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INNOVATION
BUSINESS
NEWS
Solutrans Show Review CIMC On Special Vehicles WABCO’s Trailer Aerodynamics Megatrends: Digitisation
Kögel Executive Interview Industry Voice: JOST CEO Market Report: Turkey SAF-Holland Factory Tour
Schmitz Cargobull’s E-Axle Executive Announcements Business Expansions Industry Events
Visualization coming into Reality Modular and Digital design
CIMC Vehicle’s modular and digital design beyond the existing design language allows customers to be unprecedentedly autonomous. Customers can be free to choose the configuration and appearance according to their needs and preferences.
www.cimcvehiclesgroup.com
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COVER STORY
18
THE FUSION GENERATION
The commercial vehicles market has always been volatile, according to Ulrich Humbaur, and remains so currently. Due to his company’s two mainstays, forwarding and construction, Kögel responds to market conditions with highly flexible production concepts that adapt to market demand.
“THE SUCCESS OF KÖGEL IN RECENT YEARS IS DOWN TO BOTH TRIED-AND-TESTED KÖGEL QUALITY, AS WELL AS EXPANDED KÖGEL ACTIVITIES IN EUROPE. KÖGEL HAS CONSIDERABLY EXPANDED ITS SALES NETWORK FOR NEW AND USED SEMITRAILERS AS WELL AS ITS SPARE PARTS AND WORKSHOP NETWORK.” Ulrich Humbaur Kögel
IN THIS ISSUE BUSINESS
FEATURES
26 MARKET REPORT
44 AERODYNAMIC DESIGN & EQUIPMENT
Amid a range of challenges both economic and political, industry commentators forecast a promising outlook for Turkey.
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SHOW REVIEW
Solutrans has once again proven to be the world stage of choice for trailer manufacturers and OEMs to unveil game-changing technologies. Global Trailer takes a closer look at the road and urban transport solutions on show.
40 FACTORY TOUR
To strengthen its core market position, with growth on the horizon, SAF-Holland continues to innovate and improve its production capabilities in Bessenbach, Germany.
Technology company, WABCO, is helping the international transport industry save fuel and cut C02 emissions with its latest developments in trailer aerodynamics.
48 BUILT TO TASK
CIMC Vehicles is committed to the development of the special vehicle industry, following an extraordinary display of trailer innovation and smart interconnection.
REGULARS
59 PREVIEW
04 EDITOR’S NOTE
56 EVENTS
06 NEWS
58 MEGATRENDS
56 INDUSTRY VOICE
To be a lead manufacturer of vehicle connection systems, modules and components for trucks and trailers demands continuous innovation and a solid commitment to service, said newly appointed JOST CEO, Joachim Dürr.
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EDITOR’S NOTE
PUBLISHER
John Murphy john.murphy@primecreative.com.au
MANAGING EDITOR
Luke Applebee luke.applebee@primecreative.com.au
DESIGN PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Michelle Weston michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au
ART DIRECTOR Blake Storey
OBSESSION HAS AN ODOUR
DESIGN Jo De Bono, Kerry Pert, Madeline McCarty
INTERNATIONAL SALES
WHAT IS IT ABOUT ELON MUSK’S latest tease that captured the imagination of the world? The technology entrepreneur took to the stage late last year to spruik Tesla’s angular and shiny Cybertruck prototype – an all-electric light commercial vehicle that the American energy and automotive company boasts, is designed to have the utility of a truck with sports car performance and is built to be durable, versatile and capable of high performance both onand-off road. At a glance, the Cybertruck with its unibody construction and straightline panels is vaguely reminiscent of the DeLorean time machine from the Back to the Future franchise. While appealing to the science fiction crowd may have played a part in securing in excess of $10.5 billion USD in pre-orders, how sustainable is this model and will it drive the EV market forward? There are a range of challenges that must be addressed in order for EVs to be taken up in a commercial capacity seriously. These include: vehicle range, infrastructure for charging, payload versus efficiency with alternative modes of transport and official route access on public roads. This push for a cleaner, more sustainable, road transport future is further complicated by ambiguity and
4 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 5 0
uncertainty in how trailer standards are defined and enforced, at least in the US. Last month, the California Air Resources Board suspended its enforcement of the California greenhouse gas (GHG) trailer standards for a period of two years (2020-2021) following a series of outstanding issues including the stay of federal standards, delays by federal agencies on related matters, and most notably, the unclear characterisation of trailers as new motor vehicles under the Clean Air Act. Meanwhile, in Europe, emissions standards continue to influence the development of vehicles, particularly quieter and fuel-efficient trailer refrigeration units. This constructive conversation about the practical applications of EVs is feeding fuel to the satire fire but that’s not to say that there isn’t a possibility of a not-so-distant future where allelectric prime movers and semi-trailers are operating with ease. Then again, the internet’s response to the Cybertruck continues to amuse. One of numerous popular memes doing the rounds is a follow-up vehicle dubbed the Cyberbus. It happens to look like a Sandcrawler, the huge treaded fortress as seen in Star Wars.
Ashley Blachford ashley.blachford@primecreative.com.au
CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER
Justine Nardone justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au
CONTRIBUTORS Tim de Jong
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ARTICLES
All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.
COPYRIGHT
Global Trailer is owned by Prime Creative Media and published by John Murphy. All material in Global Trailer is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in Global Trailer are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.
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“On roads across the globe: JOST keeps us rolling!”
Trusting the market leader.
Truck and trailer manufacturers around the globe trust in JOST’s comprehensive range of components. Customer-orientated solutions, innovative products and a worldwide supply of spare parts make JOST the number 1. www.jost-world.com
NEWS INTERNATIONAL ASIA
SAF-Holland’s Yangzhou facility in China.
CHINA Equipment specialist, SAF-Holland, has tapped into Asia’s growth potential with the opening of its Yangzhou site. SAF-Holland has been active in the People’s Republic with production sites for more than 20 years. “With the investment in this location, we are now in an even better position and can operate in close proximity to our customers,” said SAF-Holland CEO, Alexander Geis. “We have also created ideal conditions for successfully tapping into the growth potentials for commercial vehicle components in China.” The opening of the new production facility was attended by the members of the SAF-Holland management as well as by representatives of the city council, authorities and regional administration. “The new site in China is equipped with best-in-class production equipment, provides SAF-Holland with a basis for further growth and strengthens our position as a premium manufacturer,” said SAF-Holland 6 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 5 0
President China, Jürgen Knott. The proximity to potential commercial vehicle customers was reported to be the deciding factor for the new subsidiary in the east of the People’s Republic. In Yangzhou, SAF-Holland will be bundling its future activities in China and expects increased efficiency from the shorter paths and the improved cost situation at the new location. The production buildings and offices with around 46,600 square metres of floor area were built on a site with almost 72,000 square metres in Yangzhou in just eight months. Currently, 134 employees work in production and administration at the site, with production focused on axles from the CBX, MODUL, Low-Loader and Restart series, including the suspension systems, as well as a large part of the landing gear range. CHINA United Parcel Service (UPS) has appointed Michelle Ho as the new President of UPS China, succeeding Harold Peters.
A UPS veteran with 26 years of logistics experience, Ho will spearhead UPS’s small package and strategic business planning operations in China. “UPS has had an established presence in China for more than three decades now, and our broad portfolio of services and global network puts us in a prime position to help Chinese businesses with their cross-border connectivity needs,” said UPS Asia Pacific President, Ross McCullough. “Michelle is no stranger to the China market, having previously served as Financial Controller for UPS China,” he said. “In that role, she was instrumental in driving UPS’ transition to a whollyowned operation. I am certain that Michelle’s extensive experience and leadership will serve UPS well as she leads more than 6,000 employees to deliver the best-in-class logistics experience for customers inside and outside of China.” “In the course of my journey with UPS, I have witnessed the evolution of the Chinese economy, which has evolved from a low-cost production model to one that is driven by valueadded manufacturing, high-tech production, and a growing consumerbase,” said Ho. CHINA Equipment specialist, SAF-Holland, has appointed Mike Ginocchio as the President of the newly combined Asia Pacific and China arm of the business. Ginocchio, who previously served as President of the Asia Pacific region (APAC) and member of the Group Management Board of SAF-Holland group, assumed responsibility for the China region effective 1 January 2020. SAF-Holland segments as of 1
NEWS
ASIA January 2020 comprise the EMEA, Americas and APAC_I/China regions. Ginocchio worked for SAF-Holland in the US from 1995 through to 2015 in various staff and operational management positions in the areas of technical development, product management, product planning, business development and strategic purchasing. In January 2016 he was appointed Vice President of the APAC region. On 1 January 2019, Ginocchio became the president of the APAC region and a member of the Group Management Board of SAF-Holland.
Ginocchio is a graduate engineer and postdoctoral lawyer. He initially studied mechanical engineering at the Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, followed by law at the Chicago-Kent College of Law in Chicago, Illinois. “I am very pleased that Mike Ginocchio will assume responsibility for a broader range of activities,” said SAF-Holland CEO, Alexander Geis. “He and his team were very successful in integrating the York Group, India, which was acquired last year, into the SAF-Holland Group. With regard to the Chinese market he will consistently complete
the relaunch and put us back on the road to success there.”
Mike Ginocchio.
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NEWS INTERNATIONAL ASIA
CEVA Logistics was founded in 2007.
SRI LANKA Global supply chain business, CEVA Logistics, has opened an office in Sri Lanka which will service clients in both the island nation and in the Maldives. From its headquarters in Colombo customers will be offered a full range of multi-modal services including air, ocean, sea-air Customs brokerage and road transportation solutions alongside the benefits of additional services operated within a Free Zone according to CEVA Logistics. “With our own operations being set up in Sri Lanka we are now able to take our operation in Sri Lanka and the Maldives to the next level,” said CEVA Logistics Executive Vice President IMEA, India, Middle East, Africa, Fuat Adoran. “CEVA Logistics’ customers will find we are able to deliver more efficient solutions across a greater range of services,” he said. “Inbound customers will be able to take advantage of the strong domestic network we can now offer across Sri Lanka while exporters in this rapidly emerging economy will now have wider international access for their shipments.” CEVA Logistics said it will add greater value to the predominantly export driven Sri Lankan economy, serving industries such as garments and textiles, machinery and electronics among others. CEVA is also entering the market at a time when the country is bidding to position itself as a regional logistics hub, with its strategic location in Asia. 8 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 5 0
EUROPE FRANCE SAE-SMB Industries is proposing a new nine-tonne disc brake axle – the Airmax – for trailers. The nine-tonne Airmax is reported to be a forged one-piece axle body which gives it ‘unequalled’ strength. ”At the bearing area of the cartridge bearing, the rockets are hot rolled by a ceramic ball to locally increase the resistance of the material,” SAE-SMB said in a statement. “The hub is fully treated by cataphoresis to protect it from any oxidation. Its particular shape with corrugated relief allows a ventilation in the heart of the disk and thus avoids that the heat of the latter comes to disrupt its operation. “The disc has a styling zone with ventilation openings that allow the air flow to pass through this zone and thereby cool the hub. The heat remains on the track of the ventilated disc.” SAE-SMB said the Airmax can be fitted with Haldex or Knorr-Bremse brake callipers. “The eccentrically aligned suspension Kässbohrer partners with Bils-Deroo.
is secured with self-locking nuts to maintain perfect alignment,” said SAESMB. “This can be equipped with a bilateral lift. The axle is guaranteed six years or 1,000,000km in the first of two terms achieved for road and three years or 500,000km for off-road uses.” FRANCE French transport and logistics company, Bils-Deroo, has partnered with German OEM, Kässbohrer, to strengthen its fleet with high quality trailers. Bils-Deroo President, Jimmy Bils, Kässbohrer Board Member, İffet Türken, General Manager of Kässbohrer partner TheTruckCompany BBVA, Kris Dobbelaere and TheTruckCompany BVBA Sales Manager, Eric Robert, attended a recent trailer delivery ceremony. “We look for operational ease, advanced security and long vehicle life in our trailers,” said Bils. “Beginning with investment in their container chassis, Kässbohrer vehicles delivered on all our priorities.
NEWS
EUROPE We are happy to extend our partnership with an investment in their curtainsiders as well. “Our partnership started with our investment in 21 Middle-Rear Extendable Multifunctional Container Chassis K.SHG AMH vehicles that enable to carry containers ranging from 20ft to 40ft high cube. It is easy to change the container lock positions for the best fit and load distribution providing operational ease in our multi size container transport business. Equipped with Trailer Innovation 2019 Winner novel octagonal central frame design, solving the snagging problem during extension and twist and break during load transport K.SHG AMH proved to be more robust guaranteeing longer vehicle lifetime. “As a result of our satisfaction with Kässbohrer, we have decided to continue to boost our fleet with 40 robust Kässbohrer Curtainsider vehicles and now we have 61 highquality Kässbohrer vehicles in our fleet. Kässbohrer Curtainsider K.SCH X makes a difference with their robustness and is equipped with 35 mm plywood floor. “Through an internal height of 2.900 mm, K.SCH X provides more capacity for each transfer enabling more efficient operations. To ensure the safety of good transported is our priority. Our K.SCH X Kässbohrer Curtainsiders are equipped with the anti-theft curtains enabling us securely deliver our customers products throughout France. “Kässbohrer’s many options was another winning point for us. With our request, Kässbohrer equipped K.SCH X with Tailguard adding another level of safety for our operations,” he said. We value Kässbohrer’s wide aftersales network in France supporting
RTS Transport Service invests in 45 Krone trailers.
us to keep our vehicles working all the time.” Türken said Kässbohrer is very happy to establish a partnership with Bils-Deroo. “We are offering the widest product range in Europe that fully supports versatile customer operations, for our new partner Bils-Deroo during container transportation with Multifunctional Container Chassis K.SHG AMH and general cargo transportation with robust, high-quality Curtainsider K.SCH X,” she said. “With our broad after sales services network, we guarantee Bils-Deroo’s after sales operations and support the continuity of their operations with our spare parts facility located in Lyon. As a result of the customer-centric approach, Kässbohrer continuously increases its service packages and always support its customers through broad after sales services including K-Advance Care Service Packages tailored to each customers’ operational needs as well as 24/7 Kässbohrer Hotline available in 27 countries and 23 languages I have no doubt that our partnership will continue to grow with the power of our widest product range and broad after sales services network.” Bils-Derro was founded in France in 1911.
GERMANY Dassendorf-based freight forwarder, RTS Transport Service, has invested in 45 new Krone trailers, including 40 turntable box carriers, two swap units and three central axle box carriers. RTS Transport Service Managing Director, Jürgen Klein, visited Werle and participated in a factory tour as part of the handover. “Due to the very good vehicle quality, we have repeatedly opted for Krone since the company was founded in 1997; in the meantime, the Krone share of our vehicle fleet is around 95 per cent,” said Klein. Holger Struck of TRS Transport Service also emphasised the exemplary cooperation with Krone. “We always use the latest technology, because we do not see ourselves as a classic freight forwarder, but as a service provider in the logistics industry,” said Struck. “In addition, in Patric Niemann we have a competent and reliable contact partner, which is next to quality, another strong argument for our many years of brand loyalty.” Krone Managing Director, Dr. Frank Albers, thanked RTS Transport Service on behalf of the entire Krone team for the renewed order and the pronounced loyalty. W W W. G LO B A LT R A I L E R M AG . C O M / G L O B A L T R A I L E R / 9
NEWS INTERNATIONAL EUROPE BPW AirSave.
