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Tachoblog’s Commercial Vehicle News Roundup 7.7.10

Tachoblog — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:37:17 +0000

Thanks, as always to the good folk at the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tachoblog can bring you a roundup of Commercial Vehicle news for this week…

Another award for TruckProtect

TruckProtect has picked up the prestigious Van Fleet World 2010 Security Award for its first-to-market range of van fuel anti-siphon devices (ASDs). “We’re proud to be presented with an award alongside global companies such as of Daimler, Iveco, VW and Ford,” says Russell Fowler, CEO at TruckProtect. “Our kits for Sprinter and Daily models are part of a wide range designed for what is a very important sector. The Van Fleet World Award joins the Killspills Safety Award “in our growing trophy cabinet.” Fowler says this is “further evidence” of TruckProtect’s “undisputed global market leadership” in the fuel theft prevention field.

More from Russell Fowler on r +44 (0)1 753 890 911 or russell.fowler@truckprotect.com

Click below for the rest of this week’s roundup…

June registrations: vans up again, trucks stable

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders just published June’s van and truck registration data. These show the total as 23,040, down 9.7% to 232,920 for the rolling year. Within that, there were 2,901 trucks, down 29.5% to 31,885 for the rolling year and 20,139 vans, down 5.4% to 201,035 for the rolling year. “Demand in the commercial vehicle market continues to show mixed fortunes,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “Van registrations are moving forward with another month of positive growth, but demand for trucks continues to lag behind the recovery. Road transport operators need to see the economic recovery continuing and get easier access to cash to help them invest in new vehicles.”

More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk

ULC truck strategy launched

The SMMT launched its Ultra Low Carbon Truck strategy at its International Automotive Summit in London last week. Martin Flach, product director at Iveco and a member of the SMMT’s truck technical committee outlined the strategy at a session led by Jonathan Murray of the LowCVP and including Simon Chapman, chief economist, at the FTA and Jack Semple, policy director at the RHA. Flach stressed the need for bureaucrats to measure truck fuel use and carbon emissions in relation to loads moved, rather than to distance. “We need to measure fuel use and CO2 per tonne kilometre if we are to be realistic and recognise trucks’ role in society.” Panellists Jason Vallint of AA DriveTech, Derek Beevor of Roadtech Computers and Dave Such of Ricardo will also contribute to the session, its debate and Q+A session.

More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk

Big bus outlook downbeat, coaches weak and unsettled

The SMMT just published June’s bus and coach registration data. These show big buses fell 36% and big coaches dropped 22%, but there was growth for 3.5 to 8.5t buses. “June saw big bus registrations fall as the sector continues in recession” so public spending cuts need careful aim “to avoid weakening already damp demand,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. For firms dependant on UK business “the outlook is downbeat; spring’s seasonal lift in big coaches was from a low base and didn’t last.” At least the 3.5 to 8.5t sector still shows a welcome growth trend. “Finally, good news comes from the government’s recent plan to spend £15m to help put more than 150 new low carbon buses to work in English bus fleets.”

More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk

RHA forces Home Office U-turn

The Road Haulage Association says that the UK Home Office has withdrawn a booklet on truck crime after questions the RHA’s magazine Roadway. The UK’s Serious and Organised Crime Association produced “Lorry Crime Prevention,” supposedly helped by the UK Border Agency. The magazine asked the Home Office how it could rate operators and drivers as victims of crime from illegal immigrants yet penalise them if they were so victimised. “Drivers who notify the authorities and are found to have illegal stowaways in their trucks immediately lay themselves open to investigation,” said Geoff Dunning, RHA boss, who says they risk punishment for being victims of crime.

More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.uk.net

Leyland Trucks wins MX Awards again

For the second straight year Leyland Trucks is the overall winner in the annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards, the MX Awards run by the UK’s Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The firm is the nation’s only volume truck maker, building Daf trucks for the UK and export. The MX Awards are the UK’s premier recognition scheme for manufacturers. This is the first time in the Awards’ 28-year history that the same firm has won for two successive years. “This is a highly competitive and very prestigious award scheme in which we were pitched against hundreds of manufacturing concerns across the UK, many of a world-class standard,” said Andrea Paver, MD. Leyland Trucks also won in the Business Development and Change category.

More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com

Weight Angel launches overload protection system

Weight Angel has launched its award-winning commercial vehicle overload and load shift prevention system in the UK. To tackle the significant rise in illegal vehicle overloading on the nation’s roads, Weight Angel uses a unique combination of sensors and advanced software to indicate both the load and any load shifting from inside the vehicle. Unlike other external systems, Weight Angel needs no more calibration after setup and can be fitted anywhere in the country in around an hour. The system uses the latest in Bluetooth technology to give users a visual indication as the vehicle is loaded via the wireless portable information pod. Prices start from £399.

More from Grant Morby on +44 (0)2 073 868 685 or grant.morby@weight-angel.com

TransLinc in 53 truck deal for Lincolnshire

TransLinc is delivering 53 Mitsubishi Canter box vans and tippers plus 4 Mercedes Axor 18 tonne three-way tippers for contractor May Gurney. The firm is using the new trucks for Lincolnshire Council’s Highways Division. They are on contact hire and maintenance deals and will do road maintenance and repair work; some have hydraulic cranes fitted to help handle heavy loads.

More from Martin Bayntun on +44 (0)1 628 526 208 or martin@nobull-communications.co.uk

EU transport ministers meet

The Week in Brussels reports that the UK’s Philip Hammond MP, was one the EU transport ministers meeting at the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council in Luxembourg recently. They talked about the role of transport in the Europe 2020 Strategy and the move to low-carbon transport, a strategic research agenda for transport technology and effective transport and logistics networks throughout the EU.

More from Alex Robinson on +44 (0)2 073 441 614 or arobinson@smmt.co.uk

Tachodisc to refresh operators

With all the focus on Driver CPC training, Tachodisc is launching a new two-day refresher course for CPC holders. The course will concentrate on key transport legislative areas, compliance issues and day-to-day business management procedures. “We created the new two-day refresher course specifically for Operator CPC holders that either took their qualification a number of years ago or who possibly obtained their qualification through acquired rights and therefore may not be fully conversant in all the legislative changes that have occurred over the last five years,” said Karen Crispe, director at Tachodisc. “Since 2005 the industry has seen so many legislative changes so the new Operator Refresher course will cover all of these and more.”

More from Samantha Stewart on +44 (0)1 746 763 576 or s.stewart@imagine-comms.co.uk

Keltruck to cut carbon

Scania dealer Keltruck plans further cuts to its carbon footprint as part of its Environmental Strategy 2010-2011. The firm says its 500 people, working to its ‘re-use, reduce, re-cycle mantra, will be the greatest contributors, though it has hired Inspire International UK Ltd to help improve environmental legal compliance and performance across all its 14 dealer sites. Keltruck is an Environment Agency Approved depollution centre and End of Life Directive vehicle dismantler. It has built a big domestic and export business based on recycled Scania parts.

More from Andrew Bentley on +44 (0)1 215 257 000 or andrew.bentley@keltruck.com

Dell shamed for late payment

The Forum of Private Business says it has put computer giant Dell into its late payment Hall of Shame after the firm extended the time it takes to pay suppliers by 15 days. According to the FPB Dell wrote to tell its ‘valued’ suppliers that it is ‘standardising’ its payment terms from 50 to 65 days from 10 July, citing ‘current economic conditions’ as the reason for the change. Dell joins Argos, United Biscuits and Carlsberg, all poor payers according to the Forum. It also says its recent research shows that 37% of late payers take between one and three months to pay, with more than £30bn owed to small firms in the UK.

More from Phil McCabe on +44 (0)1 565 626 019 or phil.mccabe@fpb.org

Vote on van CO2

The SMMT’s Week in Brussels reports that MEPs on the European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy and Transport committees voted to accept draft emission standards for new vans. Their opinions will go to the European Parliament’s Environment Committee that in turn, will vote on Martin Callanan, MEP’s draft report on 28 September, with further vote on 23 November 2010. Both groups want compulsory speed limiters on vans though each has different ideas on emissions limits.

More from Alex Robinson on +44 (0)2 073 441 614 or arobinson@smmt..co.uk

Lucketts tests GITI tyres

Lucketts Travel one of the leading coach hire companies in Hampshire offering a broad choice of leisure, business and educational transport for clients across the UK in addition to an extensive British and European holiday programme. Lucketts have been testing GT Radial within their fleet of 66 coaches serviced over the past 18 months and Engineering Director Mark Jordan, quotes “consistent reliable performance.” “With low road noise and consistent wear, drivers have reported no issues from the tyre change. “Feedback from the drivers is nothing but positive”

More from Peter Foulkes on +44 (0)1 612 661 172 or peter_foulkes@eu.giti.com

The joke’s on whom?

Have you heard the one about the aircraft pilot, the cyclist, the train driver, the caravanning pensioner and the bus driver? No? Well, you can if you pick up the August issue of Truck & Driver; you’ll find the story in which an example of each of those gets to have a go in a fully loaded 44-tonne Iveco Stralis. Each took a series of challenges including reversing and slalom exercises. Which person emerged as the best first-time truck driver? And which one ran over Jeremy Clarkson? Buy the August issue to find out, it’s in the shops now

More from Will Shiers on +44 (0)2 086 523 721 or will.shiers@rbi.co.uk

TruckProtect: First and Best in South Africa

For over three years, TruckProtect says it has led the way in South Africa with its range of fuel anti-siphon devices. “While the truck market is not the size of the UK, fuel theft is a large problem in the country,” says Russell Fowler, TruckProtect’s CEO and an old Africa hand. “Our product patent protection has been of particular value, as has our ability to supply kits to fit vehicles from manufacturers world-wide.” This is vital as South African truck operators use trucks from Europe, Japan, USA and South America

More from Russell Fowler on +44 (0)1 753 890 911 or russell.fowler@truckprotect.com

ITS directive set for second reading agreement

The European Parliament’s Transport Committee has agreed Danish MEP Anne Jensen’s recommendation for a second reading on the Intelligent Transport Systems directive. The committee also aims to protect the interests of firms and countries that have invested in private eCall systems and will vote at an open session in July.

More from Alex Robinson on +44 (0)2 073 441 614 or arobinson@smmt.co.uk

TopClass coaches for Canadian Navy

Daimler Buses North America has delivered three Setra S417 TopClass touring coaches to the Canadian Navy in Ottawa. The new Setra S417, specially designed for the Canadian Navy will work in the Ontario, Quebec and Prairie districts. This is the first time the Canadian Navy has taken a rear door Setra – normally, coaches for the North American market only have front access.

More from Elizabeth Cole on +44 (0)2 476 626 082 or elizabeth.cole@daimler.com

Facelift coming for Vario

Mercedes-Benz says its Vario heavy-duty van range is getting a facelift and a new Euro 6 driveline. The firm says this will involve new exhaust technology to supplement the Selective Catalytic Reduction system used on the vehicle, which is the market leader in its segment. Production, now nearing its 15th year, will continue at the Ludwigsfelde plant, near Berlin.

More from Michael Gutzeit on +49 (0) 711 17 52410 or michael.gutzeit@daimler.com

London Freight data

Transport for London says the London Freight Data Report 2009 is now out. It gives London freight transport statistics, taking data from many sources to identify the trends, problems and priorities for TfL. These include the rapid growth in van traffic, up 33% in 10 years and the rapidly worsening spot check prohibition rate for UK and foreign trucks, 39% and 50% respectively. It also shows the 74% prohibition rate for overloaded vans, causing big worries for road safety. You can find the full report via TfL’s website www.tfl.gov.uk

More from Glen Davies on +44 (0)2 030 540 367 or glendavies@tfl.gov.uk

Webasto to warm Play Bus

Southampton-based Qualiti Vehicle Conversions is to fit a Webasto Thermo HL90 diesel-powered interior heating system to a new Play On Wheels coach conversion built for Swansea City and County Council. The new Play Bus, based on an Irisbus Scolabus 25, is the result of a £160K National Lottery grant. Swansea Children’s Play Team applied for the cash in 2007.

More from Keith Reynolds on +44 (0)1 302 322 232 or kreynolds@webastouk.com

BP Gas links I-Sync and Dynafleet

PB Gas has put six new Volvo FL 4×2 rigid tankers to work. They are the first trucks in the BP Gas fleet to use both Volvo’s I-Sync automated gearbox its Dynafleet system. The latter is part of Volvo’s Total Transport Solution. According to Willie Anderson, logistics support engineer for BP Gas, better fuel use and driver safety are the main reasons for the firm’s decision. Dynafleet uses tracking data to improve vehicle and load security and includes driver training to cut fuel use. It also uses tachograph data to check drivers’ hours and availability.

More from Nigel Hanwell on +44 (0)1 926 414 210 or nigel.hanwell@volvo.com

Safer-sounding car

Brigade Electronics will take its “safer-sounding car” to join the Bridgestone Eco Rally, convoy of eco-cars from Brighton to London’s Hyde Park on Wednesday 7 July. Brigade’s electric car, with broadband movement sounders, will show how the firm’s audible warning systems can alert people to danger without causing a noise nuisance. “From start to 20mph, electric vehicles move silently; in supermarket car parks, city streets and pulling out from a kerb, for example this can have fatal consequences. An unmistakable environmentally friendly sounder is vitally necessary,” said Chris Hanson-Abbott, chairman at Brigade Electronics. The firm makes and very successfully sells the world’s’ only “white sound” reversing alarm; its sales growth now exceeds that of the conventional reversing alarms that are generally very unpopular with the public.

More from Emily Randall on +44 (0)1 322 420 350 or emily.randall@brigade-electronics.com

Citroën wins big PH Jones deal

PH Jones, which says it is one of the UK’s largest property maintenance and utility-metering firms is putting 850 Citroën Berlingo and Dispatch vans to work as part of a complete fleet replacement deal. Before it did the deal, the firm worked with Lloyds TSB Autolease to do a vehicle review that showed that the Citroën Berlingo and Dispatch, met all of PH Jones’ needs. The firm will run the new vans on 42 month, 70,000 mile contract hire deals with Lloyds TSB Autolease. The Dispatch and Berlingo vans have internal racking and other kit fitted by Chambers Vehicle Conversions.

More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com

Mayor and TfL aim to improve cycle safety around trucks

The Mayor and Transport for London just announced new ideas to help cut collisions between cyclists and trucks on London’s roads. They will fit 39 ‘Trixi’ cycle safety mirrors, on a trial basis at junctions in London. These should give truck drivers a better view of suicidal cyclists as they undertake. The first 30 mirrors should be in place by mid July. There is also a new awareness campaign to warn cyclists against passing trucks on the inside and a deal with the FTA to help improve cycle safety in London.

More from Nancy Ryder on +44 (0)2 071 261 469 or nancyryder@tfl.gov.uk

And finally

New Scientist’s Feedback column says that one of its readers, Brian Collie was puzzled by the warning on his sachet of Tchibo hot chocolate: “Caution: contains a source of milk.” When he opened it, would a cow jump out?

Tachoblog’s Commercial Vehicle News Roundup 9.6.10

Tachoblog — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 09:52:23 +0000

Thanks, as always to the good folk at the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tachoblog can bring you a roundup of Commercial Vehicle news for this week…

April Orders for US heavy trucks rise

Transport Topics reports that US orders for new Class 8 trucks totalled 40,500 for the first four months of 2010, “a 30% increase from the same time in 2009,” Kenny Vieth, ACT partner and senior analyst told Transport Topics. Truck makers and dealers sold 32,466 Class 8 trucks in 2010, up from 28,496 units in the same period last year, an increase of 13.9%. April net orders of medium-duty Classes 5-7 trucks were up by 39% from April 2009.

