News: September 2008

Spectacular start to the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles

90 press conferences in two days – 258 world premieres Innovations for more environmental protection and safety – “Stars of the Year” awards

“The 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles has got off to a spectacular start. The world’s most important commercial vehicle trade fair has kicked off with a glittering display of innovations - 258 world premieres - that reveal the potential for greater transport efficiency, more environmental protection and more safety in this dynamic key industry,” stressed Matthias Wissmann, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). He was speaking at the “Evening of the Commercial Vehicle Press” in Hanover, where the 700 guests included numerous chairmen of exhibiting companies and many journalists. Around 90 press conferences are being held on the two IAA Press Days (23 & 24 September), before the IAA is officially opened by Germany’s Federal Minister of Economics, Michael Glos, on 25 September, 2008. Around 2,500 journalists from over 60 countries will report on the most important mobility trade fair.

“This IAA Commercial Vehicles is an IAA of new records,” Wissmann underscored. The number of exhibitors has leapt up by more than one third to 2,084, and many new firms from Eastern and Central Europe and Asia are here for the first time. The amount of exhibition space is up by 10 per cent to 275,000 sq m. “The defining feature of the IAA is that this fair is even larger and more international than any of its predecessors. The exhibiting firms come from 48 countries,” Wissmann said. For example, this year 133 Chinese exhibitors are represented in Hanover – which is three times as many as we had two years ago. Compared to the IAA 2006, the number of international exhibitors has risen by about 50 per cent to 1,188. This is 57 per cent of all exhibiting companies. The IAA’s international character is also underlined by the country-based events on India, Russia and Turkey – three major commercial vehicle markets with considerable potential.

This IAA has two major focuses. The first is the environment – i.e. climate protection, raising transport efficiency whilst lowering CO2 emissions. Commercial vehicles are getting alternative powertrains: hybrid propulsion, CNG and hydrogen. And the clean diesel is becoming even more powerful and reducing its emissions.

“The commercial vehicle industry leads in environmental technology and is investing billions in improving transport efficiency and bringing down emissions of pollutants and CO2. At the same time, however, we note that the maintenance and expansion of our traffic infrastructure are not keeping up with the rising volume of transport at all – and in the future, too, we will see a large gap in funding. Politicians have to take action now to stop Germany grinding to a halt as a business location,” Wissmann said. He called for sustainable investments in the road traffic infrastructure, adding that revenues from the truck toll should be used for this. Wissmann pointed out, however, that the increase in the toll came at a time when the transport business had not yet adjusted to the hike in costs due to the new EU Working Time Directive and at the same time was suffering with the severe rise in fuel prices. “We are therefore calling for the toll rates to be reviewed again. And apart from that, we have to make sure that all the extra revenue goes on boosting investments in trunk roads. It is not acceptable that under the medium-term financial planning investment in trunk roads should fall to level below today’s level again in 2011 despite increased tolls.”

The second major focus of this year’s IAA is the latest progress in the field of safety. “A large number of assistance systems make the driver’s job easier and bring about a clear reduction in the number of accidents. However, customers have to take up the new systems on offer – here we are hoping for financial incentives and the policy-makers are called on to take action,” Wissmann emphasized.

“I am especially pleased to see that the suppliers are the largest group of exhibitors here at the IAA, numbering over 1,200 companies. We now have 40 per cent more of them than we did last time. But also the trailer and body manufacturers - approximately 250 of them - have a strong presence at this IAA,” stated the VDA president.

“The IAA is more than a trade fair – it is the world’s largest mobility symposium, with over 130 specialist events and discussion forums,” Wissmann continued. The IAA also shows that the commercial vehicle industry is “a worldwide growth industry” – even if the domestic economy is normalizing at this time. “And economic growth is inconceivable without commercial vehicles. This is one of the reasons for the IAA headline: “Commercial Vehicles: On the move for everyone,” Wissmann explained.

