Chinatrucks.com reports that on May 10, the most powerful tractor unit, SHACMAN X6000 with 840 hp Weichai engine rolled off the production line. This also marks the two millionth heavy duty truck produced by SHACMAN. As the industry continues to grow and move towards high horsepower, the market share of heavy trucks with 500+ horsepower grows from 24.6 percent in 2018 to 40 percent in 2023.

Yuan Hongming, secretary of the party committee and chairman of Shaanxi Automobile Holding Group, stressed that SHACMAN has always been committed to solving the pain points of its customers, who are more concerned about lower energy consumption, higher transport efficiency and better driving experience.

The Weichai 17H 840HP Engine, with a maximum output torque of 3 750 Nm, can reduce fuel consumption by five to eight percent. Its B10 service life can reach up to two million km. It is a significant breakthrough in terms of power, reliability and cost effectiveness and will undoubtedly address the concerns of users.

“SHACMAN-CIMC Cooperation Organization” was officially inaugurated at the event. They developed the industry's first integrated development model that technically integrates chassis and upper body, as well as key links such as organization structure, digital marketing and after sales service. In this way, the two original products are combined into one and brought to market, maximizing commercial value with limited resources.

n the first four months of this year, SHACMAN produced and sold 52 800 vehicles, achieving an increase of 49 percent year-on-year. The overall market share grew by 3.43 percent, with the domestic civilian products share up by 2.5 percent. SHACMAN continues to be a market leader not only in CNG/LNG and dump trucks, but also in freight, AMT and new energy trucks.

The launch of X6000 high horsepower product and its cooperation with CIMC will empower SHACMAN to develop towards intelligence and integration further.

About the international Truck of the Year
The International Truck of the Year (IToY) award was initially launched in 1977 by the British journalist and legendary editor of TRUCK magazine Pat Kennett. Today, the 24 jury members represent leading commercial vehicle magazines throughout Europe. Moreover, in the last few years, the IToY Group has extended its influence by appointing 'associate members in the growing truck markets of China, India, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Iran, New Zealand, Israel, and Malaysia. The combined truck operator readership of the 24 IToY full-jury members' magazines and those of its ten associate members exceeds 1 100 000.

Knorr-Bremse, together with Knorr-Bremse TruckServices, Knorr-Bremse’s commercial vehicle aftermarket unit, will continue their joint role as the Hahn racing team’s main sponsors for the 2023 racing season, opening a new chapter in the team’s ongoing success story. This year, Knorr-Bremse will celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary as official sponsor of Team Hahn Racing in the FIA European Truck Racing Championship.

In the coming season, Knorr-Bremse will once again take charge of fitting out the Iveco S-Way race truck driven by six-time European Truck Race champion Jochen Hahn with a broad range of series products, including a pneumatic braking system, air supply system and brake calipers, as well as a Knorr-Bremse steering system. In turn, Knorr-Bremse TruckServices will supply a variety of spare parts to keep the race truck at the front of the pack at all times.

Dr. Jürgen Steinberger, Chairman of the Management Board of Knorr-Bremse Commercial Vehicle Systems, explains: “We’re very proud of the many successes achieved by Team Hahn Racing over the last 20 years. At the same time, truck racing offers us an ideal opportunity to test our series products in the very toughest operating conditions. That’s why we’re so pleased to be able to make an important contribution to the ongoing success of Jochen Hahn and his team as their official sponsor and technical partner – while putting our systems through their paces in the process. We look forward to the coming season and wish reigning European Vice-Champion Jochen Hahn every success, along with his entire team.”

“We’re delighted to have Knorr-Bremse at our side as both sponsor and technical partner – as indeed they have been for the last two decades,” comments truck racer Jochen Hahn. “With Knorr-Bremse beside us, we’re in a fantastic position to continue our successful run over the coming season. And we’re also looking forward to another big step into the future as we join Knorr-Bremse in exploring the opportunities for even more sustainable motorsport events,” adds Hahn.

A pioneering development project: the e-race truck
Together with other partners, Team Hahn Racing and Knorr-Bremse are currently developing an erace truck that is already slated for use as a pace truck in the 2023 racing season. With the new truck, Team Hahn Racing and its partners are taking the next step toward the sustainable transformation of truck racing. The pace truck is due to make its first appearance on the track at the Misano Grand Prix.

The season opener of the FIA European Truck Racing Championship will take place on May 20-21, 2023, at the Misano World Circuit on Italy’s Adriatic coast. Following a total of nine race weekends, the season will close on October 1, 2023, at the Circuito del Jarama near Madrid.

Motoring Trends reported that Reliance Industries and Daimler India have collaborated to build a hydrogen fuel cell inter-city luxury bus concept. It will be used to conduct an advanced engineering study to explore the viability of hydrogen fuel cell as a propulsion alternative for the future.

The hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technology used on a luxury coach has been developed indigenously by Reliance Industries and is capable of a range of approximately 400 km.

To be deployed to understand the viability of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the inter-city bus segment, which is also termed as the mid-premium segment currently in India and includes modern front-engine 13 m and 12 m long buses such as the BharatBenz 1824 and 1624 respectively, the experimental luxury coach follows the announcement by a heavy-duty hydrogen ICE truck in collaboration with Ashok Leyland.

Touted as India’s first hydrogen-powered truck, the experimental truck was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the India Energy Week event in Bengaluru in February 2023.

The collaboration of Reliance Industries with Daimler India Commercial Vehicles to develop the fuel cell hydrogen inter-city luxury bus highlights the presence the German CV maker has managed to attain in the mid-premium segment, which is also quite competitive with the presence of manufacturers like Tata Motors, VE Commercial Vehicles, Ashok Leyland and a few others.

The BharatBenz brand of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles is known for its modern engineering attributes, safety, comfort and reliability among bus and truck operators.

