1 February 2011. Johannesburg, South Africa. As one of the worldís leading truck manufacturers, UD Trucks is investing a great deal of resources in developing vehicles that offer better efficiency, fuel economy and environmental responsibility.
According to Johan Richards, CEO of UD Trucks Southern Africa, the fuel efficiency of a truck plays a major role in reducing the greenhouse effect around the world.
"It is thus becoming increasingly important for customers to carefully consider the fuel consumption statistics of a vehicle before purchasing a truck," said Richards. "In addition, one also needs to look at aspects like driver training in order to ensure the most efficient operation of a vehicle, careful route planning and optimal load maximisation."
In South Africa, road transport attributes approximately three-quarters of the local transport sectorís Greenhouse Gasses (GHG) emissions which include passenger, freight and public transport services. The transport sector has subsequently been identified by Government as a ëbusiness unusualí growth sector, therefore policies and measures have been put in place to meet mandatory national targets for the reduction of GHG emissions from this sector.
As a result, all vehicles launched into the country after 1 January 2010, have to adhere to Euro II emission regulations.
Richards said that before the local transport can adhere to more stringent requirements, like Euro IV, South Africa oil refineries first need to upgrade their facilities in order to ensure the free availability of 50ppm fuel in all areas across the country.
"If the fuel supply isnít standardised across the country, it is inevitable that engine failures will occur as a result," said Richards. "The presence of sulphur in diesel fuel can lead to corrosion and wear of engine components, and this can have a significant effect on engine life. In short, as the sulphur level in fuel decreases, the relative life of an engine increases."
He said that UD Trucks Southern Africa, in consultation with their engineers in Japan, have decided not to offer Euro IV or Euro V vehicles to the South Africa market until the correct fuel is freely available, even though the company has some of the most advanced truck technology available internationally.
"UD Trucks Southern Africa will continually invest in producing trucks that not only suit our customersí requirements, but also donít add to the already burdened environment," said Richards. "We take great care to ensure that we provide a high quality product that is able to sustain our objective of the highest possible level of durability and ultimately giving customers as much up-time as possible.î
Engineered for the Future
With the launch of the Quon extra heavy truck range in Japan in 2004, UD Trucks became the first company in the world to introduce the new Urea Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system commercially ñ a system that, at the time, was ahead of international long-term diesel emission regulations.
Continuing this focus to engineer greener products for the future, the UD Trucks Corporation in Japan recently introduced a new Quon extra heavy commercial vehicle, and a new medium commercial vehicle in the eight-ton weight class under the Condor family name. This new and updated version of the highly successful Quon is equipped with an 11-liter engine, while the Condor is equipped with a newly developed common rail GH7 engine.
These new engines use sophisticated SCR technology, which, in addition to reducing emissions, also contributes to improved fuel economy and driving performance.
In addition, the new Condor series is also fitted with the UD Particulate Cleaning (UDPC) system. Along with SCR, these emission control technologies drastically reduce particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. As a result, the new Condor models deliver better fuel economy combined with improved environmental performance that complies with the worldís most stringent emission regulations.
The Condor models also share the same full-air brakes, brake lining, axle parts and other components with the Quon series, in order to develop and manufacture brake and suspension systems that are dependable and durable.
In addition, these Condor models are fitted with the latest "Fuel Economy King" guidance system that uses voice messages and screen images to advise the driver on which driving techniques to utilise to ensure optimal fuel economy. A multifunction display incorporates a new function for monitoring the vehicle's operational status via the Internet.
These standard equipment features support fuel efficient driving and peace of mind vehicle operation.
This new technology will be available in South Africa and some other countries in the sub-Sahara African region, from 2012 onwards.
As one of the world’s leading truck manufacturers, UD Trucks is investing a great deal in developing vehicles that offer better efficiency, fuel economy and environmental responsibility. All new trucks launched by UD Trucks Southern Africa since July 2007, already complies with Euro II standards.
Through its environmental policy, UD Trucks aims to create a better environment by taking every possible measure to tackle global environmental issues. The company aims to develop environmentally friendly products through measures such as reducing exhaust emissions, improving fuel efficiency, developing cleaner fuels and reducing external automobile noise.
UD Trucks Southern Africa is also pursuing activities for energy-saving, resource-saving and waste reduction.
With the introduction of the Quon on the global stage, UD Trucks made a strong statement of its intentions to become an even bigger and more environmentally caring truck maker in the future. The Quon was the first truck in the world to conform to the very stringent long-term emission requirements in Japan. In fact it already complied in 2005, which was a year prior to the imposition of these regulations that are even stiffer than Euro 5.
UD Trucks implements the three ‘R” system – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – and examines the environmental impact of trucks across the entire lifecycle, from development and design to disposal and recycling. UD Trucks takes care to use resources effectively and minimise environmental impact at every stage.
End-of-life trucks are a source of used parts, materials for recycling and other items that can be reused. However, some materials must still be discarded and UD Trucks is working with other automobile manufacturers to seek more ways of disposing and recycling these materials so that resources can be used more effectively.
