The year 2021: Anniversaries, innovations and challenges

50 years of trailer production in Werlte, 25 years of Cool Liner, 1 millionth chassis number: In 2021, Krone celebrated three special anniversaries. In addition, the past year stands for a series of innovations that Krone was able to successfully introduce to the market, but also in connection with unprecedented market challenges. Despite many positive aspects, 2021 will always be associated with the serious effects of the corona pandemic. Bernhard Brüggen, CEO of the Krone Commercial Vehicle Group, describes the challenges: "Price developments and material availability in the market are constantly challenging. However, Krone is and will remain a reliable partner for all customers. Our order backlog already extends into 2023. We are currently exploring all possibilities to further increase our capacities in the coming year." The year 2021 started at Krone with the Europe-wide launch of the new spare parts brand Krone Trusted, which was extremely well received by the market. All Krone Trusted spare parts are available via the Krone spare parts online shop and can be delivered immediately. In the vehicle segment, Krone presented the new Mega Liner generation. The robust base, innovative details and a tare weight of less than 6,500 kg scored points in the market. The new Krone container chassis Box Liner eLTU 40 is characterised by versatility. It can be easily converted for the transport of one or two 20' boxes, a 40' or a 45' container. Another innovation highlight is the Krone Smart Collect Solar telematics unit, which runs autonomously and maintenance-free thanks to an integrated solar panel. The official inauguration of the Future Lab in Lingen underscored the high value placed on innovation at Krone. With innovative technologies and sophisticated test cycles, application scenarios can be simulated in the Future Lab so that development times for future vehicle generations can be significantly shortened. Another highlight in 2021 is the strategic partnership between Trailer Dynamics and Krone in the development of an electrified eMega Liner. Already during the first test drives, a prototype of this new vehicle generation was able to achieve diesel and CO2 emission reductions of over 20 percent. On this basis, Dr Frank Albers, Managing Director Sales & Marketing, sees exciting prospects for 2022: "For Krone, the focus is particularly on the IAA Transportation, which will take place in Hanover in September. Here we will present our forward-looking innovations on the topics of digitalisation, electrification and sustainability on a large scale and are already looking forward to the direct exchange with our customers.