Tachoblog» 2010 Archives – The Tacho Blog

Mercedes-Benz Trucks At The Goodwood Festival Of Speed 2010 – Tachoblog Has The Story

Tachoblog — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:53:33 +0000

Last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed was, once again, a resounding success. This annual motorsport extravaganza is, for those of you that don’t know ‘the largest motoring garden party in the world – a unique summer weekend that brings together an impossibly heady mix of cars, stars and motor sport ‘royalty’ to create the largest car culture event in the world. Held in the immaculate grounds of Goodwood House, this annual hill-climb event is a true celebration of motor sport and all things automotive’.

As always, the event was well attended by all major manufacturers and Mercedes-Benz was out in force showcasing the SLS AMG assaulting the infamous hill climb (keep reading for more on that), but Mercedes-Benz Trucks were just as prominent at the motor show.

Click below for more pictures and a great video clip too…

Rising up above the Formula One area, the two Actros that support the Petronas and Vodafone Mclaren teams were every bit as impressive as their speedier counterparts – and Mercedes-Benz had their Twitter reporter on hand to grab these brilliant snaps that they kindly sent on to Tachoblog.

If you look closely at this shot, you can see some of their cargo…

Not only, that, but they also managed to find a trusty Mercedes-Benz 1820 nestled away behind some hay bales, resting after a tough few weeks assist the setting up of one of the world’s largest motor shows.

One of the main features at the festival is the hill climb and, as we mentioned earlier, the incredible SLS AMG took part in this famous event. Below you can have a ‘View From The Cab’ from the cockpit as it assaults the hill climb. If you’re anything like Tachoblog then you’ll want one of these cars but (like Tachoblog) the closest you’ll get is a chance to drive the SLS AMG for yourself, by visiting http://www.slsamg.mercedes-benz.co.uk Anyway, here’s that clip.

Tachoblog, The Chrome Shop Mafia And A 2010 Freightliner Coronado

Tachoblog — Thu, 13 May 2010 10:01:22 +0000

When you’ve bought a brand new 2010 Freightliner Coronado and want to make it (more than) a little bit different then where do you take it? To the Chrome Shop Mafia of course. And here, in under five minutes, you can see what they can do.

Truckfest Peterborough 2010 – Tachoblog’s Got Some Pictures And Video Thanks To Mercedes-Benz

Tachoblog — Mon, 10 May 2010 10:23:31 +0000

If you’d been in a helicoptor flying over Truckfest Peterborough 2010 a couple of weeks ago, you’d probably have seen something like this.

Now Tachoblog must admit that whilst we knew Truckfest was big, we had no idea that it was that big. Anyway, nice shot that it is, what you really want to see is the action from the ground and, thanks to Mercedes-Benz UK, with Tachoblog you can. So here’s a couple of Mercedes trucks – note the chrome ‘wrap’ on the second one.

Better than that, you can see some footage from the show if you click below…

Tachoblog’s thanks to Mercedes-Benz UK for sending us the pictures and video, if you want to see more of their shots from the show, then you’d better go here:

http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/content/unitedkingdom/mpc/mpc_unitedkingdom_website/en/home_mpc/truck/home/aboutus/truckfest/gallery_1.html

Scoop! Details Of 2010 Mercedes-Benz Econic

Tachoblog — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:44:51 +0000

Tachoblog’s latest (almost) exculsive scoop is all about the 2010 Mercedes-Benz Econic.

According to Mercedes, the 2010 model year Mercedes-Benz Econic is setting new standards in terms of engine line-up, safety and comfort. Since 2002 the Econic with natural gas drive has met what are currently the strictest EEV exhaust controls. Now the diesel engines of the Econic are available with BlueTec EEV as standard. Compared with the Euro 5 standard, particle levels under EEV are around 33 percent lower, and as a result the diesel-driven Econic also looks set to become an environmentally friendly winner when it comes to cleaner, better air.

Click below for more, including raising and lowering…

Certified in accordance with currently the strictest EEV (Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicle) EU emissions standard, the diesel engines presently already undercut the Euro 5 limit and are also just below the Euro 6 value planned to come into effect from 2014. Thanks to this, the Econic is even allowed to enter low emission zones, for example when used in waste disposal applications. In the case of particularly strict regulations, the exceptionally quiet Econic with natural gas drive is recommended.

