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Transport News Brief Week 36
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The latest news roundup from the SMMT.
CO2 - free trucks from Volvo
Volvo Group says it is the first truck maker to build demonstration trucks that don't emit CO2. The firm just showed seven trucks fitted with nine litre Volvo diesel engines modified to run on seven different types of renewable gas or liquid. "Volvo is part of the climate problem, but today we have shown that carbon dioxide-free transport is a possibility and that we, as a vehicle manufacturer, both can and will be part of the solution. to the climate issue," says Leif Johansson, chief executive officer of the Volvo Group.
More from Mårten Wikforss on +46 (0)31 661 127 or marten.wikforss@volvo.com
Truck traffic to the mainland - little changed
The Department for Transport just published data on the number of foreign trucks and trailers going to mainland Europe from Great Britain in the second quarter of this year. The number was 1% down on the previous quarter, to 720,000, but 1% up on the same period last year. Of these, 523,000 were vans and trucks, the same number as the previous quarter and 1% up on the second quarter last year. There was a 2% drop in unaccompanied trailers to 198,000, though the total is marginally up on the second quarter of 2006. Overall, some 25% of all vans and trucks travelling to the mainland were UK registered.
More from www.dft.gov.uk
Integrated truck production likely to expand
Daf says it takes between 30 and 40 man-hours to build a 7.5 truck, complete with bodywork. "It takes some UK bodybuilders longer than that just to build the body, let alone fit it too," said Jim Sumner, production director at Daf's Leyland truck plant. "Our integrated approach means that if, for instance, a customer orders a tail-lift with a body, we automatically upgrade the alternator and battery to cope with the extra electrical load." When body and chassis go through the traditional route, the firm says there are all too many examples of one party failing to talk to another, with often-expensive results. Daf also expects to widen their range of complete trucks and expand their weight range and doesn't rule out more specialist bodies like tippers.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
Limo operator fined £14k
A Bradford-based limo operator has been fined £14,200 including costs. Mohammed Saleem Nawaz, trading as Oasis Limousines Ltd, got a £10,200 fine plus £4,000 costs for offences including driving without insurance, fraudulent use of registration plates, fraudulent use of Vehicle Excise Duty and no PSV operator licence or Certificate of Initial Fitness to show that his vehicle met Public Service Vehicle standards. He also got 31 points on his driving licence. A stretched limo with eight or less passenger seats is normally licensed by local authorities as a Private Hire Vehicle. With more than eight passenger seats it is classed as a Public Service Vehicle, will need a COIF and will be licensed by the Traffic Commissioners.
More from Zita Easton on +44 (0)1 179 542 561 or zita.easton@vosa.gsi.gov.uk
Precision solves a problem
Edwards Precision Engineering says it recently helped Jaguar Cars in Castle Bromwich use lasers to improve the build quality of its X-type range of cars. "We were tasked with a potentially impossible problem of making a device to measure a feature in a closed cavity on the door assembly," said Chris Pitt, technical sales director at Edwards Precision. "After working closely with Jaguar's engineers we made a series of units that solved the problem and far exceeded our customer's original specifications."
More from Jim Wood on +44 (0)1 538 723 576 or jwoodtean@aol.com
One truck driver in six is over 55
This is one of the findings from a recent report by Skills for Logistics. The same report shows that only 8% of driver vacancies last year were filled by new recruits and warns that truck operators must plan ahead if they are to avoid a severe shortage of drivers. 80% of truck driver jobs advertised last year were taken by experienced drivers, mostly within a month. "This high level of mobility in the industry suggests that drivers are quick to move from one employer to the next and could be causing complacency amongst employers," said Ian Hetherington, chief executive at Skills for Logistics. While the number of firms trying to find staff dropped from 40% in 2005 to 30% in 2006, the number of truck driving vacancies jumped 95% in June 2007 compared with the same month in 2006
More from Chris Woodcock on + 44 (0)1 869 353 801 or chris.woodcock@razor.eu.com
Volvo does well outside N.America
Volvo Trucks says deliveries from January to July 2007 hit 54,258 vehicles, down 10% on the same period last year. Outside North America, deliveries were up by 21% and up 84% in Eastern Europe. Figures for South America rose by 24% and Asia by 21%. Volvo says the results show the continuing strong demand for road transport. The firm says the North American figures are down because of changes to emission rules and production problems at its plant in New River Valley, Virginia.
