Industry NEWS - Feb 8, 2025

News

8 Feb

SRH to take delivery of first production Volvo FH16 780

The first Australian built Volvo FH 16 780 XXL has rolled of Volvo’s Wacol production line. The 120-ton rated prime mover, fittingly showcases the advantages of local manufacturing and engineering with features such as a Crawler Gear equipped new generation I-Shift transmission, Volvo Dynamic Steering with Pilot Assist, and of course the most powerful truck engine currently available in Australia, the D17 780.

The new FH16 XXL will be delivered to SRH Milk Haulage and will be put to work pulling an A-Double tanker combination between sites on the NSW Central and Northern Coasts.

Scott, Regina and Mitchell Harvey (above centre with Volvo’s Key Account Manager, Craig White (L) and Per-Erik Lindstrom) ), of SRH were present at Volvo Group Australia’s Wacol production facility to mark the historic occasion and see their new vehicle come to life.

“Our company has had a long history with Volvo Trucks,” says Scott Harvey, “Knowing these trucks have been engineered and built locally for Australian conditions really makes a difference to us. We operate across three states 24 hours a day 7 days a week, so uptime and productivity are vital for us, milk isn’t something you can leave sitting on the side of the road! And of course we’re really excited to see this truck join our fleet, and I’m pretty sure our drivers will be as well.”

“Scott and Regina are more than customers to us’” says Tom Chapman, Vice President Volvo Trucks Australia, “They’re family, and it’s been a privilege to see SRH go from strength to strength. I’m delighted to see this very special truck joins the SRH fleet. With an impressive 3800Nm of torque on tap I’m sure this truck will make short work of hauling an 85-ton combination up and down the Pacific Highway,”

TR GROUP OPENS NEW BRANCH IN ALBURY, NSW

TR Group, a specialist in the short-term hire and leasing of trucks and trailers, has recently expanded its nationwide branch network with the opening of a new branch in Albury, on the border of New South Wales and Victoria. This branch is right in the middle of the busy and substantial economy of Albury/Wodonga and the wide ranging and notable economic activity that extents for some distance around the ‘Twin Cities’.

“We are now closer to customers in the Riverina, Canberra and Murray River regions, along with being there to support operators running on the Hume Highway between Melbourne and Sydney,” says Peter Irwin, TR Group Australia General Manager.

National Sales Manager, Rick Halliwell adds “There are many highly valued TR customers already in this area and we hope this move shows how much we appreciate them and wish to improve further their experience with us.

“Local businesses in the region, and the local economy, will be helped with their ambitions and aspirations through the provision of short-term rental of heavy trucks and trailers, and also customised long term fully maintained operating leasing solutions. By having industry people, and vehicles, in the region it is easier for people to get what they need when they need it so they can get on with the job of growing their business and more effectively pursuing their goals.”

The new branch is located at 44 Ceres Drive, Thurgoona NSW 2640 (Albury) and joins the company’s other outlets in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Newcastle.

Halliwell says, “The team at TR Albury and I are looking forward to talking with local and nearby operators about their truck and trailer needs.”

Leading the charge at the new branch are Sales Manager Kane Gray, and Branch Manager Dustin Lieschke, both of whom are locals with deep roots in the Albury/Wodonga region. Their local knowledge and dedication to customer service will ensure that TR Group continues to deliver exceptional value and support to businesses in the area. The team can be contacted on 1800 50 40 50 or go to www.trgroupau.com

TR Group is a heavy commercial vehicle rental and lease partner with a fleet of 9,500 trucks and trailers across Australia and New Zealand. For over 30 years, the company has focused on understanding what customers are wanting to achieve and providing heavy vehicles and customised packages that will support them in doing so. Backed by a team of 300 specialists with a passion for trucks and trailers, partnering with TR Group means dealing with people whose culture and philosophy revolves around providing real value to customers.

PENSKE WELCOMES GARY BONE & DEREK SMITS TO LEADERSHIP TEAM

Penske Australia & New Zealand has made two new appointments to its executive leadership team to start the year.

Gary Bone has joined the business as the general manager of eastern operations. Based in Brisbane, he oversees Penske’s retail branch operations in Wacol, Lytton, and Yatala in South East Queensland and Sydney.

Derek Smits has recently commenced as general manager of truck supply chain. Also based in Brisbane, he is leading the engineering, technical, and sales operations teams as well as the vehicle processing centre.

