< PreviousP accar and Aurora have signed a global, strategic agreement to develop, test and commercialize autonomous Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks. This collaboration will integrate Paccar’s autonomous vehicle platform with the Aurora Driver to enhance the safety and operational effi ciency of Paccar vehicles. In the strategic partnership, Paccar provides autonomous-enabled vehicles with quality, durability and reliability resulting from decades of engineering excellence and manufacturing investments, as well as aftermarket parts distribution, fi nance and other transportation solutions. Aurora provides industry-leading self-driving technology, including hardware, software and operational services. Both partners will work closely together on all aspects of the collaboration, from component sourcing and vehicle technology to the integration of the Peterbilt and Kenworth vehicles with the Aurora Driver. The partnership also includes vehicle validation at the Paccar technical center and production support in Paccar factories. The goal of this collaboration is to improve freight effi ciency and safety for Paccar’s customers. Kenworth T680 and Peterbilt 579 trucks utilizing the Aurora Driver are expected to be deployed in North America in the next several years. Currently, the companies are testing Peterbilt trucks outfi tted with Aurora’s FirstLight Lidar sensor suite, a major component of the Aurora Driver. The Aurora Driver consists of sensors that perceive the world, software that plans a safe path through it, and the computer that powers and integrates them both with the vehicle. The Aurora Driver’s hardware, software, and data services allow it to operate any passenger or commercial vehicle. The Aurora Computer is the heart of the Aurora Driver. This is where sensor data is processed, and the Autonomy software is run, allowing the Driver to make quick, precise decisions on the road. A custom-designed sensor suite comprising suite comprising the FirstLight Lidar sensor, conventional conventional AM Lidar, cameras and Radar gives the Aurora Driver a 360˚ view and the ability to track objects over 300 meters away, enabling vehicles to stop for pedestrians, travel safely on highways, and avoid obstacles. “Paccar looks forward to partnering with Aurora because of their industry-leading autonomous driving technology and impressive team,” said Preston Feight, CEO, Paccar. “This strategic partnership complements PACCAR’s best-in-class commercial vehicle quality, technology and innovation.” Chris Urmson, co-founder and CEO, Aurora, added: “Aurora is excited to take this next step in our collaboration with Paccar. Working together, we’ve been impressed with Paccar’s product engineering, manufacturing capabilities, and commitment to enhancing its customers’ operational safety and effi ciency. This partnership brings us one step closer to unlocking the autonomous freight market and delivering goods to those who need them.” PACCAR AND AURORA FORM STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO DEVELOP AUTONOMOUS TRUCKS Aurora’s FirstLight Lidar sensor. 30 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 TRUCKSA l Tayer Motors, the offi cial Ford Trucks importer-dealer in the UAE, delivered Ford Trucks’ vehicles to Imdaad, a Dubai-based group of companies which provides integrated, sustainable facilities management services in the UAE. Senior members of the management teams of Al Tayer Motors, Ford Trucks, and Imdaad were present at the Farz materials recovery facility in Dubai, during the handover of the fi rst Ford Trucks to be inducted into the company’s fl eet. “In keeping with Imdaad’s commitment to creating value for our clients and promoting sustainable operations, we are in constant pursuit of new technologies, tools, and equipment. In the Ford Trucks 3542 series, we have found a fuel-effi cient vehicle with a competitive cost of ownership complemented by an excellent service package provided by Al Tayer Motors. We are pleased to add these vehicles to our fl eet to enhance our service delivery,” said Ashly Alex, head of business, environmental solutions, Imdaad. I VECO has appointed Ghassan Aboud Group as the distributor of its OK Trucks brand of preowned vehicles in the UAE. Jawed Ali Khan, general manager of Ghassan Aboud Commercial Vehicles and Heavy Equipment, said: “Since the beginning of the partnership with CNH, the strategy was three-pronged – develop and grow new product sales, reduce the cost of ownership for the end-user through the availability of competitively priced genuine spares and to develop secondary and used product sales. The latest addition consolidates our product line and completes our off ering for commercial trucks to our customers in the MEA region. We are immensely gratifi ed that despite the havoc that this pandemic unleashed on worldwide markets GAC was able to successfully follow and implement the roadmap for IVECO brand development in our territories.” Massimiliano Perri, director, Iveco OK Trucks, commented: "We are extremely pleased to enhance our partnership with Ghassan Aboud Group which now also adds the Iveco OK Trucks pre-owned to their current business portfolio; with this in mind we are now ready to enter another challenging year, the 2021, proud and