News

The Hino Profia, the Japan market version of the 700 Series heavy truck, is one of the models caught in the emissions misconduct investigation.

investigation into misconduct relating to regulatory engine performance and emissions tests in Japan, doesn’t affect any vehicles sold in New Zealand.

In Japan, Hino Motors has suspended sales of Ranger (500 Series) and Profia (700 Series) truck models and also the S’elega bus equipped with three of its engine variants. The scope of the investigation involves about 115,000 vehicles sold since 2016.

A statement provided to NZ Truck & Driver from Hino Distributors (NZ) says:

“Hino Motors Ltd. has identified past misconduct in its Japanese business in relation to applications for certification concerning the emissions and fuel economy performance for three of its engines in the Japanese market, and voluntarily commenced an investigation.

“The suspension of sale in Japan affects engines certified by the Japanese regulator, which have not been sold in New Zealand. The on-going investigation is concerned with engine emissions and fuel economy testing. It has no bearing on vehicle safety. “None of the vehicles and engines subject to this sale suspension announced in Japan are being sold in the New Zealand or Australian markets. Hino Distributors (NZ) Ltd is the sole authorised importer and distributor of new Hino trucks. Hino Motors (Japan) has alerted Waka Kotahi to the announcement and is committed to engaging with the relevant authorities about these matters.

“Hino Motors has apologised for any inconvenience caused to its customers and advised that they are not required to take any action and may continue to use their vehicles. There are no implications for the New Zealand market at this time.”

The New Zealand distributor says it’s not expecting any manufacturing delays or interruptions to the supply of new Hino trucks to the New Zealand market as result of the actions in Japan.

Hino’s investigations centre on engine performance data in emissions durability testing for the A05C (HC-SCR) medium-duty engine, and in the measurement of fuel consumption in certification tests for the A09C and E13C heavy-duty engine.

A problem has also been identified concerning the fuel economy of the N04C (Urea-SCR) light-duty engine. However, no misconduct in relation to the certification testing of this engine has been identified to date.

Hino says the issues were uncovered following the identification a certification problem for the North American market. A voluntary investigation by Hino then uncovered the inaccuracies for the three engines.

Subsequently, the U.S. Department of Justice has commenced an investigation. Hino is fully cooperating with the relevant authorities.

Hino then expanded the investigation to review emissions certification for engines certified to 2016 Japanese standards. In conjunction with that investigation, Hino has also conducted emissions and fuel economy verification testing.

During durability testing for emissions performance of the A05C (HC-SCR), engine, it’s been discovered the second muffler of the NOxreducing after-treatment system was replaced during the test and the test was continued using the replaced muffler.

This change was made after learning that emissions performance would deteriorate over time and that the engine may not meet the regulatory emissions standards.

Findings related to the A09C and E13C engines discovered that, while measuring fuel consumption in a certification test, the fuel flow rate calibration value of the dynamometer panel was altered to make it appear advantageous in relation to fuel economy. T&D

The XCMG E700 battery swap (right) truck is being prepared at Fonterra’s Morrinsville engineering base and is expected to start work in May.

milk tanker will start quietly calling at Fonterra farm gates starting in May.

Fonterra is using a XCMG E700 8x4 battery swap truck, supplied by Auckland-based Etrucks and supported by funding from the Low Emissions Transport Fund (LETF), for a trial demonstrating the potential for decarbonisation of heavy transport in rural areas.

New Zealand’s first e-tanker is currently under construction at Fonterra’s engineering workshop in Morrinsville, where the tank is being fitted to the XCMG chassis. When complete, the 46-tonne (GVM) unit will operate from Fonterra’s Waitoa plant in the Piako district.

Fonterra estimates the truck will have about 140km range and a full charge is expected to take about three hours. The truck won’t be idle during that time as the Waitoa plant is being equipped with XCMGs battery swap system that allows a replacement battery to be fitted in about six minutes.

