The Weekly Wrap - Friday March 5, 2021

News

5 Mar

‘GREEN LIGHT’ (IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE) FOR FIRST NZ FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA

Alex ‘Tex’ McKillop (McKillop Contracting) was keen to get into the all-new conventional truck, which landed in the country late last year before going through an extensive build up including liberal amounts of stainless steel and a dramatic green glow lighting package.

The 116 Cascadia is hauling refrigerated goods between McKillop Contracting’s home base in Dunedin and Christchurch and between Christchurch and Invercargill for TSI Logistics on a two-driver rotating shift and clocks up a total of 1200km each day.

McKillop Contracting trucks are easy to spot on the roads of the South Island with their green glow lighting, which emanates from beneath the truck and out of the engine bay.

The Cascadia even features glowing FREIGHTLINER branding on the rear cab extenders. There is also a large amount of stainless steel, which adds additional presence, and plenty of yellow LED lights.

“I just come up with all these crazy ideas and Phil at Fitzsimon Motor and Engineering Services in Christchurch just makes it happen,” said Tex.

Being nicknamed Kermie, I’m obviously a big fan of the ‘Mean Green’ glow.

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FUSO FIRST WITH AEBS ON LIGHT, MEDIUM AND HEAVY-DUTY TRUCKS IN AUSTRALIA

To you and me, that’s Advanced Emergency Braking System. The Japanese manufacturer has fitted radar-based AEBS, Lane Departure Warning (LDWS) and Electronic Stability Control as standard on all Euro 6 Fighter models, which are now on sale at Fuso dealerships across Australia.

Fuso trucks and buses that feature these critical safety features will now feature special red S badging. So, if you don’t see this badging, run for your life! Then again, if you’re silly enough to stroll out in front of any vehicle, much less a truck, you probably deserve a smack up the bum.

The Euro 6 Fighter will feature on the Fuso stand at the Brisbane Truck Show to be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 13 to 16.

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NHVR INVESTIGATES ENGINE TAMPERING (What’s good for your 4WD aint necessarily so for your truck)

A Sunshine Coast transport company has had its hand smacked by the NHVR after tampering with an engine ECU, which the NHVR states is “A serious offence and a direct threat to public health.”

A joint investigation between NHVR and Queensland Police Service officers confirmed that the emissions control system on one of the company’s trucks had been switched off, while the control system on a second vehicle had been ‘remapped’ to allow increased emissions.

The company is now fully aware of the need to comply with the HVNL.

Reckon there may be more than a few owners of chipped Land Cruisers and other diesel 4WD’s out there who are thankful that they are not under the auspices of the NHVR.

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HINO GROWS ITS DEALERSHIP

**Steve Robinson flanked by Reps, David Hill and Jason Balzer. Definitely trustworthy faces here**

If you live in or around Lismore and you’re in the market for a new truck of the HINO variety, rejoice! You can now shop locally with Southside Truck Centre’s (STC) appointment as a sales branch. STC has been a parts and service franchise for HINO over the past six years so it seems only fitting that they should now become a sales dealership as well.

With the newly released 300 and 500 series trucks, Southside’s showroom would, I imagine look mighty pretty. Having driven these trucks I’d happily suggest you should take them for a spin in you’re in the market for this type of vehicle.

Southside have been around for over 50 years so Dealer Principle, Steve Robinson and his team are obviously doing something right. Check them out and tell them Kermie sent you and that’ll get you …. absolutely nothing!

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FROM THE ATA

The ATA is keen to get your insights about truck charges, the costs you can pass on to your customers and how easy or hard it is to change your freight rates.

It’s part of the work they’re doing to prepare the industry’s response to the National Transport Commission’s heavy vehicle charges consultation report.

TAKE THE SURVEY

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Monday March 8 is International Women's Day and this year’s theme is ‘Choose to Challenge' - an opportunity for all of industry, from individuals to executives, to drive change from within.

Together with our members and allies, the ATA is committed to celebrating women's achievement, raising awareness against bias and taking action for equality.

Head to the International Women's Day website to find out how you can get involved and drive positive change.

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Daimler Truck AG and the Volvo Group have completed the creation of their new fuel-cell joint venture: 'cellcentric'. The venture will develop, produce and commercialise fuel-cell systems for use in heavy-duty trucks. Read the full story

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TruckSafe is calling for expressions of interest to join its board of directors. A progressive and motivated group of industry professionals, the TruckSafe board is made up of people who are passionate about seeing tangible safety outcomes for industry through comprehensive industry accreditation. For more information or to express your interest, contact Melissa Weller on 02 6253 6900 or melissa.weller@truck.net.au

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PIC FROM THE ARCHIVES