The Iveco Trakker (Tipper Truck)

The quarry and construction vehicle market is extremely complex, because of the many applications: vehicles with 2, 3 or 4 axles with or without all-wheel drive; a wide range of power deliveries; trucks and tractors; models designed for limited off road use or full off road and special variants for specific applications. New Trakker boasts a product range, in both left and right hand drive, wider than ever before allowing customers to tailor the product to their specific mission.

Trakker is a work tool designed to meet every kind of extreme off-road mission on wheels ranging from 18 to 72 ton. The real innovation with new Trakker is mainly the new Stralis-based cabin, resulting from the work carried out with great determination, in collaboration with the dealers and customers who took part in the design, to improve its driving comfort and the life on-board - which is now widely acknowledged as being vitally important to productivity and safety.

Cabin Design 

The most obvious distinguishing feature of the new range is seen from the front of the vehicle: new Trakker has a typical design, developed by Iveco Style Centre in compliance with the needs pointed out by the customers, because respecting who drives also means providing him/her with a good looking truck.
The latest evolution of Iveco’s off-road range, new Trakker, arrives to the market very much with the customer in mind. The latest evolution, new Trakker, matches the robustness with enhanced driver comfort and on road levels of interior noise and driver refinements. A key aspect of the operation of new Trakker in service involves driving. The close family relationship between new Trakker and new Stralis is clearly evident in use of Stralis’ Active Day (AD) and Active Time (AT) cabs.
The AT cab benefits from a new external equipment locker on the passenger side, in addition to the current one on the driver’s side of the cab. The locks for both lockers are electrically controlled.
Driver comfort is enhanced by improvements in the location of key controls: decompression engine brake, hydraulic retarder, radio, cruise control can all be operated without taking the hands off the steering wheel. Also the EuroTronic gearbox selector is mounted on the steering column.

Power 

For Trakker, Power means offering the extremely modern Cursor Euro 4 and 5 SCR engines with a swept volume from 8 to 13 litres, power from 310 to 500 HP and maximum torque from 1,300 to 2,300 Nm. Efficient, reliable engines, with optimized power and torque delivery over a wide range of engine speeds to ensure maximum power availability in arduous conditions.

Performance 

Trakker Performance is supporting the customer’s business value. It means raising productivity and reducing running costs. Trakker assets are optimised bodybuilder intervention, servicing downtime, and consumption. Trakker’s new chassis electrical system improves flexibility for body builder intervention and periodic servicing. Periodic maintenance time is minimised in order that the vehicle spends as much time as possible working hard. Always a vital consideration is fuel cost. Trakker’s Euro 4/5 Cursor engines return excellent fuel consumption.

Braking system

All non-driven Iveco front axles are fitted with disc brakes and Iveco rear axles of the hub-reduction type, providing excellent off-road tractability, are fitted with drum brakes. Meritor single-reduction axles are used for the lighter on/off road 6x4 and 8x4 models and feature disc brakes giving those models disc brakes all round. Front axle platings range from 8ton to 9ton. All engine variants retain the Iveco decompression engine brake and, for the Cursor 13 – 410 engine, the new CEB (Compression Engine Brake) has been adopted. This is a constant counter pressure engine brake providing enhanced levels of engine brake performance suspensions. Steel parabolic and multileaf road springs are carry over as is the light duty on/off road air suspension used on 6x4 and 8x4 models. A new air suspension system for heavier duty off road applications in combination with the Iveco hub-reduction axle bogie for 6x4 and 8x4 applications. 

Commitment 

Trakker Commitment is the sense of responsibility for the customer’s business without forgetting the comfort and safety of he/she who spends most of his/her time in a truck. The close family relationship between Trakker and Stralis is clearly evident: highly ergonomic cabins, enhanced driver comfort comparable with road vehicles. But Stralis customers are also offered a unique design, because respecting who drives also means to offer him/her a truck in which it is nice to be seen. 

Reliability 

For Trakker it means keeping promises: product reliability, durability and high safety standards in every situation. Reliability for Trakker means also flexibility for body builder intervention supported by a wide range of transmission, direct engine-driven expandable PTOs, easily dependable body builder electric connections, and more.

