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Best of 2011

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1300

Writing in NZ Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations - the country’s leading magazine on buying and using a motorhome or caravan - Steve Vermeulen reveals to readers his favourite motorhome of 2011.

The year saw a “real lift” in choice, Steve writes, and “after thinking hard about it I keep coming back to one that really left an impression”: the Christchurch-built, Canter Euro-based UCC Benmore.

“The core group of buyers who demand the added strength and power of a small truck for their motorhome application have been well and truly rewarded with the latest Mitsubishi Fuso base the Benmore is now built on. You get a real sense this Fuso will survive future ice ages, let alone a few thousand ks on the road. But the real trick with the new Fuso is how UCC has managed to make it as rugged and meaty as always, yet compliant and comfortable at the same time.

“The Benmore has advanced both comfort and technical innovation more than anything else I’ve been fortunate enough to try” writes Steve. “Its combination of extreme user-friendliness and efficiency, with the very sturdy new Fuso and UCC’s highly regarded traditional build qualities, deserves top billing in my opinion”.

UCC owner Rob Floris, a consistent customer for Canter chassis, has so far added to his fleet four of the new Canter Euro units, each with dual clutch DUONIC automated manual transmission.

Images courtesy of Steve Vermeulen.

NEW FUSO HD EURO

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 07:00:00 +1300

Arriving soon, the best heavy duty Fuso truck yet. The new HD EURO will be pulling into Fuso dealership around the contry late 2011, early 2012 and we've built it to do the job better than ever before. We know you and your driver want more comfort, more power, easier driving, less stress, lower servicing costs, greater safety, lower fuel costs and emissions, higher payloads and more power.

The new HD EURO is a seven-truck line-up, configured from 40 to 60 tonnes to suit the whole range of New Zealand heavy truck operations. If you want to find out more, don't wait, talk to your Fuso dealer today call 0800 PAYLOAD or contact your nearest dealer by clicking HERE .

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +1300

5 Reasons to drive away today

• Fuel efficient engine
• Brake with confidence
• Proven reliability
• Designed for comfort
• Environmentally Responsible

5 Reasons to take our Finance Offer*

• 5.55% Interest Rate
• 55 Months
• Best Service
• Fast
• Easy

It makes business sense! Call 0800 PAYLOAD to talk to your local Fuso dealer today.

* Finance offer is on a 2011 Fuso Canter Euro cab chassis and fitted body up to a maximum purchase price of $100,000 incl GST (while stocks last). Based on a Business Lease Agreement with a term of 55 months. 5.55% first payment is in advance based on the purchase price incl GST. Offer available for truck orders from 1st October 2011 to 31st December 2011. Normal lending criteria and fees apply. Available in participating Fuso dealerships only.

Bringing Back the Bacon

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:07:35 +1200

Kevin Harte started out as a local Nelson milkie with his ten year-old son Leithem as a runner. Eighteen years later, as Goodman Fielder contractors, the pair runs a fleet of Meadow Fresh trucks delivering not only the morning milk but most of what’s on your breakfast plate too.

While Ian and his wife took over deliveries to 300 local homes, Kevin concentrated on building the commercial side of the business, delivering to supermarkets and restaurants. He says his purchase last year of a low-height Fighter

FU281L8 was vital to growth. “We previously dealt only with milk, cream and cheese,” says Kevin. “Goodman Fielder approached us looking for a ‘one-stop, one-drop’ operation covering both their dairy and packaged meats products. Our investment in the new truck gave them confidence to give us the contract: it proved we not only had the capability but that we are serious about the future.”

The FU281L8 certainly means business. “It looks great when it rolls in,” says Kevin. “I had all the extras fitted: an aluminium bumper on the front, skirts and a huge stereo system in the back. It’s great for the drive back from Murchison.”

Image is important to Kevin, for his own business and the Meadow Fresh brand; Fuso fits the bill both visually and mechanically. “We preferred the look of the Fighter over other truck models and my nephew Sean, a truck mechanic, studied the spec sheets and said ‘this is the one to go for’. “Its low height is really important because we’ve got to work from the side. It also comes with a tag axle for when we need to run a full load. The foldaway tailgate is also neat and handy.”

Kevin says the Hendrickson air suspension was also a big draw. “I’ve watched other trucks on roundabouts, rocking all over the place. You don’t get that with the Fighter. When you’re carrying one-tonne pallecons – big metal cages with 900 litre bags of cream inside – you don’t want them moving around.

“The Fighter had a lot going for it and with 280hp, it was way ahead in terms of performance.” The truck does a lot of work, visiting supermarkets in the morning – “that’s when it’s at its fullest” – and a 250 km round trip to Murchison replenishing cafes and dairies at about three-quarters full.

The Fighter easily accommodates 12 full pallets and still sits at around 2,000 kg under its GVM of 18,000 kg. “Even though we’re not always full, economically the larger truck is the one to run on this route,” says Kevin. “Fuelwise, there’s no point using a smaller truck to go on long runs over the hills.”

