Five years ago, they would have told me that purely our GAZ would go to Europe for an exhibition - they would have laughed, but I had to believe, as GAZ believed in Hannover 2016.
GAZ Group Is the only manufacturer from Russia to make it to Hanover 2016. And this is in the midst of a crisis and international sanctions! Not otherwise, the group got a second wind and money, which, as everyone knows, is never superfluous.
The GAZ Group has issued a stylish lineup, which even has common design elements.
It's good that not only our girls are exported, but also GAZ.
Now everyone saw that they are working not only on the production of beautiful girls in Russia. They also did a good job on Gazelle, Lawn and Ural, it looks like it was the hand of one designer.
There are no plans to enter the German market yet - Nizhny Novgorod cars do not yet reach the mandatory Euro-6 standards here.
Hannover 2016 is the largest international trade fair for trucks and a presence here is a must for developing international relations with the whole world and the prestige of the brand in the future.
In the GAZ and URAL group, it has become closer to Europe.
We don't mind if developing countries in Europe buy our inexpensive buses.
Looking at such a wonderful bus, you involuntarily remember the PAZik workaholic, after all, there is progress in our car industry.
Five-ton GAZon Next CNG, for example, with domestic engine equipped with gas equipment and is able to overcome 370 km on compressed natural gas (with seven cylinders) without refueling. Engine - 149 hp (maximum torque of the engine on gas - 490 Nm). GAZon is produced with two types of cabs: standard three-seater and double seven-seater and with two versions of the wheelbase - standard and extended.
And what a progress with the 1967 Volkswagen T1!
He’s cute, after all!
Already deep in the night, on the eve of the opening of the exhibition, a professional jury determined the winner in the Van of the year competition for the new Crafter. In this annual competition, Volkswagen was able to outperform the Peugeot Expert, Citroën Space Tourer and Toyota Proace minivans. In addition, the Germans managed to consolidate last year's success, when the T6 family was named the van of the year.
Volkswagen crafter – main novelty exhibition, a car that VW built independently of Mercedes. It is available in front, rear or all-wheel drive, 3 lengths and 3 heights, manual or automatic. A total of 69 modifications for every taste.
Volkswagen Crafter: Sales start in Russia in spring 2017. So far, assembly is only in Poland, in the same place where Caddy is produced.
E-crafter- while running in the status of a concept car for Hanover 2016. The engine power is 136 hp, hence the maximum speed is only 80 km / h, but the power reserve is 208 km and the carrying capacity is 1.7 tons. There is not a word about the price and even the launch of production, this is more likely an answer to the greens, who strongly took up arms against Volkswagen because of the diesel gate scandal.
E-Crafter concept.
MAN TGE- Crafter's twin brother, because MAN is part of the VW Group. The design and technical stuffing are completely identical and the Germans are still only studying the question of how the same car will be sold with two different nameplates and which one will be cheaper. But given the vast experience of the concern in terms of badge engineering, I hope there will be no problems with this.
MAN TGE - world premiere
Volkswagen transporteR rockton - the most off-road version of the minivan. Ground clearance of 246 mm and the most effective protection of all vital components.
Volkswagen Transporten Rockton
Volkswagen amarok received not only a 3-liter diesel, but also an extreme version of the Snowcar, which is superior in equipment to the Canyon. The most important thing is that a factory guarantee is given for all modifications and there will be no questions from the traffic police for such cars. In Europe, the V6 diesel will be the only available unit for the Amarok. We also plan to keep 2-liter pickups, and especially for us, simplified versions that do not meet Euro-6 standards will be supplied. The transmission is traditional - an 8-speed automatic ZF.
Volkswagen amarok
This can now be an ambulance.
Mercedes concept car received a diode illumination of the radiator grille and an extremely aerodynamic shape. It turned out beautifully, but will such an egg reach mass production?
The main trend in the world big trucks- also perfect aerodynamics + ultimate relief. But only Mercedes can afford to be elegant; most competitors respond to Stuttgart with aggression.
Mercedes concept car
Urban eTruck from Mercedes.
But whoever dreams of conquering off-roading is the new all-terrain version of the Mercedes Citan Tourer with an optional plastic body kit around the perimeter. The ground clearance has increased very slightly, the drive remains front, but the driver should feel more confident on the road. Although, to be honest, it's hard for me to imagine what the driver feels, who was sold a Renault Kangoo van under the guise of a Mercedes.
Iveco electric minibus ready to go online. The power reserve, of course, is not enough for a day, but the developers stress on environmental friendliness and absolute silence, which is especially important in the center of many Italian cities.
Stylish Italian concept from Iveco. The ideas of crazy Luigi Colani were not in vain, but seeing such a "face" in the rearview mirror will get you a lot of emotions.
Bosch does not make trucks, but does many components for them. The main idea of this exhibition is the unification of cars into a single information network and the function of the autopilot in the convoy. In addition to relaxing driver rest, this system promises to reduce fuel consumption and provide even greater safety on the road.
Concept from Bosch.
Magna continues to dream of creating a fully electric truck and has already prepared everything necessary for this. A pair of electric motors are compactly interlocked with rear axle, the battery is hidden in the bowels of the frame, but when driving on a highway at a constant speed, the efficiency of such a unit is not too high. The main application of such systems is intracity transportation. I wonder if there will be payers for such trucks or will they have to wait for repressive and preferential measures from the city authorities?
