At a Brisbane Truck Show press conference, General Manager Peter Loimaranta unveiled the new name “MaxiPARTS”, along with its bold logo and branding, declaring that the new parts brand would usher in a new era of truck & trailer parts supply to the Australian market.

MaxiTRANS acquired QDS in April 2012 when looking to expand the reach of its existing parts chain, Colrain, further into the Queensland market and provide greater support to customers in that area.

Mr Loimaranta says the rebranding of the three businesses will mean that operators will now be able to identify the expanded core product range across a single trading name.

“From Adelaide to Melbourne to Gladstone, we will now have 17 retail stores servicing the south and east coasts of Australia, meaning customers have only one name to remember from now on when they are in need of truck and trailer parts – MaxiPARTS”
“Those retail stores will of course be backed up by our four wholesale outlets in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.”

MaxiPARTS National Retail Sales Manager, Justin O’Brien, added that the new combined brand will provide customers with advantages with regards to range and price.

“Traditionally, Colrain has stocked predominantly hard parts while QDS has focussed on products with more retail appeal,” he said.

“The new partnership means that from tyres and suspensions to tool kits and portable fridges, all of our stores have everything covered.”

“But the greatest advantage from the added stores is what we’ve been able to achieve with our prices,” he explained.

“More stores means greater buying power, which in turn means lower prices for our customers. We’ve been able to work with our suppliers to negotiate some great deals.”

“We will be beginning our rebranding effective immediately,” said Mr Loimaranta.

“Over the next few weeks, customers will begin to see changes in the store with resect to branding, colouring and store layout. We’re excited about entering the next phase of our history in the supply of quality truck and trailer parts to the Australian market,” he said.

PACCAR Parts General Sales and Marketing Manager, James Mackie, Doug Baugh Director of Operations and Marian Dekker
Sales and Marketing Services Manager

As well as teasing Australian consumers with the unveiling of the 12.9 litre, heavy-duty PACCAR MX-13 engine in its Kenworth range, PACCAR used Brisbane to launch TRP, a new alternative truck parts brand, offering a wide range of quality lower-cost parts for all makes of American and European trucks and trailers.

A TRP spokesperson says the range and value will appeal to owners of older trucks, as well as the mechanics that service them.

This new parts range is offered in addition to the comprehensive range of parts, accessories and winches already available from PACCAR Parts, through the extensive ALLRig retail network.

TRP is already an acclaimed global aftermarket parts brand – offering a wide range of lower-cost, quality parts for all makes of American and European trucks and trailers including Kenworth, DAF, Freightliner, Iveco, Mack, MAN, Mercedes, Renault, Scania and Volvo.

Most notably, TRP aftermarket parts come complete with a minimum 12 months no fuss warranty.

PACCAR Parts General Sales and Marketing Manager, James Mackie addressed a closed session of Australian transport and journalists at the Brisbane Truck Show explaining the message is the brand is a low cost brand with high quality values.

“Our TRP launch marks the Australian debut of a quality product from trusted suppliers. It’s been specifically designed to help keep slightly older vehicles and trailers turning and earning. After all, that’s what really matters to those who are literally driving the Australian haulage and trucking industry,” he said.

He said in its distinctive blue, red and white packaging, TRP quality replacements are mainly aimed at owners and mechanics of 5-20 year old vehicles who value high-quality replacement parts at a keener price point.

“Each part featured in the TRP range is carefully selected from quality manufacturers with world beating reputations, so PACCAR confidently offers a warranty on all TRP parts, knowing that operators expect reliability and efficiency from every replacement they order and fit,” he explained.

Already popular in key markets like the USA and Europe for almost 20 years, the TRP parts range is offered in addition to the already well-established and trusted range of OE and non-genuine parts offered by PACCAR Parts via its extensive ALLRig retail network.

Within PACCAR World at the Brisbane Truck Show, TRP representatives and experts were on hand to introduce the brand and show off its latest wares. The launch range has inclusions from air-con to alternators, fasteners to fuel injectors as well as LED lights and even windscreen wipers.

Parts currently and shortly available by July via PACCAR Part’s ALLRig retailers, include:

Compressors

Alternators

LED Lighting

Starter Motors

Jacks

Windscreen Wipers and Blades

Fasteners

Trailer Parts

Coolant

European Air Con Unit

Height Control Valve

Brake Boosters

VBelts

The heavy duty truck has a completely new driveline including a globally designed engine and transmission.