Although equipped with Fonterra’s standard 28,000 litre tank and trailer combination, the heavy battery installation reduces the working capacity of the truck by about 2300 litres compared to an equivalent diesel truck to meet its 46-tonne GVM permit.

Fonterra says it is exploring multiple aspects of the e-tankers capabilities including; how far it can go, how easy it is to charge, milk collection, maintenance, efficiency, cost, and driver comfort and safety.

“The global technology investment in sustainable land, air and sea transport is phenomenal. Our teams are constantly screening the possibilities to see what could work across our supply chain,” says Fonterra COO Fraser Whineray.

“Leading in sustainability is one of three key parts of our long term strategy. This e-tanker is one of several promising opportunities being trialled by the Co-op.”

The choice of Waitoa as a base is because of nearby supplying farms located on relatively flat land, which allows shorter runs and more predictable battery consumption due to fewer hills.

But there’s also a historical connection. From the early 1900s through to about 1920, Waitoa was home to a fleet of US-built Walker electric trucks which collected milk from local farms, making it a fitting home to the first modern milk collection electric tanker in New Zealand.

The Fonterra trial is one of four Battery Swap XCMG E700 trucks going into use with funding from the latest round of LETF cofunding grants announced in late-February.

Firth Industries plans an Auckland trial with a 8x4 Battery Swap concrete mixer while E700 6x4 tractor units are being put to use by Mainfreight and Phoenix Metal Recyclers NZ.

Mainfreight will trial its truck on an AucklandHamilton inter-city freight transport project. A battery swap gantry and charger will be installed in Hamilton with other infrastructure to be used in Auckland.

Phoenix Metal Recyclers NZ Ltd will deploy an electric 34-tonne battery-swap truck (GCM of 49t) in Northland to transport recycled metal and demolition waste. The 180kW charger will be made available to other transport companies in the area. T&D

FUSO New Zealand says it has strong stock levels across it’s full line-up of 2022 models.

2021 is reporting high levels of stock available to meet customer orders through 2022.

FUSO New Zealand (FNZ) says it has secured 1,250 new units across its light, medium and heavy-duty truck ranges, with vehicles either on the ground or shortly to arrive to our shores.

The total order exceeds the 1,096 registered units that saw FUSO lead NZ truck and bus sales in 2021 and is indicative of the high level of customer demand anticipated by FNZ, says managing director Kurtis Andrews.

“We have secured stock across our entire range; so across light to heavy duty, we’re in a great position to meet the industry’s needs,” says Andrews.

“Also, due to Shogun’s popularity, in particular the 510hp models, we’ve doubled down on this stock. The attributes across the Shogun range are world-class and we’ve placed a big order and backed ourselves and our dealer network to meet this significantly increased demand.

Andrews said that securing stock in strong numbers “at every opportunity” has been a key priority for the FNZ team over recent months and reflects efforts to stay ahead of global supply chain disruptions.

He added that being a wholly independent NZ-owned distributor has enabled FNZ to react quicker to market changes and opportunities than some other brands.

“We are fully Kiwi owned and operated with a vast amount of local experience across our team,” said Andrews. “Being right here on the ground, with strong communication into our dealer network and direct access to our supplier, means we can be nimble and act quickly to service our customers’ needs. It’s all part of what we mean when we say ‘We Look After Our Own’.

“Our dealer network is critical in identifying customer demand and in developing and servicing those customer relationships. We have worked hard over the past few years to strengthen the FUSO network and continue to work closely with our dealers to ensure an extremely high standard of customer satisfaction.

“Available stock is obviously central to that and we have full confidence in our network to deliver on the orders we have placed.”

Andrews says he has further confidence in FNZ’s strategy based on the high level of safety and Euro 6 fuel-efficient technology now available throughout the FUSO range, answering operators’ increasing demands in terms of sustainability, health and safety, and in the face of rising diesel costs.

Fuso finished 2021 as the top-selling truck brand in New Zealand, ending a 21-year run by rival Isuzu as the market leader. T&D

Tauranga facility for Penske New Zealand.

