The Kögel hybrid quick-opening mechanism wins the Trailer Innovation 2013 award

Hanover, 21st September2012

  • Winner of "Trailer Innovation 2013"
  • Considerable time saving when operating the tarpaulins
  • Large through-load width of over eleven meters
  • Innovative hybrid concepts: Opening and closing possible both pneumatically and conventionally
  • High quality with outstanding price to performance ratio

At the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover today, the new hybrid quick-opening mechanism developed by trailer manufacturer Kögel received the most important international award "Trailer Innovation 2013" in the supreme discipline "Body". This prize promotes outstanding ideas and new products in the trailer and bodywork sectors. Ten prominent European transport magazines advertise the prize.

The Jury considered that the Kögel hybrid quick-opening mechanism sets new standards in the area of pneumatic tarpaulin fastening. With its intelligent combination of frame and closing technology, the system allows reduction of handling time for opening and closing. In comparison with the conventional closing system of a trailer with DIN EN 12642 Code XL certification, the closing and opening times of the side tarpaulins are reduced considerably. The driver and the transport company are thus able to meet the requirements of the automotive and beverage industries for shorter loading times.

Engineering skill at Kögel makes this possible in less than 30 seconds – drawing the tarpaulin, tensioning with the winding shaft and the locking points close automatically via rotary switch. Opening is achieved in 36 seconds and takes place in reverse order, just the winding shaft needs to be released before actuating the switch.

Kögel relies on 19 clamping units per side, for better sealing between the framework and the tarpaulin, in contrast to the competition. The hooks are standard commercial components. Kögel is therefore offering a hybrid concept: Opening and closing possible both pneumatically and conventionally. In addition, for partial loading and unloading, the front and rear sections can be opened simply by hand in the normal way. Also, this means that a de-coupled trailer with de-pressurised air receiver remains available for use. Kögel uses a standard tarpaulin for the new hybrid quick-opening mechanism. This takes up only 1.90 metres in the closed condition. This means that the Kögel Cargo Trailer with quick-opening mechanism has a through-loading width of over eleven metres. The new Kögel quick-opening mechanism is also certified in accordance with DIN EN -12642 Code XL, including for beverages. With form-locked loads this means that additional load-securing is unnecessary, and this saves time as well. For use in the automotive sector, the Kögel hybrid quick-opening mechanism meets the requirements of the Daimler Guideline for load-securing 9.5.

"This recognition is the proof that we have achieved our highest objective in the development of the hybrid quick-opening mechanism", says Thomas Eschey, The Managing Director for Technology and Production at Kögel. "That objective is to substantially increase transport efficiency and thus provide lasting added value to the forwarding business."

The new Kögel hybrid quick-opening mechanism is available immediately for the Kögel Cargo at an outstanding value for money price. For the Kögel Mega it will be available in November 2012.

Photo: Kögel hybrid quick-opening mechanism

Your contact for any questions about this press release:

Volker Seitz

Head of Communication

Tel: + 49 82 85 88 – 12 3 06

Fax: + 49 82 85 88 – 12 4 24

Patrick Wanner

Public relations consultant

Tel: + 49 82 85 88 - 12 3 01

Fax: + 49 82 85 88 - 12 4 24

Kögel is one of the three leading semi-trailer manufacturers in Europe. Since its foundation in 1934 it has produced more than 500,000 vehicles. With its commercial vehicles and solutions for the forwarding and construction industries, the company can offer all the benefits of 75 years' worth of engineering quality "made in Germany". Since that time it has maintained its passion for transport and innovation, thus enabling it to offer proven long-lasting added value for freight forwarders. Company Headquarters and Main Production Facility of Kögel Trailer GmbH & Co. KG is in the Bavarian town of Burtenbach. In addition Kögel also has plants and premises in Neu-Ulm (Ger), Duingen (Ger), Chocen (Cz), Moscow (Rus), St. Petersburg (Rus) and in Turkey. By the efforts of its approximately 1,000 employees, it achieved a sales figure of about €250 million in 2011.

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