More from www.newscientist.com

Tachoblog’s Commercial Vehicle News Roundup 18.5.10

Tachoblog — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:45:56 +0000

Thanks to the good folk at the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tachoblog can bring you a roundup of Commercial Vehicle news for this week…

Allison opens factory in India

Allison Transmission says it just opened a 203,000ft2 (18.859m2) factory and regional HQ on the outskirts on Chennai, the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The firm says the move will help it “expand its global footprint as well as its presence in India.” There is a broad range of Allison products in City transit bus and off-highway construction trucks working in India and the firm says demand for its fully automatic transmissions is growing steadily.

More from Nick Bailey on +44 (0)1 295 724 130 or nick@propel-technology.com

Click below for the rest of the news…

Optare scoops £13million Greater Manchester bus order

In a £13m deal Optare plc has won 100% of Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority’s order for up to 66 hybrid buses. In what is the largest single order for hybrid buses so far placed with help from the Government’s Green Bus Fund, GMITA will take Optare Solo, Solo SR, Versa and Tempo models. All will use Optare’s Eco Drive diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, which encourages efficient driving behaviour and the latest telematics technology combining passenger counting, real time information, CCTV and vehicle diagnostics in a single integrated system. Jim Sumner, Optare CEO said: “This order emphasises our significant lead in the design and production of low and zero emission buses. As well as our unique Eco Drive range of hybrids, Optare remains the only manufacturer to offer a fully electric-drive model, the Solo EV, as well as the only manufacturer of dual-fuel bio-methane buses.”

More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com

Buses still weak, coaches improve slightly in April

April’s UK bus and coach registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that big buses fell 43%, while big coaches rose 78% and smaller coaches rose 7.4%. “With recent orders well down, such developments are to be expected and the outlook for the big bus sector will be weak, particularly for firms dependent on UK demand,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “By contrast, spring has seen a seasonal and welcome rise in big coach registrations, though from a very low base. As our new government establishes itself, the priority must be to sustain and strengthen the economic recovery with particular focus on encouraging the availability of more and better priced finance.”

More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk

Service history records available free

Daf has developed its own in house web-based system for recording the inspection and service history of trucks and it has made it available free-of-charge to operators. Called Dafcheck, it will handle will handle service data for other truck brands and any fleet size, “making it ideal for mixed fleet operators who want to use only one system.” The firm says that because it is web-based and can be accessed from anywhere at any time, Dafcheck is well-suited for use where a fleet runs from number of depots. The system meets Vosa’s “Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness” criteria. “With the Operators Compliance Risk Score system used by Vosa now even more important and affecting Operator Licences, recording and retrieving vehicle maintenance records is vital for truck operators,” says Daf.

More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com

Contrasts in April’s van and truck registrations

April van and truck registration data from the SMMT show 17,387 registrations in the month and a 23.3% drop to 225,799 for the rolling year. Trucks, at 2,496 in April were down 35.9% to 31,951 for the rolling year. Vans, down 18.2% to 193,848 for the rolling year saw 14,891 registrations in April, up 6.7%, the fourth monthly rise of the year. “UK van registrations rose in April, continuing the welcome growth over the first quarter of 2010,” said Paul Everitt, chief executive at the SMMT. “Demand for trucks is still running well below pre-recession levels and continues to reflect weak demand and a lack of business confidence.” For these sectors too the SMMT says the new government must also work to rebuild the economy and improve business access to cash.

More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk

Van values strengthen in April, says Manheim

Manheim Remarketing’s latest monthly Market Analysis for Vans reports that at £4,416, average wholesale used van prices increased in April by 4.2% (£179) compared with the previous month. They are now nearly 15% higher than in January 2010. Average prices have now risen in all but two of the last fifteen months, “showing just how severely values were affected during recession, as well highlighting the strength of their recovery,” said James Davis, general manager, commercial vehicles for Manheim. “Average van values in the wholesale van market are nearly 50% higher year on year, fuelled by a wholesale supply shortage.”

More from Andrew Andersz on +44 (0)1 865 343 100 or andrew.andersz@thejjgroup.com

Operators need to push forward

With the country’s political future uncertain, Glass’s Guide says it is time for operators to ìpush forwardî with positive business decisions. “There comes a point when a recessional mindset must give way to a more entrepreneurial outlook and that time is now upon us,” warns George Alexander, chief commercial vehicle editor at Glass’s. “Businesses will not want to make the wrong financial decisions, but it is important to decide to move forwards.” He worries that operators may underestimate the risks of running vehicles “well past” their sell-by dates and thinks the economy “sufficiently stable to justify action now.” He implies that with used vehicles now making better prices, operators should act to start replacing their older vehicles or risk missing an opportunity.

More from Peter Cox on +44 (0)1 622 766 527 or peter.cox@pfpr.com

Renualt wins big Unipart van deal

Renault says it is delivering the first of an order for 750 Kangoo vans to Unipart Automotive. The firm is the UK’s largest supplier of car parts, serving some of the best-known brands across the country, as well as independent garages. Martyn Rees, fleet manager for Unipart says the firm checked a range of points when choosing new vans. “Of these, the most important was whole life costs and Renault offered the most compelling combination of competitive running costs and fuel economy.”

More from Mike Gale on +44 (0)1 923 697 653 or mike.gale@renault.co.uk

Pirelli wins Malcolm Group deal

Pirelli UK says it and partner Vaculug have won a new and re-tread tyre deal with the Malcolm Group. WH Malcolm runs over 450 trucks, 1,000 trailers and 120 items of heavy plant. “Tenders can be difficult situations,” said Graham Hutchison, UK truck director for Pirelli. “But Pirelli’s range of new “01″ tyres and Vaculug’s retreads proved the best.” Dave Alsop, Vaculug sales director added: “This is a firm stamp of approval for the Vaculug Pirelli partnership. We look forward to a strong, professional relationship where we add to Malcolm’s success story.”

More from Beth Wadeson on +44 (0)1 159 486 901 or beth@bcspr.co.uk

100 Berlingo Multispace taxis

Citroën says that the Paisley-based Taxi Centre is taking its first 100 Citroën Berlingo Multispace MPVs. These will help the firm meet the “growing demand” from the taxi trade for versatile and economical vehicles. The new Berlingos come complete with The Taxi Centre specialist finance and insurance, as well as customer-specified and taxi-specific modifications for operators across the UK.

More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com

Truck cycle safety from Reversing Made Easy Ltd

Reversing Made Easy says London-bound truck drivers will need to stay alert as Mayor Boris Johnsonís latest cycle hire scheme takes effect: “The city’s bike population is set to rise by a staggering 400% by the end of 2010 alone.” To mark the introduction of the cycle hire scheme, Reversing Made Easy Ltd is offering all truck fleet managers a free trial and fitment of StepProtect – a simple warning device alerting drivers to cyclists, pedestrians and obstacles on the nearside front. “In the face of these latest cycling figures, we believe that fitting StepProtect to cover the hazardous blind-spot area is a responsible approach. It should help cut vehicle damage, personal injury, death and potentially costly lawsuits,” says Steve Ransom, the firm’s director.

More from Steve Ransom on +44 (0)1 825 768 555 or steve@reversingmadeeasy.com

SMMT webinar – electric vehicles in the UK

The next 30-minute webinar in the SMMT series will look at electric vehicles, their potential in the UK and what the SMMT is doing to help this emerging market. The event starts at 10:30 on Thursday 20 May. Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive will chair the event and talk about industry developments and Catherine Hutt, the Society’s electric vehicle business development manager will talk about UK activity and what the SMMT is doing to support the industry. “We’ll end with a question and answer session and you can join in from the comfort of your own office,” said Hutt. “Email us and weíll send you joining instructions.”

More from Jamie Harris on +44 (0)2 073 441 661 or jharris@smmt.co.uk

New faces

We now know the UK’s new coalition government Cabinet and key ministers. Liberal Democrats have five Cabinet posts and a further 15 ministerial posts. For the transport industry, probably the most important are: Dr Vince Cable MP, the new business secretary and Philip Hammond MP, secretary of state for transport. George Osborne MP, who moves into the Treasury as chancellor with Liberal Democrat David Laws MP as chief secretary to the Treasury. Liberal Democrat Chris Huhne MP is the new energy and climate change secretary, with Caroline Spelman MP secretary of state for the environment. Conservative Mark Prisk MP is now a business minister, a role he shadowed in opposition. Former shadow transport secretary Theresa Villiers MP is a minister at the Department for Transport.

More from Jonathan Hawkings on +44 (0)2 073 449 217 or jhawkings@smmt.co.uk

Renault takes over Irish dealer

Renault Trucks just took over Coulter Truck & Van Ltd, at Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland. The business now trades as Renault Trucks NI, a branch of Renault Trucks UK Ltd. It continues to work from its Mallusk address, offering the full Renault Trucks’ range of new and used vans and trucks and services. Renault says that Ballyvesey Holdings, Coulterís parent firm decided to concentrate its truck dealer business in England. “The Northern Ireland market is important to us,” said Laurent Farman, UK managing director for Renault Trucks. “We have a strong customer base there.” Although the local economy is still depressed, he sees potential for growth, hence the decision to take over the business.

More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com

Pallet truck lock to cut costs

“Many trucks need to carry a pallet truck to handle goods on customers’ premises,” says Matthew Burke at Aide Automotive. “But operators worry that the pallet truck may move around in transit and damage the load or the vehicle’s curtains.” His firm’s Lee Lock is designed to lock the pallet truck in place cutting the risk of it “slamming into” other pallets or damaging curtain sides. “And as the pallet truck slots into the lock there’s no chance of any back injury from lifting.” He says the Lee Lock tackles a widespread problem simply and cuts the cost of damage for modest price.

More from Matthew Burke on +44 (0)115 845 6471 or matt@aideautomotive.com

1925 petrol-electric hybrid bus on show

The British Commercial Vehicle Museum now has a single-deck petrol-electric bus on show. Built by Tilling-Stevens in 1925 it has been beautifully restored to A1 condition. Powered by a 40hp petrol engine driving a generator to produce 400V/300A, the bus ran on Route 109 between Bromley & Penge, operated by Thomas Tilling. The museum in Leyland town centre covers the history of road transport from earliest of steam waggons to the super-sleek TX450 technology demonstrator, built at the Leyland Trucks Technical Centre the mid 1980s.

More from Paulette Abrahams on +44 (0)1 772 451 011 or enquiries@bcvm.co.uk

Hillhead debut for Volvo FMX

Volvo says its FMX construction truck will make its public debut at the Hillhead Show, Buxton. The event runs from 22 to 24 June. The firm will show a bodied 8×4 left-hand control tipper as part of its plan to hike its sales to the construction industry. The company shares a stand with sister firm Volvo Construction Equipment. Also on show are an FM 8×4 tipper for WH Malcolm and a flagship FH16-700 tractor unit, as well as Volvo’s new MW500 milling machine, a paver and other related machinery.

More from Nigel Hanwell on +44 (0)1 926 414 210 or nigel.hanwell@volvo.com

Keltruck director for parliament

Chris Kelly, non-executive director at Scania dealer Keltruck is the new Tory MP for Dudley South. A swing of 9.5% gave Kelly a majority of nearly 4,000 over former Labour minister Ian Pearson. “I’m delighted that my son Chris is now the MP for Dudley South,” said Chris Kelly senior, Keltruck’s founder and chairman.

More from Andrew Bentley on +44 (0)1 215 257 000 or andrew.bentley@keltruck..com

Cartwright buys F1 technology for future trailers

Manchester-based body and trailer maker the Cartwright Group says it has turned to computational fluid dynamics to take trailer making to the next level. The firm will use the technology to improve the aerodynamics of its products and as the “secret weapon” in the development of its new Cheetah Fastback trailer, due for launch soon. Cartwright is working with Manchester Metropolitan University to develop low-carbon trailers using CFD through a Knowledge Transport Scheme. The new Cheetah Fastback trailer uses variable-height air suspension to adjust ride height and cut aerodynamic drag. The first two 4m high Cheetah Fastback trailers will work for TNT in Germany and the Netherlands.

More from Celeste Clarke on +44 (0)2 476 228 881 or celeste@centurypr.co.uk

Agreement on Intelligent Transport Systems

European national governments and members of the European Parliament have agreed laws covering the use of Intelligent Transport Systems. The aim is to “accelerate and coordinate deployment of interoperable ITS in road transport.”

More from Jonathan Hawkings on +44 (0)2 073 449 217 or jhawkings@smmt.co.uk

Cartwright’s continental aims

Speaking about his firm’s new Cheetah Fastback low-drag trailers, Steven Cartwright, director said, “We believe there is tremendous potential for a trailer maker of our experience, size and innovative style.” The firm has just confirmed the sale of its first two of its new trailers to TNT for work in Germany and the Netherlands. “We believe that the Cheetah Fastback will help to open new markets in Europe in the future”

More from Celeste Clarke on +44 (0)2 476 228 881 or celeste@centurypr.co.uk

Megabus and Tesco do cheap coach travel deal

In a deal that they say will offer cheap coach travel for 15m Tesco Clubcsard holders, Stagecoach Group’s megabus.com will work with Tesco. The supermarket’s loyalty card holders will get the chance to redeem their money-off vouchers for cheap coach travel by booking at www.megabus.com from 24 May. The coach travel brand already links nearly 60 places across the UK, offering travel from £1.50, comprising a £1.00 fare and a standard 50 pence booking fee. megabus.com already carries more than two million passengers a year in the UK alone.

More from Steve Stewart on +44 (0)7 764 774 680 or steven.stewart@stagecoachgroup.com

New bus box from Allison

Allison says its new fully automatic Torqmatic transmission models ,T390 and T390R are designed for bus use and will deliver lower fuel use, better gear shifts and longer life. The firm says its Shift Energy Management system means a higher input torque capacity with no increase in gearbox size or weight.

More from Nick Bailey on +44 (0)1 295 277 050 or nick.bailey@m-eng.com

Another Volvo for Perryman

Berwick-upon-Tweed-based Perryman’s Buses has new Volvo B7RLE single deck bus with 45-seat Wrightbus Eclipse Gemini 2 bodywork. Each seat has a three-point safety belt and there are eight CCTV cameras, linked to an integrated 17 inch surveillance monitor. The new bus joins a 35 strong bus and coach fleet and works on scheduled routes and school contracts.

More from Don Johnston on +44 (0)1 926 414 553 or don.johnston@volvo.com

More stops for Stagecoach

Stagecoach says that from 24 May its megabus.com budget coach travel service will run seven more services across the UK as it expands its inter-city network. This will include the Scottish Borders and South Devon and new links to Birmingham Airport. The expansion means that megabus,com now serves almost 60 locations across the UK.

More from Steve Stewart on +44 (0)7 764 774 680 or steven.stewart@stagecoachgroup.com

Do you know a Foxy Lady Driver?

Do you know someone who could be a Foxy Lady Driver of the Month? “The aim is to showcase impressive women who have done well in a man’s world, whether behind the wheel or in a senior management capacity in the transport industry,” says Steph Savill, a founder member of the Foxy Lady Drivers Club. “We’ll give successful nominees an honorary membership of the club, a special feature at the Club’s website and a commemorative certificate to record the occasion.” The first Foxy Lady Driver of the Month was Scottish racing driver Carol Brown in April 2010. “It would be a shame to leave out women van, coach, bus and truck drivers when their driving experience is bound to be of considerable interest to our members.”

