In Pictures: 2015 Brisbane Truck Show

Greg Bush Steve Skinner and Matt WoodMay 20, 2015, 4:25 pmMay 20, 2015

It was a who’s who of road transport when the Brisbane Truck Show brought together the very best of Australia’s commercial vehicle industry.

Over four days from May 14 to 17 the Brisbane Truck Show cemented its position as Australia’s premier commercial vehicle event.

Tens of thousands of patrons arrived to view the latest technology on offer from leading truck and trailer manufacturers, as well as a myriad ground-breaking accessories.

Organised by the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Queensland (CVIAQ) and held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC), the biennial event was notable for announcing the return of the International brand to Australian shores.

In addition, Isuzu, DAF, Western Star, MAN and Mercedes-Benz were among those with brand new product on display.

However, it was International’s new ProStar that picked up the Truck Of The Show award.

International scored a double for Navistar Auspac when its imported LoneStar Blade won the People’s Choice award.

Rugby League legend Shane Webcke returned as MC, hosting the show awards and the apprentice challenge.

CVIAQ CEO Brett Wright says he initially expected a quiet show due to the state of the economy, and in Queensland in particular, but was pleased with the crowd numbers that at last count were between 30,000 and 40,000.

“Every exhibitor we spoke to, they’ve had as good a show or a better show than last time,” Wright says.

“But it’s a lot more than just a sales event, and it’s a lot more than just a show.

“It’s a real industry gathering now and not the just from the sense of a social gathering.

“We had pretty much the entire board of the ATA [Australian Trucking Association] there, and every CEO and president of every trucking association. I think it’s a true gathering of industry.”

Wright says part of the reason for the show’s evolvement is the switch from the Brisbane Showgrounds to the Convention Centre in 2011.

“It still is very family friendly and still very social,” he says.

This year saw the introduction of the Health Tune-Up Centre, situated alongside the Industry Careers Centre on the mezzanine level.

“It’s not easy to get people to go in there [the Health Tune-Up Centre],”

Wright says. “The middle-aged man, you know what we’re like. We’ll avoid the doctor at all costs.

“What we may have to do is go through the health centre to get to the bar,” he laughs.

In a timely announcement, CVIAQ president Bob Martin announced at the official opening breakfast that the Brisbane Truck Show had signed a new three show contract with the BCEC to host the show from 2017 to 2021.

“To secure a venue like the centre you have to plan well in advance,” Wright says.

“Also, we felt that after the first two shows [at the centre], the industry had definitely accepted the venue.”

The 2017 Brisbane Truck Show will be held on May 25 to 28.

ProStar shines

The International ProStar made a bold entry onto the Australian market, taking out the Truck of the Show award at the Brisbane Truck Show. The ProStar is the first International model to return to the Australian market.

Unlike its stablemates under the Cat Trucks banner, the ProStar is powered by the 15-litre Cummins ISXe5, using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) emissions technology.

The ISXe5 will offer initial power ratings of 469hp (350kW) to 543hp (405kW), feeding into an industry-standard Eaton 18-speed overdrive transmission available in manual or automated UltraShift Plus form.

The ProStar is a popular model in the United States, which is the home country of International’s parent company, Navistar.

“The International brand has a tremendous affinity in this part of the world but this is certainly no random attempt to simply resurrect International from the ashes of yesteryear,” Navistar Auspac managing director Tim Quinlan says.

“This is an entirely new beginning and a great deal of careful planning and analysis preceded the decision to return the International brand to Australia and the Pacific region.

“The launch of ProStar in Brisbane is the first of many initiatives which will evolve over coming months and years.”

The ProStar features Meritor axles front and rear, and Hendrickson’s Primaax Ex air bag suspension on the drives. GCM rating is 90 tonnes with wheelbase options from 4.6m to 5.7m.

Navistar Auspac says the ProStar is designed for a wide variety of applications, from truck and dog combinations to local and regional distribution in single trailer or B-double configurations, as well as line-haul duties in single, B-double and double road train roles.

The bumper to back of cab (BBC) dimension is just 2,845mm (112 inches), in non-sleeper day cab form. There are two sleeper cab variants: an integrated extended cab and a 1,016mm (40-inch) high-rise sleeper.

Cat’s triple

Cat Trucks launched its long-awaited triple road train-rated prime mover at the Brisbane Truck Show.