Scheduled for opening in early-2023, the new facility is being built at Kaweroa Drive in the latest stage of the fast-growing Tauriko business development.

When completed it will provide full retail sales, parts and service support for Western Star Trucks, MAN Truck & Bus, Dennis Eagle, mtu, and Detroit brands.

The new Penske facility is situated on a 13,167m2 site and its design will include 2,550m2 of workshop space, a 700m2 parts warehouse plus 800m2 of retail and office space which includes a drivers’ lounge area.

Also part of the layout are 17 30-metre truck bays, a machine shop, a drivethrough wash bay, a full-length service pit and two built-in hoists. The facility will offer a certificate of fitness (CoF) and heavy vehicle entry compliance certification bay, ensuring the highest level of customer service.

The new facility has a similar size site to the Penske New Zealand premises in Hornby, Christchurch and is significantly larger than Penske’s current Mt Maunganui site at McDonald St.

“The new facility is an 11 full drive-through bay increase over our current site and approximately 5000m2 larger in land size,” says Brent Warner, general manager of Penske New Zealand.

“It offers fantastic access to the port, Rotorua and Hamilton as well as having great road width and site egress.”

A ceremony to mark the breaking of ground at the construction site was held in late-February.

“It’s very exciting to have broken ground and commenced the construction phase of our new Tauranga facility,” says Warner.

“And having Kaumatua Des Tata of Ngai Tama Rawaha Hapu and Kaumatua Sonny Ranapia of Rangi Ranginui Iwi undertaking a blessing ceremony on site was an incredibly special experience.

“We look forward to welcoming our customers to our new site in early 2023 and demonstrating our ongoing investment and commitment to the New Zealand transport industry and the Bay of Plenty region through superior servicing equipment and state-of-the-art facilities,” Warner says. T&D

Top: An artists impression of the new Penske NZ facility to be built in Tauriko, near Tauranga. Below: L to R: Brent Warner, Kaumatua Sonny Ranapia, and Kaumatua Des Tata

The 8x4 Scania R 620 has taken just over three years to clock up 1 million kilometres on South Island highways.

South Island highways, a Scania R620 has become the first of the New Generation trucks from the Swedish brand to clock up one million kilometres – anywhere in the world.

The Scania S 620 hit the roads for Dunedinbased truckie Warren Good in late 2018 and has clocked up an average of 1200km a day since then on its linehaul run from Christchurch to Invercargill.

“It’s actually 1200km a night” corrects Good, given the courier-parcel run is done during the hours of darkness.

“It’s also one of the longest daily runs in the country, so I guess there’s no surprises this was the one responsible for clocking up the big kilometres,” Good says.

Good estimates the average commercial truck would probably only cover about half the distance that his linehaul runs do each year.

The runs are so demanding that they’ve been used for testing Scania models because of the fast turnaround in receiving results.

Incredibly only three things have required attention over the million kilometres – a retarder fault, the clutch brake, and the starter motor.

“That’s pretty good for a truck hauling freight up and down the South Island daily,” says Good. “Even the leather seats haven’t started to wear out yet!”

“It’s a real credit to Scania Assurance (Scania’s Service & Maintenance plan). Everything has been attended to and kept in check to help us reach this milestone in a very short time. The data updates we receive on fuel efficiency, mileage and driver technique really help us get the best out of the vehicle.”

It’s taken 56 tyre changes and a few career truckies, like recently retired driver Reg McCorkindale, to help the S 620 reach the seven-figure milestone over three and a half years, but the vehicle still drives like new and will remain in the fleet for years to come.

“I’ve had a few memorable moments in the ‘not so’ old girl,” recalls McCorkindale, “Like experiencing Adaptive Cruise Control for the first time and a bit of a close shave where the Advanced Emergency Braking kicked in for the first time!”

