Are the new truck and trailer aerodynamic parts a business opportunity for bodywork garages?
The aerodynamic market for trailers and semi-trailers of industrial vehicles is in full growth. According to some makers, the aerodynamics that these devices offer generates fuel savings of up to 1,5 liters per 100 kilometers when driving at an appropriate speed.
This type of vehicle bodywork “extensions” (especially those suited for long distance transport trailers), can arrive direct from the factory, as part of the trailer or semi-trailer fabrication, or be incorporated into the second hand market in specialized garages. But whether it is in one case or the other, its eventual maintenance and repair represent a new business opportunity for garages in the commercial vehicle industry.
What are these solutions?
The aerodynamics of European trucks still have a lot of ground to make up. On this matter, the European Union has introduced modifications in its legislation in order to improve the cabins that will be put up for sale starting in May of 2020. However, the vehicles (cabins and trailers) that are already on the roads will not benefit from these new changes in regards to improving their fuel efficiency and emissions, or will they?
Some makers have developed different solutions that can also improve the performance of the vehicles in circulation. Right how, in the market, there are two types of aerodynamic devices that improve the aerodynamics of trailers.
On one side, there are trailer ‘tails’, an extension with folding rear doors that is designed to be installed on any type of trailer. These panels, that are installed on the outside, similar to a visor or ’spoiler’ on the ceiling and on the side doors of the trailer, channel the airflow around the rear door of the trailer, creating a more comfortable and efficient drive. This solution, according to some makers, offers fuel savings of up to 1.1 liters per 100 kilometers when driving at sustained speeds on the highway. Also, it reduces the CO2 emissions up to 2,8 tons per trailer per year.
These panels are easy to install, made of lightweight materials, and can be painted the same color as the trailer or can be incorporated into the corporate colors of the trailer. They are easy to fold (whether it be manually or automatically when the vehicle reaches a certain speed), and they are integrated perfectly into the doors when they need to be opened, allowing an opening of up to 260 degrees. In the case of collapsing them manually, they are also very fast to fold, minimizing any delays for the driver.
On the other hand, there are also fiberglass panels that completely cover the sides of the trailer. These panels are a substitution for the existing side panel protection system, offering more security on the road, reducing the splashing from the trailer when the roads are wet, and thus improving the visibility for the rest of the drivers on the road. As they cover the sides of the trailer completely, the panels, which in some cases have integrated side lights, also reduce the probability of accidents underneath the vehicle, especially dangerous for vulnerable users of the road such as cyclists or motorists.
These ‘conductors’ of side air flow can move individually, by means of hinges, in order to allow it to access the refrigeration systems, pallet jacks, spare tires and other elements that are located in the lower part of the trailer. By reducing the air resistance of the trailer, this solution, according to some makers, can generate savings of up to 1,5 liters per 100 kilometers at sustained speeds on the highway. In addition, it reduces the CO2 emissions up to 3,8 tons per trailer per year.
Both solutions can be installed either during the fabrication of new trailers, or at a specialized garage for those trailers that are already in circulation. The latter representing a new business opportunity for garages that incorporate this offering into their services.
Nexa Autocolor ia a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. © 2020 PPG Industries, all rights reserved.
Third-party trademarks referenced in this article are property of their respective owners.