TRAIL BLAZERS - IN THIS ISSUE - HOW TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIONS IN TRAILERS ARE BRINGING SAVINGS TO FLEET MANAGERS - The Truck Expert
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JANUARY|2020 IN THIS ISSUE Iveco and Nikola unveil the electric TRE A new challenger in the abrasion -resistant steel market Maintaining forklift safety TRAIL BLAZERS HOW TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIONS IN TRAILERS ARE BRINGING SAVINGS TO FLEET MANAGERS
2020 VISION
s we head into a new year, it
A
seems only right to look ahead
at what 2020 may bring.
The pace of change in
the commercial vehicle is
at arguably unprecedented levels currently,
with developments in alternative fuels and
connectivity changing the landscape for
commercial vehicles and those that operate
them. This is only going to continue as the
technology develops and matures.
EDITORIAL & DESIGN For instance, electric seems to be the way
forward for LCVs and buses. Many of the leading van manufacturers are
Immediate Network Ltd launching electric versions of popular diesel/petrol models in 2020, in response
Ferneberga House, Alexandra Rd, to increasing demand from operators.
Farnborough GU14 6DQ Certainly for urban work, it is becoming an increasingly popular choice – and it
t: 01483 546500
is now up to manufacturers to keep up with demand. With clean air zones on the
w: inl.co.uk
horizon in many UK cities, the numbers being bought is only going to go one way.
w: cvengineer.com
But there has been talk of long waiting lists for some electric vehicles, which will need
EDITOR to be addressed.
However, electric still isn’t a viable option for long-distance haulage work. Yet.
Dan Parton There are signs that this could be changing: Nikola, in partnership with Iveco,
t: 07941 979 845 recently launched the TRE, which is claimed has a range of up to 400km. See
e: dan@inl.co.uk page 8 for more on this. In the US, Telsa is claiming the Cybertruck could go up
to 500 miles.
ADVERTISING
Whether this turns out to be a viable alternative to diesel for long distance work
Tony Greville remains to be seen. There are other alternatives in the mix, such as LNG and
Business Development Director HVO while there is ongoing research into making diesel engines even more clean.
t: 01483 546500 Certainly, if electric is going to be the solution to zero emissions travel, then the
e: info@inl.co.uk charging infrastructure will need to be extensively developed – as I have written
about before in this column – by the government.
SUBSCRIPTIONS Speaking of which, with the new Conservative government elected with a large
MANAGEMENT
majority earlier in the month it seems certain that the UK will leave the EU at the
end of January. While this may give a degree of certainty to operators – something
Tony Greville
Business Development Director they have been asking for since 2016 – we still don’t know what sort of Brexit we will
t: 01483 546500 get as the trade talks will only begin in February and the threat of ‘no deal’ is still
e: info@inl.co.uk there if a deal isn’t agreed before the end of 2020.
What effect that will have on the sector remains to be seen. But before any
Annual subscription potential Brext effect is considered there is already talk of truck sales being down
(12 editions) £20 + vat (£24) in 2020 after operators pulled planned purchases forward to 2019 due to Brexit
uncertainty. However, that said, there is still some bullishness from manufacturers as
PUBLISHED BY
to next year’s prospects. But then they would say that, wouldn’t they? Time will tell…
Immediate Network Ltd
Dan Parton,
Editor
THE TRUCK EXPERT THE VAN EXPERT THE CAR EXPERT
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEER > JANUARY 2020 3
CONTENTS
6>> POINTS OF VIEW
Bandvulc’s Arthur Gregg on the importance of tyre casings; Eddie
Park takes issue with WLTP’s stance on streamlining LCV bodies.
8-9>>NEWS
Iveco and Nikola unveil the battery electric TRE truck; Scania
changes brand name for its S-series.
10>> NEWS
AIR Index reveals emissions on some best-selling LCVs are worse
than officially stated.
12-14>> NEWS
Volvo launches concept heavy duty trucks; ISS launches anti
roll-away safety device; Goodyear unveils new tyre range;
Renault Trucks upbeat about 2020 prospects.
20
4 JANUARY 2020 > COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEER
CONTENTS
15>> FLEET NEWS
Samworth Brothers take on 48
new Actros tractor units.
16>> FLEET NEWS
Bibby Distribution invests
in advanced tankers for
delivering chocolate.
17>> FLEET NEWS
Exeter takes on new RCVs
with bin weighing technology;
Nottingham completes upgrade
to fully euro VI bus fleet.
20>> HARD ENOUGH?
24
A new challenger is emerging
in the abrasion-resistant
steel market.
24>> BLAZING A TRAIL
Technology and innovations in
trailers are bringing savings to
fleet managers.
29>> STAY SAFE
There is much still to be done
to improve the safety of forklifts
and those who operate them.
32>> NEWS FROM
THE NORTH
The Truck Advocate dispenses
more sage advice; review of
the Volvo FH Lite and whether
going for payload compromises
total cost of ownership.
8
37>> PEOPLE
A graduate working in Uganda
for Transaid, chief executive of
ADL receives CBE, plus latest
appointments by JC Payne,
Volta Trucks and HELLA.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEER > JANUARY 2020 5
POINTS OF VIEW
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO LOOK AFTER
TYRE CASINGS
yres are incredibly valuable
T assets to any commercial fleet,
influencing about 40% of
all vehicle operating costs. If
treated correctly, they can be professionally
regrooved and retreaded to extend the life
of the tyre. In addition, safety is also a key
aspect as the tyre is the only part of the
vehicle in contact with the road.
