bintulu, Mr William raved about Chin over and over again bearing testimony to their long standing relationship and understanding.

As the day progressed, it got relatively hotter but the team from Air-Marine were very co-operative in arranging the logistics of their Volvo Trucks at the project site as well as at their depot in Bintulu. William and Robert were very excited during the shoot and by the end of the day, they were directing the camera man on angles as well as lining all of us up for a shoot of their own. The Volvo team managed to get 2 hours worth of fantastic footages by the end of the 3 days. We would also like to thank Mr Terrence Thian and Mr Ngu from Air-Marine as well as Mr Chin Nam Poh for setting aside 3 days to accompany us on the shoot.

FEATURES

Moving forward with Volvo Trucks 39,270 nautical miles, the toughest routes through four oceans with stopovers in five continents along the way. It’s one of the world’s most demanding offshore races and is a test of endurance, athleticism, mental and physical strength for the world’s top sailors. The Volco Ocean Race pushes the world’s top yachtsmen to their limits, and it will be the greatest adventure of their lives. Once every four years sailors compete in the world sailing race. The yachtsmen set off from Alicante, Spain, in October of last year, and they will finish the race in Galway, Ireland, in July. Sanya in southern China was one of the stops along the route, and it was there that Volvo Trucks customers got a front row seat to the race. 10

FEATURES After watching the sailing race customers competed themselves in a golf tournament at one of Sanya’s most beautiful resorts. Sixty customers played in the first Volvo Trucks Asia Invitational. The tournament gave customers a chance to net work and talk more with Volvo Trucks’ executives. J u s t like in t he Vo l vo O c e a n R ac e , the spirit of competition is central to customers’ success in the boardroom and on the playing field. Volvo Trucks’ executives share this drive to win. “In golf you need to be focused, you need to be full of energy. You need to make tough decisions and be professional. If not you fail,” Christophe said at the start of the tournament. “at Volvo Trucks we share the same values as in the great game of golf. We are focused, we are dedicated, and we are doing our best to make sure we offer our customers what they need.” Throughout the weekend customers t a lke d a b o u t t h e ir b u s in e s s n e e d s . M r. Ku a n Kok O nn ow ns a lo gis t ic s business in Malaysia and says Volvo Trucks has been a key part of building his success as a business owner, “Volvo gives me power and confidence as a businessman. The trucks will last me seven to ten years without problems compared to other truck brands in the industry”. For many, the golf tournament was a wonderful break from the business world and a chance to have fun and relax in one of the most beautiful places in China.

Sixty clients in total formed the first cohort to take part in the first Volvo Trucks Asia Invitational.

e n j oy a n d we d i s c u s s m a ny t h i n g s , o u r c u s to m e r s c a n t a l k a b o u t t h e i r expectations.” Christophe said. “So it is quality time we can spend together, and in the meantime we can have a lot of fun.” Whether Volvo Ocean Race sailors are fighting rain and gales in the remote Southern Ocean or are in the middle of the outback crossing Australia, crew members must be able to fully rely on their gear. Similarly Volvo truck owners must be able to rely on the truck’s performance, engine and transmission. Like the sailing crews in the ocean race, Volvo Trucks’ employees work hard to make sure their products are safe and reliable. Volvo Trucks’ desire to serve and please their customers was on display during this weekend in Sanya. It was clear to many customers that Volvo Trucks devotes itself to meet the needs of its clients both in work and in life. It’s that commitment to winning in sport and business that keeps Volvo Trucks competitive, and it’s those values the company celebrates with its customers every day of the year.

“The golf tournament is fantastic,” said Mr. Kuan Kok Onn who owns 20 Volvo trucks. “I play once a week in Malaysia. This is my first visit to Sanya, and I think it is wonderful.” Celebrating years of business together was the goal of the Invitational in Sanya. It was an event enjoyed by Volvo customers and executives and a chance for them to meet and talk by the sea and on the golf course. “We had a great time. We

" Vo l v o O c e a n Race is the opportunity for us to celebrate with our customers."

FEATURES

Cementing ties A success story: a customised truck, a satisfied construction firm and a potential place in the Book of Records; Volvo Trucks Malaysia is fortunate to add this achievement in the books “cementing” ties with local development giant, Sunway Group. A seed sprouting from the Sunway Group The first thought that came to mind when speaking of Sunway would perhaps be the shopping mall, university, hotel, or the theme park. The Sunway Group encompasses a much wider array of products and specializes in various industries - and coming from this very large group and our focal point: Sunway Enterprise Sdn Bhd. As the Sunway Group is largely known for its developments, heavy machinery is part and parcel of their supplies; paving way for Volvo Trucks Malaysia to make its mark in Malaysia’s construction industry. Sunway Enterprise Sdn Bhd has been around since 1980 formerly known as Sungei Way Equipment. After changing their name in 2005 to Sunway Enterprise, they have continued to prosper over the years. With core business activities such as the import and trading of heavy equipment machinery, they tend to have a vast number of brands housed under them. However, Volvo trucks are considered their most dependable product yet (when talking of European specs).

We managed to get the opinion of Alex, an important individual within Sunway Enterprise to share his experience on Volvo Malaysia and the purchase of an 8x4 customized chassis for a customer. Joining the Sunway group in 2007, Alex has since worked on various projects and assisted Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd with the trading of countless equipment. As a subsidiary of the extensive Sunway group, Alex sees to supplying Sunway Construction suitable equipment the sister company needs for their company growth and developments.

With the completion of this project, Sunway came upon the idea to apply to the Malaysian Book of Records for building the longest concrete pump mounted onto a chassis of a truck. To date, no other

contractor or heavy equipment maker has been able to defeat this record, which is held by Sunway Enterprise and United Construction jointly.

FEATURES However, Ho’s journey in the construction business never included European trucks until this special purchase; he acquaints to have only used Nissan (UD) trucks in the past due to the light-weight projects they handled. With the dam project on the blueprint, Ho needed to work with a larger scale of machinery and agreed to look towards Europe to purchase the fully customized 8x4 Volvo from Sunway to get the job done. Much to his surprise, Volvo was able to accommodate to his unconventional request making this a very unique acquisition, a one-of-a-kind truck.

United Construction has been in a strong partnership with Sunway Enterprise that dates back over twenty years. In 2010, United Construction, a Labuan based family owned construction firm placed a very special order with Sunway Enterprise for an 8x4 fully-customized concrete mounted pump for the purpose of building a dam. What initially seemed like an impossible request later became a milestone for Sunway, United and Volvo combined. This 8x4 concrete mounted pump is the longest pump ever built onto a chassis and is not a common factory specification. Due to its distinctive specifications, Volvo had to specially order and ship in the required parts from Sweden to be assembled here, placing a very large price tag on the entire project. The main reason behind choosing a Volvo for this purpose was due to the European specifications of chassis; Alex explains: “when mounting a cement pump onto a truck, we have to consider the type of chassis first. In this case, the Sany (Chinese-brand concrete pump trucks) we used for this project had a European chassis therefore only European specifications could accommodate to this.” At the beginning of this project, he liaised with several world-renowned brands like Isuzu, Hino, Scania and Mercedes-Benz. However, the only dealer that attended to his needs promptly and co-operated thoroughly was Volvo Trucks Malaysia making Alex’s overall decision making process a lot easier. “Volvo Trucks is very aggressive compared to others in terms of attending to their customers’ needs and in delivery,” shares Alex with full enthusiasm. Alex continues to profess how he would recommend the brand to fellow business

partners and colleagues not only because of the stated product quality, but also because of Volvo’s touch with customers. This marks a valuable moment in the coming of Volvo Malaysia’s 40th anniversary in Malaysia; undeniably Volvo Trucks customer service and after-sales service is the Swedish marquee’s pride with satisfactory testimonials from the likes of Alex from Sunway and Mr. Ho from United Construction.