Almost three years of planning and “consistent demand” from triple road train operators in mostly Western Australia and Queensland has gone into the new 130-tonne rated CT630HD, Cat says.

The Cat C15 ACERT engine has dual diesel particulate filters (DPFs) for its unique ADR80/03 emissions compliance.

Transmission duties are performed by the Eaton Fuller 18-speed overdrive with the option of Eaton’s UltraShift Plus automated transmission with hill start assist.

Cat trucks are built under licence from Caterpillar by the US-based Navistar company.

Navistar also manufactures International trucks, hence the resemblance of the Cat to the International ProStar, also launched at the Brisbane Truck Show.

Navistar Australia Pacific chief engineer Adrian Wright says a number of the previously introduced CT630LS models continue to notch up “formidable efficiency and reliability records” in approved multiple-trailer applications up to 110 tonnes.

“From these applications we knew we had a good design platform to work with, so to bring the CT630HD to life we were able to build on the existing architecture of a cab, hood, power train and driveline package that were already well-proven and up to the task of coping with road train triples,” Wright says.

Wright says several key areas were identified to bring the CT630HD to Cat’s desired level for triples operation.

The most obvious changes are a deeper, blackened grille and a higher cab stance which deliver enhanced airflow around the engine and reduced engine fan engagement in high duty cycles.

Like its CT630S and SC siblings, the cab of the CT630HD sits 50mm higher above the top of the chassis than other models in the range. Furthermore, the heavier duty front axle and springs package has lifted chassis height by 30mm.

Front axle rating has been boosted to 7.3 tonnes with the optional Meritor MFS73 beam, which runs a narrower track width to accommodate the wide profile 385/65R22.5 steer tyres preferred by many road train operators.

Chassis rails of the CT630HD have been strengthened; and providing support for the rear end is Hendrickson’s Primaax Ex air suspension bolstered with heavy duty transverse torque rods.

The cab is a fully integrated 56-inch (1,422mm); and wheelbase lengths are 5.4m to 5.7m.

New Actros unveiled

The wraps were taken off the all-new Mercedes-Benz Actros at the Brisbane Truck Show.

On display for the first time in Australia was the Actros 2663LS 6×4 long distance line-haul prime mover.

Benz says the truck is part of a test and evaluation fleet, which will undergo a local development program that aims to engineer and improve specifications for Australian conditions.

“Over the course of the next 18 months you can expect to see a fleet of the new generation vehicles operating with test partners in various regions throughout the country,” the company says.

“The vehicle has been engineered from the ground up with a focus on whole of life cost, comfort and driving dynamics through all new features and components.

“Take a look inside the aerodynamic stream space cabin with level floor and you will see the ergonomic layout with three defined zones, a significantly increased bunk size and newly developed interior finish.”

Replacing the current V8 is an all-new in-line 6 cylinder, 16-litre engine pushing out 625hp (466kW) and an impressive 3,000Nm of torque.

The engine is from a Daimler family of four new in-line 6 cylinder variants at 8, 11, 13 and 16 litres capacity in both Euro 5 and Euro 6 emission level standards.

Mercedes says the engines will reduce fuel use through a new high pressure injection system called amplified pressure common-rail system (APCRS).

“Coupled to the redefined PowerShift 3 automated transmission system, which achieves gearshift times of up to 20 per cent quicker than the current generation and redeveloped axles, power delivery and control is effortless.

“A fully redesigned steering system and components allows for exceptionally precise steering and control even on undulating surfaces adding to the overall enhancement in driving dynamics.”

Other product and safety innovations include stiffer frames; an automated emergency braking system with stop go function; ‘attention assist’ systems that monitor the driver’s alertness through a series of sensors; an integrated tyre pressure monitoring system which displays tyre pressures directly to the multifunction dash display; and cabins and mounting with crash absorbing elements to protect both occupants in front end collisions.

Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus general manager in Australia Justin Whitford says the project is “very exciting”.

“For the first time ever Mercedes-Benz has done the work locally to ensure the truck we’re implementing is fit for purpose in Australia.”

Whitford says the new Actros 2663LS 6×4 is around 12 to 15 months away from official release “but that allows us to do an appropriate testing program, which is something we haven’t done previously”.

