RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE Driving in the tough and rugged terrain of the Indonesian rainforest.
STEERING AT ITS BEST Volvo Dynamic Steering takes the steering of trucks to a totally new level.
VINTAGE WHEELS How the Series 1 truck paved the way for Volvo Trucks the world over.
A MAGAZINE FROM VOLVO MALAYSIA SDN BHD ISSUE # 3 / 2013
Movers & Shakers Inspiring and modernising the logistics industry is all in a day’s work for the Biforst Group
CONTENT Uptime #3/2013
8 RAINFOREST CHALLENGE
Transporting coal in Indonesia is challenging work. In the difficult jungle terrain and ever-changing weather, the driver’s skills are indeed crucial.
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Shifting the future
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The HAMMAR King
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Me & My Volvo
Biforst Logistics is a home-grown 21st century logistics company that’s utilising technology and embracing new ideas in order to revolutionise the Malaysian logistics industry in the long run.
In the bustling Port Klang industrial zone, there are many logistic companies. But Taipanco Sdn. Bhd. stands as the biggest and most productive. We find out why.
Although adopting more of a mentor/ trainer role these days, Malaysian Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Challenge 2013 winner Zamri Rahman stands firm behind the value of the Volvo trucks he drives.
4 MD MESSAGE 5 START 24 INSIDE VOLVO 31 HOW IT WORKS 32 THE BUSINESS 38 THE YEAR UPTIME #3/2013
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EDITORIAL LETTER
Towards The Final Sprint As I put pen to paper, it’s hard to imagine that we’re in the final few weeks of 2013. Time really does fly doesn’t it? As all of us look to wrap up our goals for 2013 and set new ones for 2014, the year-end period is often used as a time of reflection. This is especially true at Volvo Trucks Malaysia as we’ve worked tirelessly as a team to be second to none in the eyes of our customer. Our aim to be the ‘Region of the Year’ for the second time running notwithstanding, we have already begun to lay the foundation for our Long Term Plan, which will help spearhead Volvo Trucks Malaysia to 2016 and beyond. And as most of you have already seen, we have gone from strength to strength to not only offer the best products but the best services as well as value added initiatives, to ensure that we keep to our goals. In recent months, we have achieved numerous milestones, including the opening of our new Kuantan dealership in Gebeng and the completion of our refurbishment at our Shah Alam dealer reception as well. Additionally, we have also recently launched the Exchange Parts programme along with a new Service Campaign and a sensational RM1 Campaign, where we are offering a 6L pack of engine oil for just one ringgit. The promotion ends 31st December this year, so do check it out if you haven’t already. But it hasn’t been all business for us, we also found a bit of time to inject a bit of fun. The recently concluded Volvo World Golf Challenge, held at the Saujana Golf & Country Club saw a 5% increase of participants, which was hugely encouraging to us. And we also saw the culmination of the recent Fuelwatch Challenge 2013 in Queensland, Australia, which saw our local Champ, En Zamri Rahman from Konsortium Logistics Berhad, represent Malaysia at the prestigious regional competition. We are certainly proud of his achievements. With that said, I leave you to enjoy our third issue of Uptime and hope it serves as an insightful and informative read. Do log on to our website at volvotrucks.com.my and join us at VolvoTrucksMalaysia’s Facebook page for further updates and announcements. Until next time, keep on trucking!
Mats Nilsson Managing Director, Volvo Trucks Malaysia
UPDATE Uptime is published by Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd, No 6, Jalan Bicu 15/6 Seksyen 15, 40200 Shah Alam Selangor Darul Ehsan. Volvo Malaysia is a whollyowned subsidiary of AB Volvo, Sweden since 1969.
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News & updates from the Volvo world
Australia and Korea excel at Fuelwatch Volvo Trucks Asia Pacific Fuelwatch Championship 2013 won by Australian Grant Morice with Korean driver Youngki Park triumphant in off-road competition. The recent Asia Pacific Final of Volvo Trucks’ 2013 Fuelwatch competition saw the region’s best drivers showcasing their ability and efficiency behind a truck. Held in Brisbane, Australia on 22nd and 23rd of October, the regional finals saw a total of 13 entrants from Korea, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Australia as well as New Zealand. The event also involved a connected off-road competition as well. Organised by Volvo Trucks Asia Oceania and held at the Mount Cotton Training Centre, the two-day event saw each competitor showcasing their abilities that garnered them their respective victories in their home country. In the end it was Grant Morice who put his home ground advantage to good use in order to best his fellow competitors. The Australian driver showed nerves of steel as he delivered the most fuel efficient rounds on the 5.8 km long on-road course, driving the New Volvo FH16 6x4 with a gross combination weight of 40 tons. And at the off-road site, on a 4.2 km long circuit over rough terrain, it was Youngki Park from Korea who managed to save the most fuel with the competition truck: a Volvo FMX 8X4 (gross vehicle weight: 21 tons). Representing Malaysia at the competition was the winner of Volvo Trucks Malaysia’s Fuelwatch Challenge 2013, Zamri bin Abd Rahman of Konsortium Logistic Bhd. “I never thought that I would be representing Malaysia in an international driving challenge like this prior to taking part in
the Volvo Trucks Malaysia Fuelwatch Challenge 2013,” said Zamri. “It was very exciting and the experience has taught me many useful fuel saving tips and I look forward to applying the knowledge about safety and fuel saving driving techniques,” he added. “I would like to thank Volvo Trucks and my employer Konsortium Logistic Bhd for giving me this once-in-alifetime opportunity.” Besides the Fuelwatch crowning its Asia Pacific winner, the competition also demonstrated the difference a driver can make when it comes to a truck’s total operating costs. Compared to the last-placed driver, Morice achieved an impressive 34 percent less in fuel consumption, which illustrates the cost saving potentials - purely through the driver’s performance. As the competition showcased its importance to not only drivers but also haulage operators, Joachim Rosenberg, Executive Vice President of Volvo Group broke the news at the concluding gala dinner that there will be a Global Final in play now in 2014. “I am very pleased to announce that we will have a global final in Gothenburg, Sweden in 2014,” announced Rosenberg. For their efforts, both Morice and Youngki Park will get the opportunity to travel to Sweden and watch next year’s World Final in person. Congratulations go out to all drivers who took part.
