Truck & Fleet ME March 2016

Schaeffler Middle East FZE

Schaeffler Building, Jebel Ali Free Zone, South Road SE 111, P.O. Box 261808 Tel. 00 971 4 8144 500 Email: automotiveaftermarket.ae@schaeffler.com Web: www.schaeffler-aftermarket.ae

Automotive Industrial Aerospace

making the connection the case for connected vehicles

026 MARCH 2016

qatar calling dealers discuss plans for 2016

MIDDLE EAST

transparent truck samsung’s new project

FUELLING THE FUTURE

how the uae is working to boost cng adoption

Oman.Trucks.MercedesBenzME.com

Mercedes PowerShift.

Made for ME. Geared towards performance, efficiency and reliability.

The Mercedes PowerShift automated gearbox for the Actros provides superb performance, outstanding efficiency and reliability for your truck fleet.

Available with 12 and 16 speeds, the tried and tested Mercedes PowerShift gearbox ensures the optimal gear selection as well as an economic and fuel efficient driving style – even in the harshest and most demanding conditions.

The elimination of gear shift errors and the robust gearbox construction reduce wear and tear and maximise the vehicle uptime.

“The efficiency of the Actros in fuel consumption helps us control costs. Especially in Actros that pull close to 70 tons over a route that has multiple roundabouts where stopping and starting is common place.”

Mr Rohit George Executive Director, Golden Global Logistics Fleet of 30 trucks, Oman

Thanks to the innovative “Power Mode”, “EcoRoll Mode” and “Manoeuvring Mode” functions, the driver will accomplish his tour faster, safer and more comfortably.

To find out more about the Actros with Mercedes PowerShift visit our website or contact Zawawi Trading Company on +968 2465 9385.

Muscat: P.O. Box 58, Postal Code 100, Tel: +968 2465 9385, Salalah: P.O. Box 735, Postal Code 211, Tel: +968 2321 2159, Haima: P.O. Box 23, Postal Code 711, Tel: +968 2343 6367, Sohar: P.O. Box 1250, Postal Code 311, Tel: +968 2684 0630, E-mail: ztccv@mercedes-benz.co.om, Facebook: www.facebook.com/MercedesBenzOman

C.R. 1054074

08 CONTENTS

A supplement of Cmme

26

FOUNDER DoMiniC De SouSA GROUP CEO nADeeM HooD PUBLISHING DIRECTOR RAZ iSLAM raz.islam@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5483 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ViJAYA CHeRiAn vijaya.cherian@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5472

34

stAY ConneCteD

eDiTOriaL CONSULTANT EDITOR GAVin DAViDS gavin.davids@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5480

Regular readers might have noticed that we love technology. From telematics to driverless vehicles, we’ve tackled various topics in our features, examining how exciting advances in tech can be

06 / spotlight on sAfetY Oman and the UAE take steps towards making school transport safer.

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR MiCHAeL STAnSFieLD michael.stansfield@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5497

In this issue, we discuss how vehicles will eventually communicate with each other, their owners and the environment around them. Is it too soon to be discussing this in the Middle East? Not

08 / mAking the ConneCtion Connected vehicles will change the face of transport, and governments have to be prepared.

14 / stAYing strong Volvo Trucks discuss plans for the Middle East amidst tough market conditions.

ART DIRECTOR SiMon CoBon

key component of the ‘smart city’ concept.

JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER PeRCiVAL MAnALAYSAY

While there are the obvious benefits associated with connected vehicles – journey management, vehicles can also be a treasure trove of information valuable to government entities and highway operators. Connected vehicles can potentially enable governments to better regulate traffic flow, alert motorists of poor weather conditions and even help

FEaTURE

26 / fuelling the future CNG is a viable choice for fleets, but more needs to be done to enhance adoption in the UAE.

emergency personnel reach their destination faster via traffic light optimisation. The possibilities are endless, and examined in more detail on p. 8.

Another interesting way technology can boost

34 / CretA Comes to qAtAr National Car Company launches new subcompact SUV from Hyundai.

36 / telemAtiCs mAnDAteD

truck with the aim of minimising accidents caused by

CirCuLaTiON & PrODuCTiON DISTRIBUTION MANAGER SuniL KuMAR sunil.kumar@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5476 PRODUCTION MANAGER ViPin V. ViJAY vipin.vijay@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5713

WEB DEVELOPER MoHAMMAD AwAiS

PubLisheD by

overtaking. Read more on p. 40.

With all this tech talk, I must alert you to our @TAF_ME on Twitter to keep abreast of the latest updates in the commercial vehicle industry.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority to make telematics compulsory for heavy vehicles.

Registered at iMPZ Po Box 13700 Dubai, uAe Tel: +971 4 440 9100 Fax: +971 4 447 2409 www.cpimediagroup.com PriNTeD by Printwell Printing Press LLC

paRTiNg shOT

© Copyright 2016 CPi. All rights reserved

40 / the trAnspArent truCk Samsung tests a ‘see-through’ truck in Argentina, expected to boost road safety.

MARKETING MANAGER LiSA JuSTiCe lisa.justice@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5498

last month. The company is testing a ‘transparent’

newest social media channel. Be sure to follow

WORKshOp

MarKeTiNG

DiGiTaL

road safety was showcased by Samsung in Argentina

NEW vEhiCLEs

DesiGN

announcements pertaining to connected vehicles – a

fuel savings, ease of maintenance, for instance – such

iNTERviEW

ACCOUNT MANAGER BiPin SoneJi bipin.soneji@cpidubai.com +971 4 433 2856

in the UAE, certainly, where several notable names like Nissan, Etisalat, du and Huawei have made big

TECh FOCUs

SUB EDITOR AeLReD DoYLe aDVerTisiNG

beneficial to fleet owners and society at large.

NETWORK

DEPUTY EDITOR JeRuSHA SequeiRA jerusha.sequeira@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5477

Jerusha sequeira DeputY eDitor

while the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

MARCH 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 1

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EDITOR'S CHOICE

READERS' COMMENTS

Saudi strike: 1,000 workers protest over unpaid wages

Construction workers at Jeddah company unpaid for six months – report

2

PHOTO GALLERIES

Half of Dubai 2015 property projects delayed: ValuStrat

Dubai property prices stopped falling in the last quarter of 2015, and may plateau this year

3

Work underway at Dubai’s ICD Brookfield Place First major project approved at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) since 2008.

See photo galleries at: meconstructionnews.com/photos

Tough times ahead: Gulf

- Robert Allan, via email

construction outlook for 2016

Low oil prices and challenging

READER POLL

How stringent do you think the UAE’s new fire safety code should be?

economic conditions to weigh heavily on the industry

4

51%

Mecca crane collapse: ‘40

Very: Offending materials manufacturers need to be prosecuted

to stand trial’ – report

Accused include 30 staff at construction firm VIDEO

5

Sheikh Mohammed gives

Star Wars building wrap at Aldar’s Abu Dhabi HQ Aldar and twofour54 partnered to create a giant Star Warsthemed installation at the Abu Dhabi developer’s HQ.

green light to project

See videos at: meconstructionnews.com/videos

Emaar to build new tower at Dubai Creek

The construction sector is heading south, apparently (“Tough times ahead: Gulf construction outlook for 2016”). But the fact remains that, despite the low oil prices and economic jitters, a mass of master-planned projects are still going ahead in the region. Take the new developments around the Dubai Water Canal and plans for some of the ‘mega events’ in the region. Maybe time for less talk of doom and gloom?

8%

Only specific clauses need to be added regarding certain materials

19% 5% A moderate overhaul of existing regulations is needed

The current regulations are adequate

Log on for the latest from across the Middle East construction sector. Write to the editor at contact@meconstructionnews.com 2 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2016

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NETWORK

NETWORK 03 16

YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO THE MIDDLE EAST’S truck anD fleet OperatOr netwOrk

A number of accidents have raised concerns over school bus safety in Oman.

School buS Safety under the Spotlight in oman, uae Oman is considering handing over operations of all school buses ferrying Omani and expatriate children to a public transport company, local media has reported.

The news follows a number of accidents that have raised safety concerns over school transport in the sultanate. Three Indian children, one Indian teacher and two Omani drivers died in an accident in Nizwa when they were returning from a leisure trip.

Shortly after that, another Indian student was injured in a school bus accident in Seeb.

“There is a serious move to involve the public transport system in ferrying school children, as many complaints have been recorded,” a source at the Royal Omani Police (ROP) told Times of Oman.

However, he noted that the plan might take some time to be implemented. “It’s a process which involves many drivers who depend on this for their livelihood. Therefore, the move will be imposed step by step so as to give such people a chance to... possibly find alternative sources of income.”

Meanwhile in the UAE, state-owned Emirates Transport has announced that windows in all the school buses in the country should be tinted to 30% and not use any curtains or blinds. According to a report in Emirates 24|7, the transport provider is also working on implementing safety systems on buses, such as surveillance cameras and tracking systems. Bus drivers’ conduct will also be monitored, it was reported.

