For around 48 months, MAN Truck & Bus worked with 14 partners from the automotive and supplier industries, software development, and science to develop and test automated driving functions for the safe, efficient, and comfortable urban traffic of the future as part of the @CITY ("Automated Cars and Intelligent Traffic in the City") initiative. MAN focused on public transport applications and enabled buses to approach bus stops autonomously and with high precision. On June 22, 2022, the partners presented the results on the premises of the Aldenhoven Testing Center.

"Automated driving is an important component in making urban mobility fit for the future," says Walter Schwertberger, Project Manager @CITY at MAN Truck & Bus. "That's why we supported the research initiative and worked together to develop solutions to the challenges of bringing automation technology to urban road transport."

Modern urban traffic is even more complex than traffic in clearly structured environments such as highways: A wide variety of road users move with individual dynamics and diverse directions of movement in a very confined space. As a result, urban areas present a completely different mobility framework for the establishment of automation technologies than, for example, hub-to-hub transport by truck on the highway.

@City Joint Project on Automated Driving in Urban Environments
In order to be able to exploit the potential of automated vehicles for greater safety, energy efficiency and quality of life in urban mobility as well, 15 partners from the automotive industry, supplier industry, software development, science and research institutes joined forces in 2017 in the @CITY joint project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action (BMWK). In various subprojects, they addressed the diverse technical requirements of automated driving in turbulent urban traffic with other motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists: the precise detection of the vehicle environment by means of various sensors and the correct understanding of situations, the correct derivation of courses of action, but also the exact localization to within a few centimeters using digital maps as well as communication with other traffic actors. Building on this, automated driving functions were implemented as prototypes in test vehicles and tested under realistic conditions. MAN Truck & Bus focused on the development of technologies for city buses that enable automated approaching of stops.

MAN Lion's City Drives to Stop with High-precision Automation
At the official presentation of the @City project results on June 22, 2022, at the Aldenhoven Testing Center, MAN demonstrated the sensitive precision of the bus, because the highly accurate approach to the curb of the bus stop not only determines whether passengers can get on and off the bus with optimum accessibility, but also helps to protect the tires and thus reduce wear and costs. The automated MAN bus in the @City project has also already mastered communication with other vehicles for safe exit from the stop: when the left turn signal is set, an electronic signal is simultaneously sent to automated cars approaching from behind so that they slow down and wait until
the bus has safely left the stop again. "@CITY has given us important insights on the way to automated city bus transport and has shown us how we can use autonomous driving functions but also communication with other vehicles sensibly in practical operation," Walter Schwertberger summed up at the end of the two-day project demonstrations in Aldenhoven. 

MAN debuted a number of innovations during the recently held IAA in Hannover. In particular, the MAN OptiView is one tool that grabbed our attention. 

In this video, we show how the mirror replacement system from MAN works. 

Video inside: Asian Trucker went to Sweden to test drive Volvo's battery-electric heavy duty trucks. 

MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (MAN Malaysia), pengeluar kenderaan pertama di Malaysia yang menawarkan enjin Euro V sebagai standard untuk keseluruhan rangkaian traknya, sekali lagi mempamerkan keunggulan dan komitmennya terhadap kelestarian alam, kali ini dengan rangkaian casis bas. 

Berucap di MAN BAGUS, acara tahunan yang membawa bersama peserta utama dalam industri bas di kilang pemasangannya di Serendah, Pengarah Urusan MAN Malaysia, Andrew O’Brooks, mengumumkan bahawa syarikat akan memperkenalkan engin pelepasan rendah Euro V sebagai opsyen pada 2023 dalam usaha membantu syarikat bas mengurangkan jejak karbon. 

“Menjelang tahun depan, kami juga berharap mula menerima tempahan untuk casis elektrik (e-casis) MAN. Namun ia bergantung kepada infrastruktur pengecaj-EV yang kami harap akan menjadi tumpuan utama kerajaan. Ini adalah langkah penting yang diambil oleh MAN Malaysia dalam usaha kami untuk terus menawarkan opsyen mesra alam kepada industri pengangkutan. Ia juga sejajar dengan usaha kami untuk memacu Malaysia ke arah status karbon neutral menjelang 2050. Pengenalan enjin Euro V dan e-casis pasti akan membezakan rangkaian produk bas MAN, yang memang dikenali dari segi kualiti, kebolehpercayaan, keserbabolehan dan fleksibiliti,” ujar beliau. 

O’Brooks turut melahirkan keyakinan bahawa pengendali bas di Malaysia akan berpandangan jauh untuk menyertai usaha kemampanan seperti rakan mereka dalam sektor pengangkutan dan logistik yang tidak ragu-ragu memilih MAN Truck Generation Baharu dengan enjin Euro V untuk barisan kenderaan mereka.

“Saya percaya, ramai daripada kalangan peserta industri akan melihat manfaat daripada pelaburan dalam casis bas yang lebih mampan, cekap penggunaan bahan api dengan pelepasan karbon rendah. Disebabkan pengangkutan darat menjadi penyumbang utama kepada pelepasan karbon, kita semua seharusnya memainkan peranan dalam membantu mengurangkan jejak karbon industri di negara ini jika ingin mencapai status karbon neutral menjelang 2050,” kata beliau.

Di majlis tersebut, MAN Malaysia mengambil peluang untuk mengeratkan hubungan dengan pengendali bas dan berkongsi maklumat mengenai perkembangan global, selain berkongsi kejayaan MAN dalam membangunkan penyelesaian elektro-mobiliti bagi sektor pengangkutan awam seperti MAN Lion City E.

MAN Lion City E yang telahpun memulakan perkhidmatan di beberapa bandaraya di Eropah juga berjaya membuktikan kemampuannya dalam perjalanan jarak jauh.

Bas elektrik MAN ini berjaya menjelajah kira-kira 2,500 kilometer dari Munich di Jerman hingga ke Limerick di Ireland dalam Program Electrifying Europe Tour yang berlangsung daripada 29 April hingga 8 Mei 2022. Kejayaan ini membuktikan keupayaan dan kebolehpercayaannya yang luar biasa.

Bagaimanapun, beberapa isu utama perlu diatasi sebelum e-casis MAN baharu ini mampu menjadi produk yang berdaya maju di negara ini.

Pertama, sebagai negara pengeluar petroleum di mana harga runcit bahan api masih agak rendah, insentif untuk mendorong penggunaan kenderaan elektrik secara besar-besaran memang kurang.

Kedua, walapupun kerajaan berhasrat untuk mencapai status neutral karbon pada 2050, langkah yang diambil dan proses pelaksanaannya masih tidak jelas dan tidak banyak insentif diberi kepada pengguna untuk melabur dalam kenderaan elektrik perkhidmatan awam (PSV).

Ketiga, tahap pelaburan dan pembangunan stesen mengecaj serta infrastruktur yang berkaitan dengannya berkemungkinan menjadi halangan terbesar untuk membawa e-casis atau e-bas siap dipasang (CBU) ke Malaysia.

Scania’s Ecolution is aligned with their ambition to be the most sustainable provider of transport solutions. As the term suggests, these solutions go beyond the production and delivery of a sophisticated vehicle. The augmented product offering is comprised of the hardware and increasingly the software around it.

To recap, Ecolution is Scania’s way of addressing issues around climate change. Since its introduction to the Malaysian market, many transport companies have taken up the offer that comes as a supplement to the vehicle. Those having subscribed are easily recognisable by the prominent sticker that is adorning the vehicle. As this is more than just an ornament, we take a closer look at what this means, especially the aspect of the driver being the driving force behind the success of any operator.

