< PreviousJ uff ali´s National Automobile Industry Company (NAI) in Jeddah has achieved the production milestone of 100,000 Mercedes- Benz Trucks assembled in Saudi Arabia. The milestone truck model is an Actros 4x2 tractor head, type 2042 S of the 5th generation of the Actros. This is the second time the Mercedes-Benz Trucks distributor has celebrated this milestone number for the Actros Trucks in Saudi Arabia, after having delivered the 100,000th Actros truck sold in the 100,000TH MERCEDES-BENZ TRUCK ROLLS OUT OF JUFFALI'S NAI FACTORY IN SAUDI ARABIA MENA region. Saudi Arabia has been a core market in the MENA region for Mercedes-Benz Trucks since the 1970s. The NAI assembly plant was founded in 1974 as a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz AG and E.A. Juff ali & Brothers, to assemble Mercedes-Benz trucks locally in Saudi Arabia. As the fi rst truck assembly plant established in the Middle East, the NAI factory set the stage for commercial vehicle manufacturing in the region. Since the fi rst trucks rolled off its assembly line in 1977, the production facility was developed into one of Mercedes-Benz's largest factories outside of Germany and was awarded the ISO-9001/2000 certifi cate in 1994. The 98,000m2 NAI manufacturing facility has a 13,000m2 production area for frame assembly, chassis assembly, cab preparations and drop into frame, rectifi cation and preassembly. The assembly process is followed by the quality assurance process that involves 30 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJULY 2021 TRUCKSbrake and roller tests. The preassembly area is a ladies-only section responsible for energy distributors, air valves, air tanks, oil coolers, radiators, and cab rear suspensions. Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks assembled in the NAI factory are imported as completely knocked down kits (CKDs) from Mercedes- Benz Trucks’ largest truck assembly plant in Woerth, Germany. The Mercedes-Benz plant in Woerth has more than 50 years of experience in CKD production, and so far, has delivered over 750,000 vehicle kits to numerous overseas markets for local fi nal assembly. Olaf Petersen, general manager Daimler Trucks sales, Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA, says: “Trucks you can trust is our brand claim for Mercedes-Benz Trucks. Delivering quality and excellence is the promise we give our customers. These statements apply to all our production plants around the world, either in our own production plant in Woerth or in cooperation with our trusted partner NAI. We are proud to have such a longstanding partnership with NAI in Saudi Arabia.” The trucks assembled at the NAI factory are distributed by Juff ali Industrial Products Company (JIPCO), an automotive business division of E.A. Juff ali & Brothers and the agent and distributor of Daimler AG commercial vehicles (Mercedes-Benz and FUSO) in KSA. Heiko Schulze, CEO, JIPCO, says: “Generally, the Saudi consumer prefers quality over price and are attracted by international brands. Localization has given Mercedes-Benz a competitive edge in Saudi Arabia, resulting in high customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and revenue.” Olaf adds: “We believe having a local production in Saudi Arabia is a key success factor for Mercedes-Benz Trucks. With our local cooperation with NAI, we want to attract local talent by providing opportunities for employment, training and growth. Our customers are benefi ting with shorter delivery times as well as local value creation. Combined with the country-wide service and parts network of JIPCO, we believe that we have a great setup in the largest truck market in the Middle East.” Currently, the NAI plant operates with 130 employees. Most of these employees are Saudi nationals. The maximum capacity of the plant is 5,000 trucks per year. The company plans to develop a completely new plant by 2023 at King Abdullah Economic City, targeting a production capacity of 5,000 units per year for Mercedes-Benz products. “This pandemic has had a direct impact on our supply chain. While this has placed intense pressure on our business, we have seen sustainable signs of recovery since Q4 2020. We are now gearing up to expand our manufacturing footprint and to cater to the increasing need for heavy-duty vehicles in the construction and logistics sectors, driven by Saudi Arabia’s mega projects,” says Schulze. Heiko Schulze, CEO, JIPCO. 31 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJULY 2021 TRUCKSFAMCO LAUNCHES NEW RANGE OF VOLVO TRUCKS IN THE UAE A l-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (FAMCO) has launched the new-generation heavy-duty FH, FM and FMX Volvo Trucks in the UAE. The new-generation trucks have been redesigned to deliver even higher levels of productivity, class-leading safety features, as well as a more driver-friendly experience with an enhanced driver interface, interior space and overall visibility. FAMCO and Volvo Trucks have been partners in the UAE since 1978 and have established a solid relationship that extends far beyond just the initial sales cycle. With the support of the Swedish truck brand, FAMCO has invested in state-of-the-art facilities and software that works with the customer to ensure world-class levels of service, uninterrupted parts availability and, most importantly, reduced