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Transport News Brief Week 5
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The latest news roundup from the SMMT.
UK commercial vehicle production up
Figures just out from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show UK commercial vehicle production up 3.8% to 215,692 through 2007. "Last year's commercial vehicle output was the strongest since 1998," said Paul Everitt, the SMMT's new chief executive. "The most significant growth came from the light end of the market, but heavy production ended the year on a high, up 3.1% overall. The forecast for 2008 is stable, with exports once again driving the lion's share of UK van and truck output."
More from John Procter on +44 (0)2 073 449 263 or jprocter@smmt.co.uk
Dennis dustcarts for Dacorum
West Hertfordshire-based Dacorum Borough Council has just got six new refuse collection vehicles from Dennis Eagle. The new trucks, a mixture of Phoenix and Elite two and three axle chassis, join a 40 strong fleet and will do waste collection and recycling work. Dacorum has seen its recycling rates increase from 12 to 45% over the last five years and is one of England's top 20 local authorities in this field.
More from Roberta Manca on +44 (0)1 926 316 000 or roberta.manca@dennis-eagle.co.uk
Simple van security solution
Locks4vans says it has the first 'Thatcham accredited' device to help protect vehicles from break-in theft. The firm says some two million vehicles are broken into a year, with half successfully attacked via the door locks. "Vans are particularly vulnerable," says Andrew Dunley, director. "Repairs can run into hundreds of pounds per door. Our L4V Defender offers an effective solution, costing around £20 a door. Importantly, the unit looks good too and can even be colour-coded to match the vehicle. " Dunley says that the unit saw off attacks with screwdriver, hammer and slide hammer for well over Thatcham's prescribed attack test time. The firm will launch the new units from its two stands, 12-760 and 12-770 at the CV Show in April.
More from Andrew Dunley on +44 (0)7 917 248 291 or andrew.dunley@locks4vans.co.uk
Drive & Survive voted the best again
Oxfordshire-based driver risk management company Drive & Survive has been voted Best Risk Management provider by the readers of Business Car magazine. It is the tenth time in fourteen years that the company has won the award. Last year the firm introduced a driver risk management programme to support Ford's commercial fleet customers and a separate driver training scheme aimed specifically at stressed business drivers. Andy Neale, general manager says he's "very gratified" by his customer's approval.
More from Steve Johnson on +44 (0)1 295 724 283 or steve.johnson@drivesurvive.co.uk
CV Show debut for TomTom's Link 300
TomTom Work, the business-to-business division of sat nav specialists TomTom says its new Link 300 box will make its UK exhibition debut on the firm's stand 12-319 at the CV Show this April. The new unit is for the updated TomTom Work Active system and allows operators to track and trace vans and trucks and send messages between them and TomTom Webfleet online. "Fleet operators are always looking at ways to save costs and improve communications and efficiency," said Thomas Becher, commercial director of TomTom Work. "With the new TomTom link 300, any business can instantly combine high quality navigation with two-way data communication, tracking and tracing.
More from Chris Wakeley on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or cwakeley@automotivepr.com
Strong growth for Stobart
Eddie Stobart says the firm has grown strongly in each of the last three financial years and continues to trade well with new business wins and profitability growing in line with its expectations for the current year and beyond. Stobart says the Group's contracts protect it from rising fuel prices. The comment comes at the end of the first 12 months of the firm's present 14 month accounting period, due to end on 28 February. It also plans a 2.4m ft2 warehousing on 47 acres of land it just bought in Widnes, Cheshire.
More from Karen Mignon on +44 (0)2 072 943 685 or karenm@lansons.com
New software for recovery operators
DBS Software says it will use its stand, 20-110 at the CV Show in April to launch new software for rescue and recovery operators. In 2007 the firm says it was asked to integrate tracking software with third party back-office software and soon found that existing software was falling short. "We were asked if we could provide an alternative solution, said Richard Crook, commercial director. "Our engineers have been working on a suitable replacement and I'm pleased to say that it will be available from April." DBS says its software is used by over 5,000 customers throughout Europe. Much of its business comes from recommendations by satisfied customers and reputation for producing reliable bespoke solutions, according to Crook.