DAIMLER OpENS TwO REGIONAL cENTRES IN AfRIcA Four months after the launch of its first regional centre for commercial vehicles in Dubai, Daimler Trucks has announced the opening of two new centres in Africa.

The two centres are Daimler Commercial Vehicles Africa (DCV Africa) for East, Central, and West Africa, and the Regional Centre Southern Africa (RCSA) for Southern Africa.

Together, the two companies will manage commercial vehicles sales and services for all brands in a total of fifty African markets.

“The opening of two additional regional centres in Africa reflects our consistent efforts for getting closer to our commercial vehicle customers in important growth markets,” said Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, Daimler AG board member responsible for Daimler Trucks and Buses: “Through stronger local presence, we will be tapping the potential of these emerging countries even better. Instead of leaving the continent to our competitors we will offer tailor-made products for the African markets.”

Over 4,000 vehicles in Mussaffah, abu Dhabi wer vehicles were iMpOunDeD last MOnth in the area, inc 4 TRUCK&FLEET ME

MARCH 2016

NETWORK

bahraini shipping firM aDDs renault trucks tO fleet Bahrain’s Transcontinental Shipping Company (TCS) has added five new Renault trucks to its fleet in the Kingdom. The trucks, supplied by the Bin Hindi Heavy Vehicle Company, will be used to transport merchandise. TCS plans to add five more trucks to its fleet this year and use them on the route between Bahrain and Qatar.

VW ‘NOT UNdER pREssURE TO sELL TRUCKs bUsiNEss’ Volkswagen is not facing pressure to sell its trucks business to raise money, despite costs expected to mount to billions of euros in the wake of the emissions scandal, according to a report in a German newspaper. “The operating results of the Volkswagen group are good, despite everything. There won’t be a fire sale,” management board member Andreas Renschler was quoted as saying in

an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, according to Reuters.

Volkswagen last year hired ex-Daimler executive Renschler to align its truck manufacturer MAN with its Swedish subsidiary Scania, in order to better compete with rivals Daimler and Volvo.

The German automaker has struggled to save face after it admitted to cheating emissions tests on diesel passenger vehicles.

Cars were fitted with “defeat devices” that could detect when they were being tested, changing the performance accordingly to improve results. Nearly 11 million cars worldwide were rigged in this manner.

The scandal led to the resignation of former CEO Martin Winterkorn, who was replaced by Matthias Mueller, the former CEO of Porsche.

The contract follows a traffic impact study of the International City and Dragon Mart area.

Dubai’s rta awarDs $52M cOntract tO upgraDe al awir rOaD Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded an AED 191 million ($52m) contact for improving Al Awir Road and entrances of the International City (First Stage) project. The project will be undertaken in collaboration with Nakheel, the main developer of International City, said Mattar Al Tayer, RTA director-general and chairman.

It comes in the light of findings from a traffic impact study of International City and the Dragon Mart area, especially after the opening of the Dragon Mart extension and the anticipated traffic back-ups in the area. The improvement project, which covers Al Awir Road, Nouakchott Road and International City at Al Warsan in Dubai, will ease the flow of traffic within the International City community, Al Tayer noted.

ScANIA TESTS SELf-DRIvING TRUckS fOR MINING Scania is testing self-driving trucks for use in mining operations, according to a report on its website.

The company is actively researching the deployment of self-driving trucks in mines,

“with tests under real-life conditions not far off”.

Development on the concept has progressed far enough that the self-driving test vehicle, Astator, is now able to carry out tasks such as picking up and unloading a load of gravel. It is also capable of safely handling obstacles on the road.

“Mines are environments that are especially well suited to self-driving vehicles,” said Lars Hjorth, responsible for pre-development within Autonomous Transport Solutions at Scania. “The area is contained and the operator can control what other equipment and staff is working in the area.”

re abanDOneD last year. sOMe 492 cluDing tankers anD light vehicles.

The project comprises improving Al Awir Road extending from the intersection with the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road up to the roundabout of International City. A two-lane flyover will be constructed at the juncture of Nouakchott Road and Al Awir Road to ensure free movement for inbound traffic from Nouakchott Road and outbound to Al Awir Road (in the westward direction towards Dubai). It will also provide a turning point for motorists coming from Al Awir Road heading to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

The project also includes the construction of a service road in both directions of Al Awir Road to ensure the smooth movement of traffic from International City, Dragon Mart and Al Warqaa District.

“The existing four main roundabouts in International City (Street 414) will be transformed into signalised junctions, and the existing lane will be widened by adding one or two lanes in certain sectors,” said Al Tayer.

MARCH 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 5

NETWORK

Jordan land tranSport Sector incurS loSSeS in 2015

The closing of the Jordan-Syria border has severely affected the land transport sector.

Jordan’s land transport sector had incurred losses exceeding JD550 million ($774.8m) by the end of 2015, it was reported.

The sector was hit hard by Iraq’s decision to close the border with Jordan in mid-2015 as fighting against Daesh intensified.

Jordan’s closing of borders with Syria last year also dealt a severe blow, said Mohammad Dawood, president of the Jordan Truck Owners Association.

“Last year was the worst year for the land transport sector. Many players went out of business,” he told Jordan Times.

Currently, more than 6,000 trucks are “almost idle,” he said, urging the government to help open new markets for the industry. Before the crisis, 300 trucks laden with commodities used to enter Iraq daily and around 250 a day went to Syria, Dawood added.

pEUGEOT TO cOMpENSATE IRAN fOR LOSSES DURING SANcTIONS French auto-maker Peugeot is to pay compensation to Iran for losses inflicted through its sudden withdrawal from the country during internationally imposed sanctions, according to Reuters.

Peugeot will pay compensation under a new contract signed with Tehran last month, Iran’s minister of trade and industry was reported as saying.

The company suspended sales in Iran in 2012 when international sanctions against the country’s nuclear programme

6 TRUCK&FLEET ME

MARCH 2016

were extended to the automotive sector.

In January, PSA Peugeot Citroën signed a joint venture to produce vehicles with the Iran Khodro Company (IKCO), against the backdrop of sanctions being lifted.

The 50-50 joint venture between Peugeot and IKCO is expected to invest up to €400 million ($446.3m) over the next five years in manufacturing and R&D capacity, according to a company statement. The investment will go towards manufacturing and marketing Peugeot 208, 2008 and 301 models.

Peugeot suspended sales in Iran in 2012, amidst international sanctions against its nuclear programme.

NETWORK

AshOK LEyLANd TO RAMp Up pROdUCTiON CApACiTy Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland plans to set up two assembly plants in Africa and double capacity at its facility in Ras al Khaimah, UAE. The company is set to invest around INR 100 crore (about $15m) in the African plants.

“We are looking at a couple of smaller assembly plants in Africa.

We haven’t identified the location yet,” Ashok Leyland managing director Vinod K Dasari told the Press Trust of India at the Auto Expo 2016 in New Delhi.

Elaborating on plans to expand production in the UAE, he said: “We were doing four units a day, which has been increased to 12. By the end of 2016, we will double it to 24 units a day.”

EMc DELIvERS 100 SpRINTER AMbULANcES Emirates Motor Company (EMC), the dealer for Mercedes-Benz in Abu Dhabi, has supplied 100 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans converted into ambulances to the National Ambulance Company.

The vans were handed over at the Arab Health Expo held in January, EMC said in a statement.

“The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is our top choice for the safety features and other technological advancements the van features,” said Robert Ball, chief executive officer of National Ambulance.

“Moreover, EMC has demonstrated commitment to supporting our pre-hospital care services and we have been happy with their contribution to the National Ambulance fleet and service maintenance, which is imperative to us.”

The vans were handed over at the Arab Health Expo in January.

FUsO FORAy iNTO iRAN Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation (MFTBC) has announced that it will enter the Iranian market, based on owner Daimler Trucks’ sales strategy.

Fuso will enter the market early to meet the anticipated growing demand for commercial vehicles once economic sanctions against the country are lifted.

Fuso has entered into a sales contract with Mayan, which will serve as its distributor in Iran. Mayan is part of Dubai-based Mammut Group, a major truck bodybuilder and distributor.

Sales of the light-duty Fuso Canter through

Mayan’s dealer network will begin this year.

Daimler Trucks intends to open a regional representative office in Tehran in the first quarter of 2016, carrying the Mercedes-Benz and Fuso brands.

Despite the sanctions imposed in 2010, Iran remains one of the largest national economies in the Middle East, right behind Saudi Arabia and

the UAE, with a GDP of $360 billion in 2014.

Industry accounts for almost half of the Iranian national economy. The nation’s Ministry of Roads and Transportation estimates that commercial vehicle replacement demand for the next three to five years will total some 30,000 vehicles.

MARCH 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 7

TECH FOCUS FoCUS

Making the ConnECTion ConneCted vehiCles will eventually Change the faCe of transport, and governments and stakeholders have to pave the way for them 8 TRUCK&FLEET ME march 2016

FoCUS TECH FOCUS

t

ech industry buzzword the Internet of Things (IoT) is a growing topic of conversation across several different fields seeking to exploit its tremendous and uncharted potential.

