Keeping cool in KSA

Juffali Commericial Vehicles (JCV) and KONVEKTA have formed a new partnership in Saudi Arabia to help professional drivers stay comfortable even in the heay of summer.

With temperatures in some parts of Saudi Arabia expected to once again near 50OC over the next few months, finding ways to keep cool are essential.

However, Alexandru Cretu, National Service Director, Juffali Commercial Vehicles (JCV) tells T&FME that there is a growing awareness among Saudi fleets that the traditional method of simply keeping the engine running is neither efficient, economic or as desirable as it once was. This led to JCV reaching out to the market for new ways to keep drivers comfortable even in the most extreme conditions – and it found the answer with a European firm at the leading edge of air conditioning (AC) technology KONVEKTA.

The firm’s recently formalised partnership with the German manufacturer offers a fresh and efficient approach to tackling driving in the heat. Cretu explains that the event expands and improves on what is already provided in the market.

“This will be the newest edition to our extensive collection of products we offer in our commercial vehicle sector,” he adds.

The Schwalmstadt-based specialist in mobile air-conditioning develops and produces its own AC systems for a wide range of buses, electric vehicles, rail vehicles and cooling systems for tempered transports as well as construction and agricultural machinery.

Like JCV, they are determined to actively work towards a better future by providing customers with sustainable technology, as well as providing environmentally friendly units to help play their part in creating a better future.

KONVEKTA climate solutions represent the best in the development of technological competence which has been demonstrated in hundreds of projects for major transport and manufacturing companies. With its range, spanning from coaches, mini or midi buses, articulated, urban, interurban, hybrid or electric buses, KONVEKTA has consistently delivered high quality work whilst ensuring your vehicle with low life-cycle costs, as well as ongoing trust and reliability, says Cretu.

It is also a true innovator within the highly specialised field of vehicle AC. The company has developed the very first vehicle air conditioning system that operates as a heat pump with the environmentally friendly refrigerant CO2 (R744).

Effectively operating separately from the main vehicle engine, the Konvekta CO2 pump systems have been available on the market successfully as a series product since 2018. Already in use across Europe in countries such as Sweden, the UK and Italy, CO2 heating and AC systems from KONVEKTA arrive in Saudi Arabia having proven their efficiency and economy over millions of kilometres.

“As a business we always aim to provide the best possible products for the market we operate in. As it turns out the market, we operate in can get quite hot!” Says Cretu. “Which is why AC units are so essential in keeping the wheels turning. For the cabin to stay cool many vehicle operators choose to keep the engine running.

“KONVEKTA runs on a separate engine which allows the cabin to stay cool, whilst retaining engine longevity, reducing fuel wastage, and subsequently enhancing quality of life for drivers, therefore reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” he explains. “Not only does this lower the cost for owners, but it also aligns with the Saudi vision 2030, as well as our own, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and work toward a better and more sustainable future.”

With the partnership heating up, a spokesperson for KONVEKTA tells T&FME that it is extremely excited with this new partnership, “considering JIPCO’s outstanding reputation in the kingdom and excellent facilities we believe this relationship will excel.”

Heiko Schulze, CEO, JCV adds: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with KONVEKTA. Together we can help each other achieve greater heights and provide a better experience for customers in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, JCV and KONVEKTA share the same aim in developing a more sustainable future.

“Similar to Mercedes-Benz, KONVEKTA also follows in the trend of high-level German engineering with the commitment to bring the best possible product to the customers. Which is why they align so perfectly with our brand. With this partnership we intend to create value for our customers by creating a one-stop-shop experience, where they can get the best of trucks and buses, and now the best in AC with us.”

AC systems in city buses and coaches generally require little care, but they do still need regular maintenance. All AC systems leak refrigerant every year, for instance, and if they are not checked regularly, the performance of the system decreases significantly.

“With the potential for the build-up of bacteria, mould and viruses in the systems, thorough filter cleaning and servicing is a priority and should be part of routine maintenance. Cretu says that JCV will be stand ready to help fleets using KONVEKTA systems across the Kingdom, even when temperatures are at their peaks.

“Customer Service care is very important to us as a brand, being an experienced distribution partner, with our own service network allows us to act as a reputable service partner for KONVEKTA. This enables an opportunity for JCV to aid customers with any KONVEKTA systems repair necessary. This will be available for MCV buses, and all other brands sold by JCV. As a brand we’re super excited to welcome them as the newest, among a wide range of products related to commercial vehicles with JCV.”

He concludes: “We pride ourselves on our customer network and our ability to reach out to clients and we can’t wait to get in touch with them and tell them about this exciting new opportunity.”