The 2022 TMC Trucking Industry Show held last month in Christchurch was a great opportunity for many New Zealand truck drivers to discover first-hand the range of MAX-SAFE heavy vehicle safety solutions.
The two-day event was held on 25 – 26 November, with the first day being a trade only day, attended by 5000 people, and the second day a general public day, attended by 35,000 people.
SGESCO-MAX – known by our MAX-SAFE brand in New Zealand – exhibited along with our New Zealand distributor, AutoKraft Electrical and Diesel (AED). Both Directors of SGESCO-MAX – Scott McPherson, Managing Director, and Marc McPherson, Director of Research & Development – along with Gary Puklowski and Matt Rowe, Directors of AED were in attendance.
“We also donated a MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway Brake System, valued at $5,000 as the major prize to the Truck of the Show,” said Scott McPherson.
There were 478 trucks that entered the Show and Shine Competition, with the winner being Logan Mitchell from Brenics with his K200 Kenworth.
“It was an impressive show, and we were warmly welcomed,” said Scott. “With our presence in New Zealand being relatively recent, our focus was on showcasing our two flagship products that really ought to be standard on any heavy vehicle: the MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway Brake System and the MAX-SAFE Reverse Watch to address blind spots at the rear of the vehicle.”
These technologies were launched in 2000 and 2010 respectively and are used by over 15,000 heavy vehicles in Australia. They address the most common and preventable accidents that heavy vehicles are involved in, largely due to driver oversight or vehicle malfunction (in the case of a rollaway truck).
Scott said it was great to see safety being a major emphasis of the show and part of the educational message. The “Road Safety is everyone’s responsibility” and the “If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you,” were clearly displayed, continuing to highlight to all road users the importance of sharing the road safely and the blind spots that heavy vehicle drivers face.
Aside from the latest technology on display, the event included a careers’ showcase for school leavers and job-changers, as well as the NZ Truck Driving Championship sponsored by TR Group. This involved trucks in various classes competing across an unknown course demonstrating their truck driving prowess.
“It’s a great incentive for truck drivers to hone their skills and ensure they are up to date with truck driving regulations, and it was great to see so many young drivers and female drivers entering, said Scott. Funds from gate-takings saw money donated to a number of valued charities, highlighting the community spirit of the NZ Trucking Industry.