Simply put, the IoT is a giant network of things connected to each other and the environment around them. This includes connected vehicles, which are steadily becoming a reality worldwide.

And although we may still be a while from having autonomous cars ferry us around, internet connectivity in vehicles – for safety, entertainment and a host of other purposes – is here to stay.

While the concept of connected vehicles has existed in the fleet space for quite a while now, passenger car manufacturers are only just joining the game. This opens the door to a whole new world of possibilities in terms of how we drive and interact with vehicles, and how vehicles in turn interact with each other and the environment. Truck&Fleet ME, therefore, decided to dig deeper into the benefits and implications of going connected.

According to a recent study by the Centre of Automotive Management, Germany’s three main car companies – BMW, Volkswagen/ Audi and Daimler – have the global lead over their US and Asian rivals in the development and implementation of information and

communications systems for such cars.

In the Middle East, telecom providers, tech companies and automobile manufacturers have come out with announcements to tap into the potential of connected vehicles, and their role within the concept of smart cities.

Last October, China’s Huawei unveiled its Smart In-Vehicle IoT Security solution at GITEX in Dubai. The product, catering mainly to the public and school transport sectors, offers in-vehicle video surveillance, passenger tracking, emergency services communication, real-time vehicle health data analysis and a host of multimedia services for passenger entertainment.

Meanwhile, Nissan has teamed up with UAE telecom operator Etisalat to launch the

march 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 9

TECH FOCUS

cyber securIty concerns remaIn

Last year, Nissan teamed up with the UAE's Etisalat to launch the Nissan SmartCar mobile app.

Nissan SmartCar mobile app, marking the Middle East’s first connected car deployment.

Powered by Etisalat’s network and M2M Control Centre platform, the app is available with the 2016 Nissan Maxima and Nissan Patrol. It allows drivers to remotely lock or unlock vehicles, control cooling and receive a notification if the car is involved in a collision.

While the technology is currently only available for passenger cars, Nissan Middle East plans on eventually introducing a platform for fleet operations, says Ismail Makhlouf, regional manager – Cross Carline and Corporate Marketing at Nissan. “We are looking at introducing other features for the LCVs which are more relevant to the customers.”

With the explosion of mobile apps, there is clearly an opportunity to look at how vehicles can be more automated, notes Roger Cruickshank, director – Strategic Transport Advisory Services Middle East at Atkins.

“You can already switch on your car before you get to it, get the air conditioning on and so on,” he says, noting connected vehicles can also help customers save fuel by automatically selecting the most fuel-efficient routes.

He provides the example of Dubai’s famous Sheikh Zayed Road, known for traffic snarls.

Most people flock to the highway because it’s familiar, despite the existence of parallel routes, Cruickshank insists. “However, with a connected or automated vehicle, we'd potentially calculate those things. While you may run into unfamiliar territory, you might actually get to your destination as quick if not quicker than using a more popular route.”

In order to better understand what connected vehicles will look like, it’s useful to divide the technologies involved into six categories, according to consultancy Strategy&, which is part of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Mobility management includes all systems

As with almost any internet-dependent services, one of the most pressing concerns with connected vehicles remains cyber security – a challenge that will need to be tackled, the experts agree.

“We’ve already seen some highprofile headlines about thieves being able to hack into some driving systems,” Adamson says.

“Looking forward, we can expect to see more attempts to prevent, intercept or manipulate information which can potentially compromise single or multiple vehicles and aspects of the road infrastructure.”

Although there is considerable knowledge of security risks in computer systems, Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) require specific considerations, he notes. Hence, it’s important that a security analysis be undertaken, in order to understand the probability and consequences of a successful C-ITS attack and

accordingly design and implement appropriate security measures.

“Security must not be considered a ‘bolton’ requirement, so a careful consideration of security during C-ITS system design is vital. This should involve a holistic approach that encompasses people, processes, physical and technical issues,” Adamson says.

Cruickshank also agrees that cyber security is an issue to be considered.

Connected vehicle deployments will require a good level of contingency planning.

“If the Dubai Metro shuts down for example, the RTA has got to react,” he says, noting that authorities will need to focus on risk management, contingency management and contingency planning.

However, these challenges are being dealt with in other industries, he says.

People manage money electronically, for instance, and trust banks to look after their accounts. “So we have to trust telecom providers to look after us in our cars.”

“Insurers wIll need to understand new sources of rIsk, such as drIver dIsengagement or dIstractIon assocIated wIth the vehIcle” 10 TRUCK&FLEET ME march 2016

TECH FOCUS

Akin Adamson, director – Middle East at Transport Research Laboratory (TRL).

Vehicles already have a large amount of information that could be useful to road operators, Atkins says.

With the growth of mobile apps, there is an opportunity to look at how vehicles can be more automated.

that allow drivers to reach their destination quickly, safely, at reasonable cost and with optimal fuel consumption. Vehicles can already access real-time traffic information through on-board navigation systems, and reroute automatically to avoid traffic jams. Over the next few years, drivers will also be able to access highway warnings and messages, the report says.

Vehicle management helps drivers reduce running costs and increases ease of use and maintenance, such as remote unlocking and starting, on-board information about vehicle conditions, service scheduling and updates, and automatic data transfer to

12 TRUCK&FLEET ME march 2016

fleet owners and insurance companies.

Well-being functions entail technology like anti-fatigue devices and systems that can adjust climate, music and seat functions to keep drivers alert.

Driver assistance is the group of technologies that can improve or take over the actual operation of the car – systems that can automatically steer the vehicle or park it in tight spots, brake for obstructions, and speed up and slow down in traffic jams.

The fifth category, and possibly the most important, is safety technologies, which include external danger warnings for

drivers regarding severe weather, hazardous road conditions and the like, as well as the vehicle’s own internal autonomous collision protection and emergency functions.

The final category, according to Strategy&, is entertainment – a basic need in vehicles ever since Motorola introduced the first car radio in 1930.

With the vast array of technologies either already available or in the works, connected vehicles offer numerous potential benefits for the economy and environment.

According to a report by Atkins, vehicles already have a large amount of information that could be useful to road and highway operators. For instance, they can detect external temperature and switch on wipers when it’s raining, or fog lights when foggy. Even floods, potholes and road debris can be identified by analysing vehicle data trails. All this information can help governments in setting variable message signs, sending out patrols and so on, if the data is communicated to control centres.

Another opportunity is the sharing of traffic signal information with connected or autonomous vehicles. Emergency vehicles, for instance, can request a green signal via green light optimisation, Atkins says.

Moreover, connected vehicles can enable transportation agencies to access vehicle data related to speed, location and trajectory, enabling better management of traffic flow.

TECH FOCUS

du looks to tap Into connected vehIcles GCC telecom providers are seeing the value of connected vehicle solutions; one of them is the UAE’s du, which recently signed up with Canadian telematics provider Geotab to offer a connected vehicle solution for fleet owners, wherein businesses can fit their vehicles with Geotab’s telematics hardware and special SIMs. The agreement sees Geotab provide the hardware and software, supported

Such vehicles can thus send information to transportation agencies to enhance their knowledge of real-time road conditions, as well as generate historic data that will help agencies better plan and allocate future resources. For their part, transportation agencies can deploy roadside equipment which reads and sends signals to and from these vehicles, the report notes.

“What connected vehicles would hopefully do is link with each other, communicate with each other and anticipate issues ahead of time,” Cruickshank says.

Knowing the benefits connected vehicles can bring, one of the big questions is what countries, especially in the GCC, should be doing to adapt to their arrival.

As connected and eventually autonomous vehicles become more widespread, governments might need to rethink road infrastructure altogether, Cruickshank points out. “These are the sort of big questions that are certainly being asked in Europe and America, about whether the planning that we've been so used to over the last 50 years is really the way forward.”

“In the Middle East, there are a number of agencies like Masdar that want to ask that question with us, and we're working with them now in looking at some of these exercises around how we believe we're going to travel.”

Third-party providers, such as insurance firms, will need to adapt and develop new

by the du network and cloud infrastructure.

“Du is now working with a comprehensive IoT portfolio,” says Abou Moustafa, vice president – Enterprise Solutions & Managed Services at du.

“Products that we're currently targeting under IoT include smart homes, smart building solutions, smart fleets, smart parking management, smart lighting, smart metering, waste management control and smart health.”

Du has also been

business models for connected vehicles, says Akin Adamson, director – Middle East at Transport Research Laboratory (TRL).

“Connected vehicles have the potential to significantly disrupt the current driver insurance model,” he points out. Alongside helping insurance firms better understand driver risk profiles and create enhanced methods of risk analysis, connected vehicles could also underpin new ‘pay-as-you-drive’ insurance policies.

Moreover, as vehicles become more connected, the risk of road travel and volume of road collision claims is expected to be reduced. Therefore, insurance firms will need to understand and reflect the benefits of these systems in their pricing, Adamson says.

“At the same time, insurers will also need to understand new sources of risk, such as driver disengagement or distraction associated with the vehicle. For example,

partnering with tech companies and automobile manufacturers, announcing an alliance with Vodafone last October. As part of the agreement, it was revealed that du and Vodafone will explore connected car opportunities together.