A number of enhancements have also appeared on the Econic featuring gas-technology: the powertrain and combustion have been optimised in such a way as to increase performance but at the same time reduce wear and tear. This in particular results in reduced maintenance and repair costs. The natural gas drive is the most environmentally friendly engine available in the Econic. With a displacement of 6.9 litres, the M 906 LAG engine produces 205 kW (279 hp). Emissions from the Econic with natural gas drive do not contain any fine dust or particles. A further plus point is the low noise emission of the gas drive.

The vehicle occupants have not been overlooked either: the Econic now features three-point seat belts on all seats (second half of 2010). In addition, it comes with an axle load measuring device and acceleration slip regulation (ASR) as standard. The axle load measuring device effectively helps to prevent overloading by determining the gross vehicle weight and displaying it in the “driver information system”. The acceleration slip regulation, meanwhile, helps to ensure greater driving stability. Both of these features are significant benefits in the waste disposal sector, particularly since it is possible for the vehicle to become overloaded inadvertently, a situation which can both damage the chassis and have an impact on overall safety. ASR also helps to avoid problems in winter or slippery conditions. In the past the Econic already came equipped as standard with a differential lock on the drive axle, as well as a planetary axle – which has the effect of building up torque at the wheels. When combined together, these two design features give the Econic excellent traction, something which is particularly appreciated in winter by those customers faced with difficult operating conditions.

With immediate effect the Mercedes-Benz Econic now also comes with a raising/lowering function as standard. This enables the chassis to be raised by 200 mm or lowered by 60 mm, a feature which allows demountable bodies to be fitted and swapped out, for example. There is also a lockable roof stowage box so that tools or work clothes can be stored securely. All occupants are ensured a high level of seating comfort and optimum safety thanks to three full-size passenger seats. Also fitted as standard at the factory is the powerful 28 V/100 A generator, which takes care of the entire vehicle electrics, feeds the batteries and provides power reserves for additional accessories.

As a true specialist vehicle for municipal transport as well as collection and distribution services, the Mercedes-Benz Econic brings to the road all of the qualities expected of vehicles from a number of different sectors: whether used as a waste disposal vehicle, for fire or airport services, or as a tanker or furniture removal, milk collection or heating oil distribution vehicle. The Econic is a specialist vehicle for many applications – it is even now found on the roads in the form of a semitrailer truck, used by large discount food retailers for refrigerated transportation.

With almost 9000 units sold in eleven years, the Econic enjoys an excellent market position and has long been the benchmark for vehicles featuring a low-floor driver’s cab. According to the management of the Wörth plant, some 20 percent of customers take advantage of the benefits afforded by the gas drive. Due to the increasing quantities as well as high customer demand for Econic gas vehicles, in 2009 production was completely relocated to the special vehicle product division in Wörth am Rhein. Previously the vehicle was produced at the Center of Competence for Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles (KEM) in Mannheim.

The Econic is driven either by the 900-series inline six-cylinder diesel engines, or the natural gas engine, all of which are EEV-certified. The diesel engines are based on the innovative BlueTec diesel technology. Thanks to the use of SCR technology and optimised combustion, both exhaust emissions and fuel consumption are reduced. In addition to the OM 906 LA available with power outputs of 175 kW (238 hp) and 210 kW (286 hp), there is also the OM 926 LA with a power output of 240 kW (326 hp). The 900-series diesel engines are also suitable for use with biodiesel without any modifications being necessary. All Econics with diesel engines come with a 200-litre capacity aluminium fuel tank, as well as a 25-litre tank for AdBlue.

The Econic was originally designed as a waste disposal vehicle and was first presented as such at the Entsorga trade show in Cologne in May 1998. At the time, a variant featuring the natural gas drive was not yet available. Refuse collection workers climb in and out of such vehicles between 200 and 250 times a day. For this reason the engineers came up with a low-floor variant of the driver’s cab featuring easy access for getting in and out, as well as an automatically opening passenger door, as used in bus and coach design.

Scoop! Details Of 2010 Mercedes-Benz Econic is a post from: Tachoblog

Australia TruckWeek 2010

Tachoblog — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:33:20 +0000

In Australia 21 – 27 February is TruckWeek.