More from Steph Savill on +44 (0)1 903 879 988 or steph@foxyladydrivers.com

Optare Solo hits 550 at Stagecoach

Recent Solo bus deliveries to Stagecoach mean the firm now has 550 in its fleet. They work in all the firm’s operating areas, on high frequency town circular services or on more rural routes. “The Solos have proved popular with our customers and we have introduced them successfully across the country in different operating environments,” said Les Warneford, managing director of Stagecoach UK Bus. Chris Wise, Key Accounts Director at Optare, added: “We are very pleased to have Stagecoach as a long-standing customer and to have reached this significant figure of delivering 550 Solos to them.”

More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com

Ryder updates Bevan’s aftercare fleet

Halesowen-based van and truck body-builder Bevan Group just got 13-strong fleet of Mercedes Sprinter vans for its aftercare and on-site repairs division. “We are actively promoting our bodywork, tail-lift and hydraulics repair and maintenance services,” says Roy Shelton, Bevan’s aftercare manager. “We have a nationwide team of 20 service engineers and their numbers are growing all the time.” The new vans are on contract hire from Ryder. “Ryder is one of our biggest customers, both for new truck bodies, tail-lift repairs and maintenance for existing vehicles,” Shelton continued.

More from Colin Peck on +44 (0)1 784 482 336 or colinjpeck@aol.com

And finally

New Scientist magazine’s Feedback column reports that a colleague, trying to reach an engineer in an aerospace company, only managed to get through to voicemail. It told him, not so helpfully, that the person he called “is out of the office and won’t be checking messages. When you hear the tone, please leave a message.”

More from www.newscientist.com

Tachoblog’s Commercial Vehicle News Roundup 5.5.10

Tachoblog — Wed, 05 May 2010 09:38:17 +0000

Thanks to the good folk at the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tachoblog can bring you a roundup of Commercial Vehicle news for this week…

Draft van CO2 report issued

The European Parliament’s Environment Committee 17 page draft report on van CO2 has been issued by its author (or rapporteur, in Eurobabble) Martin Callanan MEP. He suggests no changes to the Commission’s short-term target of 175g/km CO2, phased in from 2014 to 2016. The Commission’s longer term 2020 target rises from 135g/km to 150g/km while the penalty for van makers who exceed the targets drops from €120 to €95 a vehicle. Callanan also wants 120kph speed limiters in vans from 2015. The Environment Committee will debate the draft report at its 3 May meeting in Brussels. The deadline for changes is 19 May, with the Committee to vote at its 28 September meeting.

More from Jonathan Hawkings on +44(0)2 073 449 217 or jhawkings@smmt.co.uk

Click below for the rest of this weeks news…

Iveco and Haynes Trucks win fleet deal

Iveco and its Kent-based dealer, Haynes Trucks, have won a big conquest deal with steel stockholders John Parker & Sons. The firm will replace its 32-strong fleet of 18 tonne rigids with new Stralis Active Day multi-drop distribution trucks. The Stralis trucks have bespoke drop-side bodies to cope with the demands of making multi-drop steel deliveries. The new rigids are the first in the fleet to have automated gearboxes, standard on all Stralis vehicles. They all also have Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle engines and their specification includes of on-board tracking systems, hands-free telephones and mobile data terminals allowing drivers to record deliveries electronically.

More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 086 474 467 or jk@garnett-keeler.com

EC outlines low carbon vehicles strategy

The European Commission has published its outline strategy on clean and energy efficient vehicles. This aims encourage research and development of low-carbon automotive technology, stimulate demand and strengthen EU competitiveness with a series of medium-term measures to be implemented by the Commission. The plans include for guidelines for low carbon vehicle incentives, a re-launch for its Competitive Automotive Regulatory System for the 21st century and a specific focus on electric vehicles. The latter will look at safety standards for all new low carbon vehicles promote common standards so that all electric vehicles may to be charged across the EU.

More from Jonathan Hawkings on +44(0)2 073 449 217 or jhawkings@smmt.co.uk

Sideloader success for Truckrax

Trukrax Vehicle Racking systems, one of the leading UK’s leading van racking makers said it was impressed with the recent CV Operator show. “With a higher emphasis on operator health and safety we found that our Sideloader and Toploader ladder loading systems both attracted lots of interest,” said Scott Finding, UK sales and marketing manager for Truckrax. “Although the footfall was less than the 2008 show, the quality of visitors was much higher.” This meant Finding and his people were able to spend more time with visitors. “We collected lots of good leads to follow up after the show.”

More from Scott Finding on +44 (0)2 476 349 314 or scott.finding@trukrax.co.uk

Industry and transport committees discuss van CO2

The European Parliament’s industry and transport committees have discussed draft laws to cut van CO2. In the Industry, Research and Energy Committee, Werner Langen MEP, said that the 135g/km CO2 target was unreasonable and that the use of speed limiters was not the right approach. He and the Committee’s socialist shadow Mario Pirillo MEP agree that penalties should drop to €95 a vehicle for van makers that miss the target. Pirillo also wants an impact study before a long-term target is set. UK Liberal Democrat MEP Fiona Hall thinks that a long term target should be feasible and welcomed the inclusion of “super-credits” for low emission vehicles. Olrich Vlasak MEP, draftsman in the Transport Committee says that the short-term target should be delayed by three-years, while the long-term 2020 target should drop to 162g/km CO2.

More from Jonathan Hawkings on +44(0)2 073 449 217 or jhawkings@smmt.co.uk

Driver Choice Awards return

The Iveco-sponsored Truck & Driver Driver Choice Awards are back, giving you the chance to tell us what’s good about this industry. “It’s a chance for Truck & Driver magazine to hand out some well-earned pats on the back to the companies and individuals that deserve them,” says T&D editor Will Shiers. “And, as a thank-you for giving us your nominations, we’ll enter you into a prize draw to win a fantastic trip to Maranello, Italy, home of Ferrari, courtesy of Iveco.” There are 10 categories, each with five options at www.roadtransport.com/driverchoiceawards. “It only takes a minute to enter online or you can pick up a copy of the latest Truck & Driver magazine and use the entry form in the magazine. “You could be picked at random for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy. This is the kind of experience that money just cannot buy.”

More from Will Shiers on +44 (0)2 086 523 721 or will.shiers@rbi.co.uk

Working time rules for self-employed drivers

MEPs in the European Parliament’s Employment Committee have voted to reject plans to exclude self-employed drivers from rules on working time, the Working Time Directive. The existing law on drivers’ hours aimed to include self-employed truck and bus drivers from 23 March 2009, unless the Commission came up with a different idea first. It did. In October 2008 it said there was no need to include self-employed drivers. Then socialist, green and leftist groups persuaded Parliament to include those self-employed drivers and now centre-right Edit Bauer MEP says there is no precedent for regulating the working hours of self-employed people. MEPs will vote on the text in the next plenary.

More from Jonathan Hawkings on +44(0)2 073 449 217 or jhawkings@smmt.co.uk

IRU wants WTD to exclude self-employed drivers

The European Parliament Employment and Social Affairs Committee has rejected a draft report supporting an EC plan to exclude self-employed drivers from the Working Time Directive. The Geneva-based IRU wants MEPs to reverse this decision when they vote on it this June. The IRU says the committee’s decision, using road safety as a “fallacious argument”, risks creating “massive unemployment” among self-employed drivers. “The rationale of working time legislation is to ensure that salaried workers are not forced to work more than they wish to,” said Alexander Sakkers, president of the IRU’s EU Goods Transport Liaison Committee.

More from Juliette Eblele on +41 (0)22 918 27 07 or juliette.ebele@iru.org

Sapphire jubilee Transit

Ford says a special edition Transit ‘Sapphire’ just rolled off its production line at Southampton. The firm will build 1,150 of the models to mark 45 years of sales leadership in the UK and a global six million milestone. UK sales have topped 2.1m since the model was launched in 1965. The new models, in ‘Ink Blue’ metallic paint go on sale in May, with a silver grille, mirror caps and rear light guards make them stand out. Prices start at £14,995. There are short, medium and long wheelbase models available, with some choice of front or rear wheel drive and roof height combinations. All have air conditioning, front fog lights and a generous range of other goodies. Safety features include a full-width steel bulkhead, DIN-compliant cargo tie-down eyes, ABS, ESP and driver airbag.

More from Anne-Marie Chatterton on +44 (0)1 277 253 944 or achatter@ford.com

‘Bring your own fuel’ policy costs the UK £215m

The Freight Transport Association says the UK treasury missed £215 million in 2009. This hole in its accounts is shown in data just published by the Department of Transport. Simon Chapman, FTA’s chief economist said: “Instead of squabbling over who would make the deepest cuts, politicians should be looking at where they can recoup relatively easy money,” said Simon Chapman, chief economist for the FTA. “A system to limit the amount of fuel able to be brought in from across the channel would bring in almost enough cash to build a brand new hospital every year, yet none of the political parties seems to have the appetite to tackle this issue.”

More from Jo Tanner on +44 (0)7 985 874 248 or jtanner@fta.co.uk

Lombard wins 150 strong van deal

Lombard has won a tender for the contract to provide and manage the 150 strong Citroën van fleet for Nationwide Maintenance. Lombard will supply these with racking and signage and will trial vehicle tracking and provide 40 long-term rental vehicles to add flexibility. “The service level Lombard provided during the tender exercise was excellent,” said Paul Witter, regional operations manager for Nationwide. “But what really made the difference was that they had a long-term approach and a partnership ethos. In addition they were able to be the most competitive on price, so it became a simple decision for us.”

More from Mark Carbery on +44 (0)1 832 272 197 or mark.carbery@longshoreconsultancy.com

MAN does it for B&Q

Do-it-yourself chain B&Q just got 19 new MAN ten tonne rigids, the first MANs in the firm’s fleet. The new trucks make a change from its usual home delivery option of light vans or 18 tonnes. The firm says it needed a more flexible approach to distribution. “The smaller 10 tonne chassis still provides us with an excellent payload. However, it’s a much smaller, more manoeuvrable, less obtrusive truck, and that’s good news for other road users and for neighbourhoods where large 18 tonners are cumbersome and undesirable, ” said James Prest, home delivery regional contract manager for B&Q. The new trucks run in a black livery to match the firm’s new staff uniform.

More from Paul O’Malley on +44 (0)1 263 715 900 or paul@hallspr.com

Oldbury’s new website

In reporting Oldbury UK’s new website in the last Issue, I got the website address wrong. It is www.oldburyuk.co.uk. I’m glad to hear that despite my mistake, the Wolverhampton, West Midlands-based specialist trailer, mobility and engineering solutions provider reports an increasing, number of visits to the new site. Naturally I apologise for the error. The firm works for defence, security, aerospace, construction, extraction, wastes management, heavy transport and utility sectors. It has recently expanded its general engineering and ancillary equipment activities, including winning the UK distributorship for Warn military and industrial winch and hoist products. It is also the importer for ARB step frames and low loaders.

More from Adrian Graves on +44 (0) 1284 787438 or a.graves@oldburyuk.co.uk

New low-speed electric utility truck on show in Scotland

Leading low speed electric vehicle company ePower Trucks will show its new battery-powered utility truck in Scotland next week. The ATX200E is capable of 30km/h, has a 1.8m long flat bed and 600kg capacity. The 17.5kW electric motor means it can also tow up to 2,000kg. It is one of four electric vehicles that ePower Trucks is taking to Scotland, for the Association for Public Service Excellence Scottish Fleet, Waste & Grounds Seminar 2010 at the Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore, from 4 to 7 May.

More from Dan Jenkins on +44 (0)7 536 092 682 or brightsparkspr@yahoo.co.uk

RHA attacks defence firm

The Road Haulage Association has attacked defence technology supplier QinetiQ for its unilateral decision to double the time it would take to pay its bills. The RHA says the firm gave little more than one-week’s notice of the news terms. “QinetiQ is spreading bad business practice and is breaking both the spirit and letter of the Prompt Payment Code. To make matters worse, QinetiQ is a major supplier to the Ministry of Defence, which has a policy of prompt and reliable payment,” said Geoff Dunning, RHA chief executive. “I am writing to the business secretary, Lord Mandelson, to urge him to apply pressure to QinetiQ to reverse this decision.”

More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.uk.net

Pall-ex promotes TankSafe

UK palletised distribution network is promoting Tiss TankSafe Fuel Security and Safety devices to its 100-strong haulier network. The firm says fuel bills are the biggest costs its members face and so recommends the TankSafe range. “The TankSafe ‘Impregnable’ device is proven to reduce fuel bills by up to 10%,” according to Daniel Hampton, group procurement executive for Pall-Ex. He says the device can also prevent diesel spills, protecting the environment and improving road safety.

More from Silvia Vitale on +44 (0)1 253 400 401 or silvia.vitale@tissltd.com

And finally

New Scientist’s Feedback page reports that reader Allen Lutins was provoked by its report on the “less fat” claims of Fry’s Turkish Delight on 6 March into sending a scan of a U-Turn energy bar packet featuring the claim: “125% less fat than the leading chocolate candy brands”. How do they work that one out?

More from www.newscientist.com

Tachoblog’s Commercial Vehicle News Roundup 28.4.10

Tachoblog — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:05:03 +0000

It’s been a while, but once again thanks to the good folk at the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tachoblog can bring you a roundup of Commercial Vehicle news for this week…

Mercedes confirms for CV Show 2011

Mercedes-Benz says it is leading the industry with the announcement that it plans to exhibit at the Commercial Vehicle Show due next year. All the firm’s divisions will be represented; Mercedes-Benz Vans, Trucks, Approved Used Commercials, Econic, Unimog and Mitsubishi Fuso Canter will be at Birmingham’s NEC from 12-14 April 2011. The firm confirmed its plan as part of a wider publicity announcement that also promised “the biggest ever stand” at Truckfest Peterborough in a few days time and a “Van Experience” in June to give customers a chance to ride and drive. “If the CV Show returns in 2011, so will we, and we plan to return to the NEC with a full range of products and services,” said Ian Jones, UK managing director for Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles.

More from Rob Halloway on +44 (0)1 908 245 948 or rob.halloway@daimler.com

Click below for the rest of this week’s roundup…

CV registrations rise across EU

Figures just released by Acea, the European auto industry body, show 8.8% more new commercial vehicles registered in the EU last March than in the same month in 2009. This is the first registration increase in almost two years. Vans were up 12.4% to 160,980 units while heavy trucks, over 16 tonnes, were down 15.9% to 14,087 units. For all freight vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, ie excluding buses and coaches, the total was 22,040 units, down 10.1%. New bus and coach registrations fell 3.4% to 3,449 in March. Of the most important markets, the UK recorded both the most vehicles and the highest year-on-year increase, at 28.0%. Full story at www.acea.be.

More from Quynh-Nhu Huynh on +32 (0)2 738 73 55 or qh@acea.be

Renault success

Renault says it was delighted by the success of its stand and three UK van debuts at the recent Commercial Vehicle Operator Show. Speaking on the final day of the show, Mark Waller, brand communications manager for Renault UK said: “Even though this year’s event was on a smaller scale than usual due to the economic downturn, we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the volume and consistently high quality of the customer enquiries we’ve received over the three days. The new Kangoo Van Maxi and Master models have obviously been good draws to our stand and overall we’re expecting interest in all the new models to be high in the coming months after the show.”

