Week 7, Monday, 12 February 2007

World first for automatic tyre tread measurement

Truckfile will use its stand, 5288; at the CV Show in April to launch what it
says is the world’s first device to automatically measure tyre tread depth.
Called Tyrecheck, the device comprises a sensor mounted in a mat. When a tyre
rolls over the mat, the sensor detects the tiny changes in magnetic field
created by the tyre tread and compares these against data for a new, unworn
tyre. The result gives an accurate tread depth reading. “The device handles
laden trucks and so we can put them at yards or fuel stops,” says Paul Clark,
managing director. With each tyre fitted with a unique radio tag, Tyrecheck
can report on individual tyres over the internet. The potential for use with
tyre management systems is enormous.”
More from Paul Clarke on +44 (0)7 770 946 600 or paulc@autoconnect.co.uk


Bridgeclear wants mandatory warning systems

Philip Jordan, working for Bridgeclear as a consultant thinks better low bridge
warning systems should be mandatory on double-deck buses and probably trucks
too. “With over 2,000 rail bridges alone hit by trucks a year, I can’t believe
parliament threw out an amendment to the Road Traffic Act that would have made
such systems a legal requirement.” Jordan says the firm’s customers include
TNT Logistics and Translink, which has equipped its Northern Irish bus fleet.
Transport for London has written the kit into double deck bus specifications
More from Jenny Liddle on +44(0)1 270 588 039 or mail@bridgeclear.com


Modul calls for standards from van makers

Kevin Tillotson, general manager at van racking firm Modul System says he would
like to see van makers agree and adopt industry wide standardised tracks in van
floors so that racking makers could use them to more easily and securely fit
their kit into vans. “It would save a lot of hassle, improve safety and
residual values.” Separately, his firm will launch three new products from its
stand 4334 at the CV Show in April. These are a new secure mounting designed to
cut corrosion, a new fixing screw with an integral locking flange and a new cart
complete to organise tools both inside and out of a van. It comes with an
electric lift.
More from Kevin Tillotson on +44 (0)7 900 562 932 or
kevin.tillotson@modul-sytem.co.uk


Press and public relations Master Class

“The response to our one-day press and PR master class has been very good,” said
Robin Dickeson, editor of Transport News Brief and press officer for the CV Show
and ATS. “The previous events proved very popular and everyone went away
feeling they had learned from the day, whether they were experienced PR
professionals or more new to the business.” The event is on Thursday 22
February at Forbes House, the SMMT’s London HQ, with places sold on a
first-come, first-served basis. Andy Salter, editor of Commercial Motor and
David Bellis, director at Garnett-Keeler, one of the UK’s leading business PR
agencies will be the main speakers, supported by Robin Dickeson.
More from Natasha James on +44 (0)2 073 441 621 or njames@smmt.co.uk


European Isuzu preview gets heavy

Keith Child, marketing director at Isuzu says the firm plans to give customers a
“taste of things to come” on its stand, 5541 at the CV Show in April. “It is
no secret that we plan to expand our UK model range over the next 18 month, so
we’re going to show a Japanese specification 12 tonner.” He says the new truck
has a new cab, recently launched in the North America and Japan. “Early in
2008 we’ll have 10 and 12 tonners and by the middle of the year, an 18 tonner.
These will extend our successful UK 3.5 to 7.5 tonne range.”
More from Keith Child on +44(0)1 920 463 962 or keith.child@isuzutruck.co.uk


UK debut for VW concept off-roader

Volkswagen says it will use its stand at the CV Show for the UK debut of its
Atacama concept vehicle. This is a design study based on a 4x4 Crafter, itself
launched at last year’s CV Show. The firm says it will also show a Caddy van
with a direct shift transmission, and number of Transporter and Crafter models.
These will include bodied, shortly to be available as ‘off the shelf’ converted
vans and light trucks from VW’s Van Centres across the UK. A long wheelbase,
extra high roof Crafter Maxi 3.5 tonner will have the firm’s new Shiftmatic
gearbox, to give clutch less gear changes.
More from Kate Thompson on +44 (0) 1 908 01 616 or
kate.thompson@volkswagen.co.uk


MPVs and 4x4s are safer for drivers and passengers

A Transport Research Laboratory report shows drivers and passengers of 4x4s and
MPVs are five times less likely to be killed or seriously injured than those in
other types of car. The findings contradict recent and confused press reports
on 4x4 and MPV performance in collisions with crash barriers.
More from Esther Martin-Ortega on +44 (0)2 073 449 264 or
emartin-ortega@smmt.co.uk


Good news on employers’ liability for drivers’ offences

The Road Haulage Association is says it is delighted that the Department for
Transport has changed its ideas on employers’ responsibility for drivers’ hours
offences. The Department’s acceptance of the argument put by the RHA means
that, in effect, the law in this regard will continue unchanged, when the new
European rules start on April 11. “This is extremely good news for
professional hauliers. Firms that properly instruct drivers and make regular
checks will continue to have a solid defence in cases where a driver commits an
offence,” says Jack Semple, director of policy for the RHA.
More from Jack Semple on +44 (0)1 932 841 515 or jack.semple@rha.net


Mandatory CO2 limits for vans.

The EC’s plan to cut CO2 emissions will affect vans and light trucks. It wants
an average emission level of 175g/km CO2 by 2012 and 160g/km by 2015, broadly a
20% cut. It also wants compulsory tyre pressure monitors and maximum tyre
rolling resistance limits and deals on air conditioning efficiency, all to help
cut fuel consumption and so emissions. The EC will encourage member states to
base vehicle taxes on CO2 emissions and plans new laws by the end of 2007 or
mid-2008 at the latest.
More from Esther Martin-Ortega on +44 (0)2 073 449 264 or
emartin-ortega@smmt.co.uk


Truckers fight private toll roads

North America’s Commercial Carrier Journal the reports that the American
Trucking Associations, the American Automobile Association, the American Highway
Users Alliance, the National Association of Truck Stop Operators, the Recreation
Vehicle Industry Association and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers
Association have formed a coalition to fight the growing trend toward the
privatisation or leasing of existing toll facilities to private investors.
More from www.etrucker.com


Randall-Reilly Publishing buys Las Vegas Truck Show

Commercial Carrier Journal reports that its parent company Randall-Reilly
Publishing just bought all the assets of the annual Las Vegas Truck Show. The
2006 event had 15,002 visitors and 366 exhibitors. This year's show is set for
June 7-9.
More from www.etrucker.com


First Iveco Trakker for Yuill & Dodds

Scottish haulage contractor Yuill & Dodds just got its first Iveco Trakker, an
eight wheeler. The new truck joins the firm’s 120 strong fleet, based in
Hamilton. It has a Thompson steel tipping body and it is one of the first
eight wheelers in the fleet with an auto box. Local Iveco distributor Kerr &
Smith did the deal.
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler.com


SmartDrive wins second UK deal

SmartDrive Systems, just won a deal, it second in the UK, to use its in-vehicle,
video-based driver safety for a UK-based client of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance.
This will see the firm’s video-capture hardware, professional incident review,
and associated web-based service used for Reynolds Catering Supplies Ltd, a
Waltham Cross based distributor of fruits and vegetables. Driving Services UK
Limited will do incident and road-related risk management work as part of the
deal. This project is the first of its kind to be funded and supported by a
motor fleet underwriter in the UK. Marc Wanless, underwriter, motor at Mitsui
Sumitomo says he thinks that the combination of SmartDrive’s technology and
Driving Services’ consulting will help the customer dramatically cut collision
frequency and thus operational and insurance costs.
More from Scott Raske at +44 (0)7 983 708 543 or scott.raske@smartdrive.net.