GERMANY BPW’s AirSave, which incorporates the PSI system from Celerity DRS, uses existing trailer pneumatics with fully automatic booster pump to ensure preset tyre pressure is maintained at all times. This technology, backed by practical tests by freight forwarders, is reported to achieve savings in fuel and tyres. According to Alfred Weyres, owner and Managing Director of Alfred Weyres Spedition, the purchase of an AirSave pays for itself ‘astonishingly’ quickly. “The system ensures a permanently optimised roll resistance; fuel economy is clear – and added is the considerably longer tyre mileage,” he said. “Because the fabric carcass is conserved, the system also optimises retreadability.” AirSave is reported to save about a thousand euros per year in fuel and tyre wear. For a three-axle vehicle with a mileage of 120,000 kilometres per year and an average pressure deviation of 10 per cent, AirSave, according to BPW, delivers a cost benefit of 700 euros per year – solely as a result of the fuel savings (around 250 litres) and the longer service life of the tyres. At 200,000 kilometres, the cost savings increase to almost 10 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 5 0
1,000 euros (and they do so year after year). “The gains in time and safety have not yet been factored into this calculation,” said BPW Product Manager, Caren Freudenberg. “The driver no longer has to constantly check and readjust the tyre pressure on the trailer one at a time. AirSave thus also reduces the risk of tyre bursts, which can lead to considerable downtimes or even serious accidents.” BPW said if tyre pressure drops rapidly due to damage, AirSave alerts the driver and allows an immediate planned stop in the workshop. The telematics network is already prepared in the factory by BPW. This way, it is not only the driver who is always informed about the tyre pressure via the smartphone app. The authorised agent can also be informed automatically just in case. Weyres told BPW he was already completely convinced by the test drives with the AirSave system. “We’ve received excellent feedback from our drivers, technicians and dispatchers,” he said. “AirSave not only saves costs and time, but reduces your stress as well. When there’s no need to worry about the tyres, driving and planning is simply more relaxed. We will consistently order our trailers with AirSave in the future.” BPW engineers incorporated the market-leading PSI system from Celerity DRS into the AirSave build and developed it further with numerous measures. BPW thus places great importance on an independent, particularly robust and easy to install design for all external components mounted on the wheel end. The system uses the existing
trailer pneumatics and, with a fully automatic booster pump, ensures that the preset tyre pressure is maintained at all times. The air is guided through the axle beam to the wheel end and from there to the tyre valve. The system will uncover a consistent loss of pressure. AirSave kicks in at a pressure deviation of just 0.2 bar. AirSave is maintenance-free for three years. Starting in November, BPW will supply all 9-12 t ECO Plus axles intended for AirSave with the corresponding pre-assembled components. “AirSave is the first tyre pressure control system that meets our requirements in terms of sealing and sturdiness,” said Freudenberg. As is typical for BPW products, the system can be connected digitally. An optional connection to the ‘cargofleet3’ telematics portal from Idem Telematics is fitted by the manufacturer. The driver can keep an eye on the condition of all tyres at all times via the corresponding smartphone app. The app also indicates whether air has been readjusted. Vehicle operators can order the AirSave system ex works directly from their preferred vehicle manufacturer. André Gerken of Celerity DRS is delighted about the collaboration with BPW. ”Together with BPW’s engineers, we have extensively developed important components,” he said. “By doing so, we are together lifting the PSI system to an unprecedented level of quality. We are delighted that BPW has decided to partner with Celerity CRS, and we are convinced that our joint solution will quickly establish itself in the market.”
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NEWS INTERNATIONAL EUROPE
P&M Express specifies Talson for transport versatility.
NETHERLANDS Netherlands-based courier company, P&M Express, has taken delivery of its third Talson trailer which will be used for various transport tasks. P&M Express’ fleet comprises 25 small vans, 50 prime movers and 100 trailers. 2020 will mark 30 years of operation for the company which has grown to become an international business, employing more than 100 people. P&M Express CEO, Patrick in ‘t Ven, said the new Talson trailer can transport both air cargo containers and hanging garments, the latter due to the Talfix system. “Because of this versatility, the trailer can be used much more efficiently,” he said. “We work with loading and unloading shifts, and they are familiar with working with Talson trailers. This saves time that is valuable not only for us, but also for the customer.” Talson trailers last a long time and are repair friendly according to in ‘t Ven. “This has already proved to be an advantage compared to other trailers that we have here,” he said. The P&M Talson trailers have an internal loading height of 2.80 metres. “That’s more than enough for us, but it’s a standard size for Talson,” said in ‘t Ven. The Talson trailers are delivered on drum brakes which is P&M Express’ preference. “These are easier to replace and appear to be advantageous in terms of 12 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 5 0
cost,” said in ‘t Ven. “For us, Talson is the best air cargo trailer; you can see this type of trailer as a standardised custom-made solution. We use the trailers intensively. Then it turns out that they are also able to withstand a bit of stress. The roller conveyors always work, and if they are not necessary in the case of clothing transport, you can lower them. For the work we have, in the service to our customers, and witness the requirements of our customers with regard to safety, everything comes together well with Talson.” NETHERLANDS Global Transport and logistics company, Kuehne + Nagel, has announced the acquisition of the overland and logistics activities of Rotra. Rotra is headquartered in the Netherlands with approximately 800 employees and is reported to earn a yearly net revenue of more than €100 million. Following the recent takeover of the Jöbstl Group in Austria, this acquisition is another strategic step for Kuehne + Nagel in expanding its leading European overland network with strong positions in all major markets. “Rotra is a leading and well-rooted player in the Netherlands and in Belgium – two of the centres of gravity for logistics in Europe,” said Stefan Paul, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne + Nagel International
AG, responsible for Overland. “Their activities strategically complement Kuehne + Nagel’s existing network all over Europe; to the benefit of our local and international customers who will have access to our expanded service portfolio in this region.” Rotra is a family-owned company that stands for excellent customer service, reliability and flexibility – values that are also central to Kuehne + Nagel. The company operates a fleet of over 200 trucks, providing Europe-wide overland transportation as well as contract logistics services for Dutch, Belgian and international customers. It manages cross dock facilities in the Netherlands and in Belgium. “After more than a century of growing our family business, the time has now come to offer our customers an even wider road network and a broader range of services,” said Rotra Director and co-owner, Harm Roelofsen. “Kuehne + Nagel, one of the leading logistics providers worldwide, is our partner of choice to enable further growth and at the same time offering our employees the best future development opportunities.” Kuehne + Nagel will acquire the overland and logistics activities of Rotra. The seafreight and airfreight as well as the container terminal activities will remain with the current owners. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including merger clearance by the competent competition authorities. POLAND Polish OEM, Wielton, has unveiled five new models of its Curtain Master range in response to different customer expectations. Wielton engineers reportedly put a special emphasis on strength, tightness and functionality of use with
NEWS
EUROPE the Curtain Master designs. “The modern frame and body design ensure high strength of the semitrailer confirmed by numerous tests carried out at Wielton Research and Development Center,” Wielton said in a statement. “At the same time, the low tare weight of the semi-trailer was kept, which significantly reduced the cost of its operation on long routes.” Wielton said the Curtain Master production process leverages a modern hybrid welding technology that allows for solid and precise joins which minimises the risk of deformation, extending the life cycle of the trailer.
The chassis is also treated with anticorrosion protection. “Our clients expect durable and modern products, convenient to use and safe,” said Wielton President, Mariusz Golec. “With them in mind, we present five models for various transport tasks. They share an innovative and proven design, high quality workmanship and ergonomic solutions that optimise loading and unloading, reducing its time. Thus, using them is effective, which translates into specific savings in business.” The Curtain Master features a modern roof construction, front wall and rear
panel. The trailer design is optimised for efficient loading and unloading with handles for winding custom lines on the front wall. The Curtain Master is also fitted with a number of functional options including reversing radar, steering axle, suspended belt system as well as smartphone operating capabilities. The five Curtain Master models include: Curtain Master (for transporting loads on pallets); Curtain Master Mega (with increased capacity); Side Curtain Master (curtainsider), Coil Master (equipped semi-trailer); and Drop Side Master for the construction industry.
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NEWS INTERNATIONAL EUROPE
Kögel Sales Director – Spain and Portugal, Javier del Mazo.
SPAIN German trailer builder, Kögel, appointed Javier del Mazo as its new Sales Director for Spain and Portugal last month to further increase market shares. With 35 years of experience, del Mazo took over the role of Sales Director for the Iberian Peninsula from his predecessor Hector Rodriguez, who departed from the company of his own accord. In his new position, del Mazo will primarily be responsible for key accounts, as well as the management and further expansion of the existing dealer, service and workshop network. In del Mazo, Kögel has gained a manager and an industry expert from the ranks of the European market leader for semi-trailers. He reports directly to Kögel Managing Director, Massimo Dodoni. Before joining Kögel, del Mazo held various management positions at Europe’s market leader in semi-trailers for a period of 13 years, during which he significantly expanded the business in Spain and Portugal. As a result, he has great connections to many fleet managers and persons 14 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 5 0
of influence in the industry. Prior to that, he held various positions, culminating in technical director, at the Spanish market leader in semitrailers for 21 years. “With Javier del Mazo on board, we have an expert in sales and trailers, who is sure to contribute valuable new impetus to the further development of Kögel in Spain and Portugal,” said Dodoni. “We would like to thank Hector Rodriguez for his outstanding service in expanding our business on the Iberian Peninsula over the past years and wish him all the best and every success for the future.” UK International transport firm, DWP & Sons, has become the first operator in the UK to incorporate Schmitz Cargobull’s latest technology to its fleet, adding 17 new tri-axle reefers fitted with the manufacturer’s most efficient cooling unit. The new S.CU refrigeration unit is 50kg lighter than its predecessor and 10 per cent more fuel efficient, without compromising on performance. It also meets Stage V EU emission regulations, minimising its impact on air quality, whilst Schmitz Cargobull cooling unit debuts in UK with DWP & Sons.
an optimised Silence Kit further reduces noise. “A lighter and more efficient cooling unit translates to increased payloads and reduced fuel costs for us, so it makes good business sense,” said DWP & Sons Managing Director, Danny Poole. “I’ve been buying Schmitz Cargobull trailers for 25 years and we have used their cooling unit since they first launched five years ago. “They’re reliable, well-built and need minimal maintenance. Whenever we do need spare parts the after-sales service is quick and efficient,” he said. The reefers, which will transport frozen food products to customers in Belgium and the Netherlands, are also equipped with Schmitz Cargobull’s TrailerConnect telematics, providing complete traceability. Every component can be monitored on the road via an online dashboard, meaning fleet maintenance decisions can be made quickly – reducing running costs and maximising uptime. As a Schmitz Cargobull customer, DWP & Sons has access to the manufacturer’s pan-European Service Partner network for repair and maintenance.
NEWS
NORTH AMERICA US Wabash National has announced that Dr Martin Jischke has chosen to retire following the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders. The Board will appoint Wabash National’s long-standing director, Larry Magee, to serve as the next chairman of the board assuming his anticipated re-election as a director at the company’s annual meeting. “It has been a great privilege to serve alongside Wabash National colleagues for the past 17 years,” said Dr Jischke. “Their integrity, intellectual rigour, engineering innovation and commitment to making Wabash better are what make Wabash National such an extraordinary company. I’m proud to hand the reins over to Larry for the next chapter in the company’s history.” Dr Jischke became the company’s Chairman of the Board in 2007. Before joining the company’s Board in 2002, he was the 10th President of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where he served from August 2000 until his retirement in July 2007. “I want to thank Martin for his unwavering dedication to Wabash National,” Wabash National CEO, Brent Yeagy. “As a result of his unrelenting focus on creating value and growing the company, Wabash National has become a stronger and more stable organisation. His leadership and counsel have been invaluable to the company, and more personally, I have benefited greatly from Martin’s advice, guidance and friendship.” Dr Jischke has served in leadership positions, including as president of four major research universities in the US, in which he was charged with the strategic and financial leadership of each organisation. He was also previously appointed as
Wabash National HQ.
a Special Assistant to the United States Secretary of Transportation. He continues to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Illinois Institute of Technology, and previously served as a director of Duke Realty Corporation from 2004 to 2016 and served as a director of Vectren Corporation from 2007 to 2017. “On behalf of the Board of Directors and everyone at Wabash National, I want to congratulate Martin for his distinguished career and thank him for his steadfast service to our company and our community,” said Yeagy. “He has been a model of corporate leadership and integrity in the industry and beyond. We wish him well in his retirement.” “Looking ahead to our future, we are excited to work with Larry as we continue our business transformation to be the innovation leader of engineered solutions in the transportation, logistics and distribution markets. His dedication and leadership on the Wabash National Board since 2005 has been instrumental to our success and
growth as an organisation,” he said. Wabash National has also announced the appointment of Terry Bassett to the company’s Board of Directors and to the Nominating and Corporate Governance and Compensation Committees. Bassett recently retired from Avnet after 26 years with the company, where she most recently served as Chief Strategy, Innovation, and Mergers and Acquisitions Officer responsible for identifying growth opportunities to enhance the overall business portfolio, financial strength and global market value. Bassett is currently the Managing Director of NuVentures, a consulting firm focused on strategy, innovation and M&A pipeline development. Commenting on this appointment, Dr Martin Jischke, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, said: “Terry brings a wealth of experience in developing strategic growth plans, innovation programs and talent development strategies for a global business. We are fortunate to have Terry join our effort to continue our growth and to build Wabash National Corporation as the innovation leader in the transportation, logistics and distribution industries. We welcome her ideas, expertise and enthusiasm, and look forward to her contributions as a representative of the Company’s stockholders”. The appointment of Bassett brings Wabash National’s Board to nine members. With the exception of Yeagy, the directors qualify as independent directors under the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange and the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. All of the Board of Director committees continue to be comprised of only independent directors. W W W. G LO B A LT R A I L E R M AG . C O M / G L O B A L T R A I L E R / 15
NEWS INTERNATIONAL OCEANIA
Aramex is rolling out compostable packaging solutions in New Zealand.
