The Hannover International Commercial Vehicle Show has been generous with premieres in the segments of light and heavy trucks, buses, vans, pickup trucks and special vehicles, while electrification, fuel efficiency and driverless technologies have become the main trends.
The current international motor show in Hanover became the 66th in a row. On an area of \u200b\u200b270 thousand sq. m their novelties were presented by more than 2 thousand manufacturers of commercial vehicles from 52 countries, which is 15% more than the previous exhibition, held two years ago. Among the newcomers was the GAZ Group, the only Russian participant in the motor show.
As for the most interesting exhibits, representatives of the Big Seven (Mercedes Benz, MAN, DAF, Iveco, Scania, Volvo and Renault) also set the tone in the category of heavy trucks, and the giants of this segment - Volkswagen, Mercedes -Benz, Peugeot / Citroen, Fiat, Toyota, Nissan.
As owners
German concerns with the largest stands have traditionally been in the spotlight. The real hero of the exhibition was volkswagen van Crafter next generation. Unlike its predecessor, based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform, the newcomer shares a proprietary modular platform MDB with its "twin" MAN TGE, another show stopper in Hanover. The new bogie will feature improved 2-liter Euro 6 diesels, three drive options (front, rear, all-wheel) and an advanced digital architecture with adaptive cruise control, parking, reversing camera and collision avoidance. The release of new Volkswagen and MAN products has been launched at a new plant in the Polish city of Wrzenia. But if the Crafter gets to Russian dealers in January 2017, then its clone from the MAN camp will have to wait until 2020, as we were told by the representative of the MAN brand Gregor Zhentzhch.
Significantly, a prototype of the electric version of the Crafter, equipped with a 134-horsepower electric motor, also made its debut in Hannover. According to the chairman of the board of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand, Eckhard Scholz, serial electric vans will start producing as early as next year. However, the appearance of such machines in Russia, alas, is a distant prospect. “First, we need an infrastructure, which we have not yet created, and then a product,” says Natalya Kostenok, communications manager at the Russian office of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. But in 2017 in Russia there will be a new generation Transporter PanAmericana (with increased ground clearance and a proprietary 4Motion all-wheel drive) and a special version of the Amarok Canyon, now available with a V6 Euro 6 turbo diesel engine, which also debuted in Hanover.
At the Mercedes-Benz Trucks stand, futuristic concepts coexisted with modernized sales locomotives. On the podium sits a 26-ton Urban eTruck concept truck with two electric motors developing a combined 335 hp and a lithium-ion battery providing 200 km of range. A highlight of the city-oriented model is the streamlined cockpit, cameras instead of side mirrors, and a pair of cockpit controls. Like the serial novelties, the Urban eTruck is equipped with the FleetBoard telematics system that connects the driver, dispatcher and vehicle into a single complex.
A few steps from the podium - and you see familiar ones serial models Mercedes-Benz in the most modern sense. The new versions of the Actros, Arocs and Antos trucks are equipped with more efficient engines and transmissions, the predictive cruise control (PPC) system has gained an improved algorithm, the latest automatic braking systems and turn assist have made the ride safer.
In Hannover, I was able to talk with the General Director of DAIMLER KAMAZ RUS LLC Heiko Schulze, who said that the project for the construction of heavy German-Russian trucks in Tatarstan is developing successfully. According to the interlocutor, with the launch of the new site, the company will come closer to implementing its plans - to become the leader of the Russian market. Localization and joint production sites, providing incentives available to local producers, will be an important tool to achieve this goal.
But in the center of the Mercedes-Benz light-tonnage exposition was the futuristic Vision Van show car, which gives an idea of \u200b\u200bthe transport of the future. The concept, equipped with a 101-horsepower electric motor, is controlled by a joystick, and there are quadcopters on board that can take off from the roof of a van and deliver packages weighing up to 2 kg. The cargo compartment is likened to a table drawer. The visitors' attention was also attracted by new modifications of the Sprinter van with more environmentally friendly and efficient diesel engines of Euro 6. In addition, the Vito and Citan models were presented with a new design of the exterior and interior.