DAF’s new range

Paccar brand DAF used the 2015 Brisbane Truck Show to launch its new LF range in Australia. GVM ratings for the new trucks are 12, 16 and 18 tonnes.

There is a new exterior and new interior design combined with a 6 cylinder Paccar GR 6.7-litre Euro 5 engine in a choice of two output ratings.

These are 250hp (186kW) with 950Nm of torque, and 286hp (213kW) with 1,020Nm. Both engines use SCR emissions technology.

A 6-speed ZF AS-Tronic automated manual transmission (AMT) is standard, with the option of a new 9-speed ZF manual gearbox.

Standard safety features include front and rear ventilated disc brakes, electronic braking system (EBS), anti-slip control (ASR) and hill start aid. A driver’s airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioners are available as an option.

New exterior items include a bumper made from galvanised steel, reducing susceptibility to damage. New headlight units are made from impact resistant Lexan and headlights can also be optioned with integrated LED daytime running lights and bumper-integrated cornering lights, which illuminate where the driver is turning.

There is the choice of a 160cm day cab and a 200cm sleeper cab.

A new, fully adjustable steering wheel integrates a wide range of operating buttons for the infotainment system (radio and telephone) as well as speed-related functions such as cruise control, speed limiter setting and exhaust brake.

Meanwhile, also newly available in Australia is the flagship XF105 in an 8×4 rigid configuration with a 7.1m wheelbase.

Paccar says it’s ideal for a range of vocational applications requiring higher horsepower the MX-13 engine generating 510hp (380kW) and 2,500Nm of torque.

Iveco’s upgraded engine

Diverse truck manufacturer Iveco launched an upgraded version of its 13-litre engine, called the Cursor Series II at the show.

The new engine will be available in selected Stralis and Powerstar heavy-duty models.

Iveco says it will deliver operators “the renowned fuel efficiency benefits of the previous Cursor engine, coupled with even greater reliability and engine life”.

Engineered for Australian conditions, the Cursor Series II produces 560hp (418kW) and 2,300Nm of torque from as low as 1,000rpm.

“New engine calibration optimises torque and fan operation, resulting in lower operating temperatures and prolonged engine life,” Iveco says.

“Series II engines benefit from new aluminium pistons, which reduce friction and increase heat dispersion, while a higher capacity oil pump provides more efficient lubrication to keep the engine running smoother for longer.

“Other improvements include a new camshaft design for greater durability, rocker arms which adopt a high hardness coating to reduce friction and improved turbocharger and exhaust manifold design, to best suit high-load applications.

“The total engine package has been developed to suit typical Australian B-double duty cycles.”

Iveco says the improved Cursor has undergone extensive bench, dyno and on-road testing under varying Australian conditions, with multiple B-doubles covering more than a million kilometres. “Recorded data from the test vehicles indicated significant reduction in engine temperatures both at the air intake and catalyst,” the company says.

Iveco is offering an extended warranty package of three, four and five years on the new engine.

New MAN in town

The new MAN TGX-D38 prime mover made its first appearance in Australia at the Brisbane Truck Show ahead of its official release here in late 2015.

MAN says the flagship of its fleet has been optimised for Australian long distance B-double and heavy-duty applications, with factory supported local research and development (R&D) input.

The new MAN was one of the stars of the show, just seven months after its world launch at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Hannover, Germany.

“The new MAN TGX-D38 boasts a raft of new technologies, outstanding performance, a new level of driving dynamics and comfort, along with low ownership costs,”

MAN Truck and Bus Australia general manager Mark Mello says.

“European trucks are designed and built to relentlessly ply long distances across many terrains in all weather conditions.

“We believe these qualities stand us in good stead for operators requiring B-double and heavy duty applications in Australia.”

Featuring what MAN says are a number of technical firsts, the 15.2-litre 6 cylinder engine produces 560hp (418kW) and 1,991ft-lb (2,700Nm) of torque.

MAN says the Euro 6-compliant engine consumes up to 3 per cent less fuel than an equivalent 540hp (402kW) Euro 5 engine, due to its high-pressure common-rail fuel system that injects fuel into the cylinders at up to 2,500 bar “resulting in finer atomisation and lower particulate levels”.

Other emissions-reducing technologies include a DPF, SCR with AdBlue injection, plus a combination of cooled, external high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a continuously regenerating trap (CRT) closed particulate filter system.