UPTIME #3/2013
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START
News & updates from the Volvo world
6th Edition of Volvo World Golf Challenge Returns Golfers tee off for a chance to play at the global championships in 2014 A total of 102 golf enthusiasts, guests and customers from Malaysia and Singapore converged at the Saujana Golf and Country Club on 1st November 2013 to tee off in the local qualification of the Volvo World Golf Challenge 2013. Organised by Volvo Trucks Malaysia, this year’s tournament saw Volvo Buses participation for the first time in preparation for their strong re-entry into the Malaysian market in 2014. Speaking at the event, Mats Nilsson, Managing Director of Volvo Malaysia said, “Golf and Volvo Trucks have two things in common: global growth and popularity in different markets around the world. Golfing is a sport for the enthusiast and mirrors growth, momentum, strong presence and passion; reflecting the very values of Volvo Trucks.” The level of competition at the local qualifying leg of the Volvo World Golf Challenge World Finals was close but ultimately it was Lee Chee Hua, Managing Director of Megah Transport Sdn Bhd who was crowned the national champion of the Volvo World Golf Challenge 2013. Winning the coveted title, the 35-year-old will go on to represent Malaysia at the global championship in South Africa in January 2014.
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Emerging in second and third place respectively were Chew Hew Hong of Sincere Shipping & Forwarding Sdn Bhd and Simon Hii Kong Yii of Demeter Logistics Sdn Bhd. Both individuals made off with a trophy each and a game of weekday golf for four at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club and Saujana Golf and Country Club respectively. This year’s challenge marks the sixth consecutive year of the national Volvo World Golf Championship organised by Volvo Trucks Malaysia. Since its launch in 1988 as the Volvo Masters Amateur, more than one million golfers from all over the world have enjoyed competing in this exciting, friendly, stimulating and hugely prestigious event. For more information on the Volvo World Champions, kindly visit www.volvoingolf.com
Road Safety Innovation Challenge Volvo Trucks Malaysia lends support towards road safety
To help make roads safer, Volvo Trucks Malaysia partnered with Agensi Inovasi Malaysia (AIM) and University Putra Malaysia (UPM) to launch the ‘Road Safety Innovation Challenge 2013’, a competition encouraging students and the public to contribute ideas on reducing the rate of accidents between trucks and motorcyclists. Held on 18th September 2013 at UPM, the challenge was organised as part of the iSTREC (Innovative Solutions to Reduce Crashes between Trucks and Motorcycles) initiative and in conjunction with the Sweden Malaysia Innovation Days 2013 organized by Business Sweden. The launch was
graced by Mr Bengt Carlsson, Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia. The launch of the Road Safety Innovation Challenge 2013 was an important extension of iSTREC and reflected the second phase of the initiative focused on driving greater awareness on road safety via student and public engagement. Through this unique challenge, students and the public were able to leverage on their creativity to capture moments, messages and ideas on how to enhance and achieve better road safety between trucks and motorcyclists. Participants were encouraged to submit their entries online at www.ureka.my/challenge/istrec.
RM1 Lubricant Promotion Enticing offer sees a six-litre pack of engine oil sold for just one ringgit
In order to emphasise the importance of using original Volvo lubricants and to also reward its customers, Volvo Trucks Malaysia has embarked on a RM1 lubricant promotion. The ongoing promotion which started on 1st October 2013 offers customers a six-litre pack of engine oil, which normally retails for RM78, for just one ringgit. The RM1 Lubricant Promotion is valid when Genuine Volvo Parts/Volvo Exchange Parts are purchased to a minimum of value of RM1000 in a single Work Order through the workshop. The charge of RM1.00 will be added together with the parts and labour charges under the same invoice. The promotion, which ends on 31st December 2013 or whilst stocks last, is limited to one (1) bottle per work order or invoice and is valid at participating Volvo Malaysia dealerships in Shah Alam, Kuantan, Bintulu, Sibu, Kuching, Johor Bahru, Ipoh and Seberang Prai. UPTIME #3/2013
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DRIVER REPORT Text Charlotte Simonson Photo Sören Håkanlind
A TROPICAL CHALLENGE Where black gold is mined, tropical heat is interspersed with sudden downpours. In Borneo’s unpredictable weather and rugged, challenging terrain, transport is a gruelling demonstration of driving skills.