Scania’s Manifesto
When calculating the climate impact from Scania, the Green House Gas Protocol is used. The GHG Protocol is the most commonly used global standard to measure and manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from business operations, value chains and mitigation action.

The GHG protocol takes several greenhouse gases into account, not only carbon dioxide (CO2) but also methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), perfluorocarbons (PFC) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).

The protocol divides a company’s emissions into scopes where direct carbon emissions from our own operations such as burning of fossil fuels for heating, engine testing and company vehicles are Scope 1 and indirect emissions generated by purchased electricity, heat and steam are Scope 2.

Scope 3 are our indirect value chain emissions. These include all emissions generated from the production of parts and components in the supply chain to the use of our products and all the way to end of life.

Their Science Based Targets cover all our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions as well as the emissions from when our products are being used (Scope 3). The latter category alone stands for more than 96 percent of our total emissions.

Enhancing Driver’s Skills
On the back of Scania’s proprietary Fleet Management System (FMS) a lot of things happen. The data collected is used to pinpoint areas in the operation where significant improvements can be achieved by adjusting the way the operation is run. This directly benefits the fleet owner as the bottom line will be improved. It also allows for the analysis of the drivers’ behaviour.

Using the telematics data, the driving behaviour of bus captains is evaluated and with specific training improved. Through this, the drivers will be made aware of their driving behaviour and how they can improve it. Coaching the drivers, significant reductions in CO2 emissions and wear and tear can be achieved. The latter may not seem obvious, but any part of a vehicle that can be used longer and more effective is a part that does not need to be replaced pre-maturely. The optimisation of parts usage is another contribution to Scania’s Science Based Targets.

Searching for the Champion
This year, Scania is looking for “A Good Driver” that makes a significant contribution to the reduction of emissions. With over MYR25 000 worth of prizes and earn a badge of honour the competition is heating up for those that drive with a cool head. As an Ecolution partner with Scania, participating companies and the driving skills of the bus captain become parts of the journey towards achieving Scania’s Science Based Target of reducing CO2 emissions. Scania encourages drivers to drive for 'A Good Company.' The motto is simple: Reduce fuel consumption, reduce carbon emissions. Be 'A Good Driver.’

Besides some other terms and conditions, the good company needs to be a Scania Ecolution partner during the duration of the competition. Drivers that drive one of the Scania Ecolution vehicles during the duration of the competition - 1 December 2021 to 30 November 2022 – are eligible for entry. The vehicles have Scania Ecolution stickers and are part of the partnership. Those drivers participating can be identified by the Ecolution t-shirt with 'A Good Driver’ Qualifier Badge.

To win, the driving must result in the best percentage of km/l improvement throughout the duration. Using Scania Fleet Management System, the vehicle with the best percentage of km/l improvement in Malaysia will be identified at the end of the duration. In addition, drivers will also be required to submit a slogan of not more than 25 words: "I like working for my company because… “

Beyond Fuel Consumption
Being “A Good Driver” may even go beyond the conservation of the environment and driving safely. During the SuperNiceTour2022, a group of travellers could experience bus travel in Malaysia like never before. With a focus on how things are all coming together, it became clear: a good bus driver is more than just a driver. S/he is a tour guide, someone that plans the most sensible route and takes care of a great number of things besides the vehicle.  

Scania menyerahkan enam unit G460A6X4NZ Scania New Truck Generation (NTG) XT dengan Kontrak Repair & Maintenance serta Sewa Beli dan Insurans Perkhidmatan Kewangan kepada Bills Logistic Solution Sdn Bhd (Bills Logistic). Bills Logistic akan menikmati kebolehpercayaan terbaik, kecekapan bahan api, pengurangan pelepasan CO₂, peningkatan kekerapan muatan dan uptime. Heba El Tarifi, Pengarah Urusan, Scania Asia Tenggara, menyerahkan kunci XT kepada Chiew Keng Kah, Pengarah Urusan, Bills Logistic. 

Daripada enam Scania NTG XT yang diserahkan adalah dua unit yang berada di Pajakan Operasi atau Operating Lease (OL). OL ialah salah satu daripada penyelesaian yang terbaru sebagai sebahagian daripada perkhidmatan Scania Total Solutions. Direkodkan sebagai Scania OL pertama untuk Kenderaan Komersial Bertugas Berat di Malaysia, ia akan memberikan keuntungan yang terbaik kepada Bills Logistic disebabkan kos bulanan yang lebih rendah. Ansuran biasanya lebih rendah daripada Perjanjian Sewa Beli standard. Sedikit atau tiada kos pendahuluan diperlukan untuk memulakan pengendalian kedua-dua NTG XT ini. Oleh kerana aset tersebut adalah di bawah Scania Credit Malaysia sebaliknya, tiada kos susut nilai akan dikenakan dan bayaran bulanan dianggap sebagai perbelanjaan operasi dan boleh ditolak cukai. 

Baki empat unit disokong oleh Sewa Beli Scania Credit Malaysia yang memberikan Bills Logistic penyelesaian logistik yang komprehensif tanpa sebarang kebimbangan. Bills Logistic juga akan merealisasikan keuntungan serta-merta dengan kos bulanan tetap dan boleh diramal daripada Pelan Ansuran Scania. 

Kontrak R&Myang ditandatangani oleh Bills Logistic akan menuntungkan operasi syarikat kerana kos yang boleh diramal selama tujuh tahun. Bills Logistic akan dapat menumpukan perhatian pada perniagaannya dengan menggunakan sepenuhnya NTG XT dengan masa henti yang dirancang memberikan masa operasi maksimum disebabkan penjadualan yang tepat untuk pembaikan dan penyelenggaraan dengan alat ganti yang tersedia menghapuskan gangguan dalam operasi hariannya. 

NTG XT juga dicipta dan direka bentuk untuk memberikan Bills Logistic kecekapan bahan api yang lebih baik dan pelepasan CO₂ yang lebih rendah kerana ia dilengkapi dengan rangkaian kuasa termaju dan penyelesaian aerodinamik yang memberikan tiga peratus penjimatan bahan api yang lebih baik. Mod Ekonomi yang telah ditetapkan secara lalai, dalam NTG XT Bills Logistic yang disertakan dengan Opticruise, menjimatkan lebih banyak bahan api. 

Fleet Management System Control 10 memberikan Bills Logistic lebih banyak maklumat dan pandangan. Daripada keperluan teras seperti kedudukan masa nyata NTG XT, melalui prestasi kenderaan, laporan alam sekitar, perancangan perkhidmatan dan pelaporan kecacatan sehinggalah kepada penilaian pemandu yang akan membantu Bills Logistic mengenal pasti potensi peningkatan penggunaan kenderaan yang boleh dicapai melalui latihan dan bimbingan pemandu. 

