Swaidan Trading’s Commercial Vehicles and Heavy Equipment (CVHE) division has been recognised with Ashok Leyland’s coveted ‘Distributor of the Year’ award.

The award was revealed at a special ceremony during the Global Dealer Conference hosted by Ashok Leyland in Kochi, India.

Presented by Ashok Leyland’s chairman Dheeraj Hinduja, Swaidan Al Naboodah, managing director of Al Naboodah Group was on hand to accept the prestigious award in person.

Swaidan Trading has exclusively represented the brand since 1984. Providing consistently strong sales performance and after sales support over the last three decades to countless clients in the region, it has helped cement Ashok Leyland’s dominance as the market leader of large-sized buses in the UAE, boasting a majority market share in a highly competitive and price sensitive market.

“We are honoured to receive this award and look forward to continuing our collaboration with Ashok Leyland for years to come,” said Swaidan Al Naboodah.

“The UAE transportation sector is one of the most competitive in the B2B sector and achieving a majority market share in the large bus segment bears testimony to our aggressive strategy that consistently puts quality and the customer first.

He continued: “As a purpose-driven business rooted in commercial vehicles and heavy equipment, Swaidan Trading’s CVHE division continually focuses on gains in efficiency and agility that can positively contribute to the institutions we count as our customers.”

Dheeraj Hinduja praised the long-standing partnership, adding: “It is our pleasure to partner with a legacy institution that understands the local market and has the scalability and resources to offer Ashok Leyland customers the highest standards of service and after sales support that they have come to associate with the brand.”

Known globally as a hub for construction projects and boasting some of the world’s most ambitious infrastructure, the commercial vehicle market is the driving force responsible for the region’s landscape and continues to make an important contribution to the market.

Demand patterns for commercial vehicles remains high as government initiatives continue to trigger growth in demand for heavy equipment with sales projected to growth year-on-year, well into the next decade.

Source: TFME

Abu Dhabi has been ranked as the world’s least congested capital according to the TomTom Traffic Index for 2021.

Based on the annual survey of 416 cities in 57 countries by the global navigation services company, the UAE capital’s ranking was calculated using a combination of criteria, including the rate of traffic congestion at intersections and streets at various times during the day, including peak hours.

The study also analysed the number of traffic lights and their programming and contribution to the development of traffic flow in cities. It also examined the quality of traffic light systems in terms of their long-term viability and weather resistance.

Abu Dhabi recorded 11% congestion level, reflecting the impact of the integrated traffic management plan implemented by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). The department’s strategy involved enhancing operational efficiency, improving road assets and infrastructure, and increasing the number of options and modes of public transportation to ensure optimal utilisation of transportation and necessary utilities to improve residents’ everyday quality of life.

Falah Al Ahbabi, chairman, DMT, said that building an integrated transportation infrastructure is a vital pillar of the emirate’s continued efforts to improve the quality of life on par with the best cities globally.

“We’ve always followed a long-term strategy and taken a proactive approach to the future, focusing on responding to the residents needs. TomTom’s new ranking serves as an encouragement to continue accomplishing DMT’s strategic goals,” added Al Ahbabi.

“Continuing to get global recognitions for the capital’s transport and traffic management services confirms our leadership’s vision to provide the best quality of life in Abu Dhabi by implementing the highest international standards. We strive to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the world’s best places to live and work by developing sustainable smart cities for the future.”

Source: TFME

It has been barely half a decade since Tesla announced that it was entering the commercial vehicles market with its Tesla Semi, and since then there has been a steady flow of newcomers offering their vision of an electrified hauling future. Among them is German company Quantron which has recently being working hard to find investment for its plans to produce a range of trucks, buses and vans.

The freshly carved landscape of the EV market is proving home to a raft of different brands and business models, all with their strengths and weaknesses. For instance, companies like Daimler or Renault can lean into their manufacturing knowhow but also have huge challenges to turn their huge plant and development operations into an emerging segment that is not without risk. Others like Volta or Tesla offer a fresh approach but not the established route to market and experience of their OEM competitors. Then you have a company like Quantron which sits somewhere between the two: an already established player in the maintenance and repair market with four factories across Europe and China, but not the vehicle production scale of most of its major competitors.

While the name is relatively new to the market, the firm itself is a spin-off from Haller Group, a family-owned business with a history dating back 140 years. Today, it is best-known as a specialist in the maintenance and repair of transporters, trucks and buses but Quantron is an attempt to move deeper into the mobility space with new services but at the same time reconcile its future with a past that saw it play its part as an early pioneer of passenger and commercial vehicles production.

