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INNOVATION

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Green Logistics Tankers & Silos Brake Maintenance Fleet Telematics

Executive Interview: Grunwald Market Report: Taiwan Electrification Trends Automechanika Review

Special Reports Upcoming Events Industry Developments Megatrends

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44

COVER STORY

24

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Grunwald is a builder of advanced commercial vehicles from the South Baltic region and is continuously improving its products with new technical solutions. Every passing day the Russian OEM is becoming more of an international enterprise as it delivers semi-trailers and superstructures to more and more locations around the world.

“WHAT DISTINGUISHES OUR SOLUTIONS FROM OTHERS IS OUR ATTENTION TO THE TRUE NEEDS, INVOLVEMENT IN THE BUSINESS PROCESSES OF OUR CUSTOMERS AND, OF COURSE, THE QUALITY OF EXECUTION.”

IN THIS ISSUE

Aleksey Drach, Grunwald

BUSINESS

FEATURES

30

36

TANKERS & SILOS

42

TPMS

44

GREEN LOGISTICS

MARKET REPORT

The global digital economy is on track to smash a trillion US dollars by 2035 and Taiwan is increasingly becoming a critical enabler of this.

52

SPECIAL REPORT

A closer look at the issue of diesel exhaust fluid supply.

58

EVENT REVIEW

Double-digit growth in C-level executives at Dubai trade shows including Automechanika confirms a welcome return to business for the exhibition industry.

64

ELECTRIFICATION

The electrification of commercial vehicles in Australia is finally gaining momentum.

See the latest developments in tanker and silo technology.

Schmitz Cargobull showcases its tyre pressure monitoring systems.

To ensure more sustainable logistics, we need to adjust and rethink our traditional way of operating according to TIP.

46

MAINTENANCE

48

TELEMATICS

REGULARS

68 EVENTS

04 EDITOR’S NOTE

70 MEGATRENDS

06 NEWS

71 PREVIEW

Brake maintenance and regular checks are key when it comes to ensuring fleet and drivers are safe and compliant.

An exclusive interview with idem telematics.

58

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

ADOPTING THE JOINT POSITION A PROPOSAL TO UPDATE THE EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and to create a new ETS system that covers buildings as well as the road transport sector was welcomed by three associations in January.

The European Association for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services (CLECAT), the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and the European Shippers’ Council (ESC) agree that solid carbon pricing is one of the key building blocks to effective policy framework to support and enable Europe’s transition to carbon neutrality.

In a joint position paper, the associations noted a prerequisite for the swift market uptake of alternatively powered vehicles is the introduction of effective and targeted support measures for the sector.

The ETS for road transport should therefore ensure that revenues from the auctioning of greenhouse gas allowances are ringfenced and reinvested in the road freight transport sector.

This would, the associations assert, would help accelerate investment in low- and zero-emission road freight transport vehicles and technologies.

Without securing the funding for these much-needed investments, and

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

clear and explicit targets for ringfence investments (for instance in charging and refuelling infrastructure, support of fleet renewal, etc), there is a risk of insufficient funding to support to switch to zero-emission trucking.

Under a revised EU ETS Directive, member states would be expected to return a large portion of revenues from freight transport carbon dioxide pricing to the transport sector in the form of investment support programs for green vehicles and tech. This, in theory, would allow the sector to embrace emerging technologies and accelerate the transition to climate neutrality. The associations emphasise that low and zero emission heavy duty vehicles must become the most viable and best option for transport operators.

To avoid double charging of carbon emissions, proper integration with existing policies at national levels, using Germany as an example, will be essential.

CLECAT, ACEA and ESC strongly encourage European and national decision makers to consider their recommendations as a matter of urgency in their ongoing discussions on the proposal.

Blake Storey

DESIGN Kerry Pert, Aisling McComiskey

INTERNATIONAL SALES

Ashley Blachford ashley.blachford@primecreative.com.au

CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER

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Global Trailer is owned by Prime Creative Media and published by John Murphy. All material in Global Trailer is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published.

The opinions expressed in Global Trailer are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL ASIA CHINA Chinese media has reported the founding of a state-owned logistics group which aims to strengthen supply chains amid pandemic disruption.

The new company, China Logistics Group, was formed through a merger with China Railway Materials, China National Materials Storage and Transportation Group, Huamao International Freight Limited Company Shenzhen Branch, China Logistics and China National Packaging Corporation.

The merger follows global supply chain disruption which has constrained operations particularly at Chinese ports where just one Covid-19 case can result in business suspension.

Strategic investors and parent firms of China Eastern Airlines, COSCO Shipping and China Merchants Group will respectively hold share percentages of 10 per cent, 7.3 per cent and 4.9 per cent in the newly-formed group.

China’s State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) and China Chengtong Holdings Group will evenly split the remaining shares. Chengtong Holding is centrally-managed by SASAC, giving the state asset regulator control over all the remaining shares.

China Logistics Group is reported to cover 30 Chinese provinces, has a presence in five continents and operates three million vehicles.

HONG KONG Danish shipping company, Maersk, has reached an agreement to acquire a Hong Kong-based contract logistics company which specialises in omnichannel fulfilment services, e-commerce and inland transport.

Maersk is set to acquire LF Logistics.

The transaction will add 223 warehouses to the existing portfolio, 6 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 6 3

bringing the total number of facilities to 549 globally, spread across a total of 9.5 million square metres.

“The acquisition of LF Logistics is an important and truly strategic milestone on our journey to become the global integrator of container logistics; a global logistics company that provide digitally enabled end-to-end logistics solutions based on control of critical assets,” said Maersk CEO, Soren Skou.

“With the acquisition of LF Logistics, we add critical capabilities in Asia Pacific to support our customers long term growth in Asia Pacific as well as capabilities and technology we can scale in our contract logistics business globally.”

As part of the agreement to acquire LF Logistics, Maersk will enter a strategic partnership with Li & Fung to develop logistics solutions.

LF Logistics operates an extensive Pan-Asian network for B2B and B2C customers within retail, wholesale and e-commerce.

“We recognise that for LF Logistics to be a global leader in the industry, achieving scale is of paramount importance,” said the CEO of Li & Fung and LF Logistics, Joseph Phi. “Maersk provides the ideal fit for our people and our customers. It has a substantial presence around the world and will utilise LF Logistics’ talent base and operational platform across Asia to build out its logistics and fulfilment offering globally.

“This is testament to the strength of our team, our unique operations-centric culture, and superb growth potential.

Together we will deliver a compelling value proposition that allows our people to attain their full potential and our customers to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.”

LF Logistics is a privately owned

company by Li & Fung (78.3 per cent) and Temasek Holdings (21.7 per cent). LF Logistics is organised through two business units: In-Country Logistics (ICL) and Global Freight Management (GFM). Founded in 1999, LF Logistics is primarily focused on providing contract logistics solutions to customers in Asia-Pacific. LF Logistics is run as a standalone company separate from Li & Fung. Over the last 22 years, LF Logistics has significantly expanded its geographic presence, with an intention of providing integrated logistics solutions to customers across Asia-Pacific. LF Logistics employs 10,000 people and has 223 warehouses and fulfilment centres in 14 countries totalling 2.7 million square meters.

In the full-year 2020, LF Logistics reported a revenue of around 1.3 billion USD and a post-IFRS 16 adjusted EBITDA of USD around 235 million USD, with the ICL business generating a revenue of around 850 million USD and a post-IFRS 16 adjusted EBITDA of around 230 million USD. For the fullyear 2021 the ICL business is expected to report a revenue around $1 billion USD with an adjusted post-IFRS 16 EBITDA around $250 million USD. RUSSIA Logistics firm, Tablogix, has acquired the warehouse and transport operations of Finnish company, Itella Logistics.

Tablogix has taken the Moscow facilities of Itella LLC (part of Itella Logistics) which includes warehouses in Krekshin (60,000 square metres), Odintsovo (40,000 square metres) and Khimki (80,000 square metres).

In 2020, Tablogix’s warehouse operations reportedly accounted for more than 200,000 square metres of rented and client space in the Moscow

(A joint stock company incorporated in the People’s Republic of China with limited liability)

Stock Code :1839 (H Shares) / 301039 (A Shares)

INNOVATION, EVOLUTION, PRUDENCE

NEWS INTERNATIONAL ASIA/ AFRICA region. Following the acquisition of Itella assets the total warehouse space of the merged company will exceed 400,000 square metres.

“The acquisition of Itella Logistics’ warehousing and transport business will enable Tablogix to achieve significant synergies by diversifying client portfolio, increasing operational efficiency and increasing the scale of business,” said Tablogix CEO, David Lane.

“We have literally surrounded Moscow with high-quality warehouse space, which means that customers no longer need to compromise on the optimal location.”

Valery Sinyaev, Chief Financial Officer of Tablogix, has forecast growth of about 8-12 per cent per year in transport and logistics services following this acquisition.

“If earlier warehouse facilities were needed to store and send goods to stores, now the systems are being rebuilt, and we can talk about an increase in the volume of deliveries from the manufacturer directly to the consumer,” said Sinyaev.

Since 1994, Tablogix has been among the largest logistics service providers in Russia. With a staff of more than 1,000 people, the business’ services include storage, professional handling of products in warehouses, distribution and delivery of goods.

SINGAPORE Transport and logistics company, GEODIS, has improved its road transport connections in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

The company’s fleet of vehicles and expanded network of partners enables full and partial loads to be carried by road along the Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand axis, and now Vietnam. The addition of the service to Vietnam 8 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 6 3

will serve businesses driving the manufacturing boom in that country over recent years, helping the region become a vital supply chain node for many hightech, retail, and FMCG businesses.

Launched in November 2019, the Road Transport service of GEODIS in Southeast Asia was created to meet the needs of companies looking for a daydefinite road transportation solution for their cargo, in the range of 30 to 1000 kilos per shipment.

The expanded road network for Full Truck Load (FTL) and Less than Truck Load (LTL) service provide freight management from first to last mile and offers additional options for existing GEODIS customers, in addition to air and ocean transport modes. The door-to-door road option has the advantage of loading space flexibility, with benefits of lower rates than air freight, shorter transit times than ocean freight, and on-the-ground expertise for customs clearance.

Since March 2021, GEODIS has expanded its road network capabilities by offering both standard and personalised solutions including its RoadDirect, RoadFast, and RoadSave services. With these differing levels of service, GEODIS balances transit time and costs to ensure customers can tailor the solution that best fits their needs to include door-to-door service, customs brokerage and onward distribution.

Accompanying the new expansion of the Road Transport service of GEODIS is a dedicated access to a rate calculator and automated quotation system, which will be available towards the end of 2021.

“Our expanded service aims to give our customers greater flexibility and reliability of service in the context of current supply chain disruptions affecting air and sea cargo flows,” said GEODIS SubRegional Managing Director – South

East Asia, Lakshmanan Venkateswaran.

“The service refinements come at a pivotal time as ASEAN’s manufacturing productivity and market expansion are gaining momentum due to the confluence of events that is motivating global companies to diversify their supply chain options.”

AFRICA Logistics provider, Kuehne + Nagel, has expanded its network of offices in Africa to support a rise in demand for its services.

These offices are managed and supported by a control tower in Durban, South Africa – a single point of customer contact responsible for a compliant, high quality and easy-to-access network across Africa. It allows for complete visibility across the network, including remote locations, while ensuring Kuehne + Nagel’s global service standards; supervising data quality, enabling shipment visibility and managing cargo flow.

With this expansion, Kuehne + Nagel provides its customers better access to African markets and while offering African manufacturers specialised and industry-specific solutions to meet soaring demand in markets such as pharma & healthcare, perishables, emergency & relief and project logistics.

Sub-Saharan Africa plays an increasingly significant role in worldwide trade as it is home to more than one billion people, half of whom will be under the age of 25 by 2050. Kuehne + Nagel has been actively present in Africa for almost seven decades after opening its first office in Johannesburg in 1954.

The company provides its customers with full visibility across a strong and compliant supply chain by combining the strengths of a local presence with Kuehne + Nagel’s global operating

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL ASIA/ EUROPE ZF successfully launches new Commercial Vehicle Solutions Division.

systems and processes.

The expanded Africa network is fully vetted and audited by an external global auditing company to ensure ongoing adherence to the highest level of compliance and ethical standards. It provides the full range of international services including Air, Sea, Road and Contract logistics to address the demands of the African continent.

“Africa is blessed with natural resources and a young entrepreneurial population,” said Kuehne + Nagel President Middle East and Africa, Lee I’Ons. “Now is the time to unlock this potential and create growing, thriving economies.

There are many elements to this, one being the logistical ability to connect global markets for end consumers and suppliers. With the new control tower in Durban, we are ready to address this great African opportunity.”

With this expansion, Kuehne + Nagel will be represented in 18 African countries: South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Egypt, Angola, Namibia, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Mozambique, Mauritius, Botswana, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Rwanda.

Until the end of the first quarter 2022, Kuehne + Nagel plans to increase its footprint with a second expansion on the continent.

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

GERMANY Technology company, ZF, has announced the successful start of its new Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division, effective 1 January 2022.

The new division combines ZF’s expertise in the commercial vehicle industry and will significantly advance solutions for safe, sustainable and digitised transport. The new division unites ZF’s former Commercial Vehicle Technology and Commercial Vehicle Control Systems divisions, the latter of which was formed from ZF’s May 2020 acquisition of WABCO. “With the new CVS division, ZF is now positioning itself as the world’s largest component and system supplier for the commercial vehicle industry,” said Wilhelm Rehm, member of the ZF Board of Management with responsibility for the new division.

“Thanks to our broad technological positioning and global market presence, we can offer our customers the key solutions they need to transform their product portfolio from a single source.

Leveraging our regional structure, we offer significant advantages and close customer proximity for truck, bus and trailer manufacturers as well as fleet operators, wherever they are in the world.

“In line with our ‘Next Generation Mobility’ corporate strategy, CVS will accelerate ZF’s global growth strategy.”

ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions division is supported by around 25,000 employees based across 61 locations in 28 countries.

The CVS division, according to ZF, is helping shape the future of commercial transportation ecosystems.

“Our mission is to be the preferred global technology partner to the commercial vehicle industry,” said ZF. “Powerfully combining ZF’s commercial vehicle systems expertise, extensive technology portfolio and global operations, the division serves the full commercial vehicle industry value chain.

As the automotive industry progresses towards an increasingly autonomous, connected, and electrified (ACE) future, ZF’s CVS division innovates, integrates and supplies components and advanced control systems that help make commercial vehicles and fleets operate more safely and sustainably. CVS unites ZF’s former Commercial Vehicle Technology and Commercial Vehicle Control Systems divisions, the latter being formed following ZF’s acquisition of WABCO in Spring 2020.”

GERMANY Logistics company, Deutsche Post DHL Group, is set to welcome a new CEO in 2023.

The Supervisory Board of Deutsche Post AG has extended Frank Appel’s contract as DPDHL Group CEO until 4 May 2023. His previous contract runs until 31 October 2022.

Appel will continue to serve as DPDHL Group CEO until the Annual General Meeting in 2023. Thereafter, Tobias Meyer, will take over as DPDHL Group CEO. Meyer joined the company in 2013 and has held a wide variety of

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL EUROPE positions including Head of Corporate Development, Chief Operations Officer at DHL Global Forwarding, and Head of Operations and IT at Post & Parcel Germany. He has been CEO of Post & Parcel Germany and a member of the DPDHL Management Board since March 2019.

“In Tobias Meyer we have a recognised expert of the company taking over as DPDHL Group CEO,” Dr Nikolaus von Bomhard, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Post AG. “He is the ideal choice to continue the very successful path the company has charted. With Strategy 2025, the Management Board successfully executes along the major megatrends of digitalisation, sustainability, Globalisation, and e-commerce.”

Von Bomhard added: “We thank Frank Appel for his support to assure this seamless transition. Frank Appel’s performance during his more than 13 years at the top of DPDHL Group has been outstanding. He made the company into a leading global logistics powerhouse that connects people and markets, thereby enabling global trade.

Under Appel’s leadership, the company has posted one record after the next.

Deutsche Post DHL Group has much to thank him for.”

Appel: “After careful consideration, I have decided not to remain for another full term in office. I do this totally convinced that Deutsche Post DHL Group is led by an exceptional management team and supported by highly engaged employees.

In Tobias Meyer, we have a top class manager and great colleague to follow as the next DPDHL Group CEO. Under his leadership, Post & Parcel Germany successfully managed the turnaround.

I couldn’t have hoped for a better successor.”

As part of a smooth transition, Meyer 12 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 6 3

will take over the Corporate Function Global Business Services from Appel in July 2022, and hand over his role as CEO Post & Parcel Germany to Nikola Hagleitner, currently Chief Sales Officer at Post & Parcel Germany. Hagleitner has been with the company since 2005 and has worked in three of the five divisions at Deutsche Post DHL Group.

With experience across operations, sales and business development, Nikola brings a wealth of expertise to her new position.

In addition, the Supervisory Board has also extended the contract with Oscar de Bok, CEO DHL Supply Chain, for another five years to 30 September 2027.

GERMANY The Supervisory Board, the Management Board and the staff of Schmitz Cargobull mourn the loss of Bernd Hoffmann, who passed away on 8 December 2021, aged 78.

Bernd joined the former Schmitz Anhänger GmbH & Co KG as a marketing manager in 1974. He advanced to managing partner and was a member of one of the three owning families.