downtime for vehicles in the fi eld. Ramez Hamdan, managing director, FAMCO and Commercial Vehicles, said: “FAMCO and Volvo Trucks truly are a team working closely together on a daily basis. And that is the secret to the success of these two brands, which then benefi ts our customers. Bringing class-leading products to the market and providing the support and guidance our customers need, regardless of their industry or usage.” Frank O’Connor, vice president - Middle East and Turkey, Volvo Trucks International, said: “In these challenging times, launching our new FH, FM and FMX models in the UAE has been a real team eff ort from everyone involved. With a strong focus on the driver environment, safety and productivity, this new line-up will help us to deliver on our promise to be our customers’ best business partner. We can do this by, by helping them to develop the best drivers - responsible driving behaviour can help reduce emissions and fuel costs, as well as helping reduce the risk of accidents, injury and unplanned downtime, all of which will make them more competitive and profi table.” Volvo Trucks’ fl agship model, the new Volvo FH is the next generation of truck designed with the driver in mind. This model features a re-imagined cab, innovative safety features and a driver focused working environment. A key aim of the new design is to give the driver a more productive, safe and comfortable life on the road. The new generation Volvo FH combines the most successful elements from the previous FH series with smart technologies and a functional, human centric design. The bold new look of the exterior is characterized by the signature V-shaped headlights which have now been moved outwards to align with the feature line of the cab doors. The turn indicators have also The launch event was held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. 32 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJULY 2021 TRUCKSbeen moved to the door, giving the truck both improved aerodynamics and a more confi dent look. The wiper panel is cleaner and slimmer while a bigger iron mark makes the new Volvo FH easily recognizable even from a distance. Moving inside the cabin is easier than ever with the new slimmer, ergonomically designed I-Shift gear selector. There is also a wide range of customization options with new fabrics and colours. The attention given to drivers is most obvious in the updated interior working environment. Their workspace is centred on a modernized dashboard which features a fully digital 12-inch high resolution instrument display. The instrument display allows the driver to choose between four diff erent screen views (two as standard), depending on the driving situation and the information they prefer to have displayed. An optional 9-inch side display can provide infotainment, navigation assistance, transport information and camera monitoring. The display, that is easy to reach, allows the driver to interact in numerous ways: with the intuitively positioned buttons on the steering wheel, through voice control, or directly via the touchscreen and display control panel. The All new FH globetrotter cabin includes re-designed gear selector, spacious storage spaces, 3 USB slots, 33 litre refrigerator and other features which helps the driver to have a fatigue free driving experience. Coming to fuel saving, the trucks come with the Volvo torque assist feature, which helps in saving fuel up to 8% in a 100T application, with potential to increase this saving to a big extent. The factory fi tted cab park coolers on the FH trucks ensure that the drivers still have an AC supply even when the truck engine is shut down. The downhill cruise control is re- introduced as a standard feature on all the new models. It prevents the truck from exceeding the speed set by the driver and can be used in combination with the service brakes, and an option of improved adaptive cruise control (ACC) that works at all speeds, down to zero km/h. The electronically controlled brake system (EBS), which is a prerequisite for safety features such as collision warning with emergency brake and electronic stability control, now comes as standard with drum brakes on the new trucks. Volvo dynamic steering, with the safety systems lane keeping assist and stability assist, is also available as an option. Other features like AGM batteries, clutch able air compressor helps in reducing the downtime as well as increasing the effi ciency of the vehicle. The new Volvo FM is designed to attract drivers with a new cab and better visibility. The all new redesigned cab has raised A-pillars 33 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJULY 2021 TRUCKSthat give it up to one extra cubic meter of space and more light. It also comes with smart technology that underpins Volvo’s focus on creating the ultimate space for drivers. The exterior of the next generation Volvo FM has a new aerodynamic shape, with distinctive lines on the front and a single sleek character line sweeping the side of the all new cab. In addition, the V-shaped headlamps are positioned for optimal aerodynamics, and the larger brand identity panel and upper front grille with a new mesh pattern give the truck a bold, confi dent look. The Globetrotter sleeper cab has been upgraded with a raised bed and improved storage