Staying across the latest releases in heavy vehicle product innovation and safety can be a challenge for busy operators. The Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) assists operators to stay informed in these areas with its annual awards programme.
The programme covers six categories which acknowledge achievements in talent, innovation and in leadership across the industry. The finalists have been announced with winners to be revealed at the Gala Dinner in early December. We cover off on the finalists in the innovation and safety categories to support operators seeking to upgrade their vehicles and operations with the latest products and systems.
Heavy Vehicle Product Innovation Award Finalists
In announcing the finalists for innovations, Steve Power from the HVIA said that the nominees demonstrated the determination by the industry to establish new benchmarks in the areas of productivity, outcomes for the environment, and for safety. The finalists are Team Global Express, PT Blueboys, Eurocold and SAF-Holland.
The Eurocold innovation was developed in a collaboration with Volvo and is an 8-pallet electric vehicle refrigerated truck. The truck features an electric fridge which is fully integrated and draws its power from the regenerating battery.
The SAF-Holland innovation is the SAF TRAKr E-axle. A heavy-duty trailer with a high-voltage generator unit, centrally located, that converts kinetic to electrical energy. A Lithium-ion battery stores the energy, supplies heaters, hydraulic platforms and cooling units in the trailer, and the batteries can be charged while the truck is moving. The company says the e-axles reduce fuel costs, are emission-free and need less maintenance.
PT Blueboys was nominated for producing coupling connection covers and plugs with the ability to keep dust, grit and moisture out. Allowing extended life, greater reliability of fittings, and reduce the frustration of servicing fittings that are stuck as a result of dirt and dust. The innovation is currently awaiting worldwide patent approval in more than 20 countries.
Team Global Express was nominated for the award for their Project Cobra. A trial which saw a third of the depot’s fleet transition to electric vehicles and the installation of 1 megawatt battery. The outcome of the project has been a sharing of knowledge and as resulted in an increase in EV truck take-up.
Safety Innovation Award Finalists
The finalists in the safety award are MAHA Australia for its rising bed loan simulation; National Transport Insurance for its Spilt Milk programme to address dairy tanker crash claims; and WHG Telematics for Sleep Advice Technologies FleetPREDICT which uses smart-watch tech to give analysis in real-time of fatigue levels.
In the Community Leadership category, finalists are Eurocold, Krueger and Volvo-UD Trucks for their partnership with the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital. Winners in all categories will be announced on 5 December.
Financing Heavy Vehicle Product Innovation Systems
The awards nominees and finalists show the high level of research and development and commitment by the industry in setting new levels of performance, sustainability and efficiency. But for operators to take advantage of innovations by upgrading vehicles with new systems and features, the investment in the product or system must be cost-effective. Jade Truck Loans offers operators a range of affordable finance products to acquire the latest in heavy vehicle product innovation and safety products.
Where innovations require the acquisition and installation of systems and technology to a vehicle, a Secured or Unsecured Business Loan, a Business Overdraft or asset acquisition financing may suit the purchase. The cost involved, the term required to repay the funding, and if the purchase is suitable as collateral or other collateral is available, may determine the most suitable credit facility.
Where the product is considered suitable as loan collateral, the purchase may be financed with the operator’s choice of Lease, Chattel Mortgage, Hire Purchase or Rent-to-Own. Secured financing offers lower rates than unsecured options and overdrafts and can present a highly affordable way to incorporate new innovations into existing vehicles. Your Jade broker will discuss the type of product being considered and advise the most suitable and most affordable financing option for your business.
Many of the award finalists involve innovations for electric trucks. If transitioning to EVs is a consideration for your business, cost-effective financing may make it a very realistic proposition. Electric heavy vehicles can be financed with the same selection of asset acquisition credit facilities as diesel vehicles and attract our same competitive interest rates. To get estimates on loan repayments on new electric vehicles to assess the affordability of a transition, use our Finance Calculator or request a quote.
Staying up to date with product innovations may deliver positive outcomes in productivity, reduced fuel and operational costs, and increase safety for drivers, vehicles and other road users.
To discuss the financing options for the acquisition of a heavy vehicle product innovation for your business, contact Jade Truck Loans on 1300 000 003.
DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS ISSUED PURELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF GENERAL INFORMATION PROVISION. IT IS NOT TO BE TAKEN AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR BASING FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING. THOSE REQUIRING FINANCIAL GUIDANCE AND ADVICE SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR FINANCIAL CONSULTANT OR ADVISOR. NO LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED FOR ANY MISREPRESENTATION OF POLICIES, DATA OR ERRORS IN THIS CONTENT.
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