The tendency in creating new truck and articulated vehicle designs indicates that, while improving comfort, safety and the environment, manufacturers also seek to increase vehicle efficiency by: increasing capacity and speed; reducing operating costs; and adapting vehicles to various types of operation. While attempting to realise these trends, manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles, with maximum permissible axle loads, have generally arrived at the 'forward-control' cab arrangement for international and interurban haulage. The article considers the possibility of increasing the efficiency of classically arranged roadtrains and details a new concept in the production ofsuch types of vehicle built in accordance with the modular principle.
Abstract