Scania NTG XT bersedia untuk menempuh cabaran yang paling sukar. Ia boleh disesuaikan untuk menahan persekitaran yang mencabar, menjamin masa beroperasi dan meningkatkan produktiviti, agar Bills Logistic menjalankan operasi yang menguntungkan. Memandu trak XT menunjukkan kualiti sebenar dan merupakan tanda kekukuhan dan kuasa. Bampar keluli XT memberikan perlindungan yang sangat baik untuk komponen di hadapan kenderaan, mengurangkan masa henti yang tidak diingini dan pembaikan ruang pemandu dan casis yang mahal sambil meningkatkan mobiliti dengan sudut serang yang lebih besar. Scania XT dilengkapi dengan perlindungan lampu depan dan lampu kabus bersepadu di bampar. Apabila memandu dalam persekitaran yang lasak, mempunyai lampu yang boleh dipercayai yang tidak pecah membuat perbezaan yang besar. Pin tunda yang mudah diakses di bahagian hadapan menyediakan kapasiti tunda 40 tan, yang paling kuat di pasaran. Ia membolehkan kenderaan ditarik keluar dari sebarang masalah dengan cepat, walaupun dengan muatan kargonya. Cermin XT yang teguh mempunyai permukaan bercorak lasak yang tahan calar, membantu cermin mengekalkan kualiti tingginya dari semasa ke semasa. 

Keselamatan didatangkan dengan piawaian Scania XT yang dilengkapi dengan Electronic Braking System (EBS) dan Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) berteknologi maju dan turut dilengkapi dengan Daytime Running Light (DRL) untuk penglihatan yang lebih baik untuk kenderaan sekeliling ketika di jalan raya. Tempat duduk boleh laras yang berhampiran dengan pintu, papan pemuka ergonomik, dan cermin depan yang besar dengan pandangan lanjutan memudahkan pemandu untuk beroperasi dalam persekitaran yang selamat dan selesa. 

“Saya telah menggunakan Trak Scania sejak 2012 dan pastinya saya menjamin kebolehpercayaan kenderaan ini. Dengan siri New Truck Generation XT, saya akan menikmati kecekapan bahan api terbaik, pengurangan pelepasan CO₂, peningkatan kekerapan muatan dan uptime. XT adalah sebuah trak lasak yang berbaloi membelinya, dan ia dilengkapi dengan begitu banyak ciri yang akan memberi manfaat kepada operasi saya secara konsisten,” kata Chiew. 

Bills Logistic Solution Sdn. Bhd ialah rakan kongsi logistik yang dipercayai dengan pejabat dan hab yang terletak secara strategik di pelusuk tempat di Malaysia dan Singapura. Dengan pasukan berdedikasi yang mempunyai lebih lima belas tahun pengalaman dalam industri logistik dan pengangkutan, Bills Logistic dilengkapi dengan flit 30 trak Scania yang diselenggara dengan baik. Sejak 2007, mereka telah menyediakan keupayaan pengangkutan berkualiti secara segera untuk kepuasan rangkaian pelanggan mereka yang bereputasi. 

“Kami berbesar hati menjadi salah satu faktor pendorong untuk rancangan pengembangan Bills Logistic. Perkhidmatan Kewangan Scania dan R&M kami akan terus meningkatkan perniagaan Bills Logistic ke arah arena kemampanan dan keuntungan yang telah mereka nikmati sejak dua dekad yang lalu. Ketahuilah bahawa Scania akan sentiasa menyokong Bills Logistic, terutamanya dengan perkhidmatan selepas jualan kami dan Bantuan Scania 24/7,” kata Heba.

Busworld Southeast Asia was staged in the Indonesian capital from October 5^th to the 7^th, 2022. First held in 2019, this leading industry event was officially opened by Dr. Hendro Sugiatno, Director of Land Transportation, with the Republic of Indonesia Ministry of Transport. The gala opening event, featuring a colourful cultural performance by a local dance troupe, also included a welcoming speech by Mr. Baki Lee, President Director of GEM Indonesia. Mr. Vincent Dewaele, General Manager of Busworld International along with Mr. Jan Deman, Managing Director of Busworld Foundation, also welcomed guests and exhibiters.

All spoke of the welcome rejuvenation of Busworld Southeast Asia after the COVID-19 hibernation. Mr. Dewaele remarked that it was important for all those working in the industry to support each other. He added that the Indonesian market has a lot of potential as well as some challenges. He reaffirmed the importance of global bus transportation with the announcement of Busworld Latin America, to be staged in Argentina in 2023. This, he said, was a definite indication that the global bus market was improving.       

Mr. Lee also made reference to the economic situation, specifically the Indonesian economy. He stated that the economy appeared to be resilient despite the uncertainty in many other parts of the globe. He mentioned that the local economy was expected to grow by 5% this financial year and the fact that coachbuilders were receiving new orders for buses, was very encouraging.

Mr. Dewaele also commented that there is huge growth potential in Indonesia, with a similar population size to the United States. “Indonesia is also protective of its local input with a policy of Indonesian first where possible. While chassis parts can be imported, the bodywork for coaches and buses must be finished in Indonesia. The industry is quickly adapting to E-bus technology too,” he observed. He also commented that while the event is very Indonesian-oriented, the event will become more regional in the near future. He also thinks that the expo will garner more attention from regional players who will be attracted to the innovations that are occurring in the Asian bus industry. 

E-buses vs Conventional Buses
There was considerable interest in E-bus technology and innovation. The Indonesian Government is actively pursuing the introduction of E-vehicles with Transjakarta, for example, having a plan to be fully electrified by 2036. However, not all industry players are as enthusiastic, with the main concerns being the lack of current infrastructure for generating power, providing a network of recharging stations and the availability of clean, sustainable, alternate and renewable energy sources.

Not all exhibitors displayed such buses, but E-buses were exhibited by companies such as Tentrem, Zhongtong, Golden Dragon and Laksana.

The Tentrem E-Innobus IEV-12-B355 is a 12 m-long bus with advanced battery technology including, an air-conditioning integrated cooling system. The vehicle has a carrying capacity of 60 (37 seated and 23 standing) and is powered by a lithium iron phosphate battery with a recharging time of two to three hours. It is the only fully-Indonesian E-bus available in the market, with 20 units already operational in Denpasar, Bali.

Zhongtong Buses and its Indonesian partner, Mobilindo Armada Cemerlang, showcased its 6 m-long Electric Bus Mode LCK6606EVGA36 which is a box-like vehicle with a maximum speed of 69 km/hour. It is powered by a lithium iron phosphate battery that drives both the motor and the air-conditioning. It has a carrying capacity of 25 including the driver, 12 seated passengers and 12 standing up. Zhongtong also displayed the 12 m-long LCK6126EVGRA1with a maximum speed of 69 km/hour. It has a carrying capacity of 33, plus a driver. 

While Zhongtong is concerned about the availability of recharging infrastructure, they have had discussions with a power supplier who claims they can quickly install charging and power-generating units. 

Golden Dragon displayed two E-buses; one was the 6 m-long, Allstar Electric Compact Bus Type XML6606JEV Bus CBU A/T with a capacity to transport a maximum of 24 passengers over a distance of 122 km. This includes a driver, 13 seated and ten standing. It has a ground clearance of just 120 cm and is powered by a lithium ferro-phosphate battery with a charging time of just 30 minutes.

The larger Golden Dragon unit was the 12 m-long XML6126JEVJOC3, low-entrance bus powered by a similar battery but with a capacity of 250 km and recharging time of one hour.

Innovation and Technology
New Armada showcases several buses at the exhibition including the Skylander with its dynamic design bodywork. One of the innovative features on this 12 m-long (also available at 13.5 m) coach is the LED screen at the rear exterior of the bus with the capacity to show those vehicles following the bus, the road conditions upfront. This is helpful for vehicles when they plan to overtake the coach.       

Along similar lines, Stonkam Co. Ltd. provides a better view of the world by the use of cameras and electronic mirrors for driver and passenger safety. It has been in business for ten years and provides super wide-angle monitors and even radar to help vehicle operators monitor traffic. This was the company’s first time at the exhibition and company representative, Angela Li, commented that Indonesia was an important market. She was happy with the visitors to their stand and received at least 70 strong leads.    