The reason Bandvulc is so heavily
invested in retreading is because it is proven
to be cost-effective for operators to get
even more from their tyres. With retreads,
fleets achieve 95% mileage at 70% of the
cost of a new tyre, offering excellent value
for money and significantly reducing
running costs in a competitive fleet
market. The process also saves 80% of the
materials required to manufacture a new
tyre and therefore significantly reduces the
impact on the environment. Following this assessment, the operator
However, if operators are to make the can address any application issues,
most of these benefits, a good quality therefore boosting fleet performance,
tyre casing is crucial. This is why it’s so efficiency and safety. In certain situations,
important to take care of casings and have we might recommend that the operator
an effective tyre management policy in fits an entirely new tyre. Ultimately, by
place. Through ongoing inspection and refining driving behaviour or adapting
appraisal, tyre management also shows their tyre policy, the fleet operator is able
operators where they might need to to save significant amounts of money.
adapt driving behaviour or modify their After inspection and appraisal, the
tyre policy. information can be captured in a casing
Once a tyre casing has reached the end report, which acts as a diagnosis or health
of its initial life, it should be inspected for check for the operator’s casings. By seeing
two reasons. Firstly, to determine whether exactly how many casings and retreads
the casing can be retreaded, and therefore were accepted and rejected, as well as
offer the fleet operator significant cost the reason why they were rejected, the case, it may be necessary to introduce
savings. Secondly, to see if the operator and operator can adjust their tyre policy as additional training to improve driver
its drivers have been using the tyre correctly necessary and address any issues with behaviour across the fleet.
and making the most of its potential. driving behaviour across the fleet. The By having their tyre casings regularly
These checks show us, for example, if reasons for rejection can range from inspected and given the attention they
the tyre has been placed on the wrong axle, bead damage and shoulder wear to a deserve, commercial fleet operators are
misaligned or under- or over-inflated. In any punctured tyre and visible steel belts. It’s one step closer to unlocking the full
of these scenarios, the cause of damage can also useful to know exactly where on the potential of their fleet.
be determined from the state of the tread. It vehicle the tyres are failing. Perhaps the
is also clear whether the operator has been driver is accelerating too quickly causing Arthur Gregg,
using the correct tyre for the application. the tyres to spin and chunk: in which managing director of Bandvulc
6 JANUARY 2020 > COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEER
POINTS OF VIEW
WLTP BRINGS QUESTIONS
ON STREAMLINING FOR LCVS
M
ost readers will be aware that
streamlining of custom bodies
for light commercial vehicles has
come a long way in recent years thanks to
new designs, new materials and new ideas.
There has been a lot of innovation.
These features designed to reduce
the drag of a van can have a worthwhile
impact on fuel consumption - typically,
this might be 3-5%. Taken across a fleet,
this means not just lower costs through
reduced fuel use but improved emissions,
too. It’s a win-win situation.
However, there is a possibility that
new Worldwide Harmonised Light
Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) rules for
vans, which was introduced for all new
vans in September, could potentially
disincentivise fleets from adopting these
fuel-saving designs.
Let me explain the situation. The
fundamental problem is that the WLTP
data being used for converted and bodied
chassis only take into account the frontal
dimensions of the vehicle and do not
include any other streamlining measures
fitted by body builders of the type that are
now commonplace such as aerodynamic The issue is likely to affect Luton and vehicles. These are major positives and we
collars and bulkheads. box bodied commercial vehicles that are applaud them.
While streamlined designs produced commonly used by businesses ranging However, only including the frontal area
under these conditions would still bring from individual traders through to major of the vehicle in the WLTP data produced
benefits in terms of the real-world miles fleets, so the implications are potentially for body builders doesn’t recognise the
per gallon figures achieved by fleets, quite widespread. value of streamlining when it comes to fuel
it would not be reflected in the WLTP At Arval UK, we are very supportive consumption and emissions. We believe
figures. The concern is that the overall of WLTP in general and believe that its there is a strong argument for revisiting
picture would potentially become muddled introduction for LCVs will be a positive the subject.
through a lack of consistency. move. It provides buyers of vans, whether
In our view at Arval UK, if the measures they operate one or 1,000 units, with a Eddie Parker, Product Manager,
undertaken by body builders to improve much better guide to how their vehicle will LCVs, Arval UK
fuel consumption are not recognised in perform in actual operating conditions,
the WLTP figures, then there will be no which is something we very much welcome. Arval UK, part of the Arval Company,
widely accepted third party evidence of Also, the introduction of WLTP for provides vehicle funding, fleet
the positive effects of streamlining, which LCVs has been much smoother than management and mobility solutions.
could ultimately have an impact on levels for cars thanks to lessons learnt by Owned by BNP Paribas, with substantial
of adoption. For something that we know manufacturers at that time, especially buying power, Arval funds more than
works in the real world, this would be a loss. when it has come to the overall supply of 165,000 cars and vans in the UK.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEER > JANUARY 2020 7
NEWS
IVECO AND NIKOLA UNVEIL
BATTERY-ELECTRIC TRUCK
I
veco, FPT Industrial electric technology and new-generation to introduce disruptive features that will
and Nikola unveiled the proprietary infotainment system. change the transport industry.”
maquette of the Nikola The integration of the Nikola design The vehicle shown is a maquette of
TRE, a battery electric on the Iveco S-Way was carried out by the Nikola TRE 4×2 tractor for regional
vehicle (BEV) with a Nikola and Italdesign in its headquarters operations, with a range of up to 400km
range of up to 400km. in Moncalieri, Turin. and performance equal or better than a
The Nikola TRE is first vehicle Gerrit Marx, Iveco’s president diesel equivalent model, according to the
resulting from the joint venture commercial and specialty vehicles, said companies.
between CNH Industrial and Nikola. that the Iveco S-Way is: “the bones of the It will feature a modular battery system
It is based on the Iveco S-Way truck, Nikola TRE and marks the beginning of with a total capacity of up to 720kWh,
which was launched in July. The Nikola a new journey towards zero-emissions which can be tailored to match customers’
TRE integrates Nikola’s advanced trucking, providing the platform for us missions. The electric driveline will
8 JANUARY 2020 > COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEER
NEWS
SCANIA CHANGES
TRADE NAME FOR
ITS S-SERIES
S
wedish truck
manufacturer
Scania has renamed
its S-Series truck,
after coming to an
agreement with rival manufacturer
deliver 480kW continuous power output Daimler AG, parent company of
with 1,800Nm peak torque. Mercedes-Benz.