The Daimler Truck group (“Daimler Truck”) announces the launch of a line of electric trucks in the US market under the new brand name RIZON. The RIZON brand and its vehicle offerings will be presented to the public for the first time at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, scheduled to run from May 1-4, 2023 in Anaheim, California. 

RIZON delivers customer-focused zero-emission trucks and mobility solutions from one of the world’s largest and most experienced commercial vehicle manufacturers, Daimler Truck. RIZON’s identity is rooted in the brand’s commitment to form a partnership with business owners as they shift to zero-emission transportation. Fleet owners and truck drivers will be comprehensively supported through an experienced dealership network offering a range of services that help deliver the seamless experience customers expect from Daimler Truck’s brands. Consulting on AC and DC charging as well as telematics access will be available. Flexible financing is provided by Daimler Truck Financial Services.

Three model variants, the e18L, e16L, and the e16M, will be the first trucks available under the RIZON brand. The brand will offer a versatile mix of configurations and options suitable to each customer’s unique requirements to optimize day-to-day operations and productivity. The class 4 and 5 medium-duty battery-electric vehicles, ranging from 15 995 up to 17 995 lbs in gross vehicle weight (GVW), are able to run from 110 -160 miles for L size variant with 3 battery packs) and 75 -110 miles (for M size variant with 2 battery packs) on a single charge*. These trucks are ideally suited to a variety of applications such as dry vans, flatbeds, landscape dumps, and reefers. All RIZON trucks are built using proven quality assurance standards developed by Daimler Truck and in practice at more than 40 manufacturing locations around the world. 

In addition to versatility, RIZON provides peace of mind. RIZON trucks incorporate advanced passive and active safety systems to help safeguard drivers, passengers, and the communities in which they operate. Drivers can feel even more secure in stop-and-go traffic and congested urban areas with Daimler Truck’s safety technology such as Active Brake Assist and Active Side Guard Assist. RIZON trucks are capable of being charged by two types of battery charging systems, Level 2 AC Charging (J1772) and DC Fast Charging CCS1 compliant. The RIZON brand will also carry a class-leading warranty package that protects the powertrain, chassis and cab, for 5 years/75,000 miles and the high voltage batteries for 5 years/120,000 miles**. 

With this initial product selection, RIZON trucks will target businesses involved in urban retail logistics, last-mile deliveries and municipal work. Starting Q4 2023, they will be distributed in the United States through an exclusive agreement with Velocity, an established name in the commercial vehicle industry with around 80 global outlets. With sales consultants and technicians experienced in commercial e-mobility, Velocity touchpoints will serve as one-stop-shops for customers interested in making the jump to electric trucks. Additionally, Velocity will be appointing dealers for RIZON in areas outside of Velocity’s footprint to provide a seamless network across the United States.

The mobility industry is changing rapidly as legislation and customer initiatives focus the spotlight on zero-emissions commercial transportation. Incentive funding and tax credits in certain markets are also helping to ease fleets’ switching costs. As this dynamic new marketplace develops, RIZON stands ready to assist customers in making their transition. Through its partnership with Velocity and these favorable shifts in the transportation landscape, Daimler Truck expects attractive growth potential in the medium-duty electric truck market as for the RIZON brand in the years ahead.

*The L size (124 kWh) variant has an expected driving range of 110 -160 miles and the M size (83 kWh) variant offers 75 -110 miles on a single charge. The range may vary based on environment conditions, battery health / charge level, recuperation usage, road traffic / profile, accessories usage, speed of operation and driving style.

**as of April 2023

Daimler Truck Holding AG ("Daimler Truck") Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation ("MFTBC"), Hino Motors Ltd. ("Hino") and Toyota Motor Corporation ("Toyota") today concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on accelerating the development of advanced technologies and merging MFTBC and Hino.

The new electric heavy-duty truck from MAN is already seeing high demand a year before the start of production. The international logistics company DB Schenker and the commercial vehicle manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus have now signed an agreement to integrate for the first time the new MAN eTruck. DB Schenker is thus driving forward the electrification of its fleet and road freight transport. The company plans to add 100 new MAN eTrucks to its fleet by 2026. The first vehicles are to be handed over in the first half of 2024. Asian Trucker reported about the launch of this vehicle in Issue 67

"DB Schenker and MAN are pacing the path to an electric future together. We are very pleased to have our first customer for the new eTruck. The demand in the market for this fully electric vehicle is already enormous. The topic is now really picking up speed, also because more and more of our customers are setting themselves extremely ambitious decarbonisation targets. This has a direct impact on the logistics chains. However, we will only be able to achieve a sustainable mobility turnaround in heavy goods transport with the appropriate political support. This concerns, among other things, the rapid development of the charging infrastructure and also the further design of the funding  framework for the acquisition of electric trucks," said Alexander Vlaskamp, CEO of MAN Truck & Bus, at the New Year's reception at MAN's Munich site, which was also attended by the Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs, Hubert Aiwanger.

Cyrille Bonjean, Head of Land Transport at DB Schenker Europe, said: "We want to build up practical experience with e-trucks as early as possible. In this way, we can quickly create an offer for the economy to make supply chains more climate-friendly. That's why it was important for us to get the first MAN eTrucks. This brings us another step closer to our goal of being net zero on the road in land transport by 2040." 

In the first half of 2024, the first MAN eTrucks will be produced in a small series on the production line at the company's headquarters in Munich. With the signing of the agreement, DB Schenker is the first pilot customer for these eTrucks. The company wants to gain practical experience with the product as early as possible. This also includes setting up its own charging infrastructure, intelligent route planning and other digital services from MAN Digital Solutions such as eManager, ServiceCare and MAN Driver App. DB Schenker is therefore supported by 360° consulting from MAN Transport Solutions, including route analysis, charging strategy, charging infrastructure planning and energy demand optimisation.