AUSTRALIA Chinese manufacturing company, Mengniu Dairy, has entered an agreement to acquire Lion Dairy & Drinks for $600 million AUD, subject to adjustments. Lion’s alcohol businesses in Australia and New Zealand and its global Lion Little World Beverages business are not affected by the Dairy & Drinks sale process. The sale, according to Lion CEO, Stuart Irvine, includes all white milk, milk-based beverages, yoghurt, juice and water ice brands and assets. It also includes Lion Dairy & Drinks’ International business, and Dairy & Drinks’ share of the joint ventures Vitasoy Australia Products and Capitol Chilled Foods Australia and Dairy & Drinks’ licensing agreement for the Yoplait brand. The sale is subject to ACCC and 16 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 5 0
Foreign Investment Review Board approvals and other standard closing conditions. Once completed, this sale, together with the sale of the specialty cheese business to Saputo Dairy Australia for $280 million (announced in April 2019 and finalised in October 2019), will represent a full divestment of the Dairy & Drinks business. “When we announced the decision to sell the Dairy & Drinks business last year, we made clear our intention to identify the best future ownership arrangements for the Dairy & Drinks business,” said Irvine. “Our aim throughout has been to ensure that both Dairy & Drinks and the Lion business are ideally positioned for growth – with the right people, assets and investment behind their respective strategies. “After reaching an agreement to sell
the Specialty Cheese business to Saputo on a standalone basis, we took some time to carefully assess all options for the balance of the Dairy & Drinks business that would best deliver on our objectives,” he said. Irvine said Mengniu Dairy is an ideal owner to take Lion forward due to its track record of investing in the Australian dairy industry along with its global reach and capabilities. “Bringing the businesses together will help drive Mengniu Dairy’s growth in the Australian domestic market, while also accelerating Dairy & Drinks’ aspirations in South East Asia and China,” he said. “In addition, Dairy & Drinks will benefit from access to leading-edge dairy research and development capability and further investment as part of the Mengniu business. “The full divestment of the Dairy &
NEWS
OCEANIA Drinks business will ensure it has an owner that is well placed to grow the business over the long term, while also accelerating Lion’s pivot to becoming a leading global adult drinks business. We are very confident that today’s announcement [25 November 2019] best positions both Lion and the Dairy & Drinks business to move forward and reach their full potential in the years ahead.” Lion (part of the Target Group) has 13 manufacturing facilities across Australia and an extensive cold chain distribution network that services 35,000 customers. Mengniu said in a statement that one of the benefits of the acquisition is to support high-end ultra-heat treatment (UHT) milk growth opportunities and synergies in the supply chain. AUSTRALIA Michigan-based logistics and cold storage company, Lineage Logistics, has acquired cold chain logistics provider Emergent Cold. The deal, reported as being more than $900 million AUD, is expected to expand its operations in AsiaPacific including Australia and New Zealand where Emergent Cold has a sizeable footprint. Founded in 2017, Emergent Cold which recently proposed to acquire Melbourne-based Oxford Cold Storage, maintains a network of 46 cold stores in six countries. According to the company it is one of the largest temperature-controlled service providers in the southern hemisphere. In a statement Lineage President and CEO, Greg Lehmkuhl said food producers, manufacturers and retailers are looking for cold chain
partners who can offer a dynamic and truly end-to-end temperaturecontrolled logistics solution, one that can reach every corner of the world. “Welcoming Emergent to the Lineage family not only adds significant capacity to our international footprint, but also deepens our commitment to our port strategy and international trade,” he said. Emergent Cold was founded in 2017, has a network of 46 cold stores in six countries, and is among the largest temperature-controlled service providers in the southern hemisphere, the company said. Lineage representatives confirmed the transaction is expected to close in 2020 and will increase its global reach by an estimated 8 per cent bringing its cubic feet storage capacity to 1.7 billion. Its customers in North America include Walmart Inc., Tyson Foods Inc., General Mills Inc. and Sysco Corp. NEW ZEALAND New Zealand courier company, Aramex, formerly Fastway Couriers, has introduced what it describes as an environmental game changer to combat the use of hundreds of thousands of plastic parcels every day. Fastway Aramex Chief Executive, Scott Jenyns, has launched a nationwide roll out of compostable packaging solutions of satchels, labels and bubble protection in partnership with The Better Packaging Co. following a successful trial with a honey retailer. Jenyns said the business had been looking for an eco-packaging solution that provides the consumer,
the retailer and Aramex with an environmental alternative. Globally, Aramex set a target in 2016 of reducing its carbon footprint by 20 per cent by 2020. It reportedly reached the target by 2017 and set a further 20 per cent reduction target. “The spotlight has been on plastic for some time and we’ve been searching for a green packaging solution that makes our courier drivers, our customers and their customers feel good about how they pack, deliver and receive their goods,” said Jenyns. “Since supermarkets moved to plastic free bags, we’ve said that if they can do it, so can we and it’s been great to partner with an innovative New Zealand business to come up with compostable packaging solutions,” he said. Jenyns added that due to the explosion of e-commerce retail there has been a huge increase in delivering packages to residential properties, up by over 50 per cent in the last two years. Globally 65 billion parcels are delivered every year. “We have gone from a courier company that predominantly sent parcels from business to business to delivering over 60 per cent of parcels to online shoppers at their homes,” he said. “The number of parcels we now deliver has grown exponentially and up until now they have also been in plastic packaging.” Aramex will continue to offer its more traditional satchels, which have also been given an environmental overhaul. Manufactured using 80 per cent recycled materials they are 100 per cent recyclable and can be dropped off at key recycling points throughout New Zealand. W W W. G LO B A LT R A I L E R M AG . C O M / G L O B A L T R A I L E R / 17
THE FUSION
GENERATION THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLES MARKET HAS ALWAYS BEEN VOLATILE, ACCORDING TO ULRICH HUMBAUR, AND REMAINS SO CURRENTLY. DUE TO HIS COMPANY’S TWO MAINSTAYS, FORWARDING AND CONSTRUCTION, KÖGEL RESPONDS TO MARKET CONDITIONS WITH HIGHLY FLEXIBLE PRODUCTION CONCEPTS THAT ADAPT TO INDUSTRY DEMAND.
K
ögel has been developing positively since its acquisition by Ulrich Humbaur in 2009. The trailer manufacturer has hired more than 270 new employees in Burtenbach since 2009. Sales and revenue have more than tripled since then. Humbaur GmbH and Kögel Trailer GmbH are autonomous companies and separate brands. However, they share one important thing in common, and that is the owner, Ulrich Humbaur. As the owner of both companies, he has a passion for all trailers, from 750 kg to 50,000 kg. Together,
The KTT is a three-axle tipper trailer with 24m³ loading volume and a weight-optimised frame.
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the two companies produce over 70,500 commercial vehicles annually. Around 1,800 employees develop and produce large and small trailers for both private and commercial customers, boasting an annual turnover of 667 million euros. Global Trailer met with Ulrich Humbaur to learn more.
COVER STORY
Ulrich Humbaur. An interview with Ulrich Humbaur
Q: In March 2019, the Bavarian Minister for Construction and Transport, Dr Hans Reichart, visited the main Kögel plant in Burtenbach. She emphasised the importance of Kögel trailers for the construction and transport industry. How does your vision for the future of infrastructure and road transport align with local government? Is this an important consideration for Kögel? A: In Germany, Kögel has been ‘fighting’ for its 1.3-metre elongated trailers to be permitted for use in all German states and throughout Europe in transnational transport since 2006. We believe that sooner or later, the elongated trailer will become the standard vehicle, not only in Germany but throughout Europe, as no other concept will allow us to meet our climate goals as quickly and effectively. Until it is permitted, demand will continue to rise.
Trucker Tipper (KTT). What was the market/industry feedback like at the show, and how is the KTT being received in general? A: Kögel has offered its tipper trailer since 2011. Since then, the finer details have been optimised through our continuous improvement process. In 2018, Kögel sold almost 100 per cent more tipper trailers than the previous year. Kögel currently offers steel troughs in a modular design, in various tipperbody-thickness and wall-thickness combinations. The body is available in a thickness of four, five or six millimetres and the side walls in a thickness of three-to-five millimetres. Kögel customers usually opt for the combination with a five-millimetrethick body and four-millimetre-thick walls. Since 2018, Kögel has offered a clever material mix for even more payload: The floor is made of tempered Hardox 450 steel in the above-mentioned thicknesses, the side walls made of extremely hard-wearing five-millimetre-thick aluminium sheet, and the back wall made of extremely hard-wearing seven-millimetre-thick aluminium sheet. Compared to a Kögel tipper trailer with four-millimetre-thick steel side walls and a five-millimetre-thick steel back wall, the new aluminium drop sides and back wall enable a saving of up to 430 kilograms in tare weight. The KTT has been designed with a focus on user-friendliness. When designing the Kögel Trucker Tipper, the company focussed on achieving maximum user-friendliness through a combination of parts fitted as standard and an extensive range of accessory equipment. The KTT was extremely well-received by Bauma visitors. In the construction sector, there is a stable economy and rising demand for Kögel tipper trailers. We also expect to make a lot of investments in road and rail infrastructure. There continues to be pent-up demand for building construction too. Spare parts facility in Ulm, Germany.
Q: Are there any new developments in the works regarding trailing equipment that is optimised for the construction industry? At the last Bauma trade show we saw the user friendly and increased payload Kögel
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The Kögel Cargo Rail of the NOVUM generation features a high level of customisation and can be adapted for niche freight forwarding requirements.
Q: How is Kögel’s operations in Europe and around the world? Romania, for example, saw a sales restructure at the beginning of 2019. Can you tell us more about the status of Kögel’s global presence? What is the company’s vision for the future? A: The success of Kögel in recent years is down to both tried-and-tested Kögel quality, as well as expanded Kögel activities in Europe. Kögel KTL coating process. has considerably expanded its sales network for new and used semi-trailers as well as its spare parts and workshop network. For example, we acquired a new dealer, Olmosdon, in Moldova in early 2019, and have appointed new sales managers for Germany, France, Spain, Benelux, Scandinavia and UK, the Balkans and for Poland, Czech Republic, Romania and the Baltics in the past few years. Kögel is therefore optimally equipped from a sales and after-market perspective, and is able to cope with country-specific crises, as seen in Russia in recent years. There is still unmet demand, for example, in Scandinavia.
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These are very large markets, of which Kögel still has a very low share, but we want to and plan to change that. At least, we have already made a start. We adapt the sales structure to the respective market conditions. Kögel
COVER STORY
Production in Duingen, Germany.
is now represented on every sales market in Europe. In countries like Italy, Benelux and Russia and soon in France und Spain, we are represented by our own sales branch. In other countries, we work with sales managers and/or dealers. This ensures the optimum organisation for each country. Decisive factors are the size and sales traditions of the respective market. Q: Kögel brought its comprehensive portfolio of innovative freight transport equipment to the 2018 IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover. The company aimed to make the road transport industry of tomorrow safer, simpler and more environmentally friendly. How is Kögel tracking with this ideal? A: At Kögel, we are constantly working on improving the user-friendliness, added value and payload of our trailers. This is demonstrated by our new NOVUM trailer generation, which was launched at IAA and will gradually be extended to the Cargo, Mega and Light platform trailers. NOVUM not only introduces the new external frame and body but also the new, optimally designed Kögel modular system with optimised, uniform new modules, assemblies, and components. This enables an extremely high level of individualisation for the NOVUM generation trailers, with Kögel addressing
the wide-ranging requirements of the market. When it comes to protecting the environment, Kögel keeps on delivering innovative ideas like the Kögel Lightplus and the Kögel Euro trailer with 1.3-metre elongation. The payload-optimised Kögel Lightplus reduces CO2 emissions by up to eight per cent compared with a Kögel standard trailer. With a low tare weight, starting at 4,798 kilograms with individual equipment, and 5,175 kilograms in its standard version, it is exceptionally cost-effective to drive. For example, the approx. 1,000kg-lighter Lightplus can save up to 0.6 litres of diesel per 100km. In addition, fewer trips are needed with a specified annual tonnage. Fewer trips mean lower fuel consumption and fewer CO2 emissions. In addition, the Kögel Lightplus offers ahigh degree of customisation to individual customer requirements compared to competitor vehicles. In 2018, the Mega Rail Euro Trailer even won the European Transport Award for Sustainability in the semi-trailer category. The independent jury of experts, consisting of well-known figures from the world of economy and science as The company headquarters and main production facility of Kögel Trailer are located in the Bavarian town of Burtenbach.
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well as industry associations and media, recognised the outstanding potential of the volume semi-trailer, which has been extended by 1.3 metres: up to ten per cent fuel savings, up to ten per cent lower CO2 emissions, multimodality and public acceptance. Q: Are there any new developments you can discuss regarding the NOVUM generation of trailers? A: Kรถgel is gradually introducing the new and reliable external frame and body
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already known from the Kรถgel Lightplus for its Cargo, Mega, and Light platform trailers. The Kรถgel tarpaulin semi-trailers are also receiving further optimisations as part of the new NOVUM generation. NOVUM not only introduces the new external frame and body but also the new, optimally designed Kรถgel modular system with optimised, uniform new
COVER STORY
modules, assemblies, and components. Only recently, we presented the Kögel Cargo Rail at transport logistic 2019 in Munich. Q: Load restraint is an important aspect of freight forwarding. Kögel FastFix is a lightweight, user-friendly and rapid replacement for wood, aluminium and steel lattices. Is this option proving to be popular? Are there any other innovations from Kögel that promote improved OH&S and efficiency? A: We are currently in the processing of convincing our customers of the benefits
of the Kögel FastFix textile lattices. After experiencing them, drivers will not look back. A very important and positive secondary effect: the risk of personal injury and load damage caused by falling lattices is completely eliminated. For a quicker, easier and safer handling during loading and unloading we provide the Kögel FastSlider sliding tarpaulin system. This quick opening and closing system is reinforced with mini stakes, which meets the DIN EN 12642 Code XL requirements for body stability. The system features a quickopening lever at the front, enabling opening and closing in seconds, and a tried-and-tested Kögel expansion shaft and ratchet at the rear. The Kögel FastSlider system also features a Kögel Strong & Go integral roof tarpaulin. On the Kögel Mega, the expansion shaft and ratchet are used at the front and rear. This system is Kögel’s answer to the requirements of the automotive and beverage industries for short loading times, and grants drivers quicker, easier and safer handling when loading and unloading. The new optional Kögel EasyFix sliding roof stopper is now available for all Kögel NOVUM generation platform trailers. So now it’s quick and easy to secure the open roof. And after completing the loading process, you can close the roof from above without having to unlock it again. The system therefore increases efficiency and safety during loading and unloading. Q: How is Kögel’s foray into axles going? A: The Kögel KTA trailer axle has been the standard for many models of the Kögel Cargo, Kögel Lightplus, Kögel Cool – PurFerro quality, and Kögel Box product ranges, along with various chassis, since 2017. The KTA is performing very well economically, as expected. Our customers have accepted the KTA and have been won over by the high performance of the Kögel service network. Last year, around ten percent of all trailers sold were equipped with our own axle design. We are currently considering variants with different ride heights and brake disc diameters, as well as axles for combined transport.
