Binnengekomen berichten week 45 2024

Anja is heel erg tevreden met haar resultaat op de eerste dag. “We begonnen de proloog al goed en daardoor zaten we er lekker bij. De eerste proef was moeilijk, maar daar hebben Floor en ik gewoon geen fouten gemaakt. Op de tweede proef waren er aardig wat rijders met problemen, maar wij niet. We noteren de vierde tijd en staan nu derde! Daar ben ik heel blij mee, op naar morgen!”

“Dit is wel heel erg gaaf,” vertelt Anja. “De navigatie is moeilijk in Qatar, maar dat ging bij ons goed. Vooral in de duinen was het moeilijk, je zag weinig sporen en het was lastig om alles te zien. We hebben geen fouten gemaakt, de auto voelde goed aan, Floor heeft top genavigeerd. Het kon eigenlijk niet beter gaan bij ons. Ik ben zeer tevreden!”

Ook Erik is dik tevreden. “De auto kan zeker mee met de top van de T4’s, in het begin kregen we hem even niet in de 4×4, maar daarna ging het rijden echt super. De navigatie is hier heel moeilijk, dus we hebben wel wat moeten zoeken en zijn een paar keer verkeerd gereden. Maar ik ben toch blij met de rally. De auto is goed en heeft niks geleden.”

Hij is ook erg trots op het resultaat van Anja. “De dames hebben echt een toprally gehad. Heel knap om in Qatar tweede te worden als je hier voor de eerste keer rijdt.”

UPDATE: Anja van Loon wint in Qatar
Na de definitieve bekendmaking van het eindklassement zijn Anja van Loon en Floor Maten de winnaars van het T3-klassement. Zij schuiven een positie naar voren door diverse tijdstraffen in het klassement.

TBS, onder leiding van Martijn Clijsters, is al jarenlang een betrouwbare naam in de transportsector. Het familiebedrijf uit Peer is gespecialiseerd in het onderhoud en de reparatie van vrachtwagens, trailers, bussen en andere bedrijfsvoertuigen. Door hun brede expertise en klantgerichte aanpak hebben zij een solide reputatie opgebouwd in zowel België als de omringende landen.
“De toetreding van TBS betekent een waardevolle uitbreiding voor het TruckXL netwerk,” aldus Thies Elbertsen, formule manager van TruckXL. “Hun toewijding aan service en kwaliteit, met expertise in zowel vrachtwagens, trailers als bussen, sluit perfect aan bij onze missie om klanten door de hele Benelux de best mogelijke dienstverlening te bieden.”

Martijn Clijsters, zaakvoerder van TBS, kijkt uit naar de samenwerking: “We hebben gekozen voor toetreding tot het TruckXL netwerk omdat we geloven in de kracht van samenwerking en het delen van kennis. De mogelijkheid om intensief samen te werken met de andere leden van TruckXL in België en Nederland biedt ons de kans om onze diensten verder te verbeteren en onze klanten nog beter te ondersteunen.”
Met de toevoeging van TBS uit Peer wordt het TruckXL netwerk verder versterkt, wat leidt tot een nog bredere dekking van universele werkplaatsen door de hele Benelux. Hierdoor kunnen transportbedrijven rekenen op professionele ondersteuning, ongeacht hun locatie.

Under the agreement, both parties will negotiate the sale of VF 5 electric vehicles and electric buses to the Union of Drivers and Related Workers of Durango, a member of the Confederation of Mexico Workers (CTM) for public passenger transport in Durango City, replacing the current gasoline-powered fleet.

Additionally, VinFast and its affiliate, V-Green, and CTM will collaborate in studying, setting up, installing, and/or operating charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and electric buses in Durango, creating a convenient and extensive charging network to meet the needs of both personal and public transport vehicles.

This cooperation will contribute to the greening of transportation and the development of the EV ecosystem in Durango City and across Mexico. Replacing the gasoline fleet with electric vehicles will significantly reduce CO2 emissions, while also helping the Durango Drivers’ Union save on operating costs and create new jobs through the installation and operation of the charging system.

A subsidiary of Vingroup, the leading private conglomerate in Vietnam, VinFast offers a full range of electric vehicles, from cars and buses to scooters and bikes. Their compact e-SUV VF 5 is a popular choice for both individual drivers and taxi fleets due to its good value, reliability, nice design, smart technologies. VinFast’s electric buses are designed with versatile capacities and options, prioritizing safety with the latest technology. These vehicles, along with others in VinFast’s lineup, have been adopted by various transportation companies throughout Vietnam, playing a crucial role in familiarizing the public with EVs and promoting a greener transportation landscape.

Ms. Pham Thuy Linh, Deputy CEO at VinFast, stated: “We are impressed by the State of Durango and CTM’s strong commitment to a green transition. This shared vision for a sustainable future aligns perfectly with VinFast’s core values. With our high-quality electric vehicles and our affiliates’ s expertise in taxi operation and charging infrastructure, we are confident in our ability to support the State of Durango in realizing their vision, creating a lasting impact on the state and the broader Mexican landscape.”

Mr. Juan Erik Mercado Rangel, on behalf of Mr. Ricardo Fidel Pacheco Rodríguez, General Secretary, and Mr. Juan Pedro Mercado Gallegos, Deputy General Secretary of the Durango Drivers’ Union, remarked: “We are thrilled to collaborate with VinFast, a global EV brand. Their vehicles, their green mobility eco-system, as well as their grand vision and spirit of partnership have truly impressed us. CTM believes that this collaboration not only paves the way for enhanced transportation services but also positions us at the forefront of the global shift toward sustainable mobility.”