The first MAN eTrucks for DB Schenker will be volume semitrailer tractors, so-called ultra semitrailer tractors. The low semitrailer height of around 950 mm makes it possible to transport electrically volume trailers with an internal height of three metres. Ten MAN eTrucks that DB Schenker will receive in 2024 will be ultra-tractor units. The other electric trucks to be delivered in 2025 and 2026 are planned as ultra-tractor units and swap body trucks.

The production of the future eTrucks has been prepared at MAN since 2021 in the MAN eMobility Center, as conventional diesel trucks and electric trucks will run off one assembly line during the ramp-up of electromobility. To this end, the workflows and process steps of planners, designers and start-up experts are mapped with pinpoint accuracy and any necessary adjustments are taken up immediately by the vehicle developers.

Elementary components of the eTrucks will be produced in Nuremberg in the future. MAN manufactures the high-voltage batteries at this site - currently still in small series production, but from the beginning of 2025 the battery packs will be produced in large series. To this end, the company is investing around 100 million euros over the next five years at the tradition-steeped production site for internal combustion engines. The commercial vehicle manufacturer is also receiving support from the Bavarian state government, which has pledged a contribution of around 30 million euros to energy research and technology funding for the period 2023 to 2027.

Powertrain, a European specialist magazine focused on engines in industrial and automotive applications, has awarded the new Scania Next Generation DC13 as the Diesel of The Year 2023. This new engine platform offers unparalleled efficiency to save fuel and reduce CO₂ emissions. 

You think of Scania and link that brand to the “premium” identity of a truck, especially the heavy long-haulers. You think back to Scania trucks, lift the bonnet and find one of the trio: 9-, 13- and the “ethernal” 16-litre V8. From 2023 onwards, when you take a moment to think about Scania, your thoughts will also have to turn to the Griffin’s status among industrial applications. The Next Generation DC13, an evolution of the DC13, was awarded the 18^th Diesel of the Year. 

For the very first time, Scania has entered its name on the palmares, overturning an ostracism that is not due to any prejudice, but to the simple fact that until now the Diesel of the Year has rewarded a newly designed engine block (in the present and near future much will depend on the extent and speed of the haemorrhage of investment in endothermic engines). The key yardstick for this award, however, continues to be the principle of innovation. And the Next Generation DC13 performs this in the best possible way. In Södertälje they have optimised the cylinder of the 13-litre (BxS 130×160 mm) and overturned the engine block, which has achieved an outstanding efficiency target. 

The enhanced gas exchange system, reduced internal friction, and increased turbocharger efficiency all have a positive impact on the fuel-efficiency. The specific consumption curve is drawn in such a way as to enhance the sobriety of the combustion cycle. Road tests, carried out on trucks on commercial routes, not conceived for the simple use of marketing data sheets, confirmed the values recorded on the test bench: the reduction in consumption can be accounted for, on average, between 8% and 10%. The time between overhauls is up to 25,000 hours. The 13-litre engine has a power range from 368 kW to 450 kW and delivers up to 11 percent more power and 21 percent more torque than DC13. 

The 13-litre engine is Scania’s most powerful platform ever. Gaining benefits from decades of Swedish in-house engineering experience, Scania has obtained unparalleled engine performance: increased power up to 450kW power output that corresponds to 11% more than the current DC13 (405kW); best in class power density with 35,4 kW/L; 21% more torque (3001 Nm) than the current DC13; and high torque at low revs (2660Nm at 900rpm) are some of the main technical specifications of this new generation.  

This award is first and foremost an acknowledgement of Scania’s massive investment. Shipyard and power generation OEMs will have the chance to meet and appreciate the frugality of an engine that aims to reduce CO₂ impact without the need for huge infrastructural investment and regulations alchemy. The specific curves stand up to a peer-to-peer comparison (we have already proven this with an 11-litre diesel engines comparison. Scania’s plan has in fact included a modular, scaled-down 5-cylinder version). Rise is promising, making it easier to approach both translation and peak loads. The engine configuration, features and specific performances are fit to face a triple challenge, for the survival of ICE in a holistic perspective: to accomplish the future Euro 7 and Stage VI parameters (if there will be any); to “digest” HVO and biogenic and paraffinic fuels; to embrace electrification. 

Singaporean Lithium-ion battery manufacturer, Durapower Holdings Pte Ltd (“Durapower”) has successfully commissioned 54 Automated Guided Vehicles (“AGV”), powered by Durapower batteries, for operations at PSA Singapore (“PSA”) Tuas Port.

Durapower clinched the PSA Tuas Port AGV battery tender earlier this year, and has completed testing of its 266kWh Battery Energy Storage System (“BESS”) with a third-party AGV manufacturer.

This successful launch builds on Durapower’s  ongoing efforts to advance global port  decarbonisation. Durapower’s customised durable, high power battery solutions, first deployed in 2012 for specialty vehicles like AGVs, are built for  ruggedness to withstand heavy loads, and extreme operating conditions. Serving as the backbone of commerce and industry, heavy vehicles bear the responsibility of heavy-lifting operations. To minimise operational downtime, Durapower offers high-performance, fast-charging battery pack systems for operational efficiency. Durapower battery solutions are used in logistics parks, airports, seaports, and other industrial applications globally.

Mr Kelvin Lim, Chief Executive Officer of Durapower Group commented, “This latest award is a testament to our customers and port businesses’ confidence in the quality, our products, in terms of performance, track record and safety, for heavy duty, specialty commercial electric vehicles that operate under strenuous conditions. It also highlights our strong relationship with PSA and partnership opportunities with various AGV manufacturers. We will continue to build on our technical capability and innovation to advance powerful and efficient clean energy solutions to the world.”

The market launch of the new MAN eTruck 2024 is drawing closer: the large-series electric truck for CO2-free road haulage recently proved its full winter suitability in the Arctic Circle. Now it is going into its long-distance endurance run on public roads. For the premiere drive on the Olympic grounds in Munich, Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder took a seat in the heavy long-distance truck together with MAN CEO Alexander Vlaskamp. Alexander Vlaskamp once again emphasised the importance of expanding the public charging infrastructure for the successful conversion to battery-electric trucks. As early as 2030, 50 percent of all newly registered MAN trucks in Europe are to be battery-electric.