More from Mark Waller on +44 (0)1 923 697593 or mark.waller@renault.com

UK’s first 17-seat electric minibus

Smith has put the UK’s first 17 seat, all-electric minibus into production. Based on the Ford Transit chassis, the Smith Edison minibus has a top speed of 50mph and a range of up to 80 miles. A full recharge takes 6-8 hours, or 3-4 hours with Smith’s new fast charging technology. Designed for urban work, the Edison minibus is aimed at jobs like airport passenger transfer, tourist attractions, city trips and closed campus travel on large commercial, military, education and industrial sites. Essex County Council has just bought the first vehicle.

More from Dan Jenkins on +44 (0)7 536 092 682 or dan.jenkins@tanfieldgroup.com

Toploader success for Trukrax

Trukrax Vehicle Racking Systems says the recent CV Operator show was a major success for it. The firm used the show to launch its new Toploader ladder loading system. This allows people to load and unload two sets of ladders on or off a high-roof van whilst standing on the ground at the side of the vehicle. “The levels of interest in the new system far exceeded our expectations,” said Scott Finding. “We had a very good show and have lots of good leads to follow up from lots of high quality visitors.”

More from Scott Finding on +44 (0)2 476 349 314 or scott.finding@trukrax.co.uk

First electric vehicle-mounted access platform

At the CV Operator Show, Smith Electric Vehicles showed the UK’s first fully electric vehicle-mounted access platform. Used widely by local authorities and utilities, these typically work locally, which is ideal for limited-range vehicles. The 4.6 tonne van uses the Smith Edison long wheelbase electric chassis cab, with a lift mechanism from UK market leader Versalift. Leading utility firm Scottish & Southern Energy has bought the first vehicle, for trials in its service and maintenance fleet. Smith says the vehicle attracted a lot of valuable interest at the Show.

More from Dan Jenkins on +44 (0)7 536 092 682 or dan.jenkins@tanfieldgroup.com

CV Operator Show excels

The recent Commercial Vehicle Operator Show, held at Birmingham’s NEC from 13-15 April, was a success according to exhibitors, visitors and the organisers. “The positive response from exhibitors has been overwhelming”, said Geoff Dunning, chief executive at the Road Haulage Association, representing the event’s owners, the CV Show Partnership. “And with over 300 exhibitors, covering every aspect of the UK transport and logistics industry, there was certainly plenty for operators to see and consider for future use.”

More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk

Strong profit growth for waste haulier

Fareham-based waste transport and disposal firm Cleansing Service Group, which operates one of the UK’s biggest waste haulage fleets, has made 60th place in the annual Sunday Times PricewaterhouseCoopers Profit Track listing. This ranks the UK’s 100 private firms with the fastest growing profits. Despite the economic downturn, CSG’s profits grew 56% between 2005 and 2008, with its last profit posting of £3.3m. The firm is presently part way through a £12m fleet replacement programme with some 175 new vehicles, from CCTV-equipped vans to 6,000 gallon artic tankers, due over the next five years.

More from David Bishop on +44 (0)1 903 770 233 or david.bishop21@btopenworld.com

Axtec report strong interest at CV Operator Show

Axle weighing specialist Axtec reports strong interest in its new On Board Load Indicator, launched at the CV Operator Show. “We had an excellent show with some very good enquiries,” said Derek Hack, sales director. “Operators are clearly looking for technological solutions that help them stay within the law and operate more safely, whilst offering the possibility of optimising the payload. The CV Operator Show provided a great platform for us to demonstrate that our new OBLI 2 axle weighing system, which allows them to do exactly that.”

More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com

Fluoride tanker for Anglian Water

Anglian Water has just got another Whale tanker. Mounted on a 7.5 tonne Mercedes Atego, the 2,600 litre ADR-approved tank is designed and built to carry Fluorosilicic acid. It will carry the chemical from bulk to local tanks as part of a programme to dose drinking water in parts of the 27,500 kM2 of England and Wales that Anglian serves.

More from Paul Watson on +44 0161 973 6763 or paul@wentworthcomms.co.uk

Multipart wins and Dennis Eagle parts deal

Logistics specialist Multipart has won another seven year parts distribution deal with Dennis Eagle, one of the UK’s leading dustcart makers. This is a contract renewal and offers a next-day parts delivery service for operator’s vehicles across the UK, from Multipart’s distribution centre in Lancashire. The firm first won the business in 2002. Mike Molesworth, chief executive at Dennis Eagle said that Multipart had consistently delivered on its commitment to Dennis Eagle and its customers. “Our products are high value capital assets and it’s essential to our customers that we provide fast and efficient parts support to keep their vehicles on the road and in tip-top condition.”

More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com

New rugged tablet PC

In-CarPC says it was pleasantly surprised by the calibre of visitors at the recent CV Operator Show. It used the event to launch a new Tablet PC, the T12-160. This complements its range of built-in vehicle computers. “The new PC provides a solution for people who need to continue using their computer outside the vehicle,” says the firm’s David Hitchings. “A docking station makes this easy.” The unit is “semi-rugged” with a 12.1 inch touch-sensitive and sunlight readable display.” The hard drives have up to 640 GB capacity and options including integrated GPS, Bluetooth, 3G connectivity and Wi-Fi. “We’ve a lot of good leads to follow up from a successful show.”

More from David Hitchings on +44 (0)1 179 721 775 or david.hitchings@in-carpc.co.uk

First telemetry system for electric vehicles

Smith Electric Vehicles launched its own telematics system specifically engineered for electric commercial vehicles at the recent CV Operator Show 2010. Smith Telemetry aims to simplify the fleet management of electric commercial vehicles and cut costs. It collates and interprets more than 1,800 data sets from an electric vehicle’s drive-line controller and battery management system as well as data from a GPS tracker. “The device refines and relays this information to a server, giving real time access to all the vehicle’s operational key performance indicators,” says the firm.

More from Dan Jenkins on +44 (0)7 536 092 682 or dan.jenkins@tanfieldgroup.com

Trailer and truck markers work together

Trailer maker Schmitz Cargobull AG is working with truck makers Daimler AG and Iveco Magirus AG to deliver a Europe-wide service network. The aim is that these “All-round Workshops” will offer service for Schmitz trailers and Mercedes and Iveco trucks. Schmitz reports approaches from other truck makers and expects to announce more deals soon. “The basic idea is actually quite simple: an all-round workshop for the tractor and the unit being pulled”, is how both Ingo Warnke, manager for commercial vehicle sales services, Mercedes-Benz and Achim Göhrisch, service operation manager, Iveco Magirus AG described the deal. “The respective agreements are now at an advanced stage and only require signatures”, explains Dr Peter Kes, managing director of Cargobull Parts & Services GmbH.

More from Gerd Rohrsen on +49 (0)2 558 81 1323 gerd.rohrsen@cargobull.com

Show success for TomTom

Committing to the recent CV Operators Show at the NEC has paid dividends for TomTom Work. The telematics firm says it recorded high levels of sales enquiries throughout the three day event. “The scaled-down show seemed to have a lower footfall in proportion to previous CV shows” said Jeremy Gould, TomTom Work sales manager. “But the quality of the visitors was very good and we were able to make some excellent contacts.. We anticipate turning these into solid business prospects”.

The firm also used the Show to launch a number of new and innovative products as part of its award winning TomTom Work solutions.

More from Jason Simms on + 44 (0)2 074 948 054 or jsimms@automotivepr.com

Business booming at Britain’s Golden Garage

A Seat service centre is seeing its business boom after it won the Motor Codes first UK “Golden Garages” competition earlier this month. Kinghams of Croydon won the title earlier this month. “We were obviously thrilled to have won the award. It’s a great honour and a source of real pride and excitement for us all,” said owner Keith Kingham. “But I don’t think any of us could have foreseen the scale and immediacy of the impact that winning the title would have on our business. We’ve literally been swamped with calls from people wanting to book all makes and models in for a service. It has been amazing.”

More from Mike Orford on +44 (0)1 908 548 077 or mike.orford@seatcars.co.uk

New UK boss for Renault Trucks

Marc Martinez will take over as UK managing director for Renault Trucks on 1 July. He will succeed Laurent Farman who moves to run Renault Trucks Spain. Martinez has worked for Renault Trucks for 22 years, mainly in the firm’s French subsidiary, where he was made managing director in 2005.

More form Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com

Vote SMMT

The SMMT’s manifesto for the next government looks at main problems for the UK motor industry in the near future and suggests policies to make the most of the industry’s potential. Accessible on the SMMT website at www.smmt.co.uk, it calls for targeted incentives, more research and development and better use of the country’s skills to help sustain the industry and its future profitable growth.

More from Jonathan Visscher on +44 (0)2 073 449 263 or jvisscher@smmt.co.uk

VW vans from £189 a month

Volkswagen says it has extended its Contract Hire and Finance Lease deals until 30 September. These can deliver a new Caddy from £189 a month, a new Transporter from £239 a month or a new Crafter from £349 a month, plus VAT in each case. The firm also offers deals on the eight or nine seat Transporter Shuttle, or the new, seven-seat Caravelle. “More and more” people prefer contract hire style deals as they “help smooth cash flow and budget management,” said Simon Elliott, director, Volkswagen commercial vehicles. Vans also get seven days free insurance while Volkswagen Van Centres can offer fixed-cost maintenance deals to suit individual needs.

More from John Rawlings on +44 (0)1 908 601 478 or john.rawlings@vwcv.co.uk

Oldbury UK’s new website

Oldbury UK, the Wolverhampton, West Midlands-based specialist trailer, mobility and engineering firm has launched its new website. www.oldbury.co.uk aims to show the growing diversity and range of its business. The company now serves sectors including defence, homeland security, aerospace, construction, extraction, wastes management, heavy transport and the utilities. It has recently expanded its general engineering and ancillary equipment activities, including winning the UK distributorship for Warn military and industrial winch and hoist products. It is also the importer for ARB step frames and low loaders. Oldbury will celebrate its 150th anniversary next year.

More from Adrian Graves on +44 (0)1 284 787 438 or a.graves@oldburyuk.co.uk

Discount Trucker, Passion and Adventure from Renault

Passion is one of the three ranges of “official merchandise” just launched by Renault Trucks. The firm says the “range of high quality products for the driver, the truck enthusiast and haulage company owners” is available from its online e-shop at www.eshop.renault-trucks.com. There is a special 15% “introductory offer” until the end of May 2010 on the new range, but to get the deal you’ll need to ‘eshop’ in the coupon code field at the online checkout. There are three ranges; Trucker, Passion and Adventure, with a fourth, Truck Racing, due soon.

More form Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com

TfL to spend £67m on electric and hybrid vehicles

Transport for London says it plans to spend £67m on up to 1,300 electric and hybrid vehicles. The tender is divided into “lots” with 70% of the cash ring-fenced for electric and hybrid passenger vehicles with up to eight seats. The remaining 30% will split between electric scooters and motorbikes, electric and hybrid minibuses and light and medium good vehicles. Smith Electric Vehicles says it competes in three out of four categories and is bidding for business worth £22m.

More from Dan Jenkins on +44 (0)7 536 092 682 or dan.jenkins@tanfieldgroup.com

UK automotive production up

The SMMT just released UK automotive production figures for March 2010. Car output rose a record 90.2%, resulting in the fifth successive monthly rise. Commercial vehicle output also rose sharply; up 38.6% for the month and engine production grew 35.9%.

More from Jonathan Visscher on +44 (0)2 073 449 263 or jvisscher@smmt.co.uk

All orders now in for Phase one of LCVPP

Smith Electric says orders are now finalised for Phase One of the Department for Transport’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme. This aims to encourage local and public bodies to buy electric light commercial vehicles. Smith Electric Vehicles will deliver 47 out of the 70 electric vans in the programme – more than twice as many electric vehicles as the other two programme suppliers combined. Smith customers in Phase One include Royal Mail, TfL, Warwick University and seven local authorities.

More from Dan Jenkins on +44 (0)7 536 092 682 or dan.jenkins@tanfieldgroup.com

Get the facts

Motor Industry Facts 2010 from the SMMT shows the scope of the UK motor industry. The latest annual pocket guide, just issued by the Society, gives a summary of the latest UK automotive statistics, including vehicle registrations and production, vehicles on the road and environmental and safety performance indicators. The booklet is available for free download from the SMMT website at www.smmt.co.uk.

More from Jonathan Visscher on +44 (0)2 073 449 263 or jvisscher@smmt.co.uk

And finally

New Scientist’s Feedback page reports that the last item in the list of facilities at Hotel Lenno, Lake Como, Italy, on the website of holiday specialist Citalia might, reader Richard Walker thinks, be a reflection of the worldwide obesity epidemic. Items such as “restaurant”, “bar/lounge” and “sun terrace” are followed by: “Complimentary minibus to nearby Spa (approx 3 metres)”.

Tachoblog’s Commercial Vehicle Operators Show News Roundup 7.4.10

Tachoblog — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:47:47 +0000

Thanks to the good folk at the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tachoblog can bring you a roundup of Commercial Vehicle news about next week’s Commercial Vehicle Operators Show…

Did you register?

“Register for the CV Operator Show on its website, www.cvoperatorshow.com and you’ll be able to pick up your pre-printed entry ticket on door when you arrive and beat the queues,” said David Crawford, sales manager for the CV Operator Show. “This will help you make the most of your time at the biggest trade show of its type in the UK.” The CV Operator Show opens with over 300 exhibitors at the NEC near Birmingham on Tuesday 13 April and closes on Thursday 15.
More from David Crawford on +44 (0)1 634 261 262 or sales@cvoperatorshow.com

Click below for more…

FedEx electrifies US parcel deliveries
The US-based parcel carrier just said it would put four electric trucks to work in the US in June this year. Two of the new trucks come from Navistar, assembled in Indiana and based on the Modec design that FedEx already runs in Europe. It has ten working in London and five more on order for Paris. The new trucks will join nearly 1,900 alternative energy vehicles working for the firm worldwide.
More from www.fedex.com

Axscend launch at Show
Next week, Axscend will launch trailerMaster, the next generation of its trailer management system. The firm says trailerMaster has been two years in the making and is the result of years of experience in trailer management. “The system pinpoints the exact location of a trailer and gives its current load status,” says Tim Steer, managing director. “It enables operators to analyse trailer fleet performance, save time, cut costs and significantly improve efficiency.” On stand 5676, the firm offers a free, no obligation site visit to show how the system can help and, as a special offer to visitors to its stand, a free, one month trial. The trailerMaster service comprises a data collection unit fitted to every trailer, access to the service website and a team of trailer management experts.
More from Amanda Pack on +44 (0)8 708 703 242 or amandapack@axscend.com

Cartwright in Bruntingthorpe
Cartwright Rentals has opened a new regional operating centre on a 700 acre site at Bruntinghthorpe Airfield in Leicestershire. The firm says this, its fifth site, is part of its UK growth strategy. The firm, based in Altrincham also has depots at Northampton and Avonmouth and Manchester and plans to open two more later this year, one in the North East and one in the South East. Cartwright says business at the new sales and remarketing site was already healthy, with demand for trailer rentals starting weeks before the official launch date on 1 April.
More from Celeste Clarke on +44 (0)2 476 228 881 or celeste@centurypr.co.uk

Palletforce at the Show
The firm says it was started in 2001 to offer an express delivery service for small consignments of palletised freight and has grown to become one of the UK’s leading distribution networks, working from one of the biggest distribution hubs in Europe. “One of our cornerstones is to drive excellence and innovation within the logistics sector, so we are thrilled to be taking part in this year’s CV Operator Show,” said Michael Conroy, CEO.
More from Trevor Mudd on +44 (0)8 450 944 441 or trevor.mudd@palletforce.com

