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Roads The Global UD Trucks Customer Magazine ISSUE 3 2014 Legendary Test Drive UD retraces an epic journey Extra Mile Challenge A competition YOU will want to be part of! Folk art on wheels Decorated trucks in Pakistan
Dear friends, ISSUE 3 2014
04 You are invited to participate in the
Welcome to this new issue of
Extra Mile Challenge!
Roads! UD has had a very eventful
end of year, as you will discover in
the following pages.
Looking towards 2015, we have been carefully preparing
a new competition, the “Extra Mile Challenge”, to which
you will be invited to participate from next year. This new
08 Pakistan
one-of–a kind competition will test the best of your
Folk art on wheels
management, planning and driving skills, in exciting Arty truck culture
challenges, to identify the most efficient customer
team around the world!
This year, we also celebrated the 75th anniversary of
the legendary 3,000km-test drive our founder Kenzo
Adachi undertook around Japan with his first truck
14 Theo Wibisono
to demonstrate the reliability of UD’s first diesel
Business development manager in Indonesia
engine, fueling the spirit of constant improvement
constituting UD’s DNA.
16 Australia
Seeding the future
At UD, providing you with the best trucks and Partnering for growth
the best service is at the heart of every one of
us. Recently, the best UD mechanics from our
global network took part in the very demanding
Gemba Challenge – which is a mechanical
skills development competition. We hope you
enjoy reading how we pitted them against 22 ESCOT-V gearbox
each other, presenting them with simulations of The best of manual and automatic transmission
issues, you the customer, might face on the road.
24 Legendary Test Drive
In this issue, we will introduce you to people who UD retraces an epic journey
share the same questions and face the same issues
as you. In Australia, we meet the manager of a
plant nursery who is replacing his fleet of delivery
trucks with UD models, seeking to benefit in terms
of reliability and running costs.
30 Gemba Challenge 2014
Our trucks may be our working tools, but we are also Competing to elevate client service
very attached to them. In Pakistan, the customization
of trucks is so ubiquitous it now forms part of the 34 Running the extra mile
country’s folk art. You will meet the drivers of these UD people take up the challenge at the Ageo
colorful trucks and the craftsmen who specialize in City Marathon
making each truck so unique.
35 Tradition
As you already know, this magazine is yours, and our Just in Time (JIT)
address roadsmagazine@udtrucks.co.jp is open to your How customers become production directors
suggestions. Send us your questions or ideas for an article.
Roads is published by UD Trucks Corporation
Until then please allow me to send you my warm wishes of www.udtrucks.com
happiness, success, and prosperity, to you and your loved
Publisher
ones in the coming year! Mansoor Ahmed
mansoor.ahmed@volvo.com
Yusuke Sakaue Produced by
President
UD Trucks Corporation contact@alineaproductions.com
Tel: +86 139 111 55 788
E x tra Mil e C hall e n g e
Kick off:
UD Trucks
Extra Mile
Challenge
Text: Makiko Segawa
Photos: Nicolas Datiche
A
couple of hours outside Tokyo, in fleet manager - competed in the rain on teams took part in the challenge itself, job and I am always cautious to have a safe
the city of Mito, ancient capital what felt like the coldest day of the year. which simulated a real transportation drive – I am proud of my job because it
during the Shogun era, UD Before the actual competition, everyone cycle: pre-inspection, maneuvering skills, supports the power of my country.”
Trucks unveiled a new competition. On attended a seminar that included smooth fuel-efficient driving and cargo
November 25th, the first ever UD Trucks presentations on the UD brand, products pick-up and delivery. All the results were During the competition, he proved to be a
Extra Mile Challenge took place at the and Extra Mile aftermarket support, translated into Australian dollars, and the excellent strategist; he checked the routes
Japan Automobile Research Institute Test as well as tips on pre-drive inspection, winner was the team with the highest over several kilometers of track to get a
Center, the country’s largest automotive safety and fuel-efficient driving. Then the revenue and lowest costs. clear idea of which areas would consume
test course. more fuel. Josh Sprague of winning father-and-son
What does Extra Mile mean? Back on the roads in Australia, the UD Team Sprague
Based on UD Trucks brand promise ‘Going “It is our philosophy of constant truck drivers taking part in the event The father and son team
the Extra Mile’, the Extra Mile Challenge is improvement at UD. It is the extra move tons of bulk gas, liquid waste tanks, A father and son team worked so well
a full day competition which encourages effort made behind the scenes, oil, and minerals. They are vital links in together that they earned the audience’s
resulting in:
customer teams to focus on becoming Australia’s national power grid today. applause and respect. Peter Sprague and
· better products, with better his youngest son Josh, who run a company
more fuel efficient, with higher uptime
reliability, better fuel efficiency,
and lower operating costs. The underlying better uptime, better The cautious planner called Lee’s Liquid Waste in Australia,
aims of the challenge are to promote environmental protection; Mark Crammer, Director of Marsue participated in the contest. Sprague runs a
safer driving by enhancing drivers’ skills · and better service, we make the Transport, currently has 19 UD Trucks. He family business with his wife and three sons.
