Truck Sales Continue to Climb Out of Hole

nobody@vox.com(Editor) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:03:52 +0800

14/19/09

Source: http://trailer-bodybuilders.com/chassis/truck-sales-continue-climb-0914/

Truck sales in all eight classes were down by a smaller percentage in August than for the year to date, according to figures compiled by Wards Communications.

Among trucks with GVW ratings above 10,000 pounds, the biggest difference came in Class 5, with sales up 7% compared to July but down 48% for the year compared to 2008.

Medium and heavy truck sales were down 35% in August over the same period a year ago and down 6% over the previous month.

Dealers sold 21,956 trucks with GVW ratings above 10,000 pounds during the month, down from August 2008 (33,578) and from July 2009 (23,414). Year to date, sales were down 36%.

Compared with August 2008, Class 8 trucks were down 33%. Class 6 experienced a 44% decline.

Through the first eight months of 2009, truck dealers sold 192,492 trucks with GVW ratings above 10,000 pounds, down 36% from the corresponding period of 2008.

Sales of light-duty trucks (GVW ratings of 10,000 pounds or less) improved over July: Class 1 was up 25% and Class 2 up 12%. For the year, total sales were down 29%.

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Scania - SAF Holland cooperation

nobody@vox.com(Editor) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:26:10 +0800

10/9/9

Source: http://www.hgvuk.com/09/10/scania-and-saf-holland-cooperation/

Scania has signed a cooperation agreement with the global German trailer axle manufacturer SAF-Holland. The agreement, which is unique within the industry, will provide Scania’s customers support on the complete vehicle combination that goes beyond the supply of parts and logistics.

With the support of this agreement, the workshops and dealers within Scania’s global service network will be fully authorised to carry out professional service on SAF-Holland trailer axle components. The agreement covers such aspects as logistics, warranty handling, workshop procedures, special tools, help desk and training of workshop technicians.

“I’m confident that this agreement with SAF-Holland will enable us to give an even better service to our customers. Uptime and peace of mind are the keystones for our customers. Our strategy is to focus on our customers productivity and what adds value for them; this agreement is another step in that direction,” said Anders Gustafsson, Senior Vice President, Service Operations at Scania.

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SAF-HOLLAND achieves an operating result in the first half of the year just short of break-even

nobody@vox.com(Editor) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:30:28 +0800

25/8/09

Source: http://www.ad-hoc-news.de/sales-dgap-news-saf-holland-s-a-saf-holland--/de/Unternehmensnachrichten/20458400

SAF-HOLLAND S.A. achieved an adjusted operating result nearly at break-even point in the first half of 2009 with June the first month of the year to show a profit. The Group is beginning to benefit from the cost reduction and restructuring activities which the Company has initiated due to weak business conditions. Management and employees remain focused on the day to day business of the Company, a situation unaffected by the on-going negotiations with the banks on the Company's financing arrangements. The trustee model proposed by the banks primarily affects the interests of owners and financing banks.

Dr. Reiner Beutel, CEO of SAF-HOLLAND Group GmbH: 'SAF-HOLLAND is benefitting from our decisive cost reduction initiatives. Both in June and July, a positive monthly operating result was achieved. In addition, liquidity has continuously improved. It is not only on the cost side where positive signs are visible: the truck market in the USA also seems to be stabilizing and our global Aftermarket business has been showing an upswing since March. We are confident that this positive development in North America and in the Aftermarket will continue. Our efforts will pay off even more, if demand sustainably increases. Finalizing the negotiations with the banks, whether on the basis of the currently proposed 'trustee model', would also sustainably support and financially secure the operating business.'

Cost savings stop decline in earnings Demand for trucks, trailers, components and replacement parts continues to suffer from high inventories of unsold vehicles and under-utilized fleets and equipment. As a result, Group sales fell in the first half of the year by more than 50 % to EUR 213.3 million (previous year: EUR 458.0 million). The decline primarily affected business in Europe with a drop of 67.9 % to EUR 104.9 million (previous year: EUR 326.8 million) in the first half-year. In North America, sales went down by only 16.3% to EUR 98.3 million (previous year: EUR 117.5 million). While extraordinary expenses, which were primarily due to refinancing negotiations, burdened earnings, cost savings and efficiency increases had a positive effect. Adjusted EBIT amounted to a total of EUR -1.3 million (previous year: EUR 37.5 million). The gross margin in the first half of the year was almost at the same level as in the previous year at 16.2 % (previous year: 17.7 %). Adjusted profit for the period amounted to EUR -9.9 million (previous year: EUR 21.1 million) in the first half of the year, and was influenced by financing costs, particularly higher interest rates and a higher utilization of Bank credits. Adjusted earnings per share amounted to EUR -0.48 (previous year: 1.12)

The second quarter of 2009 was characterized by conflicting developments: a weak May was followed in June by the second highest monthly sales of 2009 to date. In the three months from April to June, the Group achieved sales of EUR 101.2 million (previous year: EUR 238.7 million). Adjusted EBIT was EUR -0.8 million (previous year: EUR 19.4 million).