Body building requirements 

Construction site vehicles are basically trucks. The most popular outfit is certainly the tipper body, but there are also some very specific applications, such as cement mixers that carry concrete ready for use. Many have platforms, often fitted with handling cranes. Clear from the start is the fact that body builder intervention will be required, if not for the tractor models but certainly for the rigid models. New Trakker makes life easy for the body builder with both electrical and mechanical provision for the body building process.
Body building activities supported by product features of new Trakker as follows:

• a range of transmission and direct engine driven PTOs are available for customers to order. With the body builder expansion module up to 3 PTOs can be controlled and programmed for specific engine speed options to suit each PTO;
• for customers wishing to have PTOs fitted that are not available to order, a PTO management facility is available which provides the necessary controls and electrical relays mounted inside the vehicle cab;
• body builders electrical connections are provided both within the cab and on the chassis frame to provide power for body lights and accessories;
•  a feature of the expansion module is to provide an ISO 11898 CANopen data bus for exchange of data if required.

 A new chassis electrical system improves flexibility for body builder intervention and periodic servicing. An electronic expansion module is included in the vehicle data bus providing a data bus specifically for the body builder. 

Minimised running costs 

- Periodic Maintenance 
New Trakker reduces maintenance costs minimizing downtime with prolonged engine oil change intervals (once per year) and through a quick and accurate diagnostics onboard. Periodic maintenance of new Trakker is assisted by the EasyMux electrical architecture. This system provides for optimised communication of all the major components and vehicle systems using much simpler electrical wiring, reduced number of cables, fuses and relays. Resulting in rapid and accurate fault diagnosis - should the need arise - in order that the vehicle spends as much time as possible working hard.
- Fuel consumption 
Always a vital consideration is fuel cost. Iveco cannot influence fuel price but new Trakker - in either Euro 4 or Euro 5 engine emission level - does return excellent fuel consumption thanks to the advanced combustion system employed by the Cursor engines and the SCR exhaust after treatment which allows the engine to be tuned for power and economy. Cursor Euro 4/5 engines are a reference point in terms of torque, life, maintenance and operating costs: they consume 2 to 5% less compared to the already economic Euro 3 versions.

Vehicle Gist by www.jandmotors.com Africa’s Import Ready Vehicles Marketplace.

4 simple tips on how to secure uptime as a driver. Trucks.

Downtime can be defined as unplanned stops. Sometimes they are unavoidable. However, there are many things a truck driver can do to maximize uptime. Here are four useful tips to consider everyday.

I. Walk around your vehicle – look and listen
Make time for a pre-trip inspection. This is often overlooked, yet many problems can be avoided if this is done correctly. Are there any hydraulic leaks visible, or any defects on washers, mirrors or lights? Check your load and trailer if applicable. Listen for any audible faults – how does the engine sound? It’s also advisable to make sure that you have enough supplies for your journey, like extra windscreen fluid and spare bulbs for example.

II. Report any problems
Preventive maintenance is key. Most companies have fault reporting procedures. Be aware of these procedures and any issues can be taken care of during planned maintenance. Report problems early. If possible, fix any smaller faults right away.  After all, small and inexpensive problems can easily become big and expensive ones.

III. Know your vehicle on the road
How you drive your vehicle is crucial in determining uptime. Driving efficiently means there’s less fuel used and less braking, meaning less work and wear on the truck’s drive-line. Be aware of how your vehicle warms up and cools down. Understanding your vehicle’s response is important in terms of being able to anticipate prospective problems.

IV. Take good care of yourself
Sticking to service plans will help to maximize your uptime. Yet it is not just your truck that can be maintained preventively. By looking after yourself and driving safely and responsibly, you can help to safeguard your truck against any unplanned stops. When driving – always be strict about resting times. Go for a walk, drink water and eat healthy. And always make sure to get a good night sleep before a day of driving.

Source: Volvo Trucks Magazine.

Vehicle Gist by www.jandmotors.com Africa’s Import Ready Vehicles Marketplace.

2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600

The choice of a gentleman

Design

The 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 isn’t just an ordinary sedan – it’s the most spacious, luxurious S-Class with a Maybach badge. The body has been elegantly lengthened by 8 inches having the new S-Class exuding majesty, presence and grace. From the intricate vertical details of its chrome double-bar grille, to the sweep of its extended rear quarters, it is genuinely grand in both proportion and detail. And yet it retains the lithe muscle of the acclaimed S-Class, with taut body lines, impossibly tight tolerances.