At the “Evening of the Commercial Vehicle Press” three of the most renowned international prizes in the commercial vehicle business were presented for the third time (following 2006 and 2004): the “Truck of the Year,” the “Bus of the Year” and the “Van of the Year.” The members of each jury are well-known trade journalists and editors-in-chief from all across Europe who have subjected the products to thorough testing. The “International Truck of the Year 2009” is the Mercedes Benz Actros. The “International Bus of the Year 2009” is the low floor bus Setra MultiClass S415NF. And the “International Van of the Year 2009” is the new Fiat/PSA minivan, which is also marketed as the Citroën Nemo, the Peugeot Bipper and the Fiat Fiorino. www.iaa.de

Volvo Trucks show leading safety features at IAA

Volvo Trucks CEO, Staffan Jufors, highlighted the company’s innovative safety technology and aggressive product development at a press conference this morning at the IAA trade show in Hannover.

Driver focus and safety have been major guidelines in developing Volvo Trucks new range, shown for the first time outside Sweden at the IAA. It’s a range featuring many innovative safety applications and improved driver comfort.

“Volvo Trucks is leading in safety. Going forward we will continue to drive progress in the transport industry. We are making aggressive investments in product development”, said Staffan Jufors.

He especially mentioned Driver Alert Support – a new safety function that reduces the risk that the driver falls asleep or becomes non-focused.

“Since as much as 20 percent of all accidents are caused by driver distraction or fatigue this system has a great potential. We are the first company in the world to introduce this type of technology in trucks”, Mr Jufors continued.

He also spoke about Volvo’s fourth-generation hybrid technology and the company’s proactive work to reduce C02-emissions. On display in the stand is a Volvo hybrid refuse truck, which is now in field testing. Production will start already next year.

Claes Nilsson, President Europe Division, ended by expressing Volvo Trucks’ commitment to refining customer relations and the company’s overall offer: total transport solutions.

“Since 2003, we and our private partners have invested 400 million Euros each, in all 800 million Euros, in the development of our sales and service network.”

"We have also initiated the largest training programme in Volvo Trucks’ history, covering each of the 17 000 people in our European service network. It focuses on all the areas that make our trucks easy to own and operate”, said Claes Nilsson. www.volvo.com

DAF Trucks at IAA 2008 in Hanover: 'Evolution never stops'

IAA 2008, which takes place in Hanover from 25 September to 2 October, DAF is previewing enhancements to the popular CF and XF105 series which will be introduced to production from June 2009.

Both model series are getting a new interior design, a further enhanced driveline and – as an option – Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning. DAF is naturally also focusing on the environment on its stand. DAF is the first truck manufacturer to supply all its models in EEV versions (Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicles) which have 50% less particulate emissions than the Euro 5 standard of 2009 requires. In addition, DAF is showing the LF hybrid truck, which is expected to go into production next year, and an anniversary model of its top model, the XF105 80th Anniversary.

DAF, as always, has its stand in Hall 17 of the Hanover Messe complex. The stand has an area of almost 2,500 m2. DAF is exhibiting its complete product range: the LF for distribution transport, the CF for a wide range of applications and the XF105, ‘International Truck of the Year 2007’ for long-distance transport.

Preview of the 2009 editions of the CF and XF105:

As many transport operators plan the replacement of their fleet a long time in advance, DAF will preview at IAA 2008 enhancements to the popular CF and XF105 series to be implemented from June 2009 onwards. The motto is: ‘Evolution never stops’.

The most eye-catching of these is the new interior design. This is now even more attractive due to the use of new materials and colour schemes. By opting for colours such as 'soft yellow' (wall and roof upholstery, mattresses, curtains), ‘roast black’ and ‘dark camel’ (dashboard, door panels and seats), the much-praised interiors of both the CF and XF105 series models get an even more distinctive touch and the trend-setting interior space is further emphasised. In the XF105 Super Space Cab the dashboard is in an exclusive ‘two-tone’ colour scheme, with a darker tone for the top section and lighter tone for the lower section. All CF and XF105 models also have new seats with luxurious ’embossed’ upholstery. The headrest bears the DAF logo in relief.