and confidence, and to keep a customer’s extra effort to contribute to the carries a maximum of 200 gas cylinders, Liquid waste is the main item they transport
business moving forward at all times. success of our customers’ day-to- such as oxygen and nitrogen, with with UD trucks, at times as much as 42.5
day business.”
cylinders weighing as much as 84 kilos tons on long drives across the country. After
Naoaki Yukishita, Senior manager UD Trucks
For this pilot edition, three teams from Brand Management
each. He transports all kinds of dangerous more than 10 years working with UD Trucks,
Australia - comprised of a driver and a goods and notes, “It is a very dangerous Peter admires his decade-long partner, “It
04 05
E x tra Mil e C hall e n g e
l Te st
Skil
t
ing
tes
riv
ng
D
rki
nge
d
roa
Pa
leg
lle Do
g
y Cha
ver
g
vin
D eli roa
d dri
ind
ing
riv ing
ile d
s&1 W
point
wh
rgy
k-up t. ze
3 pic ery poin maximi fuel
ene
35%
deliv route to inimize in a nced
n of
m in flue
Plan value, , all with n be
tio Ca 4%
rma
a rgo ti o n e.
c 12%
ump fram
cons d time s fo 9%
Tran
e %
limit ence
d 65
2%
10%
nflu 3%
t be i
Canno tion
20% lera lls
Acce hi
and
i s t ance
40% res
Air ing
Roll e
tanc
s
re s i s
on Tip aust nd r
fic a itions
oad
i ng
Exh f
t
Tr a d
c i
stem con
e v
s y
nsp a
ling ir
Coo *, a
S tri c s
e I l – A C , elec
Dri v e l ine
Driv ue r
11 F
o
ress
r or
Pre-
omp
ea nd c
rst g
fi nato
ra
en
g re
er
use *Alt
way in
nge
l l a t as
u pu it wai ra
e yo b u t d ro p s v
p re
i m s p l r,
t l o w u ll g e s p e e d a
ry
Ev e t g e a r af e en Kee d
f ir s w n l e a s t h e a r w h s hi f t
n g e d o
s s i b
p a g - 3 - 4 ba n
Cha g a s p o o n , s ki or 1
lo n a ti 1-3 - 5 ead
itor
l e r e
acce le. Tr y t
h n ah
On i b n s . Pla e al f mon ess
u to
s
ndlin
po s o l
di ti p o s s ib o w e r h
te r n co n l p i o o Frie maging
has never broken down. Not even once! Its durability and p a t e r o a d li t t l e a s h i n t h e Nen enc y a rg
e th ke as cle wit goo
d
U se l ef f ic i
C id da ring
reliability far surpasses that of any other truck,” he points out, Not b ra e hi d c k in - avo argo du on
a n d e v
ur t r u
Fu e ke c
at n ads
io
smiling. ra t e
th
en b
an
d yo t ne bra port
trans twisty ro
Op e h e G re r s elf an s t an
co n ngi
of e
of t o u s led
nt a
in y
rd e
r ld b
e a
u se r spil
Throughout the course of the competition, Peter, the M ai r k in g o d s h o u l e ked ive Wate of a full
wo p s p e e p o s s ib e c h e c e c t out bolizes
experienced planner, gave his full support to son Josh. The r to l ow a s d s to b an d Ef f E E B” sym to
u up, k
“U D tan damage s
Y o as nee arm ng
younger of the duo, who started driving at 17, performed an d s sure l– w i good
p re fue tu r n ed ed
outstandingly on all the tests. Tyre ularly s was te wheels uel s pe port
r e g e
gin i t h t h e t f dy trans
bes
g en
Idlin down COT-V
w fo r
the in s tea
i l iz e nta
Mai
Even at the parking test – one of the most difficult challenges l e S
id use
E – ut tc h
swi
t o e l y
iv
of the contest – Josh excelled. The drivers had to park their Pl a n n o m y re s s Eco
ro g
trucks close to a dock without knocking down the safety
e co
tg e a rs p
or q u e U se
S h i f i n e ’s t
cones. With the guidance of his father, Josh swiftly parked his eng
12-meter-long truck perfectly – twice – pulling on the brake a
mere 10cm from the loading dock! The audience, stunned by
Josh’s speed and accuracy and by the united father-son team,
burst into applause. It came as no surprise that Team Sprague
ended up winning this first Extra Mile Challenge!
