Autonomous Driving of Heavy Loads Soon to Be Retrofitted
- Series project with technology advance developer Arnold NextG
- Strong demand for retrofitting existing fleets
- New strategy: achieving long-term growth through innovation
MAFI Transport-Systeme GmbH from Tauberbischofsheim in Baden-Württemberg is going one step further in retrofitting its heavy-duty tractor units with automated driving systems. Together with the technology advance developer Arnold NextG from Pfronstetten (Baden-Württemberg), all MAFI vehicle platforms can be retrofitted with a multi-redundant drive-by-wire system in the future. This vehicle-independent system solution makes it possible to control all driving functions digitally. The CEO of MAFI, Roland Hartwig, recently sealed the close cooperation with a company visit to the partner company.
The aim of the cooperation is to promote the retrofitting of existing vehicles in addition to new drive-by-wire vehicles ready for series production. MAFI intends to offer the plugand-play solution developed by Arnold NextG for its T230 and T230e terminal tractor units within the next three months. The first retrofitted vehicles have successfully passed the test. Use in other vehicle platforms is planned for the near future. “The advantage is obvious: automatically controlled or autonomously driving tractor units that maneuver containers or swap bodies in ports are independent of a driver. Among other things, this allows the operating times of the vehicles to be extended,” explained Hartwig. Applied to the entire fleet in a seaport, automation makes a noticeable contribution to reducing cost pressure.
Central Interface for Automated Operation
When drive-by-wire technology is used, all vehicle functions are controlled via a secure digital interface. This applies to the primary functions of longitudinal and lateral acceleration as well as secondary functions such as ignition, gear selection or indicators. The retrofitted tractors meet all safety standards in this area of application and can even be approved for road use. The system also offers displays status messages about the fuel level or tire pressure, as well as errors in the vehicle or the digital control system.
New Strategy Focuses on Innovation
“In addition to the use of multifuel and electric drive systems, autonomous driving is the most important thrust of our vehicle development,” said the MAFI CEO. “In the upcoming innovation push of MAFI vehicles, but also of TREPEL for airport ground transportation, we will benefit from our many years of experience and expertise in all operational environments.” The company will implement its new strategy with highly innovative products that maintain their traditional strengths such as robustness and durability. The focus is on longterm growth through future-oriented technology and efficient production.
For further information
Julian Großkinsky, Business Development Manager
MAFI Transport-Systeme GmbH, Hochhäuser Straße 18, 97941 Tauberbischofsheim
Phone: +49 9341 899 209 , Mobile: +49 172 3778282, e-mail: julian.grosskinsky_at_mafi.de
Stefan Weller, Director Sales
Arnold NextG GmbH, Breite 3, 72539 Pfronstetten-Aichelau
Mobile: +49 170 7288164, e-mail: stefan.weller_at_arnoldnextg.de
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New CEO for MAFI and TREPEL in Tauberbischofsheim
- Experienced vehicle manufacturer succeeds CEO Berger
- Successful with heavy-duty-tractors and ground support equipment
- Core competencies will be emphasized more strongly
A new CEO took over operational responsibility for MAFI Transport-Systeme GmbH in Tauberbischofsheim, Baden-Württemberg and TREPEL Airport Equipment GmbH, Wiesbaden, in November. Roland Hartwig (57) is a qualified mechanical engineer and recently CEO of one of Europe's largest manufacturers of trailers and semi-trailers, the Austrian Schwarzmüller Group. He replaces the previous CEO Werner Berger, who is retiring.
MAFI and TREPEL have been internationally known manufacturers of heavy-duty tractor units for seaports and transportation equipment for airfield logistics for decades. MAFI has helped shape the development of roll on/roll off sea transportation for vehicles, machines, containers and trailers since the 1950s. TREPEL is the world market leader for ground support equipment at airports. Both companies are part of the NDW Neckar Drahtwerke Group based in Eberbach.
The outgoing CEO Berger was at the helm of MAFI for more than 30 years and shaped the successful rise of the company during this time. The new CEO Hartwig spent most of his career in vehicle construction for logistics. He completed an apprenticeship as a machine fitter and then studied mechanical engineering at Regensburg University of Applied Sciences. He then worked for Linde Material Handling, recently as Vice President Operations and Head of Linde's parent plant in Aschaffenburg. Starting in 2016, Hartwig was CEO of the Schwarzmüller Group.
CEO HARTWIG: "WE WANT TO GROW!"
Hartwig will set his company up for growth: "The two brands MAFI and TREPEL have an excellent position on several continents, and with the TREPEL brand we are even the global market leader in the aviation sector." Despite the current difficult conditions, the CEO foresees good opportunities for growth thanks to the company's high performance: "Our strengths include the premium quality of our products and our flexibility in providing global support to our customers. We will use these capabilities even more intensely." A second area of focus involves the efficiency of the organizational structures. Hartwig: "The twobrand strategy is set, but the structures underlying its implementation could certainly benefit from more standardization."
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