THE DEFINITIVE TRUCKING SITE

April 2008

Rory Schulz is confident of continued market demand for more heavy Nissan Diesels, including the new Quon.

There are as many ways to skin a cat, as they say, as there are to launching new truck ranges. Some OEMs adopt a rapid-fire approach to the introduction of models into the market, fine-tuning truck specifications as time passes, while others choose to hold back on market release until extensive local testing has been completed to ensure best possible ‘market fit’. The new Quon range from Nissan Diesel South Africa (NDSA), officially launched at Sun City in March, falls into the latter category, writes Paul Collings. 

The Extra-Heavy Commercial Vehicle (XHCV) market in South Africa has seen steady growth over the last five years and despite recent obstacles to sales induced by the National Credit Act, volumes continue to break records as certain trucking sectors experience booming demand. 

In the XHCV sector Nissan Diesel has steadily carved a niche for itself over recent years with its UD440 range. The new Quon range relies to a large degree on both the reputation and technology of the UD440 and aims to augment XHCV market share with some ‘friendly’ enhancements enabling penetration into new segments, particularly long-haul trucking and mining applications. 

Local testing 
“As part of the company’s local  testing for Quon, NDSA undertook several engineering trials and benchmarking trips across the country to compare its performance with competitors and its predecessor, the UD440,” says Rory Schulz, vice president of operations at NDSA. “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the engineering trials, and have managed to basically duplicate these results in actual on-the-road testing where the new engines were rigorously tested at specifically high altitudes in low atmospheric pressure and high temperatures, and then finetuned to suit the unique local conditions.”

Responding to feedback from clients, NDSA has adjusted the awardwinning Japanese truck range to suit local requirements. 

“Focus areas included driver comfort, driveability, clutch systems, steering and gear changes, and after more than two years and thousands of kilometres of testing, Nissan Diesel believes the Quon range obtains an optimal balance between performance and fuel economy,” Schulz says. 

Semi-auto transmission, spring-suspended seats, sleeper and lots of storage space make for a viable cross-border runner.

The Quon has a new wrap-around dash, adding to the lux factor.

The Quon is equipped with a long range diesel tank, making it suitable for long haul applications.

Good for RTMS. The UD460 WTA High Roof with a GCM of up to 65 tons.

Customer-focused philosophy 
Despite Nissan Diesel Japan being the first commercial user in the world of urea Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology, Nissan Diesel has chosen not to equip the SA Quon range with the emission control system. “Compliance is only at Euro 2 levels in South Africa and NDSA applies its philosophy of ‘appropriate technology’ for prevailing market conditions,” Schulz explains. 

Comfort, economy and greener
With environment, budget and driver-friendliness integral to its design philosophy, the Quon range looks set to up the ante as far as Japanese trucks are concerned. “A stronger and larger cab (100mm higher) contributes to improved driver comfort, while being more aerodynamic than its predecessor. The cab suspension has also been improved and the cab tilt angle has been increased to 65 degrees to make maintenance more convenient,” says Schulz. “These cabs are now a lot more quiet, offer more space and storage room, and easy to reach controls.” 

Transporters scouting buying options for long-haul applications will no doubt give the Quon a good look over. Says Schulz: “The UD460 WTA used specifically in long-haul applications, has an 800-litre fuel tank (versus 600-litre on the UD440) and now has sufficient fuel capacity for all major long-haul on-road routes, shortening trip times.” 

Truck drivers will welcome features like air-conditioning, electric windows, cruise control, central locking, a CD-player and cup holders with a hot and cold function. “Steering is adjustable for rake and reach to ensure a good driving position, along with an air-suspended adjustable seat and a backrest that reclines up to 46˚, adding to driver comfort,”Schulz adds. “issan Diesel is also providing a driver’ kit as standard on all the Quon models with long-haul applications, which includes typical essentials for a ten day trip such as pots, pans, utensils, coffee flask, etc.”

The power rollout
“Three engine variants, some with new generation injector units and others with common rail fuel injection systems offer much needed fuel economy and power, while the Quon range’s transmission systems offer increased reliability, safety and comfort,” says Schulz. 

“With the launch of Quon, we are aiming to enhance our competitiveness within the extra heavy truck segment, by expanding our product line-up to nine models. Four models are to be launched at the end of March; two are scheduled for launch in May 2008, two more for August and the final one in February 2009. 

"The high specification, inherent strength and minimalist approach of the overall Quon package, proven through extensive testing, make them ideal trucks for work. The range employs a high level of very focused technical specification but remains easy to drive, operate and maintain. It is exactly the sort of trucks Nissan Diesel planned to offer the heavy end of the South African truck market,” concludes Schulz.