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The future's bright...
Page 18
Page 19
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In the first of our special three-part trailer series, CM speaks to Bernard Krone, MD and co-owner of trailer-maker Krone, who tells us why he's optimistic about the future.
WITH THE CURRREN l' economic crisis affecting us all, Bernard Krone, managing director and co-owner of German trailer manufacturer Krone believes there are even more issues to deal with. He says: "We are certainly noticing it [the financial crisis]. However, it is not only this. For example, there is the rising price of raw materials, and, here in Germany, the Maut [Germany's motorway tolling system] increases are all affecting our clients."
This is a picture that looks all too familiar across the industry "We still have orders coming in, but they're lower than at this point last year," he adds
Production levels
Just like other businesses across the world. Krone has had to cut production back. In }Crone's case this has been achieved without having to trim any permanent staff. Krone says: "We have not sacked anyone, but we have had to end some temporary contracts."
He continues: "I believe the market situation will improve in 2009. I also agree with the predictions that road transport will double in size by 2020.
-It is difficult to say when the market will return to normal. It not only depends on how the financial crisis is resolved, but also on how quick our customers get their confidence in the market back."
Saving fuel
While market analysis makes up a significant part of his job, building trailers remains his priority.
Krone explains: "Both aerodynamics and weight are a big issue with trailers — anything that saves fuel. However, we're not just focusing on improving fuel usage. but also on improving the general handling of the vehicle. For instance, on our EcoLiner (shown below right), the new sheeting system will save the driver time and effort."
The EcoLiner is Krone's new aerodynamic curtainsider, which the firm claims can save up 10 7% in fuel, as well as cut loading time thanks to its new sheeting equipment, which consists of side cladding and under-chassis protection that weighs around 250kg when fitted to the trailer, thereby reducing its drag coefficient.
The fuel-saving claims of up to 7% are backed up by a week-long trial on Mercedes-Benz's test track in Papenburg, where the EcoLiner was pitted against a standard curtainsider.
The EcoLiner sheeting system promises a 70% quicker load time due to innovations such as a pneumatic central lock attached to the side sheet. This means the driver only needs to activate four locking positions on each side, instead of 25. With the curtain in place, the driver can activate the central lock from the front of the vehicle. The acro-kit, though , is currently only available on the curtainsider, but Krone has not ruled out the possibility of adapting it for use on other trailers.
He says: "It makes sense to use the EcoLiner aerodynamic package on boxbodied trailers It's possible we could offer this in the near future."
So while Krone has taken a step forward with the EcoLiner, it has also been one of the main campaigners for the introduction of Longer Heavier Vehicles (LHVs). Some of its trailers were used in the trials that took place across Germany in the past 18 months.
"We're still optimistic about the EuroCombi LHVs", Krone reveals, "Denmark is currently running largescale trials, and France is joining in."
Although the German government has already rejected the introduction of LHVs, Krone believes it is still possible. He says: "In Germany we need strong backing from the VDA (the association of German vehicle manufacturers) and a change in government."
Nitrogen usage
Krone is also introducing a new reefer trailer, which is designed to eliminate harmful CO, output Its Cool Liner Duoplex CiFK ecoFridge uses nitrogen to cool the load, rather than a standard fridge motor. Nitrogen is blown directly into the vehicle, which Krone says cools the load down faster and doesn't create any harmful CO, emissions When arriving at a warehouse, the driver of the nitrogen-cooled trailer will have to wait a couple of minutes before entering the set-up, because there will be no oxygen in there.
There are, however, a multitude of safety features, such as warning lights and automatic locks, to ensure that noone enters the trailer while it is unsafe.
A positive outlook
"The mood at last year's IAA Truck Show in Hannover was good," says Krone. "It was better than I thought."
With a portfolio of new trailers, Krone's final statement doesn't come as a shock: "We don't think the future is grim, we have a positive outlook." • • In the second of our 'Big Three' interviews, we talk to Alexander Tietje, MD of Kiigel Trailers