He became a member of the Board of Management in 1988 and guided the fortunes of Schmitz Cargobull AG from 2003–2008 as Chairman of the Board.

In 2008, he then transferred to the Supervisory Board. Bernd played a decisive role in expanding and restructuring Schmitz Cargobull AG, and in successfully developing the European company into the market leader in the trailer industry.

With the sales of trailers from Schmitz Cargobull throughout Europe and beyond, Bernd initiated the union of Europe’s east and west, north and south from early on.

In addition to sales, global

communication and understanding were always among Bernd’s key focal points, and he made a major contribution to advancing the company’s internationalisation. Bernd was awarded the Cross of Merit (Verdienstkreuz am Bande) from the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany by the Federal President, Christian Wulff in 2011.

Members of both the business community and wider society have expressed their appreciation of his outstanding achievements, such as his dedication to institutions focused on supporting young people, as well as his passion for football.

“His entrepreneurial vision and business courage were valuable cornerstones for our company,” Schmitz Cargobull said in a statement. “We will honour Bernd’s memory.”

GERMANY In 2021, Kässbohrer achieved market success, experienced growth following the appointment of new country managers, expanded its product portfolio and aftersales network and rolled out K-Finance leasing partnerships.

The OEM is reported to be in the top three in Netherlands in all groups of Europe’s widest product range and tops the list in Germany and Poland with its tanker and silo vehicles.

As the business welcomes new European climate law, which is committed to at least 55 per cent in carbon emission reduction, Kässbohrer anticipates an ambitious transition period for industry. This is why the OEM is working closely with customers, stakeholders, associations and universities to innovate. The OEM is developing award-winning vehicles for multimodal transport – the next generation of longer vehicles for more

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL EUROPE

Kässbohrer Board Member, İffet Türken.

load along with investment in smart tech for future digital integration.

“In 2021 we have concluded European Union backed Aeroflex project which has been ongoing since 2017,” said Kässbohrer Board Member, İffet Türken.

“We actively worked with other OEMs and manufacturers to create the future of road transport with efficiency, safety, and sustainability in mind but especially worked to finalise the book of recommendations for future implications collaborating with industry stakeholders and representatives both at European and regional levels. As the challenge we face is urgent, we all need to work together.”

To improve customer satisfaction, Kässbohrer continued to expand its sales and aftersales teams worldwide In 2021, Marco Contoli was appointed Italy Country Manager and Piotr Kowalski was named After Sales Manager in Poland. Jordi Llecha, in 2020, became Spain Country Manager.

“Kässbohrer is also constantly expanding aftersales network by almost 100 per cent over the last four years starting with Germany, Poland, Netherlands, France, Italy and Spain reaching 653 locations,” said Türken.

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

“Our service network is carefully chosen to have the necessary competencies to address all the needs of our customers operating with the widest product range in Europe; 95 per cent of our service network is also competent to serve body work of our tank silos, tippers, box and reefers along with advanced maintenance of our low bed range.

Complementing our ever growing competent service network, our spare parts operations operate out of five locations with 90 per cent availability and 24-hour dispatch service.”

In addition to these services, the OEM has also established partnerships with leading leasing companies.

“Our K-Finance program provides competitive financing options to our customers,” said Türken.

“In 2021, we established a new partnership with BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions in Spain and France and EFL in Poland.

“Kässbohrer will continue to innovate and grow with its stakeholders for operational safety, efficiency and meet the urgent challenges for carbon emission towards the next 125 years.”

UK Salford Van Hire has acquired the first 40 S.KO PACE SMART semi-trailers from Schmitz Cargobull for nationwide contracts with major supermarkets, retailers and parcel delivery companies.

The new assets, which are the first to have been constructed in Schmitz Cargobull’s Manchester factory, join Salford Van Hire’s existing fleet of 1,800 dry freight curtainsiders and reefers, half of which were also supplied by Schmitz Cargobull.

“We are very proud to be the first logistics business in the UK to acquire these new S.KO PACE SMART semitrailers which are perfectly suited to our needs,” said Salford Van Hire Contract & Fleet Engineering Director, Steve McNally.

“The fact they are manufactured in the UK is hugely beneficial both for lead times and cost, as well as reducing our environmental impact – which they will continue to do on a daily basis because of their lightweight construction.”

Featuring a galvanised MODULOS chassis, innovative STRUKTOPLAST panels and options for three different Salford Van Hire acquires 40 new Schmitz Cargobull dry freight semi-trailers.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL EUROPE floor strengths, the fully modular S.KO PACE SMART is EN 12642 code XL certified and comes with Schmitz Cargobull’s telematics system TrailerConnect fitted as standard.

Innovative lightweight panels mean each semi-trailer weighs around 600kg less than competitor models, and its payload potential on day one will be maintained for the life of the asset – qualities which will translate into reduced emissions and lower fuel bills.

Salford Van Hire has worked with Schmitz Cargobull for more than 10 years and the team’s confidence in the manufacturer meant they placed their order without the need to trial a demonstrator vehicle.

“We have always been impressed by the quality, design and build of Schmitz Cargobull trailers so we were completely confident in our choice to be the first to run S.KO PACE SMART trailers,” said McNally. “Now we have them, they are already exceeding our expectations.”

Expected to be in operation seven days a week, the new trailers will be used to support Salford Van Hire’s largest customers who transport a variety of dry freight and parcels.

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

Independent and privately-owned, Salford Van Hire is one of the largest and most well-respected car and commercial vehicle rental and contract hire organisations in the UK, with bases in Leeds and Manchester.

UK Transport business, DWP & Sons, has extended its fleet with seven refrigerated trailers from Schmitz Cargobull which are also fitted with TrailerConnect for optimal cold chain visibility.

The new assets join a 27-strong exclusively Schmitz Cargobull trailer fleet comprising 20 reefers, four Euroliners and three box trailers, which transport fresh and frozen produce across the UK, Europe and Asia, from DWP & Sons’ base in Stoke-on-Trent.

TrailerConnect telematics enables DWP & Sons to monitor all variables on each trailer from a single dashboard, including the internal temperature, tyre condition and door security, and the system sends SMS or email alerts in case of security concerns.

“We have worked with the Schmitz Cargobull team for many years and they always deliver what we want,” said

DWP & Sons Operations Director, Phil Houlton.

“Their telematics package gives total transparency for us and for our customers. We can see everything from weight, temperature and distance a trailer has covered all in one neat package.

“The trailers we currently have on the fleet are doing a fabulous job and the new ones will be working just as hard.

They are brilliant trailers to pull, which is part of the reason we keep returning to Schmitz Cargobull.”

Currently, two of DWP & Sons’ trailers are being used to advertise Stoke-onTrent’s cultural and heritage attractions with eye-catching liveries designed by the local council. There are plans for Stoke City Football Club to wrap a third trailer in its colours.

Houlton, who was born and bred in Stoke and works alongside Managing Director Danny Poole, said: “Danny and I have always been keen to support the community, so we try to put something back into the local area where we can, particularly after such a difficult period. We’re proud to promote Stoke-on-Trent.”

NEWS

EUROPE Expected to remain in operation for four years, the new assets will be used seven days a week, 365 days a year, and will predominately be pulled

by DAF XF tractor units.

Fernando Leciñena Lafuente.

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SPAIN Fernando Leciñena Lafuente, founder and President of Lecitrailer and founding partner of Asfares, has received recognition for a lifetime of service to the semi-trailer industry.

The event, held in the new Lecitrailer offices, was attended by more than 30 representatives of the sector, all members of Asfares as well as former members of the association.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL EUROPE/ MIDDLE EAST Asfares Director, Julio Viartola, opened the tribute by showing the constitutive act of Asfares, of which Fernando Leciñena had been a signatory in 1982.

Then Miguel Vidal, President of Asfares, thanked Fernando Leciñena for his dedication to the sector, stating that “in the history of the semi-trailer of this country, he had undoubtedly written many chapters” and stressed “the recognition, gratitude and admiration” for Leciñena.

Asfares, is the association formed by the Spanish manufacturers of trailers, semi-trailers, tanks and all kinds of bodies such as tarpaulins, tippers, vans, refrigerators and containers. It also includes manufacturers of equipment and components for these vehicles.

It was created and registered in 1982 to represent the common interests of the sector, to interact with the Spanish administration, ministries, CCAA, ITVs, OCAs, other associations, carriers, shippers.

Furthermore, it is a founding member of the European Federation CLCCR, which represents manufacturers in international organisations. The association’s objective is to work for the advancement of the sector at the national and European level, with the commitment to contribute with better, safer and more efficient vehicles.

SPAIN In a year of widespread growth in the semi-trailer market in Spain, Lecitrailer has once again gained the trust of its customers, to continue, for 22 consecutive years, as the leader in the national market.

In 2021, Lecitrailer reached a market share of 25.64 per cent, with 3,560 registered vehicles and a growth of 38.2 per cent compared to 2020, according to official figures from Asfares, the 18 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 6 3

Spanish Association of manufacturers of trailers, semi-trailers, tankers and trailers.

By product families, the figures for tarpaulins stand out, in which Lecitrailer has finished as the first brand in the market with a 38.34 per cent market share and 1,810 units registered.

These good results have undoubtedly contributed to the good market acceptance of Elite, the new generation of Lecitrailer tarps, the most complete, profitable and exclusive, launched on the market at the beginning of the second half of the year.

The figures for reefers also stand out, a family in which, for the second consecutive year, Lecitrailer has ended the year as the leading national manufacturer, with Lecitrailer’s Evolution refrigerators occupying second position in the market with a share of 21.29 per cent, 922 units, and a growth of 40.33 per cent.

Of the rest of the families, we Lecitrailer also highlights the first position achieved in the van family with a share of 42.86 per cent and the second position in the market in container ships with a 19 per cent share.

One more year, the good results of the national market have also been produced in the foreign markets in which Lecitrailer is present. In France, Lecitrailer is already the third brand in the market with a share of 9.81 per cent and 2,279 registered semi-trailers. Third place in the ranking of registrations also in the Portuguese market with an 8.45 per cent market share. In the same way, it has established itself as a reference manufacturer in other markets such as Italy, Russia, Belgium, Holland, Denmark and the United Kingdom. Lecitrailer’s export figure reaches 57 per cent of production.

“Since Lecitrailer was founded 32 years ago, the customer has always been

at the centre of all our activity,” said Lecitrailer General Manager, Carlos Leciñena.

“I want to take advantage of this occasion, and I speak on behalf of each and every one of the members of Lecitrailer, to thank our customers for the trust they have placed in our brand, since they are the true protagonists of these good results and help us to continue to evolve and improve day by day.”

SPAIN TIP Trailer Services has agreed to acquire Nextrailer Rent (NEXT-rent).

NEXT-rent is a business from Guillén Group, a Spanish equipment service provider and trailer manufacturer.

The Wielton Group will take over the trailer manufacturing business of Guillén Group.

TIP will integrate NEXT-rent assets, around 900 trailers, in its existing Spanish business. This puts TIP in a strong position for long-term growth as it further strengthens its position in the Spanish market. The completion of the transaction is expected to take place in January 2022.

“This acquisition is another key milestone in the growth path of TIP,” said TIP President and CEO, Bob Fast.

“It will support our asset growth strategy, whilst complementing our existing offering.

“In addition to being a well-established business within the trailer manufacturing sector and rental sector, the acquisition will enable TIP and the Wielton Group to work with new customers, support them with additional trailers and provide the best flexible commercial trailer fleet solutions,” he said.

“With TIP and Wielton we found great partners to guarantee a successful future of our business,” said Jose Luis Guillén, current owner of the Guillén company.

NEWS

MIDDLE EAST “With these two partners we are able to bring our operations to the next level and profit from synergies – in the production of trailers with Wielton and for the rental and lease business together with TIP,” he said.

“Through this acquisition, NEXT-rent customers will be able to access the range of services offered by TIP across Europe,” said Gonzalo Elosegui, Director of TIP in Spain.

“Over the next months, both companies will work on the fleet integration to manage a smooth transition with customers and suppliers.

“Also we are glad to welcome the staff of NEXT-rent in the TIP family and are

convinced that they will play a pivotal role the successful integration of the company in TIP.” NEXT-rent is based in Valencia close to the largest harbour in the country and provides customers across Spain with leasing and rental services. TIP’s Spanish division will have a combined fleet of over 2200 trailers, curtainsiders, vans, reefers and chassis configurations.

DUBAI Transport and logistics company, Aramex, has welcomed a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to its team.

Nicolas Sibuet has accepted the role and brings more than 26 years of

experience across shipping, oil & gas and aviation.

Most recently, he served as CFO and Acting Senior Vice President for Strategy, Marketing and Communications at Abu Dhabi Airports.

Sibuet also has extensive experience as an expert advisor to Boston Consulting Group where he worked on transforming and restructuring companies.

Additionally, he was the Vice President for Marketing and Business Development at Weatherford, where he participated in the restructuring and disbursement of Weatherford drilling contracting arm, WDI. Prior to that, he held multiple roles in the oil & gas and shipping

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“I am pleased to welcome Nicolas as Aramex’s CFO,” said Aramex CEO, Othman Aljeda.

“He is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of leading companies towards transformational growth and has deep knowledge in various industry trends.

“His extensive experience will play a key role in the execution of our strategic priorities and will enable us to further optimise our recently redesigned operating model, as we seek to grow our global market share.

The management team and I are looking forward to working closely with Nicolas to enable the company achieve sustainable growth for our key stakeholder groups.”

Sibuet holds a Master’s Degree in Economics and Accounting from the University of Western Brittany in France and a Postgraduate Degree in Finance from the Strasbourg University in France.

US Equipment specialist, SAF-Holland, wishes Rob Nissen a happy retirement after 29 years of service.

He is well known as the industry’s fifth wheel coupling expert and sets a great example for others to follow with his eager and willing spirit.

The National Senior Service Manager is retiring in February. He joined the company in 1993 as General Service Manager and has since held various roles in the business including 22 years as Directing Field Service, three years as Technical Service & Training Manager and a four-year stint as National Senior Service Manager.

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Prior to joining SAF-Holland, Nissen worked for more than two decades in truck and trailer maintenance and service.

SAF-Holland fifth wheel service training video shoot featuring award winning Rob Nissen.

“An active participant in the Technology & Maintenance Council, in 2015 he was awarded the prestigious Silver Spark Plug Award – the highest honour from the ATA recognising outstanding contributions to the improvement of equipment, maintenance and management practices,” SAF-Holland said in a statement.

SAF-Holland President – Americas, Kent Jones, said Nissen’s loyalty and commitment to the organisation as well as his knowledge and experience will be greatly missed.

“We thank Rob for his outstanding contributions and leadership during his career at SAF-Holland,” said Jones.

“We wish him well in his retirement.”

Frank Sonzala, Vice Chairman of CIE Manufacturing, congratulated Nissen on his well deserved retirement.

“May you have a long, happy and healthy one filled with love family and no crazy deadlines or multiple paged reports,” he said. “The industry and all your friends will miss you. I know I will.”

US ACT Research’s preliminary reports show trailer net orders closed on a softer spot with OEMs booking 26.6k in units in December.

That was 17 per cent lower than November and 40 per cent below the previous year’s volume.

“After a very conservative path from April through August, OEMs cautiously began to accept additional orders in September,” said ACT

Research Director CV Transportation Analysis and Research, Frank Maly.

“That careful posture continued through the remainder of the year.

“OEMs continue to balance staffing and supply-chain challenges as they seek to ramp production volumes to better fulfil fleet equipment demands.

“Even with the lower December order volume, preliminary results point to month-over-month growth in industry backlog as the year closed, and it appears that 2022 production slots are now committed through August, at current build rates.

“This preliminary report puts the fullyear 2021 net orders at almost 248k trailers, down about 17 per cent from 2020. The decline is entirely the result of supply-chain and staffing issues, as OEM output continues to trail actual fleet demand.”

US Troy Cooper stepped down from his role as President of XPO Logistics, effective 27 December 2021.

Cooper will continue working with the company as senior advisor through to 30 June 2022.

“With the spin-off of GXO [in 2021], and in light of the progress we’ve made transforming XPO into a pure-play transportation company, Troy and I agreed this was a natural time for him to step down,” said XPO Logistics Chairman and CEO, Brad Jacobs.

“Troy’s contributions over the past decade have been invaluable, particularly his efforts driving the growth of our best-in-class truck brokerage business from its earliest days and his leadership of our European operations from 2015 to 2017.

“We’re very well positioned with strong leaders in each of our business lines, with Mario Harik as acting president of

NEWS

NORTH AMERICA less-than-truckload, Drew Wilkerson leading North America transportation, and Luis Gomez leading Europe transport.

“I’m grateful Troy will continue to provide counsel to me and our leadership team over the next six months, and we wish him all the very best going forward,” he said.

“It’s been an honour to work with the team as we’ve built XPO into a leading freight transportation services provider,” said Cooper. “The leadership team we’ve assembled is the best in the industry, and it’s gratifying knowing that the business is in excellent hands and our prospects are so bright.”

US Stoughton Trailers will begin manufacturing chassis products in Waco, Texas.

The new Waco facility will add additional chassis capacity to Stoughton’s already expanding capacity in Wisconsin.

In December 2021, Stoughton installed a new chassis production line at its Stoughton, Wisconsin, facility.

