Brisbane Truck Show back with a bang
This year’s Brisbane Truck Show certainly didn’t disappoint truck enthusiasts Down Under. It boasted the largest-ever display of truck makes and models in the event’s storied 55-year history – and visitors were treated to a dollop of internal combustion engine technology accompanied by “greener” solutions too.
The Brisbane Truck Show has been produced by Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia since its inception in 1968, and the 2023 show eclipsed all records for attendance. The 2023 Truck Show welcomed a record 42,855 visitors across four days, 15% more than any previous show.
Paccar eyes zero-emission transport
Paccar exhibited a hydrogen fuel cell electric Kenworth. Developed jointly by Paccar and Toyota, the vehicle is equipped with a 630hp electric motor. A total of 60kg of hydrogen gas stored at 10,000 psi can supply enough energy to the fuel cell for a range of 480km, with a mere 15-minute refuelling time.
Paccar Australia brought the truck to Australia in 2022 in partnership with Deakin University’s regional Hydrogen Technology Hub, Hycel, to conduct research on how the unique demands of the Australian transport industry interact with a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle and the surrounding ecosystem.
Paccar and Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (Toyota) recently announced an expansion of their joint efforts to develop and produce zero emissions, hydrogen fuel cell Kenworth trucks powered by Toyota’s next-generation hydrogen fuel cell modules, with initial customer deliveries in North America planned for 2024.
At the lighter end of the spectrum, the 19-tonne LF offers an ideal zero-emission distribution truck. It has a 260kW electric motor powered by a 282kWh battery pack. The result is outstanding performance, and a range of up to 280km.
“The trucks you see here demonstrate Paccar’s continued commitment to developing the right products for the unique Australian transport environment. We are working with operators, along with government, industry bodies and others to develop tailored solutions and where necessary, assist in identifying where legislation needs to adjust to accommodate this transport transition,” said Paccar Australia Director of Product Planning, Ross Cureton.
Mighty interesting MAN display
Stylish cabover models and vehicles with internal combustion engines were also on display. The gorgeous Volvo FH16 wowed the crowds, while MAN’s New Truck Generation also attracted attendees in their droves.
We know the New TG range well here in SA; at the Brisbane show, MAN was showing off the 12-tonne GVM TGL, as well as the 26-tonne GVM TGX and TGX 26.640 (both with the expansive GX cab).
Craig Lee, Executive General Manager of On-Highway at Penske Australia, said that since its introduction in Australia in mid-2022, MAN has received amazing feedback, adding: “We wholeheartedly believe that the new TG platform is redefining the trucking landscape in Australia, and what we are hearing backs that.”
“MAN dedicated over 167,000 hours into the design of the New Truck Generation, and the fruit of that investment is clear,” noted George Konstantinou, General Manager of MAN Truck & Bus at Penske Australia. “Supporting our broad product offering in the heavy-duty, medium-duty, and off-road segments, the New Truck Generation ranges from the 250-hp D08 engine in the TGL to the 640-hp D38 Euro 6e engine in the TGX, ensuring the optimal power unit for the job.”
Fuso goes big (with hp)
While we don’t have it here in South Africa, I was intrigued by Fuso’s Shogun 510 Tipper, which made its show debut in Brisbane. Fuso heeded the call from Australasian customers for an advanced Japanese truck with over 500hp and a mountain of torque. It duly delivered, with the Shogun 510’s 13-litre OM471 engine belting out 510hp and 2,500Nm of torque – significantly more than its nearest rival – matched to a smart-shifting DT12 fully Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
“Customers absolutely love them, and you can see the passion with the number of 510s that are being customised with stainless steel and extra lights,” said Fuso Truck and Bus Australia Director, Alex Müller.
Knorr-Bremse showcases automated driving possibilities
Trucks weren’t the only drawcard; leading systems developer and strong OE partner Knorr-Bremse showcased automated driving possibilities, modular turnkey systems for the transition to e-mobility, and road safety solutions for the commercial vehicle industry. It focused on sustainable, efficient solutions and strategies for climate protection and ongoing industry decarbonisation.
“Sustainability is good for the commercial vehicle industry and safeguards the future of our company by facilitating new business models,” elaborated Bernd Spies, Knorr-Bremse Executive Board Member. “Both our customers and our own strategic objectives are focused on building a circular economy, reducing emissions, and cutting energy consumption.”
Of course, there were a host of other incredible vehicles and industry offerings on show at the Brisbane Truck Show 2023. No doubt the trend towards more sustainable transport solutions will continue at future shows, along with recognition for the outstanding vehicles that have transported us this far.