The Nikola TRE will also be available From now, instead of the letter S
in 2- and 3-axle rigid versions, with GVW followed by the horsepower, the
ranging from 18 to 26 tonnes for urban new trade name will be the
distribution and municipality missions. horsepower followed by an S,
In addition, the Nikola TRE will feature like 450 S or 730 S. The reversed
a new infotainment system based on naming order applies only to sleeper
Nikola’s proprietary operating system that cabs with a flat floor and will be
integrates infotainment and navigation Iveco, FPT Industrial and Nikola introduced on S-series trucks ordered
functions, as well as controls for the have adopted a modular approach in from now and does not affect any
bulk of the vehicle’s functionalities. The developing their electric offering for the other trucks.
system’s features include climate control, European market. Nikola said the fuel Alexander Vlaskamp, senior vice
mirror adjustment, suspension height cell will be the starting point for the president, head of Scania Trucks,
adjustment, 360-degree camera system, design of the electric battery, so that the explained the reason behind the
navigation, Bluetooth audio system, Nikola TRE BEV can be converted to change. “By making this adjustment,
comprehensive vehicle settings and fuel-cell technology. we fulfil an agreement we have made
admin vehicle diagnostics. The partners are taking a long-term with Daimler,” he said. “We are keen
The vehicle uses Bluetooth low energy approach, bringing both technologies on about protecting our brands and
technology to create a secure link stream now to pursue BEV and fuel cell recognise why Daimler, with their
between the vehicle and the customer’s electric vehicle (FCEV) in their offering in long-standing S-class passenger car
mobile device, creating a hands-free the next few years. history, had an issue with the S-series
media experience. This also enables a The Nikola TRE will be launched at trade name.”
smart keyless entry system to unlock as the IAA 2020 exhibition in Germany and Scania’s current way of naming
the driver approaches the vehicle. The Nikola World 2020. The plan is to deliver trucks by the cab series followed by
system can even adjust settings such as the first units to customers in 2021, while the engine power was introduced
ride height and climate temperature to the FCEV will be available to customers back in 2004 with the introduction of
driver preference. by 2023. the PGR series.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEER > JANUARY 2020 9
NEWS
MERCEDES-BENZ CITAN HAS WORST
EMISSIONS OF EURO VI LCVS
M
ercedes-Benz’s Citan but it was found to produce 902mg/km of
model has the worst NOX by the AIR Index.
emissions of the best- Meanwhile, the 2019 Volkswagen Crafter
selling LCVs in the CR35 LWB High Roof 2.0-litre was the
UK, with real-world cleanest Euro VI van tested based on
NOX emissions far real-world emissions – with 53mg/km of
higher than its official laboratory results, NOX – emitting 17 times less pollution than
according to new testing findings. the Citan, yet both vehicles conform to the
The findings, published by the AIR laboratory-based legal standards of 125mg/
Index, an international, independent and km NOX.
standardised rating system that reveals The AIR Alliance commissioned tests
accurately how much pollution a vehicle for 10 of Europe’s best-selling diesel LCVs
produces when it is used in towns and using scientifically robust, on-road vehicle Volkswagen’s 2018 Caddy C20 Highline
cities, found great variation between real testing according to the latest CWA17379 TDI 2.0-litre and Peugeot’s 2019 Partner
world emissions of Euro VI diesel vans and methodology to give each vehicle a simple Asphalt 1.6-litre both got an ‘A’ rating from
laboratory-based legal limits. The 2019 A-E colour-coded AIR Index rating, the AIR Index, as their on-road emissions
Mercedes-Benz Citan 109 Blue Dualiner showing the difference between clean and fall below the 80 mg/km laboratory-based
1.5-litre official limit is 105mg/km of NOX dirty vehicles. light van limit.
10 JANUARY 2020 > COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEERNEWS
Make Model Year AIR Index Fuel Type Official Euro Actual
Rating NOx limit* Standard Urban NOX
mg/km
Volkswagen Crafter CR35 LWB 2019 A Diesel 125 mg/km Euro VI 53
High Roof 2.0
Volkswagen Caddy C20 Highline 2018 A Diesel 105 mg/km Euro VI 70
TDI 2.0
Peugeot Partner Asphalt 1.6 2019 A Diesel 80 mg/km Euro VI 73
Volkswagen Transporter T30 2018 B Diesel 125 mg/km Euro VI 100
Highline TDI
Bluemotion 2.0
Mercedes Vito CDI 114 LWB 2.1 2017 B Diesel 125 mg/km Euro VI 147
Ford Transit Custom 300 2019 C Diesel 125 mg/km Euro VI 260
Limited 2.0
Vauxhall / Opel Vivaro CDTI 2900 1.6 2019 D Diesel 105 mg/km Euro VI 401
Citroen Relay L3H2 Enterprise 2018 D Diesel 125 mg/km Euro VI 557
BlueHDi 2.0
Mercedes Vito CDI 111 LWB 1.6 2017 D** Diesel 125 mg/km Euro VI 566
(pre-update)
Mercedes Citan 109 Dualiner 1.5 2019 E Diesel 105 mg/km Euro VI 902
In terms of urban road traffic, van Massimo Fedeli, co-founder and Index continue to hammer home the
emissions have a major impact on air operations director, AIR, said that as fact that current policy can’t do enough
quality simply because they are used far LCVs play a vital role in moving goods to prevent damage from high emitters
more than cars. The average parcel van quickly and efficiently around our cities and treat low emitters more fairly. This
travels between 20,000 and 30,000 miles a and beyond – especially with the growth is impacting air quality across in cities
year, while grocery home delivery vans can in internet shopping – “it’s crucial that across Europe and is potentially costing
cover up to 50,000 miles. Vans are also the only the cleanest vans are allowed to enter many thousands of lives. The AIR Index
fastest-growing traffic segment, accounting urban areas.” gives policy makers and fleet managers
for 70% of the growth in road-miles over He added that as with passenger cars, information they’ve never had before
the last 20 years. As internet shopping there is a “shocking” variation in actual enabling informed decisions about the
continues to grow, so do light van sales and emissions compared with the official results consequences of vehicle choice.
their use on our roads. Every day there are based on laboratory tests. “The 10 Euro VI diesel vans we tested
65,000 unique LCV journeys into London “AIR is calling on cities to supplement the represent just under half of the annual
alone and vans contribute 15% of London use of Euro VI standards for low emission sales across Europe. If just those rated D
traffic – and a higher proportion of diesel zone entry – such as London’s own ULEZ or E were prevented from entering the
vehicular traffic. – with the AIR Index database of real- centre of urban areas the AIR Index
As AIR noted at the launch of the AIR world emissions results, to identify the could bring all European cities into
Index for cars earlier this year, a number of dirtiest vans which are otherwise slipping air quality compliance.
Euro VI cars still emit significantly more through the net. By doing so, we believe the “But the ultimate responsibility
NOx on the road than in the laboratory test AIR Index could very quickly bring most to implement change lies with the
used for their type approval and there is European cities in line with air manufacturers. With simple service-led
huge overall variation between cars despite quality targets.” engine management updates, it is possible
them all complying with in-laboratory Euro Nick Molden, co-founder of AIR, added: to make vans much cleaner, dramatically
VI emissions standards. “The results of these van tests for the AIR reducing emissions immediately.”
