Legal Brief
 |
 |
Transport News Brief Week 9
Document Actions
The latest news roundup from the SMMT.
New, bigger AdBlue tanks
Fuel tank supplier SB Components says it will show its latest 200 litre, stainless steel and purpose-designed AdBlue tanks on its stand 7-120 at the CV Show this spring.. The firm offers the tanks as larger replacements for the often smaller plastic tanks fitted as the original equipment on many 6x2 tractor units. The firm says it has sold over 1,000 of these units, which give a useful increase in AdBlue capacity.
More from Sonia Sleight on +44 (0)1 945 475 234 or sonia@sb-components.com
MAN wins €80m double-deck deal in Berlin
MAN says it has won another order for 200 low-floor, three axle Lion's City double-deck buses for Berlin. This follows success with 200 similar vehicles, in service since 2004. The new order will be delivered by 2010 and is worth some €80m. The new buses can each carry up to 128 passengers, 83 seated and 45 standing.
More from Thorsten Wagner on +49 (0)5 341 282 268 or thorsten.wagner@man.eu
Best January for commercial vehicle production
UK bus, truck, and van production had its best January since 1990, hitting 20,836 for the month. This follows a strong performance through 2007. "The rolling year total was the highest since 1998 and is forecast to continue strongly through 2008," said Paul Everitt SMMT chief executive. "Environmental issues remain a priority and Leyland Trucks factory's recent 'zero waste to landfill' achievement is an example of sustainable production in action."
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Debut for Appian scheduling software at CV Show
AutoLogic Systems Ltd, on stand 11-202 at the CV Show this Spring, will show its latest Appian Logistics vehicle scheduling and tracking software for the first time. The firm is the sole European distributor of Appian's Direct Route™ and DR Track™. Direct Route™ is an automated route scheduling system that optimizes route planning and DR Track™ is a fleet tracking and web based reporting tool which uses GPS technology to automatically update estimated arrival and departure times and track planned versus actual routes and mileage. "Our new software is really lowering transport costs for many of our existing and new customers," said Graham Carter, managing director.
More from Jo Love on +44 (0)7 887 775 271 or jo@lovecommunication.co.uk
Vintage Roadscene at CV Show
To mark the 60th anniversary of the re-introduction of the Commercial Motor Show, following the end of World War II, the CV Show Partnership has joined with Vintage Roadscene magazine to recall the industry's history. Stand 17-060 will be devoted to a heritage display. "This will include some fascinating examples of vehicles preserved from the 1950s and 1960s," said Professor Alan Earnshaw, the vehicle historian in charges of the project. "These will be complemented by photographic displays and the team from specialist transport publishers Trans-Pennine will be there to answer your questions or just re-live memories of the good old days.
More from Alan Earnshaw on +44 (0)1 768 353 268 or alan@transpenninepublishing.co.uk
New lights on congestion busting.
The Highways Agency says it will introduce a proven scheme to cut congestion and improve traffic flows at one of the busiest junctions on the North West's motorway network. Work will start on Tuesday 26 February, fitting intelligent traffic lights to better control traffic joining the M56 from the entry slip roads at Junction 4, near Wythenshawe. By releasing just a few vehicles at a time, the lights prevent the merging and motorway traffic bunching together and forming a bottleneck that delays everyone. Sensors in the motorway and slip monitor congestion and adjust the timing of the lights to cut the possibility of queues forming. The system has been successfully used on the M60, M62 and M6, cutting congestion and journey times by up to 9%.
More from www.highways.gov.uk
Masternaut buys FibreCity
Masternaut Three X, which says it is the UK's leading web-based telematics firm has spent £6m to buy internet service provider FibreCity. Masternaut says the deal means it can offer better and more integrated service as a result and expand its premises to over 25,000 sq ft and its highly skilled team to 150.
More from Martin Port on +44 (0)1 132 814 000 or martin.port@masternaut.co.uk
Export and Freight awards
Northern Ireland's Export and freight magazine says it 7th annual Irish transport and logistics awards ceremony will be on Friday 19 September at the Euromaster Hotel Belfast. "You can enter online at www.exportandfreight.com for any of the 16 categories," says Helen Beggs, editor. "The aim is to recognise and reward excellence in the industry." which include Logistics Operator of the Year, Haulier of the Year, International Haulier of the Year, Own Account Operator of the Year and Transport Manager of the Year.
More from Helen Beggs on+44 (0)2 892 688 888 or helen@4squaremedia..net
Sale and rent-back from Northgate
Northgate Vehicle Hire, which says it is Europe's leading vehicle rental outfit, now offers a sale and rent back deal. The firm says the plan will help companies to move their fleets to a rental basis, which it says will prove helpful at a time of increasing economic uncertainty. Firms that take up Northgate's offer will get an immediate cash injection for their businesses and will remove depreciating assets from their balance sheets. Depending on the age of vehicles sold to Northgate, firms will either rent the same vehicles back at a fixed rate, or if they are more than 27 months old, have them replaced immediately with new vehicles.