Something from the future.
Renault Alaskan. In the wake of Nissan, Renault also showed its pickup. Similar to the oversized Duster, the Alaskan is just as unassuming on the inside as the crossover. It is possible that the French did it on purpose, because very soon, on the same chassis, Mercedes should show its pickup truck and there should be no competition between these brands.
At the exhibition of commercial vehicles, Renault Alaskan tried on two special versions at once - a lightweight crane with an off-road ambulance.
Renault Alaskan: Can such ambulances appear in Russia too?
Renault Alaskan - a crane for new suburban areas.
How well the Renault emblem matches the dress of the stand-girl girl and the Renault K520 4 × 4 MKR Adventure racing truck. We applauded her on the Silk Road 2016. Dakar is ahead.
Volvo iron knight- most fast truck in the world and one of the most spectacular show stoppers of the exhibition. With the help of 4 turbochargers, 2,400 hp and 6,000 Nm were removed from the 13-liter engine. Acceleration from zero to hundreds takes 4.6 seconds, and the maximum speed is 276 km / h. Among other things, it also looks like the most fast car Volvo on the planet.
Volvo Iron Knight is very fast.
Among the buses several interesting new products, but from the point of view of design, they are not particularly expressive, the main thing is economy and ecology. For intercity models, everything is stable, on long hauls, there is simply no alternative to a modern diesel engine. Motors are being improved, gearboxes and aerodynamics are being optimized, and the design is being facilitated wherever possible.
But city buses are at a crossroads. Major players: Mercedes, MAN and Volvo showed completely different models. The Stuttgars are pushing for the use of methane. The technology seems to be not new, but clearly in need of improvement. MAN showed a fuel cell hydrogen bus with battery and electric motors, while the Swedes opted for a hybrid. In conditions of a ragged urban driving rhythm, all three ideas have a right to exist, and it is possible that we can even see the symbiosis of these ideas. For example, a methane bus with a hybrid powertrain. However, while combining all these technologies in one machine, only the common sense of the developers prevents. Any new technology is already quite expensive, and their combination threatens to drive the price into the region of astronomical figures.
Well, a few curiosities from the world of commercial technology. For professionals, these cars probably seem to be the norm, but me, car driver, some shocked. For example, a miracle-yudo timber truck. Its cabin can be rotated 180 degrees, so that without leaving the passenger compartment, the driver can operate the crane with a manipulator and independently load the logs into the body.
Miracle timber carrier.
Push-push.
A wonderful push-and-pull design, isn't it? Four-wheel drive and full-drive truck-two-faced Janus. Each of the cabins has its own steering wheel and a full set of controls. It is planned to install a fire extinguishing module in the middle. Such a car should not be replaceable in the event of a serious emergency in the tunnels, which abound in a significant part of Europe. The truck with one side boldly drives into the tunnel, and when the work is done, the driver changes into another cab and easily returns to the light.
Flush with the floor.
And for the first time you pass by this truck on the Mercedes chasse, not paying attention. But then, looking back, you cannot believe your eyes. Ruthmann has developed a chassis that completely gets rid of the rear suspension beams, and even ensures the lowering of the loading platform flush with the ground. This is not the first time the guys have experimented with such chassis and offer 4 options for carrying capacity, from 2 to 8 tons for a variety of tasks. Maximum height lifting platform - 160 cm.
Off-road trucks deserve special attention. This is largely a piece goods that amateurs buy. extreme travel as well as specialized companies and the military. Each of them has its own requirements for technology and hence the use of various technologies. But always all-wheel drive and with a huge ground clearance. They seem to be able to overcome everything.
Army Mercedes-Paul
Studded tires on trucks are a real rarity, but a variety of types of chains are the norm and in some regions their availability is a prerequisite passes to the pass during the cold season.
In addition to traditional chains that are worn on drive wheels, the German company Rud, including chains for ordinary human shoes, has developed a unique and at the same time simple solution that can be installed on almost any truck - Rotogrip. Leaving on an icy road, the driver from the passenger compartment can press the appropriate button, and special rollers with chains attached to them will drive up to the drive wheels. The roller is driven by the wheel and the chain itself falls under the tread, thereby improving traction. Having passed a difficult section, the chains are also remotely retracted to a safe distance. The driver does not need to leave the cab for this operation either.
What can people not come up with, making their life easier! They came up with a car dealership in Hannover 2016, where we hope other manufacturers from Russia will also reach for GAZ. And then all together and to us!
Hanover 2016 - to be continued.
International Motor Show commercial vehicles in Hanover proved to be generous with premieres in the lung and heavy trucks, buses, vans, pickups and special equipment, and the main trends are electrification, fuel efficiency and unmanned technologies
The current Hannover International Motor Show is the 66th in a row. On an area of 270 thousand sq. m their novelties were presented by more than 2 thousand manufacturers of commercial vehicles from 52 countries, which is 15% more than the previous exhibition held two years ago. Among the newcomers was GAZ Group - the only Russian participant in the motor show.