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DRIVER REPORT
D
eep in the mineshaft, the machines move about like mechanical ants, persistent and indefatigable. There is a distant noise of engines. Outside the mine, the mist has recently lifted to reveal the forest-clad mountains. Down in the mine, there is a powerful roar. The sound of stone scraping against steel, when load after load of coal and soil are shovelled onto the flat body of the truck. Andreas Wahyudi waits with his hand on the gear lever for the few minutes it takes his colleague to give him a heavy load. He then puts his foot on the accelerator and once again climbs to the top. “The most important things are to focus, be careful and communicate with one another,” he says. The Susubang Mine is a 9,000 hectare open-cast mine in East Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo. This is where the hardest and most expensive coal, anthracite, is mined. The exposed coal looks like black, vertical stripes in the excavated soil. Blasting, followed by the removal of the rock-filled soil between the seams of coal, is required to access it. Every day, 31-year-old Andreas removes soil in a Volvo FMX, from the area of the mine to a dumping site 1.5 kilometres away. The rough road surface and the heavy load, as much as 27 tonnes, require not only resilient construction vehicles but also skilled drivers. Deep wheel tracks, stones and large clay potholes make the roads in the area of the mine
difficult to negotiate. The soil that is removed quickly changes the landscape, as do landslides and downpours. “The terrain is the greatest challenge. The condition of the roads has a decisive impact on safety,” says Andreas. Fully laden trucks thunder past and Andreas keeps a watchful eye. He then reaches a water-filled hole in the road and grips the steering wheel with both hands. The engine revs as the truck approaches a steep hill and the truck climbs upwards. “No problems, this engine is powerful.” Constant instructions on where the load is to be dumped, questions about Andreas’ position and warnings of obstacles on the road issue from the communication radio. At the mine, communication is the most important thing. “We never know what lies further ahead. The ground moves and what looks one way at one moment can quickly change the next. However, I know my colleagues will keep me informed and so I stay calm,” says Andreas. During a shift, Andreas never leaves his truck, but the constant communication via the radio, the honking of horns and friendly greetings from oncoming drivers mean that he never feels alone. “The best thing about this job is the new friends I have made,” Andreas explains. He comes from Longkali is eastern Kalimantan and, like many drivers, he is a long
The demand for coal, especially from China, has created a huge demand for drivers. Andreas Wahyudi lives together with 20 other drivers at workers accommodation close to the mine. “The best thing about the job is the new friends I have made”, he says. 10
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“We never know what lies further ahead. The ground moves and what looks one way at one moment can quickly change the next”
The trucks are loaded with up to 27 tonnes of soil or coal. The coal extracted from the open cast mine is the hardest and most expensive one, called anthracite.
ANDR EAS WAHYUDI, TRUCK DRIVER
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DRIVER REPORT
“To begin with, it was really unpleasant when the truck tilted, but I’m used to it now. The Volvo is really comfortable, so I can relax. ” ANDR EAS WAHYUDI, TRUCK DRIVER
way from his family. During the past few years, the huge demand for black gold, not least from China, has encouraged foreign companies to open more and more mines in Kalimantan and this has created a real need for labour. Andreas currently shares workers’ accommodation with 20 other drivers a short bus trip from the mine. He has his own room, simply furnished, with a mattress on the floor and posters of his footballing idols on the walls. He spends most of his waking hours in the driver’s cab and he likes it. His jeans fit loosely on his muscular thighs and he smiles from under his dark sunglasses as his truck bounces along. Andreas has been driving trucks since 2005 and he has spent the last year working at the mine. He initially sat next to another driver to receive special training. “To begin with, it was really unpleasant when the truck tilted, but I’m used to it now. The Volvo is really comfortable, so I can relax. Compared with other truck brands, the suspension and shock absorbers in the cab are excellent,” he says. It is noon and time for a lunch break some way from the mine. The workers eat the rice they have brought with them in the shade of a roof and light cigarettes while the trucks stand in the parking area. There is total silence in the heat. The clay has been tightly packed by the heavy vehicles 12
which appear to have been abandoned in the powerful, white sunlight. The mud has dried in the tyre tracks and on the wheels and lumps of muddy clay hang from the truck chassis. There is a smell of diesel and hot rubber. Work then continues for the whole afternoon. The next day, the scene has changed, however. Rain has fallen during the night, the mountains are cloaked in mist and the air is heavy with moisture. “It’s going to be slippery today,” says Andreas. He has just eaten his breakfast of rice and chicken in the canteen, where the air smells of chilli and oil, and he has put on his leather boots in the gentle morning light. A cool wind blows over the truck park and the earth is a pool of mud. Andreas quickly checks his truck. Oil, filter, tyres, brakes – everything looks fine. He pulls himself into the driver’s cab, steps out of his boots on the top step and makes a note. He then turns on techno music, leans back and waits – and waits. In tropical Borneo, the monsoon rain falls suddenly and heavily. It arrives frequently, but it is difficult to predict. After the rain, the roads have to be scraped and all the other work stops for safety reasons. “Otherwise, there’s a risk that we'll find ourselves in the ditch and roll over, or crash. Today, the weather is clear, but we know that the rain can fall at any time.”
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The landscape of the mining pit undergoes constant change due to soil that is removed, landslides and downpours. Communication between the drivers is therefore essential and the CB radio is never silent.
DRIVING IN THE JUNGLE
Watch the video of Andreas Wahyudi. You can find the film at www.youtube.com/ volvotrucks
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DRIVER REPORT “When I drive, I feel important and proud of myself. It fills me with satisfaction.” ANDR EAS WAHYUDI, TRUCK DRIVER
The work also stops in blinding fog and dust. So, when work is possible, everyone works really hard. A Volvo truck at this mine operates round the clock and lasts for as long as 10 years. As the sun rises and the fog lifts, the drivers bend over their white Volvo trucks. The sound of the engines has stopped and music from the drivers’ cabs flows between the trucks. One of the drivers has turned up the volume and stretched out, with his legs above the open truck door. The gruelling driving at the mine makes tiredness one of the greatest hazards and regular tests are conducted to make sure that no driver is too tired. Andreas drives for 11 hours a day. He admits that it is monotonous, driving the same 18-minute journey day after day. However, this is more than compensated for by the feeling behind the wheel. “When I drive, I feel important and proud of myself. It fills me with satisfaction,” he says. Suddenly, he is given the go-ahead and immediately turns on the engine. The sun is already high in the sky above the mine. At the end of the working day, Andreas reverses into his parking space, turns off the engine and jumps out. The moon shines brightly from behind the peaceful clouds, over red piles of soil, the vegetation and the distant blue mountains. Young men in blue shirts and helmets move from the canteen to the trucks, ready to start the night shift. Andreas stands in the moonlight. In Longkali, he was a farmer and truck driver. The opportunity to work and earn money brought him here, together with the chance to develop his skills and make a career. “In the future, when I can afford it, I would like to start my own business in the transport industry, using the experience I have acquired here. Who knows,” he says, as a modest smile lights up his face, “one day, I might even buy my own truck.” ■ 14
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FACT FILE THE COMPANY
TRUCK MODEL
PT. Bima Nusa Internasional Background: Local contracting company founded in 1991, which undertakes assignments on behalf of the South-Korean mineowning company Kideco. It has worked at the Susubang Mine since 2011. Location: Six mines in East Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia Number of trucks: 54 trucks for soil (overburden) of which 39 are Volvo FMX 6x4 trucks. Nine Volvo FMX 8x4 trucks are used to transport coal.