More from Ross Clarkson on 01 325 467 558 or ross.clarkson@northgateplc.com
Goodyear to launch Max technology at CV Show
Goodyear Dunlop says it will use the Commercial Vehicle Show this spring to launch its new Goodyear Max technology ranges to the UK market. The firm says the benefits include better fuel consumption, better wet braking, better load capacity and longer tyre life. The new system includes new tread compounds, new tread designs, a new tyre carcass construction and new sizes. "The low rolling resistance of the new Goodyear range ensures better fuel consumption," said Nigel Sowerby director truck tyres. "When combined with longer mileage this gives lower cost per mile for operators. At the CV Show we will demonstrate this with testimonials from the fleets who have tested Max technology during the last six months."
More from James Bailey on +44 (0)1 213 066 328 or jbBailey@goodyear.com
Teesport container terminal proposal agreed
The UK Department for Transport says Jim Fitzpatrick, shipping minister, has approved applications by Teesport for a big expansion of its container terminal facilities. The plan will increase the port's capacity to from 250,000 to around 1.5m twenty foot equivalent units a year. a TEU is the standard measure for container traffic and relates to the size of ISO containers.
More from www.dft.gov.uk
Two new Hydraloaders for PJM
Swanley-based P J M recovery has taken two new Dyson Hydraloaders, one based on a Renault Midlum and the other on an Iveco Daily. The new trucks will work in the north Kent and south east London areas, including the M25, M20 motorways and the A20 and A2 trunk roads.
More from Dennis Cantillion on +44 (0)1 453 755 551 or dennis@cka.co.uk
Europe's automotive production up 5.3% in 2007
Acea, the European auto industry body, says European automotive production grew 5.3% to hit 19.7m vehicles in 2007. Cars took 87% of the total, up 5.5% compared to 2006 and trucks did particularly well, up +15% on the back of booming European demand. Van production was up 2% while buses dropped 24%.
More from www.acea.be
Recovery operators try to get off the hook
The RHA wants London mayor Ken Livingstone to give its recovery operator members exemption from the costs of the London Low Emission Zone. The RHA is clearly irritated by the fact that showman's vehicles, those involved in the amusement and fairground trade, are exempted. But should these often elderly trucks break down within the zone, the recovery operator will be charged to provide help if his, probably much younger truck, doesn't meet the LEZ standards.
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.net
First Volvo for MT Kail
Stockport-based MT Kail Plant Hire, which says it is one of the largest plant-hire companies in the north-west of England, has got its first Volvo truck. Supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials in Stockport, the new FH 16520 will go to work among a fleet of eight rigid trucks. It will tow a Traffco low-loader trailer. Both truck and trailer are on a two-year repair and maintenance contract with the dealer.
More from Lynda Lane on to 01619354174 or llane@thhardy.co.uk
Highways Agency pioneers pictograms
The Highways Agency says drivers on the M42 motorway near Leicester will be the first on England's motorway network to get digital pictograms on the overhead electronic signs. These will help warn drivers of dangers ahead including accidents, congestion, snow, ice, side winds or congestion. The pictograms use internationally recognisable signs, making it easier for foreign drivers to understand them.
More from www.highways.gsi.gov.uk
Scrap plans for fuel duty hike
The Freight Transport Association has told the Chancellor of the Exchequer that his Budget must abandon plans for a two pence a litre fuel duty hike from 1 April. The FTA says that with oil now over $100 a barrel, and still rising, the move will cause 'severe problems' for both the UK transport industry and its customers. It says road transport costs are rising at 8.4% a year for a 40 tonne truck, well over the inflation rate of 3.4%.. The planned two pence a litre increase from 1 April would be the second rise in six months and comes on top of a 12.5 pence a litre increase in fuel prices during 2007.
More from Geoff Dossetter on +44 (0)1 892 552 255 or gdossetter@fta.co.uk
Russia to be the largest European vehicle market by 2010
Just-auto.com reports that the Russian new car market hit. 2.35m new cars in 2007 making in the 4th largest in Europe, behind Germany Italy and the UK. It is on course to be a Europe's largest market by 2010.
More from www.just-auto.com
Anti-truck theft technology from Volvo
The Volvo Group has bought into the Swedish firm Datachassi, which has developed a theft protection system based on intelligent radio technology and sensors that can sharply cut thefts. Volvo says goods worth over £6bn (Skr75bn) are stolen from trucks each year in the EU alone. "We foresee a huge potential for this invention," says Per Wassén, investment manager at Volvo Technology Transfer. Most of the thefts from trucks are from the trailer and Volvo says there is no satisfactory security system for protection. The Datachassi system uses radio communications with changes to the trailer's sidelights to take sensors and radio beacons. When objects or people come too close to the trailer, the sensors alert a unit in the cab which then sends a wireless signal to a central server or a security company to raise the alarm.
More from Per Wassén on +46 31 66 91 68 or per.wassen@volvo.com
May is the worst month for truck tyre punctures
ATS Euromaster says its data shows that May 2007 saw the most commercial vehicle tyre-related breakdowns on the UK roads last year. Through the year ATS Euromaster's 24 hour Rapid Response team handled 111,318 calls for roadside assistance from vans to top weight articulated trucks, with 10,242 or 9.2% of all call-outs falling in May. The quietest month was December, with just 7,042 or 6.3% of calls.
