Tachoblog

New Van Mail From Volkswagen Has News, Exclusive Offers and Competitions – What Are You Waiting For Asks Tachoblog

Tachoblog — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:53:31 +0000

Being a blog, Tachoblog likes most things internet related, so the news thatVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles has introduced Van Mail – a new electronic newsletter – was right up our street.

The newsletter is designed to give owners and potential customers an insight into all the latest news, exclusive offers and competitions from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

Van Mail will be issued four times a year, the first issue launched this week features the chance to win a VIP tour of the Red Bull Racing factory, who have a fleet of Volkswagen vans working hard delivering parts for testing and racing.

Click below for more and how you can subscribe…

A second competition offers the chance to win £5,000 for your business simply by taking a test drive of the latest Crafter, while other information includes details of the great value servicing Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles introduced with fixed prices across the country starting from £199 (excluding VAT), and a summary of the excellent press reviews the new Transporter has received since it launch earlier this year. More exclusive offers and discounts will follow in the next Van Mail due in October.

“Van Mail is intended to be informative, valuable and rewarding,” David George, Head of Marketing, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles told Tachoblog.

“We already offer award-winning customer service, but want to be able to make our customers feel valued and well informed,” he continued.

Full details of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range of vans and people carriers, and locations of Volkswagen Van Centres are available from www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.

How Do You Move A 4,000 Tonne Oil Platform Asks Tachoblog – On A Goldhofer Trailer Of Course!

Tachoblog — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:09:11 +0000

So, you’ve got not one but two oil platforms that you want moving from Louisiana to Alaska. As you might have already thought, they’re neither light (weighing 4,000 and 3,500 tonnes respectively) nor small so moving them, whole, by road perhaps isn’t the option you’d go for. But if you’re heavy-haulage trailer specialists Goldhofer and US transport specialists Berard Transportation, then not even this Herculean task is a problem.

The platforms will underpin the billion-dollar Nikaitchuq Development Project in Alaska. Transporting them from Berard Transportation’s base in New Iberia, Louisiana to their shipping dock was no small feat in trailer technology to accomplish – which is why the American company called on Goldhofer for help.

Click below to find out how they did it…

The Memmingen-based experts came up with two vast self-propelling super-structures (Goldhofer modules THP/SL-E and THP/ES-E), which are designed specially for the transportation of extremely heavy equipment. Between the two structures, no fewer than 144 axles and 1,152 wheels were needed to bear the weight of the platforms.

Ivan Collins, Sales Director of Andover Trailers, the sole UK distributor of Goldhofer heavy haulage equipment in the UK and Ireland, told Tachoblog of his admiration at the partnership’s solution.

“Goldhofer has always thought outside the box and risen to the challenge, however difficult,” says Collins. “That said, I’m still impressed at the sheer size and complexity of these structures.”

Like its German project-partner, Berard Transportation also has a history of devising strong solutions for awkward, heavyweight machinery – but CEO Johnny Berard admitted to Tachoblog that the prospect of transporting these oil platforms was a daunting one nonetheless.

“So many factors had to be taken into consideration for this project that it really was quite a mammoth task to take on,” says Berard. “We managed it though, thanks to the technical expertise of the designers involved.”

The Nikaitchuq Development Project is a joint venture between oil production corporations Kerr-McGee and Armstrong Oil & Gas, founded in 2004. It is located in the Beaufort Sea off Alaska’s North Slope.

Tachoblog’s View From The Cab – 27.8.10

Tachoblog — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:07:31 +0000

Our last View From The Cab for August, Tachoblog can’t believe that it’ll already be September next week, where has this year gone? Anyway, once again we’re grateful to the Tachoblog Tribe who’ve sent in what they’ve seen so you can see it too.

This week, apart from one quick return trip, we’re taking you all around the world from the UK to America, New Zealand and Germany. That’s a lot of ground to cover so let’s get started.

We begin in England with TruckDrivercouk who sent this View from the A19 near Thirsk in North Yorkshire.

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

Now we’re off to America to catch up with Darkstaff who’s been putting the miles in as usual. His first View is of Lambeau Field, on Lombardi St. in Green Bay, Wisconsin – ‘home of the Green Bay Packers’ [Sorry, Tachoblog has no idea whether that’s Baseball or Football!)…

…This is his ‘Batman view of St. Louis, Missouri.. Someday I’d love to spend a week here taking photos’…

…And here is Darkstaff’s ‘copilot Koko. He’s a great dog!’…

Finally we have a View of the cab when Darkstaff (and Koko!) are ‘parked for a night in Green River, Utah’.