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COVER STORY
“SINCE 2019, THE KÖGEL TELEMATICS CONNECTIVIT Y DATABASE ALLOWS YOU NOT ONLY TO FEED ALL THE ACQUIRED DATA INTO THE CLEAR, SELF-EXPLANATORY AND EASY TO USE WEB PORTAL AND OTHER FLEE T MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, BUT ALSO TO IMPORT IT – IN REAL TIME – INTO EXISTING PROCESSES AND A HOST OF SOF T WARE SYSTEMS.” Ulrich Humbaur Kögel
Q: How has Kögel’s telematics technology changed over the years? There seems to be growing demand for smarter trailers featuring telematics support. A: As a trailer manufacturer, we know our trailers best and Kögel Telematics is perfectly adapted to them. A telematics system installed ex-works often provides the added value that a retrofitted one cannot. For example, retrofitting a telematics system to a refrigerated trailer is very laborious. It should therefore always be ordered ex-works to enable access to all the essential data of the Kögel refrigerated trailer. Our web portal is at the centre: a user-friendly interface and comprehensive features make your job as a dispatcher and fleet manager easier. We are constantly working on the further development of evaluations and data processing methods, in order to simply work processes and meaningfully evaluate the recorded data. Since 2019, the Kögel Telematics Connectivity database allows you not only to feed all the acquired data into the clear, self-explanatory and easy to use web portal and other fleet management systems, but also to import it – in real time – into existing processes and a host of software systems. And of course, the data is also easily to access via our free Kögel Telematics app for iOS and Android devices. Digitalisation is increasingly growing in importance in the transport sector, which is why we too are working on providing our customers with a time and cost-saving solution. A trailer telematics system should deliver much more than just global positioning and monitoring. In the near future, trucks will also be able to communicate with trailer telematics systems. On the truck market, telematics are already the norm; trailers, however, have yet to catch up. Demand for trailer telematics system is rising, especially when it comes to trailers for rental and for the transport of valuable cargo, such as medications. For example, to meet the requirement of pharmaceutical logistics for continuous tracking of temperature profiles, a telematics system like Kögel Telematics is indispensable. Q: Sister company, Humbaur, specialises in small trailer and truck body design, with an emphasis on new urban logistics solutions. Are there any new developments that you can discuss? How does Humbaur continue to complement Kögel’s product offering? A: As you may already have noticed, the last mile is entirely in the hands of the sister company, Humbaur. We’re talking about the Humbaur FlexBox vehicles
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bodies. These have been developed in close cooperation with the automotive industry and leading European logistics service providers. Variable in length, width and height, they can be installed on any vehicle type. The result is optimised commercial vehicles and the corresponding trailers for distribution transport. Following the successful market launch on van chassis in 2016, the bodies can now also be installed on trucks. The FlexBox box bodies are divided into three series: Dry, Cool and Freeze. They all share in common a payload-optimised design and a wide variety of equipment and conversion options. The FlexBox programme now includes more than 230 series models, offering industryspecific solutions for every requirement. One new product is the Humbaur FlexBike. The FlexBike is based on the BAYK BRING delivery bicycle, extended with a FlexBox Dry in a lightweight GRP design. This offers space for 1.4 m3 load, and sufficient floor space for a Euro pallet. It has a capacity of up to 260 kg payload. Thanks to the single-panel rear doors, the cargo can quickly and easily be loaded and unloaded. A practical feature for everyday delivery work is the optional roll-up door on the right-hand side of the box body. This can be used, for example, to unload packages from all parts of the FlexBox body. Humbaur also offers a heavy-duty range which is constantly being expanded and diversified: flat bed trailers ranging from turntable trailers to drop deck trailers between 24 and 50 tons. Q: Are there any significant production milestones you can elaborate on? A: 2018 was a very good year for us. This was Kögel’s best year since my acquisition in 2009: • Incoming orders 2018: 18,500 trailers • 2018 turnover: 530 million euros • Employees 2018: 1,350 Based on these figures, Kögel claims the position of the third-biggest trailer manufacturer in Germany and in Europe. We are among the top ten trailer manufacturers worldwide. In future, we aim to close the distance with our two major competitors. www.koegel.com
trailer axles
Challenging themes are our motivation:
WE BUILT YOUR AXLE! gigant – Trenkamp & Gehle GmbH | Germany
www.gigant-group.com
ONCE A UPON A TIME IN
ANAT AMID A RANGE OF CHALLENGES BOTH POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC, INDUSTRY COMMENTATORS FORECAST A PROMISING OUTLOOK FOR TURKEY.
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rowing geopolitical unrest and trade tensions in the region has done little to hamper the projected economic outlook in Turkey as central banks have helped boost confidence and mitigate economic downturn despite the recent threat of US sanctions and military actions in nearby Syria. Turkey was on track to see growth of nearly 3.0 per cent GDP this year even as the Turkish lira, one of the worst hit of the emerging currencies in 2019, surged amid doubts of whether, given its human rights abuses following the failed coup in 2016, Turkey should remain part of NATO, of which it was a long-standing member. As it extended its maritime claims in the Mediterranean, Turkey has managed to evade having economic measures imposed on it despite heavy criticism from NATO leaders following its decision to purchase Russia’s S-400 anti-aircraft missile system – a system chiefly designed to shoot down NATO military aircraft. The Turkish Central Bank, through adjustments to reserve requirements to cultivate credit from lenders, had been prompted to provide emergency intervention on the struggling recession-hit economy by President Erdogan who criticised hawkish central bankers for failing to help stimulate sectors outside of its traditionally strong economies of motor vehicles ($26.8 billion USD), machinery ($15.8 billion USD) and iron/steel ($11.6 billion USD). In manufacturing Turkey has been a supplier of the structural steel frame for the American F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jet and in the road transport industry it
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has produced the Ford F-Max, winner of the 2019 International Truck of the Year designed and developed over a five year period by Ford Otosan, headquartered in the northern gulf town of Gölcük. The International Freight Forwarders Association claims that since the early 2000s, Turkey’s economic performance has been remarkable, prompting decreased unemployment rates and increased income levels, thus making Turkey an upper-middleincome country. By maintaining these macroeconomic conditions and focusing on structural reforms, Turkey has successfully overcome the major global recessions of 2001 and 2008/09. However, after a slowdown in reforms in several areas in recent years, due to more challenging external environments, domestic political conflicts, together with some economic vulnerabilities, Turkey has experienced a slowdown in the second half of 2018. Currently, fiscal stimulus drives an increase in private and public consumption, whereas investments kept decreasing for the fourth
MARKET REPORT
OLIA quarter in a row. Along with these conditions, the Turkish economy plateaued. It can be indicated that manufacturing utilisation ratios are close to long-term averages and sales in the retail industry are showing a slightly increasing trend. The economy was projected to record zero per cent growth in 2019, though leading indicators suggested that the economy continued its recovery in the third quarter. Capacity utilisation in manufacturing is nearing longterm averages, retail sales are on a moderately increasing trend, and real sector indicators (confidence, purchasing managers index) have recovered to their levels of a year ago. As for the country’s trailer market, it is in its most unfavourable conjuncture since the beginning of the 2010s. The principal reasons behind that, according to the International Freight Forwarders Association, are the volatility of foreign exchange rates and relatively higher interest rates. However, owing to the current rate cuts of the central bank of the Republic of Turkey and the stability of foreign exchange rates, there has been a stimulus in trailer sales. But this
stimulus, caused by a relatively lower level of interest rate is perceived as a short-term investment opportunity rather than a long-term economic recovery impression or confidence. Due to the slowdown in the construction sector in Turkey, the sales numbers in silo, tipper, and lowbed product types are extremely limited. The purchases are generally focused on curtainsider and reefer product types, which, upon closer inspection, are commonly segmented by customers with foreign exchange revenues that are international logistics companies. The International Freight Forwarders Association has observed that there has been a shift into land-based transportation due to costs and conditions. Some curtainsider-dominant fleets have started to invest in reefers due to increasing competition in curtainsider transportation and restitution of freight cost. Over the past few years, as a result of RORO transportation losing its competitive advantages, the Association has noticed that fleet operations that prefer swap bodies have also been postponing or cancelling their investment plans. “For the past three years, the sales volume for the trailer market in Turkey has decreased Dramatically,” said Çetin Nuhoğlu, President of the International Freight Forwarders Association. “In terms of export numbers, the figures are somewhat consistent and strong. However, import-wise, as a result of the foreign exchange volatility against Turkish lira and the fact that the economy is shrinking for the past three quarters, the sentiment is relatively problematic. On the other hand, as of Q4 2019, the trend reversal has started. The outlook is promising for the forthcoming periods. The GDP growth for 2020 has been forecasted as 5.0 per cent. The consumer price index for upcoming years is projected to decrease gradually. And the interest rates have been cut to investment-friendly levels.” www.globaltrailermag.com
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DRIVING
PR
The award-winning Refrigerated Optimised Advanced Design project is raising the bar for hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles.
SOLUTRANS HAS ONCE AGAIN PROVEN TO BE THE WORLD STAGE OF CHOICE FOR TRAILER MANUFACTURERS AND OTHER OEMS TO UNVEIL GAMECHANGING TECHNOLOGIES. GLOBAL TRAILER TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT THE ROAD AND URBAN TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS ON SHOW.
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anufacturers of heavy goods vehicles, light commercial vehicles, together with semi-trailer and box builders, tyre OEMs and a broad selection of other transport professionals brought their portfolio of work to Lyon, France, as part of Solutrans 2019. For the duration of the international exhibition, 19-23 November, attendees were treated to world-first exclusives that teased new forms of motorisation, advanced vehicle connectivity and electric- and hydrogen-powered mobility in addition to other exciting announcements. Trailer design highlights
Solutrans was a real success according to Chereau Communication and Press
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Relations Officer, Aurore Leroyer. “Our customers were very satisfied and very impressed by all the innovations presented but first of all by the new generation of VIP insulation ‘Vacuum Insulated Panels’ thanks to its level of performance with a K coefficient of 0.27 and its ability to reduce the consumption of the refrigeration unit by 25 per cent. The new range Chereau Hydrogen Power H2 was also highly appreciated by our customers, who congratulated us on the industrialisation of hydrogen in refrigerated semi-trailers.” Chereau also won the Joseph Libner Special Environment Prize at the I-nnovation Awards ceremony. The prize, which rewards innovation in transport sustainability, was
SHOW REVIEW
OGRESS awarded to Chereau for its Refrigerated Optimised Advanced Design (ROAD) collaborative project. ROAD, according to Chereau, was the first vehicle of its type in the world to run on hydrogen and to offer a record level of insulation (K coefficient of 0.27) due to a new vacuum-based technology. Chereau CEO, Damien Destremau, explained that this intelligent and connected semi-trailer also makes it possible to save an average of 2L/100 km for its tractor due to a complete aerodynamic kit developed by Chereau. This vehicle is at the origin of the ‘From ROAD to REAL’ program (from the ROAD concept to reality) and enabled the four new Chereau product ranges presented at Solutrans. These ranges benefit directly from the innovations present on ROAD: Inogam EVO, Chereau NEXT, Cherau PERFORMANCE and Chereau Hydrogen Power H2. “This award, which comes after two gold and one silver medals won at the innovation prize at the previous three Solutrans editions, underlines Chereau’s ambitions to fully contribute to the ongoing energy transition,” Destremau said. “Indeed, Chereau has decided to industrialise the hydrogen semi-trailer and the new generation of super-insulated semi-trailer, convinced that sustainable development is no longer an option but a necessity. “Chereau’s employees can be proud to make our brand shine nationally and internationally thanks to their capacity of innovation and the quality of their daily work. Congratulations to all of them.”
Meanwhile, Kässbohrer, exhibited its latest tanker and silo container innovations at Solutrans. During the fair, customers, business partners and press members had the chance to learn more from newly assigned Country Manager, Sylvain Berhault, and the dedicated sales team, to examine Kässbohrer vehicles. To help fleets excel in food transportation, Kässbohrer developed the K.STL P. The good tanker has a capacity of 32,000 litres with three compartments (12,500L / 7,500L / 12,500L) for the cartage of different foods. Detachable parts ensure easy cleaning and maintenance. K.STL P offers efficient food transport operations through its 2R quality inner surface, smoothed and polished welding seams and CIP cleaning lines. The pressurised food tanker is specifically engineered for delicate food distribution operations. There are eight stainless steel rotating cleaning balls, water or steam heating lines, tank and discharge insulation and CIP cleaning as 3-2-3 compartment distribution, which is also used for pressurising the tank to meet versatile client needs. K.STL P can also be fitted with self-heating food type pumps, sterile box and a collector for single discharging. Kassbohrer’s food tanker is designed for 2.0 Bars operation pressure and is protected from negative pressure with 0.017 vacuum valve. The K.CON S 40 is reported to offer the lightest tare weight for a 40’ silo container in the market with 2,450kg for 60.4-metres-cubed tank volume. This silo container is designed for bulk transportation operations and is available in 20’, 30’ and 40’ variants. Kässbohrer also provides stainless-steel airlines, 360-degree turntable and adjustable discharge cone mechanism. The K.CON S can also be equipped with an aluminium toolbox with hinged door. K.CON S offers proven stackability up to 170,000kg in compliance with CSC and UIC-Rail codification and 5+1 storage with its tare weight and light frame. Kässbohrer France will continue to build and grow with a new headquarters and spare parts depot in Lyon. German OEM, Krone, showcased its latest semi-trailer developments, including the Profi Liner series, a Cool Liner, a container chassis Box Liner as well as the Profi Liner City. “While the Prof Liner is an all-round vehicle for a wide range of applications, the single-axle Profi Liner City is ideally suited to the challenges of inner-city supply traffic,” Krone said in a statement. “With the Cool Liner, Krone offers a practical solution for the temperaturecontrolled transport of foodstuffs such as fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and frozen products, as well as plants, sensitive electronic components and sensitive pharmaceutical products. At Solutrans in Lyon, Krone showcased the Cool Liner
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VarioMAX Plus low bed semi-trailer.
with a continuous chassis optimised at the rear, a stable body and comfortable equipment. “The robust Box Liner eLTU70 has been specially designed for the tough daily business with frequently changing container sizes and impresses with its exemplary versatility as well as its low empty weight of 4,600kg in the basic equipment, which in turn enables high payloads.” The trade fair vehicles were equipped with the Krone trailer axle. The Krone trailer axle comes with a six-year warranty with no mileage limitation on the bearing or axle beam. Krone also presented its comprehensive range of trailer-related services in Lyon, including telematics solutions which are now fitted as standard in all of the OEM’s refrigerated semi-trailers, rental offers via Krone fleet and Krone spare parts. Krone France is reported to sells approx. 2,000 new vehicles as well as approx. 500 used vehicles via Krone Used. The Krone Center in Pusignan/ Lyon employs 25 people, including the Krone Fleet team. The total area of the centre is 20,000 m², of which 300m² is office space. The Krone Center carries out the local final assembly, maintains a 550 m² spare parts warehouse and a 200 m² service workshop. Coming all the way from the UK, Dennison Trailers made its Solutrans debut as an exhibitor. Dennison Trailers, based in Naas, Ireland has been manufacturing quality trailers for the transportation and road haulage markets since 1964. Besides the UK and Ireland, Dennison sells in Germany, Scandinavia, Spain and Czech Republic. At Solutrans, Dennison showcased its Link ‘MEGATRAILER’ Chassis-designed for the EC 96/53 directive – allowing a length of 25.25 m and a gross weight of 60 tonnes. Several European countries have already approved this directive locally and are seeing the huge cost and efficiency savings- as well environmental benefits in reduced CO2 emissions. Dennison Export Sales Manager, Peter Lynch, said this combination is now allowed in several countries and has just been approved in Spain and Portugal. “Dennison has been market leader in this Link chassis with many years’ experience in Scandinavia,” he said. “The new model at Solutrans was equipped with SAF steer axles operated by an electrohydraulic sensor system. This allow the Link trailer to meet the turning circle requirements of
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the Northern European markets of Germany and Netherlands.” Dennison also displayed its range of container chassis. “This was also our first step into the French market, offering our niche container chassis range, our sliding bogie chassis and our two plus three axles Twin Teu chassis (as well as our standard range of container and tank chassis),” Lynch said. “We received very positive feedback to these innovations particularly from hauliers based around the main ports of Le Havre and Marseilles who can see the flexibility and time saving advantages of these chassis.” As a family company, Dennison prides itself in the quality of its trailers-and is proud to offer a five-year guarantee in construction and paint finish. Dutch heavy equipment specialist, Nooteboom, introduced its Teletrailer Longrunner – the latest generation of lightweight extendable flatbed trailers. It is available with two or three hydraulically steered axles and features either a single or double extendible load floor, extending up to a length of 30m. The Longrunner, according to Nooteboom, is suitable for the transport of long selfsupporting loads such as steel and concrete structures as well as containers. Belgian trailer manufacturer, Faymonville, presented a GigaMAX 1+3 axle lowbed combination. This GigaMAX concept is reported to be suitable for achieving optimal load distribution.