More Magnums for MAM

UK long distance haulage firm MAM Transport of Northampton, just took 12 new 6x2
Renault Magnum 480 tractors. The new trucks have Optidriver II transmissions
and Multipass cabs. They join a 42-strong fleet and will work across Europe
for customers including Tesco, TNT, DHL, Target Express, Christian Salvesen,
Homebase and Morrisons. Dunstable dealer Renault Trucks Chiltern won the
business.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or
penny.randall@renault-trucks.com


Manvik backs CV Show municipal Zone

Manvik Hire says the overwhelming success of last year’s CV Show has contributed
to the firm’s phenomenal growth in 2006; it almost doubled the size of its
municipal hire fleet and so it will be back in April, on stand 2550. “We
listened to our customers and widened the range of our fleet," says the firm’s
Paul Brown. “We now offer 7.5T refuse trucks, twin pack recycling trucks,
sweepers and 32tonne rear-end loaders and we’ve the flexibility to provide
quality vehicle solutions to both the municipal and private sectors.” Brown
says the firm is delighted to be back in the Municipal Zone at the CV show and
is looking forward to building on the success of the 06 show.
More from Paul Brown on +44(0)7 779 623 631 or paul@manvik.co.uk


Cert wins multi-million pound wine logistics dealt

Cert drinks network, a business unit of the Cert Group says it just won a new
multi-million pound logistics contract with leading premium wine maker Foster’s
Emea Ltd in the UK. The job includes wine supply chain work for the former
Beringer Blass and Southcorp Wines Europe businesses. Foster’s wine brands
include Beringer, Lindemans, Wolf Blass, Penfolds and Rosemount.
More from Tricia Woodall on +44 (0)1 455 205 082 or tricia.woodall@cert.co.uk


Track and trace data collection for forklifts makes CV Show debut

Avery Weigh-Tronix says it will use stand 3958 at the CV Show in April to launch
the UK’s first forklift truck track-and-trace data- collection system.
Developed with Erwin Sick Ltd, the system combines a forklift truck scale with a
bar code scanner, to collect pallet information that can be used to monitor the
progress of freight through an logistics hub.
More from Jane Woods on +44 (0)1 785 255 146 or jane@edsonevers.com


Astra Euro 4 and 5 exhaust systems at the CV Show

Following the successful launch of its new Euro 4 and 5 exhaust systems and a
growing order book, Astra Vehicle Technologies say it will show its new
stainless steel exhaust systems on its stand 5784. The firm says its kit is
designed to help operators, dealers, vehicle converters and body-builders tackle
the problem of ancillary equipment clashing with original exhausts.
More from Contact Bill Critchley on +44 (0)1 513 485 777 or billc@astra-vt.com


New lifts from Ratcliff Palfinger at the CV Show

Ratcliff Palfinger says it is the only tail lift firm to offer a wide range
column lifts, van lifts, chassis mounted lifts and passenger lifts manufactured
in the UK. At this year's CV show it will launch four new lifts for the
commercial vehicle market. These will include two new passenger lifts, in
response to increased community transport industry interest at the Show. With
legal requirements in place to ensure that tail lifts are ‘fit for purpose’'
Ratcliff Palfinger will also announce plans to help operators meet their
responsibilities.
More Sally Gething on +44 (0)1 707 382 800 or s.gething@ratcliffpalfinger.co.uk


New Midlands dealer for LDV

Birmingham’s LDV says it just appointed Aquila Group at Aldridge, near Walsall
as a Midlands dealer. The firm has been trading from the area for eight years,
holds MAN and ERF truck franchises and employs 152 commercial vehicle
specialists. The business, led by Garry Jones, franchise manager, will run as
West Midlands LDV, selling new and used vans and all-makes servicing. It will
also offer Vanaid roadside recovery and is open 24 hours a day.
More from Steve Miller on +44(0)1 213 223 089 or smiller@ldv.com


UK’s longest coaches take to the road

Stagecoach Group says it will put a 45 strong fleet of 15 metre
wheelchair-accessible coaches to work later this month as part of an £11m deal.
Bus builders Volvo and Plaxton are sharing the business to deliver the
15-metre, 65 seat coaches to the market-leading budget travel service
megabus.com and inter-city coach operator Scottish Citylink. Passengers in
Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Perth will be among the
first to travel on the new coaches. The new vehicles will also be used on
routes linking London, Manchester, Newcastle, Preston, Sheffield, Cwmbran,
Cardiff, Plymouth, Exeter and Bristol. All the wheelchair accessible coached
have seatbelts, air-conditioning and toilets.
More from Steven Stewart on +44 (0)1 738 642 040 or
steven.stewart@stagecoachgroup.com


Aston takes first Hino

Black Country haulier E Aston & Son just took its first Hino, a 700 series 8x4
fitted with a steel muck away body, auto lube and auto sheeting gear. The
order follows a successful one week demo by Hi-Trucks of Birmingham. The new
truck, delivered within a few weeks of the sale has joined the firm’s 30 strong
six and eight wheeler fleet, doing muck shifting and heavy duty site work in the
construction industry across the Midlands. The firm said price, a good
reaction from the drive and workshop all worked in Hino’s favour.
More from Alan Southall on +44 (0)7 970 229 043 or asouthall@hartshorne.co.uk

12/12/06

Mixed bag for UK CV registrations

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that November truck and van registrations were distorted by the change from Euro 3 to 4. November registrations were up 2.7% to 31,730 and for the year-to-date, up 0.9%. The more reliable rolling year total was up 0.4% to 389,064. ‘November was another mixed bag for the UK’s new commercial vehicle registrations,’ said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive. ‘Changes from Euro 3 to Euro 4 emission standards and the end of the Reduced Pollution Certificate scheme continued to distort heavy truck registrations. Medium and heavy vans and pick-ups saw another strong month as the 1 January 2007 deadline for new vans to meet Euro 4 emission standards approaches. Our system is starting to capture emissions data and early indications already show some 1,900 trucks and 59,000 vans registered at Euro 4 or 5 this year.’

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

Register for the show

You can now register for the CV Show and ATS on the show websites, www.cvshow.com and www.ats.com This will also ensure you get a copy of the show guide some three weeks before the event in April. The 200 page guide will list exhibitors, their exhibits and stand numbers and give plans for all five halls and will help you plan your visit to the biggest trade show of its type in Europe. ‘The guide proved enormously popular at the last show’, said David Crawford, sales manager for the CV Show and ATS. ‘The demand will be high this year too so the best way to get a copy is to register and we’ll mail you one, free, well in advance.’

More from David Crawford on +44 (0)1 634 261 262 or sales@cvshow.com

Chancellor still digesting Stern and Eddington

Chancellor Gordon Brown avoided the temptation to tinker with vehicle excise duty in his pre-budget statement, a move welcomed last week by the SMMT, which says it thinks we need stability and clarity in all taxes. The Society says it hopes Brown will think carefully about the recent Stern and Eddington reports when panning an integrated approach to all transport taxes. The approach must recognise the significant CO2-based taxes already levied on vans, trucks, buses and coaches through fuel duty and vehicle excise duty. The industry is disappointed that the Chancellor, once again, missed opportunities to widen incentives for cleaner vehicles. ‘It's another lost opportunity’, said Christopher Macgowan SMMT chief executive.

More from John Procter on +44 (0)2 073 449 263 or jprocter@smmt.co.uk

Bus and coach registrations down

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show bus and coach registrations down 5.4% to for 11,968 for the rolling year to November. Registrations for the three months to November were down 4.6% to 2,910, year-on-year and heavy bus registrations were down 15.2% for the three months to November, versus the same period in 2005. Year-to-date registrations were up 4.3% to 2,742, compared to the same period last year. ‘Earlier this year bus and coach registrations ran ahead of industry expectations, on the back of orders won last year,’ said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT Chief Executive. ‘More recently the registration rate slowed, reflecting a drop in orders some months earlier. As order intake remained low, registrations too will remain low for some time, with mini bus registrations down after a modest revival in the spring. Across all other sectors the annual trend remains positive.’

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

Spanish firm carts off Dennis Eagle

Spanish conglomerate Ros Roca bought dustcart maker Dennis Eagle on Friday 8 December. Ros Roca SA, a family owned business was founded in 1953 and specialises in waste management and already has links to specialist vehicle makers and says it is market leader in its field in Spain. Dennis Eagle at Warwick, UK employs some 350 people and has a turnover of £80m and says it is the UK leading dustcart maker.

More from Roberta Manca on +44 (0)1 926 458 538 or roberta.manca@dennis-eagle.co.uk

Davie Malcolm takes first Ekeri trailer

Ekeri Trailers says it just delivered its first single-sided temperature controlled trailer to Davie Malcolm Transport Ltd. The firm will use the new trailer on ambient, chilled and frozen transport Ireland, the UK and the European mainland. A further two similar trailers will join the fleet in May 2007.

More from Jane Brown on +44 (0)7 976 929 715 or jane@oandbmarketing.co.uk

New boss at Transit plant.

Ford says Martin Chapman is to take over running Ford's Southampton plant on 1 January 2007

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

£1m on van showroom

Ford dealer CEM Day of Swansea just opened a £1m van showroom. ‘The most unusual thing about it is that it is probably a first,’ said Frank Berry, speaking for the firm. ‘I can't think of anybody else who has a state-of-the-art showroom for commercial vehicles.’

More from www.autowired.co.uk

New Hino dealer

Imperial Commercials says it bought the former Hawarden Commercial site Sandycroft, Deeside will run it as a Hino dealership, bringing the Japanese truck franchise to the area for first time.

Working form a 1.25 acre site the business had traded successfully for many years. All 15 staff will stay with the new owners, doing work as a Contracted Repairer for MAN ERF and Authorised Repairer for Renault trucks as well as sales and servicing for Hino.