Across the South China Sea, into the land of United Construction Mr. Ho, a simple man who founded United Construction Sdn Bhd, has been running his construction business for the past 40 years together with his children. Today, he speaks of the purchase of the 8x4 customized concrete mounted pump from Sunway Enterprise with great pride as there is a huge chance of it catapulting his company into the Malaysian Book of Records for having the longest concrete pump mounted onto a truck.

Previously, United has only been purchasing pipes for their developments from Sunway, but today they have evolved to using pumps which are proven to be longer lasting and are better improved. Ho remains conﬁdent that choosing Volvo for the construction of the dam was and still is a “sound decision”, not only because of its quality but also for its fuel-efﬁciency that can save the company many pennies in the long run. He also stresses that due to its design and technology, the Volvo truck will deliver smoother operations because after all, it is a European product. Hence, a lot of faith is placed in Volvo’s trucks.

A Swedish Marquee This is something the Swedish brandMalaysian operated family can be very proud of – the fact that Volvo Trucks Malaysia has delivered out of the ordinary requests and assure customer satisfaction with high quality products coupled with excellent after-sales service. Evidently, Volvo Trucks is here to stay.

FEATURES

A true Volvo Truck Ambassador A mentor, Fuelwatch 2011 winner, global Fuelwatch contender and a simple truck driver with extended horizons. These are just some of the characteristics of Adnan Laili, the humble petrochemical truck driver hailing from down south; clearly, there’s more than meets the eye when we had a chat with him in April 2012. It is inspiring listening to Adnan express his passion for what he does as one can really feel a sense of his pride of driving Volvo trucks and his enthusiasm for work. His energy is truly contagious! Adnan has been a certified truck driver for the past fifteen years, with his journey dating back to the tender age of eighteen. His life surrounding trucks was initiated by working as a truck mechanic fresh out of high school. His enthusiasm and curiosity eventually got him to driving the trucks, which allowed him to get his driver’s license at the age of twentyone. Adnan excudes high energy when he speaks of driving trucks and his passion speaks volumes when asked about his career as a truck driver. He has zero complaints about spending long hours or days driving the Malaysian highways and shares how much he enjoys his life as truck driver. “I feel free, not confined and fortunate to travel and see the wonderful sights which broaden my horizons. Today I get to see this, tomorrow that and the next day something else – the horizons of a truck driver are ever-changing.” His assignments route him mostly from Johor to Kuala Lumpur and back although his entire journey as a truck driver has lead him up north the peninsula – Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak and Pahang. The reason he’s sticking to his calling is due to a short break from the life of trucks at the age of nineteen which lead him to work in a different industry alltogether, and felt at the end that he wasn’t fully satisfied. 14

“I drive a Volvo FM 400 truck” When probed about the speciﬁc type of truck he is used to and prefers driving, he is quick to respond “the Volvo FM 400”. Although the use of truck models and makes vary at

Fueller Logistics (JB) Sdn Bhd, he states his experiences also include driving Hino, Mercedes-Benz and Scania trucks; but his preferred make will always be a Volvo. “It is the most comfortable drive so far in my experience due to the fact that Volvo trucks are fully automatic with the visionary i-shift control and do not require the use of a clutch system. Functions are made effortless at a press of a button, which is why I can conﬁdently say driving becomes hassle-free, comfortable, and enjoyable,” says Adnan on driving a Volvo truck. He adds that no special training is needed in order to handle a truck of that size and magnitude so long as it is a Volvo. When comparing the drive of a Scania truck to a Volvo truck, Adnan shares that other Swedish makes are semi-automatic and still require the use of a clutch, making the drive a hassle in the long-run. Certainly not the case of a Volvo truck with I-shift. Even with the sophisticated technology involved in Volvo mechanisms, it still delivers a smooth and comfortable drive without compromising the environment and economic fuel consumption. How can driving styles help to make Volvo trucks even more environmental and fuel friendly? “If suspensions and engine are in good condition, with regular service by authorized Volvo mechanics using genuine parts, you can be certain your Volvo truck wouldn’t cause any harm to the environment by emitting harmful black smoke, and your fuel consumption is naturally better,” explains Adnan. Adnan gives a simple explanation of how apparent driving a large truck can be enjoyable by highlighting the differences between driving a truck and a normal car. In his view, the only apparent difference is the size of vehicle and manouvering on the roads (either on highways or in the city); in terms of comfort, he feels that there isn’t a big difference after all.

Fueller Logistics (JB) Sdn Bhd – the ideal employer Moving on to the topic of his employer, Fueller Logistics (JB) Sdn Bhd, he feels proud to share that he’s been attached to them for slightly over a decade and cites his reason for such loyalty due

FEATURES to the apparent system and benefits given to the employees. He is also very excited to inform about the fully-expense paid company trips awarded to ‘best driver of the year’. Employees are rated according to performance and are awarded every quarter of the year either with Best Driver of the Month, Best Driver of the Quarter and the main attraction which is Best Driver of the Year. The Best Driver of the Year is usually awarded to the top three drivers within the company and are sent on a all-expenses paid trip for two to exciting destinations around the region. Previous company trips included Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand and most recently Bali. Prosperity smiles upon Adnan as he has won Best Driver of the Month various times, winning him a cash prize of RM200. Alongside awarding achievements, the company is very cautious of the drivers’ working hours and is concerned with never exceeding a driver’s maximum allowed driving hours. As regulations by the government with regards the safety and wellfare of drivers are pretty steep, Fueller Logistics (JB) Sdn Bhd always ensures a driver does not exceed their 8-hour maximum shift, and always have drivers on stand-by to relief a fellow colleague. Such incentives and initiatives on the management’s side favours employee loyalty and satisfaction, leaving employees to feel very proud and happy to be attached to Fueller Logistics (JB) Sdn Bhd. The company always ensures that their drivers are on top of their game with constant trainings and briefings on safety standards, the handling of dangerous load and driving tips to maximise performance. In fact, Adnan has been deemed a mentor for the past four years by conducting trainings and passing on driving tips to new comers. He also informs of the mandatory monthly briefings conducted by management on day-to-day conflicts, resolution for problems that may arise on the job, discussing ways to avoid accidents as well as updating company SOPs. Besides Fueller Logistics (JB) Sdn Bhd conducting in-house trainings, Shell also encourages trainings every six months on handling petrochemical loads.

Fuelwatch 2012 and highlights of Fuelwatch 2011 Since Adnan won the Fuelwatch challenge in 2011 and represented Malaysia at the grand finals in Gothenburg, Sweden, his aspirations to participate again this year are high. In his own words “yes, definitely if given the opportunity I will compete again this year. It was certainly an experience of a lifetime going to Sweden for the finals, since it was my first time travelling to Europe!,” exclaims Adnan. Although he did not triumph at the global finals in Sweden, he believes he could do better with getting used to driving on the left-hand side. “It felt really awkward manouvering the truck on the left-hand side, and even though the Volvo I used to compete was fully automatic, I still couldn’t get the hang of driving on Swedish roads.” He explains his difficulties and lack of time to practice were certainly factors for not performing better. Adnan warns aspiring drivers who intends to participate in 2012 of the difficulties in manouvering trucks on the left hand side of the road; however, as the Volvo trucks used in these competitions are fully automatic with an i-shift control, it would ease the driving a little.