Trailer Systems with higher demand since June A decline in sales of up to 90%, related mainly to plant closures by our customers, was experienced by the Trailer Systems Business Unit. Since June, however, sales have increased but at a low rate. We have started our own axle production in the USA, replacing purchased axles from external manufacturers. The Group also received its first orders for axle systems with disc brakes which offer reduced braking distances over drum brakes. We expect our business to benefit from new braking regulations which take effect in 2011 and require that braking distances for new trucks be reduced by 30%. Cumulative sales declined in the first half-year to EUR 89.5 million (previous year: EUR 327.8 million), the gross margin decreased to -3.8% (previous year: 13.0%) due to the high underutilization. The Business Unit's share of total sales fell to 42.0% (previous year: 71.6%).

Powered Vehicle Systems with stable demand in the USA The Powered Vehicle Systems Business Unit significantly increased sales and earnings compared to the previous year. Additional business from the former Georg Fischer Verkehrstechnik GmbH acquired in 2008 as well as a major order in the USA allowed for an increase in sales of 32.2% to EUR 48.9 million (previous year: EUR 37.0 million) in the first half of the year. The gross margin improved to 21.1% (previous year: 14.9%). The share in Group sales rose to 22.9% (previous year: 8.1%). According to estimates from leading market research institutes, the truck market in the USA has stabilized. In view of new emission regulations beginning in 2010, an upturn of demand can be expected at the end of the year.

Aftermarket with upswing since March In the first half of 2009, the Aftermarket Business Unit again assisted in stabilizing sales of the Group. Since March, demand has revived in Europe and North America. The acquisition of the former Georg Fischer Verkehrstechnik showed positive effects due to the broader product portfolio. In addition, new orders were generated in the Middle Eastern states and the worldwide services network is continuously being extended. With -19.6%, the decline in sales to EUR 74.9 million (previous year: EUR 93.2 million) was lower than in the Trailer Systems business. New international sourcing activities contributed to an improved gross margin, which increased to 37.8% (previous year 35.4%). This business segment currently contributes 35.1% (previous year: 20.3%) to total Company sales.

Milestones reached in cost reduction programme SAF-HOLLAND made good progress in terms of cost reductions and efficiency improvements in the first half of 2009. Net working capital declined significantly by EUR 13.6 million; inventories were reduced by EUR 22.8 million to EUR 66.3 million. Cash and cash equivalents rose to EUR 14.2 million (December 31, 2008: EUR 8.6 million) as of the reporting date June 30, 2009. Cash flow from operating activities before income tax improved despite weak sales development to EUR 21.0 million (previous year: EUR 20.3 million). Repayments for current financing were made on schedule. The equity ratio was 10.5% (December 31, 2008: 13.4%). In addition, the Group reached a supplementary labor agreement with the workforce in Germany. It provides for savings in the single-digit millions and grants employment and location guarantees in return.

In parallel with operating the business, there have been intensive discussions with the lending banks on the Group's refinancing. Until the end of July, a standstill agreement was in force with the banks, who have also endorsed a preliminary expert opinion on the financial restructuring from the auditing firm KPMG and the prognosis as a going concern. In August, the banks proposed a refinancing arrangement that included the transfer of the Company's operational activities to a trustee. This would mean that SAF-HOLLAND S.A. would, to a large extent, be legally separated from the operating business and the assets of the Group. At the same time, the operating business would be sustainably supported and financially secured. After negotiating the economic considerations, an extraordinary General Meeting of the shareholders must make a decision on the proposal.