More from Simon Small on +44 (0)1 293 852 333 or simon.small@waterson.org.

New truck navigation kit

Clarion says it just launched two portable navigation systems, MAP360, covering UK and major European roads and MAP560, a full European version. ‘These mean truckers can download generic point of interest or those specific to a particular truck brand,’ says Michelle Doolan, for the firm. ‘These might include dealer locations, bridge heights, weight restrictions, speed restrictions, and many, many others and can set up your own data base very easily via a website address.’

More from Michelle Doolan on +44 (0)1 793 898 542 or mdoolan@clarion.co.uk

Michelin to fight retread counterfeiters

Michelin says it is stepping up its fight against people who copy or sell unauthorised reproductions of its tyre tread patterns. The firm says it will focus on copies of tyres featuring its ‘Michelin Durable Technologies,’ introduced from 1 January 2005. It says it will ‘take any and all steps including legal actions, necessary to vigorously enforce all its rights including its intellectual property rights.’ In late 2005, Michelin took steps world-wide to tackle the unauthorised copying of the tread patterns of its new truck tyres.

More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler.com

First Iveco as Bonnar changes horses

Argyll-based Bonnar Sand & Gravel Co Ltd just got its first Iveco, a Trakker fitted with a unique demountable body that allows the truck to work as both a tipper and a mixer. The firm runs a 10 strong fleet and says it expects to steadily replace the lot with Ivecos. Its new truck should do around 35,000 miles a year. It has a demountable body system built by D&B Bodyworks, with McPhee mixing equipment and a specification which includes rear air-suspension and an automated 12-speed EuroTronic gearbox.

More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler.com

Drivers’ hours seminars

Vosa says it will run 19 Road Transport Industry seminars next year on drivers’ hours. These half-day event will include information on drivers’ hours rules, exemptions, definitions, changes to rest periods and breaks, new rules on offences committed abroad, fixed penalties and many other important developments including operator liability issues. The seminars will run start at 1300 with lunch and end at 1645. The cost will be £85 a head, including VAT. Full details, including times places and booking instructions are on Vosa’s web site www.vosa.gov.uk or via a credit card hotline on +44 (0)1 179 543 444.

More from Claire Vile on +44 (0)1 179 543 482 or claire.vile@vosa.gsi.gov.uk

New boss at Carrier

TNN reports that Justin Grace is managing director at transport refrigeration firm Carrier Transicold Europe. He will lead a new senior management team at the firm’s UK head office in Warrington, Cheshire.

More from www.tnn.co.uk

South African tankers for Haartz

Haartz Tanker Rental just got the first of it its two GRW Engineering petrol tankers. These South African built. The 42,800 litre six compartment tankers have with Alfons Haar cargo pumps and are already on a contract. ‘The tankers are built to a high standard using the banded construction method,’ said Tim Heaton of Haartz. ‘I’m confident they will live up to GRW's reputation for long-lasting quality tankers and will prove very popular with customers.’ Heaton says the firm has more new tankers arriving in January and March 2007 as part of its expansion programme.

More from Ian Walkden on +44 (0)1 829 261 517 or ian@haartztankersales.co.uk

First Euro 4 Dennis Eagle in Scotland

Clackmannanshire is the first local authority north of the border to take delivery of a Euro 4 Dennis Eagle refuse truck. It has a Volvo Penta Euro 4 D7E in-line six diesel engine that delivers 290bhp.

More from Roberta Manca on +44 (0)1 926 458 538 or roberta.manca@dennis-eagle.co.uk

Holland and SAF to merge

The Holland Group, Inc. and axle and suspension firm Otto Sauer Achsenfabrik GmbH based in Bessenbach, Germany and better known as SAF just said they plan to merge.

More from www.fleetowner.com

Midlums for the AA

Renault Trucks says the AA will put 45 Midlum 7.5 tonners to work in its breakdown service. The move is part of a plan to increase efficiency.

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

New boss at Conti

Continental Tyres Group Ltd says David Smith will handle marketing, sales and distribution of the firm’s passenger, commercial and industrial tyre products in the UK and Ireland. He takes over from Brian Smith who leaves the company at the end of December after 13 years in the job.

More from Laura Hardy on +44 (0)1 895 424 321 or laura.hardy@conti.de

Commissioner consults on satnav system

Jacques Barrot EU transport commissioner has started a public consultation on Galileo, the European satellite navigation system that was intended to provide an alternative to the US based GPS. The EC wants to know how Europe can make the most of the system.

More from Jennifer Huckstep on +44(0)2 073 449 217or jhuckstep@smmt.co.uk

LDV looking up

The Birmingham based van maker says it registered 735 Maxus vans in November this year, beating last year’s total by 454. The figures include 135 new Maxus vans for the Royal Mail. ‘We’ve seen an increase in Maxus sales of more than 160% compared to November last year and over the year we are running 57% ahead of the corresponding period of 2005,’ said Steve Miller, marketing director.

More from Steve Miller on +44 (0)1 213 223 089 or smiller@ldv.com

Amtrak delivers to Virgin Vie at home

Amtrak Express Parcels says it is delivering thousands of parcels a week for Virgin Vie At Home, one of Britain's leading direct selling firms. Virgin has a nationwide network of over 12,000 Consultants who arrange 390,000 cosmetic and jewellery parties a year, creating sales of £80m. Amtrak does next day deliveries to consultants and mail order customers from their on-line orders and via a call centre.

More from Jane Hart on +44 (0)1 179 337 725 or jane.hart@amtrak.co.uk

New MAN ERF dealer in Carlisle

North East Truck & Van, which say it is the UK's largest independent commercial vehicle distributor, is the new MAN ERF dealer in Carlisle. The firm’s 3,500 m2 site on the Kingstown Industrial Estate will handle the MAN ERF brand as well as its existing Iveco and Fiat truck and van franchises. The move means six new jobs, with four new technicians and two additional parts people.

More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler.com

More dealers for Line-X

Barnstable based Line-X Protective Coatings Ltd says it has added a further three dealers to its network; they are in Wokingham, Carlisle and Wadebridge. This follows the firm’s recent ISO 9001 certification

More from Lee Smith on +44 (0)1 271 344 000 or lee@line-x.co.uk

Renault trucks rally again

Renault says it will run two Kerax support trucks vehicles in the Dakar Trail. The firm says that with about thirty Kerax trucks in the 29th Dakar Rally, it again felt it should support those competitors racing Renaults.

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

New reversing sensor

Reversing Made Easy Ltd, from East Sussex says its wireless Trailermatic proximity sensor system solves the problem of reversing extra-long vehicles, such as those with rear mounted forklift trucks. ‘The issue has always been one of too many wires running down the length of the vehicle and too many buttons on the display for the driver,’ says Steven Ransom, director. ‘With the Trailermatic system, the cab display comes on automatically when the driver selects reverse and there is an audible warning as well as a visual countdown as the vehicle nears the obstacle.’ With quick fitting time, Ransom says this is an ideal protection system for longer vehicles. ‘Our biggest growth is with artics; any trailer fitted with our sensors can work with any tractor unit fitted with the display, giving simplicity and safety across the fleet.’

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

Peterbilt leads in JD Power study again

Peterbilt is the highest-ranked truck maker in the J.D. Power 2006 Medium-Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study in the US This is the fifth time Peterbilt has come top in the annual survey.

More from www.trailer-bodybuilders.com

More torque from Euro 4 Partner

Peugeot says its two-model Partner van range now has a Euro 4 engine, the 1.6 litre DV6 HDi diesel rated at 75 or 90 bhp. The firm says the new unit delivers up to 35% more torque and 31.5% better fuel consumption that the old 1.9 litre diesel. It also delivers the same power, 5% more torque and 9.3% better fuel consumption that the old two litre unit.

More from Andrew Didlick on +44 (0)2 476 883 409 or andrewdidlick@peugeot.co.uk

Prohire buys Midland Vehicle Contracts

Prohire, the Staffordshire-based asset leasing firm says it just bought contract hire outfit Midland Vehicle Contracts Ltd in a multi-million pound deal. Midland will ‘continue to trade as such for the foreseeable future.’ says Prohire, while confirming that it will keep all Midland’s people. The firm also says that since it bought Securicor Vehicle Management in 2003, it wanted to buy more UK businesses.

More from Neal Snowdon on +44 (0)1 706 819 556 or neal@drummondpublicity.co.uk

110 Volvo school buses for Northern Ireland

Volvo says it won an order for 110 Volvo B7R buses to do school bus work for Translink in Northern Ireland. The buses will be delivered for the start of the school year in September 2007. All 66 seats have seatbelts and each bus will have a wheelchair lift to help handicapped passengers. Volvo Bus plant in Borås, Sweden will make the chassis and the Wrightbus in Northern Ireland will build the bodies, based on the firm’s Eclipse model, a body that is used on Volvo’s B7RLE low-entry chassis.

