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Transport News Brief Week 33
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The latest news roundup from the SMMT.
Van and truck registrations look good
Last week's figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show van and truck registrations getting close to 2006 volumes, at 380,664 units for the rolling year. Vans were up 14.1% for July and up 2.7% for the rolling year while trucks were up 27.8% for July and still down 21.4% for the rolling year. "July figures show total van and truck registrations at over 380,000 for the rolling year, in line with industry forecasts at the start of the year," said Christopher Macgowan, chief executive at the SMMT. "We said then that we expected the figures would improve and they've done just that. Van registrations look the better but while truck registrations still show the scars of last year's market distortions, we're confident that the recovery will continue, though supply problems may skew the positive outlook."
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Intermap and Auburn University to cut truck fuel consumption
Denver-based Intermap Technologies says it plans a grant to Auburn University to find ways to save truck fuel consumption, using the firm's geographic information system and 3D road geometry data. The aim is to use sophisticated mapping and GPS data to predict gradients and curves ahead of a truck and then use that information and the truck's engine, load and road speed data to select optimum engine speed and gear ratios. This should cut fuel and related costs journey times and of course, emissions. The initial phase will develop a predictive cruise control and automatic gearshift system.
More from Kevin Thomas on +44 (0)303 708 0955 or kthomas@intermap.com
Weak July for bus registrations.
Figures last week from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show big bus registrations down 22% to 2,377 for the rolling year to July. Coaches were down 2.8% to 1,093 for the same period and just below the 2006 level. Only midibuses bucked the trend, up 41.4% since January. "The medium to long-term outlook for the big bus sector is bleak, with orders below optimum fleet replacement levels," said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive. "July's figures are skewed by rescheduled deliveries to some customers and by summer shut downs. Separately, coaches are down for the rolling year, though some unexpected orders rescued registrations for the month, taking the figure up nearly 300% to 116. Once again, the figures show the dangers of drawing conclusions from an individual month's data."
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Euro 5 trucks get thumbs-up from London mayor
The Freight Transport Association says it is delighted that Transport For London aims to cut the London congestion charge for Euro 5 van and trucks. TfL released just released a consultation paper showing the way its plans to calculate emissions based congestion charges. For trucks the basic fee stays at £8 a day, but Euro 5 trucks will get a £2 a day discount, worth up to £520 a year. "Given that Euro 5 trucks half the NOX of a Euro 4 model, this is a highly effective way of improving air quality," says the FTA. The discount will be available for trucks till Euro 5 becomes mandatory for them in 2009. Small vans get a discount till 2012, when Euro 6 becomes mandatory for them.
More from Geoff Dossetter on +44 (0)1 892 552 255 or gdossetter@fta.co.uk
Tailor-made route planning from Teleroute
Teleroute says its new transport route planner offers quick, easy haulage and distribution route planning and traffic information. The firm has joined forces with Map & Guide to give pan-European data on routes, driving times, fuel and toll costs for specific vehicle types. "The system is also fully integrated into the Freight Exchange, to help will help operators cut costs and boost profits", says Teleroute.
More from Emma Campbell on +44 (0)1 612 389 422 or ecampbell@webershandwick.com
Reynolds runs SmartDrive across its fleet
SmartDrive Systems Inc says that Waltham Cross-based Reynolds Catering Supplies Limited will fit its 40 strong UK truck fleet with SmartDrive's driver risk management system. Reynolds, a big, independent distributor of fresh and chilled foods, has been using the video-capture hardware and incident review service since January 2007. "SmartDrive's system has clearly had a good effect on our driver's behaviour, with fewer collisions, less mystery damage and overall safer driving." says Martin Wood, head of distribution for Reynolds. The system uses tiny cameras to continuously record driving activities and saves data before and after an event. Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance funded the pilot project, the first in the UK. "This is our first full fleet conversion in the UK. This project has been unique and challenging from the beginning, as we've had the client's motor vehicle underwriter involved," said Scott Raske, managing director for SmartDrive in Europe. Raske says the system can cut vehicle collisions and mystery damage by up to 50%.
More from Scott Raske on +(0)1 858 225 5558 or scott.raske@smartdrive.net
Apologies to Grayrentals
In last week's issue I suggested that Grayrentals is a sister company to Gray & Adams. I was wrong. The Hull-based firm, founded in 1981 is completely independent of Gray & Adams. It does spot and long term rental, both in its own and customer liveries, as well as offering a range of financially engineered acquisition packages. It and an associate firm, Northern Trailer Sales sell trailers. Its website is www.grayservices.co..uk
My apologies for any embarrassment.
