Fanfare for the Co on Rail
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Show report by Brian Weatherley, Robin Mmes. Cohn Barnett, Peter Lawton and Bryan Jarvis. Photography by Peter Cramer.
Star of the European Road Transport Show 2000 at Amsterdam's RAI was Renault's crucial new middleweight truck. the Midlum. But, appropriately for a city where many of the residents are called van something. the rest of the most significant launches were in the van sector. The latest incarnations of the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter squared up for the battle ahead, while a whole host of commonrail engines blossomed into view. As ever at RAI. a thorough search of the bodywork halls revealed a cornucopia of innovation.
• Specialist Dutch mixer and tipper chassis manufacturer Ginaf displayed a range of multi-wheelers including this M5450-S10x8 tipper chassis with four steering axles and one lift axle. Based on a Daf 85 and with a 424hp Daf engine, its GVW is 50 tonnes and price tag is in the region of 400,000 Guilders (£115,800). Also on display was a 4x2 rigid chassis-cab designed for refuse collection in Holland's narrow streets. Based on a Daf 45, it has an unusually high GVW of 20.3 tonnes with a maximum overall width ofjust 2.2m. Renault's new six-to-16-tonne Midlum light middleweight range offers an almost bewildering array of specs underneath a cab that shares more than 60% of its panels with its big brother, the Premium. Its powered by the old four and six-cylinder Midliner diesels with outputs from 135-250hp see Vehicle News Extra on page 19 for UN specs). For Euro-3, Midlum engines will have common-rail injection. The stylish Renault cab will also be used by MP on its 45 series replacement—though that's some time away.
• Suzuki showed a refrigerated version of the Carry. Space is at a premium in the unit with an already small payload made even smaller by insulation and the BM Air services refrigeration unit used. The nearside sliding door of this left-hand-drive example is sealed while access by the other is restricted; the van could prove useful for short-distance urban delivery. Two new colours for the Carry, grey and red, were also on display and will be offered as an option for buyers in the UK later in the year. The ending of import constraints has allowed Suzuki to consider a range of new Carrys for the UK including pickups, high-roof versions and people carriers.
• Pacton's 25.25m roadtrain variation on semi-trailers was originally developed for the Swedish market but, along with several other makes, begins Dutch trials in April at 50 tonnes gross. The front dolly trailer can take two ffift ISO containers. a 30ft, 40ft or even a 45-footer: this uses special twistlocks developed with Geest Lines. But if its to comply with Dutch turning circle law, the rear trailer's BPW axles need to be steer units. Pacton is also evaluating composite floor panels.
• Mercedes-Benz exhibited the first compressed natural gas Econic, powered by the new M906LAG engine which develops 275hp at 2,500rpm and 1,000Nm of torque at 1,400 rpm. With a choice of two tank combinations carrying a maximum 480 litres of gas, the truck can achieve ranges of up to 300km. The Econic at the show was fitted with a Translift hook-loader for taking containers from trains. Originally specialising in recycling bodies, Translift wants to move into the delivery market.
The Renault Magnum has gained more power with a brace of new unit-pump-equipped. 24valve E-Tech engines courtesy of Mack. The in-line sixes develop 441 and 480hp and are controlled by V-MAC III electronics. They'll form the basis of the Magnum's Euro-3 line-up and feature injection pressure of up to 1.800 bar. Unit pumps are driven by six extra lobes on the camshaft.
• Ford's Courier high-cube van has been face-lifted in line with the Fiesta on which it is based. As well as the new Focus-style nose, the interior has been thoroughly modernised, with a "new-edge" dashboard and revised trim, although the 2.8m3 toad box remains unchanged. Opening the bonnet reveals Ford's new Endure Dl engine, a 1.8-litre turbo-diesel which employs drive-by-wire electronic fuel injection and engine management to produce 74hp at 4,000rpm and 140Nm of torque at 1,900rpm. The Courier is expected to appear in the UK during March.
im The 316—a new number to strike fear into the hearts of motorists throughout the land. Mercedes' new Sprinter range is topped by a 154hp, 330Nm version. the five-cylinder 316CDI. Other diesel versions are fourpotters rated at 81, 108 and 127hp. all with common-rail direct injection and, except for the 81hp model, variable geometry turbochargers and chargecooling. A 2.3-litre petrol version with 141hp can also be had. Other new technical features include "Sprintshift'', an automated six-speed transmission, and an engine stop-start system that shuts the engine down after three seconds idling in neutral. The new Sprinter can be identified externally by restyled headlamps and grille. as well as a new air intake on the right front wing. The interior has been completely redesigned and the dashboard incorporates a Vito-style gear lever. Chassis ratings come in 2.59, 2.8, 3.5 and 4.6-tonne GVW versions, with three wheelbase options from 3,000-4,025mm. '• The latest version of the YW Transporter-based Razorback features full galvanising of the conversion's steel components and remote control operation of the lifting mechanism. UK sales have now passed the 100 mark.
