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Transport News Brief Week 3
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The latest news roundup from the SMMT.
Iveco goes for radical growth
Henk van Leuven, Iveco's UK managing director says the firm will radically reshape its dealer network. This is the main plank in an ambitious three-year strategy to deliver a 15% market share for its heavy truck and van and light truck models and 30% for its medium trucks. "We need 18 main dealers to sell Eurocargo, Stralis and Trakker models and 32 full range service points, so that an operator is never more than 40 miles from a truck service dealer. This will effectively double our ability to support truck fleets." He said all heavy truck sales and service dealers will sell the firm's Daily van and light truck range too. "Daily will also be supported by 75 more specialist sales and service points, doubling the number selling the range and boosting the number of service points by 25%."
More from Nigel Emms on +44 (0)1 923 259 513 or nigel.emms@iveco.com
Motor Transport Awards for 2008
Motor Transport just launched its 2008 Awards competition, with 17 categories this year. As well as established favourites, like Fleet Engineer of the Year and Haulier of the Year, there are some new ones plus some old favourites return: the Environment Award, International Operator of the Year, the Innovation Award, Best Use of Technology, and the Low Carbon & Efficiency Award. Go to www.mtawards.co.uk to find out how to enter the Awards, how they are judged, and how to book tables at the black tie dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London's Park Lane on 2 July. The deadline for entry is 28 March. Motor Transport will publish an Awards shortlist in late spring and announce the winners at the Awards dinner. MT editor Justin Stanton says: "Remember, you've got to be in it to win it."
More from Justin Stanton on 02 086 523 500 or justin.stanton@rbi.co.uk
New Citroën Berlingo for 2008
Citroën says it will launch an advanced, all-new Berlingo van this year and a new, smaller van, the Nemo. The new Berlingo will offer a payload of up to 850 kg or a load volume of up to 3.73m3. "During the second quarter of 2008 we'll launch the sub-compact Nemo van, opening new markets for us, while the new Berlingo, due for launch later in the year will expand our coverage of the high cube van sector," said Robert Handyside, Citroën's commercial vehicle operations manager. Both will complement the new Dispatch and Relay ranges, "So with the C2 Enterprise, we'll offer capacities from 0.84 to 17.0m3 and up to 4.05 tonnes GVW." The firm says it will give more details later.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Spot the Transaid trailer to win
Transaid says it, logistics specialist Wincanton and trailer maker Schmitz Cargobull have created a game of 'Spot the Transaid Trailer' on British roads, running until the end of April 2008. The charity wants drivers to look out for the distinctively liveried Transaid trailer that will be running on British motorways daily. Wincanton will use the vehicle as part of its normal seven day a week distribution work between the North West of England the South East. Supplied and sponsored by Schmitz Cargobull, the trailer should help create awareness about the charity, which aims to relieve poverty in Africa through the better management of transport systems. At the same time the game offers drivers across the UK the chance to win great prizes, including a Schmitz Cargobull model trailer, cap, bag, mug and key ring, a £50 Selfridges voucher or a Transaid/Schmitz Cargobull "Spot the Trailer" Trophy.
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler.com
BPW wins Haacon deal in the UK and Ireland
Haacon GmbH, which makes trailer landing legs and industrial lifting equipment, has appointed BPW Limited as its new UK and Ireland distributor, from January 2008. Haacon says that BPW is now one of the main suppliers to the UK and Irish trailer building industry and expects the new deal to give it a bigger share of the UK landing leg market. "We've known Haacon for many years and have always felt that it deserved a stronger presence in the UK," said Richard Gibbs, UK managing director for BPW. "Haacon's product quality and design philosophy fits well with BPW products and we look forward to a close, rewarding relationship".
More from Sandie Slavin on +44 (0)1 162 816 100 or sandie.slavin@bpw.co.uk
Another UK record for VW vans
Volkswagen says its UK commercial vehicle sales have increased for eight straight years, hitting 30,427 in 2007 and making the firm the country's number one van importer. VW says it hiked its registrations by over 13% compared to 2006 and has more than doubled its UK figures compared to eight years ago. The UK is now the largest export market for VW vans outside Germany. "Achieving the milestone of 30,000 vehicles for the first time is a fantastic achievement," said Robert Hazelwood, director of Volkswagen commercial vehicles, who plans more new models, such as the Caddy Maxi this year.