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
New boss for Ceva
John Pattulo is the new CEO for Ceva, the former TNT Logistics, which says it is the fourt biggest global supply chain firm. He joins from Deutsche Post DHL and replaces Dave Kulik, who moves to vice chairman of Ceva. The changes follow the merger between Europe's Ceva and US based EGL. The new outfit will run two divisions; contract logistics and freight management, both reporting to Pattullo. The 41,000 strong firm had sales of Euro3..5bn in its last financial year.
More form Paul Kwakkenbos on +31 (0)6 12 059 086 or paul.kwakkenbos@cevalogistics.com
Flexible data management for big fleets from Siemens
Siemens VDO says its new Download Terminal is designed to meet the needs of big fleets as a stand-alone way to handle digital tachograph data. It will cope with both driver card and mass memory digitach data and means drivers can download data from their driver cards or a Siemens VDO Downloadkey at anytime. The Download Terminal costs £595 + VAT and can take data from both the driver card and the vehicle unit and operators can easily export it for analysis, using a USB stick or by taking the terminal into the office and connecting it to a PC. The Drivers Starter Pack includes a Downloadkey and a box of printer rolls for just £185 + VAT while the on-line archive and analysis account costs £60 +VAT.
More from Lisa McCauley on +44 (0)1 213 261 162 or lisa.mccauley@siemens.com
JMP to help find Welsh travel info
PTI Cymru has hired JMP Consulting to identify future travel information needs in Wales and help develop its next five-year business plan. PTI Cymru will use JMP's final report to help it give the Welsh public the travel information it needs.
More from David Dunckley on +44 (0)1 676 532 017 or dunckley@ddassoc.freeserve.co.uk
RFID on European research agenda
The European Commission wants a group of Radio Frequency ID firsms, the Cluster of European RFID Projects to give a paper on RFID look at logistics, manufacturing and product safety, i.e. food chain or anti- counterfeited pharmaceuticals. They will also evaluate the combination of RFID with smart card and mobile devices in areas such as access control, payment and loyalty and present their findings at an RFID conference in Lisbon on 16 and 17 November. CE RFID was launched in April 2006 by leading RFID outfits. Its co-ordinator is Dr. Gerd Wolfram, of Metro Group Information Technology GmbH
More from Peter Gabriel on +49 (0)3 0 310 078 206 or info@rfid-in-action.eu
More British traffic
Figures from the Department for Transport show British road traffic up one per cent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2006. Over the same period, car traffic dropped one per cent, light van traffic grew nine per cent and truck traffic was up one per cent. The same data shows that cars account for 79% of all traffic, with light vans at 13% and trucks two per cent.
More from Esther Martin-Ortega on +44 (0)2 073 449 264 or emartin-ortega@smmt.co.uk
First new generation Volvo FL tankers for Ford
Ford Fuel Oils just got the UK's first two, new generation Volvo FL tankers. The new 18 tonners replace two older Volvo's in the family firm's 25 strong tanker fleet. Both are to full European ADR specification and will deliver two to three loads a day in a 30 mile radius of the firm's depot at Farrington Gurney. Volvo Truck and Bus Centre Wales and West at Avonmouth did the deal, with Ford doing the maintenance.
More from Nigel Hanwell on +44 (0)1 926 414 210 or nigel.hanwell@volvo.com
Notts council cuts bus travel tax for staff
Nottingham City Council is pioneering the launch of a scheme to give its 12,800 staff tax breaks on bus travel. The out-sourced, Greentravel2work scheme from P&MM offers up to 41% saving for staff and up to 12.8% on National Insurance for employers. The aim is to encourage people to use local bus services to and from work. The council will invite staff to choose an annual bus pass and pay for it monthly through their employer by deduction from their pay - a salary sacrifice. People save because the salary sacrifice payment is exempt from income tax and National Insurance contributions up to 41%, and the employer doesn't pay NI on the sacrificed salary up, to 12.8%.
More from Chris Lewis on +44 (0)2 077 364 022 or chrislewis@Clareville.co.uk
International Transport Forum 2008 to look at climate change
The IFT, formerly the European Conference of Ministers of Transport, says the theme for its first session, in May 2008 will be Transport and Energy: the Challenge of Climate Change. The two-day event will also look at access to transport energy, energy efficient technology, alternative fuels, and other related and worthy ideas.