possibilities that include a large storage compartment underneath the bed and an upper rear storage with LED panels in the compartment dividers. Additionally there is a 28-liter refrigerator also equipped specially for UAE market. To move from the seat to the bed is easier than ever with a new slimmer, ergonomically designed I-Shift gear selector. Cab comfort is further enhanced through reinforced insulation that helps keep out cold, heat and noise. The interior is highlighted by a new dashboard off ering more storage space, new colors and a modern dynamic display. The cluster includes a 12-inch high-resolution instrument display with a user-friendly interface where the driver can easily see important information and select between diff erent screen views, depending on the driving situation. The instrument display, which comes ready for future updates and The Volvo FMX is the heaviest addition to Volvo’s chassis range – a 38-tonne bogie that allows for a gross vehicle weight (GCW) of up to 58 tonnes. 34 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJULY 2021 TRUCKSconnected services, is designed to simplify the driver’s interactions and minimize distractions when accessing critical information To provide economic advantage to the customers, features like Volvo Torque Assist & clutch able air compressor are equipped to save fuel and AGM batteries are added in place of conventional enhanced fl ooded batteries which have excellent cycling ability and cold cranking performance. Tire pressure monitoring system has also been added which makes it possible for the driver to supervise the tyre pressure through the instrument display. A correct tyre pressure gives an optimal use of the tyre and leads to increased lifetime and decreased fuel consumption. The all new Volvo FMX with an entirely new cab, increased payloads and safety features is the heaviest addition to Volvo’s chassis range – a 38-tonne bogie that allows for a gross vehicle weight (GCW) of up to 58 tonnes. For particularly rough applications like mining, the Volvo FMX comes with an optional steel roof hatch with an emergency exit handle that removes the entire hatch. The FMX is built on an entirely new cab platform, based on Volvo’s long and successful experience of delivering robust and functional construction trucks. The completely new cab includes a front section with easily replaceable sturdy parts, headlamp protectors and new V-shaped LED headlamps. Anti-slip footsteps make it easy for drivers to enter or exit. The Volvo FMX comes with increased space in the day cab and storage of up to 800 litres. Drivers also get improved visibility thanks to a lowered door line and new rear view mirrors. The visibility can be improved further by adding a camera as an option on the passenger side which provides a complementary view of the side of the truck. The interior is characterized by a new dashboard with more storage space, new colours and a modern cluster. It includes a dynamic 12-inch high-resolution instrument display with a user-friendly interface allowing the driver to immediately see relevant information and select between four diff erent screen views, depending on the driving situation. The truck also comes equipped with a new traction control panel that helps the driver easily and quickly handle potentially dangerous situations, both on and off the road. The driver can gain more traction by engaging the diff erential locks in an easy way, by turning a knob, viewing the traction status on the instrument display at the same time. A new steering wheel with a neck tilt option off ers a more ergonomic driving position. The Volvo FH, FM and FMX models. 35 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJULY 2021 TRUCKSUNITED DIESEL DELIVERS TEN 6X4 RENAULT TRUCKS TO AL JADAWEL LAND TRANSPORT IN FUJAIRAH R enault Trucks and its partner in the UAE, United Diesel, have delivered ten K 480 heavy-duty construction models to UAE-based construction material transportation company Al Jadawel Land Transport. The trucks will be used to transport aggregate from crushers in the Northern Emirates across the country. The new Renault Trucks are part of Al Jadawel Land Transport's total fl eet size of 98; the company plans to upgrade its entire fl eet to Renault Trucks by the end of next year. Najah Al Tahir, owner of Al Jadawel Land Transport, commented: “We are incredibly proud to have struck this deal with Renault Trucks. With operations across the UAE, which is known for its tough terrain and high temperatures, we require trucks able to withstand these harsh conditions. The brand’s range has a reputation for being able to meet and exceed our needs, which is why we aim to switch our whole fl eet to consist only of Renault Trucks models by 2022.” The Renault Trucks K 480 tractor head 6x4 models are designed to operate in extreme conditions while delivering high levels of driver comfort, reliability, and fuel effi ciency. They are equipped with a range of features that are designed to optimise productivity, minimise downtime, reduce operation costs and maximise profi tability. The K 480’s spacious cab 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. The design of the windshield and side mirrors provide clear visibility around the cab with minimum blind spots, helping keep both occupants and road users safe. The trucks