TIP Trailer Services showcased its fleet maintenance service offering.
SHOW REVIEW
Spanish OEM, Lecitrailer, on show at Solutrans 2019.
The compact front bogie is integrated into the gooseneck, which helps to reduce the overall length of the convoy and increase the payload. The gooseneck can be removed for front loading process of the machines. The 17.5’ light pendle axle equipment gives the GigaMAX even more manoeuvrability and is also very easy to operate according to the OEM. The GigaMAX is equipped with hydraulic suspension and allows ideal handling even in reverse. The vehicle is suitable for off-road use with a 600mm stroke. The loading platform is expandable up to 13,000 mm and robust with a construction height of only 250 mm. The GigaMAX semi-trailer is suitable for transporting bulky construction machinery for earthmoving and road construction, recycling, road milling machines, crushing plants or screening plants, among others. The latest larger low bed products to join the Faymonville portfolio is the VarioMAX Plus!. “The newly developed product for a payload of up to 105 tonnes at 12-tonne axle load combines the advantages of the proven VarioMAX and CombiMAX systems,” said Marco Andres of Faymonville. “The vehicle is designed to transport the heaviest construction machines, mobile crushing equipment and transformers. The strengths of the VarioMAX Plus low bed semi-trailer lie in its ability to transport high payloads, its modular versatility and manoeuvrability.” Andres explained the concept is also designed with the future in mind. “This is based on the proven ‘Joker axle’ technology,” he said. “This allows for a oneaxle bogie to be integrated either behind the gooseneck or the low bed when a higher payload needs to be moved. The proven pendle axle technology is employed across the board and designed for use on difficult terrain. It enables a maximum total stroke of 600 mm as well as an extreme steering angle of up to 60°.” Fruehauf – part of the Wielton Group – reportedly gained new customers who were won over by the OEM’s product innovations and dynamic industrial and commercial developments, including the LIFTOP 4P body (liftable in four-position for loading and driving); the EASYUP pneumatic door (bringing comfort, safety and reliability), a new range of trailers with high drawbars; and
full LED signalling for better visibility with reduced maintenance costs. Fruehauf Commercial and Marketing Director, Philippe Le Pochat, said the EASYUP pneumatic lifting door, codeveloped with FIT, facilitates the use of vehicles by safely eliminating gestures when opening and closing the rear door. It is also PIEK-compliant for quiet operation. The MaxiSpeed LIFTOP 4P, Le Pochat said, said the roof of this semi-trailer can be raised up to 400mm during loading operations, increasing the lateral passage height for safer loading and unloading. “The MaxiSpeed LIFTOP with four positions while driving guarantees versatility of use,” he said. “Simple, this lifting can from an internal height of 2,750mm in the low position to 2,900mm in the high position. The freight is secure over the entire height which allows operators to fully use the available volume.” For lighter tare weight, the chassis of the LIFTOP 4P is compatible with a non-slip plywood floor as well as laminated flooring. Kögel brought its award winning NOVUM generation of trailers to Lyon, including the Kögel Cargo and the Kögel Box dry freight box body. The German OEM also promoted the Kögel Trailer Axle KTA as well as its enhanced service offering.
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Assali Stefen brought its axle and suspensions from Italy.
The Kögel Cargo is reported to be ideal for flexible use in European domestic goods transport, featuring an optimised external frame profile and improved body that characterises the NOVUM generation. As well as making the Kögel Cargo even more robust, these features simplify handling in daily use. This trailer design can also be tailored to a high degree of individualisation. With a low tare weight starting at 5,920 kg in the basic version, it is, according to the OEM, extremely cost-effective to drive. The Cargo model on display was fitted with reinforcement of the front wall inner with a 2-mm-thick and 1,250-mm-tall steel plate. It also featured the Kögel EasyFix Stopper for quick and easy securing of the sliding roof when open. The Kögel EasyFix Stopper not only holds the sliding roof securely in position, but also allows the operator to close it easily after completing the loading process, without having to unlock it again. This system increases efficiency and safety during loading and unloading. Kögel also exhibited its Kögel Box – PurFerro quality. It is a lightly insulated dry freight box body, with 30-mm-thick walls and a 40-mm-thick insulated roof produced in-house, ensuring protection for temperature-sensitive goods. The 30-mm-thick non-slip floor is designed for a fork-lift axle load of 7,200 kg and comes standard with a 720-mm-long steel structure plate mounted in the rear. The dry freight box body provides premium transport quality and protection from environmental influences and theft. With a wide range of equipment options, the trailer is also highly customisable in line with specific customer requirements. The Kögel Box – PurFerro quality on show was equipped for double-deck loading with guide rails and 23 loading bars – each with 1,000 kg load capacity. This allows variable level loading with up to 33 Euro pallets with a maximum weight of 670 kg per pallet. A space-saving mechanical rollup door instead of rear wall doors for fast turnover of general cargo loads has been installed in the exhibition trailer. Belgium’s LAG Trailers introduced ADR stainless steel tankers to the French market late last year. This vehicle debuted at Solutrans and complements the OEM product portfolio which also includes stainless steel food tankers, silo
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trailers, fuel tankers, container chassis and aluminium containers. In recent years the company invested time and resources in the production of tankers tailored to the French market as well as further extending its service network and enlarging its sales presence for the local market. LAG received an approval for its vehicles to transport goods in the ADR classes 3, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 8 and 9. That makes LAG’s stainless steel tankers eligible to contain general chemicals such as acids, flammable products and a broad range of other products. Delvaux will be the first company in France to drive LAG’s ADR tanker. The next batch of LAG ADR tankers will arrive shortly at TIP Trailer Service with other orders in the pipeline. The tanker LAG presented at Solutrans had a volume of 37,500L and stays well below seven tonnes of tare weight. The vehicle is also equipped with LED lighting, stainless steel heating elements and quality parts of reliable brands. Lecitrailer, presented its latest vehicles at Solutrans, including the new K-Limit tipper with a box that is protected by the KTL process, a two-axle CityTrailer refrigerated model and the BiTrain, a multipurpose vehicle for container transport. In addition to the vehicles, the Spanish brand dedicated part of the stand to show its know-how in the development of 25.25 m vehicles, more than 400 units of which have already been manufactured for Spain and which is expected to be legal soon in the French market The OEM also has a new environmentally friendly chassis protection system (KTL) which provides a thickness of 50 microns, better visual appearance, anti-corrosion and anti-perforation. This service offering involved the installation of the most modern cataphoretic coating system on the market: KTL with nanotechnological conversion. This is the technology used in the automotive industry which has the highest quality standards according to Lecitrailer. KTL, in this instance, applies a layer of epoxy primer through complete immersion
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and then passing an electrical current (Electrophoretic deposition). The nanotechnological conversion will ensure that the KTL layer is even, with the same thickness of the layer over its entire surface and reaching all the nooks and crannies of the part. Lecitrailer said that nanotechnology allows for greater versatility in the materials to be treated such as steel, aluminium and stainless steel and ensures better adhesion to the paint. “We launched our new image with the drivers as centre of the whole issue, saying that with their Lecitrailer they are a Transport Super-Hero,” Lecitrailer said in a statement. “The new campaign celebrates the work done by hauliers in their daily lives and who, when driving a Lecitrailer vehicle, go from being extraordinary workers to becoming superheroes, having acquired an ultraresistant vehicle subjected to the KLT process, the Lecitrailer KTL. These vehicles are part of the KLT generation.” Innovation in refrigeration
between oil changes has doubled from 1,500 hours to 3,000 hours. Finally, to ensure the very best user experience, Carrier Transicold has incorporated a large graphic display in the Vector HE 19, for the first time in Europe. With these innovations, operators now benefit from a lower total cost of ownership and operating costs, while reducing the impact on the environment. As part of the Refrigerated Optimised Advanced Design (ROAD) project with Chereau, Carrier Transicold has provided an engineless refrigeration unit for semitrailers that uses natural refrigerant (CO2) to minimise its impact on the environment. The ROAD project is a collaborative project with a dual objective that looks to reduce the environmental impact of semi-trailers and improve operating conditions in terms of ergonomics and safety. T Carrier Transicold is committed to reducing emissions through its flexible power offerings that include all alternative energy solutions to power refrigeration units. These offerings include the ECO-DRIVE hydroelectric module, which supplies the products in the engineless range, as well as the development of new energy sources such as the flexible power axle system, which uses energy from the axles stored in a battery pack to supply the unit. Carrier Transicold showcased its eSolutions connectivity package – an
Carrier Transicold presented a number of efficient, sustainable and innovative products and solutions that benefit transport refrigeration at Solutrans. The Vector HE 19 is the next generation of temperature-controlled trailer systems, making its world premiere at the international event. This model is PIEK certified and features a modern design, incorporating a range of innovations to significantly increase operational efficiency. Fuel consumption is reported to be improved by 30 per cent, unit weight is reduced by 10 per cent and its design is optimised to reduce maintenance. “To create the Vector HE 19, we conducted nearly 100,000 hours of tests,” said Carrier Transicold Trailer Product Manager, Bruno Chakiachvili. “Pilot units have been installed on some of our customers’ trailers, and they have been highly satisfied,” he said. “With this new version, we have retained all the precision on which the advantages of our system are built, while improving its efficiency and reducing our customers’ costs. “The PIEK certification meets the growing expectations and demand of transport companies looking for sustainable solutions and flexibility in urban areas in terms of operational time.” Another new feature incorporated in the system is the ‘up flow’ concept, which facilitates the flow of air from the front to the top, thereby reducing noise and energy consumption. The new unit also has an air flow management system based on the Coanda effect, which means the air adheres closely to the roof in order to go as far as possible to the rear of the trailer in order to optimise interior ventilation and ensures precise control of the cold chain. Equipped with the APX control system, which uses Controller Area Network (CAN) technology, this new version provides multi-speed motor control and manages the actuators and sensors to optimise the regulation of the flow and temperature of The next-gen Vector HE 19 trailer refrigeration unit was the refrigerant. the centrepiece of Carrier’s trade stand at Solutrans. In terms of maintenance, the operating time
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advanced online telematics platform designed to improve product visibility, manage operating costs and enhance operational efficiency throughout the cold chain. Standout componentry at Solutrans
Tyre manufacturer, Hankook, showcased its entire product portfolio. As part of the SmartWork line of tyres for the construction industry, Hankook presented its AM11 for steering axles, the DM11 for drive axles and the TM11 for trailer axles. The treads in the Hankook SmartWork line, AM11, DM11 and TM11, have been specifically developed for construction site vehicles that are tasked with the supply and removal of raw materials such as gravel or waste. “The Solutrans Exhibition is one of the most important platforms for the French tyre trade market, which is constantly growing in the commercial vehicles sector,” said Hankook France National Sales & Marketing Director, Georges Bochaton. Hankook currently supplies tyres to Schmitz Cargobull and other OEMs. Lighting up the show, Aspöck Systems presented a revolution for the aftermarket crowd with its ECOLED II Smartbox. This rear lamp can be used on the left- and right-hand sides of a vehicle. The manufacturer guarantees delivery performance and speed to market. Italy’s Assali Stefen exhibited its SL9 integrated air suspension (with great weight reduction) and the self-steering axle in its GB version together with the Tyre Inflation System (TIS). “These efficient solutions significantly reduce operating costs for trailers and semi-trailers, allowing a great reduction in fuel consumption, longer tyre life, and increased safety,” Assali Stefen said in a statement. The OEM recently presented the SL9 suspension, which is an integrated air suspension with an innovative and patented clamping system. This allows a weight reduction of 20kg per axle and a better roll stiffness efficiency increased by 20 per cent compared to the CS9 suspension. The SL9 suspension’s loading
I NTE RVI EW WITH SAF-HOLLAN D FRANCE MANAG I NG DI RECTOR, J EAN BAG H DAD Q: How did you like the show? A: For us, the show had a very good attendance since in total more than 50,000 people visited the fair, an increase of 11 per cent compared to the 2017 edition. Q: Why did you participate in this fair again? A: Solutrans is for us the reference of the road transport show in France and it is important to be represented among the major players of the market. Q: Are you satisfied with the number of visitors and the professional discussions at the stand? A: We are very satisfied with the number of visitors on our booth since we recorded 30 per cent more visitors than 2017, not only from France, but also from North and West Africa. During this edition, our visitors showed a keen interest for innovation with our electric axle SAF-TRAKr (recuperation), as well as for the reduction of weight on our SAF axles currently in series. Q: Was there something that particularly fascinated you about the fair? A: Solutrans is the only occasion where we can meet both our OEM customers and spare parts dealers who exhibit, but also our end users which are the fleets.
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Road and urban transport solutions on SAF-Holland’s exhibit.
capacity is up to nine tonnes; it is available in five different configurations, on rigid or selfsteering axles, either with disc or drum brakes. Assali Stefen’s self-steering axles are said to be lighter and more reliable than ever. These axles are customisable and feature a loading capacity of up to 20 tonnes as well as an adjustable angle of up to 25°. It is available in the standard and GB (heavy duty) version. The GB axle series has purposely designed and tested hubs, large tapered bearings with 146mm diameter round beam and suitable sized wall thickness which is meant to bear exceptional loads. JOST presented its innovative product portfolio including JOST, ROCKINGER, TRIDEC and Edbro to the international exhibition visitors. The show highlights included the automated coupling system KKS, the company’s biodegradable lubricant and the new supporting leg OPTIMA. JOST’s Comfort Coupling System (KKS) is reported to offers greater efficiency through automated loading and unloading. The comfort coupling system increases safety as manual procedures such as cranking and connecting or disconnecting electrical connectors and air hoses are no longer required. It is also no longer necessary to enter the catwalk. JOST also brought its new organic grease for the first time to Solutrans. JOST has developed a completely biodegradable high-
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34, the DCA STEERMASTER: like all DCA axles it uses the proven components from the DCA series, helping achieve great versatility and reliability and the new blue brake pads. ROCKINGER presented its tried-andtested RO*50E towing hitch which is characterised by its robust, low-maintenance design and its simple and safe operation; towing hitch RO*50 BNA especially for the French market; TRITONIC, TRIDEC’s Wireless Trailer Management System; and a new CD cylinder from Edbro. Edbro: new CD cylinder
performance lubricant for its fifth wheel couplings, kingpins and ball bearing turntables. JOST’s new product is a very innovative and eco-friendly solution for the lubrication. As for the OPTIMA, it is the newest member of the Modul series. It is designed for long-distance transport applications and benefits from reliable componentry while also offering higher payload at lower tare weight. It is available in all three plate positions and four different mounting heights and conforms with the market-standard mounting dimensions. Other JOST exhibits included: the electric landing gear Modul E-Drive for increased comfort and safety, a highlight from JOST Container equipment: the force-assisted twist lock Easy Lift, the ultralight JOST fifth wheel coupling JSK
LAG TRAI LE RS COM M ITS TO FRE NCH MARKET Belgian road tanker manufacturer, LAG Trailers, signed a collaboration agreement with French partner CM SAS. LAG’s manufacturing prowess will expand CM’s business while the local expertise of the French partner will further increase the quality of LAG’s service efforts. Both parties complement each other in specific business fields. LAG excels in manufacturing tanks for rigids as well as semi-trailers in aluminium, stainless steel for the transport of food, chemicals, fuel and others. CM SAS on the other hand showcases an unparalleled experience in rigid trailers, testing, servicing and the calibration of fuel tankers. Both companies join forces in France and combine their strengths to grow in the local market. The collaboration agreement between both companies ensures CM a continuous manufacturing capacity for its rigid tanks according to their specifications. LAG on the other hand finds a strong local partner to service, test and calibrate its fuel semi-trailers. LAG Trailers is invested in France. During the last couple of years the company has created an expansive service network, enlarged its sales presence and designed tankers uniquely for the French market. Next to its manufacturing plant, CM has widened its scope by creating a service company on two different locations. Thanks to this collaboration CM hopes to grow organically while maintaining the same level of service and quality to its customer base.