More from Esther Martin-Ortega on +44 (0)2 073 449 264 or emartin-ortega@smmt.co.uk
New truck and trailer brake pads from Bremskerl
Bremskerl, which says it is one of Europe's makers of truck and trailer pads just launched a new range in the UK. All are approved by European axle makers and for the first time, come complete with all the pins and clips which needed for a pad change. The firm also offers a full range of wear sensors and original equipment approved brake linings. The latter come with or without rivets.
More from Pete Higgins on +44 (0)1 225 442 895 or petehiggins@talktalk.net
Automatic number plate recognition system for under £5,000
Surrey firm Balvin says it has developed the UK's first vehicle refuelling system to use ANPR, priced at under £5,000. Designed for fleet operators with their own refuelling depots, Balvin says its new system offers features previously only available at much higher prices. "Until now, fleet operators have used a range of cumbersome systems based on keys, cards and RFID tags to identify vehicles," "Our new system is convenient and secure and makes it much easier for drivers to refuel their vehicles by automatic identification. As the vehicle arrives at the fuelling station it is photographe d and its number compared with the number in the database to release the dispenser. The system can also record vehicle mileage and be used on a 24-hour basis to control access barriers.
More from Jay De Croos on +44 (0)1 306 877 711 or jaydc@balvin.co.uk
Two-pedal Euro 5 Dafs for Kerry
Manchester's Kerry Logistics (UK) Limited has taken four SCR technology Euro 5 Daf XF 105 44 tonners to move containers out of the Trafford Park container terminal to points throughout the UK. The AS-tronic automated transmission means two-pedal contol, much appreciated by the firm's drivers.. Daf dealer, Chatfields of Manchester did the business and will maintain the trucks on a three year contract with Chatfields and Paccar. Kerry Logistics' Hong Kong HQ controls a 2,000 strong truck fleet, working in 26 countries and 200 cities around the world.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Emissions trading for vehicles?
The European commission is said to be looking at giving car makers higher CO2 allowances for heavier cars instead of the 130g/km ceiling for each manufacturers fleet by 2012. Germany's Handlesblatt news paper speculates that this be like an emissions trading scheme, where the makers of more heavily polluting cars would buy emissions allowances from the makers of more efficient cars. So far there seem to be no suggestions about emissions trading schemes for vans and trucks, but that may be only a matter of time.
More from Esther Martin-Ortega on +44 (0)2 073 449 264 or emartin-ortega@smmt.co.uk
CO2-based tax for Spain
Just-auto reports that Spain is considering a CO2-based vehicle tax after its Congress approved a CO2-based vehicle registration tax scheme. This, due to start next year, will add effectively a purchase tax to cars, with the percentage set by the car's CO2 emission levels. Those producing less than 120g/km will pay no extra.
More from www.just-auto.com
GEA to help workshops cope with new Mobile Air-Conditioning Regulations:
The Garage Equipment Association says it has new guidelines to help workshops and garages cope with the new EC Regulation No 842/2006 on fluorinated greenhouse gases, hydro fluorocarbons. The regulation aims to cut the emission of these gases. The automotive industry uses them in air-conditioning and similar systems and so garages and workshops have a role to play. "Our eight page document gives good advice to garages and explains all that's required to meet the Regulation," says Dave Garratt, chief executive of the GEA
More from Dave Garratt on +44 (0)1 327 312 616 or dave@gea.co.uk
More TIP trailers for Maxi
GE's TIP Trailer Services just put 24 more tri-axle box van trailers into Scottish haulier Maxi Haulage, on a rental deal. The new trailers are working into and out of Ireland for retail customers, from a base in Warrington . The deal follows a similar one for 34 trailers two years ago. Maxi Haulage specialises in distribution using ferry-friendly box and curtainside trailers in a 400 strong fleet.
More from David Nash on +44 (0)1 614 567 870 or quadpr@globalnet.co.uk
Mega trucks defended
The Association of Vehicle Logistics (ECG) has criticised a report by six associations of rail operators on the implications of Eurocombi mega trucks. The ECG says the report is unrealistic and denies that Eurocombis would cause a freight shift from rail to road or that their use would demand big infrastructure investment. Indeed the ECG says that tests in many countries across Europe show no negative impact on the roads.