More from John Rawlings on +44 (0)1 908 601 478 or john.rawlings@vwcv.co.uk
Maywood at the CV Show again
Workshop equipment firm the Maywood Equipment Group has booked 'a big stand', 8-410 at the CV Show, which is at the NEC from Tuesday 15th April to Thursday 17th April inclusive. This will be the firm's eighth straight year at the event. "This means we can show customers our products rather than trying to convince them from a brochure or from our web site," says Trevor Homewood, managing director. "This gives us that one chance in the year to fit and display large commercial lifts for fleet operators to see the true quality for themselves. Anyone considering a new lift or building a new workshop should come to this show and should definitely visit our stand.." The firm imports Finkbeiner mobile column and platform lifts.
More from Mick Norman on +44 (0)7 884 310 928 or mick@maywoodgroup.co.uk
Record breaking year for Vauxhall
Vauxhall says 2007 smashed all previous records for is vans, with 52,943 vans registered. The firm says Vivaro figures have grown for six straight years and the Astravan and Corsavan models have notched up particular successes. Overall, Vauxhall's market share of the UK van market was up 1.1% to per cent at 15.7%. The UK is GM's strongest van market in Europe, while GM also remains the UK's biggest volume commercial vehicle maker. In 2007, the 500,000th Vivaro-type van rolled off the Luton production line, with the firm building more than 100,000 vans a year in the UK.
More from Craig Cheetham on +44 (0)1 582 427 612 or craig.cheetham@uk.gm.com
Rimstock eyes the van and light truck wheel market
Successful alloy wheel maker Rimstock wants to diversify into the van and light truck wheel market. "We've been making alloy wheels in the West Midlands for over 24 years, in a now totally self-sufficient manufacturing facility," said Colin Pegler, group sales director. "Our customers include Aston Martin, Bentley and Lotus in the UK. We've bucked the declining trend in UK manufacturing and recently done a deal with LDV with a range of wheels designed to take considerably higher loads. These save weight and fuel and simply look better." Pegler says the firm's very short design, development and production lead times, together with its own ex-Mira wheel testing kit and TÜV approvals certainly helped.
More from Colin Pegler on +44 (0)1 215 243 003 or cpegler@rimstock.com
New engine oil from Fuchs
Fuchs says it has a new oil, developed for vans and cars with turbochargers and exhaust after-treatment. The firm developed Titan GT1 PRO C-3 SAE 5W-30 for use in vehicles with or without extended oil change intervals, such as Volkswagen and Mercedes Benz vans and cars. Fuchs says the new oil gives excellent cold starting, low oil consumption and emissions and helps protect exhaust after treatment devices such as particulate filters, CRTs or catalytic converters.
More from Rosemary Mellor on +44 (0)8 701 200 400 or rosemary.mellor@fuchs-oil.com
New Kangoo van versions from Renault
Renault says its two new Kangoo van versions broaden its already wide range. The newcomers are a new Kangoo Van Extra special edition, launched only a few months before the arrival of an all-new two-model Kangoo Van range. The new Kangoo Extra models are available now, with either a 1.6 petrol or 1.5 diesel engine and has a 625kg payload. Both have £765 worth of extra goodies, including air conditioning with pollen filter, fingertip control radio and CD player and body-coloured bumpers and door mirrors. Prices are £8,550 for the petrol version and £10,600 for the diesel.
More from Mike Gale on +44 (0)1 923 697 653 or mike.gale@renault.com
Bio diesel tanks from Tuffa to make CV Show debut
Tank maker Tuffa UK says it will use stand 7-111 at the CV Show to exhibit new, dual compartment bio-diesel storage tanks. The firm says these are the first of their type in the UK and are introduced to meet growing demand. "The new tank will save space, is more cost effective and simpler to use than two separate tanks," says the firm's managing director, Robert Shenton. Capacities range from 1,400+2,500 litres to 3,200+5,600 litres, with all models using standard fuel station equipment in an integral control cabinet. "The tanks help ensure fuel is stored and dispensed safely and of course, meet all environmental requirements."
More from John Grear on +44 (0)1 773 880 922 or jgrear@btinternet.com
Indian JV for Volvo
Truck and Bus Builder reports that the Volvo Group has signed a letter of intent with Eicher Motors of New Dehli, India's third biggest truck maker, to set up a new joint-venture firm. Eicher will commit its truck, bus and component business to the new company, while Volvo will put £172m into the deal, transferring its Indian truck dealer and service network into the pot. The new firm employs some 2,300 people and Eicher built and sold some 24,300 light, medium and heavy trucks and 3,800 buses and coaches in the last financial year.
