Not only is there an Electric Inter, Volvo and LNG, Iveco and Suttons, plus a New Auto from Eaton/Cummins in Diesel News, but also Daimler Platooning and an Electric Van.
Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies has introduced the new Endurant TM 12- speed automated transmission at the North American Commercial Vehicle (NACV) show in Atlanta, in the US. Claimed to be the lightest, most efficient 1,850 ft lb–capable heavy-duty transmission on the US market, it has been designed for line-haul applications where weight savings and efficiency can add to a fleet’s bottom line, Endurant weighs nearly 50kg less than competitive automated manual transmissions (AMTs).
“We are excited to introduce our customers to this game-changing transmission,” said Scott Davis, General Manager, Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies. “Fleets will find that Endurant has been intelligently engineered from the ground up with features that protect your investment and make it easy to maintain. With a sophisticated communication system between the engine and transmission software, Endurant promises to deliver industry-best performance and reliability, fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance, and driver comfort features.”
International Electric Truck
Also at the NACV, International was talking about a new electric truck in the pipeline, coming through the US truck maker’s increasingly close relationship with Volkswagen.
“Our alliance with VW is allowing us to move much more quickly into electric propulsion thanks to our ability to leverage their technology investments and components in segments of the market where we’re already a leader,” said Troy A. Clarke, Chairman, President and CEO, Navistar. “We believe the Class 6/7 vehicle is ideal for electric powertrain solutions in the near term, given its abundance of packaging space, and that these vehicles typically run short distances and can depot to recharge at the end of the day.”
Suttons Takes On Iveco
New South Wales dealership group, Suttons Motors, has taken over the operations of Iveco Sydney. Suttons assumed ownership of Iveco’s largest NSW-based dealership and is already well progressed in consolidating its operations.
“Suttons Motors saw enormous potential in the Iveco product range,” said Daniel Glynn, new Sydney Iveco General Manager. “With a model range spanning everything from passenger car licence vans and light trucks through to road train prime movers, we can offer a transport solution to anybody who walks through the dealership doors.”
LNG For Volvo
According to Volvo Trucks, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the best available climate alternative on the market for heavy regional and long-haul transport operations. By replacing diesel with liquefied natural gas or biogas, CO emissions from heavy trucks can be drastically reduced. Liquefied gas is today used primarily in industrial operations but, according to Volvo experts, it has excellent prerequisites for being a competitive vehicle fuel with considerable environmental benefits. Volvo is now intensifying its development of gas-powered trucks for heavy regional and long-haul operations.
“Many of our customers and their customers already work hard to reduce their environmental footprint,” said Lars Mårtensson, Director Environment and Innovation at Volvo Trucks. “This regulation will drive the development of lower emissions, where we see a clear possibility for increasing LNG market shares as a vital part of the solution. Our vision is that trucks from Volvo will eventually have zero emissions, although the way of achieving that is not by one single solution but rather through several solutions in parallel.”
Daimler Platooning Trial
Daimler is testing connected trucks in platooning operations on public roads in the US. This was announced during the NACV. In truck platooning connectivity and automated driving improve safety within the vehicle convoys, support drivers and enhance efficiency through closer distances between the connected trucks.
Having started with successful trials on Daimler Trucks North America’s proving ground in Madras, Oregon, Daimler has received the appropriate permission from the regional regulatory body Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). In a first step called ‘pairing’, Daimler is to test its platooning technology in two connected Freightliner New Cascadia truck trailer combinations.
Electric Van from Renault
Renault Australia will begin direct sales of the Kangoo Z.E. (Zero Emissions) compact van in November 2017.
“Bringing the Renault Kangoo Z.E. to Australia has been a long-held goal for us,” said Elena Woods, Senior Model Line Manager for Electric Vehicles at Renault Australia. “We are really excited to offer our customers the opportunity to make a giant step forward in terms of innovative transportation.”
To date, more than 25,000 examples have been sold in Europe to a wide range of users, making it the most popular battery-powered van, with 34.5 per cent of Europe’s EV (electric vehicle) commercial market. It has been the best seller in its segment in the six years since its European launch.