confi dent in having another strong OK Trucks partner on our side in this extremely important region." Alberto Pellegrini, area manager - Middle East and Egypt, Iveco OK Trucks, said: “When mentioning Ghassan Aboud there are many factors able to boost immediately the level of Iveco pre-owned brand awareness in the whole Middle East and African markets. Starting from their highly reputable name which goes beyond the Middle East, to their outstanding ability to move things forward quickly and last but not least their outstanding fi nancial strength, very often making the real diff erence between winning or losing a deal.” AL TAYER MOTORS DELIVERS FORD TRUCKS’ 3542 SERIES VEHICLES TO IMDAAD IVECO APPOINTS GHASSAN ABOUD GROUP AS DISTRIBUTOR OF ITS PRE-OWNED OK TRUCKS IN THE UAE 31 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 TRUCKSE NOC Group has taken delivery of eight new C 380 Renault Trucks models, which will be used to deliver fuel to the Group’s service stations across the UAE. All the vehicles were supplied through United Diesel, a member of the Al Rostamani Group, Renault Trucks’ exclusive authorised distributor for Dubai and Northern Emirates. The purchase of the new trucks, which will enhance the Group’s existing fl eet, is in line with ENOC’s plans to partner with leading global brands that off er customer- friendly, cost-eff ective solutions. Renault Trucks and United Diesel will be delivering specialist after-sales support to ENOC, including 24/7 support, driver and technician training, and a comprehensive repairs and maintenance contract. The Renault Trucks C 380 tractor head 6x2 with rear liftable axle is suitable for regional and long-haul applications. The cab of the C 380 is built around the driver. All controls are at the driver’s fi ngertips, while there is also a 7’’ HD LCD information display and seats with fi tted red seat belts designed by Recaro. The design of the windshield and side mirrors guarantee clear visibility around the cab with minimum blind spots. Safety features include an automatic parking brake, electronic braking system, electronic stability control to help maintain route stability control in diffi cult conditions, and advanced emergency braking system), which uses a radar unit and a camera to detect an imminent risk of collision. The lane departure warning system alerts the driver when it detects the vehicle is unintentionally deviating beyond the lane markings, so they can react in time to avoid an accident. The C 380 is equipped with a DXI 11 Euro 5 engine and Optidriver gearbox, which combine to help minimise fuel consumption and reduce operating costs. The trucks are also fi tted with centralized automatic lubrication system to ensure maximum uptime and lower service and repair costs. Saif Humaid Al Falasi, group CEO of ENOC, said: “We pride ourselves on our robust retail network and our capabilities in ensuring an uninterrupted supply of fuel to meet our customers’ demand for fuel. Working with reliable partners such as Renault Trucks and United Diesel will without a doubt allow us to enhance our operational effi ciency and adhere to best HSE and industry practices.” Guillaume Zimmermann, commercial director of Renault Trucks Middle East, commented: “We are proud to be entering into partnership with one of the Middle East’s leading energy companies. The fact that a Group as prominent as ENOC has taken delivery of its own Renault Trucks fl eet speaks volumes about the quality of the all- round package we are able to off er. The C 380 is an ideal truck for fuel tanker applications, where a robust chassis is an essential factor in its selection, while off ering equally unbeatable standards of safety, reliability and cost-eff ectiveness.” Mokhles Makary, general manager of United Diesel, said: “Our success in securing this order is testament to our ability to comply with ENOC’s strictest and most complex specifi cation requirements. We are delighted that ENOC has placed its trust in the performance of Renault Trucks, and we are confi dent that this important order will pave the way for a longer-term association with ENOC as a preferred supplier for future projects.” 32 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 TRUCKS UNITED DIESEL DELIVERS EIGHT RENAULT TRUCKS C 380 6X2 TRACTOR UNITS TO ENOCV olvo Trucks North America has announced the commercial introduction and sales start of its zero tailpipe emission, battery-electric vehicle to the North American market. The Class 8 Volvo VNR Electric truck model has a scheduled production start in early 2021. The Volvo VNR Electric is designed for customer applications and driving cycles with local and regional distribution ranges. The 264-kWh lithium-ion batteries, which charge up to 80% within 70 minutes, have an operating range of up to 240 km based on the truck’s confi guration. Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, said: “In launching the VNR Electric, we’re answering a very real need from fl eet customers across North America—to not just deliver a road-tested, battery-electric truck, but to provide them with solutions for the entire life-cycle of the vehicle. Before making the VNR Electric truck available to our customers, we thought through every aspect of electrifi cation so they didn’t have to. We have worked alongside our fl eet customers to plan beyond the vehicle and have developed an entire support system, ensuring this vehicle meets their needs day-in and day-out.” VOLVO TRUCKS COMMERCIALISES VNR ELECTRIC MODEL IN NORTH AMERICA Roger Alm, president of Volvo Trucks, said: “By introducing a robust lineup of all- electric commercial vehicles in both Europe and North America, we are delivering on our promise to drive this industry toward a sustainable future. Volvo doesn’t view transportation electrifi cation as a disruption of the existing market; we see it as an opportunity to invent something completely new and transformational. We are proud to collaborate with our partners around the world to bring this vision to life, and it is especially impressive to see what is being done together with our partners in North America.” Volvo Trucks is facilitating the introduction of the Class 8 VNR Electric model to the North American market in part through strategic partnerships and participation in innovative demonstration projects. With a goal to transform goods movement, the Volvo ‘Lights’ project united public and private stakeholders to design an end-to-end support system for the wide- scale electrifi cation of commercial trucking. Alongside rigorous real-world fl eet trials, the landmark project created a robust dealership service model for sales and maintenance, developed best practices to implement reliable and cost-eff ective heavy-duty charging infrastructure, and launched next- generation training programs for technicians and fi rst responders. The project will continue to gather real-world operational data through 2021. “By collaborating with 14 other organizations in the Volvo Lights project in Southern California, we gained crucial experience as we worked together to demonstrate the real-world viability of the VNR Electric truck and its supporting ecosystem,” said Peter Voorhoeve. “We fully understand the steps needed to successfully deploy and operate electric trucks and can confi dently off er the Volvo VNR Electric to our customers across North America.” 33 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 TRUCKSH eavy duty, high performance loading cranes mounted on a truck chassis are increasingly performing the tasks for which a large mobile crane would previously have been used. A truck is more compact, can be moved from one working site to the next more fl exibly and more quickly and can be set up and dismantled more speedily. MAN supplies three and four axle versions of its TGS and TGX series trucks with industry-specifi c equipment. A non-driven front axle with ten-ton axle load instead of the previous nine tons is now available. This increases the load capacity for the crane body and extends the working area of large loading cranes over the cab. The ranges and lifting capacities of loading cranes that fold up behind the cab are increasing. A crane like that shown in the image comes with a 10-ton lifting capacity these days. Unfolded and fully extended, the crane can reach a height of around 29 metres. It can then be loaded with up to 650 kilograms, the equivalent of 13 sacks of cement. To put things in context, a comparable loading crane mounted on a MAN TGX with the standard 9-ton front axle would have a lifting height of 25 metres – reaching only the 9th fl oor of a high-rise building rather than the 10th fl oor. This crane could lift 8 ½ sacks of cement, around 420 kg, up to that height. But its maximum lifting capacity of around 6.2 tons is considerably lower. EXAMPLES OF CONSTRUCTION AND MUNICIPAL USE If the beams for the roof structure have to be delivered and installed on a construction site, for example, heavy duty loading cranes are used. A narrow access route and restricted spaces for setting up inhibit optimum positioning of the vehicle. Particularly if working over the cab is necessary as a result, the usable load capacity and range of the crane are limited. A 10-ton front axle allows the use of heavier loading cranes with larger loads. When installing the roof structure, the crane can lift heavier loads at the front or reach further. A high front axle load capacity also plays an important role in other sectors. On snow clearing vehicles, a heavy plough or snow blower is fi tted on the front mounting plate. A four-axle MAN TGS with a tipping trough for fi lling with spoil or mineral resources in an open cast mine also benefi ts from a higher axle load. Some countries, for example the Netherlands, calculate the permitted gross weight from the total of the axle loads. Thus, 34 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 TRUCKS 10-TON FRONT AXLE FROM MAN INCREASES THE CAPACITY AND RANGE OF LOADING CRANES OVER THE CABa four-axle tipper with two 10-ton front axles has two tons more payload, which is a major benefi t for the transport contractor. INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC CHASSIS DESIGNS ON THE MAN TGS AND TGX The new leaf-sprung higher load capacity 10-ton front axle with a straight or off set construction is available on 6x4 and 8x4 chassis designs in the MAN TGS and MAN TGX series with all cab versions. The range of options includes normal and medium height chassis designs. MAN optimises the chassis for these applications. Depending on customer preferences