The Krone logo is omnipresent on the roads. Anyone involved in the commercial vehicle sector has associated the name with trailers, semi-trailers and swap bodies for decades. That is precisely where the company's origins lie, that is the core of the business. But this core is no longer the whole story.
A much broader system world has gradually developed around the classic product, which does not view the trailer in isolation, but as part of an overall operational context. The starting point remains clearly defined. Trailers and semi-trailers are the foundation on which everything is built. They shape the company's self-image, technical expertise and proximity to practical applications. At the same time, however, there is a growing awareness that the economic benefit for the customer does not lie solely in the vehicle itself. The decisive factor is how reliably, predictably and efficiently this vehicle can be used throughout its entire service life.
In the commercial vehicle sector, the technical basis is crucial. A semi-trailer must be robust, durable and economical. These requirements have always been the benchmark. Trailers, swap bodies and different semi-trailer variants are therefore not just products, but an expression of a deep understanding of transport processes. This understanding is a prerequisite for adding further services in a meaningful way. Only those who are familiar with the stresses and strains of everyday life can develop services that actually help. Proximity to the product ensures that additional offers do not remain abstract, but are based on real operating conditions.
Over time, a significantly expanded range of services has developed around the trailer. The aim is to offer customers support where uncertainties, cost risks or organisational effort arise. This is not about providing comprehensive support at any price, but rather services that actually add value to the business. Warranty extensions are just as much a part of this as comprehensive insurance concepts. The idea behind this is simple: the more calculable the risks, the more stable the fleet operations. Downtime, unexpected repairs or quality issues have a direct impact on costs and planning. Service offerings address precisely these points.
Faircare is a central element of this service world. It is an all-round protection concept designed to give customers security throughout the entire period of use. At its core, it is about reducing risks and increasing predictability. If damage occurs or components fail, a clearly defined protection mechanism kicks in. This approach is particularly relevant for fleet operators. The larger the fleet, the greater the impact of individual unplanned events. A standardised protection concept simplifies processes, reduces administrative effort and creates confidence in the operational cost basis.
In addition to insurance and warranty offers, spare parts play a central role. They are a classic but indispensable business area. For operators, it is crucial to have quick and reliable access to suitable components in the event of repairs. At the same time, quality is paramount. Inferior parts lead to consequential damage, longer downtimes and higher overall costs. The availability of tested spare parts is therefore more than just a logistical service. It is part of a quality promise that ensures the economic operation of the trailer. This consistency pays off, especially in the tough everyday transport environment.
Telematics solutions mark a significant step beyond traditional services. They open up a new perspective on the trailer as a source of data. Position, condition and usage can be digitally recorded and evaluated. This makes the trailer transparent and controllable, even from a distance. For fleet operators, this means a new form of control. Trailers can be located, downtimes can be analysed and processes can be better coordinated. Telematics is not an end in itself, but a tool for optimisation. It helps to use resources more efficiently and to better understand processes.
Digital services build on this data. They provide evaluations, overviews and a basis for decision-making. Where are the trailers located, how are they being used, where are bottlenecks or unnecessary idle times occurring? Such questions can be answered much more precisely with data than with manual methods. These digital offerings are deliberately intended as a supplement. They do not replace the physical product, but rather expand its usefulness. The trailer remains the centrepiece, with digital services providing additional information.
The claim to accompany customers from start to finish is deliberately formulated in a pragmatic way. Not everything that is possible is automatically useful. The decisive factor is the specific benefit. Services are offered where they simplify processes, reduce risks or create transparency. This holistic view also changes the relationship between manufacturer and operator. Pure product delivery becomes a longer-term partnership. The trailer is no longer just a capital good, but part of a continuously supported system.
Despite increasing diversity, the focus remains clear. Quality is central, as is the reliability of the services offered. Digital solutions, service packages and security concepts must prove themselves in everyday use. Only then do they justify their integration into the business. The transition from a traditional trailer manufacturer to a comprehensive system world is not a break with the past, but a logical further development. The origins in vehicle construction remain visible, but are complemented by services that make trailer operation more efficient and predictable overall.