In celebration of its 80th anniversary this year, Japanese transportation solutions provider UD Trucks has opened a new 3,000 sq ft UD Experience Centre in Ageo, Japan. Meanwhile, the company re-affirms its commitment to Southeast Asia (SEA) with the enhanced UD Quester, which was designed specifically for growth markets.
Mr Christophe Martin, President of UD Trucks in Asia Oceania, reflected: “At UD Trucks, we’ve always thrived on delivering what our customers need. When infrastructure projects escalated rapidly across Southeast Asia in the 1990s, the CWM proved to be the workhorse of choice, winning many loyal fans. Built with a heavy-duty chassis, it was very popular as it serves a wide array of applications and its success enhanced the UD brand in the region.”
He added: “Recently, with our customers in growth markets in Southeast Asia facing challenges such as increasing fuel prices and high operational costs, we launched Quester, designed specifically for such markets. It’s the first in a new generation of cost-effective UD Trucks, specially developed for the world of heavy-duty transportation.”
Enhanced Quester – Worthy Successor to CWM
Durable, reliable and fuel-efficient, Quester is designed to go the extra mile, according to Mr Ian Sinclair, Product Director of UD Trucks (watch video @ https://youtu.be/0NbLV3I8FuI). Compared to its predecessor in Southeast Asia, the CWM, Quester’s cab size is much bigger, offering better all-round visibility. With a high torque engine which operates in the low rev range, it also uses less fuel. Drivability is easy and smooth, offering the driver an almost car-like feel.
With axle configurations ranging from 4×2 to 8×4, Quester can be customized to whatever the customer’s requirements are, for a wide range of applications including long-haul, distribution, construction and mining. Available with two engine alternatives, Quester with the 11-litre engine has an extra engine brake which provides more effective braking and longer life on the wheel brakes.
Based on feedback from its first customers, Quester was recently enhanced with an easier gear shift; the extra engine brake adjusted to lower speed; and a new application category – Dangerous Goods.
“The Quester is designed such that we can ‘spec’ it according to what the customer requires for his business. At UD Trucks, we’re willing to improve or enhance our products if it would make our customer’s business better or smoother. That is what we call the UD Gemba spirit – making things happen,” Mr Martin affirmed.