More from Jim Gibbins on +44 (0)1 984 639 300 or tbb.p@virgin.net
New, longer warranty on selected Renault vans
Renault just announced an immediate and new, three year or 100,000 mile warranty on all its Trafic and Master panel vans and vehicles based on them, including minibuses. Mileage is unlimited for the first two years while for the third year covers is good until the end of that year or 100,000 miles, whichever arrives sooner. The deal also includes three years' free AA cover.
More from Mike Gale on +44 (0)1 923 697 653 or mike.gale@renault.com
600 more containers for P&O
P&O Ferrymasters says it has spent €2.7m on an order for 600 more containers. The new units are 45ft, palletwide, high cube containers, needed the firm says, to meet a predicted 14% traffic growth in 2008. The deal will take the firm's 45ft PW container fleet to 2,400. Each has a 100m3 or 33 pallet capacity. Dutch intermodal container supplier Unit45 got the business, producing the units in China from February and due to finish the job by the year end.
More from Gail Isted on + 44 (0)7 792 451 284 or gail.isted@eagle-eyepr.com
Continental and Uniroyal extend partnership
Continental Tyre Group and Uniroyal Truck Tyres UK say they will extend their successful partnership set up in 2000 to allow Continental exclusive rights to distribute Uniroyal truck tyres in the UK & Ireland. The new deal will last for five more years and covers tyres for light and medium urban delivery trucks, long-distance heavy trucks and trailers, urban buses and long-distance coaches, and mixed on-off road uses such as tippers. Continental says it also plans to launch a new range of Uniroyal tyres into the UK and Ireland in 2008.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
More power and torque for top Trafic
Renault has a new, more powerful engine available for its Trafic van range. The 2.5 dCi 150 engine, previously only available in the Master van, replaces the dCi 140. The aim is to give more power and torque for towing and similar work. Peak torque is 320Nm at 1,500 rpm. At the same time the firm says its Quickshift6 automated gearbox is available behind the dCi 150 engine in the top of the range Trafic model, offering fuel savings of up to 5%.
More from Mike Gale on +44 (0)1 923 697 653 or mike.gale@renault.com
Dozy trucker jailed
BBC Oxford reports that Ian King of Groby, Leicestershire has been jailed for three years and nine months at Oxford Crown Court for killing a family of four after he fell asleep at the wheel. The deaths happened when Groby's truck hit a queue of cars at the back of a tailback on the A34 near Bicester last July, in the afternoon rush-hour He had been awake since 0430 and driving from before 0700 and was later found to suffer from sleep apnoea - a fairly common condition that disrupts sleep and can cause drowsiness. It is a particular risk for people who are even slightly overweight. The court heard that at the time of the crash Groby didn't know he suffered from the condition and didn't feel drowsy.
More from www.news.bbc.co.uk
Daimler and Hero's Indian JV
Truck and Bus Builder reports that Daimler Trucks and Indian motorbike maker Hero have set up a joint venture to build trucks in India. The deal aims to make light, medium and heavy versions of the German firm's trucks, initially for the Indian market, with export models following later. Hero has a turnover of more than $4bn, based on motorbike and automotive component manufacture and sales.
More from Jim Gibbins on +44 (0)1 984 639 300 or tbb.p@virgin.net
Four sites for Seko France
Logistics specialist Seko says it just appointed Jason Denne to run its new, four site operation in France as general manager. Seko France has its HQ in Paris, with additional sites in Le Harve, Lyon and Marseille. All the offices are near the major airports for those cities. The firm has other offices in 40 countries world wide.
More from Brian Bourke on + 1 847 570 9100 or brian.bourke@sekoworldwide.com
Trunk Drivers of the Year Announced by Pall-Ex
Palletised freight network, Pall-Ex has made two awards to trunk drivers. The firm says its Days Trunk Driver of the Year Award winner was Colin Nichols from ADD Express of Leeds and a member of the Pall-Ex network since 1998. Winner of Nights Trunk Driver of the Year Award was Vinny Ball from EVTS of Blackpool, a member of the Pall-Ex network since 1997. The winners were decided by votes from fork-lift drivers at the Pall-Ex hub, which employs around 200 people, close to the M1, M69, M6, and M42.