and technical requirements from the crane manufacturer, a 9.5-millimetre thick frame and additional inserts of metal plates in the frame can contribute to an increase in rigidity and load capacity. Fitting the side supports for safe crane operation takes up space on the frame. The exhaust system, fuel and AdBlue tanks, compressed air tank and battery box can be relocated in the factory if required. To fi t an additional front support, MAN off ers a front plate combined with the steel bumper. The body manufacturer fi ts a hydraulic supporting cylinder extending directly downwards to this. MAN Individual carries out these preparatory modifi cations and adaptations on a customised basis. Comparison of the maximum lifting capacity and reach of two crane models mounted on a MAN TGX with 10-ton front axle (in red) and 9-ton front axle (in grey). (Data source: Palfi nger crane PK 28.002 TEC 5 E with FlyJib PJ 075 B (for 10 t front axle) and PK 18502-SHD with FlyJib PJ 040A (for 9-t front axle); both with 88% axle utilisation). 35 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 TRUCKST he new Actros F is particularly aimed at those customers looking for a functional truck but who do not necessarily need every new innovation of the latest Actros generation. Such customers want a truck with an attractive price-performance ratio and the authentic Mercedes-Benz Trucks DNA. With the Actros F, a new cab version is being introduced to the Mercedes-Benz Trucks portfolio. The newly designed cab in the ‘streamspace’ or ‘bigspace’ variants with its 2.5-metre width and 120-mm engine tunnel height off ers excellent spaciousness for its class and also provides the driver with a low entry and exit using only three steps. Available with a total of 17 diff erent models and only as a left-hand drive, the Actros F is suitable for operation in classic and regional haulage, particularly as a swap body vehicle, dump truck or silo transporter. The new Actros F comes with a ‘classic’ cockpit as well as conventional glass side mirrors as standard. In combination with the navigation system, climate control and several choices of optional equipment, there's also the addition of the new, user-friendly 10- inch multimedia cockpit with multifunction steering wheel in the current Actros generation. The new predictive powertrain control is another optional feature that calibrates the automatic gear shift according to a topography-adapted driving style and therefore enables additional fuel savings in combination with a precisely tuned shifting strategy. The truck is equipped with fi fth- generation active brake assist (ABA 5) and lane keeping assist, and it can be ordered with sideguard assist. Production of the Actros F starts in April, and customers in 24 EU countries and selected non-EU markets can order this model. T he Actros Edition 2 special model, limited to 400 trucks, is aimed at professional drivers and self-driving hauliers whose truck is their home and who place great value on individual style and high comfort, and who have a strong emotional tie to their vehicle. The Edition 2 off ers up to 40 additional options for the interior and exterior as well as design elements compared to the Edition 1 model. The interior of the Edition 2 boasts an instrument panel and door handles covered in Nappa leather, several interior parts in a carbon-fi bre look as well as a roof hatch with ambient lighting. The multimedia cockpit's primary display has a new home screen, and the Edition logo on the co-driver’s side are made of polished and brushed aluminium. The top bed comes with bedding and is 900 millimetres wide. An all-around curtain – almond beige on the inside, black on the outside – ensures privacy. This equally applies to the curtain with the Mercedes-Benz three- pointed star in front of the bed. The highlights of its exterior include, among other things, exclusive side wall decals with a star pattern, the ‘Edition 2’ lettering in the painted sun visor, the Actros emblem in front, the Actros lettering on the upper side of the cab's back wall, four additional LED spotlights in the sun visor as well as three LED working lights behind the cab. From the side, the stainless steel entrance steps are noticeable. The rear axle caps are also stainless steel, with protective wheel nut caps. Additionally, an illuminated Mercedes- Benz three-pointed star with a black trim and several decorative grille elements in dark chrome also comes as standard, while the headlamp surround is darkened. The Edition 2 is off ered for all two- and three-axle variants of the current Actros generation with ‘gigaspace’ and ‘bigspace’ cabs as a left-hand or right-hand drive. The cab paint is freely selectable and can be tailored specifi cally to the customer's company colours, while the vehicle front is always painted in moonstone grey metallic. THE NEW ACTROS F IS AN ENTRY ROUTE TO THE WORLD OF MERCEDES-BENZ TRUCKS THE ACTROS EDITION 2 IS FOR DRIVERS WHO PLACE GREAT VALUE ON INDIVIDUAL STYLE AND HIGH COMFORT 36 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 TRUCKSS cania has launched the RB662 tandem bogie axle with an optional lift-and- disengage function. The new option, when engaged, can save up to 6 percent on fuel, depending on operation, and reduces the turning radius. Lifting