While still at an early stage, Mexico’s electric vehicle market is experiencing a rapid uptick. The country’s potential for EV adoption is significant, and the Mexican government is exploring incentives to further stimulate the sector.

As a global electric vehicle brand, VinFast is at the forefront of solutions and collaborations aimed at promoting the greening of transportation worldwide. Recently, in September 2024, VinFast marked a significant milestone by becoming the first EV car brand to top sales in Vietnam, establishing its presence with a diverse range of EV models in the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe and Asia.

About CTM
The Union of Drivers and Workers of the CTM in Durango, founded on August 8, 1932, is one of the city’s key players in public transportation. Currently, it operates around 65% of the transportation concessions, with a fleet exceeding 300 buses and 5,000 taxis, along with additional services such as personnel, school, and tourist transportation, thus meeting a wide range of mobility needs within the region. As a member of the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM), the country’s largest labor organization, the Union is dedicated to securing workers’ rights and promoting fair working conditions within the transport sector.

On the day before the event, at the St James’s Motoring Spectacle, the event organiser presented the participating vehicles as well as other automobiles on the prestigious Pall Mall. The event was held in the London district of the same name, in the immediate vicinity of Buckingham Palace and the Royal Automobile Club. Mercedes-Benz Classic showed other vehicles there, in addition to the Mercedes-Simplex 28/32 hp from 1904: a show car of the Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Formula One race car with streamlined body from 1955 and a Mercedes-AMG GT from 2024.

The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (LBVCR) is the world’s longest-standing event for classic vehicles. Only classics up to and including the year of manufacture 1904 are permitted to take part. Each year more than 300 two-, three-and four-wheeled vehicles set out from Hyde Park at sunrise. The drives are powered by steam, batteries, petrol – or muscle: since 2017, historic bicycles have also been allowed to participate. The LBVCR dates back to 1896. With the “Emancipation Run” of that time, automobilists applauded an increase in the maximum permissible speed for road vehicles in England to 19.2 km/h (12 mph). A red flag is symbolically torn in two at the start. This is reminiscent of the repeal of the “Red Flag Act” of 1865. The Act required that a person with a red flag should walk down the road in front of self-propelled road vehicles (which were initially powered by steam) in order to warn pedestrians.

Hailing from São Paulo, Bortoleto made a strong impression in 2023 by dominating his debut season and winning the FIA Formula 3 Championship. He is currently leading the FIA Formula 2 Championship standings. His career began at the age of six in karting, and by twelve, he had moved to Europe with his family to pursue his Formula 1 dream. Joining the future Audi F1 factory team now gives Bortoleto the opportunity to show his talent at the highest level of motorsport.

The team already confirmed German driver Nico Hülkenberg for the upcoming season back in April. With a balanced mix of experience and youth, the team is preparing for the transition to the Audi F1 factory team in 2026.

Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG: “We are currently witnessing a generational shift in Formula 1, with young drivers immediately making an impact. By signing Gabriel Bortoleto, we have secured one of these top talents. His signing underscores Audi’s long-term strategy and commitment to Formula 1.”

Mattia Binotto, COO and CTO of Sauber Motorsport AG: “Gabriel has already demonstrated in the junior categories that he has what it takes to be a winning driver. We are very pleased that he will become a team member of Sauber and Audi. Together with Gabriel, we are on a journey towards success, and we will evolve into a unified force to shape a new era for Audi in motorsport. Nico and Gabriel represent the ideal combination of experience and youth, positioning us strongly for the future.”

This new model is the first of an all-new family of cars, heralding a new chapter for the entry segment at Mercedes‑Benz. The CLA is designed to set new standards in range, efficiency, and charging speed, offering customers a choice between an advanced electric drivetrain and a high-tech electrified combustion engine. While the car is still a camouflaged prototype, Ola Källenius will reveal the headlight design in the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ARBtZa2-gI

“With the CLA, we are ushering in a new era at Mercedes‑Benz. We will substantially elevate every aspect of what our customers can expect from a Mercedes in this segment. The modular platform
allows for maximum flexibility: We can offer the CLA in both a state-of-the-art electric drivetrain version and a hybrid electrified combustion engine version. And our operating system, MB.OS,
will make it into the most intelligent car we’ve ever built.”
Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG

Drivetrain
The electric version of the CLA incorporates technology from the EQXX concept into series production. The next-generation electric drivetrain unit was developed by Mercedes‑Benz, ensuring high performance and efficiency. Thanks to a two-speed transmission, sporty performance and efficiency are in perfect balance.

The CLA will also be available with a newly-developed high-tech hybrid combustion engine. This engine, part of the MMA vehicle family, utilizes 48V technology combined with a new electrified transmission to deliver a highly efficient and enjoyable driving experience.

MBUX Virtual Assistant & MB.OS
The 2025 CLA will be the first vehicle to feature the new Mercedes‑Benz Operating System (MB.OS), which includes the AI-powered MBUX Virtual Assistant. This system enhances the car-driver relationship with natural, intuitive interaction and proactive support.

De lancering is in lijn met de productontwikkelingsstrategie van Ford Trucks voor Europa en biedt een betrouwbare en efficiënte smeringsoplossing op maat voor vele nieuwe en bestaande modellen in het bedrijfswagengamma van het merk. Het nieuwe product is ook ontworpen om te voldoen aan de strenge eisen van de Europese markt.

