A Monthly Update of Global Trucking News

Compiled Exclusively for FleetWatch by Frank Beeton of Econometrix (Pty Ltd.

The formation of Volvo Global Trucks, incorporating Renault VI and Mack has, up until now, been largely a paper exercise in the eyes of the world's trucking community. The individual brands have retained their own nameplates, distribution channels and technical profiles. In many markets, they still compete as deadly rivals for the available market share.

IT WOULD be naïve, however, to expect this situation to continue indefinitely. Recent announcements of Volvo's engine plans to meet the implementation of the Euro 4 emission regulations in 2006 may give the first clues of potential rationalisation that is sure to emerge within the group. Although no policy of cross-marque engine commonisation has, as yet, been acknowledged, it would make little sense to duplicate the considerable investment required to attain Euro 4 and parallel American EPA 2002/2007 requirements over two or three distinctly separate engine ranges.

The combined potential production volume of Volvo and its new siblings from the former Renault/Mack alliance is 200 000 units per annum. The total product spectrum spans GVM ratings from 7 500 kg. to the heaviest 6x4 and 8x4 applications, and currently uses three separate in-house engine ranges, including several obvious overlaps, plus selective use of some bought-in proprietary units, where market conditions demand. 

Volvo's new engine family will be phased in during the run-up to Euro 4. The strategy makes provision for engine displacements of 16 litres, 13 litres, 9 litres, 7,2 litres and 3,9 litres, all except the smallest being of 6-cylinder, in-line configuration. The two smallest 4- and 6-cylinder engines are expected to be the product of a co-operative programme between Volvo and German engine-manufacturer Deutz, and will incorporate water-cooling and unit-pump design features.

Potentially, this new engine family could replace the current Volvo D6 and D7 types, as well as the 4,1 litre, 6,2 litre and 11,1 litre RVI units - and Mack's 11,9 litre engine. Volvo's existing D12 and 2003 model new-generation 16 litre diesel are expected to provide the development platforms for the two largest displacement powerplants in the Euro 4 line-up, while the 9-litre unit will be a totally new design.

Past experience with the Volvo VN series, which is offered to US operators with a choice of either Volvo or bought-in US engines, is that only 15% of total sales have been possible with the OE powerplant. Volvo's approach to this challenge will be closely monitored by other foreign-controlled US truckmakers. 

INTERESTINGLY, no mention of Nissan Diesel has been made in connection with this strategy. In view of the Japanese company's long-established reputation as an engine builder, it is still puzzling that Volvo Global Trucks have apparently ignored the potential contribution of this Renault-controlled resource, which recently returned to profitable operation, to their international efforts.

Nissan Diesel - no mention made

Blue Diamonds Shine Bright.
FORD and Navistar (International Truck and Engine Corporation) have established a joint venture to manufacture US Class 6 & 7 (18 000 to 33 000 lbs. GVW) trucks. The new Blue Diamond Truck Company will supply Ford and International branded products to the respective companies from a plant in Escobedo, Mexico. Cabs, interiors, and badging will be unique for each of the two individual brands, and future plans include extending the range downwards to include truck models in Classes 3 to 5 (10 001-19 500 lbs. GVW).

While the International badged versions of the initial product range are already available, the first Ford badged variants will go on sale during 2002 and the additional, lighter models are expected to begin appearing in 2003. 

Industry watchers have been somewhat surprised by this move, given Ford's earlier disposal of its long-running Louisville range to DaimlerChrysler, which now market these products under the Sterling nameplate. It was generally expected that Ford had made a permanent departure from the heavier truck business. However, noteworthy in the new arrangement is the absence of a Class 8 (6x4) derivative from Blue Diamond.

New Windscreens from Oz.
A bizarre incident on the Hume Highway between Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, where a truck driver was killed by a rock thrown through his windscreen may result in increasing safety for drivers worldwide. Paccar Australia had already been involved in research to develop a truck windscreen with enhanced impact resistance and, spurred on by an approach from the freight company which owned the vehicle involved in the rock-throwing incident, they have now announced that the Kenworth Safe T Screen - which exceeds Australian domestic safety standards by 300% - will be available as an option on its products by year's end. This new windscreen can absorb the impact of a 2,25 kg. ball at 101 km/h, without penetration. 

Giga in the USA
ISUZU, the only heavy truck operation remaining in the General Motors family, is exploiting the broad marketing base provided by the group and extending its participation in the US market upwards in terms of GCM ratings.

Adding to the N- and F-Series derivatives, including some with US-source petrol engines and those sold under other GM nameplates, Isuzu has launched two new tractor units from its flagship Giga range Stateside. The CXY and CXZ models are rated for combinations up to 57 tons and are powered by a 385 bhp version of Isuzu's own 14,3 litre diesel engine. The two models differ primarily in terms of rear axle and suspension fitment, the CXZ being equipped with Isuzu components whereas the CXY uses ArvinMeritor axles and Hendrickson suspension. Transmission options include 13- and 18-speed Eaton units. 

Double-Diesel Road Train.
A HAULAGE company named Bulkhaul located near Alice Springs in Australia's Northern Territory, has come up with a novel way of hauling 270 ton loads of gold-bearing ore on 80 km round trips from The Granites mine to the treatment plant.

Instead of using a "normal" road train, powered by one Cummins 600 bhp QSK19 industrial engine, Bulkhaul's latest combination consists of an 8x6 Kenworth C501 rigid tipper equipped with a Cummins Signature 600 engine pulling six trailers. However, the main points of departure lie in the third and fourth trailers, which are of "B-train" (Interlink) configuration, and where an additional Cummins M11-400 engine nestles between the chassis rails of the fourth trailer. 

Cummings 600 engine

Both engines are controlled through a computer databus, which ensures that the hauler's 18-speed Eaton gearbox and the power trailers' Allison automatic transmission are in synch. On the empty return leg, the power trailer's engine is switched off. This 1 000 horsepower, 93-meter long, 400 ton gross mass combination is restricted to a road speed of 70 km/h for safety reasons!

Is Alpha the Omega?
LONG ESTABLISHED British truckmaker, Foden, once renowned for steam-driven wagons and now part of the US-based Paccar group, has launched a new series of trucks and tractors which it calls the Alpha Range.

The cab, which shares structural fundamentals with Paccar stablemate DAF's CF range, has unique frontal styling incorporating the traditional Foden "kite" emblem. Power options include Cummins ISBe and ISMe, or Caterpillar C12 engines, covering the output range from 185 to 450 bhp. Standard transmission vendor is ZF and drive axles are sourced from DAF or Meritor, depending on the required configuration. Electronically-controlled disc brakes are fitted all round on the truck-tractor models.

LDV Disconnects.
BRITISH VAN builder LDV, whose products used to be sold in South Africa by the AAD organisation, has regained its independence by severing all formal links with South Korean vehicle manufacturer Daewoo.

LDV's current product line-up includes the Nissan Serena-derived Cub and its own in-house Pilot and Convoy models which can trace their lineage back well into the British Leyland era. A new replacement series - codenamed BD100 - is presently under development to replace the larger LDV vans.

Daewoo is currently involved in protracted negotiations with General Motors, which, if successfully concluded, are expected to result in the US multinational acquiring at least part of the South Korean company.