118 2015 Working in the present, thinking of the future While launching contemporary products, road equipment manufacturers search for materials and technologies to be applied in the future, and create concept trailers and semitrailers. Most of the time concept cars impress visitors of specialized fairs both for their beauty as for their content. Similarly, they attract engineers, students and professionals of the automotive industry in general for their design innovations, and technology and raw material improvements. That is why they are so well considered by the specialized press reports. Road implements sector also presents its concepts to market. “And public has different reactions. While some of them want to know, to understand, and to discuss the launching, most of them wait for the concept to be consolidated first, and then show interest afterwards, “says Lauro Pastre, Industrial Director of Pastre. According to João Manuel Lago de Carvalho Cardoso, national sales manager of Metalesp, the company “eventually” develops a concept product and takes the opportunity to innovate, using “ materials not so common for a given implement line”. Industries invest in “trial” products to assess reactions from the consumer market - acceptance - as well as inputs and technologies applicability. They are, in practice, testing for the future. From this perspective, João Manual reminds that product success is down to the lightness of the material. In his opinion, “The trend is to choose everything that helps reducing weight,”. The Director of Pastre also talks about lightness and resistance of material, however, adds to the list: “Larger use of air suspension, on-board weighing systems, single tires, disc brake and other”. Apart from exceptional situations, industries maintain a regular release rhythm in order to expand, innovate or reshape the line. Pastre keeps a historical average of 2 products per year. The Metalesp presents a new product each two years, plus annual updates on all models. Although they have their industrial secrets, the executives reveal their routes and facts that give rise to their releases. “We have multiple sources that show the way to new models or improvements, ranging from customer and market information to research of all our team,” says João Manuel. Pastre seeks innovation during visits to fairs abroad, through customers’ suggestions, as well as its Director’s perception. The natural path begins with the “idea”, and continues with “presentation, feasibility analysis, prototype fabrication, testing, validation and release”, says the Director of Pastre. The manager of Metalesp says, “From product meetings, we move on to projects, suppliers’ development, pilot item production and finally, tests and follow-up”. Although relying on their own methodologies, they confess the new truck models also influence the creation of road equipment. “That is right, because we have to keep pace with the technology used on trucks in order to apply them to implements”, says Lauro Pastre. João Manuel also points out that heavy vehicles settings directly impact the Metalesp projects “with regard to maneuverability and load distribution”. A road implement does not happen overnight. Even after deciding to carry on the project and to start working on it, the period from conception to birth varies from two to three years, in Metalesp, going through research, development, testing, launch and adjustments. Lauro Pastre says it takes “six months at best”. During this period, it passes by “computer test and practical test by the factory”. João Manuel ensures that all releases of Metalesp, in addition to a set of internal simulations, undergo practical tests “in operations of partner customers”. He believes that during actual operation the company gets the best results. Unlike most cars that are created just to impress, concept implements could become a regular line for the manufacturer. It’s up to the user to decide whether the product reaches the market. Tecnologia Technology
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