Better together
SAF-HOLLAND and Haldex to celebrate their corporate merger at Solutrans show
At this year’s Solutrans (21-25 November, Lyon), German manufacturer SAF-HOLLAND will be showing its trailer axle and suspension systems alongside the brake and suspension systems from its recently acquired subsidiary Haldex of Sweden.
The highlight of the newly-enlarged company’s stand (Hall 3 A015) is a near-series production version of its SAF TRAKr axle, which recuperates kinetic energy from braking into electrical power to feed on-board systems such as fridges and tanker pumps. Starting from drive speeds of 15kph, torque passes from both wheel ends along split camshafts, through a 1:14 ratio gearbox to spin a 20kW generator. High-voltage DC electricity can then be fed directly to onboard power consumers or to batteries, helping reduce the parasitic loads on the vehicle’s fridge or vehicle internal combustion engine or electric drive. The axle is based on the SAF-HOLLAND Entra-disc axle, providing commonality of spare parts and service know-how.
SAF-HOLLAND’s TRAKr -- of which only prototypes of the unit have been shown previously in France -- will sit alongside other products, including its MODUL axle, fifth wheels and V. Orlandi towing components. Haldex will show its latest trailer EBS braking system EBS+4.0, the LifeSeal+ brake actuator, its recently-launched TEM+ trailer emergency module and its new TPMS 2.0 system, which complies with the new EU directive on tyre pressure monitoring systems due to come into force for all trailer types in 2024.
It’s an exciting time for the newly enlargened company, which began the process of bringing Haldex into the company with sales functions. Now, trailer users, trailer OEMs and clients of the companies’ aftermarket business in France can speak to the SAF-HOLLAND team, in French, about both brands. Having a single point of contact, and a single supplier, for two big brands in trailer chassis systems is a major benefit for customers.
That occurs at SAF-HOLLAND’s base in Ablis near Paris (78), where 25 staff carry out sales, technical support, service and back-office functions in trailer and aftermarket divisions. On the site, a 5,000m2 logistics warehouse holds spare parts produced in SAF-HOLLAND facilities in Germany as well as in Italy by V.Orlandi, a corporate subsidiary. Meanwhile, to the east in Weyersheim near Strasbourg (67), Haldex continues to operate its production facility for kits, and operates its western Europe warehouse independently of SAF-HOLLAND’s.
So far, the integration process has been very smooth, reports SAF-HOLLAND France managing director Jean Baghdad. He says: “We already know our Haldex colleagues, as we have met them at trade shows, and through customers. We have the same understanding of the market, which is very important for me, so integrating Haldex in the SAF world is much easier, as we focus on the same issues concerning customers and markets.” In particular, he cites a shared focus on product quality and a culture of strong customer service.
The next step in the unification of the French operations is to bring together service, Baghdad admits. Both brands continue to offer separate warranty claims and servicing networks. The managing director says: “We are looking to optimise these networks to be more complementary in terms of service, and geographically as well.” More than 150 independent workshops in France are approved by SAF-HOLLAND to work on its products, following a technical audit. Many of those work with the company’s newly acquired brand. “And it’s the same with Haldex,” adds Baghdad. “We now have to work together to have only one bigger network.”
Even further in the future, he predicts, will come synergies in the trailer chassis product line: better harmonisation and integration of systems in the vehicle; for example, combining telematics and trailer EBS systems. That will see SAF-HOLLAND and Haldex engineers working together on new combined products. In March, following the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Haldex, SAF-HOLLAND management board chairman Alexander Geis, said: " We are already working together to combine axle and suspension systems, telematics and EBS control into one intelligent unit. With innovative products and solutions in the areas of connectivity, electrification and autonomous driving, we will proactively shape the transformation of the transportation industry."
With two leading European commercial vehicle brands now united, and coming together to meet French customers this autumn, the future looks bright for commercial trailers.
