Global Trailer March 2021

57

www.globaltrailermag.com ISSN 1839-5201

02

9 771836 520000

INNOVATION

BUSINESS

NEWS

Schmitz Cargobull Actions TPMS Plan Lighter, More Durable BPW ECO Disc SAF TIRE PILOT In Europe, North America ZF’s Intelligent Braking Platform

Executive Interview: Goldhofer Market Report: Chile The Future Of Urban Transport TPMS Special Report

China-Europe Logistics Service Krone Releases Financial Results Utility Talks Aerodynamics Industry Developments In Africa

ASIA

AUSTRALIA

EUROPE

USA

GROUPED. FOR SUCCESS.

Combining decades of experience gathered in Asia, Australia, Europe and the US, global manufacturing powerhouse Fuwa has forged the strongest network of truck and trailer component specialists in the world. Merging local expertise with world-leading manufacturing prowess and an irrevocable commitment to innovation, our entire range of axles, suspension systems, landing legs, couplings, king pins, fifth wheels and ball races have been designed for one goal only -- to guarantee your success.

GROUP COMPANIES

Join the Group. Join the Revolution.

SINGAPORE

CHINA

fuwa.cn

fuwa.cn

FUWA ENGINEERING FUWA HEAVY INDUSTRIES p: +65 68631806 p: +86 750 5966333

AUSTRALIA

FUWA K-HITCH p: +61 3 9369 0000

khitch.com.au

EUROPE

VALX International p: +31 (0)88 405 8800

valx.eu

AMERICA

AXN Heavy Duty p: +1 502 749 3200

axnheavyduty.com

32

COVER STORY

24

PARTNERS IN ACTION

The satisfaction of a job well done is important to Goldhofer. Delivering the best heavy duty and industrial scale transport solutions around the world takes well-founded advice while ensuring the greatest proximity possible to its industry partners. The German heavy equipment specialist is determined to consolidate and expand its operations.

IN THIS ISSUE BUSINESS 28 MARKET REPORT

The modern world depends on the Republic of Chile for the copper it produces as well as the leadership it has shown in manufacturing, emissions standards and electromobilty.

32 TPMS SPECIAL REPORT

The exponential uptake of tyre pressure monitoring systems and the growing number of players in this space demonstrates how front of mind safety and total cost of ownership is for transport businesses.

50 SPECIAL REPORT

The future of urban transportation is here. The world’s top transport and logistics providers are investing in all-electric alternatives in a bid to combat noise pollution and carbon emissions. What else in changing in the last-mile landscape?

FEATURES 40 ATEQ

ATEQ TPMS is a division of the ATEQ Group, a French company and supplier of tyre pressure monitoring solutions.

42 SCHMITZ CARGOBULL

German OEM, Schmitz Cargobull, now offers its own Tyre Pressure Monitoring System – TPMS – to help extend the tyre lifecycle as well as reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

“THE SPIRIT AND PHILOSOPHY OF ALOIS AND KAROLINE GOLDHOFER ARE STILL VERY MUCH IN THE AIR WE BREATHE, AND TOGETHER WITH OUR CUSTOMERS WE CONTINUE TO BUILD THE BIG GOLDHOFER FAMILY.” Rainer Auerbacher Goldhofer

44 SAF-HOLLAND

Tyre pressure monitoring systems and tyre filling systems are now widely used in fleets around the world. SAF-Holland currently offers both technologies in Europe and abroad. SAF TIRE PILOT, in particular, has been successfully marketed in Europe for more than 10 years.

46 BPW

BPW’s ECO Disc brake system – the equipment specialist’s latest innovation in braking technology – is lighter, more durable and easier to service.

48 ZF

Pioneering the first global Intelligent Braking Platform for trailers, ZF builds on its unparalleled innovation record.

REGULARS

56 EVENTS

04 EDITOR’S NOTE

58 MEGATRENDS

06 NEWS

59 PREVIEW

46

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

DESIGN

INSTALLATION COMPLETE LAST YEAR WASN’T ALL that bad for truck transportation and the heavy duty market according to USbased firm, ACT Research. It wasn’t even half bad; it was one quarter bad, senior analyst, Kenny Vieth, reported.

He added the shock and magnitude of the Q2 economic decline was without precedent in post-WWII history however the ‘remarkable’ rebound of the US economy and truck freight began in the summer and gained momentum into autumn. The second half of 2020, Vieth said, was impacted by capacity squeeze, goodsfor-services substitution, expanded migration to e-commerce, low fuel prices, a housing boom among other contributing factors.

The international community, generally, has similar stories to tell which is reassuring considering we’re still in the thick of a global pandemic.

Trailer manufacturers and component suppliers across Europe, for instance, swiftly adapted their operations for online sales and support with major investments in digitalisation. While for most of these manufacturers and equipment specialists, the transition to digital was inevitable, the pandemic simply accelerated the process.

With 2021 now in full swing, government and industry is as dynamic as ever. January 20 saw

4 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

the inauguration of Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. as the 46th President of the US. Chris Spear. American Trucking Associations (ATA) President, Chris Spear, welcomed the appointment, congratulating both Biden and Vice President Harris, with a view to work with the administration to strengthen the economy and rebuild the national infrastructure.

Spear elaborated in a statement that the resilience of the American trucker is of the country’s greatest assets.

The industry, driven by core values of hard work, service and sacrifice, sets out to deliver the goods of the nation and its people both in times good and bad. With the successful appointment of Pete Buttigieg as Transportation Secretary (the ATA’s top nomination), the ATA is really banking on its commitments. Based on his nomination hearing, Buttigieg is adamant that greater federal investment in infrastructure is critical to enhancing transportation safety and growing the economy. He is expected to advance a robust highway funding bill with the support of the ATA and Biden. I have a good feeling about 2021.

Kerry Pert, Madeline McCarty

INTERNATIONAL SALES

Ashley Blachford ashley.blachford@primecreative.com.au

CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER

Justine Nardone justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au

HEAD OFFICE

Prime Creative Pty Ltd 11-15 Buckhurst Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia p: +61 3 9690 8766 f: +61 3 9682 0044 enquiries@primecreative.com.au www.globaltrailermag.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

+61 3 9690 8766 subscriptions@primecreative.com.au Global Trailer is available by subscription from the publisher. The rights of refusal are reserved by the publisher.

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.

Follow us on twitter @Globaltrailer

“Across the globe: JOST keeps us rolling!”

Trusting the market leader.

Manufacturers of the commercial vehicle industry 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 CHINA Lead times from China to Europe are reported to be drastically reduced, following the launch of CEVA Logistics’ unique service offering the fastest delivery on the market.

CEVA Logistics has launched a unique, rapid Less Than Truckload (LTL) service between China and Europe to serve customers who do not have sufficient volumes to support Full Truckload Shipments (FTL).

Emerging small to medium enterprises (SMEs), large local companies (LLAs) and multinational corporations are set to benefit from this development.

The new service, according to CEVA Logistics, operates two to three times a week (subject to demand) on Tuesday/Thursday and Saturday. The Saturday schedule will also accept Li-Battery shipments (DG Class 9 Li-Battery). Drivers on this service have been specially trained and hold all requested Dangerous Goods licenses for safety TIR transport.

Rapid LTL will be offered from hubs located in Shenzhen, Suzhou, Qingdao, Tianjin, Alashankou and Khorgos. Established destination hubs in Europe are located in Poland, Germany and the UK. Shipments to and from Europe will be operated via Alashankou or Khorgos. The Hub-toHub delivery takes 12 days under TIR coverage. The shipment from European Hubs to the final destination will take 2-3 days.

“We took considerable time and care to set this service up to meet our customer’s needs,” said CEVA Logistics North Asia Group & Rail Product Leader, Kelvin Tang. “After six months of preparation, we can present a solution that is unique in every respect in this market. Our lead-time, rates and commitment are unrivalled, 6 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

and we have the fastest service on the market.”

An extension of the service to South East Asia is currently in preparation and will likely be available before the year end.

The service will operate year-round with winter conditions only expected to add 1-2 days to the overall journey time.

CHINA China-based OEM, CIMC Vehicles, has announced a revenue increase of 7.3 per cent for the first three quarters of 2020 which amounts to approx. €2.4 billion.

Sectors that use speciality vehicles such as e-commerce logistics and cold chain transportation have experienced strengthened momentum which has, according to CIMC Vehicles, bolstered the new development landscape in China. This follows a dual circulation strategy that stresses internal circulation as its core as well as international circulation for driving each other.

This coupled with state policies has reportedly resulted in “impressive” performance of China’s special vehicles market (semi-trailer and truck bodies) in 2020.

The Chinese Government’s rapid response to the issue of over limit and overloaded vehicles by implementing new national standards for second generation trailers has helped CIMC Vehicles achieve notable growth in its semi-trailer business in the Chinese market.

With the support of the new infrastructure initiative, truck bodies for CIMC’s specialty vehicle business delivered solid performance. Sales of its intelligent environmentally-friendly urban dump trucks as well as light and

durable cement mixer trucks continued to rise, leading to substantial revenue growth of truck bodies for specialty vehicle business and increased proportion of the business in total revenue.

The refrigerated van truck bodies business segment also recorded rapid growth. The Covid-19 pandemic stimulated the development of the cold chain logistics market, while CIMC Vehicles’ subsidiary Shandong CIMC, the main manufacturer of refrigerated vans truck bodies in China, is the key supplier for domestic logistics enterprises in China. Given the sustained high growth of demand for refrigerated vehicles in China, CIMC Vehicles achieved significant growth in revenue and gross profit of the refrigerated van truck bodies business.

As a result of various driving factors, CIMC Vehicles achieved revenue of over 18.80 billion RMB for the first three quarters of 2020, representing year-on-year growth of 7.3 per cent.

In addition, its operating cash flow increased by 26.2 per cent year-onyear to over 1.61 billion RMB. Despite Covid-19, the company recorded a sound financial position.

Compared with revenue of 11.15 billion RMB for the first half of the year, CIMC Vehicles’ revenue of 7.65 billion RMB for the first three quarters unveiled substantial growth.

CIMC Vehicles anticipates potentially higher growth in Q4 2020 based on overseas market recovery.

“The global economy has been hardest hit this year by the oncein-a-century ‘black swan’ event – Covid-19 pandemic,” the OEM said in a statement. “Though the mainland market already resumed operation and production in March, overseas markets had just started recovering, so their

NEWS

ASIA cent year-on-year. Net trailer orders for October set an all-time record at 56,500 units, increased by 68 per cent year-on-year and up by 8.7 per cent month-on-month.

The report also showed that most orders in September were dry van trailers and those for refrigerated vans were relatively strong, while orders for flatbed trailers continued to recover slowly. In October, ordered for dry vans trailer and refrigerated vans trailer continued to stay strong. Order for flatbed trailers improved and should reach their highest total this year.

CIMC Vehicles expects its revenue may increase at most to 24.0-26.5

billion RMB in 2020 and may reach a new high.

In other news, the proposed initial public offering (IPO) of CIMC Vehicles has been approved by the GEM Listing Committee of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

The proceeds from this IPO are intended to be invested in projects related to the Group’s main businesses. The proceeds from the IPO are expected to be used for its digital transformation and R&D projects upgrade and construction of new Light Tower plant projects, new marketing and construction projects, as well as repayment of bank borrowings and

9376

economic performances for the first three quarters inevitably impacted our results to some extent.”

The announcement has showed that order volume from overseas markets started rebounding from September 2020.

According to data from US transportation intelligence FTR, September trailer order volume in the US “surged” to the third highest reading in history. It increased from 23,500 units in August 2020 to 52,000 units in September 2020, compared with only 18,600 units last September, up by 121.3 per cent month-on-month and 179.6 per

Uniquely effective The S.KO COOL COMPLETE with EXECUTIVE package is our top of the range reefer semitrailer, and includes our exclusive S.CU transport refrigeration unit. Refrigerate more costeffectively with our outstanding insulation system. Our services and TrailerConnect® telematics system are included to ensure lower maintenance costs and an impressive resale value.

More Information: www.cargobull.com

ASIA replenishment of liquidity.

Haitong Securities Co., Ltd. is the sole sponsor of the Group’s A-shares IPO. The main underwriters are Haitong Securities Co., Ltd., China International Capital Corporation Limited, ZTF Securities Company Limited and Ping An Securities Company Limited.

“The Group has endeavoured to promote technological innovations and product compliance in the industry,” the management of CIMC Vehicles said in a statement.

“Capitalising on this A-shares listing, the Group’s financing channel and global businesses will be strengthened. The Group will accelerate the strategic layout of its global semi-trailer business, expand its economies of scale and promote the development and upgrade of the industry.

“Meanwhile, the Group will build a sophisticated manufacturing system for global semi-trailers, truck bodies of specialty vehicles and truck bodies of refrigerated vans. To effectively respond to the headwinds in global trade, the Group will continue to shift its strategy from ‘Global Operations and Local knowledge’ to ‘Overseas Operation and Local Manufacturing’ so as to develop sound resilience amidst the new normal in the global economy. The Group’s listing on the A-shares market will effectively enhance the Group’s investment value, so the Group will be truly discovered and recognised under the interactive effects of the inbound and outbound capital markets which will further elevate the Group’s stature in the international market and heighten awareness of the Group in the international arena.”

CIMC Vehicles is the world’s top semi-trailer manufacturer in terms of 8 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

sales, and the leading manufacturer of truck bodies for specialty vehicles and refrigerated truck bodies in China.

For three consecutive years, the Group’s cement mixers ranked first in sales volume terms and it also enjoys the stature of being the pioneer and technology leader in the commissioned variant business of urban dump trucks in China.

The OEM currently has 12 ‘Light Tower’ plants in different parts of the world which produce semi-trailers – six ‘Light Tower’ plants which produce truck bodies of specialty vehicles and two ‘Light Tower’ plants charged with producing truck bodies of refrigerated vans as well as a ‘Product Module’ for a number of semi-trailer series.

THAILAND Transport and logistics company, Toll Group, has a joint venture business strategically situated in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) of Thailand that offers warehousing, transport and freight solutions.

The local government, according to Toll, is investing in an integrated infrastructure development plan to build the infrastructure linking industry hubs within Thailand and connecting across borders with its surrounding countries.

The plan, which is being developed over a few years, will reportedly enhance, sea, air and land linkways including the upgrading of the existing U-Tapao International Airport, the Map Ta Phut Industrial Port and the new double track railway.

Supporting global customers from Sattahip and Songklah, Toll’s joint venture, Oil-Tex, will be able to manage goods moving into and out of Thailand via these new sea and air connections.

With 4,000 days free of safety

incidents, Toll’s Oil-Tex team have been maintaining an exemplary safety record while managing berth and wharfing activities for long-term oil and gas customers.

“We provide ship agency services to ships from all around the world,” said George Yeo who manages the Oil-Tex business. “We refuel them, unload their vessels and conduct ship channelling activities for both offshore and navy ships. Some more recent activities were for the Singapore and Sri Lankan navy ships.”

Aside from Oil-Tex, Toll has a total of 15 sites across Thailand offering a wide range of services, including linehaul and delivery to stores, to bring products to Thai communities efficiently and safely.

Businesses can expect time, cost and connectivity efficiencies as they leverage on the EEC through Toll.

“Our team of 50 in Oil-Tex and the wider 800 across Thailand are poised to support our customers with their strategy for this geography”, said Toll Group Regional General Manager for Southeast Asia, Dean Jones.

GERMANY German transport company, Pfenning Logistics, has invested in an optimised deep-freeze truck body and trailer combination from Schmitz Cargobull.

The M.KO COOL deep-freeze truck body and trailer combination and the Z.KO COOL deep-freeze central axle trailer have also completed their transition to the next generation thanks to Schmitz Cargobull’s engineers who have focused on increased insulation for even safer transport, weight reduction for greater payload, safe and easy handling for enhanced ergonomics and higher time savings, as well as efficient through-loading.

NEWS

EUROPE “This vehicle enables our drivers to load both deep-freeze box bodies at once,” said Pfenning Logistics Group Managing Director, Manuel Pfenning.

“The trailer no longer has to be uncoupled during the process, and the entire truck and trailer combination only has to be driven up to the ramp once.

That truly saves time.”

With approximately 3,700 employees at 90 locations and a fleet of more than 800 trucks, Pfenning Logistics is among Germany’s top full-service logistics providers.

The multifunction floor in the body enables quick and easy load securing.

The new partition wall in the bodies for

multi-temperature transport is another clever solution as it can be divided 1/3 to 2/3, is longitudinally adjustable and can be repaired quickly without disassembly. This feature enables frozen and fresh products to be loaded and transported in the same body.

Thicker side walls, bulkhead and floor with unchanged internal dimensions have improved the insulation properties. In addition, depending on the specifications, the M.KO COOL’s body meets the demanding requirements of ATP/FRC certification for perishable foodstuffs. The M.KO is 60kg lighter due to its optimised design, enabling a higher payload.

Intelligent Trailer Braking Platform Industry’s first global trailer braking platform offers iABS and iEBS for intelligent trailers worldwide

The Intelligent Braking Platform is ZF’s most advanced solution for global OEMs and local trailer specialists alike. Mobilized by WABCO Trailer Solutions, standardization and common components enable lean production and simplified warehousing. Multi-voltage capability and generic communication protocols improve vehicle connectivity, while scalable variants from basic iABS to premium iEBS are applicable to a wide variety of different trailer types worldwide.

Just like the S.KO COOL box body semi-trailer, the M.KO COOL can also be equipped with the multifunction floor for simplified load securing. With its high-quality workmanship, the multifunction floor provides excellent slip resistance, a longer service life and an integrated load securing structure.

Furthermore, the trailer features a new bumper design to protect the trailers during loading and unloading via the ramp. The body includes the same design and quality features as the refrigerated semi-trailer. Robust steel profiles and new door handles round out the visual appearance.

If the M.KO COOL refrigerated truck

EUROPE body is coupled with the Z.KO COOL central axle trailer, the combination can be used as a through-loading trailer.

This enables the driver to load and unload the M.KO using a forklift directly through the Z.KO. This saves time and space as the high-volume truck body and trailer combination only needs to drive up to the ramp once and there is no need to unhitch the trailer.

In the through-loading combination, the front door of the Z.KO can also serve as a pneumatic flap, providing protection against the weather during loading and unloading. The front flap of the Z.KO is extended out over the rear lifting and roll-over plate when loading the M.KO and Z.KO. This enables the front flap to act as a roof, and protects the open area between the vehicles from rainwater. The pull rod with pneumatic locking is extendable and can be controlled from the driver’s cab.