More from Per-Martin Johansson on +46 31 322 52 00 or per-martin.johansson@volvo.com

Paccar delivers

Directors at Paccar just said the firm will pay shareholders an extra cash dividend of $2.00 a share, on January 5, 2007. They also said the firm will pay a regular quarterly dividend of $0.20 a share on 5 March 2007. The firm says it earned a net profit for 68 straight years and paid a dividend every year since 1941. In 2006 it says it delivered $850m to shareholders from the repurchase of 4.5 million shares plus special and regular dividends on the back a net income of $1.12bn in the first nine months of the year.

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

Truck blind spots solution on trial

Dr Stephen Ladyman, road safety minister has launched a trial of magnifying window lenses to help cut ‘sideswiping’ accidents. The Highways Agency, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and the Immigration Service will distribute 40,000 stick-on Fresnel lenses, free, at three French ports to drivers of left-hand drive trucks bound for the UK. ‘Side-swiping is an issue that we are determined to tackle,’ said Ladyman. ‘There were 1,164 sideswipe incidents in 2005 and as well as being frightening and dangerous for those involved, such incidents can cause frustration, delays and congestion for other drivers.’ The trial aims to show how Fresnel lenses might improve truck safety. The results should be in by the spring.

More from www.vosa.gov.uk

New Transport Manager’s Handbook

Kogan Page says it will publish the 37th edition of its Transport Manager’s Handbook on 17 January. ‘This latest version aims to gather as legislative as can be reasonably squeezed between the covers, to explain what it is all about in clear English and give hard-pressed vehicle operators or transport managers one accessible, intelligible source of information on the responsibilities laid on him by law.’ For the first time the book will cover the new Road Transport Directive which limits the working hours for LGV drivers, and the launch of the new driver smart card. Further legal updates include the EU Driver Training Directive and the new Road Safety Bill, which will introduce tougher penalties and new powers to seize and dispose of uninsured vehicles. The book costs £48.00 and you can buy it from the publisher’s website www.kogan-page.co.uk

More from Alice French on +44 (0)2 072 780 433 or afrench@kogan-page.co.uk

31/08/06

Van production up

‘A big increase in van production served to boost the commercial vehicle market by 7.5% in July’, commented Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive. ‘And again exports were a key factor in this rise. Whilst LCVs took the lion's share, at the heavier end, Daf’s Leyland truck plant continued to show modest gains despite the purchasing indecision caused by the changes from Euro 3 to Euro 4 standards’

More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222

Losing Channel Tunnel rail freight would be a farce

The UK Freight Transport Association says Eurotunnel, the UK Government and the European Commission should cut the cost of using the Channel Tunnel to help to satisfy pent-up demand for cross-Channel rail freight. The FTA thinks a lot of freight business would move to rail if the price and the service were better. This would mean better use of the tunnel’s capacity and replace much cross-Channel road freight, three quarters of which is done by continental hauliers. This November the UK Government will stop paying the £26m a year freight bill it has picked up since the tunnel opened in 1994. At the same time Eurotunnel is trying to do a deal to manage its £6.4bn debt. The FTA worries that rail freight will suffer in as a result. ‘It would be a total farce if rail freight was removed from the Channel Tunnel,’ said Dr Andrew Traill, head of rail freight at the FTA. ‘Rail freight was one of the key reasons why the Channel Tunnel was built.’

More from Geoff Dossetter on +44 (0)1 892 552 255

More manufacturers back 2007 CV Show

Major tyre makers are among the manufactures booking space at the 2007 CV Show, with Continental returning after three year absence to join Show regulars Michelin, Bridgestone and Goodyear Dunlop. ‘At the same time, both the Municipal Zone and Cool Pavillion are growing well. Refuse collection makers Dennis Eagle, Faun, Heil and Geesink Norba plan big stands and Legras, Johnston Sweepers, Specialist Fleet Services and HN Logistics have all booked space recently too,’ said David Sedgeley, CV Show chairman. I’m also delighted that the Cool Pavilion, set up to meet the needs of temperature controlled transport operators, is building strongly with both Carrier Transicold and ThermoKing booked alongside reefer manufacturers Krone, Gray & Adams and Schmitz Cargobull, plus many others.’ Rental and contract hire specialists Hill Hire will exhibit in the Cool Pavilion for the first time.

More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222

Maz plans Euro 4 and 5 trucks

Belarus’ state-owned Minsk Automobile Plant, Maz, plans to start making trucks to Euro 4 emission standards in 2007, according to a recent statement by Vladimir Korol, the firm’s deputy sales and marketing director. Trucks to Euro 5 standards are due in 2008. Maz is the largest producer of heavy trucks in the former Soviet Union with a 35% share of the Russian market.

More from www.just-auto.com

Goodyear boosts Indian sales network

Goodyear India just said it will spend 500m rupees ($11m) to strengthen its sales network in India. The firm makes tyres at plants in Aurangabad in the western Maharashtra state and Ballabgarh in northern Haryana state and will set up 50 shop-in-shop branded stores by the end of 2006 and at least 250 more by end-2008. Goodyear says there are nearly 9,300 tyre retailers and thousands more informal sellers.

More from www.just-auto.com

RHA welcomes cabotage comment

The UK Road Haulage Association says it welcomes the statement from the Department for Transport on cabotage rules. ‘In essence there is no material change from what we already understand to be the rules,’ said Roger King, RHA chief executive. ‘However, by spelling them out in words of one syllable, I hope no foreign operator will be in any doubt about what they can or cannot do within the UK. ‘Furthermore, the enforcement authorities will also be in little doubt about when to act’. The statement says that cabotage must be entirely ad hoc, casual and circumstantial. ‘That means no contract of any kind can exist between the haulier and the customer’, said King.

More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917

World speed record for JCB

The JCB Dieselmax became the world's fastest diesel-powered car last week as Andy Green set a new FIA international world record for diesel-powered cars of 350 mph (563 kph) on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah.

More from www.jcbdieselmax.com

Transaid helps Kenyan Ministry of Health

Transaid, the UK transport industry-backed charity is helping the Kenyan Ministry of Health develop a transport management system, aiming to make healthcare more effective, accessible and affordable, especially for those who live in remote areas. Two men from UK logistics firm Bibby Distribution, Brian Riddle, driver development manager and Dave Smith, regional driver trainer just spent two weeks in Kenya. They taught 23 health service drivers in Coast and North East provinces to be driver trainers and assessors.

More from Caroline Beaumont on +44 (0)2 073 878 136

Transport industry seeks older drivers

US trucking firms are trying to recruit older drivers, including husband and wife teams, as a response to driver shortages. Truckload carrier Schneider National is looking for drivers aged 50 or more and training them. So far some 3,000 of the firm’s 15,000 drivers are older people

More from www.ttnews.com

Kenworth to use ‘07-compliant engines

Kenworth Truck Co. says its 2008 truck models will use engines that meet the US Environmental Protection Agency’s 2007 emissions standards.

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US plans pollution rules for trains

The US Environmental Protection Agency said it will target railway locomotive emissions and that this could have as dramatic an effect on railways as the agency’s past rules have had on the trucking industry.

More from www.ttnews.com

Volvo used sales set for record-breaking year

Volvo Coach Sales (Loughborough) Ltd says strong demand for used coaches means it is on target for a record-breaking year. The wholly owned Volvo dealer had hit 75% of its yearly target by the end of June, with one salesman completing his entire annual target by April

More from Adrian Wickens on +44 (0)1 926 414 518

GM hikes US truck prices

Prices for General Motors’ 2007 diesel-powered medium duty trucks range increased by as much as $7,600, the firm says. It blames the additional equipment, hardware and software necessary to bring its engines up to the more stringent federal emissions regulations that will take effect next year.

More from www.ttnews.com

TNT to sell logistics business

Transport Topics reports that Dutch firm TNT NV said it will sell its logistics business to American private equity fund Apollo Management in a deal worth about $1.9bn and due for completion later this year.

More from www.ttnews.com

Motor industry wants lower premiums for safety

The motor industry wants the UK insurance industry’s Thatcham motor insurance repair and research to recommend premium discounts for drivers of vehicles that have the latest accident prevention technology. Thatcham says that international insurance figures point to up to 15% cuts in damage costs where some safety kit is fitted and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders wants the insurance industry to pass that saving on to customers by offering similar cuts in insurance costs. ‘The industry has invested significantly in passive safety systems, protecting occupants and pedestrians involved in accidents,’ said Nigel Wonnacott, for the SMMT. ‘They've also saved the insurance industry millions of pounds and it's high time that was recognised in cheaper insurance for customers.’