Moderne trucks kunnen tot 30% hoger koppel genereren, wat kan leiden tot hogere motortemperaturen en -drukken. Hierdoor kan de oliefilm sneller breken en de nuttige levensduur en het vermogen om de verversingscycli te verlengen, verminderen. Castrol heeft VECTON 5W-30 F-TRUCKS CK-4 ontworpen om deze uitdagingen het hoofd te bieden met System Pro Technology™, dat helpt om tot 45% extra prestatiereserve (EPR) te leveren.

System Pro Technology™ van Castrol bestrijdt olieafbraak door oxidatie en afzettingen effectief te bestrijden, schadelijke zuren te neutraliseren, oliebeluchting te beheersen, zich aan te passen aan hogere temperaturen en viscositeitsverlies te weerstaan om optimale smeereigenschappen te behouden. Deze maatregelen zorgen voor ondersteuning voor langere olieverversingsintervallen en verbeterde motorbescherming onder de veeleisende omstandigheden waar moderne vrachtwagens mee te maken hebben.

Gabriëlse Transport uit Westkapelle is specialist in (bijzondere) hijsklussen. “We doen allerlei hijsklussen”, vertelt Ivan Gabriëlse, die het bedrijf nu samen met zijn vader Arnold runt. “Denk aan het hijsen en plaatsen van dakkapellen, glas, prefab-woningen of het vervoer van een onderdeel van een rupskraan. Ook voor bijzondere klussen kunnen opdrachtgevers bij ons terecht, zoals het plaatsen van een biljarttafel op de vierde verdieping van een appartementencomplex.”

Ivan Gabriëlse rijdt nu met een Volvo FH 500 8×2 met 95-tonmeter HMF-autolaadkraan en vlakke laadbak. Het is de eerste Volvo-truck in de vloot van Gabriëlse Transport. “Uiteraard is het vooral een werkauto, maar ik ben ook een liefhebber van showtrucks. Met dat in het achterhoofd wilde ik nu een bijzondere truck op de weg zetten. We zijn een klein bedrijf en vervangen niet elk jaar een truck, dus als je dat doet dan moet je het goed doen. Deze truck heeft alles wat ik wilde.”

‘Three Generations’: eerbetoon aan vader en opa
Het thema van de Volvo FH is ‘Three Generations’. “Deze truck is een eerbetoon aan mijn opa en vader”, zegt Ivan Gabriëlse. “Ik heb het aan hen te danken dat ik nu in zo’n prachtige truck mag rijden. Zij zijn in 1997 met het bedrijf begonnen en hebben daarmee de basis gelegd voor het bedrijf zoals het nu is. Sinds april 2019 zit ik in de zaak en nu runnen mijn vader en ik het bedrijf samen. De aflevering van de nieuwe Volvo FH was een mooi moment om ons te realiseren wat we met zijn allen hebben neergezet.”

Vooral in het interieur van de Volvo FH is het eerbetoon goed te zien. “Op de achterwand van de cabine heb ik een foto laten plaatsen waar we met z’n drieën opstaan bij een hijsklus die we een tijdje terug hebben gedaan. Op de foto zijn ook de molen en vuurtoren van Westkapelle te zien. In de wandbekleding van de truck is nog een foto geplaatst waar we met zijn drieën op staan, inclusief onze namen. Ook op de buitenkant van de cabine komt het thema terug. Aan de ene kant staat ‘Next Generation’ en aan de andere kant ‘Three Generations’.”

De aflevering van de nieuwe Volvo FH was een bijzondere happening. Opa Bo, vader Arnold en Ivan stonden met z’n drieën voor een groot zwart doek. “Toen het doek viel, was dat de eerste keer dat mijn opa en vader het eindresultaat zagen”, vertelt Ivan Gabriëlse. “Tot en met de opbouw van de kraan hebben ze de truck gezien, daarna niet meer. Hoe de truck er exact uit zou zien was dus een verrassing voor hen, en met name het interieur. De onthulling was daarmee een mooi en emotioneel moment.”

Extra verlichting en ergonomisch werken
Gabriëlse heeft over letterlijk elk detail nagedacht. Om de trots op de afkomst te benadrukken, komt aan weerszijden van de cabine het wapen van de provincie Zeeland terug. De truck is verder uitgerust met lichtbak, zwaailampen, verstralers, flitsers, luchthoorns en een Deense achterbumper. Ook de opbergkisten voor hijsgereedschap zijn helemaal naar wens van Gabriëlse gemaakt, om zo ergonomisch mogelijk te kunnen werken.

Hijsen in alle richtingen
Inmiddels heeft Gabriëlse de eerste hijsklussen gedaan met zijn nieuwe truck. Het hijsen gebeurt met een 95 tonmeter HMF-autolaadkraan die is uitgevoerd met fly-jib. “Dat resulteert in een hijsbereik van 34 meter. Daarmee kunnen we bijvoorbeeld dakkappellen over woningen plaatsen. De truck is voorzien van een frontstempel, een must omdat we ook vaak vóór de cabine hijsen. We kunnen hiermee op ruim dertig meter nog een object plaatsen.”