Product face
At the stand of the Swedish Scania, the greatest interest was aroused by trucks with new cabins of the S- and R-series, made in a modern style. The cars are also distinguished by a modernized chassis and braking system, more economical and efficient Euro 6 diesels (in particular, a new in-line six-cylinder 13-liter 500-horsepower diesel), an even higher level of trim, comfort and safety. So, for the first time, side curtain airbags became available for the new generation cabins, the latest audio systems, autopilot elements and a collision avoidance system appeared. In addition, the Scandinavians presented a new efficient fleet monitoring system, which helps to reduce machine downtime.
The Italians from Iveco have also found ways to attract the public. And it's not only the girls in tight suits posing at the stand, but also the sparkling concept of the Z Truck tractor with a futuristic cab, 460-horsepower engine running on a compressed natural gas, and innovations in the field of autopilot. In the cockpit of the concept, instead of the usual steering wheel, there is a steering wheel, instead of control buttons, there are touch displays, and the list of equipment includes ... a shower and a huge screen of the entertainment complex. In the serial line, the focus was on the new generation New Stralis XP mainline tractor. And the Iveco Eurocargo medium-tonnage carrier has acquired a fully air suspension.
DAF showcased a complete line of products that set new standards in performance and quality. These are the LF regional models, the versatile CF and the XF flagship models for heavy-duty and long-distance transport. Also on display were the upgraded PACCAR PX-5 and PX 7 engines for the LF and CF series trucks and efficient integrated transport solutions such as the DAF Connect fleet management system.
In addition to LCV TGE, MAN presented updated trucks of the TGX and TGS families, which have become even more economical, a new line of Euro 6 engines and a modernized MAN TipMatic automatic, which has received individual settings for different driving modes. Of particular interest were truck tractor TGS on electric traction (for night intracity cargo transportation) and a mock-up of an electric bus based on MAN Lion`s City, capable of replenishing a partial battery charge at stops.
Turkish manufacturer Anadolu Isuzu operating under license japanese brand, featured urban, international and tourist buses Citiport, Citibus and Visigo. Among their advantages are a spacious interior layout and compliance with European Union standards. For example, the 9.5-meter Visigo mid-range coach is powered by a 254-horsepower Cummins Euro 6 diesel engine.
In the LCV segment, the trio of Peugeot Expert, Citroen Space Tourer and Toyota Proace are applying for success. These models have a common aggregate base, but the design of each is correlated with the brand's style. "Troinyashek" is produced by the French plant PSA.
Special mention should be made of the small but representative stand of GAZ Group. The citizens of Nizhny Novgorod showed, in fact, their entire line ("GAZelle Next", " GAZon Next", Low-floor bus). But a real sensation was caused by the Ural Next truck, which outwardly resembles an armored personnel carrier, although it is quite ready for peaceful labor, including in Western Europe. According to Leonid Dolgov, Export Director of GAZ International LLC, today the company focuses on the markets of the Euro 5 standard and below (CIS, Africa, Latin America), but work on the transition to Euro 6 (this applies to yaMZ engines) is underway. The Serbian market has already been mastered, plans are to storm other Balkan markets, countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. And Western Europeans may like promising "GAZelles" on electric traction.
Components of success
Finally, it is interesting that auto component manufacturers did not get lost at the motor show - their expositions turned out to be large-scale as never before. So, the German ZF acted in a literal sense transparent. On the example of a full-scale model of a Plexiglas truck, the coordinated operation of video cameras, radar, on-board electronics and its connection with the chassis, braking system and steering system was demonstrated. Those interested could feel how the virtual prototype performs the so-called maneuvering avoidance - a new collision avoidance technology for commercial vehicles developed by ZF in cooperation with WABCO.
Another one german company - Webasto - showed new models of preheaters ( Thermo Top Pro 120/150), featuring improved maintainability and less costly maintenance. There was also a Frigo Top RT-DSMT transport refrigerator with low weight and an intelligent control system and an efficient Cool Top 110 RT-CS roof air conditioner for vans and small buses.