More from Claes Claeson on +46-31-66 39 08 or claes.claeson@volvo.com
SMMT wants another account manager
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders wants another field-based account manager to join its ranks and help look after its member firms in the UK automotive industry. "The person we're looking for needs to understand the automotive industry and its business environment and help us help a very varied range of members," said Katie Milbourn, head of personnel at the SMMT. "The full details are on our website www.smmt.co.uk or through jobsweb@smmt.co.uk"
More from Katie Milbourn on +44 (0)2 073 441 618 or kmilbourn@smmt.co.uk
First Volvos for Manchester as firm expands fleet
Salford-based Manchester Tippers just got its first Volvo trucks, part of a 30 strong deal for Volvo FM, 400bhp 8x4 tippers, plated for 32 tonnes, with Thomas Hardie Commercials in Trafford Park. "We had been in the market for a new tipper for some time, looking for a reliable truck which could perform well under pressure," said Mike Walsh, director. "Volvo has an exceptional reputation for being reliable and was therefore chosen to increase Manchester Tippers fleet.."
More from Lynda Lane on +44 (0)1 619 354 174 or llane@thardie.co.uk
Daf 18 tonne customers go for Euro 5
In the last issue I reported that most Daf customers for its LF 7.5 tonne range trucks are opting for Euro 5 emission levels. I got it wrong. It is customers for the 18 tonne LF models who are going for Euro 5 ratings to get the life-time Reduced Pollution Certificate and a £370 discount on road tax, not those for 7.5 tonne models. My mistake, not Daf's and my apologies to all concerned. The firm says the trend towards Euro 5 is gathering pace as operators soon recoup the small extra capital cost. "And our SCR engine technology means they're winning on fuel costs too," said Tony Pain, marketing director.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
Poor aerodynamics hike fleet costs
Fleet News reports that poor van aerodynamics may be costing fleets thousands of pounds a year in higher fuel consumption. Big ladders, roof racks or even open windows will disrupt an otherwise smooth airflow, meaning turbulence, more drag and higher fuel consumption. Studies from the Department for Transport show that open windows can create enough drag to increase fuel consumption by as much as 7%. Steve Crawshaw, LCV manager at LeasePlan, says "By making sure vehicles are as streamlined as possible van fleets can knock thousands of pounds off their annual fuel bills."
More from www.fleetnews.co.uk
Rowlands likes AdBlue
Telford-based ET Rowlands and Sons says its new Euro 4 rated Daf truck performs better than previous trucks, courtesy of its Selective Catalytic Reduction system. This uses AdBlue as an additive to catalyse combustion in the engine and cut exhaust gas emissions. Andy Sumner, transport manager said AdBlue had made a big difference to the efficiency of the new truck. "There is a slight cost to it but the performance is far better," said Andy Sumner, transport manager. "We get more miles to the gallon so we're really pleased." Based on the Halesfield 5 Industrial Estate, the firm has a 20 strong truck fleet, supplied by Greenhous Commercials.
More from Andy Rea on +44 (0)1 543 501 111 or andy@wardlovett.com
Bibby Distribution delivers relief to Romania
Bibby Distribution, Rotherham Council and Ikea have joined forces to deliver vital equipment to a hospital in Romania. Six people from Bibby aim to fill a 40ft container with ex-UK National Health Service kit for the charity Lifeline Romania. This follows a Rotherham City Council and Primary Health Care Trust visit to Cluj-Napoca, Romania, last year and will see the load leave on 18 September.. Bibby will also match any donations to the Lifeline Romania charity on a pound-for-pound basis. "This means every pound given is automatically converted into £2, so please help however you can," said Dave Smith, project manager for the firm.
More from Dave Smith on +44 (0)7 734 342 336 or dave.smith@bibbydist.co.uk
World Class Manufacturing training mission to Japan
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders will run a five-day World Class Manufacturing training mission to Japan from 12 to 16 November. This will give an in-depth analysis of Japanese manufacturing methods and aims exclusively at senior EU executives and managers with both knowledge of world class manufacturing and engineering. There will be a one-day briefing in Stuttgart and visit to Robert Bosch GmbH before the trip. The mission will help people better understand the roles of quality control and management, maintenance, engineering and stock control and continuous improvement in world-class manufacturing. If you would like to join the party, you'll need to book by 12 September.
More from David Croxson on +44 (0)2 073 449 230 or dcroxson@smmt.co.uk
New diesels from Deutz
Engine maker Deutz, which says it is the world's oldest maker of diesel engines, just launched a new, 3.5 litre, engine range, the 2010 series, with power ratings from 52 to 75kW and torque figures from 300 to 350 Nm at 1,400 rpm. Both are water cooled, turbocharged units. The more powerful model also uses air-to-air charge cooling. Both come in either industrial or agricultural versions.
More from Zena Brewer on +44 (0)1 543 438 901 or brewer.z@deutz.com
Lloyds TSB autolease cuts its carbon footprint and saves £150,000
Lloyds TSB autolease says it has saved £150,000 over the last 12 months with new technology and video-conferencing. The firm cut annual business mileage by 122,000 and its CO2 by 44 tonnes and cut the fuel cost by £15,000. With 240 hours lost in travel and other indirect costs, the firm says the total is around £150,000 a year and plans the share the lessons learned with its customers.
