The big American is looking at a record yearDaimlerChrysler's Freightliner brand of American trucks has always been one of the automotive giantess's big performers and now the South African operation is building on that winning heritage. Freightliner trucks have been one of the biggest local winners in the heavy commercial vehicle stakes this year and its share of this market segment over 16 tonnes is already up by 3 percent compared to the same period last year. Its present 9,6 % September performance sets it up for a record breaking year. Johan Cloete, divisional manager for Freightliner at DaimlerChrysler South Africa, is happy with the state of affairs and sums up: ''Customers in South Africa want the latest technology and Freightliner can offer the best in customised technology. With the sophisticated new Argosy in the line-up, I believe we can become the No 1 seller of American trucks in South Africa.''When looking at the so-called American truck segment that account for about a third of the heavy market, Freightliner's share currently stands at 33 %. It is also steadily gaining share in the over 400 hp sector - a sector that has shown the most growth for truck tractors with a gross vehicle mass of more than 16 tonnes.The Freightliner stand naturally showcases its brand new Argosy but also represents a good cross section of the Freightliner's products in South Africa. Three 6x4 Argosy truck tractors - one fitted with the popular Cummins 600 hp and one with the 600 hp Caterpillar engine and 110'' raised roof - are on show with a Century Class C120 58'' raised roof with a Cummins ISX 475 hp engine and the FL80 4x4, an exciting new freight carrier. ''We have a responsibility to provide a full range of products and we believe this product will find great market acceptance,'' says Johan Cloete about the 4x4 unit. The Argosy 90 truck tractor with its 354 kW demonstrates the company's latest 18-speed 'Autoshift' transmission for the first time in South Africa. A first of its kind in Africa, the Eaton-Fuller fully automated mechanical transmission allows a gearbox electronic control unit to talk to the engine module via a data link at the rate of 56 000 bytes per second, resulting in perfect seamless shift of every gear - without the use of the clutch!A mechanical clutch is still part of the drive train but is used only to engage engine power for starting the truck from a standstill and when stopping. Once the Freightliner has moved off the driver can rely on the engine and automated shift to select precisely the right gear for every grade and engine torque situation.Johan Cloete feels that 'Autoshift' will eliminate the technical strain on drivers in the future. Training of drivers in future will become more complex with on the one hand intensive driver training to meet technical driving requirements and on the other hand general road sense. ''Autoshift will bring advancement of the latest technology and will actually eliminate the high road technical straining that the driver needs to drive the very latest trucks,'' he says. Argosy - Low cost of ownership
Continuing its low cost of ownership philosophy and offering a prolonged life expectancy, the Argosy was designed on the principle that the only thing better than making components easy to access is making them easy to ignore for longer periods of time. There are components all over the truck that set new standards for reduced maintenance requirements. Some components - such as the steering shaft, leaf spring bushings, drive shaft and clutch bearing - need no maintenance at all. The Century Class Argosy has the best standard warranty of its kind, covering the basic vehicle for 2 years or 400 000 kilometres.
Freightliner Business Class - new release for rough terrainThe Freightliner Business Class rigid freight carrier is on show in a 4x4 configuration. Its full electronic Caterpillar engine delivers 186 kW at 2 200 r/min and torque at 895 N.m at 1 440 r/min. Freightliner's medium duty line of trucks is the fastest growing full product line for the marquee and is regarded as the American industry's technological benchmark. Greater versatility of chassis and wheel-base, combined with optimal payload area, make the Business Class Series 80 a sound proposition for beverage companies, distributors of food and goods and municipalities.
At the show the vehicle has been fitted with a HIAB 125-2 fully hydraulic mounted crane with a vertical reach of 11,5 metres. Its applications are endless and its folded configuration allows the 4x4 truck to operate over the most demanding terrain.
Century ClassA showcase of advanced safety and technology, the Century Class defines a new era in trucking. It achieves breakthrough in fuel efficiency, integrated electronics and driver safety and comfort, while enhancing standard Class 8 features. Innovative noise reduction and anti-vibration technology give it a smooth and quiet ride. Highly refined aerodynamics and lightweight components save weight and fuel without sacrificing strength. Unprecedented onboard computing power connects the data delivery systems of the 21st Century to provide drivers with information, communications and entertainment - all in one unit. With more than forty new internal and external safety features, including a standard driver-side air bag, the Century Class is a world leader.