smarttrucking January-March 2012
RISE OF THE
Powered by BharatBenz
Efficient Fleet Management Super Highways: Almost There www.bharatbenz.com
January-March 2012
Powered by BharatBenz
BharatBenz (Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd)
Message
Editorial Board Brand Communications - BharatBenz Maxposure Media Group India Pvt. Ltd. M-108, Punj House, IInd Floor, Above Bank of Baroda, Connaught Place, New Delhi-110001 Tel: +91-11-47411100 Publisher & COO Vikas Johari CEO & Managing Director Prakash Johari CFO Kuldip Singh Information info@maxposure.in
Dear Smart Trucker Smart Trucking is the quarterly magazine of BharatBenz, a new truck brand from Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd (DICV). Smart Trucking magazine is printed and published by Vikas Johari on behalf of MaXposure Media Group India Pvt. Ltd. (MMGIPL) for BharatBenz and published at MMGIPL, M-108, Punj House, IInd Floor, Above Bank of Baroda, Connaught Place, New Delhi-110001, India. All rights reserved. The writing, artwork and/or photography contained herein may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of MMGIPL and DICV .The views and opinions expressed or implied in Smart Trucking are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of BharatBenz (DICV) or MMGIPL. All efforts to be accurate have been made while compiling the content of this magazine, but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising there from. FOR ENQUIRIES | MMGIPL Tel: +91-11-47411100 Fax: +91-11-23730511 www.maxposure.in
It is with great pleasure and honour that we bring to you the first edition of Smart Trucking. Just as the launch of our brand BharatBenz signifies our commitment to India, this magazine celebrates the beginning of our association with you. Apart from bringing you interesting news from the world of commercial vehicles, we intend to provide you with insightful developments and reports that will be useful to your business. In this issue, read about how modern trucking is taking over the highways due to growing demands from the core industrial sectors like construction, mining, steel, cement, etc. Check out if the Great Indian Highway Network is keeping up and what we can expect in the days to come. And, see how the latest processes and technologies can help you manage your fleet more efficiently. Also, know more about our brand BharatBenz and its philosophy. Find out about the kind of gruelling tests that trucks undergo before they are deemed fit to become part of your fleet. Finally, go back in time to 1896 and learn about the first truck ever built.
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. Unit 301 & 302, 3rd Floor, Campus 3B, RMZ Millennia Business Park, No 143, Dr. M.G. R. Road, Perungudi, Chennai-600096, India
Hope you enjoy reading this issue! Team BharatBenz
JAN-MAR 2012 | SMART T RU CK I NG | 1
Contents
4
18 2 | S M ART T RU C KI NG | Jan-Mar 2012
22
of the Modern 4 Rise Truck
A new breed of modern commercial vehicles is all set to hit the highways
Highways: 10 Super Almost There
Taking a look at the development of Indian highways and what we can expect in the future
Fleet 14 Efficient Management
How these latest processes and technologies can help in smart fleet management
10
18 BharatBenz: Committed to Power You Ahead
If you’re driven to lead, BharatBenz is the brand for you
22
Survival of the FitTEST
14
Trucks have to undergo major endurance tests before they are stamped OK to step out into the real world
28 Tale of the First Truck Taking you back in time to 1896 — when the first truck was made
28 JAN-MAR 2012 | SMART T RU CK I NG | 3
Rise of the
INSIGHT
Modern Truck
4 | S M A RT T R U C KI NG | JA N - MA R 20 1 2
The reign of boxy, bulky, smoke-spewing trucks is coming to an end. A new breed of modern commercial vehicles that are efficient, high on performance, safe and comfortable is all set to rule Indian roads words Hari Govind Nair
W
e're living in exciting times full of promise and progress. India, the second largest growing economy in the world, is driving on — steady and determined — on the road to development. According to various reports and projections, it is all set to overtake the Chinese dragon in just a few years to become the No. 1 growing economy in the world. This phenomenal growth is being fuelled by rapid advancement in core industrial sectors such as cement, steel, infrastructure, consumer goods, mining and petroleum. To sustain and support this growth, it is essential for the road network and transport system to keep pace. Even though cutting edge technology is resulting in high productivity in these sectors, an efficient logistics system is vital for it to translate into high profitability. Which is why super highways and super-efficient commercial vehicles are the need of the hour.
www.imagebazaar.com
For instance, today, a cement manufacturer who aims to increase his output, needs his logistics and distribution network to handle the increased output. Companies which used to take a week to deliver cargo to remote locations now need to do the same in as little as two days. Steel manufacturers, wanting to increase their profits, are looking to their logistic partners to manage their fleet in an organised, efficient manner to bring down transportation costs.