The Schmitz Cargobull transverse partition provides the trailer with a flexible option for MultiTemp transport, ensuring reliable cooling in all of the chambers. The partition wall is designed for 1/3 and 2/3 division of the body and is based on the proven FERROPLAST ThermoTechnology.

This offers maximum insulation not only in the body but also for the partition wall. To ensure quick and easy repairs such as when replacing the gas pressure springs in the trailer, there is no need to remove the partition wall. The partition wall can be moved longitudinally, folded up to the roof and can also be used at the end of the body.

Further advantages include the proven stainless steel balancing unit, recessed handles, the high-quality and durable rubber seal as well as simple and back-friendly usage. The Schmitz Cargobull partition walls can 10 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

be ordered individually or together for bodies with any length longitudinal partition, depending on the customer requirements.

GERMANY Bulk freight forwarder based in northern Germany, Rüdebusch, recently acquired Kässbohrer low bed trailers.

Wieland Rüdebusch, General Manager at Rüdebusch, and Vincent Koel, Manager Region Northern Germany at Kässbohrer, shared their thoughts about this valuable partnership.

“As Rüdebusch, we are already operating with Kässbohrer Bitumen Tanker K.STS that makes difference with its robustness, safety features, enables fast loading and unloading operations and offers operational efficiency,” said Wieland Rüdebusch.

“As a result of our experience with Kässbohrer, we have decided to expand our fleet with Kässbohrer Low Bed K.SLL 2.

“We are glad to strengthen our fleet with our old partner Kässbohrer and I’m sure that our partnership will grow in the future,” he said.

“As Kässbohrer, we are proudly presenting the complete construction product portfolio with silo, tipper, platform and low-bed semi-trailer product ranges to our customers,” said Koel.

“Our Low-Bed with 2 axles K.SLL 2 has the lowest loading height with the ground clearance of just 100 mm and accommodates the maximum height on heavy-haulage transportation.

“The vehicle enables flexible transportation of tall and heavy goods with its special pool length of 6.810mm, king-pin capacity of up to 24 tonnes and does not require for additional permission and is extendable

by maximum 5.550mm.

“To provide maximum manoeuvrability under the toughest road conditions, the vehicle is equipped with hydraulic axles of 12-tonne capacity each with a turning angle of 42°.

“K.SLL 2 is offered with a detachable gooseneck shortening the time needed for loading operations of construction and work machines while enhancing operational safety with the frontloading capability.

“Kässbohrer’s K.SLL 2 is equipped with several options, such as Central lubrication unit to reduce maintenance requirements, Front loading ramps to shorten loading and unloading operations and coated to prolong the vehicle’s lifetime.

“As Kässbohrer, we value our partnership with Rüdebush and believe that our partnership will grow with our efficient, robust and high quality vehicles, engineering excellence and dedicated sales and after-sales team.”

GERMANY The Krone Group has released its latest financial results.

After a relatively good start to the 2019/2020 financial year (1 August 2019 to 31 July 2020), all business activities have been impacted by Covid-19 since the beginning of 2020.

With the pandemic taking centre stage, other topical issues like the Brexit negotiations and various protectionist import tariff measures have taken a backseat although these did have significant impacts on the international operations of the Krone Group.

While the agricultural machinery division continued to grow, Commercial Vehicles lost business. In the last financial year the Krone Group generated a turnover of €1.9 billion (previous year around €2.2 billion).

NEWS

EUROPE About 32.9 per cent of the domestic sales were accounted for by the Agriculture and 66.8 per cent by the Commercial Vehicle business. With about 29.3 per cent of all sales being generated in the domestic market (previously 30.9 per cent), 70.7 per cent of the Krone sales revenues were generated in markets outside Germany (previously 69.1 per cent).

The Krone Group employed a workforce of 5,375 in more than 15 countries in the last financial year (previously 5,292).

This number included 293 apprentices on average (previously 270).

The balance sheet total for the

r Ye a

2019/2020 financial year stood at €1,333.6 million (previous year €1,305.5 million).

Total investments of €60.2 million (previously €92.9 million) were offset by depreciation of €37.2 million.

This growth was mainly attributed to a number of investments at various production and office sites.

Liquidity increased by €69.6 million to €205.0 million. This was accounted for by the decrease in receivables from goods delivered and services provided and stocks. Equity increased from €585.1 million euros to €588.7 million euros as of the balance sheet date. The equity ratio of 44.1 per cent

did not change significantly over the previous year (44.8 per cent).

The medium and long-term debt capital increased from €424.4 million to €426.4 million euros in the 2019/2020 financial year. The Group has midand long-term capital to the value of €1,015.5 million (previous year 1,010.0 million euros). This covers both fixed assets and the entire stock assets as well as many of the receivables.

To further increase both product quality and production capacity, Krone has been steadily investing in digitalisation, automation, connectivity and telematics at nearly all production sites.

In summer 2020, the new validation

s

The New Lightness in Long Haul Traffic The vehicles of the new POWER LINE feature the impossible: higher performance and less weight.* Long haul traffic has set completely new standards! www.schwarzmueller.com/powerline *For example, POWER LINE Cargo: Plus 1,700 kg stacker load but 800 kg less tare weight than a customary standard vehicle.

EUROPE centre in Lingen became operational.

Known as the Future Lab, this test facility uses various high-tech procedures to test the service life, quality, functioning and operability of components, which will reportedly have a positive impact on product quality.

It also features a 1.2km test course for testing autonomous vehicles.

Bernard Krone, Chairman of the Krone Holding Supervisory Board, summarised the group performance: “The pandemic has shone a light on the economy sectors that are really important.

“Agriculture and transportation are clearly amongst them. As we look back on the 2019/2020 financial year, we are pleased to find that Krone expanded its market shares in areas of its business activities. This is reflected by yet another sales increase to €732 million in the agricultural machinery market and €1.16 billion in sales generated in the far more volatile commercial trailer market.

“On the whole, the Krone Group was able to achieve a respectable result worth €1.9 billion. Although the current effects of the pandemic combined with climatic, political and economic factors make it difficult to gauge what the future holds, we do anticipate sales in the current financial year to be at the previous year’s level.

“In the long-term, however, the Krone Group will continue to serve two major trends. The Earth’s population is expected to reach 10 billion by 2050; all these people must be fed and to do this we need state-of-the-art agricultural equipment and seamlessly networked logistics. This outlook makes us take an optimistic approach for the future.”

Krone said it has introduced a program of modernisation and automation 12 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

across all our production facilities. Of particular note is the Herzlake plant, where the assembly lines for the Dry Liner series and shell lines for swap bodies are now highly automated.

A new robotic production line for swap bodies is now close to completion.

The investment in a new double-head friction welding machine capable of increasing capacity at the Dinklage plant to over 100,000 axles per year is also worth mentioning.

NETHERLANDS Trailer manufacturer, Van Eck, has a particularly efficient new customer in its ranks with the Claus Reformwaren Service Team.

Claus Reformwaren is an internationally operating wholesaler in health food, with an emphasis on organic, vegetarian and vegan. With a modern fleet, Claus supplies numerous specialty stores across Europe.

Claus Reformwaren Service Team doesn’t do this all by itself. Part of the logistics, such as in the north of Germany and in France, is outsourced to large logistics service providers.

But Austria and Switzerland, as well as southern and central Germany, Claus delivers all by itself. To this end, the company has its own distribution centers near Munich, Frankfurt and Dortmund, while its head office is located in Baden-Baden, in southwestern Germany. With about fifty vehicles and vehicle combinations, the distribution is carried out. Claus Reformwaren offers a choice from a range of more than 20,000 articles.

Van Eck is one of the first manufacturers of Double deck trailers out of their mission to contribute to lowering CO2 emission and has been consistently building them in the best quality for 17 years and Claus

Reformwaren Service Team with their first purchase is in expert hands.

When stores order products from Claus Reformwaren Service Team, a system comes into operation that guarantees delivery within 24 hours. A crucial part of this system is a regular service that the company maintains between the four distribution centres.

This is where the company opted for a double-deck trailer from Van Eck. “This allows us to transport 87 roll containers per trip, while we properly comply with all rules regarding sizes and weights. Moreover, by working with a double deck trailer, we save a lot on CO2 emissions,” said H. Börsig from Claus.

“We got to know Van Eck as the only trailer manufacturer capable of building trailers that match our logistics activities so precisely.

The Eckstreme Double Deck Trailer, Van Eck confirms, is extremely efficient, equipped with the best safety features and the epitome of what is technically possible.

“Our contact with Van Eck has been pleasant from the start,” said Börsig.

“It’s our first Van Eck, and we don’t rule out that more will follow. The double deck trailer is super efficient for us. It would be good for the environment if many more companies were to drive with such trailers.”

The trailer, which can only be driven by drivers who are first familiar with it, is equipped with a silent, fuel-efficient cooling machine and can therefore transport all products from the Claus reform range, within legal requirements.

“By working with the Eckstreme Double Deck Trailer, we save on journeys and can move large quantities of product, which enables us to maintain our customers’ stores faster and better,” said Börsig.

The brands of the BPW Group: BPW I ERMAX I HBN-Teknik I HESTAL I idem telematics

THE BPW EFFECT

3h

faster brake disc replacement

Robust. Easy to service.

Significant weight saving.

The new ECO Disc is a milestone in brake technology and, with its robust design, provides absolute reliability when the going gets tough.

This new model is the logical enhancement of our successful trailer disc brake, which has already achieved sales of almost three million units.

Trust in the expertise of Europe‘s largest trailer brake manufacturer.

Find out more at www.bpw.de/ecodisc

EUROPE NETHERLANDS Amsterdam-based leasing, rental, maintenance and repairs firm, TIP, has appointed a new Deputy CEO, Arjen Kraaij.

The appointment is effective 1 January 2021.

This follows the acquisition and integration of two large industry leasing companies in Europe and Canada.

Kraaij has reportedly been successful in the role of Chief Commercial Officer for TIP Trailer Services since 2017.

Having been with the business for 23 years in positions of increasing responsibility, he brings a wealth of knowledge from across the full scope of the business.

“Arjen has been instrumental in TIP’s success over the past years and I am proud to announce his promotion to Deputy CEO and I am confident he will be very successful working with me to drive TIP on its future growth path.” said TIP Trailer Services President and CEO, Bob Fast.

TIP said in a statement that Kraaij has experience working with all the regions in addition to his relationships with both suppliers and customers, provides him with a solid foundation upon which to take on the day-to-day leadership of business operations.

“I am honoured and excited to take on this new role and work closely with all regional VPs to strongly drive the business forward.” said Kraaij.

Kraaij holds a MBA from Erasmus University, has been a member of the European Transport Board since 2006, and will continue to be based at the TIP Group Headquarters in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

UK Schmitz Cargobull has appointed Glenn Bagnall as its new Used Trailer 14 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

Sales Manager for the UK and Ireland, providing a dedicated point of contact for operators looking to cost-effectively expand or renew their trailer fleets.

Bagnall, who has more than 15 years of experience in truck and trailer sales, is focused on extending the manufacturers’ reach, building on strong relationships Schmitz Cargobull has with fleets of all sizes.

“The used trailer market is very buoyant in the current climate and strong relationships are more important than ever in business,” said Bagnall.

“My aim is to develop our direct partnerships with operators, ensuring they know they can all come to us directly for their used assets as well as telematics, service packages and new equipment.

“I am already finding customers who have traditionally used a third-party seller prefer to deal with us directly, both because of our knowledge and expertise of our own equipment, and because of the competitive packages we can offer,” he said.

Schmitz Cargobull’s support, according to Bagnall, includes service contracts, tyres, telematics and finance.

UK Supermarket company, WM Morrison Supermarkets plc, is in the process of welcoming 150 innovative Tiger trailers to its operations in a move that marks a fresh choice for its fleet and is anticipated to deliver efficiency gains of up to 70 per cent.

Morrisons has historically utilised temperature-controlled box van trailers to undertake the majority of deliveries to its circa 500 stores throughout the UK, but the supermarket’s team, echoed by Tiger Trailers’ design engineers, identified that ambient

moving double deck trailers would increase not only efficiency but versatility, too.

Capable of transporting 44 pallets as opposed to 26 previously, and also able to carry cages, Tiger Trailers’ ambient moving double deck solution for Morrisons is a prime example of innovative design and engineering resulting in ‘more products, fewer miles’ and translates into 50 per cent more real-world scope for store deliveries.

“We’re very pleased with our new ambient double deck trailers from Tiger, which are the result of our teams working closely together to achieve a new solution for our fleet,” said Morrisons Head of Transport, Keith Boulton.

“The trailers’ extra capacity and versatility signify an innovative step forwards and we’re delighted that they carry our new branding elements and messaging, 2020 having galvanised the customer relationship in an unprecedented way. Thanks again to Tiger Trailers’ team.”

Critical within the customer’s brief was the delivery of a trailer that would be closer to a tall curtainsider in height rather than a conventional double deck, in order to be able to operate within the more restricted environments of Morrisons’ urban and rural stores.

Tiger’s ambient moving double deck curtainsider trailers for Morrisons feature an internal gate rated to 10 tonnes, the manufacturer’s proven inhouse four-ram deck-lifting system, an aerodynamic roof design, EN 12642XL rated components, plus Tiger’s innovative ‘Captive Rave’ load securing and restraint system that boosts both efficiency and operator safety and enables the dual cage and pallet capability.

MONOLEAF AIRLINK

VANTRAAX® / ULTRAA-K®

Trailer Air Slider Suspension Systems

Europe

North America

INTRAAX®

Integrated Trailer Air Suspension System North America / Asia Pacific

TRLAXLE® / HTA®

Non-Integrated Trailer Axles North America / South America / China / India / Asia Pacific

HSDS®

Severe-Duty Trailer Air Suspension System North America / South America / China / India / Asia Pacific

Hendrickson Trailer North America / South America 2070 Industrial Place SE Canton, OH 44707-2641 USA +1.866.743.3247 +1.330.489.0045 Fax +1.800.696.4416 www.hendrickson-intl.com

Hendrickson Trailer China No.1668 North Section of Chunbo Road, East New Dist of Jinan High Tech Industrial Development Zone, Jinan, 250104 Shandong, China +86 21 5876 5710 Fax +86 21 5876 1577 china.hendrickson-intl.com

Hendrickson Trailer Asia Pacific 32-44 Letcon Drive Dandenong South, Victoria, 3175 Australia +61 3 8792 3600 Fax +61 3 8792 3699 www.hendrickson.com.au

Hendrickson Trailer India Plot No. 4 & 5, Gat. No. 679/2 Behind Hotel Gandharva Alandi Kuruli Road, Kuruli (Chakan) Taluka Khed, Pune 410501, India +91 2135 662600 india.hendrickson-intl.com

Hendrickson is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of mediumand heavy-duty mechanical, elastomeric and air suspensions; integrated and non-integrated axle and brake systems; tire pressure control systems; auxiliary lift axles systems; parabolic and multi-leaf springs; stabilizers; bumpers; and components to the global commercial transportation industry.

Actual product performance may vary depending upon vehicle configuration, operation, service and other factors. ©2021 Hendrickson USA, L.L.C. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks shown are owned by Hendrickson USA, L.L.C., or one of its affiliates, in one or more countries.

Hendrickson Trailer Europe Gussstahlwerkstraße 21 8750 Judenburg, Austria +43 3572 44011 400 eu.hendrickson-intl.com

www.hendrickson-intl.com

NORTH AMERICA “Our team always embrace a challenge and it’s been a privilege to work alongside Morrisons’ people in designing and manufacturing a trailer that fulfils their very specific brief and ultimately helps keep supermarket shelves stocked and people fed,” said Tiger Trailers Sales Director, Darren Holland.

“We’re proud of the effective and striking trailers we’ve introduced to Morrisons’ fleet and look forward to supporting them over the coming years.”

With a 7,300-strong logistics team based at seven regional and one national distribution centre, a vehicle fleet travelling 115 million kilometres a year, 3.5 million cases picked per day from its warehouses, 54,000 collections made from its manufacturing sites a year, and with 96 per cent of the supermarket’s deliveries arriving on time, it’s essential that Morrisons’ trailers are designed for their challenging role.

Alongside Morrisons’ order of 125 Tiger Trailers tri-axle stepframe curtainsided double decks, it has also received 25 lightweight moving double deck trailers for Rathbones bakery, which is part of the supermarket’s group. The Rathbones trailers feature a highly distinctive livery in the form of a ‘naked’ loaf of bread and enable a 1,322 basket capacity, which is a significant 22.4% advancement over the operator’s previous bread trailers that transported 1,080 baskets.

“Thanks to the Tiger Trailers team for their co-operation on this project,” said Justine Manley, Morrisons’ Brand and Formats Design Director.

“These multi-deck trailers have also provided us with an opportunity to roll out our latest Morrisons branding 16 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

that is being introduced across our logistics, fuel and home delivery fleet.”

US Utility has confirmed the results of a fuel economy test conducted by MVT Solutions on its standard aerodynamic side skirt and optional aerodynamic tail.

Test results from MVT Solutions showed that fuel savings for the UAT when combined with the USS-120A-4 side skirt is 646 gallons of fuel (approx.

2,445 litres) per 100,000 miles (approx. 160,934 kilometres).

“Over the years we have conducted several rigorous tests at our state-ofthe-art R&D facility, but a third-party fuel economy test for our aerodynamic devices provides us with calculations that validate our own,” said Craig Bennett, Sr. VP Sales and Marketing at Utility. “Utility’s customers can see that the impact on profitability can be significant when equipping both the side skirt and aerodynamic tail.

Compared to other trailer tails, the UAT is lighter in weight and is a low-cost option, and has the advantage of being installed by the OEM, and having a 5-year factory warranty.”

Utility’s USS-120A-4 Aerodynamic Side Skirt is a standard feature on both the 3000R refrigerated van and the 4000D-X Composite dry van trailers.

The Utility Aerodynamic Tail is an option on dry vans and reefers. The side skirt is built with UV-protected bidirectional fibreglass reinforced plastic to extend skirt life. Utility’s aerodynamic tail weighs approximately 25 pounds (approx. 11.3kg) and is made of a UV-protected thermoplastic composite that is comprised of two full-height side fairings and one full-width roof fairing.

“Fuel economy is the easiest and fastest way to increase your bottom line,” said Bennett. “We believe that the

USS and the UAT, when used together, will generate the best ROI in the aerodynamic segment of the industry.

Additionally, based on the positive test results from MVT Solutions, we developed a fuel savings calculator on Utility’s website to give fleets an idea of how much they could potentially save by using our aerodynamic products.”