The CF and XF105 are not only more appealing for drivers, but also for transport companies. The driveline - with the powerful and efficient 9.2 litre PACCAR PR engine for the CF75 and the 12.9 litre PACCAR MX engine for the CF85 and XF105 - has been further improved. Internal engine enhancements ensure even lower fuel consumption, in conjunction with the driveline improvements.

First is the new 12-speed manual gearbox (ZF Ecosplit), for even greater gear-shift comfort and efficiency. The new transmission, which is fitted as standard, is also up to 30 kilograms lighter than the current 16-speed transmission. A new intarder also becomes available, which is more compact and responds even faster. In order to be able to customise the driveline even better to the specific use and driving characteristics, the range of rear axle ratios has been further expanded. To supplement the fastest ratio of 2.53:1, a ratio of 2.80:1 is being added to the series.

Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning:

From June 2009 onwards the CF and XF105 series vehicles will be optionally available with Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning.

Adaptive Cruise Control ensures that the truck automatically keeps at least a preset distance from a vehicle in front of it. This is comforting for drivers. When the distance to the passing vehicle becomes reduced, the system slows the truck – depending on the degree of braking that is required – by sequentially adapting the fuel feed, engine brake, intarder and regular brakes. A visual signal is given if the driver has to provide additional braking in order to achieve maximum deceleration. Adaptive Cruise Control is supplied in combination with Forward Collision Warning. This warns the driver that he must take action to avoid a collision. Both systems utilise a radar sensor fitted behind the front grille on the vehicles.

Care for the environment as a matter of course:

At IAA 2008 it will be patently clear that DAF cares about the environment. DAF was one of the first truck manufacturers to supply all its vehicles in Euro 5 versions. This has been the case since 2006, even though Euro 5 specifications do not come legally into force until 2009. Compared with the Euro 1 standard of around 15 years ago, modern Euro 5 engines emit around 75% less nitrogen oxides and 94% less particulate matter. By using DAF SCR technology in combination with intelligent high-pressure injection systems, the PACCAR engines developed and produced by DAF achieve the Euro 5 emission values without a soot filter.

EEV engines for LF, CF and XF105:

By fitting a passive soot filter, a further 50% reduction of particulate emissions can be achieved. Consequently, even the emission requirements of the EEV standard are met. Until recently this was thought to be only achievable with gas engines.

Following the start last year of delivery of the 9,2 litre PACCAR PR EEV engines for use in public transport, these engines have in the meantime also become available for the DAF CF75 distribution vehicles (with power outputs from 250 to 360 hp). EEV versions of the 12.9 litre PACCAR MX engine (power outputs from 360 to 510 hp) are now available for the DAF CF85 and XF105 and are also equipped with a passive soot filter.

An EEV 160 hp version of the LF is available especially for inner-city distribution. Here the low EEV emission values are even achieved without the use of a soot filter.

Extensive field test LF Hybrid truck:

The so-called 'field testing' of the LF hybrid truck, the last phase of the development process, started in January 2008. This involves a number of trucks being trialled by customers in Great Britain and on the Continent.

The trucks use a parallel diesel/electric hybrid system. They are driven by the diesel engine, by the electric motor or by a combination of both. The vehicles are equipped with the 4.5 litre PACCAR FR (EEV) diesel engine with a maximum output of 118 kW/160 hp linked to a computerised Eaton six-speed gearbox (Autoshift). An electric motor has been installed between the clutch and the gearbox; this can provide the drive and also functions as a generator. Energy released during braking is stored in the lithium-ion batteries for re-use during driving. DAF Hybrid Technology can, depending on the specific use, result in a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions in distribution applications. DAF expects to start production of the LF hybrid trucks in 2009.

DAF Telematics:

At IAA 2008 DAF is also focusing strongly on the DAF Telematics System, a data communication system that enables the transport operator further to optimise his fleet management and business processes. The system – that since July has been available in six European countries - allows message exchange between the truck and home base. It also has a navigation function and the home base can see exactly where the vehicle is. A feature of the DAF Telematics System is the simplicity of operation for both the home base and driver. The transport operator only requires the Internet to access the information. The full-colour control panel in the truck is neatly integrated into the dashboard and only has six menu buttons. Just a couple of button presses and the driver can access the functionality he desires.