Down to New Zealand now to join Vic H ‘coming up through the central North Island this morning just before sunrise the sky was changing colour continually’…

…’Unfortunately the old saying about red sky in the morning became true later in the afternoon but it made for some spectacular colours at the time’…

…’And then about half an hour later as I was starting out along the Desert Rd, Mt Ruapehu stood out well against the sky. To the far right of the photo you can just see the summit of Mt Ngauruhoe, which was Mt Doom in the “Lord of the Rings” films’.

A quick return to America now as we join Amishtrucker ‘crossing the old Colorado River Bridge in LaGrange, Texas’…

…Here he is ‘running Farm to Market Road 155 just outside of Weimer, Texas. Weimer is another of the old German settlement towns here in Texas’…

…And this is ‘sunrise through refinery looking from the Corpus Christi Truck Stop’

We head homeward (for Tachoblog) now as we see another German settlement (although this one actually is in Germany) with Rainerri1967 who is in Würzburg. He doesn’t ‘know why they put this in the street. But it looks nice’.

And that’s it for this week. As we said last time, if you’re a member of the Tachoblog Tribe that’s ever sent in some Views, then can you contact Tachoblog and let us have original images of 4 – 6 of your favourites ones that you’ve sent us please – when we use them on the blog they get ‘shrunk’.

If you’re not a member of the Tachoblog Tribe and haven’t ever sent in Views – just enjoyed looking at them like we do! – then please let Tachoblog know which are your favourite Views. We can then track down the right people!

They’ll be nothing from Tachoblog on Monday as it’s a Bank Holiday here – the last one until Chirstmas – so we’ll see you alll again on Tuesday.

Mercedes Atego Environmental Protection Unit – Helping To Keep Scottish Firefighters Safe With Tachoblog

Tachoblog — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:08:23 +0000

Expert scientists who advise Scottish firefighters at the scenes of major contaminations have a new mobile base, in the shape of a very special Mercedes-Benz truck.

The 15-tonne Atego 1524 Environmental Protection Unit was delivered to Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Service by Bellshill dealer Western Commercial and is purpose-designed to assist at CBRN – Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear – incidents.

Its bespoke body is by Cebotec, of Falkirk, and split into two compartments: one is a state-of-the-art laboratory kitted out with an array of high-tech instruments and computers; the other serves as a command and communications centre. Both are also equipped with internal and external CCTV cameras.

Click below for more…
Robert Brown, Technical Support & Logistics Manager for the Strathclyde Service, explained to Tachoblog, “We employ a team of scientists who support fire crews attending chemical and environmental incidents, and this vehicle allows them to carry out their vital work at the scene.

“The fact that they are able to perform their tests and analysis without having to return to base, and report directly to the incident commander on the ground, can save crucial time when dealing with potentially dangerous situations.”

He continued, “As a 15-tonner our new Mercedes-Benz Atego is lighter and more manoeuvrable than the 18-tonne truck it has replaced. It was also less expensive to buy and will be more economical to run than another 18-tonner, while the fact that it has a smaller ‘footprint’ means it is kinder to the environment too.”

The appliance is based at Strathclyde Fire Service HQ in Hamilton, from where it is detailed to attend incidents in its own region and, if necessary, across Scotland.

Strathclyde Fire Service also runs several other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including another two 15-tonne Atego used as community fire safety units, and some specialised 7.5-tonne Vario light fire tenders.

“So we know from experience that Mercedes-Benz vehicles are extremely reliable,” added Mr Brown, “while the support we receive from the manufacturer and Western Commercial is first class too.”

Ashwood’s Ford Transit Hybrid Drive And Where You Can See It Too!

Tachoblog — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:30:26 +0000

Utilising the Ford Transit panel van, the Ashwoods Hybrid Transit delivers a reduction in fuel consumption of 15-25 per cent, depending on the vehicle drive cycle. Sounds good says Tachoblog, tell us more…

The system, which can be fitted to a Transit in less than four hours, recovers the kinetic energy usually wasted through braking or deceleration. A lithium-ion battery stores the recovered energy and a high efficiency electric motor delivers it to the wheels.

Click below for more and where you can see the Ashwood Transit for yourself…

Speaking to Tachoblog, Mark Roberts, Managing Director at Ashwoods Automotive, said, “Ashwoods Hybrid Transit is now the best-selling hybrid van in the UK, because it delivers simple, practical benefits to fleets.

“We have a strong public sector customer base and are looking forward to sharing the unique benefits of Ashwoods Hybrid Transit with more fleet operators at LCV2010.”

The Hybrid Transit offers several key advantages to fleet managers, over both conventional diesel vans and other low carbon commercial vehicles. Because the system is entirely self-powered, it never needs plugging into a charging point and drivers don’t have to worry about the battery running flat. The technology reduces wear and tear on the brakes and there is no interference with the vehicle’s structure, so standard warranty and residual values remain intact.