More from Renata Jones +44 (0)1 530 239 095 or rjones@pallex.co.uk
Castle Morpeth deal for ATS
ATS says it has won a deal with Castle Morpeth Council covering tyres and associated services across its 148-strong fleet. This covers a wide range of vehicles including the mayoral car, vans, dropside trucks, road sweepers, plant and a fleet of more than 14 refuse collection trucks. ATS is fitting the refuse fleet with Michelin Taurus tyres and Brian Jones, Castle Morpeth Council's transport and environmental waste manager says the new Taurus tyres have already helped, cutting the number tyre replacements. "They're ideal for our refuse trucks, which do kerbside collections and drive onto land-fill sites - two applications notorious for high wear and damage." The deal is part of a framework agreement with the North Eastern Purchasing Organisation. ATS Euromaster won preferred supplier of tyre services status from Nepo in 2006.
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler.com
New Trafic refrigerated van range
Renault says its Trafic refrigerated van concept at last year's CV Show got such a good reaction that the firm is now introducing the Trafic Refrigerated Van range. Done in partnership with Lamberet, one of Europe's leading refrigerated body-builders, the Trafic fridge van offers payloads from 710 to 973kg and a load capacity of 3.4m3. Designated Class A (0° to 12°C) for the transport of perishable goods, the temperature controlled Trafic features insulated material in the doors, floor and ceiling, so that it can maintain a load area temperature between 0° and 12°C, even if the outside temperature exceeds 30°C.
More from Mike Gale on +44 (0)1 923 697 653 or mike.gale@renault.com
Creating real returns from transport telematics
This is the aim of a one-day seminar at the UK's National Physical Laboratory, Teddington on Wednesday 23 January. The session will, its organisers say, look beyond the simple 'track and trace' models used by many fleets that have introduced telematics. Speakers will give examples of location technology that go beyond just track and trace and will discuss case studies that make big savings in resources and bring real customer benefits. Presenters include the Supply Chain Research Centre - Canfield, Map Mechanics, Road Angel, Cubit, VSC Solutions, Sainsbury's, Faced & the Freight Transport Association.
More from Karen Barlow on +44 (0)2 089 438 711 or karen.barlow@npl.co.uk
Flights take seven more Volvo buses
Flights Hallmarks just got seven Volvo B9TL buses for use on a park and ride service in Bristol. The new buses have 84 seat Wrightbus Eclipse Gemini bodies, with powered ramps and additional doors to give easier access. Power is from a 260 hp Volvo engine driving though a ZF automatic gearbox.
More from Don Johnston on +44(0)1 926 414 553 or don.johnston@volvo.com
Joseph Rice goes Imperial
Imperial Commercials has bought Joseph Rice Truck Services in Gloucester. All the firm's people have joined Imperial Commercials and the business has been renamed Imperial Commercials Gloucester. Rice was a Foden parts and service for 12 years at the Hempstead Lane site. The new firm will expand to include another truck franchise and will offer all makes van, truck and trailer service and repairs and a 24/7 breakdown service, MoT preparation; brake testing; a Vosa-approved digital and analogue tachograph centre; tail lift service and repair; service and inspection contracts; and repair and maintenance contracts.
More from Simon Small on +44 (0)1 622 812 961 or simon.small@spresso.co.uk.
Iveco's new Russian Daily plant
Truck and Bus Builder reports that work has started on a new Russian factory to build Iveco Daily vans and light trucks, including chassis cabs, minibuses, the 4x4 model and specialist bodywork. The plant will be run by Saveco, a joint venture between Iveco and Samotlor-NN, one of Russia's bigger bodybuilders and should start deliveries in the spring of 2009. It is at Semyonov, in the Nizhniy Novgorod region,
More from Jim Gibbins on +44 (0)1 984 639 300 or tbb.p@virgin.net
Trafic Sport from Renault
Renault says its new Sport trim is available on panel van, crew van and nine-seat Trafic models. The package offers £1,785 of kit for £1,250 more than the equivalent model, saving £535. The deal includes 16" 'Ixtar' alloy wheels, all round metallic paint, air conditioning, electric front windows and electrically heated door mirrors, a driver's armrest, front fog lights and new Elba upholstery. The firm expects to sell most Sport trimmed models to small and medium sized firms.
More from Mike Gale on +44 (0)1 923 697 653 or mike.gale@renault.com
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback column reader Malcolm Bebb found the BBC worrying about premature babies: "At present doctors have no idea why one in three premature babies are born early," says BBC online news. "And the other two aren't?" he asks.