An interesting engine characteristic is the lower rpm torque delivery, from 930rpm to 1,350rpm.

Isuzu N Series on show

Isuzu Australia (IAL) previewed its new 2015 N Series, unveiling an NLR 45-150 AMT medium wheelbase Traypack and a NPR 45-155 Premium Tradepack.

While the surface changes may be subtle, the MY15 N Series gets Isuzu electronic stability control (IESC) and more grunt. All N Series models, save compressed natural gas (CNG) powered trucks, are now standard with ESC.

“The new models offer an extremely attractive, all-encompassing transport solution for all operators of light rigid trucks, while the increased model choice in the car driver’s licence category is sure to be welcomed by savvy tradespeople looking for performance, reliability and importantly, payload,” IAL COO Phil Taylor says.

Engine wise, 5.2-litre models have copped a power increase of 22 per cent and that power plant now delivers 140kW and 513Nm.

“The technology behind IESC brings the total Isuzu N Series package to the very forefront of what is currently on offer in the small truck market,” chief engineer, product strategy Simon Humphries says.

“When you bundle the safety enhancements, the engine and driveline improvements and the level of off road support available through the Isuzu Care package, you have an extremely intelligent, fit for purpose package with no peer.”

UD’s new Condors

UD Trucks released two new models in its medium-duty Condor range at the Brisbane Truck Show. They are the Condor PD and the Condor MK Tipper.

The Japanese manufacturer is also celebrating its 80th year of operation.

Vice president UD Trucks Australia Jon McLean says the company introduced the new Condor 24 280 RAA “as a birthday present to our loyal customers and to ourselves”.

“The PD is now fitted with the lazy axle from Japan. Previously these were a retrofit in Australia adding cost and time to deliveries.

“The PD model was our highest selling medium-duty model last year and allowed us to increase sales and market share significantly.”

As the name suggests, the PD 24 280 has a 23.5-tonne GVM and produces 280hp (209kW) with 883Nm of torque. There is the choice of an Allison 6-speed automatic gearbox or a 9-speed Eaton manual.

The new UD Condor MK Tipper was also at the Brisbane Truck Show. It features a 240hp (179kW) engine with 716Nm of torque; an Allison automatic transmission; and is the first factory-fitted tipper to be offered by UD in Australia.

“We’re confident that the MK Tipper is going to be very popular for light-duty construction tasks with the truck weighing 5 tonnes while taking a massive 5.5-tonne load,” McLean says.

Baby Western Star

The Brisbane Truck Show saw the arrival in Australia of a bonneted medium-duty Western Star.

The conventional 2800SS was revealed in Brisbane, ahead of going on sale in Australia in late 2015. It will occupy the 15- to 22.5-tonne segment of the market.

The 2800 features a 6 cylinder Euro 6 equivalent Cummins ISBE6, which pushes out 260hp (194kW) and 895Nm of torque, with the ability to option increased horsepower to 325hp (242kW).

The Euro 6 emissions gear caters for future standards and includes DPF and SCR.

Coupled to the Cummins is an Allison 3000 RDS fully automatic 6-speed transmission.

The Western Star 2800 is based on the Freightliner M2, which has nearly a quarter market share in the US, and 45,000 units were built last year.

“It’s our first foray into the medium-duty segment of the market here in Australia, and the lower part of the heavy-duty market,” Western Star Trucks Australia general manager Doug Shand says.

“We start at 15-tonne capacity up to 22.5-tonne, with the cleanest diesel engine available in Australia, the Cummins ISB into an Allison transmission with Detroit front and rear axles.”

Shand says the 2800 could be an inner city truck, a delivery truck, a tautliner or a crane truck.

“It’s a very versatile truck and we’re very excited to be able to launch it here at the Brisbane Truck Show.

“This is very much a niche truck. It can be very productive put into the right application,” Shand says.

The new Western Star will be distributed in Australia by the Penske Commercial Vehicles group.

Scania’s green machines

Scania launched its flagship V8 range with Euro 6 emission compliance at the show.

Heading the line-up were two V8 models; the company’s flagship R 730 V8 prime mover with Euro 6 compliance and a B-double specification R 580 V8.

These were flanked by a brace of 6 cylinder Euro 6-compliant models; a G 490 and a P 450.

Scania says all vehicles on its stand were Euro 6-compliant, which it adds is underlining the breadth of the company’s low emission offerings to the Australian market.