MVT Solutions was formed in 2016 and is based in Las Cruces, New Mexico. MVT Solutions is a third-party provider of fuel economy testing, consulting and real-world analysis for the trucking industry. The company conducts fuel economy testing based on race car engineering. This method of high-tech testing can obtain accuracy up to .25 per cent and accounts for such variables as wind, climate, load, driver behaviour and duty cycle.

US US-based company, XPO Logistics, has approved a plan to pursue a spinoff of 100 per cent of its logistics segment as a separate publicly traded company.

XPO intends to structure the spinoff as a transaction that is tax-free to XPO shareholders and would result in XPO shareholders owning stock in both companies.

After a thorough examination of all strategic alternatives, the XPO board currently believes that the optimal path to unlock aggregate equity value is to create two independent companies that are each well-equipped to capitalise on secular growth trends in their sectors. If completed, the spinoff will result in separate businesses with clearly delineated service offerings: XPORemainCo, a global provider of less-than-truckload (LTL) and truck

NEWS

NORTH MAERICA brokerage transportation services; and NewCo, the second largest contract logistics provider in the world. Both companies are expected to trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

“By uncoupling our transportation and logistics segments, we intend to create two high-performing, pure-play companies to serve the best interests of all our stakeholders,” said XPO Logistics Chairman and CEO, Brad Jacobs.

“Both businesses will have greater flexibility to tailor strategic decisionmaking and capital allocations to their end-markets, with the benefit of strong positioning as customer-

focused innovators. We currently believe that this spin-off is the most effective way to unlock significant value for our customers, employees and shareholders,” he said.

If the spinoff is completed as expected: Jacobs will continue to serve as Chairman and CEO of XPORemainCo, and will become chairman of the NewCo board; Troy Cooper will continue to serve as XPORemainCo’s President; and the executives currently leading XPO’s global logistics segment will continue to serve in senior positions with NewCo. The transaction is currently expected to be completed in the second half of

2021, subject to various conditions, including the effectiveness of a Form 10 registration statement, receipt of a tax opinion from counsel, the refinancing of XPO’s debt on terms satisfactory to the XPO board of directors, and final approval by the XPO board of directors. There can be no assurance that a separation transaction will occur or, if one does occur, of its terms or timing.

The XPO Board of Directors claim that the creation of two pure-play businesses with distinct service offerings will provide significant benefits to both companies and their stakeholders, and that a lower

WE CREATE AND DELIVER THE BEST TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESS

www.wieltongroup.com

D M O ER

TE C H N

OGY OL

N

INTEGRATED POWER BEST SOLUTIONS FOR GLOBAL TRANSPORTATION 12 PRODUCT GROUPS is more than 800 CONFIGURATIONS

NORTH MAERICA debt profile with enhanced earnings potential will make it easier to achieve each company’s target of an investment-grade credit rating.

XPO Logistics has announced the senior leadership team that will, subject to the completion of the planned transaction, manage the US-based company’s logistics spinoff venture.

Malcolm Wilson, currently CEO of XPO Logistics Europe, will become CEO of the new company’s global business. Wilson has three decades of executive experience managing multinational supply chain operations. Under his leadership, XPO’s European logistics business has achieved unprecedented growth and efficiencies. Wilson joined XPO in 2015 through the company’s acquisition of industry leader Norbert Dentressangle, where he was head of the logistics division and a member of the executive board. He grew the logistics division to global scale as Norbert Dentressangle’s largest revenue-producing unit.

Richard Cawston is XPO’s President, Supply Chain Logistics – Europe, and will continue in this role with the new company. Cawston joined XPO through the Norbert Dentressangle acquisition in 2015. He initially served as managing director of XPO’s logistics operations in the UK and Ireland before assuming leadership of the broader European logistics network. His 20-year career includes deep expertise in the e-commerce sector, where XPO is the European logistics leader in outsourced fulfillment.

Ashfaque Chowdhury is XPO’s President, Supply Chain Logistics ­­– Americas and Asia Pacific, and will continue in this role with the new company. Chowdhury had 20 18 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

years of senior experience with New Breed Logistics when he joined XPO in 2014, initially serving as chief information officer for the logistics segment. As head of North America, Latin America and Asia, he has transformed logistics into a data-driven business and leads the implementation of cutting-edge supply chain solutions for some of the world’s largest companies.

As previously announced, XPO expects to complete the spinoff in the second half of 2021, creating a separate, publicly traded logistics company. Its board of directors will be chaired by Brad Jacobs, who will continue to serve as Chairman and CEO of XPO Logistics.

“Malcolm, Richard and Ashfaque are highly innovative leaders who are recognised as best-in-class by bluechip customers,” said Jacobs.

“This team has worked together for years and is ideally suited to unlock the growth opportunities in the standalone company.

“They have a long track record of creating sustainable value in the business through sophisticated operations, including advanced automation and digital warehouse management.”

Post-separation, XPO Logistics claims the new company will be the second largest contract logistics provider in the world, with a value proposition that includes cutting-edge technology, leading capabilities in e-commerce, food and beverage, consumer electronics, industrial and reverse logistics, and the XPO Direct shared distribution network.

XPO’s logistics segment currently has approximately 212 million square feet (20 million square metres) of space at 890 locations worldwide.

US North American OEM, Hyundai Translead, has enhanced its dry and refrigerated trailer range in addition to teasing a lightweight polymer core composite panel that aims to lower the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for fleet operators.

“Our new and enhanced design changes allow for significant weight savings while maintaining the same durability and strength,” said Y.J. Park, Vice President of Product Engineering at Hyundai Translead.

“Our goal is to carefully listen to our customers and take those conversations further by developing and bringing innovative solutions that add value.

“We are very excited about both the additional weight savings and new composite panel technology.”

Recently launched design improvements in Hyundai Translead’s dry and reefer trailer models are reported to offer great weight savings.

The current driver shortage across the nation has resulted in fewer drivers to haul equipment. With lighter trailers, customers can load more freight with each truckload, reduce additional trips, and save time. The ability to operate trailers more efficiently and lower TCO is paramount to fleet operators.

Hyundai’s latest improved and lighter trailers serve these needs and add more freight per trip, contributing to higher revenue.

The new lightweight composite dry van trailer features a new rear header, standard side panel specification, and side rail redesigns, offering customers a significant weight reduction of 330lbs (approx. 150kg) per trailer.

An optimised high strength steel upper coupler is fully hot-dipped galvanised for added corrosion

NEWS

NORTH MAERICA protection. Harness routing in the rear door header along with convenient replacement of the side composite panels allow for ease of maintenance.

Furthermore, roll forming has been adopted to improve and reduce components used in the rear header and impact guard.

Hyundai Translead has also made multiple enhancements to its refrigerated trailers since 2019 resulting in significant weight savings of 680lbs (approx. 308kg) per trailer.

The 2021 models feature reduced weight, improved durability and greater thermal efficiency. Enhanced designs have increased durability and strength

for flat and duct floors with floor ratings of 20,000lbs (aprix. 9,000kg) in accordance with TTMA recommended practices. Reinforced polypropylene used in the new floor design provides significant weight savings, increases flexural strength by 30 per cent and prevents deterioration.

Moreover, the lightweight refrigerated trailer offers improved thermal efficiency. Design changes on the front structure, upper coupler, and front interior connection combine to reduce moisture intrusion. The weight savings combined with the increased durability and thermal efficiency make Hyundai Translead refrigerated trailers

one of the lightest and competitive in the market.

All enhanced dry and reefer trailers have had durability verified, successfully completing endurance tests under six different harsh road types on proving grounds. Tested road types include inverted chatter bumps, impact bumps, staggered bumps, resonance road, gravel road and cobblestone road.

The new advanced fibre core composite panel was developed over the past three years in collaboration with LG Hausys, a manufacturer specialising in high performance materials including appliance and

NORTH AMERICA automotive components.

The new fibre core composite panel is a lightweight material, comprised of galvanised steel skin and fibre core, creating a product that is durable, lighter in weight and has reduced thermal transmittance.

The new panel consists of a stronger polymer fibre core, allowing for a thinner outer composite layer with significant weight reduction. Available on dry van trailers, the panel offers customers a weight savings of 155lbs (approx. 155kg) per trailer in addition to the 330lbs (approx. 150kg) weight savings offered by the standard conventional composite panel.

Another benefit includes fibres in the core layer of the panel which are mechanically bonded for improved strength and endurance. Additionally, the adhesive is anchored to the open cell for a longer lasting bond.

The enhanced peel strength keeps water intrusion at bay, preventing costly damage such as delamination and cracks. Tested in extreme temperatures, the fibre core composite panel can withstand harsh conditions and weather.

The panel is designed with enhanced insulation, preventing moisture buildup and providing a safe environment for all types of cargo. Engineered to reduce heat transfer, the innovative panel’s fibre core reduces thermal transmittance up to 25 per cent.

Thermal transmittance can cause condensation to accumulate inside the trailer due to the temperature difference of the exterior and interior atmosphere. Designed with enhanced insulation, the fibre core composite panel prevents moisture buildup and provides a safe environment for all types of freight.

“The development of the fibre 20 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

composite panel is truly a breakthrough technology,” said Hyundai Translead Vice President R&D, J.S. Lee. “In close collaboration with LG, the material was developed over the past several years and we are excited to bring it to market.

“This patent pending fibre composite panel represents a significant advancement in our continued commitment to innovation.

“The benefits of this new panel will provide greater product quality for our customers.”

US Heavy vehicle component manufacturer, Clarience Technologies, has acquired audible warning equipment and emergency lighting specialist, ECCO Safety Group (ESG).

The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

“We are thrilled to welcome ESG to Clarience Technologies,” said Clarience Technologies CEO, Brian Kupchella.

“The addition of ESG’s leading safety and emergency lighting solutions expands and complements our existing offering of lighting technologies and advanced telematics.

“With this enhanced product lineup, we will deepen and broaden visibility solutions for new and existing customers.

“ESG has built a strong reputation as an industry leader known for innovation and customer service and we look forward to welcoming ESG associates to the Clarience Technologies family,” he said.

“I am confident that Clarience Technologies is the right partner to take ESG to the next level,” said ESG President and CEO, Doug Phillips.

“We share a commitment to customer service, transparency, performance, and most of all safety. As part of Clarience Technologies, we will be able to leverage their resources and R&D expertise to grow our business and ensure unparalleled safety for our customers and those on the road around them.”

With nearly 50 years of operating experience, ESG is a global leader in research, design, development, manufacturing and distribution of audible warning equipment and emergency lighting for commercial and emergency vehicles. Its brands include ECCO and Code 3, which are known for products that create safer working conditions that enable operators to get the job done.

ESG is headquartered in Boise, Idaho, with seven offices globally – St. Louis, Missouri; Leeds, England; Suzhou, China; Ulm, Germany; Meyzieu, France; and Melbourne, Australia.

Clarience Technologies comprises a family of brands (Truck-Lite, DAVCO Technology, Road Ready, RIGID Industries and Lumitec) focused on bringing total visibility to commercial and recreational transportation.

Through its data and insights, the group of companies aims to improve fleet management, streamline supply chains, reduce total cost of operation and enhance safety on and off the road.

US Load containment and tarp manufacturer, US Tarp, has announced a strategic partnership with New Life Transport Parts Center.

As a national distributor of heavy duty aftermarket parts, the supply agreement allows New Life to deliver US Tarp tarping systems and

NEWS

SOUTH AMERICA replacement parts through its parts centres.

New Life is a family-owned business, focused on reliably furnishing quality parts across the United States. In the past, US Tarp has supplied a variety of tarping system solutions to New Life.

This partnership solidifies that mutuallybeneficial relationship.

“We greatly appreciate New Life selecting US Tarp for this important partnership,” said US Tarp President, Thomas Bronz.

“This agreement provides New Life with the breadth of the US Tarp product line,” he said.

“Fast turnaround is essential to our fleet customers,” said New Life Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Dan Millar.

“US Tarp has earned the reputation for reduced lead times of their customisable tarping systems,” he said.

“This will enable our equipment owners and service partners to have the parts needed to keep their trailers moving.”

In addition to its headquarters in Bryan Center, Mich., New Life has locations in Ontario, Calif., Atlanta, Ga., Bedford Park, Ill., Gary, Ind., Eagan, Minn., Fargo, N.D., Dallas, Tex., and Butler (Milwaukee), Wis. BRAZIL Librelato is optimistic about economic recovery and the fight against Covid-19, citing numerous achievements the company made during the unprecedented health crisis.

Librelato was elected the best in the Vehicles and Auto Parts sector by the Época Negócios Yearbook, was also the winner of the 21st Edition of the AutoData 2020 Award – Best in the Automotive Sector – in the ‘Exporter / Suppliers’ category and was among the organisations recognised with the

Award Catarinense of Excellence.

The manufacturer was also elected as the most innovative company in the Machinery and Equipment segment in the southern region of Brazil, by the ‘Champions of Innovation’ survey, of the Amanhã Group and the respected IXL Center for Innovation, Excellence and Leadership, from Cambridge (US).

While these acknowledgments of the company’s ongoing efforts in innovation and quality are important, Librelato CEO, José Carlos Sprícigo, said developing human and sustainable actions, as well as encouraging social and environmental responsibility are values that are part of the company’s DNA. “This is confirmed by the certification received from GPTW – Great Place to Work – which considered Librelato one of the 50 best companies to work for,” he said.

“In addition, Librelato adhered this year to the UN Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs, which is committed to meeting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and to the National SDG Movement in Santa Catarina to contribute to the improvement of society’s quality of life.

“We developed sustainability programs, such as the ‘Librelato + Verde’ project, which promoted the planting of more than 4,000 tree seedlings, in order to assist in the restoration of native vegetation in our region. All Librelato professionals, including customers and suppliers, as well as friends from the communities where we have our factories, were invited to participate by receiving a seedling.”

Sprícigo also highlighted Librelato’s international expansion project which made its first sale in the African market in 2020.

“So, despite all the setbacks in 2020, I am extremely grateful,” said Sprícigo.

“Gratitude is the feeling we have left for having managed to face all challenges and still emerge victorious with so many achievements.”

In other news, truck production in Brazil exceeded 90,000 units in 2020.

Librelato reported a total of 90,936 units were produced in the country for the year ended 2020 (almost 20 per cent below the total for 2019).

In total, 113,476 trucks were produced in 2019 in the country, 19.9 per cent more than in 2020. In the beginning of 2020, before the pandemic, the National Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (ANFAVEA) estimated an increase in the production of trucks of about 16 per cent.

According to the organisation, the pandemic strongly affected the results of 2020, interrupting a three-year recovery cycle after the 2015/2016 crisis.

Despite the fall, the truck segment was the least affected, thanks to the boost of agribusiness and the growth of e-commerce.

Despite still seeing a “haze” on the horizon, ANFAVEA said the numbers for 2021 should be close to those for 2019. The entity foresees a 15 per cent increase in vehicle licensing, considering all segments, with 9.0 per cent growth in exports and 25 per cent in production.

“It has never been so difficult to project the results of a year, as we have a fog in front of us since March, when the pandemic began,” said ANFACEA President, Luiz Carlos Moraes.

“Unfortunately, we see a second wave of Covid-19 in countries in the northern hemisphere, which also appears to have arrived in Brazil. And we know that immunisation with the vaccine will 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 / 2 1

AFRICA be a lengthy process, which will take almost all year round, preventing a faster resumption of our economy.

“Add to that the pressure of costs, the urgent need for reforms and unpleasant surprises such as the increase in the São Paulo ICMS, and we have before us a picture that still inspires great caution in our forecasts.”

AFRICA Transport and logistics company, CEVA Logistics, has completed the rebranding of the African acquisitions it made in 2020.

AMI and MANICA this month will be fully branded as CEVA Logistics.

Except for MANICA in Zimbabwe, Malawi and the borders, which will be branded MANICA a company of CEVA Logistics until 1 January 2022.

As a part of CEVA Logistics strategic plan to become a leading, continentwide market player, the company made an important acquisition in June 2020 by taking a majority stake in AMI Worldwide and its brands AMI and MANICA. Since then, teams in all locations have worked together to focus on rebranding facilities, equipment, IT and business development materials.

That task is now complete and effective from January the 1st 2021.

All locations in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Mozambique, Botswana and Zambia will progressively be branded as CEVA Logistics.

As for other facilities that joined the company: Three CCIS facilities which joined the CEVA Logistics network in Mali, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast will also be branded CEVA Logistics.

Four new CEVA Logistics operations have been established in Mauritania, 22 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

Senegal, Benin and Cameroon under the company’s own identity.

CEVA Logistics’ network consists of 42 countries in Africa and is now branded in 21 countries. All 1,300 employees of the acquisitions have joined the CEVA Logistics global network with the objective of offering’ customers a seamless network, facilitating cargo movement within Africa and strengthening trade ties with the rest of the world.

The expanded African network maintains its close relationship with CEVA’s parent company, the CMA CGM Group, a world leader in shipping and logistics, which enjoys a historically strong continental presence in the continent of Africa.

“Customers will see a seamless transition as the locations become fully part of the CEVA Logistics network in Africa,” said CEVA Logistics Managing Director India, Middle East and Africa, Bruno Plantaz.

“From the start of the New Year we will be further facilitating cargo movement within Africa and strengthening trade ties with the rest of the world, all under the CEVA Logistics brand,” he said.

“Our customers will recognise our strong global network alongside our best-in-class services and unmatched expertise.”

TOGO The International Road Transport Union (IRU) is guiding efforts to formalise and professionalise the road transport industry in Togo, Africa, through the creation of a national road transport federation.

The newly established Faitière Patronale Togolaise des Transporteurs Routiers brings together the main professional organisations in the road transport of passengers and goods to

represent the interests of the industry.

With the backing of the World Bank, IRU has been working to support an indepth reform of road transport in Togo, leading a project that will continue until 2022.

IRU is drawing on its global expertise to advise the Togolese Government, transporters and their professional organisations on how to organise the sector and improve its operation.

The next phase of the project will focus on implementing a training and qualification framework to further professionalise road transport, ensuring safety and operational efficiency.

IRU’s work to build cost-effective, safe and high-quality transport systems in Togo will contribute to the implementation of the Togolese National Development Plan, which aims to make Lomé’s port a regional trade hub.

AUSTRALIA Auswide Transport Solutions called upon the extensive experience of Vawdrey Australia last year for the production of high productivity Performance-Based Standards approved Titeliner B-doubles to further improve its operations.

Having commenced operations in 2007, Melbourne-based Auswide Transport Solutions has grown significantly to embody a fleet of more than 130 prime movers and 450 trailing equipment units.

The core business model is to provide a safe and reliable nationwide freight service using semi-trailers, B-doubles and road trains. The company’s compliance requirements are maintained using Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) and Maintenance and Mass Management under the

NEWS

OCEANIA National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) as well as Western Australian Heavy Vehicle Accreditation.

