Awards season
It’s been awards season in the commercial vehicle world. As we have previously reported, the FH Electric – manufactured by Volvo Trucks – has clinched the prestigious 2024 International Truck of the Year award while the 2024 Truck Innovation Award has been won by MAN (in recognition of its autonomous driving projects, ATLAS-L4 and ANITA). Ford Pro’s all-new Transit Custom has been named the 2024 International Van of the Year while the 2024 International Pick-Up Award has been won by the Volkswagen Amarok and the Ford Ranger.
The world’s largest commercial vehicle market hasn’t skipped the awards party. The country’s Commercial Vehicle Magazine has named the winners of three awards: the 2024 Chinese Truck of the Year, 2024 Truck of the Year in China and the 2024 Truck Innovation Award. Oh, we know what you’re thinking. This writer has gone bonkers – the first two awards are identical. But no, they’re not. The Chinese Truck of the Year is only awarded to Chinese brands. The Truck of the Year in China, on the other hand, is awarded to international brands produced in China (only non-Chinese brands). That’s settled then.
Beijing Trucks Fuxing wins Chinese Truck of the Year
The Beijing Trucks Fuxing is the 2024 Chinese Truck of the Year. The truck is not available in South Africa yet, although Beijing Trucks is currently negotiating with a potential South African dealer partner.
A new entrant to the Chinese domestic heavy truck segment, Beijing Trucks Fuxing was officially launched globally in May 2023.
The Fuxing 6x4 truck tractor has a drag coefficient of 0.52Cd, 10% lower than similar models. It also has a low vehicle weight and frugal fuel consumption. It has eight airbags, rear air suspension, aluminium alloy wheels, and the cab boasts a flat floor.
The truck is equipped with the Foton Cummins X13 engine and ZF Traxon AMT transmission. It has ventilated disc brakes, an AEBS braking system, tyre pressure monitoring, tyre burst emergency braking, forward collision warning system, and a lane departure warning system.
Additionally, it features a 12.3-inch large digital screen, a 12.3-inch full LCD instrument panel, blind spot monitoring and also fatigue monitoring.
Yu Jing, Chairman of the Chinese Truck of the Year Jury, announced the winner of the award. “The truck’s advanced intelligent facilities and safety-assisted driving systems have significantly improved the safety and comfort of both drivers and passengers,” she said.
Xu Xiangming, Director of Beijing Trucks Brand Communications Department, expressed his delight at the award, commenting that the recognition will inspire Beijing Trucks to unleash more innovative and creative forces.
The final word went to Gianenrico Griffini, chairman of the International Truck of the Year jury. “The Fuxing has established a new benchmark in the industry with its innovative high-end technology and safety performance,” he noted. Hats off to Beijing Trucks then!
Actros C-series wins 2024 Truck of the Year in China
The first Mercedes-Benz truck produced in China, the Actros C, has been named 2024 Truck of the Year in China.
The truck – specially adapted for the Chinese market – is equipped with an advanced Cummins engine along with a ZF AMT transmission, both leading technologies in the Chinese market. Since its launch in China, it has garnered widespread favour from customers due to its low fuel consumption, user-friendly driving experience, and comprehensive safety enhancements.
During the road test, the Actros C equipped with ACC (adaptive cruise control) and PPC (predictive powertrain control) systems left a lasting impression on the judges.
According to Jing, the Mercedes-Benz Actros C features top-of-the-line and succinct cab design and interior design, along with a configurable safety assistance driving system that takes the lead in the industry. “It ensures driving comfort, reliability, and operational efficiency. Moreover, the Actros C meets the growing demand of domestic users for high-end heavy trucks due to its excellent fuel efficiency,” she said.
Holger Scherr, President and CEO of Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive and Head of the Mercedes-Benz Business Unit, said that he and his team were thrilled that the Mercedes-Benz Actros C had won the Truck of the Year in China award.
“This achievement extends the glory of European peers winning the International Truck of the Year award five times, proving that we are steadily moving forward based on a deepening local business footprint, close to the Chinese market and quickly responding to demand,” he said. Well done to Scherr and his team!
Dongfeng wins 2024 Truck Innovation Award
The Dongfeng GX Autonomous L2+Intelligent Driving Tractor has won the 2024 Truck Innovation Award (China). Zhang Xiaofan, General Manager of Dongfeng Trucks, accepted the award on behalf of the company.
The award – which mimics one of the same name presented by the International Truck of the Year jury – aims to recognise a truck with innovative technology and alternative power systems that represent future development trends.
In the case of the Dongfeng GX 560Ps, its most notable feature lies in its capability to achieve L2+ intelligent driving. This L2+ semi-trailer truck tractor is equipped with a variety of sensors, including 5mm wave radars, eight cameras, one high-precision positioning unit, and an intelligent driving controller. It is also equipped with a comprehensive set of L2+ intelligent driving assistance systems, such as full-speed adaptive cruise, lane change with confirmation, predictive cruise function and driver takeover interaction function.
Operating under the L2+ intelligent driving assistance system, the driver's primary focus is on monitoring traffic conditions and only taking control of the vehicle when necessary. He or she does not need to manually operate the accelerator, brakes or steering wheel.
Summarizing the evaluation by the jury, Jing stated, “The Dongfeng GX Autonomous L2+ intelligent driving tractor has undergone innovative R&D and application in the intelligent collaboration of human, vehicle, goods, and road systems. It is at the forefront of technical application scenarios advancing from L2 to L4, making it adaptable to various scenarios.” Take a bow, Dongfeng!
ENDS