"We are now bringing our battery-electric truck onto the roads of Bavaria after the successful winter tests. As early as the middle of this decade, it will be more economical to drive e-trucks in this country than trucks with combustion engines. We are therefore launching our heavy-duty e-truck at exactly the right time, when demand from hauliers is expected to pick up," said Alexander Vlaskamp, Chairman of the Executive Board of MAN Truck & Bus, in concrete terms about the great market potential for battery-electric trucks, but at the same time emphasised with regard to the public e-infrastructure: "To achieve this, we urgently need at least 50,000 high-capacity, megawatt charging points in Europe – both at our customers' depots and along the main long-distance routes."

As part of the TRATON GROUP, MAN is already actively developing at least 1,700 high-performance charging points along motorways and at logistics hubs in Europe in a joint venture with other partners. The Munich-based company is also involved in the project "HoLa – high-performance charging in long-distance truck traffic": Along the A2 motorway between Berlin and the Ruhr region, fast charging points are to be set up where battery-electric long-distance trucks can be charged within the statutory break times of 45 minutes.

The new MAN eTruck is already technically prepared for the megawatt charging required for this, which is expected to be available from 2025. Long-distance daily ranges of between 600 and 800 kilometres, later even up to 1000 kilometres, will thus be possible with the electric lion. But the new MAN eTruck will also easily cover the majority of other typical transport tasks of today's trucks, such as low-noise and emission-free waste disposal in the city or the collection of milk from the organic farmer with the electric food tanker.

UD Trucks today announced its enhanced Quon, equipped with innovative safety features that puts people first. Dependable and safe for all drivers, road users and communities, the enhanced Quon comes with improved technology to assist drivers on the roads. The truck also delivers higher fuel efficiency, performance and productivity, making truck transportation more sustainable while supporting Japan’s 2050 carbon neutrality goals.   

“UD Trucks puts people first across its innovations and vehicles,” said Jacques Michel, Senior Vice President, UD Trucks International Sales. “Our enhanced Quon demonstrates that – it provisions the highest level of safety possible for drivers through its integrated suite of advanced and smart detection features, allowing drivers to achieve their progress on the roads.” 

Enhanced Quon also provides greater uptime, optimizing operational efficiency and streamlining costs for businesses, and building greater resilience for them amidst times of volatility.  

Extensive Suite of Features Keeping Drivers and their Surroundings Safe
Maintaining safety on the roads remains UD Truck’s top priority. This is captured within the enhanced Quon’s design and features, packed with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies. New, advanced features introduced on the enhanced Quon includes the improved Smart Traffic Eye Brake System[1] that uses its new radar and front looking camera to detect any potential collision with a vehicle or vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, alongside the Moving Off Information Signalfunction. It also has a new, upgraded Driver Alert System – an in-cab camera, activating a two-step alarm and warning to alert the driver to take a break. The Traffic sign recognition is another integrated feature in the camera which recognizes the traffic signs and displays the same on the instrument cluster helping drivers avoid overlooking signs. These new features come equipped on top of its original active safety technologies, which includes the Traffic Eye Cruise Control with new Stop & Driver Initiate Go function, the Smart BSIS (Blind Spot Information System), Smart Lane Departure Warning System and UD Stability Control.

The enhanced Quon helps to keep drivers safe on the roads and will continue to do so with more features upcoming for the truck. UD Trucks continues to contribute towards improving and driving long-term commercial vehicle safety and protecting drivers, communities and other road users, as part of achieving the automotive industry’s Vision Zero future of no injuries of fatalities from road collisions.

Upgraded Trucks Delivering Superior Performance and Uptime
The enhanced Quon offers superior reliability and durability, through state-of-the-art enhancements that incurs fewer breakdowns, lowers servicing frequency and maintenance costs, delivering ultimate value to businesses. Additionally, improvements to servicing schedule via a reduction of up to 50 percent[2] visits for servicing, saves on vehicle time spent in workshops for damages and repairs, while concurrently allowing for a reduction in insurance claims[3]. Complemented with smart solutions such as the Smart BSIS (Blind Spot Information System), Smart Lane Change Support and Improved Smart Traffic Eye Brake, possible liabilities from accident claims from vehicles and vulnerable road users can be reduced.

Owners can also expect easy maintenance with UD Trust Service Agreements which includes curation of a maintenance plan based on vehicle usage, covering optimal preventive maintenance and reliable inspections. Quon trucks are also supported with UD Extra Mile Support solutions that taps into the full UD network to access vehicle support which benefits owners throughout their vehicle lifestyle and lifespan – spanning across vehicle handover training programme, manufacturer’s warranty, UD Road Support, on top of reliable servicing by qualified technicians with genuine parts and UD Telematics. There is also lower maintenance cost expected from the enhanced Quon, as its engine uses VDS-5 5W-30 engine oil, enabling change intervals to be increased to up to 95 000km, a 35 percent[4] improvement from VDS-4, where there are also lesser filters to be replaced during servicing. 

Enhanced Solutions Delivering Higher Fuel Efficiency, Performance and Productivity
The enhanced Quon is UD Trucks’ most powerful and reliable truck yet, with its GH11 engine delivering up to 2.5 percent[5] improvement in fuel economy, reducing operating and ownership costs in the long term. It enables increased engine wear protection and low viscosity, with exceptional anti-wear, deposit and soot control protecting engine and valve train components such as cylinders, pistons and rings. Its new engine and high efficiency rear differential axle carrier also delivers more power and torque by retaining it onto the wheels and reducing drivetrain loss. The truck also comes with an intuitively designed ESCOT-VI 12-speed automated manual transmission that is simple and easy-to-use, providing improved and faster gear shifting while suppressing fluctuations in fuel efficiency.