“The only complaint is that the truck really shows up the lack of hi-tech in my personal vehicle. It takes a little adjustment to settle back into old driving habits on my commute home from work.” T&D

incorporated in July 2021, has secured $227,000 from the initial round of Low Emission Transport Fund (LETF) co-funding grants to trial a unique dual-fuel product in New Zealand.

When questioned by NZ Truck & Driver, Kiwi H2 spokesperson Dennis Gates said the company wasn’t ready to offer comment on its plans for trialling the technology and was preparing a joint press release with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

Notes from the first round of LETF announcements made in lateFebruary confirm Kiwi H2 Ltd has exclusively licensed a commercialised dual-fuel product from the UK, which converts diesel vehicles to run on 40% hydrogen, aiming to save 40% emissions.

Two trucks will be converted to use this technology as part of the project.

The technology will help fleets achieve significant carbon emission reductions until commercially available and viable 100% zero emissions options are available in New Zealand.

The Low Emission Transport Fund, administered by EECA, supports the demonstration and adoption of low emission transport technology, innovation and infrastructure to accelerate the decarbonisation of the New Zealand transport sector.

The dual-fuel project is part of the second round of LETF co-funding announcement that also include the country’s first electric milk tank tanker, a solar-panelled bus, electric off-road farm vehicles and new high powered EV charging stations.

“The LETF is all about finding replicable solutions through innovative transport and infrastructure,” says the Minister of Energy and Resources, Dr Megan Woods.

“The projects included in this round show the potential for electric and low-emissions transport across a wide range of sectors: from all-terrain farm vehicles to heavy freight. Some of these are hard to decarbonise, so this is great progress towards reducing our transport emissions.”

In total, 13 vehicle and technology projects will receive $3,452,025, and 13 EV charging projects will receive $3,001,400 in the latest round of LETF co-funding. T&D

Scania New Zealand service dealer network is up and running in Hastings.

Scania Hastings branch manager Eamonn Farrell says the new facility, located at 110 Henderson Rd, reinforces Scania’s presence in the Hawke’s Bay region.

“We’re now enjoying a much larger site than previously with three times the capacity, having upgraded from one truck bay to three. We’ve also doubled the size of our Scania team in Hastings – now with eight team members on board,” says Farrell.

Scania New Zealand Managing Director Rafael Alvarenga says the company is pleased to add this key facility to its service dealer network – extending Scania’s service offering for the region.

“This is another step toward a stronger future for Scania New Zealand as we look closely to strengthen our service dealer network in the regions and across the country, all while continuing to provide Scania’s renowned quality service for our customers,” Alvarenga says. T&D

delivery fleet medium and heavy-duty trucks with solar panel units to reduce fuel consumption.

The TRAILAR solar technology will provide power to battery and equipment on the trucks and is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 1,000kg per year for each vehicle, while also lowering both fuel and maintenance costs.

Electricity generated from sunlight will be used to charge the battery, power lift gates and other ancillary equipment. This reduces the load on the alternator and, as a result, fuel consumption.

“We’re aiming to improve the lives of people where they live and work, using cleaner pickup and delivery solutions – such as electric vehicles and cargo cycles, and now augmenting our truck fleet with this innovative solar solution,” said DHL Express U.S. CEO Greg Hewitt.

“This is another strategic step in our drive forward to decarbonisation, and over time reducing all logistics related emissions to net zero by 2050.”

An integrated telematics system provides information on the efficiency of the entire system through web-based reporting, including battery health, charging of ancillary equipment, overall fuel and C02 savings.

With continuous battery management via the TRAILAR Smart Charge Controller, solar energy is used to maintain battery levels at the optimum level, even when the vehicle is off. This constant care of the battery and reduction in alternator wear also reduces vehicle maintenance costs.

Last year, Deutsche Post DHL Group announced an accelerated roadmap to decarbonisation, include an investment of 7 billion Euros over the next 10 years to reduce its CO2 emissions. T&D

The roof-mounted solar panels are estimated to save 1000kg of CO2 emissions per vehicle, per year.