Respect of speed
limit & stop signs
Legacy of the challenge
All the participants enjoyed the event, and many of them
ended the day with a new perspective on their daily
operations back home. After the event, Peter Sprague said,
“I’ve become more aware of being a professional in terms of
“The voice of our customers, Australia can be a rugged environment in which to drive and this
means drivers need extra training and support. One Australian at Post-event survey among the participants
the skills required. I’m resolved to be more serious about driver the voice of the gemba, and the the competition, Mark Crammer, said that he intends to build on
Interactivity
Information sharing
training on my return.” He added that truck drivers in Australia
need this sort of competition to increase awareness of their
communication with them is his experience here in Japan when he returns home. “As soon as I
get back home, I would like to tap into my network and see if we
Timing of the program
Fun experience
driving environment. “There are various issues related to the crucial – it’s what makes us go can’t get a similar regional contest going,” he enthuses, excited
safety of truck drivers in Australia. Obviously traffic and also
the extra mile so they can go by what he has learnt at the competition. 100% satisfaction
the reckless way certain drivers sneak between the trucks!
But our biggest issue is the kangaroo!” explains Peter. In his the extra mile!” There is no doubt that when the competition is held again UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge will be rolled out to
estimation, an accident with a kangaroo can cost between next year it will be a formidable challenge for UD customers certain markets in 2015, with the finalists competing for
Kenneth Hagas, Vice President UD Trucks Brand Strategy & the top spot in Japan.
AUD2,000-3,000 (upwards of USD1,600). Implementation around the world!
06 07
Cul tu ral – Paki s t an
Folk
art on
wheels
Text: Sanam Durrani, Farhan Sheikh, Athar Zaidi
Photo: Khalid Malik
Nowhere else in the world will you
“I
feel a sense of pride when signifies the life and culture of Pakistan,
my truck looks beautiful and the first style that comes to mind is
find UD trucks looking so exceptional! others appreciate it,” beams Truck Art.
One could even venture to say that driver Aamir Shujahat, sitting inside a
brilliantly decorated UD truck. From Shujahat adds that all these decorations
nobody loves their trucks more than the the truck’s extravagant bumper, trailer
headpiece to the interior of the cabin,
and bells create a distinct sound; music
that accompanies his life on the road. It
Pakistanis. every inch of it is customized, and
mostly by hand. If one had to name a
is also the sound that signals his arrival
home, one his family listens out for when
distinguishing form of folk art that best he’s away on a long road trip.
08 09
Cul tu ral – Paki s t an
The body maker
In a workshop in Maripur, Karachi, workers
are busy showcasing their talents on trucks
in the initial stages of development. Haji
Asghar Habib, a body maker by profession, is
specialized in working with wood and metal.
He has been in this field for almost 40 years.
He is currently working on a new design
which he calls ‘Dera Design’ named after
his birthplace. He is happy to note that this
particular design is gaining popularity in the
market. Each year these gifted workers come
up with new and original designs in the hope
that they will gain recognition.
The bodies are made in different cities across
the country. The ready-to-use wooden
sheets are made out of spruce – imported
from Africa and sometimes Europe – while
the metal sheets are domestically made.
These two materials are used together to
add durability and strength to the trucks.
When Asghar finishes the first stage of Driving a UD truck
development, the canvas is ready for the
brushstrokes of the painting crew. in Pakistan
Amir Shujahat, who loves driving his beautifully decorated
UD truck on the highways, has been a truck driver for
almost ten years. Shujahat says that his favorite truck is
a UD. It was also the preferred choice of his father, also a
truck driver. “Having tried many trucks, I think UD trucks
are the best in the market. They perform efficiently in
mountainous areas, where my journeys often take me; the
UD moves effortlessly uphill on the steep roads as a result
Much of the work is done by hand, of excellent road grip. The UD also gives great mileage. I
with a minimum of power tools
am particularly fond of the soft gear shifting and steering,
and I find the seat comfortable, which is vital for someone
Body maker Asghar Habib
working on his latest project
like me who often has to drive eight hours at a stretch!”
Sometimes a particular design
will become popular – that
is the hope of many of these
unsung artists.