Vice President – UD Trucks, Jon McLean, said UD Trucks has a reputation for bringing high-performing, strong trucks to the market and these new models are no exception.

“The new driveline comes in 420 and 380 horsepower options, which we haven’t offered for UD Trucks in Australia before,” he said.

“We’ve also been able to extend the service intervals, from 25,000km up to 60,000km depending on the application, which will keep the overall maintenance costs down.

“The entire truck is built in Japan with genuine UD parts and has a fully-automated manual transmission with two pedal operation and automatic shifting.”

He claimed the Quon series has been designed with the driver in mind with a world-class cabin layout.

“There’s everything from step points and grab handles for cleaning to new mirrors and a three-point support system for ease of entry and exit,” he said.

“Even the simple things, like being able to perform daily maintenance checks without tilting the cab, will make a massive difference to drivers.”

Mr McLean said the Quon series features knee energy absorbers, driver side airbags, EBS brakes and an easy hill start function for added safety.

“We found a lot of minor collisions cause damage to the knees so we wanted to make sure that we added extra protection in this area,” he said.

“There’s also an impact absorbing steering wheel and steering column to decrease injuries by lessening the impact to the chest and abdomen. The easy hill start and EBS brakes are other great functions which will hopefully prevent accidents.”

The trucks also have the options to feature a telematics package with GPS tracking which will be a massive benefit for businesses as they can go online or on to their mobile phone and find out where their truck is at any given time.

UD Trucks Australia is offering finance packages from as little as 1.95% over a three year term for all models in the new Quon series ordered and financed before June 30, 2013.

“It’s definitely an industry-leading offer that will be hard to pass up,” Mr McLean said.

“The low rate is not only a great way for customers to save on a new truck but also provides an opportunity for drivers to upgrade to a safer, more efficient model equipped with the latest technology.

“Customers also have an optional ‘holiday’ period where they can choose to take a break from their repayments for the whole month of January.”

Mr McLean said UD Trucks also launched an aftersales support bundle, UD Solutions, at the show.

“It’s all about giving customers a total package so they’re not just buying a truck, they’re buying a total UD experience,” he said.

“The bundle includes extended warranties, service agreements with a growing network across Australia, roadside assist, driver training, total ownership cost calculator and genuine parts, services and accessories.”

Drivers will have a chance to get behind the wheel of the new Quon series during the national UD Trucks road show in July this year.

The original 15 field test units have accumulated over three million kilometres since mid-2012 in single trailer, B-double and roadtrain applications.

The success of the field test is emphasised by the fact that over 150 ISXe5 engines, which utilise SCR technology for Euro 5 emissions compliance, are now in service in Australia and New Zealand.

“The field test results have confirmed strong customer acceptance of the ISXe5 in terms of reliability, fuel efficiency and performance,” says Sean McLean, general manger of automotive products for Cummins South Pacific.

“Most of the customers involved in the field test have placed orders for further ISXe5 engines.”

The field test program has also ensured that Cummins has comprehensive service and parts support in place through the Cummins Support Centre and network of 37 branches in the South Pacific.

|The ISXe5 offers customers a technology choice in that it is available alongside Cummins’ 15-litre ISX /Signature engine which utilises EGR and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) for ADR80/03 emissions compliance.

The ISXe5 has identical ratings to the EGR engine, from 450 to 600 hp and 1650 to 2050 lb ft of torque.
The ISXe5 also has the same base hardware as its EGR counterpart, but features an XPI (extreme pressure injection) common-rail fuel system, a standard wastegate turbocharger and one overhead cam instead of two.

The common-rail fuel system deletes the need for an injection camshaft, thus allowing the switch from a twin to single overhead cam design, with the single cam operating inlet and exhaust valves as well as engine brake actuation.

XPI provides very precise injection and combustion control. It operates independently of engine speed and generates injection pressures greater than 30,000 psi.
All ISXe5 engines also include the Cummins Intebrake, providing the strong engine brake retardation for which the ISX/Signature engine is renowned. All ISXe5 ratings 485 hp and above feature peak retardation of 600 hp.

The SCR exhaust after treatment on the ISXe5 is a fully integrated system developed by Cummins Emissions Solutions, dosing urea/AdBlue into the exhaust stream to reduce NOx emissions.

NTC Chief Executive George Konstandakos said supporting the new National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator remains a priority focus.

“We will continue to lead the development of regulatory policy related to the Rail Safety National Laws and Heavy Vehicle National Laws,” said Mr Konstandakos.