The UD Trucks Corporation in Japan also has a Voluntary Action Plan for Recycling, which comprises two core elements. First is the achievement of a recycling rate of at least 90% for all newly developed models that started in 2002. Second, is the establishment of targets to reduce and eliminate environmental impacting substances in new models. The company plans to raise the recycling rate to at least 95% by using even more recycling technologies.
Regarding environmental impacting substances, UD Trucks eventually aims to completely eliminate the use of mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium, as well as reduce the use of lead in manufacturing.
UD Trucks participates in community activities in many ways, including assistance in dealing with the aftermath of natural disasters and participation in volunteer programmes. The company has a long-standing commitment to encouraging employees to volunteer for community activities.
Advanced Technology, Ahead of its Time
Japan is already considering the establishment of standards that are even tighter than the new Long-Term Diesel Emissions Regulations. These restrictions are likely to cut permissible engine exhaust levels to about one third of its current standards.
Not satisfied with merely reducing nitrogen oxides and particulate matter released by diesel engines, UD Trucks took its technology several steps further. The company incorporated FLENDS technology in its Quon heavy-duty trucks, demonstrating their commitment to progress on a global scale, regarding environmental issues and the needs of the logistics industry.
Modified to run on compressed natural gas, the FLENDS system cuts CO2 emissions by one-fourth compared to current-generation CNG engines. The use of urea makes it possible to reduce emissions of particulates and NOx concurrently, as urea acts as a NOx-reduction additive.
FLENDS is just one of many R&D projects at UD Trucks that are aimed at reducing fuel consumption. One example of a technique already in use is cabins and bodies that are specifically designed to minimise air resistance. In South Africa, the Quon UD 460 KT, for instance, further enhances fuel efficiency by using the ESCOT-At IV, a 12-speed automatic transmission, which simplifies vehicle operation while improving fuel efficiency.
For fuel-efficient truck operation, the UD Trucks Corporation in Japan also offers the “NENPIOH” system to customers. Based on evaluations of vehicle operations, the system provides specific fuel-saving advice on a real-time basis. At UD Trucks, it is believed that this system can lower fuel consumption by at least 5% to 25%.
Prevention of global warming is always a major theme for UD Trucks in research and development to maximise the fuel efficiency of the whole vehicle. The company regards the development of vehicles that use alternative energy sources as an important means of protecting the environment and conserving resources.
For this reason, UD Trucks created a hybrid truck equipped with a diesel engine, an electric motor and a capacitor - the world's first commercialisation of a hybrid vehicle using a capacitor.
Unlike many other hybrid-electric vehicles coming on to the market, UD Trucks aims to employ a unique capacitor technology that avoids the very high cost of replacing batteries. The so-called "SuperPower" capacitor is expected to provide service for 600 000 kilometres over a 10-year period without replacement, unlike lead-acid batteries that would have to be swapped out at least three times over the same period.
UD Trucks Southern Africa will continually invest in making trucks that not only suit our customers’ requirements, but also don’t add to the already burdened environment. The company will also take various actions to reduce the volume of waste produced.
Currently in South Africa
UD Trucks Southern Africa has an evolutionary rather than a revolutionary approach to the introduction of new products in the region, and this specifically applies to the company’s rationale for only introducing Euro II compliant technology at this stage.
“Euro IV and V technology come with a big price tag for both the economy and truck operators alike,” said Johan Richards, chief executive officer of UD Trucks Southern Africa. “Not only does it mean that trucks would cost up to 1.7 times more, it also has a big impact on the indirect costs involved in, for instance, the different manufacturing processes that will have to be implemented.”
A large hurdle in introducing more advanced technology in South Africa, is that the quality of fuel available leaves a lot to be desired, and this needs to be address before any advancements can be made.
As a developing country, South Africa has no internationally agreed targets for the reduction of emissions. Road transport attributes three-quarters of the local transport sector’s Greenhouse Gasses (GHG) emissions which include passenger, freight and public transport services.
The transport sector has been identified by Government as a ‘business unusual’ growth sector, therefore policies and measures have been put in place to meet mandatory national targets for the reduction of GHG emissions from this sector. This could include fuel efficiency standards and the promotion of hybrids and electric vehicles.
As one of the world’s leading truck manufacturers, UD Trucks is investing a great deal in developing vehicles that offer better efficiency, fuel economy and environmental responsibility. All new trucks launched by UD Trucks Southern Africa since July 2007, already complies with Euro II standards. Through its environmental policy, UD Trucks aims to create a better environment by taking every possible measure to tackle global environmental issues. The company aims to develop environmentally friendly products through measures such as reducing exhaust emissions, improving fuel efficiency and reducing external automobile noise.
UD Trucks is also pursuing activities for energy-saving, resource-saving and waste reduction.
With the introduction of the Quon Extra Heavy range on the global stage, UD Trucks made a strong statement of its intentions to become an even bigger and more environmentally caring truck maker in the future. The Quon was the first truck in the world to conform to the very stringent long-term emission requirements in Japan. In fact it already complied in 2005, which was a year prior to the imposition of these regulations in Japan that are even stiffer than Euro 5.