When a fleet manager wants to sell on the van, Ashwoods can decouple the system, refurbish it and fit it to another vehicle in the fleet. A clear and simple cab display console means there is also no need for special driver training.

If you want to see Ashwood’s Ford Transit and also a new technology from the company which can reduce fuel consumption by a further 10 per cent, then you need to get to the low carbon vehicle event LCV 2010.

This new technology aims to replicate the immediate success of the Hybrid Transit – since its launch in 2009, Ashwoods has already delivered more than130 of its hybrid-electric vans, to public sector fleets. Customers include Royal Mail and Transport for London, plus the councils of Camden, Coventry, Gateshead, Hackney, Islington, Leeds and Liverpool.

Ashwoods is the sole supplier of hybrid vans into the Department for Transport’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP). Ashwoods is delivering more than 68% of the total LCVPP fleet.

LCV 2010 takes place at Millbrook Proving Grounds on 15th and 16th September. Ashwoods has three vans participating in the ride n drive and a static display in the outdoor area. For further details, visit www.ashwoods.org.

First Isuzu Ever For TWT Logistics – Tachoblog Has The Story

Tachoblog — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:39:00 +0000

Despite their worldwide appeal, Isuzu Trucks aren’t as big (yet!) here in the UK. So getting one of their vehicles into a fleet that previously had none is a good thing for the company. Better still, the new Isuzu is impressing as much as the company themselves did.

TWT Logistics operates a diverse fleet of 80 plus vehicles and 150 trailers to meet the needs of its customer base, however recently the Mid Glamorgan based company took delivery of its first ever Isuzu truck to work on pallet deliveries as part of the group’s pallet distribution network.

Click below for the whole story…

TWT’s first ever Isuzu N75.190 7.5tonne long wheelbase rigid joined the fleet earlier this year, based from their Andover depot, Switch International, which was purchased 4 years ago.

The Isuzu N75.190 Euro 5 rigid has been specified with the popular Easyshift transmission and has a 20ft curtainsided body with tuckaway taillift fitted as standard. TWT anticipates that the Isuzu, which was supplied by Isuzu Thames Valley, will cover in excess of 100,000kms per annum over a six year working life.

As Trevor Taylor, Managing Director at TWT Logistics Group explained to Tachoblog, “We attended the SED show last year, spoke to Isuzu on their stand and their response was first class. After the show, Isuzu came to us to explain about the full range of trucks they sell, and we were invited to test their demo trucks at various weights.”

Not long after, TWT Logistics needed to add a further 7.5tonner to its fleet and decided to specify its first ever Isuzu, a decision that pleased Trevor Taylor. He comments, “Isuzu worked hard to impress us with their total package and fully deserved this opportunity to supply us with a new vehicle. Needless to say, the vehicle has slipped effortlessly into our pallet distribution fleet, performing well so far.”

A History of Peterbilt Trucks

AshleyRape61 — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:47:25 +0000

As a manufacturer of medium to heavy duty trucks in the 5 through 8 Class, Peterbilt Motors Co. has developed a name for reliable low-maintenance custom trucks. We are going to take a look at the history of Peterbilt trucks, so you can understand how this company has developed over time.

Before Peterbilt

The original motor company that was bought by T.A. Peterman went by the name of Fageol Motors Co. As happened to many businesses during the Great Depression, Fageol Motors succumbed to bankruptcy due to the hurt economy. Before this occurred they had produced luxury buses and heavy duty trucks that were rugged and dependable. After the bankruptcy the company was run by the Central Bank of Oakland and the Waukesha Motor Co. until TA Peterman purchased it so that he could build trucks for his lumber and logging operations.

Click below for more…

Peterbilt’s Beginning

Originally started in 1939, Peterbilt is not the oldest brand of commercial vehicles but it has carved itself a place among the top truck manufacturing companies in the US. When T.A. Peterman took ownership and renamed the company after himself. He set a goal of quality over quantity. Many other companies were producing trucks as fast as possible. Instead of following this route, the engineers of Peterbilt were sent out into the field and on the job sites to speak with the people that would be using the trucks in day-to-day work. This gave an insight into the needs of the trucker, and led to innovations that allow for the Peterbilt brand to be quickly accepted into the heavy duty commercial vehicle community. The performance of their heavy duty trucks during World War II helped to solidify their brand for its exceptional quality.

After the war, the Peterbilt Motors Co. continued to grow and expand across the US until it was bought in 1958 by the Pacific Car and Foundry (PACCAR). While PACCAR was also the owner of Peterbilt’s main competitor Kenworth, the trucking subsidiaries remain as two separate brands with their own operations that continue to compete in the marketplace.

