Japanese Mini Trucks

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA), is urging everyone in the industry to have their say about the key issues facing Australian trucking.

The ATA launched an industry issues survey in TruckWeek 2010, giving operators and drivers the chance to make a significant contribution to the future direction of the trucking industry.The anonymous survey asks 15 questions about issues like road safety, recruiting staff and the regulatory burden facing trucking companies.

Once complete, the ATA will use the survey to help guide its strategic planning and in its discussions with the Australian Government.

ATA Chairman, Trevor Martyn, said the survey was a great opportunity for all trucking operators to have a say in the future direction of the ATA.

“The ATA is keen to hear from operators from across Australia about the issues that directly affect them,” Mr Martyn said.

“By completing this survey, operators and drivers will help the ATA ensure they are representing the views and concerns of the wider trucking community.

“The ATA will announce the results of the survey at the 2010 Australian Trucking Convention, which will run on the Gold Coast from 7-10 April.

“At the convention there will be a special industry parliament, so every delegate can have their say about the survey results and the issues affecting the industry.”

The 2010 Australian Trucking Association Industry Issues Survey can be accessed by clicking here.

Source: http://www.truckweek.com.au/news/single.php?post_id=405

Japanese Used Mini Trucks, Kei Truck from Japan

Hino has launched Australia’s first fully automatic light duty dump truck.

The new Hino 300 Series 614 Automatic Dump is suitable for landscapers, pool builders, rental companies, builders, plumbers and tradespersons.

It is offered with the choice of two GVM ratings – 4495kg (approximately 1.7 tonnes payload) or 5500kg (approximately 2.7 tonnes payload).

Drivers with a current car or automatic car licence can drive vehicles plated as 4495kg.

The Built to Go Hino 614 Automatic Dump has a narrow cab, a 100kW engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Safety equipment includes a driver’s SRS airbag and ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) as standard equipment.

In addition, the 614 Auto Dump has air conditioning.

The Hino 614 Auto Dump’s ADR 80/02-compliant 4.0-litre turbocharged and intercooled direct-injection engine delivers 100kW of power at 2700rpm and 358Nm of torque at 1800rpm. (Power and torque ratings are measured in ISO net.)

The ‘intelligent’ automatic transmission has state-of-the-art features, including fuel-saving torque converter lock-up in five ratios – from second to sixth gear.

The learning characteristics of the intelligent six-speed automatic transmission can comfortably adapt to the driving style of the driver.

Hino’s automatic transmission also features ‘neutral control’ that electronically switches the transmission to neutral when the truck is stationary and the brakes are applied, reducing engine and drivetrain load as well as offering savings in fuel consumption.

Source: http://www.hino.com.au/News_LatestRelease.aspx?TabID=6&newsTabID=2&newsID=417tmmuiteKy2nR6WtZuTA==

Japanese Used Mini Trucks, Kei Truck from Japan

Engine designers working for truck manufacturers now need to roll up their sleeves. It is time to prepare for the new Euro 6 emission standards for newly manufactured trucks, which come into force on 31 December 2013. Particle emissions must be halved, and nitrogen oxide emissions must be reduced by 77 percent.

Mats Franzen, Manager of Engine Strategy and Planning at Volvo Trucks, is satisfied with the way Volvo’s engine designers are tackling adaptation to the new standards’ tough limit values.

“We take a positive view of the tough requirements. They pose a challenge for us, like for everyone else. They offer our engine designers a chance to show their mettle, which gives us a clear competitive edge. We will meet the standards long before the new legislation takes effect,” he comments.

So how must the engines be improved to meet the new limit values? For marketing reasons, Franzén does not want to specify exactly which technical improvements will be made. There is plenty to play around with: improved software, improved friction conditions, more efficient selective catalytic reduction and adaptation of operating temperatures. It is very probable that Euro 6 will require a combination of SCR, EGR and a particulate filter.

Independent researchers have raised criticisms, arguing that the Euro 6 standards will mean increased fuel consumption, given today’s engine technology.

“Clearly, the challenge of Euro 6 will lie in further reducing nitrogen oxide emissions without increasing fuel consumption and thereby increasing CO2 emissions. Our engine designers have made enormous progress in recent decades, and we’ll continue developing our engines for optimised fuel consumption regardless of changes in regulations and standards,” says Franzén.

Fuel consumption has dropped dramatically in recent decades. For example, Volvo’s popular FH truck has cut its diesel consumption by almost 40 percent in the last 30 years. With the D13 engine, launched in 2005, Volvo took the definitive step to the forefront of the industry in terms of fuel economy.

“Yes, we’re certainly leaders in fuel economy. And we’ll continue to reduce fuel consumption by about 1 percent a year. That means big savings, both in economic and environmental terms,” comments Franzén.

