K-ARRAY, together with Simai SpA, Milan-based, 100% Made in Italy company specialized in the manufacture and sale of electric tractors and flatbed transporters and one of the leading companies in the sector, have teamed up during the emergency linked to the Covid-19 pandemic for a shared project.

From the partnership between these two companies of rare excellence, CRICKET PE30 was born: the first fully electric vehicle with a professional audio speaker setup for any occasion. The official launch is scheduled for the month of July, but in the meantime the two companies have anticipated renderings of the project to the press.

An innovative solution able to offer an effective means for entities operating in the world of live music events who are required to reinvent themselves in terms of services and products during these difficult and unprecedented times.

Simai offers 3 pre-configured audio setups employing K-ARRAY | Unique Audio Solutions with focus on: classical music, pop/rock music and clubbing music. K-array brand products are distinguished by:
• High efficiency, to minimize the amount of electricity needed to drive the loudspeakers
• Maximum control of the acoustic directivity thanks to cutting-edge technology, such as Pure Array Technology and Electronic Beam Steering which can direct the sound beam towards the audience minimizing the amount of energy dispersed towards undesired areas
• Resistance to outdoor elements, such as rain and snow
• High quality listening, even at low sound pressure levels

While the features that render the CRICKET PE30 unique for this initiative are:
• 100% electric with latest generation technology, which solves the problem of accessing in historic centers or limited traffic zones that generally prohibit heavy traffic;
• Reduced dimensions (1,560mm width, 3,825mm length, 1,900mm height) which allow you to enter even in very narrow alleys;
• Always within reach (3,000 kg payload and 8,000 kg towing capacity).

Massimiliano Bariola, Managing Director of Simai SpA defines the winning project:
“We immediately accepted a role in this innovative project proposed by K-array, as it will allow the Simai brand to position itself within the niche of live entertainment and musical events in general. In K-array we have found a partner with our same enthusiasm and spirit of adaptation to difficulty despite the current situation. And this special project – precisely within the context of social distancing and proximity to urban areas which are the most difficult to reach and travel – will provide maximum performance in terms of both mobility and sound.”

SIMAI CRICKET PE30 vehicles will be marketed with short and long-term rental solutions by Toyota Material Handling Italia Srl. Simai was in fact acquired by Toyota Material Handling Europe in 2016, giving this company a more international aspect and more means to develop its potential and enter new markets. In the same way, by acquiring Simai, Toyota was able to integrate electric tractors and flatbed transporters into its fleet.

Leonardo Salcerini, CEO of Toyota Material Handling Italia Srl, says:
“A distinctive feature of the Italian DNA is knowing how to reorganize, reinvent and have the ability to find the right formulas to overcome difficulty. The initiative promoted by Simai and K-array is placed precisely in this context: Cricket is a simple, yet dynamic and complete solution that can be a valid solution for the world of entertainment, among the most affected sectors by the health emergency, and can subsequently meet challenges presented in other applications. Furthermore, the vehicles used are produced in Milan and are electric, strengthening our commitment in terms of sustainability and respect for the environment. Toyota Material Handling Italia, contributes with commitment to the project, making its commercial network available for rental, vehicle assistance and operator training throughout the country.”

Stefano Zaccaria, VP of Sales & Marketing of K-ARRAY, commented:
“The expectations in regard to the solution have been amply rewarded by the interest of the main operators in the events sector, who have immediately shown that they like the mix of advantages offered by the initiative. It is the first fully electric vehicle intended for this use. We immediately convinced ourselves that thinking about a solution capable of guaranteeing a slow, safe and eco-sustainable movement would have been a win, though unconventional. Right from the initial design stages, we wanted to design solutions capable of meeting the expectations of our customers, mainly small and medium-sized rentals, who in turn support the events of supporting DJs and solo performers.”

Andrea Torelli, Marketing Communications Manager of K-ARRAY, tells why the Simai PE30 medium with this audio configuration is called Cricket:
“The sense of well-being that is observed sitting in an open field, especially after so many days of forced enclosures, is completed by the song of the crickets which, even more than before, takes on a meaning of freedom. Sound proves to be decisive for the quality of our lives, even more so if it also assumes a culturally important role. We then simply drew inspiration from Jiminy Cricket, the same one that speaks to Pinocchio, impersonating the voice of conscience, wisdom and common sense, but also the inner voice, the one that leads to deeper and more intimate reflections. Similarly, our modern Cricket transports music of all genres around cities, streets, streets and squares, to give hope, comfort, entertainment, relief, to overcome fear and uncertainty. Music is, but not only, a talking cricket that divulges culture.”