Aeolus Truck & Driver News

New Zealand’s first hydrogen fuel cell electric truck is now in the hands of its owner NZ Post.

The pioneering Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell will take over from one of its diesel-powered counterparts, saving an estimated 170 tonnes of C02 emissions per year.

The initial validation process will see the truck operating in different configurations - first as a truck only, then as a truck and trailer combination on several routes. Collecting New Zealand specific performance data will refine software settings and define the best operating routes for this technology.

Until the first commercial refuelling stations are built, with the first expected to be ready by early 2023, the...

Global transport and logistics leader Maersk is planning a new coldstore facility at the Ruakura Superhub in Hamilton.

Tainui Group Holdings (TGH) and Maersk have agreed a long-term ground lease of 4.5 hectares in the Ruakura logistics hub, adjacent to the Ruakura Inland Port. The facility will include a purpose-built 16,000 square-metre coldstore facility to be constructed to a Greenstar 5 sustainability rating and scheduled to be operational in late-2023.

When completed, the facility will have fully convertible temperature-controlled space with temperatures ranging from -25degC to 15degC and storage for over 21,000 pallets of cold chain products. It will feature advanced...

It’s the best part of 11 years since Kenworth launched its K200 cab-over family.

Now its much-anticipated successor has been unveiled, the new K220 continuing the evolution of cab-over Kenworth’s.

The Aussies introduced the new K220 in Brisbane on June 3. Southpac Trucks is expecting the New Zealand order book to open by the end of June and is hopeful of landing the first units before the end of this year.

Local launch plans include a roadshow and display at summer events including the Bombay Truck Show and Wheels at Wanaka.

The K220 line-up boasts 6×4, 8×4, 8×4 tandem with lazy axle, 8×6, 10×4 tandem with lazy axle and 10×6 variants. Cab options comprise 1.7m ...

Hino Distributors (NZ) says a voluntary investigation into misconduct relating to regulatory engine performance and emissions tests in Japan, doesn’t affect any vehicles sold in New Zealand.

In Japan, Hino Motors has suspended sales of Ranger (500 Series) and Profia (700 Series) truck models and also the S’elega bus equipped with three of its engine variants. The scope of the investigation involves about 115,000 vehicles sold since 2016.

A statement provided to NZ Truck & Driver from Hino Distributors (NZ) says:

“Hino Motors Ltd. has identified past misconduct in its Japanese business in relation to applications for certification concerning the emissions and fuel eco...

Good news landed for the road transport industry as the April issue of NZ Truck & Driver was about to go to press.

The Transmission Gully section of State Highway 1, north of Wellington, finally appears to be  within reach of an opening date.

Significant construction progress during summer, and the deferment of some quality assurance tests till after the road opens, has seen Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency instruct the contractor to open the road before the end March.

Waka Kotahi says the recent work gives confidence the road is safe for the public to use. The remaining quality assurance tasks can be completed after the road is open as they relate to the long-te...