XF105 80th Anniversary:

In order to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Hub van Doorne laying the foundations of the present company, DAF is exhibiting a special anniversary version of the XF105, its top model, at IAA 2008. This XF105 80th Anniversary is striking because of its shiny black exterior with silver accents and its extensive features. It will only be made available in limited numbers.

New - DAF Night Lock:

To protect drivers against breaking and entering and robbery in the cab, DAF is the first truck manufacturer to introduce a high security night lock for the cab doors. It can be quickly and easily installed on every DAF XF105. When developing the DAF Night Lock, the main requirements were the highest possible strength, easy installation and optimum ease of use. To ensure that a driver can leave the cab quickly in the event of an emergency, one press of the red button is all it takes to immediately release the lock. When the DAF Night Lock is bolted, it is impossible to open the door of the truck, even with a crowbar.

Services around the product take centre stage:

To underline the importance that DAF and its dealers (approx. 1000 sales and service dealers in Europe) place on excellent service to support their leading products, services such as PACCAR Financial (now also represented in Poland), PACCAR Parts and TRP are being given a prominent place on the DAF stand, as will DAF’s International Truck Service (ITS), MultiSupport Repair and Maintenance Contracts and the new DAF Connect system. With DAF Connect, DAF is introducing a complete management system for optimising the maintenance of the vehicle fleet and the efficiency of the workshop at self-repair companies.

DAF dealers apply the ‘one-stop shopping’ formula: all services and support under one roof, so that the customer can concentrate on his core business.

PacLease:

With the acquisition of TCH, PacLease entered the German lease market in 2007. PacLease – like DAF a PACCAR company – distinguishes itself by its large and varied range of vehicles, opportunities for 'customised' leasing for the short and long term, and competitive rates. PacLease is represented at 12 locations in Germany and has a fleet of almost 4,000 vehicles. At IAA 2008 PacLease can be found on stand F31 in the 'outside area'. PacLease will show amongst other a number of vehicles new to its fleet including CF and XF105 rigid vehicles with container loading system and a XF105 6x4 tractor for heavy haulage applications. Its display underlines that PacLease can supply customised vehicles for any application.

DAF Components:

DAF Components is the fastest growing independent producer of bus and coach engines in Europe. During Bus World Asia 2008, which was held earlier this year in Shanghai, DAF was proclaimed ‘Best Coach Engine Producer of the Year’ and also 'Best Bus Engine Producer of the Year’. DAF received these awards for the first-class reliability and durability of its engines, along with the low fuel consumption of the 9.2 litre PACCAR PR engine and 12.9 litre PACCAR MX engine.

As traditionally is the case, DAF's stand at the IAA in Hanover will be in Hall 17 (stand number 01.002), where the following vehicles will be on show on a display area of about 2,500 m2:

LF series:

FA 45.160 EEV hybrid truck

FA 45.160 EEV 4x2 rigid vehicle with Meiller tipper body

FA 55.250 4x2 rigid vehicle with sleeper cab

CF series:

FA 75.310 4x2 rigid vehicle with VDL hook-lift container system

FAN 75.310 EEV 6x2 rigid vehicle with steered trailing rear axle

FT 85.460 4x2 tractor with Space Cab and integrated Skylights

FAD 85.460 EEV 8x4 rigid vehicle with Meiller tipper body

XF series:

FT 105.510 4x2 tractor with Super Space Cab

FT 105.510 80th Anniversary

FAR 105.460 EEV 6x2 rigid vehicle for BDF application

FTT 105.510 6x4 tractor with Super Space Cab www.daf.com

Schmitz Cargobull at IAA 2008 in Hanover

25.09 - 02.10.2008

IAA Commercial Vehicles Hannover (Deutschland)

Hall 27 - Stand F30

On a 2100 m² exhibition stand in hall 27, stand F30, Schmitz Cargobull is presenting the latest innovations and developments in the curtainsider semitrailer, reefer semitrailer, tipper trailer and container trailer chassis product areas.