The truck is also integrated with a ‘Nenpi’ fuel coach system displaying optimal fuel efficiency advice and driving techniques that drivers can leverage. An advanced fuel sending unit installed onboard providing more accurate fuel readings, alongside a redesigned fuel tank for 8L engines that provides higher ground clearance. The truck’s Idle Shut Downfeature, which automatically shuts down the engine after a few minutes of idling during parking helps to enhance fuel economy. 

UD Trucks’ Better Life: Committed to Making Life Better, for People and the Planet
With innovative, smart and environmentally sustainable transport, UD Trucks is committed to making life better for people and the planet. The enhanced Quon is Better for people, with its diverse features onboard elevating drivability and comfort, reducing risks and giving drivers a safe working environment. This includes a streamlined interior and dashboard designed for driver comfort, and an easy-to-understand instrument panel layout with driving information and LED indicators smartly arranged in order of warning priority, providing excellent visibility to drivers.

The truck’s chassis is light and designed for maximum payload[6], with a reduced tare and overall vehicle weight that improves the ease of loading and smoothness during all speeds. Better for logistics, the truck is equipped with a light and strong frame made up of high-tensile steel rails with a lower height, achieving further improvements in loading handling performance, supplemented by an uneven load adjustment function that also maintains strength.

Owners of the enhanced Quon will find that the truck is better for business, through its stronger performance that supports their businesses with increased efficiency and productivity, collectively bringing about a profitable cost of ownership. Through the Quon’s new engine calibration and redesigned engine components, there is more power and torque at low engine speed, leading to faster acceleration and higher gradeability with better performance. Its powerful and clean GH11 engine using up to 6 percent[7] less engine oil along with ESCOT-VI 12-speed automated manual transmission also makes it more fuel-efficient, boosting trip value as a whole. With a lower trip time, this improves profitability for owners, against a backdrop of a volatile and inflationary global market with higher operating costs.

UD Trucks is committed to advancing Japan’s climate change mitigation commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and is aligned with the country’s higher fuel efficiency performance standards for commercial trucks to reduce emissions. The enhanced Quon is Better for the Planet, with its new exhaust tube insulators and an additional noise cover on the transmission and newly redesigned engine helping to improve and manage heat and emissions from the vehicle, contributing towards better environmental performance in the long run.

Demonstrated by enhanced Quon, UD Trucks continues to use technology to make better trucks that are safer, cleaner and better for both drivers and the environment. The enhanced Quon delivers increased sustainability and mobility, reducing overall carbon footprint, in line with UD Trucks’ Better Life purpose to make life better for people and for the planet.

The enhanced Quon will be introduced in international markets, namely Australia and New Zealand from May 2023, with features differing between markets.

^[1]The Smart Traffic Eye Brake provides assistance for safe driving but does not guarantee that all collisions will be avoided. It might not be possible to use this system on some roads and in some weather conditions. Drivers are to take care to drive safely without total reliance on this system.

^[2]Based on annual mileage of 80,000km. Depending on applications and road usage.

^[3]Up to 27 percent less in bodily damage claims and up to 19 percent less in property damage claims.

^[4]Based on the usage of VDS-5 5W-30 engine oil on the new improved GH11 Engine. Test conducted by UD Trucks and dependent on application and road usage.

^[5] Based on test conducted by UD Trucks. Depending on applications and road usage.

[6] Up to +200kg depending on the model.

^[7]Based on the usage of VDS-5 5W-30 engine oil on the new improved GH11 Engine. Test conducted by UD Trucks and dependent on application and road usage.

The incumbent is responsible for conducting in-depth, high-quality driver training and safety orientation programs for all new hire drivers with truck driving experience; pre-employment vehicle driving test for prospective drivers; driver verification for qualification to handle and deliver various Air Products cryogenic bulk liquid and package gas products.

 The incumbent requires direct involvement and execution of the Air Products driver safety and training policies, procedures and program in each domicile location not limited to vehicle safety, driver training, driver safety, product delivery vehicles but also on the related truck emergency response training.

 The position also requires the incumbent to participate and directly involve in the fleet safety in monitoring the drivers and vehicles using the on-board trip recorder i.e GPS, black boxes; to monitor the speed violations, harsh braking and greater than four hours continuous driving. Ensure the fleet are in the road worthy condition by emphasizing on the cognitive defect to reduce the down time and preventive maintenance cost.    

 Promote, coordinate and conduct  continuous safety and training programs to all Air Products terminals in Malaysia and Singapore. The DST will support dedicated contractors’ drivers based on the training needs and training cycle; refresher and remedial training in Malaysia and Singapore.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. To provide and deliver driver safety training based on the Asian DST syllabus comprising Module 1 to Module 11, Smith Systems 5 keys to space cushion, Asian Driver Handbook familiarization and compliances and Vehicle Recovery Training. 

2. To evaluate and assess the driving competencies through coaching and mentoring on 1:1 basis. Analyze the achievement through Competencies Based Training Assessment method and identify the weakness areas. Transfer the knowledge on the driver safety, safe driving and effectively communicate as well as provide the feedback for the improvement. 

3. To ensure the new drivers are fully competent in handling and transferring the cryogenic products and qualify them before they are allowed to operate the truck independently. The qualification process shall meet the Air Products standards based on the actual delivery at the customer site and with physical observations. 

4. Maintain up to date the driver training record to all drivers in accordance with the process information and document requirements. 

5. To conduct the secondary interview, perform the pre-employment road tests for the potential drivers upon received it from the distribution team and qualify them for the next training process; ensure the criteria meeting the standard set by Air Products. 

6. To work with the distribution team (Distribution Managers, Distribution Supervisors) to monitor the trip recorder (Black Boxes, GPS) and or it nature to ensure the drivers are well monitored whilst maneuvering the trucks. Ensure the drivers driving within the allowable speed limit, provide a proper safe following distance and not driving greater than four hours continuously. Work together with the distribution team to check the GPS exemption report (in certain location DST has not access to the GPS) every seventh day. 