How it affects the Transport Industry This economic progress is demanding a high level of efficiency and faster turnaround time from the logistic solution providers, at the same JAN-MAR 2012 | SMART T RU CK I NG | 5
>>
INSIGHT
Where a driver in a traditional truck was covering 450 km in a day, in its modern avatar, he can cover upto 20-25 per cent more
6 | S M A RT T R U C KI NG | JA N - MA R 20 1 2
What Fleet Owners Say
www.imagebazaar.com
Ramandeep Singh, Okara Roadways
time also giving a much-needed impetus to our highways. Today most of our highways are in top-notch condition. The government has already announced the completion of the Golden Quadrilateral — the mammoth highway network which connects the four major metro cities — in January this year. Due to this development, it is now possible for transport operators to cater to the increased demands of the core sectors of our economy. These super-fast, four to six lane highways, have the capability to take on the might of a transport system which is better, faster and more efficient than the conventional one. And seeing this need, most of the Commercial Vehicle (CV) manufacturers have come out with trucks that are equipped with state-of-the-art features leading to efficient operations. These modern trucks help drivers in comfortably achieving greater distances in less time, which in turn helps fleet owners to earn more and maximise profits.
"I have a fleet of around 400 trucks from various manufacturers such as Tata, Ashok Leyland and Eicher. I am very interested in the new-age trucks as they promise to be much more productive than what we have been using. Currently our drivers do an average of 450 km in plains, and I expect that trucks with the new technology would do at least 25 per cent more than this distance. When we go to buy a truck our priority is in this order: fuel efficiency, drivability, driver comfort and then safety. We have no doubt about the technology of foreign brands, but everything hinges on the matter of efficiency. We are more than happy to invest in better technology as long as we get our returns."
Birth of the Modern Truck The current period is being considered by everyone connected to the world of CVs as a major revolution. With Indian manufacturers like Tata, Ashok Leyland and Eicher introducing improved vehicles, it's time for the goods transporters to give a new and efficient look to their old fleet. Apart from Indian manufacturers, global brands have also recognised the potential of the Indian CV industry, and now we have CVs from Navistar, MAN, Scania, Volvo and MercedesBenz. What makes this scenario further interesting is the introduction of BharatBenz — a new brand specially created for India by Daimler — which heralds the beginning of a new era in the Indian trucking industry.
Intelligent Design The first thing that strikes you about these new-age trucks is how intelligently and aerodynamically they have been designed.
Booting away the earlier boxy styles, everything in these trucks — from the headlamps to the indicator, to the fenders and grills — has been designed to gel with the modern look. This offers not only better speed and fuel-efficiency, but also gives the driver more space to live, work and store, making his driving experience comfortable and productive.
Performance is the Key With the kind of refinement one sees in modern trucks, they are able to achieve better gradeability; their increased speed assists in quicker turnaround, and to top it all, they provide better fuel-efficiency than basic trucks. For instance, on plains where a driver in a traditional truck was covering about 450 km in a day, in its modern avatar, he can cover upto 20-25 per cent more. These modern trucks are also equipped with better aggregates — powertrain, chassis and JAN-MAR 2012 | SMART T RU CK I NG | 7
>>
INSIGHT
Modern trucks are equipped with better aggregates — powertrain, chassis and suspension — which enhance the reliability and life of these vehicles
8 | S M A RT T R U C KI NG | JA N - MA R 20 1 2
Enhanced Safety Features There was a time when safety features were unheard of in trucks. The passenger cars were crammed with the latest that was available but these were over-looked in trucks. But now, due to the introduction of modern designs and technology, trucks are also getting their fair share of much-needed safety features
Anti-roll Bar Anti-roll bar ensures that the tyres are in constant touch with the road, for better road grip and stability of the vehicle, especially during cornering and lane-changing at high speeds.
Global Positioning System Keeping a track of your fleet gets a lot easier with these devices — as from a central control room you can locate your trucks to the exact metre. Some manufacturers have also added an SOS feature to the GPS system wherein the driver can call-in for assistance in the event of any mishap.