Outlook: Even if the first signs of a market revival in the worldwide replacement part business and stabilization in the truck market in the USA are visible, SAF-HOLLAND expects a clear sales decline over the year compared to 2008 with a corresponding reduction in earnings. The planned cost reductions of EUR 60 million will, however, cushion the decline in earnings. Moreover, liquidity is to be improved by inventory cuts and lower net working capital. Over the long term, SAF-HOLLAND expects an increase in demand which will also be boosted by new emissions regulations in the USA (beginning in 2010) and braking regulations (beginning in 2011).

Note: SAF-HOLLAND reports adjusted earnings figures since costs have accrued as a result of the business combination, the IPO and restructuring that are not directly attributable to the operating business. EBIT has been adjusted for the following effects: depreciation and amortization from the purchase price allocation as well as restructuring and integration costs.

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ArvinMeritor to Invest in Brazil Operations, Focus on On- and Off-Highway Markets

nobody@vox.com(Editor) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:48:17 +0800

10/8/09

Source: http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-10-2009/0005074895&EDATE=

ArvinMeritor Inc.'s (NYSE: ARM) Chairman, CEO and President Chip McClure today announced that the company is committed to remaining a strong and growing manufacturer and supplier in South America. Addressing a group of South American journalists, he said the company is focused on becoming a global commercial vehicle company with expanded leadership in original equipment and aftermarket for both the on- and off-highway global markets.

McClure said the company is planning an up to a $10-million [U.S.] investment for its commercial vehicle business in Brazil, which will support its expansion into new product segments as well as new manufacturing technology like advanced gear-making and efficient, high-quality equipment to make parts and components.

While ArvinMeritor is impacted by unprecedented economic changes, its production in South America is up nine percent quarter-over-quarter.

"Our growth strategy involves bringing new products and technology to South America," said McClure. "With a rich 100-year history, we are always exploring new opportunities that will meet our customers' needs. With the right products and a dedicated and talented workforce, ArvinMeritor will continue to be a strong commercial vehicle supplier in Brazil and across the continent."

According to McClure, ArvinMeritor's success in the region can be attributed to its experienced South American management team: Antonio Rossi, director - axle operations; Silvio Barros, director - sales and marketing; Angelo Morino, director - aftermarket; Jose M. Fernandes - director procurement; and Adalberto Momi, director - finance.

Also acknowledging the contributions of its joint venture companies - Freios Master and Suspensys - with the Randon Corp., McClure reinforced the importance of its ongoing collaboration with Randon and its management team. "ArvinMeritor has renewed its commitment to further strengthening its customer-focused relationship and business strategy with Randon," he said. Both joint ventures are based in Caxias do Sul, Brazil.

Wheels Business Divested

ArvinMeritor announced last week that it had entered into an agreement to sell its Wheels business to Iochpe-Maxion, a Sao Paulo, Brazil-based producer of wheels and frames for commercial vehicles, railway freight cars and castings. The sale is expected to close by the end of 2009.

"Iochpe-Maxion approached us about acquiring this asset and we determined that selling it was in the best interest in terms of ArvinMeritor's strategy and the Wheels businesses' long-term growth," said McClure. "This new owner will invest in Wheels and the valuable, talented people who support it.

"The Fumagalli wheel brand has a 60-year heritage and holds significant meaning for the global customer base," he said. "This transaction supports our efforts to move our goal of becoming a commercial vehicle company while at the same time offering Wheels an exciting new future as a strategic core business in the Iochpe-Maxion portfolio. We are grateful for the significant contributions the people of this business made to the success of our company. The White Shirt culture will continue to be recognized as a benchmark for best-in-class manufacturing initiatives."

The Wheels business operates manufacturing facilities in Limeira, Brazil and San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

Body Systems

ArvinMeritor's Body Systems business currently continues to be part of its portfolio. "As part of our transformation strategy to continue to divest our Light Vehicle Systems businesses, we intend to pursue the sale of our Body Systems business when market conditions support such actions," said McClure.

South America

For original equipment vehicle manufacturers in South America, ArvinMeritor manufactures and supplies front steer axles, drive axles (single and tandem drive), bus axles (low floor and entry platforms), and cab suspension systems. In collaboration with its joint ventures, Freios Master and Suspensys, ArvinMeritor supplies drum brakes, hubs, trailer and truck suspensions and trailer axles. The companies provide aftermarket distributors with axle parts such as precision axle gear forgings, bearings, oil seals, air brakes, friction material, brake hardware, kingpin kits, shock absorbers, trailer axles, suspension systems and wheels.