10 11
Artist Ghulam
Ali making
embellisments by
hand
A Pakistani success story:
Basheer Shakeel Goods
The owner of Basheer Shakeel Goods, Haji Khan Baig has been in the
The painters truck can be used to tell which part of the my work,” Ali says. This is the true industry for 45 years. Noticing his sharp trade sense, it was his uncle who
From poetry to folk tales, elements of country it comes from. Most drivers from work of a craftsman; every stage of inspired him to start his own transportation business. Years of hard work
political and national life, talismans or Peshawar and Balochistan prefer paintings the process is done by hand, from the and dedication have seen Baig’s business expand greatly. His fleet now
religious symbols and even proclamations of birds and sceneries. While camel bone design work, the stencil making to consists of both rigid and prime movers. Nearly 250 in number, of which 98
of unrequited love – all these messages work is prevalent in Sindh, fleet owners in the final application of color. Even the trucks are self-owned, while the rest are on a contractual basis. Two thirds
are painted on the trucks in a palette of Islamabad and Rawalpindi prefer plastic delicate stickers are made by hand. One of Baig’s fleet are UD Heavy-Duty trucks. “These trucks have a better engine
compared to those of other brands in the market, and the fuel consumption
bright and vibrant hues and in a myriad work,” he explains. commission can take from a week or up
is minimal. Low maintenance costs and less downtime is vital when running
of styles. “Each province has its own to 20 days to finish, depending on the
such a large fleet.”
unique style of truck painting,” says True craftsmen design and details.
Khan Mohammad, a truck painter by One such skilled artist is Ghulam Ali, Another factor contributing to his continued loyalty to UD is the resale value
profession. He grew up watching his who has been creating vibrant and The dedication and passion with which of the trucks. “Because the parts are easily available in Pakistan, these heavy
father and grandfather performing the intricate works of art for the past 20 these unsung artists pursue their trade vehicles are very popular,” he points out. The first UD truck that Baig bought
same trade and has followed in their years. He now runs the workshop has given the Pakistani trucking industry was in 1990 and he still has a few UD vehicles in his fleet which date back
where he started as an apprentice. an unusual position in the country’s to 1992. His UD trucks are an integral part of his business and the preferred
footsteps. He has been in the business
choice of the drivers, who appreciate the comfort and reliability when
for almost three decades, and interprets “Even though I had plenty of options culture and traditions.
driving these huge trucks across Pakistan’s rugged roads.
the meaning of some of the artwork. to choose from, this is what I loved
“The paintings and embellishment on a the most. I enjoy the artistic side of
12 13
I n te r v iew e x p re s s
Theo Wibisono
When did you In 2012. I started out as UD What do you do I like to work out at the gym,
first join Volvo Product Manager and I’m now in your spare and I’m a huge soccer fan. I
Indonesia? in a sales position. time? support Manchester United and
my favorite player is Christian
Ronaldo!
Why did you I moved to sales because, in
Business development manager in Indonesia move to sales? my future with UD Trucks, Who is your role My late father is my strongest
I want to focus on the model in life? role model. It was he who
customers. I believe our inspired me; if I am in this
Text & Photo: Vanda Kusumaningrum
customers are our main asset. industry, it’s thanks to him.
We must listen to the feedback He would take me to see his
they give us in order to build trucks, and I would sit on his lap
the trucks they need. So, by and go driving with him. I was
moving into sales, I felt I could fascinated by what the trucks
work in an area about which I could do, I thought they could
feel passionate. perform such unbelievable tasks
– it was incredibly exciting for a
Age: 35 Why trucks? Since childhood I have wanted young boy!
Nationality: Indonesian to work with trucks. I am
fascinated by the never-ending What is your motto “To forge ahead despite the
Location: Jakarta progress of the technology in life? obstacles that come my way”
Work experience: 12 years in the truck industry used in the vehicles, and by – that is my motto in life. I
Education: Mechanical engineering degree the complex capabilities of never give up and this keeps
these modern trucks. me going.
Family: Married and a father of two
Hobbies: Gym & soccer What do you I believe UD has a strong What strategy My plan with UD Trucks is to
think of UD as a presence in Indonesia. Over the do you plan to offer our customers tailor-made
brand? last 30 years it has proven that implement for solutions – that is one way of
it understands and can respond UD Trucks in going the extra mile for them.
to the needs of the Indonesian Indonesia?
customers.
14 15
Cu s to m e r s to r y - Au s tralia Seeding the future Text: Mark Irving Photos: Jarrad Seng 16 17
Cu s to m e r s to r y - Au s tralia
Perth, the most isolated capital city in the world
1.7 million inhabitants
2,014 km to the nex t
large city
Perth is the capital of Western Australia (WA)
6,500 sq km
WA occupies
1/3 of the country
vs.