• The Mercedes-Benz Vito is now available with a full traction control system which operates by controlling engine output as well as braking effort. Other changes to Vito include the ASSYST service computer system which calculates service intervals according to use, and revised steering wheel and airbag specifications.
III Common-rail fuelling is the recurring theme in Renault's Midlum /Premium Euro3 engine line-up, featuring on the forthcoming 4.0,6.2 and 11-litre MIDR engines managed by Mack's V-MACIII control system. RVI unveiled Its Euro-3 trio at the Midlum launch.
• Michelin has added a nine-tonnecapacity 445/45 819.5 wide single trailer tyre to its XTA2 Energy range. It has also handed over its XDA wide-single drive axle tyre to chassis manufacturers for development work; a production run is predicted for 2003/2004.
Mercedes-Benz's Euro-3 engines are likely to feature increased torque ratings when they arrive next year. Following the recent launch of its 3235 Actros eightwheeler, Mere is now saying it will provide it with a 400hp V6 rating for muckaway men wanting more muscle.
• The first fruits of the joint Iveco/New Holland/Cummins European Engine Affiance (EEA) are expected to appear before the end of the year. The one-litreper-cylinder power units will form the basis of a new range of four and six-cylinder diesels powering the Cargo middleweight.
• Iveco's long-awaited Cursor 13 engine is expected to break cover in time for the Frankfurt Show in September. The in-line six will have the same unit injector/variable geometry turbocharger technology as the smaller Cursor 8 and 10 and will initially be fitted in a Euroirakker.
• Mannesmann VDO has developed an interim "smart" electronic tachograph and speedometer in the run-up to the proposed changeover to smart-card based digital drivers' hours recorders—now expected at the end of 2002. The 1323/MTC01324 system retains existing tacho charts but captures more data electronically.
• With the arrival of the latest 440/480hp E-Tech engines, Renault has upgraded the Magnum, with the old B1B gearbox being replaced by a ZF Ecosplit with Servoshift and Intarder. Discs on both axles are standard on 4x2 tractors and the interior has been reworked too. • Nestled among the many tractive units on show on Iveco's stand was this 6x6 EuroTrakker 32-tonne GVW tipper chassis, with electronically controlled hydraulic rear steer that turns up to 12° from 0-10km/h and to 60% of this from 10-20km/h. Beyond 45kph it is effectively fixed. Designed specifically for the Dutch market with wide spread rear axles, it comes in nominal 350, 370 and 420hp (as shown) versions: 8x4s and 8x8s are also available. The kerbweight of the high-ground clearance model shown is about a tonne less than many other models, at 10.600kg; this allows a payload of 21,325kg with a 75kg driver.
• Making its first public appearance, the 2.4-1Itre. RN version of Ford's new Transit was present in versions previously unseen anywhere. Among them were this locally built Tyro car transporter and the Majestic aerodynamic Luton van, with Dhollandia full-closure tail-lift and load volumes from 15 to 19m3. from the Ford SVO operation. Ford has donated 10 new Transits to the Red Cross for humanitarian relief in central Asia; the first was handed over at the show.
Midlum's Global cabin has four different interior trims, including this "Night" sleeper with foldup bunk. Customer options include detachable bags or document cases and extended windows. The trim looks solid and less plasticky than on the original Premium. • This Daf 45 City Topper high-roof sleeper has an unusual "third" convex mirror designed to help the driver spot suicidal Dutch cyclists—only the mirror arm is wobbly Though not required by law, these mirrors are being encouraged by the Dutch Ministry of Transport for city delivery trucks. Coach-style mirrors forward of the A-post might be a better solution.
• This Mazda B-series pickup is fitted with a Terberg body in fibreglass, which also lines the loadbay. The line of the body is followed through on the double cab. The rear glass door has two lockable catches and pneumatic action. The pickup, designed in collaboration with Ford, is otherwise unchanged from standard, with a 2.5-litre turbo -diesel developing 107hp at 3,500rpm with 266Nm of torque on tap at 2,000rpm.
to The third-party bodybuilding trade has wasted no time getting to work on the new Transit, with numerous conversions on show. This floor-mounted 350kg tail-lift is the Terberg Specials Vanlift available for 5,300 and 3,750mm wheelbase Transits. It can be bought in the UK from the Ray Smith Group. • lveco's new Daily City Truck range was unveiled in 1999, but RAI marked its first appearance at a major show. This compact 29L9 low-roof model has been added since the range was launched. With a GVW of 3.5 tonnes and an 85hp charge-cooled engine, it has an overall length of 5m and a height of 2.2m, giving a load volume of 7m3. Among the other Daily models on display was a 40C13 miniartic tractor, with a potential payload of up to live tonnes, depending on the trailer.