“I was deeply touched by the Targa Florio racing car’s returning to Sicily, to the place of our great triumph 100 years ago. This experience is something very special, even for us at Mercedes-Benz Classic who deal with outstanding classics each and every day. In 1924, our brand wrote motorsport history with the 2-litre racing car. A hundred years later, one of the original vehicles has once again been stealing people’s hearts at its outings marking the anniversary. We owe our thanks to the combined expertise of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre, the Group archive of Mercedes-Benz Classic and a strong network of experts, who together made it all possible. After the racing car’s return to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, every visitor can now admire it, initially in a special display on the Classic Island, and later in its regular place in the racing curve.”
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH

A hundred-year-old’s trip around the world
The first moment to cause goosebumps was when the classic vehicle was put into operation in April 2024 after it’s complex restoration. This was followed by fascinating guest appearances at international highlight events for automotive classics. The racing car experienced a brilliant end of the season in Italy at the Targa Florio Classica from 10 to 13 October 2024 – at the site of the great Mercedes victory 100 years ago. This revival brings together racing cars of earlier eras and is reminiscent of the legendary years of the great Targa Florio road race. In the Mercedes 2-litre Targa Florio racing car, former Formular One racing driver Karl Wendlinger inspired spectators on a section of the historic Circuito delle Madonie.

This is the original vehicle in which Christian Lautenschlager finished in 11th place in the Targa Florio overall ranking on 27 April 1924. His teammate Christian Werner won the historic victory in an identically constructed Mercedes – the first driver not hailing from Italy. He won the race in 6:32:37.4 hours across four laps, each 108 kilometres long. The winning car from 1924 has not been preserved.

De R500 is de tweede Scania binnen het wagenpark van Baetsen Transport en Kraanverhuur. Het familiebedrijf koos wederom voor Scania vanwege de af-fabriek beschikbare modulaire opbouwmogelijkheden. “Wij bekijken per toepassing welk merk het meest geschikt is,” legt Peperkamp uit. “Onze opbouwers zijn bijzonder gecharmeerd van Scania, omdat er af-fabriek veel opties mogelijk zijn, zoals een laag chassis en diverse elektronische aanpassingen. Dat zorgt voor een soepele samenwerking.”

Het voertuig, dat wordt ingezet voor de verhuur, werd geleverd door Scania Eindhoven. Peperkamp is zeer tevreden over het aankoopproces: “De mensen die er werken, verstaan hun vak. Zeker bij de aanschaf van zo’n specifiek voertuig is dat niet onbelangrijk.”

Multifunctionele inzetbaarheid
De Palfinger-kraan met een capaciteit van 165 tonmeter is voorzien van een hydraulisch uitschuifbare hoofdmast en een jib met hijslier, samen goed voor een reikwijdte van bijna 34 meter. Met een werkbak is de kraan ook inzetbaar als hoogwerker. Tevens bevat het voertuig een uitschuifbare laadbak voor het vervoeren van 20ft containers en een afneembare schotel. Het resultaat? Een zeer multifunctioneel voertuig, dat ingezet kan worden als kraanwagen, hoogwerker, trekker én bakwagen.

Peperkamp: “Ondanks dat het een 5-asser is, heeft deze Scania een zeer kleine draaicirkel. In de krappe situaties waar wij dagelijks komen is dat onmisbaar. En het dubbel aangedreven tandemstel zorgt voor meer stabiliteit op moeilijk begaanbare terreinen.”

R-serie: luxe en functioneel
Peperkamp ziet in de Scania R-cabine een goede mix van ruimte, comfort en een relatief lage instap, die het vele in- en uitstappen vergemakkelijkt. De slaapcabine is uitgerust met alle mogelijke luxe, zoals comfortabele stoelen, een koelkast en een standairco.

“Onze chauffeurs en machinisten hebben allemaal een eigen auto of kraan. Ze zijn er tien jaar lang, elke dag mee onderweg. Om eigenaarschap te creëren, mogen ze tijdens het opbouwproces hun wensen kenbaar maken. Deze wensen, de eisen voor het dagelijks gebruik en het financiële plaatje resulteren uiteindelijk in een voertuig als deze.”

The family-owned company from Augsburg was according to their own information the first climate-positive coach tour operator to receive the seal of approval from the industry-independent sustainability consultancy Fokus Zukunft and helps to preserve the environment with voluntary climate protection contributions.

Hörmann Reisen GmbH offers among other things long-distance, round-trip, city and day tours and takes its guests on seaside and wellness holidays as well as providing transfers to various cruise ports. The company currently has 14 Setra vehicles in use.

Two new bistro coaches for Stewa Touristik
Stewa Touristik GmbH has taken ownership of two new S 531 DT coaches – and thereby rejuvenates Germany’s largest Setra bistro coach fleet. The company from Kleinostheim in Lower Franconia now owns a total of 23 double-decker coaches of the brand.

The vehicles with panoramic roof have been awarded the 5-star Superior classification by the Gütegemeinschaft Buskomfort e.V. This means: the coaches, each equipped with 48 passenger seats, have extended seat spacing by four centimetres to meet the 5-star requirement.

They also offer among others additional padding for the backrests as well as adjustable neck, head and calf supports. The table trays always ensure horizontal stability, regardless of the position of the seat in front.

Travellers can relax on the lower deck in the exquisitely designed bistro on 16 full-leather seats at four vis-à-vis tables – the trademark of the tour operator.

With over 180 employees, Stewa Touristik GmbH is one of the leading coach tour operators in the Rhine-Main region. In addition to a wide range of experiences, tours and study trips, the operator also offers a variety of health spa, wellness and hiking trips as well as ocean and river cruises.

KingsTravel puts its faith in Setra for the first time
KingsTravel Busvermietung GmbH chooses Setra. The Hanover-based service provider for tourism companies, event organisers and schools took delivery of its first new S 531 DT vehicles.

The six double-decker coaches, equipped with 83 seats, will be used for excursions to cruise ports, youth trips and school trips as well as for works transport. Among other things, the S 531 DT coaches are equipped with 360-degree cameras.