In addition, Schmitz Cargobull offers a wide spectrum of services, tailor-made for a whole range of requirements:

Financing (Cargobull Finance)

Telematics (Cargobull Telematics)

Full service contract, spare parts services (Cargobull Parts & Services)

Second hand vehicles (Cargobull Trailer Store)

Opening times:

24.09.2008, Press day: 8 am – 7 pm

25.-09.-02.10.2008: daily from 9 am - 6 pm www.cargobull.com

A Renault Trucks hybrid for Coca-Cola: a test vehicle in Brussels in July 2009

Renault Trucks and Coca-Cola have joined forces to create and test one of the first hybrid trucks in Europe: the Renault Premium Distribution Hybrys Tech. The truck will be on the road in July 2009 for Coca-Cola deliveries in Belgium. With this environmentally friendly innovation, Coca-Cola aims to further lower its CO2 emissions and reduce its fuel consumption.

This summer, Renault Trucks and Coca-Cola Enterprises Belgium signed a letter of intent on the delivery in July 2009 of a pre-series vehicle fitted with hybrid technologies to be developed by the truck manufacturer: the Renault Premium Distribution Hybrys Tech.

Renault Trucks unveiled the Hybrys at the end of 2007, a new concept truck using so-called “parallel” hybrid technologies. With Renault Trucks preparing the hybrid vehicle for the road, the upscale from concept to reality is nigh…in the form of the Renault Premium Distribution Hybrys Tech. The reduction in fuel consumption and the consequent drop in CO2 emissions should be somewhere around 20%.

The principle of hybrid (or "parallel") technology developed by Renault Trucks is very straightforward: the vehicle's kinetic energy is recovered during braking or deceleration and converted into electricity. Stored in a battery located in the wheelbase, this electricity then supplies the MDS (Motor Drive System) electrical motor which provides power for starting the vehicle, supplying its electrical functions and propulsion up to 20 km/h. This means that the diesel engine is only used for those phases during which it consumes the least, i.e. when travelling. Apart from cutting emissions, the use of an electric motor in hybrid technology also significantly reduces noise levels.

Under these conditions, hybrid technology proves to be ideally adapted to urban applications - particularly during the early morning or night - with the constant acceleration and deceleration generating much lower noise levels. This is why the Premium Distribution Hybrys Tech was developed on the basis of the Renault Premium Distribution fitted with a DXi 7 diesel engine and the Optidriver+ gearbox.

From July 2009, then, this test vehicle will cover a delivery route of the famous manufacturer of non-alcoholic beverages in Brussels. For Renault Trucks, the objective of this partnership with Coca-Cola is to finalise the fine-tuning of a technology that has never been used for this form of urban distribution, under real operating conditions, ahead of a market launch at the end of 2009. Renault Trucks engineers and teams from Coca-Cola will also be working on the concept to bring the Premium Distribution Hybrys Tech into the urban landscape of the future.

Furthermore, from October 2008, Renault Trucks plans to test a Premium Distribution Hybrys Tech along similar lines for other applications, promising great things in terms of environmental impact.

Thanks to Renault Trucks, the different professions of the urban distribution sector will have fresh environmentally-friendly solutions to their needs in 2009. www.renault-trucks.com

MAN Nutzfahrzeuge open for talks with potential suppliers

At the international commercial vehicle show (IAA 2008) in Hanover the MAN Nutzfahrzeuge Group will be seeking direct contact with potential suppliers. From 25th September to 2nd October 2008 a specially set-up Procurement Office will be opening its doors at the MAN Nutzfahrzeuge stand in Hall 12. The main aim is to arrive at a direct and fast dialogue between MAN and future suppliers. At meetings with representatives of the purchasing organisation visitors can obtain information on current purchasing projects and activities. They will also have the opportunity to present their companies and the products and services they offer.