More from Nigel Wonnacott on +44 (0)2 073 449 226

Ryder supplies The X Factor

Ryder says it supplied two 18 ton Daf CF box vans to support the latest series of the TV talent show, The X factor The programme’s producers, Thame Television, used the trucks for publicity at Old Trafford when more than 12,000 people took part in auditions for the TV Show.

More from Colin Peck on +44 07 802 606 433

22/08/06

Renault to keep Volvo truck stake

Renault said last week that it had no plans to sell or cut its stake of around 20% in world number two truck maker Volvo. ‘We are for now satisfied with our stake in Volvo so therefore there is nothing planned,’ said a Renault spokeswoman. ‘This is an interesting business, not only because dividends are attractive.’ She also said the complementary business cycles are helpful too.

More from www.just-auto.com

Volvo on acquisition trail

The Financial Times reports that Volvo has outlined an acquisition plan to broaden it product range and head off activist investors. The FT says that Volvo’s $2.6bn surplus has attracted ‘mystery’ shareholders who have taken a 4% stake in the firm recently, possibly plotting a takeover or more likely, aiming to pressure the company into giving them some of its cash. The paper quotes Volvo’s boss, Leif Johansson ‘I will make financially disciplined deals that are good for shareholders.’ Volvo has a right to extend its 13% stake in Nissan Diesel and has said it is discussing Chinese deals. Johansson is also quoted saying that he thinks ‘control is important to get a really good effect.’

More from www.ft.com

LCV hall at 2007 CV Show close to capacity

Bookings for space in the light commercial vehicle hall, at the 2007 CV Show, are already very close to capacity, says David Crawford, sales manager for the event. ‘We’ve had a terrific response, with both existing exhibitors booking bigger stands and new firms booking for the first time.’ And in other areas of the show business is brisk too. ‘Pommier Furgocar plan to return to the show after a three year absence, Williams Tanker Services will make its debut on a 210m2 stand, Smiths Electric Vehicles will double its stand size and the Harris Group (Hino) have booked 500m2 on the back of this year’s success says Crawford. ‘All truck makers have booked now booked space and many major refuse collection vehicle makers will be there too, supporting the Municipal Zone.’ The show runs from April 24 to 26 next year, at the NEC.

More from David Crawford on +44 (0)1 634 261 262 or david@crystal-communications.co.uk

First I-Shifts for Classic fleet

Durham’s Classic Coaches just got two new Volvo B12Bs. Each of the Berkhof bodied coaches has a Volvo 420hp engine driving through an I-Shift gearbox, the first in Classic’s fleet. Both the 55 seaters will be on the road constantly through the year, working on the firm’s UK and mainland touring programme. They have full climate control, toilet, hot and cold drinks facilities and a two-screen DVD system.

More from Adrian Wickens on +44 (0)1 926 414 518 or adrian.wickens@volvo.com

RAC Foundation wants commuters to stay home and save £1.9bn

The RAC Foundation is the latest outfit to back Work Wise UK. Supported by the government, business and the unions, the five-year plan aims to encourage smarter working practices, such as flexible, mobile, remote working and working from home. The RAC Foundation says it supports the idea as it thinks any change in working patterns that cuts the need to travel, or staggers times will help cut congestion. It thinks that smarter working could cut commuter traffic by up to 10% in five years. ‘Even if people only worked from home one day a week, the impact would be significant,’ said Edmund King, executive director. Just look at what happens during the school holidays. Congestion costs the UK some £20bn a year. If there is a reasonable take-up of smarter working, King thinks the nation will save £1.9bn a year within five years.’

More from Michael Hardware on +44 (0)2 079 397 939 or meh@chelgate.com

LuAZ output soars

Output from Ukraine's Lutsk Automobile Plant, or LuAZ, controlled by the Bogdan Corporation, soared 74.3% year on year to 25,768 units in January-July, the corporation said last week. LuAZ assembles foreign cars and sports utility vehicles including VAZ, UAZ, and Isuzu, as well as Bogdan-designed buses.

More from www.just-auto.com

New Ford Transit delivers heating and hot water comfort

The first 20 new short wheelbase Ford Transits have gone to work for domestic heating manufacturer, Worcester, part of the Bosch Group. The new Transits are part of a 250 strong replacement order by the firm, which has successfully run an all-Ford light commercial fleet for more than 10 years. More new Transits will follow as existing vans come up for their three-year or 100,000-mile replacement. They are sign-written and have internal racking by Bott Ltd of Ashby de la Zouch and all are on full-maintenance contract hire, through DaimlerChrysler Fleet Management.

More from Ford on +44 (0)8 457 111 888 or www.ford.com

Hydraulic truck to start trial in 2007

Automotive World reports that a novel energy-saving hybrid-hydraulic system fitted to a 7.5-tonne truck will start UK trials early next year, aiming for big fuel savings. The truck will work for Crowfoots Carriers Ltd, of Barnwell, Leicester on an express parcels service over intensive stop-start routes. The system, known as Regenerative Drive System has been developed over the last five years or so by Permo-Drive Technologies Ltd of Australia, and is specifically designed for light, medium and heavy-duty trucks on stop-start drive cycles, like deliveries, refuse collection, mining and construction. ‘Fuel savings can be as high as 37%,’ says Willem de Vylder, chief executive at Permo-Drive.Permo-Drive is talking to other European fleet owners and says its system be easily retro-fitted or sold as an after-market fit for new vehicles.

More from Silke Lohmann on +44 (0)2 078 781 039 or silke.lohmann@automotiveworld.com

Up the Amazon with Renault Trucks and 747 Express Freight

Both firms say they are supporting ITN Granda Reports ‘Up The Amazon Appeal 2006’ and hope to raise £150,000 over two weeks from Monday 4 September. Renault Trucks have supplied a new Master Luton van while 747 Express Freight is doing the logistics management to help Granada’s man Paul Crone on a two week tour around the North West. Crone will walk 20 miles a day for the Vine Trust, a charity supporting under privileged people, especially children in Peru and Amazonia.

More from Steve Blackie on +44 (0)1 606 862 222 or mail@747-expressfreight.co.uk

Mahindra boosts output

Top Indian utility vehicle maker Mahindra & Mahindra said last week it would spend $118.3m on a new vehicle factory and more capacity at its plant in the western state of Maharashtra.

More from www.just-auto.com

Reed partners 25th Truckfest

Commercial Motor and Truck & Driver will the media partners for the Truckfest 2007 of events, during what will be the 25th Anniversary of Truckfest. ‘We’re delighted to be the media partner for Truckfest with our two titles Commercial Motor and Truck & Driver,’ said Neil Stiles, managing director of Reed Business Information Ltd. ‘We’ve had a long history, successfully working with the event organisers and have built up a very good relationship with them. We’re especially pleased that we’re media partner for the very important anniversary year. 25 years is an excellent achievement, especially in a changing and difficult market such as the road haulage industry. It is something that Truckfest should be rightly proud of.’

More from Colin Ward on +44 (0)1 775 768 661 or colin@livepromotions.co.uk

Operation Tourist 2006 results

Vosa says its 11th annual Operation Tourist, between 8 July and 6 August 2006 and aimed at coaches and buses checked 391 vehicles for roadworthiness. 384 of those were UK based and seven foreign. 81 got prohibitions, with 37 immediate and 44 delayed, with brakes and tyres the most common defects. Of the seven foreign vehicles checked, one got an immediate prohibition. 301 vehicles, 281 UK-registered and 20 foreigners were checked for traffic offences. The 281 collected 11 prohibitions and 65 verbal warnings for drivers’ hours offences. Of the 20 foreigners, on got a prohibition and eight got verbal warnings. Vosa says not all vehicles were checked for both roadworthiness and traffic offences.

More from www.vosa.gov.uk

BM Autoteknik wins Vosa deal

BM Autoteknik A/S says it has won a deal with the UK Vehicle and Operator Services Agency. It will supply vehicle testing kit and inspection pits at all Vosa Goods Vehicle Testing Stations across the UK. Work has already started on the first refurbishment job, at the Vosa test centre at Weedon, Northamptonshire. BM Autoteknik A/S will upgrade the test lanes at all Vosa’s truck testing centres with roller brake testers, hydraulic wheel play detectors and hydraulic load simulators. The firm will also supply diesel smoke Meters, combined emission testers, hand held speed limit testers and operator to driver communication systems testers. The deal also includes a 10 year servicing and calibration package and involves a number of UK firms including. Fletcher King Howard, Tecalamit; Britcon and BPE Solicitors.