More from Lawrence Hamilton on +44 (0)1 614 477 251 or lawrence.hamilton@lloydstsbautolease.co.uk
Parliamentary committee looks at business carbon
The UK's House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee just said it will look at the roles of the Climate Change Levy and Climate Change Agreements in cutting carbon emissions. The EAC also aims to see how the two schemes might be improved.
More from Jennifer Huckstep on +44(0)2 073 449 217or jhuckstep@smmt.co.uk
Shareholders block MAN-Scania merger
The Netherlands Dutch-language Nieuwsbrief TTM reports that the Swedish Wallenberg family has blocked plans for a merger between German and Swedish truck makers MAN and Scania. The Wallenberg family controls 30% of the shares in the Swedish firm, through an investment company it owns. Volkswagen has stakes of 34% in Scania and 30% in MAN, which in turn has a 14.8% stake in Scania.
More from www.nieuwsbrief.nl
TLS hits LEZ target
TLS Vehicle Rental says its entire, 18,000 strong van and truck fleet now meets the emission standards for the London Low Emission Zone. At the same time, a promotion in the parent GE Group means that Carl D'Ammassa takes over as chief executive at TLS. He replaces Andrew Way, who moves up to a global general manager job with GE Oil & Gas Services in Florence, Italy.
More from Simon Wells on +44(0)1 283 711 311 or simon@paperchasepr.co..uk
ATS wins Lancaster City Council deal
ATS Euromaster has won a three-year deal to supply and service Michelin tyres across Lancaster City Council's 160-strong fleet.. This includes vans, trucks road sweepers and even lawn mowers. ATS will run the contract and fit Michelin tyres across the fleet, with all van and truck tyres using the Michelin Four Lives policy. Truck tyres will be re-grooved and remoulded and re-grooved again for maximum efficiency. ATS will also do monthly tyre checks across the fleet, recording each tyre's condition and tread depth onto a central database so that the firm can do any tyre replacements or service work needed.
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler.com
More tank inspectors
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says that the Dangerous Goods Division of the DfT has updated its list of tank inspection bodies for new rail (RID) and road (ADR) tanks as well as 'old' tanks; that is those made before 10 May 2004 and used only in Great Britain. "This is a welcome move, if a little overdue," said Allan McKenzie, senior manager, vehicle legislation at the SMMT. "Tank makers now have the wider choice of inspection bodies they've wanted for some time and this should give them greater flexibility".
More from Allan McKenzie on +44 (0)2 073 449 202 or amckenzie@smmt.co.uk
Two Toros for Haggis
Edinburgh-based Haggis Adventures, which says it is Scotland's leading youth travel firm, just added two Optare Toro luxury mini-coaches to its 13 vehicle fleet. Haggis will use its new 28 seaters on tours around the country, aimed mainly at young, independent travellers from around the world. The company say the Toro's compact size and excellent manoeuvrability are well suited to narrow Highland roads and allow easier access to places off the beaten track. Haggis has carried over 100,000 people on its tours since 1993
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
Keltruck sends instruments van on maiden voyage to Spain
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra's brand new, purpose built, instrument van, just set off on its maiden voyage to Santander in Spain, where the CBSO are performing at the Palacio de Festivales.. In December 2006, Keltruck gave £15,000 a year for three years to buy and maintain the new Scania truck, which will carry the orchestra's instruments safely to its 120 concerts a year. The new truck has living quarters for the drivers and special rails to securely hold the instruments and a humidity control to keep them at a constant temperature.
More from Christopher Kelly on +44 (0)7 711 638 807 or info@keltruck.com
Globally competitive manufacturing seminars
The SMMT plans a two-day conference on globally competitive manufacturing in the automotive industry at the Manufacturer Live event in Coventry on 17 and 18 October. Speakers and session leaders include senior people from Toyota, Honda, Nissan and GKN, all looking at aspects globally competitive manufacturing. Places are free, but you need to pay a £25 fee to attend the Manufacturer Live event. You can book on line at www.themanufacturer.com
More from Steve Elvin on +44 (0)2 073 441 665 or selvin@smmt.co.uk
Truck driver CPC coming soon
The truck drivers' Certificate of Professional Competence starts in 2009. Truckers will need to do 35 hours training in a five-year period, updating a wide range of their skills. The Freight Transport Association aims to help its members cope and train drivers. This year's FTA Transport Manager seminars will cover timetables, exemptions, responsibilities and best practice. The seminars run from September to December at sites across the country. They also cover carbon footprints, workplace transport and load safety, delivery and driver management. Costs are £299 plus VAT for the first and £250 plus VAT for second and subsequent places.
More from Geoff Dossetter on +44 (0)1 892 552 255 or gdossetter@fta.co.uk
Renault wins 100 truck order to Slovenia
Renault Trucks says its Slovenian importer Gimpex has done a deal to supply 100 Magnum and Premuim trucks to local haulier Eurotek.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
Working time study
The European Parliament just published a study on the effects of the recent changes to the Working Time Directive. The study looks at annual hours, administrative burdens and caps on opt-outs. The parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee plans to discuss the paper when it meets in mid-September.