Innovative icons: The second-generation plug-in hybrid drive turns the cult Multivan bus and the California camper van icon into primarily electric vehicles in everyday life. On longer journeys, on the other hand, the extremely economical drive impresses with long combined ranges. A characteristic example of the innovative technical developments from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is the completely new torsion beam rear axle, which is powered purely electrically by a second electric drive motor. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has deliberately opted for a combination of the plug-in hybrid drive with an all-wheel drive system to provide both all-rounders with perfect traction – whether on a skiing outing or individual trips. The standard-length Multivan eHybrid 4MOTION is available from 70,668.15 euros1/2; the California, which is always built with an extended body and two sleeping berths under the standard-equipment pop-up roof, will be available as eHybrid 4MOTION at prices from 77,772.45 euros1/3; with two sleeping berths in the interior (from the Beach Tour specification), the California eHybrid will be launched at prices starting from 82,907.30 euros. Europe-wide pre-sales of the Multivan and California models with plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive have just started.

Three efficient drive sources: The plug-in hybrid drive of the Multivan and California is a completely new system of the second eHybrid generation. A high-tech turbocharged petrol engine with the designation 1.5 TSI evo2 is used in the new Multivan eHybrid 4MOTION and the California eHybrid 4MOTION. The 130 kW (177 PS) four-cylinder engine is characterised by innovative features such as a VTG (variable turbine geometry) turbocharger with efficient high-pressure injection at 350 bar and the equally highly efficient TSI-evo combustion process. The latter thus ensures high engine efficiency, which in turn reduces both consumption and emissions. The economical and powerful petrol engine is combined with an electric motor with an output of 85 kW (115 PS) on the front axle. The electric drive motor is integrated into a plug-in hybrid module together with a direct-shift gearbox (DSG). The DSG (DQ400e evo) was specially designed and further developed as a plug-in hybrid gearbox. This enhancement now makes it possible for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to implement a new and even more efficient hybrid strategy. As a third technical module, a second electric drive motor is used on the torsion beam rear axle. This electric drive motor has an output of 100 kW (136 PS). Technically speaking, the drive motors at both the front and rear are permanently excited synchronous motors. Together, the 1.5 TSI evo2 engine and the electric drive motors develop a system torque of 350 Nm, and the maximum power is available almost from standstill.

Powerful battery and fast charging: Another key component of the plug-in hybrid drive is the new high-voltage battery. With 19.7 kWh, it offers almost twice as much net energy content as its counterpart in the previous Multivan eHybrid with front-wheel drive. The lithium-ion high-voltage battery consists of 96 cell modules of a new development stage with temperature control by means of external liquid cooling. As a special feature compared with a plug-in hybrid drive with pure front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, two power and control electronics systems are used on board the new Multivan and California eHybrid 4MOTION instead of just one. They are located in the front and rear axle areas and manage the energy flow between the battery and the respective electric drive motor; in doing so, they convert the direct current (DC) of the battery into the alternating current (AC) required to operate the electric drive motors. The front power and control electronics system also serves as a DC/DC converter to supply the low-voltage vehicle electrical system with 12 V voltage. The other hybrid components also include the charger. Instead of the 3.6 kW charging capacity available for the first Multivan eHybrid, it is now possible to charge with up to 11 kW at AC charging points such as a home charging station. For the first time, energy can now be replenished with up to 50 kW4 at DC rapid charging stations while on the road.

Silent electric start: The new plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive of the Multivan and California is a Group-wide first, as it combines the latest eHybrid system of the modular transverse matrix (MQB) with an additional electrically powered rear axle for the first time. In the eHybrid 4MOTION version, the Multivan and California always start purely electrically as long as the outside temperature does not drop below minus 28 degrees. Up to a speed of 65 km/h, the rear electric drive motor is always activated to provide all-wheel drive ‘starting assistance’. The electric rear-axle drive is also available when the battery is empty: the power required for the electric drive motor at the rear axle is automatically generated by the TSI engine and the front electric motor, which in this case acts as a generator. Using a decoupling unit, the rear electric drive motor can be automatically removed from the rear axle drive by hybrid control in order to increase efficiency under normal traction conditions.

Superior driving characteristics: The power distribution of the 4MOTION system is regulated via the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and is variable – depending on the drive situation or traction at the axles. This means up to 100 per cent of the drive force can be directed to the front or rear axle. If the driver switches from D to Sport mode S, the permanent all-wheel drive is activated – for example, when driving on snow or rough terrain. The driving characteristics and traction are also positively influenced by a low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution, which results from the location of the battery (under the front seats) and fuel tank (under the second seat row) as well as integration of the second electric drive motor into the rear axle. The new Multivan and the California eHybrid 4MOTION can be driven purely electrically at speeds of up to 130 km/h. In hybrid mode, the top speed is 200 km/h.

Electric stationary air conditioning: Both the Multivan eHybrid 4MOTION and the California eHybrid 4MOTION offer electric stationary air conditioning. This can be used to cool, ventilate and heat the VW bus and camper van. The air conditioning system is supplied with energy either by the high-voltage battery or by shore power during charging to ensure a pleasant interior temperature in the vehicle before the start of a journey. In addition to the comfort aspect, the stationary air conditioning offers another advantage: if the interior temperature is regulated during charging, this increases the electric range – as with an all-electric vehicle – as corresponding climate control does not place a burden on the battery capacity in electric mode. When the charging cable is plugged in, the vehicle is air-conditioned for approximately 30 minutes; in general, the battery is fully charged first and then the air conditioning is started. If the stationary air conditioning is operated solely using the power supply from the high-voltage battery, the function switches off after 10 minutes. The stationary air conditioning can be activated on the Infotainment system or using the smartphone app. The Multivan and California will be built together with the electric ID. Buzz at the German Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles plant in Hanover.