Solutrans provided KEITH the opportunity to exhibit the WALKING FLOOR V-FLOOR unloading system, particularly for scrap unloading. KEITH works in close cooperation with our trailer builder partners to provide unloading solutions for the scrap industry, which continues to have a growing interest in the heavy-duty and durable unloading system. Recent improvements to the V-FLOOR slat design create more moving floor surface to move the load that results in improved trailer cleanout and more efficient unloading on an incline. It also provides the opportunity to haul/unload a greater variety of materials. This year’s Solutrans show attracted an expanded international audience including KEITH trailer builder partners Granalu of Spain and TMT of Italy. For the second time, Australian manufacturer REDARC showcased its range of products at the Solutrans tradeshow in Lyon, France. The company launched its BCDC1250D DC-DC In-vehicle battery charger to the European market. The BCDC1250D is reported to be the most powerful in REDARC’s BCDC range and has been designed to charge all major lead-acid batteries, it also includes a lithium (LiFeP04) charging profile. With an inbuilt ‘Green Power Priority’ the unit will select solar charging first, taking the load off the vehicle’s alternator. The BCDC1250D has also been engineered to feature an additional charging state known as SoftStart to handle more demanding applications and provide a higher current output.
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SCHMITZ
CARGOBULL
DEVELOPS ENERGY AXLE FOR REFRIGERATED TRAILERS COINCIDING WITH THE 50TH BIRTHDAY OF THE PLANT IN VREDEN, CLOSE TO THE DUTCH BORDER, SCHMITZ CARGOBULL HAS ANNOUNCED THE DEVELOPMENT OF ITS ‘ENERGY-AXLE’. IT IS AN IMPORTANT STEP FOR THE OEM TO CREATE AN EMISSIONS FREE, STAND-ALONE REFRIGERATED TRAILER. [ Story by Tim de Jong ]
D
iesel engines are still the norm everywhere, not only for all kinds of trucks, but also for Trailer Refrigeration Units (TRUs). Since 2012, Schmitz Cargobull offered its own cooling engine, as an alternative to the widely known TRUs of Thermo King and Carrier. The German trailer builder opted to build its own TRU to take full responsibility within the Chain of Responsibility and to offer a complete solution. The package includes the trailer, axle, telematics and the TRU. Also, Schmitz Cargobull sought to close the data-chain at the same time. The Schmitz Cargobull TRU is already proved and known in the business but the attraction is the operation of the whole trailer, which can be done from an app, and the registration of the temperature inside the trailer at all times.
Vreden plant production line.
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Enter the electric engine
At the 2018 IAA Commercial Vehicles
NEWS REPORT
Schmitz Cargobull S.KO refrigerated trailer.
Show, Schmitz Cargobull unveiled its fully electrical TRU without a combustion engine. The maximum cooling power of this system is 16kW at 30°C ambient and 0°C setpoint temperature, the heating power of the machine is little more than 9 kW. The batteries feeding the system are located in the landing legs of the trailer. Their power is roughly 65 kWh at maximum. Before operators buy a trailer with such an engine,
a lot of homework needs to be done, to make sure that the electric engine works when it should, which means that batteries have to be loaded every now and then. Axles and allies
In 1996, Schmitz Cargobull decided that it would produce its own axles, instead of purchasing them from equipment specialists like BPW and SAFHolland. Slowly but steadily, the Rotos axles of Schmitz Cargobull gained market share all over Europe. Now, Schmitz Cargobull says that 85 per cent of all of their trailers leave the plants on Rotos axles. Combining the developments of the cooling engine and the customers wish for an emissions free, stand-alone refrigerated trailer, development of an e-axle, generating electrical power during braking, began. The advantages
FAST FACT The EcoDuo transport concept by Schmitz Cargobull – two standard semi-trailers connected by a dolly and towed by a prime mover – was recognised for its efficiency and reduced environmental impact at the 2019 European Transport Award for Sustainability. The EcoDuo vehicle combination can be divided flexibly, for example at national borders, or in defined areas on two prime movers.
The Germans point out that with this axle, the cooling engine remains silent at all times. Loading the batteries takes much less time as the e-axle recuperates energy and charges the battery. All data will be integrated in the Smart Trailer data-system of Schmitz Cargobull. All responsibility and liability stay with Schmitz Cargobull as well. During the trip, batteries are loaded. Once parked, even during a longer time, the machine can be fed from the grid via a plug. Maintenance costs will come down, oil is no longer needed. Schmitz Cargobull plans a field test with customers starting in Q4 2020. After this round of testing, which will take a year at least, the trailer manufacturer intends to bring the development to serial production. www.globaltrailermag.com
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DRIVE INTO THE FUTURE M EG AT RA N S .CO M .AU
S U P P ORTING SPONSOR S
CO N FE RE N CE S P O N S O R S
ACC R ED ITAT ION PA RT N E R
1 ST - 3 R D A P R I L 2 02 0 M E L B O U RN E CO N VE N T IO N & E X HIB IT IO N CE N T RE
ASS OC IATION PART N E RS
INTERNAT POSITIONED TO STRENGTHEN ITS CORE MARKET POSITION, WITH GROWTH ON THE HORIZON, SAF-HOLLAND CONTINUES TO INNOVATE AND IMPROVE ITS PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES IN BESSENBACH, GERMANY.
SAF-Holland production line.
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FACTORY TOUR
IONALLY The hydraulically driven SAF INTRA CD TRAK.
T
he volume of goods transported via roads with trucks and trailers is expected to increase as the middle class grows and brings with it more purchasing power and consumption primarily in various emerging markets. Equipment specialist, SAF-Holland, outlined in its 2020 growth strategy a series of business plans to align its operations and group structure accordingly. While the business is actively tapping new markets, expanding its global position and extending its global aftermarket service offering, it relies on its established facilities to maintain consistency in output. Its headquarters in Bessenbach, Germany, is prime real estate in terms of production. The plant, which was opened in 2000, has a production area of approximately 20,000 square meters. In Bessenbach there is still a second factory. The two together have a total area of 34,000 square meters. This site has three key focuses : the highvolume production of the SAF INTRADISC
plus INTEGRAL products; floating axle manufacturing, component manufacturing for other divisions as well as manufacturing of spare parts for the aftermarket; and a complete axle portfolio of SAF-Holland, SAF INTRA, SAF MODUL, SAF steering axles (drum brake and disc brake variants). As this site is committed to production, the respective logistics warehouses were optimised and moved to an external location, further expanding factory capacities. The most important areas and the core competencies of axle manufacturing, according to SAF-Holland Director Marketing Europe, Stephan Kleinschnitz, are welding, coating and assembly, taking into account health and safety as well as high quality standards. “Currently there are around 800 employees in production,” he said. “A qualification matrix allows flexible rotation of the employees between different workstations. This high level of qualification of the employees in production allows SAF-Holland to react to current market situations very flexibly.” SAF-Holland planned to increase axle production volume of 215 per shift to 290 axles in Q4 2019. Kleinschnitz said this boost to productivity was completed successfully and within schedule. “This target for the cycle time of the work steps was achieved with a new welding line, an optimised coating process and workplace optimisation in assembly,” he said – adding that the production process typically follows this order: trailing arm production without mechanical parts, completion of axle by positioning and welding mounting parts, KTL painting and final mounting. “As for the cathodic dip coating process, electrically charged paint particles (+) are attracted by the negatively charged workpiece (-) and come to rest on its surface. The
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SAF-Holland has increased output from 215 to 290 axles per shift.
paint layer hardens at 180°C. The layer thickness is 35 micrometres to 40 micrometres, which is about the thickness of a human hair. The benefits: 504 hours of salt spray test resistance, ozone resistance, no rust formation from stone impact, water-based paint and durable, hard and even surface.” SAF-Holland also has a Continuous Improvement and Development (CIP) process that shapes Bessenbach factory one’s operations. “We focus on a continuous improvement and development process in production,” Kleinschnitz said. “All departments work with and according to KPIs which are continuously reviewed and developed further. If deviations occur in these indicators, different processes are launched to ensure correction. The implementation focuses on the areas of health and safety, quality and production.” Of the products that SAF-Holland manufactures at the site, the premium coated axle is a standout component. Axles are generally heavily exposed to dirt and moisture which makes them susceptible to corrosion. With the new three-layer premium coated process, SAF-Holland is reported to achieve excellent corrosion protection with its Premium Coated Axle by adding a high zinc content to the coating. “This corrosion protection ensures a long value retention for the product,” Kleinschnitz said. “SAF-Holland offers a 10-year warranty against corrosion for these components. The benefits include: a significant increase in corrosion resistance, a 10-year warranty against corrosion and continuous increase in operating efficiency. The Premium Coated Axle is available in the INTRA range.” In addition to product developments, Kleinschnitz explained that there
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have been innovations in how SAF-Holland assembles its more advanced equipment. “The special feature of the hydraulically driven SAF INTRA CD TRAK follows different work steps during assembly, including the manufacturing and assembly of the actual axle, leak testing of the hydraulic components and linking the electronic components to the rest of the system,” he said. “Dedicated workstations were set up and employees received special training to ensure a smooth process for this.” Kleinschnitz said the SAF TRAKr with electric regenerative braking and the SAF TRAKe axle, which offers traction support in addition to regenerative braking, are currently still in the testing phase. “The axles are currently being tested in the different climate zones and are undergoing trials for production maturity.” Bessenbach factory one is renowned for producing at high volumes while ensuring optimal profitability compared to other SAF-Holland facilities.
FACTORY TOUR
“On the one hand, the success of SAFHolland is based on the quality of the axle and suspension systems which leave our factories worldwide,” Kleinschnitz said. “On the other hand, it is built on customer focus – whether in the selection of the suitable components before an order, in the qualification of customer employees for their assembly process through audits or in the support from the SAF-Holland service team.” As for research and development (R&D), Kleinschnitz elaborated on SAF-Holland’s in-house test bench and quality assurance processes. “Until it reaches production maturity, each product runs through a defined Project Management Process (PMP),” he said. “SAFHolland follows a strict development process from idea to production maturity. During the prototype phase, the components are checked for composition and stress. A computer simulation shows which stresses this component will be subjected to. Components and axle units are tested with regard to service life and functionality on the different system test benches at SAFHolland. After various calculations, the real
“WE FOCUS ON A CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS IN PRODUCTION,” KLEINSCHNITZ SAID. “ALL DEPARTMENTS WORK WITH AND ACCORDING TO KPIS WHICH ARE CONTINUOUSLY REVIEWED AND DEVELOPED FURTHER. IF DEVIATIONS OCCUR IN THESE INDICATORS, DIFFERENT PROCESSES ARE LAUNCHED TO ENSURE CORRECTION. THE IMPLEMENTATION FOCUSES ON THE AREAS OF HEALTH AND SAFE T Y, QUALIT Y AND PRODUCTION.” Stephan Kleinschnitz SAF-Holland Director Marketing Europe
figures from practical transport operation are loaded into the test bench as load profiles in simulation programs. This allows SAF-Holland to test a variety of different extreme stress scenarios, such as different road surfaces, bumpy roads and roads with narrow turns or potholes.” SAF-Holland is preparing for a global Operational Excellence Roadmap rollout which will guide all of the equipment specialist’s facilities to a common global standard. www.safholland.com
The ‘tough’ test on a servo-hydraulic road simulator.
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TRAILER AERODYNAMICS – AN ENERGY SAVER IN TRANSPORTATION
TECHNOLOGY COMPANY WABCO IS HELPING THE INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT INDUSTRY SAVE FUEL AND CUT C02 EMISSIONS WITH ITS LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN TRAILER AERODYNAMICS.
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he trailer can play an important role in saving energy according to WABCO. The technology company is addressing the physical and technical challenges of reducing air friction energy loss – one of the biggest causes of energy loss besides rolling resistance and braking energy. These efforts aim to overcome the challenges that road transport fleet operators face when attempting to decarbonise long-haul operations. How do you grow a logistics network without increasing emissions? In light of the Paris Agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change, dealing with greenhouse-gas emissions mitigation, transport businesses are investing in modern equipment and the latest innovations to reduce their carbon footprint. International call to action
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis showing total pressure slices visualising where energy is lost due to aerodynamic resistance. WABCO TrailerSkirts reduce energy losses by preventing air from flowing under the trailer body. WABCO tail reduces the size of the low energy wake at the trailer back, thereby reducing the rear end drag.
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With an emphasis on sustainability and cost effectiveness, WABCO’s suite of aerodynamics products are future-proofing fleet assets by adapting them to environmental conditions following changes in legislation in selected markets such as the US, Canada, Europe and China. With 25 years of composite material technology experience, WABCO has been prepared in the US with its aerodynamic portfolio before the legislation even existed. The TrailerSkirt and OptiFlow Tail are verified devices as per EPA’s voluntary SmartWay program. Furthermore, WABCO TrailerSkirt has been certified as a pre-approved device meeting the requirements of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) GHG 2 program. Even though not yet enforced, WABCO has been a strong supporter of the program’s challenging and more stringent requirements. This action will help fleets and companies to meet their internal and global CO2 emission targets. In the meantime, Europe commenced emission tracking in 2019 to establish a reference baseline. This baseline, according to WABCO, will facilitate benchmarking on all emission improvements. A new regulation in November 2018 clarified the technical design specifications for rear aerodynamic solutions and type approval for devices such as OptiFlow AutoTail which automatically folds to avoid damages when a vehicle reverses into a loading dock area.