More from Richard Crook on +44 (0)8 709 001 800 or Richard@dbssoftware.co.uk
UK businesses want fuel tax frozen
The BBC says more than 700 businesses have written to the Chancellor calling for the planned rise scrap rise in fuel duty to be scrapped. He is due to hike fuel duty by two pence a litre this April then by 1.84 pence in April 2009. Firms worry about the effect of higher costs on their competitiveness.
More from www.bbc.co.uk
RHA welcomes support on fuel duty
The Road Haulage Association says it welcomes the recent suggestion from the British Chambers of Commerce to Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer, that April's planned two pence a litre fuel duty hike should be abandoned. "We often feel that we're a lone voice when it comes to fuel duty," said Roger King, RHA boss. "But we're delighted that the British Chambers of Commerce have joined us in bringing pressure on Government to think again about adding even further to the fuel tax burden."
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.net
New electronic seal at the CV Show
Security and fleet management specialist Unisto plans to show its top of the range electronic sealing system, Manta RFID on its stand 11-201 at the CV Show in April. The firm says its RFID sealing technology has grown increasingly popular since its launch in 2005. Its latest Manta RFID system builds on that experience to work with the company's GateSuite software to give an integrated and automated cargo seal verification process. The firm says its kit is working successfully on over 70,000 vehicles around the world. It increases logistics efficiency and cuts fuel use and carbon emissions by up to 15% a year by cutting the time trucks stand around waiting to be checked.
More from Charmain Kimpton on +44 (0)1 483 209 305 or ckimpton@sheremktg.co.uk
Better airlines please, but free pressure checks too.
TyreSafe, the tyre industry's leading tyre safety body wants owners and managers of fuel retail forecourts to ensure that their tyre pressure airlines are kept in good working order. The call follows a damning report from Auto Express; the magazine found that 40% of airlines were faulty or not working. Recent Department for Transport figures showing that a third of all accidents involving injury resulted from defective or under inflated tyres. Because properly maintained tyre pressures are vital for vehicle safety and efficiency, TyreSafe's retail supporters, including ATS Euromaster, Central Tyres, Just Tyres, Kwik Fit, Hi-Q, First Stop, ProTyre, Stapletons and National Tyres and Autocare are offering free tyre pressure checks and adjustments at any of their nationwide retail outlets.
More from Chris Wakeley on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or cwakeley@automotivepr.com
More from Michelin
Michelin says its stand, 8-340 at the CV Show in April will be double the size of its stand at last year's event. This is to give the firm space to handle the UK launch of its new 255/60 R19.5 and 205/65 R 17.5 MaxiTrailer tyres as well as a wide range of other products. The firm says that all of the tyres on show will include its patented Durable Technologies, which it describes as "a series of innovations that set new performance standards for customers." Michelin says these are probably the most significant development since it introduced radial tyres in 1952 and should extend across most of the company's European tyre range by 2011.
More from Paul Cordle on +44 (0)1 782 402 341 paul-m.cordle@uk.michelin.com
Business waste matters
The Environment Agency says it has re-launched its Waste Matters website. www.wastematters.org.uk This offers firms advice on managing waste and includes a forum to share good ideas, so the Agency wants you to take look at the website. You may be able learn from it or contribute your bright ideas, so that others can learn from you. Apart from the obvious environmental benefits, good waste management usually saves or makes cash too. "Waste Matters has been redeveloped to help businesses as they begin to see waste as a valuable resource," says the Environment Agency. "Its 1,200 registered members have made the website the success it is - an essential source of information for businesses that produce waste and for those in the waste industry."
More from www.environment-agency.gov..uk
Nationwide Transport Breakdown Services gets a new boss
Neil Hitchen is the new general manager at Nationwide Transport Breakdown Services Ltd, where he will control the day-to-day running of the 24-7 Manchester-based call centre. His appointment follows the death last year of the firm's founder, Spencer Brown. Hitchen, who has 20 year's experience in the recovery business, will also be on the firm's stand, 17-221 at the CV Show in April.
More from Neil Hitchen on +44 (0)1 613 368 752 or neil@ntbs.co.uk
New, approved air suspension for Sprinter
VB Airsuspension says that Mercedes have issued a Letter of Non Objection for its air suspension system on the Sprinter 5T, to go with the one for the 3.5T variant the firm got last April. "Mercedes have tested and signed-off our kits for the Sprinter range and we are the only air-suspension maker to have attained this status," said Oliver Drinkwater, managing director. "This shows Mercedes' confidence in our product."