Los Angeles
Perth 3.5 million
Matt James (left), the
inhabitants
third generation of
1,300 sq km
Benara Nurseries,
is now running the
company with his
The evergreen tree in Perth
8 hours of sunshine per day all year round sister and two cousins,
here with David With sandy soils, Perth’s outer suburbs are nursery in 1963. For a name, she chose that of now flourishing on a 100ha plot where it
Baronet (right), UD perfect for horticulture. The city’s climate and the company’s first location at Benara Road. grows the company’s products: native and
Average summer temperatures Hot summers, mild winters Trucks salesman, Truck sunny, warm weather have nurtured Benara Five decades later, Win – now in her nineties exotic plants, vegetables and flowers, trees
Centre (WA)
30°C 17°C Warm weather stretches from Nurseries for more than half a century. – is retired, having passed the running of the and indoor plants, vegetable seedlings and
business onto four of her grandchildren. exotic palms, as well as grasses and ground
daytime nighttime
November until It was the current manager’s green-fingered
covers.
temperature temperature April grandmother, Win James, who founded the The nursery has outgrown its location twice,
Bali Island
T
he sun rising over the foothills are retail nurseries that sell to the public,
marks the start of another busy landscape gardeners who “green” new
day at Australia’s largest wholesale housing estates, and hardware stores.
nursery. At 6am, an 18-truck fleet pulls
out of Benara Nurseries to deliver its One customer is Bunnings, Australia’s
cargo of plants, seedlings and saplings biggest chain of household hardware
across Perth and beyond. stores with a network of 280 stores
in Australia and New Zealand. Such WESTERN
There is a lot of driving ahead. Besides business is much prized because of the AUSTRALIA
being the capital of the State of size of the orders; but it also demands
Western Australia (WA), Perth is one suppliers maintain razor-sharp prices
of the world’s most isolated cities - they must take every effort to keep
— isolated even in its own country. their costs to a minimum to make the
contracts profitable. Perth
In fact, it is closer to Bali (Indonesia)
than it is to Sydney. It’s also one of the Sydney
most scattered cities. Perth has 1.7 A promising partnership
million residents and they enjoy lots of The trucks are loaded in the afternoon
room to spread out because the city so they’re ready to roll at 6am when the
covers almost 6,500 sq km of land. By drivers arrive for work. If a truck doesn’t
comparison, Los Angeles has 3.5 million start, they would have to unload plants
inhabitants and only 1,300 sq km. that would otherwise wilt in the stifling
heat. Aware of the importance of timely
All this means a big area to service deliveries in the successful development of
for Benara Nurseries. The company is the nursery, Matt James, Benara director,
based in a northern suburb of Perth, has been looking at constituting a
almost 50km from the city center. As stronger and more reliable fleet of trucks.
to statewide deliveries, its trucks travel
down the south coast and up to the Matt came to David Baronet, UD Trucks
northeastern cities, and everywhere in salesman at Truck Centre (WA), one
between. of Western Australia’s biggest truck
dealerships. David is well aware that
Benara Nurseries’ customers in Australia what benefits customers’ business
18 19Cu s to m e r s to r y - Au s tralia
With the new UD Trucks proving
to be reliable, economical and
appreciated by drivers, the
partnership between UD Trucks
and Benara Nurseries is set to grow.
extends far wider than purely price. Over the past 18 months, Benara reliable trucks,” he explains, adding that
Such features as truck uptime, fuel Nurseries has added two UD trucks to its he’s eventually looking to replace twelve
economy, driver comfort, whole-of-life fleet. Matt opted for the PK17280 model, of his eighteen vehicles with UD trucks.
costs, after-sales service are all taken into fitted with curtain side bodies designed
consideration. to maximum length, ideal for hauling the Benara Nurseries now employs three
nursery’s horticultural products.Have the hundred people, with a second nursery in
Added to Matt’s growing interest in UD trucks lived up to their promise? “They southeast Perth and an outlet in Karawang,
was his dissatisfaction with the reliability have been fantastic,” says Matt, pleased Indonesia, opened in 1995, which services
of the other trucks in his fleet. “I already with his purchasing decision. “They’re both the Indonesian and export markets.
knew the UD name because I had friends economical to run, I’ve had no dramas What started as a one-woman business
who had UD trucks, and they said they with them and they’re comfortable – the has blossomed into the biggest wholesale
were great. I spent a bit of time with drivers like them. We’ve only got two nursery in Australia, possibly the southern
David and went to a few UD functions,” at the moment; but we’re going to be hemisphere, under the clement skies of
recounts Matt. buying more, mainly because the UDs are Australia’s most isolated city.