More from www.newscientist.com
Henk van Leuven, Iveco's UK managing director says the firm will radically reshape its dealer network. This is the main plank in an ambitious three-year strategy to deliver a 15% market share for its heavy truck and van and light truck models and 30% for its medium trucks. "We need 18 main dealers to sell Eurocargo, Stralis and Trakker models and 32 full range service points, so that an operator is never more than 40 miles from a truck service dealer. This will effectively double our ability to support truck fleets." He said all heavy truck sales and service dealers will sell the firm's Daily van and light truck range too. "Daily will also be supported by 75 more specialist sales and service points, doubling the number selling the range and boosting the number of service points by 25%."
More from Nigel Emms on +44 (0)1 923 259 513 or nigel.emms@iveco.com
Motor Transport Awards for 2008
Motor Transport just launched its 2008 Awards competition, with 17 categories this year. As well as established favourites, like Fleet Engineer of the Year and Haulier of the Year, there are some new ones plus some old favourites return: the Environment Award, International Operator of the Year, the Innovation Award, Best Use of Technology, and the Low Carbon & Efficiency Award. Go to www.mtawards.co.uk to find out how to enter the Awards, how they are judged, and how to book tables at the black tie dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London's Park Lane on 2 July. The deadline for entry is 28 March. Motor Transport will publish an Awards shortlist in late spring and announce the winners at the Awards dinner. MT editor Justin Stanton says: "Remember, you've got to be in it to win it."
More from Justin Stanton on 02 086 523 500 or justin.stanton@rbi.co.uk
New Citroën Berlingo for 2008
Citroën says it will launch an advanced, all-new Berlingo van this year and a new, smaller van, the Nemo. The new Berlingo will offer a payload of up to 850 kg or a load volume of up to 3.73m3. "During the second quarter of 2008 we'll launch the sub-compact Nemo van, opening new markets for us, while the new Berlingo, due for launch later in the year will expand our coverage of the high cube van sector," said Robert Handyside, Citroën's commercial vehicle operations manager. Both will complement the new Dispatch and Relay ranges, "So with the C2 Enterprise, we'll offer capacities from 0.84 to 17.0m3 and up to 4.05 tonnes GVW." The firm says it will give more details later.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Spot the Transaid trailer to win
Transaid says it, logistics specialist Wincanton and trailer maker Schmitz Cargobull have created a game of 'Spot the Transaid Trailer' on British roads, running until the end of April 2008. The charity wants drivers to look out for the distinctively liveried Transaid trailer that will be running on British motorways daily. Wincanton will use the vehicle as part of its normal seven day a week distribution work between the North West of England the South East. Supplied and sponsored by Schmitz Cargobull, the trailer should help create awareness about the charity, which aims to relieve poverty in Africa through the better management of transport systems. At the same time the game offers drivers across the UK the chance to win great prizes, including a Schmitz Cargobull model trailer, cap, bag, mug and key ring, a £50 Selfridges voucher or a Transaid/Schmitz Cargobull "Spot the Trailer" Trophy.
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler.com
BPW wins Haacon deal in the UK and Ireland
Haacon GmbH, which makes trailer landing legs and industrial lifting equipment, has appointed BPW Limited as its new UK and Ireland distributor, from January 2008. Haacon says that BPW is now one of the main suppliers to the UK and Irish trailer building industry and expects the new deal to give it a bigger share of the UK landing leg market. "We've known Haacon for many years and have always felt that it deserved a stronger presence in the UK," said Richard Gibbs, UK managing director for BPW. "Haacon's product quality and design philosophy fits well with BPW products and we look forward to a close, rewarding relationship".
More from Sandie Slavin on +44 (0)1 162 816 100 or sandie.slavin@bpw.co.uk
Another UK record for VW vans
Volkswagen says its UK commercial vehicle sales have increased for eight straight years, hitting 30,427 in 2007 and making the firm the country's number one van importer. VW says it hiked its registrations by over 13% compared to 2006 and has more than doubled its UK figures compared to eight years ago. The UK is now the largest export market for VW vans outside Germany. "Achieving the milestone of 30,000 vehicles for the first time is a fantastic achievement," said Robert Hazelwood, director of Volkswagen commercial vehicles, who plans more new models, such as the Caddy Maxi this year.