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WABCO Reports Q2 2009 Results, Delivers Outstanding Cash Flow Despite Continued Severe Slump in Indu

nobody@vox.com(Editor) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:36:16 +0800

30/7/09

Source: http://au.sys-con.com/node/1054046

WABCO Holdings Inc. (NYSE: WBC), a global technology leader and tier-one supplier to the commercial vehicle industry, today reported that Q2 2009 sales totaled $316 million, down 59 percent from prior year and down 53 percent in local currencies due to the unprecedented continued severe slump in global demand for new commercial vehicles.

"As emerging markets such as China, Brazil and India are expanding their share of WABCO's total revenue, our strategy of investing in global expansion is proving to be increasingly powerful. As of Q2 2009, our second largest customer worldwide is China National Heavy Truck Corporation (CNHTC), the largest producer of heavy duty trucks in China," said Jacques Esculier, WABCO Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "On June 3, 2009, we took majority control of WABCO-TVS in India, the leader in its market, further strengthening WABCO's capabilities to connect with and grow in the world's emerging markets."

"Emerging markets have been hit less hard by the industry's current downturn and are likely faster to recover, further powering WABCO's future growth. The European market suffers from both depressed demand for new commercial vehicles as well as a decline of around 15 percent in production due to inventory sell-off by original equipment manufacturers. Market conditions in the United States are weak but we expect these conditions to recover soon on a growth path," said Esculier.

WABCO reported a Q2 2009 gross profit margin of 21.4 percent versus 27.5 percent a year ago. Excluding separation and streamlining costs, performance gross profit margin was 22.6 percent versus 27.5 percent a year ago.

WABCO reported a Q2 2009 operating loss of $7.6 million versus operating income of $84.4 million a year ago. Performance operating income was a loss of $5.5 million, down from operating income of $93.2 million in prior year.

WABCO reported Q2 2009 Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) at a loss of $15.3 million, down from $85.0 million of income a year ago. Performance EBIT loss was $1.6 million, down from $93.7 million of income a year ago.

"Even as the global commercial vehicle industry is facing its worst downturn in history, and despite the company's sales decline of 53 percent in local currencies versus a year ago, WABCO almost reached break-even at the operational level in Q2 2009, showing our powerful ability to perform," said Esculier. "Our achievements in Q2 2009 demonstrate that WABCO continues to move quickly to mitigate adverse market conditions while also making outstanding progress on our strategy of excellence in execution, global expansion and technology leadership."

"In Q2 2009, we achieved cost savings of $33 million in operating expenses, resulting in a reduction of approximately 25 percent year on year. Our WABCO Operating System also delivered $10.9 million of materials and conversion productivity, with materials productivity representing 5.4 percent of total materials cost and close to a record level, despite an unusually severe sourcing environment. As another mark of excellence in execution, in Q2 2009, we achieved zero defective parts-per-million on a greater number of production lines than ever before, which contributed to an overall improvement in quality," said Esculier.

On a U.S. GAAP basis, Q2 2009 reported a net loss of $17.4 million or $0.27 per diluted share versus net income of $67.0 million or $1.00 per diluted share a year ago. Excluding separation and streamlining costs, the one-time impact from the Indian joint venture transactions, and discrete and other one-time tax items, Q2 2009 resulted in a performance net loss of $4.7 million or $0.07 per diluted share versus performance net income of $75.5 million or $1.13 per diluted share a year ago.

WABCO generated $61.1 million in net cash from operating activities in Q2 2009 and $43.4 million of free cash flow.

"After three consecutive quarters in deeply depressed market conditions, we continue to generate strong operating cash flow, with $61.1 million in Q2 2009, further indicating WABCO's ability to execute efficiently and with maximum flexibility as we tightly manage working capital by reducing inventories and improving accounts receivable, among other measures," said Esculier.

"Despite the current global economic slump, WABCO continues to make outstanding strategic achievements, which we highlight as examples of our passion to rise to new challenges," said Esculier.

Recent Highlights

On July 15, 2009, WABCO announced that its new ESCsmart(TM) system is now approved for use in all 27 countries in the European Union and in 20 other countries worldwide where electronic stability control (ESC) for commercial vehicles is applied in accordance with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe's Regulation 13 for braking. WABCO's ESCsmart system is the industry's most efficient method to certify ESC for trucks and buses. It is the industry's first technology that uses computational simulation to homologate ESC systems, avoiding the traditional approach to ESC homologation, which requires original equipment manufacturers to physically test all variants of vehicles. It substantially increases flexibility and saves significant time and labor for truck and bus makers.

