Check out this week’s trucking news updates from across the industry. Awards season is underway for Australia’s leading dealers, new trucks are joining company fleets, and massive auctions are kicking off.

Holcim trials Foton EV truck

Building solutions company Holcim and Foton Mobility Distribution have come to an agreement to have the former trial one of Foton’s EV concrete trucks in Australia.

The truck will be put through its paces in a six-month trial at a remote mining site near Port Hedland, WA. Foton says it will be subject to extreme operating conditions, letting Holcim test its limits.

“The initiative is aligned to Holcim’s global Accelerating Green Growth strategy,” said Cyril Giraud, Head of Sustainability at Holcim Australia and New Zealand.

“It serves as a local example of Holcim’s commitment to investing in zero emissions vehicles, thereby helping to reduce environmental impacts while delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers.

“By replacing one diesel concrete truck with an EV we will eliminate approximately 42 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere each and every year.

“This equates to a fuel cost saving in excess of $33,000 per annum, before further savings are extracted via lower service and maintenance costs.”

Image: Foton/Supplied

Isuzu announces Dealer of the Year

Isuzu Australia has handed out its top awards at its annual Dealer of the Year Awards, with Ballarat Isuzu earning the coveted Dealer of the Year, Sales Dealer of the year and Service Dealer of the Year awards.

Melbourne-based Patterson Cheney Trucks also earned the Parts Dealer of the Year award.

“It is the efforts of dealerships like Ballarat Isuzu and Patterson Cheney Trucks, that help to shape the brand and what it can offer,” said IAL Chief of Sales and Aftersales Ben Lasry.

“In particular, the team at Ballarat Isuzu led by Dealer Principal Ian Deacon, have greatly impressed everyone at IAL with their dedication to improving not only their own operation but also the outcomes that they can achieve for their customers.

“As always our sincere thanks also go to the Isuzu Dealer Network at large—for supporting the brand year-on-year and for playing the vital role of connecting Isuzu Trucks with transport operators at the local level.”

Ballarat Isuzu took out the same three categories in 2022, making it back-to-back awards.

“The team works very hard towards these results all year,” said Ian Deacon, Ballarat Isuzu Dealer Principal.

“It is great to be part of the Isuzu family and celebrate a record year of sales, we can’t wait to see the next generation of trucks that are on the horizon.”

Image: Isuzu Australia/Supplied

Jancol makes the most of Iveco Dailys

Perth-based company Jancol Transport isn’t a large company, but they make the most of what they have. Their small fleet is propped up by their three reliable Iveco Dailys – one 35S van and two 70C cab chassis.

Founded in 2021 by Colin McKean and partner Janine, it operates seven prime movers total, working in general freight and dangerous goods delivery for the mining industry.

“One truck became two and then a third followed – the business has grown through word of mouth – we don’t advertise,” Colin says.

“The hotshots came about because one of our existing customers also needed this service and we were happy to provide it. This component of the business is managed by our daughter Jessica.”

The 35S was the first Iveco purchase, followed by the two 70C models after Colin found they performed well on the job.

“There were quite a few things that were attractive about the Daily,” he said.

“The Daily trucks can carry a decent amount of weight – we can do around 3.8 tonnes which puts them ahead of their rivals.

“They’re also comfortable and with the auto transmissions they’re easy to drive. Our entire fleet is now automatic because some drivers don’t have manual licences. We also needed vehicles that a variety of drivers could step into and immediately feel comfortable in their operation.”

Image: Iveco/Supplied

Don’t miss Manheim’s mega auctions

Looking for a new truck? You may be in luck. Used vehicle auctioneer Manheim Industrial is kicking off its ‘Transport Mega March’ today, featuring three of its biggest auctions yet.

Truckies and transport companies will have the opportunity to purchase models across Kenworth, Mercedes-Benz, Scania ranges and more.

The first auction starts today, so don’t miss out:

Lineage Transport: National Refrigeration & Late Model Prime Mover Auction

Starting February 29.
More than 70 prime movers, trucks and refrigerated trailers located across Australia.
Contact: Daniel Tezacker 0437 991 848.

Alpine Fresh: Major Prime Mover and Refrigerated Dispersal Auction

Starting March 1.
A huge selection of brand-new Kenworth K200s and T410s, and late model FTE Refrigerated combination trailers and singles.
Service histories and extended manufacturers warranties where applicable.
No lead time to get your brand-new Kenworth or late model FTE – straight from work and ready to go!
Contact: Ashley Williams on 0429 014 207 for all the details.

Symons Clark Logistics: Major Tipping Combination Trailer and Prime Mover Auction

Starting March 15.
It’s Tipper Time! A well-maintained fleet of alloy tipper combinations, side-loaders and trucks in Adelaide.
Brands include Hamelex White, Lusty, Steelbro, Mercedes Benz and Scania.
Rare opportunity for tippers ready to go to work, all with service histories.
Contact: Adrian Paley 0428 769 945.

Hino presents dealer trophies

It’s well and truly awards season – Hino has presented its Dealer of the Year awards to its top-performers across 2023.

CMI Hino Adelaide won the Metropolitan Dealer of the Year, while Coffs Harbour’s Southside Truck Centre was crowned the Regional Dealer of the Year.

“The annual Dealer of the Year awards are an important opportunity for us to reflect and collectively celebrate the success of 2023, while also congratulating our pre-eminent dealerships on their success,” said Richard Emery, President and CEO of Hino Australia.

“Southside Truck Centre only commenced as a Hino dealer in mid-2021, and has hit the ground running, demonstrating commitment to the Hino brand with strong investment in its facilities.

“It is a particularly poignant award for the Southside team – its Lismore dealership was essentially destroyed in the floods of 2022, and Coffs Harbour was vital in keeping the business going, despite being in its infancy.

“This is the third successive Dealer of the Year title for CMI Hino Adelaide, which is a fantastic achievement for our longest serving Hino dealer.”