AERODYNAMIC DESIGN & EQUIPMENT
A specialist in aerodynamics
WABCO is a recognised expert in trailer aerodynamics and stands out in the market with its specialised engineering, design and testing procedures in this field. The implementation of aerospace knowledge into the trailer world has enabled the company to develop high performance aerodynamic solutions. Today, WABCO is consulted for its expertise and accurate assessment in performance gains. This is part of the reason why WABCO is involved
FAST FACT Thanks to its trailer aerodynamics solutions, WABCO continues to pioneer breakthrough electronic, mechanical and mechatronic technologies for braking, stability and transmission automation systems supplied to the world’s leading commercial truck, bus and trailer manufacturers.
in EU funded developments. As a technology company, WABCO starts aerodynamic product development by analysing major contributors of aerodynamic drag and by identifying opportunities for improvements. The engineers generate multiple alternatives to evaluate performance using Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis (CFD) which is used to calculate flow simulations with the assistance of computers. The resulting numerical simulations enable WABCO to preview and understand the interaction of air with the surfaces of its OptiFlow devices during product development phases. This allows WABCO to iterate different design ideas and to assess their impact on the drag coefficient so that only the ones with the best aerodynamic potential are prototyped and tested in a wind tunnel. WABCO claims the wind tunnel is a fundamental step of the development process as it enables to measure all air forces on a real physical prototype to test and verify its interaction under loads. This ensures that only the most promising aerodynamic devices are used for testing in real life environments, enabling WABCO to bring to market only those with proven fuel saving impact. Raising the bar for aerodynamic product testing
WABCO’s aerodynamic solutions are not only submitted to WABCO’s standards but also to local regulations such as EC in Europe and CFR in the US. In Europe and China, for example, the SideWings and TrailerSkirts have a requirement to perform as sideguards, meaning that the device’s capability to withstand applied forces is certified. This is a certification process also known as a type approval.
OptiFlow aerodynamic portfolio in North America comprises WABCO NoseFairing, TrailerSkirts and AutoTail.
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WABCO’s aerodynamic device TrailerSkirt developed to meet the local regulations in China.
In the US, WABCO builds trust in its solutions by performing rigorous climate and vibration tests. Vibration tests simulate extremely bad road conditions whereas climate tests prove the products can withstand temperatures ranging from -40 up to 65°C. These tests go as far as individual corrosion testing on all metal components. This enables WABCO to provide an up to five year warranty on its devices. Champions in fuel efficiency
FAST FACT Engineers from different commercial truck and trailer industries are aiming towards a common goal: To lower CO2 output from 18 to 33 per cent as part of the Aeroflex Project, an EU funded research project. WABCO is a leading research partner in the aerodynamics trailer segment and engages in these scientific pursuits to push its testing technology prowess.
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WABCO has expertise in satisfying various vehicle requirements and fleet needs, due to its suite of solutions, including: OptiFlow Tail, TrailerSkirt, SideWings and OptiFlow Nose Fairing. As there are a variety of trailer configurations, all WABCO products can be tailored to vehicle specification. Also, the TrailerSkirts and SideWings can be customised to accommodate different wheelbases. A number of OEMs across North America and Europe now stock OptiFlow products as a standard aerodynamic optimisation for their trailer builds. With China now as a new target market, WABCO is looking forward to becoming a global aerodynamics partner for manufacturers and fleets. Ji Hong, a leading cold chain equipment leasing company in China is willing to adopt greener technologies. “We have launched a TrailerSkirt pilot trial on our newest refrigerated trailers to assess the potential of WABCO aerodynamics devices towards CO2 reduction and fuel savings for our
AERODYNAMIC DESIGN & EQUIPMENT
daily operations,” said Yin Lu, Marketing Manager at Ji Hong. With more than 25 years of experience in North America, WABCO’s TrailerSkirt has successfully been adopted by the top operating fleets in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Since its European launch in 2011, OptiFlow’s portfolio has also successfully gained support from fleets interested in both fuel savings and CO2 emission reduction. Kai-Uwe Simon – Fleet and Workshop Manager of German wholesale bakery, Harry-Brot – shared his experiences with fitting WABCO OptiFlow SideWings to long-haul trailers: “In a before and after comparison, we evaluated the monthly average consumption of four trailers,” he said. “Here we compared the period January to June before the conversion with the values for the period January to June after the conversion. In this comparison, we were able to determine a consumption reduction of 1.9 litres per 100 km. This corresponds to a saving of 6.7 per cent.” As a result of this operational testing, Simon is convinced of the positive properties of the WABCO wind deflectors. In addition to realising fuel efficiency gains (of up to 9.5 per cent), Lukasz Puto, Manager of Transport Department at
NoLimit in Warsaw, saw an opportunity to use the increased side surface of semi-trailers fitted with OptiFlow SideWings & Tail for promotional purposes. The business placed advertising graphics related to its ecological project, ‘Eco-Logistics – Less CO2’. “Since the very beginning, NoLimit has been based on a comprehensive delivery of logistics solutions, focusing on the highest quality, safety, environmental protection and care of our employees,” Puto said. “In our company, the transport of goods is only part of the activity, but in this field, we wanted to be a leader, especially in the area of environmental protection and reduction of harmful carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. As part of the Eco-Logistics project, we use small trucks and vans powered by natural gas (CNG). However, in the long-distance multi-pallet transport, apart from operating modern trucks using Euro 6 compliant engines, we have also been fitting WABCO OptiFlow SideWings and Tail aerodynamic systems on our trailers since the beginning of 2017; thanks to them we have reduced CO2 emissions by about 50 tonnes per year. Find out more: www.wabco-optiflow.com/ www.wabco-auto.com/
FAST FACT In its quest to develop trailer solutions that maximise fuel efficiency, WABCO was awarded European Transport Award for Sustainability for its eTrailer solution last year. WABCO’s industry-leading eTrailer prototype uses an intelligent electric motor control to recuperate electric energy during braking, which can then be re-utilised to power the vehicle’s traction or to operate on board electric auxiliaries. Thomas Dieckmann, WABCO Technology and Innovation Officer, accepted the award on behalf of WABCO at the award ceremony held 21 November 2019 in Munich.
Logistic company ‘NoLimit’ in Warsaw claims fuel efficiency gains of up to 9.5 per cent and C02 emission reductions by about 50 tonnes per year since the beginning of 2017.
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TRANSFOR &AFFIRMATION CIMC VEHICLES IS COMMITTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPECIAL VEHICLE INDUSTRY, FOLLOWING AN EXTRAORDINARY DISPLAY OF TRAILER INNOVATION AND SMART INTERCONNECTION.
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B U I LT T O T A S K
MATION
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CIMC Vehicles executive team attending the China International Commercial Vehicle Expo 2019 media meeting.
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s a significant trailer supplier with global reach, CIMC Vehicles is positioned strategically in the market with 22 facilities and more than 500 service points in North America, Europe, Australia, Thailand and mainland China. An industrial pattern with Sino-US interaction, Sino-Europe interaction, network layout and mutual support has also been formed, bolstering the company’s annual production to exceed 200,000 units annually. November last year, the trailer builder represented at the 2019 China International Commercial Vehicle Expo which was held in the capital of Hubei, Wuhan, exhibiting over an area of 1,500 square metres, showcasing the latest technological achievements. During this prestigious event, Li Guiping, Vice President of China Automobile Industry Association and CEO and President of CIMC Vehicles, delivered a keynote speech at the Logistics and Transportation Vehicle Summit Forum to show the world the changes of China’s special vehicle industry. He also promoted the transformation and upgrade of special vehicle industry. Guiping said that in the era of China’s special-purpose vehicles 2.0, enterprises want to maintain the right to participate in December 2021, and some things can never be done. He added that special-purpose vehicle companies should not be involved in the production of commercial vehicles, new energy chassis and the production of complete vehicles. At the media conference, Guiping called on government regulators to continue to strengthen joint law enforcement, crack down on overloading and eliminate the ‘black sheep’ in the industry. He said members of the Trailer G20 should strengthen their self-discipline, be a compliant enterprise, seize the opportunities for transformation and collaborate for a healthier industry. To set new standards and promote high-quality development, CIMC
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FAST FACT CIMC Vehicles was the first semi-trailer manufacturer to be listed on the main board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (HKEX). The head of CIMC’s Office of the Secretary to the Chairman noted that the successful listing of CIMC Vehicles is good for both CIMC and CIMC Vehicles. “The listing of CIMC Vehicles is good for the future development of CIMC’s vehicle business, the expansion of its financing space, the improvement of its international standardised management and the increases of its independent brand premium. The financial statements of CIMC Vehicles will still be consolidated into that of CIMC after CIMC Vehicles listing, the development of CIMC Vehicles will add value to CIMC and bring better revenues for shareholders including CIMC.”
B U I LT T O T A S K
Vehicles, and a number of other companies, established the ‘China Trailer High-Quality Development Joint Conference’ (Trailer G20) in July 2019. The expo, which is held every two years, has, according to CIMC Vehicles, become an important platform for the release of premium products for special-purpose vehicles in Asia. Since 2012, a number of companies under CIMC Vehicles have started to participate in the conference to focus on displaying world-class quality star models, which have been favoured by customers both domestic and international. As part of the event, CIMC Vehicles unveiled two lightweight environmentally friendly models of the ‘Second Generation Semi-Trailer’ series, including a 13-metre gooseneck warehouse railroad car and a 40’ three-axis multifunctional small gooseneck skeleton car. This year, CIMC Vehicles released two lightweight environmentally friendly models of the “Second Generation Semi-Trailer” series products at the expo, namely a 13-meter gooseneck warehouse railroad car and a 40-foot three-axis multifunctional small gooseneck skeleton car. Sun Chunan, Executive Vice President and
COO of CIMC Vehicles, said that the scale of the company’s participation has exceeded previous events and reached a record high. CIMC Vehicles also showcased two upgraded versions of its classic models. One was an Australian 13.6-metre curtainsided semi-trailer transporter with a lightweight body design and high-gloss powder coating process, fitted with a shroud and sliding roof, and fences either side to reduce wind resistance and fuel consumption. The trailer features European standard 30mm composite wood flooring, which is non-slip, wear resistant and reported to be easy to maintain. The other trailer is a new configuration of European standard side curtains. Other vehicles on show included two North American 13.6-metre dry cargo van semi-trailers, with an American-style beam-free box-bearing structure, high-strength ultra-thin side panels and thin bamboo floors. With the implementation of GB1589-2016, the size of China’s secondgeneration semi-trailers is comparable to European standards. Among them, side curtain cars and centre axle vans are the most commonly used models in Europe. At present, CIMC Vehicles has launched the ‘International Edition’ series of vehicles based on the ‘global operation’ business philosophy and has passed the rigorous inspection of the mainstream market in North America. This, CIMC Vehicles said, not only polished the gold-made signboard ‘Made in China’, but also greatly boosted the confidence of Chinese special-purpose vehicle brands competing in the global market. Guiping is guiding CIMC Vehicles on its path of sustainable development by improving the application of their second-generation semi-trailer range. He said the ‘five good’ standard is to look good, to buy, to use, to repair and to improve. This methodology, he said, will allow for refined and optimised products through technological innovation, product iteration and brand marketing while continuously improving and increasing core competitiveness, especially in the special vehicle industry. www.cimc.com
CIMC Vehicles is committed to innovation in China’s special vehicle industry.
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HELMING GENERA
CHANGE JOST, ACCORDING TO NEWLY APPOINTED CEO, JOACHIM DÜRR, IS A STRONG BRAND IN THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INDUSTRY WHICH HAS GAINED THE TRUST OF MANY CUSTOMERS WORLDWIDE. TO BE A LEAD MANUFACTURER OF VEHICLE CONNECTION SYSTEMS, MODULES AND COMPONENTS FOR TRUCKS AND TRAILERS DEMANDS CONTINUOUS INNOVATION AND A SOLID COMMITMENT TO SERVICE.
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ctober last year, Lars Brorsen handed his position as Chief Executive Officer of JOST to Joachim Dürr. This was a momentous shift in leadership which the company dubbed at the time a ‘generational change’. Brorsen had held his role since the end of 1999, and under his reign, the German company flourished into an internationally recognised group. Over a period of 20 years, global sales quadrupled while the number of employees doubled. Brorsen expanded and enhanced JOST’s product portfolio and service offering with strong brands such as TRIDEC, ROCKINGER, Edbro and more recently, JOST Axle Systems. Under Brorsen’s leadership, JOST Werke AG was listed on the Frankfurt
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Stock Exchange in 2017 and even made the leap into the SDAX index. With such a successful career to date, and retirement on the horizon, Brorsen prepared for his position handover with calm and prudence, adding that “Dürr will keep the spirit of the company alive and will continue JOST’s success story”. At the beginning of 2019, Dürr was appointed Chief Sales Officer (CSO) of JOST Werke. With a background in
INDUSTRY VOICE
graduate mechanical engineering he has many years of international sales, product and leadership experience in the commercial vehicle industry. Global Trailer met with him to see how he is settling into his new responsibilities as CEO. Q: Firstly, congratulations on your appointment as CEO (effective 1 October 2019). What does this position mean to you? A: JOST is a great company and a strong brand in the commercial vehicle industry, which has gained the trust of many customers worldwide. I find that very appealing. It means a lot to me to lead and develop such a respected company and to continue to serve our customers.
TIONAL
Q: Could you provide a brief overview of your career at JOST? A: Like most people in the commercial vehicle industry, I have been in contact with JOST for many years, especially during my time working for MAN. At JOST itself, I started as Chief Sales Officer in January of 2019.
Q: At the start of the year you were appointed Chief Sales Officer. How did this position prepare you for your new CEO function? JOST CEO, Joachim Dürr. A: It was the perfect beginning to start as CSO to get to know the company, the people and the products. Through the CSO function I gained great knowledge about our international sales structures and had the opportunity to meet many colleagues worldwide. But the most important aspect for me was the direct contact with customers and business partners all over the world; to get the customer impact and industry touch. That’s a key element to further the future business strategy. Q: Do you have a primary focus for the next 12 months? Are there any business goals you would like to share and elaborate on? A: We have the ability to adapt quickly to market fluctuations. Furthermore, we will continue building JOST’s global position, improving our products and services and winning additional customers. Also, I would like to focus on highlighting the new technologies we already provide, showing our customers the benefits they bring. Our goal is to always offer our customers a clear added value in order to consolidate and grow our market position. Q: You said in a statement that the commercial vehicle industry will continue to grow in the medium term and in the process undergo major changes. What changes do you expect to see? A: The industry is undergoing significant changes. Three trends stand out: safety, comfort and autonomous driving. On the one hand, the need for transportation is growing at a rapid pace, and yet, on the other hand, the lack of drivers is affecting the industry’s ability to keep up. Drivers are getting older and haulage firms have difficulties to find qualified new drivers. Moreover, customers of haulage companies themselves are setting their own environmental and safety requirements which haulage companies need to comply with. Therefore, as a customer-oriented supplier we are developing new technologies and solutions to solve these issues. Q: Can you tell us more about the range of opportunities that this presents for JOST? Autonomous driving? New interfaces for truck-trailer applications? A: We are working closely in projects with our end customers, OEMs and suppliers to develop the first applications of these technologies. As the shortage of drivers increases, these solutions will become more and more relevant. JOST’s
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expertise in the industry, especially regarding the coupling of trucks and trailers, offers an excellent opportunity for us. We intend to be ready with the right products at the right time. Q: JOST released a new brake pad range earlier this year that is optimised for longevity, improved efficiency and optimal road safety. What are your thoughts on this innovation and for the future of disc brake systems? A: JOST’s high-end trailer axle is recognised especially in high value trailer due to outstanding quality and long-term value. Our JOST axles perform excellent in these applications and show outstanding durability. Therefore, it was important for us to bring these cutting-edge blue brake pads to market. It was a logical development for a high-end system focused on long-term performance. Q: We also saw the launch of a service and parts website for European customers, featuring service information and training videos about the JOST, ROCKINGER, TRIDEC and Edbro brands. What are your thoughts on JOST’s commitment to after-sales support? A: Our traditional products are so reliable and easy to maintain that our customers don’t require much additional information or special tools to service them. In general, they need little training for maintenance. However, the new technologies that we are introducing to the market (for example, products with sensors and software) have a higher level of complexity. Therefore, we want to provide our
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customers with any additional information and documentation they might need to gain the most out of these products. The new service & parts website is a perfect vehicle to make this possible, offering excellent training opportunities and technical support as well as quick access to our ample dealer and distribution network. Q: The new biodegradable high-performance lubricant that made its debut at the 2018 IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover was very popular. Is corporate responsibility in regard to sustainability important to you? A: Of course, sustainability is important to JOST and we want to support and offer solutions for environmental-friendly behaviour. But we define sustainability in various ways: For us at JOST, it’s more than just eco-friendliness (for example, the highperformance lubricant “green grease”). It’s also about long-term relationships with our
INDUSTRY VOICE
JOST World’s headquarters is tasked with the production and distribution of fifth wheels and other heavy duty components.
customers and employees and about safety and health at work. It’s important especially in our production, but also for the users of our products, the truck drivers. Offering automatic and sensor couplings will make their job not only safer but also physically less strenuous. Q: The Edbro portfolio of hydraulic cylinders continue to offer JOST customers added value. Do you have any comments on this? A: We think in transport missions and always strive to combine our valuable products. With our high-quality Edbro products, we can offer complete solutions for special transport applications such as mining and quarrying.