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEER > JANUARY 2020 11NEWS
VOLVO UNVEILS HEAVY DUTY
CONCEPT TRUCKS
olvo Trucks has unveiled its Volvo is aiming these concept trucks at regional power networks can deliver
V electric concept trucks for
construction operations and
regional distribution.
the construction and regional distribution
markets. In construction, the low noise
levels and zero exhaust emissions can
sufficient transfer capacity in the long-
term. Financial incentives are necessary
to induce more hauliers to invest in
With these electric concept vehicles, improve the environment for construction electric vehicles. Transport buyers can also
Volvo Trucks will explore, demonstrate and workers. This can also have a positive effect contribute by offering longer contracts and
evaluate different solutions, and measure the on construction projects in cities, where air being more willing to pay for sustainable
level of interest in society and the market. quality is of increasing importance. transport. Many haulage operators
Volvo has recently started selling electric A reduction of the overall climate have very small margins, so every new
trucks for urban transport and the company impact of the transport sector is possible investment must be profitable.”
believes that electrification can also become by using heavy electric vehicles in regional Volvo Trucks’ plan for electric heavy-
a competitive alternative for heavier trucks. distribution, according to Volvo. Most duty trucks for construction and regional
“We see great potential for heavy-duty goods distribution by truck within the EU distribution is to start by having selected
electric trucks for regional transport and is regional. customers in Europe pilot a small
construction in the longer term,” said Roger “In Europe there is an enormous number number of future electric vehicles. More
Alm, president of Volvo Trucks. “With of trucks used for regional goods transport extensive commercialisation will follow
our concept trucks, we aim to explore and that have an average annual mileage of at a later point.
demonstrate different solutions for the 80,000km,” said Lars Mårtensson, director But Volvo is not abandoning the
future while evaluating the level of interest environment and innovation, Volvo Trucks. internal combustion engine. In parallel
in the market and in society.” “This means that increased use of electric with electrification, there will be ongoing
Alm added that for demand for vehicles for regional distribution would improvement of the efficiency of
electrified trucks to increase, the charging result in significant climate gains, provided combustion engines.
infrastructure needs to be rapidly the electricity is fossil-free. “Today’s truck engines are efficient
expanded. “While stronger financial “The speed of electrification will depend energy converters that can run on diesel or
incentives must be created for hauliers on a number of factors. On the one hand, various renewable fuels such as liquefied
who act as pioneers by choosing new an extensive expansion of the charging biogas or HVO, and the technology still
vehicles with a lower environmental and infrastructure is needed, and on the has potential for further development,”
climate footprint.” other hand it’s necessary to ensure that said Mårtensson.
12 JANUARY 2020 > COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEERNEWS
ISS LAUNCHES ROLL AWAY GOODYEAR ROLLS
AND DRIVER ID SOLUTION OUT NEW HEAVY-
DUTY TYRES
oodyear has launched its
G OMNITRAC Heavy Duty
tyre range for mixed service
trucks operating in severe conditions.
The new range has been developed
for tippers and other heavy-duty trucks
driving short distances on public
roads but predominately operating in
construction sites, mines and quarries.
The new tyres are designed to cope
S
with sharp stones, wet surfaces, muddy
afety technology specialist ISS ISS’ development partner, Amey, and roads, steep slopes and potholes, as
has launched a new safety device, other waste operators, have taken part in well as specific applications requiring
IDClear, which aims to prevent trials of the technology. high torque such as steer tyres on
vehicles from rolling away or being stolen IDClear includes a customisable, hydro-drive vehicles.
when standing idle during operations. programmable audio warning system The new OMNITRAC Heavy Duty
Certain vehicles such as refuse vehicles inside the cab to relay warning messages offers excellent traction combined
need to remain in use when stationery, to drivers as well as a secondary external with enhanced fuel efficiency and
to enable the continued operation of bin- speaker to alert vehicle operators and connectivity. Featuring DuraShield
lifting mechanisms and other equipment. the public. technology, they focus on robustness
Without safety mechanisms in place, An onboard data recorder logs more for long tread life and include
these vehicles can be stolen or roll away. than 50 different event types including technology such as an exclusive top
IDClear incorporates anti-roll away critical CANBUS data from the vehicle belt for extra resistance to casing
and driver ID solutions, with the ability for up to three years. This data can be damage and corrosion, resulting in
to lock the park brake as the driver exits received remotely by transport improved retreadability.
the cab. managers via ISS’ live CCTV, tracking Compared to their predecessors,
As a result, the vehicle is unable to and telemetry solutions. the new tyres provide enhanced
roll away and immobilised until an Gavin Thoday, CEO of ISS said: performance in the areas of stone
authorised driver has been identified. “Analysis of the trial data showed exactly holding resistance, chipping and
This can be done using RFID, a keypad how much the system was being used chunking resistance, connectivity and
or a covert actuator. and quickly confirmed the imperative durability, while rolling resistance
A safety control unit includes safety to install it to vehicles. IDClear can be and fuel efficiency are maintained or
features and monitoring systems protect fitted to multiple vehicle marques and improved in line with new developing
against external influences, internal integrates with all our other systems. legislation, according to Goodyear.
component failure and sabotage. “This means operators can adopt The Three Peak Mountain
The IDClear system has been designed one system and one common reporting Snowflake marking means an
to ensure that only authorised and platform for all their vehicle safety improved level of winter performance
identified drivers are able to manoeuvre equipment, which improves both the and compliance with increasingly
specified vehicles. safety and efficiency of their operations.” stringent winter tyre regulations.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEER > JANUARY 2020 13NEWS
UPBEAT RENAULT TRUCKS READY FOR
DEFLATED UK TRUCK MARKET IN 2020
hile the number of UK “In 2020 we expect the market to again in 2018. DAF Trucks head the rankings
W
truck registrations looks be influenced by the political agenda and, by a comfortable margin as usual, with
set to grow in 2019, given the size of the market in 2019, it is registrations up nearly 31% year-on-year,
demand is expected to fall almost certainly going to be smaller,” followed by Scania (up 55%), Volvo Trucks
again in 2020, according said Charnock in London, speaking (up 7%), and Mercedes-Benz (down 13%).
