The rear end is the next stage So work on the external design focuses largely on aerodynamics. But by how much is it really possible to reduce drag on a truck?
“We have come so far with the front of the vehicle that further changes to the basic shape provide only marginal improvements,” says Rikard Orell. “However, a lot will happen when we start work on the design of the rear end of the vehicle. There is a great deal of untapped aerodynamic potential there.”
Long distance haulage of the future can be carried out using long rigs driven non-stop in nose-to-tail convoys, controlled by autopilot along green corridors between Europe and China.
Around the driver are large areas of glass providing good visibility out of the vehicle and even into it. This benefits eye contact between the driver and other road users preventing accidents. Privacy screening and blackout in the evening are controlled electronically.
Aerodynamic collision protection The design team also aimed for a sleek look for the exterior, reducing the perception of the vehicle’s size. The LED
Volvo has developed a radio-controlled scale model of the Concept Truck 2020.
headlamps and turn indicators are integrated into the front of the vehicle. The rear-view mirrors have been replaced by cameras that project their images onto the inside of the windscreen. The lower section of the front of the vehicle features integrated collision protection projecting forwards about half a metre. This “nose” is gentler on oncoming cars in the event of a head-on collision, and has also been shown to improve aerodynamics.
“Because the nose is a safety function our starting point has been that it does not count as part of the maximum permitted vehicle length, just as rear-view mirrors today are outside the maximum permitted width,” Rikard Orell points out.
Some things you just do not change. The Globetrotter sign on the roof is still there, but has been redesigned so that it harmonises with the lines of the vehicle and reduces drag. The driver can change the text on the sign from the instrument panel.
FUCHS acquires food grade lubricants business from Shell
FUCHS PETROLUB AG, based in Mannheim, which develops, blends and markets lubricants has, with effect from October 1, 2010, acquired the worldwide food grade specialty lubricants business of Shell International Petroleum, London.
In 2009, Shell generated sales revenues
of EUR 21 million in their food grade lubricants business. Shell’s broad spectrum of customers includes leading international producers of food and beverages.
FUCHS’ acquisition includes product technology, the customer base, the global CASSIDA brand, as well as those employees working in sales and research and development. With this acquisition the FUCHS PETROLUB Group expands its current product range in food grade lubricants becoming a leading interna- tional supplier in this market segment.
This is a further decisive strategic step by FUCHS in expanding and strengthening its specialty business.
FUCHS is the world's largest independent marketer of lubricants and related specialties. The FUCHS PETROLUB Group generated sales revenues of EUR 1.2 billion and profit after tax of EUR 121 million in the financial year 2009. The Group currently has 3,515 employees worldwide.
LINK
www.fuchs.com
LINK
marie.vassiliadis@
volvo.com
www.volvo.com
Rikard Orell is Design Director at Volvo Trucks and one of the brains behind the Volvo Concept Truck 2020.
LUBE MAGAZINE No .99 OCTOBER 2010
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