Transport Management 71

A firework of new features! In these economically gloomy times, especially for the transport sector, it is a great boost that the manufacturers have a feast of new features ready for the big truck show in Hannover, which starts in a few days! A brief overview of the many stars that will be showing off on the German red carpet. Long awaited and finally revealed: the new Volvo FH will undoubtedly be one of the biggest attractions at the IAA. In particular, it will be equipped with a completely new independent wheel suspension, unprecedented in the world of trucks. The new DAF XF has been kept just as secret as the FH, but in September it will finally make its appearance, as Harrie Schippers, President and CEO of DAF Trucks, confirmed to Dutch colleagues. A completely new cab or a thorough facelift? No one knows yet. However, there is a good chance that the new Dutch standard-bearer will only be available with the new Euro 6 engine, which will severely limit its distribution until the standard becomes mandatory (January 2014). But there is more: for the first time, visitors will have the opportunity to discover the Mercedes Antos (see the extensive presentation in this issue) which, after the Actros for long distances, will make heavy distribution its exclusive hunting ground. We should not forget the Stralis Hi-Way from Iveco (already on display at the “Carrosserie Vakdagen” in Gorinchem), for which the Italian manufacturer has placed the emphasis primarily on quality and on-board telematics. MAN Truck & Bus, which is also playing a home game, could of course not be left behind. The other German manufacturer will present its completely new range of Euro 6 engines, as well as a family of long-couriers with a beautifully revised look. Do you want to know what is going on with Scania and Renault Trucks? At the time of going to press, we had no information about the Scandinavian manufacturer in connection with the IAA trade fair. But apparently, we should not expect any major innovations from that side. We can, however, mention that the Euro 6 programme is being expanded with a 9-litre engine. For the rest, everything indicates that Scania will only be in the spotlight next year, with the launch of a new R-series. As for Renault Trucks – which is presenting its Euro 6 programme in Hannover – this manufacturer is also waiting until 2013, a year in which it will bring a lot of innovations, if we are to believe one of the people responsible for the brand with the diamond-shaped logo. So we are happily waiting!