Spoilt for choice at RAI
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Holland is the land of steering axles and transport solutions, and the Amsterdam truck show is fantastically diverse. Not just a trade show, this is a family event, and an opportunity to buy: about a quarter of the year's truck sales in the Netherlands are agreed here. Daf launched its CF range, while rival MercedesBenz showed the Atego—the truck with which it hopes to take a third of the 6-16 tonne market in Western Europe.
• All Atego cabs are 2.30m wide: this is the long-distance (1) version with a high roof—internal height is 1.92m. The !woman cab was shown on the 1223 chassis, fitted with the six-cylinder engine. Other features include a filtered ventilation system, integral seat belts and plenty of internal storage space. • Mercedes-Benz showed off the middleweight Atego, its successor to the long-lived LK range. The basic 7.5-tonne model is the 815: the day cab is wide and spacious (around 25% larger than its predecessor) and has excellent visibility and access—Mercedes estimates that Atego drivers get in and out of their cabs an average 30 times a day. Light-weight models will, be introduced this spring, with heavier (15-tonne-plus) models following in the autumn.
• Amsterdam was the first major showing for Renault's Magnum Integral range, featuring a revised interior, second-generation V-MAC 12-litre engines, eiectronically controlled brakes and a security system linked to the V-MAC computer. Its hydraulic retarder offers constant-speed hill descent in conjunction with V-MAC, and is said to produce up to 800hp (600kW) of retardation.
* The Atego is powered by the 0M904 fourcylinder engine launched in 1996, or by this sixcylinder variant. The six-litre 0M906 has three valves per cylinder, unit pump injectors and a power range from 228hp (170kW) to 275hp (205kW). Five manual gearboxes are available with up to 12 speeds, or there's an Allison automatic box. Other features of the Atego include disc brakes all round (except on heavy off-roaders) and Mercedes' constant-throttle exhaust brake.
• Trade organisation TLN (Transport en Logistiek Nederland) is lobbying for the operation of Swedishstyle 60-tonne drawbar/ dolly/semi-trailer combinations like this one on Dutch roads, arguing that they could reduce heavy traffic by up to a third. This 25.25m combination incorporates a Scania R144.530 prime mover with a Burg dolly and semi-trailer.
• Volvo has sold 100,000 FH trucks, but will be building just 800 of these special editions: its FH12 Globetrotter X1-70 helps it celebrate 70 years as a truck builder, with leather and birch trim and just about every possible extra. Make the most of this glimpse: the XL-70 won't be sold in the UK. However, UK buyers can now enjoy the Cummins-derived RoadRelay information system which is now standard on ail FH trucks.
Daf's 65 Series has been updated: this 65CF has a more modern interior and the most powerful 65.240 variant now has a controlledbypass turbocharger. Other Dafs on show included low-height and 6x4 variants of the 95XF, and 45/55 Series sleeper-cab versions.
Mazda had a new pickup on show—new, that is, to the UK market as it will arrive here in early summer. The B-Series is well established in Holland but now has either a 2.6-litre petrol or a 2.5-litre diesel engine option in the 4x4. The petrol unit produces 121 hp (90kW) at 4,600rpm and 202Nm (1491b1t) of torque at 3,500rpm while the 2.5-litre diesel makes 85hp (63kW1 at 4,200rpm and 171Nm 1126Ibft1 of torque at 2,000rpm. In the latter guise the payload is around 1,200kg on a GM of 2,895kg. Mazda will also reintroduce the 4x2 B-Series pickup with some upgrades. • Scania's restyled Topline R cab was shown using an ingenious clamshell cab display. The concept makes sense for a solo driver, but some show visitors were disappointed that the main bunk has remained on the forward wall: Scania's Dutch distributor, Beers, has converted other Toplines to a rear-bunk arrangement.
• Renault's stand was dominated by its new Master and Kangoo vans which were launched on the Continent in September last year. However, Renault was also showing this box-van chassis-cab conversion by Tijmen Ploeg. Based on the long-wheelbase Master with the 2.8Tdi, it gives a load volume of 17.6m3 and comes complete with aerodynamics and sun visor.
• Scania's latest engines are 11 and 12-litre unit-injected diesels rated from 340 to 420hp. Fuel consumption should be good, and modular construction keeps the number of different components to a minimum. Scania has indicated that the Bosch-sourced injectors will ultimately be replaced by an HPI system similar to that featured in Cummins Signature 600.
• Hyundai had a fairly hefty presence, reflecting its strength in the Dutch market. This H200 compact panel van is based on the H1 MPV which also sells in Holland. It should come to the UK late next year, depending on its performance on the Continent and when the Korean manufacturer decides to produce a right-hand-drive variant, It is available in two wheelbases-2.8m and 3.08m—and offers 4.6m3 of load volume with a competitive 1,300kg of payload in its shortwheelbase guise.