More from Esther Martin-Ortega on +44 (0)2 073 449 264 or emartin-ortega@smmt.co.uk
Big interest in new Banbvulc tyre range
Devon-based Bandvulc Tyres says it sold over 700 of its new BIG range tyres in the month after its launch. Designed for local and regional operators hauliers, The name is an acronym of the Bandvulc Independent Group. "The name applies to its tread pattern and its availability in all four key tyre sizes, which means the range can be fitted across an entire fleet," says Phil West, sales director. "Research showed the need for a universal tyre. So we developed the BIG range to give the right tread depth and curbing band options."
More from Vivienne Hurley on +44 (0)1 752 863 539 or vivhurley@aol.com
Transporter Engineering buys a year's supply of Renaults
Essex based Transporter Engineering just got 10 Euro 4 Renault Premium two-axle tractor units and has another 75 Euro 5 models on order. They are due for delivery over the next 12 months and the firm will build car transporter bodywork on them. The firm makes a range of car transporters to carry from two 12 cars and has some 85% of the UK market. "The Renault truck specification suits our car transporter equipment," said Jim Pearson, managing director. "They contribute to a flexible, reliable and powerful vehicle, they're great value and we have an excellent relationship with Renault Trucks London, which delivers on time and son budget, helping us deliver efficient service to our customers."
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
More transport CO2 in Ireland
Data from the Irish national statistics office show the country's CO2 emissions up 2.3% in 2005. The transport sector showed the biggest increase at 6%, meaning that the sector accounts for 30% of all emissions.
More from Esther Martin-Ortega on +44 (0)2 073 449 264 or emartin-ortega@smmt.co.uk
Motorola to upgrade Cologne Bonn airport's communications
Motorola, Inc. just said it won the deal to upgrade Cologne Bonn Airport's Terrestrial Trunked Radio digital radio system. The new communication system will support all the airport's operations, fleet, freight, logistics and ground handling - including UPS' European hub, which is based at the airport. The system will also be used by the airport's fire brigade. The job will be complete by the end of this year.
More from Elvan Lindberg on + 49 (0) 179 223 87 02 or elvan.lindberg@motorola.com
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback page carries news from Israel, thanks to Jacrom Page: the British consul general in Jerusalem is Richard Makepeace. "One can but hope," Page notes.
More from www.newscientist.com
Last week's figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show van and truck registrations getting close to 2006 volumes, at 380,664 units for the rolling year. Vans were up 14.1% for July and up 2.7% for the rolling year while trucks were up 27.8% for July and still down 21.4% for the rolling year. "July figures show total van and truck registrations at over 380,000 for the rolling year, in line with industry forecasts at the start of the year," said Christopher Macgowan, chief executive at the SMMT. "We said then that we expected the figures would improve and they've done just that. Van registrations look the better but while truck registrations still show the scars of last year's market distortions, we're confident that the recovery will continue, though supply problems may skew the positive outlook."
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Intermap and Auburn University to cut truck fuel consumption
Denver-based Intermap Technologies says it plans a grant to Auburn University to find ways to save truck fuel consumption, using the firm's geographic information system and 3D road geometry data. The aim is to use sophisticated mapping and GPS data to predict gradients and curves ahead of a truck and then use that information and the truck's engine, load and road speed data to select optimum engine speed and gear ratios. This should cut fuel and related costs journey times and of course, emissions. The initial phase will develop a predictive cruise control and automatic gearshift system.
More from Kevin Thomas on +44 (0)303 708 0955 or kthomas@intermap.com
Weak July for bus registrations.
Figures last week from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show big bus registrations down 22% to 2,377 for the rolling year to July. Coaches were down 2.8% to 1,093 for the same period and just below the 2006 level. Only midibuses bucked the trend, up 41.4% since January. "The medium to long-term outlook for the big bus sector is bleak, with orders below optimum fleet replacement levels," said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive. "July's figures are skewed by rescheduled deliveries to some customers and by summer shut downs. Separately, coaches are down for the rolling year, though some unexpected orders rescued registrations for the month, taking the figure up nearly 300% to 116. Once again, the figures show the dangers of drawing conclusions from an individual month's data."