“Gary and Derek bring extensive experience and depth to our executive leadership team,” said Hamish Christie-Johnston, managing director of Penske Australia & New Zealand. “A highly esteemed business leader with a strong track record of achievement, Gary will utilise his comprehensive industry experience in managing our on- and off-highway operations.

“Having amassed significant manufacturing and transport industry experience, Derek has a proven innovative approach to leadership that will hold him in good stead as he brings a fresh approach to this newly-created role.”

Most recently, Gary held senior leadership roles with Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks and Derek with Diverseco and Hendrickson Asia Pacific.

HINO DEMONSTRATES DURABILITY IN 2025 DAKAR RALLY

Showcasing the durability for which Hino is renowned, Hino Team Sugawara has successfully completed its 34th consecutive Dakar Rally, finishing in 13th place. Consisting of 12 gruelling stages covering over 7800 kilometres, the 47th Dakar Rally took place in Saudi Arabia from 3rd to 17th January, 2025.

Following its successful introduction last year, the 48 hour Chrono – or marathon – stage returned, with competitors racing through and camping in the world’s largest continuous desert, the Rub’ al Khali, or ‘Empty Quarter’.

The Hino 600 Series bonneted truck was piloted by Teruhito Sugawara, Team Director of Hino Team Sugawara, and he was joined onboard by co-drivers Hirokazu Somemiya, and Yuji Mochizuki with support from Hino mechanics.

“As a sponsor of Hino Team Sugawara for the last 12 years, Hino Australia is thrilled with the team’s result - their bonneted 600 Series truck was extremely competitive against its more powerful 13-litre rivals,” said Richard Emery, President & CEO of Hino Australia. “Hino trucks are renowned for their quality, durability and reliability, and a 34th successive Dakar Rally finish is testament to this,” he continued.

The Hino Dakar Rally 600 Series features full-time 4WD and is powered by a 9-litre direct injection, turbocharged and intercooled A09C engine. The engine produces a maximum output of 588kW at 2800rpm with a maximum torque of 2430Nm at 1600rpm.

In Australia, a production version of the A09C engine is available in the Hino 700 Series.

For more information, visit www.hino.com.au

IVECO RECORDS HIGHEST HEAVY DUTY TRUCK SALES SINCE 2019

Full year Truck Industry Council (TIC) sales data for 2024 shows IVECO achieved considerable growth in the heavy truck market, helping the company record its highest sales in this segment since 2019.

In the heavy weight class, IVECO increased its volume by 20.8% or 67 units to 389 units on the back of strong demand for the S-Way range, which continues to appeal to a broad range of customers, from owner drivers to medium and large fleets. As well as offering a wide model choice and configurations to suit a broad selection of freight and specialised applications, owners were attracted to the range by IVECO’s support services including complimentary introductory telematics packages, as well as extended warranty options, and service and repair agreements. More model variants will be added to the S-Way range in 2025.

Additionally, the reintroduction of ACCO to the IVECO line-up saw steady adoption of the latest generation range from both existing and new customers, particularly within the waste industry. The uptake of ACCO is expected to increase this year as earlier models are replaced as part of fleet renewal programs.

Daily strengthens position as country’s favourite European light truck cab chassis

Another key highlight for 2024 was higher sales of the Daily Cab Chassis, which continues to be the country’s most popular European manufactured light truck, with a market share of 9.38% and volume of 1353 units, 154 units higher than the previous year.

The result confirms the Daily Cab Chassis as a viable alternative in the hotly contested weight segment, providing owners with a more sophisticated, comfortable and car-like driving experience compared to many traditional entrants in the category.

While Daily surpasses many of its rivals when it comes to driving experience, safety equipment and cabin appointments, it’s also a hardworking and productive platform, offering drivelines with up to 155kW / 470Nm of power and torque (matched to an 8-speed fully automatic transmission) and payloads of up to 4 tonnes (70C variant with 7 tonne GVM). The 70C is unique among European competitors, with no others offering this weight classification in the market.

Other benefits of the Daily range include a wide choice of options including variants with rear airbag suspension and rear differential lock. Daily is also available in several work-ready models including ‘Tradie-Made’ variants which complete with factory fitted tray bodies, are ready for the worksite straight from the dealership*.

Overall, across all segments, IVECO’s volume grew by 13.7% or 284 units in 2024 for total volume of 2357 units for a market share of 4.88%.

*Once registered and insured.