With ABS
Anti-lock Braking System Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) enables improved vehicle control and decreases stopping distance on wet and slippery surfaces, ensuring safety.
Without ABS
Crash-tested Cab Crash-tested cab ensures survival space for the cabin crew in the unfortunate event of a collision.
suspension — which enhance the reliability and life of these vehicles. These features have also improved several aspects of the truck, namely, steering, acceleration, braking, etc.
Comfort and Safety Features With the advent of modern trucks which adhere to international levels of comfort and safety, the job of a truck driver is no longer considered uncomfortable and dangerous. For him, his vehicle is his home — for as many days as he is on the road. These modern trucks have seats that can be adjusted to suit several sitting positions. The bunk beds are cushier, bigger and can be folded away when not in use. There are interestingly thought of cubbyholes to keep everything from petrol bills to driving documents to personal driving kits, and the entire cabin also gets an efficient lighting system. Designed to enhance the driving experience, the cabin ergonomics ensure ease in operation and
comfort even after long and continuous hours on the road. The instrument cluster gives out information which keeps track of data like trip mileage, maintenance warnings, tyre pressure indicators, etc. Apart from having factory-fitted seatbelts with pre-tensioners, the modern-day trucks come with a host of technologically advanced safety features. Many trucks these days offer sideimpact protection, stability control, Anti-lock Braking System and reinforced and crash-tested cabin designs to minimise impact on collision. These enhanced features not only boost the driver’s confidence, but also give him and the truck owner peace of mind. With these changes in the industry, it is now imperative for the progressive fleet operator to think about his future business model and operating strategy: Should he stick with conventional, basic trucks or decide to upgrade to these modern trucks and become a smart trucker? yz JAN-MAR 2012 | SMART T RU CK I NG | 9
INSIGHT
Super Highways
1 0 | S M A RT T R U C KI NG | JA N - MA R 20 1 2
Almost There A highly efficient road network is the backbone of a growing economy like ours. We take a look at the current state of Indian highways and what we can expect in the future source Basic Road Statistics of India, a report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
T
he development of the highway network is vital to the growth of the Indian economy. Which is why, clearly, it is high on the government's agenda — as reflected in the Union Budget 2012-13. The allocation for National Highways is up by 14 per cent and a target of 8800 km of tarmac to be laid out, has been set. Apart from this, earlier this year, in January, with the government announcing the completion of the Golden Quadrilateral — the highway network which connects the four major metropolitan cities — we can say that the era of super highways in India is almost there.
www.imagebazaar.com
Current Scenario According to a report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the total road length in India, which was 3.99 lakh km in 1951, has increased to 41.10 lakh km by 2008. Of this, surfaced road accounts to about 20.36 lakh km, which has increased from 1.57 lakh km during the same time frame. The total road network in the country grew from 36.21 lakh km in March 2004 to 41.10 lakh km in March 2008, reflecting an increase of 4.89 lakh km — yielding a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.2% over this period. The total surfaced road length grew from 3,97,948 km (accounting for 43.5% of the total road length) in 1971 to 20,36,063 km (accounting for 49.5% of the total road length) in 2008, reflecting a more than five-fold increase in surfaced road length. Category-wise classification of road length showed that JAN-MAR 2012 | SMART T RU CK I NG | 1 1
Various Phases for NHDP Phase I Approved in December 2000, under this phase these activities were to be completed: a) The four-laning of National Highways comprising Golden Quadrilateral linking major metros, viz. Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata having an aggregate length of 5846 km was to be completed; b) NorthSouth and East-West corridors covering 981 km; c) Port connectivity by upgrading 356 km of NHs linking major ports in the country; d) Upgradation of 315 km of other National Highways. The total length of NHs for upgradation under Phase I was placed at 7498 km. And according to the latest government reports, the construction of the Golden Quadrilateral was completed in January this year.
Phase II This phase was approved in December 2003. The main thrust of this phase involved upgradation (four-laning) of: a) North-South (Srinagar to Kanyakumari) and East-West (Silchar to Porbandar) corridors covering a distance of 6161 km; b) Upgradation of 486 km stretch of other National Highways. The total length coverage for upgradation under Phase II involved 6647 km out of which 4465 km has been completed by 31st March 2010.