As part of its future chassis production plan, Stoughton purchased a parcel of land in Waco and is building a new manufacturing facility to further expand chassis production capacity and tap into alternative labour markets.

The construction of the Waco facility is underway and is expected to be completed quickly. Stoughton aims to move equipment into the facility

by March and beginning chassis manufacturing by early Q2 2022. This site is expected to employ up to 125 people.

The company has also added a new chassis production line in Stoughton, Wisconsin. Once ramped up to full production, the company expects to employ an additional 150 people in the Stoughton plant assembling chassis and manufacturing components to feed the other chassis production lines.

SOUTH AMERICA When the Waco, Stoughton, and Evansville facilities are operating at capacity, the collective output of all three sites will increase the run rate to approx. 20,000 to 25,000 chassis per year, hitting that rate by September 2022.

“The new Waco facility and Stoughton production line will help fulfill our customer production commitments for 2022 and beyond,” said Stoughton President and CEO, Bob Wahlin.

“By the end of 2022, the company will have invested $25 million dollars expanding our chassis production capacity.

“These investments would not have been possible without the remedial relief provided by the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on chassis from China.

“I would like to thank our facilities, operations and chassis team members for their hard work to date on these important projects.”

The new Waco location provides Stoughton Trailers with convenient access to the many seaports, railyards and chassis customer locations in the southern tier of the US. BRAZIL Randon Companies has outlined a new leadership structure.

Randon Companies has separated the position of President and CEO, currently held by Daniel Randon.

As President-Director, Daniel Randon will focus on the business’ internationalisation plan and innovation agendas considered central to the group’s strategy.

The current Executive Vice President and COO, Sérgio L. Carvalho, will take over as CEO 22 / G L O B A L TR A I L E R / I SS U E 6 3

of Randon Companies, effective 1 January 2022.

In the position of CEO, Carvalho now leads the Executive Committee of Randon Companies and will be at the head of the group’s four business divisions, including the Financial and Digital Services, which was not under his responsibility in the previous position. With this, Carvalho leads: Trailers Division, which includes all Randon Implementos operations; Fras-le Division, which includes the company and its controlled units.

At Fras-le, Sérgio maintains the position of President and CEO; Auto Parts Division, which includes Castertech, Suspensys, Master and Jost Brasil units; Financial and Digital Services Division, which includes Randon Consórcios, Banco Randon, Banco Randon and R4 Digital, fintech created with 4all.

The corporate areas of Randon Companies also report to the new CEO, recognised for his deep knowledge of the sector and for his successful trajectory in management positions, many of them in the United States. The same applies to the units dedicated to innovation and technology: Randon Technology Center (CTR), Nione, Randon Tech Solutions – RTS Industry, Randon Ventures and Conexo.

BRAZIL Librelato, is preparing to open a new 20,000-square-metre site in Içara, SC, along the BR 101 highway.

The dealership, owned by brand representative, Compac, will sell new and used products and offer technical support as well as a Libreparts unit for original parts.

“This is a strategic location and we will be closer to customers traveling

on the BR 101, gaining greater visibility and offering more facilities for truck drivers,” said José Carlos Sprícigo, CEO of Librelato.

According to the executive, this will be the second Libreparts under the responsibility of the Compac commercial representative. In February, the same representative also foresees the opening of another Libreparts box in Imbituba, SC. According to one of the project’s owner, Adriano Pacheco de Souza, the idea for the new construction came from Compac’s strategic planning to be closer and closer to the customer.

“One of our pillars is to serve everyone with excellence,” said de Souza. “Therefore, we see this need to offer customers this new service point, with a privileged location and adding other services that they can do in the same place.”

Box Libreparts – The Liberparts boxes are units built in containers, installed in places of great movement of trucks such as gas stations, fairs, industrial parks and close to ports.

These outposts will reportedly offer higher-turn parts such as lighting systems, tarpaulins, quick-change valves, safety items such as reflective strips and lashing straps.

Librelato aims to establish 20 of these boxes by the end of 2022.

The OEM is also hoping to grow its network to a total of 30 Libreparts stores in this time.

BRAZIL Randon, in partnership with Volvo Trucks Brazil and other partners, has unveiled a dump truck innovation.

The ‘Concept Trailer’ will be tested during South America’s grain harvest on routes connecting the farming

NEWS

SOUTH AMERICA regions to main ports. The trailer design is weight optimised and also features automated components and sensors. It has fewer welded seams, uses high-strength aluminium and steel, resulting in a product that is a tonne lighter than similar models and is said to be manufactured using processes that are unprecedented in the sector.

Aerodynamic drag is also reported to be reduced due to a lack of vertical struts on the body and the inclusion of deflectors. The vehicle also has an anti-tip system to help correct it in hazardous conditions.

In addition, the Concept Trailer has

a set of electronics that improves operational efficiency and safety, such as a rear sensor and camera that is interlinked to the braking system, which trigger it automatically if there are obstacles in the way.

Coupling and decoupling has also been optimised. Sensors on the fifth wheel and an electric lifting device make this procedure safer and ergonomically easier. The cargo can be covered by a fully automated tarp, activated by remote control, which saves time and means that the driver does not need climb onto the trailer. In addition, the system identifies when the trailer is not

loaded and automatically raises the axles, reducing tire wear and fuel consumption.

“This new product has a special design, is a tonne lighter and is fully connected to the tractor and the driver – it brings the future to the present, as a new concept in transporting cargo,” said Randon Companies Superintendent Director – Assembly Division, Sandro Trentin.

“The company’s next step is to apply the technology from this concept we are launching now, to the next generation of products that are already part of the company’s portfolio.”

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MAKING CONNECTIONS GRUNWALD IS A BUILDER OF ADVANCED COMMERCIAL VEHICLES FROM THE SOUTH BALTIC REGION AND IS CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVING ITS PRODUCTS WITH NEW TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS. EVERY PASSING DAY THE RUSSIAN OEM IS BECOMING MORE OF AN INTERNATIONAL ENTERPRISE AS IT DELIVERS SEMI-TRAILERS AND SUPERSTRUCTURES TO MORE AND MORE LOCATIONS AROUND THE WORLD.

F

ounded in 2007 and based in the westernmost region of Russia – in the city of Kaliningrad near Poland – Grunwald is gaining momentum in the trailer manufacturing scene. By 2008, the business participated in transport exhibitions across its home country and the following year it collaborated with a large design bureau from Germany, adopting their experience and technology.

In 2010, Grunwald became an official supplier and partner of Volvo Trucks.

Two years later, in 2012, the OEM produced its 1,000th semi-trailer under the Grunwald brand.

Since 2013, a project has been launched to create and manufacture

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Grunwald cargo superstructures for the chassis of European trucks. In 2014-2015, the first export deliveries of Grunwald equipment to the countries of the European Union started. Since 2016, the company developed at a rapid pace. Over the years, production facilities have been built and reconstructed, the range of models has been expanded, and the volume of deliveries is growing, including to foreign markets.

COVER STORY

 “THE COMPANY CARRIES OUT A FULL CYCLE OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, INCLUDING ME TAL PROCESSING, ASSEMBLY AND WELDING OPER ATIONS, PAINTING CYCLE AND FINAL EQUIPMENT.” Aleksey Drach Grunwald, CEO

The Grunwald brand has been certified under the Hardox in my Body program of the Swedish steel specialist, SSAB. Another Swedish concern – Scania CV AB – included Grunwald in its list of certified partners. In 2018, Grunwald passed the European homologation and received the right to supply its products to all countries of the European Union.

In 2019, a joint product of Grunwald and the German concern MAN, an 8x4 dump truck, received the ‘Dump Truck of the Year’ award.

15 years of Grunwald

Grunwald HQ.

Throughout the history of Grunwald, the position of CEO has been occupied by the inspirer and founder of the company, Aleksey Drach. In general, he has 25 years of experience in the field of transport and the successful management of several manufacturing and trading companies in this field.

Drach said the direction of the company’s most recent activity is the production of modern commercial vehicles including semi-trailers, trailers and superstructures on truck chassis.

“The company carries out a full cycle of industrial production, including Steel tipper semi-trailer with tarp.

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



metal processing, assembly and welding operations, painting cycle and final equipment,” he said. “Currently, the company includes three modern production sites and its own service station. The total area of production complexes is over 22,500 square metres. The company employs 550 qualified specialists.”

Industrially, Russia is a country with a welldeveloped industrial economy according to Aleksey Drach Grunwald, CEO Drach.

“Due to our geographical position in the South Baltic region, surrounded by the countries of the European Union, Grunwald has equally close relationships with suppliers of materials and components from both Europe and Russia. Therefore, we can always offer our customers the best options and delivery times.”

Of the heavy vehicles it produces, Grunwald specialises in tippers, including semi-trailers, trailers and superstructures.

“By industry, these are construction, mining, manufacturing and the agricultural sector,” said Drach. “The growth in sales of Grunwald dump trucks, among other things, is due to a harmonious model range, high customer focus and excellent performance. In addition, we are actively developing our main line. The line of container semi-trailers has withstood an almost complete renewal of the model range with a new generation which is more efficient, lighter and modern. Grunwald curtain and flatbed semitrailers are gradually increasing their share in production, too. In the near future, we plan to significantly strengthen in this segment including plans to build a separate conveyor to expand the production of those models.”

The OEM’s main goal for 2022 and beyond is the forward movement and sustainable development of the business.

“The growth of financial results allows us to gradually implement our investment program – to expand production, invest in equipment, and train new specialists,” said Drach. “Of course, we have clear commercial goals – to increase the number of loyal customers. Since customer support

“SINCE CUSTOMER SUPPORT IS ALWAYS THE NUMBER ONE GOAL, WE HOPE THAT THE NUMBER OF GRUNWALD FANS IN OTHER COUNTRIES WILL CONTINUE TO GROW.”

Reinforced skel for container handling applications.

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is always the number one goal, we hope that the number of Grunwald fans in other countries will continue to grow. We have been able to set ourselves a development vector for a long time, in which every subsequent year becomes more successful than the previous one, and we intend to maintain this trend. A good example of expanding interaction with new customers is the case of clients from the African continent. Initially, customers needed a specific solution - equipment that was ready to work in the most extreme conditions.

We have provided such a solution. After the clients were convinced in practice of our competence, the qualities of the created transport, its reliability and unpretentiousness, they were imbued with great confidence in the brand and paid attention to our other products, including products from the second direction – dump superstructures on chassis.”

COVER STORY

Heavy duty tippers are especially popular among Grunwald’s export markets.

Improving tippers for mining applications in Africa

Grunwald is finetuning its tipper product for use in foreign markets.

The product line, according to Grunwald, is constantly evolving, adapting for regional tasks.

“The useful volume of the new superstructures Gr.M25-SB-SI is 25-metrescubed,” said Grunwald.

“Grunwald engineers are careful to ensure that the quality of the components matches the nature of future transport tasks and the site of use. Therefore, the body is made of wear-resistant and impact-resistant Hardox 450 steel. The use of the original material is confirmed by the certification marks ‘Hardox In My Body’ on the sides of the body.

“In accordance with the transport task for working with highly abrasive materials, the base of the body is reinforced. A removable canopy covers the cab space to provide the required level of safety.

Reliable hydraulic equipment from leading European manufacturers is used. The superstructure also combines a low centre of gravity and class-leading interior width.

The new Gr.M25-SB-SI superstructures are mounted on a pilot batch of truck chassis and are awaiting shipment to the site of future use.”

Facing freight challenges head-on

Grunwald produces road transport equipment and in turn offers its customers transport solutions. Drach eloquently points out how the OEM stands out from others in the market: “What distinguishes our solutions from others is our attention to the true needs, involvement in the business processes of our customers and, of course, the quality of execution. For the convenience of our clients, we provide related useful tools, such as trade-in or financing with the support of our partner – Siemens Finance.”

Drach is confident the key transport trends from the customers’ point of view will remain unchanged – high efficiency and achieving the lowest possible cost of ownership.

“At the same time, the ways to achieve this goal will be determined primarily by the working conditions, the place of operation, and regional characteristics,” he said. “Technological, modern solutions are in demand on the European market. Transport is created from advanced materials. The priority is to reduce its own weight with a high load capacity. Therefore, we are looking for modern engineering solutions, using the best materials, such as high-strength and wear-resistant steels, and new generation components.

In other regions, with difficult working conditions, often in the absence of asphalt roads, powerful and heavy equipment is in demand that can withstand maximum loads. Our competence in creating reliable and enduring transport is in demand here.”

Another key point of difference for Grunwald is its philosophy and unique experience.

“From the very moment of foundation, we adopted advanced technologies,

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Grunwald offers industry modern transport solutions for a variety of applications.

 “TODAY, THE HIGH LEVEL OF COMPE TENCE OF GRUNWALD ENGINEERS IS RECOGNISED

BY LEADING VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS. WE SUPPLY BODY WORK SOLUTIONS DIRECTLY TO THE VOLVO FACTORY; WE ARE ALSO PART OF THE SCANIA LICENSED SUPPLIERS SYSTEM.” Aleksey Drach Grunwald, CEO

sought to rethink the world experience, cooperated with leading design bureaus in Europe,” said Drach. “Today, the high level of competence of Grunwald engineers is recognised by leading vehicle manufacturers. We supply bodywork solutions directly to the Volvo factory; we are also part of the Scania licensed suppliers system. At the same time, we remain a very flexible company, developing in close cooperation with customers. Therefore, we can create an offer that will meet the expectations of each individual client and regional specifics to a high degree. In addition, we provide good delivery times.

Manufacturing and distribution

Current production capacities allow Grunwald to produce up to 4,000 vehicles per year.

“Our goal is to expand our capabilities through the commissioning of new production facilities,” said Drach. “Now a new modern production complex

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

is being launched, which will be able to reach its planned capacity within a year.

According to our forecasts, in 2023, we will reach a new significant milestone of 5,000 units per year. In addition, our investment program provides, starting from 2024, to begin construction of a specialised complex to produce curtainside semi-trailers.”

In terms of the geography of sales, it is quite extensive and covers a vast area from Finland and Sweden in the north to Armenia in the south, from the countries of Central Europe to customers from the Far East.

“At the end of 2021, the Grunwald brand is represented in the markets of more than 10 countries,” said Drach. “Special mention goes to deliveries to the European countries and the African continent. For several years, we have managed not only to increase the volume of these deliveries, but also to expand our product offer. In general, we pay a lot of attention to development in new markets. Every year we take significant steps towards the global nature of deliveries, the brand has new regional representatives and points of presence.

Also, we are looking to develop our dealer

COVER STORY

network in new markets, therefore we invite professionals from the world of freight transport to cooperate extensively and, possibly, represent the interests of the Grunwald brand at regional levels. It should be noted separately that we invite logistics, transport and construction companies from any corner of the world, any region to get acquainted with our products.”

Grunwald container chassis reach Germany

The first Grunwald container chassis, comprising a batch of 15 units, will become part of the fleet of a large German operator and will start working on intermodal routes in Germany.

A completely new model Gr.C-L3-40-45 has become an expression of all the main trends of our time in the development and creation of vehicles of this class, the OEM said in a statement.

“The semi-trailer is designed for rapid shipment of 40′ high cube and 45′ high cube

containers and has high practicality and excellent performance characteristics,” said Grunwald.

“The design, thought out to the smallest detail, allows you to perform a larger amount of work with containers in less time.

“The technical load capacity of the semi-trailer retains a high value of 34,000kg.

“The frame of the semi-trailer is entirely made of high-strength steel, taking into account the most modern design principles and solutions.

“The fitting system, both simple and functional, includes a pair of adjustable clamps in the front of the frame and a pair of stationary fittings together with a retractable bumper in the rear. The new retractable bumper has passed comprehensive tests in the European Certification Organization and has confirmed its reliability and safety. The semitrailer is equipped with an SAF axial unit or JOST axial unit at the customer’s choice. The basic version includes the WABCO Optilink monitoring system.

“First, the global container market shows steady growth in 2021. At the same time, the largest growth in demand is accounted for by the segment of containers with a larger capacity. The growth of cargo turnover pushes carriers to purposefully switch to more efficient container road trains. The first delivery of Grunwald container semitrailers to Germany confirms the brand’s entry into a high level of competitiveness and the desire for stable relationships with customers in foreign markets.” www.grunwald.ru

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

CHIPPING AT THE

SEMICONDU MONOPOLY THE GLOBAL DIGITAL ECONOMY IS ON TRACK TO SMASH A TRILLION US DOLLARS BY 2035 AND TAIWAN IS INCREASINGLY BECOMING A CRITICAL ENABLER OF THIS.

I

t takes an integrated semiconductor supply chain involving thousands of companies and millions of people to form the backbone of today’s digital economy. Such complexity drives 5G, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), automotive, smart factories, quantum computing and data processing. All was going well, too, until Covid-19 came to town.

A shortage of integrated circuits has disrupted the productivity of automakers and commercial vehicle manufacturers worldwide. This key component, which is used across a range of sectors from transportation to communications to IT, is essential for managing the control and flow of modern electronic devices and equipment. These tiny transistors made from silicon are what enable our smartphones and computers to function. Following advances with in-cab It reportedly takes eight hours to drive around the entire island of Taiwan.

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technology and telematics talking to trailers and feeding information back and forth to fleet controllers, semiconductors continue to surge in demand.