He has one Canter doing the rounds in town and hopes to trade in an older 6x2 truck for two more Canters to keep up with growing demand. His latest Fuso purchase has already proved its worth in bringing home the bacon. “It’s been a really good investment. It’s beautiful to drive – just like driving a car. The first thing you notice is there’s no engine noise, which means you have to watch the revs a lot closer. The guys couldn’t get over how quiet it is!”

That’s when they’re not cranking up the stereo as they cruise back to base after another day’s hard work.

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:55:15 +1200

Forty years ago, New Zealand freight transport was experiencing a period of major transformation. In 1971, Todd Motors introduced Fuso to spearhead the new era.

The arrival of the first Fuso (the T811) was perfectly timed, coinciding with an easing of restrictions on how far trucks could carry goods, which allowed much stronger competition with the railways.

Rated to 38 tonnes, the T811 ran a 265 hp 13-litre V8 diesel and was fitted with a 13-speed Eaton Fuller Roadranger transmission to deal with New Zealand’s rugged terrain. The first truck was road-tested by Refrigerated Freight Lines and, in testament to Fuso reliability, is still roadworthy today with more than 1.5 million km on the clock.

Fuso trucks began rolling off the Todd assembly line in Petone late 1972, overseen by one Roger White; then product engineering manager. Fuso’s reputation was further enhanced with the introduction in 1983 of the V8 400 series, delivering mechanical reliability matched with a level of cab comfort and quietness that set new standards for heavy trucks.

The name and range has gone from strength to strength and Fuso celebrates its 40th anniversary having been crowned New Zealand’s No.1 heavy commercial vehicle brand. It now has more models to its name (43) than years, working countrywide in support of businesses from single-unit owneroperators to giant multinationals managing vast fleets.

Backed by leading warranty and genuine parts support, Fuso continues to provide the reliability and cost-efficiency that Kiwi operators rightly demand. With its half-century on the horizon, the brand continues to evolve. The two new models that arrive this year will offer even more of the performance and driver comfort for which NZ’s No. 1 truck brand is renowned.

Leading the pack

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:51:11 +1200

After one of the toughest trading years in history, Fuso topped the 2010 sales chart, delivering 384 trucks and buses; 17 ahead of its nearest rival and 75 more than the third-placed brand.

National sales manager Roger White attributes the result to the basics – good product and dealers leaving no stone unturned in looking after their customers’ needs. “Our dealers have unquestionably been successful in adding value to our customers’ businesses. In a difficult economy, transport operators need to have confidence in their machinery and Fuso’s reputation for value, reliability and an easy-to-access parts and service network provides that peace of mind.”

The brand was successful across its entire range. Standout performers were Canter and Fighter, with 186 and 109 units respectively. Fifty Shoguns were registered and 39 Rosa buses. “Like any good team, we will keep up the momentum for 2011 and our customers will benefit from two significant upgrades to the range, giving us one of the most comprehensive line-ups we’ve ever had with which to defend our title of No. 1.”

Fuso: 40 years old and No.1!

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:58:10 +1200

Welcome to our first issue of Truck News for what is quickly shaping up to be an exciting year. We’re proud to begin 2011 – our 40th anniversary – as New Zealand’s No.1 heavy commercial brand. In increasing numbers operators are seeing the benefits of Fuso across the range and we’ll continue to deliver the professionalism behind our product that’s put us at the front of the pack. It was a tough market last year but all our dealers worked tirelessly in support of our customers as they sought to strengthen their positions. The stories in these pages show that there are still opportunities out there and, while the economy may still be fractured, things do seem to be moving forward.

With that in mind, we’re building on our momentum and celebrating our fortieth with some radical range changes. You’ll find even greater versatility as our line-up undergoes a major transformation – Canter and Shogun in particular. Look out for news later in the year. There have been game-changing developments to the range since 1971. One thing that’s remained unchanged, however, is our

reputation for reliability. A powerful example of that is the first ever Fuso to hit our shores, still fully operational with more than 1.5 million km under its belt. Ready for action if called upon, befitting its distinguished service it’s now resting up in Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology – a great illustration, for posterity, of first-rate engineering. That’s a well-earned break, I reckon! Meanwhile, the rest of us must keep our noses to the grindstone.

Keith Andrews: Fuso Diamond Dealer

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:46:06 +1200

Whangarei dealership Keith Andrews Trucks and Buses is the proud recipient of Fuso’s coveted Diamond Dealer distinction for 2009.

“Good businesses rise to the top in difficult times,” said Fuso sales manager Roger White in presenting this year’s Diamond Dealer award. “Everyone on Keith’s team kept a strong focus on customer service and, to complement their strength in trucks, diversified with excellent Rosa bus sales to help the business weather the storm. They’ve now developed a strong reputation in the commercial bus arena.”

Keith, a Mitsubishi and Fuso dealer for more than 20 years, said doing the basics well was the secret of his team’s success. “As well as strengthening bus sales, we kept up our marketing, worked hard to look after our customers and grew our parts and servicing arms,” he said. The Whangarei team further cemented its reputation by winning the Shogun sales award within its territory.

