State of the Industry 2019

Opportunities and challenges remain for automation, connectivity and alternative power sources in the heavy-duty equipment industry.

October 11, 2019

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Automation, connectivity and alternative power sources continue to be among the dominating trends within the heavy-duty vehicle industry. As the technologies advance, the opportunities they can bring—such as improved machine performance, ease of operation and reduced emissions—have increased. They also present many challenges in how manufacturers can best implement them into their designs. Our State of the Industry interviews provide insight into how OEMs and suppliers are working to overcome these challenges and make the best of the opportunities available now and in the future.

Interview topics for 2019 include:

Global Markets
Government & Trade
Diesel, Electric and Other Power Alternatives
Data, IoT & Connectivity
Automation & Smart Systems
Industry Consolidation
Challenges & Opportunities

All of this year's full-length Q&As can be found below.

Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM): Dennis Slater, President

Bosch Rexroth: Terry Hershberger, E-Systems Team Manager, Mobile Hydraulics

B&R Industrial Automation: Sean Grieve, Business Development Manager

Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE): Riccardo Viaggi , Secretary General

Cummins Inc.: Eric Neal, Executive Director

Dana Inc.: Jeroen Decleer, Vice President of Global Off-Highway Sales, Product Planning, and Strategy

Danfoss Power Solutions: Eric Alström, President

Eaton: Astrid Mozes, Vice President, Power & Motion Controls

Hatz Diesel of North America, Inc.: Michael L. Hartoonian, President and CEO

HED Inc.: Paul Ludwig, President and CEO

Innovusion: Steve Ehrsam, VP Marketing and Sales

John Deere Power Systems: Michael Lefebvre, Manager, Worldwide Marketing Support, and John Radke, Manager, Worldwide Customer Support

Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association/Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (MEMA/HDMA): Ann Wilson, Senior Vice President

Philippi-Hagenbuch, Inc.: Josh Swank, Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Sciemetric: Derek Kuhn, President and General Manager

SKF Americas: Michael D’Argenio, Vice President, Digital Transformation & Customer Experience

Southco, Inc.: Bob Straka, General Manager, Transportation

Topcon Agriculture: Brian Sorbe, VP of Global Production Solutions

Volvo Penta of the Americas: Ron Huibers, President and CEO

John Deere's X Series combines were nominated for a 2021 CES Innovation Award for the advanced technologies included on the machines.

Heavy Equipment Industry Increases Presence at CES 2021

Advanced technologies like automation and artificial intelligence being utilized in the heavy equipment industries are taking center stage at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.

While heavy equipment manufacturers and harness assemblers prefer DT connectors, device OEMs prefer M12. Until recently, solutions to connect the two have been costly and tedious to assemble.

Adapting Between M12 and Deutsch DT Connectors in Heavy Equipment Applications

New solutions which combine the capabilities of M12 and DT connectors will be needed as OEMs continue integrating advanced technologies into their equipment.

Production for the VNR Electric is slated to begin in early 2021.

Commercial Availability of Electric Vehicles and Equipment Increases

Several electric truck and heavy equipment models are now available for order and set to begin production in 2021.

Libertine's first cold start firing of its Free Piston engine at MAHLE Powertrain's UK test facility.

New Engine Control Technology Could Improve Cold Starts for Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Libertine’s innovative control platform could successfully vary a free piston engine’s compression ratio, leading to improved performance on cold start-up.

John Deere's X Series combines were nominated for a 2021 CES Innovation Award for the advanced technologies included on the machines.

Heavy Equipment Industry Increases Presence at CES 2021

Advanced technologies like automation and artificial intelligence being utilized in the heavy equipment industries are taking center stage at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.

Solaris' hydrogen-fueled e-bus.

Solaris Joins European Clean Hydrogen Alliance

As part of the alliance, Solaris will collaborate with other organizations to promote the deployment of hydrogen as an energy source.

Volvo EW200E Material Handler

Volvo Construction Equipment Launches EW200E Material Handler

The new material handler features three boom and arm configurations, and is powered by a 173 hp Tier 4 Final engine.

