AUTONEWS

Retrospective: Trucks that 'broke the internet' in 2022 in Brazil

The year 2022 saw important launches in the Brazilian truck market. All automakers renewed their lines with the aim of adapting to the new emission standards of Proconve P8 (equivalent to Euro 6).

Thus, from 2023 onwards, the market will be full of novelties, with more modern trucks and more on-board technologies. But, above all, more economical. In this sense, the industry speaks of between 5% and 20% reduction in average diesel consumption, which is what standard Euro 6 trucks can deliver.

However, the new legislation opened up more space for the growth of vehicles with alternative diesel engines. Volkswagen Caminhões and JAC Motors, for example, already sell their 100% electric trucks. And Scania has had a gas range since 2020. In 2022, the three manufacturers announced the expansion of their respective lines.

Thus, VWCO and JAC arrive in 2023 with 17 t and 18 t semi-heavy models. And Scania should bring the 460 hp gas engine by the end of next year. It is worth remembering that the Scandinavian brand will end 2022 with 700 gas units sold.

On the path of sustainability... Also in 2022, Iveco, in addition to the Euro 6 engines, announced that it will enter the next year for the sustainable journey. And it will offer electric and gas trucks. For this, it started the Iveco Natural Power program.

Ford was also the first in the large van segment to announce the arrival of E-Transit. The vehicle is already being tested at DHL operations. And it will enter the market in 2023. It is worth remembering that Brazil already has more compact electric vans with the Peugeot e-Expert, Citroën e-Jumpy and Fiat e-Scudo trio.

In any case, we list below those releases that were the subject and received a lot of likes on social networks in 2022. That is, they caught the attention of the public. And they will be on the market from next year. Check out the models below.

Iveco S-Way...Iveco's main launch this year, the S-Way(image above) will be available on the market from 2023. The premium truck from the Italian brand arrives to replace the Hi-Way and Hi-Road line, which stopped to be produced.

Thus, the truck arrives with state-of-the-art technologies. Starting with the lower diesel consumption of around 15% compared to trucks in the Hi-Way range. In addition, the S-Way is equipped with a Cursor 13, 13-liter in-line six-cylinder engine. And to comply with Proconve P8, Iveco adopts the system called Hi-eSCR, which dispenses with the use of EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) and gives way to the DPF filter and the DOC oxidation system.

Thus, the engine arrives in power options of 450 hp (4x2), 480 hp (6x2) and 540 hp (6x4). With torque developed from 250 mkgf. The engine works with the second generation ZF Traxon box. Which, among the attributes, maps the path and selects the gear according to the speed. In addition, it records the route taken.

Regarding active safety, the new truck has a lane reader, adaptive cruise control (which accelerates and brakes the truck according to traffic) and an autonomous braking system. There is also the Hill Holder (ramp start) and traction control. Furthermore, the truck is offered with two cabin options, 2,300 mm and 2,500 mm in height. It is worth mentioning that, next year, Iveco brings the gas version of the S-Way.

JAC E-JT 18...The E-JT 18 rigid truck from JAC Motors has a total gross weight (PBT) of 18 t and 4x2 traction. It hits the market starting at around R$1.1 million. The E-JT 18 is the second 100% electric semi-heavy truck on sale in Brazil. The first was the BYD ET 18. According to JAC, there are two battery options with four 280 kWh modules that provide autonomy of up to 600 km. However, this data is with the truck empty. With the model loaded, the autonomy drops to about 350 km. In the version with two batteries, autonomy is up to 300 km with an empty truck.

Finally, the semi-heavy truck can receive the third axle. Therefore, in addition to the 6x2 traction, its PBT rises to 26 t. An alternative for companies that collect waste. In addition, in the configuration with a short body of 7.2 meters, it can run in urban centers.