Phase III
INSIGHT
It involves four-laning of 12,109 km of high-density stretches of NHs connecting
1 2 | S M A RT T R U C KI NG | JA N - MA R 20 1 2
State capitals, important tourist places and places of economic importance through Public Private Partnership basis. Out of this, implementation of 4815 km on Build Operate Transfer (BOT) was approved under NHDP Phase IIIA. NHDP Phase IIIB involving implementation of the balance 7294 km was approved in April 2007. Till 31st March 2010, 1581 km of road length had been completed.
Phase IV This phase involved improvement of 20,000 km of NHs to two lanes with paved shoulders.
Phase V Six laning of 6,500 km of existing 4 lane highways in October 2006 on Design Build Finance and Operation (DBFO) basis. This included 5,700 km of Golden Quadrilateral and 800 km of other selected stretches.
Phase VI Approved in November 2006, envisaged development of 1000 km of access controlled four/six lane divided carriageway expressways on DBFO basis.
Phase VII This phase was approved in December 2007 for construction of stand alone ring roads, by-passes (including improvements of NH links in city), Grade Separated Intersections, flyovers, elevated highways, Road Over Bridges (ROBs), underpasses and service roads on BOT Toll basis.
>>
The length of National Highways in 2008 was 66,754 km, an increase of over 180 per cent from 1971
www.imagebazaar.com
during this period, the length of National Highways (NHs) increased from 23,838 km to 66,754 km – an increase of over 180% or CAGR of 2.8%. During the same period, the length of State Highways (SHs) increased from 56,765 km to 1,54,522 km (an increase of over 172% or CAGR of 2.7%) and the length of other PWD roads increased from 2,76,833 km in 1971 to 8,63,241 km in 2008 (an increase of about 212% or CAGR of 3.1%). Various categories of urban roads together expanded in length from 72,120 km to 3,04,327 km reflecting an increase of over 322% or CAGR of 3.97%. The highest growth over these 37 years took place in respect of rural roads which increased from 3,54,530 km to 24,50,559 km, registering an increase of nearly 591% and a CAGR of 5.4%. The lowest growth, however,
took place in the length of project roads which increased from 1,30,893 km in March 1971 to 2,70,189 km by March 2008, resulting in a growth of 106% and a CAGR of 1.98% only.
What it means for you With many projects underway, it won’t be long before the entire road network of India will be at par with international standards. This expansion and modernisation of the highway network is fuelling a revolution in the transportation industry where basic trucks are giving way to new-age commercial vehicles. With better engines and aerodynamically designed bodies, these will be able to cover greater distances, thereby generating more revenue for fleet owners. While CV manufacturers are all set with their advanced vehicles, the question is: Is your fleet ready for this grand transformation? yz JAN-MAR 2012 | SMART T RU CK I NG | 1 3
Efficient Fleet
MANAGEMENT Managing your fleet intelligently is as important as managing your family. We take you through some smart processes and technologies that will go a long way in increasing your profits
SMART MOVES
words Sandip Sen
1 4 | S M A RT T R U C KI NG | JA N - MA R 20 1 2
A
fleet of trucks, along with their drivers, is like a big Indian joint family. There are bound to be problems and issues which keep on cropping up, and you as the head of the family, have to constantly step in and take care of them. If you introduce effective fleet management techniques, then these problems can not only be reduced but also eventually be eliminated. In today’s time,
with so much advancement in technology, there are many smart fleet management solutions which can be customised according to the size of your fleet. Be it five trucks or five hundred, there are methods to efficiently streamline your fleet. The first step that one should take towards fleet management is to set up a tracking and monitoring system. And the best way to do so is by installing remote-tracking devices in your JAN-MAR 2012 | SMART T RU CK I NG | 1 5
>>
The remote tracking devices help in reducing unscheduled side trips by the driver, while on-board sensors aid in detecting offloading of cargo
SMART MOVES
Benefits of Fleet Management Feature
Benefit
Business Value
Speeding alerts
Speed reduction
Savings on fuel costs
Idle-time thresholds and alerts
Idle-time reduction
Savings on fuel and maintenance costs
Unauthorised use detection
Improved productivity and lesser vehicle misuse
Reduced risk and savings on fuel
Efficient loading and dispatch
Increased fleet utilisation
Increased profits
Two-way satellite communication
Quick response and direction
Client satisfaction and time saving
1 6 | S M A RT T R U C KI NG | JA N - MA R 20 1 2
