UD Trucks is preparing to introduce an upgraded Quon range to the New Zealand market. Improved environmental performance and new safety features are the primary improvements for the Quon.

John Gerbich, General Manager of UD Truck Distributors (NZ) Ltd, welcomes the enhancements he describes as: “the next step in UD Trucks continual journey towards more efficient and sustainable heavy-duty trucks.

“Efficiency, productivity, and profitability are crucial success factors for our customers. UD Trucks understand this and are very focused on delivering improvements in the right areas. The upgrades to the Quon reflects this,” John says.

UD Trucks supports Japan’s climate change mitigation commitment to become carbon neutral by 2050. The upgraded Quon exceeds Japan’s current fuel economy standards for heavy-duty vehicles by 10% (with the GH11 engine and ESCOT transmission) and complies with upcoming Japanese fuel economy standards. 

An upgraded ESCOT-VI 12-speed automated manual transmission provides improved gear shifting to enhance fuel economy and environmental performance. 

The Quon’s upgrades will also delivers a lower cost of ownership through a redesigned engine and rear axle that provides higher power and torque at lower engine speeds, allowing for faster acceleration. The upgraded Quon is also equipped with a lighter chassis (up to 200kg depending on model) designed for maximum payload.

UD Trucks is committed to safety and contributing to the automotive industry’s Vision Zero goal of preventing injuries or fatalities from road collisions, while increasing safe and equitable mobility for drivers, communities, and other road users. The upgraded Quon delivers in this regard, where it puts the highest priority on the safety, well-being, and productivity of drivers. 

New, advanced safety features introduced on the Quon include the improved Traffic Eye Cruise Control with new Stop & Driver Initiate Go function, that makes the vehicle safer and easier to drive by automatically controlling speed and reducing driver stress and fatigue. The upgraded Quon is also equipped with more active safety technologies, such as the Traffic Eye Brake System, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) that triggers an alarm to alert drivers when they unintentionally leave the lane and UD Stability Control that automatically detects and adjusts engine output and braking to retain truck stability. 

Drivers of the upgraded Quon can benefit from its attention to enhanced drivability and safety, through its innovative features, such as more accurate fuel readings, redesigned fuel tank that provides higher ground clearance, stainless steel muffler covers that minimize susceptibility to rust and an additional, second front axle park brake for increased safety. 

Drivability and comfort are also elevated with the intuitively designed ESCOT-VI automated manual transmission that is simple and easy-to-use, making gear shifting easier and faster, as well as the redesigned four-spoke steering wheel for a more ergonomic and comfortable grip. Alongside dedicated driver development tools and fuel coaching feature, the Quon delivers operational efficiency and productivity.