Auto industry worried by iron ore price hike
Acea, the Brussels-based auto industry association says its members are “very concerned” by the “sudden and massive increase” in iron ore prices. Recently, leading iron ore exporters said they would hike prices by 80%. The association says such an “excessive and unpredictable” pricing policy would hurt European manufacturing, including the auto industry. The big three iron ore exporters are Australia’s Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton and Brazil’s CVRD with 70% of world exports. Other big producers like India and Russia barely export ore. To add to Acea’s woe, BHP and Rio Tinto just said they plan to merge Australian iron ore operations.
More from Sigrid de Vries on +32 (0)2 738 73 45 or sv@acea.be

Fiat Professional on show
Fiat says it will treat visitors to the CV Operator Show to the full ‘Fleet’ experience as Fiat Professional brings the fictitious company from its new TV ad campaign to exhibition. Lightfoot Logistics, the sitcom fleet management firm introduced in Fiat Professional’s TV and internet campaign ‘The Fleet’, features heavily at this year’s NEC Birmingham show, on 13-15 April. The ad campaign opened with a slot during ITV News at Ten, followed by a comprehensive display on the internet. All six vans to be shown on Fiat Professional’s stand 5730 will be finished in white and feature the blue Lightfoot Logistics logo. Centrepiece vehicles will be two new Doblo Cargos, which were launched in the UK in March.
More from Peter Newton on +44 (0)1 753 511 431 or Peter.newton@fiat.com

Washington State bans texting
Commercial Carrier Journal reports that Washington State in the US has made talking or texting on a cell phone without a hands-free device a “primary offense”. The new law, signed Friday, 26 March, strengthens Washington’s 2008 ban that allowed law enforcement officials to ticket drivers caught using their phones if they were pulled over for another offence. The US bars federal employees from texting while driving and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver and more than half a million were injured. The NHTSA recently launched a website,www.distraction.gov as a forum and information centre.
More from www.cjdigital.com

Chevin launch to help cut fleet risks
Chevin Fleet Solutions will use its stand 5450 at the CV Operator Show to launch an addition to its FleetWave fleet management system. The firm says the new Driver Licence Checking module aims to simplify driver licence management. Its new ‘plug and play’ module gives a fully automated process for any business to check the licence status of all fleet vehicle drivers. Chevin uses a secure connection to collect data direct from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and the system will provide automatic alerts to system users when an ‘at risk’ driver is identified.
More from Stuart Jardine on +44 (0)1 773 821 992 stuart.jardine@chevinfleet.co.uk

IRTE Scottish Truck Show Revival
Ten years after the last IRTE Scottish Truck Show, moves are afoot to revive the event. Projected dates are Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 November in Hall 2 of the SECC, Glasgow, which is linked with the Crowne Plaza Hotel where the 600 seat Transport News Scottish Rewards Breakfast will be held on the morning of Friday 5 November. The organisers plan two trade days and a Drivers Day on Saturday. The specially enlarged November edition of Transport News will carry a comprehensive show catalogue at its centre. The Scottish IRTE Committee is keen to gauge support from potential exhibitors.
More from Alistair Vallance on +44 (0)1 355 279 077 or info@transportnews.co.uk

Getting technical at the CV Show
Technical issues at the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show fall into two broad types; keeping existing vehicles running longer and more efficiently and coping with new legislation. There will be a huge range of systems there to help cut running costs, but at the same time firms have to look legislation and the way it will affect them. Whole Vehicle Type Approval is a good example. It will soon affect virtually all vehicle buyers and makers, in theory making it easier to buy or sell commercial vehicles anywhere across Europe. But it’s not that easy, which is why the SMMT has set up a special advisory service to help. It will launch SENTA, (SMMT European and National Type Approval) at the CV Operator Show, to help steer vehicle makers, particularly bodybuilders, trailer makers and dealers through a thicket of much misunderstood legislation. “The crucial point is that without Type Approval paperwork, you won’t be able to register a new vehicle,” says the SMMT. “And of course, if you can’t register it, you can’t sell it. The line to remember is ‘no approval, no registration, no sale.” And the final point is that, come the day, you can’t just nip down to the Post Office or the local Traffic Office and buy a Type Approval Certificate. Getting the process sorted may take months, particularly if you get it wrong.
More from Allan McKenzie on +44 (0)2 073 449 202 or amckenzie@smmt.co.uk

Suttons spends £6m on new tanks
International tanker and bulk transport operator Suttons has ordered 400 new 26,000 litre baffled tank trailers from NT Tanks in China. They are due for delivery from May this year. The firm has spent more than £12.5m on new tanks in the last year, growing its fleet by 30%. It aims to do more work with big customers including BASF, Bayer and Huntsman. Based in Widnes, Cheshire, the firm operates globally, with depots in New Jersey, Houston, Antwerp, Essen, Le Havre, Kuantan, Shanghai and Tokyo.
More from Richard Clein on +44 (0)1 512 445 466 or rclein@bellpottingernorth.co..uk

Free fuel health check
Three Counties Fuel, on stand 5170 at the CV Operator Show, invites visitors to take a free fuel buying health check from its specialist team. “By looking at the way customers buy fuel, we can prescribe a tailor-made fuel buying solution to save businesses time and money,” the firm says. It will also run a series of competitions from the stand with a new Apple iPad among the prizes.
More from Pauline Newcombe on +44 (0)1 905 379 050 or pauline@threecountiesfuel.co.uk

Goodyear Dunlop does new tyre deal with Cemex
Cemex UK has switched to Goodyear Dunlop and its TruckForce network for tyre supply and service. The firm will use a range of different Goodyear tyres, choosing the best tyre for each of the wide range of jobs its truck fleet does. The nationwide TruckForce network will service the Goodyear and Dunlop tyres fitted to the Cemex fleet.
More from James Bailey on +44 (0)1 213 066 328 or jbailey@goodyear.com

Allied Electric aims to spark even more interest
Specialist vehicle maker Allied Electric, on stand 5426 at the CV Operator Show will display a selection of its all-electric van range. The Peugeot-based zero emission vehicles will include two vans, the eBoxer and the eExpert and the passenger carrying eExpert Tepee. All have a 100 mile range and a top speed of 70mph. They can be charged using industrial, three-phase electricity or a household power supply, making them highly flexible. The firm is a supplier to the UK Department for Transport’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme and says it’s seen orders “flying in” from councils and other public bodies throughout the UK for its Peugeot eBoxer vans.
More from Natalie McClure on +44 (0)1 413 361 162 or natalie.mcclure@alliedvehicles.co.uk

Scanias for Hadfield
G I Hadfield of Droysden just got four Scania three-axle day cab tractors. Each has a 400 bhp Euro 5 engine driving through a three pedal Opticruise gearbox. They are working with tri-axle draw bar trailers fitted with Reynolds Boughton hook and electric sheeting systems. The trucks are on a five-year full repair and maintenance package through West Pennine Trucks of Trafford Park, Manchester. Hadfield is a three generation family business and one of the oldest of wood recycling firms in the UK.
More from Gary Kirkwood on +44 (0)1 618 777 708 or gary.kirkwood@scania.com

New tyre maintenance software from Accelerator
Award-winning vehicle maintenance software firm Accelerator Vehicle Maintenance Software now has a Wheels and Tyres Module. It says this means that every detail about wheel rims and tyres can be tracked, from purchase and use right through to scrapping. “Users can add specific tyre depth data to the module, which tracks across vehicles and individual axles,” says the firm. “They can also create any tyre categories they want on the module, such as new, retreaded or regrooved.” The tyre store screen allows searching by wide range of parameters and a “double click” produces complete history and location details for any wheel rim or tyre on the fleet.
More from Neal Snowdon on +44 (0)1 706 819 556 or neal@drummondpublicity.co.uk

More Optare Omni-Dekkas for Nottingham
Nottingham City Transport has taken ten more Optare Omni-Dekka double-deckers. The new buses take the firm’s fleet to 134. They will do front-line work on the high frequency GO2 city services and Optare says their “comprehensive specification reflects the high standards set for these services.” The new buses have leather trimmed seats, a real-time information system with 17 inch monitors and Mobitec LED destination kit. An Actia CCTV system provides added security for staff and passengers and all side windows are in tinted green glass. The driving compartments have air-conditioning. The new buses are based on Scania chassis, each with a Euro 5 nine-litre Scania engine driving through a six-speed automatic transmission.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com

Tachoblog’s Commercial Vehicle News Roundup 16.3.10

Tachoblog — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:23:46 +0000

Thanks to the good folk at the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tachoblog can bring you a roundup of Commercial Vehicle news for this week…

Smith’s 90th at CV Operator Show

Smith Electric Vehicles has taken a 400m2 stand, one of the largest in the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show, to celebrate 90 years of making low carbon commercial vehicles. The stand number is 5740. This year is the firm’s 90th anniversary and the third birthday of its Smith Edison electric van. Based on the Ford Transit chassis and launched with Ford at the CV Show in 2007, the vehicle has done well, giving Smith plenty of sales to celebrate. The firm will also show a ten tonne Newton, the world’s largest road-going electric truck, which is also proving a sales success.

More from Dan Jenkins on +44 (0)7 536 092 682 or brightsparkspr@yahoo.co.uk

Click below for the rest of this week’s roundup…

SENTA site works well

The SMMT’s web-based whole vehicle approval advice service, SENTA, has attracted an encouraging level of interest within hours of its appearance on the Society’s website, www.smmt.co.uk. The initials stand for SMMT European and National Type Approval and the service will launch on the SMMT stand 5702 at the CV Operator Show in April. “We published the service early so that bodybuilders and others customers can get a preview of what we’re offering. We’re impressed by the number who’ve visited the site and registered their interest,” said Allan McKenzie, senior technical manager at SMMT. “We expect a lot of demand for the service from across the industry and hope to see even more people at the Show.” Once launched, the SENTA service will be free to SMMT members and cost non-members £900 a year.

More from Allan McKenzie on +44 (0)2 073 449 202 or amckenzie@smmt.co.uk

Webasto dealership for Sewell of Leeds

Automotive heating, air conditioning and ventilation system maker Webasto just appointed Sewell of Leeds Ltd as a product dealer for the van, truck, trailer, coach and bus market. Founded in 1943, Sewell is a family firm that specialises in auto-electrical, fuel injection engineering and motor factoring work. It operates from 22,000ft2 modern factory on a 1.75 acre site near the centre of Leeds. The ISO:9002 registered firm distributes Lucas, Bosch, Delphi, Hella, VDO, Prestolite and Waeco products from a stock of over 85,000 items.

More from Steve Powell on +44 (0)1 302 322 232 or spowell@webastouk.com

Save fuel, save cost, save the planet

The SMMT’s half-day seminar on telematics is attracting a wide range of delegates, “keen to discuss the technology’s role in cutting fuel use, costs and CO2 emissions for van operators,” said Sharon Clancy, editor at M-Logistics, the UK’s leading magazine for telematics and vehicle tracking who will lead the seminar. The event aims to start discussion and make people aware of the big savings in fuel use, emissions and cash that are available right now from the intelligent use of telematics. Richard Turner, leader of the Commission for Integrated Transport’s van study group will give the keynote speech. There will be contributions from systems suppliers Microlise and TomTom Work and from operators.. The seminar is on Wednesday 24 March at the SMMT’s London head office. The cost is £50+VAT a head, but SMMT members go free.

More from Natasha James on +44 (0)2 073 441 621 or njames@smmt.co.uk

RHA welcomes report on ‘high-risk’ foreign trucks

The Road Haulage Association says it welcomes the report from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee which says that foreign trucks are more likely to cause truck accidents than those run by UK operators. The RHA particularly liked the report’s comment that foreign trucks contribute little revenue and are a “particular challenge” for enforcement authorities. “We have been campaigning for stronger enforcement for many years,” said Geoff Dunning, RHA chief executive. “Until May 2009 foreign operators had a free ride; no penalties were imposed in practice unless someone was actually killed.”

More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.uk.net

More tail lift parts on show

Parts4taillifts says its recent expansion means it now holds an even wider range of tail lift and shutter parts. “Expanding our warehouse space by around 75% has been essential to help us cope with the increasing demand we’ve seen over the last 14 months,” said David Conman, managing director. “Having this space also allows us to buy in even greater bulk and has significant commercial benefits, as you’ll see for yourself on our stand number 5601, just to the right of the main entrance to Hall 5 at the CV Operator Show.”

More from David Conman +44 (0)1 482 504 444 or info@parts4taillifts.com

WashTec to shine at Show

Fleet washing firm WashTec will be at the CV Operator Show in April, on stand 5435. It will show full-size pictures of its wide range of fleet washing kit and plans a VIP event on the stand. Michael Harris, MD, says the firm will use the Show to promote its aftersales support as well as its advanced technology. “We can deploy 70 field engineers, working 364 days a year to ensure that vehicle fleets always shine,” said Harris. The firm also offers advice on relevant regulations and has many blue chip firms as customers.

More from Dawn Frazer on +44 (0)7 968 878 008 or dawnfrazer@washtec-uk.com

Approved minibus at CV Operator Show

Euromotive’s third vehicle approved under the UK’s Indvidual Vehicle Approval rules will be on Ebespacher’s stand, number 5530 at the CV Operators’ Show in April. Based on a long wheelbase VW Crafter the vehicle can carry up to 15 seated passengers, or five in wheelchairs and one seated passenger. It has a plug-door, climate control, rear view camera, air-assisted rear suspension, Rescroft Nevis seats and a Ratcliff tail lift. With only 20 months before compulsory Type Approval for vehicles like this, Mike Jones, the firm’s production director says Euromotive is getting experience that will give it an even bigger commercial advantage. “In this context, our SMMT membership has delivered valuable information and practical advice.”

More from Mike Jones on +44 (0)1 303 267 900 or sales@euromotive.co.uk

Light, safe roof-racks

Prime Design will use stand 5236 at the CV Operator Show in April to show its light and ergonomically designed aluminium roof rack range. The Belgian firm says the patented, price-winning systems are “valued for their operating efficiency and low cost” as some of the most user-friendly products on the market. “The ErgoRack saves time, money and ensures safe operation, because you can load or unload a ladder from the top of a van while standing on the ground beside the vehicle,” said Koen Bessemmans, managing director. “This cuts the risk of injury by eliminating the need to climb on the vehicle with a heavy or awkward load..”

More form Natalie Kamers on +32 (0)16 22 60 99 or natalie@primedesigneurope..eu

Healthy Living choose Volvo

Blackburn with Darwen Healthy Living recently asked Volvo Bus to help in its search for a suitable bus to promote a new health scheme. The firm has now bought a former school bus, a Volvo D10M Double Deck City Bus from a Scottish operator. The bus has been refurbished with state-of-the-art gym equipment and a food preparation area. Healthy Living will call it a Health Buzz and use it to promote healthier living. Taking 16 visitors a session, with eight people in the kitchen and eight in the gym, the bus offers a safe and secure environment to learn about healthy lifestyles.

More from Don Johnston on +44 (0)1 926 414 553 or don.johnston@volvo.com

Daimler wins Sardinian bus order

Daimler Buses says it has once again won the Sardinian bus contract. The deal is for 239 buses, to be delivered by the end of July this year. The orders were placed by four Sardinian transit authorities: CTM Cagliari, ATP Nuoro, ASPO Olbia and ATP Sassari. The new buses will replace some 60% of the companies’ city bus fleets. The order includes 217 Mercedes-Benz Citaro and Citaro K city buses as well as 22 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter City 65 minibuses.