20 21Te c h n olo g y
ESCOT-V: the best of both worlds
Text: Jonathan Koch
Combining ride comfort and excellent fuel economy, the Easy & Safety
COntrolled Transmission (ESCOT) is a manual gearbox with an automatic gear
Compact conception
The transmission is a compact, lightweight unit. It is divided into a
changing system. It’s nothing less than a revolution in the trucking industry. base unit and a range-change unit. The base unit, range section
and clutch housing are made of aluminum, which contributes to
the low weight.
ESCOT-V saves you fuel
First of all, the internal energy losses are low – actually lower than on
manual gearboxes. However it’s the electronics that really make the
difference. When driving in Economy mode, every gear change is timed
precisely, to let the engine work at its most efficient rpm range.
Save fuel with Soft Cruise control
Engage the Economy ED mode when driving the ESCOT-V in
auto cruise and you can enjoy both enhanced driver comfort
and improved fuel-efficiency. Shift timing and acceleration in hill
climbing are optimized for economy driving.
Save more with Acceleration Limiter
The ESCOT-V is optimized to combine easy driving with superior
fuel economy. The new Acceleration Limiter in the Economy ED
mode is a perfect example of how it’s achieved. It automatically
No more depressing clutch softens acceleration to a certain level to improve fuel efficiency.
Save fuel down hill and while coasting (ESCOT Roll)
Driving ESCOT-V is a real pleasure. Without the clutch pedal, you can The ESCOT-V is equipped with the ESCOT Roll fuel-saving feature.
safely sit back and concentrate on the other two. ESCOT-V uses its built-
When driving downhill and coasting in auto cruise/Economy ED
in intelligence to quickly and automatically choose the right gear at all
mode, ESCOT Roll automatically disengages the engine to make use of
times. And the software provides shifting skills that are impossible for
even the best of drivers to match. Still, if you want to get more involved, the truck’s momentum instead of burning fuel.
you can take control and shift gear manually.
ESCOT-V is a fast-responding gearchanging system with minimum
interruption in torque delivery during changes and a wide ratio span, a
combination that offers impressive resources for high average speeds.
Optimum gear How does it work?
– every time Built for The system consists of a non-synchromesh
manual gearbox with an electronically
Starting ratio is selected automatically in
response to road gradient and gross vehicle
high mileage regulated pneumatic gear changing system
and an automatic clutch. The secret of the
weight. ESCOT-V is available with a choice seamless gear changes lies in the intelligent
All the shafts, bearings and gears are sturdily
of program packages and various functions. electronic control unit, in charge of controlling
dimensioned for high operating reliability and
Among them is a facility for choosing the pneumatic system that handles the clutch
long service life. All the gears are made of
between fully automatic gear changes and and shifts. By constantly receiving information
special steel that has been casehardened to
manual selection, and a performance mode about vehicle speed, acceleration, weight,
provide considerable strength. The gears in
with a kick down function that utilizes the road grade, torque demand and more, it can
the base unit are helical; so more teeth are in
engine’s capacity to the maximum. carry out every shift with extreme precision.
mesh with each other at any one time. This
results in quiet operation and high operating It also communicates closely with the engine,
reliability. which in turn adjusts revs and engine brake
effect for fast and comfortable shifting.
22 23L e g e n d ar y Te s t D ri ve
1939
2014
Legendary Test Drive Text: Makiko Segawa Photos: Nicolas Datiche
The year 2014 celebrates the 75th
anniversary of the epic 1939 drive made
by Kenzo Adachi. The 3,000km loop
tested not only his first truck, but his
first diesel engine. The new Quon and
a venerable 6TW retraced the same
legendary drive.
24 25L e g e n d ar y Te s t D ri ve
I
t was a grueling journey 75 years The venerable 6TW – part of
ago; the roads of Japan were mostly Japan’s history
rural then. Long before the echoes As the beige 10.5-ton 6TW truck – all
of the naysayers had faded, Kenzo
Adachi had completed his epic loop.
6 meters long and 3 meters high –
drove along the legendary test route, it
“When I was a “When I was a kid in
What he wanted to produce was “a revived the memories of a generation college student, Yokohama, I saw all kinds
truck that could handle any road, no of Japanese who witnessed it rebuild
questions asked”. It was a triumph the country. The 6TW was developed UD two stroke of vehicles in town. Many
and this determination in the pursuit
of reliability and durability became
in the 60s, building on the ultimate
dependability mantra. These were
engine was a hot imported goods were
enshrined in the company’s philosophy. the post-war Miracle Growth years, topic. It had the carried on those trucks!”