Sinar Continental, operating as Regency Transport, produces fabrics for coach and bus seats. Nathanael Koshan, a representative for the company, was also very positive about Busworld Southeast Asia 2022 as they received many strong enquiries from bus operators in Indonesia, Malaysia and India. The company has developed an anti-dust mite fabric that it is currently testing. COVID-19 has increased the need for such specialised materials. The expo presented an opportunity to show existing customers the range of their fabrics as well as show bus operators, the possibilities that exist. The expo is especially important for bus operators in the more remote parts of Indonesia. Staff were surprised at how quickly business had returned after COVID-19.  

A Strong Future
Event organiser, Mr. Lee from GEM, was delighted with Busworld Southeast Asia and with the thousands of attendees who came through the exhibition. “The exhibitors were all very impressed with the exhibition and the quality of visitors. They told me that valuable business was conducted and that this was encouraging for everyone,” he concluded.

Mr. Dewaele from Busworld said that the event was very successful and that the future for Busworld Southeast Asia is encouraging. He remarked that the next event, Busworld Southeast Asia 2024, will commence planning in the near future with May 2024, the projected date. “This event is perfect for a developing market like Indonesia and I was very impressed with the quality of the products, the designs and the finish of all the buses that were on display,” he remarked. He also commented that one of the advantages of events such as this is that knowledge can be gathered from around the world and shared by all industry players. Public transport was hard hit by COVID-19, but Busworld Southeast Asia has proven that ridership is coming back and public transport is improving every day.

The ‘new normal’ turned out to be a very successful new start for exhibitions in general and Busworld Turkey specifically. In comparison to the previous edition in March 2020, right before the pandemic hit the fan, the 2022 show was both bigger in size as well as in exhibitor and visitor numbers. Also from a visual perspective the show performed outstandingly, being a sight for the eye with all these beautiful vehicles and ditto booths. The show welcomed 11 043 visitors, with 10.252 Turkish visitors and 791 coming from abroad.

Electric Buses Rule
In total the exhibition counted 183 exhibitors, a growth of 43% versus 2020. The two halls (12.500 sqm) were packed with vehicles presented by the Turkish bus and coach builders Anadolu Isuzu, Karsan, Otokar, BMC, Güleryüz, Mapar (showing Temsa), Ilesbus, Bur-Can, Buskar, Erener, Erduman, Eşref Karoser, Gürsözler and Harputlu. For the very first time, Busworld Turkey also welcomed IVECO BUS for the relaunch of their brand in Turkey after 15 years.
Although some diesel buses could still be seen in the booths, the shift towards electric buses was very obvious. Turkey itself might not be ready yet for the electric vehicles era due to a lack of infrastructure, but that does not stop Turkish manufacturers to produce and export electric buses to the rest of the world.

IVECO BUS showcased three vehicles in their booth. The Streetway CNG was launched for the Turkish market and was accompanied by the Crossway and the E-Way.
Otokar brought not less than 5 vehicles to the show. The articulated e-Kent of 18,75m with Voith motor and Webasto batteries had its world première at Busworld Turkey.
Anadolu Isuzu exhibited the alternative CNG fueled, 100 percent biogas compatible Kendo, the full electric NovoCITI Volt, the Grand Toro coach (winner of the BigSEE product design award 2021) and the Novolux and Citiport 12 models.
Karsan presented its complete e-vehicle range with 5 models: e-JEST (6m), e-ATAK (8m) and e-ATA (10m, 12m and 18m). With their e-Vision strategy it aims to position Karsan in the Top 5 players of electric buses in Europe.
Mapar, who sells, resells and refurbishes buses and coaches of MAN and Temsa, showed its Temsa range this time.
Güleryüz presented its electric bus, the Ecoline Electric and of course its typical open top sightseeing coach, the Panora Open Top.
Bodybuilders Erener, Erduman, Bur-Can,… showed their newest creations built on IVECO and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis.
Last but not least the typical Turkish luxurious minibuses caught the eye. Let your mind wander off in those starred ceiling lounges on wheels.

Suppliers
All subsectors were represented. Global loyal Busworld customers such as Allison Transmission, ZF, Voith, Webasto, Fogmaker and many more were eager to present their developments. And also Turkish companies like Aselsan, FarHym, Belka, Eltesan… - too many to all be mentioned here, but do check the exhibitor list- confirmed the importance of the manufacturing industry in Turkey.
Everyone was very enthusiastic to finally meet up face-to-face with old and new customers again.

Busworld Speakers’ Corner
The first Busworld Speakers’ Corner at Busworld Turkey had the opportunity to welcome speakers from both global companies such as IVECO BUS, ZF and Optibus, as well as smaller local companies like HydroBorPEM who are all looking to spread a message. The diversity in the 11 short sessions that were held was great. Safety topics, smart buses and commercial vehicle intelligence, the shift towards electric and hydrogen buses and even winter tire legislation were being discussed during the first 2 days of the exhibition.

IVECO BUS kicked off with its strategy on new sustainable electric buses, which immediately filled up the booth completely. The overall market analysis from Frost & Sullivan of Turkey and its greater region remained a popular and insightful classic in the program that gives you a feel about what’s happening today and where we are going to tomorrow.

The open concept of the Speakers’ Corner ensured all visitors were free to stop by and take a seat at any time during the talks. A format that will be implemented in future Busworld exhibitions as well in order to bring the no nonsense knowledge as close as possible to the show’s attendees. The small (24 seats) open area brings the audience closer to the speaker and creates an open to interact atmosphere.  

UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge (UDEMC) 2022, satu pertandingan pemanduan tahunan yang dianjurkan oleh UD Trucks dan rakan pengedar tunggalnya, Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd (TCIE) kini kembali dengan menobatkan Mohamad Hanif bin Md Nor, pemandu trak dari ASAC Logistic Sdn Bhd sebagai juara tahun ini. Beliau berjaya mengalah 9 finalis lain dalam pusingan akhir pertandingan yang diadakan di cawangan TCIE di Ipoh, Perak.

UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge (UDEMC) dianjurkan sebagai satu pertandingan berasaskan kepada kemahiran yang mensimulasikan tiga kitaran penting dalam industry pengangkutan. Pemandu perlu bersaing dengan mengambil bahagian dalam kelas dan ujian amali melibatkan aspek pemeriksaan kenderaan sebelum dipandu, penjimatan bahan api dan pemanduan selamat, serta kemahiran mengubah laluan dan parkir.

Pengarah Urusan UD Trucks Malaysia, Steve Hedouin berkata, “UDEMC bukan sekadar satu pertandingan untuk pemandu trak. Pertandingan yang dimulakan sejak tahun 2016 ini juga dilihat sebagai satu platform untuk membantu meningkatkan hubungan antara kemahiran pemandu dengan realiti perniagaan dengan cara menambah baik kecekapan, pengetahuan dan keupayaan mengendalikan trak tugas berat UD Quester.” 

“Visi UD Trucks adalah untuk membina trak dan perkhidmatan yang menawarkan penyelesaian terbaik kepada logistik pintar yang diperlukan oleh dunia pada hari ini. Syarikat kami menggabungkan warisan pertukangan Jepun, teknologi trak tercanggih dan semangat ‘Gemba’ yang diwarisi dalam falsafah kerja UD.” 