On July 7, 2009, WABCO announced that the company was awarded a major contract to supply anti-lock braking systems (ABS) to KAMAZ, the largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in the Russian Federation. In addition, KAMAZ has contracted WABCO to supply air disc brakes and actuators for their commercial vehicles.

WABCO disclosed in June 2009 that a new report by The Smart Cube, a global independent research firm, has identified WABCO as one of the five strongest and most financially stable companies in the U.S. automotive parts industry. Facing its most difficult operating environment in history, the automotive parts industry provides an opportunity for a few suppliers to emerge leaner, stronger, more financially stable and more competitive than ever before, according to The Smart Cube's analysis of financial metrics of 98 companies that are domiciled and publicly listed in the United States.

On June 3, 2009, WABCO reported that the company executed its previously announced plan to take majority control of award-winning WABCO-TVS (India) Ltd.

On May 22, 2009, WABCO's factory in Qingdao, China, was awarded "Enterprise of the Year 2008" for its outstanding contribution to economic development by the Qingdao Municipal Government, further strengthening WABCO's reputation as a brand of reference in China.

WABCO announced in Q2 2009 that the company has been awarded a contract by a major original equipment manufacturer in Europe to supply EcoSmart(TM) systems to equip their heavy duty truck engines for series production starting in 2011. WABCO's EcoSmart system is a breakthrough in air compression technology for trucks and buses that substantially improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. The EcoSmart clutch compressor optimally disengages a truck or bus compressor from the engine when the vehicle's air system reaches full pressure.

In Q2 2009, the company's joint venture in North America, Meritor WABCO, was awarded new business from Crete Carrier, one of North America's largest trucking companies. Crete Carrier placed orders for 2,000 trucks equipped with SmartTrac(TM) stability control systems and OnGuard(TM) collision mitigation systems for delivery in 2009. Crete Carrier had purchased 390 OnGuard units in 2008 and reportable accidents significantly decreased compared with vehicles operating without such units. OnGuard is the only collision mitigation system available in North America.

As of Q2 2009, the Meritor WABCO PAN 22 Air Disc Brake is available for trailers through Hendrickson, the leader in North America for trailer suspensions. Combining best-in-class braking torque output with low weight and long pad life, Meritor WABCO's PAN 22 Air Disc Brake is expected to become available through other trailer suspension and axle manufacturers in North America.

As reported in Q2 2009, WABCO extended its technology leadership in electronic braking systems (EBS) for trailers by introducing two breakthrough technologies to enhance the performance of EBS on extra long trailers and truck-trailer combinations with two or more trailers. WABCO's new Controller Area Network (CAN) Repeater and Router are the industry's first application of high-speed data transmission using CAN in-vehicle communications to improve braking performance of trailers.

Also in Q2 2009, WABCO announced several breakthrough features in its Intelligent Trailer Program, further enhancing electronic braking and air suspension functionalities through new OptiLoad(TM), OptiTurn(TM), Tilt Alert(TM) and Bounce Control(TM), all of which increase vehicle performance while enabling safer operation, more efficient loading and unloading, and more cost efficient maintenance.

Full Year 2009 Operating Framework

Due to continued uncertainties associated with market forecasts for commercial vehicles, WABCO is presently not providing full year 2009 earnings guidance. Based on market developments, the company has updated its operating framework for 2009 to include an estimated decline in 2009 sales of 35 to 40 percent in local currencies, resulting in a full year reported operating margin of negative 3.2 percent or better, including streamlining and separation related costs, and a positive operating margin on a performance basis. The company also expects to generate strongly positive free cash flow, excluding streamlining and separation related costs.

WABCO has also notified works councils that the company intends to terminate 300 additional positions in Germany.

"WABCO continues to anticipate and mitigate adverse market conditions without compromising our commitment to excellence in execution, global expansion and technology leadership," said Esculier. "We anticipated this economic crisis nearly a year ago, and now more than ever, we feel confident about adapting and executing what is necessary in the short term while preserving and powering the global capabilities and growth potential of WABCO."

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Truck sales edge up

nobody@vox.com(Editor) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:47:22 +0800

22/7/09

Source: http://trailer-bodybuilders.com/chassis/truck-sales-up-0722/

Sales of commercial trucks edged up slightly midway through 2009, according to figures compiled by Wards Communications.