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Euro 5 trucks get thumbs-up from London mayor
The Freight Transport Association says it is delighted that Transport For London aims to cut the London congestion charge for Euro 5 van and trucks. TfL released just released a consultation paper showing the way its plans to calculate emissions based congestion charges. For trucks the basic fee stays at £8 a day, but Euro 5 trucks will get a £2 a day discount, worth up to £520 a year. "Given that Euro 5 trucks half the NOX of a Euro 4 model, this is a highly effective way of improving air quality," says the FTA. The discount will be available for trucks till Euro 5 becomes mandatory for them in 2009. Small vans get a discount till 2012, when Euro 6 becomes mandatory for them.
More from Geoff Dossetter on +44 (0)1 892 552 255 or gdossetter@fta.co.uk
Tailor-made route planning from Teleroute
Teleroute says its new transport route planner offers quick, easy haulage and distribution route planning and traffic information. The firm has joined forces with Map & Guide to give pan-European data on routes, driving times, fuel and toll costs for specific vehicle types. "The system is also fully integrated into the Freight Exchange, to help will help operators cut costs and boost profits", says Teleroute.
More from Emma Campbell on +44 (0)1 612 389 422 or ecampbell@webershandwick.com
Reynolds runs SmartDrive across its fleet
SmartDrive Systems Inc says that Waltham Cross-based Reynolds Catering Supplies Limited will fit its 40 strong UK truck fleet with SmartDrive's driver risk management system. Reynolds, a big, independent distributor of fresh and chilled foods, has been using the video-capture hardware and incident review service since January 2007. "SmartDrive's system has clearly had a good effect on our driver's behaviour, with fewer collisions, less mystery damage and overall safer driving." says Martin Wood, head of distribution for Reynolds. The system uses tiny cameras to continuously record driving activities and saves data before and after an event. Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance funded the pilot project, the first in the UK. "This is our first full fleet conversion in the UK. This project has been unique and challenging from the beginning, as we've had the client's motor vehicle underwriter involved," said Scott Raske, managing director for SmartDrive in Europe. Raske says the system can cut vehicle collisions and mystery damage by up to 50%.
More from Scott Raske on +(0)1 858 225 5558 or scott.raske@smartdrive.net
Apologies to Grayrentals
In last week's issue I suggested that Grayrentals is a sister company to Gray & Adams. I was wrong. The Hull-based firm, founded in 1981 is completely independent of Gray & Adams. It does spot and long term rental, both in its own and customer liveries, as well as offering a range of financially engineered acquisition packages. It and an associate firm, Northern Trailer Sales sell trailers. Its website is www.grayservices.co..uk
My apologies for any embarrassment.
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
New boss for Ceva
John Pattulo is the new CEO for Ceva, the former TNT Logistics, which says it is the fourt biggest global supply chain firm. He joins from Deutsche Post DHL and replaces Dave Kulik, who moves to vice chairman of Ceva. The changes follow the merger between Europe's Ceva and US based EGL. The new outfit will run two divisions; contract logistics and freight management, both reporting to Pattullo. The 41,000 strong firm had sales of Euro3..5bn in its last financial year.
More form Paul Kwakkenbos on +31 (0)6 12 059 086 or paul.kwakkenbos@cevalogistics.com
Flexible data management for big fleets from Siemens
Siemens VDO says its new Download Terminal is designed to meet the needs of big fleets as a stand-alone way to handle digital tachograph data. It will cope with both driver card and mass memory digitach data and means drivers can download data from their driver cards or a Siemens VDO Downloadkey at anytime. The Download Terminal costs £595 + VAT and can take data from both the driver card and the vehicle unit and operators can easily export it for analysis, using a USB stick or by taking the terminal into the office and connecting it to a PC. The Drivers Starter Pack includes a Downloadkey and a box of printer rolls for just £185 + VAT while the on-line archive and analysis account costs £60 +VAT.
More from Lisa McCauley on +44 (0)1 213 261 162 or lisa.mccauley@siemens.com
JMP to help find Welsh travel info
PTI Cymru has hired JMP Consulting to identify future travel information needs in Wales and help develop its next five-year business plan. PTI Cymru will use JMP's final report to help it give the Welsh public the travel information it needs.
