In the bustling heart of Saudi Arabia, amidst a transformative landscape of innovation and ambition, earlier this year, I found myself part of a seminal moment in the kingdom’s journey towards sustainable development. Attending the launch of UD Trucks’ Euro 5 range in February 2024 in Jeddah was a vivid testament to the brand’s relentless pursuit of environmental stewardship and operational excellence. This story, however, begins much earlier and spans across the region, marking milestones of progress and vision.
Marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to sustainability, UD Trucks’ introduction of the Euro 5 Quester and Croner trucks in 2021 represented a key step in the company’s extensive history of eco-friendly initiatives in the region. These trucks were not just vehicles; they were harbingers of a new era in logistics and construction, featuring substantial upgrades to reduce environmental impact, enhance efficiency, and optimise the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
The introduction of these models occurred at a pivotal moment, just before the UAE and Qatar implemented stringent emission regulations. While the UAE still adhered to Euro 4 emission standards in late 2021, Qatar was readying to adopt Euro 5 emission standards by mid-2022, setting a precedent for the region’s shift towards greener fleets.
By reducing NOx emissions by about 43% compared to Euro 4 models, UD Trucks took a bold step forward in aligning with global environmental standards and the regional aspirations for cleaner, more sustainable operations.
UD Trucks Euro 5 models now in the GCC
The new Euro 5 models are now available in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
“The Euro 5 Quester and Croner models integrate several technological advancements aimed at reducing environmental impact and enhancing operational efficiency,” shares Mourad Hedna, President of UD Trucks Middle East, East and North Africa, in an exclusive interview with PMV ME.
Speaking at the Euro 5 launch event in Jeddah, Hedna also asserted UD Trucks’ record-breaking sales in the MEENA region for 2023, underscoring its dominant position in the market. He added that the brand’s engagement in prestigious projects, such as NEOM and the Red Sea development, reflects its integral role in supporting the region’s rapid growth, with sustainability at the core of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The launch of UD Trucks’ Euro 5 range in Saudi Arabia is not just a continuation of this legacy; it’s a leap into the future of smart logistics and responsible business practices.
According to the official communique, Hedna stated: “We have witnessed the continued growth and success of UD Trucks in the MEENA region during 2023, reconfirming our unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainability. The success of this approach was highlighted as UD Trucks earned various awards both internally and externally.”
“The launch of our Euro 5 range in Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more environmentally-friendly future, aligning with Saudi Arabia Vision 2030’s sustainability goals. We are proud to support local businesses in their transition to greener transportation solutions, reaffirming our ‘Better Life’ commitment to fostering a sustainable environment for future generations,” he added.
The launch event was a microcosm of UD Trucks’ innovation and customer engagement approach. Through three unique rotation stations — Uptime, Product, and Test Drive — attendees were immersed in the brand’s commitment to reliability, performance, and after-sales support. In addition, the opportunity to test drive the Euro 5 series was particularly enlightening, offering a firsthand experience of the trucks’ superior performance and environmental efficiency.
Enhancing the driving experience
According to Hedna, the design of the new Euro 5 models has been specifically focused on enhancing the driving experience for long-haul journeys, revealing UD Trucks’ driver-centric philosophy in their thought process.
Continuing, he emphasises the importance of safety and driver convenience in the new models. “Drivers of our Quester trucks are always at the forefront of our thinking. The new Euro 5 Quester model has been meticulously designed to enhance the driving experience, especially during long-haul journeys across Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes. Enhanced comfort, safety, and operational efficiency are at the heart of these designs. The cabin of the Quester is optimised to provide a comfortable working environment for drivers during extended periods on the road.”
He further explains: “Additionally, our Euro 5 range brings to customers and drivers increased service interval timing, all while improved fuel economy, lighter tare weight, and optimised drivelines contribute to operational efficiency. That, coupled with our new and improved steering wheel and instrument cluster with the new seats, which increase drivability and comfort, enables a positive stress-free drive experience and businesses to maximise productivity while minimising costs.”
“With features such as the updated instrument cluster with a fuel coaching system and the ESCOT automated manual transmission, we’re not just complying with environmental regulations; we’re also improving fleet performance and reducing operational costs,” Hedna tells PMV ME.
Efficiently sustainable
Taking into account that emissions from transportation alone have the potential to increase global emission levels by over 1.5%, UD Truck’s heavy-duty and medium-duty vehicles have evolved to meet modern transport and environmental challenges.
With UD Trucks’ latest Euro 5 upgrade, the Quester range not only boasts advanced features, but also represents a leap forward in UD Trucks’ commitment to environmental stewardship and driver well-being. The new Quester models, equipped with 460hp and 2250Nm of torque, achieve an impressive 10% improvement in fuel efficiency. This advancement, powered by the Escot automated manual transmission, underscores the brand’s dedication to reducing emissions and enhancing operational efficiency.