to Renault Trucks UK. a week before the general election Unofficial figures for the UK market until
The 2019 annual total of UK truck and referring to the latest registration the end of November 2019 suggest overall
registrations at 6.0 tonnes GVW and statistics, for the first 11 months of 2019 registrations are up 14% year-on-year,
above looks like reaching about 50,000, from the Society of Motor Manufacturers according to Charnock.
up 16% on the 2018 figure of 43,103. But and Traders (SMMT). “At Renault Trucks our sales are
much of this growth has been the result of “We know that some of the orders placed up 18%,” he says. “This means we are
operators bringing forward acquisitions this year were for trucks that may normally outpacing an inflated market and looking
for fear of being caught by steep price rises have been placed in 2020. That said, our to finish the year with an increase in
following the UK’s departure from the ambitions at Renault Trucks are to continue market share. We believe this growth is
European Union. to increase in volume and market share and due to the activities we have been working
As a result, demand for new trucks is we have plans in place to deliver on both.” on, focusing on the requirements of
expected to fall sharply in 2020 according SMMT statistics for the first nine customers at a sector level, an increasing
to James Charnock, commercial and months of 2019 show the UK truck confidence in our products, and excellent
services director at Renault Trucks UK. market up nearly 19% on the same period back-up from our dealer network.”
14 JANUARY 2020 > COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEERFLEET NEWS
SAMWORTH BROTHERS TAKE ON
48 NEW ACTROS TRACTOR UNITS
emperature-controlled
T
distribution specialist
Samworth Brothers has
taken delivery of 48 new
Mercedes-Benz Actros
tractor units, having been impressed with
the fuel efficiency and uptime of the 18
units it bought a year ago.
The latest additions to the Leicester-
based fleet are all from the new-
generation Actros range and arrived, like
their predecessors, via East Midlands
dealer Mertrux Truck & Van.
Most are Actros 2545 models with flat-
floored StreamSpace cabs and 12.8-litre
in-line six-cylinder engines which
produce 450hp. But 10 are Actros 2546
variants with 460hp 10.7-litre ‘straight
sixes’. They have 2.3m StreamSpace cabs,
the narrower of the two widths available,
and 320mm engine tunnels. director Paul Marrow. “The fact that
All feature MirrorCam, which replaces the 10.7-litre Actros are so much more
conventional mirrors and represents compact, and offer better low-down
a major safety advance, while also visibility, makes life easier for drivers.
offering improvements in fuel economy These trucks are interchangeable between
due to the streamlined profile of the shunting and distribution activity,
camera housings. They also include though, which means we have the
the Multimedia Cockpit and enhanced flexibility we need within the fleet.”
versions of the Active Brake Assist and Marrow added that the company has
Predictive Powertrain Control systems. good relationships with Mertrux’s fleet
The new trucks line-up alongside the 18 truck sales manager Bob Holt and his running them our first clutch of Actros
Actros 2545 StreamSpace units that have colleagues, and with Mercedes-Benz’s have proved totally reliable and haven’t
impressed since they entered service with strategic account manager Matt Lee. spent anything like as much time in the
Samworth Brothers in December 2018. “Mertrux are very supportive, while workshop as other vehicles we run. The
Samworth Brothers operates more we’ve felt from the outset that Mercedes- dealer’s response times, meanwhile,
than 120 trucks, as well as bout 230 Benz really wanted our business and irrespective of whether the query relates
semi-trailers of various configurations – had a fantastic vehicle which could to service or parts, are always very good.
it also supplements the fleet with rental meet our high expectations,” he said. “We spend a lot on fuel, so economy
vehicles. The bigger, flat-floored units are “So it’s proved.” has obviously been a huge factor in
on nationwide distribution work, much of The operator maintains its trucks our decision-making process. We’re
which entails pulling double-deck trailers. in-house but relies on Mertrux for getting a better mpg performance from
The smaller models are assigned to more technical assistance and management our first Actros than we do from other,
local duties. of parts stock. “The feedback I get from comparable vehicles, and I’m very excited
“We make a lot of collections from my vehicle maintenance and transport about the additional benefits in terms of
production facilities in and Leicestershire,” managers is really positive,” continued further reductions in diesel consumption
said Samworth Brothers operations Marrow. “In the 12 months we’ve been which the new models offer.”
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEER > JANUARY 2020 15FLEET NEWS
BIBBY DISTRIBUTION INVESTS
IN ADVANCED ISO-TANKS
multi-million pound the chocolate delivered for Mars Wrigley
A investment in 12 of the most
advanced ISO-tanks ever
used in the UK for bulk
arrives in optimal condition.
The new ISO-tanks also provide an
18% increase in payload, allowing Bibby
liquid chocolate transport has seen Bibby Distribution to reduce the number of
Distribution secure a new long-term journeys required – shrinking the supply
partnership with Mars Wrigley. chain’s carbon footprint.
The tankers, which are fitted with a Rob Sharpe, Mars Wrigley’s UK
live tracking and monitoring system, factory logistics manager, said: “We work
provide continuous updates to Bibby with partners who share our focus on
Distribution’s food and ingredients team, sustainability and Bibby Distribution’s
who can remotely monitor and adjust investment in this equipment proves
the temperature of the load and manage they’re committed to helping us reduce our The new tankers will operate from
stirring schedules as required – the first environmental impact. its Droitwich site, and plans are
time such capability has been implemented “As well as cutting food miles, Bibby already in place to add more to the
in the UK food manufacturing industry. Distribution gives us complete supply chain fleet in 2020, specified with the same
The technology minimises the chance of traceability and upholds our very high food temperature management, stirring and
any drop in agreed set point and ensures quality standards.” tracking capabilities.