“Gemba bermaksud menghasilkan nilai pada tempat yang betul. Jadi, UDEMC merupakan lanjutan kepada semangat ‘Gemba’ yang kami mahu semua pemandu trak UD Quester mendalaminya dengan cara menggalakkan mereka melakukan kerja sebaiknya dan menjadi pemandu yang mahir. Sekali gus mencipta nilai kepada keseluruhan proses logistik pintar,” kata Hedouin.

Sebagai pemandu UDEMC terbaik di Malaysia, Mohamad Hanif layak untuk menyertai pertandingan akhir global UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge yang akan diadakan Oktober depan di Pusat Pengalaman UD di Ageo, Jepun. Di sana, finalis-finalis dari pelbagai negara akan bersaing untuk dinobatkan sebagai “UD Trucks’ Ultimate Driver”.

Selain memenangi gelaran juara keseluruhan, Mohamad Hanif juga pemenang kategori “Pemeriksaan Pra-Pemanduan Terbaik”. Dua lagi sub-kategori dalam UDEMC ialah “Kemahiran Pemanduan Terbaik” yang dimenangi oleh Mohammad Aripuddin bin Dahlan dari Naza Transport Sdn Bhd. Manakala kategori “Penjimatan Bahan Api Terbaik” dimenangi oleh Simon Joshua A/L Chandra Sakaran dari Syarikat Jasa Selamat Sdn Bhd.

Semua pemenang menerima piala dan model skala trak UD Quester. Bukan itu sahaja, syarikat yang menjadi juara iaitu ASAC Logistic Sdn Bhd dihadiahkan dengan baucar servis Quester bernilai RM2 388 dan latihan pemandu yang eksklusif. Syarikat yang memenangi sub-kategori pula menerima baucar servis Quester bernilai RM588.

Berkongsi keterujaannya, Mohamad Hanif yang sudah menjadi pemandu trak selama tujuh tahun berkata, “Saya sangat gembira kerana memenangi pertandingan UDEMC dan tidak sabar untuk mewakili Malaysia dalam pusingan akhir global di Jepun. Inisiatif UD Trucks menyediakan peluang keemasan untuk pemandu seperti kami yang memandu UD Quester sememangnya sangat bagus. Pengalaman ini menggalakkan kami semua untuk menjadi pemandu yang lebih baik dengan memahami lebih mendalam serta komited terhadap aspek keselamatan dan profesionalisme. Saya akan melakukan yang terbaik di Jepun dan berharap dapat membawa pulang kemenangan.”

Pengarah Eksekutif TCIE, Say Teck Ming berkata, “UDEMC memberi makna yang besar kepada para pelanggan kami dan pemandu mereka. Selepas tidak dijalankan selama tiga tahun berturut-turut berikutan pandemik, kami tahu ramai di antara mereka yang teruja apabila pertandingan ini kembali diadakan pada tahun ini. Salah satu sebabnya adalah kerana UDEMC memberi fokus kepada membina pemikiran positif dan meningkatkan kemahiran teknikal memandu. Pertandingan ini menggalakkan pemandu untuk berfikir secara lebih komersial dengan menimbangkan aspek-aspek seperti kelajuan, tempoh penghantaran, penjimatan bahan api, keselamatan dan pemanduan yang lancar.

“Dalam industri yang berdepan dengan kekurangan pemandu mahir, matlamat kami adalah untuk membantu para pelanggan mendapatkan pemandu yang bagus. Platform seperti UDEMC mendidik setiap pemandu untuk menjadi pemandu yang terbaik dengan membantu mereka mendapatkan kemahiran, pengetahuan sewajarnya serta komitmen terhadap aspek keselamatan, penjimatan bahan api, peka mengenai trak, kargo dan alam sekitar.   

“UDEMC memberi motivasi kepada pemandu dan mempromosikan pemanduan trak sebagai satu kerjaya kerana ia merupakan nadi kepada logistik pintar. Ia juga bertindak sebagai simbol kepada usaha berterusan UD Trucks demi kejayaan para pelanggan kami serta komitmen dalam menyokong segala aspek logistik pintar,” jelas Say.

Rooted in the heart of Southwest China, the Chengdu International Trade Fair for Automotive Parts and Aftermarket Services (CAPAS) has an extensive network within the regional and national automotive industry. Owing to the last seven successful editions, the fair is now an established platform in the surrounding provinces for business promotion, information sharing and education. For the 2022 show, a series of events will energise the industry before and during the physical exhibition from 18 to 20 August at the Chengdu Century City New International Exhibition & Convention Center.

From years of planting strong connections across various automotive industry segments, CAPAS has developed an all-year-round service scheme that backs opportunities in the Southwest market. On this note, the organisers have recently kick-started a set of industry activities, including business matching, repair workshop visits, roadshows and online seminars to boost the value of participating in the show. These events are not only fulfilling the needs of the Southwest aftermarket but are also amplifying the alliance between Chengdu and Chongqing that encourages innovation in new energy vehicles and car connectivity.

Mr James Yu, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd, said: “As a prominent trade fair in Southwest China’s automotive industry, CAPAS is a hub that utilises a full range of industry resources to bond businesses together. Through the launch of roadshows and online seminars, we believe our promotional efforts can transcend across every corner of the market. As a result, a broader scope of fairgoers will join the platform, nurturing business exchange and collaboration in a key time of industry upgrade and transformation.”

Extensive Exhibition Services Bridge Demand and Supply
CAPAS 2022 is organising a number of business services to help exhibitors expand networks. These include the highly recognised online business matching services and the VIP Buyers Programme.

As such, several online business matching meetings will be held from now to the physical show, pairing exhibitors with participating buyers who have specific sourcing requirements. One-on-one meetings will create more fruitful business conversations for both parties. As of today, the programme’s buyer database comprises of top dealer groups in China, as well as players from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South Africa and South America.

At the same time, roadshows across the country have successfully raised CAPAS’ profile amongst over 20 buyer groups from more than 50 Chinese cities that plan to visit the show in August. The network covers over 10,000 workshops and 5,000 dealers from the commercial and passenger vehicle sectors in the Southwest region. As a result, buyers that have an influence on purchasing decisions can connect with exhibitors in person to discuss cooperation and achieve business goals together.

On the other hand, the VIP Buyers Programme is also returning to offer exclusive services for large-scaled purchasing groups. Furthermore, to facilitate a seamless onsite experience and improve exhibition results, a dedicated team from the organisers will collect sourcing requirements prior to the show and arrange meetings with matched exhibitors accordingly. This year, the programme will welcome distributors, chain stores, purchasing alliances, and 4S groups from Chongqing, Ningxia, Guangdong, Guizhou and Sichuan, a growth of 50 percent from the last edition.

Furthermore, the show will also launch an online platform to cater to international participants who cannot travel to the physical event. The audience can find the broadcasted booth visits to see products first-hand. With this, remote buyers can participate while exhibitors receive more exposure in the international market. More information about accessing the online platform will be announced in due course.

Online Seminars and Offline Events Support Knowledge Sharing
For the first time, CAPAS will collaborate with Magic Cube Auto College, a notable media outlet in China's aftermarket. In the next four weeks, three online seminars will host several industry associations and opinion leaders from leading corporations. Together, they will discuss topics tailored to the Southwest market. This involves an exploration of the synergy between Chengdu and Chongqing that amplifies the automotive industry and the future of workshop services and technical skills.

