Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/741843
36 commercial carrier journal | october 2016 Mercedes-Benz reveals intelligent electric van F reight delivery will change in the future, and the heavy- duty segment isn't the only place where automation is becoming trendy. Mercedes-Benz Vans last month announced its adVANce initiative, which includes the development of a connected all-electric vehicle for last-mile delivery in urban and suburban environments. Mercedes-Benz Vans boss Volker Mornhinweg said the com- pany identified three areas of action for adVANce: connectivity, hardware-based solutions and mobility. "With the Vision Van from Mercedes-Benz Vans, we provide an idea of future generations of vans," Mornhinweg said. "The intelligent automation technology connects the entire process, from loading and transportation by road through to delivery to the consignee. This makes it easier for the deliverer to do busi- ness and rapidly reduces the delivery time for end customers." Connectivity integrates smart technologies into the van, which Mornhinweg said increases its efficiency and makes it a central component of the digital value chain. One example is developing a telematics unit for vans that collects and processes data concerning the status of the delivery tour, the present loca- tion and the load, and sends this information to the distribution manager, making it possible to monitor and manage last-min- ute changes efficiently from a central point. "The van of the future will be a connector," he said. Through innovative hardware-based solutions, Mer- cedes-Benz Vans is working on automated cargo space systems for delivery vehicles. Presently, Mornhinweg said, delivery drivers have to rearrange their packages – on average, around 180 per load – about 10 times while making deliveries within a residential area, and also schedule about three to four minutes per stop. A new interconnected cargo space system speeds loading and unloading, thanks to loading the vehicle with all pre-picked parcels in one go, which cuts loading times considerably and reduces the amount of vehicle downtime at distribution centers. When the deliverer is unloading, the system will show him the exact load configuration and make the right package available at the right time depending on the destination. The team at Mer- cedes-Benz Vans also is considering integrating autonomous delivery systems such as drones or self-driving robots. To boost mobility, Mercedes-Benz Vans also is working on on-demand leasing, rental and sharing models tailored to van customers. The company has organized a new business unit called Future Transportation Systems with project teams of 200 employees based within the startup scene in Silicon Valley, Stuttgart and Berlin. Mercedes-Benz Vans also is investing in several innovative startups in the areas of automation, robotics and mobility ser- vices, including a stake in Matternet, a U.S.-based developer of autonomous drone logistics systems. Together with Matternet, Mercedes-Benz Vans worked on the Vision Van show car, the first integrated delivery system that automates last-mile delivery. The company also is slated to invest about $562 million over the next five years for digitalization, automation and robotics in vans, as well as innovative mobility solutions. – Jason Cannon Meritor adds deep-drop option to MFS front axle series M eritor expanded its MFS Series lineup of front nondrive steer axles to include a deep-drop option. The option includes deep axle drops of 4.76 and 5 inches and is suited for applications such as auto hauling and refuse, where lower vehicle ride heights are needed. The deep-drop axle, which includes a universal knuckle compatible with Meritor EX+ air disc brakes and Q+ drum brakes, is engineered to offer im- proved brake serviceability and vehicle packaging. Joe Muscedere, general manager, Front Drive- train, said the one-piece forged knuckle design also improves reliability, offers a longer service life and optimizes performance, including a sharper wheel cut to increase maneuverability. The deep-drop axle is available in both standard and wide track, with respective gross axle weight ratings of 13,000 to 14,600 and 18,000 to 22,800 pounds. – Jason Cannon Meritor's MFS Series deep-drop front nondrive steer axle option is suited for applications such as auto hauling and refuse. Together with Matternet, Mercedes-Benz Vans worked on the Vision Van show car, the first integrated delivery system that automates last-mile delivery.