Ahead of the conference sessions, delegates had the opportunity to get close to the latest trucks and pickups on display at the Truck and Fleet Confex. From rugged construction tippers to high-tech long-haul tractors and versatile light trucks, the line-up showcased the diversity of vehicles shaping the GCC’s transport and logistics landscape.
The day began with a guided walkround of vehicles, giving fleet operators, manufacturers and industry partners the chance to inspect some of the most significant trucks currently on the market. Each demonstration underlined the innovation driving performance, safety, and sustainability in the region.
Kicking off the walkround was Goodyear’s Product and Technical Manager, Fadi El Karmi. Previewing his later conference presentation he told the visitors that the Goodyear product portfolio now includes a suite of digital solutions that bring tyre monitoring and management into the connected fleet ecosystem.
El Karmi demonstrated innovations such as Tire Optics, a mobile app-based inspection tool; DrivePoint, a gate-based system that automatically reads tyre pressures as trucks pass through; and CheckPoint, a laser-equipped station that measures tread life, load and tyre pressure in seconds. These systems are supported by Goodyear’s TPMS, offering predictive algorithms that can forecast pressure loss before it causes a breakdown, all visualised, as he demonstrated during the conference, through the FleetHub platform, which allows fleet managers to see the real-time status of every tyre across their operation.
A major highlight was the was the Ford F-Line 4142 XD, an 8×4 Euro 6 construction truck configured as a Hardox steel tipper. Powered by a 12.7L Ecotorq engine producing 420 PS, the Ford demonstrated its heavy-duty credentials with features such as shock-absorbent suspension, engine protection systems and wide-angle mirrors for safe maneuverability on construction sites. Its day cab design highlighted the balance of operator comfort with practical durability, marking it as a solid workhorse for demanding applications.
The showcase continued with the Scania R500 Super, representing the manufacturer’s most advanced and efficient combustion-engine powertrain to date. With its 8% fuel savings and industry-leading emissions control, the Scania Super has been designed to deliver on both sustainability and performance. Delegates were able to experience first-hand how the model sets a new standard in heavy-duty and long-haul transport, with Scania making the case that even within the era of New Energy Vehicles, there is still space for advanced ICE technology to play a pivotal role in fleet operations.
Chinese manufacturer Dongfeng added further variety to the line-up with two models designed for regional versatility. The Dongfeng Double Cabin Pick Up 4×4 AT drew attention for its rugged build, well-suited for both commercial and recreational use, while the Dongfeng 6×4 TH Tractor highlighted the brand’s push into long-haul and heavy-duty markets. The tractor underlined Dongfeng’s ambition to expand its role in GCC fleets, providing operators with new options in both performance and value.
The exhibition highlighted not only the strength of traditional segments such as tippers and tractors, but also the diversity of choice available to GCC operators as fleets look to balance efficiency, safety and sustainability. By walking around these trucks, delegates were able to connect the themes of the conference — from digitalisation to decarbonisation — with the real-world hardware that will define the road ahead.