More from Jennifer Huckstep on +44(0)2 073 449 217or jhuckstep@smmt.co.uk
Kubota and Venco clear the air
Three Kubota mini excavators have been fitted with a specialised exhaust gas treatment system to meet Health and Safety rules. The diggers are owned by Venco Plant Services and working for demolition contractor, Controlled Group Ltd to demolish internal structures and floors of a multi-storey building in Leeds city centre.
"After researching the market for a suitable exhaust gas filtration system which met the required Health & Safety standards, we decided on kit from EHC Teknik Ltd," said Danny Spaven, Venco Plant Services' managing director - Hire Division. "I believe that all engine powered machines working on construction sites throughout the UK, including the Olympic complex in London, will need exhaust particulate filters fitted."
More from Richard Harrison on +44 (0)1 844 214 500 or richardh@kubota.co.uk
M6 motorway signs give drivers journey times
Drivers on the M6 in the North West can now see electronic road-side signs that give real-time messages to says how long a journey will take. The new service, from the National Traffic Control Centre follows a successful trial in the West Midlands and South West and will roll out across England soon.
More from www.highways.gsi.gov.uk
New guides to truck and freight aerodynamics
The Freight Best Practice programme just published two new and free guides to aerodynamics via its website www.freightbestpractice.org.uk They are: 'Aerodynamics for Efficient Road Freight Operations' and 'Quick Guide to Truck Aerodynamics.' The aim is to help people understand the benefits of aerodynamic styling kit on trucks. Both publications provide completely independent and authoritative guidance on truck aerodynamic styling and the more comprehensive one gives advice, case studies, a 'top tips' section and savings to cost ratio's data and payback periods on different types of aerodynamic devices.
More from Peter Binham on +44 (0)1 737 236 907 or peter.binham@fabermaunsell.com
Carrlever switches to TIP reefers
North Manchester haulier Carrlever Transport now uses TIP for all its refrigerated trailer requirements, running a 13 strong reefer fleet from its base in Bury. "Last year we took our first trailer from TIP at Carrington on spot hire and to be honest, the service we have received from them since then has been unbeatable, far surpassing our previous suppliers," said Dean Scott, transport manager at Carrlever. Scott says the firm expects to expand its 22 strong tractor and 13 strong reefer fleet this year. The reefers have a mixture of Carrier Transicold and Thermoking refrigeration systems.
More from David Nash on +44 (0)1 614 567 870 or quadpr@globalnet.co.uk
New training trailer helps technicians
Carrier Transicold has launched a specially designed training trailer to simulate a very wide range of operating conditions and complement its national technical training school in Liverpool. The trailer features permanently installed and fully functioning models from Carrier Transicold's entire current product family.
More from David Nash on +44 (0)1 614 567 870 or quadpr@globalnet.co.uk
Save Fuel, Save Money, Help the Environment
The next IRTE/Freight Best Practice Event is taking place at Tortworth Court near Bristol on Wednesday September 19th. This FREE seminar covers various issues surrounding reducing Fuel Consumption as a whole and what hauliers can do reduce this significant cost and not only reduce their carbon footprint but also improve their bottom line. The first event in the series was very well received and the second event shows an improved line up of speakers to include John Boocock of Safed as well as Dr Michael Coyle from Imise Ltd.
More from Melanie Powell on + 44 (0)2 076 301 111 or m.powell@soe.org.uk
New finance boss at Volvo
Volvo Trucks says it Christian Johansson is to be its new chief financial officer and senior vice president. He will be a member of the Volvo Truck Executive Group and starts the job this autumn.
More from Tommy Kohle on +46 (0)7 06 766 517 or tommy.kohle@volvo.com
£86 driving test fee on the cards
Potential new drivers may face a big hike in fees for driving tests. The Driving Standards Agency wants people's views as part of a consultation. It aims to raise the basic car practical test to £56.50 and increase the theory test cost to £30, meaning the total will be £86.50.
More from Jennifer Huckstep on +44(0)2 073 449 217or jhuckstep@smmt.co.uk
New Punto van from Fiat
Fiat says its new Grande Punto van has all the comfort and style of a car and the convenience of a van, all for £8,600 plus VAT. It has a 1.3m3 load capacity and a 1.25 litre common rail diesel and should do over 62mpg. The specification includes ABS and electric brake distribution and power steering.
More from Puneet Joshi on +44 (0)1 753 519 591 or puneet.joshi@fiat.com
And finally
New Scientist Feedback page says reader Warwick Lloyd was under-impressed by the offer he had at the top of an e-mailed newsletter from Dymocks booksellers: "Fantasy fiction - 2 for the price of 3."