Peterbilt Today

Peterbilt began as a company that focused on custom manufacturing to fit the customer’s requirements and this has not changed to this day. This has led to durable trucks that are efficient around the driver’s specific needs and made Peterbilt a favorite among many truck drivers. To that point, Peterbilt was given the award for the highest customer satisfaction in medium duty conventional trucks from JD Powers and Associates. With its engineering department and corporate headquarters relocated to Denton, Texas, the Peterbilt truck manufacturing excellence continues into the future.

Now that you have a little background on how the Peterbilt Motors Co. came to be, you have a good grasp of the company’s legacy when it comes to a commitment to customer service and premium custom trucking designs.

Author: Jim McCormack

Beautiful Mercedes-Benz Actros Edition Black Liner / White Liner – You’ll Have To Be Quick If You Want One Says Tachoblog

Tachoblog — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:40:40 +0000

Mercedes-Benz have just released details of the Actros Edition Black Liner and White Liner – the most exclusive and attractive form of star-branded long-distance truck.

According to the company these limited edition Actros (what is the plural of Actros..Actross, Actroses?) are ‘on the outside perfectly attired, from the metallic paintwork to the decorative stripe, and inside perfectly equipped, from special leather seats to Active Brake Assist, the new Mercedes-Benz Actros Edition showcases the brand.

Click below for the full specification…

Take a look at the exterior of the Actros Edition, and it is immediately clear that this is a superlative truck: available with diamond white (Actros White Liner) or obsidian black (Actros Black Liner) paintwork, each cab features a broad, vertical double stripe in elegant grey.

The distinctive look is underlined by exterior mirror trim with chrome details (Actros Black Liner) or painted in white (Actros White Liner), steps in stainless steel (Actros Black Liner) or with a black paint finish (Actros White Liner), headlamp trim in black (Actros White Liner) or chrome (Actros Black Liner), LED daytime driving lights and LED position lights. The Edition lettering and the door emblem emphasise the special character of the Actros Edition. (The Actros White Liner also has steel wheels with a black paint finish.)

The interior proves to be a genuine driver’s dream. The brown climate-controlled leather seats and leather door panels with special topstitching, the leather steering wheel and leather armrests create an exclusive atmosphere.

Other leather features include the centre floor mat and the mat in the open stowage tray on top of the instrument panel. The trim on the instrument support and the ventilation outlets is in matt black fine wood. Brown velour floor mats round off the overall impression of comfort and exclusivity.

Further standard equipment with air horns, illuminated star logo, sun visor, electric tilting/sliding sunroof, electrically operated sunblinds for the windscreen, automatic climate control, ambient lighting and coolbox combine comfort, function and looks to optimum effect. The Actros Edition can be fitted with silver-coloured or black painted aluminium wheels.

Safety and cost-effectiveness are other factors which are not in short supply when it comes to the Actros Edition. The already extensive standard equipment for the Actros is enhanced in the Actros Edition Black Liner and White Liner with features such as Active Brake Assist 2 (also known as emergency braking assist) which also recognises stationary obstacles, Lane Assistant, stability control, and the driver’s airbag.

Retarder and proximity control are available as an option. Air deflectors with cab-side extenders and aerodynamic side trim panels further lower the already favourable fuel consumption. A pre-installation for the FleetBoard telematics is also already on board.

Ok, so now like Tachoblog you want one of these. The good news is that both the Black Liner and White Liner are being produced in conjunction with L-cab and Megaspace cab and all engine variants.

However, the bad news is that the number of trucks being produced is as exclusive as the equipment: the Edition is limited to 500 vehicles. Best get down to your nearest dealer sharpish!

Tachoblog’s Commercial Vehicle News Roundup 24.8.10

Tachoblog — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 09:20:17 +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…

Trailer height limit on the horizon

Transport News Brief has learned that bureaucrats in Brussels may limit heights to four metres. The idea comes from the European Commission and would include a four metre height limit in the European Whole Vehicle Type Approval parameters for trailers and semi-trailers. It could affect all vehicles built and sold across the EU. Detailed plans are expected to be published before September. “If this makes its way onto the statute book it will limit high cubic capacity double-deck and hump-backed trailers,” said Robin Dickeson, manager, commercial vehicle affairs at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. This could push up costs, as some operators would need more trailers to for a job than they use today. “Expect anguish.”

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

Click below for the rest of the roundup…

Fleet Van Conference

This year’s Fleet Van Conference will be at the National Motor Cycle Museum, near the NEC, Birmingham on Thursday 30 September. The event, the only one dedicated to van fleet operators, will help them tackle the tough challenges they face. It includes case studies from some of the UK’s top van fleets and some of the best ideas to cut costs and deliver efficient transport services. You can book at www.fleetvanevent.com. Christopher Macgowan OBE is chairman and speakers include Robin Dickeson, manager, CV affairs at the SMMT; John Watts, editor, CV Monitor, CAP; Janet Entwistle, managing director, BT Fleet; Alex Thompson, vehicle crash-worthiness researcher, TRL; Gary Whittam, van industry adviser; Steve Bridge, van sales and marketing director at Mercedes-Benz and Adrian Vinsome, head of programmes at Cenex.