“It's a strategic partnership to bring the best-in-class machine-to-machine [M2M] platform,” Mustafa says. “We're also working with automobile providers

and Vodafone to enhance the connectivity options provided.”

One of these manufacturers is luxury brand BMW, which now offers the ConnectedDrive platform, consisting of services, apps and assistance systems. BMW cars are now coming out with embedded SIM cards, Mustafa adds.

“We're working on fully managing these SIM cards with the du-Vodafone M2M platform.”

while some connected services offer the potential to improve driver safety, others run the risk of distracting drivers’ attention.”

Also, should incidents occur, the data from connected systems will be critical in understanding the factors that led to a collision, he notes. Hence, independent access to event data for insurers will be crucial in assigning liability.

For governments to take the next step towards preparing for connected vehicles on roads, they should learn from the logistics industry, which long ago realised the importance of connected vehicles, points out Cruickshank.

“Governments should also be careful not to rush into it. There’s quite a number of physical, psychological, financial and safety issues.

Before the trend gets too vast, we actually need to look at the rules and regulations, the governance behind these aspects.”

“what connected vehIcles would hopefully do Is lInk wIth each other, communIcate wIth each other and antIcIpate Issues ahead of tIme” march 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 13

INTERVIEW

STAYING STRONG After A positive 2015, LArs-erik forsbergh, president of voLvo trucks MiddLe eAst, outLines how the brAnd pLAns to MAintAin its position in tough MArket conditions 14 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2016

INTERVIEW

I

Lars-Erik Forsbergh, president of Volvo Trucks Middle East.

t’s a chilly February evening in Dubai, and the sky is shades of orange and pink as the sun sets. The atmosphere is festive on the beachfront of the One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel, where Volvo Trucks executives and media have gathered at an event hosted by the brand to celebrate a strong year in the Middle East.

Much of 2015 has no doubt been tough on global commercial vehicle OEMs, with slowdowns in many key markets, like Brazil and China. Closer to home, the Middle East faces both fiscal and security challenges. Although the price of Brent crude – a benchmark for half the world’s oil – made some gains last month, oil prices remain volatile. Uncertainty lingers over Iran beginning exports and pressurising an already oversupplied market.

Meanwhile geopolitical factors, such as the constant threat of Daesh, have severely affected business in markets like Iraq.

Nevertheless, Volvo Trucks has reported a year of solid business growth, with sales rising in most of its markets in the region.

“2015 has been a significant year for Volvo Trucks in the Middle East,” says Lars-Erik Forsbergh, president of Volvo Trucks Middle East.

“The close cooperation that we have with our importers, combined with the excellent range of products we offer, have ensured that we continue to set new standards in the trucking industry.”

The most successful markets last year were Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon and Qatar, where the Swedish brand more than doubled sales. Double-digit growth was also seen in Oman, which is Volvo Trucks' third largest market in the Middle East.

In Jordan, sales were up by 50%, while Saudi Arabia and the UAE remained the manufacturer's two biggest markets in the Middle East. Sales in both countries remained stable in 2015 compared to the previous year.

Sales have also remained steady in Egypt, which used to be a fairly small market for trucks, Forsbergh notes. In the last two years, the North African nation has seen strong growth backed by large investment – particularly from the GCC – in construction and infrastructure.

While Egypt’s central bank is currently suffering from liquidity issues and a foreign currency crisis, Forsbergh expects this to only be temporary. “Egypt has 80 million people.

Of course there’s a market for trucks.”

Much of Volvo Trucks’ positive performance over the past year has been

MARCH 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 15

INTERVIEW

driven by the introduction of the new FH, FM and FMX models in 2014, Forsbergh says.

“The FH range, our flagship trucktractor, has been very successful. Our FMX, the construction truck, has also been doing well in the construction business, and that’s an area where there is room to grow.”

Volvo Trucks’ forté in the region has traditionally been the long-haul sector, and it expects to continue performing strongly there.

A growing population in the Middle East implies growing demand for goods to be transported and a parallel need for waste management services, another industry which is a significant buyer of trucks. Volvo Trucks is also eyeing a larger share of the construction business, Forsbergh notes, although the industry is expected to suffer from a slowdown this year, as governments look to cut costs.

Despite continued growth over the past few years, the overall market is expected to be challenging in 2016, Forsbergh admits.

“We had the peak in 2015, but it will drop down. But the truck business is cyclic. That's a natural trend that we have in the market.”

“With the oil price about a quarter of what it was a year ago, it will have an effect on the economy. Many companies are now trying their best to balance their budget with their income, and most of them are in deficit, so they have to cut down somewhere.”

As a result, many projects are being delayed or extended while governments are rolling back subsidies on fuel and energy.

“It will be a tougher economic climate here in 2016-17, but we will not change our strategy. We will continue to work closely with our customers and importers.”

“I've been in the truck business for many years and I've experienced ups and downs.

We see the tendency that when the market turns down, customers tend to go for safer solutions. Our customers can trust us. Volvo Trucks is a safe choice when times are tough.”

On the flip side, however, potential customers might be even more reluctant to make purchases in markets that are already price-sensitive to begin with, notes Marco Bonaveglio, Saudi Arabia market director at Volvo Group.

But while most customers in Saudi look at purchase price, they are also concerned about the resale value, he says. And in the Kingdom, Volvo Trucks’ vehicles, like those of rival Mercedes-Benz, have a high resale value.

16 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2016

Much of Volvo Trucks' strong performance last year was driven by the launch of new models in 2014.

“It wIll be a tougher economIc clImate here In 2016-17, but we wIll not change our Strategy. we wIll contInue to work cloSely wIth our cuStomerS and ImporterS” I-ShIft SaleS In full gear Alongside the growth in sales after introducing new truck

efficient gear possible.

In the UAE and Qatar, 100%

many customers have asked for I-Shift gearboxes when

models, Volvo Trucks has

of Volvo Trucks sold are

buying trucks from competitor

enjoyed significant uptake of

equipped with the I-Shift. The

brands, he says with a smile.

its I-Shift gearbox.

gearbox is also finding favour

The 12-speed fully

“In 2016, it doesn't make

in Saudi Arabia and Oman,

sense that the driver should

automated I-Shift is designed

where 75% and 50% of trucks

spend time in changing

for driver comfort and reduced

sold respectively are equipped

gears,” he says, pointing out

fuel consumption, and its

with I-Shift.

that automated gearboxes are

electronics constantly monitor

This success has even

now becoming an industry-

factors like road grade, speed,

exceeded Volvo Trucks'

wide norm. “The driver

weight and engine load to help

expectations, Forsbergh notes.

should focus on the road and

keep the truck in the most fuel-

The I-Shift is so popular that

transporting goods.”

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Volvo I-shift Gearbox

INTERVIEW

localISIng productIon An important Volvo Trucks

days. But as soon as the

milestone in 2015 was the

market starts to recover, we

opening of a new production

have a strong competitive

Saudi Arabia and Iraq, while

facility in Saudi Arabia’s

advantage by having both

helping save on import duty,

King Abdullah Economic

the production there and

also lead to job creation. This

City, in cooperation with

also a service network.”

can help tackle the growing

Zahid Tractor, the brand’s dealer in the country.

While Volvo Trucks had

the Middle East, he adds.

“It's important to have an industrial presence in the

Kingdom for about 15 years,

Financing remains a challenge

Middle East,” Forsbergh says,

growing sales prompted it to

in the troubled nation, as

noting that this presence

build a new facility to keep up

much of the government

can lead to the brand being

with demand, Forsbergh says.

budget is earmarked for

prioritised in government

military spending.

tenders. “It also signals to

in Iraq, south of Baghdad.

“It's not easy to get things up and running in Iraq these

18 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2016

begain to suffer as the country

issue of unemployment in

was ravaged by conflict.

also opened a new factory

“[Customers] are conscious when they buy, but they still want to buy something that they believe is an asset. However, it's a price-sensitive market, which is why we have to optimise all our industrial processes to be as lean as possible.”

The fact that fuel prices are rising across much of the GCC is likely to affect the bottom line of many transport companies, Bonaveglio admits. However, price hikes can lead to a greater emphasis on fuel consumption, making it a good opportunity for manufacturers like Volvo Trucks to emphasise their products and fuel-saving technologies.

Some reports predict that business is going to be lean for the construction industry this year, and delayed projects and payments are already becoming a reality.

This means new solutions may be required for construction customers, Forsbergh says.

“In 2016, we plan to further develop our offerings. We are looking into the rental business,” he notes, pointing out that rental solutions may be ideal for construction companies when business is unpredictable.

Iraq in 2014, up until the market

Local production facilities in

been producing vehicles in the

In addition, the manufacturer

Marco Bonaveglio, Saudi Arabia market director at Volvo Group.

Business was very positive in

It’s a very big market.”

“But I still believe we

the market and customers

should be there,” Forsbergh

that we're there to stay,

says. “One day, Iraq is going

and we have a long-term

to start to stabilise a bit.

plan for this region.”

Volvo Trucks is already offering rental options in some markets, like Saudi Arabia, he adds.

