Officially launching this month, Custom Air Group’s new generation systems are unlike any other product before it.
A fully integrated control Interface, it features a 7-inch LCD touch screen custom installed within the sleeper cab and the ability to Bluetooth control everything through your smart phone. As well as remotely controlling the cabin’s temperature, the app allows you to control a range of other functions including the digital television, cabin lighting, microwave, 240v inverter and more.
As Custom Air general manager Mark Shepherdley explained, “We’re moving away from the old analogue type of system and very much into the digital age. There is nothing else like our new climate-controlled interface available in the current market.
“You can remotely or locally start and stop the Custom Air, set auto mode or manually adjust the cabin temperature and lighting, turn your TV or inverter on, you can even fully control your ancillary diesel heater.
“The system also does all of its own diagnostics, as opposed to previous versions, which required technicians to physically check and diagnose any technical issues.”
Mark says Custom Air first moved into sleeper cabin air conditioning systems around 12 years ago, continuing to develop and refine their systems along the journey. “The latest extension of Custom Air’s innovation is the new Signature Series control interface that’s about to hit the market.”
Based in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Custom Air specialises in heavy vehicle sleeper cab air conditioning systems and customised interior cabin fit outs.
The brand’s sought-after air conditioning systems are designed, engineered and manufactured in-house at the Somerton facility, all powered by Kubota Series engines.
Images: Custom Air
Custom Air is owned and operated by Justin and Jacqui Liddelow, who acquired the business in November 2022. Since then, it has seen phenomenal growth. In just over two years, Custom Air has more than doubled its output of air conditioning systems and cabin interior customisations. And, more recently, the business expanded its presence into Brisbane, with a second Custom Air site opening in the suburb of Rocklea.
“Queensland has always been a big market for us with strong dealer and client support,” added Mark. “It would represent the same amount of air conditioning installations as we do at the factory down here in Melbourne. So, we’ve moved away from a distributor model in Brisbane and we’re now there with our own facility branded Custom Air Queensland, and managed by Kurt Dorant alongside his technical team.
“Our Melbourne business has predominantly worked alongside Paccar and the Kenworth distribution dealers throughout Australia with the factory being based in Bayswater. In Queensland we are also very fortunate to be affiliated with brands such as Volvo, Mack, Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner and Western Star trucks to name a few, alongside the Kenworth and DAF dealers.”
Mark revealed that the new Signature Series control interface has been about two years in development. “The product is in its infancy, but we have several prototype units out there on the road and they’ve been working beautifully,” said Mark.
“Another six new generation units have just gone out and we’re getting fantastic user feedback. We also have 17 trucks lined up to be fitted with the system during August/September. It’ll be a gradual transition from the older unit to our new generation Signature Series.”
At the Somerton factory, approximately 38 full time technical staff work on every aspect of the assembly, production and installation process, using state-of-the-art machinery and equipment.
The Somerton facility features six bays for air conditioning installations and a further three bays for sleeper cabin customisation. Queensland features eight installation and service bays.Currently, Custom Air Group employs over 45 full time staff across two states. Internally it averages about 75 full A/C and cabin fit-outs a month, alongside product distribution throughout Australia and NZ, utilising its authorised sub dealer network.
“Custom Air Melbourne used to be predominantly air conditioning installations, with the occasional bunk fit-out. Now that’s completely changed,” said Mark.
“Obviously fatigue management is a big deal here in Australia today. Our bunk customisation consists of additional factory look and trimmed storage cupboards/shelves, fridges, digital smart TVs, microwaves, 240-volt power inverters, heating systems, LED lighting upgrades and even ducted vacuum systems.”
Mark says the ducted vacuum systems are growing in popularity, especially in higher end installs. “They are becoming more sought after, as the dirt can be sucked up instead of blown around the cabin floor. We aren’t doing hundreds of them yet, but we certainly have a good reputation for them.”
Sleeper cab customisation is also experiencing growth at the Brisbane facility. “There haven’t been as many cabin fit-outs up there in Brisbane as we traditionally complete in Melbourne, but it’s certainly an area that we’re promoting and one that’s growing rapidly,” Mark added.
Phone Mark and Justin today on 03 9305 4055 to discuss the new range of Signature Series cabin customisation and automation.