De SEBA-subsidie helpt ondernemers te investeren in emissievrije bedrijfswagens, wat bijdraagt aan schonere steden en het behalen van klimaatdoelen. In 2024 is 60 miljoen euro subsidie beschikbaar, waarvan nog 16 miljoen aanvraagbaar is – goed voor ruim 2.000 extra zero-emissie lichte bedrijfswagens. Van Bruggen benadrukt dat politieke duidelijkheid over zero-emissiezones noodzakelijk is: “Politieke twijfel zorgt ervoor dat ondernemers niet weten waar ze aan toe zijn, terwijl er middelen zijn om hen te ondersteunen bij de overstap naar schone mobiliteit. Resterend budget moet worden ingezet voor fiscale stimulering en laadinfrastructuur. Als je als ondernemer investeert in een elektrisch voertuig, moet je deze ook kunnen laden.”

“We are looking forward to this atmospheric event for children and their families. Last year, the biggest lantern parade in the entire region set new standards with 8,000 participants. We want to build on this success with an attractive programme in 2024.”
Bettina Haussmann, Director of Mercedes-Benz Museum

The event begins at 5 pm on the hill of the Mercedes-Benz Museum, with musical accompaniment by the Bad Cannstatt music club. The parade sets off at 5 pm, led by the light figures of the artist group “DUNDU – The Giants of Light” as well as the mascots Carlotta, Fritzle (VfB Stuttgart) and Luftikus (parents’ newspaper “Luftballon”) and a replica of the Benz Patent-Motorwagen from 1886. The programme at the stadium itself starts at 6 pm with a show by “DUNDU – The Giants of Light”, a performance by singer Pauline and an interview with VfB legend Cacau. As a highlight, traditional lantern songs will be sung together moderated by VfB stadium announcer Holger Laser and presenter Nikolaus Böhm of the radio station DIE NEUE 107.7. Drinks and snacks will be available from 7 pm.

DAF Components is een toonaangevende, onafhankelijke leverancier van componenten, zoals motoren, assen en cabines. Deze vinden over de hele wereld hun weg naar producenten van onder meer bussen, touringcars, bijzondere voertuigen en schepen.

Uitstekende rijkarakteristieken, comfort en maximale inzetbaarheid
De 110 PACCAR MX-11 motoren voor de Romeinse stadsbussen leveren 270 kW/370 pk. De vlakke koppelkromme zorgt voor uitstekende rijkarakteristieken en maximaal passagierscomfort, ook op de heuvelachtige wegen en busbanen in en rond Rome.

De samenwerking tussen DAF, Solaris en het openbaar vervoer van Rome is bewezen succesvol. De Romeinse openbaarvervoerbedrijven beschikken al over een vloot van maar liefst 720 Solaris-bussen met PACCAR-motoren. De krachtbronnen worden geprezen om hun ongeëvenaarde betrouwbaarheid, efficiëntie en lage onderhoudskosten. Bovendien garandeert het onderhoudsschema van slechts één service-interval per jaar maximale inzetbaarheid van de bussen.

Solaris Urbino bussen
De Solaris Urbino is een ‘low entry’ stadsbus. De PACCAR MX-11 motor in de Romeinse bussen zullen worden gecombineerd met een speciale automatische transmissie. Daardoor stoten de voertuigen niets uit als ze stilstaan (‘Start-Stop’) en wordt de motor elektrisch ondersteund bij het optrekken, daarbij gebruikmakend van geregenereerde remenergie.

Six eCanter for urban distribution
The compact 8.55-tonne vehicles have a wheelbase of 4,750 mm and a maximum body length of 7.2 m, offering up to 15 pallet spaces. “They fill the gap between vans and heavy-duty delivery trucks, and are exactly what we were looking for to electrify our daily deliveries for DHL in the center of Malmö,” says Victor Falkenklev, CEO of Falkenklev Logistik AB, describing the requirements. The entrepreneur was totally convinced of the suitability of the FUSO eCanter for his intended use and ordered the vehicles without any test drive or even seeing the vehicles at the dealership. With around 20 to 30 stops to deliver and collect goods and an average length of just under 20 kilometers, the routes are perfect for using purely electric vehicles. In contrast to diesel vehicles, which are not very efficient when used constantly in stop-and-go traffic. With the size M-battery pack, which consists of two batteries and promises a range of up to 140 kilometers, the new eCanter is therefore more than ideal.

Perfectly adapted for its intended use
For use in Malmö, the general importer Veho Bil Sverige AB, which has been represented in the Malmö region since the beginning of 2024, equipped the new eCanter with an additional step at the entrance at the customer’s request. Although the entry height of the cabin of the FUSO eCanter is very low anyway, the additional step is intended to give drivers a familiar feeling when they are switching from larger trucks to the eCanter and are used to entry steps. Veho also equipped the vehicles with a roof spoiler and side wind deflectors. This has a positive effect on efficiency and visually harmonizes the cabin with the box body. Marcus Sjöberg, sales representative at Veho import AB in Malmö, is proud to be supporting Falkenklev Logistik in its transformation and prepared a detailed driver training program for the official handover.

Pioneering role in the transformation of the transport industry
Victor Falkenklev explains his entrepreneurial motivation as follows: “I have been thinking about how to make our business sustainable for a while now. I want a greener future for my two young children and for myself. But that will only happen if everyone in their own area becomes active and makes a difference.” Together with his mother Marita Falkenklev, the owner, and his brother William Falkenklev, the CEO at the Helsingborg site, the 33-year-old is the third generation to run the family business, which was founded by his grandparents in 1957.