At its head is the fifth generation owner Andreas Haller who has wisely decided to re-shape the business by bringing in financial restructuring and assets expert Klaus Schmitt as CEO to help drive investment while Pirelli veteran Pedro Navarro concentrates on expanding the core business of being automotive trading partner of tyres and an automotive supplier in the field of new technologies such as batteries and fuel cells.

“I’m the fifth generation, so it’s a very traditional company,” Haller explained on the sidelines of the most recent IAA. “But we have much more experience than other companies we know. We have four factories in the world and 700 service partners; without aftersales support it’s not possible to sell products.

“Zero emissions is our main target and our main focus is electric batteries and hydrogen,” he continues. “We have unlimited possibilities.”

Last month, the company showcased the latest line-up of its vehicles to the media and investors, including the QUANTRON QARGO 4 EV Light-Truck which offers a top operating range of up to 350 km based on a LFP battery from the world market leader CATL and a battery capacity of 81kW – making it ideal for providing sustainable deliveries for the last mile.

The light transporter offers a a flexible wheelbase featuring 3.3 m of manoeuvrability and thus a very small turning radius, making it suitable for inner-city traffic. The performance of the environmentally-friendly transporter is also impressive with the operating range bolstered by a payload of 2,300 kg.

The QARGO 4 joins the all-electric Q-Heavy truck QUANTRON QHD BEV 50-280, a 4×2 tractor unit based on the DAF CF Space Cab. The zero-emission vehicle also features the low-noise levels of its smaller counterpart but a reduced operating range of up to 220 km and a maximum engine performance of 350 kW. The 280 kWh battery is fully re-charged within 6.5 hours and can power a  vehicle with a gross combined weight of 18 to 44 metric tons.

Earlier this year the company also premiered its new 12m long electric bus called the CIZARIS. The new bus model will be launched as an all-electric version (CIZARIS 12 EV), followed in 2023 by a fuel cell drive (CIZARIS 12 H) that uses a largely identical powertrain: both two- and three-door models with a total of nine interior layouts are available.

The low-floor character of the bus is made clear by the black contrasting center section, while the roof edge trim at the front and rear puts the emphasis on the battery technology, which is hidden there on the roof outside any crash areas. This allows the car to dispense with a conventional “aggregate tower” in the rear and thus offer a proud 24 to 35 seats – in total, there is room for 81 to 95 passengers depending on the battery package – significantly more than many competitors. The rear end with its large taillights, some of which are made of frosted glass or have a light-striped design.

Like others in the C-EV segment, the company has recognised that this challenge facing the electrification of transportation is finding a way to make long-haul journeys as green as possible when last mile and short runs are able to charge almost constantly. To that end it has drafted in Canada-based Ballard Power Systems to produce its FC Move heavy duty hydrogen fuel cell power modules for its vehicles.

“With Quantron we are bringing a platform of our most advanced fuel cell technology. Quantron has a great vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” says Rob Campbell, Chief Customer Officer, Ballard Power System. “Vehicles contribute some 27% of these emissions in Europe; and is hence a key target market for quantron. It already is in the market with electric vehicles and can now extend their customer reach by adding in fuel cell power to increase vehicle range and duty cycle to maximise payload and enable rapid refueling all to ensure best in class value for zero emission vehicles.

Haller is keen to stress that the industry needs to avoid falling into two camps – electric versus hydrogen – if transporters are going to be confident in transitioning to low or zero carbon operations.

“We are always talking black and white but it (fleet choice of alternative drivelines) is dependent on the range that we need,” he says. “I would say grey middle weight is the best way! But for us, the long distance is only possible with hydrogen and it is very important to have Ballard on our side.”

To that end, many of its products will have an electric and a hydrogen version, and tie-ups with companies like Ballard – and a range that matches the diesel counterparts of its competitors – will enable the company to achieve its goal of becoming Quantron 2.0.

“The 12m bus is a very unique design and is a great opportunity to be in the European market, but the main topic now is how to have scaleable production. It’s not possible to have 50 units this year and 200 next because the bus business is limited but they need electric versions and that’s why our focus is on a new product on the lines and in the cities.”

Source: TFME

Rising fuel prices have led to a significant shift (52%) in UAE residents’ attitude towards hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), according to a survey commissioned by Audi Abu Dhabi. Petrol prices in the UAE continued to progressively rise from February to April, as global oil prices surged beyond $100 a barrel.

