Tachoblog

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…

London gets UK’s first hybrid dustcart

Veolia is to run a Volvo-based diesel-electric hybrid dustcart on a two-year trial with Westminster City Council.  The truck is the third of its type made by Volvo, the other two run in Gothenburg and Stockholm.  The London vehicle has an electrically powered compacter body, built by Geesink Norba and should cut fuel use and emissions by 30% and deliver other cost savings too.  The truck uses electric power to move off, adding diesel power at higher speeds.  At normal road speeds the diesel provides all the power.  The system’s electric motor also acts as an engine brake, cutting brake wear and recovering braking energy.  The waste handling mechanisms are all electrically powered too, independent of the diesel engine, “dramatically” cutting noise.

More from Dan Lester on +44 (0)2 078 125 035 or dan.lester@veolia.co.uk

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Stable fuel prices on offer

With experts predicting an oil price rise as economies recover, Portland Fuel Price Protection has launched a unique fuel price protection scheme.   “For most operators, fuel is the biggest single operating cost yet its price trend is rising and increasingly unstable,” said James Spencer for Portland.  “We’re helping firms fix the effective price of fuel for three, six or more months, meaning that they can budget, tender and protect their margins, secure in the knowledge that they’ve fixed the biggest variable in the equation.”  Spencer says that the price hedging service Portland offers was previously only available to major operators, but now a firm using 20,000 litres of diesel a month can get the same price protection as the biggest international fleets and so compete on much more level terms.

More from James Spencer on +44 (0)1 904 570 021 or james@portland-fuel-price-protection.com

India’s TVS Group buys Multipart

Multipart Supply Chain Solutions, one of the UK’s leading specialist logistics service providers to the automotive, defence, utility and beverage sectors, has been bought by TVS Group, a $5bn turnover, privately-owned Indian conglomerate.  TVS has a strong presence in both vehicle parts logistics and in the UK component supply industry.  Chris Gateley, Multipart’s managing director, said that the deal would give TVS opportunities to grow in the UK and Europe by adding new clients and services from its UK base.  Employees will remain largely unchanged.  Multipart runs a high tech 270,000 ft2 warehouse in Chorley, Lancashire, built in 2006.  It has other warehouses in Crick, North Luffenham and Bicester.

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

Nissan scoops top van award

Nissan’s all-new NV200 van range has scooped the International Van of the Year 2010 award.  The new van, launched earlier this year fought off a strong challenge from Iveco’s new EcoDaily and the revised Volkswagen Transporter to take the top van crown, with a total of 107 votes from a possible 161. “The NV 200 is a very well-designed, compact, “quality” van with good economy,” says UK jury member Andy Salter. “It more than fulfils the most important criterion of the 2010 International Van of the Year award – a significant contribution to the safe and efficient transport of goods by road.”

More from Gabi Whitfield on +44 (0)1 923 899 933 or gabi.whitfield@nissan.co.uk

Independent test success for Tanksafe

Tiss says that the world’s first independent test of fuel security devices shows that its TankSafe Impregnable and Standard anti-siphon are the most effective devices.  Mi Technology’s tests said it is impossible to siphon any fuel past the Tiss units.  Additionally, the TankSafe Standard offers 75% more siphoning protection than its nearest competitor.  “We have always known that the TankSafe devices are the world’s most effective fuel security devices,” said Matthew Rose, director at Tiss.  “However, it is great to have independent verification.”  He says the firm is happy to give additional report findings to hauliers or others.

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

Approved UK under-run systems from VBG

VBG says it now has a complete range of under-run protection kit for trucks and trailers.  “The system of safety beams and end plates can be adapted to most types of trucks,” said the firm’s Howard Ostle.  “All beams are tested and type approved to meet the new demands in the EU directive 70/221/EEG and 2006/20/EG that comes into effect on 11 March 2010.”