More from www.newscientist.com
Volvo Group says it is the first truck maker to build demonstration trucks that don't emit CO2. The firm just showed seven trucks fitted with nine litre Volvo diesel engines modified to run on seven different types of renewable gas or liquid. "Volvo is part of the climate problem, but today we have shown that carbon dioxide-free transport is a possibility and that we, as a vehicle manufacturer, both can and will be part of the solution. to the climate issue," says Leif Johansson, chief executive officer of the Volvo Group.
More from Mårten Wikforss on +46 (0)31 661 127 or marten.wikforss@volvo.com
Truck traffic to the mainland - little changed
The Department for Transport just published data on the number of foreign trucks and trailers going to mainland Europe from Great Britain in the second quarter of this year. The number was 1% down on the previous quarter, to 720,000, but 1% up on the same period last year. Of these, 523,000 were vans and trucks, the same number as the previous quarter and 1% up on the second quarter last year. There was a 2% drop in unaccompanied trailers to 198,000, though the total is marginally up on the second quarter of 2006. Overall, some 25% of all vans and trucks travelling to the mainland were UK registered.
More from www.dft.gov.uk
Integrated truck production likely to expand
Daf says it takes between 30 and 40 man-hours to build a 7.5 truck, complete with bodywork. "It takes some UK bodybuilders longer than that just to build the body, let alone fit it too," said Jim Sumner, production director at Daf's Leyland truck plant. "Our integrated approach means that if, for instance, a customer orders a tail-lift with a body, we automatically upgrade the alternator and battery to cope with the extra electrical load." When body and chassis go through the traditional route, the firm says there are all too many examples of one party failing to talk to another, with often-expensive results. Daf also expects to widen their range of complete trucks and expand their weight range and doesn't rule out more specialist bodies like tippers.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
Limo operator fined £14k
A Bradford-based limo operator has been fined £14,200 including costs. Mohammed Saleem Nawaz, trading as Oasis Limousines Ltd, got a £10,200 fine plus £4,000 costs for offences including driving without insurance, fraudulent use of registration plates, fraudulent use of Vehicle Excise Duty and no PSV operator licence or Certificate of Initial Fitness to show that his vehicle met Public Service Vehicle standards. He also got 31 points on his driving licence. A stretched limo with eight or less passenger seats is normally licensed by local authorities as a Private Hire Vehicle. With more than eight passenger seats it is classed as a Public Service Vehicle, will need a COIF and will be licensed by the Traffic Commissioners.
More from Zita Easton on +44 (0)1 179 542 561 or zita.easton@vosa.gsi.gov.uk
Precision solves a problem
Edwards Precision Engineering says it recently helped Jaguar Cars in Castle Bromwich use lasers to improve the build quality of its X-type range of cars. "We were tasked with a potentially impossible problem of making a device to measure a feature in a closed cavity on the door assembly," said Chris Pitt, technical sales director at Edwards Precision. "After working closely with Jaguar's engineers we made a series of units that solved the problem and far exceeded our customer's original specifications."
More from Jim Wood on +44 (0)1 538 723 576 or jwoodtean@aol.com
One truck driver in six is over 55
This is one of the findings from a recent report by Skills for Logistics. The same report shows that only 8% of driver vacancies last year were filled by new recruits and warns that truck operators must plan ahead if they are to avoid a severe shortage of drivers. 80% of truck driver jobs advertised last year were taken by experienced drivers, mostly within a month. "This high level of mobility in the industry suggests that drivers are quick to move from one employer to the next and could be causing complacency amongst employers," said Ian Hetherington, chief executive at Skills for Logistics. While the number of firms trying to find staff dropped from 40% in 2005 to 30% in 2006, the number of truck driving vacancies jumped 95% in June 2007 compared with the same month in 2006
More from Chris Woodcock on + 44 (0)1 869 353 801 or chris.woodcock@razor.eu.com
Volvo does well outside N.America
Volvo Trucks says deliveries from January to July 2007 hit 54,258 vehicles, down 10% on the same period last year. Outside North America, deliveries were up by 21% and up 84% in Eastern Europe. Figures for South America rose by 24% and Asia by 21%. Volvo says the results show the continuing strong demand for road transport. The firm says the North American figures are down because of changes to emission rules and production problems at its plant in New River Valley, Virginia.
More from Claes Claeson on +46-31-66 39 08 or claes.claeson@volvo.com
SMMT wants another account manager
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders wants another field-based account manager to join its ranks and help look after its member firms in the UK automotive industry. "The person we're looking for needs to understand the automotive industry and its business environment and help us help a very varied range of members," said Katie Milbourn, head of personnel at the SMMT. "The full details are on our website www.smmt.co.uk or through jobsweb@smmt.co.uk"
More from Katie Milbourn on +44 (0)2 073 441 618 or kmilbourn@smmt.co.uk
First Volvos for Manchester as firm expands fleet
Salford-based Manchester Tippers just got its first Volvo trucks, part of a 30 strong deal for Volvo FM, 400bhp 8x4 tippers, plated for 32 tonnes, with Thomas Hardie Commercials in Trafford Park. "We had been in the market for a new tipper for some time, looking for a reliable truck which could perform well under pressure," said Mike Walsh, director. "Volvo has an exceptional reputation for being reliable and was therefore chosen to increase Manchester Tippers fleet.."