16 JANUARY 2020 > COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEERFLEET NEWS
EXETER CLEANS UP WITH NOTTINGHAM CITY
NEW DENNIS EAGLE REFUSE UPGRADES WITH
COLLECTION VEHICLES ADL BUSES
ottingham City Transport
N (NCT) has completed its
upgrade to a fully Euro-VI
fleet, in accordance with Nottingham
City Council’s clean air plan, with the
E
purchase of 10 Enviro200 buses from
xeter City Council has bought seven when bins are likely to be heavier, we can Alexander Dennis (ADL).
new Dennis Eagle refuse collection manage our resources more efficiently. The new single deck vehicles began
vehicles with Terberg lifts – five of “For instance, garden waste is a very service in November on the busy
which have a bin-weighing system fitted. seasonal collection and can be very heavy. urban Bridgford Bus routes from West
The vehicles are all Elite 6×2 narrow rear “A third initiative is being able to tell Bridgford into Nottingham city centre.
steer with Olympus 16 bodies and Terberg’s customers what happens to their waste. The buses feature on-board Wi-Fi,
OmniDEL Electric bin lifts, provided by That is something increasing numbers of USB chargers, comfortable seating and
Specialist Fleet Services as part of a seven- them want to know. For instance, we’ve just double passenger information screens,
year contract hire agreement. won a new contract with Exeter University which NCT are currently trialling.
The vehicles with bin-weighing and they’re keen to know how much waste NCT will operate a fully Euro-VI
technology have a dual purpose: to give we’re collecting in different streams. fleet from January 2020, completing a
Exeter a better understanding of its “This will help them understand how programme of upgrading that began in
existing waste collections so it can improve good they are at recycling and where they May 2017.
efficiency, and future proof the fleet with can improve. The new buses also reduce the
changes to waste collection and recycling “Bin weighing will help us inform average age of the fleet from six years
on the horizon. customers and also understand our own to four and a half years, which brings
Exeter City Council’s cleansing and fleet strengths and weaknesses. Two vehicles with it the benefit of reliability, easier
services manager, Simon Hill, explained: will be assigned to trade waste collections maintenance, increased uptime and
“It would really help us to know the costs of but the other three will be available for use higher passenger satisfaction.
collection and disposal. elsewhere and could help us look at how NCT has a long-standing
“We charge a basic rate per bin at the different parts of the city are participating relationship with ADL, having
moment, but the bin weighing system will in all aspects of recycling.” exclusively bought ADL products for
give us a clearer idea of the costs. We’re The vehicles were specified to be as the past six years. NCT’s managing
not considering charging by weight but we narrow as possible for Exeter’s tight streets. director, Mark Fowles, said: “We
would initially like to identify customers In addition, the lifts are electric to cut chose the Enviro200s because they
with bins that are consistently too heavy so emissions and reduce noise levels. best met our requirements in terms
we can look for other solutions. “Things we’re keen to address,” Hill said. of specification and they came in at
“Another development bin weighing will “And by having all the trucks as standard the right price point. The support
help us undertake is the tracking of manual – a ‘one-truck-fits-all’ approach – it makes we receive from ADL as a long-term
handling issues. If we know where and them easier to manage and maintain.” partner is brilliant.”
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEER > JANUARY 2020 17FLEET NEWS
NGC LOGISTICS GOES ELECTRIC
WITH RENAULT MASTER Z.E.
GC Logistics, an Amazon delivery service partner, has
N taken on the first Renault Trucks Master Red Edition
Z.E. delivered to a customer in Europe – as well as the
company’s first all-electric vehicle.
Operating out of Amazon’s Northampton Delivery Station,
these 3.1 tonne Master Z.E. L2H2 panel vans provide a fully
electric service to customers in Northampton and Milton Keynes
undertaking the same number of deliveries as traditional diesel
engine vehicles.
NGC is the first Amazon delivery service partner in the UK to put
a fully electric van into service. “This investment into electric vans
is entirely led by our customers; with Amazon clearly stating their
intention to become carbon neutral and consumers becoming more
aware of their impact on climate change,” explained Kevin Savage,
NGC’s operations director. “The need to change without slowing
the supply chain or significantly increasing cost was paramount
and has been achieved through cooperation with everyone involved
delivering the program in time for the busiest period of the year.
“With the ever-increasing demand for environmentally-friendly
vehicles and the introduction of more low emission zones, we
decided to not only invest in electric vehicles but also to set
ourselves a challenging deadline of a Black Friday [29 November]
launch to market.”
In NGC’s new electric blue livery, the Master Z.E. is powered by
Renault Trucks’ all electric 57kW Z.E. engine with 33kWh lithium-
ion battery and automatic gearbox, offering a range of up to 120km.
This is the first of four Master Z.E’s to join NGC’s mixed fleet of
more than 50 Renault trucks and vans, from LCVs which include
CitiLoader curtainside and EasiLoader Luton box bodied vehicles,
to Range D rigids at 18 and 26 tonnes and Range T380 tractor
units, plus 10 trailers.
Graeme Wilson, group sales director, Allports Group, which
supplied the van, said the company was “delighted” meet the Black
Friday deadline. “This is a great time of year to put the new Master
Z.E. through its paces, as colder weather and shorter daylight hours
means lights and heating is switched on,” he said. “We’re pleased to
report that the Z.E.’s range is performing well in these conditions
and we look forward to working with NGC to support their
sustainability strategy.”
For Grahame Neagus, head of LCV Renault Trucks UK &
Ireland, electromobility is the answer to the challenges of air quality
and noise pollution in urban areas: “The Master Z.E. is perfectly
suited to NGC’s final mile deliveries. As we move to a lower carbon
economy, our electric vehicles will drive the future, not only
improving air quality and efficiency, but also enabling noise-free out
of hours deliveries to reduce congestion.”
18 JANUARY 2020 > COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEERCOMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEER > JANUARY 2020 19
ABRASION-RESISTANT STEEL
COME AND HAVE A GO IF YOU
THINK YOU’RE HARD ENOUGH
Hardox has been the industry leader for abrasion-resistant steel for decades and is a common
part of commercial vehicles. But a new entrant to the market could challenge its dominance.
By Tim Blakemore
hen steel companies roll Valast 450, a hot-rolled strip steel, ‘abrasion-resistant’. In other words, it
W
out product-line updates, seems certain to attract keen attention not competes head-on with Hardox, the
perhaps tweaking an only from engineers and fleet managers steel that has dominated this sector of the
alloy mix here or adding responsible for specifying and operating market in Europe for decades: so much
a little more carbon there, vehicles such as tippers, off-highway dump- so that in some fleets and bodybuilders
there is seldom any reason for commercial trucks and refuse-collection trucks, but also the brand name has become almost a
vehicle operators to take much more from the suppliers of the bodywork used on generic term for all wear-resistant steels.
than a fleeting interest. But the recent these vehicles. What the Ford Transit is to the UK van
introduction by Tata Europe of a steel That’s because Valast 450 is what is market, Hardox has become in steel
called Valast 450 is an exception. categorised in steel industry jargon as tipper truck bodies.