The LD1* embodied the vision of Kenzo when Japan entered a period of
Adachi: to make “the truck the world modernization and preparation for the reputation of being Masayoshi Tamaru (left)
needs today”, a durable and reliable
truck with superior efficiency and
1964 Tokyo Olympics.
extraordinarily Retired transportation company manager
Yokohama
productivity. This pioneering heavy-duty truck plied strong. Its power by
the roads and highways of Japan,
For the 2014 anniversary drive, held carrying materials for the country’s far surpassed the
from November 8 th to 20 th – the exact modernization and infrastructure
projects, such as the giant Kurobe dam,
other brands!”
same dates as in 1939 – UD Trucks
chose two models to celebrate this epic in a fast and reliable manner. It was the
test: one a nod to the past and the 6TW that transported the locomotives Ichiro Kageyama
other a salute to the future. and wagons of the Shinkansen bullet Professor
College of Industrial Technology,
“UD trucks always
*LD1: The first truck of Kenzo Adachi, powered
Nihon University
reawaken sweet
by ND1, his first engine – two-cycle, two-cylinder
opposed-piston diesel engine. memories for me.
When I was a child,
I remember this truck
carrying Taiwanese
bananas - a luxury in
those days. The truck
would be loaded with
so many bananas that
we’d race to collect
any that fell off!”
“Trust, efficiency and Kenzo Adachi drove a staggering 3,000 km along some of Japan’s
Yoshio Maeda (right)
Director of Suzue Transportation Ltd.,
reliability are the strongest toughest roads, putting his first truck and diesel engine to the ultimate
test of that era. Truck and engine completed the journey without a
running a fleet of 15 UD trucks
motors in all our trucks, no single breakdown.
6TW played a major role in Japanese development in the 60s. Here
matter the model or era. This transporting a locomotive of the famous Japanese bullet train, the
Shinkansen.
has remained unchanged
throughout UD’s history. If
Adachi-san could see his
vision still alive 75 years later,
I think he’d be very happy!”
Kenneth Hagas, Vice President
UD Trucks Brand Strategy &
Implementation
26 27L e g e n d ar y Te s t D ri ve
train, which opened just days
before the Tokyo Olympics.
The new Quon – heralding the
1939
future of Japan
The newest Quon, delivered to
customers in July of this year, with
2014
a raft of design and environmental
updates, has been welcomed by
drivers and fleet managers alike.
Designed to allow even more
payload, this evolved Quon is
more fuel efficient, has built-in
active safety features and a
cutting-edge telematics system
which enhances both drivers’ and
owners’ working relations with
the vehicle. The Quon remains a
favorite in Japanese truck fleets,
not least due to the ESCOT V,
widely recognized as the best
automated manual transmission in
the market today.
As the Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry announced
that Japan will “promote the next
generation of environmentally
friendly vehicles in the run-up
to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and
Paralympic Games”, so the new
Quon will take over the role of
its respected senior, the 6TW,
which supported the first Tokyo
Olympic Games in 1964. As a UD
truck once again plays an active
role in the Olympic preparations,
it confirms its position as the heir
in a long lineage of UD trucks,
deservedly earning its reputation
for dependability and efficiency,
and once again fulfilling the vision
of the founder to produce the
truck the world needs today.
“It never breaks. This
50-year-old truck is still running!
I feel awe and respect for the
determination of our Japanese
seniors who mastered Japan’s
monozukuri spirit.*”
*Japan-made manufacturing spirit
Shigeo Takayama
6TW driver on the anniversary drive
28 29U D co m p e ti tio n
Photos: Nicolas Datiche
A
1
global
st
contest
among UD
Trucks’ aftermarket
service, Gemba
Challenge is a unique
competition. UD And the winners are…
Trucks’ technicians
from around the world
competed to measure
their ability to continuously
South Africa
Finals
pursue excellence in servicing Team BB Trucks & Tractor Polokwane
customers every day.
Technicians from five countries
entered the challenge this year,
competing in a series
of demanding tasks, challenging not
Kawaguchi training
2nd 3rd
only each individual’s skills but also
their ability to work efficiently as
a team. The top team from each country
secured a place in the final round, held at the UD
center
Trucks Kawaguchi training center in Japan, where
they took part in the final stage of the industry’s
November 18th, 2014 Japan Japan
most challenging competition.