Summing up, we admit that the current show of commercial vehicles in Hanover turned out to be extremely large-scale and representative. Thereby confirming that globally the industry is booming today.
Absolutely all leading manufacturers of commercial equipment, as well as those who are trying to break into the vast European market, bring their exposition to Hannover. For example, this year the Turkish bus factories almost in full force. The Russian GAZ also joined them, which presented Gazelle Next, Ural and the PAZ bus. But Hyundai has already been to Hannover not as an exotic, but presented here the newest van H350, the production of which started in Turkey.
Half-forgotten manufacturers like the Czech Tatra are also trying to remind themselves of themselves in Hannover. But the main action takes place around the stands of the leading European Seven of truck manufacturers. And, of course, German Mercedes-Benz and MAN are the soloists in the scale of the stands. In Hannover, Volkswagen also felt like the owner, which presented the new Crafter here. His twin MAN TGE was on the opposite stand.
But the most important trophy from Hanover - the title "International Truck of the Year 2017" was taken to Sweden. This time, the best truck of the year was expected to be the Scania S-series from the newest Next Generation. Scania showed in Hanover only serial versions, but it was always crowded near her stand.
The external differences of the new generation Scania from the 4-series are immediately noticeable live, but the Swedes have prudently put on the stand several trucks in the old version, but with a new "filling". So all doubts immediately disappeared. The Next Generation design is 100% recognizable, it is beautiful and restrained in a Scandinavian way, but before us is a completely new cabin. And here even such trifles as the "honeycomb" of the radiator lining were thought out - they were blown in a wind tunnel, and they got multidirectional centers. Here they verified the height of the steps, protected the vulnerable cells of the cooling radiators with an additional mesh, found new niches for tools, jacks, etc. The cockpit is now even more comfortable, and the upper steps are protected from ice and snow. The doors close with the same rich sound as in a premium car. Everything has become so convenient and well thought out that it’s hard to believe how trucks were produced without this reference ergonomics. You get used to the new S-ke immediately and forever.
The cockpit has become noticeably more spacious. The main difference is that the motor tunnel in the S-Line has completely disappeared. Yes, it used to be small, but now it is not at all. And the cabin itself is 10 centimeters taller than the most luxurious Streamline in previous generation... Finishing materials are already premium. And the dashboard in the form of an optitronic display - as in expensive car luxury class.
An important point each cabin is a recreation area. The new Scania S-series has an even more comfortable berth. Here, not only will you please with a soft mattress and a pleasant lining of the walls, but also the control of the light in the cockpit is duplicated as in 5-star hotels. You can control the climate while lying on a shelf, and optionally it is possible to install a TV panel.
But the most important is the even greater efficiency of the new generation. So, on average, it was possible to reduce fuel consumption by 5% with the same Euro 6 version for engines. But individual models motors demonstrate fantastic efficiency. A new 13-liter engine with 500 hp has also appeared in the "line". And the already familiar "automatic" Scania Opticruse has become even faster. He will now change gear in 0.4 seconds.
The 13-liter engine range for Scania Next Generation now consists of 410 hp, 450 hp. and 500 hp. Models with the 16-liter V8 engine have 520 hp, 580 hp. and the flagship 730 hp. The Scania S-Line and R-Line with V8 engines have received a special designer interior trim with red stitching and metallic red inserts in the dashboard.
In addition to the new Scania, the Swedish concern showed a hybrid version and a gas Scania running on liquefied fuel.
Mercedes-Benz decided to look into the distant future and showed three concepts at once in Hannover. The first, the Vision Van, is the prototype of the future Sprinter for courier delivery... It will be the world's first light vehicle to provide a common concept for a digitally networked logistics chain from the parcel center to the recipient. The concept is, of course, electric, with a power of 75 kW and a range of up to 270 km. Vision Van delivers within the city - in areas that are prohibited from entry for vehicles with an internal combustion engine. And thanks to the almost silent operation of the electric drive, delivery with the Same Day Delivery option (delivery on the same day) at late times to residential areas is facilitated.