“I feel free, not confined and fortunate to travel and see the wonderful sights which broaden my horizons. Today I get to see this, tomorrow that and the next day something else – the horizons of a truck driver are ever-changing.” But that experience doesn’t hinder his confidence with trying again this year. Besides his astonishing journey to Europe, he also gained a lot of handy knowledge by competing in the global arena with driving pointers to increase fuel efficiency, road handling, efficient driving habits and overall manouvering competency.

CROSSING BORDERS

Streamlined logistics In order to reach Manaus goods must travel more than ﬁve days on the world’s largest river – the Amazon. For carrier Transportes Bertolini, the region’s pioneering logistics operator, the job is no problem. WORDS LUIZ CARLOS BERALDO PHOTOGRAPHY ITO CORNELSEN AND PABLO DE SOUSA

CROSSING BORDERS

Transportes Bertolini’s drivers like Volvo’s I-Shift gearbox.

I 18

t is five in the morning in the city of Bento Gonçalves in southern Brazil. We are close to the end of winter so it will be another two hours before the sun comes up, but for Adolfo Eskelsen, a truck driver for Transportes Bertolini, everything is ready. The documents for the trip are prepared and he is doing the last routine checks before driving his FH 400 truck to Belém, over 3,000 kilometres north, in the Brazilian Amazon. Belém is one of the main destinations for any goods needing to cross the Amazon River – the largest river on the planet in terms of water volume. The Bertolini Group began transportation operations in the region in the mid1970s. Since then, they have established several companies and acquired a large number of purpose-specific vehicles and equipment. In addition to their 160-strong truck fleet – 98% of which are Volvo – the company has medium and light vehicles for distribution and support activities and also own a boating company. Boat transportation is necessary because to travel from Belem to the

northern regions of Brazil, everything must travel via the Amazon. Bertolini manufactures and operates special barges capable of transporting 35 to 40 closed-box trailers a trip along the 870 kilometres between Belém and Manaus. “Today things are far easier,” says Paulo Cesar Bertolini, company director. “But when my father started overland transportation operations into the Amazon, there was nearly nothing in terms of infrastructure and the roads were much worse. They frequently became impossible to travel on due to the rainy season. It was difﬁcult and took a long time.” “WE ESTABLISHED THE company in 1978 because we believed in the progress of the northern region of Brazil,”

CROSSING BORDERS As Transportes Bertolini’s most experienced driver, Adolfo Eskelsen often helps assess new vehicles before the company buys them.

To get from Belem to the northern regions of Brazil, everything must travel via the Amazon. Transportes Bertolini also operates special barges to cover the 870 kilometres between Belem and Manaus.

WITH THE VOLVO FH, I REACH STOPOVERS FOR DINNER ... AND I STILL FEEL READY TO DRIVE FOR ANOTHER TWO OR THREE HOURS. ADOLFO ESKELSEN, TRUCK DRIVER FOR 14 YEARS.

recalls Irani Bertolini, Paulo’s father and the company’s founder. “Since then, we have continually invested, without compromising our expectations, making us leading players in the development of the Amazonia region.” In recent decades, the northern region of Brazil has undergone rapid development, in particular through the transformation of Manaus into a major industrial hub. Computers, cell phones and a wide variety of other electronic goods are now produced here, but the region ABOUT GRUPO BERTOLINI Employees: 3,260. Heavy truck ﬂeet: 160. Distribution and support vehicles: 179. Trailers: 1,750.

Total distance covered each month by the company’s vehicles: 5,850,000 km. Number of trips: 3,200 trips per month.

still lacks many basic items such as furniture and clothing, which need to be imported from the south. In addition, the manufacturing plants also need to import many of the components that they use. For this reason, the transportation of products between the north and other regions of Brazil has undergone a major transformation. A few decades ago, it was simply a case of transporting products from the Amazon, such as native wood – when this was still allowed and there was little or no control by authorities. Today trucks carrying wood are no longer seen – control by the government agencies has become much stricter – and the transport ﬂow between the regions has increased considerably. Now it is practically impossible to list all the products travelling every day from the south to the north and vice-versa. IT WAS THE ROBUSTNESS and long-term productivity of Volvo trucks that led to the company choosing them over other brands – particularly in the early days when conditions were far worse.

CROSSING BORDERS Irani Bertolini established Transportes Bertolini in 1978. The company has quickly grown to become one of the leading haulage firms in the Amazonia region. Today Irani’s son Paulo is the company’s managing director. The fleet consists of light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks as well as special barges for river transport. Virtually all the heavy-duty trucks are Volvos.

“We comply with factory recommendations for maintenance and servicing, and lately we have started to buy Service Agreements with all our new vehicles. The main advantage is the reduced workshop downtime and increase truck productivity,” says Paulo Cesar Bertolini. Having worked for Transportes Bertolini for 14 years, Adolfo Eskelsen is one of the company’s most experienced drivers. For this reason he acts as an instructor, helping new drivers on their ﬁrst trips. He also helps assess new vehicles and their fuel consumption before buying them. “Because of my experience, I manage to obtain better consumption averages. So when the company wants to establish how much a truck consumes and how much it yields, they always ask me to take it out on a trip,” he explains. “Whenever there are important launches, they also ask me to test other vehicle models.”

ACCORDING TO ADOLFO ESKELSEN, the best way to ﬁnd out if the truck is a good one is to see how he feels after a day on the road. “With the FH, I reach stopovers for dinner at 8 pm, and I still feel ready to drive for another two or three hours after dinner. With the best model of another brand that was recently launched, I nearly had to take painkillers for back pains at the end of the day. As for consumption, I don’t even want to talk about it. Volvos are always better, in particular the new ones, which come equipped with the I-Shift gearbox.” “In recent acquisitions we always choose trucks with I-Shift, as they are much better both for the driver and the company,” says Paulo Cesar Bertolini. “It is more comfortable and also delivers the best results in terms of savings in fuel and other components, because the whole vehicle operates in the most efﬁcient way.” At 11 pm, Adolfo Eskelsen parks his truck in a fuel station used as an overnight stopping point for truck drivers, having covered 800 kilometres. “With this truck I arrive in good time and in good condition, which allows me

to sleep well all night,” he says. “This is important because if we are feeling well, we also sleep better, and if we sleep well, we always wake up feeling ready for the new day. It’s like a cog and gear in which things are always connected: have a good day, to have a good night, which will result in a good day ... and so on.” After travelling for four days – under optimal conditions, free of rain, bad roads or other unforeseen events – he will arrive in Belém. There he will leave his truck’s closed box trailer at Bertolini’s port terminal. After one night of rest, he will hitch another trailer coming downriver from Manaus and take it back down south. “I do four to ﬁve trips and am away from home up to 25 days every month. During this time I cover 18,000 kilometres.” Adolfo Eskelsen, 58, has been driving trucks for 36 years. He has ﬁve children and eight grandchildren but retiring does not cross his mind. “Stop working? Only when I stop breathing.” Q BERTOLINI GROUP COMPANIES Transportes Bertolini: freight carrier, based in Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul. Bertolini Construção Naval da Amazônia: builds large vessels, barge pushers, floating decks and piers, barges and yachts, with company-owned facilities in Manaus.

