Aeolus Truck & Driver News

A long-awaited revamp of the Mack range has begun, with the virtual launch, online, of the Australian-built Mack Anthem.

Mack Trucks Australia has revealed an Anthem range that includes sleeper or day cab models, in 6x4 and 8x4 rigids or 6x4 tractor units.

The Anthem, with its chiselled exterior looks, is powered by the proven 13-litre Euro 5 MP8 engine, rated from 435-535-horsepower/324-398 kilowatts, with 1655-1920 lb ft/2243-2603 Newton metres of peak torque.

Mack reckons that despite its “hard-edged profile,” the Anthem’s “bold new look manages to capture aerodynamic efficiency… 

“Aerodynamic gains have been aided by closing gaps between panels and min...

Daimler will spin off Daimler Truck – structuring it to “accelerate its path towards zero emissions as the world’s largest truck and bus producer and technology leader.”

The automotive giant says that this “fundamental change in its structure” is “designed to unlock the full potential of its businesses in a zero-emissions, software-driven future.”

Daimler’s supervisory board and board of management last month confirmed the intention to split the Daimler Truck and Mercedes-Benz businesses – Ola Källenius, Daimler and Merc board of management chairman describing it as “a historic moment for Daimler,” representing “the start of a profound reshaping of the company.”

The ...

Scania New Zealand’s commercial relationship with CablePrice – the former longtime Kiwi representative of the Swedish make – is being brought to an early end.

Scania NZ says the two-year notice period for the termination of CablePrice’s status as an approved service dealer – which was to end in August 2022 – is being brought forward to the 19th of this month.

In a press release, Scania NZ MD Mattias Lundholm assures Scania customers of “a seamless transition of service, with Scania maintaining an ongoing service-workshop presence across all of the affected locations.

“Scania’s renowned quality customer service remains our top priority, so it will be business as usual...

Five hydrogen fuel cell trucks and eight electric trucks are to go on the road in New Zealand….with the Government contributing $1.55million towards the cost.

A third of that figure is earmarked for a one-year trial that will see five FUSO eCanter battery electric light-duty trucks put to work by Fuso NZ with “major transport companies” in downtown Auckland.

The eCanters will be used to gain information – with data collected by EROAD – that will help shape policy for implementing a proposed Queen Street Valley Zero Emissions Area. 

Fuso NZ will also receive an additional $242,500 to put an eCanter demonstrator on the road for extended customer test driving. It w...

A new Chinese truck has been launched in New Zealand – Shacman becoming the 18th make currently offering a heavy-duty model here.

Shacman Trucks NZ showed off three 440-horsepower/328 kilowatt Cummins ISM-engined X3000 models at the late January launch.

The tipper and two readymix concrete trucks were, the company confirmed, the only trucks so far in the country – and two of them had already been sold before the launch event.

But Shacman NZ general manager Bobby Khan says that there’s a short lead-time on orders – three to four months.

In addition to the models already here, NZ buyers can order a 660hp/492kW tractor unit version of the X3000…and a medium-duty L...