Truck dealers sold 25,128 trucks with GVW ratings above 10,000 pounds in June, up 5% from May. The gain, however, was not nearly enough to give sales much of a boost when compared with June 2008. Sales were off 31% when compared with year-earlier levels.

June’s 31% decline was slightly better than normal by 2009 standards. Halfway through the year, dealers sold 147,144 trucks with GVW ratings above 10,000 pounds. This represents a 37% decrease from the first six months of 2008.

Midway through 2009, retail sales of Class 3 trucks were off least—down 29% when compared with the first six months of 2008. Classes 4, 5, and 6 were all down between 51% and 54%. Class 7 truck sales were off 30%, while Class 8 trucks were down 33%.

Retail sales of light-duty trucks—Classes 1 and 2—also were down sharply during the first half of 2009. Sales of Class 1 trucks were off 32% compared with the first half of 2008, while sales of Class 2 trucks were down 38% year to date.

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Meritor WABCO debuts

nobody@vox.com(Editor) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:33:51 +0800

14/7/09

Source: http://bulktransporter.com/fleet/trucks/wabco-debuts-smart-trac-0714/

Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems has introduced SmartTrac, a suite of antilock braking, automatic traction control, and stability control systems for commercial vehicles. SmartTrac uses advanced electronic control units with enhanced capabilities, to help North American truck operators with more options to meet operational needs.

The SmartTrac family of stability control systems is available immediately as a factory-installation option at several truck, tractor, and trailer OEMs. This line encompasses anti-lock braking systems (ABS), automatic traction control (ATC), and stability control systems designed for vehicle applications such as commercial trucks and trailers, construction, fire and rescue, bus and coach, and military.

SmartTrac integrates the company’s active safety systems technologies:
--Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (released in 2005 by Meritor WABCO) combines Roll Stability Control (RSC) with the added capability of yaw or rotational control.
--Roll Stability Control (RSC) continually monitors conditions that can lead to a rollover and can automatically de-throttle the engine and apply the engine brake, and drive and trailer axle foundation brakes to reduce tractor-trailer speed when lateral acceleration limits are about to be exceeded.
--RSSplus is an advanced two-modulator valve, trailer-only, stability control system. It continually calculates the trailer’s roll stability threshold based on load and measures actual lateral acceleration (side-to-side movements) and individual wheel speeds. When conditions indicate a rollover may occur, the system automatically intervenes by reducing engine torque, and engaging the engine retarder, while automatically applying drive axle and trailer brakes to slow the vehicle and assist the driver in maintaining control.
--Monitoring and telematics: Communicating over the tractor’s data bus, status messages can be relayed to an onboard computer with telematics capabilities. Fleet managers at home can correlate stability control and braking events with precise time and location data.
--Improved diagnostics and event recording: The SmartTrac family of ECUs can capture data about braking and stability control events and create a record of accurate, detailed information.

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TRF to shift trailer undergears production from Australia

nobody@vox.com(Editor) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:12:10 +0800

11/7/09

Source: http://www.wheelsunplugged.com/ViewNews.aspx?newsid=3812

TRF Limited is gearing up to spend Rs. 50 crore for shifting the production of its trailer undergears facility from Australia to Jamshedpur, where it would begin rolling out parts such as axle and suspensions. It is widely believed that its products will be catering to the needs Tata Motors for rigid body applications such as tippers, refrigerated vans, garbage compactors or trailers. However, its assembly work at Australia, which is currently run by its Singapore-based subsidiary- York Transport Equipment (Asia) Pte-will continue.

TRF Limited is part of the Tata Group of Companies, comprising over 90 enterprises in seven business sectors having operations in 40 countries. Founded in the last quarter of the 19th century, at a time when India had just embarked on the road to independence, the Group's business opportunities are aligned with nation building.

TRF undertakes turnkey projects for power and steel plants, ports, fertilisers and mining sectors. Over the last five decades, TRF's products and services have developed a market for themselves in the infrastructural sector in India and overseas. The company has several international collaborators and technology associates.

As mentioned above, TRF also owns a subsidiary, York TEA, Singapore, which produces and distributes trailer undergears, and has a market presence in 27 countries.

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York Transport Equipment launches Trailer Axles at Jamshedpur facility

nobody@vox.com(Editor) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:09:40 +0800

9/4/09

Source: http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2027&Itemid=2

Jamshedpur : York Transport Equipment (India) Pvt Ltd [YTEI], a subsidiary of TRF Ltd, launched the first axle from its manufacturing facility located in TRF’s premises in Jamshedpur, India.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Mr Sudhir Deoras, Managing Director, TRF Ltd and Chairman, York Group, said that York Transport Equipment (India), would build capacity to produce over 100,000 axles in the future.