More from Sandra Evitt on + 44 (0)1 733 468 123 or sandra.evitt@bauermedia.co.uk

Iveco EEV initiative pays off

Iveco reports that interest in Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle standards is growing. The firm says that since February last year, when it was the first truck maker to offer Euro 5 and EEV standards across its full truck range up to 500 hp, more operators are asking for vehicles with stricter than minimum emission standards. That growing interest in EEV and similar standards is connected to the growth in subsidies for vehicles with emissions performance ahead of the minimum standards and potential for better residual values that they may offer. Sadly the UK seems reluctant to encourage operators to do more than the minimum as far as emissions are concerned.

More from Nigel Emms on +44 (0)1 923 259 513 or nigel.emms@iveco.com

CV Show returns

Just a month after releasing details of the 2011 Commercial Vehicle Show, its organisers say enquiries are “coming thick and fast” from a wide range of exhibitors.. “They all want a slice of the action as the road transport market returns to growth,” said Bob Sockl, CV Show organiser. “BP led the way, closely followed by Eberspacher, Isuzu (UK) and Premier Pits. Lots of firms have already applied, with many more in the pipeline.” Sockl says most are increasingly optimistic about prospects for 2011, with more and more operators clearly keen to replace kit. “The vast majority of firms aim to market their way out of the recession,” confident that sales will grow from a record low. “The CV Show is the best road transport equipment market place in the UK and most firms don’t want to miss the opportunity.” The CV Show will run from 12 to 14 April at the NEC, Birmingham.

More from Bob Sockl on +44 (0)1 634 261 262 or enquiries@cvshow.com

Driving Safely

We’re all responsible for driver safety, but some are more responsible than others. If you have drivers working for you, that means you. Driving Safely, by David Byrne and published by the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management should help you discharge that responsibility. It is full of clear, easily absorbed common-sense and deserves reading by anyone with drivers under their control. Importantly, as Byrne says, this area of health and safety seems to have been overlooked. “It doesn’t feature in any formal safety qualification,” there seems limited enforcement and “even less sensible and independent guidance.” His book does a lot on the guidance front and should help people cut costs and deliver practical improvements to driver safety.

More from Carolyn Long on +44 (0)1 483 237 230 or carolyn@mconieagency.com

Brigade goes all quiet

Brigade Electronics has decided to phase out conventional tonal alarms for a safer option that doesn’t cause a noise nuisance. The move, which the firm will phase over two years, follows an “overwhelming” surge in complaints about the noise from ordinary, tonal reversing alarms and the “huge success” of its unique, white sound reversing alarms. “With white sound you only hear it when it matters,” says Tom Brett, marketing director.

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

CV production up 11% in July

Data from the SMMT shows UK commercial vehicle production up 10.7% in July 2010 and up 43.2% for the first seven month of the year, compared to the same period last year. UK car and engine production both fell in July but rose for the first seven months of the year. “UK vehicle production is more than 40% up on last year’s levels and whilst we expect some challenging conditions, economic growth has returned in all major markets around the world,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.

More from Kate Hudson on +44 (0)2 073 449 219 or khudson@smmt.co.uk

Transport firms falling behind on CO2 reporting

The Carbon Disclosure Project says that only 36% of the 291 largest transport firms have set targets to cut carbon, compared with half of the Global 500 Index of companies. The CDP runs a global corporate climate information database and found that and found that Latin American and European firms did best, with 60% and 52% setting targets. CDP attributes the high level of targets in Europe to its carbon trading scheme. Only 9% of the transport firms surveyed reported data on low-carbon investments. CDP says transport accounts for 13% of global emissions and 60% of oil use. Road transport uses about 80% of the sector’s oil, while rail uses just 0.5% and aviation some 13%.

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

Pentagon wins its first Euro 5 Vito deal

Truck Tyre Fleet Management Ltd, one of the south’s largest independent commercial tyre service firms has ordered a Euro 5 Mercedes Vito 122cdi Dualiner van from South Coast Mercedes dealer Pentagon. “This was the first order for the New Euro 5 Vito,” said Kevin Downham, van sales manager. He says the firm looks forward to delivering the new van to Trucktyre this autumn. “We enjoy working with Pentagon,” said Scott Matthews, senior operations executive at Truck Tyre. The firm’s fleet is now nearly 50 strong and Pentagon has “always given us good value for money service.” The two firms have a long-term business relationship and are discussing possible contact service arrangements.