Performance & Handling

6.0L biturbo V-12 engine

A 523-hp, 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 provides effortless motivation while passengers enjoy hot-stone massaging, leather recliners. Thus, it comes with increased displacement and a commensurate boost in output, the biturbo V-12 combines exuberance and effortlessness like no other engine.

7-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles that offers the ideal response in virtually every driving situation, from relaxed cruising to quick acceleration.

A fuel-saving ECO Start/Stop system automatically shuts off the engine at stoplights and other idle situations. As soon as the driver lifts off the brake, the engine instantly restarts, for immediate acceleration response. The ECO Start/Stop system can also be shut off by the driver at any time.

Meanwhile, the chauffeur gets a helping hand from many driver assistance features.

Comfort & Convenience

The Mercedes-Maybach S600 cabin is overflowing with advanced technology. Yet timeless and thoughtful attention to detail ensures that it's never overwhelming. Nappa leather is hand-tailored and artfully top-stitched to virtually every surface, including the headliner and seat consoles. Exotic, handcrafted wood trim options are set off by crisp aluminum accents. Superbly comfortable, yet luxurious. And everyone in the car benefits from the fragranced air ionizer.

Audio & Entertainment

A pair of crisp, high-resolution widescreens use a high pixel count, a fast refresh rate and automatic adjustment to ambient light to provide seamless display of instrumentation, driving systems, entertainment, navigation and vehicle settings. In front of the driver, analog-style gauges flank a large display with illustrated menus and sharp text for vehicle information and settings. In the central dash, a second widescreen offers intuitive control of comfort and convenience features.

Safety

The amount of technology put toward maximum safety is breathtaking. Radar-based technology alerts you if you're approaching a vehicle ahead, or even some stationary objects, at a speed and distance that suggest a collision is likely. As soon as the driver starts to brake, its Adaptive Brake Assist automatically provides the ideal level of braking, to help prevent a collision or reduce its severity. Sunroofs that dim with the touch of a button, sensors that read a road surface and adjust the suspension in nanoseconds to make speed humps appear non-existent, intelligent cruise control with autonomous braking and electronic steering assistance.

Key Features

The 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 Sedan	$189,350 *base price
Passenger capacity	5
Trunk capacity	12.3 cu ft
Transmission type	7-speed automatic
Engine	6.0L biturbo V-12
Power	523 hp @ 4,900-5,300 rpm
Acceleration, 0-60 mph	5.0 sec
City fuel economy	13 mpg
Highway fuel economy	20 mpg

Vehicle Gist by www.jandmotors.com Africa’s Import Ready Vehicles Marketplace.

The Mercedes-AMG S-Class Cabriolet

Open-top luxury

Mercedes-Benz made world premiere of its The Mercedes-AMG S 63 Cabriolet at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show. For the first time in its 48-year history, Mercedes Benz's sports car and high-performance brand makes its offering of a four-seater Cabriolet in the S-Class segment, adding to its product portfolio an attractive alternative for automobile enthusiasts with a penchant for performance and luxury. This is first roofless luxury four-seater from Mercedes-Benz since 1971.

Powering

AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine: superior and efficient. In terms of maximum output, torque and fuel consumption, the AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine remains one of the most efficient series-produced V8 engines in the world. With an output of 430 kW (585 hp) and 900 Newton meters of torque, the AMG eight-cylinder engine meets the very highest standards. And the same goes for its performance: the S 63 Cabriolet accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Design: Expression of Sportiness & Performance

Competition

Bentley's Continental GTC, 2016 Porsche 911, 2016 BMW 6 Series and the Maserati GranCabrio.

***Remarks***

*Only available with left-hand drive;
** Ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90% full, without driver and luggage);
*** Ready-to-drive condition (fuel tank 90% full, with driver (68 kg) and luggage (7 kg);
**** Electronically limited / with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.

Vehicle Gist by www.jandmotors.com Africa’s Import Ready Vehicles Marketplace

The Nissan Leaf has reached 2016 model year in UK

Today, Nissan presented in Geneva the new Nissan Leaf with a new 30 kWh battery that offers greater autonomy (250km) although this has affected its interior roominess.