But the Vision Van is no longer just a parcel van. The vehicle is equipped with two courier drones with a carrying capacity of 2 kg, each providing unmanned delivery of parcels within a radius of 7.5 km. And inside the body, too, everything is non-trivial. Parcels are automatically sorted at the logistics center and shipped to special racks. Unmanned transporters perform automatic loading of racks in one step (so-called One Shot Loading). Smart organization system cargo compartment With the help of a parcel delivery system integrated into the vehicle, it automatically transfers parcels to the courier for manual delivery at the point of delivery or for loading onto drones. But as soon as we were surprised, it was the turn to get into the cockpit. Oops! Yes, there are no steering wheels and pedals at all!
Indeed, the steering wheel is already an anachronism, according to Mercedes-Benz. Its place will be replaced by a joystick. Electronic control by car (Drive-by-Wire) is carried out with one single joystick, and the van will drive itself for most of the route. Like this!.
In the heavy segment, Mercedes-Benz sees the future with the Urban eTruck as an example. This is a city electric delivery truck delivering goods to city supermarkets. The Mercedes-Benz Urban eTruck with a gross weight of 26 tonnes is equipped with a set of 212 kilowatt-hour batteries. This provides a range of approximately 200 kilometers. But the most surprising thing is that this concept will go into production at the beginning of the next decade.
According to our source, Wolfgang Bernhard, member of the board of the Daimler AG concern, said: “Until now, there were only a small number of electric trucks on the roads. By lowering costs, increasing power and shorter charging times in distribution freight traffic new trends emerged. This makes it a reality for us to enter the market for heavy duty electric distribution trucks at the beginning of the next decade. ” And the optimism of the "Mercedes" is based on the expectations of a 2.5-fold decrease in the cost of batteries for a truck from 1997 to 2025 - from 500 euros / kWh to 200 euros / kWh. their power - from 80 W h / kg to 200 W h / kg.
Moreover, Mercedes-Benz will start serial production of the Citaro electric bus in 2018. Mercedes-Benz engineers expect to reach a range of approximately 300 kilometers by 2025, which is sufficient for most shuttle buses, even with difficult climatic conditions with temperatures up to minus 20 degrees in winter and up to plus 40 degrees in summer.
As medium-duty truck the concern also has something to offer. An electric Mitsubishi Fuso was presented in Hannover. This brand is also part of Daimler's orbit.
But if in Stuttgart they see the future in electric versions, then in IVECO they still rely on gas engines... The updated Stralis XP presented in Hannover was in various versions, but the Italians especially noted the gas modification.
And the futuristic concept IVECO Z Truck was in gas version.
The heart of the truck is a 460 hp bio-gas (LNG) engine. Not only does the Z Truck have a range of 2200 km, but IVECO also declares 0 CO2 emissions.
The correspondent of our source managed to get into the IVECO Z Truck cab. Cab isn't the right word though. It is a mixture of office and apartment. In the center there is a comfortable anatomical chair and steering wheel, as in computer consoles. The driver is surrounded on all sides by displays and not a single button.
Sleeping place - where once in the last century, the second driver was located, and even along the window. And in place of the sleeping bag there is a kitchen wall with a sink and a microwave oven. With one touch, it can turn into an office version, and even a shower can be included in the package. To fully appreciate the whole space, one must imagine that all this is in impeccable Italian design, with verified proportions and creativity. On the floor - wood-like laminate somewhere I've seen this? , and inside there is a lot of free space and you can safely receive guests.
After IVECO Z Truck it is already hard to get into classic trucks. "Although, when will it be?" - I thought. But as soon as we went to the Continental stand, where they presented an actually serial system of mirrorless transport, I remembered that IVECO Z Truck had something similar. Continental presented a turnkey solution in Hannover on how to replace side-view mirrors with convenient video cameras. And so that drivers did not feel discomfort, looking at their usual places, monitors with images from side-view cameras were placed on racks on the sides of the windshield. Continental is ready to offer such a solution for trucks, buses and other commercial vehicles.