The Scania display kicked off with the intra-state distribution-oriented P 450, accompanied by the more powerful line-haul G 490.

Like the R 580 V8 and R 730 V8 Euro 6 flagships, the P- and G-series trucks are finished in the Scania Euro 6 signature colour of Eucalyptus green.

The new R 580 V8 engine delivers almost the same torque as the Euro 5 R 620 V8 engine, at 2,950Nm.

“There has been strong interest from customers and prospective customers in the Scania Euro 6 solution given its environmental benefits, and potential fuel efficiency improvements,” Scania brand and communications manager Ron Szulc says.

“The Scania Euro 6 solution can enhance and augment a customer’s existing carbon footprint reduction strategies.”

Scania also placed strong emphasis on its driver training and coaching programs at the show, along with the new Scania On-Board and Scania Optimise fleet monitoring and efficiency enhancement systems.

Hamelex White’s winner

MaxiTrans subsidiary Hamelex White’s new tipper trailer range, the VersaBolt, was recognised by Brisbane Truck Show Awards judges as the 2015 Trailer of the Show.

Showing off a performance based standards (PBS) pre-approved 4-axle dog model at the show, MaxiTrans general manager of tippers Craig Wallace says the new range were designed, after consultation with customers, to provide versatility and faster delivery times.

“The VersaBolt name is derived from the words ‘versatile’ and ‘bolted’,” Wallace says at the show.

“The idea behind it is to give us the flexibility and versatility to be able to assemble in multiple locations around Australia.

“We have three manufacturing sites and we have four key dealerships.

“The idea was that we could flat-pack it, modular, and send it to the dealerships, and then they can put it together.

“From the assembly perspective, a tub, like [the 4-axle dog], you can actually put it together in a very short period of time, about half a day.

“Compare that to the old process of welding.

“Welding a tub, like this, will take about a day-and-a-half to two days to do.”

The speed of production comes from the ability to select the right flat-packed parts for the build.

The floor, wall, tub base, front wall, rear frame and mudguards are then bolted together in-house and, according to the company, on the road in a matter of weeks.

The bolted construction allows MaxiTrans to replace or repair parts individually, in an effort to reduce downtime.

At present, dog trailers and rigid bodies are available but MaxiTrans says semi-tippers and aluminium options will be on offer in the near future.

Hinges on the trailer have been hidden below the top rail, allowing for its tarp to slide without hindrance, and the integrated two-way tailgate can switch between side or top-hinged.

“By engineering hinges beneath the top rail, the tarp can move smoothly all the way to the back of the trailer without obstruction,” Wallace says.

“While the two-way tailgate enhances the VersaBolt’s versatility and possesses an added safety benefit in that it can be operated from a secure position beside the trailer.”

MaxiTrans says it has designed a mechanism in the tail post to allow operators to adjust the alignment of the heavy rear end of the trailer and has also prototyped a releasable ladder that swings down across the back of the trailer to provide access to the trailers contents when the tailgate is closed.

Drake’s ‘first of a kind’

Drake Trailers has shown off its new tilt slide trailer at the Brisbane Truck Show, an extendable, deck-widening trailer built to carry up to 40 tonnes.

The Brisbane-based manufacturer is showing off a top-end model of the trailer built for Membrey’s Transport and Crane Hire, who was looking to begin shifting buses and required a trailer that could extend to such lengths.

Drake Trailers’ business development manager Sam Drake says the trailer is the only one of its kind to extend to 4.8m and took approximately three months to put together, from order to completion.

“The trailer is a 50-foot [15.3m] extendable, widening super tilt trailer,” Drake says.

“It extends out by 4.8m. No other trailer on the market extends that long and it’s a deck-widening trailer that can carry things that are 2.5m wide, and out to 3.2m wide.

“The idea behind this piece of equipment is versatility. It caters for long and extended oversize loads, standard drop deck loads, indivisible loads, recovery work, and general heavy haulage equipment.

“It’s got 7.5 degrees through to 16 degrees loading angle and BPW air bags in axle suspension.”

Made from high-tensile quench and tempered steel, the trailer boasts 3×4 and 4×4 configurations and an EBS that includes roll stability and ABS.

The trailer can haul loads heavier than the 20-tonne legal limit, with off-road possibilities of 35- to 40-tonne.