Available with Acenta and Tekna finishes, maintains exactly the same interior dimensions as the previous version of 24 kWh. The weight has increased by only 21kg. The result of these improvements is a car that reaches significantly further with the same convenience and ease of use than previous versions.

The introduction of carbon, nitrogen and magnesium in the electrodes has improved the performance, and the redesign of the cells has helped to get the new autonomy. The improvements allow Nissan to expand the battery warranty to eight years or 160,000 km.

2016 Nissan Leaf – side view.

As for recharging the battery of 30 kWh, it is as easy and simple as in the current of 24 kWh. As with the current model, customers can recharge the car at home, in public chargers or network of fast chargers that in 30 minutes allows you to recharge up to 80%.

2016 Nissan Leaf – dashboard.

The new Acenta and Tekna versions are equipped with the latest infotainment system Nissan Connect appreciated VE. Now also it features a new interface and digital radio receiver, and includes a touch screen 7-inch that has zoom in or out on maps and allows changing menu with one touch of the fingers on the screen.

2016 Nissan Leaf – rear side view.

Production of the new Leaf 30kWh continues in Nissan’s factory in Sunderland, UK, while sales in Europe will begin in January 2016. Pricing and final specifications for each particular market will be this December from £24,490 in the Acenta trim, which makes it £1,600 more expensive than the equivalent model fitted with the smaller 24 kWh battery.

Source: Nissan

Vehicle Gist by www.jandmotors.com Africa’s Import Ready Vehicles Marketplace.

10 tips to improve fuel economy and save money on gas

Gas prices have been rising steadily by double digits in recent weeks around the country, and they now average $3.52 a gallon nationwide. Gas prices hit the second largest one-week increase last week of 19 cents since the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) began tracking prices at the pump in 1990. The only week that had a larger increase was in September 2005 after Hurricane Katrina. However, we are still below the all-time record of $4.11 a gallon that was recorded on July 7, 2008.

One factor for this large jump is attributed to the crisis in Libya, which supplies about three percent of the oil used in the United States. The top five oil importers are Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Venezuela, which account for 72 percent of the total oil imports used in America. The EIA suggests there is a 35 percent chance that the average retail price for regular gasoline could go higher than $3.50 a gallon this summer, with a 10 percent chance that it could exceed $4.00 per gallon.

This summer may not be a repeat of the summer of 2008 when gas prices rose over the $4.00 mark, but motorists do need to be prepared if it does happen. While one option is to buy a more fuel-efficient vehicle or alternative-fuel car, there are a number of ways to save money on gas on your existing vehicle.

Here are 10 tips you can do to save money at the pump:

1. No idling. There is no need to warm up your car or keep your car running while waiting for passengers. The general rule-of-thumb is to turn off your car if you know you’ll be stopped for more than 30 seconds. Don’t worry about the starter, it is designed for multiple, repeated starts.
2. Keep your tires properly inflated. In our tests, we found fuel economy is reduced when tires are not inflated to where they should be. Do this when the tires are cold (before the vehicle has been driven or after no more than a couple of miles of driving). Use the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer, not the maximum pressure embossed on the tire’s sidewall. The recommended pressure is usually found on a placard on a front doorjamb, in the glove compartment, or in the owner’s manual.
3. Slow down. Slowing from 75 to 55 mph boosted gas mileage 33 percent in testing performed on a family sedan and a large SUV.
4. Be a smooth operator. Avoid hard acceleration and braking whenever possible. In our tests, frequent bursts of acceleration and braking reduced mileage by 2 to 3 mpg on a Toyota Camry we tested. Once up to speed on the highway, maintain a steady pace in top gear.
5. Combine trips. Avoid making multiple short trips or try to combine all errands into one trip. If you can, avoid rush hour as sitting in traffic burns more gas and emits more pollutants.
6. Drive light. Reduce the amount of cargo you have in your vehicle--clean out all the useless junk in the trunk--and take off your roof rack when you’re not using it. This will lighten your load, reduce drag, and aid fuel economy.
7. Ride share. Carpool to work or ride with other families to school or sporting events. Better yet, ditch the car altogether and use public transportation or bike/walk to do errands or get to work.
8. Skip gas-saving products. In our tests of some gas-saving products that promise better fuel economy, including Fuel Doctor and Fuel Genie, we have not found any that work. Simply put: Don’t waste your money.  
9. Check your route. With GPS systems, it is now even easier to track traffic and choose alternative routes, but keep in mind that traveling at a consistent speed without many stops or traffic lights is best for fuel economy. Some GPS devices have an “Eco” function to factor fuel consumption into its route plans. 
10. Track gas prices. There are a number of smart phone apps such as Gas Buddy and AAA’s Tripik  that will help you find the cheapest gas in your area.