Bosch unveiled the VisionX 40-ton truck concept in Hannover to showcase which systems the manufacturer will be equipped with in 2025. “Plugged in, electrified and self-driving - this will be trucks tomorrow, ”said Dr. Markus Hein, Bosch Board Member. One of the many technologies embodied in the VisionX concept truck is automatic movement in the column. Such systems are now being used experimentally. The same Scania has been participating in various Platooning projects for several years now and has proven in practice that only by moving in columns, you can save up to 10% of fuel.
Bosch wants to make such a system serial based on its own software. The transport will begin to receive all the necessary information in real time from the Bosch IoT Cloud IoT cloud service. The data exchange will contain information about traffic and traffic jams on the route, detour options, and the possibility of unloading at the destination. This will help avoid vehicle downtime. Moreover, the truck will take over part of the control functions. For example, as soon as a car enters a freeway, it can join a convoy of other trucks heading in the same direction and move in automatic mode... In this mode, the car becomes one of the members of the convoy, following the lead truck, with which they exchange information and from which they receive control commands.
Even in 2025, Bosch still sees prospects for a diesel engine. Therefore, the Bosch VisionX concept is equipped with a diesel engine, which is still the most economical for long-haul transport. Electric drives and hybrid technologies are also used here, but on auxiliary systems, for example, a hydraulic pump.
He showed his own version of control of the main systems of the truck and german concern ZF. The hybrid drive, transmissions of the future and integrated electric motors were all on display at the ZF stand in Hanover. And you could see all the nuances of the work on the example of the transparent ZF cabin.
After such an abundance of futuristic exhibits, the DAF stand was not impressive. Although the Dutch brought their most economical versions to Hannover and the DAF XF 2016 model year.
Volvo also unveiled Concept Truck, which has finalized 5 years of work to reduce fuel consumption. Volvo Concept Truck with D13 Euro 6 engine combined with I-Shift last generation, but thanks to sophisticated aerodynamics, it was possible to achieve a reduction in fuel consumption by 30% - said Volvo Trucks President Klaus Nilsson at a press conference.
Another show stopper at the Volvo stand is the Iron Knight sports truck, which has already set a world record in acceleration at 500 and 1000 meters. The President of Volvo stressed that even this sports truck is equipped with an i-Shift gearbox with double clutch... In total, 92% of consumers in Europe choose new Volvo trucks with the i-Shift gearbox.
Renault Trucks also staked on the sporting theme this year, but presented the MKR Adventure K520 Dakar truck. The rally truck has already participated in the Silk Way Rally 2016 and took 7th position there. It is equipped with a 1050 hp engine that delivers a torque of 4200 Nm. The maximum speed is 140 km / h. Against the background of other Dakar participants, such characteristics are not impressive, but the French promise to prepare an updated version for the Dakar itself.
And the main novelty at Renault is the T520 Maxispace High Edition in a special design performance. The key theme is the red line that wraps around the cab of the truck and continues into the interior. With this technique, the designers wanted to emphasize the uniqueness of this performance in the Renault T.
There were surprisingly many bus novelties this year. There were even concepts. This is how Mercedes-Benz showed the city electric bus of the future.
MAN also adopted an interesting concept. He combined an electric bus and a trolley bus in the articulated Lions City. During stops, the electric bus is connected to the contact network and replenishes the charge. This approach is not new and is even used in Polish Lublin, but MAN has proposed a non-standard solution, when the telpher is installed not on the transport itself, but on the contact support. As a result, vehicles do not travel with "horns", but the effect is the same.
The exhibition in Hanover was filled with Polish and Turkish bus manufacturers, with half of the exhibits being electric versions for cities.
But the Chinese BYD turned out to be the fastest. He not only presented his new products, but has already managed to deliver a decent batch of his electric buses to the airports of the Netherlands and Germany.