More from Lynda Lane on +44 (0)1 619 354 174 or llane@thardie.co.uk
Daf 18 tonne customers go for Euro 5
In the last issue I reported that most Daf customers for its LF 7.5 tonne range trucks are opting for Euro 5 emission levels. I got it wrong. It is customers for the 18 tonne LF models who are going for Euro 5 ratings to get the life-time Reduced Pollution Certificate and a £370 discount on road tax, not those for 7.5 tonne models. My mistake, not Daf's and my apologies to all concerned. The firm says the trend towards Euro 5 is gathering pace as operators soon recoup the small extra capital cost. "And our SCR engine technology means they're winning on fuel costs too," said Tony Pain, marketing director.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
Poor aerodynamics hike fleet costs
Fleet News reports that poor van aerodynamics may be costing fleets thousands of pounds a year in higher fuel consumption. Big ladders, roof racks or even open windows will disrupt an otherwise smooth airflow, meaning turbulence, more drag and higher fuel consumption. Studies from the Department for Transport show that open windows can create enough drag to increase fuel consumption by as much as 7%. Steve Crawshaw, LCV manager at LeasePlan, says "By making sure vehicles are as streamlined as possible van fleets can knock thousands of pounds off their annual fuel bills."
More from www.fleetnews.co.uk
Rowlands likes AdBlue
Telford-based ET Rowlands and Sons says its new Euro 4 rated Daf truck performs better than previous trucks, courtesy of its Selective Catalytic Reduction system. This uses AdBlue as an additive to catalyse combustion in the engine and cut exhaust gas emissions. Andy Sumner, transport manager said AdBlue had made a big difference to the efficiency of the new truck. "There is a slight cost to it but the performance is far better," said Andy Sumner, transport manager. "We get more miles to the gallon so we're really pleased." Based on the Halesfield 5 Industrial Estate, the firm has a 20 strong truck fleet, supplied by Greenhous Commercials.
More from Andy Rea on +44 (0)1 543 501 111 or andy@wardlovett.com
Bibby Distribution delivers relief to Romania
Bibby Distribution, Rotherham Council and Ikea have joined forces to deliver vital equipment to a hospital in Romania. Six people from Bibby aim to fill a 40ft container with ex-UK National Health Service kit for the charity Lifeline Romania. This follows a Rotherham City Council and Primary Health Care Trust visit to Cluj-Napoca, Romania, last year and will see the load leave on 18 September.. Bibby will also match any donations to the Lifeline Romania charity on a pound-for-pound basis. "This means every pound given is automatically converted into £2, so please help however you can," said Dave Smith, project manager for the firm.
More from Dave Smith on +44 (0)7 734 342 336 or dave.smith@bibbydist.co.uk
World Class Manufacturing training mission to Japan
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders will run a five-day World Class Manufacturing training mission to Japan from 12 to 16 November. This will give an in-depth analysis of Japanese manufacturing methods and aims exclusively at senior EU executives and managers with both knowledge of world class manufacturing and engineering. There will be a one-day briefing in Stuttgart and visit to Robert Bosch GmbH before the trip. The mission will help people better understand the roles of quality control and management, maintenance, engineering and stock control and continuous improvement in world-class manufacturing. If you would like to join the party, you'll need to book by 12 September.
More from David Croxson on +44 (0)2 073 449 230 or dcroxson@smmt.co.uk
New diesels from Deutz
Engine maker Deutz, which says it is the world's oldest maker of diesel engines, just launched a new, 3.5 litre, engine range, the 2010 series, with power ratings from 52 to 75kW and torque figures from 300 to 350 Nm at 1,400 rpm. Both are water cooled, turbocharged units. The more powerful model also uses air-to-air charge cooling. Both come in either industrial or agricultural versions.
More from Zena Brewer on +44 (0)1 543 438 901 or brewer.z@deutz.com
Lloyds TSB autolease cuts its carbon footprint and saves £150,000
Lloyds TSB autolease says it has saved £150,000 over the last 12 months with new technology and video-conferencing. The firm cut annual business mileage by 122,000 and its CO2 by 44 tonnes and cut the fuel cost by £15,000. With 240 hours lost in travel and other indirect costs, the firm says the total is around £150,000 a year and plans the share the lessons learned with its customers.