The impact of Covid-19 in terms of government enforced restrictions and protective measures carried out by private industry has slowed the rollout of semiconductors and the supply chain itself has caused further delays with delivery meaning that the average build times for various commercial vehicles has inflated by weeks, even months.

The situation will improve in due course but this hiccup in the grander scheme is worth exploring. After all, Taiwan, according to a report from Boston Consulting, is accountable for 92 per cent of the world’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturing capacity.

An immediate concern, similar to China’s market domination of urea, the key ingredient of diesel exhaust fluid, is the risk of associated with the concentration of semiconductor production in specific geographic regions.

Add geopolitical tension to the mix when it comes to import/export tariffs for the provision of essential tech componentry and before you know it a trade war may ensue.

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CTOR Most military complexes around the world rely on semiconductors, too, and there has already been rigorous debate about national security in this regard. The conversation generally turns to cybersecurity – specifically, hardware vulnerabilities. A cyberattack on a vehicle could lead to chip failure, denial of service and breach of sensitive information.

Another risk in the semiconductor industry is IoT. Experts in this field agree that hackers can infect a computer system with malware and the connections are generally deeper and not as well managed in a IOT-powered environment. A solution to this involves establishing hardware root of trust as a robust security option.

Again, the conversation about geopolitical tensions steers the conversation into the protection of data. IT specialists say the

prospect of China, for example, using cyber tactics against Taiwan is real.

The nation’s Ministry of Affairs claims it has reported a 40-fold increase in cyberattacks in 2020 compared to 2018, presumably from the Chinese mainland.

These semiconductors are no laughing matter.

It is estimated that up to 22.5 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is made up by the global digital economy. In the next 15 years the digital economy is projected to crack a trillion dollars.

The semiconductor supply chain features companies around the world including the US, China, South Korea, Germany, and of course, Taiwan.

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), based in Washington, US, announced in January that global semiconductor industry sales were $49.7 billion USD in the month of November 2021, an increase of 23.5 per cent over the November 2020 total of $40.2 billion USD and 1.5 per cent more than the October 2021 total of $49.0 billion USD. The cumulative annual total of semiconductors sold through November 2021 reached 1.05 trillion, which is the industry’s highest-ever annual total.

Monthly sales are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organisation and represent a three-month moving average. SIA represents 98 per cent of the US semiconductor industry by revenue and nearly two-thirds of non-US chip firms.

“Global semiconductor sales remained strong in November, increasing substantially on a year-to-year basis across all major regional markets and semiconductor product categories,” said John Neuffer, SIA president and CEO. “With one month of 2021 sales data still to be reported, the industry has already set a new annual record for total semiconductor sales and units shipped, as chipmakers have substantially ramped up production to address high demand.”

Regionally, year-to-year sales increased in the Americas (28.7 per cent), Europe (26.3 per cent), Asia Pacific/All Other (22.2 per cent), China (21.4 per cent), and Japan (19.5 per cent). Month-to-month sales increased in the Americas

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(4.2 per cent), Europe (3.1 per cent), Japan (1.1 per cent), and Asia Pacific/All Other (0.9 per cent), but fell slightly in China (-0.2 per cent).

Meanwhile, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which is reported to account for at least half of the global market, released its financial results for Q4 2021. This juggernaut reported consolidated revenue of $438.19 billion NT (approx. €13.9 billion) and net income of $166.23 billion NT (approx. €5.28 billion) Year-over-year, fourth quarter revenue increased 21.2 per cent while net income and diluted EPS both increased 16.4 per cent. Compared to third quarter 2021, fourth quarter results represented a 5.7 per cent increase in revenue and a 6.4 per cent increase in net income.

In US dollars, fourth quarter revenue was $15.74 billion, which increased 24.1 per cent year-over-year and increased 5.8 per cent from the previous quarter.

Gross margin for the quarter was 52.7 per cent, operating margin was 41.7 per cent, and net profit margin was 37.9 per cent.

In the fourth quarter, shipments of ‘5-nanometer’ accounted for 23 per cent of total wafer revenue; ‘7-nanometer’ accounted for 27 per cent. Advanced technologies, defined as ‘7-nanometer’ and more advanced technologies, accounted for 50 per cent of total wafer revenue.

“Our fourth quarter business was supported by strong demand for our industry-leading 5-nanometer technology,” said Wendell Huang, VP and Chief Financial Officer of TSMC. “Moving into first quarter 2022, we expect our business to be supported by HPC-related demand, continued recovery in the automotive segment, and a milder smartphone seasonality than in recent years.”

Based on the company’s current business outlook, management expects the overall performance for first quarter 2022 to be as follows: Revenue is expected to be between $16.6 billion USD and $17.2 billion USD. Also, gross profit margin is expected to be between 53 per cent and 55 per cent; operating profit margin is expected to be between 42 per cent and 44 per cent. TSMC management further expects the 2022 capital budget to be between $40 billion USD and $44 billion USD.

The technologies enabled by semiconductors have allowed the world to work remotely, study, treat illness, order goods online and stay connected. It’s safe to say that without access to advanced supercomputers the development of Covid-19 vaccines would not have been possible. Despite achieving great successes in 2021, SIA, commented on the state of the industry and said there are also significant challenges ahead, namely the shortage: “Unanticipated rising demand for semiconductors needed during the pandemic response, coupled with significant fluctuations in chip demand for other products such as cars, triggered a rippling supply-demand imbalance felt across the world. The semiconductor industry has worked diligently to increase production to address high demand, shipping more semiconductors on a monthly basis than ever before by the middle of 2021, but most industry analysts expect the shortage to linger into 2022.

“The shortage increased awareness of the importance of America’s semiconductor supply chains. Although geographic specialisation in the global chip supply chain has enabled tremendous growth and innovation in the industry, vulnerabilities in the supply chain have emerged in recent years. For example, in 2019, 100 per cent of the world’s most advanced logic semiconductors (< 10 nm) were produced overseas.

“The US government has taken notice of the need to fortify America’s semiconductor supply chains through robust investments

FAST FACT Taiwan boasts more than 90 per cent of the world’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

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Semiconductors are changing the world from smartphones and computers to electric vehicles and industrial machines along with the many global businesses they enable.

MARKET REPORT

The DHL Express team assists the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Haiti earthquake relief.

in US chip production and innovation. In June 2021, the US Senate passed the United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA), broad competitiveness legislation that includes $52 billion to bolster domestic chip manufacturing, research, and design.

The semiconductor industry has urged the US House of Representatives to follow suit and send legislation to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“In 2021, semiconductors helped steady a world wobbled by Covid-19, and the industry’s future has never been brighter.

As semiconductor innovation and global chip

FAST FACT In 2019, the automotive industry made up 9.8 per cent of all semiconductor applications.

demand continue their inextricable rise, government and industry must work together to maintain America’s leadership in this foundational, indispensable technology.”

DHL Express Taiwan is the first international express service provider in Taiwan. It began operations in 1973 and continues to be the industry leader in Taiwan. The business adheres to the Deutsche Post DHL Group’s purpose of ‘Connecting People, Improving Lives’. With DHL Express’ four core values of Speed, Can Do, Right First Time and Passion, the firm is committed to facilitating international trade, strengthening connections between people, and ultimately improving people’s lives through fast and quality delivery services.

As the industry leader and responsible logistics service provider, it has been accelerating its sustainability roadmap and focusing on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). The company’s goal is to reduce logistics-related emissions to zero by 2050 for climate protection. In particular, we are targeting alternative aviation fuels, the expansion of the zero-emission e-vehicle fleet and climate-neutral buildings.

“In Taiwan, we actively work towards becoming the market leader in green logistics by expanding our portfolio of green products and services and working with our customers to achieve their own climate protection targets,” DHL told Global Trailer.

For the last 49 years, DHL Express Taiwan continues to be the industry leader in Taiwan with a 45 per cent market share.

In 2009, DHL Express launched Taipei Gateway in Taoyuan International

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DHL is a prominent logistics operator in Taiwan.

Airport and has since upgraded the facility to increase the handling capacity from 3,600 pieces to 11,000 pieces per hour.

To keep up with the growing service demand in Taoyuan, DHL Express Taiwan opened the largest service centre in the city in 2019. The 4,000-squaremetre facility brings significant improvements in shipment processing efficiency, storage space, and productivity.

“We have the largest retail network in Taiwan with partnerships with major convenience store chains and post offices,” said DHL. “There are over 11,000 retail outlets and service points across Taiwan for more convenient delivery and pick-up options. Together with nine service centres around the country and 135 weekly flights, we offer fast transit time (same-day or next-day delivery at major Asian cities).”

On green logistics, DHL Taiwan aims to reduce all logistics-related emissions to net zero by the year 2050, in line with Deutsche Post DHL Group’s environmental goal of net zero emissions.

“We also offer green products from carbon reports, climate neutral shipping and green optimisation that help customers meet their climate change goals,” said DHL. “The pandemic has shown that our Group’s Strategy 2025 focuses on our core offering and leveraging digitalisation to advance our operations put us in the right direction. In 2021, the DHL Express Commerce platform was awarded bronze for Best Innovative User Experiences awards at the 2021 Future Commerce awards held by Business Next Magazine in Taiwan. We were the only logistics company that received this award. The platform allows merchants to integrate e-commerce platforms in minutes with no development required, rate shipping cost at checkout in real-time, create shipment documentation in one click and reach international customers quickly and easily.

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“On our commitment to being the Employer of Choice, DHL Express was recognised as the No. 1 Great Place to Work in 2021. DHL Express Taiwan also ranked as No.1 Best Workplaces in Taiwan™ 2021.

Our quality customer service has also been consecutively awarded for the “Best Service in Taiwan” gold prize in the last three years.”

At the time of writing, DHL Express Taiwan has 335 vehicles serving the country with around 10 per cent of green vehicles.

Taiwan ranked 19th out of 169 countries in DHL’s Global Connectedness Index (GCI) 2020 and third in the Asia Pacific region. The GCI report development of trade, capital, information, and people flows at the global, regional, and national levels.

As one of the world’s largest exporters of merchandise, Taiwan is a major player in the world’s information and communication technology industry as well as a major supplier of goods across the industrial spectrum.

As Yung C. Ooi, Managing Director, DHL Express Taiwan, said in commenting on the GCI Report, “Being primarily an export market, Taiwanese companies have always been able to adapt quite quickly to changing environments. The stable economic and regulatory environment, as well as the geographic advantage of being in the core of East Asia network, have also provided Taiwan with economic development advantages. The Covid-19 pandemic has also proven that Taiwan manages public

FAST FACT Did you know a semiconductor device contains many smaller circuits comprised of millions of transistors which are crammed onto a few millimetres of silicon? These devices are essential for modern electronics and is among the most traded products in the world behind crude oil , motor vehicle parts and refined oil.

MARKET REPORT

health crises exceptionally well, which in a way enhances the competitive advantage of Taiwanese companies.”

According to the 2022 economic outlook report of Academia Sinica, Taiwan’s top research institution, the economic growth in Taiwan is 3.85 per cent. Due to supply chain bottlenecks and inflation risks, the global economic recovery is expected to lose momentum in 2022. However, as the vaccination rate increases in Taiwan, consumption is expected to pick up and help Taiwan achieve sustained economic growth.

The latest figures from the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Taiwan showed the production index of the nation’s manufacturing industry increased by 10.57 per cent in 2021, with the metals sector being the strongest performer, with its production value soaring 78.91 per cent in Q3 from the same period last year to reach NT$505.6 billion.

While the challenges from the pandemic continue, the industry is expected to grow this year as the export demands remain high.

According to Taiwan’s Industrial Technology

Research Institute (ITRI), the overall output value of the nation’s manufacturing industry reached NT$23 trillion, with an annual growth rate of 21.26 per cent, which is the second-highest in history.

The ITRI forecasted that as both global and domestic demands are expected to surge in 2022, the manufacturing industry will continue to grow. The overall manufacturing output value is expected to reach NT$24.12 trillion, with an annual growth rate of 4.61 per cent.

As for the most popular freight tasks that DHL undertakes in Taiwan: “Our Express products provide international door-to-door express pick-up and delivery services of parcels and documents. We have global networks and specialists in more than 220 countries and territories to ensure fast delivery with end-to-end tracking.”

Taiwan is also host to unique challenges when it comes to supply chain.

As DHL’s 2020 GCI report stated, although more than 70 per cent of export shipments from Taiwan to RCEP countries are already tariff-free, Taiwan will miss out on trade opportunities with RCEP members and would lose 0.4 per cent in annual real income from reduced trade.

Taiwan’s petrochemical, upstream textile, and machine tool industries would encounter that Japanese and South Korean manufacturers might have lower tariffs under RCEP. According to the Economic and Trade Negotiation Office of the Executive Yuan, the Taiwanese government is working on alternative options including joining the CPTPP, of which many of the member countries are Taiwan’s top trade partners.

The office predicts that Taiwan will be able to expand its export market and drive GDP growth by at least 0.52 per cent if they successfully join the agreement. www.globaltrailermag.com

In 1986, Yuan T. Lee won the Nobel Prize for chemistry.

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AWARD WINNING

ENGINEERING

ADHERING TO THE MOTTO ‘ENGINUITY’, KÄSSBOHRER OFFERS EUROPE’S WIDEST PRODUCT RANGE INCLUDING MOST RELIABLE TANKER AND SILO VEHICLES TO ITS CUSTOMERS IN MORE THAN 55 COUNTRIES.

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ässbohrer supplies reliable, robust and high-quality tanker and silo vehicles in 10 product groups with more than 100 different vehicles.

The sectors covered by Kässbohrer include, foodstuff, raw materials, dangerous good transportation, bulk materials, such as fuel and bitumen as well as construction transportation.

The trailers on show at last year’s NUFAM exhibition merely scratched the surface of Kässbohrer’s extensive tank and silo production range.

Safer dangerous goods transportation

Servicing the fuel oil and bitumen transportation sectors, Kässbohrer provides industry with its Fuel Oil Tanker K.STB E and Bitumen Tanker K.STS vehicles to meet the needs of its customers.

Kässbohrer’s precisely engineered Fuel Oil Tanker K.STB E stands out for its safety, efficiency and workmanship. To meet versatile transportation needs, K.STB E from 32m³ to 45m³ can be equipped with one to seven compartment options, electronic dipstick systems, seal parcel delivery systems, pump, counter, hose reel, and collector. With a tare weight starting from 5,200 kg, the vehicle offers operational efficiency and enables lower fuel consumption.

In compliance with ADR regulations, K.STB E features advanced safety functions that covers the operational needs of every market.

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Kässbohrer’s Trailer Innovation 2017 Award Category ‘Safety’ winner bitumen tanker semi-trailer K.STS 32 meets the needs of hot petrochemical goods transportation and is the choice of leading European transportation companies. With its award-winning wireless remote control for discharge, K.STS 32 enables the safest bitumen loading and discharge operations. With a tare weight of 6.250 kg and tank diameter of 2.000 mm, K.STS 32 offers operational efficiency and enables lower fuel consumption due to its low trailer weight. There are alternative volume options for Kässbohrer’s Bitumen tanker with the range of 30 m³ to 37.5m³.

Food grade tankers that ensure ease of cleaning for the highest hygiene standards

Serving all food stuff with ATP certified as well as pressurised tankers, Kässbohrer

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offers K.STL and K.STL P vehicles in various volume and compartment options ingeniously developed to serve the versatile needs of its customers safely and efficiently.

Kässbohrer’s ATP IN-Class certified K.STL and K.STL P food tanker series has been developed to provide safe liquid food transportation of food stuff goods from vegetable oil and milk whey as well as from chocolate to specific beverages.

K.STL meet the highest hygiene standards featuring acid cleaned inner surface and CIP cleaning lines that reach every point inside the tank ensuring zero residue. With 30m³ volume, three compartments and KTL coated steel chassis, the vehicle stands for durability. With an empty weight of 5,650 kg, K.STL enables increased load capacity and is more environmentally friendly by reducing fuel consumption, offering high efficiency whether it is filled or empty. In addition to K.STL, Kässbohrer also offers pressurised food tanker K.STL P that has been engineered to provide hygienically transportation of delicate goods such as chocolate, nut cream and specific beverages with its unsurpassed surface quality. The trailer is equipped with stainless-steel I profile polished frame, a sterile foodgrade pump, discharge cabinet, airline filters, CIP system and three compartments for efficiency.

Discharging with pressurised air through the pump system for single or all compartments at the same time, the versatility needs of our customers will be covered in a single trailer.

Efficient chemical tankers

Kässbohrer’s ADR stainless steel chemical tanker series K.STC are available with various volume options from 28m³ to 37m³ and is the lightest chemical tanker series on the market including 30m³. K.STC with 6,500 kg tare weight with four manholes, three baffle plates, insulation, stainless steel chassis and stainless-steel insulation jackets, presenting unparalleled operational efficiency along with uncompromising safety. With versatile compartment configurations, walkthrough baffle possibility, insulation and heating options as well as discharge systems such as pump, filter and counter, K.STC ensures safe, easy and continuous operations.

A versatile silo series

Kässbohrer successfully meets its customers’ operational needs with its high-quality tipping and non-tipping silo vehicles with a total of 15 vehicles as standard.

Moreover, K.SSK tipping silo vehicles can be offered with various volume options from 40m³ to 90m³. Example of ingenuity and constant product development, Kässbohrer silo series are the most efficient and durable silo vehicles preferred by customers in Europe. Kässbohrer is top three overall with its silo range in Europe.