“Work is already underway on many of the legislative and policy items outlined in the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Forward Work Program such as developing further options to improve heavy vehicle access to road networks.

“A Rail Safety National Law maintenance group comprising industry and government representatives will also be established to ensure that the law continues to reflect best practice and delivers its intended outcomes,” he said.

Mr Konstandakos said another key deliverable of the work program was to develop a fairer heavy vehicle charging system.

“We will continue to work closely with industry and governments as we develop detailed options for how heavy vehicle charges are set, including making specific recommendations on what the charges should be.”

This follows Standing Council of Transport and Infrastructure (SCOTI) noting of the NTC’s Heavy Vehicle Charges Review Policy Paper (available at www.ntc.gov.au) on 10 May 2013 and agreement for the NTC to proceed with the development of a regulation impact statement based on the review paper. The introduction of a more comprehensive and transparent review process is another feature of the work program.

“We will build on our performance monitoring and evaluation review processes to ensure current reforms deliver on their promise of a more productive, safer and more sustainable transport system,” said Mr Konstandakos. “A key challenge we face is how to harness the productivity and safety benefits of emerging technology such as Electronic Work Diaries (EWD), which provide an alternative electronic recording system to improve fatigue management in the heavy vehicle sector.   “EWD is a potentially ‘game-changing’ policy area and we will work collaboratively with our reform partners as we further develop regulatory reform options in this emerging area,” said Mr Konstandakos.

“We will also continue to work with governments and industry on facilitating implementation of the National Ports Strategy and will explore technology opportunities in port supply chains, productivity reforms and reporting on the strategy’s implementation progress.”

Brisbane based Avia Oceania launched two brands, the Avia D-series Medium Duty Truck range and Smith Electric Vehicles.

The two Smith Electric Vehicles launched are zero-emission commercial electric vehicles that are designed to be a superior-performing alternative to traditional diesel trucks due to higher efficiency and lower total cost of ownership.

Smith vehicle designs leverage more than 80 years of experience in selling and servicing electric vehicles in the United Kingdom.

From its origins as Northern Coachbuilders in 1920, Smith has influenced every stage in the evolution of electric vehicles through electric trolley buses to its new generation models.

Smith draws on a history and expertise in battery technology and has thousands of commercial vehicles in operation around the world said the company.

According to Tony Fairweather, Managing Director of Avia Oceania Smith has already partnered in overseas markets with global leaders across multiple industries.

Some of these industries include food and beverage, utility, telecommunications, retail, grocery, parcel and postal delivery, school transportation, military and government.

He claims customers for Smith’s Electric Truck solution include many of the world’s largest fleet operators, including PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division, Staples, TNT, Sainsbury’s, Coca-Cola, DHL, FedEx and the U.S. Military.

The two vehicles launched in the Australian market include the Smith Newton and the Smith Edison. Both vehicles can be configured for multiple applications with wheelbase, charging options and battery capacity usually being the main decision points.

“Users have found the benefits of changing to electric vehicles are lower cost of ownership, high performance reliability for urban routes, less expensive to deploy and maintain, zero emissions operation, positive driver experience and Smith’s full circle support,” said Mr Fairweather.

The proposition to the market is simple, the company claims a traditional diesel truck will use approximately $150,000 (100,000 litres) of fuel over seven years. By comparison, a Smith Electric truck will cost only $30,000 to re-charge, saving its operator $120,000.

Maintenance costs are dramatically reduced, by half to $10,000, due to the low maintenance requirements of the electric drive line. This corresponds to a reduction of running costs by 70% over seven and 10 years.

Over the first 10 years, the saving per truck can exceed $200,000 over a diesel powered vehicle.

Environmentally, Smith Electric trucks can have a huge impact:

• 130,000kg of CO2 that is no longer produced (over 7 years) in metropolitan areas

• 100,000 litres of diesel fuel no longer needed

• Waste fluids, parts and toxic material generated during the servicing process for a diesel truck are eliminated

• 70dB of noise in streets eliminated due to the quiet operation of the electric vehicles

“Avia Oceania looks fo rward to demonstrating to Australian customers why Smith are the world’s best selling fully electric trucks,” he said.

AVIA

As the distributor of Czechoslovakian based Avia Trucks the company is bringing in trucks from 4.5 tonnes up to 18 tonne that have been designed and developed in the United Kingdom and launched in 2000.

“Quality, value, design and simplicity are the core values that fully describe the Avia D series of trucks. Avia’s wide range of overall truck GVM’s and cabin, axle and wheelbase options provide solutions across the light and medium duty truck segments,” said Mr Fairweather.