The first online dialogue scheduled on 26 July will spotlight how the Chengdu-Chongqing collaboration encourages higher levels of development in the regional automotive industry. The Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Rim is one of six automotive manufacturing bases in China. In recent years, the cooperation has strengthened the integration of auto parts manufacturing, research on new energy vehicles and connectivity, and automotive pilot projects. The session will host speakers from the Chengdu New Energy Automotive Industry Promotion Association of Popularization and Application and the Society of Automotive Engineers of Sichuan.

Another two sessions in August will focus heavily on the introduction of the growth-driven brands. Guests from Chongqing Transportation Association, Faret Auto Radiator (Tianjin) Co Ltd, GIGA Automobile Service and Sichuan Royal-Road Investment Management Co Ltd will share best practices and case studies that cover product development, skilled labour and staff development.

These online seminars will help participants better understand the regional automotive market, providing insights for business expansion in the area. In addition, exhibitors can also promote products and services during these sessions to attract more buyers to their booths during the fair.

During the three-day show, a range of concurrent events will cover the latest market information to support players along industry transformation and development. One such activity is the Chinese Listed Companies to Build the Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum 2022. The conference aims to provide an in-depth discussion on the position of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Rim in the Belt and Road initiative. Other key events also include:

• China New Energy Vehicle International Cooperation Conference 2022
• China (Chengdu) Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket Summit 2022
• Southwest Automotive Aftermarket Summit 2022
• Case Study and Training for Profitable Repair Workshop

CAPAS is jointly organised by CCPIT-Auto, Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd and CCPIT-Sichuan. 

Isuzu Malaysia hari ini memperkenalkan cawangan yang menampilkan rekaan baru dengan pembukaan rasmi Autoexec Corporation 3S Centre di Kuala Lumpur. Dengan imej yang lebih menonjol serta ceria melalui adanya menara logo tersendiri, rekaan cawangan baru ini menawarkan sebuah suasana yang lebih unik untuk apa saja keperluan berkaitan Isuzu kepada pelanggan. 

Bercakap ketika pelancarannya, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Isuzu Malaysia, Shunsuke Okazoe berkata, rekaan baru ini disasarkan untuk menyerlahkan lagi kehadiran Isuzu dengan menawarkan sebuah suasana dan persekitaran yang lebih hangat kepada semua pelanggan dan pengunjung. 

Cawangan ini menampilkan imej jenama yang kuat untuk mencerminkan perubahan wajah depan perniagaan Isuzu di sini. Elemen rekaan moden dan kemudahan yang dipertingkatkan dihadirkan bagi memastikan pelanggan bukan sekadar membeli barisan produk yang bagus, tetapi turut menerima layanan jualan dan lepas jualan yang cemerlang di bawah satu bumbung,” ujar Okazoe. 

Pusat 3S terbaru Autoexec Corporation terletak di atas kawasan dengan keluasan 1,400 meter persegi di Jalan Jinjang Permai di pinggir Kuala Lumpur dan menawarkan barisan lengkap produk serta servis Isuzu, dari trak pikap Isuzu D-Max hinggalah kepada lori tugasan ringan, medium, berat dan juga penggerak utama. 

Bilik pamerannya menampilkan ruang berpendingin di mana trak pikap dipamerkan serta lori juga ditunjukkan di bawah kawasan berbumbung untuk keselesaan semua. Cawangan ini juga menempatkan ruang servis luas yang boleh menampung sehingga empat kenderaan tugasan ringan serta dua trak tugasan medium dalam satu masa. Pelanggan yang membawa kenderaan mereka untuk pemeriksaan lepas jualan boleh menikmati hidangan ringan yang disediakan di ruang menunggu yang sangat selesa sementara juruteknik terlatih melayani keperluan kenderaan Isuzu mereka. 

Cawangan Isuzu selepas ini akan dibezakan dengan penggunaan logo Isuzu baru yang ditampilkan di depan bangunan serta di menara logo khas di gerbang masuk ke premis. Pusat 3S, yang khususnya menawarkan penjagaan lepas jualan untuk trak juga menampilkan ruang yang cukup luas untuk memudahkan parkir serta pengendalian keluar-masuk. 

Di dalam, cawangan baru ini juga hadir dengan penampilan lebih berkarismatik dengan ciri khusus sebagai panduan mudah untuk pengunjung mengetahui keseluruhan tataletak di premis berkenaan.

Whether for commercial goods deliveries or trades, for police and rescue operations, or for passenger transport – light commercial vehicles (LCV) are playing an increasingly important role. More than 36.5 million of these light commercial vehicles up to 6 tons, also known as vans, are in use in Europe. Filters used in vans must be able to handle everything. From long distances on highways to irregular city traffic, hardly any other situation demands so much flexibility from filtration systems. For over 70 years, MANN-FILTER products in original equipment quality have been synonymous with optimal engine protection, long and efficient operating times, and consistently high filtration performance. 

The premium filtration brand has further expanded its product portfolio for this segment and now offers almost 95 percent market coverage for the European vehicle fleet. That means over 670 filters in original equipment quality for more than 36.5 million vans, broken down as follows: 

• 209 air filters
• 156 oil filters
• 171 fuel filters
• 124 cabin air filters
• 17 other filters 

New Light Commercial Vehicles Guide with interactive PDF
A new, user-friendly MANN-FILTER Light Commercial Vehicles Guide with interactive PDF lists the most common manufacturers and models and helps users quickly find the right filter in original equipment quality for the respective van. The new guide is available for download from the MANN-FILTER website

Bumimas Food manufacturing Sdn Bhd (Bumimas) trialled their first HAMMAR Sideloader in mid 2020. Since then, the company has been utiliised their first unit heavily and concluded that they could use a second one. Speaking to Mr Kelvin Lim, Asian Trucker said that the second unit is part of a business expansion of 10 new Volvo trucks.  

“This new Sideloader is making it easier for the drivers tasked with shunting. The process is fast for our moving, loading and unloading of containers, which gives us an advantage,” Lim said. Bumimas now operates two HAMMAR Sideloaders.  

The unit delivered is a Hammar 119 HS. This model is a specially designed model for the Malaysian market, a result of the latest Sideloader technology from Hammar. This model is designed for high versatility, safety, and easy and efficient transfer operations. It will be available with up to 40 metric tonnes Safe Working Load (SWL) and is tested with 50 metric tonnes static load. The model will be able to stack without shortening the container chains and is expected to have a considerably lower tare weight than the standard Hammar 195 in Malaysia.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation is pleased to announce that partner company Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. is celebrating 10 years of operation. Since its start in 2012, DICV has expanded the market presence of its “made in India, for India” brand of commercial vehicles, BharatBenz, while exporting approximately 35 000 trucks and buses under the FUSO brand.

DICV’s headquarters and production base is in Oragadam, Chennai, a city on the eastern coast of India and a key hub for global manufacturers and software development. Now with over 4000 employees, DICV has rapidly ramped up its capabilities during the past decade. MFTBC and DICV together form Daimler Truck Asia, an organizational unit under Daimler Truck AG that allows the two entities to collaborate on product development, production, exports, sourcing, and research activity. For example, some BharatBenz vehicles, such as the 9-tonne 914R or the 13-tonne 1217C, include much of the same architecture as FUSO medium and heavy-duty models, as further evidence of the rich collaboration between DICV and MFTBC.

