Nikola founder and chief executive Trevor Milton claimed the TRE would be the first European zero-emission commercial truck to be delivered with redundant braking, redundant steering, redundant 800Vdc batteries and a redundant 120kW hydrogen fuel cell, all of which is necessary for level five autonomy.
Production is at least four years away but the spec promises 500-1000hp, 6×4 or 6×2 configurations and a range of 500-1200km depending on options. The TRE will fit within the current size and length restrictions for Europe. European testing is projected to begin in Norway about 2020. Nikola is also in the preliminary planning stages to identify the proper location for its European manufacturing facility.
Nel Hydrogen of Oslo is consulting to provide hydrogen stations for the US and is aiming for more than 700 refuelling points across the US and Canada by 2028. It will expand its brief to include the European growth strategy.
October truck sales results for WA have been released, with both light and heavy commercial sales again up strongly overall, but the variance between market sectors reveals a lot of volatility.
For example, buses are screaming ahead but light vans have the brakes locked on; the bigger vans are building in volume but the results for 4×2 and 4×4 utes are like chalk and cheese.
Toyota has achieved a remarkable result.
At the end of October, Toyota dealers in WA had sold 564 more light commercials than they did for the whole of 2017.
The company has claimed a market share of 47 per cent in October and 42 per cent of the year — so far. The effects on dealer profitability — and sales people’s incomes — are no doubt much appreciated.
Apart from Chinese brand LDV and some other smaller participants, most of the other manufacturers are licking their wounds. In the individual segments, one to watch is the LDV T60 4×4 ute. It has had a successful launch and is already heading towards the Mazda BT-50 and VW Amarok in terms of market share.
Punters are reporting it drives and handles well, plus seems to have significantly better quality than previous Chinese offerings. In the heavy commercial sector Isuzu is performing like Toyota is in the light arena, albeit not as spectacularly.
Isuzu achieved 30 per cent of the market in October, more than twice that of Hino, its nearest competitor, even though Hino sales were up 13.5 per cent for the month. Both Scania and UD had huge months, up 233 and 200 per cent respectively. Even Western Star got back in the act with a couple of deliveries.
Once again, the heavy-duty segment grew – up 41 per cent for the month and 29 per cent for the year to date.
Source: thewest.com.au