Avia Oceania will initially launch models with GVM’s from 6.0 to 12.0 tonnes. Within these models, customers will have the option of day cab, sleeper cab and seven seat crew cab options, with either 4×2 and 4×4 axle drive-trains.

Avia trucks will be available in a range of wheelbases for body lengths up to 7,700mm.

The Avia range comes with well known driveline components that the Australian market has an affinity with.

Each Avia D series comes standard with a ZF manual transmission or an optional Eaton Ultrashift Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).

Cummins ISB diesel engines and Albion axles complete a proven, durable and reliable drive-train.

The Avia D120 4×4 delivers where superior off-road performance is required.

Robust construction of the front drive axle and the dual ratio transfer box, the quality of which has been proven under challenging operational conditions and truck trial competitions, provides a perfect solution where increased adhesion and off-road drivability are crucial.

Simple controls and excellent ergonomics in the D series modern and spacious cabins make the Avia relaxing to drive.

The interiors are a mix of carefully chosen materials, attractive design and first-class workmanship. Standard equipment across the range includes a fully air suspended ISRI driver’s seat and an Alpine integrated audio/visual unit that incorporates GPS navigation, multimedia integration and Bluetooth hands-free connections for mobile phones.

Avia trucks arrive in the Australian market backed by a 3 year, unlimited kilometre warranty. The cabs are warranted for 8 years against corrosion.

“Both warranties can give Avia owners in Australia confidence that Avia trucks will provide long standing, reliable and economical service boosting the productivity and profitability of their operations,” said Tony.

With a combination of innovative technology and reliable engineering, TraXon is breaking new ground by offering a modular framework, which will allow transmissions to be tailored to individual requirements said ZF.

The system is not only versatile for current demands, but intelligent networking sees the transmission future ready for new technology, such as hybrid drive systems.

Internationally, the first manufacturer to publically announce use of the TraXon is Iveco, phasing it in from October 2014 as a replacement for the highly successful ZF-AS Tronic transmissions found locally on the Stralis and Trakker models. Further announcements of volume production applications are expected in due course.

Chris Adcock, Managing Director of ZF Services Australia, sees this next generation of transmission as a major step forward for the industry.

“Since ZF globally announced the TraXon transmission, the reaction from the truck manufacturers has been very heartening,” Mr Adcock said.

“The most impressive step forward is the technology being used. The modular design, the hybrid system, GPS integration, intelligent software programming, it all adds up to gains in efficiency, adaptability, and at the end of the day it contributes to the user’s bottom line.

“With the TraXon there is the ability to specify the transmission with the exact components required, whether it’s economical highway driving, use in tight or off-road conditions, light or heavy loads, it can provide performance while taking into consideration environmental factors and driver comfort.

“Here at ZF Services Australia we are looking forward to arrival of the TraXon, and supporting local applications as they become available.”

The basic architecture of the automatic transmission allows for torque ranges in direct drive up to 2,800Nm, and in over drive up to 3,500Nm. Utilising gear ratios that maximise fuel economy, the TraXon is highly efficient, offering reduced noise and long service intervals.

Setting the tone for future trends, the TraXon’s hybrid module offers a range of electric drive possibilities, including recuperation while braking, possible electric drive without the engine in operation, a boost function for increasing performance, an electric stop-start function, and the possibility of electric PTOs. A more traditional PTO module is also available, which can service a multitude of applications with torque of up to 2,000Nm.

Apart from the modular hardware system of various clutch options, TraXon also offers a massive range of intelligent programming to assist in a variety of situations.

A highlight is the system’s PreVision GPS strategy, which utilises satellite tracked terrain information, which anticipates gear changes in advance, resulting in gains of performance, comfort and fuel efficiency.

The quick gearshifts of the system save fuel, which is complimented by the rolling function, which minimises drag losses by engaging neutral on downhill sections.

TraXon features a manoeuvring function for difficult take-off situations, and gradient control, for both uphill and downhill starts. The system can also be specified with ZF’s acclaimed Intarder, which provides wear-free continuous braking in multiple stages.

The system can be configured with two or four reverse gears, depending on application, with the four gear option ideal for situations such as highway construction sites. TraXon also has an off-road function, allowing safe passage of heavy loads on uneven surfaces, as well as a rock-free function, which invokes a rocking motion to free the vehicle from pits or other obstacles.

Like all ZF transmissions, the TraXon will be fully supported in Australia by ZF Services Australia said ZF.