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Volta Trucks Reimagines Operator Cab for Electric Trucks

The completely redesigned operator cab of the Volta Zero electric truck puts a focus on driver comfort and safety.

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2021 is Looking Better for Most Global Commercial Vehicle Markets

Orders for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles improved in the second half of 2020 in many global markets, indicating improved conditions in 2021.

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Renault Trucks D Wide Z.E. Fitted with Solar Panels

Solar panels have been fitted onto the body of the electric truck to power its refrigeration unit.

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ZTR Predicts Top Technology Trends in 2021

Each of the technology shifts focus on how the heavy equipment industry moves into recovery and changes to better meet customer needs.

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John Deere Joint Tests Electric Backhoe Concept with National Grid

The design is intended to provide substantially lower daily operating costs, lower jobsite noise, enhanced machine reliability, and zero emissions.

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Grid Raster Survey Finds More Businesses Incorporated Automation in 2020

Over half of those polled said they have incorporated automation technologies for 5-15% of their manufacturing operations.

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NTEA Announces Climate Change Policy

The association adopted a climate change policy that continues its commitment to facilitating productive use of alternative fuels and advanced technologies for commercial vehicles.

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5 Manufacturing Trends to Watch in 2021

AEM says top trends for equipment manufacturers in 2021 will include continued integration of IoT and predictive maintenance capabilities.

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Delta-Q Says New Battery Technology is Advancing Charging Solutions

Development of new battery systems is helping bring about new charging technology to ensure machine productivity.

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Hybrid and Electrical Vehicle Powertrain Testing is Key to Reaping Efficiency Benefits

Conducting driveline and component testing which is specially adapted to the particular nature of hybrid and electric vehicles ensures optimal performance.

Electric trucks like the FUSO eCanter provide quiet, emissions-free operation that will help meet future carbon-neutrality goals.

European Truck Makers Agree All New Trucks Sold Must be Fossil Free by 2040

ACEA and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research have created a roadmap which outlines the transition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

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ACT Government Launches First SEA EV Tipper Truck

The SEA EV tipper truck will be powered by 100% renewable energy at the ACT Government City Services Depot.

Stephen Kent (Chief Executive Officer, Bus Éireann), Hildegarde Naughton TD (Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport), Ray Coyne (Chief Executive Officer, Dublin Bus) and Anne Graham (Chief Executive Officer, National Transport Authority)

NFI Subsidiary Delivers First Plug-In Hybrid Buses in Ireland

Ireland's National Transport Authority has received 100 Alexander Dennis Enviro400ER plug-in hybrid buses, and plans to order 180 additional buses.

Volvo Vnr Electric 4x2 With Reefer Trailer Driver Side View On The Road

Volvo Trucks Introduces Volvo VNR Electric to Market

Volvo sees introduction of the Volvo VNR Electric as a step toward further electromobility in the transportation industry.

AutoCart by Raven in use with a CNH Industrial combine.

Raven Industries Opens Pre-Order for Autonomous Grain Cart Solution

AutoCart lets farmers set various parameters and command the tractor pulling a grain cart to sync with the combine as it offloads on the go.

201217 Dsny Wins Calstart Award With Help Of Mack Lr Electric

DSNY Recognized with CALSTART Blue Sky Award for use of Mack LR Electric

The New York City Department of Sanitation received the award for its GHG emissions reduction efforts, which include use of a Mack LR Electric refuse truck.

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Design & Engineering Insights: Topcon Says Digitization will Transform the Agricultural Equipment Industry

More use of data and smart systems will help farmers improve their operations and better enable them to feed the ever-growing global population.

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TTControl Researching Use of High-End Control Units for Semi-Autonomous Vehicles

As part of the IntellIoT project, TTControl will implement and evaluate technology for semi-autonomous agricultural equipment and the human interaction with it.

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Grid Raster Examines Varied Benefits of Augmented and Virtual Reality Technology

Improving technology and wider spread adoption is leading to increased use of augmented and virtual reality.

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New Cat 657 Wheel Tractor-Scraper Designed to Increase Productivity and Operator Comfort

A 21% larger cab interior than the preceding model improves operator comfort and visibility while the improved onboard payload estimating accuracy helps optimize productivity.