More from David Dunckley on +44 (0)1 676 532 017 or dunckley@ddassoc.freeserve.co.uk
RFID on European research agenda
The European Commission wants a group of Radio Frequency ID firsms, the Cluster of European RFID Projects to give a paper on RFID look at logistics, manufacturing and product safety, i.e. food chain or anti- counterfeited pharmaceuticals. They will also evaluate the combination of RFID with smart card and mobile devices in areas such as access control, payment and loyalty and present their findings at an RFID conference in Lisbon on 16 and 17 November. CE RFID was launched in April 2006 by leading RFID outfits. Its co-ordinator is Dr. Gerd Wolfram, of Metro Group Information Technology GmbH
More from Peter Gabriel on +49 (0)3 0 310 078 206 or info@rfid-in-action.eu
More British traffic
Figures from the Department for Transport show British road traffic up one per cent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2006. Over the same period, car traffic dropped one per cent, light van traffic grew nine per cent and truck traffic was up one per cent. The same data shows that cars account for 79% of all traffic, with light vans at 13% and trucks two per cent.
More from Esther Martin-Ortega on +44 (0)2 073 449 264 or emartin-ortega@smmt.co.uk
First new generation Volvo FL tankers for Ford
Ford Fuel Oils just got the UK's first two, new generation Volvo FL tankers. The new 18 tonners replace two older Volvo's in the family firm's 25 strong tanker fleet. Both are to full European ADR specification and will deliver two to three loads a day in a 30 mile radius of the firm's depot at Farrington Gurney. Volvo Truck and Bus Centre Wales and West at Avonmouth did the deal, with Ford doing the maintenance.
More from Nigel Hanwell on +44 (0)1 926 414 210 or nigel.hanwell@volvo.com
Notts council cuts bus travel tax for staff
Nottingham City Council is pioneering the launch of a scheme to give its 12,800 staff tax breaks on bus travel. The out-sourced, Greentravel2work scheme from P&MM offers up to 41% saving for staff and up to 12.8% on National Insurance for employers. The aim is to encourage people to use local bus services to and from work. The council will invite staff to choose an annual bus pass and pay for it monthly through their employer by deduction from their pay - a salary sacrifice. People save because the salary sacrifice payment is exempt from income tax and National Insurance contributions up to 41%, and the employer doesn't pay NI on the sacrificed salary up, to 12.8%.
More from Chris Lewis on +44 (0)2 077 364 022 or chrislewis@Clareville.co.uk
International Transport Forum 2008 to look at climate change
The IFT, formerly the European Conference of Ministers of Transport, says the theme for its first session, in May 2008 will be Transport and Energy: the Challenge of Climate Change. The two-day event will also look at access to transport energy, energy efficient technology, alternative fuels, and other related and worthy ideas.
More from Esther Martin-Ortega on +44 (0)2 073 449 264 or emartin-ortega@smmt.co.uk
New truck and trailer brake pads from Bremskerl
Bremskerl, which says it is one of Europe's makers of truck and trailer pads just launched a new range in the UK. All are approved by European axle makers and for the first time, come complete with all the pins and clips which needed for a pad change. The firm also offers a full range of wear sensors and original equipment approved brake linings. The latter come with or without rivets.
More from Pete Higgins on +44 (0)1 225 442 895 or petehiggins@talktalk.net
Automatic number plate recognition system for under £5,000
Surrey firm Balvin says it has developed the UK's first vehicle refuelling system to use ANPR, priced at under £5,000. Designed for fleet operators with their own refuelling depots, Balvin says its new system offers features previously only available at much higher prices. "Until now, fleet operators have used a range of cumbersome systems based on keys, cards and RFID tags to identify vehicles," "Our new system is convenient and secure and makes it much easier for drivers to refuel their vehicles by automatic identification. As the vehicle arrives at the fuelling station it is photographe d and its number compared with the number in the database to release the dispenser. The system can also record vehicle mileage and be used on a 24-hour basis to control access barriers.
More from Jay De Croos on +44 (0)1 306 877 711 or jaydc@balvin.co.uk
Two-pedal Euro 5 Dafs for Kerry
Manchester's Kerry Logistics (UK) Limited has taken four SCR technology Euro 5 Daf XF 105 44 tonners to move containers out of the Trafford Park container terminal to points throughout the UK. The AS-tronic automated transmission means two-pedal contol, much appreciated by the firm's drivers.. Daf dealer, Chatfields of Manchester did the business and will maintain the trucks on a three year contract with Chatfields and Paccar. Kerry Logistics' Hong Kong HQ controls a 2,000 strong truck fleet, working in 26 countries and 200 cities around the world.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Emissions trading for vehicles?
The European commission is said to be looking at giving car makers higher CO2 allowances for heavier cars instead of the 130g/km ceiling for each manufacturers fleet by 2012. Germany's Handlesblatt news paper speculates that this be like an emissions trading scheme, where the makers of more heavily polluting cars would buy emissions allowances from the makers of more efficient cars. So far there seem to be no suggestions about emissions trading schemes for vans and trucks, but that may be only a matter of time.