More from Claire Connolly on +44 (0)1 604 622 721 or cec@fkhoward.com

Quality manager for Tachofta

The Freight Transport Association says it just made Nikki Skegg quality manager for Tachofta, its tachograph auditing service. She will ensure that the FTA's wide ranging of tachograph services continues to deliver consistently high standards, the more important in view next year’s changes to drivers' hours

More from Geoff Dossetter on +44 (0)1 892 552 255 or gdossetter@fta.co.uk

Dorset takes its first Volvo 9700 Prestige Plus

Group holiday specialists North Dorset Travel just got its first Volvo 9700 Prestige Plus. The firm will use the ex demonstrator on all-year round on UK and continental holidays. Supplied by Volvo Coach Sales the 49 seater is to full executive specification with climate control, toilet, DVD player and hot and cold drinks facilities. It has a Volvo 420bhp engine driving through an I-Shift gearbox – another first for North Dorset.

More from Adrian Wickens on +44(0)1 926 414 518 or adrian.wickens@volvo.com

More parts from Hindustan

Just-auto.com reports that Hindustan Motors, India's oldest car maker, will invest a ‘significant’ amount over the next three years to boost its auto components production capacity.

More from www.just-auto.com

First Citroën Berlingo XTR+ vans for Forestry Commission

The UK Forestry Commission is getting its first 35 Citroën’s 35 Berlingo 2.0HDi 600 XTR+ enhanced traction vans. The Berlingo 2.0HDi 600 XTR+ has been developed for operators that need vans with off-road capability. It has higher ground clearance and a sophisticated limited-slip differential. Citroën says the vehicle gives better off-road capability without the higher capital and running costs associated with four wheel drive vehicles. Some will replace Forestry Commission 4x4 vehicles. Berlingo and Dispatch vans make up the bulk of the Forestry Commission’s 650-strong light van fleet. Its latest Berlingos are being supplied by Citroën Glasgow, are part of a deal for 100 vans and will be run on five year, non-maintenance Lex Vehicle Leasing contract hire agreements.

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

Management buys-out Mercedes truck dealerships

The Warrington-based Mercedes truck dealer, Enza, has been bought by its management for £5m. Last year, the firm sold nearly 750 new trucks and 1,600 vans, as well as 300 used vehicles. Gerry Smith, managing director has taken a 40% stake, and sales director, Richard Gosling and aftersales director, Roy Read have each taken 30%.

More from www.autowired.co.uk

Air1 does Dart deal

Air1 says that Each Euro 4 Enviro200Dart bus that leaves Alexander Dennis will have its first fill of AdBlue from Air1. ‘While cutting nitrous oxides in exhaust emissions is the main aim using the selective catalytic reduction technology used with AdBlue in the new Dart, an added benefit is the saving in fuel costs,’ says Karen Smith, for Air1. ‘The new Enviro200Dart is showing a 10% increase in fuel efficiency.

More from Karen Smith on +44 (0)1 469 554 711 or karen.a.smith@yara.com

Trackstick looking for retailers

Telespial Systems Inc says now it has it appointed Follow Us Ltd. as premier dealer for Trackstick, its personal and professional GPS Tracking and location recorders, it wants more retailers. ‘The unit is the size of a pack of chewing gum and can record its own location, speed, direction and other information at preset intervals. Three dimensional mapping and satellite imaging via Google Earth make this product the most advanced personal location recorder on the market,’ says the firms Kevin Brown. ‘The unit is intended to be permanently mounted to any vehicle and is ideal for monitoring shipments, security details and the route history. There are no monthly fees and location history can easily be downloaded to any computer.

More from Kevin Brown on +44 (0)1 582 460 960 or kevin.brown@followus.co.uk

Ryder extends warranty on used trucks

Miami-based Ryder System has introduced an extended powertrain warranty package called Road Ready Plus for its Road-Ready used trucks. The firm says this gives powertrain coverage up to 12 months or 100,000 miles, covering all manufacturers, as well as the injectors, air compressors, turbochargers, transmission and rear axles, and other items. Ryder’s Road Ready used trucks are single-owner vehicles, ‘equipped with quality components and part configurations that have been road-tested and performance-monitored within Ryder's fleet of more than 162,000 vehicles, says Tom Havens, vice president, vehicle sales for the firm. Sold at 50 company-owned retail outlets across the US, they come with complete maintenance records and a base 10,000-mile or 30-day power train warranty.

More from www.fleetowner.com

Australia agrees alternative-fuel incentives

Wards Auto.com reports that the Australian government has approved subsidies to encourage users to buy alternative fuels. The subsidies will run for eight years and are said to provide a payback to consumers in fuel savings within four months of purchase.

More from www.wardsauto.com

15/08/06

CV Show 2007 looking good already

Just three weeks after sending the sales brochure for the 2007 CV Show to potential exhibitors, advance applications for space have beaten all CV Show records, with many regular exhibitors looking for bigger stands. Importantly, over 20% of the replies are from new and overseas exhibitors, as the international reputation of the Show grows. Amongst the first were many of the firms that applied too late for the 2006 event and lost out as space sold out weeks before the event. ‘With the 2007 Show in the same halls, this looks likely to happen again,’ says David Crawford, CV Show sales manager. ‘New enquiries are at an all time high, so regular exhibitors need to confirm as soon as possible.’

More from David Crawford on +44 (0)1 634 261 262 or david@crystal-communications.co.uk

Bus and coach registrations steady

Recent figures from the SMMT show that rolling year bus and coach registrations were up 1.3% to 12,586 compared to the previous rolling year. Registrations for the month were down 5.8% to 815. ‘Bus and coach registrations have been strong this year,’ said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive. ‘Heavy buses, particularly double-deckers, did well in an otherwise stable sector. Because of the often six-month lead time for third party body-built buses and coaches, we expect a relatively smooth transition to Euro 4 in October, without the distortions that have dogged the truck market.’

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

KN Drinks takes 149 Iveco Stralis tractors

KN Drinks Logistics Ltd just got 149 Iveco Stralis Active Time tractors in what Iveco says is the UK’s single biggest Stralis order from a retail customer. The new trucks join a 550 strong fleet operating out of 22 sites in the UK. They will mainly run bulk transport work between factories and regional distribution centres, working six or seven days a week to do 120,000 miles a year. Iveco dealer Sherwood Commercial Vehicles won the deal after multi-make trials. Ewan McGregor, regional operations director for KN Drinks Logistics says the Stralis’ unladen weight of 7.8 tonnes was an important factor in the decision. The firm is part of Kuehne + Nagel’s global logistics network, started work in July 2006 and says it is the largest national drinks distribution company in the UK.

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

Norway urged to do more with biofuels

The Norwegian Pollution Control Authority wants the country start a biofuels deal, requiring oil firms to use biofuels in petrol and diesel, rather than relying on tax incentives to meet national targets. At the same time, Sweden reports rocketing demand for 85% ethanol fuels.

More from Jennifer Huckstep on +44(0)2 073 449 217or jhuckstep@smmt.co.uk

First Euro 4 Midlum goes to work

The first Renault Midlum Euro 4 has gone to work with TNT. The truck has an 18ft box van body with tuck-away tail lift. It joins the firm’s Nottingham-based fleet, doing daily mail and parcels collection. ‘We expect the Euro 4 Midlum will give even greater fuel economy,’ says Steve Davis, TNT’s national engineering manager.

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

Cut carbon emissions from transport

The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee just published a report on carbon emissions from transport. This looks at CO2 emissions from road transport and calls for the Government to widen the gap between each road tax band by £300 to make making the top rate £1,800. The Committee also wants the Government to say why it does not offer any direct financial incentives for diesel versus petrol. Stephen Ladyman MP, transport minister said he may ‘explore’ the recommendations made in Committee’s report, but doubts that some will work. But he didn’t rule out road tax increases.

More from Paul Harrison on +44 (0)2 073 449 264 or pharrison@smmt.co.uk

Load security standard published

The British Standards Institute, says it just published standard BS ISO 668:1995 (Series 1 freight containers - handling and securing), incorporating Amendment 1:2001, Amendment 2:2002 and Amendment 3:2005. The new standard gives general information on securing freight containers, built and tested to ISO 1496, when they are carried on public roads. It has detailed technical requirements for both manual and semi-automatic twistlocks. The standard supersedes BS 3951-1-1.5:1989.

More from www.bsi-global.com

New V engines from Cummins

Automotive World magazine reports that Cummins is to make a new V6 and V8 diesel engine family, aimed at light trucks and SUVs. The firm has done a deal with a vehicle maker, rumoured to be Nissan, to supply the engines for the North American market. The new V6 engine will probably appear near the end of the decade as a 4.2 litre unit, producing some 420lbft torque and 270hp.