Bertolini da Amazônia Indústria e Comercio: manufacturer of truck bodies and trailers, established in Manaus. Bertolini Transportes por Navegação: river transportation service provider that includes bulk products and mineral ore.

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WHEN MY FATHER STARTED OVERLAND TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS INTO THE AMAZON, THERE WAS NOTHING IN TERMS OF INFRASTRUCTURE. PAULO CESAR BERTOLINI, COMPANY DIRECTOR.

CROSSING BORDERS

Straight through the Nullarbor Boasting 146 km of bitumen without a single bend, corner or deviation, the ‘90 Mile Straight’ is one of the world’s longest straight paved roads. Located in Western Australia, it forms part of the 1,657km-long Eyre Highway, which spans the huge distance between Perth and Adelaide. WORDS NIC TOWNSEND PHOTO JASON EDWARDS

he ‘90 Mile Straight’ lies in the heart of the Nullarbor Plain, which occupies an area of around 200,000 square kilometres across the southern coastline of Australia. The word ‘Nullarbor’ is Latin for ‘no trees’, which is a fairly accurate description of its ﬂat, arid landscape. Towns rarely consist of more than a simple roadhouse, and even then are usually 200–300 km apart. In fact the region is so sparsely populated that in the 1950s the British government used it for testing nuclear weapons. No towns, no trees, no corners – no wonder its known as the Nullar-boring. For over a century the Eyre Highway has been the main link between the east and west of Australia. It is named after explorer John Eyre, who crossed the Nullarbor Plain on foot in 1841. The

ﬁrst car crossed in 1912, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that the highway become fully paved.

TODAY, CROSSING THE Nullarbor Plain isn’t nearly as dangerous or adventurous as it was before the 1950s, but it is still considered the classic Australian outback experience. Roadhouses and petrol stations sell T-shirts, stickers and other souvenirs boasting ‘I’ve crossed the Nullarbor’ and completing the journey is considered an achievement in itself. Yet every day hundreds of truck drivers complete the same journey, forming a vital transportation route across the country. Their roadtrains, consisting of up to four trailers on one truck, are a common sight. To complete the ‘90 Mile Straight’ and cross the Nullarbor on a regular basis, you not only need a strong and reliable vehicle, but also the ability to ﬁght boredom and remain focused. Q

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TV: FOLLOW A ROADTRAIN IN AUSTRALIA Volvo Trucks brought its film camera and hopped aboard a Volvo FH16 truck on a longhaul route in Australia. Watch the film on Volvo Trucks Youtube channel: www.youtube. com/user/VolvoTrucks

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SWEDISH INSPIRATION 24

FOTO: VOLVO PENTA

SWEDISH INSPIRATION

SWEDISH INSPIRATION PROPELLED TO GREATNESS His invention is still in use today on ships the world over, 173 years after he patented it. It was even used in modified form to lift the first powered aircraft off the ground. John Ericsson, the Swedish inventor of the screw propeller, was one of the 19th century’s most creative and prolific engineers. Ericsson’s importance as a mechanical pioneer can be seen in the sheer volume of memorials erected in his honour around the world. There are, among others, the John Ericsson National Memorial on The Mall in Washington DC; a monument in Battery Park, New York City; further memorials in Stockholm and Gothenburg; a street named after him in Philadelphia; the neighbourhood of Ericsson in Minneapolis, plus no less than three US Navy ships bearing the name USS Ericsson. Ericsson was born in Långbanshyttan in Värmland in 1803. He was working as a surveyor by the age of 14 and in his late teens he invented a heat engine which used the fumes from a fire – rather than steam – as a propellant. The list of Ericsson’s innovations is long – and includes one of the first locomotives, the surface condenser, and a solar machine using concave mirrors to gather solar radiation to run a steam engine – but the one which has had most impact is certainly his screw propeller. Patented in 1838, it was an improvement on earlier designs by other

engineers. His solution on still forms the basis for t tems the propulsion systems aboard boats and submarines m marine es in service today and was w a huge improvement over the existing technologies in terms of speed and efficiency. The Volvo Group is following proudly in the footsteps of Sweden’s great inventor. Volvo Penta is a world leader within the marine field, developing high quality leisure and commercial engines and complete power systems that lead the industry in performance and efficiency. Meanwhile the engineers at Volvo Trucks are pushing the envelope of today’s automotive technology in their efforts to develop the best possible powertrains for propelling large vehicles and their loads further, with less fuel. While Volvo engines have become more powerful – the 16-litre unit now boasts a class-leading 750 horsepower – they have also become more fuel-efficient; on Volvo’s VH range, for instance, fuel consumption has already been cut by almost 40 per cent in the past 30 years. A mechanical engineer of Ericsson’s stature would surely have been impressed by such an achievement. Q DAVID WILES

UNIQUELY VOLVO

VOLVO TRUCKS’ ENGINE RANGE:

More is less in terms of output and emissions

Time and time again, Volvo Trucks’ development engineers have been faced with the “impossible” equation – developing engines that have to be cleaner to comply with environmental legislation – without consuming more fuel or compromising performance. WORDS HENRIK MOBERGER PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTER EHRLING & LEE KEARNEY

nyone wishing to drive a 90-tonne timber vehicle combination in the forests of northern Scandinavia, Russia or Canada or a 180-tonne roadtrain with four trailers across the Australian deserts, naturally opts for the best performing vehicle the market has to offer. Needless to say, outdoing your colleagues with the coolest vehicle on the road is extremely enjoyable, but getting the best return from every drop of fuel is even more important. The most productive engine also needs to be kindest to the environment. This explains why the recently presented 750-horsepower version of Volvo Trucks’ 16-litre engine has an important function to perform. The engine is developed to

THE EFFECTS OF 25 YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT 26

Q With its 470 horsepower and torque of 2015 Nm, the Volvo F16 470 was one of the best performing trucks on the market in 1987. Few thought a more powerful engine would ever be needed. 25 years later we know better. The Volvo FH16 750 is Volvo’s most productive engine ever. Designed for really heavy trafﬁc and the highest average speed.

give the truck the most kilometres and the fewest emissions for every tonne of goods transported. This success story could be said to have begun back in 1954 when Volvo introduced the world’s first seriesmanufactured turbocharged diesel engine. It became a success among increasingly demanding customers and spurred automotive engineers to continue developing turbo technology. DURING THE 1960s, engines equipped with intercoolers were introduced with a view to increasing engine output still

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UNIQUELY VOLVO further. In spite of this successful pioneering work, it was understood that a large displacement would eventually be needed. At the beginning of the 1970s, an analysis was conducted of an engine with a larger displacement, comprising both an in-line six-cylinder engine and V engines with six and eight cylinders. This analysis resulted in the choice of an in-line six-cylinder engine and there were several reasons for this. “The in-line six-cylinder engine is better adapted to high pressure charges, thereby enabling higher average pressure and lower engine speeds. It produces a high output and low fuel consumption. A six-cylinder engine is easier to install than a V8 if it is going to have a turbocharger and intercooler – there are fewer ‘pipes’”, explains Sören Udd, who joined the engine development department as a young engineer back in 1972. His experience has made him a respected engine expert who is frequently consulted for his views. LENNART LANGERVIK JOINED VOLVO in 1977 and was immediately involved in the 16-litre project. “At that time, the concept was adapted to enable the engine to be used on the machining line for the main engine series, the TD100/120,” he says. “The cylinder capacity was changed from 16.3 litres to 16.1 and it was subsequently decided to introduce turbocharging.” In the mid-1970s, California introduced the first exhaust emission requirements. This signalled the start of emission developments that have been in progress for almost four decades and have had the greatest impact on the development of the diesel engine during its almost 120 year history. The results of this development are impressive. Emission of both nitrogen oxide, NOx, and particulates have been reduced more than 50 times over. LEGISLATION GOVERNING THE emission of noise was also introduced in 1976. A concept engine called the Volvo Quiet Engine, VQE, was therefore developed at the beginning of the 1980s. This was the first Volvo engine with the entire timing mechanism located at the rear of the unit, a configuration that is now standard for the Volvo Group’s HD engine platform. It also featured pilot