trucks. Nowadays, apart from just tracking their real-time locations, these devices are also equipped to collect and record data related to the speed of the truck that is travelling, the number of hours it took to reach from point A to point B, etc. By using this solution, as a fleet owner, you can track every driver — which in turn fosters a greater sense of accountability. By keeping an eye on the vehicles remotely, you can not only know their location but also the status of their readiness to undertake new jobs. These remote-tracking devices help in reducing unscheduled side trips by the driver,
while on-board sensors facilitate the detecting of cargo and fuel offloading, or any other improper activity. When these devices are used with fleet management software, it helps you in maintaining centralised fuel logs that calculate expenditure on fuel, lubricant, coolants and spare parts like tyres, air filters, oil filters, etc. Apart from cost per kilometre, they also calculate the cost per quarter and cost per year for each and every truck. This helps you in understanding which drivers are efficient and which need to be trained further. These tracking devices and softwares will help you, as a fleet owner, in ensuring better driver accountability, route mapping, drive-time, fuel consumption, inventory control and distribution, and finally, risk management. The main problem a fleet owner faces while taking lucrative contracts in remote areas for mining or construction is the maintenance and accountability of expenses of his fleet. Most of these kinds of projects like dam construction are located in areas which have no cellphone connectivity. By using these kinds of devices, you can ensure uninterrupted communication with your driver through satellites, and if any emergency arises, he can easily contact you. These devices also help in saving costs as unauthorized overtime billing and misuse of working time can be detected and eliminated by comparing location and work status. Bloated overtime bills is a major expense that fleet owners have to meet these days and that can be substantially reduced by the use of these softwares and tracking devices. An important use of these systems is to conserve fuel and increase the efficiency of your trucks. Most of these devices are equipped with alert features which give overspeeding, idle-time threshold and unauthorised use alerts. So instead of bringing up these issues when the driver returns, you can correct their actions on the spot, thereby minimising unwanted expenses. As a smart fleet owner who wishes to cut down costs and maximise profits, adopting these technologically advanced fleet management solutions can not only help in keeping a better check on your fleet but also on your drivers. yz JAN-MAR 2012 | SMART T RU CK I NG | 1 7
BharatBenz
Committed to Power You Ahead
Brand Power
Your trucks carry more than just cargo. They carry your dreams. If you’re driven to lead, BharatBenz is here to power you ahead
1 8 | S MART T R UC KI NG | Jan-Mar 2012
I
nnovation, Understanding, Excellence, Commitment — at BharatBenz, these are not just some words used to lend gravitas, but our way of life. For over a century, Daimler, our parent brand, has constantly stepped up and led the way towards development of Commercial Vehicles. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG & Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said while unveiling BharatBenz, “We are sending a clear message with our new truck brand: Daimler is at home in India. Our BharatBenz trucks are the right combination of Daimler’s DNA and India’s market know-how. These trucks will be developed and built in India, for India, and by specialist employees from India”. To get a better understanding of what BharatBenz signifies, read on...
Power of Innovation At BharatBenz, we believe in delivering nothing but the very best. This brand is the result of an ongoing process of innovations accomplished over a period of 115 years. Well over a century ago, when horse-drawn modes of transport were the only known ways of mobility, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz came up with a revolutionary idea of motorized movement. By combining an engine with a cab-over-chassis structure, they invented the first truck. At Daimler, excellence is the driving force behind our history of innovations that continues into the 21st century. Our designers and engineers have ensured that we have been at the forefront of the trucking industry. Numerous JAN-MAR 2012 | SMART T RU CK I NG | 1 9
>>
With BharatBenz, we have reinvented the concept of a truck according to the needs of the Indian environment patents in automotive performance, safety and eco-friendly innovations — some of which are milestones in the history of the truck — are eloquent testimonies to our commitment to redefining mobility for the world.