More from Oliver Drinkwater on +44 (0)7 738 562 832 or drinkwater@vbairsuspension.co.uk
New coach tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system
Automotive engineering specialist Beru f1systems has created a customised tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system for Canadian firm Prevost, a division of the Volvo Bus Group. The company used its racing background to develop the system. "During testing we were surprised to find wheels hitting temperatures of up to 100oC," says Beru f1systems' James Shingleton. "We have vast experience of such high temperatures in performance cars, but it was a surprise to find them matched or even exceeded in the wheels of a coach."
More from Nick Bailey on +44 1295 277050 or nick.bailey@m-eng.com
RHA welcomes LEZ delay
The Road Haulage Association says it welcomes Transport for London's decision to delay enforcement of the Low Emission Zone, with the introduction of a 28-day warning period. "This is good news for hauliers as they faced a financial nightmare of non-compliance when the LEZ starts on 4 February," said Roger King, RHA boss, who believes the decision is acceptance by TfL that hauliers have been unable to fit exhaust treatment systems in time for the LEZ introduction, as a result of production delays by suppliers. "However," he continued, "there is no guarantee that 28 days will be long enough to clear the supply backlog and then install the new equipment. We will be monitoring the situation carefully and will ask TfL for yet more time if necessary".
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.net
Fuel savings for new Boxer, Ducato and Relay vans.
Aerodyne Equipment of Greenford, Middlesex says its new range of aerodynamic aids kits for the Peugeot Boxer, Fiat Ducato and Citroën Relay cabs will help operators save fuel, emissions and cash. Customers can choose from a range of cab-top, three dimensional fairings or a Luton Pod, any of which can be specified with side extensions. There are variations to suit the Al-Ko chassis conversions too. "Pictures and specification sheets are available on our website or by mail," says Ambrose Kingston, managing director.
More from Ambrose Kingston on +44 (0)20 8998 5042 or ambrose@aerodyneuk.com
Volvo raises Skr1bn
Volvo Treasury AB is to issue a Skr1bn bond loan on 28 January, under its Euro Medium Term Note programme. The bond loan, which has a fixed interest rate, will mature on 28 July 2010.
More from Christer Johansson on +46 (0) 31 661 334 or christer.johansson@volvo.com
Europcar first to add LDV Lutons to fleet
Europcar just took 50 LCV Maxus Luton-bodied vans, in a deal worth £750,000 at showroom prices. The firm, which says it is Europe's biggest rental company, has a 60,000 strong car and van fleet and over 250 rental sites in the UK alone. It is the first national rental outfit in this country to take the newly launched Maxus 3.5 tonne, long wheel base vans. Michael McInerney, Europcar's fleet operations director for Europcar, said the new vans were a welcome addition to the fleet and would be ideal for customers looking to transport larger goods. All have tail lifts.
More from Steve Miller on +44 (0)1 213 223 089 or smiller@ldv.com
City Link deal strengthens Renault Trucks' presence at Fraikin
Vehicle fleet services firm Fraikin is taking 30 new Renault Premium Privilege trucks for a contract with express parcels carrier City Link. The deal takes the number of Renaults in the firm's fleet to over 100. The Euro 5, 400 hp Premium Privilege two-axle tractors are on full service contract hire and will pull Gray & Adams 13.6m dry freight double-deck trailers on overnight runs between City Link's nationwide depots. Renault Trucks Midlands won the business and these latest vehicles join over 400 tractor units and trailers from Fraikin on contract to City Link.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
Committee questions sustainability of biofuels
The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee has published a report called 'Are biofuels sustainable?' after an inquiry which took written and oral evidence from a wide range of people. The report says that biofuels can play a part in cutting transport emissions from transport but they must be sustainable. The EAC worries about the production of first generation biofuels and thinks we should stop encouraging their production and use - we should look at second generation biofuels as a better low carbon option.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
UK manufacturing remains healthy
A report by the Engineers Employers' Federation says that UK manufacturing is healthy despite international economic uncertainties. The report says that firms are enjoying the best conditions for manufacturing in ten years, with more output, more jobs and more investment planned since 1995.
More from www.eef.org.uk
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback column says this week's "most ingenious misquote" award goes to a camping shop in Beverly, East Yorkshire, UK, where Chris Finn saw a sign saying: "Now is the Winter of our Discount Tents."
