The latest from Diesel News this week includes a Linfox Appointment, VW/Navistar, Tesla, TMC, Hydrogen Trucks and a New Scania Team, plus 3D Printing and Strong Truck Sales.
Terry Quinnell has been appointed Linfox President – Retail after 40 years’ experience in the logistics industry. Quinnell began his career as a Linfox driver in 1978, and has managed some of Linfox’s largest customers as Vice President – Retail, plus spent nine years as General Manager – Woolworths. He recently led the development and implementation of Linfox’s new subcontractor management system FOXLink.
“Terry is an accomplished leader with a proven track record in people management and customer relationships,” said Annette Carey, CEO Linfox Australia and New Zealand. “Please join me in congratulating Terry on his appointment.”
Toomey to Scania
Martin Toomey has been appointed in the role of Sales Director at Scania. Departing Managing Director, Roger McCarthy’s dual role has been split between Toomey and incoming Managing Director, Mikael Jansson. Toomey has 17 years of industry experience, working for a number of component suppliers, including Eaton, at General Manager level, both locally and across Asia.
“I am excited to be joining Scania at this stage in the company’s history,” Martin said. “Over the past few years, Scania’s rise under Roger McCarthy’s leadership has been resolute and admirable.”
TMC
The Technical and Maintenance Conference (TMC) 2017 will be held at the Automotive Centre of Excellence, Kangan Institute, Docklands, Melbourne, 16–18 October. Organised by the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), in conjunction with the Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association (ARTSA), it has launched the TMC website and is open for registration.
With expanded exhibition space and additional product training workshops, the event is relevant to everyone from apprentices to fleet managers. The focus will be on knowledge sharing and learning from others; getting factual and relevant information directly from the trainers, speakers and regulators.
Strong Truck Sales
According to the figures released by the Truck Industry Council (TIC) for July, all four vehicle sectors – heavy-, medium- and light-duty truck as well as the van segment – posted gains over July 2016 sales. Heavy and medium trucks lead the charge, up 18.8 per cent and 19.6 per cent respectively over this month last year.
Total truck sales for the month were 2,936 units, up 13.2 per cent over the same month last year, and year-to-date sales continue to track above those of last year to the end of July by 8.0 per cent.
VW buy more of Navistar
Volkswagen has increased its stake in Navistar, buying 300,000 more shares. This is an extension of the VW Group’s holding in the US truck maker, after its first investment earlier in 2017. The holding now stands at 16.6 per cent of the Chicago-based company’s total equity.
Hydrogen Powered Trucks
A Victorian garbage truck fleet is planning to go emissions-free. The Moreland City Council is investing in hydrogen powered trucks and will build a hydrogen filling station powered by wind and solar power, as part of a $9 million project.
Tesla Trucks Coming
According to Tesla founder, Elon Musk, the company will be demonstrating its electric powered truck prototype at the end of September. He first announced the fact this truck existed earlier this year and claims the concept has been well received by trucking industry companies involved in the project.
3D-Printed Parts
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has taken 3D printing a stage further, with the first printed spare part made of metal, a thermostat cover for its truck models from older model series, passing all the stages of the quality assurance process at Mercedes-Benz.
According to Benz, 3D printing of high-quality plastic components has now successfully established itself as an additional production method, and is particularly suitable for the production of smaller batches.