Wednesday, August 08, 2018

Trucks: The Foton Auman EST Heavy Duty Prime Mover Has Been Launched in Malaysia by Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd



Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd (ATM), a member of the Tan Chong Group (via Warisan TC Holdings) has launched the all-new Foton Auman EST (Energy Super Truck) heavy-duty commercial prime mover series recently here in Malaysia. The Auman EST is a truck manufactured by Beijing-based Foton Daimler Automotive Co. Ltd, a joint venture company between Foton Group and Daimler Automotive.

(L-R) - Dai Hongkai, General Manager, Foton Asia Pacific, Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive Co. Ltd, Tan Keng Meng, Chief Executive Officer, Warisan TC Holdings Bhd, Dato Tan Heng Chew, President, Warisan TC Holdings Bhd and Madam Wang Shu Er, Dirk Steffens, Chief Engineer Heavy Duty Truck, Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive Co. Ltd during the launch of the all-new Foton Auman EST Heavy-Duty commercial prime mover series

The all-new Auman EST trucks are part of the Foton Super Truck Series that are fully-equipped with advanced mobility technologies leading into the future. The trucks were designed and manufactured with the technical know-how and best-in-class technologies from the United States (U.S), Germany and China. 

The joint venture arrangement basically uses both Daimler and Foton automotive's experience in applying European technology to its chassis and truck cabin or body. Daimler is well known for the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles globally and is also well know of building quality trucks. In keeping with the lower entry point for customers and operators. Furthermore, it does look very European in terms of its design execution. 

The Auman EST is powered by U.S-based Cummins Inc.’s clean, efficient and dependable Cummins ISG 12-litre diesel engine,. The transmission is sourced from ZF, which is well known for their gearboxes. ZF’s latestTraXon transmission is fitted to the Auman sold in Malaysia and the good news is that the TraXon gearbox is an automatic transmisson! This would actually make it easier for the driver in long haul application and also be quite efficient as the gears are shifted as efficiently as possible automatically.

The combination of these technologies make the Auman EST prime mover / truck fully capable in carrying out highly demanding operations while maintaining high standards in uptime, fuel efficiency and safety over long distances in the day-to-day routines of fleet and trucking operations. 

“The Foton Auman EST is a technology-laden heavy-duty prime mover which we believe will deliver exceptional values and advantages to logistic and haulage companies in Malaysia. Today, technology has been consistently making its way into trucking solutions to make them intelligent, as the industry landscape continues to evolve and demand for smart transport solutions increases. This is what the Auman EST embodies with its intelligent technology, highly efficient fuel conservation, superb safety features and strong reliability.” said Tan Keng Meng, Chief Executive Officer, Warisan TC Holdings Bhd about the Auman EST. 


“With the addition of Auman EST in our product offering and our Group’s continuous support on strong aftermarket, I am confident that Angka-Tan Motor will have a much stronger market footing and be able to better serve our customers,” added Tan at the launch ceremony which also served as a handing over event for customers that had already ordered the Auman EST ahead (pic above)

The Auman EST is currently manufactured at the Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive's global digital paradigmatic factory which has been equipped with TOS+ (Truck Operating System) management system, advanced manufacturing capabilities and technologies. The truck itself has undergone rigorous testing regimes and on-road testing in various road condition, temperature and altitude took it to the limit so as to ensure its superior quality, durability and performance. it was first launched globally in November, 2016.


Dai Hongkai, General Manager, Foton Asia Pacific, Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive Co., Ltd had this to say about the new Auman EST range of trucks, “As one of the leading commercial vehicles manufacturer in China and globally, Foton continues to invest heavily in engineering research and development and embracing cutting-edge technology into our Auman EST trucks, as we are committed to creating and delivering intelligent and efficient trucks for today and the future.”


“This truck bears all the hallmark of Foton’s values and is poised to be the game-changer in our quest to becoming the Chinese brand that creates the global standards in trucking solutions. Foton is also very glad to partner with Angka-Tan Motor as our distributor in Malaysia, as we share the same vision for success and leading businesses into the future,” added Dai.

The Auman EST truck is now available from Angka-Tan Motor in three different models for customers in Malaysia. In addition to the company's comprehensive aftersales support of 18 service dealers, customers of Auman EST will also enjoy 4 years warranty with unlimited mileage. This could be the highest warranty in the local truck market. In conjunction with the launch, Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd will be offering a special price for the first 30 units booked before 31 August 2018.

For more information, those interested can contact Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd at 603-56386888

Some thoughts - The Auman EST truck seems to incorporate many European truck equipment and technology. This does not seem like the basic China brand truck which we keep seeing on our roads. Specification and equipment seems to be pretty high and we even get an automatic gearbox. This seems to be a decent proposition for long haul transporters. Of course, we will only know when the first long term users report to us about this. But it does offer something different to the market. 

Design Brief of the Foron Auman EST Heavy Duty Truck

The all-new Auman EST truck is fuel efficient, safety aspects and productivity. The truck is also fitted with advanced, CAN-Bus technology which integrates all complex components through the truck’s ECU (Electronic Control Unit), enabling ease in fault diagnosis, improved safety and fuel consumption.

The I-Telligent System-Load Based Speed Control (LSBC) controls the engine revs according to load, road condition and vehicle speed to improve fuel consumption. This also makes the truck very stable and easy to handle on uneven roads.

Highly fuel efficient for positive impact

Fuel economy is one, if not the biggest factor for companies in the logistics and haulage business. The Auman EST provides exceptional fuel efficiency through a variety of ways. The advanced Cummins ISG engine improves fuel consumption and emission significantly. Its high torque with low revs and a wide RPM range increases transmission efficiency and fuel economy by 2%.

The lightweight and compact yet powerful Cummins engine, aluminium-alloyed ZF 16-speed transmission, lightweight fuel tank and other lightweight materials all contribute to the best possible minimal usage of fuel. In addition, the newly-designed body optimizes aerodynamics, low drag and low rolling resistance to ensure that fuel efficiency is further maximized.

Safety

The Auman EST has undergone stringent and harsh crash tests in accordance with the European standard and regulation (UNECE R-29-03).

A host of features that render this prime mover one of the best in class in safety include the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) which configure intelligently to minimize the potential of skidding. Furthermore, the powerful engine compression braking technology (iBrake), with a maximum braking force of up to 370 horse power, allows the ECU to intelligently control each braking system according to operating conditions.

The cabin is equipped with a large solid bumper, LED day running light, high intensity headlamp and an anti-mud angle plate, the all-new Auman EST also significantly improves driver’s vision especially during night driving, further increasing safety on the road.

Extra comfort for drivers

Built with the driver in mind, the all-new Auman EST boasts great ergonomic interior layout, with highly spacious and high-roofed cabin for driving comfort and movement. Other key features for comfort and safety include adjustable steering wheel, user-friendly dashboard for practicality and convenience, air-suspension driver seat for lumbar support, electric adjustable rear-view mirror and roof window, and ultra-wide twin sleeping bunk beds.

The truck’s full air suspension cabin also meets European standard in terms of good quality sound proofing to reduce interior noise, which effectively improves driving comfort and focus. For ease of maintenance, the cabin can also be tilted to 70 degrees. 



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