More from www.newscientist.com
Figures just out from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show UK commercial vehicle production up 3.8% to 215,692 through 2007. "Last year's commercial vehicle output was the strongest since 1998," said Paul Everitt, the SMMT's new chief executive. "The most significant growth came from the light end of the market, but heavy production ended the year on a high, up 3.1% overall. The forecast for 2008 is stable, with exports once again driving the lion's share of UK van and truck output."
More from John Procter on +44 (0)2 073 449 263 or jprocter@smmt.co.uk
Dennis dustcarts for Dacorum
West Hertfordshire-based Dacorum Borough Council has just got six new refuse collection vehicles from Dennis Eagle. The new trucks, a mixture of Phoenix and Elite two and three axle chassis, join a 40 strong fleet and will do waste collection and recycling work. Dacorum has seen its recycling rates increase from 12 to 45% over the last five years and is one of England's top 20 local authorities in this field.
More from Roberta Manca on +44 (0)1 926 316 000 or roberta.manca@dennis-eagle.co.uk
Simple van security solution
Locks4vans says it has the first 'Thatcham accredited' device to help protect vehicles from break-in theft. The firm says some two million vehicles are broken into a year, with half successfully attacked via the door locks. "Vans are particularly vulnerable," says Andrew Dunley, director. "Repairs can run into hundreds of pounds per door. Our L4V Defender offers an effective solution, costing around £20 a door. Importantly, the unit looks good too and can even be colour-coded to match the vehicle. " Dunley says that the unit saw off attacks with screwdriver, hammer and slide hammer for well over Thatcham's prescribed attack test time. The firm will launch the new units from its two stands, 12-760 and 12-770 at the CV Show in April.
More from Andrew Dunley on +44 (0)7 917 248 291 or andrew.dunley@locks4vans.co.uk
Drive & Survive voted the best again
Oxfordshire-based driver risk management company Drive & Survive has been voted Best Risk Management provider by the readers of Business Car magazine. It is the tenth time in fourteen years that the company has won the award. Last year the firm introduced a driver risk management programme to support Ford's commercial fleet customers and a separate driver training scheme aimed specifically at stressed business drivers. Andy Neale, general manager says he's "very gratified" by his customer's approval.
More from Steve Johnson on +44 (0)1 295 724 283 or steve.johnson@drivesurvive.co.uk
CV Show debut for TomTom's Link 300
TomTom Work, the business-to-business division of sat nav specialists TomTom says its new Link 300 box will make its UK exhibition debut on the firm's stand 12-319 at the CV Show this April. The new unit is for the updated TomTom Work Active system and allows operators to track and trace vans and trucks and send messages between them and TomTom Webfleet online. "Fleet operators are always looking at ways to save costs and improve communications and efficiency," said Thomas Becher, commercial director of TomTom Work. "With the new TomTom link 300, any business can instantly combine high quality navigation with two-way data communication, tracking and tracing.
More from Chris Wakeley on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or cwakeley@automotivepr.com
Strong growth for Stobart
Eddie Stobart says the firm has grown strongly in each of the last three financial years and continues to trade well with new business wins and profitability growing in line with its expectations for the current year and beyond. Stobart says the Group's contracts protect it from rising fuel prices. The comment comes at the end of the first 12 months of the firm's present 14 month accounting period, due to end on 28 February. It also plans a 2.4m ft2 warehousing on 47 acres of land it just bought in Widnes, Cheshire.
More from Karen Mignon on +44 (0)2 072 943 685 or karenm@lansons.com
New software for recovery operators
DBS Software says it will use its stand, 20-110 at the CV Show in April to launch new software for rescue and recovery operators. In 2007 the firm says it was asked to integrate tracking software with third party back-office software and soon found that existing software was falling short. "We were asked if we could provide an alternative solution, said Richard Crook, commercial director. "Our engineers have been working on a suitable replacement and I'm pleased to say that it will be available from April." DBS says its software is used by over 5,000 customers throughout Europe. Much of its business comes from recommendations by satisfied customers and reputation for producing reliable bespoke solutions, according to Crook.
More from Richard Crook on +44 (0)8 709 001 800 or Richard@dbssoftware.co.uk
UK businesses want fuel tax frozen
The BBC says more than 700 businesses have written to the Chancellor calling for the planned rise scrap rise in fuel duty to be scrapped. He is due to hike fuel duty by two pence a litre this April then by 1.84 pence in April 2009. Firms worry about the effect of higher costs on their competitiveness.
