Wednesday, August 28, 2013

The UD Quester is launched - a new heavy duty global truck platform - SPONSORED VIDEO


Let's talk about trucks today. Specifically the newly launched UD Quester by UD Trucks. The UD Quester is a truck designed for a global market with local conditions in mind. Designed by specialists from the Volvo Group (of which UD Trucks is a part of) the Quester is versatile and it has an extensive range of wheelbases and a chassis that is easy to build on – a fact very important to Malaysian truck owners and coach, or bodybuilders which customize a truck's chassis to suit local needs.

Using class leading systems and processes coupled with Japanese build quality the Quester has over 1.5million engineering hours and 65000 hours of road testing during its 3.5 year span from the start of development to its launch. The focus on the vehicle's uptime and fuel efficiency are key ingredients during its development.


On the fuel economy front, the Quester offers first rate technology that, if coupled with driver know-how will show fuel savings of between 5 to 30% compared to a vehicle without such technology. The UD Quester has something that is unlike a video game – a real time Fuel Coach that basically shows and guides the driver to improved driving efficiency. The display shows real-time driving tips for the best fuel economy. It shows the driver when to shift, brake or accelerate in order to reach the engines most fuel-efficient rev range. Two thumbs up signals that you are running perfect. Actually this is unlike what those who are familiar with energy efficient cars like the Honda Hybrids and Mercedes Benz BlueEfficiency vehicles who have efficiency meters that actually help the driver drive as economically as possible. Now we have the same technology in trucks. And truck drivers can be entertained a little more on those long haul trips. Now how much fun is that? 

The second important ingredient that most truck owners look at is a vehicle's uptime. Transportation companies face rising fuel prices and increasing customer demands. The successful companies are the ones who keep on running. Consistently and reliably, mile after mile, year after year. Uptime has become a key for successful companies and is something that the UD Quester excels at. UD Trucks offers features and service agreements that give you peace of mind. The owners can focus on their core business without worrying about when to service, how to service, what to service – and most importantly how much it will costs. And a 58degree cab tilt offers an easy reach for the mechanics. Important for ease of maintenance.

For those into specification the UD Quester has a chassis made from cold-formed steel with extended strength and flexibility, providing steadiness when rolling and pitching happen together. For instance on uneven road surfaces, loads with high center of gravity or unevenly distributed loads. If the driver needs extra power for hills and rough roads the UD Quester has 6x4T, 6x4R and 8x4R configurations (out of 7 configurations) have optional hub reduction, where the stresses are split between the hub and the axle, giving better grip and traction.


The 11-liter engine is available with the optional UD Extra Engine Brake (see, truck drivers get to play with 11,000cc worth of engine). This provides powerful braking that is quick to engage. Improved braking safety gives you higher average speeds especially in hilly landscapes. The 13000Kg load capacity comes out of have loads of torque. This engine comes with various HP ratings depending on specification – 370/390/420HP running through a 9 or 12 speed gearbox. There is also a base 8.0liter engine with 220/250/280/330HP running through a 6, 9 or 12 speed gearbox. Torque figures aren't stated. But would be massive. Obviously.


In this small trucker's mind, he'll have 11,000cc, 420bhp and 12 gears please.  

More information available at UD Trucks.

This post has been sponsored by VOLVO  TRUCKS

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