Auswide claims to be the largest third-party logistics (3PL) provider in Victoria and among the top five largest 3PL providers in Australia.

Having grown to this size while maintaining a razor-sharp focus on operational safety and efficiencies, it’s hardly surprising that Auswide has embraced Performance-Based Standards (PBS) in a big way, as evidenced by its latest significant order of Vawdrey Titeliner B-double sets.

The order includes a good number of tri-tri (axle) double drop deck B-doubles which are 4.6m high and approved to operate at up to 68.5-tonne Gross Combination Mass (GCM).

The units are 30m long with a 42-pallet capacity and a voluminous 215m3 combined load space.

Critically, mezzanine decks fitted to both top and bottom decks of both trailers mean that the total available volume can be effectively used by adjusting the mezdeck heights to suit the freight dimensions. In addition, these combinations also feature sliding mezzanine deck posts to assist in maximising freight tasks.

A full complement of BPW axles and suspension includes self-steerable axles on the rearmost positions of both lead and tag trailers, providing the dramatic reduction in swept path necessary for such a long B-double combination.

Other features of note include WABCO EBS, Intelligent Access Program (IAP) approved on-board weighing system, Vawdrey’s load-rated Lift-A-Gate system fitted to the side gates along with load restraint rated

curtains.

According to Tom Pausic, National Operations Manager at Auswide Transport Solutions, the new combinations will be initially used on the linehaul route between Melbourne and Sydney carrying a wide variety of time critical general freight on behalf of its customers which includes parcels, palletised freight and cages. After the combinations are bedded in, they will likely be sent farther afield to the other mainland capitals including Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Tom says the mezzanine decks are a critical component of the new combinations as they enable cargo volumes and payloads to be maximised on every trip.

“We service a wide variety of customers and their freight often includes odd shapes and sizes ranging from parcels, pallets and caged freight,” he says. “As a result, the mezzanine decks make the trailers very versatile for our customers’ operations and their freight requirements.”

AUSTRALIA Optimised efficiency in a mineral haulage operation is being realised by Kalgoorlie-based MLG Oz with its new B-quin combination manufactured by Bruce Rock Engineering.

The combination comprises five 20’ skel trailers roll-coupled via Fuwa K-Hitch turntables fitted to the rear of each of the four forward trailers and towed by a tri-drive Mack Titan.

It carries Nickel concentrate in powder form in Bulka Bags that are loaded into 20’ containers which are then lifted onto the skels.

Bruce Rock Engineering Managing Director, Damion Verhoogt, said to the best of his knowledge this is the first B-quin operating in Australia, and

certainly the first one produced by his company.

“We’ve built plenty of PerformanceBased Standards (PBS) skel trailer combinations, but this is the first B-quin,” said Verhoogt.

The combination, according to Verhoogt, was specifically engineered for low tare weight to maximise payload capacity.

“With a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 148 tonnes, we had a payload target gross mass of 23 tonnes for each container which we were able to achieve through various weight saving measures without compromising on the structural integrity of the trailers,” he said.

That adds up to an impressively low tare weight of just 34 tonnes for the entire combination including the beefy tri-drive Titan.

The unit runs on a PBS Level 3B road network, operating around the clock on a set run between Esperance on the southern WA coast and Ravensthorpe around 190km to the west.

According to Verhoogt, achieving the regulation swept path and weight distribution goals proved a difficult task but the engineers at Bruce Rock Engineering rose to the challenge and found innovative solutions.

“Trying to get swept path and weight distribution to play together is not easy,” he said. “It took a lot of work and some very creative twist-lock mounting designs and locations, but it all came together nicely.”

The project took about six months to complete.

The combination rides on Fuwa K-Hitch mechanical spring suspension and disc brake axles along with a full complement of no less than 60 polished aluminium wheels.

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 / 2 3

PARTNE IN ACTION THE SATISFACTION OF A JOB WELL DONE IS IMPORTANT TO GOLDHOFER. DELIVERING THE BEST HEAVY DUTY AND INDUSTRIAL SCALE TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS AROUND THE WORLD TAKES WELL-FOUNDED ADVICE WHILE ENSURING THE GREATEST PROXIMITY POSSIBLE TO ITS INDUSTRY PARTNERS. THE GERMAN HEAVY EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST IS DETERMINED TO CONSOLIDATE AND EXPAND ITS OPERATIONS.

A mega transporter for the most demanding of tasks.

24 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

COVER STORY

RS T

ransport and logistics operators worldwide rely on Goldhofer’s vehicles and technology to manage their heavy haulage tasks. These impressive builds can be seen in Asia, all of the Americas, Europe, Africa and elsewhere.

Member of the Board Transport Technology, Rainer Auerbacher, points to a number of reasons as why businesses all over the world place their trust in Goldhofer.

For one, the OEM always takes into account the differences in national and regional road transport regulations and includes them in the basic product design process.

In addition to the economic benefits of combining high axle loads with low deadweight, he explains that the company’s product design engineers focus on producing vehicles offering maximum flexibility that comply with a wide range of national requirements as standard.

Instead of having to use different vehicles from one country to the next and wasting time and money on transloading operations, Goldhofer transport solutions allow these companies to handle the job with just one vehicle for maximum efficiency.

“For such operations, consideration must be given to such differences in regulations as the European limits on height and weight or the varying track width limits in place in some US states and they must be catered for either in the standard model or with special versions,” Auerbacher said. “This is important because sometimes just a few centimetres in running height or kilograms of deadweight are decisive for avoiding lengthy detours.”

While 2020 did not see a significant increase in demand for heavy duty modules, according

Goldhofer heavy duty equipment gets the job done.

A TI M E LI N E OF KEY M I LESTON ES 1705: First mentioned as Goldhofer Forge and Farm in Memmingen.

1946: Company founded by Alois Goldhofer, manufacturer of agricultural vehicles.

1952: Production of the first rear-end low loader.

1975: Launch of the heavy-duty combination series (hydraulic axle suspension, hydro-mechanical all-wheel forced steering).

1987: Market launch of the world’s first towbar-less aircraft tractor.

1989: Introduction of the Aircraft Recovery Transport System ARTS. Launch of the first self-propelled heavy-duty modules with hydrostatic drive and up to 800-tonne payload.

2000: Goldhofer becomes a stock company (Aktiengesellschaft).

2012: Delivery of the first »Faktor 5« high girder bridge

(payload up to 500 tonnes, deadweight only 100 tonnes).

2013: Acquisition of the Schopf Group.

Introduction of the innovative MacPherson axle technology »MPA« (one suspension arm with integrated steering, one wheel carrier, one strut).

2015: Launch of the fourth generation of the AST-2 »PHOENIX« (up to 32km/h high-speed towing, aircraft pickup in less than one minute, safety through emergency lowering).

2016: Presentation of the flexible heavy-duty module »ADDRIVE«

(two in one: towed or self-propelled).

Inauguration of the new Logistics Center

(covered area: 6.000m², space for up to 15,000 euro pallets).

2017: Launch of the semi low loader STZ-P 9

(for US market, up to110 t payload, extendible decks).

Launch of the new heavy-duty module THP/DC

(for the US market, axle widening under load).

New Semitrailer STZ-VP (285) (axle load up to 16 tonnes, 200 mm low drop deck, interchangeable crawler deck and flatbed).

Foundation of Goldhofer Inc. (Delaware/USA) and acquisition of Flite Line (Miramar/USA).

Launch of Goldhofer’s first baggage and cargo tow tractor series »SHERPA«.

2018: Launch of the blade transporter FTV 550.

2019: Longest flatbed semitrailer in the world: Goldhofer »VENTUM«.

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 / 2 5

Aerial view of Goldhofer’s facilities.

to Auerbacher, one of the most impressive operations involving Goldhofer gear was the groundbreaking feat achieved in Turkey by the Hareket company in moving two passenger ships 124m long, 22m wide and 35m high.

“With a weight of 6,200 tonnes each, the two ships being built at that YalovaTersan shipyard are the heaviest passenger vehicles ever built in Turkey,” he said.

“They are to be fitted out in a floating dock and were moved there using a total of 200 axle lines consisting of Goldhofer self-propelled units and heavy-duty modules.”

With its Transport Technology and Airport Technology divisions, Goldhofer manufactures high performance vehicles for the whole world at its German headquarters in Memmingen.

“We also have production facilities in the US, India and Ukraine,” said Auerbacher. “In addition, we have sales and service points in Memmingen and Ostfildern in Germany as well as in the US, Great Britain, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We are committed to increasing the number of our facilities around the world so that we can be as close to our customers as possible.”

Each year Goldhofer invests millions of dollars into its R&D budget to further develop its products and to establish new technologies in the market.

“In doing so, we have established a strong framework for the successful development of our products and human resources in Memmingen,” said Auerbacher. “We are also continuing to internationalise with capital spending projects in the UK, Ukraine, India and the US.” Now, to learn a little more about Auerbacher’s journey in the industry.

“After university, I started off as Sales Manager for Latin America,” he said. “In addition to a passion for the culture and people of Latin America, I also developed a passion for heavy haulage. I had always been fascinated by programs on Discovery Channel about large machines, but it was even more exciting to be able to play a

26 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

role in major transport operations around the world with the impressive vehicles produced in Memmingen. I found it fascinating to sit down with our customers and work out how a seemingly immobile cargo can travel along an unimaginable route and how Goldhofer’s vehicles can make that possible. This still fascinates me today, and I still enjoy working with customers to tackle the challenges they face and, following a successful mission, to join them in a toast to our ability to act as a team to meet the challenge.”

His passion for heavy haulage and overcoming new challenges has seen Goldhofer grow and develop new products to keep pace with the world.

“As can be seen from the history of Goldhofer, the products we develop make us the leader in terms of quality and technology in our industry,” he said. “This is not an end in itself; it is an expression of our focus on our customers, because they benefit in every respect – technically, economically and also ecologically. As a result, we have grown over the years from a family business to a foundation whose products are in use on all six continents. In recent years, for example,

COVER STORY

we have set up sales and service centres at critical locations worldwide, and in North America – with Fliteline and Goldhofer Inc. – we have established on-site vehicle repair and overhaul capacities so as to reduce costs and downtimes for our customers.

“The spirit and philosophy of Alois and Karoline Goldhofer are still very much in the air we breathe, and together with our customers we continue to build the big Goldhofer family. There have obviously been changes due to internationalisation and technical progress, but for our employees the solution for the customer is still the main focus, as it always was for Alois and Karoline Goldhofer.

Guided by a proud legacy and an eye for industry developments, Auerbacher is following several trends and adapting his team’s business strategies accordingly.

“In the case of heavy haulage vehicles in particular, there is a continuing trend towards low dead weights in combination with high axle loads and low loading heights,” he said.

“Similarly, in the wind power industry, the wind turbine blades are becoming longer and longer and the tower modules bigger and bigger. When it comes to transporting such components to windy and sometimes inaccessible locations, Goldhofer is practically the first port of call. This is due to our very extensive portfolio, which ranges from suitable bridges to tower adapters and blade transporters and lifters. Here again the underlying principle is to develop vehicles that are as versatile as possible so that they can be used for a variety of operations. There is also growing demand for worry-free packages including such aspects as load security as well as software tools offering effective axle-load, stability and bend analysis.

“Digitalisation is another issue that is taking on more and more importance. It is also evident that the operators of today’s heavy-duty vehicles are increasingly becoming the focus of attention, and that more and more emphasis is being placed on user-friendly solutions and the safety of all concerned.

That is something we are happy to support and implement with our developments for the benefit of all.”

 “IN THE CASE OF HEAVY HAULAGE VEHICLES IN PARTICULAR, THERE IS A CONTINUING TREND TOWARDS LOW DEAD WEIGHTS IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH AXLE LOADS AND LOW LOADING HEIGHTS.” Rainer Auerbacher, Member of the Board Transport Technology

Meeting these trends head-on, Goldhofer launched its »STEPSTAR« range in spring last year – a new generation of self-steering semi-trailers.

“With these three- to five-axle semi-trailers, we are moving into the high-volume market segment,” said Auerbacher. “The combination of high product quality and attractive conditions will help us reach new customers in the transport and forwarding industry as well as rental operations.”

In the Goldhofer product segment of self-propelled heavy-duty modules, the OEM we has released several innovations.

“Our all-rounder modules in the PST/SL-E series, for example, now not only offer more tractive force per axle, they also feature a sturdier frame,” said Auerbacher. “Other innovative developments include our PST with freewheel mode (»SPEEDRIVE«) and the »ADDRIVE« 2.0, which can be used as both a self-propelled and a towed unit. »SPEEDRIVE« heavy-duty modules are equipped with switchable driven axles.

This means they can be utilised as towed modules at higher speeds of up to 80km/h (taking into account national regulations). With the drive unit activated, the load can be positioned at the destination with millimetre precision without a tractor unit and without time-consuming and costly reloading. In addition, the »SPEEDRIVE« option enables you to tow the vehicle to the job site on its own axles. »ADDRIVE« 2.0 supports the tractor unit up to a maximum speed of 50km/h. The driven axles are then automatically disengaged. Moreover, »ADDRIVE« 2.0 can be engaged while driving. The benefit: With »ADDRIVE«, transloading the freight from a road transport vehicle to an off-road vehicle is no longer necessary.”

Meanwhile, the market situation for heavy haulage has always reportedly been subject to imponderables, market turbulence, investment obstacles and tariff disputes.

“At Goldhofer we face these challenges every day,” said Auerbacher. “However, the Covid-19 pandemic has added to these pressures since the beginning of 2020.

Over the past weeks and months, we have naturally held numerous talks with employees, customers and suppliers. The solidarity that has been shown and the commitment to pull together as we move along the stony road ahead are a source of great pleasure and strength for our resolve.

“Our focus in these challenging times is clear, and it is very much in keeping with the traditional Goldhofer values: customer orientation, quality, innovation, reliability and the spirit of partnership. On this basis, our employees and I myself are convinced that we will be able to add many more positive chapters to Goldhofer’s 300-year success story.” www.goldhofer.com

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 / 27

MARKET REPORT

CHILE THE MODERN WORLD DEPENDS ON THE REPUBLIC OF CHILE FOR THE COPPER IT PRODUCES AS WELL AS THE LEADERSHIP IT HAS SHOWN IN MANUFACTURING, EMISSIONS STANDARDS AND ELECTROMOBILTY.

P

roducer prices in Chile soared 10.2 per cent over a year earlier in November of 2020, following an 8.1 per cent rise in the previous month.

Prices advanced faster for mining and quarrying (18.6 per cent vs 14.7 per cent in November), namely copper extraction (22 per cent) and manufacturing (3.1 per cent vs 2.4 per cent).

Meanwhile, Chile’s trade surplus shrank to 1,423 million USD in December of 2020 from 1,523 USD in the same period of the previous year. Imports surged 9.8 per cent over a year earlier to 5,721 million USD, amid higher purchases of consumption goods (22.7 per cent) and intermediate goods (11.7 per cent). In contrast, acquisitions of capital goods decreased (-3.4 percent). Exports rose at a slower 6.1 percent to 7,143 million USD, mainly boosted by sales of mining products (9.4 per cent), in particular, copper (6.7 per cent), iron (6.4 per cent) and silver (153 per cent). Shipments also increased for agricultural, forestry &

28 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

fishing goods (11.4 per cent), but they fell for manufactured products (-1.6 per cent).

So, the numbers reveal that while economic conditions have been challenging for the South American country, it continues to lead the world with its thriving copper industry.

MARKET REPORT

Copper is a mined metal that provides jobs and promotes a higher standard of living, the Copper Alliance asserts. It claims one tonne of copper brings functionality in 40 cars, powers 60,000 mobile phones, enables operations in 400 computers and distributes electricity to 30 homes. This resource also contributes to food supply infrastructure, carbon dioxide reduction and sustainable development. The global economy depends on it, driving almost half of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) either directly or through the use of that products that facilitate other industries.

A report from the International Council of Mining and Metals notes that the mining industry is a major force in the world economy and that foreign exchange earnings from mining can create positive developmental effects.

Just look at what bulk haulage company, Tambo, is doing in the country with Meiller tippers. The family business, led by Camilo González Pendola, uses vehicles fitted with Meiller superstructures to perform under harsh operating conditions. Due route access limitations with heavy vehicles on public roads, fleets have been opting to lease equipment for contract work rather than purchase new tippers outright. Tambo, however, depends on its own vehicles and drivers to transport soil,

concrete and rubble. Capitalising on industry trends, though, Tambo does lease out its gear and personnel where needed, increasing their demand upon request.

Pendola maintains a modern fleet and replaces his business’ vehicles every three years or so, while earthmovers are switched out every five or six years.

“Quality has paid off in the shortest possible time, proving the superiority of this equipment to that of other manufacturers,” said Pendola. “In addition to the excellent workmanship of these vehicles, the service provided with regard to wear and spare parts is far superior to that of other competitors.”

Transport companies can only exploit specific time windows for accessing the mines, Meiller stated. The repair of vehicles on the mine site is prohibited, and a breakdown can easily mean that the tipper is out of service for two days. This does not apply to Meiller tippers.

“On the one hand, we’ve experienced a lot fewer technical problems since we’ve been using Meiller vehicles and, where a small repair is necessary, waiting times until the spare part is delivered are also practically negligible,” said Pendola.

As the company now also has a secondary line of business in the sale of used vehicles after a certain period of use, resale value is also an important issue, as Pendola explains: “After three years of use, Meiller tippers are in a significantly better condition than tippers from other manufacturers. Practically no investment in maintenance is required prior to sale, and repairs are also unnecessary. That’s not the case with other vehicles.”

Chile is one of the most prosperous countries in South America due to the resource, copper, according to Meiller. “This is primarily extracted in the El Teniente mine in Rancagua, the world’s largest subterranean copper mine.

Estimates suggest that 100 megatonnes of fine copper lie underground in this location. A network of 3,000 kilometres of drifts has been developed to access this valuable major export, and around a half a million tons of fine copper are produced from the ore mined each year. However, ore, rock and soil first need to be transported to the surface, and this calls for a haulage company with vehicles designed to do the heaviest of work and continuous operation.”

A snapshot of the local trailer manufacturing scene

Since 2013, Brazil-based OEM Librelato has maintained an active presence in Chile, developing a complete range of products which are adapted to the local market. These vehicles include flatbeds, tippers, curtainsiders, tankers, and silos. Sales in the country are made through the company’s dealer and partner, TREMAC, which is one of the biggest local trailer builders and boasts more than three decades in the local market.