More from Kevin Downham on +44 (0)1 329 286 224 or kevin.downham@pentagon-ltd.co.uk

CV Show brochure offer

UK CV Show organiser Bob Sockl says he and his team have now mailed well over 2,500 brochures to past and potential CV Show exhibitors. “The response has been great.” The “bright new brochure” describes the sales and marketing opportunities that the CV Show offers. “If you haven’t got yours yet, but are thinking about making the most of the Show next April, let us know and we’ll send a brochure straight away..” Sockl says the recession has sharpened competition and many firms feel that if they are not at the CV Show they may lose out to the competitors who do take space. The CV Show will run from 12 to 14 April at the NEC, Birmingham.

More from Bob Sockl on +44 (0)1 634 261 262 or enquiries@cvshow.com

Seven Optare Solos for Arriva Netherlands

Optare has won a second big export order; seven Solos for Arriva Netherlands, the country’s third largest bus operator. The buses start work in December on rural services in the north of the country. Arriva’s UK arm has already bought 170 Solos for its fleet and got many more from fleet acquisitions. The firm also runs Optare’s Versa and Tempo models. “Solo has proved the best midibus on the market with well over 4,000 now in service,” said Glenn Saint, commercial director for the firm. He says it is a “well proven” product, offering “outstanding passenger accessibility and low operating costs.”

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

RHA welcomes freight-only ferry route

The Road Haulage Association says it welcomes DFDS Seaways’ announcement that it will improve its ferry route from Rosyth, Scotland, to Zeebrugge, Belgium. The firm aims to run the route on a freight-only basis, with four sailings a week rather than the previous four. DFDS says the move will mean “dramatically improved” freight capacity and better service to its freight customers.. The new service will start in mid-December 2010. “We are delighted that DFDS has acknowledged the importance of the route for freight traffic,” said Phil Flanders, RHA director for Scotland. “For Scottish hauliers in particular, this route represents a vital gateway to the rest of Europe.”

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

Business booms for Enova

Business Wire reports that California’s Enova Systems has seen 257% growth in the second quarter. The firm develops proprietary electric, hybrid and fuel cell digital power management systems and works with vehicle firms like Navistar, Smith Electric Vehicles and Freightliner. It benefits from the US government’s support for all-electric trucks. Smith recently ordered 50 drive systems as part an expected total of more than 250 for this year. Enova manages a contract for US General Services Administration working with Freightliner on all-electric cargo vans for the Federal government. New model year vehicles are on test with a production target of spring 2011.

More from Jarett Fenton on +1(0)310 527 2800 or jfenton@enovasystems.com

Volvos move bikes

Gloucester-based We Move Bikes just put two new Volvo FH tractors to work on contract to Harley-Davidson. The two-axle, black-liveried trucks will tow trailer loads of the firm’s more exotic bikes to exhibitions across Europe. The 500hp trucks are fitted for long-distance work, with dual 500l fuel tanks and extra large AdBlue tanks. Creature comforts in the Globetrotter cabs include full leather interior, fridge, microwave, coffee maker and flat-screen TV. Wales and West Truck & Bus Ltd did the deal and its Gloucester depot will handle the service contract.

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

UPS offers 150m-strong returns network

UPS just said it is launching UPS Returns Flexible Access, a new service with a unique label that allows consumers to drop returns at any US Postal Service office or personal mailbox as well as UPS offices across the US. The firm says the service offers more than 150 million points. UPS began testing the service last year with firms like BuySeasons, the largest US retailer of costumes and party supplies on the Internet. Because of the positive customer response, UPS now is making the returns service more broadly available.

More from Tyre Sperling on +1 (0)404 828 4626 or tsperling@ups.com

Thames Travel expands fleet with new Solos

Thames Travel Limited of Wallingford has taken eight new Optare Solo low-floor minibuses, growing its fleet by over 20% to 43. The move will mean the Oxfordshire independent carries more than two million passengers a year. The Solos will work from a new depot in Bracknell on recently won three-year tendered services contract for Bracknell Forest Council. The company chose the 8.8-metre full-width Solo model for the services. This has seating for 29 plus up to 21 standees, giving a total capacity of 50 to meet demand at peak times.

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

Mission accomplished

Two Marines and a Truck just successfully did its 3,000th move and at the same time changed its name to Two Marines Moving. The US firm, owes its origin to two US Marine Corps veterans who two years ago decided to bring Marine Corp values the removals business. The firm has grown on the back of glowing praise from satisfied customers and now employs 40 people. Nick Baucom, founder, owner and ‘commanding officer’ says he “looks forward to managing the next 3,000 moving missions.”