More from Silke Lohmann on +44 (0)2 078 781 039 or silke.lohmann@automotiveworld.com

DfT publishes road traffic statistics

The Department for Transport just published national statistics for road traffic in Great Britain in the second quarter of 2006. Light van traffic was up four per cent and truck traffic rose by two per cent, as did motorway traffic. Car traffic levels were virtually unchanged between quarter two ’05 and the same period this year. Traffic on both urban A roads and minor urban roads fell by two per cent.

More fro www.dft.gov.uk

Lib Dem’s ‘greener’ tax proposals

The Liberal Democrats Tax Commission just published its ideas for what it calls a ‘fairer, greener and simpler’ tax system. It would tackle climate change by penalising individual pollution from ‘environmentally-damaging lifestyles,’ including huge hikes in road tax for inefficient cars. The Lib Dems have yet to say what taxes they plan for road freight.

More from Paul Harrison on +44 (0)2 073 449 264 or pharrison@smmt.co.uk

Stagecoach tries bio-ethanol bus

Stagecoach says it will run the first UK trials of a bio-ethanol powered bus outside London. The move could lead to the company’s 8,000 buses running on bio-ethanol in the future. The firm says it will test a Scania OmniLink ethanol bus for two weeks from 14 August to see technology’s potential for use in Stagecoach’s UK fleet. The trial bus will work in Liverpool, Barnsley, Sheffield, Newcastle and Manchester. Ethanol buses are running successfully in Sweden, Spain, Italy and Poland, cutting carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and particulate emissions. The bus in the trial uses pure ethanol with a 5% ignition improver to ensure compatibility with a conventional diesel engine. For the past year, Stagecoach has also been using the next-generation fuel additive Envirox™ across its entire UK bus fleet, getting more than a 5% cut in fuel consumption and an associated decrease in vehicle emissions.

More from Steven Stewart +44 (0)1 738 642 040 or steven.stewart@stagecoachgroup.com

Apprentice of the Year named.

Skills for Logistics says Adam Hibberd has won the Worshipful Carmen’s Apprentice of the Year Award. Hibberd is one of its Young LGV Driver Scheme candidates. Hibberd, trained by System Group, got his Category C & C+E licence and is continuing with his training. Skills for Logistics, the Sector Skills Council for the freight logistics industries says he is well on his way to completing his Apprenticeship and going to an Advanced Apprenticeship.

More from Nikki Hoople on +44 (0)8 7O2 427 314 or nicola.hoople@skillsforlogistic.org

Good start for Target Post

Target Post, the postal service run by Target Express says the business has quickly gathered pace and sales turnover is up month on month.

More from Alex Myers on +44 (0)1 484 469 601 or alex@manifestcomms.co.uk

Even better truck navigation

A year after it launched its truck navigator, Map&Guide has a new version which it says is easier to use. The mobile navigation system for trucks now also copes with international routes and has ten different languages available. ‘A key new feature is the ability for continental routing, with door-to-door navigation across Europe,’ says the firm. ‘It has a high-level road map of Europe into which smaller-scale country maps can be inserted. The routes run on major roads to help truckers save time.’ For Germany the software shows data such as road closures, critical clearance heights or maximum bridge weights. This data will be also available for France in the autumn. The software also runs on Pocket PCs and PDAs.

More from Jon Dowling on +44 (0)1 252 727 313 or jond@whiteoaks.co.uk

New man distributes the drinks for Cert

Alex Pollock just joined the Cert drinks network as general manager, warehousing operations. Pollock looks after the firm’s three distribution centres in the Midlands, handling over 32m cases of drinks a year.

More from Sofie Boddy on +44 (0)1 179 073 400 or sofie@jbp.co.uk

Fastest digger in the West?

JCB says its Dieselmax diesel-powered car hit 200 mph in UK tests before going to Bonneville, Utah recently. Wing Commander Andy Green, who set the first supersonic world land speed record in October 1997, will to try and break the 235.756 mph diesel record set by Virgil W Snyder in 1973. Over the next few days Green hopes to hit 300 mph; you can follow his fortunes at www.jcbdieselmax.com

More Amanda Gadeselli on +44 (0)2 073 848 701 or amanda.gadeselli@fingal.co.uk

New fleet service deal

Peugeot says its new fleet service deal will save operators time and money. The new Peugeot Fleet Service National Pricing Programme is for all major fleet and leasing customers. It gives fleet operators a special software programme, developed by Peugeot, to help them budget more accurately and cut service and repair costs. The deal also offers fixed regional labour rates and discounts on some parts and oils. At the same time the firm has a Fleet Service Promise with a five working days priority booking service for routine jobs…This sims that work taking less than an hour will done on a ‘while-you-wait’ basis with an agreed appointment time. There is an offer of replacement vehicles where a job will take more than 48 hours, a complimentary wash and valet after all routine services and a collection and delivery service too. Peugeot says it successfully tried the scheme with over 50 leasing firms.

More from Andrew Didlick on +44 (0)2 476 883 409 or andrewdidlick@peugeot.co.uk

More Scottish truck dealers for Isuzu

Isuzu Truck (UK) Limited says it just added two new Scottish dealers in the Edinburgh and Perth areas to its 66 strong UK network. They are Isuzu Truck Edinburgh and Isuzu Truck Perth and each will handle sales, service and parts. The firm says it expects to appoint another Eastern Scottish dealer soon, as part of the firm’s plans to strengthen its network and launch new, heavier models in the 12 months.

More from David Nash on +44 (0)1 614 567 870 or quadpr@globalnet.co.uk

New Transit deal with BT

Ford says it has a deal with BT to supply Transits to the firm’s 16,000-strong medium commercial vehicle fleet, until at least March 2007. Most of the vehicles will be new-generation Transit vans, in BT’s Openreach livery. The latest deal came into effect in January after a competitive tendering exercise. Ford says it won the business mainly on whole-life costs.

More from Ford on +44 (0)8 457 111 888 or www.ford.com

First delivery from Haartz Tanker Sales

Haartz Tanker Sales says it delivered its first tanker last month - a three-axle rear-steer rigid for Winson Petroleum Ltd in Barnstaple. The firm is a sister company to Haartz Tanker Rental and has been set up by Ian Walkden of ADR Leasing and Tim Heaton of Haartz Tanker Rental to help firms in the fuel, powder and waste sectors buy rigid tankers. It has six more Euro3 rigid chassis in production and orders for two more tankers. The firm says it aims to help first where operators' fleet engineers are dealing with other issues, like the latest Health and Safety changes or where urgent needs can only be met by tankers that are about to be completed. ‘We may also offer short term rental of tankers too, to help cover breakdowns, unexpected business or late delivery of ordered tankers,’ says Ian Walkden, managing director.

More from Ian Walkden on +44 (0)1 614 911 101 or www.haartztankersales.co.uk

More from Suzuki

Suzuki Motor Corporation wants consolidated net sales of ¥3tn, about €20bn in the financial year ending March, 2007. The firm says this follows good results in the first quarter and steadily growing demand for its compact vehicles in export markets. Suzuki also said it will spend ¥60 bn or €425mn to add a new 240,000 vehicle capacity factory to its Sagara plant in Japan. These plans are in addition to plans to hike the 530,000 production capacity from three other Suzuki plants in Hungary, India and Pakistan

More from David Farquhar on +44 (0)1 908 336 688 or pressoffice@suzuki.co.uk

Masters deliver daily bread

The London Bakery, which supplies bread and pastries to some of London’s top hotels and restaurants, just got two new Renault Master vans as part of its growth plans. The Cinnamon Club, Caviar House and Bistro 51, as well as The Capital Hotel, Knightsbridge, and the Atheneum Hotel, Piccadilly are among the daily 35 delivery addresses for the new vans. Renault Trucks London did the business.

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

First I-Shift evens out fuel figures

Long standing East Anglian Volvo operator R E Denison & Son has put the firm’s first I-Shift equipped FH tractor into its 15 strong tipper fleet. ‘The I-Shift helps even out the differences in fuel economy between drivers to the point that the truck gets virtually the same fuel figures with any driver,’ says Rory Denison. The new 44 tonner will haul a range of bulk products from sugar-beet to aggregates.

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

All-new Astravan soon

Vauxhall says its new, fifth generation and British-built Astravan will be at its dealers in October. The firm says prices for the new van start at £9,995, excluding VAT. It is based on the platform of the Vauxhall Astra estate and has a flat load bay, wide tailgate and plastic inner body mouldings. The new Astravan is built alongside the Astra five-door hatchback at GM’s factory in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

More from Craig Cheetham on +44 (0)1 582 427612 or craig.cheetham@vauxhall.co.uk

Performance pack for 2.5 litre Rodeo

Isuzu says its Prodrive Performance Pack for its new 2.5 litre entry-level Rodeo Denver Max pickup gives 33% more torque and 28% more power. The pack is available from any official Isuzu (UK) Limited dealer, costs £760 including VAT and fitting and does not affect the normal three year 60,000 mile warranty.