20 JANUARY 2020 > COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEERABRASION-RESISTANT STEEL
SSAB, originally a Swedish steel company
and nowadays based in Sweden and
Finland, first put Hardox into production
back in 1974, trumpeted as “tough enough
to double as a load-carrying part in many
applications” despite being originally
intended primarily as wear plate. Since
then, though other similar-looking steels
have become available from SSAB rivals,
none has come close to taking the Hardox
crown as wear-resistant champion in
Europe, if not the world, for applications
such as heavy-duty tipper truck bodies and
off-road dump trucks.
Hardox
An example of a Thompson Paymaster body at work
An illustration of the dominant position
held by Hardox in the UK tipper truck body
market can be found at Thompsons (UK)
group. The first Thompsons tipper truck
body was built in 1973 but it now claims to
supply more annually in the UK than any
rival. The company has seven assembly
plants spread across Croydon, Dover
and Blackburn. Though the group does
build some aluminium bodies for specific
sectors of the tipper truck market, most
Thompsons bodies are made of steel, and
Nigel Butler, managing director,
nearly all use Hardox. Thompson Loadmaster Weightlifter Bodies
Thompson’s top-selling steel body for
rigid trucks is called Loadmaster, made
from Hardox 450. The number reflects
performance in the internationally
recognised Brinell test of metal hardness. “This new body will be of particular interest to
Soft brass, for instance, has a Brinell payload-conscious aggregates hauliers who, in an
Hardness Number of 60, and mild steel ideal world, also want the extra strength of steel”
about 130.
Thompsons claims to have built about
15,000 Loadmaster bodies over the past
20 years. In 2018, this body range was “This new body will be of particular Another view on Hardox, and especially
extended with the introduction of the interest to payload-conscious aggregates on the potential for a rival like Tata’s
Loadmaster X-Lite, the first tipper body in hauliers who, in an ideal world, also Valast 450 to take business away from
the UK to employ Hardox 500tuf steel for want the extra strength of steel,” says it, comes from Nigel Butler, the former
its flooring. Whereas the Loadmaster Lite Thompsons (UK) director Scott Renault Trucks UK commercial director
body has a 5mm thick Hardox 450 floor, Burton. “For them, an extra 300kg of who since last August has been co-owner
the X-Lite has 4mm thick Hardox 500tuf, payload in one go is a huge step forward. and managing director at Weightlifter
and thickness of the Hardox 450 side- Our traditional steel body customers Bodies, one of the UK’s longest-
panels has been cut from 4mm to 3.2mm. will be delighted not just at the established manufacturers of tipper
The upshot is a significant kerb weight significant extra payload potential of bodies and trailers.
reduction and thus potential payload X-Lite but also the fact that the proven The company, based in Scunthorpe,
boost, of the sort highly prized by many Loadmaster design itself remains North Lincolnshire, was founded in the
tipper operators. virtually unchanged.” 1930s. PPG Fabrications, based in Wisbech,
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEER > JANUARY 2020 21ABRASION-RESISTANT STEEL
Cambridgeshire, has been part of the group
since 1998. After 27 years as owner and
group managing director, Paul Weightman
retired last year after selling the business
to Grange Cross, a company set up by Paul
Simpson, owner and managing director of
the Hull-based Thompson Commercials
group – the UK’s biggest privately-owned
Renault Trucks dealer group with seven
sites in eastern England, some of which
also sell Isuzu trucks. Butler is the second
Grange Cross shareholder.
At Weightlifter Butler heads a business
with an annual turnover around £12
million and 88 employees, split roughly
equally between Weightlifter and PPG
Fabrications. PPG focuses entirely on
aluminium body production and is Tata’s Valast 450: produced at a Netherlands blast furnace
especially strong on insulated tipper bodies.
PPG is the top seller in this market sector,
with a share reckoned to be as high as
60%. The steel body and frame welding “Users of this equipment don’t want any
and manufacturing expertise in the downtime, caused for instance by steel wearing
Weightlifter/PPG group is concentrated out because it’s not hard enough.”
at Scunthorpe.
“We use Hardox 450 steel,” confirms
Butler. “It does seem to be the industry
standard.” Weightlifter tried another steel, “When aggregates are dumped into a
Dormex 450 (also from SSAB), in the tipper body, sometimes from quite a height,
past, Butler reveals, but soon returned to and then rub around in the body, that’s
Hardox. “We didn’t have a great experience abrasion,” he says. “Users of this equipment
with Dormex, even though its hardness don’t want any downtime, caused for
was the same,” he says. “It looked terrible instance by steel wearing out because it’s
after a couple of months, whereas Hardox not hard enough. That’s the main thing that
just keeps going and going. I’d need a really abrasion-resistant steel is trying to address.”
good reason for trying something other Davies makes it plain that he appreciates
than Hardox. But if there was a compelling equally well the demands of what could be
reason to give an alternative a go then we described as his first-line customers, body
probably would.” manufacturers. “First they receive their
sheet steel and laser-cut or plasma-cut it,”
Reasons to switch he says. “Then they’ll bend it into whatever
shape they want, then weld and shotblast. Adrian Davies: “The better the steel
Adrian Davies is confident that he and his After all that the component fits into the surface quality, the quicker the
laser cutting.”
colleagues at Tata Steel Europe can offer not final assembly ahead of painting, where
just one but several compelling reasons for they really want a nice paint finish. They
Weightlifter, Thompsons and many other want to laser- or plasma-cut as quickly and Tata’s Valast 450 is claimed to offer
bodybuilders and their customers to give efficiently as possible. Steel surface quality better surface quality than ‘conventional’
Valast 450 a go. Davies is the company’s is very important here. The better the abrasion-resistant steel. It is produced at
marketing manager and makes it clear that steel surface quality the quicker the laser the company’s main IJmuiden blast furnace
despite – perhaps because of – this being cutting. Bendability is very important too. in the Netherlands and then the coils are
its first product of this type, he has worked Abrasion-resistant steels are extremely hard cut to length on ‘decoilers’, claimed to be the
hard to get a deep understanding of the and extremely strong. In theory, therefore, most powerful in Europe, in Maastricht,
market requirements. bendability becomes more of a challenge.” Netherlands and Llanwern, south Wales.