While residents’ intent to buy an EV seems strong, nearly 25% stated that they are waiting for more options to be launched in the market to make a purchase. 14% said they recently bought a petrol car but wished they would have purchased a hybrid/ EV instead.

The YouGov survey of 1000 UAE residents explored how the rise in fuel prices is impacting the way consumers are thinking about their means of transportation.

Residents are planning their car journeys more carefully with a quarter saying they use public transport a lot more now, while 14% of drivers have purchased an electric scooter/ bike to use over short distances. Remote and flexible working options are also helping residents mitigate rising fuel costs, with 19% saving more on fuel expenses by working from home.

“Interest in EVs has continued to grow organically over time, however increasing petrol prices has certainly accelerated the shift in consumers attitude towards EV adoption,” said Mark Austin, Audi Abu Dhabi General Manager. “When considering energy efficiency across the full lifecycle of producing, transporting and using fuel – typically referred to as “well to wheel” – electric vehicles offer high efficiency and the lowest carbon emissions per mile.”

“Depending on the type of car you drive, the average cost of filling a fuel tank can be upwards of AED 270 versus AED 8.25 to fully charge an EV battery with a 110 kWh charger. With EVs, owners also save on operating expenses,” Austin added.

Audi Abu Dhabi launched its first EV model under the e-tron umbrella nearly two years ago. Its premium electric vehicles portfolio has since grown to include four models, without compromising on the performance, design and driving dynamics expected of the brand.

Two of Audi’s latest electric spearheads were showcased at the Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit (EVIS) in the capital from 23-25 May.

Source: TFME

The much-anticipated start-up of the Sharjah Waste-to-Energy Plant, the first initiative of its kind in the region, has seen the first kilowatt (KW) produced by the facility.

The inauguration of the plant has been hailed as the beginning of new era of clean energy production and climate neutrality on the official news site of the UAE.

According to WAM, the plant will help turn nearly 300,000 tonnes of waste into energy annually, producing 30 megawatts (MW) of low-carbon electricity, “enough to power nearly 28,000 homes in the UAE”.

The project will also help prevent the emission of up to 450,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, supporting the country’s efforts to realise its strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The project will support the UAE’s efforts to turn waste into an economic resource, by developing and establishing several waste-to-energy facilities, in line with the circular economy approach, said the report.

The UAE’s waste-to energy strategy

The country is continuing to develop waste-to-energy plants, including the Dubai Waste Treatment Centre in Warsan.

The project, costing some AED4 billion, will be completed in line with international environmental standards, with a capacity of some 1,000 loaded trucks per day, treating 5,666 tonnes of municipal solid waste produced by the emirate daily.

It will also convert some 1.9 million tonnes of waste annually into renewable energy, which will provide the local electricity network with some 200 MW of clean energy.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy and the Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre (Tadweer) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to turn some 5.1 million tonnes of municipal waste into energy in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

In January 2021, an application process was opened to bidders to establish the first plant with an independent production system capable of handling waste weighing between 600,000 and 900,000 tonnes.

The plant will help prevent nearly 1.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions.

In Umm Al Qaiwain, the construction of a solid waste treatment plant project and the production of alternative fuels are continuing, at a total cost of some AED132 million.

Federal Law No.12 for 2018 concerning integrated waste management, the first of its kind at the federal level, aims to encourage the establishment of recycling facilities, as well as the recovery of the maximum amount of recyclable waste and, in certain cases, the facilities required to reuse certain types of waste generated from their activities.

In the following year, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment issued two resolutions. The first is aimed at using refuse-derived fuel (RDF) in cement factories, and the second is aimed at using construction waste in infrastructure and road projects.

Source: TFME

The Dubai Government Workshop (DGW) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC), at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), to promote cooperation between the two sides by improving channels of communication, besides exchanging technical concepts, ideas, and expertise.

The scope of the agreement includes sharing of the outcomes of vehicle maintenance and workshop management trials and exploring the features of both parties’ systems and the potential for technology transfer between them. The MoU also includes conducting joint experiments involving innovative solutions to enhance efficiency of vehicles and exploring the possibility of converting conventional fuel vehicles into hybrid or eco-friendly electric vehicles, through optimal utilization of available resources and capabilities.

H.E. Fahad Ahmed Alraeesi, CEO of DGW, said: “This agreement comes as part of our keenness to build cooperation with various government entities in order to exchange experiences and achieve common interests, besides facilitate and simplify procedures, improve operational performance, and upgrade the quality of the provided services.”