In fact, in addition to producing BharatBenz vehicles for the Indian market, the plant in Oragadam also exports FUSO vehicles to 60 countries around the world, from South America to the Middle East. By volume, the largest export market for DICV-produced FUSO vehicles is Saudi Arabia. KD packages are also part of the export business, and are sent to assemby plants in South Africa, Kenya, Vietnam, Malaysia under the FUSO brand and Indonesia under Mercedes-Benz branding. FUSO models produced by DICV range in GVW/GCW from 9 to 40 tons, to match various customer needs and applications. Until now, over 50 000 vehicles have been shipped overseas from DICV, 35 000 units of which have been for FUSO. Additionally, DICV supports the Daimler Truck network of companies with parts procurement and with the production of important components such as transmissions. The organization is therefore not only a key partner for MFTBC, but plays an important role within the largers Daimler Truck family.

In 2021, despite the effects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, DICV achieved a record in exports at 125% above the previous year. Satyakam Arya, Managing Director and CEO of DICV, commented, “Despite supply chain headwinds, rising input costs, rising fuel prices and the impact of the pandemic, we closed the year with a 48 percent increase in domestic wholesales and achieved highest-ever growth in exports of trucks, buses and parts.”

DICV’s remarkable growth has also been accompanied by a strong commitment to sustainability. The plant’s state-of-the-art facilities only rely on 100 percent recycled water, and are on course to achieve carbon free* operations by 2025. Solar panels located across the vast 430 acre plot are already contributing to this goal, with their 3.3 megawatt capacity. As with MFTBC’s Kawasaki Plant, carbon neutrality across the value chain is also a strategic focus at the Oragadam location. Together with DICV, MFTBC will continue to strive towards the Daimler Truck Asia vision “to develop mobility solutions to embrace a better life for people and the planet,” in the years to come.

Daimler Commercial Vehicles (Thailand) Ltd (DCVT) has unveiled a dynamic 2022 business strategy for Thailand focusing on FUSO as well as Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus backed up a new aftersales service program for customers to increase customer confidence, which is set to launch later in 2022.

DCVT believes that trucks and buses are still the logistic backbone that moves global economies and keeps consumers well supplied; without them, the world stands still. This is something that has been very clearly demonstrated during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"From the freight companies who bring goods from the world’s ports to supermarkets, construction sites and hospitals; to public transport providers who take people to work or school, or public waste management systems that keeps our streets and cities clean, DCVT works to keep the world moving. This aligns with is our corporate purpose," Mr. Ralf Kraemer, CEO of Daimler Commercial Vehicles (Thailand). "With Daimler trucks, DCVT strives to be a part of every movement around the world, including Thailand. From our perspective, the people who drive the world are our customers, because we sincerely believe that 'Our Customers Move the World'.

Mr. Kraemer said DCVT will continue to focus on FUSO models FJ2528RMC, TV3340S and FN2527 during 2022 because they are proven and cost-effective products and lower operating costs. Daimler products will also be front and center this year, with a focus on Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles, both trucks and buses, highlighted by the introduction of new models. During the first half of 2022, ‘The new Actros’ will be launched in Thailand, while the OH1626 chassis will also be available for Mercedes-Benz buses.

For aftersales service DCVT is focused on customer satisfaction. It will open a 24-hour Roadside Assistance and Call Center in 2022.

DCVT currently has an authorized Dealer Network and business partners with 16 FUSO outlets, 5 Mercedes-Benz Truck outlets and 5 Mercedes-Benz Bus outlets across the country, in addition to three FUSO genuine parts dealers, and 2-body builder service providers. DCVT also plans to expand its business partner network to support its overall sales network and aftersales service.

In terms of marketing, DCVT will expand communication channels to reach both new and existing customers. It will add Instagram and LinkedIn accounts to engage customers with activities and collaborations by authorized dealers including additional serv

DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has today announced the addition of six electric vans in Malaysia. These vehicles will be hitting roads across the Klang Valley for last-mile deliveries. The introduction marks the company as the first in the country to transition toward a commercial electric vehicle (EV) fleet.

The new vans will be deployed in early October, serving the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor areas. DHL will add a further 55 to bring the total number of EVs to 61 by 2023. These will be deployed to other states nationwide.

"Logistics operations efficiency, innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our agenda," said Sean Wall, Executive Vice President, Network Operations and Aviation, DHL Express Asia Pacific. "While improving our service capabilities to exceed rapidly evolving customer demands, we remain aware of our responsibility to the environment and strive towards clean operations. Electric delivery vans represent the future of our global green network and drive our climate-neutral goals."

The fully-electric CAM EC35 has a cargo space of 4.8 m³ with a payload of more than one ton, similar to the internal combustion engine vans it is replacing. It requires eight hours to be fully charged for a travel distance up to 266 kilometers. With direct current (DC) fast charging (at up to 40 kW), the time will be reduced to 2.5 hours. An anti-braking system (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) are among the standard features that enhance couriers' safety and driving experience as they complete their daily routes.

At the same time, DHL has been developing its infrastructure to support the roll-out. For example, smart charging points at the service centers are designed for scalability for additional electric vans in the coming years.

With the deployment of CAM EC35, DHL will see fuel cost savings of 48 percent over conventional vehicles and a 33 percent decrease in CO2 emissions annually.

Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei, said, “At DHL Express, our investments always aim to improve our carbon footprint. Advancements in electric vehicle technology play a crucial role and contribute significantly to our mission of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This is an important milestone in our decarbonization journey and a step forward for making clean logistics a reality.”

This initiative forms part of Deutsche Post DHL Group’s global target to electrify 60 percent of its last mile delivery vehicles by 2030, strengthening its portfolio dedicated to EV logistics and supporting its sustainability roadmap. DHL Express plans to have more than 1 000 electric vehicles in Asia Pacific by 2024.

The change to electric vans is also aligned with the National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP 2020), which emphasizes the importance of energy-efficient vehicles, as Malaysia commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

MAN Truck & Bus has presented its new all-electric chassis for the world market to the public: The Lion's Chassis E was on show live for the first time at the Australasia Bus & Coach Expo trade fair in Sydney, Australia - and delighted operators, entrepreneurs and experts.

At the beginning of October, MAN Truck & Bus celebrated a world premiere: the new Lion's Chassis E LF, a fully electric low-floor chassis, was presented to the public at the Australasia Bus & Coach Expo in Sydney. The chassis is based on proven technologies from the MAN Lion's City E, which is already operating successfully in many European countries and proving its everyday suitability, performance and reliability day after day. "We are very pleased that the MAN Lion's Chassis E has been presented live here in Australia for the first time," says Crinel Geaboc, Head of MAN Bus and Coach at Penske Australia, exclusive MAN partner in Australia and New Zealand. Geaboc continues: "MAN offers one of the most technologically advanced diesel buses on the Australian market. The new electric chassis perfectly complements the existing range."

The high level of interest shown by operators and entrepreneurs in alternative forms of propulsion is demonstrated by the high response to the Lion's Chassis E during the Sydney show. Many visitors took the opportunity to learn about the all-electric chassis as well as environmentally friendly mobility. MAN's clear goal is to further advance this and to make traffic in cities all over the world even cleaner, quieter and safer. In addition, every second MAN city bus sold is to have an emission-free drive by 2025. "The new Lion's Chassis E is an essential building block for us to achieve this goal. Because with our electric chassis we now offer the MAN electric bus solution for the international markets, and bodybuilders from all over the world receive the ideal basis for their fully electric models with the chassis," says Rudi Kuchta, Head of Business Unit Bus at MAN Truck & Bus, and adds: "In this way we can also provide our customers with emission-free solutions outside Europe."