More from Lawrence Hamilton on +44 (0)1 614 477 251 or lawrence.hamilton@lloydstsbautolease.co.uk
Parliamentary committee looks at business carbon
The UK's House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee just said it will look at the roles of the Climate Change Levy and Climate Change Agreements in cutting carbon emissions. The EAC also aims to see how the two schemes might be improved.
More from Jennifer Huckstep on +44(0)2 073 449 217or jhuckstep@smmt.co.uk
Shareholders block MAN-Scania merger
The Netherlands Dutch-language Nieuwsbrief TTM reports that the Swedish Wallenberg family has blocked plans for a merger between German and Swedish truck makers MAN and Scania. The Wallenberg family controls 30% of the shares in the Swedish firm, through an investment company it owns. Volkswagen has stakes of 34% in Scania and 30% in MAN, which in turn has a 14.8% stake in Scania.
More from www.nieuwsbrief.nl
TLS hits LEZ target
TLS Vehicle Rental says its entire, 18,000 strong van and truck fleet now meets the emission standards for the London Low Emission Zone. At the same time, a promotion in the parent GE Group means that Carl D'Ammassa takes over as chief executive at TLS. He replaces Andrew Way, who moves up to a global general manager job with GE Oil & Gas Services in Florence, Italy.
More from Simon Wells on +44(0)1 283 711 311 or simon@paperchasepr.co..uk
ATS wins Lancaster City Council deal
ATS Euromaster has won a three-year deal to supply and service Michelin tyres across Lancaster City Council's 160-strong fleet.. This includes vans, trucks road sweepers and even lawn mowers. ATS will run the contract and fit Michelin tyres across the fleet, with all van and truck tyres using the Michelin Four Lives policy. Truck tyres will be re-grooved and remoulded and re-grooved again for maximum efficiency. ATS will also do monthly tyre checks across the fleet, recording each tyre's condition and tread depth onto a central database so that the firm can do any tyre replacements or service work needed.
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler.com
More tank inspectors
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says that the Dangerous Goods Division of the DfT has updated its list of tank inspection bodies for new rail (RID) and road (ADR) tanks as well as 'old' tanks; that is those made before 10 May 2004 and used only in Great Britain. "This is a welcome move, if a little overdue," said Allan McKenzie, senior manager, vehicle legislation at the SMMT. "Tank makers now have the wider choice of inspection bodies they've wanted for some time and this should give them greater flexibility".
More from Allan McKenzie on +44 (0)2 073 449 202 or amckenzie@smmt.co.uk
Two Toros for Haggis
Edinburgh-based Haggis Adventures, which says it is Scotland's leading youth travel firm, just added two Optare Toro luxury mini-coaches to its 13 vehicle fleet. Haggis will use its new 28 seaters on tours around the country, aimed mainly at young, independent travellers from around the world. The company say the Toro's compact size and excellent manoeuvrability are well suited to narrow Highland roads and allow easier access to places off the beaten track. Haggis has carried over 100,000 people on its tours since 1993
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
Keltruck sends instruments van on maiden voyage to Spain
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra's brand new, purpose built, instrument van, just set off on its maiden voyage to Santander in Spain, where the CBSO are performing at the Palacio de Festivales.. In December 2006, Keltruck gave £15,000 a year for three years to buy and maintain the new Scania truck, which will carry the orchestra's instruments safely to its 120 concerts a year. The new truck has living quarters for the drivers and special rails to securely hold the instruments and a humidity control to keep them at a constant temperature.
More from Christopher Kelly on +44 (0)7 711 638 807 or info@keltruck.com
Globally competitive manufacturing seminars
The SMMT plans a two-day conference on globally competitive manufacturing in the automotive industry at the Manufacturer Live event in Coventry on 17 and 18 October. Speakers and session leaders include senior people from Toyota, Honda, Nissan and GKN, all looking at aspects globally competitive manufacturing. Places are free, but you need to pay a £25 fee to attend the Manufacturer Live event. You can book on line at www.themanufacturer.com
More from Steve Elvin on +44 (0)2 073 441 665 or selvin@smmt.co.uk
Truck driver CPC coming soon
The truck drivers' Certificate of Professional Competence starts in 2009. Truckers will need to do 35 hours training in a five-year period, updating a wide range of their skills. The Freight Transport Association aims to help its members cope and train drivers. This year's FTA Transport Manager seminars will cover timetables, exemptions, responsibilities and best practice. The seminars run from September to December at sites across the country. They also cover carbon footprints, workplace transport and load safety, delivery and driver management. Costs are £299 plus VAT for the first and £250 plus VAT for second and subsequent places.
More from Geoff Dossetter on +44 (0)1 892 552 255 or gdossetter@fta.co.uk
Renault wins 100 truck order to Slovenia
Renault Trucks says its Slovenian importer Gimpex has done a deal to supply 100 Magnum and Premuim trucks to local haulier Eurotek.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
Working time study
The European Parliament just published a study on the effects of the recent changes to the Working Time Directive. The study looks at annual hours, administrative burdens and caps on opt-outs. The parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee plans to discuss the paper when it meets in mid-September.