More from www.bbc.co.uk
RHA welcomes support on fuel duty
The Road Haulage Association says it welcomes the recent suggestion from the British Chambers of Commerce to Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer, that April's planned two pence a litre fuel duty hike should be abandoned. "We often feel that we're a lone voice when it comes to fuel duty," said Roger King, RHA boss. "But we're delighted that the British Chambers of Commerce have joined us in bringing pressure on Government to think again about adding even further to the fuel tax burden."
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.net
New electronic seal at the CV Show
Security and fleet management specialist Unisto plans to show its top of the range electronic sealing system, Manta RFID on its stand 11-201 at the CV Show in April. The firm says its RFID sealing technology has grown increasingly popular since its launch in 2005. Its latest Manta RFID system builds on that experience to work with the company's GateSuite software to give an integrated and automated cargo seal verification process. The firm says its kit is working successfully on over 70,000 vehicles around the world. It increases logistics efficiency and cuts fuel use and carbon emissions by up to 15% a year by cutting the time trucks stand around waiting to be checked.
More from Charmain Kimpton on +44 (0)1 483 209 305 or ckimpton@sheremktg.co.uk
Better airlines please, but free pressure checks too.
TyreSafe, the tyre industry's leading tyre safety body wants owners and managers of fuel retail forecourts to ensure that their tyre pressure airlines are kept in good working order. The call follows a damning report from Auto Express; the magazine found that 40% of airlines were faulty or not working. Recent Department for Transport figures showing that a third of all accidents involving injury resulted from defective or under inflated tyres. Because properly maintained tyre pressures are vital for vehicle safety and efficiency, TyreSafe's retail supporters, including ATS Euromaster, Central Tyres, Just Tyres, Kwik Fit, Hi-Q, First Stop, ProTyre, Stapletons and National Tyres and Autocare are offering free tyre pressure checks and adjustments at any of their nationwide retail outlets.
More from Chris Wakeley on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or cwakeley@automotivepr.com
More from Michelin
Michelin says its stand, 8-340 at the CV Show in April will be double the size of its stand at last year's event. This is to give the firm space to handle the UK launch of its new 255/60 R19.5 and 205/65 R 17.5 MaxiTrailer tyres as well as a wide range of other products. The firm says that all of the tyres on show will include its patented Durable Technologies, which it describes as "a series of innovations that set new performance standards for customers." Michelin says these are probably the most significant development since it introduced radial tyres in 1952 and should extend across most of the company's European tyre range by 2011.
More from Paul Cordle on +44 (0)1 782 402 341 paul-m.cordle@uk.michelin.com
Business waste matters
The Environment Agency says it has re-launched its Waste Matters website. www.wastematters.org.uk This offers firms advice on managing waste and includes a forum to share good ideas, so the Agency wants you to take look at the website. You may be able learn from it or contribute your bright ideas, so that others can learn from you. Apart from the obvious environmental benefits, good waste management usually saves or makes cash too. "Waste Matters has been redeveloped to help businesses as they begin to see waste as a valuable resource," says the Environment Agency. "Its 1,200 registered members have made the website the success it is - an essential source of information for businesses that produce waste and for those in the waste industry."
More from www.environment-agency.gov..uk
Nationwide Transport Breakdown Services gets a new boss
Neil Hitchen is the new general manager at Nationwide Transport Breakdown Services Ltd, where he will control the day-to-day running of the 24-7 Manchester-based call centre. His appointment follows the death last year of the firm's founder, Spencer Brown. Hitchen, who has 20 year's experience in the recovery business, will also be on the firm's stand, 17-221 at the CV Show in April.
More from Neil Hitchen on +44 (0)1 613 368 752 or neil@ntbs.co.uk
New, approved air suspension for Sprinter
VB Airsuspension says that Mercedes have issued a Letter of Non Objection for its air suspension system on the Sprinter 5T, to go with the one for the 3.5T variant the firm got last April. "Mercedes have tested and signed-off our kits for the Sprinter range and we are the only air-suspension maker to have attained this status," said Oliver Drinkwater, managing director. "This shows Mercedes' confidence in our product."
