[UJ Group Redefines Logistics] Launch of EV Truck Sales Business 'NOVEL DRIVE'

UJ Group (Ushijima Co., Ltd., CEO: Toyoharu Ushijima), a comprehensive truck service provider, is pleased to announce the launch of its new EV truck sales business, 'NOVEL DRIVE,' with full-scale service provision starting today.

Background: Why is UJ Group venturing into EV trucks now?

Currently, the logistics industry is in a transitional period towards carbon neutrality. Meanwhile, soaring fossil fuel prices due to tense global situations pose a serious risk that threatens business foundations.

Revising an energy structure that is susceptible to such external factors and diversifying energy sources by shifting to electricity is a strategic choice to enhance business predictability.

Leveraging its accumulated expertise in comprehensive truck services, UJ Group is launching 'NOVEL DRIVE,' an EV truck solution that balances practicality and economy, to help maintain a sustainable logistics infrastructure even in this era of rapid change.

The Concept of 'NOVEL DRIVE'

The brand name 'NOVEL DRIVE' embodies the spirit of a 'Novel' challenge, unbound by conventional logistics wisdom, and the determination to powerfully 'Drive' the future forward.

In addition to reducing environmental impact, by combining it with our unique maintenance network, we simultaneously achieve operational cost optimization for adopting companies and an improved working environment for drivers.

The Three Values Provided by 'NOVEL DRIVE'

・ Total Management Support From consulting on the installation of charging facilities, which is a challenge when introducing EV trucks, to proposing the use of subsidies and providing after-sales maintenance, we offer one-stop support by leveraging our group's network.

・ Stabilization and Optimization of Energy Costs By shifting from volatile fossil fuels to 'electricity,' which has relatively stable price fluctuations and is easier to manage, we minimize the risk of fuel cost volatility and stabilize medium- to long-term financial planning. Furthermore, since structurally simple EV trucks do not require the replacement of engine-related consumables, the total cost of ownership (LCC: Life Cycle Cost) can be significantly reduced.

・ Refreshing the Image of Logistics This goes beyond merely replacing vehicles. We aim to dispel the negative image associated with the logistics industry, support the transition to a clean and advanced business model, and back corporate efforts towards achieving carbon neutrality. Additionally, the quiet operation of EV trucks resolves noise issues during late-night and early-morning deliveries, accelerating coexistence with local communities.

Novel Drive Official Website

Future Outlook

'To keep the world's flow uninterrupted.'

Through 'NOVEL DRIVE,' UJ Group will continue to support transport operators facing the great era of change called carbon neutrality, from both a practical and economic standpoint. We will start by strengthening our support system for a successful first year of implementation and create a 'new way of driving' where the environment and business can coexist.

▼ 'NOVEL DRIVE' EV Truck Sales Business Official Website

https://novel-drive.com/

(For inquiries about available vehicle models, subsidies, etc., please visit here)

About UJ Group

UJ Group, with Ushijima Co., Ltd. at its core, is a comprehensive service company that supports the entire lifecycle of a truck, from vehicle procurement to advanced maintenance and body fabrication, and even recycling. Under the mission 'To keep the world's flow uninterrupted,' the group is currently pursuing the sustainability of logistics infrastructure through the development of the next-generation EV truck business, 'NOVEL DRIVE.'

[Main Business Structure of the Group]

UJ Group supports truck operation and the future of logistics through the close collaboration of four specialized companies across seven business areas.

● Vehicle Supply & Next-Generation Mobility From selling new and used trucks to supporting the introduction of the latest EV trucks, we provide multifaceted support for optimal vehicle procurement for our customers' businesses.

● Maintenance & Fabrication to Support Operation From vehicle inspections and general maintenance with advanced technology, to custom body fabrication for specialized vehicles according to use, we maximize truck uptime.

● Flexible Operation & Advertising Utilization In addition to truck rentals and short-term leases, we propose new value in vehicle utilization, such as mobile advertising and events with trucks equipped with LED vision screens.

● Circular Solutions & Parts Supply From purchasing used trucks to proper dismantling at our own factory and producing high-quality recycled parts, we achieve both a reduction in repair costs and a suppression of environmental impact.

[Group Representative Company]

Ushijima Co., Ltd. (CEO: Toyoharu Ushijima)

Location: 377-10 Murooka, Yame-shi, Fukuoka 834-0066

Official Website: https://truck-uj.com/