More from Elizabeth Cole on +44 (0)2 476 626 082 or elizabeth.cole@daimler.com

Seven Transcan sees recovery

Seven Telematics, the UK based maker of Transcan Temperature recorders says that demand from refrigerated body builders for its products has “significantly increased” recently. “The upturn in the market is really heartening news,” says Michael Kane, sales director. “We are seeing greatly improving numbers coming through from all sectors of the refrigerated market; this is a very good sign for us all as we are representative of the whole temperature control industry.” The firm plans a new product in its standard range of recorders this Spring, aimed at the van and small truck market.

More from Michael Kane on +44 (0)1 636 642 891 or michael.kane@sevengroup.co.uk

London 2010 coach parking map

Transport for London has just launched a new map to show coach parking at key places in London, including the massive Westfield shopping centre and Shaftesbury Avenue. The map takes London’s cultural heritage as its theme and ties in with a key mayoral priority to improve access to London’s iconic sites and buildings for visitors to the city. The new map features St Paul’s Cathedral on the cover to coincide with the 300th anniversary of its completion.

More from Vicky Morley on +44 (0)2 071 264 978 or vickymorley@tfl.gov.uk

Stoneridge offers a tacho deal

Tachograph maker Stoneridge is so confident about its new SE5000 digital tachograph that it is offering £100 vouchers to fleets that fit one. This means a firm can now upgrade a tachograph to an SE5000 and get £100 off the cost. “They simply log onto www.se5000.com and fill in the online form,” said Amanda Robertson, central sales and marketing manager. She says the SE5000 offers “significant savings” in download times, as well as “having probably the best manual entries available”. Many fleets now want to replace analogue tachographs to have a fully digital fleet. “This offer now makes it even more affordable.”

More from Vicki Giacopazzi on +44 (0)1382 866 400 or vicki.giacopazzi@stoneridge.com

Access platform win award

The MAP3 mobile access platform from Abex has won the UK Fork Lift Truck Association’s 2010 Award for safety. The unit was developed for high level work in the bus and coach sector. Launched in October last year, the firm says there are already units working in many depots across the country. “We designed the MAP3 as a much safer alternative to ladders and scaffolding,” said Martin Connop, MD. “HSE figures show these are the most common pieces of equipment involved in injuries and fatalities.” The electric powered platform carries up to three people and a typical bus or coach windscreen.

More from Martin Connop on +44 (0)8 003 582 623 or mconnop@abexltd.co.uk

Roller brake tester from Stoneridge

Stoneridge Electronic has launched a new dual functional 9600 Brake Tester. This allows class V and VII brake testing and tachograph calibration facility in the same bay. It is a Vosa approved system and comes complete with a full PC system preloaded with the Vosa MoT database. It also has standard features including infra-red remote control for one man operation, heavy duty 15kw motors and a bi-directional capability. After installation, customers get full on-site training and a customer support helpline.

More from Vicki Giacopazzi on +44 (0)1 382 866 400 or vicki.giacopazzi@stoneridge.com

Steeton Test Station closes

The Steeton Goods Vehicle Test Station in Yorkshire closed on 12 March as the government agency which runs the site tackles over-capacity within its estate. The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency stopped taking bookings for the Steeton site on 26 February, but the site remained open for a further two weeks to cater for vehicle re-tests between 1 March and 12 March. Three other test stations have been closed and 10 test lanes have been decommissioned across the country as part of the plan. The Driving Standards Agency will expand driver-testing at the site.

More from Luke Bigwood on +44 (0)1 179 543 208 or luke.bigwood@vosa.gov.uk

New truck and trailer battery from Thermo King

Thermo King announces the launch of the new EON battery designed for truck and trailer use. With an expected five to eight year service life and backed by Thermo King’s four year warranty, the EON battery saves time and money of battery replacements. The five-second cranking power of the EON is greater than that of equally sized conventional batteries, even at extremely low temperatures. Thermo King says the EON offers the characteristics of two separate batteries but in one box.

More from Annick Van Oosterwijck on + 32 (0) 274 61751 or annick_van_oosterwijck@eu.irco.com

Berlingo-based Panino from Jiffy

Jiffy Trucks, the UK’s largest mobile catering vehicle maker has just launched its new Citroën Berlingo-based Panino model. This will make its public debut at the Food & Drink Expo next week at the NEC. Based on the Berlingo 1000, the Panino is set to become Jiffy Trucks’ best-selling model, taking over the number one position from its highly successful Berlingo First-based Fresco catering vehicle. The financial and operational benefits of the Jiffy Panino are a product of the unique Berlingo platform cab, the only compact van of this configuration available in the UK.

More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com

Transport minister supports quiet night-time deliveries

“Quiet out-of-hours deliveries can reduce congestion, cut pollution in local areas and save businesses time and money,” said Paul Clark MP, parliamentary under secretary of state for transport. “With the adoption of best practice in quiet delivery technology and techniques, a balance can be found between protecting residents and relaxing curfews for a range of locations and store types.” He was speaking at the Freight Transport Association’s recent Urban Logistics Conference. January saw the launch of the Quiet Deliveries Demonstration Scheme an initiative backed by the Department for Transport the Noise Abatement Society and FTA.

More from Jo Tanner on +44 (0)1 892 552 255 or jtanner@fta.co.uk

New test fees

On 1 April the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency will introduce new fees for the statutory and voluntary testing of trucks, buses, coaches and trailers. At the same time Vosa will abolish some operator licence fees and make refunds to some operators. It says there will be no general fee increase in 2010 and 11 but it will hike fees for trucks, trailers, buses and coaches as part of its plan to move the funding of enforcement from operator licences to test fees. “We are working hard to ensure our testing transformation programme provides the best possible service for operators,” said Alastair Peoples, Vosa chief executive.

More from Luke Bigwood on +44 (0)1 179 543 208 or luke.bigwood@vosa.gov.uk

Navistar-Caterpillar to sell trucks in Australia

Transport Topics reports that Navistar International Corp. said its joint venture to build trucks with Caterpillar Inc. will begin selling vehicles in Australia by the middle of this year. The joint-venture, under the name NC2 Global LLC, based in Lisle, Illinois, will give more details soon, according to Navistar. It will set up a truck assembly plant in Tullamarine, Victoria, Australia, in an existing Caterpillar factory and has appointed Australian marketing, manufacture and finance staff.

More from www.newscientist.com

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Tachoblog’s Commercial Vehicle News Roundup 12.3.10

Tachoblog — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:51:17 +0000

Thanks to the good folk at the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tachoblog can bring you a roundup of Commercial Vehicle news for this week…

Millbrook shows 3% saving from fuel catalyst

Independent tests on a so-called fuel catalyst, at the Millbrook proving ground late last year seem to show a 3% fuel and emissions saving for trucks. The Fitch fuel catalyst has its origins in the US around a decade ago and is now being distributed by Fuel Harmonics in the UK. This is the first independent verification of occasionally glowing reports in the past, including one from City of York Council. Fuel Harmonics invited John Lewis to provide Millbrook a 2004 Daf 85 with 1,014,886km on the clock for the tests. According to its report, dated 4 December 2009 and seen exclusively by Transport Engineer “the improvements are interesting”.
More from Brian Tinham on +44 (0)1 322 221 144 or btinham@findlay.co.uk

Click below for the rest of this week’s roundup…

February registration fillip for vans

February UK registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show 10,348 vans and trucks registered in the month. Within that, there were 8,978 vans, up slightly, and 1,370 trucks, still well down. The rolling year total was down 32.2% to 220,521. This includes 188,048 vans, down 30.6% and 32,473 trucks, down 40.4%. “Despite the hesitant economic recovery, demand for new vans has picked up, though trucks still struggle in one of the most difficult markets since the early 1990s,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “We don’t expect a consistent recovery for some time, either for new vans or trucks, so durable growth in business investment and confidence is vital. The government’s 2010 Budget needs to deliver clear, supportive and dependable policies, including better access to business credit to sustain that recovering demand for vans and trucks.”
More from www.smmt.co.uk

AA deal goes to BT Fleet

BT Fleet has won a five-year deal to manage and maintain 2,500 breakdown assistance and recovery vehicles for the AA. Targets for the deal include maximum vehicle availability and minimum downtime for the van and light truck fleet. Janet Entwistle, managing director, BT Fleet said she was “particularly pleased” to have kept the business as the AA was the firm’s first major fleet customer.
More from Richard Knowles on +44 (0)2 073 565 366 or richard.knowles@bt.com

Last year’s weak demand hits bus and coach registrations

Data from the SMMT show big bus registrations down 40% in the three months to February compared to the same period last year. By contrast big coach registrations were up 22%. Overall the industry remains wary about the prospects for an early revival and expects big bus demand will remain weak through 2010. “Demand for buses and coaches has remained low for many months and this shows in February’s registration data,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “We don’t expect to see a sustainable recovery in registration data for many months. This means durable growth in business investment and confidence is vital to protect the sector. The government’s 2010 Budget needs to deliver clear, consistent and supportive policies, including better access to business credit to encourage a recovery in demand for buses and coaches.”
More from www.smmt.co.uk

RHA training at CV Operator Show

The Road Haulage Association is one of several exhibitors that will run training hot spots on their stands at the Show, planning to offer the latest advice to visitors. The RHA says training is now a vital part of the success of any transport firm but transport training needs change on an almost daily basis. To help operators cope, its training division, represented on the RHA’s stand number 5626, covers all aspects of training including Health and Safety, Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, Rescue and Recovery Driver CPC and the Professional Driver Update 2010.
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.uk.net

Allied goes for electric van market

Allied Electric says it plans to tackle the electric van market. It unveiled more of its plans as Gordon Brown, UK prime minister, visited its Glasgow factory recently. The firm, part of the Allied Vehicles Group, works with firms like Peugeot, Citroen, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz to make wheelchair accessible cars, taxis and minibuses. Its range of Peugeot Boxer-based electric vans has won government-backed deals and examples will work around the UK. Allied will also supply electric Peugeot Partner and Peugeot Expert cars and MPVs for a trial project supported by Glasgow City Council, Scottish Power, Strathclyde University and Dundee-based battery-maker Axeon.
More from Donald Pow on +44 (0)1 413 363 211 or donald.pow@alliedvehicles.co.uk

Joedan avoids more misfuelling

“We bought from Aide Automotive after several incidents of misfuelling,” said Dan Pardoe, group purchasing manager at Joedan Holdings Group. He was able to fit diesel keys to the firm’s 13-strong fleet for the same cost as the repairs after one of these incidents. “Aide’s response was brilliant, answering all my questions and supplying a really simple and effective product. This means we never have a misfuelling issue again. I can’t recommend the product more highly.”
More from Matthew Burke on +44 (0)115 845 6471 or matt@aideautomotive.com

Senta site goes live

The SMMT will launch its web-based whole vehicle approval advice, service, called Senta, for SMMT European and National Type Approval, on its stand at the CV Operator Show in April. “But we’ve opened website at www.senta.co.uk early so that bodybuilders and others customers can register their interest,” said Allan McKenzie, senior technical manager at the SMMT. “We expect a lot of demand for the service from across the industry. Firms that can offer the full range of approval options will have an increasingly important advantage in a market that is bound to get even more competitive.” Once launched, the Senta service will be free to SMMT members and will cost non-members Â£900.
More from Allan McKenzie on +44 (0)2 073 449 202 or amckenzie@smmt.co.uk

What’s stopping us?

New EU rules on the strength of rear under-run protection equipment on trucks and trailers start in the rest of Europe on 11 March, but not in the UK. “Our government has decided in its wisdom to postpone implementation of the directive,” says David Wilcox, editor at Commercial Vehicle Engineer. “Yet it is neither difficult nor costly to engineer rear under-run beams to be still more effective at saving lives and minimising injuries.” He says this month’s issue explains this fully; it is at www.cvengineer.com. “Fleet operators and truck and trailer suppliers should think more carefully about rear under-run specification and go beyond the bare minimum demanded by UK law.
More David Wilcox on +44 (0)1 428 605 605 or davidwilcox@aztecxpress.com

Trucks to use Bristol car pool lanes

Trucks will be able to use the snappily named High Occupancy Vehicle lane on the A4174 Avon Ring road, thanks to the Road Haulage Association. When South Gloucestershire Council opened the car pool lane, the RHA asked that trucks be allowed to use it as the road gives access to the whole of the eastern side of the Bristol conurbation. The council refused. But when it published plans to lengthen the lane, the RHA tried again and the council agreed. “We are very pleased that councils now appear to be listening to us,” said Mike Farmer, RHA regional director.
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.uk.net

DPS wins with JD Sports

Telematics firm DPS says sports fashion retailer JD Sports has chosen its Vehicle Routing and Scheduling software to manage sports and casual wear deliveries to 400 stores across the UK. “The results we got from logixcentral were as good as or better than from traditional systems but at a fraction of what we would have paid for a desktop version,” said Matthew Kieras for JD Sports. Charges on a “pay-as-you-go” basis mean the firm recovers running costs immediately and sees “immediate and very significant financial benefits”. The firm runs a 57-strong, mostly 7.5 tonner fleet out of depots at Dunstable, Heywood and Peterlee..
More from Paul Palmer on +44 (0)1 215 856 633 or paul.palmer@dps-int.com

Watson moves to Mercedes

AS Watson, parent company of Superdrug and Savers will move its 101-strong truck fleet to Mercedes-Benz. Most will be Axor 1840LS two-axle tractor units with high-roof sleeper cabs and PowerShift automated transmissions, though the deal also includes 17 box-bodied Axor 18-tonners and a single 10-tonne Atego. Intercounty Truck & Van won the business on the back of its successful operation of Watson’s vehicle maintenance units in Dunstable and Pontefract distribution centres. It also looks after the firm’s 180 trailers. The fleet does some 2,500 deliveries a week to around 900 Superdrug stores and 200 Savers outlets.
More information from Julia Elkins +44 (0)1 908 245616 or julia.elkins@daimler.com

Midlums for Maxi Haulage

Ayrshire-based firm Maxi Haulage has got five new Renault Midlum 180.08 trucks. These have curtainsider bodies with tail lifts and will do some 60,000 miles a year. They join a 100-strong fleet. Jobs include delivering Volvo and Renault truck parts to dealers across the UK, working from Maxi’s UK depot network. Jim McFarlane, fleet engineer at Maxi Haulage says he finds the Midlum “a good, reliable, value-for-money vehicle”. Maxi Haulage has an annual turnover of more than Â£31m and is part or the Maxi Group. Renault Trucks Midlands did the deal.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com

BPW to make suspensions in the UK

BPW has spent Â£500,000 at its Leicester base so that it can assemble trailer suspension systems in the UK, reports Transport Engineer magazine. The move means BPW won’t need to import finished products from its German HQ. Most of the cash went on a new jig, with the remainder spent on an overhead crane system and new assembly management software.
More from John Challen on +44 (0)1 322 221 144 or jchallen@findlay.co.uk

Mycompanyfleet wins KLM software deal

After a long selection process, Mycompanyfleet has won a deal to provide the fleet management systems for KLM Equipment Services, a subsidiary of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The firm will manage a fleet of 2,500 vehicles and equipment at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. KES runs a mixed fleet, ranging from small ground vehicles like light vans, coaches and mini-buses, to specialised power units, pallet loaders, aircraft tractors and lifting platforms.
More from Andrew Leech on +44 (0)8 450 777 760 or andrew.leech@mycompanyfleet.co.uk

Geodis wins three-year Agro deal

Geodis Calberson has won a three-year, multi-million pound extension to its warehousing and distribution deal with Dow Agro Services, part of Dow Chemicals. This takes the contract to 2011. DAS, based in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, makes insecticides, fungicides and pesticides. Geodis manages logistics on the 120 acre site on a 24/7 basis and handles global distribution, mostly in European, Eurasian and Baltic markets. This involves some 10,000 pallets a year. Because of the chemicals involved, all people working on the site must have safety training and be ADR-registered to handle hazardous goods. Geodis also does on-site logistics work for DAS at its sites in France and Italy.
More from Celeste Clarke on +44 (0)2 476 228 881 or celeste@centurypr.co.uk

