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The Cat C12 proves a winner with Foden
Page 22
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• by Brian Weathoriey The popularity of Caterpillar engines in Foden chassis continues to grow at Cummins' expense, with 75% of all new Alphas being sold with the Cat C12.
According to Gary Rowlands, Foden's general marketing manager: "The Cat C12 is slightly cheaper than the Cummins ISM and there's very little weight penalty. In the construction
sector it's gained • 'I, tremendous • • • U
respect. For an eight-wheeler, the market is solidly behind Cat."
Tipper opera tors buying Alpha 8x4s are speccing either the 400hp version or the 450 Multi-torque which normally runs at a nominal 400hp up to 80% of throttle pedal movement, but gives a full 450hp when maximum effort is required.
Rowlands reports that interest in the C12 reflects the move towards 12 litres as an Industry standard: "If you look at the number of trucks registered with engines above 12 litres, it's very low."
However, Foden is looking to Caterpillar to squeeze some more power from its 12-litre in-line s:x. "We think we can drive it higher to 470-480hp one day,' says Rowlands.
Following the recent arrival of Volvo's FM9 Fodert is studying the equivalent Cummins ISL and, in particular, the Cat 09, with the aim of creatIng a lightweight 32-tonne 8x4. The first C9-powered test vehicles will take to the road in January to assess potential demand. Rowlands adds: "We're watching things closely. The Volvo nine-litre is doing well: if we did decide to offer a nine-litre engine we'd be in a position to do so in the fourth quarter of 2003—if it goes well. It could save up to 300kg over a Cummins ISM."
However, if Foden is to sell a nine-litre chassis it will be looking for cost savings from the engine The Cl?: manufacturers to Interest in make it worthwhile it reflects for operators. By the move the end of 2003 towards Foden will also
12-litre have adopted the
engines as ZF AS-Tronic auto standard. mated transmis sion in the Alpha.
Despite poor market conditions, Foden continues to buck the trend on vehicle registrations and is aiming to sell close to 1,200 trucks in 2002; up from 846 last year. The recent shortage of ERFs hasn't hurt Foden sales—Foden has sold 105 chassis to confirmed EFIF operators who have not previously taker to the kite marque.
• WhIle Foden is pleased with the response to its Alpha range, Rowlands says it "still has a 'connection' with those operators In the market that buy 'big' cab trucks". There Is no likelihood of Daf offering Foden the XF95 cab any time soon. but he says that a bigger cab than the current Alpha would help attract aspirationar buyers.
"Euro-4 engines are likely to require more space," says Rowlands. "The Euro-4 solution for C12 Is twin turbos and we'd struggle to get that under the cab. if It gets to that point, what would we do!'