Financing solutions will also continue to be a key part of the Volvo Trucks offering. “In this part of the world, people think the customers have enough money themselves. But it's not really the case.”

Volvo Trucks’ financing options have been a huge success with customers, he notes. The brand started offering the solution in Saudi Arabia, and then expanded into the UAE, Oman, Qatar and other markets.

“You're not just providing the hardware; you provide everything the customer needs. Financing is a part of it as well."

"With the solution we have, they can get the trucks financed without affecting their credit

lines in the banks. They can use the liquidity to do something else, like build a warehouse.”

In addition, there are some new features that will be revealed this year for construction industry customers, he says, declining to provide further details. “We are distancing ourselves very much from our competitors and really taking the lead to introduce the latest technology into the Middle East."

"A lot of our competitors still sell yesterday’s technology here in the Middle East, and we don't really see why. Why should transporters in the Middle East live with the technology used in Europe 14-15 years ago? Whatever is introduced in Europe should be available here as well, and that's the philosophy we follow.”

“we are lookIng Into the rental buSIneSS. when It'S more dIffIcult for conStructIon companIeS to predIct the future, then maybe a rental SolutIon IS a good Short-term Set-up”

Market MaRKET focus FoCUs

Qatar calling

As it geArs up for the 2022 World Cup, QAtAr remAins one of the most promising mArkets in the region for CommerCiAl vehiCles sAles.

But deAlers hAve A mixed outlook for 2016

20 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2016

Market focus

Ayman Ahmed, managing director at Jaidah Heavy Equipment.

i

n 2010, Qatar surprised the world by being chosen to host the 2022 World Cup – a first for the Arab world. Six years later, the GCC nation is busy with a number of ongoing infrastructure and development projects as it prepares to host the mega-event.

These projects – along with the increase in population and the growing need for tourism and leisure infrastructure – are set to drive much of the demand for medium and commercial vehicles in coming years.

According to a report released last year

by Research and Markets, the commercial vehicle market in Qatar is forecast to increase at a rate of over 13% during 2015-20, fuelled by the above factors.

Amidst this tidal wave of growth, Qatari commercial vehicle dealers, perhaps unsurprisingly, have reported strong sales performance in 2015.

“2015 was a very successful year, as we managed to increase our market share significantly compared to the previous year's numbers and figures,” says Iyad Jaradat, GM at Qatar International Automobiles, the dealer for MAN Truck & Bus. “We secured major orders in quantities with our historic and fleet owner customers, yet the new policy of widening our number of customers made the difference in the total number of units sold last year.”

Most MAN trucks sold in Qatar are supplied to the construction segment,

which drives much of the demand for heavy commercial vehicles. The German brand is a market leader in supplying concrete mixers fitted on MAN TGS 41.360 8x4 trucks – a product in constant demand.

Last year was also positive for Domasco, the Qatari distributor for Volvo trucks, says Mohammed Abdul Majeed, sales and marketing manager – commercial vehicles. “The market overall in heavy commercial vehicles went up 3-5% in European brands. For us in Volvo Trucks, it was a very good year. We recorded 300% growth in 2015 compared to 2014, and 70% of our customers were new deals.”

For Volvo Trucks too, most of the customers were from the construction industry, he notes, pointing out that the Qatari market for heavy vehicles is predominantly driven by construction applications, unlike in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where the logistics industry drives sales too. The most popular models sold are the Volvo FMX 4x2 tractor head and the FMX 8x4 rigid chassis.

One of Qatar’s most prominent equipment and vehicle suppliers, Jaidah Heavy Equipment, also had a strong year. The company saw sales grow across all product segments, including commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, compact machinery and cranes, says Ayman Ahmed, managing director at Jaidah Heavy Equipment, the dealer for Isuzu commercial vehicles and UD Trucks.

For Jaidah, growth was driven by both infrastructure projects and the burgeoning FMCG sector, which is driving growth in

MARCH 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 21

Market focus

NEw prOduCtS tO bE uNvEilEd iN Qatar The Qatari market can expect to see some new commercial vehicle launches this year, distributors say.

Iveco, for one, will be unveiling the New Daily later this year in conjunction with Ibn Ajayan, says Marco Torta, area manager for the Gulf region at Iveco.

A date for the launch is yet to be fixed, but the New Daily will be unveiled in Qatar in the first half of the year, he says. Qatar Petroleum is currently a major customer for the Daily, having leased over 1,400 units in crew cab, cargo body and crane-mounted versions.

Jaidah Heavy Equipment and Al Maysan are also looking at new product launches this year, says Ahmed. Al Maysan will be expanding into the bus business and has signed with China’s Yutong Buses, which it will introduce into the market in April this year.

MAN Truck & Bus significantly increased its market share in Qatar last year, says Jaradat.

Jaidah Heavy Equipment will also be launching new heavy-duty models from UD Trucks’ Quester range in May this year,

light and medium-duty vehicles, a segment where Isuzu vehicles are popular. The Japanese brand’s NPR range in particular is popular in Qatar, along with the Isuzu D-MAX pickups. “With the D-Max, we are catering to most of the oil & gas sector because it's a diesel engine-driven pickup, which is usually used by the oil & gas companies.”

In addition, Jaidah Heavy Equipment also supplies UD Trucks for heavy-duty requirements, and among UD models, 4x2 tractorheads and the 6x4 chassis mostly dominate.

MarKEt FOrECaStS Although 2015 was positive for business across the board, when dealers are asked about expectations for this year, reactions are mixed.

“2016 will be a different year. In the days to come, we will know the full extent of the global economic situation, but 2016 will surely not be like 2015,” Jaradat says.

Arun D’souza, general manager at Ibn Ajayan Trading Group, the Qatari dealer for Iveco, is optimistic about 2016 and expects infrastructure projects to proceed full steam ahead. “Compared to all the other GCC countries, Qatar is still better positioned because of the infrastructure projects for 2022, so this will keep pushing the market."

22 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2016

In addition, the country’s efforts towards economic diversification are giving a boost to industries like tourism, which combined with public spending on infrastructure projects is expected to keep momentum going.

Significant orders secured by Ibn Ajayan recently include a tender awarded by the municipality in January to supply 26 Eurocargo trucks for waste management. The 18t 4x2 trucks will be mounted with bin-washers and used for cleaning waste bins, D’souza said. “We also have some tenders to supply all-wheel drive water tankers to the armed forces, a significant number of which will be delivered next month. The bodies are being mounted by Gorica in Dubai.”

For infrastructure projects, the Iveco Trakker is more in demand, particularly the 4x2 configuration with tipping trailers or sewage tankers, he notes.

The other dealers interviewed are not as optimistic about 2016. “It will be tough.

Like most of the GCC countries, we have the drop in oil prices which really caused a shrink in the spending,” Ahmed says.

However, like D’souza, he is confident that infrastructure spending will continue, and business in Qatar therefore will be the least affected by low oil prices. “The government is still committed to spend a lot of money on the

he adds. “UD Trucks and Jaidah will be showcasing completely new models for 4x2 tractor-heads and 6x4 chassis.”

infrastructure and World Cup projects, because it will be difficult to postpone this. But, of course, like any other country in the GCC it will be looking at cutting expenses, and due to that the demand will be a bit less than last year.”

With fewer trucks being sold, competition no doubt will grow fiercer. “This is where suppliers need to be creative and have initiatives in the market to maintain market share at the same level,” Ahmed says.

Majeed also expects the market in Qatar to slow down this year, but not drastically. However, he expects many projects to be delayed or extended. “I can forecast that the market will be tough.”

Given this outlook, how are distributors planning to cope with the challenging year ahead? Many agree that a stronger than ever emphasis on after-sales will be key, in addition to service offerings like used vehicles or leasing options.

Domasco will soon be moving to a new after-sales facility to strengthen its offering for fleet customers, Majeed notes.

With uncertainty in the market, fleet

Market focus

A stronger emphasis on after-sales will be key to tackling a sluggish market this year, dealers say.

owners might be reluctant to purchase new vehicles or equipment, Ahmed says.

“Starting from April 2016, we will be offering our customers a rental option on all our machines, plus also used equipment. At the same time, we are already offering lease-to-own options with a lot of customers in the market.”

Rental and used equipment will be available for customers of Al Maysan Heavy Equipment, the Qatari dealer for SANY machinery, launched by Jaidah Investment in 2014.

“Besides that, we are coming up with financing solutions to help our customers.

At the same time, we are also trying to add some more products to our product line to increase our portfolio in the market. That will add to our revenues and turnover in 2016.”

As times get tough, ensuring a strong aftersales offering will be even more crucial, he notes. Accordingly, Jaidah Heavy Equipment is building a new service facility for Isuzu in Qatar’s industrial area. Construction on the facility will start this year.

If customers look to trim spending, they will

be seeking more competitively priced vehicles, D’souza says. “Last year, we could see Chinese trucks doing very well in the market. This has given an opportunity to Iveco also, because we have the Iveco 682 models from China.”

The 682 models are available in various axle configurations, and can help the dealer garner a larger share in the market this year, D’souza says. “So our focus will also be to push these vehicles.”