• Given the already generous living and storage space in Scania's bonneted T-cab, this 1124 6x2 tractor stood out for being fitted with the for point air-suspended Topliner cab, giving even more headroom and storage space than usual. But although this particular unit was made for Dutch distributor Beers Bedrijfsauto to use for demonstrations, so far five 1-cab units with Topliner cabs have been sold to Dutch customers, according to Beers' technical sales engineer Michel Dekker.
!FI Utility's latest reefer variant, the RX, appeared on the stand of its UK selling partner Smit Carrosseriefabriek. Along with Discos running gear, Haldex ABS and Info centre plus Carrier Vectra fridge unit, the 13.6m trailer is built to a sturdy spec and provides a good load volume the national 4.0m height limit. Its 2.65m-high/2.Sm-wide interior contains furrows of Integra vertical loadlock tracking and recessed wall tracks with heavy-duty Kemlite wail skins. The r closure is Utility's own barrier doors.
• Renault's Ka.ngoo van has developed quite a range of handy vehicles. The versions displayed included an electrically powered model, the latest twin side-loading door example and this extended-rear-body model with a fully integrated fridge system.
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Scanla's stand also included a prototype dashboard-mounted computer system integrating all the usual vehicle diagnostic functions with a host of Internet-based services such as route information, routeing and scheduling, vehicle tracking and links to emergency and travel services. The system has voice recognition and a touch-screen display to make driver input easy, and uses Blue Tooth wireless communications within the cab. Operating system is either Windows OE or Windows 98, allowing standard Microsoft Office applications to be included and ether third-party applications to be added. Gab entertainment systems such as radio and MPS-player can be integrated, and on-board cameras can be wired in to replace, say, a rear-view mirror with an on-screen display.
• The restyled E-Series from Mazda is built as a dropside, chassis cab and panel van, here fitted with specialist glass carrying bodywork. Overall length is extended a little with a protruding nose section housing an impact-absorbing framework, while the cab gets a few updates and additions. Payloads are in the 1,300kg range. with two engine options of a 1.9-litre petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel, giving 70hp and 136Nm at 2.000rpm.
• As well as showing the millionth truck produced since the lines were restarted in 1946—a 19.414 FLLT/N 4x2 tractor—MAN'S stand showed this 50.414 VFAV-G 10x8 tipper chassis made by Austrian subsidiary OAF. With a kerbvveight of 13,800kg and GVW of 48.500kg, its features include a lifting third axle and four steering axles. It also incorporates the hydro-pneumatic Heplex suspension system, and has an overall wheelbase of 6,670mm.
• Snoeks group member Veth added the van body to this Opel Mayan° 3.5-tanner and enhanced it with Fixtron cargo restraining systems. These are attached to the inner rails and comprise ratchet winch units with the straps running behind roller pins around the walls, attaching to the last pin. To secure cases or drums, simply pull the strap out and around the objects and then ratchet up the tension. Each unit has 1.8m of strapping and costs about 1,500 Guilders (£425) per set. Fixtron is based in HeidenBeringe.
Contact: +31 77 3541762.
I Volvo wants to sell its bonneted NH tractor on the Continent, but not in the UN. The NH exemplifies Volvo's global build philosophy, with a Globetrotter cab drawn from the FH and a bonnet from the Brazilian normal-control range. A 420hp D12C provides the go—but when will we see a Cummins Signature in a European Volvo? The 600hp 15-litre lump is fitted in FHs and VNs in Australia and the US, where it has replaced the old Volvo 16-litre diesel. • A new range of vans was shown by Kia Motors. The Korean manufacturer brought a box van with 12m3 of loadspace, a canvas-sided van and this 2.85kg GVW aluminium dropside to Amsterdam. The cab has plenty of stowage behind the seats. the middle of which folds down to create a flat working surface. Window line is dropped for visibility, while rear-view mirrors are well forward of the cab. Power comes from a 2.6litre diesel producing 79hp at 4,000 rpm and 169Nm at 2,100rpm. The models are a new lease of life for Kia, which was brought back from the brink by Hyundai about two years ago.
Gebr Recker's two-axled 24-tonne low-loader has a neat device to make dismounting the positively steered mar axle much easier than the usual handball job. With the suspension lowered, hydraulic, air and electrics uncoupled and the locking pins removed, an air-powered drive motor is used to power the axle clear of the trailer. Farm vehicles such as Maas or Jahn Deere can then be driven on to the grounded trailer floor. The two-piece front axle has Reckers' latest patented torsion bar stabiliser.
• Hats cheeky little Strada pickup is not yet destined for the UK, but with a different name it could be a welcome addition. It comes in a choice of 75 or T D70 models, with 72hp 1,242cc petrol and 68hp 1,698cc turbo-diesel engines. The load box measures 1,770mm long by 1,350mm wide (1,090mm between the arches) and has a total payload of 630kg.