“We are pleased to collaborate with DTC and move forward with sharing expertise in the areas of technology, vehicle repair, and workshop management to meet aspirations of customers,” he added.

Mansoor Rahma AlFalasi, CEO of DTC, said: “Collaborating with the Dubai Government Workshop is an important addition to our efforts to improve the quality of our services. This aligns with our vision to provide quality services, in line with international best practices and standards, which follow a safe, innovative, and sustainable methodology to ensure the prosperity of transportation and the happiness of community members.”

The latest collaboration between DGW and DTC is an important step towards fostering communication among government entities as Dubai Taxi is a leading government service institution that provides quality transport services and seeks to apply all international standards and specifications..

Source: TFME

Terex Utilities has announced an “industry first” – all-electric bucket truck on a class 6/7 medium-duty chassis that will be unveiled at the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference in the US next month.

The Terex Optima 55ft aerial device is powered by a plug-in electric power take-off (PTO) solution, the Hypower SmartPTO by Viatec, and mounted on an eMV Series battery electric 33,000GVW chassis from Navistar’s International Trucks.

“By combining SmartPTO technology with the International electric chassis, Terex Utilities was able to bring this bucket truck solution to the electric utilities two years ahead of industry projections,” said Joe Caywood, director of marketing.

“Many utilities have sustainability goals with 50% electric achievement by 2025 and 100% electric by 2030. This solution can accelerate plans for electrification of their fleets,” he added.

The Terex Optima 55ft aerial, mounted on the International eMV Series, is commonly used for electric distribution line work, has a 217km driving range and the ability to operate the bucket for a full workday on a single charge, the firm said.

“We have been working on green solutions for more than a decade,” said Caywood. “During that time, we have learned what works and what doesn’t. It’s exciting to see these investments come to fruition with an all-electric bucket truck that is robust and designed to meet the specific needs of utility applications.”

Source: TFME

The exceptional design, impressive technologies and vibrant performance of the 2022 Nissan Patrol Super Safari are a perfect blend that works in sync to deliver a pleasurable overall driving experience to its owners. This drives the popularity of the Nissan Super Safari model further upwards, consistently winning the hearts of many car enthusiasts in the UAE who are in search of new off-roading adventures.

As a reflection of its growing popularity, Al Masaood Automobiles, the official distributor of Nissan in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region, witnessed a 30 per cent sales increase in the Patrol Super Safari during the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. A large 90 per cent of its buyers were male customers whilst 10 per cent were female as reported by the company.

The 2022 Nissan Patrol Safari continues the rich heritage of the Nissan brand in the region and showcases the Patrol’s undisputed standing in the UAE’s automotive culture. It comes as no surprise that a growing number of women drivers are gravitating towards this model, as they, like their male counterparts, invest more in and value its class-leading power.

The 2022 Nissan Patrol Safari picks up where the previous models had left off. It builds on the SUV’s immense popularity amongst car owners in the UAE and the region who are after powerful vehicle performance designed for off-roading adventures.

The Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2022 offers enhanced performance supported by a 4.8-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, which can produce 280 horsepower and 451 Nm of torque. Equipped with VTC and NICS, the Patrol Super Safari, which is available in a 5-speed automatic or manual transmission, delivers exceptional off-road performance and impressive top speed on the highway.

Equipped with many capabilities and aesthetic features, it boasts a unique exterior and interior design for a memorable driving experience. Staying true to the Nissan identity, it incorporates features that combine strength, stability, control and robust performance even on rough terrains.

The Nissan Patrol Super Safari 2022 is available across Al Masaood Automobiles showrooms in Abu Dhabi in colours black, white and gold, with a unique choice of grey or gold accents across the roof, bumpers, wheel arches and spare tyre cover. In addition, the striking `Super Safari’ decal can be seen along the side of the car, complemented by a set of 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.

Customers mainly gravitated towards the black and twilight grey colour combination in 2021– accounting for 49 per cent of the Nissan Patrol Super Safari sales during the period. However, the radiance of the white hue proved to be a great driver of customer demand in 2022. During the first quarter of this year, the white Patrol Super Safari units constituted 52 per cent of the total sales.

As for its interior, the new model sports luxurious leather seats with a special Super Safari emboss that adds a unique touch to the model’s overall appeal. It also includes a display audio system with smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and a wireless charger for added comfort and convenience. Its advanced technologies are amongst the highlights of the Patrol Super Safari, reflecting Nissan’s commitment to building vehicles with outstanding features that can level up the overall experience of its customers whilst on the road.