More from Jennifer Huckstep on +44(0)2 073 449 217or jhuckstep@smmt.co.uk
Kubota and Venco clear the air
Three Kubota mini excavators have been fitted with a specialised exhaust gas treatment system to meet Health and Safety rules. The diggers are owned by Venco Plant Services and working for demolition contractor, Controlled Group Ltd to demolish internal structures and floors of a multi-storey building in Leeds city centre.
"After researching the market for a suitable exhaust gas filtration system which met the required Health & Safety standards, we decided on kit from EHC Teknik Ltd," said Danny Spaven, Venco Plant Services' managing director - Hire Division. "I believe that all engine powered machines working on construction sites throughout the UK, including the Olympic complex in London, will need exhaust particulate filters fitted."
More from Richard Harrison on +44 (0)1 844 214 500 or richardh@kubota.co.uk
M6 motorway signs give drivers journey times
Drivers on the M6 in the North West can now see electronic road-side signs that give real-time messages to says how long a journey will take. The new service, from the National Traffic Control Centre follows a successful trial in the West Midlands and South West and will roll out across England soon.
More from www.highways.gsi.gov.uk
New guides to truck and freight aerodynamics
The Freight Best Practice programme just published two new and free guides to aerodynamics via its website www.freightbestpractice.org.uk They are: 'Aerodynamics for Efficient Road Freight Operations' and 'Quick Guide to Truck Aerodynamics.' The aim is to help people understand the benefits of aerodynamic styling kit on trucks. Both publications provide completely independent and authoritative guidance on truck aerodynamic styling and the more comprehensive one gives advice, case studies, a 'top tips' section and savings to cost ratio's data and payback periods on different types of aerodynamic devices.
More from Peter Binham on +44 (0)1 737 236 907 or peter.binham@fabermaunsell.com
Carrlever switches to TIP reefers
North Manchester haulier Carrlever Transport now uses TIP for all its refrigerated trailer requirements, running a 13 strong reefer fleet from its base in Bury. "Last year we took our first trailer from TIP at Carrington on spot hire and to be honest, the service we have received from them since then has been unbeatable, far surpassing our previous suppliers," said Dean Scott, transport manager at Carrlever. Scott says the firm expects to expand its 22 strong tractor and 13 strong reefer fleet this year. The reefers have a mixture of Carrier Transicold and Thermoking refrigeration systems.
More from David Nash on +44 (0)1 614 567 870 or quadpr@globalnet.co.uk
New training trailer helps technicians
Carrier Transicold has launched a specially designed training trailer to simulate a very wide range of operating conditions and complement its national technical training school in Liverpool. The trailer features permanently installed and fully functioning models from Carrier Transicold's entire current product family.
More from David Nash on +44 (0)1 614 567 870 or quadpr@globalnet.co.uk
Save Fuel, Save Money, Help the Environment
The next IRTE/Freight Best Practice Event is taking place at Tortworth Court near Bristol on Wednesday September 19th. This FREE seminar covers various issues surrounding reducing Fuel Consumption as a whole and what hauliers can do reduce this significant cost and not only reduce their carbon footprint but also improve their bottom line. The first event in the series was very well received and the second event shows an improved line up of speakers to include John Boocock of Safed as well as Dr Michael Coyle from Imise Ltd.
More from Melanie Powell on + 44 (0)2 076 301 111 or m.powell@soe.org.uk
New finance boss at Volvo
Volvo Trucks says it Christian Johansson is to be its new chief financial officer and senior vice president. He will be a member of the Volvo Truck Executive Group and starts the job this autumn.
More from Tommy Kohle on +46 (0)7 06 766 517 or tommy.kohle@volvo.com
£86 driving test fee on the cards
Potential new drivers may face a big hike in fees for driving tests. The Driving Standards Agency wants people's views as part of a consultation. It aims to raise the basic car practical test to £56.50 and increase the theory test cost to £30, meaning the total will be £86.50.
More from Jennifer Huckstep on +44(0)2 073 449 217or jhuckstep@smmt.co.uk
New Punto van from Fiat
Fiat says its new Grande Punto van has all the comfort and style of a car and the convenience of a van, all for £8,600 plus VAT. It has a 1.3m3 load capacity and a 1.25 litre common rail diesel and should do over 62mpg. The specification includes ABS and electric brake distribution and power steering.
More from Puneet Joshi on +44 (0)1 753 519 591 or puneet.joshi@fiat.com
And finally
New Scientist Feedback page says reader Warwick Lloyd was under-impressed by the offer he had at the top of an e-mailed newsletter from Dymocks booksellers: "Fantasy fiction - 2 for the price of 3."
More from www.newscientist.com
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