Limiting trucks’ need for speed

FUELED by the Duterte administration’s directive to “build, build, build” more infrastructure and road networks, the construction industry and all other allied sectors are now riding on the expected surge of activities.

And among those enjoying an economic resurgence is the trucking and transport industries. For the third quarter of 2017 alone, truck sales of 32,993 units are an impressive 14.1% increase compared to the same period last year, latest combined figures from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association indicate.

More than merely riding on this wave of economic opportunities, one truck importer and parts and services provider, Pioneer Truck Parts and Equipment Corp., has chosen to highlight the need for a speed limiter installed in heavy haulers.

As Aaron Go, managing director of Pioneer Trucks, put it, “Countless lives depend on the thousands of trucks plying our busy streets, not just for the economic activity they bring, but more importantly, for the sheer size of these vehicles as they make their way along the busy roads surrounded by pedestrians and residents.”

Mr. Go recently toured journalists around Pioneer Trucks’ sprawling plant facilities in Cabuyao, Laguna. First stop was the 8,000-square-meter covered truck repair and maintenance yard. “From windshield replacement, brake repair and engine overhaul or replacement, all major and minor jobs are done in this facility by our well-trained personnel. We also have an extensive inventory of truck parts and accessories,” he pointed out.

Mr. Go also announced that Pioneer Trucks has been the exclusive distributor of the Speed Limiter device, which could be installed in- house or on- site. “We have already installed Speed Limiters to truck fleets of major logistics companies and truck manufacturers, such as Isuzu Philippines Corp.,” he disclosed.

The Speed Limiter electronically controls the top speed of vehicles — either to comply with government legislation or the vehicle owner’s requirements — without affecting any other aspect of the truck’s operation.

“Aside from reducing road accidents by controlling the vehicle’s speed, the Speed Limiter also helps improve fuel consumption and emissions,” stressed Mr. Go.

The device controls the fuel flow system ( for vehicles without engine managements) or by a drive- by- wire system. “The ECU is connected to a speed signal [ electronic speedometer, ABS or mechanical sensor] and receives frequency signals while the vehicle is moving. At a preset frequency, say 80kph, the ECU