Gruber Logistics about to revolutionise the transport industry
Gruber Logistics from South Tyrol was by its own account the first European company to order, a few weeks after its official launch on the American market, the 40-tonne hydrogen-powered truck for international transports. The vehicle is a Nikola 3, and was produced by the Nikola Motor Company, an American company dedicated to the production of alternative fuel vehicles.
“As an owner-managed family business with headquarters in a natural environment such as South Tyrol, we have always strived to promote a more sustainable mobility. 2019 has been a particularly profitable year for us: we have, in fact, extended our fleet with LNG-powered trucks (liquefied natural gas) and planned the complete renewal of our fleet. We have been waiting for the arrival of an hydrogen-powered truck on the European market for a long time, and now with Nikola 3 we have finally found the answer to our needs “- says Martin Gruber, CEO GRUBER Logistics.
Hydrogen-powered vehicles do not emit any kind of harmful emissions, but only water vapor; they are also extremely quiet and particularly suitable for heavy transports because of their autonomy and power. Furthermore, compared to electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered trucks offer superior environmental benefits: in fact, they draw energy from fuel cells, thus eliminating the problems related to the production and disposal of batteries, which are instead essential for electric trucks.
South Tyrol has always been a pioneer in the field of sustainable mobility. This is demonstrated by the establishment of the Hydrogen Centre in Bozen South, which is considered one of the largest and most innovative in the world. “The Hydrogen Centre is the result of a successful partnership between the A22 “Autostrada del Brenner”o and the Institute for Technological Innovations (IIT) with the support of the Provincial Government and EU funds” – states Thomas Klauser, Director of Administration, Communication and Technology at the Center.
Together with the A22 the Hydrogen Centre set the goal of improving the life quality of the local communities, by promoting sustainable and innovative technologies. The partnership with Gruber Logistics helps to expand the hydrogen network in South Tyrol and, with the A22, along the Brenner corridor. “Together we will proceed with the planning of the necessary infrastructures to enable the transit of heavy vehicles along the Brenner axis,” adds Thomas Klausner.
Founded in 1936, Gruber Logistics, has 24 locations in Europe, Russia and China. Its more than 900 employees make it one of the most successful companies of its kind. They offer services for FTL and LTL transports, as well as intermodal transport, special and heav lift transport, project cargo including air and sea freight as well as warehouse logistics and industrial moves.