More from John Rawlings on +44 (0)1 908 601 478 or john.rawlings@vwcv.co.uk
Maywood at the CV Show again
Workshop equipment firm the Maywood Equipment Group has booked 'a big stand', 8-410 at the CV Show, which is at the NEC from Tuesday 15th April to Thursday 17th April inclusive. This will be the firm's eighth straight year at the event. "This means we can show customers our products rather than trying to convince them from a brochure or from our web site," says Trevor Homewood, managing director. "This gives us that one chance in the year to fit and display large commercial lifts for fleet operators to see the true quality for themselves. Anyone considering a new lift or building a new workshop should come to this show and should definitely visit our stand.." The firm imports Finkbeiner mobile column and platform lifts.
More from Mick Norman on +44 (0)7 884 310 928 or mick@maywoodgroup.co.uk
Record breaking year for Vauxhall
Vauxhall says 2007 smashed all previous records for is vans, with 52,943 vans registered. The firm says Vivaro figures have grown for six straight years and the Astravan and Corsavan models have notched up particular successes. Overall, Vauxhall's market share of the UK van market was up 1.1% to per cent at 15.7%. The UK is GM's strongest van market in Europe, while GM also remains the UK's biggest volume commercial vehicle maker. In 2007, the 500,000th Vivaro-type van rolled off the Luton production line, with the firm building more than 100,000 vans a year in the UK.
More from Craig Cheetham on +44 (0)1 582 427 612 or craig.cheetham@uk.gm.com
Rimstock eyes the van and light truck wheel market
Successful alloy wheel maker Rimstock wants to diversify into the van and light truck wheel market. "We've been making alloy wheels in the West Midlands for over 24 years, in a now totally self-sufficient manufacturing facility," said Colin Pegler, group sales director. "Our customers include Aston Martin, Bentley and Lotus in the UK. We've bucked the declining trend in UK manufacturing and recently done a deal with LDV with a range of wheels designed to take considerably higher loads. These save weight and fuel and simply look better." Pegler says the firm's very short design, development and production lead times, together with its own ex-Mira wheel testing kit and TÜV approvals certainly helped.
More from Colin Pegler on +44 (0)1 215 243 003 or cpegler@rimstock.com
New engine oil from Fuchs
Fuchs says it has a new oil, developed for vans and cars with turbochargers and exhaust after-treatment. The firm developed Titan GT1 PRO C-3 SAE 5W-30 for use in vehicles with or without extended oil change intervals, such as Volkswagen and Mercedes Benz vans and cars. Fuchs says the new oil gives excellent cold starting, low oil consumption and emissions and helps protect exhaust after treatment devices such as particulate filters, CRTs or catalytic converters.
More from Rosemary Mellor on +44 (0)8 701 200 400 or rosemary.mellor@fuchs-oil.com
New Kangoo van versions from Renault
Renault says its two new Kangoo van versions broaden its already wide range. The newcomers are a new Kangoo Van Extra special edition, launched only a few months before the arrival of an all-new two-model Kangoo Van range. The new Kangoo Extra models are available now, with either a 1.6 petrol or 1.5 diesel engine and has a 625kg payload. Both have £765 worth of extra goodies, including air conditioning with pollen filter, fingertip control radio and CD player and body-coloured bumpers and door mirrors. Prices are £8,550 for the petrol version and £10,600 for the diesel.
More from Mike Gale on +44 (0)1 923 697 653 or mike.gale@renault.com
Bio diesel tanks from Tuffa to make CV Show debut
Tank maker Tuffa UK says it will use stand 7-111 at the CV Show to exhibit new, dual compartment bio-diesel storage tanks. The firm says these are the first of their type in the UK and are introduced to meet growing demand. "The new tank will save space, is more cost effective and simpler to use than two separate tanks," says the firm's managing director, Robert Shenton. Capacities range from 1,400+2,500 litres to 3,200+5,600 litres, with all models using standard fuel station equipment in an integral control cabinet. "The tanks help ensure fuel is stored and dispensed safely and of course, meet all environmental requirements."
More from John Grear on +44 (0)1 773 880 922 or jgrear@btinternet.com
Indian JV for Volvo
Truck and Bus Builder reports that the Volvo Group has signed a letter of intent with Eicher Motors of New Dehli, India's third biggest truck maker, to set up a new joint-venture firm. Eicher will commit its truck, bus and component business to the new company, while Volvo will put £172m into the deal, transferring its Indian truck dealer and service network into the pot. The new firm employs some 2,300 people and Eicher built and sold some 24,300 light, medium and heavy trucks and 3,800 buses and coaches in the last financial year.