Team Chitose Team Poso
Meant to encourage best Yokohama
practices and to reward
outstanding, rapid, problem-
solving skills by having teams
Gemba is a Japanese word which means “being on the scene”.
confront every kind of customer 5 regions, 16 countries, 186 teams, and 750 participants entered the challenge
Gemba supports people’s actions on site - whether the factory
situation, the Gemba Challenge has brought floor, at dealerships or customer sites – encouraging them to remain
INDONESIA JAPAN MALAYSIA SOUTH ASIA SOUTH AFRICA
out the best in aftermarket teams, supporting UD’s grounded, identify the key issues, and drive the solution toward better
motto – Servicing customers to the best of our abilities is an efficiency at all times. Gemba is the backbone of UD Trucks’ philosophy,
everyday competition! underpinning a most efficient and timely service to our customers. PAKISTAN SRI LANKA
30 31U D co m p e ti tio n
Team structure
The finals - 7 stations to conquer 2+1+1+1: 2 mechanics + 1 parts adviser + 1 front staff + 1 team leader
Diagnostic system Brake
Electrical component Information system
Engine Power transmission
Vehicle failure diagnosis
“We are excited to show the Servicing clients to the
world what we are good at.”
- Donny Sayogi Sandhi, Indonesia
best of our ability is an
“We are very excited to be
amongst the cream of the crop every day competition
and to represent South Africa.
We are giving a 110% and are - Gemba Challenge 2014
going the extra mile.”
- Kyle Buys, South Africa
“We have waited for
a long time for such a
competition.”
- Yong Yoon Peng, Malaysia
“We work well as a
team, trained hard as
a team. We are great
communicators and
that is why we are here
today.”
Kyle Buys
32 33Tra di tio n
Just in time
Text: David Hughes Illustration: Lingxi
Focused on providing ‘the right material, at the right time, at the right place, and in the exact amount’,
the Just-in-time (JIT) philosophy has revolutionized the whole production organization, from supplies
to sales. Necessitating quick, flexible and reliable transportation, JIT has considerably contributed to the
rapid increase of truck deliveries over the past 30 years.
Said to have started because Japanese street shops were extremely small and could not hold much
inventory. As merchandise needed to be delivered several times a day or every time a large item was
sold, what was originally just an inventory management solution was extended to a much larger
concept and was rapidly adopted by mass production systems, which needed to
Running the extra mile
build complex objects to order. Before JIT, for example, car manufacturers were
building cars based on sales projections, and delivering them to dealer
networks responsible for sales. However, this system came with multiple
inconveniences: erroneous projections, storage and inventory costs,
and ultimately, limited choices for customers.
Ageo City Marathon - November 16th, 2014 First developed and implemented in Japan, thanks to the
Every UD truck is built to go the extra mile. This time, it was the UD staff – 78 in total – implementation of the Total Quality Management philosophy*,
JIT necessitates a profound redefinition of production planning
who took to the roads with this promise, participating in the 27th annual marathon, which and supply chain management. When perfectly mastered, it
gathered 8,000 competitors in Ageo City, home to UD Trucks. allows customers to pull the production system as production
is launched after the customer’s order is received. Above all, JIT
For some it was their first ever marathon, for others it was their first time at the half- allows customers to order the exact product they want, and to
marathon distance; for everyone it was a chance to run further like the UD trucks they serve. receive it within a short space of time.
* Roads #2/2014
“I’ve been participating in the Ageo City “I challenged myself and went beyond
Marathon since I was in the 5th grade. my expectations. My target was to run
This is the 25th time for me. My goal is to, 5km in 40 minutes, I am happy to say I
someday, run 21k within 1h30.” did it in 35 minutes!”
Masahiro Takahashi, GTO Ana Bittar, UD Global Brand
“I often run, but it is usually between 5 and 10k, this was my first 21k. When I
reached the finishing line, I understood the meaning of Going the Extra Mile. I
wanted to prove to myself and my children that nothing is impossible as long as you
put in some extra efforts.”
“When running, you need to keep going and use as little energy Carine Truche, GTO
as possible and those are the similarities with truck driving.”
Noriko Haruta, Corporate Financial Reporting APAC
34 35A Service network to keep
your wheels turning
With our service network, you are never far away from
UD Trucks expertise. Wherever you are, skilled UD Trucks
service technicians are ready to help you, ensuring that
you get the support you need to keep your truck and
business up and running.
Quester. Made to go the extra mile.
Quester, sold in selected markets.You can also read