Librelato Export & Libreparts Manager, Daniel Zilio, said Chile is a small market but it is the third biggest of its kind in South America with annual sales of around 3,000 units per year, after Brazil (65,000 units per year) and Argentina (80,000 units per year).

“As a mining and agricultural economy, the biggest demand of trailers are related to flatbeds and tippers, but fuel and bulk material transport (silos) can’t be disregarded,” said Zilio. “Even though Chile doesn’t have a big market, customers demand medium to high level technology products, built in high strength steel and equipped with EBS and RSS safety systems.”

As the global economy and mainly Chinese market is recovering, according to Zilio, metals demand shall rise this year. Copper prices will drive growth in the Chilean economy. “Looking at this scenario we expect a trailer market recovery of 20 per cent for 2021,” he said – adding that the trailer market has been

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 / 2 9

The price of copper is recovering in Chile which is a key driver for the Chile economy.

FAST FACT Two of the world’s largest antenna transporters, named ‘Otto’ and ‘Lore’ after the owners of SCHEUERLE, are also reported to be recognised for their outstanding technical characteristics. Since 2007, the international research project ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter Array) has been using these to transport gigantic radio telescopes up to heights of 5,000 meters above sea level in Chile.

The design, production and delivery of the antenna transporter was a one of a kind. The European Space Observatory (ESO) approached SCHEUERLE to create a custom made transporter for this very special application.

3 0 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

relatively stable over the past few years.

“Chile has a very stable economy, based on copper mining which has been the case for decades. The only notable change here has been improvement to trailer technology. According to global economic trends, Chile’s trailer market floats between 2,400 and 3,200 units and we can’t see a bigger market than that for the next couple of years.”

At the end of 2019, Chile faced serious social and political crises which were exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Zilio said the local economy hit the ground and in Q4 2020 has only just started recovering.

“There are still some reforms being discussed by parliament but already we can see the country is stabilising.”

Enforcing emissions standards and electromobility concerns

Chile’s vehicle industry association, ANAC, announced in September last year that Euro 6 emission standards would be implemented for light and medium duty vehicles as well as commercial and passenger vehicles.

In under a decade, Chile will carry out for the second time an update in

the requirement of its emissions standards to align with the European Union, US, Canada, Australia, Korea and Japan.

This standard, ANAC explained, in addition to reducing by 56 per cent of the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX) and particulate matter (PM) emitted by light and medium vehicles compared to what is determined by the current Euro 5, will establish a more demanding test procedure, with higher speed cycling, more dynamic acceleration and deceleration, and driving simulations under the latest industry parameters, as well as more stringent vehicle measurement conditions.

“As has been done with previous emission standards and with other types of regulations, such as vehicle safety and constructability standards, a close and timely work was carried out here in conjunction with the authorities of the ministries of Environment and Transport, with the aim of preparing the market and factories from more than 29 different origins in the best way possible which is where these vehicles are imported to Chile,” said ANAC Secretary General, Diego Mendoza.

He added it is also worth highlighting the gradual implementation of this regulation, as is done in the most developed countries, in order to prepare in advance the importation of the products of the vehicle manufacturer

MARKET REPORT

brands in Chile.

“It is a tradition that Chile is a country of reference and a leader in advancing these requirements for vehicles,” said ANAC President, Roberto Maristany. “This has been highlighted by the manufacturers in their home offices and we are recognised as a pioneer in implementing these measures.”

In the beginning of 2021, ANAC warned that fines for energy efficiency standards could lead to discrimination against vehicles from certain origins.

The union, according to ANAC, emphasised that the Ministry of Energy and Transport must respect current international practice and the gradual and rational application for setting its energy efficiency standards in light and medium vehicles. On the other hand, in heavy vehicles there are no standards that can be homologated abroad, so this standard should not be the same as that of light and medium vehicles.

The first Energy Efficiency Law that Chile will have, and which had been approved in Congress on 7 January will seek to promote the renewal of the Chilean vehicle fleet with more efficient vehicles, with emphasis on those with electric propulsion. Said fundamental pillar ¬– which the Association shares and stands out as positive ¬– must necessarily go hand in hand with the unrestricted adherence

to current international standards regarding the setting of energy efficiency standards according to the category of vehicle in question.

The bill, ANAC said, will empower the Ministries of Energy and the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications to set fines for non-compliance with energy efficiency standards for the fleet of new vehicles, whose responsible for payment will be the representatives and importers of each brand.

Said fines, being measurable in ‘kilometres per litre of gasoline equivalent’ and multiplied by the total annual sales, could produce discriminatory effects or could result in a ban on the entry of vehicles from specific origins (especially for those origins with a greater volume of commercialisation), affecting the application of international treaties ratified by Chile and the economic complementation agreements signed that allow importing vehicles from more than 28 origins, without admitting favourable distinctions – or application of sanctions..

From the union they point out that gradualness and adherence to international practices will be key in the definition of the new standards, all of which is already enshrined in the Law. Therefore, the standards should be dictated within the terms of 12, 36 and 60 months established for each type of vehicle (light, medium and heavy, respectively).

“As a sector, we believe that the differentiated tax treatment for electric vehicles purchased by companies (accelerated depreciation) is positive but there is a lack of incentives that could be applied to individuals, as occurs in countries with advanced electromobility,” said Mendoza. “Progress is needed in extending public charging networks and ensuring their interoperability, since otherwise electric vehicles will not be attractive to consumers.”

In regards to light and heavy commercial vehicles (including trucks and buses), ANAC agreed it would be harmful to apply the same efficiency formula that is sought for automobiles, and as in other economies that have applied such standards, in Chile they should be measured differently since the application of fines for them could lead to the subsequent increase in the price of all goods transported by land. www.globaltrailermag.com

By the end of March, South America is expected to complete its Covid-19 vaccinations. This, according to Randon, will accelerate projects, kickstart projects that were on hold and shake-up consumption.

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 / 3 1

PRES P O I N T THE EXPONENTIAL UPTAKE OF TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS AND THE GROWING NUMBER OF PLAYERS IN THIS SPACE DEMONSTRATES HOW FRONT OF MIND SAFETY AND TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP IS FOR TRANSPORT BUSINESSES.

T

he Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) market is projected to reach $20.8 billion USD globally by 2025 – a major contributing factor here includes sweeping changes to legislation that will see the mandatory application of TPMS throughout Europe and beyond.

At Global Trailer, we expect TPMS developments to trend positively. Equipment specialists and trailer builders are racing to emphasise their key points of difference in the lead-up to this highly anticipated boom.

Celerity DRS weighs in on TPMS

Bart Ezendam, Celerity DRS General Manager, tends to agree with this market projection.

“Historically, we have seen that regulatory changes lead to huge movements in the market,” he said. “Not only with the total number of customers in the market, but also the amount of vendors and total products which become available. As well as the increase in demand for the products, the awareness and focus will shift to tyres; especially the status/maintenance of the tyres and their

32 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

TPMS SPECIAL REPORT

SURE behaviour. This could also lead to changes in the tyre industry. “Currently it is a matter of lifetime of a product versus cost and getting the most from your investment. This may well change to focus on using the correct product/ application versus the cost in order to meet regulation changes.

“Once the market sees that money can be saved instead of it being an expense, we will start to see mass adoption. Regulation changes will increase the speed of adoption and endusers will then start to see real-world examples of increased fuel efficiency and safety across their commercial vehicles.”

Celerity DRS is an exclusive European distributor of the Pressure Systems International (P.S.I.) Tyre Inflation System.

The P.S.I. system is the leading Automatic Tyre Inflation System (ATIS) with over 1.5 million systems in use worldwide, and Ezendam’s team are experts in their own right when it comes to tyre maintenance

and inflation systems.

“Having worked closely with Europe’s leading axle manufacturers, the Automatic Tyre Inflation System has been refined and perfected for the European trailer market, with partnerships now in place with all of the major manufacturers who provide their own brands of the system,” said Ezendam.

“Examples include the SAF Tyre Pilot, BPW Air Save, Schmitz Cargobull, JOST’s Plug & Play ATIS, SAE-SMB Airmax and Assali Stefen, with more to come in the near future.”

Ezendam expects to see in the near future fully integrated TPMS/ATIS systems on commercial vehicles and potentially even ‘mini-systems’ which use narrowband communication channels to provide real-time feedback to the driver, and beyond that the sharing of real-time information to remote locations.

“This will lead to increased sharing of data across the industry (as can be seen with Krone and Schmitz Cargobull already) and not necessarily an increase in hardware sales,” he said. “This will also lead to innovations across the tyre industry, and sensors with lifetime batteries will be included within the tyres themselves.

These sensors will send information and ID information via narrowband to the driver or a local data hub. Access to this data is great, but it’s what it done with the data that is the most important aspect. A TPMS will still require human intervention if tyre pressure lost or a puncture is found. Systems and products which autonomously fix these issues will undoubtedly become more of a benefit to fleets and businesses, and this is where Tyre Pressure Refill Systems (TPRS such

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 / 3 3

Equipment specialist, SAF-Holland, has a suite of tyre pressure monitoring technologies available for European and North American fleets.

as ATIS of PSI) will really start to shine. These systems continuously monitor and re-inflate the tyre whilst driving or when the vehicle is stationary and have increased safety, fuel and environmental impacts.

Celerity DRS released a regulation guide on UN ECE R 141 – the regulation that concerns the monitoring of tyres. While it is complication, the main complication with the revised regulation is that it refers solely to TPMS – which is Tyre Pressure MONITORING Systems.

“This distinction is a little ambiguous and does not take into account other solutions such as TPRS and Central Tyre Inflation Systems (CTIS) which provide additional benefits in addition to just monitoring a vehicle’s tyres,” said Ezendam.

“What is clear from the regulation changes is that any commercial vehicle that is purchased from July 2024 must have some kind of TPMS/TPRS/CTIS on board.

The choice of the system that is installed on the vehicle is up to the customer.

For the supplier of the new trailers, these regulations come into effect from July 2022, and from that moment onwards, every new type of trailer must be type approved with some form of system that checks the status of the tyres, or is able to refill and deflate the tyre.”

Celerity DRS currently has exclusive distribution rights for the P.S.I. Automatic Tyre Inflation System within Europe.

“This system works by taking air pressure from the trailer air supply (air suspension side) through to pressure protection valve,” said Ezendam. “It is then regulated at the control box and set to the desired tyre pressure applicable to the load of the vehicle. Air is then distributed to the axle beams, which act as a correctly pressurised conduit, whilst stationary or in transit as long as it is connected to the air supply of the truck. It effectively re-inflates the vehicle’s tyres

34 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

to the optimum pressure whilst the vehicle is stationary or in motion and prevents blowouts and un-even tyre wear. We currently focus on the European market, but we do handle enquiries from all over the world and we are happy to help, inform and supply to customers wherever the opportunity arises.”

Looking to the future, Ezendam hopes that all commercial fleet end users will invest in a system that works autonomously and does not require the intervention of the truck driver.

“But we need to be realistic as well since that requires a bigger investment in the beginning and will deliver a Return On Investment (ROI) in most cases within a year,” he said. “The regulation changes will soon be upon us, and we will start to see adoption within the next few years. There will be more and more ‘solution’ providers in the transport sector and each trailer manufacturer will be working on their own solution. Thankfully we have the experience and relationships to support these developments. There are multiple benefits to the upcoming regulation, but they have to be communicated effectively to the wider market so they are not simply seen as another checklist exercise by businesses within the transport industry. Hopefully the waters do not become muddied with misinformation and that a light can be shone on the environmental, safety and cost benefits of installing a TPMS.” Ezendam is mindful that trailer builders will be put in a difficult situation since end users may not want to pay for these additional features.

“There will be push back onto the trailer manufacturers when it comes to the increased price of the trailer,” he said. “The result will be that the trailer builder and the suppliers of the systems to the trailer builders will be under pressure to undercut their competitors. The big trailer OEMs are already taking position in this with their integrated telematics in every trailer and sharing the data coming out of these trailers. The smaller trailer builders need to take position as well to stand against this price discussion in future. In principle, TPMS costs money with no real return, with ATIS the transport company is protected to a high degree against tyre issues and it will deliver a return on investment.”

TPMS SPECIAL REPORT

In addition to changes to TPMS, the European Union has Vehicle Energy Consumption Tool (VECTO) which determines the carbon dioxide emissions of a heavy vehicle. Ezendam expects a version of this will come for trailers at the earliest in 2022.

“What will be the impact of these kind of TPMS systems on the VECTO calculations?” said Ezendam. “And will VECTO be taken over by other countries outside the EU? These are questions that we are curious about since it could influence the choice for our system a lot.”

Equipment specialist, SAF-Holland, is focused on bringing TPMS to both the EU and US markets.

What does the TPMS market look like across Europe and the US according to SAF-Holland?

In Europe, SAF-Holland works with two intelligent systems for tyre pressure according to Product Manager for OE Europe, Elmar Weber.

“The SAF TIRE PILOT, an automatic system for the active filling of vehicle tyres,

is connected to the axle,” said Weber. “TPRS is firmly installed on the trailer tyre. A control unit monitors the tyre pressure and, if necessary, raises it back to the pre-set pressure level. The air is passed through the axle tube into the tyre.

“The TrailerMaster is a TPMS. The sensor-based system manages, operates and maintains trailers in accordance with the law and regulations. For this purpose, pressure sensors are installed in each tyre and a gateway for trailer telematics.

The digital system automatically warns against pressure losses.”

Bill Hicks, Product Manager, Trailer Axle/Suspension Systems – Americas, said SAF-Holland offers a significant portfolio of tyre pressure management systems as part of the company’s overall suspension and axle system supplier strategy.

Hicks said SAF-Holland will be offering three distinct options for our customers which are either available now or in the near-term future: Tire Pilot Plus (TPP) – a TPMS which has inflate and deflate capabilities to maintain a constant, pre-set tyre pressure that includes a visual warning lamp for easy driver notification of any significant system issues. This system is currently available on all SAF suspension/axle system in North America and comes with pre-installed axles to assist the trailer OEM for easier installation.

Tire Pilot Plus with RTS (Real Time Sensing) – this optional enhancement to the base TPP system includes battery powered tyre pressure sensors in the air system to further expand the customer’s ability to monitor trailer tyre pressures, either on the road or when sitting idle at the fleet terminal yard.

The TPP with RTS can communicate through the fleet’s chosen telemetric supplier to facilitate a pre-trip ‘real-time’ tyre status inspection of critical trailer attributes while parked. The system can ‘ping’ an un-coupled trailer in the yard and read individual tyre pressure, and if a pressure issue is detected it automatically identifies the problematic tyre. This saves the fleet manager time and money by

Tyre wear is one of the greatest costs a road transport operator has to contend with. The latest innovations in tyre pressure tech can help prolong the lifecycle of tyres and drive efficiency outcomes, too.

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 / 3 5

Telematics is ticking the boxes when it comes to cross-technology integration.

not only reducing required time for pre-trip inspections, but also by identifying an issue in advance and allowing maintenance to be per-formed before the trailer is scheduled for road operation.

While on the road, the TPP with ‘real-time sensing’ option constantly monitors individual trailer tyre pressures. If the system detects that a tyre’s pressure has fallen below the threshold setting it will automatically send an alert notification to the fleet’s telematics user dashboard, with the problematic tyre location pointed out. This feature assists with avoiding expensive roadside service calls by providing the ability to immediately seek service before the situation becomes critical.

Field trials are in progress and production serialisation is expected Q2 2021.

SMAR-te Tire Pilot Plus – a significant optional enhancement to the base TPP system that includes an electronic control module with Bluetooth capabilities. This system will automatically adjust tyre pressure setting per the tyre manufacturer’s axle load versus tyre pressure specification. This further enhances tyre life and fuel economy as well as provides a means to signal possible over-weight situations before the trailer is put in service.

SAF Holland has been globally supplying the Tire Pilot brand tyre inflation systems for over 10 years starting in Europe and expanding to North America in 2018.

There are a number of advantages for fleets to invest in these technologies.

“The TPRS SAF TIRE PILOT extends the life of every single tyre and saves time in vehicle inspection and maintenance,” said Weber. “In the event of puncture damage, the assistance system maintains the minimum pressure and thus avoids that a semi-trailer is left behind due to creeping air loss. In addition, the always optimal tyre pressure reduces wear and fuel consumption. Our TPMS TrailerMaster in combination with telematics monitors the tyre condition on the vehicle.”

Meanwhile, in the US, Hicks said the investment in tyre management systems yield significant short- and long-term benefits with regards to fuel savings and life enhancements.

3 6 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

“Further to this point is the fact that automatic tire management systems take a burden off of the driver and fleet managers with regards to driver training and field operations,” he said. “Having an automatic tire inflation system delivers ‘peace of mind’ with regards to ensure that fleets are effectively managing their tire resources and fuel costs.”

The industry response has been positive for SAF-Holland’s TPMS products in both Europe and North America.

“Since SAF-Holland introduced its systems in Europe, the competition and some customers have been using similar or identical systems,” said Weber.

Hicks shared a similar sentiment for the US. “Based on the current and projected market shares for tyre management systems, we see this demand increasing even further with the new change in Administration in Washington and the likely reinstatement of the GHG phase 2 regulations for trailers,” he said.

Going forward, the importance of tyre management systems for transport efficiency, according to Weber, will certainly increase.

“The integration and networking of connected systems, including our SAF TIRE PILOT, will serve as a preparation for autonomous driving.”

TPMS SPECIAL REPORT

“All future TPMS systems will eventually be assimilated as a key component of a ‘SMART’ trailer package or system which when combined with a ‘SMART’ tractor/ power units will further facilitate the move towards a fully autonomous vehicle (SAE Level 5),” said Hicks.

Looking back at the European market, Weber expects it to increase exponentially due to incoming legislation that will see the technology become mandatory. “In the European Union, tyre pressure management systems will become mandatory by law: EU Regulation GSR 2019/2144 will require, among other things, monitoring tyre pressure for heavy duty vehicles and their trailers,” he said. “This will become mandatory for new type-approvals from July 2022 and for all vehicles from July 2024. In order to develop a technical framework for this regulation, work is currently underway on ECE Regulation 141.

It is stipulated that vehicles equipped with a TPRS (Tyre Pressure Refill System) do not require a TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).

Hicks added that in the case of North America it is looking very likely that GHG Phase 2 for trailers will be reinstated as well as a push for ‘SMART’ trailers. “Yes, we are bullish on tyre pressure monitoring systems for the future in North America as well as globally.”