As for the most interesting exhibits, representatives of the Big Seven (Mercedes Benz, MAN, DAF, Iveco, Scania, Volvo and Renault) also set the tone in the category of heavy trucks, and in the LCV class the ball was ruled by the grandees of this segment - Volkswagen, Mercedes -Benz, Peugeot / Citroen, Fiat, Toyota, Nissan.
As owners
German concerns with the largest stands have traditionally been in the spotlight. The new generation Volkswagen Crafter van has become a real hero of the exhibition. Unlike the platform-based predecessor Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the newcomer shares a proprietary modular MDB platform with its MAN TGE twin, another Hanover show stopper. The new "bogie" includes improved 2-liter Euro 6 diesels, three drive options (front, rear, all-wheel) and an advanced digital architecture with adaptive cruise control, car parking, reversing camera and collision avoidance system. The release of new Volkswagen and MAN products has been launched at a new plant in the Polish city of Wrzenia. But if the Crafter gets to Russian dealers in January 2017, then its clone from the MAN camp will have to wait until 2020, as we were told by the representative of the MAN brand Gregor Zhentzhch.
Significantly, a prototype of the electric version of the Crafter, equipped with a 134-horsepower electric motor, also made its debut in Hanover. According to Eckhard Scholz, Chairman of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand, serial electric vans will begin to be produced already in next year... However, the appearance of such machines in Russia, alas, is a distant prospect. “First, we need an infrastructure, which we have not yet created, and then a product,” says Natalya Kostenok, communications manager at the Russian office of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. But in 2017, a new generation Transporter PanAmericana will appear in Russia (with increased ground clearance and 4Motion branded all-wheel drive) and special version The Amarok Canyon, now available with a Euro 6 V6 turbo diesel, also debuted in Hanover.
At the stand Mercedes-Benz Trucks futuristic concepts coexisted with modernized sales locomotives. On the podium sits the 26-ton Urban eTruck concept truck with two electric motors developing a combined 335 hp and a lithium-ion battery providing 200 km of range. A highlight of the city-oriented model is the streamlined cockpit, cameras instead of side mirrors and a pair of cockpit control displays. As well as serial novelties, Urban eTruck is equipped with FleetBoard telematics system that connects driver, dispatcher and vehicle into a single complex.
A few steps from the podium - and you see the already familiar production models of Mercedes-Benz in the most modern interpretation. New modifications of the Actros, Arocs and Antos trucks are equipped with more efficient engines and transmissions, the predictive cruise control (PPC) system has found an improved algorithm, the latest systems automatic braking and turn assist made the ride safer.
In Hanover, I was able to talk with the General Director of DAIMLER KAMAZ RUS LLC Heiko Schulze, who said that the project for the construction of heavy German-Russian trucks in Tatarstan is developing successfully. According to the interlocutor, with the launch of the new site, the company will come closer to implementing its plans - to become the leader of the Russian market. Localization and joint production sites that provide incentives available to local producers will be an important tool to achieve this goal.
But at the center of the Mercedes-Benz light-tonnage exposition was the futuristic Vision Van show car, which gives an idea of the transport of the future. The concept, equipped with a 101-horsepower electric motor, is controlled by a joystick, and there are quadcopters on board that can take off from the roof of a van and deliver packages weighing up to 2 kg. The cargo compartment is likened to a drawer of a table. The visitors' attention was also attracted by new modifications of the Sprinter van with more environmentally friendly and efficient diesel engines of Euro 6 standard. In addition, the Vito and Citan models were presented with a new design of the exterior and interior.
Product face
At the stand of the Swedish Scania, the greatest interest was aroused by trucks with new cabins of the S- and R-series, made in a modern style. The cars are also distinguished by a modernized chassis and braking system, more economical and efficient Euro 6 diesels (in particular, a new in-line six-cylinder 13-liter 500-horsepower diesel), an even higher level of trim, comfort and safety. So, for the first time, side curtain airbags became available for the new generation cabins, the latest audio systems, autopilot elements and a collision avoidance system appeared. In addition, the Scandinavians introduced a new effective system fleet monitoring, which helps to reduce machine downtime.
The Italians from Iveco have also found ways to attract the public. And it's not just the girls in skin-tight suits posing at the booth, but also the sparkling concept of the Z Truck tractor with a futuristic cab, 460-horsepower compressed natural gas engine and innovations in the field of autopilot driving. In the cockpit of the concept, instead of the usual steering wheel - a steering wheel, instead of control buttons - touch displays, and the list of equipment includes ... a shower and a huge screen of the entertainment complex. In the serial line, the focus was on trunk tractor new Generation New Stralis XP. And the Iveco Eurocargo medium-weight lifter has completely air suspension.
DAF showcased a complete line of products that set new standards in performance and quality. These are the LF regional models, the versatile CF and the XF flagship heavy-duty and long-haul models. Also on display were the upgraded PACCAR PX-5 and PX 7 engines for the LF and CF series trucks and efficient integrated transport solutions such as the DAF Connect fleet management system.
In addition to LCV TGE, MAN presented updated trucks of the TGX and TGS families, which have become even more economical, a new line of Euro 6 engines and a modernized MAN TipMatic automatic, which has received individual settings for various driving modes. Of particular interest were truck tractor TGS on electric traction (for night intra-city cargo transportation) and a mock-up of an electric bus based on MAN Lion`s City, capable of replenishing a partial battery charge at stops.