Volvo FMX for challenging contracting assignments, in the form of a 6x4 Scow end dumper truck 17M3 (for overburden, OB), with an in-line, sixcylinder, 10.8-litre D11A engine developing 370 bhp
Other: One of the company’s slogans is “Safety first” with a zero vision for accidents.
How it's used: To transport soil (overburden, OB) at the Susubang Mine
THE AREA
South China Sea
PH I LI PPI N E S
BRUNEI
M A L AY S I A
BORNEO
INDONESIA Balikpapan Batu Kajang 200 km SVENSKA GRAFIKBYRÅN
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THE customer Text Daniel Fernandez Photo DSF
Setting the standard What happens when two old friends who first met in school love the transport business? You get Biforst Logistics. This 21st century logistics company is owned by Mr. R.A. Rao and Mr. Appala Nakkiah who share a passion in pushing the logistics industry in Malaysia to be on par with European logistic companies. 16
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F
or the most part, Malaysian logistics has never held the issues of innovation, fuel economy, timelines and the all-important carbon footprint with high-importance. That however may change soon as the owners of Biforst Logistics have begun to set the standards for logistics management on the local front with their innovative logistics solutions, which they have employed since they started their business back in the year 2005. Back then, both Rao and Appala, who were once schoolmates, were working in different logistic companies. But after learning the business and gaining enough work experience they decided to team up to start Biforst Logistics. “Our first client was a chain store who awarded us a contract to transport chocolates from their warehouse in Singapore right up to all their stores around Malaysia,” recalls Rao about Biforst’s humble beginnings.
Using a leased truck, both men worked hard to save costs and later the same year, through sheer hard work, Biforst managed to expand their business to eventually distribute goods for a large pharmaceutical company using five leased trucks. Working from a small office (which is part of the headquarters now) they purchased their first prime mover which was a reconditioned unit later that same year. The following year in 2006, they purchased their first Volvo truck, a used FL10. As their business grew with more beverage manufacturers signing logistic contracts, Biforst Logistics expanded their fleet of Volvo trucks with a Volvo FL7 truck in 2006 and later in 2008; eight units of Volvo FM12 (used trucks) were purchased. “The FM400
came with the revolutionary i-Shift technology which impressed us the most,” admitted Rao. “The revolutionary gearbox made it easy for the driver to drive, engage the gears and also for braking,” he added. With a fleet of trucks, it was time for Biforst Logistics to start revolutionising the logistics industry. A traditional 40-foot truck carries 20 to 22 pallets, but Biforst owners rebuilt their trailers with Malaysian road transport approval and were able to carry 32 pallets and later up to 34 pallets. This saved a lot of fuel, travel trips and overall running costs for Biforst.
“It was a beneficial move for both us as well as our clients,” revealed Appala. “For the clients, their goods were moving faster and with less turnaround time and it also provided them with cost savings as well. At the same time Biforst also became one of the few logistic companies to offer moving billboards for their soft drink customers as an added incentive. In 2008, Biforst redesigned their trailers even further to carry up to 40 pallets for their biggest soft drinks customer. This effort reduced their carbon footprint as there were
“The FM400 came with the revolutionary i-Shift technology which impressed us the most” R.A. RAO, BIFORST LOGISTICS
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THE customer
fewer trucks on the road and they managed to reduce their costs and increase their customer turnaround time as well. The process of moving more pallets on a single trip allowed their customers to utilise more storage space at their warehouse as fewer trucks were moving in and out. This method also allowed for quicker movement of goods to retail outlets.
Biforst Logistics also got into the Malaysian Book of Records for having the truck with the longest ‘curtain sided trucks’ with their Volvo FM400 6x2 RSS Hub Reduction I-Shift truck. Thanks to the Volvo Engine Brake (VEB), the Volvo truck now has even better braking and smoother quick gear changing which allow the drivers to have better concentration on the road and reduce running costs. In 2010, December Biforst Logistics became the first company to move electronic goods from Singapore port to the city of Shanghai in China. Biforst Logistics is now looking to move goods via inter-country logistics and this is where the company hopes truck manufacturers will offer regional warranties for logistics companies to repair and maintain their trucks when moving goods overland from country to country.
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Although inter-country logistics is still on their mind for the foreseeable future, Biforst however has already begun to pave the way to incorporate technology into their set-up. Interestingly, Biforst is also an IT company with their own command centre to view, track and trace their trucks where and when they are in transit. The ‘Transport Management System’ (TMS), which the company uses was developed in house by Biforst and they also have a paperless system to allow clients to track and follow their cargo and the drivers. This is to eliminate hijacking and allows clients to follow their goods like how courier companies do.
Looking forward to their future needs, Biforst Logistics has just purchased a brand new Volvo FM400 early this year. With this truck, Biforst is now able to transport 50 pallets on a single trip. Now in the fourth quarter of 2013, Biforst Logistics have also ordered additional prime movers from Volvo Trucks Malaysia. Currently Biforst Logistics has 25 Volvo trucks in operation, and there’s no doubt in anyone’s minds that this is a figure that’s bound to continue as Biforst carries on with their impressive expansion in the field of transport and logistics. �
THE customer Text Daniel Fernandez Photo DSF
Taipanco, The ‘HAMMAR’ King In a bustling industrial zone in Port Klang you will see dozens of haulage companies. But only one stands out as the biggest and most productive –Taipanco Sdn. Bhd. Located on more than 20 acres of land, the company prides itself as being more than just a haulage provider.