Kässbohrer’s non-tipping silo trailer series K.SSL is available with volumes of 31m³, 33m³, 35m³, 38m³, and 40m³ according to the density of the material you wish to transport. K.SSL series is making a difference with its light weight, fast discharge, and high safety functions. With refined design and wheelbase, the K.SSL series provides high manoeuvrability even under challenging road conditions. Special discharge angles will allow you to fully load the K.SSL series without empty spaces inside the tanker and will give you the benefits of the real volume of non-tipping silos.

Kässbohrer’s K.SSK tipping silo series are suitable for transporting powder, or granular materials such as sugar, coffee, plastics, ash, and much more are available in volumes starting from 40m³ to 90m³ depending on your specific transportation needs. Highest quality aluminium, perfectly inner surface and flow angles will allow you to discharge the K.SSK series faster than any other tipping silos and will minimise the residue inside the trailer after every discharge. As a result of this, the trailers will spend less time in cleaning stations. The airlines, safety couplings, vacuum valves and breathing valve designs are de-mountable for ease of cleaning on every K.SSK series as standard for the reduction of operational costs. Manifold is prepared for later instalments of important needs such as secondary safety valve, thermometer, filter if it is needed between different cargo.

Kässbohrer’s K.SSK tipping ADR silo series are available as K.SSK ADR series is the lightest ADR silos in the market. Kässbohrer ADR series can be offered in volumes with 40m³ and 60m³ depending on your versatile dangerous powder and granular materials need such as carbide, coal, ashes, and metal chips. K.SSK ADR series are designed, analysed, and tested with compliance to ECTA/DOW recommendations and ADR regulations.

High-capacity silo containers

For intermodal transportation, Kässbohrer manufactures 20’, 30’, and 40’ silo containers responding to long-standing high-quality silo container demand.

Example of engineering excellence and competence, with its 60.4m³ gross volume, K.CON S 40 has the biggest capacity available for 40’ in the market. Fully in compliance with CSC and with UIC-Rail codifications, K.CON S is also suitable for the transportation of food like sugar, flour, etc. with its stainless-steel air lines and discharge line, grinded welding, manholes, and hose carriers. K.CON also provides proven stackability for up to 136,000 kg and 4+1 storage with its tare weight and light frame.

To assure highest quality in manufacturing, Kässbohrer production lines include robotic welding as well as competent craftmanship. To guarantee the level of craftmanship, Kässbohrer welding teams are trained in TÜV DEKRA certified Kässbohrer Academy for welding technologies. Kässbohrer also test its vehicles inside the X-ray cabin to make sure that its vehicles are produced with the highest quality. www.kaessbohrer.com

Discover Kässbohrer vehicles and more via the QR code.

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SPECIAL COATING FOR THE BEST

CORROSION Longer service life and higher economic efficiency – those are the advantages of the SAF INTRA PC Premium Coated axle from SAF-Holland.

THE SAF INTRA PC PREMIUM COATED AXLE FROM SAF-HOLLAND IS IDEAL FOR TANKER AND SILO APPLICATIONS AND COMES WITH A 10-YEAR WARRANTY.

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he SAF-Holland range offers the ideal axle for commercial vehicles which regularly drive on icy and snow-covered roads: Thanks to a zinc-based coating, the SAF INTRA PC Premium Coated is resistant to the de-icing salts used in winter.

This allows trucks, tanker vehicles and silo vehicles to benefit from the longer service life of their axles and from the greater economic efficiency.

The supplier for commercial vehicle parts offers a 10 year warranty on the additional coating.

De-icing salts ensure traffic safety on motorways, highways and inner-city roads covered in ice or snow. These salts, however, are controversial and their use is regulated in many places: De-icing salts are harmful to trees and plants at the roadside, pollute groundwater and cause corrosion damage on bridges, road surfaces and vehicles. In particular for trucks, which are frequently

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exposed to de- icing salts and their impact, SAF-HOLLAND offers the weather-resistant SAF INTRA PC Premium Coated axle.

Premium Coated for a longer service life

The coating is applied using the optimised three-layer Premium Coated process: The axle is sand-blasted and a cathodic dip coating is applied. The component is then primed with a zinc-based powder coating, which protects against corrosion and offers good mechanical properties. As the zincbased paint is applied using an electro-static process, it reliably reaches even hidden corners, recesses and cavities. The pro- cess is completed with a cover layer and a grey top coat which can be painted over individually.

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PROTECTION 

“THE HIGH ZINC CONTENT IN THE COATING ACHIEVES EXCELLENT CORROSION PROTECTION VALUES – FOR LONG VALUE RE TENTION AND HIGHER ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF THE VEHICLES.” Alexander Geis SAF-Holland CEO

Higher resale value from additional coating

“The high zinc content in the coating achieves excellent corrosion protection values – for long value retention and higher economic efficiency of the vehicles,” said SAF-Holland CEO, Alexander Geis.

The greater durability and the well-main-tained appearance of the axles additionally provide fleet operators with a higher resale value, in particular on high-quality tanker and silo bodies. Premium Coated is available as an option for all SAF INTRA suspensions in the nine-tonne range.

A special zinc coating protects the SAF INTRA PC Premium Coated axle against corrosion

10 year warranty against corrosion

The SAF INTRA PC Premium Coated is ideally protected against corrosion damage caused by weather and dirt. SAF-Holland is convinced of the quality and economic value of the specially coated axle: As the first and currently only axle manufacturer in the trailer segment, the company offers an optional additional coating for nine-tonne axles. In addition, the supplier for commercial vehicle parts offers a 10 year warranty on the coating which makes the axle ready for any weather condition. www.safholland.com

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HIGH QUALITY GRP FOR TANKS HIGHLY RESISTANT TO CORROSION AND VERY EASY TO CLEAN, EASY TO REPAIR AND REFURBISH, BRIANZA PLASTICA GRP LAMINATES GIVE A HIGHER VALUE FOR LEASING CONTAINERS.

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rianza Plastica, the Italian Company with 60 years of history in the production of fibreglass laminates, counts today four production sites, with both continuous hot-laminating and discontinuous coldlaminating procedure to meet the different needs of customers in a fast growing and increasingly demanding market. Brianza Plastica production

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focuses on achieving high levels of quality, while ensuring high degree of safety and low environmental impact: in fact, all Brianza Plastica’s fibreglass laminates production sites are equipped with powerful suction

TAN KE R S & S I LO S

Elycold roll.

systems that purify the internal production areas by carrying the solvents to modern abatement plants that automatically powers itself by recovering the heat generated by the combustion of solvent. The heat recovered is partly reused to power the plant and partly to generate hot water for heating.

Brianza Plastica recently inaugurated a new laboratory for research and development and production control activities. The new laboratory is three times bigger than the previous one and also benefits from a significant increase in technical staff. It has also been expanded by additional equipment to carry out most of the chemical-physical tests on the raw materials used and on the finished products.

The new facility is equipped with the most advanced instruments to support the production processes and composite laminates.

A wide and complete range allows customers to choose between Elycold fibreglass laminates, high quality products that stand out for the near invisibility of the fibreglass - thanks to the cold polymerisation of the material - and for the production flexibility that allows producing customised products even in small quantities, and Elyplan fibreglass laminates, which are characterised by an excellent quality/price ratio, the possibility to produce rolls in lengths as requested.

Elycold is a combination of polyester resin (orthophthalic and isophthalic) and glass fibre; over the years this composite material has replaced aluminium providing manufacturers with excellent long-term

properties and UV protection.

Elycold laminates have the polymerisation process at room temperature.

The result is perfect flatness, which is an indispensable feature for the production of very high quality panels with very good aesthetics.

The excellent dimensional stability of Elycold laminates is guaranteed by the use of fibreglass chopped strand mat, which can be combined with woven roving reinforcement to further improve the mechanical features of the laminate.

Low shrinkage resins provide a high resistance to UV-light and ensure: • A perfect overlay of the underlying fibreglass.

• Long time surface durability.

• Total impermeability and protection of the insulation inside the panel • A low level of yellowing recorded by ageing tests performed with UV – CON. The high quality of Elyplan is guaranteed through the use of the finest raw materials and a gelcoat made from highly elastic isophthalic resins, ensuring high resistance to yellowing, impermeability to water vapor and condensations.

Elyplan gives complete protection from humidity of the panel’s sensitive elements, either expanded insulations or plywood based elements. It also helps maintain the insulation material’s integrity ensuring ATP certifications are kept on a long term basis or a better performance of refrigeration machines.

The extreme flexibility, lightness, resistance to chemicals and yellowing, and easy washability of the Elycold and Elyplan fibreglass laminates make them an excellent choice for covering liquid tank containers of any size or colour.

Brianza Plastica GRP is highly resistant to corrosion and very easy to clean.

It’ easy to repair and refurbish, giving a higher value for leasing containers.

Brianza Plastica offers the largest proposal on the market for the tank containers sector, with many solutions able to satisfy every request: • Elycold, for high aesthetic requirements, 1.8-2.0 mm.

• Elyplan std, for std tank with no specific requirements, GRP of 1.8-2.0 mm roving.

• Elyplan Extraglass, for high resistance and light weight 1.5 mm (up to 17 per cent weight saving compared to Elycold 2.0 mm) and tensile strength up to 230 Mpa (compared to 95 Mpa of Elycold 2.0 mm).

This product is the result of synergies between different Elyplan. chemical and technical departments aimed at meeting the ever-increasing market demands for more effective materials. Elyplan Extra-Glass was designed to bring together very special characteristics in a single product, such as lightness, given by low specific weight, and high mechanical strength, coming from the high percentage of glass inside.

Elyplan Extra-Glass is suitable for vehicles that require high impact resistance and weight saving.

All products are available in sheets and rolls. www.fiberglasslaminates.com

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FOCUS ON AND

ECONOMY SAFETY SCHMITZ CARGOBULL OFFERS ITS OWN TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) FOR SMART TRAILERS.

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hen it comes to enhance economy and safety for fleets, the correct tyre pressure plays an important role. Schmitz Cargobull offers its own tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for this purpose. With the correct inflation pressure, technical control of the tyres is easier, and both driving behavior and driving safety are significantly improved. The correct tyre pressure contributes to extend the service life of the tyres, to reduce fuel consumption as well as CO2 emissions and thus to increase economic efficiency. It pays to have TPMS on board to prevent tyre related breakdowns.

In the EU it is expected that a TPMS becomes mandatory for new trailers and semi-trailers in 2024. Schmitz Cargobull is already now providing its customers with innovative solutions to meet the requirements.

The TrailerConnect telematics system,

TPMS

which is installed ex works in reefers and curtainsiders is equipped with an integrated TPMS receiver module as standard, so that only the Bluetooth sensors on the rim need to be added if required. Via the TrailerConnect platform, the status of the trailers and tyres can thus be easily and conveniently monitored in real time and warnings issued in the event of deviations. This future-proofs the vehicle and saves the customer from cost-intensive retrofitting.

TyreManager app: Smart app for tyre sensor positioning

Schmitz Cargobull is also continuously developing its vehicle-related services. With the TrailerConnect TyreManager app, the tyre sensors can be easily configured by the customer or service partner after a tyre change or replacement, and all relevant tyre data is immediately available in the

TrailerConnect portal. Time-consuming workshop visits are minimised and vehicle availability and safety are increased. beSmartApp: status recognition for the driver

With the beSmart app, the driver can read out and monitor the status of the tyre pressures on his trailer at any time. Alarm messages in the event of deviations enable him to react at an early stage and thus minimise downtimes. In addition, the tyre pressure information is also transmitted to the tractor unit. This enables permanent monitoring and quick intervention by the driver.

About Schmitz Cargobull

With an annual production of around 42,500 trailers and with around 5,700 employees, Schmitz Cargobull AG is Europe’s leading manufacturer of semi-trailers, trailers and truck bodies for temperature-controlled freight, general cargo and bulk goods. The company achieved sales of approximately €1.74 billion in the 2020/21 financial year. As a pioneer in the industry, the North German company developed a comprehensive brand strategy early on and consistently established quality standards spanning every level: from research and development, through production and service contracts, to trailer telematics, financing, spare parts, and used vehicles. www.cargobull.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 3

TIP I S PAV I N G T H E WAY T O S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

TO ENSURE MORE SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS, WE NEED TO ADJUST AND RETHINK OUR TRADITIONAL WAY OF OPERATING ACCORDING TO TIP.

D

isruption usually emerges from various events colliding and bringing forward something that changes the game. Sustainability used to strongly align to ethical principles but would not fit easily with a profit-oriented business. Also, technology would not be able to fulfil the promises given by the sustainability movement.

“TIP sees a unique momentum and the possibility for real disruption.”

Technology has finally picked up. The whole spectrum from data analysis that is allowing insights into non-financial performance to ever improving battery performance. Sustainability is turning into a highly profitable business. Based on a long-term study performed by global consulting company, McKinsey, sustainable companies show a 3.0 per cent value increase year-on-year compared to nonsustainable companies. This rationale is apparent – more sustainable companies are trusted to deal better with a rapidly changing business environment and trust translates into enterprise value. The quest for alternative fuels in the transportation industry has only started and opens the door to a vast market.

Regulations like the EU Taxonomy are finally defining what sustainable business conduct actually is.

In the future, sustainability won’t be a matter of storytelling anymore but a simple

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percentage of alignment to the technical standards of sustainability expressed by the EU Taxonomy.

TIP is committed to drive the industry towards sustainability and help customers achieve their environmental targets faster, easier and at a bigger scale.

“There is a difference between progress and movement.”

The foundation for making the green transition a success is to understand what the material subjects are. TIP has performed an extensive multi-stakeholder dialogue to determine the areas in which the organisation can make the biggest contribution to sustainability.

It is focusing on carbon footprint, circular economy and corporate social responsibility because these are the matters where materiality

GREEN LOGISTICS

has been identified. TIP is committed to its partners and suppliers.

“Data is one of the main tools.”

Once it is clear where the focus should be, it must be translated into tangible information and measurable data.

Gathering, analysing and reporting nonfinancial data tends to be a significant challenge for any organisation embarking on the sustainability journey. Data often sits in silos, is unstructured or missing.

Understanding the data sources and how data is flowing through the organisation is a crucial element. As soon as data enters a dedicated ESG system the mandatory and voluntary reporting becomes manageable.

Voluntarily committing to one of the relevant ESG frameworks like GRI, TCFD, ISSB, etc. allows the best possible preparation for existing or upcoming nonfinancial reporting legislation like the NFRD, CSRD or the EU Taxonomy. As of 2023, the number of companies eligible under the EU’s sustainability reporting directive will increase from approximately 11,000 to 50,000 – this illustrates the seriousness of the subject.

“ESG Strategy: for Generations to Come.”

In a next step, the focus needs to be shifted from getting a view to creating a vision. A sustainability strategy is supposed to be based on the materiality assessment and needs to line out tangible quality and quantity driven objectives.

TIP’s ESG Strategy ‘for Generations to Come’ aims at making TIP a carbon neutral organisation long before it will be legally required, reduce residual waste through improved waste management and refurbishment campaigns, improve gender balance in a historically male industry and launching new sustainable products like the electric light commercial vehicles and services like our telematics-based product TIP Insight.

are also a powerful relationship building instrument.

Therefore, TIP has created an Innovation committee with suppliers, customers and new innovative companies to bring to life the product developments and innovations of tomorrow. As one of the leading equipment services providers, TIP’s duty is to enable customers to achieve their sustainability, efficiency and safety targets faster and greater.

For instance, in 2021, TIP partnered with Unilever, Maxwell and Spark and Daily Logistics Group (DLG) to create a 100 per cent electric reefer engine pilot, the e-cooler. This nine-month pilot in the Netherlands will see diesel refrigeration systems in semi-trailers replaced by zero-emission battery-electric prototypes.

This innovation keeps freight chilled at temperatures down to -25°C and will be tested to run entirely on renewable electricity. If successful, it could save 20-25 tonnes of carbon dioxide per reefer trailer annually, with air quality benefits for each vehicle equivalent to taking 70 passenger cars off the road.

“Working towards a more sustainable economy through green finance”

Ultimately, change comes with significant investments and growing a business goes along with financing needs. Utilising green financing options, looking into government subsidies and grants and having an entrepreneurial mindset in any sustainability initiative enable to make the green transition financially responsible.

On 29 July 2021, TIP has successfully amended and extended its existing Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) and additionally raised funding to strengthen the business. The existing Revolving Credit Facility (RCF) was increased from €1,150.5 million to €1,196.75 million.

TIP has added new KPIs to the facility on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) to contribute to sustainable development in coming years. The KPIs are focusing on carbon footprint reduction within our supply chain, improving our waste management processes and maintaining gender balance in pay across the organisation.

For TIP, it’s not only about the offers. It’s about the entire commitment, from personal involvement to a better waste management to exploring future innovations and providing emission-free solutions to change our industry. Each step is essential to turn the currently ongoing disruption into a triumph.

Based on TIP’s ESG claim ‘for Generations to Come – paving the road to sustainability’ the ambition is clear. Together with our partners, we will once again lead by example. www.tipeurope.com

“Building relationships through a shared vision”

Internal and external partners are of utmost importance to turn the sustainability strategy into reality. Partnerships along the supply chain are not only an enabler for change but

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PUTTING THE BRAKES ON

ROLLER TESTING BRAKE MAINTENANCE AND REGULAR CHECKS ARE KEY WHEN IT COMES TO ENSURING FLEET AND DRIVERS ARE SAFE AND COMPLIANT.

