UD Trucks' Quester 'helps lower cost of ownership'

Japanese manufacturer UD Trucks has revealed eight key features of its new Quester range and aftermarket service that will help Middle East businesses lower the cost of ownership and to run with greater efficiency.

The Quester, a multi-purpose truck for a wide variety of applications, including ‎off and on-road use, mining, construction, distribution and long-haul transportation, provides world class fuel efficiency, reliability and robustness, the company said.

It decreases the overall cost of truck ownership for fleet managers in the following ways:
•    Quester comes with a real-time Fuel Coach system which gives instant feedback and assistance to the driver to help him or her drive as economically as possible. The display shows the driver when to shift, brake, or accelerate for maximum time in the engines optimum fuel efficient rev range, the so called sweet spot. The system has seen significant increase in fuel efficiency across applications with results ranging from 10 to 30 per cent in savings.

•    The Quester range also offers telematics hardware, a wireless communication tool that allows the trucks to collect information while it is on the road. With this, UD Trucks can assist its customers with a variety of services, including breakdown assistance, preventive maintenance analysis and corrective service scheduling, reducing downtime.  

•    The aerodynamic cab of the Quester is designed to minimise drag and boost fuel economy with the option of fitting roof and side air deflectors. The on-road cab also comes with side air vents which serve to keep the dirt off the side of the cab, reducing the resources required to maintain fleet cleanliness.

•    The high roof sleeper cab with wider twin bunk arrangement supports efficient long-haul operations in terms of resting and storage space allowing for longer, more resource efficient journeys.

•    The wide driveline offered with Quester gives the ability to optimise the powertrain with respect to power output, transmission and rear axle ratio. A well specified powertrain ensures that the two engine alternatives – GH8E and GH11E – operate at its peak efficiency at all times, enabling good fuel consumption and high average speeds.

•    UD aftermarket support provides highly trained technicians who only use the most up-to-date diagnostic tools to ensure that their vehicles spend the minimum amount of time in the workshop and the maximum amount of time out on the road.

Commenting on the Quester’s impact on the vehicles’ cost of ownership, Mourad Hedna, UD Trucks Middle East president, said:

“The key to lowering the cost of ownership for our clients lies not only in the reliable and durable design but also in smart maintenance. Long-term cost-saving is dependent on having proper service right from the start. By engaging UD Genuine Service, Quester’s customers can reduce unplanned stops, increase vehicle uptime and protect investment.

“Our work starts with the UD spirit, a tradition based on understanding our customer’s situation. When we care for your vehicle you are free to focus on your core business and be confident in delivering as planned, securing the success and growth of your operations. We want to move our customer’s business the extra mile.”