More from Oliver Drinkwater on +44 (0)7 738 562 832 or drinkwater@vbairsuspension.co.uk
New coach tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system
Automotive engineering specialist Beru f1systems has created a customised tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system for Canadian firm Prevost, a division of the Volvo Bus Group. The company used its racing background to develop the system. "During testing we were surprised to find wheels hitting temperatures of up to 100oC," says Beru f1systems' James Shingleton. "We have vast experience of such high temperatures in performance cars, but it was a surprise to find them matched or even exceeded in the wheels of a coach."
More from Nick Bailey on +44 1295 277050 or nick.bailey@m-eng.com
RHA welcomes LEZ delay
The Road Haulage Association says it welcomes Transport for London's decision to delay enforcement of the Low Emission Zone, with the introduction of a 28-day warning period. "This is good news for hauliers as they faced a financial nightmare of non-compliance when the LEZ starts on 4 February," said Roger King, RHA boss, who believes the decision is acceptance by TfL that hauliers have been unable to fit exhaust treatment systems in time for the LEZ introduction, as a result of production delays by suppliers. "However," he continued, "there is no guarantee that 28 days will be long enough to clear the supply backlog and then install the new equipment. We will be monitoring the situation carefully and will ask TfL for yet more time if necessary".
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.net
Fuel savings for new Boxer, Ducato and Relay vans.
Aerodyne Equipment of Greenford, Middlesex says its new range of aerodynamic aids kits for the Peugeot Boxer, Fiat Ducato and Citroën Relay cabs will help operators save fuel, emissions and cash. Customers can choose from a range of cab-top, three dimensional fairings or a Luton Pod, any of which can be specified with side extensions. There are variations to suit the Al-Ko chassis conversions too. "Pictures and specification sheets are available on our website or by mail," says Ambrose Kingston, managing director.
More from Ambrose Kingston on +44 (0)20 8998 5042 or ambrose@aerodyneuk.com
Volvo raises Skr1bn
Volvo Treasury AB is to issue a Skr1bn bond loan on 28 January, under its Euro Medium Term Note programme. The bond loan, which has a fixed interest rate, will mature on 28 July 2010.
More from Christer Johansson on +46 (0) 31 661 334 or christer.johansson@volvo.com
Europcar first to add LDV Lutons to fleet
Europcar just took 50 LCV Maxus Luton-bodied vans, in a deal worth £750,000 at showroom prices. The firm, which says it is Europe's biggest rental company, has a 60,000 strong car and van fleet and over 250 rental sites in the UK alone. It is the first national rental outfit in this country to take the newly launched Maxus 3.5 tonne, long wheel base vans. Michael McInerney, Europcar's fleet operations director for Europcar, said the new vans were a welcome addition to the fleet and would be ideal for customers looking to transport larger goods. All have tail lifts.
More from Steve Miller on +44 (0)1 213 223 089 or smiller@ldv.com
City Link deal strengthens Renault Trucks' presence at Fraikin
Vehicle fleet services firm Fraikin is taking 30 new Renault Premium Privilege trucks for a contract with express parcels carrier City Link. The deal takes the number of Renaults in the firm's fleet to over 100. The Euro 5, 400 hp Premium Privilege two-axle tractors are on full service contract hire and will pull Gray & Adams 13.6m dry freight double-deck trailers on overnight runs between City Link's nationwide depots. Renault Trucks Midlands won the business and these latest vehicles join over 400 tractor units and trailers from Fraikin on contract to City Link.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
Committee questions sustainability of biofuels
The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee has published a report called 'Are biofuels sustainable?' after an inquiry which took written and oral evidence from a wide range of people. The report says that biofuels can play a part in cutting transport emissions from transport but they must be sustainable. The EAC worries about the production of first generation biofuels and thinks we should stop encouraging their production and use - we should look at second generation biofuels as a better low carbon option.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
UK manufacturing remains healthy
A report by the Engineers Employers' Federation says that UK manufacturing is healthy despite international economic uncertainties. The report says that firms are enjoying the best conditions for manufacturing in ten years, with more output, more jobs and more investment planned since 1995.
More from www.eef.org.uk
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback column says this week's "most ingenious misquote" award goes to a camping shop in Beverly, East Yorkshire, UK, where Chris Finn saw a sign saying: "Now is the Winter of our Discount Tents."
More from www.newscientist.com
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