T

he downtime associated with roller brake testing a fleet several times year can be costly which is unfortunate to operators. To mitigate this issue, Axscend has released a new system. Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS) provides dynamic, live monitoring of a trailer’s braking performance and records every brake event as it happens. Information is sent through the portal which can be accessed via desktop or mobile app.

The brake performance status of fleet assets are colour coded – green is good, amber is a warning and red is critical.

Alerts and notifications are sent immediately if there are any brake problems identified. This allows the user to get them fixed, prevent further damage and downtime while keeping fleet and drivers safe and compliant.

The resulting data is plotted in an easy to read graph against the DVSA pass mark. Reports for the DVSA are available and easily accessible from the portal or app.

EBPMS has been included in the DVSA’s ‘Guide to Roadworthiness’ which

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

ELECTRONIC BRAKE PERFORMANCE MONITORING SYSTEM (EBPMS) PROVIDES DYNAMIC, LIVE MONITORING OF A TRAILER’S BRAKING PERFORMANCE AND RECORDS EVERY BRAKE EVENT AS IT HAPPENS. INFORMATION IS SENT THROUGH THE PORTAL WHICH CAN BE ACCESSED VIA DESK TOP OR MOBILE APP.

MAINTENANCE

An example of a DVSA report.

 ALERTS AND NOTIFICATIONS ARE SENT IMMEDIATELY IF THERE ARE ANY BR AKE PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED. was written in association with Axscend.

For more information or to book a free tech tech demo call the Axscend team on 01303 842100 or email usinfo@axscend.com. www.axscend.co.uk

TH E PE RKS OF E BPMS • Stay compliant.

• Stay safe.

• Reduce downtime.

• Replace laden roller brake testing.

Status information via EBPMS app.

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Jens Zeller (right), Managing Director idem telematics since 2017. Heiko Boch (left), Head of Product Management at idem telematics since 2016.

ALLROAD CONNECTING

TRANSPORT

AS EUROPE’S LEADING TELEMATICS PARTNER, IDEM TELEMATICS SUPPORTS FORWARDERS, SHIPPERS AND FLEET OPERATORS TO CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE THEIR CORE BUSINESS.

i

dem telematics solutions are suitable for fleets and for manufacturers of any company size. The solution works very simply and independently of the transport goods and in addition with all possible partners in the process chain, resulting in increased profitability, higher quality, customer satisfaction and competitiveness.

Global Trailer speaks with Jens Zeller, Managing Director of idem telematics, and the firm’s Head of Product Management, Heiko Boch, to learn more.

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Is there a core message or theme you would like to convey?

Jens Zeller: The complexity and specialisation of transport and logistics processes, with their variety of different vehicle types and numerous partners, is ideally suited for digitisation. Properly

TE LE MATI C S

organised and networked, efficiency gains can be achieved that are crucial to success. At the same time, digitalisation is a huge step for many companies, especially medium-sized ones. With idem telematics we are simplifying entry into connectivity of fleets: with our easy-to-use portal, new hardware devices, expandable functions and a simplified handling of active units. So, deal with the future today rather than tomorrow.

There is still time for it now.

What are the most important features of TC Trailer Gateway PRO? Are there any upcoming developments in this space?

Heiko Boch: The TC Trailer Gateway PRO is designed for a wide range of applications – we call it the Swiss knife of telematics. The device has got a very wide range of features for every customer’s need. For our customers in temperature-controlled transports for

 “THE COMPLEXIT Y AND SPECIALISATION OF TR ANSPORT AND LOGISTICS PROCESSES, WITH THEIR VARIE T Y OF DIFFERENT VEHICLE T YPES AND NUMEROUS PARTNERS, IS IDEALLY SUITED FOR DIGITISATION. PROPERLY ORGANISED AND NE T WORKED, EFFICIENCY GAINS CAN BE ACHIEVED THAT ARE CRUCIAL TO SUCCESS.” Jens Zeller idem telematics, Managing Director

example, it is very important that TC Trailer Gateway PRO can interface with nearly all brands and models of reefers and temperature recorders. Furthermore, the device itself is certified according to EN12830:2018. Of course, you can interface and readout all EBS systems in the European market and beside this you can connect to the hardware device with our idem App. You asked regarding upcoming developments. Location, EBS and temperature monitoring are important existent features. Monitoring and control of further

The employees at idem telematics maintain a very constructive, open relationship to their customers in order to find the right solution for them.

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Jens Zeller explains how the TC Trailer Gateway family, consisting of TC Trailer Gateway BASIC and TC Trailer Gateway PRO, makes it easier for hauliers to digitalise their fleets.

 “INSTALLATION CAN BE DONE BY ANY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE WORKSHOP. CONFIGUR ATION AND DIAGNOSIS OF OUR DEVICES CAN BE HANDLED EASILY WITH OUR IDEM APP RUNNING ON A STANDARD ANDROID PHONE OR TABLE T.”

brands, the transported goods or if the vehicles are owned or rented. That’s why cargofleet is sometimes referred to as the “heart of transportation: A system that connects everything to everything, from a single source. We simply help to improve our customers business.

I’m curious to learn more about the process for fitment of telematics and TPMS monitoring at the OEM side? This seems to be a great value

Heiko Boch idem telematics, Head of Product Management

trailer components such as tail lift or axle generator will be developed. And not to forget: logistics solutions like tour-based ETA, alarming, reporting or data forwarding and real time visibility of the supply chain are increasingly in demand. We are working on it.

What makes idem telematics technology stand out in the market?

Jens Zeller: According to our claim ‘connecting all road transport’ our telematics system processes and harmonises not only data from our own telematics devices, but also data from other telematics systems, transport management systems and other data sources – regardless of the trailer

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proposition for trailer builders and commercial vehicle manufacturers?

Heiko Boch: Since the upcoming regulation UN R141 requires trailers to be equipped with TPMS functionality this is an important topic. All trailers equipped with our TC Trailer Gateway BASIC or PRO devices are TPMS-ready. We offer rim and valve sensors. The advantage of having TPMS included in telematics is obvious: using reports and alarms the fleet manager can optimise running

TE LE MATI C S

costs like fuel consumption of the entire fleet – without any action needed from the driver.

Could you also detail the process for retrofitting?

Heiko Boch: Retrofitting requires the capability to interface a wide range of existing devices which are not standardised.

That is why we offer plug and play cables for various EBS systems. And our systems are prepared to connect to several reefer and other systems. Installation can be done by any commercial vehicle workshop.

Configuration and diagnosis of our devices can be handled easily with our idem app running on a standard Android phone or tablet.

How does this tech fit in with the idem cargofleet platform?

Heiko Boch: Simple and short answer: seamless. The award-winning cargofleet 3 portal is optimised for our easy-to-use telematics solutions. It’s the first telematics portal that can display and verify certified EN12830 temperatures of our TC Trailer Gateway PRO. And it can integrate the common OEM solutions and even solutions of or competitors to support our customer in their daily work.

What are the kinds of challenges that telematics helps to overcome?

Jens Zeller: I see three main challenges.

First of all, the transport business needs more transparency: Where is my load?

Has the load got the requested quality?

Will my driver arrive at the right place in the scheduled time slot? These are questions that are typically answered by telematics. Second, all transport companies are continuously trying to optimize in terms of customer satisfaction and running costs. To optimise customer satisfaction transport management systems are essential while technical vehicle data is the basis for reducing costs and prevent downtime.

Third and most challenging possibility: creating new business models by using the collected data.

 “BEGIN TO DEAL WITH TELEMATICS. START SMALL AND KEEP DEVELOPING. TELEMATICS IS A JOURNEY - THE DESTINATION IS STILL A LONG WAY OFF – WE ACCOMPANY YOU IN THE PROCESS.” Jens Zeller idem telematics, Managing Director

How does telematics assist fleets operating in the pharma and food sectors?

Heiko Boch: Pharma and food transport heavily rely on monitoring and control of refrigeration. That is, monitoring of the transport good’s temperature. No matter whether ice cream or even pharmaceuticals – nobody wants to receive goods that were not transported in the right temperature range.

And in most cases, this is even required by law. Telematics can monitor the temperature in the vehicle and trigger alarms when temperature is running out of range, or the reefer has a problem. Which could be simply that it is running out of fuel soon, but it could be also a technical problem. Telematics can help to act immediately – even if the vehicle is parked and no driver is around. For some transports monitoring and control of door locking equipment can be performed by telematics, too.

Are there any challenges that idem telematics aims to address in the future?

Jens Zeller: Our cargofleet 3 telematics platform is open to ongoing changes and we are constantly developing it further in close exchange with freight forwarders. With the increasing numbers of line fitted trailers the barrier to entry into telematics will be decreased since telematics is already there and has only to be activated and used. Additional equipment and sensor technology in the vehicles will enable us to collect even more relevant information and make it easily available to carriers so that they can concentrate on their core business: transport. And we are also engaging in projects regarding electrical and autonomous driving because these new forms of mobility will have a deep impact on both – trailers and telematics.

What is the aftersales and support like idem telematics’ products and services?

Heiko Boch: Telematics requires a deep understanding of the customers business. Implementing telematics into a transport company needs initially some support. Thus, we understand our customer relationships more like long-term partnerships. Therefore, we have an experienced support including hotline and offer trainings to customers, partners and commercial vehicle workshops. Our inhouse development offers adaptions and integration support together with our project management department.

Do you have any other comments to share?

Jens Zeller: Begin to deal with telematics. Start small and keep developing.

Telematics is a journey - the destination is still a long way off – we accompany you in the process. www.bpw.de

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EXHAUST OPTIONS RESTRICTIONS PLACED ON THE EXPORT OF UREA IMPACTED AUSTRALIA’S ADBLUE SUPPLIES. GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY HAVE WORKED TOGETHER TO KEEP THE NATIONAL ROAD TRANSPORT FLEET ON THE MOVE.

N

ews of a diesel exhaust fluid shortage at the end of 2021 had Australia’s trucking industry in a flurry. Transport bodies and government agencies scrambled in the face of what would be a critical supply chain crisis.

A global shortage of urea from which diesel exhaust fluid, more commonly known as AdBlue, is refined threatens to sideline thousands of trucks in Australia.

The additive helps reduce pollution released into the atmosphere from the exhaust of diesel-powered commercial vehicles.

The issue had been exacerbated by China heavily restricting its exports of urea and Australia is the latest nation to likely sustain significant impacts to its supply chain.

Western Roads Federation Chief Executive, Cam Dumesny, told radio

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station 6PR the road transport industry was facing a major problem.

“We’re going to need to support our manufacturers, we’ve got about three manufacturers in Australia, we’re going to have to help them find strategic sourcing of the base agent from anywhere in the world if we can get it,” he said.

“If we can’t do that you’ve got the worst case scenario … we start rationing it, if you follow the logic of that,” Dumesny continued. “Which areas of transport to you want to prioritise?”

SPECIAL REPORT

ING The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has been fielding calls from members reporting retail shortages of the fluid, which ensures diesel-powered trucks comply with national emission standards.

It met with the Federal Government in December to brief Transport Minister, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, on the potential impact on the national supply chain and to discuss the looming shortage of diesel exhaust fluid.

NatRoad CEO, Warren Clark, said the situation was serious and the Federal Government needed to act fast.

“Our industry isn’t the only one that will be affected, but we will be hit first and hardest,” he said.

“These issues go beyond NatRoad and the trucking industry.

“We are calling on the Government to convene a task force of industry groups to

look at options to mitigate the situation in the immediate term.”

Clark called for leaders from industry, government, supply chain and major consumers to work together to manage the foreseeable challenges which are many.

“If we learned one thing from Covid-19 it’s that a lack of co-ordination only compounds problems,” he said. “While those issues reflected different health rules in different jurisdictions, the ball is squarely in the Federal Government’s court in terms of finding an alternate source.”

South Korea was permitted to fly a military oil tanker into Australia to airlift 27,000 litres of urea solution in November following China’s decision in October to introduce an export requirement that effectively stopped exports to boost supplies to its own domestic market.

In South Korea, approximately two million diesel vehicles, mostly cargo trucks, are required by government to use the additive.

The way of life of 25 million Australians stood at a critical juncture as supply chain headwinds destabilised economic security, consumer confidence and threatened the standard of living previous generations of Australians had grown accustomed to.

This was the view of Victorian Transport Association CEO, Peter Anderson, who in December 2021, following revelations that diesel additive AdBlue was at critically low levels and likely to ground thousands of trucks nationwide.

Unless governments, according to Anderson, were to do more to support the transport industry’s pivot to attaining supply chain sovereignty our ability to supply the basic needs of Australians all over the country was at stake.

“Supply chains in Australia have been under immense pressure at the best of times over the past decade, but Covid has exposed the deep structural flaws that have put them on the brink of collapse,” he said in a statement.

“Labour shortages and an ageing workforce of drivers has been an issue for years, but Covid and the way it has driven workers from the industry through restrictions, compliance and vaccination mandates is starting to resonate in the community.”

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AdBlue also known as diesel exhaust fluid.

He cited the heavy vehicle licencing system that discourages young and capable people from considering a career as a professional transport worker.

It is alienating a new generation of workers and undermining renewal of an essential workforce Anderson said in the statement.

The oncoming crisis anticipated by a dearth of urea solution, the essential ingredient used in diesel exhaust fluid like AdBlue, signalled a giant blunder on the part of government and industry.

“If we as a nation can’t maintain supply of a basic engine additive relied upon by hundreds of thousands of commuter and commercial vehicles, we’re in huge strife,” said Anderson.

A recent VTA industry survey, according to Anderson, showed labour availability, costs and rates management, and fuel pricing are the most pressing issues for freight operators.

He said that only by attaining higher rates of supply chain sovereignty – defined by maintaining supply chains that are less vulnerable to international disruptions – would Australians be able to have economic security and confidence in living standards being upheld.

“We desperately need regulatory and legislative settings to identify the greatest risks that inhibit us from standing on our own two feet when it comes to basic things like labour and fuel security, which means ensuring we have a growing – not shrinking workforce, – sufficient reserves of fuel and energy, and the associated inputs necessary to keep road, rail and sea transport supply chains intact,” said Anderson.

Despite the adverse impact Covid continued to have there was, after all, a silver lining.

“Australian consumers are starting to have an appreciation of how supply chains work because so many of their online orders during two years of disruption have been delayed,” said Anderson.

“In the past, people only cared about supply chains when they didn’t have uninterrupted access to the things they enjoy, and with shortages, delays and disruption now routine people are starting to ask ‘why?’.

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“On the verge of an election year, the politicians and public servants tasked with setting legislation and regulation that impacts supply chain sovereignty must factor this into their decision-making because the status quo of shortages and delays is not acceptable or sustainable for Australia.”

In a joint media release with Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Dan Tehan, and Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, the Australian Federal Government acted to keep the trucking industry on the move.

Taylor, with the AdBlue Taskforce, struck an agreement with fertiliser manufacturer, Incitec Pivot, to secure local production of refined urea for the supply of diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue).

Under this agreement, Incitec Pivot will rapidly design, trial and, on completion of successful tests, scale-up manufacturing of significant quantities of Technical Grade Granular Urea (TGU), a critical component of AdBlue.

Incitec Pivot will supply quantities as needed by current suppliers.

AdBlue is used in modern diesel engines to control nitrogen oxide pollutants including in trucks, large passenger buses, mining equipment and agricultural vehicles.

Taylor said this announcement is a step in the right direction and provides the trucking industry with certainty.

“Australia currently has adequate stocks of AdBlue stock on hand, but this agreement with Incitec Pivot will enable domestic production of TGU or supply of an AdBlue product to domestic manufacturers to ensure current supply chain disruptions don’t impact on Australian businesses,” he said.

“The ramping up of production by Incitec Pivot will be done without impacting agricultural fertiliser supply to local farmers or disrupting local distribution chains for AdBlue.

“This agreement is another important part of the Government’s broader strategy to build supply chain resilience, which

SPECIAL REPORT

includes addressing shipping issues, ensuring local supplies of critical products and bolstering local manufacturing capability.”

Boosting local capabilities will be complemented by the ongoing work to secure additional supplies from international sources, to ensure Australia is prepared for any contingency.

Following outreach from Tehan, Australia’s embassy in Jakarta has confirmed with the Indonesian Government that Australia accepted iyd offer to provide 5,000 tonnes of refined urea in January.

This is enough urea to make around an additional month’s worth of AdBlue.

Tehan said Australia is leveraging its strong relationships with international partners to open up new sources of supply to meet our future needs for refined urea.

“By working closely with our partners, we have been able to secure this critical supply for Australia,” said Tehan. “We will continue to strengthen our close relationships around the world to support and further Australia’s interests.”

The Australian Government has been working with the manufacturers and the shipping companies to ensure shipments

of urea and AdBlue that are already on their way to Australia to ensure they get priority for loading and delivery.

“Shipping companies have been helpful in prioritising the loading of a number of containers coming through Singapore to ensure that supplies arrive in Australia as soon as possible,” said Taylor. “I would like to thank those companies that have supported and offered support to this effort.”