Power of Understanding
BRAND POWER
Before launching our vehicles in the Indian market, we have put them through rigorous rounds of tests through various terrains in India. From six-lane superhighways, to treacherous Himalayan routes, to negotiating hairpin bends and the deepest mines — our vehicles have seen it all. Having faced the varying logistical and geographical complexities of India, we know what it takes to build a formidable truck that can withstand anything. It’s these unique Indian conditions and the expectations of the Indian customer that inspired Daimler to create BharatBenz — a new brand for India. And now, as we 2 0 | S M A RT T R U C KI NG | JA N - MA R 20 1 2
have deep-dived into the Indian environment, we understand the nuances of the trucking industry in India, their current needs and the ones that will emerge tomorrow.
Power of Excellence With BharatBenz, we have reinvented the concept of a truck according to the needs of the Indian environment. Our trucks have been engineered to not only meet your expectations but also exceed them. We put them through the stiffest of challenges and the toughest of tests, to ensure that you get the most reliable and resilient of vehicles. Whatever you could have wished for in a truck — and even some things you didn’t know you wanted — have gone into the making of BharatBenz, a truck unlike any other. With our range of light and heavy-duty trucks, ranging from 6-49 tonnes, catering to a wide
variety of applications, Indian truckers will benefit from these world-class vehicles that offer superior value for money. Our heavy duty trucks, built on the globally proven MercedesBenz Axor platform, have been customised to excel in Indian conditions. Our light duty trucks, based on the Fuso Canter platform, have been engineered to perform for the demanding Indian customer. Our vehicles' superior pulling power and gradeability will make each trip back from a deep mine faster and easier. Their unmatched fuel-efficiency will make your trips more profitable. You will no longer need to worry about working in remote locations as they require low maintenance and have longer service intervals, which will also result in increased vehicle uptime. They can be operated at higher speeds with faster turnaround times. No more crawling up the
ghats at a snail’s pace. You can earn more by completing more trips than ever before. It has been designed for your driver’s comfort. And with a host of safety features to protect the driver, it provides a stress-free and more productive driving experience.
Power of Commitment For Daimler, the creation of BharatBenz brand is an indication of our commitment towards India. Our manufacturing and testing facility at Chennai has been built over a period of five years and we have already invested about `4400 crores in the Indian market. Instead of simply importing our global products, we chose to study the Indian market in-depth and came up with solutions that will work for this country. And now, once we launch our products, you will find our dealer and service network throughout
the country. With a service team that is committed to make sure that your vehicle never has to leave the roads, we will provide you with never-seen-before support solutions. Finally, with the backing of the BharatBenz Financial service, all that you now need to do is pick a vehicle that suits your need and drive down the road to success. Our class-leading vehicles will enable you to generate higher revenues while also putting you on the path to business expansion by allowing you to single-mindedly focus on new businesses. They will significantly enhance your ability to offer better service, boost your confidence and strengthen your customers’ confidence in you. If you wish to drive out to embrace your future and realise your aspirations, BharatBenz is the brand to power you ahead. yz JAN-MAR 2012 | SMART T RU CK I NG | 2 1
BRAND POWER
BharatBenz Test Track Fact File Overall track length
5.93 km
Outer track length (high speed track)
1.55 km
Inner track length (rough road)
1.16 km
2 2 | S M A RT T R U C KI NG | JA N - MA R 20 1 2
Survival of the
FitTEST
The term 'testing' gets a whole new meaning at Daimler India Commercial Vehicles. Trucks have to undergo major endurance drills before they are stamped OK to step out into the real world
T
here is a story behind each and every Daimler vehicle. A gruelling tale of stress-filled testing sessions, that if retold, can thaw the coldest of hearts. And it is only when these vehicles pass successfully through these trials by fire, that they are deemed fit to become a part of your fleet. Now that we, at BharatBenz, have launched our lineup of Commercial Vehicles, let's give you a sneak-peek into
what our vehicles undergo during these testing sessions and the age-old philosophy behind them.
The Daimler Testing Philosophy The Daimler testing philosophy is a story best told by tracing its roots to its founder Gottlieb Daimler. Daimler was a perfectionist and a stickler for inspection and high quality. In 1883, he quit his job as the Technical Director of Deutz Gasmotorenfabrik AG after JAN-MAR 2012 | SMART T RU CK I NG | 2 3
>> BRAND POWER
If a truck does the full 5.93 km circuit on our test track, it would have tackled all kinds of possible terrain one can find while travelling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari
2 4 | S M A RT T R U C KI NG | JA N - MA R 20 1 2
a major disagreement with Nikolaus August Otto over the future of the Otto engine. While Otto wanted to produce bigger engines after the initial success of the prototype, Daimler wanted further testing and research before any horsepower upgradation. In 1885, Wilhelm Maybach, who was the design head and his colleague at Otto’s manufacturing unit, also quit and joined Daimler in the DMG factory at Stuttgart — that went on to produce the first 4-stroke gas engine automobile a year later.
and other facilities. High-mast illumination through flood lights allows round-the-clock testing of trucks which are further monitored by supervisors from an elevated control tower alongside the tracks.