Victor Falkenklev started the company with a solar park that the company had built as early as 2022. The plant in Perstorp, around 80 kilometers northeast of Malmö, is 15,000 square meters in size, produces over one million kilowatt hours of electricity per year and has a connected battery storage system with two megawatts of power that helps to stabilize the grid. The electricity is fed into the public grid and Falkenklev Logistik can withdraw it from its locations through a certificate trading system. “We have around 140 trucks on routes that we could easily manage electrically,” explains Victor Falkenklev. So, he first invested in half a dozen heavy-duty distribution trucks from a Swedish manufacturer and an eActros 300. The company also owns almost 20 Mercedes-Benz eSprinters. But his vision goes even further: “Then I thought, okay, we have to charge these vehicles. If we could do that with our own electricity from the solar park at our own charging stations, the ‘Green Circle’ would be complete.”

For this reason, Sweden’s first and largest charging station for heavy vehicles with 22 CCS2 charging points and a battery storage system was built directly opposite the Falkenklev site in Malmö Arlöv. The charging standard enables up to 350 kilowatts of power and is suitable for trucks and cars. The initial plan was to charge the company’s own electric fleet overnight. Then Victor Falkenclev had the idea of building an additional business on top of that. “So we quickly turned it into a charging park that is open to the public during the day, and it is used by many people here in the industrial area,” says Victor Falkenklev, describing the development. He is now also CEO of Rifil Laddpark, his own company for charging infrastructure. Rifil Laddpark recently opened a second charging park in Perstorp, and three more locations are already in the planning stage for the Skåne region.

When he talks about his vision, it becomes even clearer that Victor Falkenklev is a pioneer and that his business already thinks beyond mere transportation services. Further acquisitions of electric trucks to electrify the fleet 100 percent in the long term are already firmly in the pipeline, and every suitable surface, from hall roofs to green strips, is to be equipped with solar panels. In purely mathematical terms, the company could cover its energy needs completely in about a year and be self-sufficient. “We could run on diesel and make more money. But I just want to do whatever I can to make the transport industry more sustainable. Our experience so far has shown that this is possible,” he emphasizes. He is not losing sight of the other possibilities that an electrified fleet offers: “In Sweden, energy suppliers pay battery storage owners to stabilize the grid.” This can also include the large batteries in electric trucks when charging in both directions. For Victor Falkenklev, this means that his trucks would even earn money when stationary.

“It’s a great honor for our Case IH and STEYR brands to be recognized with these awards. At CNH we are focused on bringing our customers cutting-edge products that boost their productivity and deliver greater profitability. These awards are recognition of our great iron and tech,” said Carlo Alberto Sisto, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa.

Our Winners
Our new Case IH Quadtrac 715, won Tractor of the Year 2025 in the HighPower category for models over 300 horsepower. The judging panel based their assessments on areas including engine performance, fuel efficiency, transmission smoothness and reliability. Designed to help the largest farm businesses cover ground as efficiently as possible, while minimizing fuel use, labor hours and soil compaction, the new Quadtrac 715 features an FPT Cursor 16 TST twin-stage-turbo engine.

De Maserati Tipo Folgore heeft een opgefrist design, een aerodynamisch doorontwikkelde carrosserie en een nieuwe livery gekregen die het verhaal vertelt van 110 jaar aan autosportoverwinningen en -successen van Maserati.

De naam Maserati Tipo Folgore is een eerbetoon aan het volledig elektrische productiegamma van het merk met de Drietand en symboliseert een brug tussen het verleden, het heden en de toekomst. Qua kleurstelling is de auto uitgevoerd in het iconische Maserati-blauw met Rose Gold kleuraccenten op de achterzijde, als symbool van innovatie en elektrificatie. De samensmelting van de twee carrosseriekleuren vormt een element dat herinnert aan het sportieve erfgoed van Maserati. Op de zijkanten in de cockpit is een combinatie van namen en data een belangrijke verwijzing naar de overwinningen die Maserati in de loop der jaren heeft behaald, dankzij legendarische coureurs en onvergetelijke successen op de meest prestigieuze circuits ter wereld.

Klaus Busse, Hoofd Design bij Maserati: “Het was een grote eer om voor het derde achtereenvolgende jaar te mogen werken aan het livery-design van onze Formule E-wagen. De kleurstelling van dit jaar borduurt voort op de ontwikkeling van het merk op het gebied van elektrificatie, gesymboliseerd door de Folgore koperkleur, maar is ook bedoeld om Maserati’s rijke historie in de autosport te belichten met een eerbetoon aan de mijlpalen van 110 jaar autogeschiedenis, een jubileum dat we begin volgende maand vieren. De namen van die onvergetelijke kampioenen, circuits en data van Grand Prix-overwinningen verschijnen daarom rond de cockpit van de coureur.”

De Maserati Tipo Folgore is uitgerust met het allernieuwste Formule E GEN3 Evo-pakket, waardoor het de snelste en meest efficiënte auto is die ooit heeft deelgenomen aan ’s werelds snelst groeiende autosport. Met een aanzienlijke evolutie op het gebied van efficiëntie en prestaties accelereert geen enkele andere FIA formulewagen sneller. De GEN3 Evo schiet in 1,86 seconde van 0 naar 100 km/u en dankzij het regeneratieve remvermogen van 600 kW is 50% van de energie die tijdens een race wordt gebruikt afkomstig van energieterugwinning.