Flexible Solutions to Facilitate Entry into Electromobility
Especially in times when sustainable mobility is increasingly coming into focus, such an offer is of particular importance. "With the Lion's Chassis E, we are in a position to make it much easier for companies and operators to switch their fleets to electric technologies, which is already required in this country," says Crinel Geaboc. This also succeeds because MAN offers two alternatives in terms of battery technology. In this way, the sometimes enormously different requirements of international bus companies in terms of daily range, total kilometre performance and costs are to be met. In concrete terms, this means that in addition to the NMC technology (lithium nickel manganese cobalt battery) familiar from the Lion's City E, there will be LFP technology (lithium ferrophosphate battery).

Flexible solutions to facilitate entry into electromobility Especially in times when sustainable mobility is increasingly coming into focus, such an offer is of particular importance. "With the Lion's Chassis E, we are in a position to make it much easier for companies and operators to switch their fleets to electric technologies, which is already required in this country," says Crinel Geaboc. This also succeeds because MAN offers two alternatives in terms of battery technology. In this way, the sometimes enormously different requirements of international bus companies in terms of daily range, total kilometre performance and costs are to be met. In concrete terms, this means that in addition to the NMC technology (lithium nickel manganese cobalt battery) familiar from the Lion's City E, there will be LFP technology (lithium ferrophosphate battery).

First Demo Vehicles to be Delivered as Early as 2023
For the market launch of the Lion's Chassis E, the MAN team is working intensively with a worldwide network of bodybuilders. This is to ensure that local customer requirements in Asia, Africa, South America, New Zealand and Australia can be met in the best possible way. It is planned that the first assembled demo vehicles will be delivered as early as 2023. In addition, the performance and functionality of the chassis will be tested in possible target markets in the coming year, including Australia. The start of series production of the Lion's Chassis E is planned for 2024. The electric chassis will be produced at the Polish MAN plant in Starachowice. "The Lion's City E will also be manufactured there. The experience that our employees have gained in development and production around our eBus and its series production will of course be incorporated into the production of the electric chassis. Our international customers will benefit significantly from this," Kuchta is certain.

MAN will initially offer the all-electric chassis as a two-axle vehicle for low-floor (Lion's Chassis E LF), low-entry (Lion's Chassis E LE) and high-floor (Lion's Chassis E HF) applications. To ensure that it can be used everywhere, it will also be available as a left- and right-hand drive version. This is particularly interesting for countries such as Singapore, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, where left-hand drive is the norm and MAN buses are already in use.

The Innovation Challenge will make its Euro Bus Expo debut at the NEC Birmingham on 1-3 November. Bringing together the most notable product and service developments from across the industry, it gives visitors the opportunity to quickly and easily discover what’s new and next in a sector rife with innovation.

The next wave of ideas
The Challenge will highlight the most significant new initiatives from hundreds of leading and emerging brands exhibiting at Euro Bus Expo. Among these, visitors will discover innovations that could be the key to cutting costs, driving productivity, and unlocking future growth for their businesses.

Euro Bus Expo is a proven platform to find out about the latest products available. It attracts thousands of bus, coach and mini-vehicle operators, local authorities and stakeholders to find out about new initiatives, from energy-efficient vehicles, through technology, equipment, accessories, and business services.

After the last event, Robert Williams, chief executive officer of Reading Buses said: “I always enjoy attending the show to see the latest innovations and developments, gather new ideas and meet suppliers. There’s nothing like having all the options under one roof to help shape our buying decisions.”

Exclusive to Exhibitors
Exhibiting suppliers are invited to enter their product or service launching at Euro Bus Expo, or in the 12 months prior, which they feel deserves recognition for innovation.
Says event director Helen Conway: “Following its successful launch at Coach & Bus UK in 2019, the Innovation Challenge celebrates new products and services from across the industry.

“As well as giving visitors a convenient way to discover all the latest initiatives, the challenge is an extra opportunity for exhibitors to showcase the very best of their work and highlight the importance it has on shaping the future of our sector.”

Judged by the Industry
Entries will be displayed in the Innovation Challenge Gallery, where visitors will vote for their favourites on the first and second days of the show. Suppliers of innovations with the most votes will deliver a 90-second pitch of their product or service to a panel of industry judges and visitors in the Masterclass Theatre. The judges will award bronze, silver or gold award certificates, and winners can relish the moment of having one of the most innovative products or services at Euro Bus Expo 2022.

Judges include Phil Hitchen, MD of Belle Vue Coaches; Chloe Leach-O’Connell, MD of LeachO’Connell Consultancy; Jon Eardley, MD at Abellio London; Tom Morgan, group commercial director at trentbarton; and Josh Miles, director CPT Cymru at Confederation of Passenger Transport UK. 

Says John Clarfelt, former CEO at Ticketer: “I highly recommend entering if you are looking to launch a new product or service. We were excited to be involved in the Innovation Challengeat Coach & Bus UK 2019. “It was a chance to get in front of the whole exhibition audience and showcase something we are proud of, which could really benefit the industry. Reaching the finals and winning the gold award was naturally a bonus.”

Modern engines with their very high injection pressures are a challenge for commercial vehicle diesel fuel filters. Protecting the complex, diesel-carrying components such as the high-pressure pump and injectors from abrasive wear means increased requirements when it comes to particle filtration, for example. The latest generation of fuel filters effectively protects these modern injection systems from contamination and wear by absorbing even the tiniest of particles. This significantly increases the service life of the components in the system, thus avoiding downtime.

High Separation Efficiency Thanks to the New MULTIGRADE F-MB 2000 Filter Medium
Based on the proven MULTIGRADE F-MB 333 fuel filter medium, which has established itself as the standard for highly efficient filters in the commercial vehicle sector in recent years, the experts at leading global filtration specialist MANN+HUMMEL have developed a new filter medium, the MULTIGRADE F-MB 2000, which offers separation efficiency of 99.95 percent down to a particle size of four micrometers. For comparison: These particles are up to 18 times smaller than the width of a human hair. This new filter medium is used in the MANN-FILTER WK 11 051 fuel filter and ensures that 9,995 out of 10,000 streaming particles are retained.

Multi-layer Filter Medium
This excellent ability to separate out even the tiniest of particles is achieved thanks to the filter medium's three-layer structure. The first layer is made from synthetic fibers and retains large particles to protect the subsequent layers and therefore ensure a long service life for the filter. The middle layer ensures the separation of fine particles down to a few micrometers in size through the use of glass fibers embedded in a cellulose matrix. The downstream, pure cellulose layer stabilizes the complex media structure and retains the last particles so that the injection system is supplied with fuel that has been optimally cleaned.

MANN+HUMMEL has already started series production of this highly efficient fuel filter for various vehicle manufacturers. In the independent aftermarket, the MANN-FILTER WK 11 051 is available for Renault Trucks and for Volvo Bus and Trucks. Its seal materials are resistant to, tested with, and ideally suited for standard diesel and biodiesel variants as well as new synthetic diesel fuels such as HVO. They have the relevant OE approvals, and ensure a permanent hold and a complete seal of the filter. HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils) is a synthetic diesel that is produced by a catalytic reaction of vegetable oils or animal fats with hydrogen (hydrogenation) and is already used as a blending component in standard diesel or even in its pure form in some countries.

Protection Without Wear
To give the fuel filter even better protection against corrosion, a hot-dip aluminized coating is used instead of the conventional zinc coating on some metal components. This improves chemical resistance, especially to biodiesel fuels, and protects against the formation of deposits as well as increased wear on the injectors of the injection system.

To keep commercial vehicles running reliably and efficiently over a long period, fuel filters should be changed regularly at the intervals specified by the vehicle manufacturer.