The interest in commercial electric vehicles has been enormous this year. Almost every booth had an electric or hybrid model. It seemed, well, what can surprise trailer manufacturers against their background? But there was something to see too. For example, Schmitz Cargobull has equipped its tipper semi-trailers with the S.KI Control app, which can be installed on a mobile phone. And from now on, Schmitz Cargobull will not only check whether it is safe to lift the body in this position, whether there is enough clearance for unloading, whether the road slopes are dangerous, etc., but will also show the image from the cameras behind the semi-trailer and inside the body. The driver no longer needs to climb onto the body to evaluate the contents, and the S.KI Control app additionally displays the load weight and axle distribution. As reported by our source in Schmitz Cargobull, grain carriers, which are supplied, including to the Ukrainian market, will receive a similar option. A similar application is being adapted for trailers and refrigerators.
Once again, the IAA showed new trends. Commercial vehicles are moving towards electrification, autonomous driving and the IT sector. It is far from the number of "horses" that determines the efficiency of trucks. Quite different criteria are held in high esteem. Or else there will be ?!
International auto show (IAA) in Hanover takes place at the end of September (from twenty-second to twenty-ninth) every two years. This unusual frequency is due to the fact that in the intervals between exhibitions in Hanover there are auto exhibitions in Frankfurt. Among the visitors of the Hannover exhibition you can find not only businessmen, politicians, journalists, but also ordinary visitors who are keenly interested in the novelties of the automotive industry.
On IAA Nutzfahrzeugecommercial vehicles are on display (just remember how enchantingly appeared at this exhibition at one time new mercedes Sprinter). This year's event is organized by the German automotive industry association Verband der Automobiliindustrie e.V. (or VDA for short).
The advantages of visiting Hanover are obvious - this is where you can find out about new technologywhich is not yet widely represented. The list of machines on display at this exhibition usually includes:
- buses;
- vans;
- trucks;
- equipment intended for loading and unloading operations;
- scooters.
In addition to new, promising technology, visitors can see unique spare parts and accessories at the Hanover fair. The exhibition serves as a kind of advertising medium for logisticians, highly specialized companies specializing in tuning, as well as repair and maintenance of cars. At the exhibition you can communicate with specialists and numerous experts in the format of conferences and round tables; attend seminars; enjoy a colorful show and test drives of new cars, as well as sign important contracts.
Thematic sections of the Hanover Motor Show
The following types of machines will be located in the pavilions and on numerous open-type sites:
- bus equipment (including minibuses);
- trucks of various types, as well as truck tractors;
- commercial transport;
- special equipment for various services;
- trailers, various types of bodies and body containers;
- industrial equipment (highly specialized);
- devices for loading and unloading operations.
Besides directly automotive engineering, at the 2016 Hannover Motor Show, equipment for providing high-quality logistics was presented. First of all, we are talking about communication systems; transmission, storage and processing of received data, control modules, telematic systems.
The Hanover Exhibition is increasingly reminiscent of a monument to itself. The development of new technologies has led to the fact that only a large concern can develop and produce a truck. After all, the release of a model requires huge funds - from several billion dollars.
It is not surprising that really new cars appear every couple of decades. And at each exhibition, only one brand is completely new - this year these are the flagships of Scania.
It was difficult to approach the newest Scania. Even in the absence of visitors, they stood surrounded by tripods and other photo and video equipment.
Show-stoppers in Hanover are traditionally Germans, as the hosts of the exhibition. In the huge black and white pavilion of the Daimler concern - all product line... But the attention is drawn not by serial Atego-Antos-Arocs-Actros in endless versions, but by ordinary, but previously unseen exhibits.
The four-axle concrete mixer is commonplace in Europe. But why is it built on a special Econic chassis with a low cab? Apparently, scavengers and firefighters (the main consumers of the model) do not buy them as willingly as they would like. 
Low-tonnage Mitsubishi have been registered in Europe for a long time. A van with the famous "Pilsen feast" (as this beer is historically called) - but on an all-wheel drive chassis. Where, I wonder, are they going to deliver it? Such a solution would be suitable for Russia - it's a pity that such trucks are not delivered to us. 
The Daimler concern also has a separate brand Fuso, focused primarily on the markets of Asia and Africa. The tall spring tractor assembled in India is designed for a total weight of 65 tons, and will go to work in Kenya. Under the cab with a sleeping bag from the Mercedes-Benz Axor model there is a 12-liter OM 457 diesel engine with 400 hp.