Design and Thought Process
The seeds of product inspection enforced personally by Gottlieb Daimler ensured that the testing of each vehicle was carried out religiously at the Daimler works. Since the early days, each truck produced was rigorously tested by carrying bricks on rough terrain for months before being invoiced. It also ensured that the brickworks industry became the early users of Daimler trucks due to their ruggedness and dependability.
Our test track was designed and created over a period of nine months and the total cost was approximately `25 crore. The entire thought process behind the development of this track was to duplicate Indian road conditions accurately for the test track so as to get optimal results for testing. We analysed various road load data — on vehicles driven across the length and breadth of the nation for a period of 3 years — to come out with a track design that would represent the full spectrum of roads across India. In fact, if a truck does the full 5.93 km on our test track, it would have tackled all kinds of possible terrain that one can find while travelling from Kashmir to Kayakumari!
The BharatBenz Test Track
High Speed Outer Track
The culture of product-testing with extensive on-road trials has been turned into a fine art today at Daimler plants. Like most other Daimler truck factories worldwide, our BharatBenz unit at Oragadam near Chennai houses a state-of-the-art test track. The sprawling 47 acres testing arena comprises 3 different segments: outer track, inner track
The high speed outer track of 1.55 km with three speed lanes permits the prototypes to attain a maximum speed of 80 kmph, where the vehicle endurance is tested with the help of tow dynamometers and other performance measuring equipment. Negative parabolic camber design permits the trucks to be driven hands-free at 60 kmph around the sweeping
Jan-Mar 2012 | SMART TR U C K ING | 2 5
>>
BRAND POWER
Having tested our trucks on this track for over 50 lakh km, we are confident that their performance will be unparalleled
2 6 | S M A RT T R U C KI NG | JA N - MA R 20 1 2
Segments of the BharatBenz Test Track • • • • • •
The super elevated test track which resembles a high speed expressway, tests the ability of the engine and gearbox to perform optimally in different speed and load conditions At the cobblestone track, trucks undergo various tests for structural durability of the suspension and cab mountings to ensure they perform reliably even on the most bumpy roads The articulation track has projections that check the strength of the suspension and the ability of the torsion frame and stabilisers to ensure stability of the vehicle The pothole track tests the robustness of the axles, cab mounting and their ability to withstand huge shocks The water trough tests the cooling patterns of the chassis, tyres and suspension and how the truck behaves in wet monsoon and flooded road conditions The inspection ramp is where dedicated engineers carry out over 70 checks for any wear & tear and anomalies to ensure that the performance of the trucks are superior
curves of the oval test track. Nearly 20 prototype vehicles ply the tracks 7 days a week for a 9-month test cycle, logging 9,000 to 10,000 km a day on which various assemblies under consideration are tested. This track is
also used for Noise Test and the Jump Test for checking the driving stability and steering checks for jump impacts.
Strategic Ingredients for the Inner Track The most critical part of the construction was laying of the 1.16 km track with 40,832 cobblestones of pre-determined sizes — each squared and leveled to the right elevation and angle to match the exact design configuration. With 3 different sizes and heights, it is designed to test the axles and suspension for severe load conditions and to check the chassis frame for torsion effects. The purpose of this highprecision exercise is to ensure optimal test loading for the axle, the cabin, the powertrain and the undercarriage to create an economical, efficient as well as a rugged vehicle.