The Turkish manufacturer Anadolu Isuzu, operating under the license of the Japanese brand, showed city, international and tourist buses Citiport, Citibus and Visigo. Their advantages include a spacious interior layout and compliance with EU standards. Let's say the 9.5-meter Visigo mid-range coach is powered by a 254-horsepower Cummins Euro 6 diesel engine.
In the LCV segment, the trio of Peugeot Expert, Citroen Space Tourer and Toyota Proace are applying for success. These models have a common aggregate base, but the design of each is correlated with the brand's style. "Troinyashek" is produced by the French plant PSA.
Special mention should be made of the small, but representative stand of the GAZ Group. Nizhny Novgorod residents showed, in fact, their entire line ("GAZelle Next", "GAZon Next", low-floor bus). But the real sensation was caused by the Ural Next truck, which outwardly resembles an armored personnel carrier, although it is quite ready for peaceful labor, including in Western Europe. According to Leonid Dolgov, Export Director of GAZ International LLC, today the company focuses on the markets of the Euro 5 standard and below (CIS, Africa, Latin America), but the work on the transition to Euro 6 (this applies to YaMZ engines) is underway. The Serbian market has already been mastered, plans are to storm other Balkan markets, countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. And Western Europeans may like promising "GAZelles" on electric traction.
Components of success
Finally, it is interesting that auto component manufacturers did not get lost at the motor show - their expositions turned out to be large-scale as never before. So, the German ZF acted in a literal sense transparent. On the example of a full-scale model of a Plexiglas truck, the coordinated operation of video cameras, radar, on-board electronics and its connection with the chassis, braking system and steering system was demonstrated. Those interested could feel how the virtual prototype performs the so-called shunting avoidance - a new collision avoidance technology for commercial vehicles developed by ZF in cooperation with WABCO.
Another German company - Webasto - showed new models of pre-heaters (Thermo Top Pro 120/150), which are distinguished by improved maintainability and less costly maintenance. There was also a Frigo Top RT-DSMT transport refrigerator with a low weight and an intelligent control system and an efficient Cool Top 110 RT-CS roof air conditioner for vans and small buses.
Summing up, we admit that the current review commercial vehicles in Hanover turned out to be extremely large-scale and representative. Thereby confirming that globally the industry is booming today.
All leading manufacturers of commercial vehicles, as well as those who are trying to break into the vast European market, bring their exposition to Hannover. For example, this year, almost all of the Turkish bus factories were torturing happiness. Russian GAZ also joined them, presenting Gazelle Next, Ural and the PAZ bus. But Hyundai already was in Hannover not as an exotic, but presented here the newest van H350, the production of which started in Turkey.
Half-forgotten manufacturers, such as the Czech Tatra, are also trying to remind themselves of themselves in Hannover. But the main action takes place around the stands of the leading European Seven of truck manufacturers. And according to the scale of the stands, they solo, of course, German Mercedes-Benz and MAN. In Hanover, Volkswagen also felt like the owner, which presented the new Crafter here. His twin MAN TGE was on display at the stand opposite.
But the most important trophy from Hanover - the title "International Truck of the Year 2017" was taken to Sweden. This time, the best truck of the year was expected to be the Scania S-series from the newest Next Generation. Scania showed only serial versions, but it was always crowded near her stand.
The external differences of the new generation Scania from the 4-series are immediately noticeable live, but the Swedes have prudently put on the stand several trucks in the old version, but with new "stuffing". So all doubts disappeared at once. The Next Generation design is 100% recognizable, it is beautiful and restrained in a Scandinavian way, but before us is a completely new cabin. And here even such trifles as the "honeycomb" of the radiator lining are thought out - they were blown into wind tunnel and they got multidirectional centers. Here they verified the height of the steps, protected the vulnerable cells of the cooling radiators with an additional mesh, found new niches for the tool, jack, etc. The cockpit is now even more comfortable, and the upper steps are protected from ice and snow. The doors close with the same rich sound as in a premium car. Everything has become so convenient and well thought out that it’s hard to believe how trucks were generally produced without this reference ergonomics. You get used to the new S-ke immediately and forever.
The cockpit has become noticeably more spacious. The main difference is that the motor tunnel in the S-Line has completely disappeared. Yes, it used to be small, but now it is not at all. And the cabin itself is 10 centimeters taller than the most luxurious Streamline in the previous generation. Finishing materials are already premium. And the dashboard in the form of an optitronic display is like an expensive luxury car.
An important point each cabin is a recreation area. The new Scania S-series has an even more comfortable berth. Here, not only will you please with a soft mattress and a pleasant lining of the walls, but also the control of the light in the cabin is duplicated as in 5-star hotels. You can control the climate while lying on a shelf, and optionally it is possible to install a TV panel.
But the most important is the even greater efficiency of the new generation. So, on average, it was possible to reduce fuel consumption by 5% with the same Euro-6 version for engines. But individual models motors demonstrate fantastic efficiency. A new 13-liter engine with a capacity of 500 hp has also appeared in the "line". And the already familiar "automatic" Scania Opticruse has become even faster. He will now change gear in 0.4 seconds.