This builds on work already underway by the AdBlue taskforce, led by James Fazzino, Chair of Manufacturing Australia and former CEO of Incitec Pivot, along with Andrew Liveris, former Chairman and CEO of The Dow Chemical Company and Director at Saudi Aramco, and Dr Cathy Foley, Australia’s Chief Scientist.

By January 2021 the Australian transport, freight and logistics sector welcomed the National Cabinet’s decision to relieve pressure on the industry’s workforce.

Assistant Minister Scott Buchholz said the changes from a recent National Cabinet meeting were the result of Australian Government working with and listening to the needs of industry.

“Throughout this pandemic we have worked closely with the transport and freight industry, including peak bodies and the Federal Government has today acted swiftly and decisively.

“Following today’s announcement [13 January 2021], transport operators that have a driver who was previously deemed a close contact, if they are non-symptomatic and return a negative test - they can leave isolation, return to work behind the wheel and keep supplies moving.

“As the Prime Minister said, ‘the goal is to protect our hospitals and keep our society and economy functioning’, this is recognition of the critical nature of the transport, freight and logistics sector.

“We cannot keep the economy functioning and Australia moving, without a strong transport, freight and logistics sector and the workforce.

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Additives such as AdBlue help reduce pollution from the exhaust of diesel-powered commercial vehicles.

“These changes will help address some of the pressures industry has been telling us about and will enable critical workers to get back to work, we are encouraged by the increase in people returning to work from the previous changes made to close contact classifications.

“I encourage all in the industry, as I know the peak bodies have done, to get vaccinated if they are not already and to book in for their booster shot when they become eligible,” Assistant Minister Buchholz said.

“We are aware other pressures exist but we are optimistic about the changes being made and we will keep working with industry and working to get the balance right,” Assistant Minister Buchholz said.

Chairman of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), David Smith has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement and agreed there is more work to do.

“Whilst the ATA agrees it is a great step forward and these changes will support our industry, the sector knows that there is no silver bullet. As the Prime Minister said, we are recalibrating our approach regularly,” said Smith.

“We will continue to explore entrepreneurial ways, alongside state and federal government initiatives, through the National Cabinet process, which support the industry during this pandemic.

“I want to acknowledge the Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Assistant Minister Scott Buchholz for the work they have done on supply chain issues.

“Workforce shortages were a problem pre-pandemic and the new driver apprenticeship announced last year is a longer-term approach, right now we need to find more non-traditional means of support and I acknowledge the work the Federal Government has undertaken to address the issues and shortages pertaining to AdBlue supplies for the nation.

“The ATA will continue to work closely with its members, state and federal

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governments – to bring certainty to the national supply chain.”

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is allowing manufacturers and other industry stakeholders to collaborate on arrangements for the supply of AdBlue.

In a media statement late 2021, the ACCC said AdBlue manufacturers are seeking to share information and work together to develop solutions to any potential future shortages of refined urea, a key ingredient in AdBlue.

“The ACCC’s interim authorisation allows AdBlue manufacturers to cooperate in a number of ways without the risk of breaching competition laws,” said ACCC Chair, Rod Sims.

“This permits the industry, in conjunction with government, to co-ordinate and respond more quickly and effectively to any supply constraints of urea.”

Following the interim authorisation, the parties can collaborate on issues such as sharing information about stock levels, supply channels and manufacturing opportunities, prioritising access to refined

SPECIAL REPORT

urea and AdBlue according to need (for example, to particular geographical areas or consumers), collaborating on the production of AdBlue and implementing sales limits.

“This enables AdBlue manufacturers and the Australian government to consider the best way to respond to any potential future supply constraints,” said Sims.

“The manufacturers’ coordination of their response with the government is an important step in providing a regular supply of AdBlue which is critical to our nation’s transportation sector, food production and the broader economy.”

Sims said AdBlue manufacturers are also required to invite the ACCC to any meetings where these issues are discussed.

Authorisation has not been sought, and interim authorisation has not been granted, for AdBlue manufacturers to share information about or reach agreements on price.

Around the same time, Incitec Pivot Limited (IPL) released a statement saying it had ‘quickly mobilised expert teams’ to work on expanding its manufacturing capability at its Gibson Island plant in Brisbane and increase Australia’s supply of AdBlue.

IPL said the planned increase in production will not impact the supply of fertiliser grade urea for Australian farmers, following IPL successfully securing supply for the agricultural market.

While most of the urea produced is fertiliser grade used by Australian farmers, a small portion is used to make AdBlue, supplying around 10 per cent of the Australian market.

Meanwhile, Taylor has called in the ACCC to monitor price gouging amid a shortage of the AdBlue diesel additive according to a report from The Australian.

ACCC chair Rod Sims said any AdBlue producers pushing up prices to exploit the national shortage could be found to be engaging in unconscionable conduct or “named and shamed”.

Sims urged anyone concerned about high AdBlue prices to contact the ACCC, saying

 “SUPPLY CHAINS IN AUSTR ALIA HAVE BEEN UNDER IMMENSE PRESSURE AT THE BEST OF TIMES OVER THE PAST DECADE, BUT COVID HAS EXPOSED THE DEEP STRUCTUR AL FLAWS THAT HAVE PUT THEM ON THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE.” Peter Anderson Victorian Transport Association CEO

there was a lot of competition between suppliers and an expectation for prices to rise.

DGL Group CEO, Simon Henry, the founder of the largest formulator and distributor of AdBlue, also told The Australian that the issue was that for the past 25 years, Australia had “become accustomed to a very reliable ‘just in time’ stock management system”.

“It broke,” he said. “We pushed it too hard and it snapped … Supply chain managers got very skilled at running their stocks very low, expecting materials to turn up from China … but it doesn’t anymore.”

Henry said soaring prices were the product of plants in China and Japan going offline and congested shipping channels around the word, which had created a supply crisis placing enormous pressure on the Australian model. www.globaltrailermag.com

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Dubai World Trade Centre.

MARKET VALUE

DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN C-LEVEL EXECUTIVES AT DUBAI TRADE SHOWS INCLUDING AUTOMECHANIKA CONFIRMS A WELCOME RETURN TO BUSINESS FOR THE EXHIBITION INDUSTRY.

T

he return of physical trade fairs to Dubai in 2021 has been welcomed

by C-level decision makers, with one of the Middle East’s largest organisers confirming senior management visitor registration to its exhibitions last year increased by 78 percent versus pre-Covid years.

Messe Frankfurt Middle East returned to the live events landscape at Dubai World Trade Centre in September 2021 and has since hosted eight face-to-face exhibitions in the Emirate, welcoming a combined 64,254 trade visitors from 116 countries.

The Dubai-based company lists Beautyworld Middle East, Automechanika Dubai, and Intersec as its three flagship shows. While the total number of

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visitor attendance is justifiably less than prepandemic years, an increasingly positive trend, said Messe Frankfurt Middle East’s CEO Simon Mellor, is the steep rise in visitor registration by the likes of CEOs, Managing Directors, and business owners.

“This growth is mirrored by the number of individuals from the procurement or purchasing function which has increased by an average of 14 percent in real terms compared to 2019,” said Mellor.

“We saw 78 percent more senior management visitor registration to our shows in 2021 compared to 2019, which indicates that, while total attendance may

EVENT REVIEW

currently be less than the bumper prepandemic years, those that do attend our shows are high-level decision makers with a clear intent and purpose.”

“There is pent-up demand by visitors to network and find new suppliers that has been largely unfulfilled by alternatives such as digital or online events,” added Mr. Mellor. “Dubai, and the UAE is a prime destination for international professionals to come and do business safely thanks to the foresight of the country’s leadership.”

The largest international trade show for the automotive aftermarket industry in the Middle East – Automechanika Dubai – was held in December 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

It was officially opened by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) & Commissioner General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Well-Being.

Lifting the hood on a rapidly transforming and maturing sector where digitisation is the new driver, the 18th edition of the show, organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, had exhibitors from 47 countries and 12 national pavilions all demonstrating just how far the sector has come in its technological transformation and signalling more change ahead.

“Technology advances are impacting all segments of the industry and are in evidence across all the show’s six sectors,” said Automechanika Dubai Show Director, Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen.

“This represents a seismic shift in the regional industry, which is advancing rapidly in terms of service provision, product innovation and professional standards. This is an industry which has now come of age.

“Compared to 2019, we have seen a 40 per cent increase in senior management and an 18 per cent increase in procurement and purchasing personnel pre-registering for the show – another signal of increased business activity and interest in finding new partners.”

Visitors from 143 countries pre-registered

for the three-day event.

Spread across eight DWTC halls, Automechanika Dubai featured six sectors including tyres & batteries; car wash, care & reconditioning, repair & maintenance; parts & components; electronics & systems as well as accessories & customisation.

For the first time, the show featured a comprehensive awards ceremony recognising excellence in products, services, personnel and training within the regional industry and a Tools & Skills Challenge – an action-packed live stage where workshop specialists can demonstrate their skills in tire changing, tire mounting and smart dent removal.

The scale of transformation impacting the sector has been summed up

by Romanian show newcomer Wemzer Industries, which said the sector is now increasingly aware of its need to contribute to global ‘greener world’ endeavours.

With Wemzer now producing OEM specified standard ceramic and carbonfree products, the company’s Managing Director, Amin Uz Zaman, identified additive manufacturing, remanufacturing, e-commerce, hybrid / electric drivetrains and mobility as a service as the new sector drivers.

“The automotive aftermarket is undergoing big disruption,” he said. “With electrification and digitisation driving change, we are reshaping the way customers, automotive suppliers, and industry stakeholders think of cars and driving and how business in the automotive aftermarket is conducted and value is created.”

The massive penetration of internet connections and smartphones has driven the customer’s expectation for a seamless, comfortable, and most importantly a transparent shopping experience. The automotive industry was probably delayed in embracing this transformation, but the pandemic

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Vehicle markets across the United Arab Emirates are growing.

accelerated the process and now we are witnessing a massive digitisation of the industry.”

Despite setbacks due to the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic, Wemzer Industries claims the aftermarket is poised for unprecedented growth.

“There may be challenges related to supply chain, but we have positive indications for economic recovery across our target markets,” said Zaman.

“The automotive aftermarket revenue is anticipated to record $800 billion USD by 2027, according to the most recent study by Global Market Insights Inc. It is a well-known fact that the global automotive industry is dynamically expanding.

“Digitalisation has recently taken an exponential pace. There are certainly dimensions that are yet to be revealed. It is a revolutionary transformation of the business and its value chain, requiring the integration of new layers and partnerships with new enablers to complete the transformation that goes beyond offering a seamless omnichannel shopping experience.”

And with industry analysts forecasting the GCC’s automotive parts retail revenue will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.8 per cent to $6.84 billion USD in 2025, there’s much at stake for industry players facing greater than ever competition.

Keys to success are being outlined at the Automechanika Dubai Academy where experts are probing the industry’s region outlook, the impact of electrification within the GCC, digital trends, sector diversification and fourth industrial revolution outcomes.

While experts in the automotive market believe a full recovery could take up to four years, many market analysts and industry leaders have

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already seen green shoots, spurred on by the implementation of digital tools and the region’s Covid-19 vaccination efforts.

That was the message delivered at the Automechanika Dubai Network, a oneday hybrid event that brought the region’s biggest players together under a central theme of ‘Let’s Talk Business: Adaptation & Innovation During Covid-19’.

Leading the morning’s sessions was Vishal Pandey, Automotive & Mobility Practice, at Glasgow Consulting Group who presented ‘The State of the Automotive Market in Covid and post-Covid Times’, believing regional government’s initiatives have been critical to boosting the economy.

He said: “KSA and the UAE have managed the pandemic particularly well. They have taken the lead on various measures and austerities that have driven and supported the economy.

“And while we saw the passenger car market dip significantly in 2020, with an expected revival by 2022, it is the introduction of new service models – relying

EVENT REVIEW

Trade events are perfect for exchanging ideas face-to-face.

heavily on ecommerce, digitalisation and customer relations – that could offset the impact of the pandemic on the industry.

“Digitally-enabled experiences and access to services that evolve the customer’s expectations have helped rebuild confidence in the industry and generate sales. This means the passenger car market is on track to reach pre-Covid levels by 2025.”

In the session led by Harmeet Singh, After Sales Director at Al Masaood Automobiles, he highlighted figures from a recent survey to decipher customer preferences for digital dealership platforms.

“Like the rest of the industries, the automotive market has adapted to the new changes to ensure business continuity. We focused on rolling out our innovative digital solutions and digitising our operational processes.

“The survey uncovered that 95 per cent of respondents expected both real time availability of vehicles and prices of cars and services to be displayed, 73 percent expect real-time communication and 63 percent wanted the option to pay for services through the digital platform,” said Singh.

“We further leveraged our digital channels to provide sales and after-sales services and added further simplicity and convenience to our customers’ experience. Our aim was

to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of our services without comprising the health, safety, or convenience of everyone.”

Organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the Network took place ahead of this year’s Automechanika Dubai which will take place from 14-16 December 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

“How companies and organisations have reacted and adapted to the sweeping changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic has already proven the industry’s resilience,” said Bilikozen.

“With the wider automotive market on its way to recovery, Automechanika Dubai aims to drive the back-to-business message across all participants of the show later this year.”

Thought leaders in the aftermarket industry are also bracing for change over the next five or so years based on a series of surveys conducted by GRS Explori.

Commissioned by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the report reflects on findings based on a sample of almost a thousand participants from around the world.

More than half the Middle East respondents (58 per cent) said they had been negatively, or very negatively, impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic with an astounding 82 per cent saying they are battling parts shortages and delays largely caused by logistics challenges.

Automotive and heavy vehicle compoentry on show in Dubai.

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Autonomous vehicles could be a popular sight on Middle Eastern roads in the next five years.

Some 69 per cent of Middle East players surveyed said they anticipate major (43 per cent) or minor (26 per cent) changes in their sector over the next five years, with the key drivers being technology advancement, economic shifts and altered consumer behaviour.

“The good news is that 76 per cent of Middle East respondents say they are ready to face the changes which puts the regional industry in a great position for recovery and growth,” said Bilikozen.

“It is also encouraging that 36 per cent view the sector as growing over the next five years – which is up from 29 per cent in the 2018 survey so industry-wide optimism is increasing.

“A further 27 per cent of Middle East respondents in 2021 predict business to continue as usual while 30 per cent of Middle East respondents expect new technology to present significant opportunities.”

Within the Middle East the segments most likely to face disruption, according to respondents, are parts and components, electronics and systems and repair and maintenance.

Electric and hybrid vehicles are seen by regional respondents as bringing in the most considerable disruption to the traditional petrol/diesel vehicle segment, with passenger cars being the biggest change driver. Within the region, 84 per cent anticipate change to an alternative fuel – up 4.0 percentage points on the initial survey in 2018.

“Interestingly, 40 per cent of Middle East operators report receiving customer enquiries for alternative fuel vehicle products and services,” said Bilikozen. “Yet more than half the respondents (55 per cent) from within the garage and workshop sector admit they have not yet invested in the new equipment which will be needed to service electric vehicles though the majority say they know they need to invest

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but have not yet begun the process.”

Looking ahead five years, almost half the Middle East respondents anticipate electric, hybrid and solar-powered vehicles being commonplace on the region’s roads, with pricing and government policies being change catalysts.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, say the respondents, won’t pick up the same pace until 2031, though almost a third (31 per cent) believe autonomous vehicles will be on the region’s roads within five years, and over half (51 per cent) are expecting private vehicle ownership to be impacted by ride and carsharing businesses.

With the introduction of electric vehicles and car models that house new technology, the UAE automotive aftermarket must respond with investment in the proper tools and training to ensure the safety of drivers and stay relevant in an evolving market.

This sentiment was echoed during a recent online seminar: ‘Collision Repair Series: Insights on What the Data Trends Are Showing’, hosted by Messe Frankfurt Middle East.

Panellist Stephen Louis, a Key Account

EVENT REVIEW

Manager for Axalta Premium Brands, believes that the industry will face a number of challenges and opportunities in the advent of these changes.

“New technology is going to present the collision repair industry with a lot of challenges, whether that’s for electric vehicles or cars with other features such as assisted driver systems,” he said.

“For the most part, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) introduce new models accompanied by the right equipment and training for body shops. But when you look across the general scope of the body shop industry, I think there is a real lack of knowledge, data and understanding.”

While it will take time for the local market to adapt to the changes, Vishal Pandey, Director at Glasgow Consulting Group, remains bullish on the ability of third-party garages and body shops to adopt tools and training to better service the vehicles.

“What we’ve seen is typically the first two years of service are handled by the OEM,” said Pandey. “However, this falls off to a third party workshop afterwards. Even smaller insurance companies insist on this.

Couple this with the almost double cost of an OEM authorised workshop compared to a premium third-party, and there is a huge opportunity to capitalise on.”

Ultimately, workshops must invest in training and tools to safely and accurately repair newer models entering the market. Due to the increasing use of complex electronics systems to diagnose and repair vehicles, leading to an increase of 10-20 per cent cost to repairs in the collision repair industry, Pandey foresees greater importance placed on customer relations.

“As a result of increased vehicle costs, labour costs for services due to advanced training, and as more and more technology enters the market, there will be improved transparency between body shops and customers,” said Louis. “This will materialise in digitised interactions and optimised resource allocation, which will ultimately be a win-win to the customer, insurance company and the garage.”