Organised by the Australian Trucking Association, the Aussie equivilent of the UK’s Road Haulage Association and Freight Transport Association the aim is, according to the ATA, to ‘bring the trucking industry together to inform the community and politicians about the importance of the trucking industry, the issues the industry will face in the coming years, how to drive safely around trucks, and the great careers that are now available.’

Click below for more…

The Australian Trucking Association is the national voice of the trucking industry. The ATA’s members include state and sector trucking associations, the Transport Workers Union and some of Australia’s largest logistics companies.

The ATA and its member association and companies are running a host of TruckWeek events around the country, to find out more, visit the TruckWeek website.

Now Tachoblog thinks this is a great idea and wonders why, here in the UK, our Trade Associations don’t do something similar. From memory, and a web link that we can’t find right now, there is a similar event in America – if anyone can provide any information please let us know – but nothing for the UK Industry. Surely it’s just what we could do with here!

Australia TruckWeek 2010 is a post from: Tachoblog

Kamaz and Wabco – A Rally Winning Partnership

Tachoblog — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 12:43:03 +0000

Tachoblog has learnt that KAMAZ-Master, the Russian national off-road truck rally team and winners of Dakar 2010 have again been using WABCO products on their race trucks.

KAMAZ-Master trucks finished in first, second and fifth place at Dakar 2010, marking an unprecedented ninth time that KAMAZ-Master is the winner of the Dakar competition.

Click below for more…

WABCO has been supplying KAMAZ-Master for more than 10 years and for Dakar 2010 the company equipped KAMAZ-Master heavy duty trucks with WABCO high performance air compressors, multiple WABCO high performance valves for the braking and tire inflation systems, and WABCO Tristop® Cylinders, one of the most reliable piston-type spring brake cylinders on the market.

“Our superlative vehicle performance was another powerful advantage during Dakar 2010 and we continued to achieve the highest success in this major international championship,” Semyon Yakubov, Adviser of KAMAZ General Manager and Leader of KAMAZ-Master Team told Tachoblog. “WABCO always contributes high quality and optimum reliability in its products and services, helping KAMAZ-Master to maintain our unmatched track record of performance excellence as we are recognized once again as one of the world’s best teams in commercial truck sports.”

Starting and finishing in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the two-week route of Dakar 2010 covered more than 9,000 kilometers (5,600 miles) in 14 stages throughout Argentina and Chile, crossing the Andes Mountains twice and navigating the dunes in the Atacama Desert. It was the Dakar rally’s second year in a row in Argentina and Chile.

Speaking to Tachoblog, Jean-Christophe Figueroa, WABCO Vice President, Vehicle Dynamics and Control said, “We congratulate KAMAZ-Master Team on another outstanding Dakar performance by not only winning in 2010 but also succeeding in placing three trucks in the first five places. We share their passion to achieve top results on the world’s sport truck stage, year after year,”

“We are proud of our long term partnership with KAMAZ and KAMAZ-Master Team. Their continued championship success in arguably the world’s most challenging competitive conditions for heavy duty trucks speaks volumes about the performance of WABCO braking products.”

Kamaz and Wabco – A Rally Winning Partnership is a post from: Tachoblog

RAC Sponsor Volkswagen Caddy TDI Racing Van

Tachoblog — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:58:28 +0000

The Caddy TDI racing van will be competing in the Volkswagen Racing Cup in 2010 sporting bright orange livery thanks to a new sponsorship deal with the RAC, and it will also have a new driver with Simon Elliott, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles taking his seat behind the wheel.

The 2.0-litre Caddy TDI van, tuned by RacingLine to produce 260 PS and over 500 Nm of torque, will make its public debut on the Volkswagen Racing UK stand (no 6200) at the Autosport International & Pistonheads Show at the NEC from 14 to 17 January, while its first race of the season is scheduled to be at Oulton Park, Cheshire on 3 and 5 April.

Click below for more…

‘I started racing last year and realised this was something I really wanted to do,’ Simon Elliott told Tachoblog. ‘My wife has now given me permission to do the full season, and I’ve managed to not only persuade my predecessor Peter Wyhinny to let me take over driving the van, but more importantly we have new sponsors for this high profile Caddy van,’ he continued.

Speaking to Tachoblog, Martin Quail, Head of RAC Corporate Partnerships, said: ‘We were excited to be approached with the opportunity to sponsor the Caddy in the Volkswagen Cup. It provides us not only with the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Volkswagen further, but also to engage with business customers and motor racing fans alike.’