Technology with Vision

For the first time, striking LED light pipe technology has been used to create an innovative position light integrated with a powerful high beam light bar.

➔ High beam with integrated front position light ➔ Approved for use in New Zealand and Australia with ECE compliance (Two Lamps) ➔ Maximum luminous intensity of 113,000 candela ➔ 5 year warranty

A special edition SuperLiner celebrates 50 years of Mack in New Zealand

New Zealand’ 50th birthday event close at the end of April.

The Labour weekend (Saturday October 22) celebration at the Manfeild Park motor racing circuit in Feilding will mark 50 years since Motor Truck Distributors began the assembly and sales of Mack trucks in New Zealand.

“We are celebrating in style with an anniversary event that will feature up to 200 Mack Trucks and we want to give Mack owners to chance to show off their trucks at the event,” says Stu Wynd, National Sales Manager, Mack Trucks.

“From the golden oldies to the new kids on the block we will feature the various models that have helped build and shape New Zealand to what it is today.

“If you own a Mack Truck that is significant to the history of Mack in NZ or if you just want the chance to show off your Mack, please register your interest to be a part of this very special trucking event.”

The event takes place in conjunction with the Manawatu Car Club’s “OctoberFast” motor racing event which includes truck racing.

Alongside the Mack trucks on display other attractions include food stalls, raffles, displays plus spectator access to the car and truck racing. There will even be a chance to drive the track at the conclusion of Saturday’s racing. The event will be open to the general public (admission charges will apply).

The registration cost is $150 per truck which includes two admission passes, merchandise including tote bag, key ring, cap, hydro drink bottle, a personalised commemorative plaque unique to the event plus food and beverage vouchers. Registrations close on April 30.

To register visit: 50years.macktrucks.co.nz. T&D

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A superior heavy duty platform lift that uniquely provides a “clear floor” concept for the user with a true, vertical rise. It’s elegant design includes two independent runways, vertical lifting, no crossbeams, no overhang and no base frame. Can be set up in tandem.

Wireless battery operated 8.5 tonne capacity per column

20-Metres Perfect for truck and trailers or other longer combinations.

10-metre 12/18-tonne 4-post or 20-metre 24/36-tonne in tandem installation

Options to 65 tonnes, 8M to 15M platforms

The Fuso Shogun 510 begins the run up the Waiwera Hill which features in the locally produced TV commercial.

THE NEW FUSO SHOGUN 510 MAKES EASY WORK OF THE hills but has worked a bit harder to stay on New Zealand television screens.

A locally produced television commercial for the new Shogun 510 has been under recent scrutiny from the Advertising Standards Authority, following a complaint from one viewer. The Shogun ad has been running for several months and it is a rarity to see advertising for a new heavy truck model on national television. The ad depicts the Shogun 510 passing a European truck on the Waiwera Hill and features a short “yarn” between two truck drivers.

The complaint to the ASA suggested the ad placed emphasis on truck speed and safety and suggested that the drivers were behaving overly competitively with each other.

“We couldn’t help but feel that if it was a car passing another car, as opposed to trucks, there would have been no complaint. We needed to right that wrong,” says Kurtis Andrews, managing director of FUSO New Zealand.

In its defence FUSO New Zealand said all road rules were respected and the passing manoeuvre was completed legally and safely. The competitive aspect of the commercial was simply the historical friendly rivalry between drivers regarding the attributes of Japanese and European trucks.

“We think it is a great ad and we’ve really enjoyed the response, especially from the trucking community.

“There are only three things you can do in that type of situation. You can pull the ad, you can change the ad, or you can fight it.

“The 510 is very important to us, but more so we wanted to defend the clear lack of understanding from the complainant. We weren’t going to just roll over, so we decided to go the next step and defend it.”

The complainant was concerned the advertisement was irresponsible and encouraged behaviour that is inconsistent with the NZTA Waka Kotahi safety messages, in particular regarding speed and following distance.