NEw OppOrtuNitiES Anticipating uncertainty among construction industry customers, some companies are actively trying to tap into different industry segments. Domasco will be looking towards waste management and ready-mix applications for Volvo Trucks, Majeed says.

“Even if the market is slow, waste management is not going to stop. The country is expanding so waste management trucks are needed on the roads.”

The ready-mix segment is also potentially lucrative, since many of the

construction and infrastructure projects underway are in their initial stages.

“We are looking at opportunities in these two segments, if not construction.

Construction is our major segment, but if it is slow, then we can divert ourselves to these two segments.”

Domasco is also the dealer for Taiwanmade CMC vehicles, and supplies CMC vans to the food and beverage industry – a segment where demand is expected to be stable. “The food industry is growing here, and new restaurants are coming up every day.”

Meanwhile, Jaidah Heavy Equipment will be expanding its focus from fleet customers and looking into the retail segment for Isuzu pickups, Ahmed says. The Isuzu D-MAX GT, for instance, can be potentially marketed towards retail customers, like off-roading enthusiasts.

“The GT model is a very sporty pickup which can be bought by young people who are going to the desert. So it's not only fleets; we're also targeting the retail pickup [market].”

“COMparEd tO all thE OthEr GCC COuNtriES, Qatar iS Still bEttEr pOSitiONEd bECauSE OF thE iNFraStruCturE prOjECtS FOr 2022" 24 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2016

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Feature FEaTURE

Fuelling the future

Compressed natural gas is on its way to beComing a viable alternative to gasoline or diesel for fleets, but more needs to be done to inCrease adoption 26 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2016

Feature

I

n the oil-dependent GCC region, it’s hard to imagine much uptake for vehicles that don’t run on petrol or diesel. However, the UAE in particular seems intent on challenging this notion, which is clear from efforts by public and private stakeholders to boost the adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG).

The technical and commercial viability of CNG merits further discussion, as government entities and businesses look into the fuel as an option for powering fleets. Driving institutes and taxi companies in particular have been leading the CNG charge: Emirates Driving Institute, for one, announced last January that it had converted 50 of its training vehicles to use CNG fuel. Cars Taxi has also added CNG vehicles to its fleet in Abu Dhabi.

In the UAE, those looking to convert vehicles to run on gas can avail of the services of stateowned Emirates Transport, which operates CNG conversion centres in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and at its workshop in Al Qusais, Dubai.

Emirates Transport kick-started a CNG pilot project in July 2010, which saw it convert two cars from gasoline to natural gas. The

project was officially launched thereafter in September 2010. As of August 2015, the company had successfully converted 4,551 vehicles for a number of major clients.

Alongside converting the vehicles, Emirates Transport also carries out the repair and replacement of spare parts for natural gas vehicles (NGVs), offering a 24-month/100,000km warranty for every vehicle converted, says Eng Mahir Al Sayed Ali, Abu Dhabi technical services centre manager at Emirates Transport.

For the economy and the environment, there are numerous advantages to deploying CNG. Natural gas – a mixture of hydrocarbons found independently in the ground or associated with crude oil – is the cleanest burning fossil fuel. According to figures from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) website, using natural gas emits 20-25% less carbon dioxide; 50-80% less carbon monoxide; 25-60% less nitrogen oxide; and 50-75% less nonmethane hydrocarbon.

Moreover, the fuel is also safer than petrol.

In case of car accidents, for instance, natural gas has a lower flammability degree due to higher ignition temperature and lighter weight than petrol. Using natural gas also enables longer life of vehicles and their machinery: your engine oil, spark plugs and exhaust system are likely to last longer running on CNG. “Natural gas for vehicles has proven its commercial viability and is considered one of the cleanest and safest fuel types with the lowest carbon emissions,” says Zaid Alqufaidi, managing director, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) Marketing. “Dubai’s longterm strategic plan to [generate] 75% of the emirate’s energy through clean sources by 2050 offers ample opportunity to drive the use of CNG.” In order to ensure that CNG is commercially viable for potential users, ENOC has paid special consideration to ensuring that the price differential of liquid fuels and

“Converting engines to Cng requires investment, so innovation to make this proCess easier, CosteFFeCtive and widespread is CritiCal” MARCH 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 27

Feature

As of August last year, Emirates Transport had successfully converted 4,551 vehicles to CNG.

natural gas is regulated, he says. “This helps us ensure that the fleet operators find the use of CNG economical and commercially viable as compared to liquid fuels.”

When asked whether the oil price decline is likely to affect demand for CNG, Alqufaidi notes that natural gas pricing worldwide is linked to oil prices. Hence, the drop in oil prices also affects the price of natural gas.

“Rather than forecasting the uptake of CNG based on pricing, we would prefer to highlight the environmental imperative in using gas.

From pro-environment government goals in the UAE to worldwide targets in emissions reduction after the COP21 talks in Paris last December, the global mindset is moving towards sustainable solutions.”

Apart from government entities, commercial vehicle manufacturers are also keen on introducing CNG solutions in the region.

MAN Truck & Bus is currently participating in a CNG bus trial conducted by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), to look into the viability of CNG in public transport.

MAN has fully adapted its CNG technology to UAE and Middle East market conditions, says Franz Freiherr von Redwitz, managing director at MAN Truck & Bus Middle East. The German brand is a global leader in CNG buses, he notes, with over 10,000 units in operation worldwide.

MAN’s NGVs run mainly in Europe, in cities like Paris and Madrid. Outside Europe, the manufacturer’s CNG buses are used in Brisbane in Australia, and closer to home, 2,000 out of a

28 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2016

total of 6,500 buses in Iranian capital Tehran are powered by MAN CNG engines.

Adapting CNG vehicles to operate as effectively in Middle Eastern climatic conditions was a challenge, von Redwitz says. Among the major adaptations required was for the air-conditioning system. This was particularly difficult for low-floor city buses, with the airconditioning system usually mounted on top.

CNG cylinders also needed to be installed on the bus roof, for lack of any other space.

“We had to move the air-conditioning system backwards in order to accommodate both the gas cylinders and the A/C system on the roof. But if the air-conditioning system is further in the back, you need additional air channels to move the cold air forward. So we had to completely reengineer the whole air-conditioning system, the air flow and so on. There was a lot of engineering work done for the rearrangement of all these components and the respective testing.”

Italy’s Iveco has also been active in the CNG space, with more than 25 years of experience in the sector. The company’s Iveco and Iveco Bus brands feature a complete range of natural gas vehicles, having sold more than 14,000 units, including light, medium and heavy goods vehicles, as well as buses.

Iveco has noted some demand from customers for CNG vehicles, but in limited numbers at the moment, says Davide Diana, Iveco marketing and product manager, Africa & Middle East. “However, there is a growing interest from public sector companies in the

Zaid Alqufaidi, managing director, ENOC Marketing.

C

M

Y

emirates transport pioneers a dual Fuel system

CM

MY

After successfully carrying out conversions of

CY

gasoline vehicles to CNG, Emirates Transport

CMY

launched a pilot project to convert diesel vehicles to dual fuel, wherein the vehicles would be powered by both diesel and natural gas.

In 2012, Emirates Transport initially converted three vehicles into dual fuel in order to evaluate performance, drivability, emissions and fuel cost savings.

The project is considered to have been the first such initiative worldwide. As of October 2015, Emirates Transport had converted 253 vehicles to dual fuel and has plans to convert 2,000 this year.

No modifications are required to the engine as part of the conversion, Ali says, and the process can be easily adapted for different diesel engines. The converted engine has the same performance as the original in terms of torque/power and drivability, and requires less CNG storage capacity compared to dedicated CNG vehicles. Dual fuel vehicles also offer extended mileage compared to diesel vehicles.

Moreover, the dual fuel engine is capable of running in both diesel mode and dual fuel mode. In both modes, the engine remains a diesel cycle engine.

K

Feature

CNG cylinders need to be pressurised up to 250 bar to get the right driving range.

UAE and Qatar to move to alternatives to diesel such as electric and CNG for specific projects.”

LIMITaTIONS One of the most widely acknowledged limitations currently hindering more widespread adoption of CNG is a lack of adequate refuelling infrastructure.

In the UAE, while there are CNG stations in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, Dubai currently has a lack of infrastructure, notes Ali. However, the company managed to convert between 300 and 350 vehicles to CNG in Dubai last year, despite the current shortage of filling stations – a situation ENOC subsidiary Emirates Gas (EMGAS) is looking to improve.

“We are fully aware of the importance of developing a robust CNG refuelling infrastructure within the UAE,” Alqufaidi says. “As a result, ENOC, through EMGAS, has signed an MOU with ADNOC Distribution to collectively develop the CNG refuelling infrastructure throughout the UAE.” Another limitation on NGVs is the typical driving range, says Diana. For CNG, the typical range is 250-350km for light vehicles, 300400km for medium-duty trucks and 400-850km for heavy-duty trucks. With liquefied natural gas (LNG), on the other hand, a heavy-duty truck’s

30 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2016

A CNG conversion centre operated by Emirates Transport in Abu Dhabi.

range can reach 700-1,400km, he says.

