A Monthly Update of Global Trucking News

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

The European invasion of Truck Fortress America.
Various buy-outs of US truck manufacturers by European groups has resulted in more than 60% of American truck production now being controlled from across the Atlantic. Despite the fierce resistance shown historically by US buyers to any change in the traditional configuration or component make-up of their Class 8 6x4 truck-tractors, concern is growing among American component manufacturers that they may lose out in this process because of alliances between the European parent companies and their preferred suppliers based in Europe.

RECENTLY, some penetration of this formerly closed market has been achieved by European manufacturers of cooling systems, brake slack adjusters, clutches and turbochargers. However, a clear strategy of global component rationalisation and cost sharing gave impetus to the formation of both the DaimlerChrysler and Volvo Global Trucks groupings, now ranked first and second among the world's heavy truck manufacturers.

Freightliner part of DaimlerChrysler North American operations

DaimlerChrysler's North American operations include Freightliner, Western Star, Sterling and Detroit Diesel, while the Volvo/Renault partnership controls Mack Trucks, arguably the most vertically-integrated of all US heavy truck makers with their renowned range of in-house developed diesel engines. This group of iconic nameplates will provide many opportunities for fresh assaults by European truck component manufacturers into previously forbidden territory.

DaimlerChrysler links with Hyundai.
HYUNDAI has confirmed that its long-anticipated truck joint venture with DaimlerChrysler will be formalised during 2002. Initial plans are being developed for the production of 50 000 Mercedes-Benz 900 series diesel engines annually at a plant in Chonju, South Korea, from 2004 onwards. The 900 series engine is primarily used in the middleweight Atego range. 

Hyundai.... formalising joint truck venture with DaimlerChrysler in 2002

Isuzu goes Hybrid.
ISUZU Motors Limited is reportedly planning the launch of a diesel-electric hybrid Elf (N-Series) light truck in 2002. Hybrid technology typically combines two or more sources of power, such as an internal-combustion engine, an electric motor, or a fuel cell and is widely expected to be the next major step in reducing the impact of vehicles on the world's environment. Isuzu's innovative new 2-tonner will produce 20% less carbon dioxide than a conventional diesel version, and is expected to cost around 20% more in the marketplace.

New EuroStar Spotted.
IVECO has been seen testing a new version of its EuroStar flagship range in various European locations. Although the prototypes have been carrying heavy disguises, including unconvincing Seddon-Atkinson badges, sharp-eyed observers have been able to ascertain that the latest cab design incorporates revised headlights, new interior trim, a different roof shape, curving dash panel, state-of-the-art instrumentation, improved ergonomics, and an air bag.

IVECO, testing new version of Eurostar range

The new cab will complement the completely revised line-up of Cursor and Tector engines that Iveco has been progressively introducing into its existing models over the past few years and which have been hailed in the transport press as a great step forward for the manufacturer. The all-new EuroStar is expected to be launched at the upcoming 2001 Paris Motor Show. 

New DAF Middleweights.
DUTCH manufacturer DAF, now part of the US-based Paccar alignment, has recently launched a new series of middleweight trucks - known as the LF range - into the European market to replace the previous Leyland-derived 45 Series. The new models cover the GVM range from 7,5 to 21 tons in 4x2 and 6x2 configurations.

DAF... recently launched new series of middle weight trucks  - LF Range

Reflecting wider industry moves to co-operation and rationalisation, the ultra-modern forward control cab shares major structural elements with the recently-introduced Renault Midlum range. The power units are from Cummins but carry unique Paccar badging and nomenclature. Gearboxes are five or six-speed units from ZF, or a nine-speed Eaton unit. Maintaining an interesting heritage link with the past, the new DAF LF trucks are being built at the old Leyland works in Lancashire, England, which are now also Paccar-owned.

Used Trucks in abundance!
CURRENT estimates of used Class 8 truck-tractor inventories in the USA stand at 100 000 units! In the opinion of most US analysts and observers, the majority of this huge lake of used iron is located in the Freightliner camp - a fairly obvious assertion given that they are the market leaders and therefore most exposed to the current downturn in the US truck market.

However, this conclusion is also supported by recent announcements from the number three and four manufacturers, Paccar and Navistar (International Truck & Engine), that they are increasing production tempos for their Class 8 products. Industry analysts have been quick to point out that these moves do not reflect an upturn in demand but rather a sign that the manufacturers concerned have balanced their inventories and are now matching production to current sales levels.

A new Dyna breaks cover
IN VIEW of its long-running success in many world markets, news of a newly-introduced Toyota Dyna model is sure to generate considerable interest. News from Japan is that the new Dyna II covers the traditional payload spectrum from 2 to 5 tons and is equipped with ABS braking, automatic slack adjusters, hill-holding and a host of comfort and safety features as standard equipment. It remains to be seen whether all these features will find their way into export derivatives which sometimes have a more basic profile.

Toyota's Dutro ... already in Japan

Interestingly, a parallel model from Hino, called the Dutro, is already available in Japan and some export markets. This "badge engineering" may only be of significance in those markets where Toyota and Hino products are sold through separate distribution channels.

Australia considering further GCM increases
WITH local debate raging on the prospects of reduced Gross Combination Mass ratings, reports from Australia indicate that the New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority is conducting tests on prototype combinations grossing up to 88 tons! It should be noted that these combinations are not the famous Roadtrains already found in remote rural areas. They are revisions to the current B-Double concept (similar to our Interlinks) with additional trailers added - up to a 36,5 metre overall length parameters - for operation on certain designated public road networks. The trials are expected to be completed within the next two years.

Is it TATA or TATRA?
THE two most confused names in the commercial vehicle industry are India's Tata and the Czech Republic's Tatra. The former is, of course, the best-selling Indian truck, based originally on Mercedes-Benz designs but now incorporating license-built Cummins engines in some models. Tatra, on the other hand, has been best known as a producer of rugged multi-axle units with a unique centre tube chassis design and air-cooled engines.

Tata , the best-selling Indian Truck

It has now been reported that SDC International of Palm Beach, USA, is finalising plans to buy a 92% stake in Tatra. SDC intends to use experience gained by affiliate Terex Corporation to upgrade Tatra's technology, marketing and manufacturing capacity to world-class standards. Tatra's traditional marketing strength in Asia and the former Comecon countries will be a useful trade-off to SDC and Terex for this investment.

If it's not Actros, or Atego, it must be Axor!
DAIMLER CHRYSLER's international product launch plans for the second half of 2001 reportedly include the Axor dedicated 4x2 truck-tractor range and factory-built 25-seater bus derivatives of the highly-successful Sprinter van series. Axor models will bridge the payload gap between the Actros and Atego ranges and will be powered by the OM 457 family of in-line 6-cylinder diesel engines with outputs in the 260-315 kW range.

	Above - Ategos, Actros and now there's Axor

The arrival of a genuine Sprinter small bus is expected to address DaimlerChrysler's previous reservations around this model's conversion into passenger-carrying configuration by outside contractors, and may have some relevance for South Africa's promised taxi recapitalisation programme.