Echoing Pandey, fellow panellist Robert Snook, Group Director of MG Cannon, said: “Why wouldn’t you communicate and educate the customer?

You’re missing a massive opportunity if you don’t. The collision repair industry relies heavily on trust, and it is the duty of the body shop to position themselves as the expert in the understanding of the technology and in turn, showcase the skills and capabilities required that will allow the customer to trust in you and your technicians automatically.”

Louis added: “We are in a world of increasing costs and increasing regulation with quality and service being demanded by customers. Above all, body shops will, by default, always look to be as efficient as possible and use the best available equipment, materials and training. I think if you commit to all of these, you will have a good business.” www.globaltrailermag.com

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TOGETHER IN

ELECTRIC DREAMS

THE ELECTRIFICATION OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN AUSTRALIA IS FINALLY GAINING MOMENTUM.

C



orporate responsibility is a key driver for the rollout of allelectric commercial vehicles. It certainly is for national courier, Australia Post, which in November last year, welcomed the first of 20 electric trucks into its fleet. The remaining 17 trucks on order should hit the streets, delivering in major capital cities, from early 2022. The rollout of the new vehicles will be supported by Australia Post Fleet Management Provider SG Fleet.

James Dixon Australia Post, General Manager Networks Australia Post has an existing delivery fleet this point, our electric fleet has consisted of over 2,100 electric delivery vehicles and 1400 electric bicycles. solely of smaller delivery vehicles that are The introduction of Fuso eCanters is reported to follow a successful trial used for the last mile,” he said. of the Daimler developed truck in late 2019.

“We’ve trialled a range of electric trucks Australia Post General Manager Networks, James Dixon, said the addition previously, but the Fuso eCanter is the of the Fuso eCanter to Australia Post’s delivery fleet was an exciting step for first we’ve found that suits both Australian the organisation.

“We’re very proud to be Australia’s largest electric fleet operator, but up until conditions and our unique operational

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“WE’VE TRIALLED A R ANGE OF ELECTRIC TRUCKS PREVIOUSLY, BUT THE FUSO ECANTER IS THE FIRST WE’VE FOUND THAT SUITS BOTH AUSTR ALIAN CONDITIONS AND OUR UNIQUE OPER ATIONAL NEEDS.”

SPECIAL REPORT

needs,” said Dixon.

Australia Post Chief Sustainability Officer, Susan Mizrahi, said expanding the current electric fleet was an important part of the Australia Post’s 2020-22 Corporate Responsibility plan and its science-based target to reduce emission by 15 per cent by 2025.

“This is an important milestone for our business,” said Mizrahi. “We know that every delivery has a carbon footprint which is why we’re committed to reducing our emissions through growing our electric fleet and increasing our renewable energy production to help power these new vehicles.”

The Fuso eCanter is reported to be the only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) electric truck available in Australia and uses the latest technology from the Daimler Truck group.

Daniel Whitehead, President and CEO of Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific, said Australia Post was the perfect first Australian customer for the eCanter.

“Daimler is thrilled to partner with such

an iconic brand as Australia Post on a journey towards carbon neutral freight transportation in Australia,” he said.

Is it inevitable for other fleets to follow suit when it comes to the acquisition of diesel-alternative-powered trucks? For Mining Resources, a prominent mining company, it took delivery of a SEA 300-85 from global e-mobility technology company, SEA Electric, last October. This was celebrated by the manufacturer as a win, the first Australian produced all-electric truck to leave its production line. The vehicle currently travels along the Western Australia road network.

Constructed from a Semi Knocked Down (SKD) kit at SEA Electric’s Melbourne facility, the truck was finished with the latest SEA Electric badging and branding, complete with its own compliance plate and full factory warranty.

Rated to 8.5-tonnes, the SEA 300-85 is specified with a 138kWh battery driving a 1,500Nm motor, which lends itself to a variety of final applications, including dry freight, temperature-controlled freight, as an elevated working platform or a tipper for municipal use in a range of trims.

Unladen, the combination has a potential range of up to 300km.

For Mineral Resources, the addition of an all-electric truck to its vehicle fleet is a strong demonstration of the company’s commitment to net-zero emissions. The company’s Chief Executive of Mining Services, Mike Grey, said the firm is committed to a low-carbon future and is working to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

“Our mission is to grow our mining services and operations responsibly and across our business,” he said. “We are finding ways to reduce our carbon emissions through improving fuel efficiency and optimising our logistics – transport offers us a great opportunity in this regard.”

The rollout of electric vehicles will be challenged by access to charging points and related infrastructure.

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Alternative fuel technologies are changing the road transport game worldwide.

Since 2017, SEA Electric has been performing driveline swaps on existing internal combustion engine powered trucks, which has perfected the technology, including the patented SEA-Drive Power System.

The move to construct from new on a production line by SEA Electric sees the process become much more efficient, with the trucks prepared quicker, cheaper and with less waste.

It is also noteworthy that SEA Electric is currently replicating the production techniques developed locally in Australia for other markets worldwide.

The SEA 300-85 is just one example of the first full range of pure-electric trucks available globally, with options covering from 4.5-tonne car licence through to 22.5-tonne three-axle rigids.

Developments overseas may in time take root in our domestic market.

Hydrogen and electric commercial vehicle maker, Giga Carbon Neutrality (GCN), is set to launch a comprehensive range of vehicles that it plans to bring to market over the next two years. GCN will launch 21 different battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell powered vehicles by the end of 2023, the Chinese company said in a statement.

The portfolio is configurable to a wide range of commercial use cases and includes a tractor unit, buses and last mile logistics vehicles.

At present, the company’s first prototype hydrogen-fuelled tractor unit is undergoing advanced road and usability trials in China.

GCN designs its vehicles at a state-of-the-art research and development centre located in Hangzhou, China.nIts international headquarters are located in London.

It is understood GCN has developed its own proprietary hydrogen fuel-cell

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technology and will initially source batteries from leading manufacturers.

The GCN vehicles are manufactured using lightweight stainless steel and composite materials to improve safety and deliver reductions in weight and energy consumption of at least ten per cent.

The bodies of GCN vehicles are designed to last for 20 years, significantly longer than vehicles from other providers on the market the manufacturer claimed.

GCN is working with public and private sector partners to provide clean energy storage, charging and refuelling infrastructure, as well as specialist financing to support the adoption of what it refers to as its zeroemission commercial vehicles globally.

“We are thrilled to give the world its first look at the future of zero-emission commercial transportation,” said Giga Carbon Neutrality CEO, Marty Wade.

“GCN is enabling a carbon-neutral future for some of the world’s most energy-intensive industries, with clean energy vehicles, new technologies and a fuelling ecosystem to make

SPECIAL REPORT

running clean, reliable vehicle fleets easy for commercial transportation companies.”

The company’s initial range includes a 44-tonne rated hydrogen fuel-cell truck with a top speed of 90 kph and 580 km range before refuelling; a 12-metre transit bus for urban public transport capable of carrying up to 95 passengers; the 6.9 metre GCN Pure Electric Minibus with an ultra-long wheelbase and flat floor structure to provide capacity for up to 13 passengers; and an 8-tonne battery-electric truck to support last mile logistics in urban and rural areas currently known as the GCN Electric Logistics Vehicle.

Partners of GCN include Silk Road Group, Chasun, China Union Pay, UMS Express and State-owned automobile company Chery.

Australia’s trucking industry is proving to be as dynamic as ever with a variety of new vehicles set to enter the market in the near future. Following the uptake of battery electric vehicles across a range of sectors it makes sense that workshops across the country will be exploring opportunities to upskill personnel and maintain pace with electrification trends.

Last year, TAFE Queensland opened a Heavy Plant Centre of Excellence to provide industry relevant electronic and battery operated vehicles and machinery training in response to these emerging technologies.

TAFE Queensland Heavy Vehicle Industries Business Manager, Geoff Tillett, said the training provider is pioneering to deliver the training that industry needs to service and repair hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles and machinery entering Australia at an increasing volume.

“As a result of this increase comes the risk of having unskilled and unqualified people within this industry working on high voltage and high amperage battery electric vehicles,” said Tillett.

“The skills and knowledge learnt at our new Heavy Plant Centre of Excellence will be essential to complete work on electronic and battery-operated vehicles and machinery to the highest safety and service standards.

“TAFE Queensland aims to ensure industry is safe when it comes to working on new electronic and battery-operated vehicles and

 “TAFE QUEENSLAND AIMS TO ENSURE INDUSTRY IS SAFE WHEN IT COMES TO WORKING ON NEW ELECTRONIC AND BAT TERYOPER ATED VEHICLES AND MACHINERY AND TO ENSURE OUR EMPLOYERS AND APPRENTICES HAVE BOTH THE CURRENT AND CONTEXTUALISED TR AINING THEY REQUIRE.” Geoff Tillett TAFE Queensland, Heavy Vehicle Industries Business Manager

machinery and to ensure our employers and apprentices have both the current and contextualised training they require.”

Tillett said TAFE Queensland has been providing industry standard training across the hybrid electronic light vehicles sector for over a decade.

“The new training facility will enable training to now extend further to support heavy commercial vehicles, mobile plant technology, civil construction, mining, transport and logistics sectors,” he said. “The centre will also offer specialised training on electronic propulsion and integrated hydraulic systems in mobile plant and road transport as well as the high-end diagnostic capabilities that are going be required well into the future.”

As TAFE Queensland expands its capabilities to support the electronic and battery-operated vehicles and machinery sector, partnerships have already been formed with key industry organisations to ensure all training remains consistent and up to date as new technologies continue to evolve.

One of these partners, global aftermarket parts and automotive supplies provider, DANA Australia will work with TAFE Queensland to supply ongoing resources, training and support. The company has already made plans to provide two sets of Dana TM4 SUMO motors and CO150 inverters, which are used on the Sandvik Artisan A18 battery-electric loader.

Dana Australia Managing Director, Nick Stavrakis, said the company is pleased to have the opportunity to partner with TAFE Queensland to customise training to meet the unique needs of these important future career paths.

“Dana offers a full suite of electrified technologies for off-highway equipment and we understand that the technicians of the future will require training to ensure they can safely manage the maintenance activities for these vehicles,” he said.

A featured course delivered from the new facility is the Safely Depower and Reinitialise Hybrid Vehicle Skill Set (SSAUR001). The course is designed to provide updated electronic and battery electric vehicles skills relevant across the light automotive, heavy commercial vehicles, mobile plant technology, civil construction, mining and transport and logistics industries.

The skill set provides existing workers key skills including the main components of hybrid battery electrics vehicles, how to safely isolate high voltage (HV) rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS), and how to reinitialise energy storage systems and safely reinitialise a hybrid electric vehicle. www.globaltrailermag.com

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WORLD EVENTS

TRANSPORT LOGISTIC CHINA 2022 15-17 JUNE 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.

ELMIA LASTBIL 2022 24-27 AUGUST

Jönköping, Sweden The national and international venue for the haulage and transport industry at Elmia, Jönköping. www.elmia.se/en/lastbil

www.transportlogistic-china.com

MEGATRANS2022 24-26 AUGUST

Melbourne, Australia MEGATRANS returns in 2022 as an important industry event, facilitating cross-industry collaboration in a multidimensional and integrated conference and exhibition for the freight and logistics industry. The event will showcase the latest in artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, automated racking, telematics and route optimisation, warehouse automation, intelligent fleet systems, blockchain, Internet of Things, big data and advanced analytics. www.megatrans.com.au

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IAA COMMERCIAL VEHICLES SHOW 2022

22-25 SEPTEMBER Hannover, Germany One of the world’s leading trade fairs for mobility, transportation and logistics. www.iaa.de

KEEP A LOOK OUT InnoTrans 2022 20-23 September Berlin, Germany www.innotrans.com

INTERNATIONAL CROSSBORDER ECOMMERCE SUPPLY CHAIN FAIR 2022

22-24 SEPTEMBER

Shenzhen, China The first exhibition began in 2015 and focused on crossborder e-commerce, covering mainstream cross-border e-commerce platforms and upstream and downstream service providers.

Fenatran 7-11 November Brazil www.fenatran.com.br Transport Scandinavia 2023 20-22 April Herning, Denmark www.transport-messen.dk

www.ciefair.com

BAUMA 2022

24-30 OCTOBER Munich, Germany The Bauma trade fair is dedicated to innovations in the construction, mining and agriculture industries. www.bauma.de

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M E GATR E N D S

CRYPTO CONTINUES TO EVOLVE SHIPMENT TRACKING IS ABOUT TO GET STRANGER WITH NON-FUNGIBLE TOKENS OR NFTS ENTERING THE MARKET.

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lockchain technology has given rise to unique digital assets and in some cases people are paying millions of dollars to be the official owner of one. Last year an artist scored $70 million USD for the sale of a digital work of art which does not exist in a physical format.

‘Everydays – The First 5000 Days’ by American artist, Mike Winkelmann, is a collage of 5,000 individual images which were made one-per-day over a period of 13 years.

This Non-Fungible Token (NFT) can be authenticated for its originality and ownership via blockchain. NFTs are not limited to art and can represent anything from music rights to shareholder votes or even luxury items.

A major advantage of using blockchain in logistics is reliable authentication.

So, if manufacturers start registering tangible goods with their own NFT in theory this could help prevent counterfeit activity or at least reliably demonstrate crucial details about the history of that product. Imagine using a NFT for semitrailer warranty purposes. What if the trailer builder detailed everything about the trailer build from the initial design through to the production process down to every component fitted. That’s a lot of information documented in a single NFT – a digital asset reinforced by the power of blockchain.

Rather than dig around for receipts and paperwork, everything you need for your trailer warranty could be saved for future reference in a NFT. Better yet, if a fleet decides to sell the trailer, the product’s authenticity is on record and can be verified no matter how often it passes hands. Most importantly, anything coded in blockchain is considered to be immutable as it cannot be corrupted or edited. Every transaction is logged and accounted for, which again in the context of a trailer purchase, is tidy, efficiency and reliable.

The humble NFT can also solve the problem of oversharing information. There Going paperless means so much more in 2022.

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might be details about the trailer that the owner might not want readily available for public consumption such as sensitive financial information. There should be scope for flagging aspects of the NFT to predetermine what information can be readily obtained by default. There’s bigger questions here including how NFTs communicate to IT systems, other databases and so on.

What if you sell the trailer but want to track the journey from point A to B? Again, an NFT has capability to store that information but it obviously can’t do it on its own.

Probably the biggest adopter of NFTs for supply chain application would be pharmaceutical companies. It makes sense for such a regulated industry and of course if you are tracking temperature-sensitive goods having a record of measurements from the manufacturer to the final destination (especially if it is a Covid-19 vaccine) would be invaluable.

So, would you spend millions on a NFT? www.globaltrailermag.com

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COVER STORY

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

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MIND

A KEY TALKING POINT OF THE 2014 IAA COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW, THE BRUISED RUSSIAN ECONOMY HAS FAILED TO TURN ITSELF AROUND IN TIME FOR THE NEXT EDITION OF THE ICONIC EVENT. WILL IT STILL CONTINUE TO OWN THE CONVERSATION, THOUGH? [ Story by Sebastian Grote ]

M

uddling through the longest recession since the turn of the century, Russia has racked up a sizeable budget deficit and is on track for yet another year of negative growth. Meanwhile, the prospect of fiscal relief is growing distant, with oil in a bear market after closing below $40 a barrel in August – theoretically making for a highly dramatic narrative in the lead-up to the largest transport industry gathering on the planet.

But if you ask Denis Krivtsov, head of Russian OEM, Tonar, the country’s fragile economic state doesn’t necessarily mean it will become as prominent a topic as it was in 2014, when the Ukraine conflict and the annexation of Crimea were still fresh in mind and the European Union (EU) put an abrupt hold on west-east trade.

According to Krivtsov, much of the western trailer community has since found

new growth potential in the heart of Europe and the still-sprawling east of the continent, leaving Russian businesses alone in dealing with what could be the most severe market slowdown in a decade or two. As a result, he says it is now up to the domestic transport equipment community to consolidate ahead of the parliamentary election in mid-September, which is hoped to give the battered economy a much-needed boost.

“The Russian economy hasn’t really improved much since the last instalment of IAA. In fact, many local businesses have since folded as they simply refused to learn from the last crisis,” he explains – pointing to the EU’s recent decision to prolong economic sanctions against Russia until 31 January 2017.

In August 2016, the Financial Times publically wondered whether Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos was intending to drive everyone else in US retail crazy. The reason: Bezos is on a mission to re-define the classic concept of retail logistics. Instead of outsourcing the whole process, he set up a complex in-house transport network that has been aggressively expanding its reach, capabilities and capacity in the logistics and distribution arena over the past year or so. As part of the process, the Seattlebased company is now operating thousands of trailers emblazoned with Amazon’s logos acrosss North America. In Europe, Amazon is expanding rapidly as well, potentially making it a key talking point of the next IAA.

PEOPLE TO WATCH

THE

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”.

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As such, he says fostering personal relationships in real life, for example in the context of a trade show, will ultimately help businesses become more profitable.

In line with Pink’s assumption, Global Trailer has selected ten prominent individuals that have the potential to put their mark on the 2016 edition of the largest global transport industry gathering – either by attending it or as the subject of intense discussion. www.globaltrailermag.com

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.

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