17/05/09
At the Brisbane show, TMC will display a range of products aimed at this market, including a new low-profile air bag module, self-steer axles for the low loader and drop deck markets, short track axles to suit rows of eight float applications, as well as its full range of steel and forged alloy wheels. “TMC has continued to increase its specialisation in the trailer axle market, which appears to be paying dividends,” saysTMC Managing Director Brendan Dullard. “TMC’s product development or product progression comes principally from our small, but loyal customer base. We deal primarily with the specialist builders who, generally speaking, know exactly what they want and come to TMC because we are equipped to customise the product. “The most recent example of this is our new rows of eight compatible axle with a narrower 335 mm x 160 mm ‘S’ cam brake, which was developed in conjunction with two of Queensland’s more specialist trailer builders and which we expect will generate a great deal of interest in Brisbane this year.” Brendan adds that much of that customisation has been directed at the low loader and drop frame markets, where TMC’s low-profile air bag module is gaining significant market share. Directing more attention towards product specialisation and particularly special purpose axles for road-going, mining and agricultural applications is increasingly becoming TMC’s niche market, according to Brendan. “We have the local engineering and local product development to handle this and we appear to be delivering what the customer needs. The number of repeat orders certainly indicates that.” The range of TMC products, including new releases of the latest low-profile air bag suspension modules, self-steer axles, special purpose axles, as well as TMC’s steel and alloy wheels, will be on display in Brisbane. TMC is a Melbourne-based specialist supplier of airbag suspensions. TMC Australia continues to concentrate on servicing the special-purpose trailer axle market.
19/5/09
Source: http://sev.prnewswire.com/auto/20090519/3901636en_iCrossing19052009-1.html
WABCO Holdings Inc., a global technology leader and tier one supplier to the commercial vehicle industry, today introduced several breakthrough features in its Intelligent Trailer Program, further enhancing WABCO's electronic braking and air suspension functionalities while continuing the company's 10-year track record of technology leadership in electronic braking systems (EBS) and air management for trailers.
As a result of the company's deep understanding of its customers' needs, WABCO's new Intelligent Trailer Program further automates the vehicle and actively supports original equipment manufacturers, trailer owners and truck drivers. It improves their daily operations through increased vehicle performance, safer operation, more efficient loading and unloading, and more cost efficient maintenance.
New functions such as OptiLoad(TM), OptiTurn(TM), Tilt Alert and Bounce Control are featured on the E1 version of the company's Trailer EBS E generation e-generation), marking the latest innovation in WABCO's industry-leading Trailer EBS series that was launched in 1998. As of 2008, WABCO has sold more than 843,000 trailer electronic braking systems worldwide.
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"WABCO pioneered trailer electronic braking systems in 1998, and we have been driving Trailer EBS innovation ever since based on our deep connectivity with trailer builders, fleet managers, truck drivers and workshop mechanics around the world," said Nick Rens, WABCO Vice President, Aftermarket and Trailer Systems. "Our newest version of Trailer EBS continues to set the industry's benchmark for end-user benefits, demonstrating our passion to help transport professionals reduce costs while further improving safety and protecting their profitability."
New OptiLoad automatically redistributes cargo weight over the truck-trailer combination. As a trailer's cargo is partially delivered along its route, the remaining cargo can exceed the legal maximum weight limit on the truck's rear axle. With new OptiLoad and existing air bellows, the trailer's suspension system redistributes load weight without physically moving any cargo. It helps truck drivers and fleet operators remain in compliance with regulations for maximum weight per axle while preventing axle damage due to excessive weight.
New OptiTurn automatically recognizes curves and reduces tire friction on rear axle wheels by partially or fully lifting the axle when the vehicle navigates curves at low speed and manoeuvres at loading docks, eliminating the scraping of tires on the road surface. Using existing air suspension bellows, new OptiTurn can replace steering axles and significantly reduces tire wear. It also allows dispatchers to schedule delivery routes via smaller roads as drivers can manoeuvre short turns more easily.
New Tilt Alert assists truck drivers to safely operate trailers that raise one end to unload. It warns drivers when the tilting angle reaches the trailer's physical limits of stability. This means increased safety for drivers and vehicles alike.
New Bounce Control prevents a trailer from pulsing up and down as brakes are released after the cargo has been loaded or unloaded. It improves safety in the loading zone and avoids damaging vehicles or loading docks.
WABCO's Trailer E1 version continues to feature roll stability support (RSS) as well as an operating data recorder that registers the trailer's technical data much like an airplane's black box. It can be optionally equipped with SmartBoard, an easy-to-use control box that graphically displays the trailer's critical real-time operating information in a choice of 15 different languages.
14/05/09
Source: http://trailer-bodybuilders.com/chassis/truck-sales-down-0514/
Medium and heavy truck sales were down 39% in April over the same period a year ago and down 11% over the previous month, according to figures compiled by Wards Communications.
Dealers sold 25,189 trucks with GVW ratings above 10,000 pounds during the month, down from April 2008 (41,623) and down from March 2009 (28,311).
Compared with April 2008, Class 8 trucks were down 44%. Class 7 experienced a 43% decline.
Through the first four months of 2009, truck dealers sold 98,008 trucks with GVW ratings above 10,000 pounds, down 38% from the corresponding period of 2008.
Sales of light-duty trucks (GVW ratings of 10,000 pounds or less) were even weaker in April versus a year ago, with Class 4 down 53% and Class 2 down 34%. For the year, total sales were down 38%.
30/4/09
Source: http://trailer-bodybuilders.com/aftermarket/safholland-holds-line-0430/
In a challenging market, SAF-HOLLAND S.A. maintained group sales in 2008 at nearly the same level as in the previous year at $1.05 billion (previous year: $1.07 billion). Business performance was characterized by conflicting developments. Following a successful first half of the year with double-digit growth rates, the economic crisis restrained sales in the final months of 2008. SAF-HOLLAND responded promptly by taking steps to adjust to the new environment as early as October 2008.
“The past fiscal year was marked by above-average growth at the beginning and a drastic drop in sales in the final four months of the year,” said Dr. Reiner Beutel, CEO of SAF-HOLLAND GROUP GmbH. “Our comprehensive projects to reduce costs and working capital and to stabilize liquidity are helping us overcome the current market weakness and are simultaneously fortifying us for the time following the crisis. As soon as demand revives, we will benefit from our high quality and innovative products and international positioning as one of the leading global suppliers to the truck and trailer industry.”
Adjusted operating earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to $54.2 million (previous year: $ 79 million) and the adjusted EBIT margin was 5.2% (previous year: 7.4%). The decline from the previous year resulted primarily from the sharp decrease in demand at the end of the fiscal year. Drops in production of up to 70% in the fourth quarter led to overcapacity, which exerted pressure on earnings. In addition, extraordinary write-downs on goodwill and intangible assets as well as restructuring expenses impaired profitability.
The Powered Vehicle Systems Business Unit, which generates sales primarily from fifth wheels and axle suspensions, benefited in 2008 from the acquisition of the former Georg Fischer Verkehrstechnik GmbH. As a result, the Business Unit was able to boost its sales during the period under review to $134 million (previous year: $107 million).
SAF-HOLLAND’s Trailer Systems Business Unit with a predominantly European focus was most strongly affected by the collapse in demand in the fall. During the period under review, the Business Unit generated sales of $697 million (previous year: $728 million).
Similarly, the replacement parts business of the Aftermarket Business Unit suffered from the overall market weakness in the fourth quarter. Unused trucks and trailers as well as large inventories of new vehicles weighed on demand. For the entire year, the Business Unit recorded sales of $222 million (previous year: $237 million).