are equipped with numerous safety features designed to assist the driver in diffi cult conditions, including electronic braking system (EBS), hill start aid (HSA), anti- slip regulation (ASR), anti-lock braking system (ABS) and emergency braking assist (AFU). A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is fi tted to ensure operators benefi t from the maximum lifetime of the tyres. The K 480 model is equipped with a fuel- effi cient DXI 13 Euro 5 engine, developing 480 hp and torque of 2,400 Nm, and an Optidriver gearbox with automated clutch. Cruise control is fi tted as standard on the C & K ranges. Guillaume Zimmermann, commercial director, Renault Trucks Middle East, said: “Al Jadawel Land and Transport’s purchase of the K range models is testament to the truck’s 36 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJULY 2021 TRUCKSrobustness and its recognised contribution to the construction and transport business around the region. Renault Trucks’ K range leads the way in terms of fuel economy and uptime, which are key in this very demanding segment. We are seeing more and more customers working with crushers in the Northern Emirates shifting to K models, which is certainly not a coincidence!” Mokhles Makary, general manager, United Diesel, commented: “This latest fl eet deal is due to the quality of the Renault Trucks produce line-up, but also to our dedication for delivering the highest standards of customer service in the UAE. With fully trained and specialised service, our fully equipped service centres, we are able to deliver an excellent customer support, which we are confi dent will help to pave the way for further such deals and partnerships in the future.” 37 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJULY 2021 TRUCKSD AF is off ering a new range of trucks aligned with the objectives of the new European mass and dimension regulations aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. The new generation of DAF XF, XG and XG+ trucks off er a completely new and energy effi cient vehicle platform, fully prepared for future energy carriers like batteries and hydrogen, and future powertrains including e-motors, plug-in hybrids, fuel cells and hydrogen combustion engines. The vehicle’s diesel engines are ready for the latest generations of bio fuels (including gas-to-liquid DAF RESPONDS TO EUROPEAN MASS AND DIMENSION REGULATIONS WITH NEW GENERATION XF, XG AND XG+ and HVO) as well as for renewable e-fuels to further decarbonize road transport. To improve energy effi ciency, the DAF XF, XG and XG+ models are equipped with new powertrains, featuring new engine, transmission and rear axle technologies. The trucks are powered by the Paccar 10.8L MX-11 and 12.9L MX-13 engines which provide torque increases of 50 to 100 Nm in direct drive top gear. The top-rated 390kW/530 hp version provides 2,550 Nm in every lower gear and 2,700 Nm in top gear. The new generation HE400 turbocharger improves air management, further strengthening DAF’s down-speeding performances with maximum torque available at 900 rpm, even for the 390kW/530 hp MX-13 engine. The engine brake delivers up to 20% more torque at lower revs. Combustion of the MX-11 and MX-13 engines has been optimized through the use of new injectors, a new cylinder head and block to allow higher cylinder pressures and a new design of pistons and liners. A new generation of effi cient turbo chargers is utilized for air management and new air compressors, oil pumps and alternators ensure parasitic losses 38 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJULY 2021 TRUCKSare minimised. The exhaust-after-treatment system is redesigned to achieve the shortest route from engine outlet to EAS-inlet to minimise exhaust temperature loss. The trucks are equipped with a Traxon automated gearbox as standard, featuring new technologies like automatic drive-off gear selection, enhanced predictive features and (optional) urge-to-move. For maximum driveline effi ciency, rear axles with reduced oil levels and new pinion bearings are employed. A new generation of brake callipers results in less frictional losses and a lower weight. Low vehicle weights (the kerb weight of the new generation XF 4x2 tractor in its most representative specifi cation is only 6,912 kilograms) and enhanced driver assistance systems (predictive cruise control 3 with extended ‘ecoroll’ functionalities and preview downhill speed control) bring the total effi ciency gain up to 10%, representing the largest fuel effi ciency improvement in the history of the company. In addition, new engine and after treatment technologies as well as sophisticated thermal management result in up to 3% additional fuel effi ciency gain from the 10% overall improvement. The development processes of the new generation DAF trucks are based on the principles of design for Six Sigma as well as Automotive Spice for which the latter audits were performed at level 2 and 3. Over 150 fi eld test vehicles were put into daily operation with customers throughout Europe. DAF will have gained an equivalent of some 20 million long distance kilometres before the new generation XF, XG and XG+ enter production. With the launch of the new generation XF, XG and XG+ trucks, DAF has introduced 39 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comJULY 2021 TRUCKSNext >