7. Initiate and develop the appropriate action with the distribution team (Distribution Managers, Distribution Supervisors) to improve the trend; taking part in driver counseling, coaching, safety contact and or remedial training as mutually agreed based on the severity of the violations. Additionally, ensure the equipment is serviceable all the time and served the purposed for tracking and managing the fleet. 

8. To work with the distribution team (Distribution Managers, Distribution Supervisors) and other appropriate managers in monitoring driver safety at the facility level; conduct the periodical safety meetings, talks, safety contact and or briefing as requested by terminal, district, and other appropriate managers. 

9. Upon request from Distribution Manager or Sales team to assess, evaluate on the critical customer sites, potential and existing site. Provide the solutions on the truck accessibility for safe deliveries. Perform the new route assessment and condition to ensure they are compliance with product-handling procedures. 

10. To work with the distribution team (Distribution Managers, Distribution Supervisors) in conducting the motor vehicle accident investigations, driver injuries, serious vehicle accident such as rollover; to determine the root causes and develop the corrective and preventive action. 

11. To conduct the driver observation either at the customer site or Air Products plants either announced or unannounced to determine and identify their competencies, acceptable service level, and compliance to Air Products standard requirement. These tasks can be paired with the distribution team (Distribution Managers, Distribution Supervisors) deem appropriate. 

12. All the findings from the observation need to be escalated to SEA EH&S Senior Manager, Asian DST manager, distribution team (Distribution Managers, Distribution Supervisors). 

13. To work together with the distribution team (Distribution Managers, Distribution Supervisors) to perform the BSP assessment deem appropriate. Fleet, Mechanic and Garage areas. 

14. To provide and deliver the driver safety training to the non-commercial drivers; to ensure these groups also meet the safety requirement and Air Products objectives; safe driving. These groups comprising sales team, company car/pick up drivers or 

15. To provide and deliver the driver safety training to the ad-hoc contractor’s drivers upon requested by the distribution team (Distribution Managers, Distribution Supervisors) depending on the demand and delivery requirement. 

16. To assist and work with the Asian DST manager to ensure all the Air Products health and safety expectation especially for the driver and fleet safety requirement are met and fulfilled to ensure the safety standard are well maintained.
    
    
17. To carry out any other DST activities that related to fleet and drivers safety, which may not be able to be specifically and exclusively stipulated here.

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Fersa Bearings, the Spanish multinational expert in the design and manufacture of bearings and Powertrain solutions for heavy vehicles, has once again been chosen by the German brand to manufacture wheel bearings for the Atego truck.

Fersa Bearings, the Spanish multinational company dedicated to the design, manufacture and distribution of complete high-performance bearing solutions for the automotive market, especially for heavy vehicles, has once again been chosen by Mercedes Benz Trucks for the manufacture of bearings, this time for the wheels of the driven rear axle of the Atego truck.

The Atego is a Mercedes truck model for distribution transport that is smaller and more compact than conventional trucks. It has the right dimensions for the type of transport required in urban areas and for short and medium-distance trips between population centers.

The German multinational Mercedes-Benz is known for complying with strict quality requirements, and already in the development and construction design phase of its trucks it attaches the utmost importance to the design and efficiency of each of the components. This is why the company has once again chosen Fersa to manufacture the bearings for this truck model, as both companies are ruled by the same quality standards.

Mercedes Benz began working with Fersa in December 2018, convinced by the Spanish company's commitment to product innovation, smart manufacturing and digital transformation. Since then, Fersa has been supplying bearings for truck axles for models such as the Actros, at its plant in Kassel (Germany). All this trajectory has been significant for the German multinational to trust in Fersa again for the Atego model compared to other alternatives on the international scene for the supply of bearing solutions.

Rhino Motors Sdn Bhd, ISUZU Malaysia’s Kuching-based dealer, has launched its brand-new 3S showroom and service centre located on the strategic Jalan Tun Jugah in Kuching, Sarawak. The new 3S centre is the first in East Malaysia to feature Isuzu’s contemporary retail showroom design, which flaunts a fresh façade with vibrant brand identity and an interior that aims to offer visitors and customers a crisp, new appeal, greater comfort and quality service in their vehicle purchase and ownership experience.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of ISUZU Malaysia, Shunsuke Okazoe shared, “This modern showroom design is an initiative aimed at bringing us closer to our potential customers in the region, through the provision of fresher appeal and differentiated experiences that we look forward to deliver throughout their journey to becoming proud owners of Isuzu products.

“In addition to offering the market better accessibility to Isuzu products and expertise, I believe this 3S Centre will also play a significant role in the life of our customers. In this regard, I would like to congratulate Rhino Motors on the launching of this centre. I’m confident it will perform competently in delivering excellent service quality and vehicle ownership experiences from beginning to end.”

For any visitor planning to drop in at the newly-launched 3S Centre, a modern façade and brand distinctiveness of the Isuzu retail outlet will be the visual treat that awaits them upon arrival. Designed for the customers’ comfort in mind, the interior is fixed with cozy lighting and airconditioning all around, exuding an inviting, cooling and comfortable ambience to serve any purpose of the visit.

The spacious floor has a designated service reception and lounge area to welcome visitors for a discussion, a vehicle display area including a section where a ‘hero’ vehicle will be on prominent display for customers to view and inspect, a dedicated delivery bay for handover of new vehicle to customers and also a merchandise corner for Isuzu’s enthusiasts. In addition, easy-to-use digital information panels are installed to provide customers with Isuzu’s product information at the touch of a button, thus saving their time and the environment with this paperless approach.

Understanding customers’ demands for efficiency and uptime of their vehicles, the new Isuzu 3S Centre caters for aftersales care with skilled technical team on hand, and nine service bays comprising four bays for commercial trucks and five bays for light commercial vehicle, which is the Isuzu D-Max.