But the biggest improvement of all is in air emission levels. A truck 30 years ago produced the same level of particulate emissions as 50 trucks today. When Euro 6 is introduced, the level of particulate emissions will be further reduced by 50 percent.

“Besides becoming cleaner and more efficient, our trucks are now also stronger. 20 years ago, our most powerful engine had 470 horsepower. Today we can offer our customers the Volvo FH 16, the world’s strongest truck with a 700 horsepower engine,” says Franzén.

So engine designers can meet the emission targets. However, the improvements come at a price. Today, engines are roughly twice as expensive to manufacture as in the early 1990s.

“Naturally, it’s very costly to develop engines that are better in all respects in terms of environment, fuel consumption, lifespan and driveability. However, because we’re the world’s largest diesel engine manufacturer and produce large volumes, we are able to stay at the cutting edge,” explains Franzén.

Are the Euro 6 standards strict enough, or do we need even higher standards?
“Under Euro 6, emissions of particles, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide will be brought to environmentally sustainable levels. But that’s not enough for us. Now we’re focusing on reducing fuel consumption still further, thereby cutting climate-altering CO2 emissions,” explains Franzén.

Facts - EU emission standards Euro 1-6, measured in g/kWh

Definitions:
NOx - Nitrogen oxide

PM - Particulate Matter, meaning the combined weight of all particles produced during a kilowatt hour.

NB: The emission limits have not yet been established, so the indicated values are based on the preparatory works for the new legislation.

Mats Franzen, Manager Engine Strategy and Planning, Volvo Trucks comments the Euro standards:
1993 - Euro 1 (I)
To prepare the industry, a Euro 0 phase had been enforced the year before. Authorisation was obtained through laboratory certification of the engines. We met the standards by launching unit injectors and improving the fuel injection software. We introduced the D12 engine with unit injectors and electronic engine control.

1996 - Euro 2 (II)
Now all engines were required to meet the limit levels immediately after production, not just individual test samples. We complied with the levels by improving the turbocharger and the fuel injection software.

2001 - Euro 3 (III)
The engines were now required to meet their emission levels during actual on-road driving. The transient test cycle was introduced. The turbocharger was further improved and the injection pressure further increased. We also introduced unit injectors on D9 and D16 engines.

2006 - Euro 4 (IV)
Now the limit values were so low that we needed to improve the exhaust gas after-treatment. Our solution was to introduce selective catalytic reduction (SCR). The new standards also required OBD (on board diagnostics), a “black box” that registers the engine’s actual function, emitting an alert and even limiting a function if something is not working satisfactorily.

2009 - Euro 5 (V)
Euro 5, introduced just three years after Euro 4, imposed further reduction of limit levels and tolerance limits. We met these standards by further refining and improving our selective catalytic reduction.

2013 - Euro 6 (VI)
The emission levels and sustainability requirements for engines have not yet been fully formulated in the new legislation. However, we know that after-treatment of exhaust gases requires some sort of filtering. It is very probable that Euro 6 will require a combination of SCR, EGR and a particulate filter.

Source: http://www.volvotrucks.com/trucks/global/en-gb/newsmedia/pressreleases/Pages/pressreleases.aspx?pubId= 8311

Japanese Used Mini Trucks, Kei Truck from Japan

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Tata Motors’ total sales (including exports) of Tata commercial and passenger vehicles in February 2010 were 69,427 vehicles, a growth of 58% over 43,811 vehicles sold in February 2009. The company’s domestic sales of Tata commercial and passenger vehicles for February 2010 were 66,190 nos., a 56 % growth over 42,493 nos. sold in February last year.

Cumulative sales (including exports) for the company for the fiscal at 567,535 nos., recorded a growth of 28 % over 444,095 nos. sold last year.

Commercial Vehicles
The company’s sales of commercial vehicles in February 2010 in the domestic market were 39,205 nos., the highest ever and a 67% growth compared to 23,454 vehicles sold in February last year. LCV sales were 21,764 nos., the highest ever and a growth of 49% over February last year. M&HCV sales stood at 17,441 nos., a growth of 98% over February last year.

Cumulative sales of commercial vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal are 330,330 nos., a growth of 40% over last year. Cumulative LCV sales are 196,040 nos., a growth of 46% over last year, while M&HCV sales stood at 134,290 nos., a growth of 33% over last year.