• Ginof has produced its own low-entry cab for the refuse collection market. Based on a 4x2 or 6x214 chassis with Oaf's 209hp (156kW) 6.2-litre engine, Allison auto-transmission and Rockwell axles, it features a short, three-man cab with a pivoting door. Ginaf has sold 20 so far, including six with a 2.2m track destined for the city of Amsterdam, • The beginning of LDV Nutzfahrzeuge's first full year in Holland coincides with the introduction of the Ford directinjection turbo-diesel engine in the Convoy range. This is a 2.5-litre unit pushing out 99hp (74kW) at 4,000rpm and 226Nm (1671bf-t) of torque at 2,10Orpm. The van has a Iwoyear, 100,000-mile warranty. A naturally aspirated variant will be available at a later date. The Dutch importer hopes to sell up to 1,000 vehicles in 1998, the most popular models being the 3.5-tonne and 3.1-tonne highroofs. The manufacturer now has 46 dealers in place covering the entire country.
• In addition to three pickups (see below}, Nissan is also bringing in a smaller version of the Vanette Cargo and a van variant of the Terrano, which already sells in this country bodged as the Ford Maverick. The Vanette E is a descendant from the Serena MPV and should place Nissan in direct competition with the Berlingo, Partner and Kangoo. It offers a 3.7m3 load volume and an 800kg load volume in the 2.3-litre naturally aspirated diesel version. It will be mare expensive than the Berlingo and Partner but comes with twin side loading doors.
• Land Rover isn't best pleased with Terberg's Freelander van conversion as it alters with the original vehicle's lines, but the Dutch importer is happy enough as it escapes 45.2% car tax and is therefore considerably cheaper than the passenger variant. The extra height of the conversion means it qualifies as a commercial vehicle without the need for a bulkhead (which would put off leisure buyers}. Although this is essentially an oddity for the Dutch market, Land Rover Special Vehicles is considering a van version for the UK.
• Nissan launched its all-new pickup at the show. It comes in three body styles with two engine options. The single cab, double cab and king cab are all bound for the UK, provided there are no tax complications with the king cab. Each body style comes in 4x2 or 4x4 guise with the 2.5-litre charge-cooled diesel only available in the 4x4. This model is the Novara, a high-spec recreational variant which Nissan might bring to the UK, depending on whether the leisure market is strong enough over here (see page 16 for more details).
• Wiegel of Den Haag has devised this tidy galvanised interior gantry system far panel vans. Shown on a Merc Sprinter 308D, it can be adapted to suit most popular models and Wiegel says it can be fitted in a day. It relies on a Warn winch and cable arrangement to lift and carry up to 350kg out of the van and lower it to ground level. Accessories include a neat scissored drum lift. • Built in conjunction with Pecocar for CLS, 20 of Tracon's insulated Citydeck trailers have also made it into Albert Heijn's fleet of urban delivery trailers. Unlike Van Eck's reefer (below) it has its steering hydraulics and air system in cabinets over the wheel stations, leaving the soundproofed neck section to take the fridge. CLS has also become the European agent for US-built Great Dane reefers with Tracon supplying the running gear; CLS is believed to already have 50 on order.
* Van Eck's single-deck, triple-temperature (-20°C to +15°C) reefer offers great manoeuvrability and easy urban deliveries. Albert Fleijn has 21, five of which will be used in Germany on flower and meat distribution, and interest in the concept is gathering pace. Using Tridec hydraulic steering with raising/lowering suspension, it can be knelt to near-ground level and off-loaded via side and rear ramps. To cut noise levels the fridge equipment, hydraulics and air
tanks are sited under the coy ered nose section. • The Mercedes-Benz Actros 1840 LLS Lowliner tractive unit will appear in the UK towards the end of this year. Running on 295/60 R22.5 tyres all round, and with front and rear air suspension, the Jost fifth wheel travels at a height of just 1,020mm. This show model also incorporates a swinging suzie arm and Mercedes' latest single-reduction hypoid rear axle.
a This bonneted 1-cab version of Scania's 114G 340 is fitted with a multi-purpose body by Combi-Groep. For plant-hire operations the 6x2 is used in beavertail configuration, complete with an eight-tonne ramp and Hiab 175 crone, while the addition of a rear floor section converts it to carry two 10ft containers,
• Jumbo Fabriek introduced this triple-deck drawbar trailer specifically designed for pig transportation. Complying with all the latest animal welfare legislation, the trailer can also be converted to single-deck configuration for moving larger livestock. Operators will hove the option of powered deck stowage or a simpler manual system.
• The Heering Light Distribution range of van bodies has been complemented by this second-generation LO-plus version. Available for the Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen LT and Iveco Daily, the composite Luton-style bodies have tighter body-to-cab clearances and improved aerodynamics. They have a load volume of 21m3, accessed through a full range of rear door options.
Among the many impressive multi-wheelers at the show was the first 8x8 Actros in service. AJK built the tipping body using 2.0mm Hardox 500 steel panels and claims it's the lightest on the market. AJK uses mainly Hyva tipgear and makes its own sealing cover with hand-wind or hydraulic operation. The firm specialises in hookloading, skip and tipper bodies. • Revolving advertising hoardings are not restricted to sports grounds. Vehicle builder Welgro of Groenlo can now add rolling ad panels to its animal feed tankers as a means of recouping
Welgro's show ii, N1-1 empty-running costs. t exhibit, a 10-corna i