The Weekly Wrap

News

5 Feb

Daimler to Split from Mercedes

By the end of this year the intention is to split the truck (and bus) division from the car (and van) division. Henceforth the car division will be rebranded Mercedes Benz with the truck side to keep the Daimler moniker – both operating totally independently of each other.

The press release goes on to talk of unlocking full potential, software-driven future and independent managements (which is probably a good thing because what do car guys really know about trucks).

There’s lots of other stuff about financing, sales, etc, but you’re probably not interested in any of that – unless you’re a shareholder.

We presume the Actros will be the Daimler Actros going forward. Will M-B allow the Actros to keep the excellent dashboard which has obviously been pinched from their cars? We hope so ‘cos it’s a ripper.

Might be a problem with the M-B logo on the steering wheel as well, so here’s my suggestion for a more-Daimler look …. The interior of the old Daimler SP250. No need to thank me Benz guys.

file-daimler-dart-sp250-1961-interior-flickr-mick-lumix.jpg

Scania tests self-driving trucks in motorway traffic.

(Or: I’d rather be in the truck than in the car in front of it.)

Scania have been granted permission by the Swedes to play with these autonomous trucks (with payload) on the E4 motorway between Södertälje and Jönköping, which is a good reason to avoid the E4 if you happen to be holidaying over there.

Whilst we have every faith in Scania’s technical ability, my first response is, “after you, sir.”

Here is a video (in Swedish with subtitles) so you can check it out:

Here’s something most of you don’t know: Scania has been testing self-driving trucks for mining transportation in Oz since 2017. Seems future transport jobs may become somewhat limited.

SafeT360 KICKS OFF NATIONAL TOUR AT UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA (Where the wheels of the truck go ‘round and ‘round.)

When the travelling road show eventually manages to find its way out of that city, the SafeT360 team is now gearing up for the ‘Anything Goes’ Scouts Victoria event, before a tour of NSW in March.

“16 to 25 year old road users are the most overrepresented group of people involved in crashes on our roads. This must change,” said ATA’s Director of Safety, Health and Wellbeing, Melissa Weller.

Indeed they are, but will they listen? We can only hope so. I’d like to see SafeT360 stationed here in MooTown for a month or three. There’s a few local yokels around here who certainly need some road education.

Brissie Truck Show is Still On (so far)

Provided COVID allows, we’ll be able to get there – but will we be able to get back home? To quote Shakespeare, ‘That is the question’.

I certainly hope so because it’s always a good event – although I miss the old showgrounds which, to me had a lot more atmosphere.

This year will be a little bit different because the crowd will not be packed as tightly, as the organisers ensure a COVID-safe event. “But we promise you will be able to get up close to the new models and innovations.”

The Brisbane Truck Show is accompanied by the South Bank Truck Festival with a huge display of trucks and trailers on display in the parklands, and all the free entertainment in the area; this year your ticket will also get you into the new Civil Construction Field Days – the new heavy equipment and machinery show.

There is also the chance to win the Ultimate VIP Experience Package by registering your ticket. Major promotion partner, Morris Finance, has put together a package of experiences including a box at the AFL, V8 supercar hot laps, four Bathurst 1000 corporate suite tickets, and your own racing simulator. Add to that a large screen TV, SP Tools voucher, bar fridge, BBQ, Walkinshaw Sports golf buggy, a fire pit, dart board and more.

I’ll be in that!

Women in Trucking

Women in Trucking Australia is awarding its first Trailblazer Driver of the Year and Driver of the Year prizes to commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8. The Trailblazer category is reserved for women who no longer drive professionally.

“These are Women who smashed prevailing stereotypes and established trucking careers at a time when societal norms expected them to stay home and keep house.”

The Driver of the Year is open to every other working female truckie. Nominations close on February 15.

To nominate someone send the WiTA a message via its (click here) Facebook page.

“Please message the name and contact details of a female truckie you believe should be recognised in either category for her work ethic, the difficult work she does, the challenging terrain she drives through, or any one of a another million reasons you believe she deserves recognition.”

I reckon we could all think of someone so put their name forward folks.

……

While we’re on awards, the ATA has opened nominations for their Driving Change Diversity Program in 2021. Sponsored by Teletrac Navman, the 2021 program will celebrate industry diversity, develop diversity champions, and improve industry image, promoting positive perception of industry and encouraging new entrants into the workforce.

Participants in the 2021 Teletrac Navman Driving Change Diversity Program will:

Learn how to create change and facilitate diversity in their workplace and community,
Share personal insights into the development a marketing campaign that showcases diversity within industry and
Develop a strong professional network with like-minded individuals.

The 2021 program will consist of filming participant stories in their workplace in April and promotional campaign, as well as a diversity training and development workshop and participation in Trucking Australia 2021 in October.

Participants must be involved as an owner or employee in a trucking business that is a financial member of an ATA member association or TruckSafe. A participant could also be a direct member of an ATA association that offers individual membership.

For more information on how to participate, contact your ATA member association or visit www.truck.net.au/drivingchange

Editor’s note: This all sounds very admirable, but why not open it to everyone?

AND FINALLY ….

Well known Victorian truckie and all round good guy, EJ Morris, decided to play with something sharp and lost – nearly his pinkie that is. Big bandage for a little finger EJ. Does that get you more sympathy? Best of luck for a quick recovery mate.

AND FINALLY, FINALLY….

It’s Mark Gagnier’s 64th birthday today. Mark is well known for his sharing of some mint (mainly) American machinery. If you’ve not come across Mark, I suggest you check him out on Facebook. Happy birthday young feller.

Here is his latest posting …