More from Nick Baucom on +1 (0)703 623 5288 or nick@twomarinesmoving.com

New Sprinter bus at IAA

Mercedes says its bus and coach display at Hannover’s IAA show will focus on greater efficiency and passenger safety. The firm will show five buses and coaches, including the Sprinter City 77, which makes its debut at the show. This new three-axle, Sprinter-based model is 8.7m long has a 6.8 tonne gross vehicle weight and seats up to 40 passengers, 10 more than the City 65. It has two outward-opening double doors, a low-floor kneeling system and wheelchair bay with a ramp. The separately mounted body is 1.99m wide on what is the largest minibus Mercedes-Benz range. Its turning circle between walls is 17.28m and its emissions are to EEV standards. The zero-emission Citaro FuelCell hybrid will also be on the stand in hall14/15.

More from Elizabeth Cole on +44 (0)2 476 626 050 or elizabeth.cole@daimler.com

Berlingos for FPS

FPS, which says it is the UK’s most successful automotive aftermarket parts distribution business is putting 163 Citroën Berlingo vans to work in its fleet. The deal will mean that Citroën Berlingos form the bulk of the 260 strong FPS van fleet. “In LX format, with the standard, fold-flat Extenso passenger seat, these vans can carry exhausts safely and securely inside,” says Stuart Collet, FPS’ fleet manager. The vans have optional bulkheads with removable panels and ply linings and standard Trafficmaster satnav systems. Lookers of Cardiff and Preston did the business, with the FPS Berlingos running on Burnt Tree two-year, 100,000-mile contract hire deals.

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

Enova and Remy to tackle new electric vehicle markets

California’s Enova Systems says it is working with Remy, North America’s largest independent maker of advanced electric propulsion motors and recently got approval of a $60.2m grant from the US Department of Environment for the accelerated commercial development its electric motor technology. The two firms aim to tackle markets in North America, Asia, Europe and India.

More from Jarett Fenton on +1(0)310 527 2800 or jfenton@enovasystems.com

Museum visitor numbers soar

The 2010 season has seen visitor numbers soar dramatically at the British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Leyland, Lancashire. Its recent ‘Great British Lorries Day’ was so successful that the Museum will make it an annual event. “Tourist Group Bookings and private functions for road transport industry related bodies are also up,” said Rick Roberton, speaking for the museum. “We’ve also a stunning new diesel engine development display, starting with a full-size, three-metre tall replica of Rudolf diesel’s first engine and continues to the present day. It ran on peanut oil, by the way.” The BBC recently based on of its one-hour ‘Behind the Scenes’ programmes on the museum, boosting visitor numbers even more.

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

Nasdaq float for Smith Electric Vehicles

Smith Electric Vehicles US Corp says it go for a stock market flotation on the Nasdaq exchange, once it owns the Smith UK business. Smith US recently made a £37m offer to buy itself and the Smith UK business out of its parent firm, Tanfield Group Plc. Tanfield also says the terms of the deal have changed after it signed non-binding Heads of Terms with Smith US. This would combine the Smith UK and US operations, with Tanfield keeping an equity share in the new, global Smith business.

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

Qinetiq and SkyBitz offer secure global tracking

SkyBitz, a leading US firm in the remote asset tracking and management business says it is working with UK defence outfit QinetiQ’s GPS based telematics business to offer secure global asset tracking. The two say there is a growing demand for rugged tracking devices fitted or concealed virtually anywhere and report via secure networks from “difficult operational environments.” The firms say that the combination of SkyBitz strong market position and QinetiQ’s defence and security expertise complement each other to give unique products and services with worldwide use.

More from Chris Leach on +1 (0)7 032 183 555 or skybitz@w2comm.com

FTA welcomes more enforcement

The Freight Transport Association says it welcomes plans to extend the stopping powers of enforcement officers into Scotland and Northern Ireland. The move will effectively give enforcement officers will have the same powers across the UK. “FTA members support the move to allow Vosa and DVA, with their specialist knowledge and equipment, to focus on issues of vehicle roadworthiness and road safety,” said James Firth, head of road freight and enforcement policy at the FTA. “It is simply a better use of time and resources, with the added benefit of freeing-up police time.”

More from James Firth on 01 892 526 171 or jfirth@fta.co..uk

ePower Trucks launches new electric van

UK-based ePower Trucks is launching a new 3.5t electric van that delivers whole life cost savings as well as environmental benefits. At £30,000, the XT320E costs 50% less than other 3.5t electric vans. With a standard battery pack it can carry a one tonne payload for 60 miles on a full charge. A double battery pack gives 120-mile range with 670kg payload. ePower says the two pence a mile energy cost means the van can pay for itself in 3.5 years compared to a diesel-powered 3.5 tonner.