An interesting aside, SAF-Holland has identified that maintaining optimal tyre pressure is also an important environmental issue. Sure, there is an emphasis on fuel savings but what about microplastics and particulate matter pollution? Incorrect tyre pressure increases abrasion immensely, according to Weber. “Our goal is to permanently prolong tyre life with the SAF TIRE PILOT and thus protect the environment.”

manager for running-gear components like air tanks, mudguards and have been working on TPRS,” she said. “Before that, I was working in sales. during that time, I learned and adopted the perspective of our customers, i.e. the vehicle manufacturers and the vehicle operators, even the drivers and workshop mechanics.

Which is why I’m happy to be responsible for a solution that is truly customerdriven and offers tangible benefits. It can be translated into concrete money savings, even the environmental benefits are not a flowery promise, but can be quantified in tonnes of carbon dioxide saved. In short: It saves money, it saves our planet and it saves lives. I’m grateful that I can contribute to make a difference.”

The TPMS technologies that BPW provides are based on two pillars, TPMS and the AirSave Tyre Pressure Regulation System.

“With both products, we not only reduce operating costs but also the environmental impact of carbon dioxide and tyre abrasion – putting us in a top position in the megatrend of climate protection,” said Freudenberg.

“The TPMS can be retrofitted and the system can be seamlessly integrated into our idem telematics platform Cargofleet3. A well-rounded and strong-selling solution. Our subsidiary idem telematics has been offering TPMS as an optional module (‘hub’) for telematics since 2014.

“However, you might rightly ask: why merely monitor the tyre pressure when I can also adjust it while driving? This is where AirSave comes in. It ensures the constant operational readiness of the vehicle, saves enormously on tyres and fuel and makes the forwarder less dependent on the driver’s diligence. After all, it is the driver’s duty to check the tyre pressures again and again, but everyone knows that in practice this is often not done; given the time-pressure in the business. The result is tyre blowouts, which are one of the most frequent causes of accidents and cost the industry billions. We can spare the forwarder all that. The purchase saves up to 700 euros for a three-axle vehicle with an annual mileage of 120,000 kilometres. In some European markets there are also financial subsidies on top of that. So, you get the savings plus extra money from the state.”

Freudenberg said TPMS is a longstanding offer but AirSave took BPW longer than planned to deliver. “We looked long and hard at a variety of solutions,” she said. “We cooperated with a partner and re-engineered the entire product; i.e. we developed a new hub cap adapter for the system and the BPW rotor has BPW’s AirSave is a tyre pressure refilling system that is especially handy when a tyre blows out and the vehicle needs to travel safely to a workshop for maintenance.

BPW’s perspective on tyre pressure management and regulation

Caren Freudenberg is the product manager of TPRS systems at BPW’s head office in Wiehl, Germany. Throughout her 21-year career with the company she has learnt a lot about running gear componentry.

“Since 2007 I was in charge as a product

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 / 37

Ageing fleets are becoming more of a burden for transport companies. Upgrading these heavy vehicles with tyre pressure management systems can realise significant operational benefits.

also been reinvented. Which is why we can consider AirSave a propriety BPW development that is not available from any other provider. Typical of BPW and unique is the integration into the telematics platform Cargofleet3 from our subsidiary idem telematics. The driver can keep an eye on the tyre condition via the smartphone app, but the dispatcher can also see from his desk whether everything is in check on the road.”

In terms of time and events, BPW presented AirSave in May 2019, which, according to Freudenberg, has been a hit ever since. “An important milestone to watch is the new European ECE standard which is said to make TPMS or TPRS mandatory as of 2022,” she said. “From 2024, new type approvals for trailers will probably only be issued with TPMS, possibly also TPRS like AirSave. The law has yet to be ratified, but the industry expects it to pass as drafted. What’s more, in the industry nations there is strong trend towards carbon dioxide taxation, which should further drive the uptake of AirSave.”

So, what are the advantages of AirSave?

“AirSave pays off in a wide range of operating conditions,” said Freudenberg.

“In long-distance traffic, it’s obvious; who wants to be stuck with a blowout in the middle of the Australian Outback or the South African Karoo desert? Also, in mines and other heavy-duty operations, things can get nasty when tyres go flat.

But did you know that this also applies to Europe – albeit for different reasons: In France, in the event of a breakdown, there is only one repair shop per highway section, which charges outrageous prices for towing and repairs. A breakdown could easily set you back around 3,500 euro or even more. You do the maths. In many European countries, too, blowout can cost an awful lot of money that way.”

BPW also provides aftersales support for its TPMS technologies.

“Ease of maintenance is characteristic of BPW,” said Freudenberg. “However, the point about AirSave is that it significantly reduces the need for unplanned

3 8 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

repairs, as the tyres last considerably longer and practically never burst. Even if there is a puncture, say, caused by a nail, AirSave keeps the air pressure stable long enough for the driver to safely drive to a workshop.”

Heavy vehicle operators also ask about cost savings associated with the implementation of TPMS. “We take pride in providing exact numbers for individual cost savings using AirSave,” said Freudenberg. “Our sales team is happy to calculate your savings exactly for your type of vehicle. As a rule of thumb, AirSave saves up to 700 euros for a three-axle vehicle with an annual mileage of 120,000 kilometres. And that’s just fuel and tyre wear. Saving time, avoiding blow-outs, fines, damaged freight or accidents comes on top, as well as saving on carbon dioxide taxes.”

So, what has the industry response been like for BPW’s TPMS products?

“Well, AirSave has been eagerly awaited by many for some time and the orders were very positive, as we expected,” said Freudenberg.

“But there was also excellent response that we did not expected in the first place, such as South Africa. Our customers clearly

TPMS SPECIAL REPORT

recognise the competitive advantages of our construction – it’s just on a different level of quality and reliability.”

BPW is also providing AirSave in combination with its Active Reverse Control steering system for BPW self-steering axles.

“Our subsidiary idem telematics is soon going to launch a new generation of telematic gateway, with an TPMS already built in,”said Freudenberg. “That way, all you need is the tyre sensors and you are all set. There are a couple of exciting news coming up.”

BPW expects systems like AirSave will become the norm in the future as the financial and operational benefits are simply too good to ignore.

“There is a simple entrepreneurial logic that drives the rapid adoption: only a running truck earns money,” said Freudenberg. “Also, we believe that the telematics connectivity of the system, as we are offering already today, is becoming a key feature. There are a couple of new things we’re working on, but they’re top secret for now. This market will remain exciting.”

As the uptake of TPMS is expected to increase exponentially, especially across Europe, Freudenberg said that as soon as the new European ECE standards comes into effect, BPW anticipates the market to at least double or triple. “BPW is well positioned to capture a significant share of this market,” she said. “AirSave, like all BPW running gear components, is born digital, it is based on a digital twin that contains all the information about its technical-physical properties, applications and possible combinations. In this way, BPW offers its customers in Europe the possibility to develop, calculate and order complete running gears online with a configurator. The user-friendly system guides the user through the entire process and reliably rules out errors. It’s self-explanatory and you can even do it at home. The system even provides the data for parameterizing the braking system. A single mouse click is all it takes to integrate AirSave into the chassis.

With the order, the chassis gets a digital DNA that accompanies the entire life cycle, it controls production and assembly, and also enables new possibilities in the aftermarket.

Our online configurator has helped many of our customers in the vehicle industry during the Corona shutdown to seamlessly move engineering tasks to the home office, allowing them to keep delivering on schedule. But engineering designers also like the tool because it gives them a new playful approach. You can play through all the different variants online as often as you feel like it. It is truly revolutionary, and we are looking forward to introducing the online configurator step by step in other countries.”

France’s ATEQ takes the lead in TPMS

Over the last 20 years, ATEQ has developed and introduced a variety of TPMS tools, from R&D to the workshop. ATEQ’s first experience with TPMS goes back to the early 2000s, when the company provided the first TPMS reading systems for Renault and Peugeot assembly lines. Today, the ATEQ Group is present in 32 countries, and its TPMS stations are present on vehicle and wheel assembly lines all over the world.

From its industrial experience, the company built its first workshop tools.

With more than 300,000 workshop tools sold, ATEQ’s TPMS passenger vehicle database contains more than 5,000 different passenger vehicle make, model and year references. Over the years the company has gained market share in the commercial vehicle space, also growing its CV database.

ATEQ is adamant that a dedicated TPMS tool complements or replaces the more complex scan tool in many instances, especially since the TPMS tool offers a similar process to service TPMS-equipped wheels in between different systems.

In consequence, the technician’s learning curve for each system is not so steep and costly errors are avoided.

The company provides onsite support for its products as well as online or phone assistance. A big part of the company’s role is to educate users, fleet maintenance technicians and assembly managers on how to use their TPMS systems and tools to their advantage.

ATEQ saw a great market boom in demand for TPMS tools in the passenger vehicle market in 2014 and expects to see the interest in dedicated Truck & Trailer TPMS tools grow quickly in the next couple of years. The company has had great responses from OEMs and sensor makers who turn to the experts in TPMS tools and LF/RF technology for their next tool.

Committed to being a world leader in this industry, ATEQ will continue to diversify its range of tools and provide more advanced applications for TPMS sensor and tyre data management. In the coming year it aims to introduce applications to read RFID Tyre Data, for tyre logistics, traceability and other types of applications.

In the near future, ATEQ expects there will be a need to standardise between sensor communication technologies to make maintenance of these systems easier, as well as enabling access to ECUs on different vehicles. New commercial vehicle TPMS systems for easier drop and hook connectivity between tractor and trailer tyres, will see the light.

ATEQ is optimistic about the TPMS market going ahead. “Truck and trailer fleet managers have much better understanding about the value of TPMS, than passenger vehicle owners, where drivers would not necessarily appreciate the benefit. The optimisation of fleet down-time, cost savings, not to mention the safety of drivers are strong arguments which resonate well in this industry. The EU legislation coming in 2022 will do the rest.” www.globaltrailermag.com

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 / 3 9

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

TOOLS OF THE TRADE ATEQ TPMS IS A DIVISION OF THE ATEQ GROUP, A FRENCH COMPANY AND SUPPLIER OF TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SOLUTIONS.

A

gneta Ronceret is Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sales Manager, EMEA. Her role includes selling multi-brand or custom TPMS solutions for a wide range of TPMS sensor and tyre management applications.

Samuel Wölflick is TPMS Sales Manager, Germany, Austria, Switzerland. He provides customised OEM, factory or aftermarket solutions for Trucks, Trailer and Buses.

CV TPMS and their applications

Firstly, TPMS tools handles TPMS system configuration, pairing the sensor IDs to the control unit. The operator uses the tool to verify that all sensors are in working order and recorded in the right locations. During the process it is mostly required to activate each individual sensor inside the tyre, and transfer the data to the control unit, or simply compare the sensor ID with the data stored in the ECU. The TPMS tool either transmits the data wirelessly via RF, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to the control unit, or transfers the data directly to the CAN Bus, via a J1939 connection for example.

When a system is malfunctioning, the TPMS tool diagnoses whether the issue origins from a bad RF signal reception between the control unit and the sensor, or if the tyre pressure sensor needs replacement.

Secondly, TPMS tools are used for fleet maintenance. When a tyre failure is reported on the fleet management portal, the vehicle must go to a service station, for inspection. At the service station, the technician uses their TPMS tool to read the sensor ID number and measure the tyre pressure and temperature of each individual tyre, in the vehicle in the service area or even on the side of the road or in a parking lot. This way, there is no need to connect to the CAN Bus, go on the cloud or access the cabin display, to diagnose the issue.

TPMS tools are dedicated tools, especially for tyre & sensor maintenance and tyre management. They are complementary systems to more complex diagnostic tools and replace these tools when the primary need is to take quick action to diagnose and replace a damaged or faulty sensor, replace a broken tyre or swap tyre positions. Other tools are able to fully configure commercial vehicles TPMS systems.

An overview of ATEQ’s TPMS products

The ATEQ VT Truck TPMS tool offers functionalities specifically designed for maintenance of trucks, trailers and buses. Thanks to ATEQ’s patented technology,

4 0 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

The ATEQ VT Truck TPMS tool supports technicians with their maintenance duties.

dual wheel sensor reading technology, the tool distinguishes the sensors in the outer and inner positions with ease, and stores sensor information for up to 26 wheels positions per vehicle.

The ATEQ VT65 is a handheld industrial TPMS engineering tool for truck and trailer manufacturing facilities, wheel assembly lines and rework stations, or for preparing vehicles for export or dispatch. Custom built to OEM specifications, it features advanced TPMS sensor activation and sensor state manipulation functions. It includes a QR code and barcode reader and allows data transfer to PLC via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

The ATEQ VT620 is the new generation automated industrial TPMS system, built for vehicle manufacturing plants, wheel & tyre assembly plants, test laboratories, as well as wheel wholesaler preparation facilities.

Universal and customisable, the VT620 Industrial TPMS System adapts to all TPMS sensors and all wheel sizes. www.ateq-tpms.com/en-uk/home

GIGANT - Axle Systems Specialist Customized axle systems for various applications and vehicles GIGANT GmbH - Germany

WWW.GIGANT.COM

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

BULLISH ON TYRE PRESSURE GERMAN OEM, SCHMITZ CARGOBULL, NOW OFFERS ITS OWN TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM – TPMS – TO HELP EXTEND THE TYRE LIFECYCLE AS WELL AS REDUCE FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CARBON EMISSIONS.

T

he right level of tyre pressure, Schmitz Cargobull asserts, makes it easier to control tyre technology, significantly improves vehicle response and increases driving safety.

In 2021, the German Federal Government also intends to promote investments in modern trailer technologies as part of the ‘Fleet Renewal Programme for Commercial Vehicles’. Subsidies are planned for technologies that contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in road transport.

“With our TPMS for tipper trailers, our customers can already invest in an option that contributes to [carbon dioxide] reduction and will most probably be promoted and subsidised as part of the German government’s planned subsidy program,” said Schmitz Cargobull Chief Sales Officer, Boris Billich.

In addition, according to current assessments, it is thought that TPMS will be mandatory for all newly registered trailers from 2022. Schmitz Cargobull already offers its tyre pressure monitoring system for all three-axle S.KI tipper trailers in the S.KI 24 SL 7.2-10.5 and S.KI 24 SG 9.6 and 10.5 versions.

Tyre damage is known to be a particularly big issue for tipper trailers. With the help of TPMS sensors, which measure both the pressure and temperature of tyres, operators can actively prevent flat tyres. Thanks to a permanent flow of real-time information and warnings about tyre pressure and tyre temperature levels, dispatchers or drivers can respond immediately and help to prevent flat tyres, breakdowns or even accidents.

The sensor is mounted directly to the wheel with a fabric strap and secured with a hook-and-loop fastening. The sensor is not visible from the outside, which offers

optimum protection against manipulation.

The protected mounting point on the wheel also prevents damage caused by external factors during tyre changes or transport jobs.

Another advantage is that the mounting solution makes the sensors quick to install in the event of a tyre change and enables them to be used on the new tyre without any hassle.

The tyre pressure sensors can be mounted on 19.5” as well as on 22.5” rims.

The tyre pressure monitoring system is managed via the Schmitz Cargobull trailer telematics system TrailerConnect CTU3.

The tyre pressure and temperature for each individual tyre can be viewed on the TrailerConnect Portal and beSmart app by simply specifying the position of the wheel.

The TrailerConnect portal can also be used to adjust the tyre pressure reference values. If any tyres deviate from these values, the stored contacts can be informed in real time via a portal notification, e-mail and/or SMS. Warnings are also displayed with an exclamation mark in the beSmart app.

The tyre pressure monitoring system can be combined with a tyre pressure refilling function, which Schmitz Cargobull can integrate at the customer’s request. The tyre pressure refilling function keeps the inflation pressure in the individual tyre constant, warns in event of gradual air loss and with smaller defects, enables further travel to a workshop by refilling.

Due to the range of OEM-standard equipment fitted at the factory, no retrofitting work is required for the trailer telematics system or TPMS sensors.

www.cargobull.com

42 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 5 6

E X H I B I T I O N S PAC E NOW ON SALE

PROUD PARTNER

Department of Transport

S U P P O R T I N G SPONSORS

M E L B O U R N E C O N V E N T I O N & E H X H I

REIMAGINING THE

B

SUPPLY CHAIN

I T I O N

One of the first trade expos post-COVID, MEGATRANS is the critical event for the freight and logistics supply chain to get your brand in front of customers again.

N

M E G AT R A N S . C O M . A U

T

C E

R CONFE RENC E S PO NS O RS

ASSOCIATION PARTNERS

ACCREDITATION PARTNER

E

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

G E T SMART TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS AND TYRE FILLING SYSTEMS ARE NOW WIDELY USED IN FLEETS AROUND THE WORLD. SAF-HOLLAND CURRENTLY OFFERS BOTH TECHNOLOGIES IN EUROPE AND ABROAD. SAF TIRE PILOT, IN PARTICULAR, HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY MARKETED IN EUROPE FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS.

This tyre pressure refill system is available for rigid and steerable axles. It can also be configured in a multi-weight setup for threeaxle trailers. How much can this equipment generate in terms of a return on investment?

See the payback calculator: http://tirepilot.safholland.com.

TrailerMaster

TrailerMaster on display.

T

here has been a considerable rise in popularity among fleets when it comes to the uptake of Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) and Tyre Pressure Refill Systems (TPRS). The reason is simple, there are plenty of benefits associated with investing in this technology. Namely, minimising tyre wear and maximising fuel efficiency. Correctly adjusted tyre pressure extends the service life of the tyres, saves fuel, avoids tyre breakdowns and reduces the time required for vehicle maintenance. This gives operators financial and technical security.

Monitoring and controlling tyre pressure, whether via tyre pressure monitoring or a refill system, will become the standard for newly purchased fleet vehicles internationally. In Europe, the EU Regulation GSR 2019/2144 calls, among other things, for tyre pressure to be monitored for heavy goods vehicles and their trailers. This will become mandatory for new type-approvals from July 2022, and for all vehicles from July 2024. The technical framework for this Regulation is ECE Regulation 141, which is currently being worked on. It stipulates that vehicles already equipped with a TPRS do not require a TPMS.

In Europe, TIRE PILOT TPMS is offered with TrailerMaster which is SAF-Holland’s trailer telematics digital system which monitors functions in real-time and keeps the fleet manager updated on the condition of their trailer. Trailers can be upgraded or retrofitted with TrailerMaster. In North America, Trailers can be equipped by the OEM or retrofitted with the TIRE PILOT Plus with RTS (Real Time Sensing) TPMS, which will function with all available N.A. telematics systems.

