Brisbane Truck Show: treat of trucking tech

Rich, 55-year history

But, before we get onto those exhibits, some background. The show is organised by Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), an association that represents and advances the interests of manufacturers and suppliers of heavy vehicles and their components, equipment and technology. 

In 1968, the first show (it was known as the Queensland Truck Show back then) was held at the premises of Haulmark Trailers in the Brisbane suburb of Rocklea. Of course, a lot has changed in the 55 years since then. Back then, trucks were loud and proud, hard to steer and lacked those creature comforts that truck drivers now get as standard. The trucks on the stands at this year’s Brisbane Truck Show, on the other hand, are safe, comfortable, fuel efficient, and technologically advanced. So, which of these incredible vehicles can be seen at this year’s show?

Truck of the Year Australasia Award finalists: stars of the show

We’re going to kick off with the four finalists in the 2023 Truck of the Year Australasia competition. This award – the brainchild of PowerTorque magazine from Australia, in association with NZ Trucking from New Zealand – is judged by five individuals. On the jury are PowerTorque Editor Tim Giles, NZ Trucking Editor Dave McCoid, FOCUS on Transport & Logistics Editor Charleen Clarke (who is also responsible for commercial vehicle content on this site), long-time Australian trucking industry stalwart, Bob Woodward (who recently retired as the Australian Trucking Association Chief Engineer) and Randolph Kovich, Publisher of Deals on Wheels, New Zealand.

There are four contenders for this year’s award: the Fuso Shogun 510, Iveco S-Way, Kenworth K220 and MAN New Truck Generation. The winner will be announced at the show on 18 May.

Fuso Shogun 510

Fuso will have the newest version of the mighty Shogun 510 at the show for the first time.

The only Japanese truck to top the 500hp barrier, the Shogun 510 boasts a high-performance 510hp 13-litre engine and 12-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).

The Shogun 510 also has the benefit of a strong warranty that covers the truck for five years or 500,000km (whichever comes first).

Iveco S-Way

Iveco Australia is giving its long-awaited S-Way truck the first public outing at the show. The S-Way is arguably the Italian brand’s most important truck ever. With sales going well in Europe, Iveco will be hoping the S-Way can increase its heavy-duty market share in Australia.

Officially launched in March this year, the S-Way is available in both rigid (6×2, 6×4 and 8×4) and prime mover (4×2 and 6×4) configurations; and in three cab options, Active Day (AD), Active Time (AT) and the largest of all, Active Space (AS). 

Transport operators have the option of three Euro 6-compliant engines: the 8.7-litre Cursor 9, the 11.1-litre Cursor 11 and the flagship 12.9-litre Cursor 13. Power output ranges from 360hp to 550hp and torque figures between 1,650Nm to 2,500Nm.

Kenworth K220

The K220 – the most modern Kenworth truck ever – is the brand’s most technologically advanced truck and sits front and centre at PACCAR Australia’s stand at the show.

The most noticeable change versus its predecessor, the K200, is the operating environment. Stepping inside the K220 cab, there’s a more modern interior fitted with a 15-inch high-definition display as well as a new eight-inch audio-visual navigation unit that has smartphone integration. However, it still feels and looks like a Kenworth inside.

PACCAR Australia has also updated the automatic transmission, with the new K220 swapping out its previous Eaton Ultrashift for the new Eaton 18-speed Endurant XD Pro automated transmission. 

MAN New Truck Generation

The new TG range – headed up by the International Truck of the Year 2021 TGX model – will certainly attract considerable attention at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show. Hopefully, visitors will be able to climb into the trucks – and see their fabulous interiors.

The first newly developed truck generation for Australia from MAN Truck & Bus in two decades, the TGL, TGM, TGS, and TGX ranges boast excellent driver fit, great efficiency and economy, optimised uptime, and make for a strong business partner.

“Since we first introduced the all-new MAN Truck Generation to customers and media mid-last year, we’ve received amazing feedback from everyone that has driven the TGL, TGM, TGS, and TGX,” says Craig Lee, Executive General Manager of on-highway at Penske Australia. “We wholeheartedly believe that the new TG platform is redefining the trucking landscape in Australia, and what we are hearing backs that.” 

On display at the show will be the adaptable 12t GVM TGL powered by MAN’s 250hp D08 SCR-only engine, the efficient and versatile 26t GVM TGX powered by MAN’s 13-litre D26 engine, and the TGX 26.640 with MAN’s powerhouse 15-litre 640hp engine with 26t GVM and the super-spacious GX cab.

Isuzu N-Series

Isuzu will display its latest N-Series light truck range, which is by far the most sophisticated and advanced truck within its stable to date.

Inside you get a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with Apple and Android connectivity. Safety is key with the new N-Series, with the range adopting Isuzu’s newest safety technology. Autonomous emergency braking that can detect pedestrians comes as standard, as does lane-departure warning, traffic movement warning, distance warning and stability control (plus heaps more).

UD Quon

The Japanese truck segment has exploded in Australia over the past 10 years and a lot of this has to do with brands like UD and its flagship model, the Quon.

Late last year, the Japanese manufacturer unveiled an updated Quon with efficiency and environmental sustainability front of mind. Boasting the new Euro 6-compliant 11-litre engine as well as the 12-speed ESCOT automated manual transmission, the new Quon variants pump out between 390-460hp. Torque figures read 2,250Nm for the 460hp model, and 2,000Nm for the 400hp and 430hp variants.

The the new Quon comes fitted with a plethora of safety features, like the Traffic Eye cruise control with a new stop and driver-initiated go function, the Traffic Eye brake system, a lane departure warning system, and UD’s stability control that automatically detects and adjusts engine output and braking to retain truck stability.

Hino 300 Hybrid

Like many international brands, Hino is working on next-generation electric and hydrogen power plants. But unlike most, Hino already offers an innovative low-emission vehicle that’s tried, tested and available in Australia now – boasting hybrid electric technology.

The Hino 300 hybrid-electric is the country’s only hybrid electric truck, and, with no range restrictions or cumbersome recharging requirements, they’re getting more and more popular.

Hino has sold over 700 hybrid trucks since it launched the technology over 15 years ago, and the range will expand further with the new Hino 300 hybrid electric “built-to-go” products available in Hino dealerships from July 2023.