More from Arthur Fairley on +44 (0)1 215 226 059 or afairley@imgroup.co.uk

Another truck dealer for Renault

Renault Trucks says it has promoted Staffordshire CV, of Stoke-on-Trent from Repairer to official Renault Trucks Distributor. The well-known firm will handle Renault vans and trucks and has already sold 21 to operators including Motiva, A.I.E, Reid Freight and Hanley Contract Services. ‘We’re very pleased to strengthen our ties with Renault Trucks,’ says Simon Jackson, sales director.

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

Highways Agency aims to ease motorway maintenance

Stephen Ladyman MP, transport minister says a new machine from the Highways Agency will improve safety and cut congestion at road works on high-speed roads. The Quickchange Moveable Barrier system has been leased for two years from America for some £1m.

More from Paul Harrison on +44 (0)2 073 449 264 or pharrison@smmt.co.uk

L200s for RNLI

Mitsubishi Motors UK says it has done a deal with the RNLI to supply its L200 4Work double-cab pick-ups to the charity’s front-line beach rescue teams. The first 12 will go to work in the South and South West of England. The firm says it expects the model will replace older vehicles at all 36 beaches in the region over the next two years and then go on to replace all 62 units around the UK. Each of the white L200s, painted in the RNLI’s Beach Lifeguard livery, will have racks to carry surf rescue boards and other kit, plus emergency lighting, a PA system and a VHF radio. Mitsubishi dealer Poole Car Centre, in Dorset did the business, with the RNLI’s Wadebridge workshop fitting its specialist kit.

More from Gabi Whitfield on +44 (0)1 285 647 157 or g.whitfield@mitsubishi-cars.co.uk

Ben gets new Volkswagen minibuses

Ben, the Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund just got four new Volkswagen LT minibuses, one for each of its UK residential and day care centres. Thanks to Volkswagen Group UK and Help the Aged’s SeniorMobility campaign, Ben got one minibus free through Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, while the others came through the Help the Aged, with a £5,000 grant.

More from Lorna Russell on +44 (0)1 344 294 765 or lorna.russell@ben.org.uk

New boss for FTA business services

The Freight Transport Association says it just appointed Chris Thornton as managing director, business services. He will be manage and develop all FTA revenue earning services including the Vehicle Inspection Service, Tachofta, Shopfta and training, with a collective turnover of around £20m a year.

More from Geoff Dossetter on +44 (0)1 892 552 255 or gdossetter@fta.co.uk

New award for Isuzu boss

Nikki King OBE, managing director at Isuzu Truck UK got the 2006 Personal Achievement Award from the organisers of the European Tow Show, in Telford, recently. Frank McAllister, for the organisers said: ‘She has been a huge and generous supporter of the industry and has been at the forefront of any initiative which will benefit the safety and well-being of those who work within the rescue and recovery business.’

More from David Nash on +44 (0)1 614 567 870 or quadpr@globalnet.co.uk

Hartshorne VW van centre wins

Midlands-based Hartshorne Van Services Ltd says it won the first LCV Dealer Award at this year’s Motor Trader Industry Awards. Hartshorne won on the basis of its Volkswagen light commercial vehicle business

More from Paul Buckett on +44 (0)1 908 601 376 or paul.buckett@volkswagen.co.uk

26/06/06

Russia’s Gaz Group may buy LDV

Sun Capital and Gaz Group confirmed that they are talking about Gaz buying Sun’s Birmingham-based van maker LDV. Sun bought LDV late last year. In a joint statement the firms stress that the talks are at an early stage and there is no certainty they will lead to a deal. ‘Whilst discussions regarding the acquisition of LDV are ongoing, I would like to make it clear that if an agreement is reached we will not ‘lift and shift’ the operations. Manufacturing will stay in Birmingham,’ said Erik Eberhardson, president at Gaz Group. Neither firm has commented on the likely value of any deal or on reports that Gaz offered to buy the rights to build and distribute LDV vans in Russia. Senior industry figures say the right deal could be very good for all involved. It would give Gaz, Russia’s biggest commercial vehicle maker access to the newly launched LDV Maxus van range to sell in a huge market starved of modern automotive technology. The recently launched and even more recently extended Maxus van range has won awards and, more importantly, significant orders, but LDV would clearly benefit from access to bigger markets.

More from Piers Hooper on +44 (0)2 072 231 100 or piers.hooper@equusgroup.co.uk

CV Show and ATS - another outstanding success, says survey

Information from the organisers confirms the success of the recent CV Show and ATS at the NEC, Birmingham, in late April. A survey of all 672 exhibitors, itself a record number, found 90% said the three-day event was a commercial success. They were very pleased with the all-important visitor quality and preferred a three-day format. ‘This is excellent news and confirms our own belief that the show was an outstanding success,’ said Tony Young, exhibition manager. ‘And we’ve had a record number of exhibitors asking about space at next year’s event. This is not surprising as independent data just released by the Audit Bureau of Circulations shows that we had a record 30,376 visitors this year.’ Next year's CV Show and ATS at the NEC is from Tuesday 24 to Thursday 26 April.

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

Bi-Fuels cuts diesel costs by 15% to 20%

Greenpower Bi-Fuels says new LPG gas technology for trucks shows fuel savings between 15 and 20% and will deliver Euro 4 and 5 level emissions. Palletforce member Bankside Ltd got 20% savings and says the kit ‘will pay for itself in less than nine months.’ Bolton Metro Council got 30% savings on its refuse trucks and says ‘the system performed extremely well.’ Taberns of St Helens says it is getting a consistent 1.5 to 2 mpg improvement since the kits were fitted earlier last year. Longs of Leeds is another long-term user very happy with the fuel savings.

More from Gary McMahon on +44 (0)161 968 4584 or gary@gpbf.co.uk

New Euro 4 MAN’s for Classic Drinks

The St Helens based the drinks wholesaler and distribution specialist, has with 16 new Euro 4 MAN 7.5 tonners to replace older trucks. Group fleet manager paul Gaskell says he didn’t want the hassle of AdBlue when running a large fleet through multi-site operations, hence the interest in the EGR equipped MANs. ‘I’ve seen the additional componentry required on various trucks at the CV Show, and it all seems so unnecessary. There’s nothing to say about MAN’s EGR system, and that’s the beauty of it – it’s business as usual, and there’s no additional running costs.’ MAN ERF Manchester supplied the new trucks, all of which get two year warranties and will work out of the firm’s St Helens hub

More from Paul O'Malley on +44 (0)1 263 584 199 or comms@btinternet.com

New UK Motor Industry Directory

The SMMT’s UK Motor Industry Directory is the main source of information about the firms and organisations in the UK motor industry. The latest, 2,000 page book has detailed information on over 5,000 firms. It covers all aspects from design, development and production of vehicles, components and support services through to aftersales, disposal and recycling. The hard copy edition works seamlessly with the online version and contains all available company data while the web site version at www.smmt.co.uk/mid offers deeper and more refined searches. The hard copy and website offer a powerful resource for anyone interested in or working with the UK automotive industry. The hard copy costs £60 for non-members . All SMMT members get a free copy and bigger discounts on extra copies.

More from Katie Tolhurst on +44 (0)2 073 441 663 or publications@smmt.co.uk

Renault and Gaz do truck engine deal

Renault Trucks just did a licence deal with Russia’s Gaz Group for the latter to make Renault 11 litre dCi 11 truck engines in Russia. Gaz aims to use the engines in trucks, buses and construction equipment for the Russian market and Commonwealth of Independent States. The deal , worth a reported £315m also covers some manufacturing kit, tooling and training. The Russian firm also did a deal with Daimler Chrysler earlier this year to make two American models in Russia.

More from www.autowired.co.uk

Truck dealer wins trade plate case

Midlands Scania truck dealer Keltruck just won a test case against the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency on the use of trade plates. Vosa brought the case despite an agreement that tractor units could be used with trade plates to take trailers to test, provided that they were not owned by the dealer and formed part its temporary stock. Vosa brought the case when the dealer used trade plates without an O licence to take a semi-trailer to test. The court said that Vosa failed to prove that Keltruck had misused trade plates and awarded costs. The firm’s managing director, John Biggin said the important issue is that trade plate legislation prohibits the carriage of goods for hire and reward. ‘A tractor unit pulling an unloaded semi trailer, is deemed to be one entity, is not carrying goods and therefore not subject to O licence requirements.’

More from Christopher Kelly on +44 (0)1 215 257 000 or info.kelly@keltruck.com