Smart Future

- Dan Parton

Late September saw hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world descending on the German city of Hannover for the 67th IAA Commercial Vehicles show.

The biennial show, the largest in Europe, is a must-attend for all of the big truck, bus and van manufacturers, as well as a plethora of other producers, from trailers to cranes, telematics to tyres. All are keen to showcase their latest products – including some launched at the show at glitzy ceremonies – as well as to give a glimpse into what the future may hold for commercial vehicles.

In terms of launches, the big news was the unveiling of Ford’s new F-Max tractor unit (left) – which was also announced as the International Truck of the Year 2019 (IToY).

Clear winner

Ford’s new Turkish-built truck took 104 votes from the jury, comprising 23 commercial vehicle journalists from across Europe. It finished 30 votes clear of Scania’s L- and P-series urban distribution trucks and, in third place, Volvo’s gas-powered FH.

The jury was impressed by the F-Max’s flat floor, 500hp Ford Ecotorq engine and ZF TraXon gearbox. They praised the efficiency and advanced characteristics of its driveline, including eco-roll, adaptive cruise control and GPS-based predictive cruise control.

IToY chairman Gianenrico Griffini says: “With the F-Max, Ford Trucks has delivered a finely engineered tractor that can be a meaningful new player in the highly competitive segment of long-haul transport.”

UK jury member and editor of sister title Commercial Motor, Will Shiers, adds: “While Ford’s previous Turkish-built trucks have been competent products suited to the domestic and nearby markets, the F-Max is entirely different. It is capable of competing with the established players on the global stage with no allowances asked for or needed.”