More from Jim Gibbins on +44 (0)1 984 639 300 or tbb.p@virgin.net
New, longer warranty on selected Renault vans
Renault just announced an immediate and new, three year or 100,000 mile warranty on all its Trafic and Master panel vans and vehicles based on them, including minibuses. Mileage is unlimited for the first two years while for the third year covers is good until the end of that year or 100,000 miles, whichever arrives sooner. The deal also includes three years' free AA cover.
More from Mike Gale on +44 (0)1 923 697 653 or mike.gale@renault.com
600 more containers for P&O
P&O Ferrymasters says it has spent €2.7m on an order for 600 more containers. The new units are 45ft, palletwide, high cube containers, needed the firm says, to meet a predicted 14% traffic growth in 2008. The deal will take the firm's 45ft PW container fleet to 2,400. Each has a 100m3 or 33 pallet capacity. Dutch intermodal container supplier Unit45 got the business, producing the units in China from February and due to finish the job by the year end.
More from Gail Isted on + 44 (0)7 792 451 284 or gail.isted@eagle-eyepr.com
Continental and Uniroyal extend partnership
Continental Tyre Group and Uniroyal Truck Tyres UK say they will extend their successful partnership set up in 2000 to allow Continental exclusive rights to distribute Uniroyal truck tyres in the UK & Ireland. The new deal will last for five more years and covers tyres for light and medium urban delivery trucks, long-distance heavy trucks and trailers, urban buses and long-distance coaches, and mixed on-off road uses such as tippers. Continental says it also plans to launch a new range of Uniroyal tyres into the UK and Ireland in 2008.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
More power and torque for top Trafic
Renault has a new, more powerful engine available for its Trafic van range. The 2.5 dCi 150 engine, previously only available in the Master van, replaces the dCi 140. The aim is to give more power and torque for towing and similar work. Peak torque is 320Nm at 1,500 rpm. At the same time the firm says its Quickshift6 automated gearbox is available behind the dCi 150 engine in the top of the range Trafic model, offering fuel savings of up to 5%.
More from Mike Gale on +44 (0)1 923 697 653 or mike.gale@renault.com
Dozy trucker jailed
BBC Oxford reports that Ian King of Groby, Leicestershire has been jailed for three years and nine months at Oxford Crown Court for killing a family of four after he fell asleep at the wheel. The deaths happened when Groby's truck hit a queue of cars at the back of a tailback on the A34 near Bicester last July, in the afternoon rush-hour He had been awake since 0430 and driving from before 0700 and was later found to suffer from sleep apnoea - a fairly common condition that disrupts sleep and can cause drowsiness. It is a particular risk for people who are even slightly overweight. The court heard that at the time of the crash Groby didn't know he suffered from the condition and didn't feel drowsy.
More from www.news.bbc.co.uk
Daimler and Hero's Indian JV
Truck and Bus Builder reports that Daimler Trucks and Indian motorbike maker Hero have set up a joint venture to build trucks in India. The deal aims to make light, medium and heavy versions of the German firm's trucks, initially for the Indian market, with export models following later. Hero has a turnover of more than $4bn, based on motorbike and automotive component manufacture and sales.
More from Jim Gibbins on +44 (0)1 984 639 300 or tbb.p@virgin.net
Four sites for Seko France
Logistics specialist Seko says it just appointed Jason Denne to run its new, four site operation in France as general manager. Seko France has its HQ in Paris, with additional sites in Le Harve, Lyon and Marseille. All the offices are near the major airports for those cities. The firm has other offices in 40 countries world wide.
More from Brian Bourke on + 1 847 570 9100 or brian.bourke@sekoworldwide.com
Trunk Drivers of the Year Announced by Pall-Ex
Palletised freight network, Pall-Ex has made two awards to trunk drivers. The firm says its Days Trunk Driver of the Year Award winner was Colin Nichols from ADD Express of Leeds and a member of the Pall-Ex network since 1998. Winner of Nights Trunk Driver of the Year Award was Vinny Ball from EVTS of Blackpool, a member of the Pall-Ex network since 1997. The winners were decided by votes from fork-lift drivers at the Pall-Ex hub, which employs around 200 people, close to the M1, M69, M6, and M42.