Andrews says the ad shows the truck driven safely and within the law.

“The truck is shown in a perfectly safe situation, in a dedicated passing lane and the overtaking is completed at 35km/h,” he says.

“The trucks were driven by professional drivers, the passing was done legally, and as it was a hill, at well below the speed limit. The ad was about superior power and torque, not speed. With all that in mind, we also feel we’re still allowed to have a yarn and a laugh, like the guys in the ad, surely.”

The concept for the commercial was developed from an actual event that occurred during testing of the Shogun 510 in New Zealand.

“Yes, it’s a true story”, says Andrews. “And, yes, Shogun 510 did pass that European brand as seen in the ad.”

The complaint wasn’t upheld, and the TV commercial can remain on screen. You can see the ad at fuso.co.nz and on YouTube. T&D

The first series production Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 has gone to work with logistics company DB Schenker in Germany.

eActros from the Mercedes-Benz plant in Worth am Rhein is at work on German roads.

Logistics service provider DB Schenker is using the eActros 300 to transport palletised shipments in the Leipzig area.

The vehicle, with a permissible total weight of 19 tonnes, rolled off the assembly line as planned last year and was officially handed over at a customer meeting in Worth following its approval for federal funding.

The eActros is configured as a two-axle vehicle and features an aerodynamic SPIER Athlete dry freight box body. The continuous edging profiles and profile caps with sophisticated aerodynamics, combined with a built-in roof spoiler, reduce the drag coefficient and can thus increase the range of the vehicle. The body combines a high payload with a high transport volume.

DB Schenker has already gained extensive experience in advance with a prototype of the eActros as part of the eActros innovation fleet.

“We are very pleased that DB Schenker, as one of the leading companies in the logistics industry, has chosen the Mercedes-Benz eActros,” says Karin Radstrom, CEO Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

“We worked closely with DB Schenker during the development of the eActros. The feedback from the practical trials were used to develop the series vehicle as well as related services.”

The eActros’ batteries can consist of either three (eActros 300) or four battery packs (eActros 400), each of which has an installed capacity of 112kWh and a usable capacity of about 97kWh. Fitted with four battery packs, the eActros 400 has a range of up to 400km.

The electric drive unit consists of a rigid electric axle with two integrated electric motors and a two-speed transmission. The two liquid-cooled motors deliver a continuous output of 330kW and a peak output of 400kW.

In addition, electrical energy can be recovered by means of recuperation, with energy recovered by braking being fed back into the batteries and available for powering the vehicle.

The eActros can be charged with up to 160kW. At a conventional DC fast charging station with a charging current of 400A, the three battery packs take a little more than one hour to charge from 20% of capacity to 80%.

The two integrated electric motors have a high efficiency and provide constant power delivery with a high starting torque. The torque immediately provided by the electric motors, and the two-speed transmission, ensure powerful acceleration, impressive driving comfort and driving dynamics that enable more relaxed, lower-stress driving than a conventional dieselpowered truck.

Another advantage is the interior noise level has been reduced by 10 decibels — roughly corresponding to a halving of the perceptible noise level — which also contributes to increased driver comfort in full-load operation. Night deliveries are also possible thanks to the low noise level.

For DB Schenker, this is not the first use of an electric truck in its groupwide fleet of more than 30,000 vehicles on European roads. It already has more than 40 FUSO eCanters in operation in 11 European countries, including Germany, France, Finland, Italy and Spain. T&D

deliver has given the tick of approval to the first battery electric Volvo truck on Australian roads.

Rob Smith has been driving trucks for Linfox for over 17 years and is currently operating out of the BevChain Distribution Centre in Melbourne’s outer west.

The Volvo FL Electric he drives operates on a variety of routes across the city delivering Victoria Bitter and other Asahi Beverages beer to pubs, restaurants, and bottle shops.

After seven months and 6000km - using more than 5,200 kilowatt hours of electricity - Smith says he’s enjoying his days behind the wheel of the electric Volvo.