Passenger Vehicles
The passenger vehicles business reported a total sale and distribution offtake of 29,241 nos. (26,985 Tata + 2,256 Fiat) in the domestic market in February 2010, the highest ever and a 43.7% increase compared to 20,348 nos. (19,039 Tata + 1,309 Fiat) in February last year. Sales of Tata cars, at 26,985 nos. are the highest ever and a growth of 42% over February 2009. Sales of the Tata Nano were 4,105 nos. The Indica range sales were 11,502 nos., the highest this fiscal. The Indigo range recorded sales of 7,373 nos., the highest ever since the Indigo’s launch in 2002 and a growth of 75.2% over February last year. The Sumo/Safari range accounted for sales of 4,005 nos., the highest this fiscal and a growth of 14% over February last year. The Sumo family individually recorded the highest sales this fiscal.

Jaguar Land Rover sales continued their upward trend since launch in June.

Cumulative sales and distribution offtake of passenger vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal are 229,814 nos. (207,169 Tata + 22,645 Fiat), against 183,403 nos. (176,478 Tata + 6,925 Fiat) last year, a growth of 25.3%. Cumulative sales of the Nano are 25,640 nos. Cumulative sales of the Indica range at 102,797 nos., reported a growth of 5.3%. Cumulative sales of the Indigo family are 49,097 nos., higher by 10%. Cumulative sales of the Sumo/Safari range are 29,635 nos., lower by 13%.

Exports
The company’s sales from exports at 3,237 vehicles in February 2010 registered a growth of 146% compared to 1,318 vehicles in February last year. The cumulative sales from exports for the fiscal at 30,036 nos. are lower by 5% over 31,611 nos. in the same period last year.

Source:http://www.tatamotors.com/our_world/press_releases.php?ID=533&action=Pull

Japanese Used Mini Trucks, Kei Truck from Japan

Tata Motors today reported consolidated gross revenues of Rs. 26,774.44 crores for the quarter ended December 31, 2009, a growth of 46.7% compared to Rs. 18,246.60 crores in the corresponding quarter of last year.

Consolidated operating margins (EBITDA) came in at 11.74%, an improvement of 1496 basis points compared with the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Consolidated Profit before Tax for the quarter was Rs. 889.28 crores (loss in Q3 2008-09: Rs. 2,732.59 crores, after considering notional foreign exchange loss (net) of Rs. 844.46 crores). The consolidated Profit after Tax (post minority interest and profit in respect of Associate companies) was Rs. 650.26 crores for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 (loss in Q3 2008-09: Rs. 2,598.83 crores).

Introduction of new products and strong continued growth in the existing portfolio, along with government stimulus, a benign liquidity environment and overall economic recovery, have driven Indian operations demand revival during the current year. Tata Motors’ sales volume for the quarter (including exports) stood at 165,413 vehicles. This is a growth of 67.5% over sales of 98,760 vehicles in Q3 2008-09, which witnessed steep decline in volumes impacted by the financial crisis.

The Jaguar Land Rover business turned profitable during the quarter. Supported by better market environment and sustained cost reduction efforts, it posted Net Profit After Tax of Rs. 416.95 crores. Wholesale volumes over the previous quarter of July – September, 2009, grew 28% with quarter-on-quarter volume improvement being noticed mainly in North America, Europe and China. Land Rover grew 34% aided by continued strong market reception to the 2010 model year vehicles launched earlier during the year. Jaguar volumes grew 11.5% led by strong growth of XF while the production of the X-Type, as announced earlier, ceased by the end of the quarter.

Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicles Company Limited, the company’s subsidiary based in South Korea, continued to see improvement in domestic demand while exports came under pressure mainly due to the oil revenue dependant countries. The construction equipment subsidiary, Telco Construction Equipment Company Limited, commenced the commercial production at its new plant at Kharagpur in December 2009.

Nine Months
The company’s gross revenues were Rs. 65,536.36 crores in the nine months ended December 31, 2009, a growth of 13.6% compared to Rs. 57,679.77 crores in the corresponding period last year. The consolidated financial performance is not comparable to 2008-09 on account of the acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover in June 2008.

The Consolidated Operating Profit was Rs. 5,245.03 crores while Profit from Ordinary activities before Tax was Rs. 906.69 crores in the nine months ended December 2009, compared to loss of Rs. 2,710.13 crores (after considering notional foreign exchange loss (net) of Rs. 2,662.24 crores) in the corresponding period last year. Had the exchange differences for the nine months ended December 31, 2008, been accounted for as per the current policy, the Loss before Tax would have been lower by Rs. 1,930.36 crores. Net Profit (post minority interest and profit in respect of Associate companies) was Rs. 343.26 crores, compared to a loss of Rs. 2,820.89 crores in the comparative period last year.

The unaudited consolidated financial results of the company for the quarter ended December 31, 2009, are enclosed.

Source:http://www.tatamotors.com/our_world/press_releases.php?ID=532&action=Pull

Japanese Used Mini Trucks, Kei Truck from Japan

Bridgestone Corporation today announced that its subsidiary in Thailand, Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd., today hosted an opening ceremony for its newly established “Bridgestone Bandag Retread Center” (BBRC).