The Super Safari 2022 offers a host of Nissan safety features, including cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring system, ABS, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system that prevents understeer when entering or exiting a corner, and dual-front SRS airbags that reflect Nissan’s attention to the smallest details of security and safety in its models.

Providing the right features and technologies to instill confidence and guarantee reliability and stability at various road conditions, the 2022 Nissan Patrol Super Safari is without a doubt a step ahead of other SUVs in its segment.

Source: TFME

Dealing with rising costs and the technology in the market to keep fleets profitable were the main challenges and opportunities discussed at the third Truck and Fleet Conference held in Dubai on Tuesday.

Taking place at the Radisson Red hotel inside Dubai’s technology hub Silicon Oasis, the audience heard from experts from across the transport and logistics and commercial vehicles industry.

Also making its debut at the event was Daimler’s new Econic truck, a low-entry vehicle designed for the increasingly important waste management segment and other municipality applications.

The Truck Expo and Test Drive programme is one of the unique features of the event and delegates were additionally able to learn about Daimler’s newest Actros model and Fuso’s Euro 5-powered, Duonic-controlled Canter.

Heading the day was a keynote interview with Mohammad Jaber, COO, DSV Abu Dhabi, who gave his own personal insight into how the T&L sector has changed over the past two decades and his passion for ensuring that the happiness and safety of drivers is prioritised in fleet operations.

DSV is the first logistics company in Abu Dhabi to operate double trailer set-ups and combined with latest technology in the Actros, delegates learned that the combination can save up to 30% in fuel use per container – a vital saving when diesel has risen from 2.88 AED per litre to 4.08 AED per litre since the turn of the year.

Glasgow Consulting Group’s Vishal Pandey framed the subjects for the day by presenting an overview of the current commercial vehicles segment in the region. He told delegates that the logistics sector will remain the contributor to “new truck demand, followed by the mining and construction sector.”

He added: “We believe this market is likely to remain closely correlated with the oil prices. Construction demand is also likely to make up for a decline in demand for office and retail.”

Several solutions to keep fleets moving and profitable were suggested during the centre-piece roundtable, including better driver training, the latest trailer technology and alternatives to relying on fossil fuels, such as LNG, CNG and electric drivelines.

Scania Middle East’s Hans Wising told delegates that while the development of new driveline technology is destined to re-shape the sector in the years ahead, a one-size-fits-all solution to greener and cheaper transportation is yet to emerge: “There are no silver bullets that are going to solve everything, but, of course, sustainability is a top priority for us.”

Fabian Bahlmann of trailer specialist Schmitz-Cargobull presented the company’s newest solutions for greener transportation and told the delegates that despite challenges in the global market that it was working “to keep the supply chains active to deliver advanced solutions and services.”

Throughout the event, speakers argued that there needs to be greater collaboration at all levels of the sector to ensure best practice for safe and sustainable fleet operations are maintained in the market.

Al Masaood’s Mohammed Khattab said that the UD Trucks and Renault Trucks dealer was working with its customers during a challenging time for fleets to “focus on what they need, not what they want” to keep their operations profitable.

Prolonging the longeveity of trucks and maximising uptime to keep them in the field was now a priority for companies like Al Masaood. Distributors and fleets can also turn to the aftermarket for solutions to take cost out of their operations.

“Fuel is not the only challenge we see. There is the challenge of ensuring the complete” maintenance of your fleet, including the lubrication system, your brakes, and your tyres. Everything is becoming a challenge,” added BG Middle East’s Gagan Kalra. “We are trying a company level to have a line of products which can help and assist your fleet to provide maximum mileage.”

Source: TFME

Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA FZE (DCV MENA) has launched its new range of Mercedes-Benz Econic trucks into the Midlde East and North Africa region.

First introduced in 1998, the Econic has enjoyed significant success in multiple European markets for over two decades due to its safety, efficiency, ergonomics and reduced impact on the environment – and the latest Econic will set new benchmarks in the market, claims the German giant.

“The Econic is the proven choice for airport ground services, municipality and waste management applications,” it added in a statement.

The Econic is designed as a versatile low-entry truck making it suitable for the need for cleaner urban transport in an era where mobility, logistics, the environment and quality of life are all important priorities for fleets.