More from Renata Jones +44 (0)1 530 239 095 or rjones@pallex.co.uk
Castle Morpeth deal for ATS
ATS says it has won a deal with Castle Morpeth Council covering tyres and associated services across its 148-strong fleet. This covers a wide range of vehicles including the mayoral car, vans, dropside trucks, road sweepers, plant and a fleet of more than 14 refuse collection trucks. ATS is fitting the refuse fleet with Michelin Taurus tyres and Brian Jones, Castle Morpeth Council's transport and environmental waste manager says the new Taurus tyres have already helped, cutting the number tyre replacements. "They're ideal for our refuse trucks, which do kerbside collections and drive onto land-fill sites - two applications notorious for high wear and damage." The deal is part of a framework agreement with the North Eastern Purchasing Organisation. ATS Euromaster won preferred supplier of tyre services status from Nepo in 2006.
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler.com
New Trafic refrigerated van range
Renault says its Trafic refrigerated van concept at last year's CV Show got such a good reaction that the firm is now introducing the Trafic Refrigerated Van range. Done in partnership with Lamberet, one of Europe's leading refrigerated body-builders, the Trafic fridge van offers payloads from 710 to 973kg and a load capacity of 3.4m3. Designated Class A (0° to 12°C) for the transport of perishable goods, the temperature controlled Trafic features insulated material in the doors, floor and ceiling, so that it can maintain a load area temperature between 0° and 12°C, even if the outside temperature exceeds 30°C.
More from Mike Gale on +44 (0)1 923 697 653 or mike.gale@renault.com
Creating real returns from transport telematics
This is the aim of a one-day seminar at the UK's National Physical Laboratory, Teddington on Wednesday 23 January. The session will, its organisers say, look beyond the simple 'track and trace' models used by many fleets that have introduced telematics. Speakers will give examples of location technology that go beyond just track and trace and will discuss case studies that make big savings in resources and bring real customer benefits. Presenters include the Supply Chain Research Centre - Canfield, Map Mechanics, Road Angel, Cubit, VSC Solutions, Sainsbury's, Faced & the Freight Transport Association.
More from Karen Barlow on +44 (0)2 089 438 711 or karen.barlow@npl.co.uk
Flights take seven more Volvo buses
Flights Hallmarks just got seven Volvo B9TL buses for use on a park and ride service in Bristol. The new buses have 84 seat Wrightbus Eclipse Gemini bodies, with powered ramps and additional doors to give easier access. Power is from a 260 hp Volvo engine driving though a ZF automatic gearbox.
More from Don Johnston on +44(0)1 926 414 553 or don.johnston@volvo.com
Joseph Rice goes Imperial
Imperial Commercials has bought Joseph Rice Truck Services in Gloucester. All the firm's people have joined Imperial Commercials and the business has been renamed Imperial Commercials Gloucester. Rice was a Foden parts and service for 12 years at the Hempstead Lane site. The new firm will expand to include another truck franchise and will offer all makes van, truck and trailer service and repairs and a 24/7 breakdown service, MoT preparation; brake testing; a Vosa-approved digital and analogue tachograph centre; tail lift service and repair; service and inspection contracts; and repair and maintenance contracts.
More from Simon Small on +44 (0)1 622 812 961 or simon.small@spresso.co.uk.
Iveco's new Russian Daily plant
Truck and Bus Builder reports that work has started on a new Russian factory to build Iveco Daily vans and light trucks, including chassis cabs, minibuses, the 4x4 model and specialist bodywork. The plant will be run by Saveco, a joint venture between Iveco and Samotlor-NN, one of Russia's bigger bodybuilders and should start deliveries in the spring of 2009. It is at Semyonov, in the Nizhniy Novgorod region,
More from Jim Gibbins on +44 (0)1 984 639 300 or tbb.p@virgin.net
Trafic Sport from Renault
Renault says its new Sport trim is available on panel van, crew van and nine-seat Trafic models. The package offers £1,785 of kit for £1,250 more than the equivalent model, saving £535. The deal includes 16" 'Ixtar' alloy wheels, all round metallic paint, air conditioning, electric front windows and electrically heated door mirrors, a driver's armrest, front fog lights and new Elba upholstery. The firm expects to sell most Sport trimmed models to small and medium sized firms.
More from Mike Gale on +44 (0)1 923 697 653 or mike.gale@renault.com
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback column reader Malcolm Bebb found the BBC worrying about premature babies: "At present doctors have no idea why one in three premature babies are born early," says BBC online news. "And the other two aren't?" he asks.
More from www.newscientist.com
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