IT WAS GREAT HAVING SO MUCH NEW TECHNOLOGY AND THE MORE RIGOROUS EMISSION STANDARDS NATURALLY POSED THE GREATEST CHALLENGE. SÖREN UDD, VOLVO TRUCKS

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UNIQUELY VOLVO i

injection to reduce the combustion noise, in addition to a raft of sound-reduction measures, such as sandwich plates in the oil sump. In 1985, Sören Udd was appointed head of the R&D section for engine development. “At that time, we started the pre-planning for the D12 engine which was going to be presented in 1993. It went on to become our large volume engine and was a real success for many years”, he says. “We developed a prototype with electronically controlled unit injection, four-valve technology overhead camshafts and a six-cylinder head. The location of the camshaft helped to improve fuel injection as a result of the increase in stiffness compared with a pushrod engine. This was an absolutely perfect match for the Volvo Engine Brake, VEB, whenever there are important launches, which was developed at the same time and was a fantastic success, both technically and commercially.”

HIGHER GROSS COMBINATION WEIGHTS, COMBINED WITH A POWERFUL DRIVELINE, ARE PRODUCING THE LARGEST IMPROVEMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS TO DATE. LENNART LANGERVIK, VOLVO TRUCKS

OVER A PERIOD of many years in which new requirements have been introduced at regular intervals, the automotive industry has sometimes said “we cannot possibly comply with this”. In spite of this, we are where we are today, with vehicle emissions that are almost cleaner than the ambient air. Which step was felt to be most difficult? Sören Udd answers: “Even if the most recent steps were larger and the emission levels have been constantly reduced, I would go so far as to say that the first steps were the most difficult. At that time knowledge, development tools and technology were limited. I particularly remember US91, which required particulates to be reduced from 0.6 g/bhph (grams per brake horsepower per hour) to 0.25 g with the old in-line

VOLVO TRUCKS ENGINE RANGE

D11

Q With commonrail technology and electronic engine management the Volvo D7F offers immensely precise fuel injection resulting in an extremely efﬁcient combustion.

gine The D11 engine e, is a 10.8-litre, in-line sixcylinder diesel engine with turbocharger and intercooler. Available with a choice of four power outputs.

Q 6-cylinder diesel engine Q Available for Volvo FL, FE Q 7,2 litre displacement Q 240, 260, 290, 300 or 340 hp Q 940, 1010, 1070, 1160 or 1300 Nm torque. Q Meets Euro 5

Q Available for Volvo FM and FMX Q 10,8 litre displacement Q 330, 370, 410, or 450 hp Q 1600, 1750, 1950, 2150 Nm torque Q Meets Euro 5.

UNIQUELY VOLVO pump engines and the then head of engine development, Per-Sune Berg, asked ‘Do you think we can manage this?’” “Even if he was perhaps doubtful, we did! Needless to say, there was no other alternative.” “The challenge today is not to comply with the actual emission requirements, it is to match them and reduce fuel consumption at the same time – and all at a reasonable product cost. Next in line is EU6 from 2013, which also includes particulate counts. What’s more, NOx has to be reduced by 80 per cent, while cutting fuel consumption at the same time. This really is a huge challenge,” says Sören Udd. In 1987, after a long development period, the first 16-litre engine, the TD162F, was presented in the new truck model, the Volvo F16. For the first time, Volvo now had the best performing truck engine with an output of 470 hp. 1993 saw the introduction of the D16A with an output of 520 bhp in the Volvo FH16. It was designed to maintain Volvo’s leading position in the heaviest applications, such as timber transport in Northern Europe and roadtrains in Australia, and in cases in which a high average speed is the top priority. IN 2003, THE 600 bhp barrier was broken by the newly developed D16C engine, which had its highest output level at 610 bhp in the Euro 3 version. This engine had the same architecture as the basic D12 engine, but experience from the VQE and all at a reasonable product cost. Next in form of less noise and weight and a shorter engine. In 2008, the 700 hp level was reached with the introduction of Euro 5. The latest addition is a 750 hp variant in Euro 5 and EEV (Enhanced Environmental friendly Vehicle) versions. This also underlines the fact that Volvo

has maintained its leading position in the heaviest segment for 25 years. The question is why this pursuit of horsepower is taking place in an era of large-scale environmental interest. Surely it is more important to focus on hybrids and electrical operation or bio-based fuels instead of always attempting to be the most powerful in the world? Both Lennart and Sören protest: “The Volvo Group is investing colossal sums in both the development of its diesel engines for various alternative fuels, as well as hybrid vehicles,” says Sören Udd. Lennart Langervik explains why a larger engine is so good for the environment. “Higher gross combination weights, combined with a high-performance driveline, are producing the largest improvement in environmental characteristics to date”, he says. “At the present time, a project entitled “En trave till”, ETT (which means “one more pile”), is being run in northern Sweden. With an extra trailer, which gives the vehicle combination a gross vehticle weight of 90 tonnes and a length of 32 metres, the amount of timber can be increased by more than 50 per cent.” “Compared with a standard timber vehicle combination, the ETT truck has 22 per cent lower fuel consumption and around 20 per cent lower emissions of NOx particulates and carbon dioxide per tonne-kilometre. This means that three trucks can be replaced by two, thereby also reducing wear and tear on to the roads,” says Lennart Langervik. Another example can be found in inland Australia, where roadtrains with up to five trailers and weights of 180 tonnes are driven at steady speeds, with very low fuel consumption and emissions per tonne-kilometre. These are questions in which both engine designers are deeply involved. “Within the Volvo Group, there are both products and knowledge. It’s up to the politicians to make the right decisions if they are serious about wanting to reduce the environmental impact and improve transport economy,” says Sören Udd. Q

D13

D16

Q The D13 engine is a 12.8 litre, inline six-cylinder diesel engine with turbocharger and intercooler. All versions meet the Euro 5 emission standards.

Q The new D16 engine offers even better performance and immense torque, making the FH16 an indisputable master of the heavy transport sector.

Q 6-cylinder diesel engine Q Available for Volvo FM, FMX, FH Q 12,8 litre displacement Q 380, 420, 460, 500 or 540 hp Q 1900, 2100, 2300, 2500 or 2600 Nm torque. Q Meets Euro 5.

UNIQUELY VOLVO

Gear up with the latest Once you have driven a Volvo equipped with the I-Shift transmission, you will never want to go back to manual gear-changing. The latest generation of the gearbox offers even more functions that make it the ideal companion for tough construction operations. WORDS DAVID WILES & SÖREN SVANLUND PHOTOS VOLVO TRUCKS & LEE KEARNEY

oday, ten years after its introduction, I-Shift is still a resounding success, and about 80% of the Volvo FH and FM trucks sold are fitted with it. Key to its success has been its well thought-ou concept. I-Shift was developed from the ground up as a lightweight and compact auto-shifting mechanical gearbox. “No automated manual gearbox comes close to I-Shift in terms of refinement. This is a gearbox that actually makes the gear selections as you want them – especially gear selections during engine braking where high retardation is achieved without too many or harsh gearchanges that tire the driver,” says Roger Brorsson, Product Manager Construction and Mining at Volvo Trucks. The first-generation I-Shift transmission was optimised for European long-haul and distribution operations. It quickly became popular and it was not long before customers started demanding I-Shift for other truck segments. Volvo broadened the range for the second generation, released in 2005, to five variants. Through a variety of software packages, I-Shift could be optimised for different operational needs – from highways to gravel quarries.