Other Facilities Apart from these tracks, the other tests that happen at this facility include the water trough where prototypes have to tackle depths up to 1.2 m. The rough-road tests are followed by the cooling of tyres. At our inspection ramp, engineers carry out over 70 tests to check for any wear & tear and anomalies to ensure superior on-road performance. Having invested so much effort to create all the road conditions that one would find in every part of India, and having tested our trucks on this track for over 50 lakh km, we are confident that their performance will be unparalleled in the real world. And as the global market leader, we feel it is our responsibility to raise the bar of vehicle-testing to such an extent that they will never test you. yz JAN-MAR 2012 | SMART T RU CK I NG | 2 7
STOPOVER
The Pioneers of Motoring
Gottlieb Daimler
2 8 | S M A RT T R U C KI NG | JA N - MA R 20 1 2
Carl Benz
A
bout 115 years ago, on 1st October 1896, the following was entered in the production records of Daimler-MotorenGesellschaft (DMG) in Cannstatt near Stuttgart: "Motorised goods vehicle, order No. 81, vehicle no. 42, four hp two-cylinder engine, weight of the complete vehicle: 1,200 kilograms for carrying a load of 1,500 kilograms, invoiced to British Motor Syndicate Ltd. London." And that's the description of the first truck ever built.
Tale of the
FIRST TRUCK
Let's go back in time to 1896, when the first truck was built words Sandip Sen
JAN-MAR 2012 | SMART T RU CK I NG | 2 9
>>
Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach present a truck with a payload of 5 tons in Paris, 1898
Daimler supplied trucks in 4, 6, 8 and 10 hp versions, with payload capacity ratings between 1,500 and 5,000 kg and top speeds up to 12 kmph The First Truck
STOPOVER
The world's first truck looked like a horse-drawn cart without a drawbar. The driver was seated on the coach-box ahead of the front axle, out in the open air — which means the truck was a cab-over-engine unit. The engine installed in the rear was a Daimler "Phoenix" two-cylinder mill which developed 4 hp from a displacement of 1.1 litres. Power was transmitted to the rear axle 3 0 | S M A RT T R U C KI NG | JA N - MA R 2 0 1 2
by a belt system, a design resembling that of the planetary hub reduction axles introduced decades later.
Rapid Progress in Engineering Initially Daimler supplied the truck in 4, 6, 8 and 10 hp versions, with payload capacity ratings between 1,500 and 5,000 kg and top speeds of up to 12 kmph. However, Gottlieb Daimler and his collaborator
The first diesel engine with compressed-air injection for trucks, 1923
Wilhelm Maybach were not content with the rear-engine configuration. In subsequent models, the engine was installed in the frame underneath the driver's seat and the rear axle was driven by means of a chain. Power was conveyed by a gearwheel transmission, and the engine was cooled by Wilhelm Maybach's tubular radiator and started by means of low-voltage magneto ignition. In the next generation, the engine was placed under
a bonnet above the front axle — and the conventional truck was born.
Similar Inventions In those days at Mannheim, Carl Benz was pursuing much the same ideas as Daimler. Benz's three-wheeled Patent Motor Car and Daimler's motorised carriage had appeared on the scene at almost the same time, ten years earlier. Benz built the first bus in 1895.
In 1896, the two automotive pioneers again worked on similar ideas: Daimler launched his first truck while Benz presented his "combination delivery vehicle" — the first lightweight truck which today would fall into the category of vans. Benz fitted a box body on the frame of his "Velo" car. The payload of the fourwheeled vehicle including the driver amounted to 300 kg. Its single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1045 cm³ developed 2.75 hp. JAN-MAR 2012 | SMART T RU CK I NG | 3 1
STOPOVER
>>
BharatBenz, a new brand by Daimler, has launched a slew of modern trucks built for India — in India
3 2 | S M A RT T R U C KI NG | JA N - MA R 20 1 2
Mercedes-Benz truck, L 4500
A year later, the "delivery vehicle" was already capable of carrying 300 kg plus two people, thanks to its new 5 hp single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2650 cm³. About 50 years after the first truck was developed, India’s tryst with trucking started when the Benz trucks were launched in collaboration with Tata Motors. And now, over a century later, BharatBenz, a new brand by Daimler, has launched a slew of modern trucks built for India — in India. With efficient engines, highly reliable aggregates and various cutting-edge technologies built into the vehicle, BharatBenz trucks are the epitome of progress, development and a symbol of Smart Trucking. yz
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. Unit 301 & 302, 3rd Floor, Campus 3B, RMZ Millennia Business Park, No 143, Dr. M.G. R. Road, Perungudi, Chennai – 600 096, India. Ph: +91 44 4599 6000, Website: www.bharatbenz.com