More from Esther Martin-Ortega on +44 (0)2 073 449 264 or emartin-ortega@smmt.co.uk
CO2-based tax for Spain
Just-auto reports that Spain is considering a CO2-based vehicle tax after its Congress approved a CO2-based vehicle registration tax scheme. This, due to start next year, will add effectively a purchase tax to cars, with the percentage set by the car's CO2 emission levels. Those producing less than 120g/km will pay no extra.
More from www.just-auto.com
GEA to help workshops cope with new Mobile Air-Conditioning Regulations:
The Garage Equipment Association says it has new guidelines to help workshops and garages cope with the new EC Regulation No 842/2006 on fluorinated greenhouse gases, hydro fluorocarbons. The regulation aims to cut the emission of these gases. The automotive industry uses them in air-conditioning and similar systems and so garages and workshops have a role to play. "Our eight page document gives good advice to garages and explains all that's required to meet the Regulation," says Dave Garratt, chief executive of the GEA
More from Dave Garratt on +44 (0)1 327 312 616 or dave@gea.co.uk
More TIP trailers for Maxi
GE's TIP Trailer Services just put 24 more tri-axle box van trailers into Scottish haulier Maxi Haulage, on a rental deal. The new trailers are working into and out of Ireland for retail customers, from a base in Warrington . The deal follows a similar one for 34 trailers two years ago. Maxi Haulage specialises in distribution using ferry-friendly box and curtainside trailers in a 400 strong fleet.
More from David Nash on +44 (0)1 614 567 870 or quadpr@globalnet.co.uk
Mega trucks defended
The Association of Vehicle Logistics (ECG) has criticised a report by six associations of rail operators on the implications of Eurocombi mega trucks. The ECG says the report is unrealistic and denies that Eurocombis would cause a freight shift from rail to road or that their use would demand big infrastructure investment. Indeed the ECG says that tests in many countries across Europe show no negative impact on the roads.
More from Esther Martin-Ortega on +44 (0)2 073 449 264 or emartin-ortega@smmt.co.uk
Big interest in new Banbvulc tyre range
Devon-based Bandvulc Tyres says it sold over 700 of its new BIG range tyres in the month after its launch. Designed for local and regional operators hauliers, The name is an acronym of the Bandvulc Independent Group. "The name applies to its tread pattern and its availability in all four key tyre sizes, which means the range can be fitted across an entire fleet," says Phil West, sales director. "Research showed the need for a universal tyre. So we developed the BIG range to give the right tread depth and curbing band options."
More from Vivienne Hurley on +44 (0)1 752 863 539 or vivhurley@aol.com
Transporter Engineering buys a year's supply of Renaults
Essex based Transporter Engineering just got 10 Euro 4 Renault Premium two-axle tractor units and has another 75 Euro 5 models on order. They are due for delivery over the next 12 months and the firm will build car transporter bodywork on them. The firm makes a range of car transporters to carry from two 12 cars and has some 85% of the UK market. "The Renault truck specification suits our car transporter equipment," said Jim Pearson, managing director. "They contribute to a flexible, reliable and powerful vehicle, they're great value and we have an excellent relationship with Renault Trucks London, which delivers on time and son budget, helping us deliver efficient service to our customers."
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
More transport CO2 in Ireland
Data from the Irish national statistics office show the country's CO2 emissions up 2.3% in 2005. The transport sector showed the biggest increase at 6%, meaning that the sector accounts for 30% of all emissions.
More from Esther Martin-Ortega on +44 (0)2 073 449 264 or emartin-ortega@smmt.co.uk
Motorola to upgrade Cologne Bonn airport's communications
Motorola, Inc. just said it won the deal to upgrade Cologne Bonn Airport's Terrestrial Trunked Radio digital radio system. The new communication system will support all the airport's operations, fleet, freight, logistics and ground handling - including UPS' European hub, which is based at the airport. The system will also be used by the airport's fire brigade. The job will be complete by the end of this year.
More from Elvan Lindberg on + 49 (0) 179 223 87 02 or elvan.lindberg@motorola.com
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback page carries news from Israel, thanks to Jacrom Page: the British consul general in Jerusalem is Richard Makepeace. "One can but hope," Page notes.
More from www.newscientist.com
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