More than just technical upgrades, these improvements in the Quester Euro 5 range are designed with driver comfort in mind. The Escot system, by eliminating the need for manual gear shifts — typically around 1,000 to 1,500 times a day — allows drivers to maintain focus on the road, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the environmental footprint of logistics operations.
Meanwhile, the Croner series, available in three distinct models — MKE, LKE, and PKE — showcases UD Trucks’ tailored approach to diverse industry needs, offering up to 21 configurations through its wheelbase variants.
This adaptability is matched by its commitment to sustainability while enhancements such as a more aerodynamic cab design have improved fuel efficiency by reducing drag by 5% over
previous models.
Beyond efficiency, the Croner prioritises the well-being of those at the wheel and on the road. Its cabin, designed with driver comfort at the forefront, incorporates a suite of active and passive safety features, safeguarding the driver, cargo, and surrounding traffic.
The Japanese truck manufacturer also delivers better uptime for both models via less maintenance time and an expanded AdBlue supply network, which is a safe-to-use diesel exhaust fluid used in vehicles with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to reduce harmful gases from being released into the atmosphere. UD was the first truck manufacturer to introduce the SCR technology
in 2004.
UD Trucks to benefit from local assembly
The new trucks will be assembled in Jeddah’s King Abdullah Economic City at the Arabian Vehicles & Trucks Industry facility, a joint venture between Zahid Tractor & Heavy Machinery Co. Ltd and Volvo Truck Corporation.
The decision to assemble the Euro 5 range locally in Saudi Arabia is strategic, with significant benefits for both the economy and UD Trucks’ customers.
Speaking to PMV ME, Hedna asserts: “Local assembly contributes to a reduction in the total cost of ownership for our customers by minimising import costs and tariffs. It also addresses logistical challenges, increases job creation, and supports economic growth, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives.”
He also highlights the role of local assembly in empowering the workforce. “We are proud of the women working in the assembly, which is a testament to our commitment to supporting the country’s vision of a robust and diversified economy,” he adds.
Continuing, Hedna asserts that the launch of the Euro 5 range has been met with an enthusiastic response from the market, particularly amidst the increasing demand for environmentally
friendly fleets.
“Our results show a clear indication of a growing appetite for sustainable solutions in the kingdom,” he summarises. “Businesses transitioning to greener fleets have provided positive feedback on the Euro 5 range, acknowledging its advanced technological features, improved efficiency, and environmental benefits.”
“Additionally, we plan to expand our presence in emerging markets in Africa, where there is significant growth potential. Through collaboration with stakeholders and investment in research and development, UD Trucks will continue to lead the way in delivering sustainable and efficient transportation solutions across the region,” says Hedna is conclusion.
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Driving experience: Agile, responsive, smooth and ergonomic
The new Euro 5 UD Quester, during its test drive at the Zahid Business Park in Jeddah, presents itself as a robust contender in the realm of commercial vehicles tailored for the demands of logistics and transportation businesses in the kingdom. The Quester’s upgraded Euro 5 engine not only meets stringent emissions standards but also provides a remarkable blend of power and fuel efficiency, a critical factor for businesses looking to optimise operational costs.
Behind the wheel, the Quester feels surprisingly agile for its size. The responsiveness of the engine, paired with a well-calibrated transmission ensures smooth acceleration and easy manoeuvring through varied driving conditions. The Quester’s cabin design prioritises driver comfort and functionality, with ergonomic controls and a digital display that offers all necessary information at a glance, making long hauls less taxing.
The Escot automated manual transmission is nothing short of revolutionary, especially in stop-and-go traffic, where constant shifting can be both exhausting and distracting. By allowing the truck to automatically select the optimal gear based on the load condition and road incline, Escot ensures smooth acceleration and deceleration, significantly reducing shift shock and enhancing fuel efficiency. It can also be manually controlled by pushing the +/- button on the side of the shift lever, allowing drivers to shift the gear manually.
Another interesting function is the Escot ECO-Roll feature, which calculates when it’s ideal for the truck to roll down a slope in neutral; it maintains speed by automatically disengaging the engine on a flat or down slope. UD Trucks has gone to great lengths to ensure that every aspect of the Quester is designed with the driver in mind.
The ergonomically designed driver’s seat, complete with lumbar support and cab air suspension, addresses one of the most common complaints among long-haul drivers: fatigue and discomfort. By providing a seating position that supports the natural curvature of the spine and suspension that absorbs the jolts and bumps of the road, drivers can enjoy a more comfortable ride, reducing the physical toll of long hours behind the wheel.
Further, the truck is equipped with the two stages of auxiliary braking, combining the UD extra engine brake with Escot automatic downshift, illustrating a deep understanding of the need for reliable, responsive braking power. This system not only ensures safer driving conditions but also extends the life of brake linings, contributing to lower maintenance costs and less downtime for the vehicle.
Lastly, the electric cab tilt is a blessing, leading to easier daily maintenance and increased efficiency.