More from Howard Ostle on +44 (0)7 881 913 478 or howard.ostle@vbggroup.com

First Renaults for Corbetts

Telford-based W Corbett and Co., which says it is the UK’s largest independent galvanizing specialist, just got eight new Renault Premium trucks.  The three new 6×2 Premium 450hp tractor units and five Premium Distribution 240hp rigids are the first Renaults into the firm’s fleet.  The rigids all have 6m dropside bodies.  The new trucks will take steel products Corbett’s Telford sites and deliver the finished, galvanized, products back to customers across the UK.  The new Euro 5 trucks use AdBlue technology, “making them “greener” and more fuel efficient,” said Mark Statham, managing director.  Renault Trucks Midlands won the business.

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

Brazilian success

As part of the recent UK Trade & Industry sponsored Advanced Engineering Showcase in Sao Paulo, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders took a small group of UK automotive firms to look at the Brazilian market.  They visited local vehicle and parts makers and engineering centres and met the leading automotive trade associations and transport authorities.  The firms clearly found their visit beneficial – feedback comments included: “a very useful exercise”, “a successful trip”, “very pleased with a worthwhile experience.”  SMMT staff also did in-depth market research and interviews for its Brazil Market Report, due out soon.

More from Pat Shaw on +44 (0)2 073 449 260 or pshaw@smmt.co.uk

New MAN at Quinton

Manchester-based truck and bus tyre supplier, Quinton Tyres, just got a new MAN TGX 360hp three axle rigid.  The new truck will collect and distribute built-up wheel assemblies from bus operators throughout the North west..  It will also collect worn tyres from Quinton’s managed accounts.  It has an XLX cab, MAN TipMatic automated transmission, rear-air suspension and demount bodywork.  Quinton also expects the on-board MAN Telematics will deliver big cuts to fuel bills.  Wheelbase Engineering supplied and fitted the bedframe and demount equipment and the bodywork is a unique design by Bespoke Bodies Warrington,an approved MAN bodybuilder.  The truck is on an MAN repair and maintenance contract that includes out-of-hours servicing.

More from Paul O’Malley on +44 (0)7 860 649 658 or paul@hallspr.com

CV Operator Show on track for success

Bookings for next year’s Commercial Vehicle Operator Show and Workshop 2010 next spring are rising daily as exhibitors book for the UK’s first big road transport and support industry market place since 2008.  ATS Euromaster, Goodyear Dunlop and Michelin will be there, with firms like Maha and Stertil.  With several launches due, van makers will be there in strength; Renault and Peugeot are the most recent recruits, supported by a wide range of bodybuilders.  Visitors will find access to the Show easy, as pre-registration for free tickets is already open at www.cvoperatorshow.com or www.workshopshow.co.uk  Another development for 2010 will be an online Show Guide courtesy of Reed Transport Group, whose magazines Commercial Motor and Motor Transport will carry a hard copy three weeks before the Show.

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

RH goes Fast & Pro

Renault Trucks says Nottingham-based RH Commercial Vehicles is the latest of its dealers to win Fast & Pro van sales and service centre accreditation.  It is one of six in the UK to meet the Renault Trucks strict criteria..  RH Commercial Vehicles has spent £130,000 on new workshop facilities for van repair and maintenance work and says it aims to give van operators the same fast and effective turnaround that it offers truckers.  “With LCV operators, their vans are not only their transport but usually their workshop or workplace and so downtime is disruptive and costly,” said Nigel Baxter, managing director, RH Commercial Vehicles.

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

New driver licences

The UK Department for Transport just published plans to change driving licences for new motorbike, truck and bus drivers and people who want to tow medium-sized trailers.  These are part of a consultation on new European standards for driver training, testing and licensing which come into force in 2013.  Other drivers won’t be affected.  From 2013, truck and bus drivers under 45 will need to confirm medical fitness and renew their licence every five years.  They won’t need a full medical report and will only need to renew their photograph every 10 years.  All other drivers will need to renew their driving licences every 10 years.  There will also be three motorbike categories rather than the present two and new rules for bigger bikes.  Other changes may affect new car and light van drivers who want to tow trailers.