Full details of the Volkswagen Racing Cup and this summer’s programme of races are available from www.vw-cup.co.uk.

RAC Sponsor Volkswagen Caddy TDI Racing Van is a post from: Tachoblog

Scania’s Quest To Find The World’s Best Truck Driver

Tachoblog — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:22:49 +0000

The Scania Driver Competitions 2010 launch this week, starting a year long search across 28 countries to find the world’s best truck drivers. Over 45,000 drivers are expected to enter throughout the year, will you be one of them? And if you are, can you beat Pete?

Scania initiated the competitions in 2003, initially in Europe. They have since spread into a global campaign to highlight the importance of the skills and professionalism of drivers, as well as of driver training and development to enhance road safety awareness and eco-driving proficiency.

Click below for more on the competition and how you can enter…

As one of the world’s leading manufacturer of heavy trucks and buses, Scania wants to demonstrate its commitment and responsibility to building a sustainable, robust and profitable global transport system that benefits all. To achieve this, the skills and attitude of the driver are critical.

“The driver is the single most important factor for economy, environment and safety. Skilled and committed drivers will deliver energy efficient transport, reduce emissions and contribute towards safer roads,” Leif Östling, President and CEO, Scania told Tachoblog.

“We set up the Scania Driver Competitions to put the spotlight on the drivers, celebrate their skills and highlight their valuable contribution to society. By this we aim to raise driver status and attract more young people into the profession.”

“This is why we set up the Scania Driver Competitions, to put the spotlight on drivers, celebrate their skills and highlight their valuable contribution to society. Through this we hope to raise driver status and attract more young people into the profession.”

To get an idea of some of the skills you’ll need, have a look at this clip.

Over the next few months driver competitions will be launching in countries as diverse as Australia, Malaysia, Brazil and South Africa, as well as across Europe.

18 European countries will host their own Young European Truck Driver competition (YETD 2010), the European version of the Scania Driver Competitions. Winners of each national YETD competition will then go on to compete for the overall YETD title at a European Final in Södertälje, Sweden on 8-9 October 2010.
An unforgettable experience

Professional drivers who have the skills and determination to meet the challenges of the competition are being urged to enter via www.scania.com/drivercomp and then click onto their country specific competition website for registration.

Taking part in the competition gives drivers an unforgettable experience. Not only is it an invaluable opportunity to improve driving skills, increase road safety awareness and energy efficiency, it’s also a great chance to meet other drivers and become part of a global driver community. For those who have the winning combination of exceptional driving skills, stamina, professional pride and a positive attitude, there is also the chance to become a champion.

The Scania Driver Competitions are once again being strongly supported by sponsors and partners. In Europe the competition is being sponsored by Michelin and endorsed by the European Commission and the International Road Transport Union (IRU). With this support Scania aims to raise awareness of some of the key issues affecting the global transport industry with a series of seminars and initiatives throughout 2010.

Speaking to Tachoblog, ays Erik Ljungberg, Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations, Scania said, “The Scania Driver Competitions provide an ideal platform to discuss and address issues that help cut road accidents and increase profitability and sustainability within the industry.”

Scania’s Quest To Find The World’s Best Truck Driver is a post from: Tachoblog

New Mahindra Navistar Trucks Launched

Tachoblog — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:38:10 +0000

Mahindra and Mahindra have unveiled their new Mahindra Navistar trucks at the AutoExpo 2010 in New Delhi.

The MN 49 and MN 40 trucks are powered by a MaxxForce 7.2 litre CRDI engine (as used in International trucks in America) which, at 260hp is the most powerful engine in its class. 260hp might not be a lot for so-called ‘advanced’ markets, but for India and the other Asian countries that the new trucks are planned to be sold in, it is quite sufficient – in fact they’re the most powerful engines in their class.

Click below for more…

Both the trucks are fully compliant with international safety standards and have undergone rigorous testing especially for Indian road and driving conditions. They engines have also been modified for their latest application:

The Indian MAXXFORCE engines have been tailored into 4-valves per cylinder from the Brazilian design of 2 valves per cylinder.

The fuel injection system and turbocharger have been re-tuned to ensure best-in-class fuel efficiency. This is based on studies of how trucks are used in India where they operate at lower speeds.