For more on saving fuel and to find the best cars for fuel economy, see our guide. Also, check out our special section on alternative fuels to learn about fuels of the future including hybrids and electric cars such as the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf.

Source: Liza Barth and the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center.

Vehicle Gist by www.jandmotors.com Africa’s Import Ready Vehicles Marketplace.

The Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs

SUVs are very versatile vehicles for transporting passengers as well as cargo, but now you don’t have to sacrifice fuel economy to get the space you want.  Many SUVs now have fuel economy that are comparable to sedans.  There are a few hybrids and diesel SUVs, but regular gasoline engines can be gas sippers in SUVs as well.

Among Consumer Reports’ vehicle test criteria are measurements of fuel economy. Our fuel economy numbers come from our measurements using a precision flow meter and are rounded to the nearest mile per gallon (mpg).

At the bottom of the list is the BMW X5 xDrive35i with 14/28 city/highway mpg.

Our overall mileage is calculated from equal portions of city and expressway driving.

The chart that follows features the 38 most fuel-efficient SUVs that Consumer Reports has tested. (See our list of the most fuel-efficient cars). Also see our Ratings comparison by category, which lists each vehicle’s overall mileage. 

Rank Make & model CR Overall MPG City MPG Highway MPG 1 Lexus NX300h 29 23 34 2 Honda HR-V LX 29 20 39 3 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid 28 21 35 4 Lexus RX 450h 26 22 31 5 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 26 19 35 6 Subaru XV Crosstrek Premium 26 19 34 7 Mini Countryman S 26 19 33 8 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium 26 18 35 9 Mazda CX-5 Touring 2.5L 25 19 32 10 Chevrolet Trax LT 25 18 34 11 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Ltd. 25 18 32 12 Nissan Juke SV 24 18 31 13 Toyota RAV4 XLE 24 18 31 14 Lexus NX 200t 24 17 33 15 Jeep Grand Cherokee LImited (diesel) 24 17 32 16 Volkswagen Touareg TDI 24 17 31 17 Nissan Rogue 24 17 30 18 Jeep Renegade Latitude 24 16 32 19 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE 23 18 28 20 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 23 17 30 21 BMW X1 xiDrive28i 23 16 32 22 Buick Encore Leather 23 16 32 23 Honda CR-V EX 23 16 32 24 BMW X3 xDrive28i 23 16 30 25 Kia Sportage LX (4-cyl.) 22 16 30 26 Ford Escape SE 22 15 31 27 Jeep Cherokee Latitude (4-cyl.) 22 15 31 28 Ford Escape Titanium 22 15 29 29 Jeep Compass Latitude 22 15 29 30 Acura RDX 22 14 31 31 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 21 16 27 32 Kia Sportage SX (turbo) 21 15 29 33 Nissan Murano SL 21 15 29 34 Jeep Patriot Latitude 21 15 28 35 Lexus RX350 21 15 27 36 Honda Crosstour EX-L 21 14 32 37 Acura MDX Tech 21 14 31 38 Ford Edge SEL (2.0L EcoBoost) 21 14 31 39 Chevrolet Equinox 1LT (4-cyl.) 21 14 30 40 Kia Sorento EX (V6) 21 14 30 41 Audi Q5 Premium Plus 21 14 29 42 Jeep Cherokee Limited (V6) 21 14 29 43 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Pure 21 14 29 44 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 21 14 29 45 BMW X5 xDrive35i 21 14 28

In addition to research and reviews, Consumer Reports offers subscribers access to the Build & Buy Car Buying Service at no additional cost. Through this service, a nationwide network of about 10,000 participating dealers provide upfront pricing information, as well as a certificate to receive guaranteed savings off MSRP (in most states). The pricing information and guaranteed savings includes eligible incentives. Consumer Reports subscribers have saved an average of $2,919 off MSRP with the Build & Buy Car Buying Service.

Source: Consumer Reports