Japanese vans show tomorrow's magic
Page 23
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
AMID the high-tech glitter of the Tokyo Motor Show (CAI November 23), there were light commercial exhibits which could well signal future van designs.
Among the most unusual was the step-fronted Telecom Delivery prototype van from Mazda. It is designed to be a mobile office-cum-delivery van.
The front-wheel-drive 1.38 tonne GVW Telecom has a fully functioning computer terminal as part of its Mobile Source Communication System which is connected to a main frame computer at the vehicle's base.
To operate the system, the driver follows instructions displayed on a small dashmounted video monitor which gives infOrmation on the receipt and delivery of goods, and answers inventory inquiries.
A fixed terminal in the van has a printer which produces customer receipts, delivery notes and other relevant documents, while the driver's own portable terminal is equipped with a bar-code reader to allow data to be fed ,back to the main computer.
Also installed in the Telecom is a Global Piloting System (GPS), which can receive radio signals from space satellites that fix the exact location of the vehicle.
Up to 30,000 different road maps can be stored on compact discs and displayed on the dashboard video screen. When the correct map has been selected by the driver, the exact position of the 'Felecom van is indicated by a dot on the map. If the driver then enters his destination code, the best route is displayed on the map.
13y combining the navigation system with the MSCS computer system delivery instructions and destinations can be displayed quickly on the screen and with traffic information being constantly updated, the system can indi cite the most time-saving routes and the best delivery sequence.
The Telecom delivery's 54kW (72hp) transversely mounted two-litre diesel engine is located at the extreme front of the van below the level of the drivers' seat.
According to Mazda, this improves the van's stability
and also reduces the floor height allowing easy access into the driving compartment and 5.6m3 (2000 cargo area.
The two front doors both slide open and the second side-loading door gives added flexibility. Both the front doors are opened automat ically by compressed air, triggered either from inside the vehicle, or by a signal from the driver's portable transmitter.
When the driver leaves the van, they close automatically. Maximum payload in the Telecom Delivery is 750kg.
Mazda has fitted the prototype van with self-levelling air suspension, which not only adjusts the floor height, but can also tilt the rear end down to 180mm (7in) off the ground.
An extending ramp, fitted below the body, can be pulled out to help load heavy ob jects. The Telecom's floor height can be adjusted by the driver either from the dashboard, or from the left rear body post. Slightly less computerised, but arguably more practical, is the Toyota Flex delivery, a two-tonne payload chassis cab with a lifting cargo body fitted with an extending roof.
Like the Mazda Telecom. the Flex Delivery has an onboard communications system connecting the vehicle to its various depots. It includes a two-way radio and a dashhoard-mounted printer which can receive instructions even when the driver is our of die vehicle.
A hydraulic rain is used «i raise and lower die cargo body which can be adjusted to suit any loading dock. The roof can also be raised to provide plenty of headroom when loading and the interior height within the body can be increased from 1,995min to 2,695mm.
The Flex Delivery has a two-litre 67kW (90hp) Toyota 3Y petrol engine, converted to run on LPG, coupled to a four-speed automatic gear box, ith two-way overdrive. Steering is powerassisted.