Sharing his thoughts, Rhino Motors’ Managing Director, David Tay said, “The new Isuzu 3S Centre is now fully ready to assist buyers and customers with the best guidance on Isuzu vehicles that can efficiently cater for their business needs, including any service work they may need. We offer the full range of Isuzu products and services ranging from the Isuzu D-Max pick-up trucks to light-, medium-, heavy-duty and prime movers to meet the diverse needs of customers. Combined with all the other offerings in our new Centre, the strategic location, comfortability factor and ample service bays, plus the team’s commitment and readiness to serve the market, I am confident we will fully satisfy our customers’ requirements whilst at the same time, enabling us to further expand our customer base as well,” he added.

A busy cargo hub in East Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu is home to Johnson Dai, Managing Director, Enotrans Sdn Bhd in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Most of their business is machinery, building material and construction equipment. Because of the nature of these items, the loading and unstuffing of the containers may take longer than what is needed when loading general cargo. What Dai found is that due to this, his trailers and containers would need to be parked at a customer’s site for longer times, thus reducing his capacity. “Also, it is often the case that these materials cannot be unstuffed while the container is secured on a trailer. Instead, the unloading is best done while the container is placed on the ground, where it is then easier to access the goods.” A typical requirement is that a forklift would have to be able to drive into the container to discharge the cargo.

To overcome these obstacles in their daily operations, Dai opted for HAMMAR Sideloaders to better support their customers. Although Enotrans operates throughout Sabah, servicing Tawau, Sandakan and Lahad Datu, the busy Sepangar Bay Container Port is where most Sideloaders in the state are being deployed. “I estimate that there is a total population of no more than 50 sideloaders here, so ours are in demand.” However, Dai stresses that the rationale behind the use of Sideloaders in not primarily to make more money, but to allow for the provision of a better service to their customers. “Oftentimes, our customers request a sideloader and if we did not have one, we would loose the business.”

Within Enotrans, HAMMAR Sideloaders form the backbone of the operations as the 20 trucks are paired with three Sideloaders. Dai considers the business to be still a small player in the industry though and it has taken them five years to add the three units to their inventory. “We have chosen HAMMAR because of their phantastic marketing they do in connection with the service that they offer in case there are any problems.” Regular updates and services provided by HAMMAR have ensured that the units are in tip-top working condition and Dai is using them with confidence as he knows that he can depend on the trailers to perform. That said, Dai points out that HAMMAR Sideloaders may not be the cheapest solution in the market, however, in his view, this is easily justified by the return on the investment.

Having invested in the latest technology from HAMMER, his latest addition of one Sideloader is equipped with a weighing scale that would automatically weigh the container and alert the operator in case the container is too heavy, thus avoiding overloading the trailer. Training provided by HAMMAR ensures that the drivers know how to best operate and maintain the units. “We typically assign experienced drivers to the Sideloaders.” New drivers will not be allowed to handle the equipment right away and need to be gain experience in the company first.

Previously, Enotrans would engage the help of other transporters offering their Sideloaders to third parties. However, Dai found that such arrangements lack flexibility and having to book service providers in advance. With the first unit, Enotrans gained insights into the use of the equipment and within six months' time, Dai placed an order for the second unit some five years back. “The only issue that we can see now is the availability of spare parts as we are an outpost here in East Malaysia. If something goes wrong, we depend on the parts and service personnel to come on over from Peninsular Malaysia.”

Hap Seng Trucks Distribution Sdn Bhd (HSTD), Pengedar Am Daimler Trucks, dengan bangganya mengumumkan pelancaran trak tugas ringan FUSO Canter Euro 5 yang akan datang pada tahun 2024. Ia bukan sekadar sebuah produk, ia juga merupakan simbol komitmen berterusan kami terhadap tanggungjawab alam sekitar dan kecemerlangan operasi. Sambil Canter menandakan 60 tahunnya, FUSO TF Canter Euro 5 menjanjikan gabungan harmoni tradisi hebat dan inovasi berterusan. 

Derrick Sim, Ketua Eksekutif Hap Seng Trucks Distribution Sdn Bhd, berkata, "Dengan peningkatan kesedaran terhadap ESG (alam sekitar, sosial dan tadbir urus), FUSO TF Canter Euro 5 kami bukan sahaja mematuhi undang-undang pelepasan gas rumah hijau; ia merangkumi kemampanan dengan reka bentuk mesra alam yang teguh dan cemerlang. Trak generasi akan datang ini memperjuangkan pelepasan yang lebih bersih, kecekapan bahan api yang tiada tandingan dan muatan yang lebih tinggi. Dengan itu, kami memberi jaminan kepada pelanggan kami bahawa dengan setiap perjalanan yang mereka lakukan, perjalanan mereka akan semakin hijau. Masa hadapan sedang menanti, dan kami teruja untuk memperkenalkan model ini tidak lama lagi.” 

Warisan FUSO Canter menjangkau lebih enam dekad, dan telah menjadi tulang belakang bagi banyak perniagaan di seluruh dunia. Dilahirkan pada tahun 1963, diilhamkan oleh keanggunan dan kuasa langkah kuda, Canter direka bentuk untuk daya tahan. Dan ia telah memenuhi setiap jangkaan, dengan lebih daripada 4.5 juta unit yang telah memperkasakan perniagaan, daripada penghantaran pantas hingga kepada medan operasi rantaian sejuk yang mencabar. 

Untuk menandakan 60 tahun trak ikonik ini, peraduan Ulang Tahun FUSO Canter ke-60 telah diadakan awal tahun ini dan akan diteruskan sehingga Disember 2023. Cabutan bulan ini merupakan yang kedua daripada tiga cabutan bertuah, dengan jumlah nilai hadiah yang akan dimenangi berjumlah RM900,000. Cabutan kedua adalah untuk trak yang dibeli dan didaftarkan dengan Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) antara 1 Januari 2023 hingga 31 Ogos 2023. Cabutan terakhir akan diadakan pada suku pertama tahun 2024, untuk trak yang didaftarkan antara 1 Januari 2023 hingga 31 Disember 2023. 