Extended oil drain intervals.

The water pump and cooling systems are matched to suit harsh climatic conditions in India.

Mahindra say that ‘It is time for India, to stop settling for less’ and that their new trucks ‘challenge the accepted average standards of Indian trucks’.

New Mahindra Navistar Trucks Launched is a post from: Tachoblog

Get On Yer Bike With Transaid And Tachoblog

Tachoblog — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:58:29 +0000

International development charity Transaid is launching two brand new Transaid Africa Challenges for 2010 and 2011. Following the success of Cycle Zambia 2009, which raised over £100,000, Transaid is hoping its two new events – Cycle Tanzania (6 – 14th November 2010) and Trek Ethiopia (4 – 12th February 2011) will prove even bigger and better!

The funds raised from these two new challenges will support Transaid’s vital work to help people in Africa gain better access to healthcare, education and the opportunity to earn a living, through safer, cheaper and more efficient transport. It represents a fantastic opportunity for those working in the road transport and logistics sector to enjoy a life-changing African experience whilst raising money for the industry’s recognised charity.

Click below for more and for how you can take part…

Cycle Tanzania 2010 will comprise a nine day challenge (five days cycling) across 420km, starting in Dar es Salaam and ending in Morogoro. It will see cyclists pass along the beautiful coastline of the Indian Ocean, with Zanzibar just offshore, as well as through nature reserves, national parks and close to mountains and waterfalls along the way.

For those more comfortable on two feet, rather than two wheels, Trek Ethiopia 2011 provides an opportunity to explore the unknown, trailing over 60km through the spectacular scenery of Ethiopia. Beginning in Addis Ababa, the group will hike though dramatic landscapes close to the spectacular Simien Mountains, and observe some of Africa’s most famous animals and birds, before finishing in the historical town of Gonder.

Participants for the challenges are asked to pay a registration fee of £299 and make a commitment to raising a minimum sponsorship of £3,000. This covers the air and most ground costs, plus will help fund future Transaid projects in Africa and across the developing world. Challengers will also need to train in the UK to establish a good level of fitness.

Chris Saunders, Chief Executive of Transaid, says: “Our Transaid Africa Challenges really do support our work to reduce the 1.2 million people killed around the world each year in road crashes – a massive proportion of which occur in developing countries. They also provide an unforgettable experience which helps to promote personal development.”

Chris Dolman, B2B Category Marketing Manager at ATS Euromaster, who took part in Cycle Zambia 2009 says: “It was a fantastic ‘once in a lifetime challenge’ that I would highly recommend to anybody. Being able to see at firsthand the work that Transaid do and then experiencing the issues these countries face with their road networks brought the whole context of the challenge to reality.”

One of the major projects to gain from monies raised includes Transaid’s Professional Driver Training initiative in Zambia, which aims to reduce the number of road crashes in a region where road deaths are the third biggest killer after HIV/AIDS and malaria. Transaid’s project with the Ministry of Health in Nigeria, tackling child and maternal mortality through improving access to primary healthcare, will also benefit.

To do something different in 2010 / 2011, you can register now for Transaid Cycle Tanzania 2010 or Trek Ethiopia 2011 at www.transaid.org. Alternatively you can request an information pack by calling 020 7387 8136 or emailing april@transaid.org. Places are limited.

Get On Yer Bike With Transaid And Tachoblog is a post from: Tachoblog

Tachoblog» 2010 Archives – The Tacho Blog

Mercedes-Benz Trucks At The Goodwood Festival Of Speed 2010 – Tachoblog Has The Story

Related Articles and Blog Posts…

Tachoblog, The Chrome Shop Mafia And A 2010 Freightliner Coronado

Related Articles and Blog Posts…

Truckfest Peterborough 2010 – Tachoblog’s Got Some Pictures And Video Thanks To Mercedes-Benz

Related Articles and Blog Posts…

Scoop! Details Of 2010 Mercedes-Benz Econic

Australia TruckWeek 2010

Kamaz and Wabco – A Rally Winning Partnership

RAC Sponsor Volkswagen Caddy TDI Racing Van

Scania’s Quest To Find The World’s Best Truck Driver

New Mahindra Navistar Trucks Launched

Get On Yer Bike With Transaid And Tachoblog