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THE customer
E
xecutive director, En. Nazari Hj. Akhbar started Taipanco with his partners in April 2004, after having worked in the haulage industry since graduation. Thus far, Nazari has moved Taipanco forward with impressive speed with his innovative management methods and by employing the latest technology to keep his fleet running lean and profitable. With a modest capital, 10 reconditioned prime movers and a handful of staff in two portable cabins, the business has grown at a rapid pace. “Today, the company operates from the same location but with 30 portable cabins, 220 staff and just over 170 prime movers,” he explained. The success that has spawned over the nine-year period however came with a lot of hard work and the right equipment to move containers. From the beginning, Taipanco used Volvo prime movers. “We bought our first brand new Volvo prime mover, a Volvo FM12 6x2 in 2004,” revealed Nazri. The company also has claimed numerous rewards in the last few years and implemented positive methods that have set it apart from most haulage companies in the country. In 2008 Taipanco won the global No.1 award for being the biggest operator of HAMMAR side loaders, with a total of 30 units. Two years later, the company snagged another award, this time for the biggest volume of TUE’s in the Port Klang central region. And having a mantle of awards aside, Taipanco’s success can be narrowed down to a number of inventive moves and ideas. For starters, Taipanco is operated by its owners and not a sub-contracted business and as such, it uses the best practises to ensure high growth potential year in, year out. The company also makes it a point to reward its staff and personnel. Nazari explained that there are incentives schemes already in play for everybody from the drivers to the office administration staff. “Additionally, drivers with no accidents for a year and who run their trucks with low maintenance also get financial rewards,” added Nazari. Interestingly, there are also remuneration rewards for drivers who drive efficiently and help save fuel. Last year’s Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Challenge was won by a Taipanco driver, En. Mohd Roslan, which shows that the methods employed by the company have truly beared fruit.
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In terms of haulage and operations, Taipanco uses a Haulage Management System which was customised to their requirements. The system allows them to monitor their fleet movements, whilst also allowing customers to submit haulage reports online and also monitor their container movements. All of this helps not only has reduced manpower costs but also improves the workflow for the clients as well as saves time. As a co-owner, Nazari wants the ‘truck of tomorrow’ to have better fuel consumption, be equipped with a service indicator system for the administration office to be alerted when servicing or repairs are needed. “I also feel that the truck companies should set up a service and spares workshop in Port Klang itself for faster turnaround time,” he voiced. As Taipanco looks to the future, it is also continuously setting the bar and priding itself on providing key services for its clientele. Currently, the award-winning company also offers container storage for its clients with a shortage of space. All this contributes to Taipanco being a complete service provider and one of the biggest players in the haulage industry in the country.
“We bought our first brand new Volvo prime mover, a Volvo FM12 6x2 in 2004” NAZARI HJ AKHBAR, TAIPANCO SDN BHD
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me & my volvo
Text Daniel Fernandez Photo DSF
ZAMRI RAHMAN, KUALA LUMPUR
“Today’s driver needs to be aware of the maintenance cost of a truck and this is why taking care of the brakes, tires and even the cabin is of paramount importance.” Malaysian Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Challenge 2013 winner Zamri has been a truck driver his whole working life. Now at 45 years of age, he trains new truck drivers for Logistics company Konsortium Logistics Berhad (KLB). Behind the wheel of a truck since the age of 21, Zamri is highly experienced in moving containers from port to warehouses in the best possible way to reduce fuel costs. Starting his driving career as a car carrier driver, his shift to prime movers came years later in 1990 before spending the majority of his career at KLB Logistics. Having benefited with the opportunity to drive a wide variety of trucks in the KLB Logistics fleet, Zamri stands firm behind the value of Volvo trucks. “My preferred Volvo truck is the Volvo FM 400, which I use to train drivers, “reveals Zamri. “It drives great, has a great suspension whilst providing a stable and secure feel from the steering wheel, and it’s one of the most fuel efficient trucks I’ve had the pleasure of driving.” After having spent a large portion of his career driving Volvo trucks and also winning the Malaysian Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Challenge, he realised the efficiency of the Volvo FM series of trucks, especially the FM440, which he trained with in preparation for the regional finals of the Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch Challenge. With the training he has received along with the experience he has gained during the competition, Zamri intends to transfer this knowledge to the drivers he trains at KLB. “I hope I am able to impart some of my knowledge to my drivers so that they can hone in on their driving skills to get even better fuel economy,” he says.
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However as a trainer, Zamri admits safety remains as the key element he wants to instil as a mentor and instructor. “A truck driver needs to take notice of smaller vehicles on the road in order to reduce the chance of accidents as the trucks we use are very large and powerful, and can do a lot of damage if driven badly.” He also adds that today’s driver needs to be aware of the maintenance cost of a truck and this is why taking care of the brakes, tires and even the cabin is of paramount importance. “Only then can a truck driver be truly efficient behind the wheel.”
ZAMRI RAHMAN
Age 45 years old Lives In Melaka Company Konsortium Logistics Berhad (KLB); one of the leading integrated logistics service providers in Klang, specialising in cargo and container haulage. Background 24 years of truck driving experience, 2013 Malaysian Fuelwatch Challenge Champion, 2014 Fuelwatch Ambassador.
THE TRUCK
Model: Volvo FM440 6x2 Engine: 440hp Gearbox: I-Shift Cab: Single Cab Function: Training vehicle for Fuelwatch Challenge
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INSIDE VOLVO Text Erik Salmonsson & Per Grehn Photo Nicke Johansson
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STEERING
MADE EASY
Volvo Dynamic Steering is a world class technical innovation. Sophisticated technology has enabled Volvo Trucks to get a patent for a steering-wheel function that does not simply prevent occupational injuries in truck drivers, the steering response actually surpasses reality.