“Incredible response” to misfuelling device

After a recent Transport News Brief story on Thatcham’s accreditation of the Diesel Key anti mis-fuelling device. “We’ve had an incredible response for Diesel Key since its appearance in Transport News Brief in January,” said Matt Burke from Aide Automotive. “We’ve had interest from large and small fleets alike, all trying to save the cost of repairs after a driver has mis-fuelled with petrol.”
More from Matthew Burke on +44 (0)115 845 6471 or matt@aideautomotive.com

Electric first for Ryder

Truck rental and contract hire firm Ryder has delivered its first leased 10-tonne electric truck. This goes to Bunzl and will do distribution work for the catering and hospitality sector in central London, based at the firm’s Charlton depot. The truck will have a range of some 80 miles and carries its own recharging kit so that it can recharge from any three-phase electric outlet. It also has regenerative braking technology to extend battery life. Trials show that one charge could last for up to three days on Bunzl’s normal delivery routes around the capital. Ryder says that if the truck proves reliable it will order more in 2011 for other UK cities.
More from Colin Peck on +44 (0)1 784 482 336 or colinjpeck@aol.com

Fuel Anti-Siphons for Â£1.50 a week

Protecting your fuel from theft has just got easier, according to TruckProtect. The firm now offers a finance package to spread the cost of anti-siphons for up to three years. “Times are still tough for the sector and more than ever trucks and vans need protection,” said the Terry Winter, finance director. “This avoids payment up front and is open to our established customers and to new customers buying through our distributors. The finance rates are excellent and remove another barrier for an operator.”
More from Terry Winter on +44(0)1753 890 911 or terry.winter@TruckProtect.com

More members for Pall-Ex

Pall-Ex just said Oxfordshire haulier DA Clayton Ltd and Suffolk’s Karl King Transport Ltd will join its 90-strong UK network. Clayton’s base gives good access to the M40 corridor and the M1 and M4 motorways, while King runs more than 100,000 ft2 of warehousing at its Suffolk base. The latter specialises in the storage and delivery of goods entering the UK through Felixstowe, Ipswich and Harwich. Pall-Ex boss Hilary Devey says joining its network brings real benefits for new members like Clayton and King and “allows us to remain at the forefront” of the industry, “continuing our expansion” as “one of the most innovative” palletised logistics firms in the UK. The network has access to over 7,500 vehicles and 5million ft2 of warehousing.
More from Neil McDonald on +44 (0)1 698 787 855 or neil.mcdonald@beattiegroup.com

Five tonne Sprinters win in London

Balfour Beatty has put 13 new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter five-tonne tippers to work on general road and pavement maintenance work in Westminster. Derby-based dealer Mertrux won the deal on the back of the Sprinter’s Euro 5 engine and the fact that even with a steel body and crew cab, each truck still delivers a payload of about two tonnes. “Environmental measures top the agenda for Balfour Beatty and our customer, Westminster City Council,” said Garry Merrils, workplace transport and plant manager for Balfour Beatty.
More from Julia Elkins +44 (0)1 908 245616 or julia.elkins@daimler.com

New man at IAAF

The recently formed Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation says Mike Owen will manage its all-new Garage Section. It says he is a leading independent garage campaigner and organiser.
More from Gary Barak on +44 (0)1 753 650 004 or gary@chicanemarketing.co.uk

New car CO2 report

The SMMT just launched its ninth annual New Car CO2 Report. This shows a 5..4% cut in average car CO2 emissions last year, continuing a now 12 year-long downward trend. The average new car sold in the UK in 2009 emitted just 149.5g/km of CO2, down 5.4% on the 2008 figure and 21.2% better than the 1997 base level. The rate of reduction was the best on record, three times the average rate achieved since data was first measured in 1997.
More from www.smmt.co.uk

Cut blind spots and damage.

Steve Ransom at Reversing Made Easy says that despite new laws on truck mirrors, there are still too many driver blind spots. “These mean vehicle and building damage, injuries and sadly, deaths.” His firm supplies simple nearside front and rear sensor systems that cover dangerous blind spots. “The system alerts the driver to an unseen object, allowing them to stop and avoid any danger or costly impact. Search StepProtect or Trailermatic on Youtube and see for yourself. Better still, you can try any system free of charge.”
More from Steve Ransom on +44 (0)1 825 768 555 or sales@reversingmadeeasy.com

New anti-spill valve and website for TruckProtect

TruckProtect says its new website at www.truckprotect.com gives clear, factual information on features, the firm’s range of models, their installation and use. Perhaps more importantly, the site introduces TruckProtect’s new award-winning retro-fittable anti-spill valve. Called StopSpill! this fits into existing anti-siphons. “The reaction from major fleets with the environment and CSR on their agenda has been terrific,” says Richard Fowler, technical director. The site details the firm’s three global supply deals with major truck makers. It also aims to support the firm’s hundreds of distributors and 3,000 dealers and covers comparative fuel security device tests by MI Technology.
More from Russell Fowler on +44 1753 890911 or russell.fowler@truckpProtect.com

Zenloc wins a security world first with Allport

Zenloc Security Systems Limited says that Allport Limited is the first firm to specify and fit the Zenloc Container Alarm. Barry Schofield, who invented the award-winning freight alarm, delivered the first units to the Allport offices at The Haven in Ipswich. The alarm gives a remote warning of an attempted security breach and Zenloc says it has no doubt many more freight forwarding firms will prove keen to adopt its new container security device.
More from Barry Schofield on +44 (0)1 293 401 625 or sales@zenloc.com

And finally, “must contain at least nothing”

New Scientist’s Feedback column says that when Kevin Picton tried registering for the daily newsletter of the magazine Inside Retailing, he was told in no uncertain terms: “The password specified is invalid. Please specify a valid password. Passwords must be at least 7 characters in length and contain at least 0 non-alphanumeric characters.” He is still trying to work that one out.
More from www.newscientist.com

Tachoblog’s Commercial Vehicle News Roundup 12.3.10 is a post from: Tachoblog

Tachoblog’s Commercial Vehicle News Roundup 3.3.10

Tachoblog — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:24:50 +0000

Thanks to the good folk at the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tachoblog can bring you a roundup of Commercial Vehicle news for this week…

SDC first for trailer brake approval

SDC Trailers says it has got the first braking type approval under new UN-ECE braking regulations, covering all its semi-trailers fitted with the firm’s roll stability system option. This means customers can now add the approved braking system to their trailers. The system is designed to act and cut the risk if it detects the chance of roll-over. It offers SDC’s customers better trailer safety features by monitoring the trailer’s movements through an on-board accelerometer and wheel speed sensors. The firm has approvals for braking systems from Haldex, Knorr Bremse and Wabco, meaning it can offer a type approved braking system with the customer’s preferred EBS maker. Braking type approval will be mandatory from 2012.

More from Briege Armour on +44 (0)2 879 651 167 or briegearmour@sdctrailers.com

Click below for the rest of the roundup…

Save fuel, save cost, save the planet

The SMMT’s half-day seminar on telematics aims to show the technology’s role in cutting fuel use, costs and CO2 emissions for van operators. “The aim is to start discussion and make people aware of the big savings in fuel use, emissions and cash that are available right now from the intelligent use of telematics,” said Robin Dickeson, manager, commercial vehicle affairs at the SMMT. “Telematics should offer savings of at least 10% within days, while we’ll have to wait longer for most other technologies to make the same difference.” Sharon Clancy, editor at M-Logistics, the UK’s leading magazine for telematics and vehicle tracking will lead the seminar and Richard Turner, leader of the Commission for Integrated Transport’s van study group will give the keynote speech. There will be contributions from systems suppliers Microlise and TomTom Work and from operators. The seminar is on 24 March at the SMMT’s London head office. The cost is Â£50+VAT a head, though SMMT members go free.

More from Natasha James on +44 (0)2 073 441 621 or njames@smmt.co.uk

FTA manifesto

The Freight Transport Association says politicians must commit to the logistics sector or risk consigning the UK to a future of under-achievement. The FTA makes these comments as it sets out its manifesto, calling for politicians to invest in UK infrastructure, work with it on carbon solutions, change the Highway Code, respect commercial vehicles and tackle truck crime. It says these five commitments are vital. “Logistics delivers our food, our medicine and even warms our homes. Its 2.3 million strong workforce contributes billions to the Treasury each year,” said Jo Tanner of the FTA. “Modern society is not only enriched by our sophisticated global supply chain, but almost entirely dependent on it.”

More from Jo Batten on +44 (0)1 892 552 343 or jbatten@fta.co.uk

Scania wins Autologic deal

Scania has won a deal with Autologic to manage its mixed fleet of trucks and specialist trailers from 1 March. The firm will run Autologic’s Doncaster Vehicle Maintenance Unit. Autologic provides nation-wide logistics and technical services to the automotive industry. Scania will handle the maintenance and safety testing of some 280 Autologic drawbar trucks and trailers, including the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations testing for lifting decks. It won’t do the tyre fleet management. Once at full capacity, Scania will manages 18 technicians and all the other people needed to run the unit on Autologic’s behalf, as part of its Total Transport Solutions scheme.

More from Phil Sampson on +44 (0)7 885 152 132 or phil.sampson@scania.com

Ryder’s first electric truck on contract hire

Truck rental and contract hire specialist, Ryder has delivered its first leased 10 tonne electric truck. The Smiths Newton 10 tonne truck goes to Bunzl, the distribution and outsourcing group; it will work on catering and hospitality jobs in the central London area. Based at Bunzl’s Charlton branch, the truck has a range of some 80 miles and has been designed for stop-start work in the greater London area. Trials with a demonstrator have shown that one charge could last for up to three days on Bunzl’s normal delivery routes around the capital.

More from Colin Peck on + 44(0)1 784 482 336 or colinjpeck@aol.com

Tata gets a £340m EIB loan

Tata Motors has done a deal with the European Investment Bank for an eight-year, Â£340m loan for Jaguar Land Rover. This will help pay for the development of micro and full hybrid drive trains and research into more efficient car bodies.

More from Craig Rodgers on +44(0)2 073 441 614 or crodgers@smmt.co.uk

New telematics antenna for trucks and buses

Australian antenna specialist RF Industries has a new low-profile aerial for use with truck and bus telematics systems. Called TLA4000 series it meets relevant European standards. Oxtec, RFI’s European partners say the unit is “an ideal single antenna solution” for harsh environments. It will work on all cellular frequencies, WiFi at 2.4GHz and handle GPS for tracking.

More from Michael Woodfine on +44 (0)1 295 722 848 or michael.woodfine@oxtec.co.uk

Eaton wins biggest UltraShift order

Eaton says it has won the biggest single order for its UltraShift truck transmission. Penske Truck Leasing will take more than 1,800 new Fuller UltraShift ‘Highway Value’ medium-duty and fully automated gearboxes. They will be built into International DuraStar trucks behind MaxxForce engines that will run as part of Penske’s consumer truck rental fleet. Independent testing using SAE-approved protocols has shown that the UltraShift HV can make 7% through 19% fuel savings over a conventional automatic, depending on the job.

More from Mike O’Neill on +1 (0)2 157 521 429 or Oneillpr@aol.com

Show debut for new axle load indicator

Axtec’s latest version of its successful on-board load indicator makes its UK debut on stand 5851 at the 2010 CV Operator Show in April. The new unit offers a range of new options to help operators meet axle and gross weight restrictions. The biggest change is the opportunity to integrate a reversing camera into the system. This automatically displays a view from the rear-facing camera as soon as the driver selects reverse gear. All systems will come with this connectivity as standard for use with existing reversing cameras, or Axtec can supply a complete kit. The system now also stores overload data to give the transport manager detailed records. Where a vehicle has a live tracking system, Axtec can link to it to give live loading data.

More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com

Cameron’s internet-based fuel management system

Cameron Forecourt will launch a new fuel storage management system called Eclipse on its stand 5474 at the CV Operator show in April. This uses satellite-based technology to give round-the-clock fuel status monitoring via the Internet and needs no special software. Aimed specifically at the owners of commercial refuelling installations, the system makes it far easier for fleet operators to monitor stocks, pinpoint deficiencies and stamp out theft or unauthorised fuelling. “With traditional landline or GSM-linked monitoring systems, the data can be anything up to 24 hours old,” said Martyn Gent, sales and marketing manager. “The Eclipse tells you immediately when things start going wrong, be it theft, fuel loss or any other exception.”

More from Martyn Gent on +44 (0)1 226 742 441 or martyngent@cameron-forecourt.co.uk

Halls Auto Electrical at the CV Operator Show

Fuel injection and auto electrical firm Halls Auto Electrical says it will have specialists on its stand number 5594 at the CV Operator Show in April. Halls works across Central and Southern Britain from bases in Bristol and Swindon and has a staff of highly trained and experienced mobile engineers and support staff. “Using the latest equipment, our engineers can interrogate modern vehicle computer systems and seamlessly install auxiliary equipment,” said the firm’s Steve Hall. “Our reputation, coupled with ISO9001 accreditation and manufacturer awards has helped us build an excellent customer base.” The firm has been in business 30 years this year.

More from Steve Hall on +44 (0)1 454 319 722 or steve.h@hallselectrical.co.uk

Aixam’s new drive train for electrics

Electric vehicle maker Aixam has a new AC motor drive-line for its Mega e-City urban vehicles and Mega Multitruck commercial ranges. This gives a longer range and more torque for better acceleration. It also means lower maintenance costs. The new models will make their first public appearance on Aixam’s stand 5825 at the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show at the NEC in April.

More from Christine Gormley on +44 (0)2 476 407 422 or Christine@seachangecommunications.co.uk

Aspray to double in size

Willenhall-based family firm Aspray Transport expects to grow 20% this year and double in size in two years. The firm just got 26 new Daf trucks, mostly LF 7.5 tonners but with some CF tractors to help it handle newly-won work. It also expects to hire 50 more people by the end of March. The new trucks join Aspray’s 300 trucks and 110 trailers. The firm also plans to order another 25 new trucks later this year. Greenhous Commercials, also in Willenhall, got the business on the back of Aspray’s local buying policy and a successful, 22-year relationship between the two firms. The firm has 12 depots across the UK, including a logistics site in Wolverhampton.

More from Sylvie Pender on +44 (0)1 179 493 394 or sylvie.pender@corixa.co.uk

High mileage Dafs for ATL

Three new Daf CF85 tractors with Derbyshire-based Ascott Transport Limited are each likely to do around 275,000 miles (445,000 km) a year on a contract with tyre maker Pirelli. The trucks are working 24/7, fully laden, moving raw materials and finished products between Pirelli plants at Burton-on-Trent and Carlisle. The job needs 12 drivers on a double and split-shift system. There are two 40 tonners and one 44 tonner, all powered by 460bhp 12.9-litre engines driving AS-tronic automated gearboxes with long distance software. Imperial Commercials of Derby did the deal.

More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com

Fire fighting vehicle deal on offer

The SMMT’s International Department says that the Sungai Ling Authority in Brunei has issued an open tender for the supply and maintenance of six fire fighting vehicles and support equipment and their maintenance for four years. The vehicles are a 5,000 litre foam tender on 4×4 chassis cab, a Haz Mat tender based on a 6×4 chassis cab, an emergency tender based on 6×4 panel van, a single cab rescue tender, a command car based on 4×4, five seat SUV and a 4×4, five seat MPV. The tender demands that interested firms submit a pre-qualification questionnaire by Tuesday 6 April, 2010. The tender requires maintenance of all vehicles for four years after warranty.