“The truck itself is actually quite peaceful to drive. In some ways it’s just like any other truck but in others it’s smoother, quieter, it’s enjoyable.

“When I hop out of the truck, I don’t hear engine noise and I don’t have the fumes, none of that.”

The truck, however, certainly attracts its fair share of attention. “You get a lot more eye contact on the road as people look at it,” Smith continues. “It’s great, I get a lot of questions.

“Everyone wants to know where the batteries are, people are very interested in the lack of noise and how far it goes, is it good to drive, things like that.

“This truck’s doing well - it’s doing the job of a diesel truck. Trucks like this one are the future.

“You can’t get a much better voice of authority than the end user of the product,” says Paul Illmer, Volvo Group Australia’s Vice President, Emerging Technologies.

“We can continue to point out the real-world benefits of zero emissions vehicles, but it’s ultimately the people that interact with this vehicle on a daily basis that will help educate others to their advantages.

“A smooth drivetrain, lack of fumes and noise create a calmer work environment,” he continues, “but it’s also the flow-on benefits to society as a whole that will drive towards a future of cleaner, quieter cities.

“This truck represents the thin end of the wedge on our zero emissions journey in Australia, and that journey is accelerating faster than many can imagine.”

“Linfox is thrilled to see this new electric vehicle inspiring positive conversations as we lead the way in sustainable transport,” said Linfox Executive Chairman, Peter Fox.

“The benefits are coming to life right throughout our community.

“Our skilled drivers are at the wheel of a new age; our customers are enjoying more sustainable logistics solutions and people on our streets are starting to see the everyday benefits of zero emission vehicles.” T&D

Ross Todd Limited and TRT (Aust) Pty Ltd (TRT) has seen Bruce Nixon appointed chairperson of the TRT Group board of directors.

The appointment was made due to the planned succession and retirement of Jerry Rickman, who served as chairperson for over 27 years.

Nixon will help guide TRT into its next phase of growth in New Zealand and Australia.

“TRT has reached several key milestones in recent years. With TRT’s founder, Dave Carden (91), retiring from the board and the new business focus initiated by the Made Possible brand refresh, both in 2021, the time was right to progress this plan,” says Rickman.

“It’s been a pleasure working with the Carden family over many years, particularly with Dave Carden who is a rare mix of entrepreneur, brilliant engineer, and successful businessman. Dave has always recognised the importance of his team by putting people ahead of profits.”

Nixon was appointed as an independent director to the TRT Board in 2018, bringing with him a wealth of business and governance experience. In addition to his involvement with TRT, Nixon also serves as an executive director of the Power Farming Group and as an independent director of Spectrum Dairies and Connell Contractors.

“Jerry has made a significant contribution in his long tenure to lead TRT to be in the strong position it is in today. I look forward to the opportunity to help guide TRT into its next phase of growth alongside directors Bruce and Robert Carden, and chief operations officer Lawrence Baker,” said Nixon. T&D

Bruce Nixon (left), succeeds Jerry Rickman (right) who chaired the TRT Group board for 27 years.

The new LDV eDeliver 9 van comes in two sizes and with three battery options.

attention on the range of battery electric commercial vehicles available in New Zealand.

That choice has just been boosted by an expanded range of LDV electric models launched in early March.

LDV is a division of SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp) Motor which has been making a strong commitment to EV development, with the results beginning to be seen here in NZ.

The small LDV eDeliver 3 van already has a presence in the local market with 65 units registered during 2021.

Hot on the heels of the eDeliver 3’s initial success, LDV has now introduced the significantly larger eDeliver 9 range.

The eDeliver 9 is offered in Big, Bigger and Cab Chassis body configurations. The five vans (two sizes/three battery options) come with a GVM of 3500kg, while the Cab Chassis is 4050kg.

Dimensionally, eDeliver 9 Big is 5.55m x 2.06m x 2.53m, while Bigger measures up at 5.94m x 2.06m x 2.53m, the additional size created thanks to a longer wheelbase.