In South Africa, the company has adopted a philosophy of introducing appropriate technology that not only adheres to local legislation, but continues to fulfill the needs of customers in various applications. We support industry actions to improve the quality of diesel available in Southern Africa.
The company will continually invest in making trucks that not only suit their customers’ requirements, but also don’t add to the already burdened environment. The company will also take various actions to reduce the volume of waste produced and will, during the course of the next few years, implement training and education programmes, so as to keep both employees and management informed with regards to environmental policies and matters.
Read the Green Dictionary here.
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The importance of Managing Lifecycle Costs
At UD Trucks, we want to contribute to our customers’ profit by always endeavouring to offer products that strive to give the best lifecycle cost possible. We offer well-balanced range ensuring appropriate technology for the needs of our customers in the various applications. We also take great care to ensure that we provide a high quality product to be able to sustain our objective for the highest possible level of durability, and ultimately giving customers as much up-time as possible.”
The current economic environment once again places the emphasis on quality transport management and decision making for professional line hauliers, as well as the need of manufacturers to reduce and manage the cost of the transport function. These costs must be constantly viewed and compared with the net effect on the price of goods transported.
What is Lifecycle Costs?
Buying a truck involves so much more than just the initial purchasing price, and varies with each application. When calculating the lifecycle costs of vehicle ownership, typical factors that need to be considered include fuel consumption, tyres, finance instalments, insurance, diver wages, as well as maintenance, repairs and service costs.
The secret to understanding all the costs involved in owning a truck, is taking a holistic approach and managing the vehicle as an asset. This involves careful planning, operational control of the vehicle, consolidation of loads and routes, as well as the recording of relevant information and finally, managing the extremes.
As we are talking low lifecycle costs, always include the financial aspects of your business. It is about understanding more than just the operational side of a business by considering aspects like overheads, fixed costs, variable costs and income from the resale of your assets before judging what the true lifecycle cost of ownership is.
Vehicle Selection
The initial vehicle selection is crucial to the success of a fleet. Find the right vehicle for the job you are going to do is vital if you are to achieve acceptable operating costs and the full useful life of the truck.
Always remember the price you pay for a vehicle is not a major percentage of the total operating costs you will pay over its useful life or indeed the total number of months you will need to operate successfully to pay for it.
Depending on the type and size of vehicle you acquire and the number of kilometres you cover or hours that it works, the purchase price of the truck will be between 13% and about 23% of the total operating costs you will have over its useful life.
When choosing a vehicle, it is important to look at truck manufacturers that has a well-balanced range, which utilises appropriate technology for the needs of customers in the various applications.
The reputation of a manufacturer is important, as well as the level of support they will able to provide during the lifespan of your truck. The relationship between the fleet operator and the dealer and manufacturer is of vital importance, as this could determine the success of the support provide.
The purchasing price of the vehicle does play a role when selecting a vehicle, but in order to make an informed decision, one needs to review this in terms of cost per kilometre. The responsibility of the choice of vehicle lies with the fleet operator whose bottom line should determine the decision in the end.
Operation of the Vehicle
How much of the economic potential you will achieve from your truck will depend on how you manage the vehicle and the driver. The vehicle should also be operated in such a way that routes and loads transported should allow for at least a 80% utilisation factor on all your vehicles.
Driver orientation and training can play an crucial part in the success of a transport fleet, as operators need to ensure the maximise utilisation of these important resources. By, for instance, using the correct driving technique, an operator could optimise fuel consumption and therefore increase a company's overall profitability and productivity.
Maintenance & Service
The running costs of a truck should constantly be monitored and corrective action should be taken as soon as a problem arises. It is advisable to use only genuine parts, as this can significantly enhance the lifespan of the truck, as well as ensure the safe operation of the vehicle. As far as possible, try and use only manufacturer accredited dealers, as they utilise highly-skilled and trained technicians, as well as the latest technology to service vehicles.
Generally speaking, tyres tend to be under-managed and in the end could cost you a lot more than they should. Good tyre management leads to longer casing life. Find out about the merits of radial tyres and the importance of attending to detail like checking pressures, fitting valve caps and valve extensions and making sure the correct tread patterns are being used.
In essence it means that your truck must be “road-ready” at all times. If it is not available to do the work you could lose all or part of your contract. The trucking business is very competitive. Shippers, consignors and consignees have high expectations and demand fast, predictable service usually at lowest cost to them. If your truck is not properly serviced and looked after it won’t be reliable or last long enough for you to finish paying for it.
Resale of Vehicle
All of these factors will contribute to a truck's resale value once it becomes necessary to replace specific units. As a rule of thumb, constantly maintain a vehicle for easy disposal by keeping it in excellent condition. In this regard, your first objective as a fleet owner will be to make the vehicle a sought after second hand unity - your choice of brand could ultimately determine the resale value further. Something to keep in mind in your initial vehicle selection.
Lifecycle Costs in Brief
- Cost to purchase
- Cost to market
- Cost to operate (fuel, etc.)
- Cost of downtime
- Cost of disposal (market to sell)
- Cost of repairs and maintenance
- Cost of overheads, direct / indirect
Costs in Total versus Income Generated = Profit = Best selection