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INSIDE VOLVO
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he way in which vehicles are steered has changed as automotive history has evolved. What began life as a single lever developed during the 19th century to become a steering wheel fairly like the one that is used in present-day vehicles. The other major development was hydraulic powerassisted “servo” steering, a support system that became increasingly important as vehicles became larger and heavier. The next stage in this development process has now arrived – Volvo Dynamic Steering. “At low speeds, a heavily loaded vehicle is so easy to manoeuvre that it can be steered with just one finger and, when driving on the highway, this dynamic steering system offers unbeatable directional stability,” explains JanInge Svensson, one of the people responsible for the system software at Volvo Trucks. The system is based on a classical mechanical steering arrangement in which the steering rod runs down from the steering wheel to the steering gear. A hydraulic servo system creates the power that helps the driver to turn the truck's wheels. The principal difference when it comes to Volvo Dynamic Steering compared to conventional steering is an electrically controlled electric motor that is fitted on top of the steering gear.
Senior engineers Sten Ragnhult and Jan-Inge Svensson have been responsible for some of Volvo Dynamic Steerings main functions.
This electric motor works with the steering gear. At low speeds, the electric motor provides additional power assistance, making the truck incredibly easy to maneuver. At higher speeds, the electric motor controls the steering, automatically eliminating jags when steering. The electric motor is controlled via signals from a management unit which contains what is known as an angle-reference generator. This is the brain of Volvo Dynamic Steering. Via sensors located in different parts of the truck, this management system collects information relating to the vehicle. “These sensors are located in a wide range of different places and they combine to produce a complete picture of what is happening to the truck. Among other things, they measure the speed of the truck, what gear – forward or reverse – that has been selected,” explains Sten Ragnhult, the person responsible for developing the system hardware. One important component in the system is the sensor in the electric motor. It has been fitted to a torsion rod and it measures the force the driver uses to turn the steering wheel and its steering angle. This data then forms the basis when it comes to determining how the system functions act to create the perfect steering response. The information that reaches the management unit is analysed by the system software. Control 26
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“At low speeds, a heavily loaded vehicle is so easy to manoeuvre that it can be steered with just one finger” JAN-INGE SVENSSON, SYSTEM SOFTWAR E, VOLVO TRUCKS
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INSIDE VOLVO
signals are then sent from the system to the electric motor, which helps the truck compensate for the disruptions the sensors register. All this takes place in less than a millisecond and results in the optimal steering response. One important function when it comes to
the management unit is its straight-ahead compensation function. The straight-ahead engine position is continuously compensated for and, as a result, the driver never needs to adjust the steering wheel to accommodate an uneven road surface or continuous side winds. “One example of the kind of situation that can occur is braking, when the friction on the right and left sides varies. The truck then attempts to pull to one side and the steering wheel turns as a result of the asymmetrical forces between the tyre and the road surface. 28
Volvo Dynamic Steering receives a lot of information about the truck, such as the steering wheel angle, front axle wheel speeds and vehicle speed.
The new system completely stops the steering wheel turning,” explains Jan-Inge Svensson. In simple terms, Volvo Dynamic Steering can be compared to a filter that improves the real-life situation the driver experiences via the truck steering wheel. It goes without saying that a system of this kind cannot be produced overnight. Volvo Trucks started the development work eight years ago. “We have encountered a number of major challenges along the way. Finding room for the electric motor in purely physical terms in the cab has been a huge challenge for those of us involved with mechanical systems. I said from the start that it was completely impossible, that it wouldn’t work, but, with the assistance of our skilled colleagues at the cab development department, we succeeded,” says Sten Ragnhult with a smile. Otherwise, most of the work has focused on
developing the advanced software in the system. Working together, the development team have succeeded with the calculations that were needed to make the management unit function correctly. The team has been assisted by a number of
different test drivers who have helped to make the project a success. These drivers have conducted a raft of different tests in which the developers have accompanied them to find out how the drivers would like the steering to respond. “We have quite simply allowed the drivers to test a wide range of scenarios in which the steering response has been varied in many different ways. By collating the data that has been collected, we have succeeded in recreating the optimal steering response in the management unit software,” explains Jan-Inge Svensson. One of the drivers who has played a leading
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Test driver Henrik Gustafsson had problems with an aching shoulder. When he started to operate a truck equipped with Volvo Dynamic Steering the pain disappeared. UP TIME #3/2013
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INSIDE VOLVO
“I don’t even feel potholes in the road because the system compensates in such a way that they don’t exist.” HENR IK GUSTAFSSON, TESTDR IVER
role in the development work is timber truck driver, Henrik Gustafsson. Every day, he works deep in the Swedish forests in a new Volvo FH. The narrow, often muddy forest roads impose enormous demands both on Henrik’s professional skills and on the truck. “I have been driving this test truck for a year. It has been exciting and incredibly enjoyable to be part of the development work. I know, for example, that the things I discover and point out will actually make the truck better for everyone.” Fully loaded, Henrik’s timber truck weighs 60 tonnes. Manoeuvring a truck like this on the narrow, often poor-quality roads is physically demanding work. The smallest stone or root makes its presence felt and the constant steering-wheel adjustments this necessitates are a significant strain, not least in the driver’s shoulders, back and neck. “I spent some time driving trucks in Norway, where the roads are often narrow and winding. As a result, I injured my left shoulder and the pain radiated from my shoulder blade.” Since Henrik started driving the truck with 30
Volvo Dynamic Steering, the pain has totally disappeared. “I can now drive and stay completely relaxed, even on poor roads. It’s fantastic to suddenly be able to steer the truck with just one finger in situations in which I was previously forced to use both hands to control the steering wheel. I don’t even feel potholes in the road, because the system compensates in such a way that they don’t exist.” However, the narrow forest roads are not the only place Henrik experiences a real difference. A fully loaded timber vehicle combination has a high centre of gravity and is particularly sensitive to rutted road surfaces and wind. As the system also compensates for these irregularities, Henrik can drive in a totally relaxed manner, even on larger roads. “In the forest, where you drive slowly, you want the least possible steering-wheel resistance, whereas you want more resistance on highways. This system adjusts the steering-wheel resistance to match my speed,” he says. “I have already said that the next truck we buy simply has to have Volvo Dynamic Steering!” he concludes with a smile. ■
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HOW IT WORKS VOLVO DYNAMIC STEERING Volvo Dynamic Steering is a system made up of a number of mechanical components and sophisticated software.