RESPONDS MORE QUICKLY With new sensors and a more powerful micro-processor, I-Shift responds more quickly to the driver’s intentions. This makes progress easier in tough conditions, for instance in construction operations.

I-SHIFT

LESS FRICTION In order to save fuel, mechanical power losses have been reduced still further. Among other things, the engineers have reduced friction between gear cogs and other mating surfaces.

COMMUNICATES The base gearbox has no synchromesh, which saves both weight and space. Instead, revs are adjusted ahead of each gearchange by the engine and gearbox communicating with one another.

DRIVELINE

AXLE CONFIGURATIONS I-Shift works together with comprehensive range of axle configurations: 4x2, 6x2, 6x4, 8x2 and 8x4 configurations. For all-wheel drive, 4x4 or 6x6, there is the Powertronic transmission.

UNIQUELY VOLVO

I-Shift upgrades The next I-Shift generation came in 2009, together with the launch of Euro 5, and was mechanically tailored to the higher torque of these engines and further refined to reduce power losses. The computer controlling I-Shift received a more powerful processor and new sensors for even faster response and smoother gearchanges. New functions were added to aid construction operations and tailor gearch- Roger Brorsson, Product Manager anges for tough terrain. and “With the different software packages now available I Construction Mining at Volvo don’t see I-Shift as one gearbox but rather as several differ- Trucks. ent gearboxes each optimised for its specific application,” says Roger Brorsson. “For long-haul transports the fuel economy software package with I-Roll and Smart Cruise Control adds benefits equal to driver training, without the need to send the driver back to the school,” continues Roger Brorsson. Today I-Shift has applications for most types of transport and engines with

high torque. This means that it also functions in vehicles designed for really gruelling transport assignments. “I-Shift is now also available for hilly and rough road conditions. Here I see real benefits as smooth and rapid gearchanges are essential for maintaining traction in rough road conditions such as at construction site,” says Brorsson. The basic transmission has been further refined and a new front splitter gear has been added, together with a new clutch system. The rear range transmission has also been redesigned and shortened, making the entire transmission lighter and more compact. “Once you have experienced the benefits you won’t want to be without I-Shift again”, says Brorsson. Q

SOFTWARE The new software package for advanced construction duties includes functions that assist starts with heavy loads and when driving on poor surfaces, for instance when the driver wants to rock the vehicle out of a sticky, muddy patch. The software also saves fuel by utilising the engine’s power optimally when driving in hilly terrain.

SHORTER AND LIGHTER I-Shift is far shorter than a corresponding manual gearbox, and in addition about 60 kg lighter. This saves fuel, increases the payload and cuts the wheelbase.

OPTIMAL STARTING GEAR I-Shift always selects the most appropriate starting gear irrespective of whether the truck is loaded or not. This is possible owing to a new load sensor that is standard on models as Volvo FMX equipped with leaf springs and I-Shift.

POWERTRONIC VERSUS I-SHIFT: WHICH IS BEST SUITED? There is plenty of lavish praise for I-Shift, but there is no reason to forget the Powertronic auto-shifter. The current version is the sixth generation since the automatic transmission was first launched back in 1992. The latest update provides

smoother changes and better fuel economy. Mileage between servicing has been doubled thanks to the use of advanced new oil and a new type of oil filter. There are four properties that make Powertronic optimal for certain tasks.

1 Start with full torque from standstill thanks to a torque converter instead of a dry-plate clutch. 2 Faster acceleration and gearchanges without any interruption in power delivery. 3 Powertronic works well on AWD trucks that cannot be

fitted with I-Shift. 4 Can be equipped with a power take-off that can be engaged and disengaged while on the move. This makes Powertronic a highly suitable choice for operations involving repeated starting and stopping.

IN A SNAPSHOT

Snapshots Lafarge Driver Safety Day

Lafarge Malaysia recently held a Lafarge Driver Safety Day in the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) on 24 June with the intention to boost and enhance the relationship of their fleet of drivers and transporters. The event was a success and there was a strong turn-up of 1000 participants. Volvo Trucks Malaysia is proud to say that we were a part of this huge success. 27 exhibitors from the truck industry comprising of truck manufacturers, suppliers and government agencies took part in the exhibition. As safety has always been a Volvo Core Value, the Lafarge Safety Day gave us the opportunity to further imbibe this message into the drivers. Lafarge Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bradley Mulroney was on hand to officiate the event. Volvo Trucks Malaysia’s booth drew the crowd as we were having a Globe Truckers membership drive with goodies given out for every sign up on the spot. While the drivers waited their turn, they took the opportunity to browse the Volvo Trucks booth. We had 3 trucks display plus a Genuine Parts counter and we encouraged all visitors to look, see and touch. The day ended at 4.00pm with participants leaving with happy faces and enhanced knowledge on safety.

After Market roadshows across Malaysia The objective of the Volvo Trucks Malaysia After Market roadshows is to establish a closer relationship with the customers, to educate them on the importance of using Volvo Genuine parts as well as increasing the general awareness and beneﬁts of Volvo trucks. As part of Phase 1 this year, we have selected a few ﬂeet customers from Shah Alam, JB, Prai and many more. We mostly target the blue collar personnels from workshop managers to store keepers & mechanics. There is a genuine parts handson demo, video presentation, technical Q&A, facebook ‘liking’ & Volvo t-shirts/caps give-away sessions as part of some of the interactive activities. The itinerary of the roadshow is simple, introduce one another, educate each other, bond together, feast together & most importantly enjoy it together. 32

To date we have covered 8 ﬂeet customers which were attended by more than 250 of their employees. Among them are EH Utara, Tanjong Express, Jasa Selamat, Shallas, Kontena Nasional HQ, Speciﬁc Resources (Penjom), Petikemas & Prifaria. The feedback from the customer is very positive to the point we have had requests to make this an annual event at their premises. What a success this has been for us. We have plans to continue this activity so could your company be next?

IN A SNAPSHOT

Association of Malaysian Hauliers, Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur The KL event was held on 21 May 2012. It started with a golf tournament in Glenmarie Golf & Country Club followed by a gala dinner in Grand Dorsett Hotel, Subang. Volvo Trucks Malaysia had the opportunity to display 2 trucks at the golf venue buntings, brochures and sponsored Volvo golf balls to all the participants. During the dinner, we had feedback saying the event looked like a Volvo event with buntings and Volvo truck visuals everywhere which was a proud achievement for us.

We sponsored the 2 events in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur as show of our support to the haulage industry. In Johor Bahru, the Association of Malaysian Hauliers Gala Dinner was held on 21 April at The Zon Regency. Volvo Trucks was given a booth to display parts , buntings and t-shirts were given out to those that visited the Volvo Trucks booth.