The TrailerMaster intelligent interface for line connection technology takes on a range of tasks which were previously distributed throughout different systems including loading status and optimisation (also when unhitched), lighting functions check, patented performance data and condition evaluation of the braking system, data evaluation from tyre pressure monitoring system and EBS and GPS data transmission for trailer tracking. www.safholland.com

SAF TIRE PILOT

SAF-Holland has developed a system to permanently monitor and help maintain consistent tyre pressure, SAF TIRE PILOT. It is an intelligent assistant for fleets and helps to protect tyres and save fuel in the process. As soon as tyre pressure drops, rolling resistance increases which causes tyres to wear. This can also lead to environmental implications where road infrastructure is damaged over time and discarded, worn tyres are left to harm the environment. Of course, a more efficient journey will also minimise carbon emissions. Fitting SAF TIRE PILOT to your heavy vehicle combinations is a win for industry and the environment.

44 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

SAF-Holland is introducing the TIRE PILOT PLUS TPMS in North America with Real Time Sensing (RTS).

The best of Global Trailer.

140 characters at a time.

Follow us on

Join the Global Trailer community today and never miss a story again

INTELLIGENT

DESIGN BPW’S ECO DISC BRAKE SYSTEM – THE EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST’S LATEST INNOVATION IN BRAKING TECHNOLOGY – IS LIGHTER, MORE DURABLE AND EASIER TO SERVICE.

T FAST FACT The ECO Disc from BPW works with a modern single-tappet technology and the specially developed, unique BPW Offset Tappet Design (OTD). Thanks to a special configuration of the brake actuating unit with an offset tappet, an ideal balance of the forces and moments acting on the brake pad is achieved. The reinforced pad back plate also ensures even distribution of pressure between the pad and the disc. This ensures that the pads wear uniformly and so have a longer service life.

4 6 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

he new trailer disc braking system from BPW offers several unique advantages.

BPW is the only axle manufacturer who develops and produces its own brakes and is therefore familiar with the demands placed on running gear and brakes in tough trailer use all over the world. With BPW, the transport operator has a free choice: because in addition to the proven ECO Drum brake, BPW has also developed the ECO Disc.

Now the next generation is in the starting blocks. The new ECO Disc is intended to build on the successful concept of the former generation.

Thanks to its intelligent design, BPW’s new ECO Disc brake sets new standards.

It is even lighter, more robust, and easier to service.

More robust

The inner brake pad (active lining) and the outer brake pad (passive lining) are now different. The inner pad has a thicker steel backing and must always be fitted in the inner position.

Meanwhile, the calipers feature an Offset Tappet Design (OTD) which the company said achieves an ideal balance of the forces and moments acting on the brake pads.

In conjunction with the aforementioned reinforced (thicker) steel backing of the

BRAKING TECHNOLOGY

FAST FACT Almost three million brakes have been produced in Hunsheim near the BPW headquarters in Wiehl.

It is one of the most widely sold trailer disc brakes in the European market. With this reworking the new models ECO Disc 3709 and ECO Disc 4309 replace their predecessors: axles will be gradually converted to the new generation of trailer disc brakes from the middle of 2019.

inner pad, this configuration ensures braking pressure is applied evenly between the pad and disc to ensure uniform pad wear and consequently longer pad life.

Due to the OTD, the calipers are now directional, with an arrow cast into the caliper showing the direction that the disc must turn when the vehicle is moving forwards.

Another improvement is the Multi Functional Adjuster (MFA) which, according to BPW, systematically integrates the key functions in just a few innovative components.

The company said this not only reduces the number of interfaces, but also significantly improves the brake’s reliability and performance.

Due to these improvements, BPW stressed that it is not permissible to fit a mixture of the former generation of ECO Disc and the new ECO Disc on a single trailer as the new trailer disc brake caliper has a different SARN number to the older style. For the same reason, it is not permissible to fit new ECO Disc brake system calipers to former ECO Disc brake axle beams.

Other features of the braking

Compared to conventional systems, ECO Disc saves up to three hours in the workshop per vehicle due to how user friendly it is.

system include a long service life thanks to the latest single-tappet technology and cataphoretic dip-coating with zinc phosphating.

If the vehicle is frequently ‘dirty’ in the off-road use, BPW can also supply disc covers and shaft covers on request, which protect the friction pairing against the ingress of dirt and thus increased wear.

Easier to service

The ECO Disc is extremely easy to service according to BPW thanks to the Compact Design and ECO principle. As the brake disc can be changed without disassembling the caliper, operators can save up to three hours of maintenance time on a three-axle trailer when compared to conventional solutions from competitors.

Easier brake setting is another claimed advantage, requiring only a 13mm spanner to turn the rear mounted adjustment screw back a quarter turn (90°) followed by 10 brake applications.

Lighter

The Compact Design and the intelligent reduction in components makes the ECO Disc one of the lightest brakes on the market – in the case of a three-axle truck, a whole twelve kilograms of usable load is gained.

“The product is perfectly thought out, very high quality and durable,” said Thorsten Grahl, Product Manager at BPW. “BPW’s know-how and experience speak from this brake. We are the only axle manufacturer to produce our own disc brake, so we know the entire system and are a competent contact for our customers who can help directly and quickly.

“Whether ECO Disc or ECO Drum brake systems – BPW offers both technologies in-house but the choice of the right brake system depends on the vehicle type and application. The proportion of disc in Europe is now 70-80 per cent. With the new, even more robust generation of our trailer disc brake, we will continue to accelerate this trend.” www.globaltrailermag.com

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 / 47

LEADING THE WAY WITH

TRAILER INTELLIGENCE PIONEERING THE FIRST GLOBAL INTELLIGENT BRAKING PLATFORM FOR TRAILERS, ZF BUILDS ON ITS UNPARALLELED INNOVATION RECORD.

Z

F is fully leveraging the transfer of technologies across vehicle segments building on the expertise of WABCO, which now operates under the ZF brand as its Commercial Vehicle Control Systems division.

ZF is also continuing to deliver ground-breaking solutions at the forefront of Vehicle Motion Control, Integrated Safety, Automated Driving and Electric Mobility.

Intelligent Braking Platform – Industry’s first global braking platform for trailers, combining iABS and iEBS on one common platform

At the heart of ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Control Systems division, WABCO Trailer Solutions offers an Intelligent Braking Platform. The platform combines a suite of intelligent Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Braking Systems (EBS) which are suitable for almost all trailer types world-wide. This Intelligent Braking Platform enhances trailer safety and efficiency, enabling

OEM globalisation and regional technology adaptation through standardised iABS and iEBS braking control systems.

ZF´s trailer ABS and EBS help reduce accidents by shortening braking distances and protecting against jack-knifing, for example.

Today’s braking systems have evolved to become advanced controls and information centres for the trailer. In addition to controlling brakes and air suspension, ABS and EBS process a rich flow of sensor signals and data for up to 40 intelligent functions. This helps enable advanced vehicle safety, operational efficiency, reduced fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, load optimisation and enhanced driver comfort.

Intelligent Braking Platform for trailers – enabling OEM globalisation and regional technology adaption

The first variant of the Intelligent Braking Platform, iABS, is now officially launched in North America with 3,000 premium US trailers already equipped.

4 8 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

The global trailer braking systems market is mainly formed in three large clusters. Firstly, North America and China are currently using conventional brakes and standard Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS), with special trailer applications using electronic braking systems (EBS). In EMEA, Japan and Korea EBS is the standard. And, finally, there is a cluster of markets such as Brazil and Australia which is transitioning from ABS to EBS or have plans to do so.

One trend is particularly clear, however.

All regions want to improve the safety and efficiency of road transportation and are realising that the trailer can play an

BRAKING TECHNOLOGY

Intelligent Braking Platform – lean production for trailer builders, enhanced efficiency and uptime for fleet operators

150 years of innovation and groundbreaking technology; saving lives and increasing sustainability. ZF continues to build on WABCO’s unparalleled braking technology.

important role. Every region, even though at a varied pace, is increasingly aware of the need to evolve safety and efficiency functionalities. ZF as a truly global player and partner to the industry is adapting products and technologies to meet those regional requirements and challenges. That is why ZF through WABCO Trailer Solutions is introducing its new Intelligent Braking Platform.

It is the industry’s first global braking platform for trailers, combining iABS and iEBS on one common platform with three different performance and value levels: Basic, Standard and Premium.

Intelligent Braking Platform – Launch started in the US

After successful completion of a pilot phase in cooperation with a premium US trailer builder, more than 3,000 trailers are already equipped with iABS. The first variant of the Intelligent Braking Platform now officially launched is the new iABS for the important North American market. It is locally assembled in the US. The focus is on making the trailer smarter, enabling it, for the first time, to activate up to 20 functions of ZF’s award-winning Intelligent Trailer Program. This includes Lift Axle Control, Door Ajar, Axle Load Monitoring via ZF´s SmartBoard or TrailerCAST. The Trailer Telematics (TrailerCAST) is key when it comes to digitalisation and connectivity of trailers.

With the new Intelligent Braking Platform, ZF is also enabling better accessibility to safety and efficiency technologies in all regions. Thus, ZF plans to introduce a special EBS Basic Steel variant for leaf spring trailers in Brazil, Russia, India and China providing easier access to Roll Stability Support (RSS) functionality for those markets. ZF is also enhancing functionality in EMEA with the upcoming iEBS by integrating the Electronic Air Suspension OptiLevel™, the Tire Pressure Monitoring (OptiTire™) and Rear Collision Avoidance with Automatic Braking (TailGUARD™) Electronic Control Unit in the Premium EBS modulator.

The EMEA iEBS will also come with an innovative Park Release Valve (PREV) with one-button-operation replacing the common two-button PREVs.

Standardised and shared components, worldwide, would ensure greater cost and time efficiency across the complete trailer life chain including trailer building, fleet operating, the aftermarket, servicing and workshops.

The new Intelligent Braking Platform introduces standardised hardware, software and a uniform cable concept: iABS and iEBS use the same cable system. Whatever trailer is built, retrofitted or serviced internationally – it will be simplified.

As a result, trailer OEMs will benefit from global lean production, shorter installation times, be able to simplify their production lines and reduce cable and component stocks.

Platforming and harmonising hardware and software also help aftermarket resellers and workshops with better spare parts availability as well as shorter installation and training times. This will speed up service times at the Group’s 3,100-plus global trailer workshop solutions and service partners in over 119 countries just as it will for all other workshops outside the ZF network. This means vehicles will be quicker to get back on the road again, further improving vehicle uptimes.

Fleet operators and OEMs will also particularly benefit from one specific feature: as iABS and iEBS will support 5V Controller Area Network communication ports (CAN) and Generic In/Out ports (GIO), every single trailer can become intelligent and connected to a telematics unit without requiring a system upgrade. This provides benefits such as trailer health condition monitoring and preventive maintenance capabilities to optimise logistical processes as well as driver guidance and support.

Further standardisation of trailer iABS and iEBS hardware and software will streamline building and servicing of trailers and at the same time enable customisation and individualisation of each trailer to better serve the complex customer needs for flexibility, specificity, speed and safety. www.zf.com / www.wabco-auto.com

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 / 4 9

URBAN

THE FUTURE OF URBAN TRANSPORTATION IS HERE. THE WORLD’S TOP TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS PROVIDERS ARE INVESTING IN ALL-ELECTRIC ALTERNATIVES IN A BID TO COMBAT NOISE POLLUTION AND CARBON EMISSIONS. WHAT ELSE IN CHANGING IN THE LAST-MILE LANDSCAPE?

A

s veracious consumers, we are a demanding, impatient lot. These attitudes drive e-commerce trends – just look at the numbers that capped off postal service performance at the end of 2020. It is important to note that Covid-19 has widely influenced online shopping around the world.

Germany’s DHL Express braced for an all-time high in e-commerce trade around the world with volume growth of around 35 per cent in 2020. As for the peak season last year, the transport and logistics provider projected an increase of shipments of more than 50 per cent year-on-year.

Meanwhile, Australia Post delivered a record-breaking 52 million parcels last December, an increase of almost 20 per cent on the previous year.

Such a tremendous spike in online sales calls for more road transport to deliver the goods. With more rigid-bodied vehicles and trailer combinations taking to the streets of urban population centres, there are concerns about public health (carbon emissions, noise pollution, congested roads) as well as business efficiencies (vehicle uptime and maximising payloads per trip).

What is the industry doing to meet this rising demand?

A report by the Capgemini Research Institute on last mile delivery challenges explores some of the ways in which retailers and transport companies are improving processes.

Retailers, for instance, with a relatively small footprint are encouraged to collaborate with delivery companies and outsource accordingly.

Similarly, reducing delivery costs is recommended by investing in optimised fulfilment locations, storage and collection points.

In the age of automation, retailers should embrace the perks of automated warehouse operations, click-and-collect orders and autonomous delivery vehicles.

When demand for delivery services peaks, retailers are encouraged to consider various fulfilment resources such as the gig economy.

The report also calls for consumer-centric fulfilment offerings which would empower customers to visit stores for returns, for example, to presumably minimise last mile delivery tasks.

Autonomous pilot for commercial deliveries in the US

The American multinational retail corporation, Walmart, which is based in Bentonville, Arkansas, continues its power plays in the urban transport scene.

2019 saw Walmart US eCommerce compete with Amazon by refining its last

5 0 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

mile commitments.

While Walmart reportedly employed 5,000 in-store pickers who assemble digital orders, Wall Street Journal reported at the time that the process is slow and costly compared to specialised distribution centre fulfilment.

Also, crowdsourced drivers who deliver most Walmart goods to homes often require incentives to take on heavy grocery jobs. There are also some delivery firms working with Walmart that are raising pay, while others are grouping orders in advance to give drivers more reliable work.

According to financial results released early 2019, Walmart US eCommerce continued to benefit from the expansion of grocery pickup and delivery and a broader assortment on the Walmart website. A fiscal 2019 highlight: Walmart US comp sales increased 3.6 per cent – where grocery pickup and delivery are available in more than 2,100 and nearly 800 locations respectively.

By December 2020, Walmart began an autonomous vehicle pilot with Californian software company, Gatik, to move customer orders on a two-mile route between a dark store (a facility not open to the public) and a neighbourhood market in Bentonville.

Walmart SVP of Customer Product, Tom Ward, claimed the company had since driven more than 70,000 operational miles in autonomous mode with a safety driver.

“Now, we’re taking the next step forward: Gatik’s multi-temperature Autonomous Box Trucks will operate this route driverless in the

SPECIAL REPORT

MYTHS state of Arkansas,” he said. “This achievement marks a new milestone that signifies the first ever driverless operation carried out on the supply chain middle mile for both Gatik and Walmart.”

This year, Walmart expects to incorporate driverless vehicles into its Bentonville operation. The company will work with Gatik to monitor and gather new data in the meantime.

In addition to the driverless transport pilot, Walmart also tested multi-temperature autonomous box trucks on a small scale in Bentonville and have determined how to potentially use the fleet to transfer customer orders from a dark store to a live store.

“Now, we’re expanding our pilot with Gatik to a second location to test an even longer delivery route and a second use case – delivering items from a Supercenter to a Walmart pickup point, a designated location where customers can conveniently pick up their orders,” said Ward. “The autonomous box trucks in Louisiana will initially operate with a safety driver.”

With 90 per cent of Americans living within 10 miles of a Walmart, Ward said a closer store is not always the answer. “Perhaps it’s just a pickup location, with an autonomous vehicle making deliveries on a constant loop,” he said. “Our trials with Gatik are just two of many use cases we’re testing with autonomous vehicles, and we’re excited to continue learning how we might incorporate them in a delivery ecosystem.”

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 / 5 1

Australian metropolitan deliveries made easier with electromobility

The uptake of Electric Vehicles (EVs), compared to the US and Europe, is slow in Australia. the infrastructure i.e. charge points and parking areas are starting to develop but there is so much more work to be done.

The nation’s Electric Vehicle Council confirms this lag which is reportedly due to a lack of governmental support. CEO Behyad Jafari is working with industry, government and media to accelerate the electrification of road transport for a more sustainable and prosperous Australia. His team claim that California and Norway are leading the world in this space because they had incentives that supported early adoption of EVs. The Council asserts that financial incentives such as tax rebates, infrastructure subsidies and registration discounts would help bridge the gap between of the cost of EVs and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE).

Jafari’s team are also advocating for Australia to follow the UK, the Netherlands, India and China in their commitments to ban petrol and diesel vehicles by a set year. A lack of mandatory fuel efficiency standards, according to Jafari, means Australia becomes a dumping ground for vehicles that do not meet international regulations.

A pain point for zero emission tech running in the land down under is limited range capacity. Obviously, longhaul freight tasks are out of the question but what about urban transportation?

Well, BevChain, Linfox’s beverage logistics business, is putting an electric truck from Volvo to the test. The first unit will be fitted with an eight-pallet body and tailgate lift.

So, what prompted this investment? Volvo Trucks Australia Vice President, Tony O’Connell, contends that operators and their customers are demanding cleaner, quieter urban transport environment.

The Electric Vehicle Council argues that health is often an overlooked benefit of investing in EVs. In fact, some 1,715 Australians die each year from transport

The range limitations of electric vehicles is delaying the rapid uptake of this zero emission technology for transport operators in places like Australia.

52 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

air pollution-related causes. A serious dent could be made in that statistic, the Council suggests, if industry transitioned to low or zero emission vehicles.

Supporting this notion, O’Connell is adamant that all-electric trucks will play their part in helping to create safe and clean cities.

Linfox Executive Chairman, Peter Fox, said in a statement that EVs will play a crucial role in Linfox’s business as it works towards a cleaner, more sustainable tranport industry.

“Our investment in sustainable vehicles will significantly help reduce our emissions in the foreseeable future,” he said.

“Adopting a greener fleet is an ongoing part of our commitment to act sustainably, as we strive for zero net environmental emissions and play our part to mitigate climate change.

“As our nations’ freight demand grows, it is vital we meet that need safely, efficiently and with reduced environmental impact.

“Acting sustainably is just common sense. It is imperative to my family and our business that we preserve and protect our environment for the next generation.”

Commercial vehicle manufacturer, Volvo, aims to be fossil fuel free by 2040. Part of the plan to achieve this involves the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology for longhaul

SPECIAL REPORT

applications to complement urban-centric electric drivelines and the gradual phasing out of the traditional diesel engine.

The hydrogen fuel cell push

Pure Hydrogen Corporation will partner with US-based Hyzon Motors to develop a chain of hydrogen refuelling stations in Australia.

The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together to provide hydrogen solutions to Australian customers such as the provision of Hyzon Motor’s hydrogen powered commercial vehicles and building a network of refuelling stations for hydrogen in Australia.

Pure Hydrogen Corporation, a division of ASX-listed Real Energy, is an Australian energy company with interests in the offshore Cooper petroleum basin and Queensland’s Surat basin where it has a partnership with Strata X Energy for a coal seam gas project.