takes less than 25 seconds and, with normal chassis height and tyres, ground clearance is nearly 70 mm. “This is a highly desired function from customers in certain applications, and I’m pleased to announce this very neat solution,” said Bo Eriksson, product manager, Scania Trucks. “When unladen, the diff erence in fuel consumption can be up to 6 percent depending on the operation. That is substantial, especially when considering a return leg of 150 to 200 kilometres, as is often the case with timber trucks in Sweden. And, on top of that, you also get less tyre wear and increased manoeuvrability.” The liftable and disengageable tandem bogie (LDTA) requires air suspension and will increase the trucks kerb weight by 60 kg. Most of the fuel savings can be attributed to the reduced friction inside the second (disconnected) axle gearing and only some 10 percent of the saving derives from reduced rolling resistance. Three bogie weights – 19, 21 and 26 tonnes – are available and load limits with the second axle lifted are 9.5, 10.5 and 13 tonnes, respectively. The LDTA option can presently not be combined with hub reduction axles or tridem confi gurations. The driver raises the axle by turning a knob. A pop-up warning appears in the instrument cluster if the truck identifi es an overload situation, in which case it will not lift the axle. The lifting can be called for at any speed. The disengagement itself is performed via a ‘dog clutch’ connection. “We defi nitely expect that this option will be included in many truck specifi cations,” said Eriksson. “The added cost will rapidly be compensated given the obvious and highly positive contribution to our customers’ total operating economy.” I veco Defence Vehicles has been awarded a frame contract by the German Army for the supply of up to 1,048 military Trakker trucks, to be delivered from 2021 to 2028. The project will start with an initial fi xed batch of 224 8x8 militarized vehicles from the Trakker range, supplied in fi ve diff erent confi gurations, and prepared for 20” ISO container transport. Vehicle confi gurations include those equipped with hydraulic cranes and winch systems. This frame contract represents another signifi cant milestone in the German Army’s GTF-family of vehicles. All vehicles comply with Euro 6 emissions standards (compatible with single fuel operation) and will be supplied with a protected cab, which off ers among best-in-class levels of ballistic, mine, NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) and IED (improvised explosive device) protection. These cabs also provide users with a high level of crew comfort and are designed to accommodate a variety of modern military communication and command systems. Iveco Defence Vehicles has already delivered some 2,000 vehicles from its wide product range to the German Army, including a variety of protected customized versions, which have already been extensively fi elded in operational theatres. SCANIA INTRODUCES DISENGAGEABLE TANDEM AXLE GERMAN ARMY ORDERS 1,048 MILITARY TRAKKER TRUCKS FROM IVECO 37 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 TRUCKST he Kamaz-master race team retained the Dakar crown again in the truck category with its 18th gold win and the fi fth in a row, equalling Kamaz’s previous record between 2002 and 2006 as well as Mercedes-Benz winning streak from 1982 to 1986. Kamaz-master also won all three podium places at this year’s rally. The 43rd edition of the Dakar Rally and the second edition of the race in Saudi Arabia was held on 3–15 January covering a route of 7,646 km starting and fi nishing in Jeddah, including 4,767 km of special stages. A total of 286 vehicles – 64 cars, 61 lightweight vehicles (including 44 SSVs), 101 motorbikes, 16 quads and 44 trucks – were cleared to start the race following the technical and administrative scrutineering. Rule changes for the 2021 Dakar were based on previous eff orts to guarantee a level playing fi eld when it comes to navigation and to slow down the vehicles to make the race safer. Crews in the car, SSV and truck categories received a digital version of the road book on a tablet in their cabins. The road book highlighted danger zones and provided aural warnings to drivers. After 12 stages, 193 vehicles – 63 bikes, 11 quads, 49 cars, 41 lightweight vehicles and 29 trucks – completed the race. Kamaz-master crews 507, 501 and 509 fi nished in the fi rst three places, respectively, followed by Iveco (Big Shock Racing team), Praga (Instaforex Loprais Praga team) and Maz (Maz-Sportauto team). The fourth Kamaz- master team (crew 500) led by Andrey Karginov, the winner of the Dakar Rally 2020, fi nished in the seventh place. This year’s winning team (crew 507) comprising the pilot Dmitry Sotnikov, co- driver Ruslan Akhmadeev and mechanic Ilgiz Akhmetzianov completed the race in 48h 23’ 21” with a lead of almost 40 minutes over crew 501. “It wasn’t an easy race and I think this Dakar was harder than the previous ones. Last year 18 WINS AND ALL THREE PODIUM PLACES: KAMAZ-MASTER EXTENDS WINNING STREAK AT DAKAR 2021 Kamaz-master crews 507, 501 and 509 fi nished in the fi rst three places, respectively. 38 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 TRUCKS39 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2021 TRUCKSNext >