According to DCV MENA, “the trucks are efficient, powerful and reliable, and offer maximum safety for those in the surrounding environment, as well as optimum working conditions for the driver and/or crew. With a choice of engine outputs and transmissions to suit a variety of applications, Econic is an efficient and responsible response to the challenge of increasing global emissions levels.”

“After the success of the Mercedes-Benz Econic worldwide, we are excited to bring it to the region. Since its launch in 1989, it has proven itself as a reliable truck across numerous industries and markets due to its versatility, safety and efficiency,” explained Olaf Petersen, general manager, Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA.

The Econic was on display at this week’s Truck and Fleet Conference in Dubai. During the event, experts and delegates expressed concern over the extended delivery times of trucks due to disruption in the global supply chain. Petersen, however, explained that the firm has secured production slots for customers in the region.

“With the MENA launch of the proven Econic, DCV MENA is inviting interested parties to reach out for a demonstration of the vehicle and is pleased to note that production slots are immediately available, thus allowing for short delivery timelines of only a few months.”

Driver Notes: DCV MENA On the Econic

Cited frequently as one of the best solutions on the market when it comes to low entry design, the Econic concept is best summed up in three words: Putting People First. Econic offers a plethora of benefits for drivers and crews, as well as for people in the surrounding environment.

The low entry design allows two step ingress and egress, which means the vehicle is not only safer and gentler on the back and joints, but also allows for quicker cycle times on jobs requiring frequent stops (such as waste management applications). The walk-through cab offers space for four and even allows the driver to conveniently enter and exit the cab from the traffic-free side of the road using the inward-opening folding door. The glazed folding doors extend from floor to roof, which aids pavement visibility, while shock-absorbing full air suspension boosts driving comfort and dynamics. The truck also offers raising and lowering functions across its axles.

 A choice of either a high or a low cab (the low cab can fit under the vast majority of aircraft wings ranging from the Boeing 737 to the Airbus A380) can be selected depending on the intended field of work but regardless of the choice, the Direct Vision cab offers great vision of the road and surrounding areas. According to a Direct Vision Study commissioned in 2016, the design offers a 23% reduction in reaction times and braking distances, leading to a reduced number of collisions compared to standard cabs.

The low driver’s seating position makes it possible to make direct eye contact with people in the surrounding environment, while a mirror system designed to extend the field of view works to cover the working area and vehicle’s blind spots. The vehicle can also be equipped with as many as 10 safety assistance image and sensor-based systems that are designed specifically for urban operations and complement each other logically. In addition to boosting the safety of those in the surrounding environment, the overlapping imaging and sensory systems can significantly aid the driver in dangerous situations, thus fostering a more relaxed working environment.

The Econic commercial trucks have proven themselves time and again to a variety of customers across markets and in different use cases, thanks to the broad versatility of the platform. Available in 2-axle (4×2 traction) and 3-axle configurations (6×2/4 or 6×4 traction), with wheelbases ranging from 3450mm to 5700mm and permissible gross weights of 18- to 26-tonnes, the Econic can suit a wide range of applications. In a variety of international markets, the Econic is already successfully addressing customer requirements from airports to the public services sector (municipality and waste management). The trucks can also be seen frequently tackling short-radius distribution jobs, construction site transport and even fire & rescue.

With a choice of proven Euro VI compliant inline 6-cylinder engines offering basic output of 272hp and 1200Nm of torque to a top output of 354hp and 1400Nm of torque, and with technology designed to reduce particulate emissions and nitrous oxide output, the Econic is a powerful and environmentally friendly solution. The engines offers high torque at low speeds and features optimised fuel and AdBlue consumption. In addition, drivers can expect powerful engine braking performance that boosts braking effect and reduces brake wear, all of which means lowering running costs regardless of application.

Econic can also be optioned with one of two transmission choices depending on the intended field of operations: an Allison 6-speed fully automatic transmission or the Mercedes-Benz engineered semi-automatic PowerShift transmission. The former transmission is offered as standard and designed to relieve strain on the driver in busy environments that call for absolute safety and precision such as airport flight operations and logistics. This transmission’s crawler function enables a precise and smooth pull-away, which is also a key requirement in the waste disposal sector. The optional PowerShift gearbox makes it possible to boost efficiency even further; the weight-optimised transmission is equipped with 12 forward gears and 4 reverse gears and features specially adapted drive programs for use in urban traffic.

Customers interested in exploring Econic’s capabilities have the possibility to inspect a demo vehicle in the UAE. Those that make the Econic choice for their business can expect open production slots and short delivery timelines of only a few months.

Source: TFME