The MAN Procurement Office at the IAA Commercial Vehicles already has a good tradition behind it. At its first appearance at the show in 2004 the staff from Central Purchasing made contact with a large number of interesting potential suppliers. At the IAA 2006 response exceeded all expectations: the companies interested came from all over the world, and many were positively surprised by MAN Nutzfahrzeuge Purchasing's readiness to be approached. www.man-mn.com

Scania receives large truck order in Brazil

Scania is delivering 260 tipper trucks to the Brazilian company Odebrecht. The delivery includes driver training and on-board transport planning computers. It is the largest single truck order in the 51-year history of Scania Brasil.

Odebrecht is Latin America’s largest engineering and construction company.

“This is a very important transaction, not only because it includes many trucks but because it also confirms and strengthens Scania’s position in the construction segment. According to Odebrecht, our trucks meet all their requirements and provide the best overall operating economy,” says Robert Leoncini, Scania Brasil’s sales manager.

Delivery of the trucks has begun and will continue until the end of the year.

All the vehicles are Scania P 420 model three-axle trucks with 420 hp engines. All trucks will be supplied with on-board computers for real-time vehicle monitoring and transport planning. One hundred of the trucks will be equipped with the computer-aided Scania Opticruise gearchanging system. Odebrecht’s choice of Scania Opticruise is based on the company’s own tests, which confirmed the benefits of the system in terms of driveability and efficiency.

Scania will train drivers on the spot at the construction sites where the trucks go into service. The training course will include economical and safe driving techniques that will help reduce both fuel consumption and vehicle wear.

Scania delivers driver training in nearly 40 countries worldwide. Driver training is an investment with a very short repayment period, since drivers can improve fuel economy by an average of about 10 per cent by changing their driving behaviour.

Brazil is the hub of Scania’s Latin American operations, with more than 3,000 employees and with production and central marketing units in São Paulo. Since establishing its Brazilian operations in 1957, Scania has manufactured more than 240,000 vehicles in the country, 200,000 of them trucks. About 40 percent of the heavy trucks on Brazilian roads today carry the Scania brand. www.scania.com

New sales directors at Kögel

Kögel, a German manufacturer of trailer equipment, has named Hansjürgen Beck (49) and Horst Herdtle (45) to the positions of sales director for Western Europe and sales director for Eastern Europe respectively. www.truckeurope.net

Iveco to unveil CNG and hybrid options

Iveco will unveil a series of alternative fuel vehicles at this month's IAA show in Hannover, including both hybrid and CNG versions of the Eurocargo and the Daily. On the stand will be a Daily van powered by a battery-electric and diesel-electric parallel-hybrid drive system. There will be a Eurocargo version as well on display.

Also on the stand will be CNG examples of the Daily, Eurocargo and Stralis. The Daily features the new Fiat Powertrain Technologies 3-litre, 136hp natural gas engine. The prototype Eurocargo, which will enter production in 2009, features a tector 200hp natural gas engine. The Stralis CNG is equipped with a Cursor 8, 272hp natural gas engine.

Two other versions of the Stralis will be unveiled at the show: a special All Blacks concept vehicle, based on the Stralis AS440S56T/P with a full range of safety equipment, including ACC2 (adaptive cruise control), ESP, and active lane departure warning and a lightweight tractor, designed to "demonstrate the possibilities for operators looking to maximise payload opportunities, particularly in the tanker market", which comes with an on-board tyre-pressure monitoring system as standard.

Another model making its world debut at the show will be the Eurocargo 4x4, as well as a three-door version of the Massif, a Daily 4x4 crew cab, a Trakker 8x8 and the Astra ADT 30 articulated 6x6 off-road dumper. On the IT side, Iveco will launch the Blue&Me telematics system, which is based on the Fiat-Microsoft platform and offered in partnership with Qualcomm. www.roadtransport.com

Denmark introduces eco-zones

Since September 1st Denmark has had its first ecological zones, following the example of other European countries. These zones involve trucks of over 3.5 tonnes which have to respond to Euro norms. Until July 2010 this will be the Euro-3 norm. After that, vehicles will have to be equipped with an engine with a minimum of Euro-4. The first cities to be involved are Copenhagen and Frederiksberg. The city of Aalborg will also be included from February 2009. www.truckeurope.net