This equates to an increased cargo volume - 9.69m3 vs 10.97m3 for Big and Bigger respectively. However, due to battery weight, the Bigger with the largest battery option has the lowest payload at 860kg while Big with the smallest battery offers a 1200kg payload. The Cab Chassis is rated for up to 1410kg payload.

When it comes to battery options, for ‘Big’ there are two, 51.5kWh (186km range) and 72kWh (236km range). Bigger comes with 51.5kWh (186km range), 72kWh (236km range) and an 88.5kWh (296km range) battery choices.

The Cab Chassis version has a 65kWh battery (180km range). All models have peak power and torque numbers of 150kW/310Nm.

The LDV eDeliver 9 is very well appointed with standard driver and safety assistance features including driver and passenger airbags and curtains, ESP, front and rear radar, Blind Spot Monitoring, Cruise Control and Lane Change assist to name a few. Plus, there’s a 10.1-inch infotainment screen for entertainment and rear camera display.

Right now, two of the eDeliver 9 range qualify for the government rebate making them a cost-effective option for EV mobility.

The big question remains range, as the heavier the payload the lesser the range. Ideal for delivering large but relatively light cargo on shorter city routes, the payload vs. range trade-off will see route planning definitely come into play for those with longer runs and heavier loads to move. T&D

The new Transmission Gully highway should be ready to open by the end of March.

road transport industry as the April issue of NZ Truck & Driver was about to go to press.

The Transmission Gully section of State Highway 1, north of Wellington, finally appears to be within reach of an opening date.

Significant construction progress during summer, and the deferment of some quality assurance tests till after the road opens, has seen Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency instruct the contractor to open the road before the end March.

Waka Kotahi says the recent work gives confidence the road is safe for the public to use. The remaining quality assurance tasks can be completed after the road is open as they relate to the long-term quality of the road.

Waka Kotahi General Manager Transport Services Brett Gliddon says complex negotiations are continuing with the parties contracted to build, manage and maintain the road.

“However, we are confident the motorway is now in a fit state to open, which is why we have issued this instruction, while we continue with negotiations,” Gliddon says.

“We have not been prepared to compromise on the road’s safety, however all of the critical safety assurance tests have now been completed to a standard that gives us confidence the road will be a safe, reliable route for motorists between Wellington and the rest of the North Island.

“Now that we have deferred these quality assurance requirements, we believe there is nothing substantial that can’t be finished by the end of March, which would prevent the road from opening. We have told Wellington Gateway Partnership (WGP) that we expect the road to be opened as soon as possible and that responsibility now sits with them.”

Under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) the contractor, WGP is responsible for determining when the road can be opened. Subsequent to the COVID-19 outbreak in August 2021, Waka Kotahi, WGP, CPB HEB and Ventia have been negotiating an early access arrangement, which would allow motorists to use the road before all of the Road Opening Completion requirements set out in the contract have been met. As agreement has not been able to be reached, Waka Kotahi has now formally directed WGP as the contractor to allow the public to use the road before the end of March 2022.

Several key requirements will need to be met for the road to be opened, including a final safety inspection. Waka Kotahi is also working with all the parties, including Greater Wellington Regional Council and territorial authorities, so that the remaining resource consent tasks are resolved prior to road opening.

Pavement and road surface tests are among the quality assurance tests which have not been met. Gliddon says expert advice is that the road is safe for use and there are benefits to allowing the road surface to be trafficked to bed it in before winter.

Waka Kotahi says it will not be announcing a specific opening time for the road, in order to prevent any queuing which could cause safety and congestion issues.

The new section of SH1 measures 27km and runs between Paekakariki and Linden. It avoids the congested coastal route through Pukerua Bay which is now redesignated as SH59.

The highway is one New Zealand’s largest transport infrastructure projects. More than 11 million cubic metres of earth has been moved, the largest volume of earthworks ever completed on a roading project in New Zealand. T&D

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