PRESS RELEASE

November 26, 2024

CHECKER FLAG LEASING DELIVERS THE FIRST TICO ELECTRIC TERMINAL TRACTOR IN CANADA TO GROUPE MORNEAU

Quebec City, November 19th, 2024 – Checker Flag Leasing, an O’Dwyer Group company and distributor of TICO terminal tractors in Eastern Canada, is proud to announce the delivery of the very first TICO PRO-SPOTTER ELECTRIC tractor in the country to Groupe Morneau. Production of the PRO-SPOTTER EV began in 2023, and results from a partnership between TICO and the Volvo Group, which provides the electric drive technology. This first electric terminal tractor is based at the Quebec City facilities of Groupe Morneau’s temperature-controlled carrier, Borea.

Key speakers from VOLVO, Vision Truck Group, TICO Eastern Canada, and Signature Electric will discuss the state of the electric vehicle market and its fast development in the transportation sector.  Attendees will also experience firsthand the power and efficiency of electric trucks in real-time during the demonstrations.

The Pro-Spotter EV Terminal Tractor’s electric powertrain was designed to reduce overall weight, deliver faster acceleration, instant torque and improved efficiency. The two battery packs are placed between the chassis rails, providing operators with a spacious cabin, while the Volvo Group’s two-speed automated transmission provides smooth, quiet shifting, improved comfort and a better overall driving experience.

« Our goals are ambitious, and we are continuing our plan to electrify our fleet,” says Catherine Morneau, co-president of Groupe Morneau. “And for us, a terminal tractor is a good application for the electrification of our fleet. »

The Morneau Group is not new to the energy transition, with the acquisition three years ago of Volvo’s first electric VNR tandem axle road tractor.

“Groupe Morneau appreciates the fast recharge time, from 0 to 100% in just 45 minutes,” explains Jacques Labrosse, account manager at Checker Flag Leasing. “Since a terminal tractor is often required to operate 24/7, this is an important benefit. And the Pro-Spotter EV comes with the same features that make TICO terminal tractors successful, like its automatic air rear door and its large, quiet cab.”

The partnership between Groupe Morneau and Checker Flag Leasing / TICO dates back several years. And since Groupe Morneau’s Quebec facility is already equipped with a charging infrastructure, the choice of this location for this first Pro-Spotter EV tractor was obvious.

“In addition, we already have experience with the Volvo electric powertrain in our VNR EV, which is also based in Quebec City”, says Catherine Morneau. 

To learn more about TICO Pro-Spotter EV, visit us at www.ticotractors.ca or contact:

Jacques Labrosse, Account manager
Checker Flag Leasing Inc.
Phone: 514-777-4277
Email: jacques.labrosse@checkerflag.ca  

Daniel Ianniciello, Account manager
Checker Flag Leasing Inc.
Phone: 438-836-4202
Email: daniel.ianniciello@checkerflag.ca  

About Checker Flag Leasing 

Checker Flag Leasing, part of the O’Dwyer Group, buys, sells, rents, and leases transport trailers and trailer equipment from all manufacturers, and is the premier dealer for TICO Terminal Tractors across Central & Eastern Canada. Serving the cold chain and logistics industry for over 30 years, Checker Flag’s core competence in the food handling and temperature control delivers unique value-added transport equipment solutions for Canadian Top 100 Private Carriers and For-Hire fleets.