Fantastic energy filled the Canterbury Agricultural Park on 25 and 26 November as trucks and families filed in for the 2022 TMC Trucking Industry Show.

It’s fair to say New Zealand Trucking Association organisers were overjoyed with the response to this year’s TMC Trucking Industry Show, especially given the postponement of the original 2020 date thanks to Covid- 19. You cannot help but be impressed by the numbers.

More than 100 exhibitors representing all corners of the road transport industry were ready to talk trucks with the 5000 visitors who walked through the gates on Friday (the trade day). But the real action was to be had on the Saturday (the public day), when an impressive 478 trucks filled the UDC Show and Shine lawns, and the park was abuzz with more than 35,000 visitors.

Most of the trucks were parked up with their trailers – some with loads – which added even more credit to the spectacle. Every vehicle displayed the utmost pride and attention to detail in bringing out the shine, which made the judges’ job that much more challenging, and some very worthy vehicles received well- deserved awards.

Equally important as the trucks were the skills demonstrated by the operators who entered the three competitions, which had their finals on the Saturday. Drivers in the TR Group New Zealand Truck Driving Championships showed outstanding finesse and accuracy behind the wheel. In the Class-5 Truck & Trailer category, Corey Pettifer from Graeme Wright General Carriers took home the winning honours, while runner-up went to Karl Thompson from HWR. The Class-5 Tractor-Semi category was won by Adam Goddard, followed by runner-up Jarrod Hepi. The Class-2 category saw Simeon East beat out Neil Matheson for the win.

The Woman Driver of the Year Award went to Samantha Fraser of NZ Express, and Braydon McMillan-Phillips from Graeme Wright General Carriers took out Young Driver of the Year. A huge congratulations to the winners, and well done to everyone who participated in the regional competitions throughout the year. Likewise, skill demonstrated in the Palfinger New Zealand Crane Championships, Liebherr Crane Operator Competition, and NZ Forklift competition had spectators mesmerised. The first place in the Palfinger New Zealand Crane Championships went to Lyndon Hills of Peak Contracting, followed by Regan Dowdall of Crane & Cartage in runner-up. Chris Borrows of Smith Cranes won the Liebherr Crane Operator Competition, with Kevin Calder Stewart in second. Finally, Keith Sollitt from McAlpines took out the forklift competition, followed by Stuart Howard from Terence Howard & Sons.

There was so much more to see, and praise must be made for the emphasis placed on engaging the kids who visited the show. New Zealand Trucking Association’s Carol McGeady highlights some of these activities in this issue, so flick to page 142 once you’ve poured over the pictures on these pages.

Plans are well underway for the 2024 show, with dates still to be confirmed. However, the association has indicated it should take place sometime in March of that year. Make plans to be in Christchurch – you won’t be disappointed.

OEM HIGHLIGHTS

Fuso
The Fuso brand was represented by one of each model, from Canter to Enduro and Shogun. It’s fair to say the two bookends of the range were the stars – with the new Shogun 510 and eCanter vying for public attention.

Hyundai
Previewed on the Hyundai stand was the brand’s new Mighty electric truck, in New Zealand for testing in local conditions and applications ahead of series production early next year.

It offers a range of up to 240km, and power comes from a 120kW, 1007Nm motor, and 502V battery system.

Of 4×2 configuration with a 3300mm wheelbase, the Mighty electric will weigh in at 5995kg or 7200kg GVM, with 1845kg to 3500kg payloads.

Alongside the Mighty electric was the recently launched Pavise 4×2, a truck we’ll be interested to learn more about in the future.

Iveco
Iveco displayed its full range, from Daily to X-Way, with excitement brewing for the immenent arrival of the new S-Way.

International
The star of the International stand was a new RH for Container Waste, Christchurch. This five-axle unit has the ECAS second-steer axle and a Hendrickson weight-sensitive lift axle, sitting on Armour chrome rims. It is the first RH in the South Island and fitted with the venerable X-15 at 615hp and 18-speed Road Ranger.

Alongside it was the last Prostar off Intertruck’s line – Musson Logistics’ new bin wood truck.

Hiringa Energy
Alongside the Hiringa Energy stand was its Multi-Element Gas Container (MEGC), a 20ft container housing nine Type-4 glass-fibre composite hydrogen tanks (or vessels). The MECG holds the hydrogen at 350 bar and is used for storing hydrogen at fuel stations and transporting hydrogen to and between stations. The 20ft MECG holds 367kg of hydrogen, while the 40ft versions will hold double that. The first stage of refuelling stations, currently being built, will have one MECG each, plus the display unit, which will be used for the likes of deliveries and remote refuelling.

Isuzu
The new Giga dominated the Isuzu stand, with working models of the EXY, CYJ and CYZ 530 in various configurations. The Reuben Earthmoving CYZ 530 tipper with Adams & Currie bin represented the best-selling configuration of the model.

Penske
The new MAN Truck Generation – one of the few new products on show this year – took pride of place on the Penske stand.

Two models attracted lots of visitor interest – the TGX 640 6×4 tractor unit and TGS 26.510 6×4 tipper unit with Mills-Tui bin on a high- clearance subframe.

Representing Western Star was a new Detroit-powered 4884 with Mills-Tui log gear.

SEA Electric
SEA Electric showed its OEM- built SEA 300-85 EV demo unit for the New Zealand market. This 4×2 unit features up to 125kW and 1500Nm, with up to 300km range and 8.5-tonne GVM.

Sime Darby Motors NZ
The Sime Darby stand covered all the bases when it comes to the company’s involvement in road transport, including Transpecs and TWL. Really catching the visitors’ attention from the Mack brand was MTD’s own 50th-anniversary Super-Liner, alongside a new Anthem 8×4 chassis cab.

Volvo was covered by a trio of Series 5 units – an FM 540 8×4 for New Zealand Couriers, an FM 500 6×4 for Big Chill, and an FH16 600 for Allied Petroleum.

Star of the Hino stand was the new 700 in 3036 cab chassis form, but flanking it was a little 300 916 Hybrid – a truck sure to find some favour with metro operators who are looking for a cleaner option but not yet ready to jump to full electric.

Scania
Starring on the Scania stand were two G-series models fitted with the latest Super generation of 13-litre engines. The range of all Euro-6 engines is up in power, with 412kW (560hp) over the 540 of old, with 2800Nm pulling power.

While these units were eye-catching with optional ‘Scania Vabis’ stickers, the new 770S ‘Grey Ghost’ for Protranz took a menacing centre-stage spot.

Southpac
It was Kenworths and DAFs galore on the Southpac stand, with no less than seven and 10 trucks respectively, representing each brand. Star of the Americans was a new T909 with Kraft log gear for Scott Transport, while the complete range of Euro-6 DAFs on display was headlined by the stunning CF 530 6×4 bulk unit of DGS.

UD
Over on the UD stand, local agents CVC had a line-up of Croner and Quon models, headlined by the Quon CG 32 460 8x4s for Wasteco and Thornycroft Farm.