Anuário da Indústria de Implementos Rodoviários 2019

73 O ptimistic about the continued growth of the heavy-duty vehicle market this year, component suppliers are stepping up investments in new technologies and increased capacity. Wabco, for example, introduced earlier this year an ABS system with anti-roll system, in addition to the measurement of axle weight, also incorporated in ABS. Another supplier, Braslux, promises innovation in embedded electronics and has invested in expansion of its plant to meet future market demand. Knorr-Bremse, which makes brake systems for heavy vehicles and trains, also invests continuously in innovation, according to the sales manager at its trailer division, Antônio Silva. He prefers not to reveal the projects underway but says new products from abroad have been coming to Brazil in shorter timeframes. In the case of Wabco, the ABS system with anti-roll is being launched here and in Europe and the United States at the same time. “Fleet testing of the product has started,” says the CEO of Wabco South America, Reynaldo Contreira. Contreira says the recession from 2014 and 2016 led to technological advances in the sector. “You enter a crisis one way and you leave another. What we see today is a very strong trend for more quality products. We are headed towards smart trailers,” he says. Contreira says Wabco, as a top-of-the-line manufacturer, benefits from this trend. “Sales to the implements industry accounted for only 1% of our revenues at the beginning of this decade and currently account for 12%. Last year, we grew by 10% more than the market.” The CEO forecasts growth of 15% to 20% in the truck market for Wabco in 2019.”Perhaps the implement segment will grow less because the trend, especially for the second half of the year, is for increased demand for small and medium models that do not use semi-trailers.” A pioneer in heavy-duty ABS, the company began in Brazil producing brakes in the 1980s and then started to provide systems focused on safety and energy efficiency. Ten years ago, says Contreira, the electronics industry in Brazil was just beginning, and that has been gradually changing: “There’s still a lot that is imported, but we aim to produce as much locally as possible. Whenever a product reaches critical mass, we make it here. It’s worth remembering that five years ago we imported ABS and now we produce it here. “ Lighting Braslux, a manufacturer of lighting systems, electrical systems and injected technical parts and a pioneer in the development of automotive LEDs, has expanded its market share in the Brazilian market. CEO Maurício Balbinot says that the company has gained market share in recent years mainly because it has innovated in the midst of crisis. “We took advantage of the period to modernize our facilities and expand production capacity. We adopted this strategy to get out of the crisis alive and stronger,” says the executive. The company also diversified, serving the agricultural and construction machinery markets with a line of headlights. In addition, it expanded its business in the aftermarket and exports, serving countries in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Both Braslux’s electric and lighting systems are supplied in kits, making assembly and maintenance easier. Braslux, says Balbinot, has launched new, more robust product lines which, in addition to contributing to lower customer costs, have also led to higher maintenance savings. “We migrated from common harnesses to armored ones, that have a modulation concept and are much more resistant”. With respect to 2019, Balbinot estimates heavy equipment sales growth of around 10% to 20%.”The indices estimated by the manufacturers are different, ranging from 5% to 25%. We are betting on an average percentage,” says the executive, noting that Braslux intends to continue gaining market share. Knorr-Bremse’s trailer sales manager, Antônio Silva, also believes the heavy-duty market will grow this year, but notes that the company is still somewhat conservative. “We need reforms, especially in pensions, so that the economy can grow and investors return to Brazil,” he says. In any case, he says demand from implement makers earlier this year signals a better 2019 than 2018. Regarding technological advances in the heavy-vehicle sector, Silva says that manufacturers are still the main drivers. Knorr- Bremse invests continuously in new products in Brazil. “The manufacturers have global platforms and cannot have a big gap between countries,” he says. According to Silva, there used to be a fifteen-year gap between a new launch abroad and its coming to Brazil. “Today it is different. Just look at Euro 6 legislation which comes into force here in 2024 - just four to five years after rollout abroad.” Towards smart implements Suppliers are investing in new technologies focused on safety, efficiency and cost reduction