“This MoU with such an established and respected hydrogen fuel cell vehicle company like Hyzon is an outstanding development and excellent validation of our plans to develop a hydrogen focused energy business in Australia,” said Pure Hydrogen Managing Director, Scott Brown.

He added that the company has a number of other hydrogen-based initiatives underway as part of its growing Pure Hydrogen business.

The Australian government is advancing various hydrogen projects through its National Hydrogen Strategy which aims to promote hydrogen as a mainstream technology by 2030.

Due to its minimal carbon imprint, hydrogen is fast becoming a green energy fuel alternative as governments around the world increasingly promote the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner transportation technology such as EVs and hydrogen vehicles.

“We see Australia as a key market for the integration of hydrogen power technology into hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy transportation,” said Hyzon Motors Australia Director, John Feenan.

“The MoU with Pure Hydrogen paves the way for both parties to boost the hydrogen infrastructure capabilities of Australia and propel the nation’s fleet operators towards a

zero-emissions future,” he said.

Hyzon Motors is a US company whose business strategy is to help heavy vehicle operators transition to cost effective, zero emission hydrogen fuelled vehicles without any compromise on performance.

More recently, Hyzon Motors has made significant commercial progress in markets in Asia, Europe and Australia and expects to further expand its zero emission mobility business model over the next few years.

The New York-based company was only formed last year within parent company Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies and supplies hydrogen fuel cell-powered commercial vehicles including buses, coaches and heavy duty trucks.

Australian customers will be able to hire Hyzon Motor’s commercial vehicles on a monthly basis in a package deal that includes the vehicle’s cost, services and hydrogen fuel.

Real Energy is seeking to develop a hydrogen business in Australia, and its 100 per cent owned subsidiary Pure Hydrogen is working with Hyzon Motors to offer hydrogen fuelled vehicles to Australian customers.

Last September, Fortescue Metals Group announced it would team up with Hyzon Motors to build a fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses it would deploy as coaches to the Pilbara region of Australia, mid-way through 2021.

DHL is also going green

Did you know that DHL Freight is also committed to an environment protection strategy involving the trial of alternative drives such as all-electric vehicles? The FUSO eCanter, according to CEO Uwe Brinks, plays an important role in achieving Group-wide goal of reducing all logistics-related emissions to zero by 2050.

“DHL Freight is determined to do its part,” he said. “With the help of the eCanter, we want to reduce the release of emissions and local air pollutants in our freight forwarding business, thus limiting both our own carbon footprint and that of our customers.”

This commitment responds to the need for quiet, zero-emission vehicles spec’d for inner-city distribution.

This is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group’s GoGreen program which aims to improve the quality of life of people where they live and work by means of clean transport solutions. By DHL’s reckoning, to achieve this goal, 70 per cent of pick-up and delivery will transition to clean solutions such as electric vehicles.

Taking a closer look at vulnerabilities in the supply chain

Daniel Havers is a Technical Account Manager at SAI Global. This organisation provides comprehensive supply chain verification and certification against internationally recognised standards and supplier compliance schemes, delivering over 120,000 audits annually across our global network.

SAI Global supports its customers to improve their operational, quality and or food safety processes by providing focus on supply chain risk management, training and development, standards awareness and within the increasingly important areas of responsible sourcing, the environment and sustainability.

Havers works directly with key customers in the food sector encompassing retail, food service and manufacturing through to support with supplier compliance programs and supply chain verification. Provision of technical direction across SAI Global operational functions, he said, ensures capability and competency in all regions where services are delivered for key accounts as well as accountability for development, management and communication of

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 / 5 3

 “THE LEARNINGS FOR THE PANDEMIC LEAVE BUSINESSES WELL PREPARED TO IMPLEMENT R APID CHANGE WHEN NEEDED IN THE FUTURE AND PROVIDE THE TR AINING NEEDED TO SUPPORT THE TR ANSITION OF WORKING ARR ANGEMENTS FOR STAFF.” Daniel Havers Technical Account Manager at SAI Global.

global technical reference including business policies, protocol and operational process.

In the context of urban transportation, Global Trailer asks a few questions.

Q: Exponential growth in delivery volumes has indeed triggered pressure points for transport and logistics companies. Do you think such a reactive response to customer demand could have been avoided or at least alleviated more efficiently? If so, how?

A: Major retailers and the logistics and supply chain service providers would be well aware of global trends and growth with online shopping and the flow through to the local market over time, along with the impact it would have on their business and existing distribution networks to handle the volumes.

There would have been a belief that trend was predictable and that businesses could plan and build capacity in line with the growth curve. The situation with Covid-19 brought the perfect storm that accelerated the growth to online shopping, while curtailing freedoms of both the business and customer and placing immediate pressure on infrastructure and networks in the distribution chain.

Many international and customers standards have rigid requirements around contingency and business continuity planning, that do include the consideration of events such as pandemics. Established continuity and contingency plans tend to focus very much on events that are known to the business or the industry and the likelihood of a pandemic was thought as non-existent by many within Australia. Therefore, it was not seriously considered in contingency planning.

While precedents for a global pandemic are few in the modern era, there are many examples of localised health events around the world that would provide a view of what could be expected. Businesses should consider a worst case scenario model and apply best practice standards to business continuity and contingency planning Q: What are the most critical organisational vulnerabilities for companies in this context? What are the most serious issues? At what point would these issues become a crisis or crises?

A: Infrastructure, including vehicles & handling equipment, facility & capacity, software support systems, is one of the most critical organisation vulnerabilities for businesses. In the context of equipment, such as heavy vehicles and handling equipment, if there is insufficient infrastructure to handle increases, then equipment is used to maximum capacity. This places added pressure on

54 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

maintenance and servicing requirements. It is not ideal to have breakdowns and equipment withdrawn from service when already under pressure. The heavy vehicle industry and businesses that support it, have obligations under the Chain of Responsibility, Fatigue and Mass Management, to name a few.

Businesses must therefore continue to work within the boundaries of compliance needs under the higher pressure environment.

There would most likely be a need to use hire vehicles or expand on subcontractor networks for both vehicles and storage. Such contingency plans cannot be implemented overnight, as due diligence and compliance process still need to be followed, and in any event where there will be more than one business competing for the resource. This again highlights the value of well thought out Contingency and Continuity Plans.

Human resource and people, particularly in traditional high density work environments, can also be a critical vulnerability for an organisation. A business can function with a certain number of staff unavailable, however what happens if an entire shift, specific function or department is no longer available? Consideration of the technical knowledge and training needed across the business is required to ensure the business can function when individuals, or groups of individuals, with a skill set are no longer available. The appropriate replacements may not exist within the business nor be easily acquired through recruitment. Further to this, labour markets may be stressed due to both competing forces (demand in a certain industry) or availability due to travel and border restrictions (domestic or international). In any event there would be additional pressure on existing staff to work longer or take on more shifts, which is not sustainable over a long period as it can lead to fatigue and poor mental health.

Consideration needs to be given to Change Management processes.

The current pandemic has required businesses with logistics and supply chain designated as essential services to implement Covid-safe plans centred around social distancing, capping staff numbers,

SPECIAL REPORT

monitoring and testing employees, and cleaning of facilities and amenities. The learnings for the pandemic leave businesses well prepared to implement rapid change when needed in the future and provide the training needed to support the transition of working arrangements for staff.

Q: The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, signed November 2020, is a free trade agreement between several Asia Pacific nations. Do you think this will contribute to increased trade volumes going forward and continue to expose vulnerabilities in supply chains?

A: We will certainly see a boost in trade volumes as a result of this new agreement, particularly as it brings with it reduced tariffs and removes other barriers to trade.

While it will diversify the market, it also will increase competition and businesses should find ways to maintain productivity in their supply chains. While the agreement will not come into effect for some time, businesses should ensure they are RCEP-ready early on. Implementing processes and systems now that are flexible and operate under the parameters of the new agreement can help strengthen the supply chain and help businesses better prepare for the boost in trade that the RCEP will bring.

Businesses should also take advantage of the federal government’s Supply Chain Resilience Initiative, which, from 1 July, will enable companies to apply for a share of $107.2 million in funding over four years to address vulnerabilities in their supply chain.

Q: What kind of management systems do you think will be needed to ensure logistics and supply chain businesses thrive or at least improve amid increasing demand for services?

A: Many logistics and supply chain businesses were unprepared for increased demand and growth in delivery volumes and should implement tailored management systems that can prepare them for sustained growth and change.

These businesses should have a process in place that to quickly expand the business and onboard new employees to account for future spikes in delivery volumes and sudden growth.

Businesses should also operate under the Quality Management System ISO 9001, which is a standard that sets the benchmark criteria for quality and ensures organisations offer consistent, good quality products and services to their customers. Building and implementing a quality management system in accordance with this standard can certainly help improve business performance.

The BRCGS standard for storage and distribution, which is specifically designed for logistics operations dealing with food, packaging and consumer products, is seeing significant growth and uptake across the globe. The standard essentially covers logistics across the whole of network, including store to final consumer (online shopping) but does not include couriers and postal service.

Q: Have you observed any trends in last mile delivery or urban transportation?

A: Technology will continue to evolve and be innovative, particularly realtime delivery visibility as consumers demand greater transparency. Australia Post recently announced a tracking service that will provide customers with a more accurate timeframe of when they can expect a delivery, down to the last 15-minutes from when it will land at their door. We are also starting to see companies use drones to improve last mile performance. Google has a drone delivery service that is already being used across Canberra to deliver food and other consumer products.

We’re also likely to see on-demand deliveries grow in popularity, as many companies adopt an Uber-like model and use crowdsourcing to improve the last mile. This crowd-sourced approach would allow anyone to pick up and deliver parcels, often using their own vehicle, at any time and based on how close they are to a certain pick up and delivery location. This would increase efficiencies across the board and alleviate pressures on courier staff. www.globaltrailermag.com

North America seems to be leading the world in what may become an electromobility revolution – at least in the final mile.

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 / 5 5

WORLD EVENTS

AGROTECH 2021 FAIR 12-14 MARCH 2021 Poland Agrotech at Targi Kielce is the largest agricultural technology exhibition in Poland. The International Agricultural Technology Fair is also the largest exhibition in the country among all industries. The numbers speak for themselves: record area in 2019 - over 66,000 square metres and over 75,000 visitors. A comprehensive, international exhibition and over 750 exhibitors from 21 countries of the world is another advantage of the Agrotech fair in Kielce according to Grzegorz Figarski, Project Director. www.targikielce.pl/en/agrotech

TRANSPORT LOGISTIC 2021 4-7 MAY 2021

Messe München Munich, Germany One of the leading transport and logistics events in Germany, Munich’s aptly named Transport Logistic show saw more than 2,374 exhibitors and some 64,000 from 125 visitors from 125 countries and regions in 2019. www.transportlogistic.de

INTERMODAL ASIA

MEGATRANS2021

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.

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia MEGATRANS returns in 2021 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.

20-22 JULY 2021

www.intermodal-asia.com

8-10 SEPTEMBER 2021

www.megatrans.com.au 5 6 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

KEEP A LOOK OUT Elmia Lastbil 19-22 August 2020 Jönköping, Sweden www.elmia.se/en/lastbil

TRANSPORT SCANDINAVIA 2021

InnoTrans 2020 22-25 September Berlin, Germany www.innotrans.com

16-18 SEPTEMBER 2021 Herning, Denmark Transport 2021 is an inspiring fair for all those with roots in the transport industry. This is the place to find new vehicles, new equipment, new services and new ideas. The Transport trade fair was launched in 1988. Since then more than 450,000 professionals from the transport industry have attended the event. www.transport-messen.dk

TRANSPORT LOGISTIC CHINA 2022 15-17 JUNE 2022 Shanghai New International Expo Centre Shanghai, China Transport logistic China 2022 attendees can expect transport logistic China, one of Asia’s biggest trade fairs, to showcase the entire spectrum of logistics products, technologies and services. www.transportlogistic-china.com

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 / 57

M E GATR E N D S

SELF

SUFFICIENT THE LATEST ACQUISITION BY US-BASED AUTONOMOUS DRIVING TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST, AURORA, IS SET TO ACCELERATE ITS MISSION TO DELIVER ITS FIRST PRODUCT SAFELY, QUICKLY AND BROADLY.

Self-driving tech is gaining ground in the US.

A

urora is acquiring Advanced Technologies Group (ATG).

“By adding the people and technology of Uber’s Advanced Technologies Group to the incredible group we’ve already assembled at Aurora, we’re shifting the landscape of the automated vehicle space,” said Chris Urmson, co-founder and CEO of Aurora. “With the addition of ATG, Aurora will have an incredibly strong team and technology, a clear path to several markets, and the resources to deliver. Simply put, Aurora will be the company best positioned to deliver the self-driving products necessary to make transportation and logistics safer, more accessible, and less expensive.”

The team at ATG brings expertise, passion, and determination to delivering self-driving vehicles safely to the road. ATG, like Aurora, has been heads down, focused on building. While their advances in software, hardware, product design, and more have flown under the radar, they have made tremendous headway on many fronts. They are committed to rigorous testing and have built a strong safety culture. With their technical prowess in both research and practical applications, ATG will strengthen and accelerate the first Aurora Driver applications for heavyduty trucks while allowing the company to continue and accelerate its work on light-vehicle products.

In addition to acquiring ATG, Aurora has also announced a strategic partnership with Uber that connects its technology to the world’s leading ride-hailing platform and strengthens its position to deliver the Aurora Driver broadly.

Aurora aims to deliver its first product in autonomous trucking and said a relationship with Uber will position the business as a leading player in passenger

5 8 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 57

mobility as well.

In support of Aurora’s partnership with Uber, Uber is investing $400 million USD in Aurora and Uber CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, is joining Aurora’s Board.

“Few technologies hold as much promise to improve people’s lives with safe, accessible, and environmentally friendly transportation as self-driving vehicles,” said Khosrowshahi.

“For the last five years, our phenomenal team at ATG has been at the forefront of this effort—and in joining forces with Aurora, they are now in pole position to deliver on that promise even faster.

“I’m looking forward to working with Chris, and to bringing the Aurora Driver to the Uber network in the years ahead,” he said.

Lux Research analyst, Lewie Roberts, said this move is truly disruptive.

“Uber is selling its autonomous vehicle (AV) unit and investing $400 million [USD] into AV company Aurora, giving Uber a 26 per cent stake,” he said.

“Those who had invested in Uber ATG, such as Toyota, Denso, and SoftBank Vision Fund, will become minority shareholders.

“Unlike Uber, Aurora has placed a greater focus on autonomous trucking as the first application of autonomous vehicles, though it will pursue other applications of its AV tech, such as robotaxi services, in the future.

“A partnership with Uber will undoubtedly aid in the pursuit of this goal, but clients should be more focused on the huge shift of resources (money, talent, software, data) that is going from Uber’s ride-hailing-focused strategy to Aurora’s trucking-focused one.”

Aurora is backed by Amazon and Sequoia, among other firms. www.globaltrailermag.com

NEXT ISSUE

GT 5 8

EXPERIENCE THE WORLD’S ONLY DEDICATED B2B MAGAZINE FOR THE TRAILER AND ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY. Features* Trailer Design: Low Loader/SPMT Market Refrigerated Transport Technology

Specials* Market Report: Norway Events: Transport Logistic

57 50 49

XX

ON SALE MAY 2021

www.globaltrailermag.com

XX XXX

*All features and special reports are subject to change.

ISSN 1839-5201

02

36 9 7718

w.g

ww

lobaltr ISSN

GLOB 2 /

1

-520

Exec Kögel JOST CEO Voice: Turkey Industry Report: Market nd Factory Tour SAF-Holla

Devices 9 BPW s 201 Axle Lift Solutran eler’s lligence Wew ler Inte VDL Trai WABCO

I SS U ER /

Schm Announce s Executive Expansion Business Events Industry

iew In Rev cements s 2019 oun st NewUpdates NUFAM Chain Ann Speciali gy ent nolo Supply Equipm Tech and Trailer, Events stry Indu

S NEW

ivity SS s bal Act BUSINEup on GloNetherland r TIO N Factory Tou k Pee INN OVA Hungary Sneak

m

02

520000 AIL A L TR

le NEWS Cargobull’s E-Ax s itz ment

S BUSINES utive Interview

520000

g.co

rma

aile

1839

836 9 771

COVER STORY

China-Europe Logistics Service Krone Releases Financial Results Utility Talks Aerodynamics Industry Developments In Africa

Executive Interview: Goldhofer Market Report: Chile The Future Of Urban Transport TPMS Special Report

Plan Schmitz Cargobull Actions TPMS ECO Disc Lighter, More Durable BPW TS2 America SAF TIRE PILOT In Europe, North ZF’s Intelligent Braking Platform

ents, movem g freight ler buildin y tralia’s dre e trai Vaw of Aus petitiv that anding the com fidence tunderst nce in of con and drough fide kind ethos and of con n – the areas sionate degree itio sland politan t Queen es a pas a certain the compet rs. om g metro t tak nec ON yeaag.c ong altra VATI ilerm con with Review r 40 that bustlin ds INNO along to rise am .glob ove Show les ia’s www for roa Solutrans t, tor5201 ial Vehic 183903al marke ia has had ISSN On Spec r Aerodynamics of Vic the region CIMC Traile to parity n Austral WABCO’s ds: Digitisatio the dis th Wales From w Sou Megatren d Ne affecte

I

TO BECOME PART OF GLOBAL TRAILER PLEASE CONTACT:

NEWS

BUSINESS

INNOVATION

9 771836 520000

TII Gro Report: w Market Intervie hes Hitc Tow CIE CEO Talks JOST

E 49

MAR KET U P DATE

JEFF BEZOS, AMAZON.COM

FOR EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES: luke.applebee@primecreative.com.au FOR ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: ashley.blachford@primecreative.com.au

OUT OF

PRECEDENT FOR

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

18 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 3 0

W W W.G LO B A LTR A I LE R MAG .C O M / G L O B A L T R A I L E R / 19

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

HUMAN

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 ]

F

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”.

3 4 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I S S U E 3 0

globaltrailermag.com

W W W.G LO B A LTR A I LE R MAG .C O M / G L O B A L T R A I L E R / 3 5

58 / G LO BAL TRAI LE R / ISSUE 30

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

ALEXANDER DOBRINDT, GERMAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT 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.

W W W. G LO BALT R AI L E R M AG. C O M / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / 5 9

Designed for European market

TIRE PRESSURE CONTROL

by SAF-HOLLAND

Designed for North American market

safholland.com