Tough challenges for designers

The main driving force behind innovation in the market of commercial vehicles is EU environmental policy. As a result of increasingly strict EU emission standards, environmental considerations are the current priority in research and development. Complying with the Euro V regulations is not by far the only major challenge for designers. – Environmental standards are changing so fast that they override practically all other development trends – says András Medveczki, head of marketing for the Iveco division of FIAT Magyarország Kft. It is pointed out by Zoltán Zákány, sales director of Delta-Truck Kft. that refrigerating capacity is also growing as a result of environmental regulations. As cabs need to be redesigned to accommodate bigger radiators, Euro VI commercial vehicles will look different compared to existing trucks. – One or two years age, hybrid drive systems were regarded as a curiosity among commercial vehicles, but today all major brands have their hybrid models – says Zoltán Gallatz, marketing and business development director of Renault Trucks Hungária Kft. Alternative propulsion systems are particularly useful in urban environments, where keeping emissions low is crucial. Iveco gas propelled vehicles are very popular in Northern Italian cities, where petrol and diesel vehicles are occasionally banned from the streets, during smog alerts. A unique range of alternative propulsion systems is presented in Renault Hybrys model: bio diesel, natural gas, dual and electric drive. Though a difference still exists between the level of comfort offered by a commercial vehicle and that of a passenger car, this is now in favour of commercial vehicles, at least when looking at long haul, articulated trucks. For example not many passenger cars have seats like those found in the cabs of articulated trucks, or other equipment like LCD TV, DVD, refrigerator and super sophisticated climate control systems. As there is shortage of drivers in Europe, working conditions are a primary consideration for employers. Technology like the driver monitoring systems in use, or GPS navigation is common today, and vehicles will soon be able to send warning signals to each other in case of emergencies, as well. ABS8, ASR, ESP, DTC, Hill starter, lane monitoring, blind space cameras and tyre pressure control to mention only a few of the systems which make life easier for drivers. Data is collected from all parts of the vehicle to help optimise operation and reduce costs. Fuel and parts consumption is clearly indicative of the driving style and help to determine what kind of additional training is desirable for the driver.