Truck Handover Ceremony On 25th May, Volvo Trucks Malaysia’s President, Mr Mansoor Ahmed was at Kontainer Nationals’s ofﬁce in Petaling Jaya for the handover ceremony of their newest order of 25 units of the Volvo FM 400. En.Razali Hassan, the Chief Operating Ofﬁcer was proud to represent KN and he is looking forward to a close working relationship with Volvo Trucks Malaysia in 2012 and beyond. After the event, the group adjouned to the back where Volvo Trucks Malaysia’s After Market team was conducting Genuine Parts display with many goodies given out and food served to all that attended.

Sarawak Trucks Association – Bintulu Roadshow

Volvo Trucks was invited by the Sarawak Trucks Association to participate in their roadshow which happened on 12-13 May 2012. As Volvo is on a mission to establish a stronger foothold in East Malaysia, we gladly accepted. As the discussions progressed, it was decided for us to go in as a group including Renault (Dai Lieng Machinery) and UD Trucks (TCIE) thus making it a big happy family event. We had many visitors coming to our display area. They had the opportunity to talk shop with our sales personnel as well as get a feel of the trucks themselves as we had numerous gleaming units on display.

Volvo 101

100% Volvo Genuine Volvo Parts give longer er service life There are many truck owners the world over who would only consider ﬁtting genuine parts when they service and repair their trucks. There are many beneﬁts to owning and driving a Volvo truck that remains one hundred percent Volvo.

BUILT SOLELY FROM VOLVO PARTS All the parts and components in a Volvo have been developed and engineered from the very outset to match the stringent demands of our core values: quality, safety and environmental care. That is why it is so important to always use genuine Volvo parts for servicing and repairs. They offer perfect ﬁt and are easy to install. This helps maintain the truck’s performance, efﬁciency and low environmental impact while ensuring the best possible total cost of ownership (TCO) throughout the vehicle’s lifetime.

3 HUNDRED PERCENT VOLVO – HIGHER SECOND-HAND VALUE The truck’s operating costs and TCO are naturally always immensely important to every haulier on every assignment. When a Volvo is correctly serviced and maintained using Genuine Volvo parts, the truck functions optimally and without any unexpected standstills. What is more, fuel consumption is minimised and the vehicle lasts longer. And when the time comes to switch to a new¬er model, the Volvo owner can always count on higher second-hand value if the truck is still one hundred percent Volvo.

2 AVAILABILITY AND WARRANTY MEAN SECURITY It’s also about security. Parts and sub-assemblies are always quickly available at your nearest Volvo dealer when you need them. Volvo also provides a one-year warranty on all new Genuine Volvo driveline parts, and a one-year warranty on all Genuine Volvo parts for the rest of the truck.

Customer beneﬁts

High uptime Better TCO Longer service life Excellent reliability High second-hand value Low environmental impact

Article adapted from the Volvo Trucks Magazine (online)

AFTER MARKET

New Volvo Workshops On the Way Volvo Group is growing stronger with the integration of Renault Brand into Volvo dealerships, especially now with UD brand under Volvo Group portfolio in the commercial vehicle segment. Volvo Malaysia has always been striving in offering our customers the best retail experience. Network development is part of the strategies in executing retail excellence in Malaysian market. This is in line with Volvo’s broad direction to be more customer-focused and to strengthen customer loyalty. Artist Impression: Volvo Kuantan New Dealership (by Lead Design Consult)

As part of the network expansion strategy, we have identiﬁed three strategic locations in Malaysia to establish a stronger foothold. We aim to build new outlets as well as improve and upgrade existing dealership facilities and service quality towards achieving better customer satisfaction.

Kuantan Kuantan has always been an important transportation hub for the East Coast Region, especially after the city was dedicated as the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in 2009. With the growing need from regional transporters in the East Coast, we saw the need to expand our operations to support the growing demand so as to serve our customers better. We will be relocating the current service center from Semambu Industrial area to Gebeng Industrial Park as the new location is more convenient and better located. The new outlet will also be upgraded to a full 3S centre with 6 work stations in the workshop. This will also be Volvo Malaysia’s ﬁrst service centre in the East Coast which has incorporated a driver overnight facility. The dealership is targeted to be in operation by the end of 2012. We strongly believe with the inclusion of this

new dealership into the growing network, we will be in a better position to meet the demands of our customers. An expanded network will assist us in our goal to gain new ground and establishing a stronger foothold in the market place. Ipoh & Sibu Ipoh and Sibu Volvo Service centre are the two next upcoming dealerships to be relocated to a larger facility to accommodate the growing needs from our customers. Ipoh’s location at the mid-point connecting Northern (towards the border of Thailand) and Southern region, and the growing segment in cement, quarry and sand transportation have created opportunities for Volvo and Renault trucks. We are excited to announce that the management has approved the new Ipoh 3S dealership. Another good news caters for East Malaysia valued customers: we are expanding the Sibu operation by setting up workshop facility. The relocation is targeted to be end of 2012, by having our facility at the gateway to the logging camp upstream of Rejang River. For the convenience of customers, the new dealership location is targeted also near to the truck body repair and sublet contractors. We are actively expediting the dealership development to provide the new facility and serve our customers better.

Model

FM400 (New Model)

FM400 (Old Model)

Package Number

2012BSFM400N

2012BSFM400O

Package Price ( Price include service tax )

RM 1150 (incl. GST)

Parts No

Description

Unit

21707134 21707132 21380488 20972293 20976003 20998367 85102464P 1161946P 1161961P 17744

OIL FILTER BY PASS FILTER FUEL FILTER FUEL FILTER FUEL FILTER PRIMARY FILTER VOLVO ENGINE OIL-VDS 3 CI-4 VOLVO GREASE - EP 0 VOLVO GREASE - EP 2 LABOUR BASIC SERVICE

2 1 1 1

Unit 2 1

1 1 38 2 2 3

38 2 2 3

Model Package Number

FM12D

FM9

2012BSFM12D

2012BSFM9

Package Price ( Price include service tax )

RM 1150 (incl. GST)

Parts No

Description

Unit

21707134 21707132 20976003 20998367 85102464P 1161946P 1161961P 17744

OIL FILTER BY PASS FILTER FUEL FILTER PRIMARY FILTER VOLVO ENGINE OIL-VDS 3 CI-4 VOLVO GREASE - EP 0 VOLVO GREASE - EP 2 LABOUR BASIC SERVICE

2 1 1 1 33 2 2 3

2 1 1 1 30 2 2 3

FM12C

FM10

2012BSFM12C

2012BSFM10

Model Package Number Package Price ( Price include service tax )

RM 1050 (incl. GST)

RM 950 (incl. GST)

Parts No

Description

Unit

21707134 21707132 8159975 8193841 85102464P 1161946P 1161961P 17744

OIL FILTER BY PASS FILTER FUEL FILTER WATER SEPERATOR VOLVO ENGINE OIL-VDS 3 CI-4 VOLVO GREASE - EP 0 VOLVO GREASE - EP 2 LABOUR BASIC SERVICE

2 1 1 1 33 2 2 3

2 1 1 35 2 2 3

FL10

Model Package Number

2012BSFL10

Package Price ( Price include service tax ) Parts No

Description

21707134 466987 85108287P 1161946P 1161961P 17744

OIL FILTER FUEL FILTER VOLVO ENGINE OIL-CF40 VOLVO GREASE - EP 0 VOLVO GREASE - EP 2 LABOUR BASIC SERVICE

RM 700 (incl. GST) Unit 2 2 28 2 2 3

Terms & Conditions -

While stocks last This basic service campaign is valid for purchase and installation in appointed Volvo dealers only. Price of basic service package is inclusive of tax. Inclusive of 1 year parts and labour warranty. Pictures shown are for illustration purpose only. Whilst we use our best endeavours to maintain the stated price throughout the promotion, they may be subject to change without prior notice.