The 13-liter engine range for Scania Next Generation now consists of 410 hp, 450 hp. and 500 hp. Models with a 16-liter V8 engine have 520 hp, 580 hp. and the flagship 730 hp. The Scania S-Line and R-Line with V8 engines have received special interior design trims with red stitching and metallic red dashboard inserts.
In addition to the new Scania, the Swedish concern showed hybrid version and gas Scania, which runs on liquefied fuel.
Mercedes-Benz decided to look into the distant future and showed three concepts at once in Hanover. The first, the Vision Van, is the prototype of the future Sprinter in performance for courier delivery... It will be the world's first light vehicle to provide a common concept for a digitally networked logistics chain from the parcel center to the recipient. The concept is, of course, electric, with a power of 75 kW and has a range of up to 270 km. Vision Van delivers within the city - in areas that are prohibited from entry for vehicles with an internal combustion engine. And thanks to the almost silent operation of the electric drive, delivery with the Same Day Delivery option (delivery on the same day) at late times to residential areas is facilitated.
But the Vision Van is no longer just a parcel van. The vehicle package includes two courier drones with a carrying capacity of 2 kg, each providing unmanned delivery of parcels within a radius of 7.5 km. And inside the body, too, everything is non-trivial. Parcels are automatically sorted at the logistics center and loaded onto special racks. Unmanned transporters perform automatic loading of racks in one step (the so-called One Shot Loading). Smart organization system cargo compartment With the help of a parcel delivery system integrated into the car, it automatically transfers parcels to the courier for manual delivery at the place of delivery or for loading onto drones. But as soon as we were surprised, it was the turn to get into the cockpit. Oops! Yes, there are no steering wheels and pedals at all!
Indeed, the steering wheel is already an anachronism, according to Mercedes-Benz. Its place will be replaced by a joystick. Electronic control of the car (Drive-by-Wire) is carried out by a single joystick, and the van will drive itself for most of the route. Like this!.
In the heavy segment, Mercedes-Benz sees the future with the Urban eTruck as an example. This is a city electric delivery truck that delivers goods to city supermarkets. Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck full weight 26 tons is equipped with a set of batteries for 212 kilowatt-hours. This provides a range of approximately 200 kilometers. But the most surprising thing is that this concept will go into production at the beginning of the next decade.
According to our source, Wolfgang Bernhardt, member of the board of the Daimler AG concern: “Until now, there were only a small number of electric trucks on the roads. By lowering costs, increasing power and shorter charging times in distribution freight transport new trends emerged. Therefore, entering the distribution truck market large carrying capacity with an electric drive at the beginning of the next decade is becoming a reality for us. " And the optimism of the Mercedes is based on the expectations of a 2.5-fold decrease in the cost of batteries for a truck from 1997 to 2025 - from 500 euros / kWh to 200 euros / kWh. their power - from 80 W h / kg to 200 W h / kg.
Moreover, already in 2018 year Mercedes-Benz will start serial production of the Citaro electric bus. Mercedes-Benz engineers expect to reach a range of approximately 300 kilometers by 2025, which is sufficient for most shuttle buses, even with difficult climatic conditions with temperatures up to minus 20 degrees in winter and up to plus 40 degrees in summer.
As a medium-duty truck, the concern also has a lot to offer. Electric Mitsubishi Fuso presented in Hannover. This brand is also part of Daimler's orbit.
But if in Stuttgart they see the future in electric versions, then in IVECO they still rely on gas engines... The updated Stralis XP presented in Hannover was in various versions, but the Italians especially noted the gas modification.
And the futuristic concept IVECO Z Truck was in a gas version.
The heart of the truck is a 460 hp bio-gas (LNG) engine. Not only does the Z Truck have a range of 2200 km, but IVECO also declares 0 CO2 emissions.
The correspondent of our source managed to get into the IVECO Z Truck cab. Cab is not the right word, though. It is a mixture of office and apartment. In the center there is a comfortable anatomical chair and a steering wheel, as in computer consoles. The driver is surrounded on all sides by displays and not a single button.
Sleeping place- where once in the last century, the second driver was located, and even along the window. And in place of the sleeping bag there is a kitchen wall with a sink and a microwave oven. With one touch, it can turn into an office version, and even a shower can be included in the package. To fully appreciate the entire space, one must imagine that all this is in impeccable Italian design, with verified proportions and creativity. On the floor - wood-like laminate somewhere I've seen this before? , and inside there is a lot of free space and you can calmly receive guests.
After IVECO Z Truck it is already hard to get into classic trucks. "Although, when will it be?" - I thought. But as soon as we went to the Continental stand, where they presented an actually serial system of mirrorless transport, I remembered that IVECO Z Truck had something similar. Continental presented a turnkey solution in Hannover on how to replace side-view mirrors with convenient video cameras. And so that drivers do not feel discomfort, looking at their usual places, monitors with images from side-view cameras were placed on racks on the sides windshield... Continental is ready to offer such a solution for trucks, buses and other commercial vehicles.
Bosch unveiled the VisionX 40-ton truck concept in Hannover to showcase which systems the manufacturer will be equipped with in 2025. “Plugged in, electrified and self-driving - this will be trucks tomorrow, ”said Dr. Markus Hein, Member of the Bosch Board of Directors. One of the many technologies embodied in the VisionX concept truck is automatic column propulsion. Such systems are now being used experimentally. The same Scania has been participating in all kinds of Platooning projects for several years now and has proven in practice that it is possible to save up to 10% of fuel only by moving in columns.