Von Redwitz, however, notes that driving range is not a major limitation for CNG buses.

“We can accommodate any range at the moment. There are certain limits, but on a 12m bus with an air-conditioning system, you can accommodate a system which gives you more than 500km of range. No city bus line is longer than 350km at the moment.”

“Of course, we provide tailor-made solutions, so if the customer runs only 200km every day it doesn't make sense to sell a bigger fuel tank.”

An issue that may deter more people from switching to CNG is the price differential between NGVs and conventional diesel vehicles, he adds. “In terms of purchasing price, a CNG bus is roughly 20% more expensive than a conventional diesel bus. One reason is the highpressure fuel tank."

In a diesel vehicle, fuel can be stored in a simple steel or plastic pressureless tank.

CNG vehicles, however, require gas cylinders pressurised up to 250 bar to get the right range, with resulting safety features. This is to ensure that in case of an accident, the gas cylinders don’t explode if the vehicle catches fire.

“Moreover, the gas engine itself is more expensive than a diesel engine for the reason that the number produced per annum is much

enoC looks to deploy more Cng stations Emirates Gas (EMGAS), a subsidiary of the UAE’s ENOC, plans to deploy four CNG ‘daughter stations’ this year as it looks to boost use of the fuel.

A CNG daughter station is not connected to a natural gas pipeline; gas is brought to the station via mobile storage.

“Our CNG sales target for 2016 is 7,500 cubic metres per day, for which the deployment of four daughter stations has already been finalised for the year 2016-17,” Alqufaidi says.

“In the meantime, our growth plans focus mainly on enhancing our CNG network in Dubai and we will look to explore opportunities to expand in the Northern Emirates in the near future.”

EMGAS recently signed with Al Ahli Group to set up a dedicated CNG daughter station to supply the organisation’s fleet with natural gas.

The company is also working with the group to convert its 450-vehicle fleet to run on CNG. In addition, ENOC has recently converted as many as 600 cars to CNG in driving schools around Dubai, and is currently carrying out waste-to-energy research, Alqufaidi says.

Feature

lower,” von Redwitz says. “Hence the units are more expensive. But if you take into account the life cycle of a city bus, the purchasing price – depending on the market – is somewhere between 4% and 6% of the total cost of ownership.”

Maintenance costs can also be a bit higher than those for diesel vehicles, he says. “One reason is safety: you have to check the gas cylinders and valves respectively because you’re working with a high-pressure system that needs good maintenance. It’s a spark plug engine, so you have to exchange the spark plugs more often than on a passenger vehicle.

Therefore, the maintenance cost is 4-5% higher than on a diesel engine.”

According to Alqufaidi, the process of converting engines to run on CNG is another factor. “Converting engines to CNG requires investment, so innovation to make this process easier, cost-effective and widespread is critical.”

ENCOURaGING GaS Even with the associated limitation and challenges of deploying CNG on a wider scale, governments

should not be deterred from encouraging use of the fuel. A number of steps can be taken to boost the uptake of CNG, Diana says.

Enhancing the refuelling network is critical, and governments should consider making natural gas mandatory for any new public refuelling station. A good way to ensure an initial requirement for gas stations is to switch public fleets to CNG. In addition, business and fleet owners can be given incentives, such as a weight bonus for NGVs to compensate for the extra weight of CNG tanks, and priority access to city centres for CNG distribution trucks and LCVs. Another obvious step is making it more costeffective to use NGVs, by subsidising them. This can be done through incentives such as lower fuel excise duties on CNG and LNG, less taxation of NGVs and lower highway tolls for gas vehicles. “To be effective, tax or toll reduction should be guaranteed for 10 years to secure investments,” he points out.

Von Redwitz also notes the need for subsidies on CNG to increase adoption.

“Subsidies always help if you want to encourage a new technology that people [are sceptical about] because they have not used it before.”

There is growing interest from the public sector in the UAE and Qatar in CNG solutions, Iveco says.

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What’s more is that the solution facilitates transparency and compliance with even the strictest Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) policies and procedures, which not only reduces risk, but lightens the workload on operational staff.

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www.mixtelematics.ae MARCH 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 31

COMMENT

Safety firSt on School buSeS Bassam alkassar, CEO Of flEEt managEmEnt firm fms-tECh, disCussEs hOw tElEmatiCs Can makE sChOOl BusEs safEr Bassam Alkassar, CEO of FMS-Tech.

F

ollowing the tragic and avoidable death of a three-year-old girl on a locked school bus in Abu Dhabi back in October 2014, many parents are worried about their children’s wellbeing, tending to be rather demanding at times.

As announced by the School Transport Executive Committee last year, new tighter regulations brought in for Abu Dhabi’s 6,000 school buses include mandatory seat belts, medical tests for drivers and training courses on pupil safety. For public schools, 4,460 school buses with drivers assisted by 5,500 transport and safety supervisors carry 208,000

32 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2016

students a day to 675 schools in the capital.

These measures are in addition to a raft of safety initiatives announced last year by Abu Dhabi traffic police.

In addition to the measures listed above, hundreds of buses have been fitted with in-vehicle monitoring systems (IVMS), networked CCTV cameras, automatic double flashing lights to signal that the doors are open, a driver-side stop sign – and a coat of bright yellow paint.

With telematics systems, it becomes easy to track, dispatch and maintain school buses to ensure that each child is picked up on time and dropped off safely.

On-board computers are programmed to instantaneously record an event and forward it to the server, even when the bus is still on the road. GPS vehicle trackers determine accurate school bus location in real time and dispatch continuous feed and updates via satellite or cellular network. This information is continuously passed on to a central server, where it is stored and can be retrieved at any time. Continuous access to this data means the people responsible can maintain logs, schedule pick-ups in case of delays, communicate with drivers and create situational awareness that leads to better and safer driving experiences.

School bus GPS also integrates with traffic updates, providing driving directions to avoid obstacles and pile-ups along the way, making sure all pick-up and drop-off points are reached on time. They help in navigating

COMMENT

through low-visibility areas and extend the life of vehicles by scheduling tune-ups and maintenance work through regular diagnostic reports. In case of a breakdown, an alert enables a backup or repair wagon to be quickly sent. This saves time and money.

Moreover, it is important to improve driver behaviour through constant communication and surveillance. Two-way audio, texting and cameras show the situation inside each bus and help promote good driving behaviour.

Keep concerned parents in the loop by letting them know where each bus is located exactly. Improve safety by setting speed thresholds and geo-fences. Get access to history log data which lets you know when, where and for how long a school bus made a load stop. Cut costs by reducing fuel usage, automating drivers’ logs/timesheets and ensuring efficient fleet management.

Such regulations aim to achieve internationally accredited safety standards and

“it’S Safe to conclude that telematicS uSage iS only going to increaSe over time aS the technology proveS to be efficient”

specifications across all school buses in the Emirates. Drawing up policies and procedures, streamlining school bus services, planning and implementing measures are intended to ensure the efficiency and reliability of school transport services.

What’s in store for school bus fleet managers? All these solutions allow fleet managers to stay one step ahead of unexpected and costly breakdowns and reduce the number of accidents. It’s safe to conclude that telematics usage is only going to increase over time as the technology proves to be efficient.

As government regulations become more and more strict, we will see an increase in awareness across fleet businesses that need telematics solutions to manage fleet costs and compliance with regulations. After all, the safety, comfort and sustainability of school transport are the joint responsibility of the government, community and private stakeholders.

MARCH 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 33

new vehicles

HyUndai CRETa LaUnCHEd in QaTaR National Car Company, the Qatari dealer for Hyundai, has launched the new Creta sub-compact SUV. Highlights on the Creta include an optional push-start button, a rear parking assist system and a rear-view camera linked to the five-inch central display unit. The vehicle is powered by a 121hp 1.6MPI engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

“This SUV has been designed for a new generation of customers who are looking for vehicles which demonstrate forward-thinking design and at an affordable price,” said Jin (James) Kim, vice-president and head of operations for Hyundai Motor Company Africa and Middle East. “The Creta is a true expression of the future of our brand and is perfectly equipped to perform strongly within the highly competitive sub-compact SUV segment.”

The all-new Hyundai Creta is available in entry and mid grades varying in features and specifications.

“The introduction of the all-new Creta will open up the sub-compact SUV segment, giving the customers a solid and practical choice to cross over,” said Sheikh Ahmad bin Nasser al-Thani, president director, National Car Company.

VW TigUan MaKEs MiddLE EasT dEbUT

2.6 million: Units sold worldwide

34 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2016

The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan made its Middle East debut this year at the Qatar Motor Show.

It features upgraded off-road capabilities and exhibits a new design language by Volkswagen. The new model is the second generation of the Tiguan, a compact SUV first launched in 2007 which has sold over 2.6 million units worldwide to date.

“Qatar is embracing new developments, making it an ideal backdrop for the arrival of the new Tiguan, which is perfectly designed to meet modern-day driver demands with a bold new design and innovative technological features,” said Thomas Milz, managing director, Volkswagen Middle East.