BBRC will contribute to the development of the retread and solutions business in Asia in three ways:

1. Produce retread tires (*1)
The BBRC began the production of retread tires using the Bandag process (*2) on February 1, 2010.

2. Accelerate development of the retread and solutions business
Targeting truck and bus tire customers, BBRC will provide solutions-based business offerings using the Bandag retread manufacturing process. The BBRC retread and solutions business contributes to effective environmental business management and the reduction of total tire-related costs of transportation fleets and other customers by providing a complete package of new tires, retread tires, and tire maintenance services.

3. Conduct training for retread and solutions business
BBRC will conduct training for retread shop technicians in both BBRC’s company owned and franchise locations. The training will include production of retread tires using the Bandag manufacturing process, and instruction in the BBRC retread and solutions business method.

The BBRC facility features a state-of-the-art retread shop facility that maximizes worker productivity and comfort. Emphasizing the efficiency and economy of the Bandag manufacturing process, BBRC has plans to expand its network of retread franchises and promote its retread and solutions business.

The Bridgestone Group anticipates that the retread and solutions business will significantly grow in Asia. To prepare for this growth, the Bridgestone Group is constructing a retread materials plant in Thailand. Production at the facility is expected to begin in November of this year.

Retread tire manufacturing process

Opening ceremony

1. Tires are retreaded by removing the worn tread (the part of the tire that touches the road) and then adding new tread rubber and vulcanizing it so that the tire can be reused. Compared to new tires, retread tires can make a major environmental contribution in three ways.
2. Retreading contributes to resource conservation. Compared to new tires, retread tires can reduce by two-thirds the consumption of raw materials such as natural rubber.
3. Compared to new tire production, the retread process significantly reduces CO2 emissions generated in production.
4. Retreading contributes to the reduction of the number of tires scrapped, thereby maximizing the total lifecycle of the tire.
5. The Bandag retread process uses pre-vulcanized tread rubber, which is applied to the tire casing and then vulcanized. This manufacturing process is also called the precure method.

Reference: Image of the retread manufacturing process using Bandag method

Source: http://www.bridgestone.com/corporate/news/2010022501.html

Japanese Used Mini Trucks, Kei Truck from Japan

As commercial work truck sales seem poised to increase in 2010, Hino Trucks is well-positioned to expand market share in the vocational fleet market!

Our new selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system meets EPA 2010 diesel emissions regulations with a design that increases fuel economy by 3.5-5 percent. To read more on this and our new 2011MY model year refinements such as such as an enhanced driver information display, more torque, and a refined exterior - please reference the attached article.

Source: http://www.hino.com/news/story_854.php?PHPSESSID=10f834403b9a6de743796b75ed8df3c3

Japanese Used Mini Trucks, Kei Truck from Japan

Northern New South Wales newspaper, the Daily Examiner, has helped the Australian trucking industry celebrate TruckWeek 2010 by interviewing local trucking operator Herb Blanchard Haulage.

The Daily Examiner, which covers the Clarence Valley area of NSW (including the towns of Grafton, Maclean and Yamba), spoke to Blanchard CEO Robert Blanchard about the improtance of the industry and the leaps in safety and efficiency the industry has taken in recent years.

Source: http://www.truckweek.com.au/news/single.php?post_id=381

Japanese Used Mini Trucks, Kei Truck from Japan

Australian Trucking Association (ATA) Chairman, Trevor Martyn has called on all drivers to slow down and be courteous to other road users as part of TruckWeek 2010.

Mr Martyn said TruckWeek is the perfect opportunity for all motorists, including Australia’s professional truck drivers, to make a serious effort to be safe on the road and help reduce the nation’s road toll.

“One of the key messages of TruckWeek 2010 is increasing awareness about sharing the road safely with trucks,” Mr Martyn said.

“That’s why I’m urging all truck drivers to think about how they drive when they get behind the wheel this TruckWeek.

“As professionals, I’m asking our nation’s truck drivers to set the standard on the road. But I’m also urging every motorist to remember that truck drivers want to get home to their families too, but our trucks perform very differently to cars.

“If every motorist focuses on the safety of not only themselves, but also of all road users, whenever they step behind the wheel, we will be going a long way to reducing the number of fatalities we see each year on our roads.

TruckWeek is being held from Sunday 21 – Saturday 27 February, with events run across Australia to inform the community and politicians about the importance of the trucking industry, the issues the industry will face in the coming years, how to drive safely around trucks, and the great careers that are now available.

Source: http://www.truckweek.com.au/news/single.php?post_id=365

Japanese Used Mini Trucks, Kei Truck from Japan