Bosch wants to make such a system serial based on its own software. Transport in real time will begin to receive all the necessary information from the cloud service of the Internet of Things Bosch IoT Cloud. The data exchange will contain information about traffic and traffic jams on the route, detour options, opportunities to unload at the destination. This will help to avoid vehicle downtime. Moreover, the truck will take over part of the control functions. For example, as soon as a car enters a freeway, it can join a convoy of other trucks heading in the same direction and move in automatic mode... In this mode, the car becomes one of the members of the convoy, following the leading truck, with which they exchange information and from which they receive control commands.
Even in 2025, Bosch still sees prospects for a diesel engine. Therefore, the Bosch VisionX concept is equipped with a diesel engine, which is still the most economical for long-haul transport. Electric drives and hybrid technologies are also used here, but on auxiliary systems, for example, a hydraulic pump.
The German concern ZF also showed its own version of controlling the main systems of the truck. A hybrid drive, transmissions of the future and integrated electric motors were all on display at the ZF stand in Hanover. And you could see all the nuances of the work on the example of the transparent ZF cabin.
After such an abundance of futuristic exhibits, the DAF stand was not impressive. Although the Dutch brought their most economical versions to Hanover and the DAF XF 2016 model year.
Volvo also unveiled the Concept Truck, which finalized 5 years of work to reduce fuel consumption. Volvo Concept Truck with D13 Euro 6 engine combined with I-Shift last generation, but thanks to sophisticated aerodynamics, it was possible to achieve a reduction in fuel consumption by 30% - said Volvo Trucks President Klaus Nilsson at a press conference.
Another show stopper at the Volvo stand is the Iron Knight sports car, which has already set a world record in acceleration at 500 and 1000 meters. The President of Volvo stressed that even this sports truck equipped with i-Shift gearbox with double clutch... In total, 92% of consumers in Europe choose new Volvo trucks with the i-Shift gearbox.
Renault Trucks also this year made a bet on the sports theme, but presented the MKR Adventure K520 Dakar track. The rally truck has already taken part in the Silk Way Rally 2016 and took 7th position there. It is equipped with a 1050 hp engine that delivers a torque of 4200 Nm. The maximum speed is 140 km / h. Compared to other Dakar participants, such characteristics are not impressive, but the French promise to prepare an updated version for the Dakar itself.
And the main novelty at Renault is the T520 Maxispace High Edition in a special design performance. The key theme is the red line that wraps around the cab of the truck and continues into the interior. With the help of this technique, the designers wanted to emphasize the uniqueness of this performance in the model a number of Renault T.
There were surprisingly many bus novelties this year. There were even concepts. This is how Mercedes-Benz showed the city electric bus of the future.
MAN also adopted an interesting concept. It combined an electric bus and a trolleybus in the articulated Lions City. During stops, the electric bus is connected to the contact network and replenishes the charge. This approach is not new and is even used in Polish Lublin, but MAN has proposed a non-standard solution, when the telpher is installed not on the transport itself, but on the contact support. As a result, the transport does not travel with "horns", but the effect is the same.
The exhibition in Hanover was filled with Polish and Turkish bus manufacturers, with half of the exhibits being electric versions for cities.
But the Chinese BYD turned out to be the fastest. He not only presented his new products, but has already managed to deliver a decent batch of his electric buses to the airports of the Netherlands and Germany.
The interest in commercial electric vehicles has been huge this year. Almost every booth had an electric or hybrid model. It seemed, well, what can surprise trailer manufacturers against their background? But there was something to see too. For example, Schmitz Cargobull has equipped its tipper semi-trailers S.KI Control application that can be installed on a mobile phone. And from now on, Schmitz Cargobull will not only check whether it is safe to lift the body in this position, whether there is enough distance for unloading, whether the road is sloping dangerous, etc., but also shows the image from the cameras behind the semi-trailer and inside the body. The driver no longer needs to climb onto the body to evaluate the contents, and the S.KI Control app additionally displays the load weight and axle distribution. As reported by our source in Schmitz Cargobull, grain carriers, which are supplied, including to the Ukrainian market, will receive a similar option. A similar application is being adapted for trailers and refrigerators.
Once again IAA exhibition showed new trends. Commercial vehicles are moving towards electrification, autonomous driving and the IT sector. It is far from the number of "horses" that determines the efficiency of trucks. Quite different criteria are held in high esteem. And what else will be ?!
The meeting place cannot be changed: once every two years, the largest trade fair for commercial vehicles IAA takes place in Hanover. It is clear that it is impossible to cover all the interesting exhibits in one reportage, but we will try to tell you about new products, concepts, trends ... And about the GAZ Group, which first showed its lineup here.
When I told my friends that on the only press day of the IAA-2016 exhibition there will be 70 conferences for journalists, and all at the manufacturers' stands, at first they did not believe me: they thought, just kidding. If. After all, there are 13 pavilions, not counting the stands between them. The journalists were in shock: before there were two press days, and conferences were held on the first day, in a convenient multiplex center, while the stands were still being built.