22 JANUARY 2020 > COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEERABRASION-RESISTANT STEEL
One particular Valast 450 selling point
by comparison with strip steel from rivals
is the ability to be cut at widths up to
two metres. The maximum for rivals is
said to be 1.5 metres. This extra width
translates into reduced waste and greater
manufacturing efficiency.
Davies acknowledges that challenging
Hardox’s dominant position will be no
walk in the park. “Actually, there are several
suppliers of different types of abrasion-
resistant steel but because SSAB has
been so well established for so long the
overwhelming perception is that Hardox
is the only one,” he says. “Many end-users An example of a Weightlifter steel tipper body
know the Hardox brand name but don’t
relate it to a particular steel mill.”
Why has Tata stayed away from the
European market for abrasion-resistant steel
hitherto? “In the steel world, plant upgrades
like those needed to produce Valast 450
are expensive,” says Davies. “But suppliers
in dominant positions in any market can
get complacent and become less attentive
to customer needs. At Tata Steel we have
had working relationships with customers
in these market sectors for decades,
supplying then with other products. This
is really about enhancing long-standing
relationships. We can definitely see from
conversations with customers that they are
keen to have an alternative.” Weightlifter 75 cu yd steel scrap bulker
Tipper body market
“We’re pushing the product most of a high-strength structural steel to the
As for the market size for steel of this kind, strongly in Germany and the UK. There S355 European standard. But he insists
Davies explains that Tata’s focus is on the is expected to be modest growth in UK that the whole life costs still favour Valast
“addressable market”, meaning the sectors construction over the next couple of 450. “The abrasion resistance is 2.5 times
where Valast 450 can satisfy customer years. We see an opportunity here to take greater,” he points out. “To calculate
demands, and they certainly include tipper a partnership approach with customers payback, you need to look at specific use.
truck and refuse-collection bodywork. we’ve been dealing with for a long time. By moving from 6mm to 4mm sheet,
“There are elements of the market They are looking for an alternative for example, you are making a 30%
that are too wide or too thick for our [abrasion-resistant steel]. Sustainability is weightsaving. We like to work through
strip product,” he says. “We consider the high on the agenda nowadays – in energy these scenarios with customers.”
addressable market in Europe to be around use, waste, emissions, manufacturing Visitors to the annual tipper truck show,
150,000 tonnes annually.” efficiency and life-cycle analysis. We’re Tip-ex, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire in
How much of that is accounted for having conversations with customers on all late May can expect Valast 450 to be a
by tipper truck bodies? “I can’t give you these topics.” big talking point, and it seems likely that
exact numbers,” concedes Davies. “But it Davies knows that price remains a several bodies using the new steel will
is certainly a sizeable part of this market. crucial factor for truck fleet operators and be on display there. Trials are underway
For us it is one of the key segments we are their suppliers. While he reckons that the at present by several UK bodybuilders,
talking about with Valast 450. It has a good selling price of Valast 450 will be typically Davies confirms, and bodies using Valast
fit with our offering in terms of dimensions. as much as 55 to 65% higher than that 450 are already being built in Germany.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEER > JANUARY 2020 23TRAILER INNOVATIONS
BLAZING A TRAIL
Trailer manufacturers are continually introducing new innovations to bring benefits and reduce
costs for fleet managers, with technology playing an increasing part. By Dan Parton
he days of trailers being “Today, customers expect data to be tyre pressure but also temperature. “That
T little more than a box on
wheels has long gone. Now,
they are as connected as
available and are making decisions based
on data,” says Simon Mols, Schmitz
Cargobull sales manager telematics and
makes a significant difference; a deflated
tyre will overheat before it bursts and that’s
where this system helps operators to run
the trucks they are pulled by and the pace services UK & Ireland. “About two years their fleet more efficiently and enjoy greater
of innovation in their build and design is ago we standardised the telematics system uptime,” explains Mols.
accelerating as manufacturers look to make into the trailer to have the trailer available Schmitz Cargobull is also connecting
them as efficient as possible. as a digital asset. The more transparency we trailers to electronic braking systems
For instance, telematics has can give to operators the greater the uptime (EBS), Mols adds. “We have worked with
revolutionised the way fleets operate in the they can enjoy.” the manufacturers of EBS systems to
past decade, and trailers now provide more This includes things like tyre pressure have direct access so our customers enjoy
data to operators that ever before, which is monitoring. Schmitz Cargobull has its the ability to run a remote EBS diagnostic
helping to drive increased efficiency in the own tyre pressure monitoring system that whenever there is a breakdown with a trailer,
supply chain. informs the fleet operator not only about which sometimes you just can’t avoid.
24 JANUARY 2020 > COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEERTRAILER INNOVATIONS
An example of the technology that goes into a Schmitz Cargobull trailer
monitor this crucial asset,” Mols adds.
“With the implementation of data, for
example with temperature-controlled
transport, data or technology can spot a
deviation in temperature that is likely to
harm the goods.”
Loads can also be constantly
monitored. “We have supplied
smartphone apps that will monitor
on a 24/4/365 basis what is going on
with the digital asset so regardless of
whether a fleet operator is in the office
they can have instant access and check
everything is running to plan or receive
Simon Mols
an instant message to their mobile phone
if something is likely to go wrong,”
says Mols. implemented an autonomously working
“We listened to the demand of the “The demand for this increase in GPS controlled door locking mechanism
industry. They wanted to give the fleet efficiency is massive. Regardless of which in our trailers,” says Mols. “So as soon
operator the ability to read out the customer we are talking to, everyone as a trailer reaches a specific location
error codes from the EBS. So, when a is driven by this competitive field of the customer can control if the door is
driver is forced to pull over because of transport companies so there is definitely locked or unlocked. We have taken away
the red flashing EBS light on the truck’s demand to make transport more efficient this responsibility from the driver and
dashboard, the fleet operator in the than it has ever been before.” implemented features to increase the
office can read out the error buffer. This Technology is also helping to enhance cargo security so no one can access the
speeds up the breakdown process because security. “For example, we have cargo area.”
customers can send the technician with
the right spare parts to the breakdown
rather than having someone go there with
a blank canvas unaware of what is going
on and having to find out the error buffer.”
“We listened to the demand of the industry.
Telematics can also help to monitor
They wanted to give the fleet operator the ability
loads more closely. “The trailer is where to read out the error codes from the EBS”
the value is carried so it should be key to
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENGINEER > JANUARY 2020 25You can also read