York’s most popular axle in India is the 5021 axle, which is a 6” square axle with 14mm wall thickness. These axles are specifically designed for trailer application and can carry 12 tonnes at speed of 105 kmph. York's products meet European ECE quality standards, certified by RWTUV (German) and have compliance approvals with the Australian Design Rules. YTEI plans to soon start manufacturing other variants of these axles viz., 5021 with wider track of 1950mm, 5021 with Antilock Braking System (ABS) ready. Another popular axle 2021, a 5” round axle widely used in air suspension applications would also be produced very soon.

York’s products have been sold to trailer builders in India since the last over five years. Tata Motors is a major user of York axles and other products in the trailers that they sell along with their prime movers. In view of fast growing demand for trailers and the need to be close to the rapidly growing customer base in India, York Group, a subsidiary of TRF Ltd, since October 2007, has set up York Transport Equipment (India) Pvt Ltd [YTEI].

The York Group has a wide range of products, which includes:
-    Axles (5” round, 6” square) from 12 to 17.5 ton
-    Disc Brake axles, Self Steer Axles and ABS ready axles
-    Mechanical leaf spring suspension (both under slung and over slung) from 12 to 17.5 tonnes
-    Mechanical Bogie suspension from 20 to 40 tonnes capacity
-    Walking beams suspension from 24 to 40 tonnes capacity
-    Air suspension from 9 to 12 tonnes capacity.

York Transport Equipment (Pte) Ltd., Singapore, is a leading manufacturer of trailer axles, mechanical and air suspensions and other trailer accessories in Asia Pacific, Australia-New Zealand, Middle East and Africa regions. York has three manufacturing units at Singapore, Melbourne in Australia and QingDao in China.

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TRF Ltd, Acquires Dutch Lanka Trailer Manufacturers Limited (DLT), Sri Lanka

nobody@vox.com(Editor) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:06:03 +0800

9/7/09

Source: http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2195&Itemid=2

Mumbai: TRF, a Tata enterprise, has signed an agreement to acquire Dutch Lanka Trailer Manufacturers Limited (DLT), a trailer manufacturing company based in Sri Lanka. In the first phase, TRF will acquire 51% of Equity Shares at a consideration of US$ 8.67 million. It would also sign a Call & Put Option Agreement for acquisition of balance 49% of Equity Shares at a consideration of US$ 8.33 million.

DLT has manufacturing facility in Sri Lanka and sells trailers in as many as 30 countries. Through its Joint Venture with TATA International Ltd. in India, it manufactures & sells Trailers in India.

Dutch Lanka Engineering (Private) Limited, 100% subsidiary of DLT also has a subsidiary in Oman which manufactures and sales trailers in Middle East markets.

Recently, TRF had entered into a shareholders agreement along with Tata Capital and Jasper Industries to form a joint venture viz, Adithya Automotive Applications with the main objects of engaging in the business of automotive applications to provide end solutions through fabrications and machining for vehicles to be used as tippers, load bodies, trailers, refrigerated bodies, etc.

York Transport Equipment (India) Pvt Ltd [YTEI], a subsidiary of TRF Ltd, launched the first axle from its manufacturing facility located in TRF’s premises in Jamshedpur, India a few months back. Singapore based York Transport Equipment (Pte) Ltd also has manufacturing units at Singapore, Melbourne in Australia and QingDao in China.

In June, 2009, the company turned a new page in its history by deciding to issue bonus shares in the ratio of 1:1 (ie, one share for every one share held by the existing shareholders of the company.

Rs 48 crore equipment order for power project

Recently the company also bagged an order worth Rs48 crore for the design, engineering, supply and commissioning of coal handling plant equipments from BGR Energy Systems for the 2x600MW Kalisindh Thermal Power Project in Rajasthan. Some of the major equipments that will be supplied under the order are: wagon tipplers with side arm chargers, stacker cum re-claimers, apron feeders, ring granulators, and grizzly feeders. The company will also make available the necessary spares under the contract.

This sizeable order for the supply of the thermal power project equipments will serve as one measure that will enable the company to fulfil its aspiration to grow rapidly – five times in five years — and become a Rs2,500-crore company by 2013, by enhancing focus on material handling business and entering new businesses as necessary.

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