Tijdens de pre-season test in Madrid, een belangrijke week in aanloop naar seizoen 11, komt Maserati MSG Racing in actie met de nieuwe coureurs Stoffel Vandoorne en Jake Hughes. Daarnaast nemen Tatiana Calderon en Carrie Schreiner op vrijdag 8 november deel aan de testsessie voor vrouwen.

De Spaanse testsdagen vormen de officiële aftrap van seizoen 11 van het ABB FIA Formule E Wereldkampioenschap, dat 16 races over de hele wereld beslaat, met São Paulo als locatie voor de eerste ronde, op 7 december aanstaande.

High-performance SUVs have long been a cornerstone of AMG’s portfolio. Over 25 years ago, the performance and sports car brand from Affalterbach pioneered this segment with the launch of the ML 55 AMG. The high-performance off-roader class quickly captured customers’ hearts, achieving robust growth rates ever since. Today, Mercedes‑AMG boasts six SUV model lines, including GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, and EQE SUV. The iconic Geländewagen Mercedes‑AMG G 63 (energy consumption combined: 15,7‑14,7 l/100 km | CO₂ emissions combined: 358‒335 g/km | CO₂ class: G)[1] is the crown jewel of the performance-driven off-roader lineup.

In this latest SUV project, Mercedes‑AMG is designing the entire vehicle architecture for the first time. This full-size SUV will be the second model built on the all-electric AMG.EA high-performance platform. It also represents the sixth vehicle fully developed by the performance specialists from Affalterbach, joining the first AMG.EA model currently in testing, as well as the GT, SL, previous GT generation, and SLS models.

“SUVs have been among our most popular models for many years. With the ‘Born in Affalterbach’ SUV, we are responding to this trend by offering our customers a truly captivating high-performance off-roader based on the AMG.EA platform. Our new high-performance architecture follows a clear philosophy: ‘AMG First, EV Second’. This means that the vehicles not only excel as electric vehicles but also embody the core AMG qualities of emotion and performance.”
Michael Schiebe, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH and Head of the Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class & Mercedes‑Maybach divisions

The compact segment – machines under 2m high and 2m wide – represents a significant portion of the European farm telehandler market, and as well as meeting horticultural and fruit enterprise demand, the new TH6.26 supports New Holland’s livestock and poultry customer commitment, underlined at EIMA by the new T5 tractors and the latest hay and forage developments. It is also a capable bale handling machine, thanks to dimensions that suit work in smaller buildings and yards, and its increased lift height.

The new TH6.26 introduces new features such as optional carbon cab air filters to enhance comfort and protect health in environments such as poultry houses. Telematics can be specified to help owners track location, performance and other key operating parameters alongside other connected New Holland machines in their fleets, via the new New Holland FieldOps app. TMR homologation is available, easing the on-road registration process throughout European markets, where required. This enables factory-fitment of trailer hitches and both hydraulic and pneumatic trailer braking, permitting a maximum towing capacity of 13,150 kg.

The TH6.26 features an automatic 45% limited slip differential lock, with the option of a 100% hydraulic lock for maximum traction in all conditions. Further standard features include constant-flow hydraulics, an electronic creep-speed function and two driving modes, Automotive for general operation with maximum power, and EcoSmart, for maximum fuel efficiency. A Start & Stop engine feature minimizes fuel consumed from engine idling.

The TH6.26 has a lower overall height than its predecessor, at 1,955mm, aiding access to low buildings, while at just 1,920mm wide it enables easier movement through narrow passages, doors and tree/plant rows. It is also just 4,120mm long, but despite a longer wheelbase of 2,525mm to aid stability, it has a 17% smaller outside turning radius of 3,250mm, maximizing manoeuvrability in tight confines. It is also 6% lighter, at 4,700kg, minimizing compaction on soft ground, and has an 11% wider cab, at 960mm, providing greater operator comfort.

A 73hp (54.6kW) four-cylinder engine powers a single-range 30km/hr hydrostatic transmission and a gear pump that provides 80 l/min of oil flow at 210 bar pressure, serving a mechanical electro-proportional hydraulic system., Maximum lift height has increased from 5.73m to 5.80m, and headstock rotation is now 155°, up from 129°, ensuring faster, more thorough emptying of buckets and manure forks.

Het verhaal gaat terug naar 1949, het jaar waarin DAF zijn eerste vrachtwagens ging produceren. Het was in datzelfde jaar dat v/d Wekken Transport in contact kwam met DAF. De vierde DAF die in Eindhoven van de band rolde was voor v/d Wekken. In die tijd moesten de trucks nog in bij DAF opgehaald worden, wat een behoorlijk avontuur was vertelde Cor v/d Wekken sr. Dat ging er vanzelfsprekend heel anders aan toe dan nu.

Door de jaren heen heeft bijna elke DAF-serie voor de deur van de familie v/d Wekken gestaan. Elke truck had zijn eigen verhaal, en het gezin kan eindeloos vertellen over hun ervaringen met het merk. De band met DAF is hecht; ze voelen zich verbonden met het merk dat hen jarenlang heeft ondersteund.

Vandaag de dag koopt de familie v/d Wekken al hun DAF-trucks via BEST Trucks.
De samenwerking met de garage in Oude-Tonge is uitstekend; de monteurs zijn betrouwbaar en kennen de klanten persoonlijk, iets wat tegenwoordig niet overal te vinden is.

De familie is bijzonder enthousiast over “The New Generation DAF”, die niet alleen een fraaie uitstraling heeft, maar ook veel efficiënter is dan eerdere generaties.