Aeolus Truck & Driver News

The 2023 Brisbane Truck Show opened its
doors on May 18 just as this issue of New Zealand Truck & Driver magazine went to the printers.

The biennial industry event was back to its traditional levels of participation and international relevance after the 2021 edition was staged in the midst of Covid-19 disruptions.

Following the theme of other international shows, the focus was primarily on electric, and hydrogen fuelled transport – both light-duty and heavy trucks.

Notable debuts included Isuzu’s new battery electric N Series and the next gen Fuso eCanter, both Japanese light-duty electric trucks making their first southern hemisphere appearances.

The Christchurch-based “Cog Swappers” team of Scania New Zealand technicians has finished runner-up at the global final of the Scania Top Team competition held in Sweden.

The Kiwi team comprising Pieter Meijer, Russell Dixon, Dave van Schie, Samuel Hison, Michael Long, Anthony Paddock and Timothy Broome finished second to the team representing Germany. Brazil claimed the third placing.

Since its start in 1989, the Scania Top Team competition has developed from a national training event into a global training programme with focus on practical and theoretical skills. The competition rewards the best of Scania’s 8,000 service technicians and parts experts from 7...

The Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand annual conference and industry awards function are being held in Lower Hutt on June 28-29.

Titled A Changing World, the conference speakers will include Transport Minister Michael Wood, as well as transport spokespeople from the other major political parties.

Other keynote speakers include Katherine Rich former National MP, former CE NZ Food and Grocery Council and Phil O’Reilly, the founder of policy advisory firm Iron Duke, and a New Zealand and global business leader and advocate.

Economist Cameron Bagrie will present his hard-hitting report on the economy and what is expected for the coming year.

Up...

Bridgestone is replacing two of its benchmark truck tyre ranges with a new generation product it says is its most advanced drive tyre to date.

The new M729II ECO serves at the successor to both Bridgestone’s wear life champion M729, and the fuel-saving Ecopia M749. It is on sale through Bridgestone’s network of New Zealand truck stores.

Newly developed compound technologies for the M729II ECO  achieve a long-lasting, durable drive tyre with a lower rolling resistance to contribute to fuel savings and CO2 emission reduction.

“We are excited by the launch of the M729II ECO because it highlights how NZ transport operators can have the best of both wor...

Along with new models, Iveco NZ is also strengthening its sales team with the appointment of Erwin Stolze as National Sales Manager for Trucks and Vans.

Erwin will be based at the Iveco NZ head office in Wiri and will be responsible for national sales with his focus on best customer experience and ensuring sufficient stock and the best specifications to suit the New Zealand market.

“I am looking forward to building the Iveco brand in New Zealand and increasing volume to support the growing aftersales network,” Erwin says.

For the past five years Erwin has worked in the New Zealand truck industry representing Japanese, American and European brands. He ha...