Mercedes-Benz Actros Estrela Delas...One of the biggest attractions of Fenatran 2022 was the Mercedes-Benz Actros Estrela Delas. The truck carries a series of equipment. Fruit of suggestions made by women, be the wife of professional drivers and truck drivers, through the Voz Delas initiative, by the Estrela brand.

Anyway, the truck stands out for being the first to have a bathroom, located under the bed. In addition, there is an induction cooktop, an area reminiscent of a dressing room, with space for makeup. And power outlet for flat iron and dryer.

Although the pink color refers to femininity, the tone alludes to the skin of newborns. In other words, the fact that the truck is a new product. Likewise, it refers to the maternal side associated with women.

Mercedes-Benz has the objective of producing the Actros Estrela Delas in series. But in 2023, through the A Voz Delas initiative, the truck will participate in a series of transport events. Thus, it will be an opportunity for the transportation entrepreneur to get to know the equipment.

Mercedes-Benz Arocs 6x4...The Arocs is one of the most robust off-road trucks. Launched in 2021, the model is already on the bestseller list within the category. And with the proposal to copy the same feat in agro activities, but also to fill the void left by the predecessor Axor, Mercedes-Benz is presenting the Arocs 6x4 version.

Thus, the truck arrives with the same robustness as the line intended for super heavy duty operations, but with a layout. In any case, the truck arrives with an OM 460 LA engine with 495 hp and 245 mkgf of torque with Euro 6 technology. This engine will equip the Arocs 3351 6x4 and Arocs 4151 6x4 models. The version of the OM 471 LA with 530 hp and 265 mkgf of torque arrives to equip the Arocs 3353 6x4.

Volkswagen Meteor Optimus...VWCO presented its Meteor heavy truck in the Optimus package. In other words, the truck brings the ultimate in comfort. As well as technology and safety on board. For this reason, it arrives at a very steep price, around R$ 1 million.

On board, the model is refined, with a black leather finish that blends with details in copper tones throughout the cabin. Including door panel.

In addition, it has a camera instead of mirrors and multimedia with a 10″ screen. It also has active safety systems such as ACC, lane change sensor and other features. Likewise, the side covers are prepared to help the vehicle's aerodynamics.

In this sense, according to VWCO, these items allow savings of up to 3% compared to the more traditional model. And the pack is available in both 6x2 and 6x4 versions.

Scania V8 660 - 10x4...Destined for super heavy operations, the Scania R 660 with V8 engine and R cab with 10x4 traction. In this way, the truck is prepared for mining.

It is estimated that this vehicle model is the most expensive in the country, with a combustion engine. That is, its approximate value is R$ 2 million. In addition to the V8 engine, the vehicle comes with a wheel hub reducer, retarder brake and all items from the XT package.

The 660 hp engine and 336.7 mkgf of torque arrives meeting the Euro 6 standard. With that, according to Scania, the model is 2% more economical than the Euro 5 generation of 620 hp.

Scania V8 770...To cater for heavier road transport, Scania brought the Scania to Brazil in the 770 hp version, also with a 16-liter V8 engine. The truck, which can receive an R or S cabin, generates power of 770 hp and torque of 377.5 mkgf. That is, the most powerful offered in series.

Although the truck officially hits the market in 2023, the first unit was sold to Zaqueu Transportes, at Fenatran. And costing a little cheaper compared to the 660 hp brother. For BRL 1.6 million.

Electric Volvo FM...Volvo brought the first 100% electric heavy truck. This is the FM, a model intended for urban and regional operations. Equipped with packs of two to six batteries, its autonomy reaches 300 km. Furthermore, it has a PBTC (total combined gross weight) of 44 t.

Still according to data from the brand, there are three electric motors that generate 490 kW of power. That is, equivalent to 660 hp. The engines work with the 12-speed I-Shift transmission that connects to the cardan shaft. According to Volvo, this system contributes to optimizing the truck's responses.

In addition, there is air suspension on all axles. Likewise, the model has a braking force regeneration system.

Andrea Ramos, Jornal Estadão-Brazil