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Steering rod It has been modified to accommodate the new installation.
Management unit
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Electric motor
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Internal sensor
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External sensors
The management unit collects information on the movement of the truck, such as its speed and lateral acceleration. This information is processed by the management unit, which then sends signals to the electric motor which corrects the steering force the driver feels.
Hydraulic steering gear The electric motor twists a torsion rod in the hydraulic steering gear. The more the torsion rod is twisted, the more an hydraulic valve, which increases the hydraulic assistance, is opened.
The motor is checked 2,000 times a second to harmonise steering-wheel power. The motor has an output force of 25 Nm.
The internal sensor is inside the electric motor and is designed to measure the twist in a torsion rod. These data are needed to calculate how the system can create the perfect steering response.
The truck acts on information that is gathered from different sensors that are spread throughout the truck and combine to describe the exact ambient conditions.
FOUR KEY BENEFITS 1. Reduction of driver wear and tear injuries through lower shunting forces.
2. More relaxed driving through improved directional stability.
3. Increased driving comfort through active suppression of road disturbances.
4. Increased road safety through reduction of directional deviations.
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THE BUSINESS
KUANTAN DEALERSHIP OPENS ITS DOORS
Volvo Malaysia’s new Kuantan dealership in Gebeng is set to cater to the demands of customers on the East Coast.
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ecognising the need to service and provide comprehensive transport solutions as well as quality aftermarket support to customers in the East Coast Region, Volvo Malaysia has officially opened its new dealership centre in Kuantan, Pahang. Nestled in the Gebeng Industrial Area, the new Kuantan dealership stands as one of the key pieces to Volvo Malaysia’s network expansion plan. The new dealership is primed to increase and improve Volvo’s brand presence in the country as well as provide a wider infrastructural support for customers and truck operators on the East Coast. The centre was officially opened by His Excellency Mr Bengt Carlsson, Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia, who attended the event as guest-of-honour. Additionally, the launch of the Kuantan dealership also solidifies Volvo’s commitment in in broadening the offering of its total transport solutions here in the country. The new extension of the network to Kuantan underpins Volvo’s assurance to bring its technologically-advanced product line to its current as well as potential customers and haulage operators that are located within that sector.
“The opening of this new dealership reflects our strong business commitment and network development strategy in line with our corporate direction to be more customer-focused and to strengthen relationships,” said Mats Nilsson, Managing Director of Volvo Malaysia. “It is also in response to us identifying and serving the growing needs of the East Coast Region,” he added. With Malaysia’s various economic developments stimulating tremendous growth in the country, the demand for reliable commercial transport solutions is increasing. And the states that make up the East Coast economic region (ECER) is a prime sector as they cover an area measuring more than 66,000 square km, which is more than half of Peninsular Malaysia. As such the opening of the Kuantan dealership couldn’t come at a better time as it provides a huge contribution to Volvo’s presence in the country. “There’s an apparent and growing need for products such as trucks and construction equipment, and we plan to expand wherever there is an opportunity for us to meet our customers’ needs,” explained Nilsson. And the new Gebeng dealership is just one part of the puzzle of Volvo’s expansion plans.
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THE BUSINESS
“We have identified six strategic locations to establish a stronger foothold,” revealed Nilsson. At present Volvo Trucks currently have eleven dealerships across Malaysia - five in Peninsular Malaysia and six in East Malaysia but that number will increase in the next few years with additions to the North and East Coast as well as East Malaysia. “We also aim to improve and upgrade existing dealership facilities, as well as to build new ones when the demand increases,” added Nilsson. The new Kuantan dealership is a shining example to this thought-out strategy as it’s located in the prime Gebeng Industrial Area. The location not only provides greater convenience to customers and truck drivers but
“The opening of the Kuantan dealership is a response to us identifying and serving the growing needs of the East Coast Region” it also caters to their growing needs. The new dealership carries the status of a full 3S (service, sales and spares) centre equipped with six workshop stations and special tools and diagnostic equipment for a variety of tests including a brake tester. In addition, the new dealership is Volvo Malaysia’s first service centre in the East Coast Region which has incorporated a driver overnight facility. “The transportation and haulage industry is no doubt a vital industry that sets the gear for a country’s economy in motion,” added Nilsson. “As a key player in Malaysia’s transportation industry, we intend to further leverage on our strengths as one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle producers and to capitalise on the country’s market opportunities.” Nilsson also believes that Volvo’s continued leadership in the Malaysian market can be attributed to the company’s long-standing presence and innovative transport solutions, and that the expanded network will assist the company in its goal to gain new grounds in the industry. Through its dealerships, the company also intends to increase product and service offerings that will contribute to fuelling developmental projects in the region.
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FOCUSING ON CUSTOMER CARE Volvo Trucks Malaysia’s recent refurbishment of the Shah Alam dealership is testament to the company’s goal of enhancing its service program in order to serve clients better and more efficiently for the future.
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s with any business, customer care stands as an issue of utmost importance, this is especially true when the client base grows, resulting in customer needs increasing exponentially as well. With Volvo Trucks Malaysia’s network undergoing an expansion, the company is also refocusing its efforts to take care of the demands of its growing client base. “It is important to focus on our end consumer as their needs are increasingly demanding, even more so as the transportation business is also highly competitive,” reveals Laurent Lyonnet, General Manager, Central Region, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd. “As part of our long-term strategy to further improve vehicle uptime and enhance our customer experience, we are undertaking a comprehensive revamp and upgrading exercise of our facilities, organisation and processes, he added. With this in mind Volvo Trucks Malaysia has already embarked on a plan to revitalise its aftermarket services and customer care by implementing a number of steps. “Since early this year, we have been reworking our organisation structure to ensure that we have the right people with the skill sets in these positions,” explained Laurent. “And this covers personnel not only from a technical standpoint but also those with personal skills, which is crucial as they have the direct line with the customer.”