And after all, there is no crisis in the European auto industry: according to the results of the first half of the year, registrations of commercial vehicles in the European Union increased by 13.5% (in the light segment - by 13.2%, in the medium and heavy segment - by 16.5%, buses - by 2 , 7%).
Yes and world production commercial vehicles are mainly on the rise: in Europe - plus 3.5%, in North America- plus 7.5%, China slowed down a little, plus 1.7%. Perhaps because this time the presence of the Chinese car industry in Hanover was not as noticeable as two years ago.
But here an event happened that I almost missed! Having received an invitation to the Volkswagen evening before the exhibition, at first I wanted to refuse, but in time I noticed the inscription “Volkswagen Truck & Bus”, that is, “trucks and buses”. New brand? It turned out - a union. VW decided to merge its truck brands: these are MAN and Scania, as well as the commercial division of VW itself and the Brazilian VW Caminhoes Onibus (where they also make large trucks and buses), owned by the concern. In addition, the group includes the supplier of "electronic intelligence" Rio, and the American Navistar has become a partner of the group.
MAN TGE, like the Volkswagen Crafter, can be a truck, van or minibus - with front, rear or all-wheel drive.
Inside, the MAN TGE differs from the VW Crafter twin only by the emblem on the steering wheel
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Of course, the new group cannot compare with Daimler, which sold 851 thousand commercial vehicles in 2015, but 179 thousand cars over the same period is still a lot.
Andreas Renschler becomes head of Volkswagen Truck & Bus
The association is headed by Andreas Renschler (he previously headed the cargo division of the Daimler concern and was at the origins of Daimler's cooperation with KAMAZ), and there is already a joint product, the low-tonnage MAN TGE, a twin of the newcomer Volkswagen Crafter. With the TGE photo we begin our review of the exhibition - it differs from the Crafter only in its cladding and emblems, and the idea of this model appearing in the Mana range is simple: if the buyer of large trucks and buses also needs small ones, everything can be “wrapped together” and paid in one bill.
In the meantime, Volkswagen itself showed off an electric version of the Crafter, but with commercial electric vehicles it's not so simple yet ...
Electric cars
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Following Mercedes, he built a similar truck based on the production Antos model - Urban eTruck. Its carrying capacity is 12.8 tons, battery charging takes two hours, the declared power reserve is 200 km.
Low mileage per charge is the main problem of electric trucks: not only are they very expensive, and the batteries are heavy (here, according to our information, they weigh 2.5 tons), but also the power reserve is limited. Cars like these cannot be recharged, like buses, at bus stops!
And the ultra-wide single-tire tires (pictured below) have never been used on production trucks. Placing such a spare tire on a car is problematic, and changing a wheel is even more difficult.
Mercedes is late with electric buses: an electric model is planned to be shown in 2018, and this "bus of the future" is equipped with a conventional diesel engine. But here there is CityPilot - a smart autopilot that allows the car to move along a dedicated lane with little or no driver involvement. Trial operation has already taken place in the Netherlands on a 20-kilometer route.
MAN presented its prototype of an electric truck - based on the TGS tractor. The car looks traditional, and the promised power reserve on one charge is only 50 to 150 km. Such, perhaps, even in "close combat" it is scary to send!
Barely having time to debut, new volkswagen The Crafter received an electric version: its carrying capacity is 1.7 tons, the cruising range is up to 200 km, and the batteries can be recharged to 80% in 45 minutes.
This is how MAN sees the bus electric future: a ten-minute "air" recharge will provide the Lion's City "accordion" with up to 20 km of run. Operation of prototypes is planned to begin in 2018, their serial production - in 2020.
Europe is gradually conquered by "electric Chinese": two "accordions" hitherto unknown to us from the CRRC company are being tested in the Austrian Graz. Recharging - high-speed, at stops or at the terminal.
Concepts
Iveco has partnered with fuel company Petronas to build a complete concept truck called the Z: it is supposed to provide Zero (zero) air pollution, accidents and stress for the driver. It is assumed that in the parking lot, the rear wall of the cabin, in which the kitchen table and shower are built in, will be pushed back 50 cm. A sideways retractable ladder - just like the Freightliner Argosy cabover tractor, which has long been discontinued in the USA. Not only is such a concept unsafe (the tractor suddenly becomes wider), but the ladder is also wobbly.
The Iveco Z cockpit is full of conceptualism: an active suspension seat and an "imperial stormtrooper steering wheel" instead of a steering wheel.
As conceived by the creators, the tractor will be fueled with liquefied gas, the supply of which will be enough for 2,200 kilometers.
The look under the cockpit is depressing: empty engine compartment, rusty chassis and "legs" on which the concept rests. This is just a mockup!
The Bosch VisionX concept truck cannot drive - and it has neither aggregates nor even glass! Because this is an electronic solutions demonstrator ...
Like video mirrors, touchscreen on dashboard and a projector readings on the windshield.
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Stoneridge Electronics offers truck manufacturers to replace mirrors with video cameras: they are three to four times more expensive, but, as promised, they can save 3-4% of fuel. Legislatively, such a replacement is not yet allowed, but it is possible that cameras will be legalized in 2017.