Give your wallet a brake

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:39:44 +1200

For most truck and bus operators, consumables are the biggest overhead; so anything that keeps those costs down is a bonus.

Replacing fuel and tyres, for example, is an unavoidable expense but the frequency at which this needs to be done can be reduced by better driving and technological improvements. The same goes for brake systems and their component parts. Helping cut costs on the latest Canter and Rosa models are the disc brakes and twin callipers on all four wheels. Discs provide excellent braking and less fade than drums. While twin callipers means an additional set of pads, when the driver uses them properly they can extend brake life considerably.

Canter’s brakes are impressive. They look more suited to a high-tech race specification than a workhorse vehicle. Large, swept surface areas and a ventilation system reduce brake fade by cooling brakes faster, keeping them cooler for longer. A Canter brake drum had 754 cm2 of friction surface, while a disc under the same sized wheel has 980 cm2 – 30% more. A drum brake, being fully enclosed with no fresh air to help dissipate heat, has poor cooling capacity. A disc, on the other hand, cools quickly: it’s exposed to free-flowing air and its ventilation system pumps more air though the centre of the disc.

Discs have another advantage: you don’t need to adjust the disc pads due to wear. During braking, the calliper piston and pad are pushed onto the disc face. When the brake pedal is released the piston and pads are pulled away from the disc face by the piston seal and disc runout, always maintaining a minute clearance. In contrast the drum brake shoes are pulled back to their original position by the brake shoe springs. This leads to increased clearance between shoe and drum as the shoe wears. Over time the brake shoe begins to wear unevenly, causing increased maintenance costs.

Disc brakes last longer but they can still be abused through careless driving and lack of maintenance. As with any part of your truck, optimum brake performance and safety comes down to proper use and maintenance. This will also help keep costs down!

People of passion behind the brand

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:31:53 +1200

While the heavy side of our industry waits for new regulations to help grow their businesses, the Fighters that Fuso dealers are registering in accelerating numbers for city and rural distribution suggests the gentle rise in GDP is adding some confidence. Tourism, too, appears to be feeling a warm draught of air, with Rosa buses meshing well with the aims of New Zealand operators.

Look behind the scenes of Fuso dealerships across the country and you’ll quickly see the energy and commitment invested in them. In Whangerei, the team at Keith Andrews Trucks is proudly polishing the Fuso Diamond Dealer award it won for the exemplary customer service that’s underpinned an outstanding, hard-fought year.

At the mouth of the Hutt River, Phil Wheelans Trucks and Vans is bolstering its position as an industry heavyweight with a vastnew Seaview operation. It’s a unique one-stop with a new level of productivity and efficiency: most new Fuso trucks will be completely prepared for work without ever leaving the site. In the south, the new seven-location Prestige Commercial Vehicles operation – Nelson to Invercargill – is demonstrating to customers how it can bring fresh economies and efficiencies to a huge part of the mainland. Of course, at the end of the day it’s all down to people.

While Fuso isn’t short of shining lights, few can compare with the iconic Ron Berg; just retired as general manager of Phil Wheelans’ Palmerston North dealership (Jolly & Mills for most of his 59 years there since his apprentice days). In that time, Ron reckons he’s helped 5,000 customers into a new truck or a used one. Thanks, Ron, for the loyalty and passion you brought to allyour Mitsubishi and Fuso customers over an incredible career.

Roger White

One-Stop Shop

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:28:25 +1200

To be a market leader in truck sales and service requires commitment and confidence. The vast new branch just opened by Phil Wheelans Trucks and Vans (PWTV) in Seaview makes the aspirations of managing director Phil Wheelans and CEO Richard Wharton perfectly clear.

“I don’t think there is an operation as comprehensive as this anywhere in the country,” says Richard. “We are a true one-stop shop, from sales and service to total trailer and truck body solutions and painting. In addition, the rental fleet of our sister company The Hire Company Ltd can help almost any customer keep running while we prepare, repair or service their truck.”

The easy-access 6,549m2 Port Road site, at the mouth of the Hutt River, is the new home of PWTV’s lower North Island sales and service and MF King Industries’ trailer business. “Our range of trucks and our ability to build pretty much anything on them means that not only have we got something for everyone, but no truck should need to leave the site until the customer takes delivery,” says Richard. “We keep complete control over the final product; the customer has only one point of contact. That’s a unique, and we think industry-leading, proposition.”

The 12-bay workshop contains a rolling road, shaker plates and a raised oil platform which pumps oil anywhere in the shop. A five tonne gantry crane carries engines to a spotless, air-conditioned rebuild room. As well as parts and service operations, the Seaview site includes a showroom, a full cafeteria, ample office space and plenty of room for growth. “We can look ahead to the future with confidence,” says Richard. “We are in a great position to establish ourselves as a market leader if we continue to innovate and provide first-class service and facilities.”