Additionally, Volvo Trucks Malaysia has commenced various training initiatives to groom its personnel to face the challenges ahead. Over 450 days of advanced training have already been delivered to all front liners, technicians as well as supervisors and managers. The company has appointed talented personnel to key positions and streamlined several processes in order to gain efficiency. “All our efforts have been focused on reducing down time and to enhance our customer experience,” Laurent revealed. Operationally, the Volvo Trucks Shah Alam dealership has undergone extensive renovations and refurbishment in keeping to its target of being more customer oriented. The dealership now sports a fully-refurbished and updated administration area, reception and lounge, all of which keep to the latest Volvo standards. There are two new wash bays, which customers can use to ensure that their truck also looks clean when they leave the premises. In addition to that, three new oil interceptors have been installed to effectively filter the waste oil before the water is discharged into the drains. This is part of Volvo’s commitment to Environmental Care and ISO 14001. Inside, the reception area features a newly-designed merchandising island where truck commodities and products are readily available. The refurbishment exercise includes two newly-built meeting rooms, which can be made available to customers. Drivers can also look forward to relaxing in an upgraded driver’s lounge, whilst their trucks are being worked on and serviced. The new lounge area features modern amenities such as hot showers, beds, sofa, flat screen TV, common computer as well as internet connection, which the drivers able to use. But comfort aside, the goal still remains to reduce downtime for the immediate clientele. “As time spent off the road is a critical element of our customer’s profitability, our processes have been revised with the latest generation of workshop planning and pre-booking tools,” Laurent explained. “By signing on for one of our competitive service agreements, a dedicated personnel will follow-up on your vehicle maintenance and repairs history.” This service, Laurent revealed, will not only proactively provide the customer with service
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“As part of our long term strategy to further improve vehicle uptime and enhance our customer experience, we are undertaking a comprehensive revamp and upgrading exercise of our facilities, organisation and processes” reminders as well as pre-booking but also eliminates the need for them to call the hotline to book a maintenance check. Safety and quality are two elements that Volvo Trucks Malaysia instils in both product and service and as such, the company has launched an additional service aimed at preparing the vehicle for Puspakom inspections. “We will ensure that the truck is fit for the road and will pass all inspections,” Laurent elaborated. “We do this by taking the truck and doing a check ourselves before letting the customer know what maintenance needs to be done on the truck in order for it to be ready for inspection. We have installed a brake tester which emphasizes our service as well as our quality control processes.” In terms of providing a more personalised service as well for the customer, Volvo Trucks Malaysia has tabled an on-site service option. Customers who sign-up for this, will benefit from having an on-site personnel to service their truck on their premises
instantly. “We will place a well-trained team to assist as well as a consignment of parts, which eliminates the need for the operator to send in their truck for minor repairs and maintenance,” described Laurent. “This reduces downtime whilst giving a more personalised service to our customer.” Thus far the service has been implemented at several customer premises in Malaysia and Laurent is confident of having more such operations carried out in the near future. With an initial investment of over RM1 million for the refurbishment of the Shah Alam dealership as well as the implementation of fresh new ideas and proper training and guidance, Volvo Trucks Malaysia has already embarked on a new journey to bring customer satisfaction to new heights. With a strong resolve to not only reduce downtime for the customer, the company is committed in ensuring its standards are on par with Volvo’s core value in order to deliver quality, safety as well as environmental care in all its products and services. It is Volvo Trucks Malaysia’s goal to make this vision a reality. UPTIME #3/2013
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the year: 1928
Text Lina Törnquist Photo Istock, Volvo
TECHNOLOGY
Yo-yo’s and penicillin 1928 saw breakthroughs that illustrated the possibilities of the modern era. Notably, the first television broadcast was made in February that year. Then in late September, Scottish biologist Alexander Fleming noticed a clear area where around a mould where the colonies of bacteria appeared dissolved. The discovery turned out to penicillin, one of the greatest medical advances of the 20th century. Fleming would later say that the
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discovery of penicillin was entirely accidental. “I certainly didn’t plan to revolutionise all medicine by discovering the world's first antibiotic, but I suppose that was exactly what I did.” The year also saw the introduction of another technical breakthrough that defined the era: pre-sliced bread. As more bread was being produced in factories in the 20s, bread had become fluffy, soft and difficult to slice, so the invention
answered to a new need in the industrial age. With bread an important staple, the invention even became a kind of “small, edible promise of a better world”, according to a historian covering the era. By the 1950s, people in America were praising their favorite inventions as “the best thing since sliced bread”. The year also saw the first mass production of the yo-yo. A favourite toy among children to this day.
TRUCK TECHNOLOGY
Series 1 – The first truck In February 1928, the very first Volvo truck in history rolled out of the gates at the factory in Gothenburg, Sweden. Dubbed Series 1, the truck was a medium-duty truck with a four-cylinder petrol engine delivering a modest 28 horsepower. But the truck’s simple and sturdy design made it a runaway hit. The official legal load for Series 1 was 1,500 kg. But the truck’s robust build meant that drivers frequently used it to
haul loads up to double that figure. Other features that made the model popular included a three-speed gearbox, decent ergonomics and sound levels that were low compared to other contemporary models at the time. Nevertheless the performance and comfort of Series 1 falls far short of today’s standards. The max speed of the truck was around 50 km/h, and this was brought down further when carrying loads,
especially up hills. Heating meanwhile was limited to the heat produced from the truck’s engine. Heat entered the cab through a metal sheet that separated the engine from the cab. While sales of Volvo cars were supressed at the time due to low personal incomes in the 1920’s, demand for the Series 1 was high from the day the truck was launched. Less than six months after its debut, all 500 of the Series 1 trucks sold out.
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