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

Cascone leads Multipart direct-selling business

John Cascone recently joined supply chain specialists Multipart Solutions Ltd as sales and marketing director. He lead its direct sales team, covering the LDV parts business, the Vanfit all-makes van parts programme and the recently won Diesel Technic all-makes truck parts franchise.

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

iPhone vehicle tracking app from Masternaut

Masternaut has launched what it says is the world’s first “feature-rich” web-based vehicle tracking service for the Apple iPhone and iPad. This is the first in a series of free apps for Apple products from the Yorkshire-based telematics firm. The Masternaut Rapide app for iPhone gives the main of the live Masternaut service to managers on the move. It gives a real-time link to important operational information whenever they are away from the office.

More from Martin Port on +44 (0)1 132 814 000 or martin.port@masternaut.co.uk

Atlas Maschinen buys Terex Atlas UK

Following a deal where Atlas Maschinen GmbH bought Terex Atlas UK, the firm will now use the old Atlas identity and trade as Atlas Cranes UK Ltd. “Only the name will change,” said Jim Smith, commercial and special projects director for the firm. Manufacturing stays in Delmenhorst, Germany, and UK sales, service and support stays in Bradford, England. “The same Atlas team will deliver exactly the same level of personal service as before.”

More from Jim Smith, on +44 (0)7 771 654 986 or jim..smith@atlasgmbh.com

Optare hybrids sail through certification tests

Optare says that diesel-electric hybrid versions of its Solo and Versa models have passed certification trials to satisfy the Low Carbon Emission Bus rules under the Green Bus Grant scheme. The certification, independently done at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire applies to all production Solo and Versa hybrids. Millbrook’s test cycle replicates London’s route 159, the standard test for hybrid buses. Glenn Saint commercial director at Optare says this means that these two models meet the standards for first Green Bus Fund scheme and the two that have followed more recently in England and Scotland.

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

New boss for Volvo East Anglia

Darren Wymer is the new manager for Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia’s Bardon depot, near Coalville, Leicestershire. The depot opened in February 2009, a near to the M1′s junction two. Its workshop has three drive-through bays and a vehicle lift big enough for a complete artic and is open six days a week, between 0600 and 2200. The business employs around 300 people.

More from Darren Wymer on +44 (0)1 530 277 277 or dwymer@volvosouth.co.uk

And finally

New Scientist’s Feedback column reports that while using the Scirus.com online search, reader Guy Cox was exhorted to “Get African diseases now!” He passed and carried on looking for the African Journal of Infectious Diseases.

Volkswagen Replace The Dakar Conquering Race Touareg 2 – Tachoblog Has The Details

Tachoblog — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:46:48 +0000

The Race Touareg 2, twice winner in 2009 and 2010 of the gruelling Dakar Rally and the first diesel-powered vehicle ever to win the event has been replaced by Volkswagen. Can you guess what they’ve called it?

Yes, the new car’s called the Race Touareg 3 and promises to be faster and more efficient while retaining the immense strength and durability of the outgoing car.

Click below for all of the details…

Wind tunnel testing has led to changes being made to the carbon fibre and Kevlar bodywork with particular attention to improving the cooling systems around the roof of the vehicle while minimising disruption to the airflow at high speeds. At the same time the changes have meant the Touareg has adopted a fresh look with new LED lights, a new grille, window line, rear clamshell and wheels.

Beneath the bodywork the twin-turbocharged 2.5-litre TDI engine has been optimised to allow greater economy while still producing 300 PS and 442 lbs ft of torque. It has also been revised to cope with the severe altitude changes incurred on the Dakar with the vehicle climbing to heights of over 15,000 feet above sea level. The Race Touareg 3 can now adapt to these conditions, meaning the performance doesn’t suffer despite the thinner air encountered at such altitudes.

The 2.5-litre engine channels its drive through three limited slip differentials via a newly upgraded five-speed sequential gearbox and a ZF-Sachs three-plate ceramic clutch.

The result is the ability to accelerate to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 117 mph in nearly any conditions.

In order to maintain these speeds in extreme off-road conditions the Race Touareg 3 needs to be able to withstand the rigours passing over sand dunes, through deep mud, and across gravel and broken tarmac roads. As a result the Race Touareg 3 is based on a high-strength steel spaceframe chassis with a pair of springs and damper units fitted to every corner in order to protect the vehicle against severe impacts. A set of specially developed BF Goodrich 235/85 R16 tyres provide the grip while a pair of wheels and tyres are carried by the vehicle at all times.

The new Race Touareg 3 has already undergone shakedown tests comprising 10,000 kilometres of simulated special stages ahead of the 2011 Dakar Rally. This equates to twice the length of the Rally itself and a greater distance than Formula 1 cars cover in an entire season.

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