The Beetle Cabriolet, new Passat and GTI Club Sport also debuted at the Qatar Motor Show, held January 28 to February 1 at the Doha Exhibition and Conference Centre.

new vehicles

aUTo CLass inTRodUCEs MaxUs bRand Auto Class, a subsidiary of Nasser bin Khaled Automobiles, has introduced the Maxus brand into the Qatari market for the first time.

The company will sell Maxus and other new brands coming soon to Qatar from its Salwa Road showroom.

At the show, the Auto Class pavilion displayed the Maxus V80 15-seater and G10 seven-seater vans. Panel van versions of the V80 and G10 will also be available in Qatar.

Formerly known as LDV (Leyland DAF Vans), the Maxus brand was acquired in late 2000 by China’s Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). It was re-branded and re-developed into the Marquee brand for SAIC Motors.

The Maxus G10 van uses SAIC’s selfdeveloped 2.0T engine, mated with an ZF six-speed manual transmission. The Maxus V80 is powered by a 2.5L Euro 4 turbodiesel engine producing 136bhp and 330Nm of torque.

It is equipped with safety features such as ABS, electronic brake distribution, emergency brake assist and LED daytime running lights.

2.5L

Euro 4 turbodiesel engine

FoTon aUMaRK gTL UnVEiLEd in doHa China’s Foton and its Qatari dealer, Khalid Bin Nasser for Trucks and Buses (KBN), have launched the Foton Auman GTL tractor head in Doha.

The launch, held in the Ritz-Carlton Doha, marked the GCC-wide introduction of the tractor head. The event was attended by representatives of local construction, car rental and logistics companies.

“The region is currently facing macroeconomic challenges due to lower oil and gas prices, and this is expected to sustain for the next several years. While development plans will be executed in Qatar, this will occur perhaps at lower than planned volume and value,” said Sheikh Khalid Bin Nassar Al Thani, chairman of KBN. Many companies will thus need to adjust their margins and cash flows, he noted.

“Foton provides excellent performance for value. Our products are up to 50-60% cheaper than high-end brands in the market.”

Equipped with a Cummins engine, the new Foton Auman GTL represents a highquality, low-cost value proposition, he said, adding that KBN is also investing in a stand-alone showroom on Salwa Road and a service centre in the industrial area.

MARCH 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 35

WORKSHOP

WORKSHOP Maintaining yOuR fleet’S efficiency

Dubai to make telematics manDatory for heavy vehicles

The project aims to minimise heavy truck violations.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is set to make telematics devices mandatory for heavy vehicles, it said in a statement.

The project, which will make connected datacollection devices compulsory in larger trucks and lorries, is part of a national strategy aimed at

25

new radars to be installed on Razeen Al Wagan and Trucks Roads in Al Ain.

36 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2016

reducing accidents caused by heavy vehicles.

“We have embarked on developing an integrated system and technological applications enabling us to monitor and analyse data pertaining to faults sustained by heavy vehicles,” said Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO

of RTA’s Licensing Agency.

“The Vehicle Defect Clearing System (VDCS) is a service intended to improve the monitoring of heavy vehicles in Dubai through fitting them with mandatory telematics in order to track their defects and monitor driver attitudes.”

Bahrozyan added that the RTA is in the final stages of setting up a smart monitoring centre fitted with monitors and systems linked with the devices fixed on heavy vehicles. The centre will communicate with the RTA’s road patrols to identify violating vehicles.

Through stricter monitoring, the project aims to minimise the financial, human and environmental impacts of heavy truck violations.

In addition, the RTA is also rolling out a mechanism to calculate the risk rating for vehicles using data provided by technical inspections, the remote detection of faults and the annual technical inspection.

Vehicles will be awarded a rating of zero for no faults detected during an inspection. Meanwhile, non-compliant vehicles will be given points for each fault, and a final rating out of ten will be assigned.

AbU DhAbi-DUbAi highwAy To bE READy by yEAR-EnD The Abu Dhabi General Service Company (Musanada) has announced that construction on the new AED 2.1 billion ($572m) highway linking the UAE capital and Dubai is 70% complete. The road,

spanning from Seih Shuaib to Sweihan Interchange, is expected to be ready by the end of this year. The 62km highway will form part of a road linking Abu Dhabi with Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Image for illustrative purposes only

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WORKSHOP woRKShoP

fRee teStS fOR Dubai tRucK DRiveRS Truck drivers in Dubai were given access to free medical tests and mechanical tests for their vehicles last month. The tests were offered by a mobile check-up unit as part of a campaign by various government entities and Total.

Colonel Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, director of Dubai Traffic Police, said the campaign was launched following rising fatalities involving trucks. It will continue until the summer and the unit will be moved to different locations frequented by trucks, Al Mazroui said, quoted

by Gulf News. No fines will be issued to anyone who voluntarily comes to get a vehicle checked, he said.

QuicK tiPS Build your drivers’ trust in telematics through these tips: 1. Engage your drivers. Tell your drivers what you are planning to do before embarking upon a course of action. Gaining their buy-in will greatly assist introduction of the system.

2. Explain how telematics works. Tell your drivers how data from their vehicles will be gathered and analysed to identify how performance can be improved. Ensure you tell them how vehicle tracking and event monitoring can help protect them should an accident occur.

3. Talk about training. Tell your drivers that should the system uncover a particular

ACDELCo REPoRTS SALES gRowTh

training need, the company will help them develop their skills to overcome it.

4. Share the results. Experience has shown

American auto parts brand ACDelco has reported a 29% rise in annual Middle East sales of its car batteries.

The brand said its 2015 sales equated to 40% of the vehicle battery market in the region. ACDelco, owned by General Motors, attributed its success to developing ‘maintenance-free’ batteries specifically designed for Middle Eastern climate.

that publishing results motivates drivers to do better. It also encourages discussion amongst colleagues and the sharing of best practice.

5. Involve drivers in reviews. The more drivers are engaged in the process, the better you can expect them to perform over the long term.

Source: MiX Telematics

Abu DHAbi veHiCle MAinTenAnCe MARkeT ‘To HiT $1.2bn by 2020’ Abu Dhabi’s maintenance service market for cars, buses and trucks is set to grow 6-8% annually to reach AED 4.4 billion ($1.2bn) by 2020, according to analysts Frost & Sullivan.

The market for maintenance in the UAE capital was valued at AED 3.1 billion ($844m) in 2015, as per a report released ahead of this year’s Automechanika Dubai, organised by Messe Frankfurt.

There are currently 670,000 cars, buses and trucks plying Abu Dhabi’s roads, of which 90% are cars. Consequently, the car segment – including taxis, rentals and private cars – is the

largest contributor to the emirate’s booming maintenance service market.

Subhash Joshi, Frost & Sullivan’s associate

director for Automotive and Transportation in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, noted that vehicle sales in Abu Dhabi are expected to increase by 7-9% annually from 2017-2020, and that in the bus segment, sales will be driven by tourism and industrial activity, creating demand for touring and labour buses respectively.

The 14th Automechanika Dubai, to be held in May, is expected to attract over 2,000 exhibitors from 60 countries. Returning to the show is the Truck Competence initiative, where more than 900 exhibitors will showcase products dedicated to the truck sector.

“tHiS caMPaign iS tO SPReaD aWaReneSS, aS acciDentS invOlving Heavy veHicleS anD tRucKS aRe five tiMeS aS baD aS acciDentS invOlving ligHt veHicleS” Colonel Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, director of Dubai Traffic Police MARCH 2016 TRUCK&FLEET ME 39

PARTING SHOT

The transparent Truck SamSung iS teSting a ‘See-through’ truck in argentina, which it claimS will booSt Safety on the road

T

ech giant Samsung is currently testing a ‘transparent’ truck in Argentina, seeking to prevent road accidents resulting from overtaking.

The tech giant has developed the first Samsung Safety Truck, in conjunction with Volvo Trucks Argentina. Other companies – ad agency Leo Burnett Argentina, Argentine tech firm Ingemática, and trailer engineering and construction company Helvetica SA – are also involved in the concept.

The Safety Truck uses two front cameras and a transportation software platform designed

by Ingemática to capture and transmit a picture

40 TRUCK&FLEET ME March 2016

of the road ahead of the truck. This picture is transmitted to a display mounted on the back of the truck, composed of four Samsung monitors.

This enables motorists to ‘see through’ the truck and make an informed driving decision.

The monitors, designed to be dust and waterproof, are said to be able to perform in tough environmental conditions, ensuring a clear picture at all times.

“Samsung is always looking for opportunities to apply technology to improve people’s lives,” said Sang Jik Lee, Ppresident of Samsung Electronics Argentina. The company believes the new concept “will change the history of

road safety,” he added.

The Samsung Safety Truck was officially launched at the Roberto José Mouras racing circuit at an event attended by media and business leaders. The truck will run on Argentinian roads for a year, the company said.

Valere Lourme, manager of marketing and communications at Volvo Trucks, noted that safety is a basic principle in any project undertaken by the Swedish manufacturer. “Volvo Trucks Argentina wanted to participate in the Samsung Safety Truck project to further promote reflections on a more secure future for both the truck driver and everyone else.”

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