FAST FACT JOST has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 20 July 2017.
We’re happy that these products are part of the JOST brand family, especially our Edbro cylinders with premium power weight ratio and hydraulic components and the wet kits offer for tipping application. Q: Steer axles are proving to be quite popular for fleets around the world. Manoeuvrability, especially in urban areas, is a critical consideration in terms of efficient route access. What is JOST focused on in the axle market? A: Again, JOST is working on solutions that help fleets meet the rising requirements for transportation. With growing urbanisation even more goods need to be transported into the inner cities. At the same time, vehicles need to become more sustainable, maximising the use of space to be more compatible for city transit. Our TRIDEC solutions offer an ideal solution, they can double the transport volume, while achieving a similar manoeuvrability as a small delivery truck. Q: The uptake of commercial vehicles fitted with couplings featuring sensors and self-lubrication systems is on the rise. Why do you think that is? A: The lack of drivers is pushing the industry to develop a safer and more comfortable work environment for drivers including more and more female drivers. At the same time, fleet customers are increasing their own requirements and raising standards regarding the transportation of goods. Sensors and automatic lubrication systems provide higher safety and valuable time savings while increasing the eco-friendliness of the products. Besides the comfort and safety gains, this increases sustainability and efficiency for the fleet operator. www.jost-world.com/en/corporate/investor-relations
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WORLD EVENTS
BREAKBULK
TRANSPORTERTAGE
25-26 FEBRUARY
13-15 MARCH 2020
MIDDLE EAST 2020
Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE Conveniently located in Dubai, Breakbulk Middle East will attract more than 1,700 companies representing the full industrial supply chain from over 70 countries. It has, according to event organisers, become the place to meet these decision makers. And because of strong gatekeeping systems within Middle Eastern companies, this event is one of the few ways to make direct contact with them. www.middleeast.breakbulk.com
THE WORK TRUCK SHOW
3-6 MARCH 2020
Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, US Produced annually by NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry, The Work Truck Show is a once-a-year chance to see all of the newest industry products, choose from dozens of industry-focused training courses, and gain access to technical engineering representatives from hundreds of exhibiting companies. Attendees can interact with thousands of industry professionals, set up meetings with current suppliers or customers; find solutions to resolve technical issues, and talk shop with industry peers at special events and receptions. www.worktruckshow.com 5 6 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 5 0
BERLIN
Olympic Stadium, Berlin, Germany The TransporterTage Berlin is the established trade fair for trade visitors from industry, trade, commerce and the municipal sector as well as a meeting place for decision makers and executives of the commercial vehicle industry. The ‘Transporter day’ Berlin is reported to be dedicated to, among others, vans and commercial vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes as well as services related to the topic of fleet management. www.transportertage-bb.de
INTERMODAL ASIA
17-19 MARCH 2020 Shanghai, China The Intermodal Asia exhibition and conference will bring together the leading international decision-makers from over 90 different countries, from all areas of container transport and logistics, making it the most important industry annual meeting point in Asia according to the event organisers. www.intermodal-asia.com
KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR Logistic 2020 12-15 May 2020 Prague, Czech Republic www.forlogistic.cz
MEGATRANS2020 1-3 APRIL 2020
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia MEGATRANS returns in 2020 as an important industry event, facilitating cross-industry collaboration in a multidimensional and integrated conference and exhibition for the freight and logistics industry. It will showcase the latest in artificial Intelligence, robotics, automated racking, telematics and route optimisation, warehouse automation, intelligent fleet systems, blockchain, Internet of Things, big data and advanced analytics. www.megatrans.com.au
Transport Logistic China 16-18 June 2020 Shanghai, China www.transportlogistic-china.com Elmia Lastbil 19-22 August 2020 Jönköping, Sweden www.elmia.se/en/lastbil Heavy Vehicle Transport Technology Symposium 16 TBC China www.road-transport-technology.org/ conferences/china-2020 InnoTrans 2020 22-25 September Berlin, Germany www.innotrans.com
CEM 2020 13-15 MAY 2020
IAA Commercial Vehicles Show 2020 24 September – 1 October 2020 Hanover, Germany www.iaa.de
Kraków, Poland The 14th CEM conference and exhibition on Emissions Monitoring will take place in the historic city of Kraków in Poland. Kraków is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland with excellent road, rail and airport links for visitors and delegates to attend the meeting. www.ilmexhibitions.com/cem/
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M E GATR E N D S
A DESTINY IN DIGITISATION
THE BPW GROUP AIMS TO BE EVEN MORE ADAPTABLE WHEN IT COMES TO DEVELOPING AND USING NEW DIGITAL IDEAS, FOLLOWING ITS SUCCESS IN TRAILER TELEMATICS WITH IDEM TELEMATICS AND ITS SPARE PARTS DATA AGGREGATOR, PE DATA.
BPW Head of IT and Digitalisation, Roman Rapoport.
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PW Head of IT and Digitalisation, Roman Rapoport, demonstrated at the Wiehler Forum using telematics24.de as a project example. Digitalisation is changing the DNA of companies: one example of this development is the BPW Group, which in just a few years transformed itself from a traditional firm in the commercial vehicle industry to an innovation leader of Industry 4.0. The most recent example are trailer running gears, generated as ‘digital twins’ on the computer and accompanied by digitally networked services from production and assembly up to maintenance and spare parts service across nearly their entire lifecycle. The phrase ‘born digital’ also applies to big data and webshop concepts, such as those realised by BPW Group member company PE Data: commercial vehicle service stations can easily identify spare parts via scanning with a smartphone, and then ordering with just one click. Taking this even further is the BPW Aftermarket Group, which brings to the table a completely digitalised spare parts warehouse in the form of an overseas shipping container: the only thing that employees have to do now is pick out the parts they need – these are recorded, invoiced and re-ordered completely automatically. A core component of BPW’s digital strategy is system openness: the collaboration with platforms, software and hardware from a wide range of providers has also transformed the telematics subsidiary, idem telematics, into the European market leader for networking vehicles, freight and drivers. Companies can only stay successful if they not only digitise and network their business models, but also permanently develop them further, Rapoport reminded
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the audience at the Wiehler Forum. Boldness and the desire for change are the decisive success factors in digitisation, according to Rapoport. This ongoing change also always requires a change in corporate culture: an agile mindset, more personal responsibility and creative freedom for employees and a trust-based form of collaboration with partners are some of the most important ingredients in this regard. The BPW Group is looking to open up more to digital players and platform operators in the future. Therefore, Idem Telematics has successfully partnered with Daimler Fleetboard and RIO as well as Schmitz Cargobull in recent years. However, it also depends on pace, Rapoport said: new platform ideas don’t need to be launched to perfection, but can be implemented more quickly as prototypes and then intelligently further developed, taking new findings into account. He cited the new online marketplace telematics24.de as a project example. The platform is already online and is expected to develop into a crossbrand marketplace for telematics products and services in 2020. The goal is to depict product diversity to forwarders and vehicle manufacturers in a transparent and simple manner. That, too, according to Rapoport, is what BPW understands system openness to mean. www.globaltrailermag.com
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OUT OF
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ON THE QUEST TO BECOMING THE FIRST TRULY GLOBAL ORGANISATION IN THE HISTORY OF TRAILER MANUFACTURING, CIMC VEHICLES HAS LEARNED THAT STAYING TRUE TO A GRAND VISION DOESN’T PRECLUDE STRATEGIC FLEXIBILITY.
PERSE VERANCE D [Story & Interview by Sebastian Grote]
avid Li, General Manager of CIMC Vehicles, the trailer building arm of China’s International Marine Container (CIMC) Group, isn’t quite what you’d expect of a man who has built a €1.93 billion industrial empire from the bottom up. Distinctly humble in his bearing and refreshingly unpolished in his language, the industry veteran is enveloped in an aura of authenticity and adventure that is much more Silicon Valley than Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (the official jargon for a giant business incubation area the Chinese government has set up across the bay from Hong Kong to help local businesses connect more easily with the western world). As such, there is nothing imperious about Li laying out his plan to build the world’s first international trailer building company – only genuine excitement in an idea so captivatingly grand that it would arguably suit an intrepid start-up more than an asset-rich manufacturing firm operating FAST FACT in a time of extreme economic volatility. CIMC Vehicles’ US subsidiary, Understanding the phenomenon that is Vanguard, is currently finalising CIMC Vehicles is therefore not so much a construction of a second factory in question of mapping out the business itself Trenton, Georgia. The €32 million as it is one of getting to know the man manufacturing plant will eventually employ 400 people and produce behind it – a scenario akin to US start-up 10,000 semi-trailers annually. Tesla, which is largely dependent on the
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MIND
A KEY TALKING POINT OF THE 2014 IAA COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW, THE BRUISED RUSSIAN ECONOMY HAS FAILED TO TURN ITSELF AROUND IN TIME FOR THE NEXT EDITION OF THE ICONIC EVENT. WILL IT STILL CONTINUE TO OWN THE CONVERSATION, THOUGH? [ Story by Sebastian Grote ]
M
uddling through the longest recession since the turn of the century, Russia has racked up a sizeable budget deficit and is on track for yet another year of negative growth. Meanwhile, the prospect of fiscal relief is growing distant, with oil in a bear market after closing below $40 a barrel in August – theoretically making for a highly dramatic narrative in the lead-up to the largest transport industry gathering on the planet. But if you ask Denis Krivtsov, head of Russian OEM, Tonar, the country’s fragile economic state doesn’t necessarily mean it will become as prominent a topic as it was in 2014, when the Ukraine conflict and the annexation of Crimea were still fresh in mind and the European Union (EU) put an abrupt hold on west-east trade. According to Krivtsov, much of the western trailer community has since found
new growth potential in the heart of Europe and the still-sprawling east of the continent, leaving Russian businesses alone in dealing with what could be the most severe market slowdown in a decade or two. As a result, he says it is now up to the domestic transport equipment community to consolidate ahead of the parliamentary election in mid-September, which is hoped to give the battered economy a much-needed boost. “The Russian economy hasn’t really improved much since the last instalment of IAA. In fact, many local businesses have since folded as they simply refused to learn from the last crisis,” he explains – pointing to the EU’s recent decision to prolong economic sanctions against Russia until 31 January 2017.
In August 2016, the Financial Times publically wondered whether Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos was intending to drive everyone else in US retail crazy. The reason: Bezos is on a mission to re-define the classic concept of retail logistics. Instead of outsourcing the whole process, he set up a complex in-house transport network that has been aggressively expanding its reach, capabilities and capacity in the logistics and distribution arena over the past year or so. As part of the process, the Seattlebased company is now operating thousands of trailers emblazoned with Amazon’s logos acrosss North America. In Europe, Amazon is expanding rapidly as well, potentially making it a key talking point of the next IAA.
PEOPLE TO WATCH
THE
ALEXANDER DOBRINDT, GERMAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
ELEMENT ALBEIT A SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS EXPENSE, VISITING A TRADE SHOW LIKE IAA IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET SOME OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN COMMERCIAL ROAD TRANSPORT IN THE FLESH – A KEY ADVANTAGE IN THE DIGITAL AGE. [ Story by Sebastian Grote ]
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rom wireless connectivity to electric mobility, the digital world is slowly infiltrating every aspect of commercial road transport. Yet although high technology is expected to dominate the conversation at this year’s IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Germany (see page 52), it will be people that ultimately set the narrative. In fact, there is a distinct irony to the rise of technology in the manufacturing, according to best-selling US author, Daniel Pink, who has found that forging personal relationships is becoming ever more important as skill-sets evolve and demand more cognitive proficiency. So-called ‘thought jobs’, as Pink puts it, require a higher level of creativity, problem-solving prowess and out-of-the-box thinking, meaning that in order for a business to be successful, leveraging the unique human element behind each employee is key.
FAST FACT According to Russian Economy Development Minister, Aleksey Ulyukaev, the country’s economy is set to grow in the near future, as “the situation in the real sector of economy is improving and the dynamics of industrial production are positive”.
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As such, he says fostering personal relationships in real life, for example in the context of a trade show, will ultimately help businesses become more profitable. In line with Pink’s assumption, Global Trailer has selected ten prominent individuals that have the potential to put their mark on the 2016 edition of the largest global transport industry gathering – either by attending it or as the subject of intense discussion. www.globaltrailermag.com
Germany’s Federal Minister for Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Alexander Dobrindt, is slated to officially open the 66th IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover. Dobrindt recently made headlines in Germany when he proposed self-driving vehicles in Germany should be fitted with a black box that is able to record specific details of an accident, much like in the aviation industry. According to newswire, Reuters, his proposal would require drivers to stay seated in front of the steering wheel, even tough they may not have to pay attention to traffic or actually steer. Despite that cautionary measure, Dobrindt approved six German cities – Hamburg, Munich, Ingolstadt, Düsseldorf, Dresden and Braunschweig – to become testing grounds for self-driving vehicles as part of a US$89 million (€80 million) project.
İIFFET TÜRKEN, KÄSSBOHRER As the Executive Board Member responsible for Business Development at German OEM Kässbohrer – which is part of the Tirsan Group, the largest trailer manufacturing company in Turkey – Türken is considered one of the most influential personalities in European trailer building, and one of the most powerful women in the global transport equipment industry. The now 44-year-old joined the Tirsan Group in 1996 after graduating from Bogaziçi University in Istanbul and has since been stirring up Europe’s trailer building landscape – helping establish the Kässbohrer brand amongst the top ten in Europe.
PETER SIJS, TIP TRAILER SERVICES Overseeing the procurement processes for a 71,000-unit strong fleet that covers some five billion kilometres every year, Sijs, Services and Sourcing Operations Leader Europe at TIP Trailer Services, is considered one of the most influential people in Europe’s transport equipment industry. Having to replace up to 15,000 trailers annually, TIP Trailer Services spends an average of €30 million per year on parts alone – prompting Sijs to work closely with component suppliers and OEMs to leverage the latest in technology and develop new strategies to create competitive advantages. Most recently, he collaborated with German braking specialist Knorr-Bremse on the development of the company’s awardwinning iTAP system with FleetRemote functionality.
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