Another Indian brand, BharatBenz, brought in a single truck typical of the area, but on five axles. Alas, this Indian colossus is rather weak. At 37 tons of gross weight, it has a capacity of only 230 hp. 
The American serial Western Star 5700 was in sharp contrast. The new licked tractor looks very impressive and is also built on Mercedes-Benz units. And here is the Freightliner behind - the already well-known Inspiration prototype ("inspiration"). 
The updated MAN tractor stood out with the delicate light green color of the cab. The same colors were used for the costumes of the stand attendants - a kind of "color differentiation of pants" in action. 
In the absence of major new products, Iveco had to make do with special versions of serial trucks. Among the several Stralis tractors, the one that drags the motorhome of the legendary Formula 1 racing team - Ferrari stood out. And no contradictions, because Iveco and Ferrari belong to the same concern - Fiat. In addition to the color that is called "Ferrari red", the front is finished with plastic-like carbon to emphasize the belonging.
The racing theme was also noted at Renault. In addition to the well-known cars, the French brought their T520 racing car. The two-axle machine is in no way inferior to competitors in terms of power (1050 hp) and components, but the results of the Dakar (6th place) and the Silk Way (7th place) this year are not particularly impressive. Nevertheless, the Czech company MKR has received another order for the construction, and three such vehicles will be launched at the start of the next Dakar. 
Among the multitude volvo machines stood out " workhorse"- a typical European four-axle dump truck. But this FMX latest system lifting of the rear drive axle, and even a "creeping" gear in the gearbox. It is impossible to imagine such an off-road in Europe, where it could be needed. 
The most interesting DAF was exhibited not in the manufacturer's exposition, but at the stand famous companyproducing cargo gadgets. In general, this is a regular XF105, but with one "but". Dutch studio Winkoop has begun taking orders for an extended cab called XXF. The 80cm insert even required a lengthening of the frame. Until now, only the Swedes were distinguished by such extended cabins.
And the most "evil" exhibit is located on the street near the same Daimler pavilion. And for good reason, because this is a product of the "court" studio Paul, which used to be famous for its multi-axle chassis for oil workers. Alas, orders from small manufacturers are decreasing, and they themselves come to exhibitions less and less. Nevertheless, the Bavarians brought in their latest brainchild: a three-axle all-wheel drive special vehicle on huge wheels. Its purpose is explained by the inscription on the cabin "gas, electricity, water" - for power engineers. Moreover, it was built not by adding a middle axle, but by shortening the Arocs 8 × 8 chassis with the replacement of the rear suspension for pneumatic. Such wheel formula remains popular in the mountainous regions of Austria and Switzerland.
Another Mercedes, even heavier, was parked nearby. But no: despite the logo and nameplates, it was assembled by another small but reputable Titan studio. For more than forty years, it has been making custom heavy vehicles for the transport of indivisible oversized cargo... He assembles conventional SLT 8 × 4/4 tractors under a contract for the parent brand, and similar single ones - on preliminary orders. The cost of the 250-ton five-axle tractor 4163 exceeds three hundred thousand euros. 
They are competing with another atelier that specializes in MAN conversions. The well-known company Karl Maurer produces such strange 4x4 and 6x6 chassis with a rotating cab under the name Cobra. They are specially designed for the installation of a "wood chip", and in the process of work the driver becomes the operator in charge of the process. 
What does a Volvo two-axle tractor do at the Dutch stand? And this is not a Volvo, but a Dutch Terberg. The company practically left the multi-axle dump truck market, for which it was famous, into the niche of terminal tractors. And this is a demonstration of their development - a hydraulic drive front axle... Alas, here they are clearly late, such innovations have long been in the program of both Mercedes and MAN, and they are not particularly popular. 
Czech Tatra is still alive. It was brought to the exhibition by a German dealer who sold a little more than fifty cars last year. He sees a great future in the construction sector for the all-wheel drive tractor; alas, in Europe there is no off-road that requires the famous backbone frame. 