Exotic
Daimler allotted a whole corner of the hall for models of its non-European brands and partners - from America, Japan, India, China. But there was not the slightest mention of KAMAZ here! In the foreground is an experimental Freightliner Cascadia Evolution equipped with an autopilot, behind it is a serial Western Star W5700XE (both from the USA) and school bus Mercedes made in India.
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What is this Chinese Mercedes? Almost: since Foton and Daimler founded joint venture, the Chinese decided to make "their own Actros". It is difficult to say how licensed it is, but the cab has a flat floor, the interior (in the photo on the left) is almost like the Actros MP3 model, the engine is Mercedes, the gearbox is a new "robot" ZF Traxon. And there are no complaints about the quality - with the exception of jammed door seals. According to unofficial information, the cost of the tractor is 55,000 euros.
In India, Daimler has a BharatBenz facility that makes such trucks - with a cab and an engine from the Mercedes Axor model.
"Spider truck" Fuso Spider - show truck, built on the basis of the production model Super great V.
The Fuso brand is wholly owned by Daimler.
The Japanese tractor Fuso TV has a tall saddle! And the components are Mercedes: and power unit, and the cockpit along with the interior.
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The Swede Boye Overbrink took part in truck circuit races in the nineties, and is now organizing record races on trucks built by Volvo. This Iron Knight race car, the Steel Knight, is powered by a 2,400 hp engine and has driven Overbrink to break records at a distance of 500 m (13.71 s at average speed 131 km / h) and kilometer (21.29 s at 169 km / h). Maximum speed - 276 km / h.
We have never seen a DAF XF105 tractor with such a cab! The car was remade by the Dutch studio Van Winkoop, extending the serial cab by 90 cm. But you cannot attach a regular Euro trailer here: the train will be oversized.
Two axles at the front, one at the back: the court Mercedes "remixer" Paul, at the request of the power engineers, turned the four-axle Arocs model into an unusual three-axle 6x6.
For Europe, large buses with the Volkswagen emblem are exotic, but for South America they are normal. The chassis for them is produced by the Brazilian division of VW, the body - in this case, the Marcopolo atelier.
Our
"Is GAZ Gazprom?" - the Germans were surprised. The GAZ group first arrived in Hanover, and even with a whole range: two Gazelles Next, two Lawn Next, dump truck Ural Next, bus and engine YAMZ-536. So far, the task of the Gazans is not to sell their cars in the European Union (all shown samples meet Euro-5 standards), but to acquaint Europeans with the brand and products.
Russian exoticism: after the press conference, GAZ treated the journalists to vodka and caviar. This, according to foreign colleagues, has never happened before!
Since alternative energy sources are in vogue in Europe, the methane Lawn Next was at the GAZ stand.
The new 9.5 m long bus produced by the Likinsky plant also bears the GAZ emblem and, in addition, received the name Cursor.
What was KAMAZ doing in the hall of veteran trucks? It has been lovingly restored by the German owner, albeit with deviations from the historical truth (for example, KAMAZ never had a blue chassis and chrome mirrors). And the brand of Omskshin tires is written on the plate as "Omskwina".
Other
The Bundeswehr brought to the exhibition a Swiss-made Mowag Eagle V armored car - an analogue of our Tiger, only four-seater. Under the hood there is a Cummins ISBe 5.9 diesel, the transmission is an Allison automatic.
A high tunnel runs along the entire cabin. In addition to the steel armor (it is thinner), composite armor is installed on the outside (photo on the right).
And this is just an old "American" Peterbilt 379 - one of those brought to Germany and participating in various shows. Nothing out of the ordinary, of course. But how spectacular!
The most amazing veteran truck is the experimental Büssing, built in 1971. The engine and automatic gearbox are located in the base, carrying capacity is 12 tons. Volkswagen wanted to order fifty of these machines for its own needs, but it did not work out.
The Italian automaker has brought the Talento van to Hannover. The novelty has four 1.6-liter turbodiesels with varying degrees of boost. Power: 95, 120, 125 and 145 hp In Europe, the price of a car starts at 23,430 euros. Competitor one hundred and t opposite. This is the new Nissan NV300. At press conferences, manufacturers, one after another, say that the segment of small tonnage in the Old World is growing. This is why the competition is getting stronger.
Volvo crossed a bus with a tram
The Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid has a diesel-electric power plant. The bus can travel along the route using diesel engine but in areas where combustion engines are prohibited, the driver turns on electric power and the Volvo turns into an electric car. The batteries are recharged at the final stops. The bus connects to the charging pylon by raising the charging bar. The same as on a tram or electric locomotive.
Nissan unveils NV300 mid-size truck
GAZon Next CNG and other IAA-2016 premieres in Hannover
The Nissan NV300 debuted in Hanover. The car was equipped with a 1.6 liter diesel engine. Motor power varies from 95 to 145 hp. In Europe, the car will compete with Renault Trafic and Opel Vivaro.
One of the main trends is the optimization of the loading area. Japanese engineers were also engaged in this. As a result, a shelf system appeared in the body, allowing to optimize the loading of goods.
The e-NV200 electric car settled nearby. Looking under the bottom, we will see that ground clearance quite modest under the traction battery. In Russia, this will be difficult to drive. However, the electric truck will not be brought to us.