Menandai 60 tahun yang penuh dengan komitmen, inovasi, dan prestasi luar biasa, peraduan Ulang Tahun FUSO Canter ke-60, dengan pelbagai hadiah berjumlah RM900,000, menandakan penghargaan kami terhadap pelanggan setia kami. Mengimbas kembali hadiah utama awal kami, iaitu sebuah Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200, hari ini kami, dengan bangganya, mengumumkan keputusan cabutan kedua.

“Setiap penyertaan cabutan bertuah menandakan perjalanan kepercayaan terhadap warisan Canter. Tahniah kepada PAD MARKETING SDN BHD kerana memenangi sebuah Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 dan sepuluh yang lain yang telah memenangi baucar FUSO. Kepada perjalanan kami bersama,” tambah Sim.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) announces that its Kawasaki Plant (Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture) and Nakatsu Plant (Aikawa Town, Aiko County, Kanagawa Prefecture) have effectively shifted all electricity supply to renewable electricity (electricity derived from renewable energy) from October 2022.

MFTBC has been a pioneer in bringing sustainability to transportation, with vehicles such as the “eCanter”, the first mass-produced electric light-duty truck in Japan. The next-generation model of product will be launched in the spring of 2023, contributing to the company’s aim of transitioning its product portfolio to locally CO2-neutral offerings by 2039 in the triad markets. Additionally, MFTBC is also working towards the goal of achieving CO2-neutrality in its production sites by 2039.

So far, the Kawasaki Plant, which manufactures trucks and industrial engines, and the Nakatsu Plant, which produces vehicle components, has already realized in 2021 a reduction in CO2 emissions by about 20 percent compared to 2015 levels. In March 2022, MFTBC further completed the installation of solar power generation panels covering approximately 9 000 square meters at the Kawasaki Plant. Furthermore, CO2- neutrality at the Tramagal plant in Portugal, which produces the light-duty truck “Canter” for Europe, will be achieved by the end of 2022.

As part of this initiative, from October 2022, the electricity contracts of the Kawasaki Plant and the Nakatsu Plant have been switched to a plan that includes RE100-compliant FIT non-fossil energy certificates with tracking and non-fossil energy certificates designating renewable energy . As a result, MFTBC has effectively achieved neutrality in CO2 emissions from electricity sources at both plants.

Moreover, Mitsubishi Fuso Bus Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Head office: Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, President: Kaichiro Fujioka), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFTBC and manufactures buses, will also shift to renewable electricity through similar changes in supply contracts and the promotion of internal measures such as the introduction of on-site solar panels.

Daimler Truck AG, the parent company of MFTBC, aims to achieve CO₂-neutral production in all plants and business units worldwide by 2039. All European sites will already be CO₂-neutral by the end of this year, partly by sourcing electricity from renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power.

Autonomous Trucking: Daimler Truck subsidiary Torc reaches agreement to acquire Algolux for AI-based self-driving perception.

Torc Robotics, an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG and a pioneer in commercializing self-driving vehicle technology, recently announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Algolux Inc. Torc is acquiring Algolux for its award-winning intellectual property and expertise in the areas of computer vision and machine learning.

“On the path to commercialization of our autonomous-ready Freightliner Cascadia, with Torc’s virtual driver, we never stop improving safety. We are convinced that Algolux with its perception capabilities can bring us one step closer to reach our goal to safely and reliably bring SAE Level 4 autonomous trucks into series production in the USA within this decade”, says Joanna Buttler, Head of Autonomous Technology Group at Daimler Truck AG.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Algolux to the Torc family,” says Peter Vaughan Schmidt, Torc CEO. “Algolux’s technology, at the intersection of deep learning, computer vision, and computational imaging, will help Torc strengthen key capabilities toward our commercialization of Level 4 autonomous trucking.”

"Torc shares in our commitment to create robust technology to realize the potential of autonomy and help save lives, which is one of the many reasons why joining forces makes sense for our teams,” says Allan Benchetrit, Algolux president and CEO. "Algolux’s established team with deep expertise in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) talent and perception complements Torc’s already experienced engineering team.” 

Algolux has been consistently recognized for excellence in its field and has been named to the 2021 CB Insights AI 100 List of the world’s most innovative artificial intelligence startups. Torc has been working closely with the company for over a year on multiple perception concepts and methods for robustly improving object detection and distance estimation, while evaluating synergies between the two companies. Robust perception technology is key to helping Torc's autonomous system correctly identify objects in difficult visual conditions such as low light, fog, or inclement weather. Algolux software is currently operating on initial Freightliner Cascadia test vehicles in the U.S. and is being included in areas of Torc's software development efforts. 

“This acquisition brings together Algolux’s end-to-end AI stack, from photons to behavior, with Torc’s pioneering autonomous technology. Add in a tightly integrated OEM truck platform and you have a dream scenario,” said Felix Heide, Algolux CTO. “While many think of autonomous transportation as futuristic, this winning combination will help bring to market a commercially viable, safety-critical long- haul trucking application at scale.” 

Algolux is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with offices in Palo Alto, CA, and Munich, Germany. The transaction will close after the parties complete various pre-closing activities, including any required approvals.

About Torc Robotics

Torc Robotics, headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, is an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, a global leader and pioneer in trucking. Founded in 2005 at the birth of the self-driving vehicle revolution, Torc has 17 years of experience in pioneering safety-critical, self-driving applications. Torc offers a complete self-driving vehicle software and integration solution and is currently focusing on commercializing autonomous trucks for long-haul applications in the U.S. Torc operates test facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and engineering offices in Austin, Texas, and Stuttgart, Germany. Torc’s mission is saving lives with autonomous technology, which incorporates reducing highway deaths, enabling critical supplies – including medicines and foods – to reach every community in a timely manner, and helping the transportation industry increase fuel economy, uptime, and capacity.