For more enquiries please contact our service centre at 03-5519 9096 (8.30am – 5.30pm) / 03-5510 3300 – Ext 817 / 818 (after 5.30pm) or the nearest dealer. Terms & Conditions Apply

Owned Dealers: SHAH ALAM (HQ) No.6, Jalan Bicu 15/6, Seksyen 15, 40200 Shah Alam Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel : 03-5510 3300 Fax : 03-5519 4233/ 03-5519 0592/ 03-5510 9096 (Parts) PRAI No.2410, Jalan Perusahaan Prai, Kawasan Perusahaan Prai, 13600 Seberang Prai, Pulau Pinang Tel : 04-398 9184/ 04-398 9185 Fax : 04-398 9187 IPOH 56, Lengkok Rishah 2, Kawasan Perindustrian Silibin, 30100 Ipoh, Perak Tel : 05-527 8892 Fax : 05-528 0941 KUANTAN Lot 108, Semambu Industrial Estate, 25350 Kuantan, Pahang Tel : 09-566 9182 Fax : 09-566 9184 JOHOR BAHRU PLO 251, Jalan Firma 2 Kawasan Perindustrian Tebrau IV 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Tel : 07-357 4855/ 07-357 4834/ 07-358 4835 Fax : 07-357 4899

VOLVO TRUCKS SERVICE CAMPAIGN You Can Always Trust Genuine Volvo Parts

100% EFFICIENT With Genuine Volvo Parts! March 1 - December 15, 2012

KUCHING Lot 1017, Section 66 KTLD Jalan Kilang (P.O.Box 1400) Bintawa, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak Tel : 082-330 131 Fax : 082-333 387 BINTULU Lot 3069, Sublot 4 Kidurong Industrial Estate 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak Tel : 086-327 646 Fax : 086-255 722 SIBU No.5, Lorong Lanang Barat 20A/2 96000 Sibu, Sarawak Tel : 084-210 613 Fax : 084-210 612 Private Dealer Dai Lieng Machinery Sdn Bhd

BINTULU Lot 429, Blk 38, Kemena Industrial Estate, P.O. Box 2025, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak Tel : 086-311 699 Fax : 086-310 331 MIRI Lot 2541, Jln Manettia, Piasau Lorong 8, Pujut-Lutong Road, 98000 Miri, Sarawak Tel : 085-655 855 Fax : 086-655 618 SANDAKAN Lot 2, Block G, Ground Floor, Bandar Ramai-Ramai, P.O. Box 3541, 90739 Sandakan, Sabah Tel : 089-272 707 Fax : 089 235 855 KOTA KINABALU Lots 34-6 & 7, Jln 1E Industrial Zon 4 (IZ 4), KKIP Selatan, Jln Sepangar, 88460 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Tel : 088-499 855 Fax : 088-493 618

facebook.com/VolvoTrucksMalaysia

The driver that drives most efficiently wins – it’s as simple as that! It’s about saving. Saving fuel, saving tyre wear and minimising the number of un-scheduled stops. This way you can be first past the post in the profitability race. Our aim is that you should be able to exploit your investment to the maximum through efficient, trouble-free distribution of the goods you carry. One way you can be sure to do this is for your Volvo Truck to remain 100% original by using Volvo Genuine Parts, and factory trained technicians to fit them. And remember all work carried out is covered by one year manufacturer warranty. Call now to make a booking and ensure a fast turnaround of your truck

VOLVO TRUCKS. DRIVING PROGRESS www.volvotrucks.com.my

Karen Tan

Network Development Manager, After Market

What do you do in Volvo Trucks Malaysia? I am in charged of formulating the long-term network strategy plan (from infrastructure and facility point of view) and implementing the approved plans. This year, we have three exciting projects where we are relocating and upgrading our existing dealerships in Kuantan, Ipoh and Sibu with improved facilities to serve our customers better. How long have you been in the company? It’s been 6 months since I have joined this company and progressing day by day What makes you feel proud to be working for this company? What is your favourite thing about this company? I am proud to join a company which puts environmental care as its core value, and contributes through various initiatives to conserve Mother Earth. My favorite thing about the company? I was inspired by the “human” factor to join this company, I see a caring, helpful and friendly working culture in Volvo, which is unique in my opinion. I am also happy that I am getting strong support from superiors, peers and counter parts in making things happened.

What do you do in Volvo Trucks Malaysia? Business System, After Sales data and process analyst. My role is to build competence at dealers to use Business System effectively in line with Volvo Business Policy also implement Volvo Aftersales Global Process and Support. Responsible to analyze market requirement and build business case for further development of the system also as frontline LDS technical support which is build interface between Aftersales business and IS/IT system. How long have you been in the company? It’s been an exciting 6 years since I started with Volvo Malaysia as Warehouse Manager and LDS Super User. I have put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this company and have decided that this company will be the one I stay with until the day I retire. What makes you feel proud to be working for this company? The Volvo organization has always stood for good work processes as well as continuously fostering a good working environment between the colleagues across all regions. As an international company, the Volvo Group also has lots of streamlined processes that is practiced and encouraged across all countries. That is what I love most about working here. I am a very structure person and this is just something right up my alley. I also get the opportunity to work

AFTER MARKET

Proﬁles

with colleagues from various backgrounds and countries and this is a plus as it helps widen my experiences as well as outlook in life. And most importantly, I have a great boss who is supportive and someone who I know I can fall back on if I have any problems.

What do you do to relax from the stress of the day? I watch movies or go karaoke to relieve stress. Besides reading, I also ﬁnd ﬁddling with the plants in my garden a therapeutic stress reliever. Are you an active recycler? What do you do as part of your efforts to reduce pollution/ green-house gases? Yes, I am trying my level best to be more “green”. I consume less meat than before, and rely on natural air instead of air-conditioning whenever I am at home. I group rubbish into plastic, glass and paper and drop them off at the recycle bin on a regular basis. I bring my own reusable shopping bag when doing groceries. In 1 word, describe what the Volvo truck represents to you. Durability. That says it all.

Aziz Abdul Rahman

Business System Manager – Commercial

What do you do to relax from the stress of the day? I love indulging in a steaming hot cup of coffee and talking to LDS users on their matters. It somehow relaxes me and refreshes my mind. It helps get me ready to face the next challenge of the day. Now all I wish for is an espresso machine placed next to my room. Wouldn’t that be great? Are you an active recycler? What do you do as part of your efforts to reduce pollution/ green-house gases? I do try and play an active part in conserving the environment. I try not to buy bottled water and instead use a reusable water bottle in the ofﬁce. I reuse paper whenever I can and I am cutting down on red meat so as not to create more greenhouse gasses. Did you know that Environmental Care is one of the 3 core values of the Volvo Group? Oh, and I do have short term plan which is to quit smoking by end of this year. So if you want to accidently bump me, let me tell you in advance I will no longer be found at the smokers corner from Oct 2012 onwards!

38 In 1 word, describe what the Volvo truck represents LIFE! If you would like to know what I mean, my door is always open to you. Just don’t come and look for me at the smoker’s corner *wink*.

VOLVO 101 Genuine Volvo Parts FACILITIES New Volvo workshop on the way PARTS CAMPAIGN 100% EfямБcient with Genuine Volvo Parts