More from www.dft.gov.uk

RHA gives UK hauliers a voice in Europe

The Road Haulage Association says that Peter Cullum, its head of international affairs, has been elected vice-president of the Goods Transport Council of the International Road Transport Union..  “This is a tremendous coup for the RHA”, said Geoff Dunning, RHA chief executive.  “This position will mean that the voice of the UK road haulier will be heard not just in the corridors of Westminster, but also in Brussels.”

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

Renault to make electric Kangoo van in France

Renault says it will make the electric and zero-emission Kangoo Van at its Maubeuge factory in northern France, starting in the first half of 2011.  The electric Kangoo van will go down the same production line as conventionally powered versions.  A specialist van plant for twenty years, Maubeuge makes Kangoo, Kangoo Van and Kangoo Be bop, the three-door car version available on the Continent.

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

Torotrak’s transmission technology in Italy

A highly innovative toroidal “infinitely” variable transmission that claims to be the most efficient of its type has been unveiled at Agritechnica by Carraro DriveTech.  The VaryT range of transaxles uses Leyland-based Torotrak’s full-toroidal traction drive to deliver significant benefits over other variable drive competitor offerings.  The Italian company, a licensee of Torotrak and a leader in the development and production of agricultural and materials handling transmissions, claims the VaryT concept will cut fuel use and CO2 emissions and increase productivity and driver comfort.

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

TP Niven wins Scottish award

The Scottish Road Haulage Operator of the Year for 2010 is TP Niven, whose 50 strong truck fleet is based at Palnackie, Galloway.  The firm collected the award in front of an audience of 600 industry guests at the annual Transport News Scottish Rewards breakfast celebration held last Friday in Glasgow.  Brian Harkness, general manager at Carntyne Transport won a lifetime achievement award at the same event.  13 other firms or individuals also won trophies.  Speakers were Kenny MacAskill, Scottish cabinet secretary for justice, Geoff Dunning, RHA boss and Henk van Leuven, MD at Iveco UK which is the supporter of the Transport News event, now in its 16th year.  “The January edition will carry a fully illustrated report,” says Alistair Vallance, editor.

More from Alistair Vallance on +44 (0)1 355 279 077 or info@transportnews.co.uk

Tesco switches to Secureseal to protect fleet

Tesco has abandoned use of electronic security seals in place of Secureseal’s tamper-evident and long-life trailer seals.  Secureseal will replace electronic seals for all Tesco’s new build trailers and across its 4,000 strong trailer fleet.  The unit is a permanent reusable seal with a unique random security number generator that records unauthorised door openings.  These robust stainless steel devices are proven to give a long trouble-free life, typically of more than eight years.  “Failure rate and replacement delays of the existing electronic seal were putting our high standard of security sealing at risk,” said Cliff Smith, Tesco’s fleet engineer.

More from Robert Peel on +44 (0)1 666 823 306 or sales@secureseal-systems.com

Long-term help for UK auto industry

The UK Government says it will set up an Automotive Council to work with industry and set a long-term plan for its development.  This follows the New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team’s ideas for the sector over the next 20 years and its plan to use the opportunities presented by the change to a low carbon economy.  The Automotive Council will include senior people from industry and government and aims to develop a co-ordinated strategic approach to the sector.  It will be helped by Test Bed UK, giving active support for an ultra-low carbon vehicles demonstration programme and by a Supply Chain Council to help develop a strong UK automotive supply base.

More from Sara Lee on +44 (0)2 073 449 219 or slee@smmt.co.uk

First Kaiser-Whale for Enviroco

Whale Tankers just delivered the first Kaiser-Whale sewer-cleaning Jet-Vac with continuous dirty water recycling, to Enviroco HFS.  The firm’s tanker fleet is 100% Whale.  Alister Wait, industrial services manager said the new Kaiser-Whale should “continue driving forward” the firm’s successful industrial cleaning services division.  “The Kaiser-Whale is a truly cost-effective solution as the water it recycles can be used for jetting.”  He says this means big operational, environmental and economic benefits.