Brisbane Truck Show Manager Ms Noelene Bradley said the feedback from exhibitors this year had been very positive with the two main trade days Thursday and Friday recording record attendance levels which actually translated to product sales and positive sales lead generation.

As the first year as the Show Manager Ms Bradley said she was very happy with the way the Show went.

“The feedback from attendees and exhibitors reflects and overwhelming support for the Show this year,” she said.

The attendance figures of 6,878 (16%) on Thursday and 8,977 (9%) attendees on Friday equates to a 15% per cent overall rise for the crucial two trade days.

Saturday was on par with recent years while Sunday eclipsed 2011 figures meaning an overall rise in attendance of 37,774 or just under an 8 per cent growth for the Show.

“Saturday was once again a massive day while Sunday was a whopping 18 per cent bigger than usual with 7,473,”Ms Bradley said.

She said besides Sunday being the pinnacle of a great event it was also the final of the popular Apprentice Challenge featuring Volvo and Detroit Australia.

Volvo Commercial Vehicles Brisbane’s Sam Savva and Daniel Johnston won convincingly over rival technicians from MTU Detroit Diesel Bradley Ridgway and Shaylen Paragji as Show Ambassador Shane Webcke provided an entertaining commentary of the event.

Another highlight of the day was the inaugural People’s Choice Award for the Best Presented Truck of the Show, which was conducted through the Brisbane Truck Show Facebook page, going to Cat Trucks for its CAT CT630 LS.

CAT Trucks were dual winners this year also scooping up the award Outstanding Truck Manufacturer Display.

“I would like to thank all the Brisbane Truck Show visitors and exhibitors for making this year very special and it reinforces this is the premier transport event in the country,” she said

“I am looking forward to making the Show even better next year, and a look forward to seeing you all there.”

Five companies were recognised with Show Awards at the 2013 Brisbane Truck Show Cocktail Party hosted by Show Ambassador and Rugby League Legend Shane Webcke last night.

Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Q’ld (CVIAQ) President Bob Martin presented the awards together with Official Show Partners BP and TradeTrucks.com.au.

Mr Martin acknowledged the Official Show Partners for their fabulous support and praised the exhibitors for their world-class displays.

“It is a truly world class event and looks absolutely stunning. It is a credit to the industry which has come of age in a home worthy of hosting Australia’s Premier Event – the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre,” said Mr Martin.

The 2013 Brisbane Truck Show Awards consist of 5 major categories with winners as follows:

Risk Management Excellence
Presented by Worklaw Health & SafetyAWARDED TO J. SMITH & SONS PT

Y LTD

Outstanding Vehicle Component & Equipment Display

Presented by CVIAQ
AWARDED TO DETROIT AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

Outstanding Trailer / Truck Body Manufacturer Display
Presented by TradeTrucks.com.au
AWARDED TO O’PHEE TRAILERS

Outstanding Truck Manufacturer Display
Presented by BP Australia
AWARDED TO CAT TRUCKS

Truck of the Show
Presented by CVIAQ
AWARDED TO WESTERN STAR TRUCKS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

For its 4900 FXC “AUSSIE 1”.

Although official numbers haven’t been counted yet Brisbane Truck Show organisers and exhibitors agree it has been the best opening day ever.

The Show houses 286 exhibitors and has over 300 vehicles including trucks, trailers and ancillary equipment.

It is an event organised by industry for industry run by the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Queensland (CVIAQ) and CVIAQ President Bob Martin said this year the organisation has big expectations.

“I am expecting in excess of 40,000 in attendees to visit the Show over the four days,” Mr Martin said.

“There is a number of exhibitors that have a whole range of new products on display this year and that will definitely attract the crowds.”

Dysart Queensland trucker and farmer, Graham Nitschke, will never forget this year’s Brisbane Truck Show. At around 10.30am on Thursday May 16, he was handed the keys to his brand new $400,000 Kenworth, which is on display at the PACCAR stand.

Some spectacular vehicles and equipment are on Show including the latest collectors edition Scania Black Amber range.

Brisbane Truck Show Ambassador Shane Webcke had the first drive of this truck and said it was truly a unique driving experience.

“Trucks like the Black Amber will be on display at the Brisbane Truck Show along with a lot of other innovative engineering marvels,” he said.

“So come on down to the Brisbane Truck Show, don’t miss it.”

Also on display is new Volvo FH range, which was launched Wednesday morning by the Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk in Queen Street mall in front of 500 Volvo staff.