More from David Croxson on +44 (0)2 073 449 230 or dcroxson@smmt.co.uk

Commission makes overtures to Iceland

After a positive assessment, the European Commission recommends membership talks with Iceland. This follows Iceland’s application for membership made in July last year. The assessment takes account of “some economic issues,” mostly centring on the so-called ‘Icesave’ accounts at Landsbanki, one of the three major banks to collapse as a result of the financial crisis. EU leaders must now formally decide on opening accession talks with Iceland.

More from Craig Rodgers on +44(0)2 073 441 614 or crodgers@smmt.co.uk

European CV registrations drop 12.3% in January

Acea, the Brussels-based European motor industry association just released January data on commercial vehicle registrations in the European Union. These show a total of 123,527 units for the month, 12.3% down on January last year. This is now a 21 month on month decline. Heavy trucks, over 16 tonnes did worst, down 43.5% to 10,961 while vans up to 3.5t dropped 5.2% to 105,522. For all vans and trucks over 3.5t, registrations dropped 40% to 15,756. Germany did best, taking 4,185 of those vans. January bus and coach registrations dropped 30.9% to 2,249..

More from Quynh-Nhu Huynh on +32 (0)2 738 73 55 or qh@acea.be

Logistics showcase

If you feel that logistics doesn’t get the credit it deserves, the Freight Transport Association’s giving you a chance to show the sector some love at its Logistics Showcase. On the first evening of the CV Operator Show in Birmingham, the FTA will run a gala dinner to celebrate the sector. “The night will also see the premiere of four brand new short films, each showing an aspect of logistics,” says Jo Tanner at the FTA. “And you’ll get a chance to meet contacts old and new. Places are limited, so make sure you book today at www.lovelogistics.co.uk or by calling 08 717 112 222.”

More from Jo Batten on + 44 (0)1 892 552 343 or jbatten@fta.co.uk

Parcelforce takes 1,000 ECO-Start Sprinters

Parcelforce Worldwide, the Royal Mail Group’s UK and international express delivery division recently got 1,106 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 311CDI vans. All have the Mercedes ECO-Start system which automatically cuts the engine when the vehicle is stationary. Parcelforce chose the vans after a trial involving its drivers and expects the vans to cut fuel use and emissions by some 5%.

More from Julia Elkins +44 (0)1 908 245 616 or julia.elkins@daimler.com

TVS Logistics goes for European growth

TVS Logistics, the Indian company which bought Multipart last year, is re-organising its European operations as part of a global plan to double revenue in two years from its current level of more than Â£140 million. The firm says that a key part of this is the appointment of Chris Gateley, Multipart’s managing director, to the Boards of TVS Automotive Europe, as chief executive and to TVS C J Components, TVS Group’s British component making subsidiary. Gately also keeps his job as MD at Multipart. TVS Automotive Europe offers Line Feed, Original Equipment Purchasing, Inbound Supply Chain management, aftermarket and related IT and technical support to motor industry clients across Europe.

More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com

City Link wins £300k deal

City Link’s Kidderminster depot just won a Â£300,000 annual deal to handle all distribution needs for Bromsgrove-based vehicle parts supplier Fuel Parts UK Ltd. “The contract started off on a trial basis but after three days Fuel Parts UK said they were delighted with how things were going and took us on permanently,” said Denise Wigley, general manager. “The company has an excellent reputation in the industry and we are delighted to be a part of it.” The City Link Kidderminster Depot employs 60 people to take care of 163 customers across the Worcestershire area.

More from Celeste Clarke on +44 (0)2 476 228 881 or celeste@centurypr.co.uk

New air suspension from Drive-Rite

Dublin-based Drive-Rite Air Suspensions says its new Generation II IntelliRide Electronic Air Suspension is aimed at vans, minibuses, ambulances and community transport vehicles. It is an air suspension control system, pioneered by Firestone, which can be adapted to meet the most specific needs of a vehicle maker or converter. The electronic control unit reads and quickly adapts to road, vehicle and driver inputs to “optimize air suspension performance.” Fully certified by the Vehicle Certification Agency to EU Standards and already tested and approved by a number of Original Equipment Makers, the system meets “the harshest” environmental and electromagnetic conditions.

More from John Lindsay on +353 (0)860 480 484 or jlindsay@driveriteltd.com

Grayson goes to Turkey

Heat exchange specialist Grayson Thermal Systems will go to Busworld Turkey at the Istanbul Expo Center from 25 to 28 March. The firm says this is the latest stage in its push to develop new European markets. The Birmingham-based company will exhibit alongside ComeSys Europe, with whom it has been working on the development of new cooling systems technology for hybrid drive and all-electric buses and coaches. Grayson has recently opened a large new factory to give it more capacity for research, development and manufacturing.

More from Christine Gormley on +44 (0) 24 76 407422 or Christine@seachangecommunications.co.uk

Actros to help launch lifeboats

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has got its first heavy haulage tractor unit, a Mercedes-Benz Actros 2546 plated for Special Types operation at 72t GCW. The new truck has a MegaSpace cab and Mercedes Powershift 2 auto transmission. It will tow a low-loader trailer, moving boats and heavy plant between lifeboat stations nationwide. Pentagon Commercials of Poole did the deal. “We were previously sub-contracting out our heavy vehicle and plant movements,” said David Tidman, transport manager for the RNLI. “So this new Mercedes-Benz will help us to increase efficiency.”

More information from Julia Elkins +44 (0) 1908 245616 or julia.elkins@daimler.com

New website for Tiss

Tiss Security Systems says its new website at www.tissltd.com shows its growing dealer network, deals with truck makers and more educational information. Matthew Rose, commercial director says that new pages explain how Tiss’ TankSafe Impregnable anti-siphon may help operators meet corporate and social responsibility targets. The site also covers tests by Mi Technology to compare fuel security devices.

More from Silvia Vitale on +44 (0)1 253 400 401 or silvia.vitale@tissltd.com

And finally

New Scientist’s Feedback page says that one of its readers, Roger Powell wants to get hold of a box from Amazon, as these handy containers appear to have the ability to reduce the weight of any objects placed inside them. For example, the vehicle reversing aid Roger was interested in normally weighs 2kg, according to the product details on Amazon’s site but its boxed weight is listed as only 599 grams. This, Roger suggests, must be how Amazon keeps its shipping costs down.

More from www.newscientist.com

Tachoblog’s Commercial Vehicle News Roundup 3.3.10 is a post from: Tachoblog

Tachoblog’s Commercial Vehicle News Roundup 25.2.10

Tachoblog — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:42:47 +0000

Thanks to the good folk at the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Tachoblog can bring you a roundup of Commercial Vehicle news for this week…

Allison wins at Beijing

Allison says its transmissions have been selected for use on support vehicles at Beijing International Airport, with smooth operation and safety cited as the deal makers. Xinfa Airport Equipment Ltd has made shuttle buses equipped with Allison’s automatic transmissions since 2003. Examples are working at successfully at Beijing International Airport.
More from Nick Bailey on +44 (0)1 295 277 050 or nick.bailey@m-eng.com

Click below for the rest of this week’s roundup…

New exhibitors at CV Operator Show

Organisers of the 2010 Commercial Vehicle Operator Show say the latest data for the event in April show that 51 of the exhibitors will be at the Show for the first time. “This is tremendous news,” said Nick Jones, chief executive of the Society of Operations Engineers, one of the three Show partners. “I am delighted in the confidence shown by the vast range of suppliers and services that will be present at the Show.”
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk

Ryder spends £18m on new rental vehicles

Ryder Europe, one of the UK’s larger transport firms, says it will spend Â£18m on 613 new vans and trucks. The deal includes Mercedes Sprinters with panel van, fridge or Luton bodies and Daf trucks at 7.5, 12, 18 and 44 tonnes. The rigid trucks have box, curtainside or fridge bodies. Most vans and trucks have tail-lifts. The firm says the move follows “significant” spending on trucks in 2008, taking the firm’s average fleet age down to 28 months. For the first time Ryder will run 12 tonners, taking 30 box-bodied rigids on the back of demand for higher pay-loads for urban delivery work.
More from Sally Canty on +44 (0)2 380 283 255 or sally@hermespartnership.co.uk

MiX Telematics on show

MiX Telematics will show its range of fuel saving schemes on its stand number 5025 at the CV Operator Show in April. The firm says its team of industry specialists will be there to help and tell visitors about the scale of savings its systems can deliver. As well as successes in the van and truck sectors, MiX Telematics says its products are used widely by bus and coach operators. The firm estimates it has saved its bus and coach customers more than Â£7m.
More from Steve Coffin on +44 (0)1 217 175 360 or steve.coffin@mixtelematics.com

Arrive’n'Drive to help cut costs

The 2010 GreenFleet Arrive’n'Drive event is on 12 May at Rockingham, near Corby. The aim is to give fleet managers a chance to test drive the latest and most economical vehicles on the market. Their low fuel use will cut emissions and costs and help fleets cut their carbon footprints. CitroÃ«n, Fiat, Ford, Peugeot and VW will have their latest vans there. They and others will have cars available too. The event is free and includes all-day refreshments and a buffet lunch. Organiser Colin Boynton says he’s had a record number of vehicle makers sign up.
More from Colin Boyton on +44 (0)2 085 325 704 or colin.boyton@psigroupltd.co.uk

New boss at Bosal

The Bosal Group, best known for its exhaust systems, says Aad L Goudriaan will be its new chief executive officer from 1 April. He joins from Daf Trucks NV where he was president. The Dutch-registered, privately-owned group has 39 factories around the world and employs 5,000 people. It had an annual turnover of more than €800m in 2008.
More from Sandra Ball on +44 (0)1 772 761 226 or sandra.ball@eur.bosal.com

VebaBox runs hot and cold

VebaBox says its latest product; the VebaBox 20/20 is a world first in hot and cold chain logistics for vans. The firm says the unit works from -200C to +200C and has the same advantages as its fridge/freezer range. It runs off multiple compressor and heating modules, offering “greater reliability and lower power consumption than traditional van conversions,” according to the firm’s Mark Smith. The unit is aimed at customers like couriers, pharmaceutical deliverers and van rental firms that need to operate across wider temperature ranges.
More from Mark Smith on +44 (0)7 859 921 068 or msmith@vebabox.eu

Centrebus takes a dozen Solos

Fast-growing independent bus operator Centrebus has put a dozen Optare Solos to work at depots in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Eight are with Centrebus Holdings in Halifax, running from a new depot in Elland. The remaining four are in Grantham, on a growing network of town services. All 12 Solos have Euro 5 MAN EEV engines rated at 132 kW or 177 bhp and driving through Allison five-speed automatic transmissions. Centrebus Holdings is a joint venture between Centrebus and Arriva.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com

MiX goes mobile with iPhone app

Mix Telematics says operators can now keep tabs on their vehicles at all times via iPhones with MiX Mobile. This is a new tracking app from the firm, available through the Apple App Store or from http://mixmobile.mixtelematics.com. The app links Apple’s iPhone to MiX Telematics’ entry level vehicle tracking and security systems. This offers vehicle speed and location data and geo fencing. Customers can use the iPhone screens to check Google-based maps that give street, satellite and mixed views. MiX Telematics says it is the first in the telematics industry to offer vehicle tracking technology of this type for the iPhone.
More from Steve Coffin on +44 (0)1 217 175 360 or steve.coffin@mixtelematics.com

Chevin goes down under to grow

Derbyshire-based asset management consultancy and software house, Chevin Fleet Solutions has moved to larger, new offices on the outskirts of Sydney. The firm says it is market leader in the UK and US and wants to take advantage of growing demand for its fleet systems in Australia.
More form Paul Muckle on +44 (0)1 159 486 901 or paulm@bcspr.co.uk

10 Smith Electric vans for German trials

Smith Electric Vehicles is supplying 10 Edison vans to Ford of Europe as part of a project that aims to shape Germany’s low carbon future. ColognE-mobil, launched on Monday 22 February aims first to check the potential benefits of electric vans in Cologne. It will then try forecast how the effect on Germany’s plans to deploy one million zero emission vehicles by 2020. The Smith Edison is an electric version of the Ford Transit van, powered by lithium-ion batteries. It has a range of up to 100 miles on a full charge and a top speed of 50mph. Smith will build seven panel vans for delivery service work, two minibuses for passenger work and one chassis cab for municipal use in the City.
More from Dan Jenkins on +44 (0)7 536 092 682 or brightsparkspr@yahoo.com

Free design for sender unit protection

Truck Protect says well-maintained and managed sender units will effectively deter fuel theft, but to ensure protection in all circumstances, a simple aluminium device offers fuel security and protection against daily wear and tear on the sender unit. The device fits in minutes under the tank’s retaining straps with no drilling or welding and is removable in the workshop for maintenance. You can see the design at www.truckprotect.com/euroasian-anti-siphons-2/accessories/senderstop and operators are free to use the design to have the device made locally. TruckProtect suggest contributions can be made to Transaid by pressing the “donate” button at www.transaid.org
More from Russell Fowler on +44(0)1 753 890 911 or russell.fowler@truckprotect.com

Big bounceback for TLS

Van rental firm TLS says it had its highest New Year “bounceback” in numbers of vans and trucks on rental. Bounceback is a measure used by rental firms to see how business recovers every New Year after the post-Christmas lull. Traditionally it is a good indicator of underlying demand in the market. “By the end of January, the number of vehicles we had on rental was 6.0% higher than in the week before Christmas, compared to 4.4% in 2009,” said Simon Cook, sales director.
More from Simon Wells on +44 (0)1 283 711 311 or simon@paperchasepr.co.uk

New boss at Daf

Paccar, Daf Trucks’ parent company just said that Harrie Schippers will take over as president of Daf Trucks NV on 1 April. He joined Daf 1986 and succeeds Aad Goudriaan, who recently left the firm.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com

Dexel joins ContiNetwork

Dexel Tyres just joined the Continental Tyres’ national dealer network, ContiNetwork. The firm works from Hellaby, near Rotherham and junction 1 on the M18. This means Dexel can easily reach the A1M, M1 and M62 motorways and the van, truck, trailer, bus and coach operators in its patch. The firm offers the full range of Continental Tyres-backed services and its 40-strong service fleet is available 24/7 working from seven of Dexel’s 13 depots.
More from Belle Moss on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or bmoss@automotivepr.com

Vacu-Lug delivers for Royal Mail

Vacu-Lug says it has won a deal to supply all retread tyres for the Royal Mail Group’s trailer fleet for two years. There is an option to extend the deal for another two years. The firm will fit its Duramold retreads as replacements for all worn or damaged 385/65 R22.5 tyres on the Royal Mail Group’s trailer fleet. Royal Mail runs one of the largest van, truck and trailer fleets in the UK.
More from Dave Alsop on +44 (0)1 476 593 095 or dave.alsop@vaculug.com

Sorry we’re late.

This issue of Transport News Brief is both later and smaller than we’d like. Computer problems caught us out but are now solved and all should be back to normal for the next issue.
Robin Dickeson, editor

And finally

New Scientist’s Feedback page reports that pharmaceuticals firm Bayer Schering Pharma is to make a series of online films to “tackle the sensitive subject of erectile dysfunction.” As reader Ronnie Somerville notes, what better-named company could it choose to produce them than the award-winning Aardman Animations?

More from www.newscientist.com

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