More from Paul Watson on +44 (0)1 619 736 763 or paul@wentworthcomms.co.uk

Media deal for the CV Operator Show

Commercial Motor, sister title Motor Transport and website RoadTransport.com are now official media partners for the CV Operator Show in April 2010.  The exhibition, from 13 to 15 April 2010, will be at the NEC Birmingham and aims at fleet truck and van operators and owner drivers.  The organisers say this the first time they’ve had a media partner for the exhibition and are very excited about working with these titles to help promote the Show.  “We’re delighted to be working with the Show as its media partner,” Road Transport Group publisher Andy Salter explained. “We have a lot of exciting and innovative ideas to help the Show and exhibitors promote themselves to the market.”  The three day Show has already attracted over 140 exhibitors including vehicle makers and parts and service suppliers

More from Andy Salter on +44 (0)2 086 523 612 or andy.salter@rbi.co.uk

Van Best Practice programme launched

Paul Clark MP, the UK’s transport minister has launched the government’s Van Best Practice programme.  This offers practical tips to help van operators improve efficiency and in particular, cut fuel use.  Clark says that a 5% cut in fuel use would save around £250m a year.  This would also cut carbon emissions by 750,000t tonnes.  To help van users make this saving, two best practice guides offer practical tips and advice for fleet managers and van drivers.  Call +44 (0)3 001 231 133 for a copy or search the internet for “van best practice” to get a copy..  DfT also released the results of new research into van driver behaviour that shows 52% don’t think about cutting fuel costs and only 7% plan journeys for fuel efficiency.   Consultants AEA are running the scheme for the DfT.

More from Pippa Clark on +44 (0)1 179 292 311 or pippa.clark@trimediauk.com

Free web seminar on Government support for auto industry.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders will run a free web seminar at 10:30 on Thursday 26 November.  This will cover the New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team’s report on the future of the UK motor industry and the UK government’s response.  The seminar is for all firms in the automotive sector.  Decisions based on the NAIGT report will affect firms across the UK, from parts makers to service suppliers and vehicle manufacturers.  Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, will discuss the report and potential problems and business opportunities.  Mitchell Leimon, head of Automotive Innovation and Growth at the UK’s Department for Business Innovation and Skills will detail the government’s response.. The session will last for some 30 minutes, followed by a question and answer session.  You can take part from your office but email memberservices@smmt.co.uk to register first.

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

New service cuts vehicle downtime by 75%

Fleet Maintenance specialist SEV Group Ltd has launched a new mobile service that can cut vehicle downtime by 75%.  SEV’s national network of 130 mobile service engineers already maintains thousands of vans for UK fleet operators and is now offering the service to contract hire firms.  “Customer feedback show that our mobile service cuts vehicle downtime by up to 75%,” said Jon Pinnington, head of sales for SEV.  SEV engineers come to the vehicle for guaranteed appointments, meaning vehicle availability is higher and easier to plan.

More from Jon Pinnington on +44 (0)1 909 568 006 or jpinnington@sev.co.uk

Smith Newton named Ireland’s best electric truck

The Smith Newton is now officially Ireland’s leading electric commercial vehicle, after winning a new award for green trucks.  Newton was named Green Commercial of the Year in the electric vehicle section of the Fleet Transport Irish Truck of the Year Awards 2010, sponsored by Castrol. “We are proud and delighted to be the first recipients of this prestigious new award, said David Mullen, managing director of Electric Vehicles Ireland, the country’s sole importer.  “Three years ago, no one would have believed that a twelve tonne electric truck would be on the roads as a real, viable alternative to diesel vehicles.

More From David Mullen on +353 (0)57 936 1488 or info@electricvehicles.ie

And finally

New Scientist’s Feedback page reports that the Hovis bread yeast that Joan Schneider bought back in August bears the message: “Best before Mar 10 9075 11:55″. Joan told us about it then, but we thought the story, like the yeast, could wait.

More from www.newscientist.com

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