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler.com
Hague joins UAN
The United Aftermarket Network says Stephen Hague is its newly appointed commercial vehicle business development manager, covering northern England and Scotland.
More from Mark Field on +44 (0)1 213 234 165 or markfield@unitedaftermarket.net
Europe likely to miss road safety target
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile says Europe urgently needs to do more if it is to hit its road safety target of halving deaths by 2010. Some of the measures it recommends include mandatory Electronic Stability Control and the rapid adoption of the Directive on road infrastructure safety management.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Commission wants tyres to help deliver CO2 targets
The European Commission is trying to figure out how persuade people to buy low rolling resistance tyres to cut fuel use by between three and four per cent. One idea it seems to like is tyre energy labelling.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
EU greenhouse gas emissions drop 8%
The European Environment Agency says total greenhouse gas emissions for EU fell 0.7 % between 2004 and 2005 and by 7.9 % between 1990 and 2005. In 2005 the leading European greenhouse gas culprits were Germany at 19 %, the UK at 13 %, Italy at 11 % and France at 11 %.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
UK to raise its CO2 game
The Government may raise its target for cutting CO2 emissions to 80% by 2050 and will ask the independent Committee on Climate Change's advice on the idea. A review of the target to cut the UK's CO2 emissions by at least 60% by 2050 will also be a statutory duty under the Climate Change Bill, according to Hilary Benn MP, environment secretary. Separately, Benn announced up to £400m for clean energy technologies, investments and enterprises over the next three years.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
UK Government to review biofuel use
The Government is to review the environmental and economic damage caused by the use of biofuels. "The UK Government takes this issue very seriously, said Ruth Kelly MP, transport secretary. "We are not prepared to go beyond current UK target levels for biofuels until we are satisfied it can be done sustainably." The new Renewable Fuels Agency will do the study and report in early summer this year.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
On-line employment law service from the RHA and Croner
This April, Croner and the Road Haulage Association are to offer RHA members a new online product, RHA Croner-i Employment Law, to help users stay ahead of workplace issues and legislation. The RHA says the scheme will offer a practical, easy-to-use, on-line approach to managing employment law issues for UK truckers, including hauliers and own account operators. "People are a very real factor in the success of a business," said Martin Smith, managing director at Croner. "There are a great many costs associated with non-compliance, not least the threat of closure - what business wants or can afford that?"
More from Geoff Dunning on +44 (0)1 274 863 100 or geoff.dunning@rha.net
New ideas from Allison at the CV Show
Allison Transmission says it will announce new distribution applications for its automatic transmissions on its stand 6-280 at the CV Show in April 2008. The firm, now under new ownership, aims to continue its expansion into different sectors, for example distribution and construction, as well as increasing the number of its hybrid bus powertrain sales in Europe. Visitors will also be able to sign up for the 2008 Awareness Events that Allison is holding throughout the UK. In addition, the firm's most senior executives will be over from the US to meet the increasing number of people using Allison products.
More from Nick Bailey on +44 (0)1 205 277 050 or nick.bailey@m-eng.com
FTA calls for operator choice on recovery
The Freight Transport Association says it has replied to the consultation on draft regulations regarding the removal, storage and disposal of vehicles and has welcomed the chance for truckers to make their own arrangements to recover a vehicle rather than be forced to accept solutions imposed on them by police forces.. The FTA says it has seen examples of operators forced to accept a police appointed recovery firm when their own agent could do the job more quickly, efficiently and economically. The new regulations mean that won't happen in future.
More from Geoff Dossetter on +44 (0)1 892 552 255 or gdossetter@fta.co.uk
Maxus fire engine
West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service has bought what it thinks is the first custom-built fire engine for young people. The service will use the LDV Maxus-based vehicle to help students on its Young Fire-fighters course. The Maxus fire engine has most features found on a full-size appliance; the crew cab seats five people and has space for breathing apparatus and the vehicle carries two ladders - triple extension and a light-weight double. Local LDV dealer F&G Commercials did the business.
More from Steve Miller on +44(0)1 213 223 089 or smiller@ldv.com
Straight forward rear steering
National brick and block carrier, Intasite Haulage has taken delivery of its first CityTrailer tri-axle twin-steer trailer to help it cope with increasingly difficult site access. The trailer's second and third axles steer via kingpins instead of the more common turntable and bar method. Bryan Swales, managing director of Intasite says the manoeuvrability is 'phenomenal' as is the weight saving compared with other mechanical solutions. "The new steering system will also be very interesting to people carrying rear-mounted fork lifts," said Mike Gauntlett, managing director at Rimorchio Ltd, which sells the system. "The CityTrailer system locks the steering of both axles via the electronic braking system at a preset speed, giving better safety and stability than most conventionally steered axle trailer."
More from Mike Gauntlett on +44 (0)1 454 315 103 or mike@citytrailer.co.uk
Darwen floats
UK bus maker Darwen Holdings has begun on the Alternative Investment Market (Aim) of the London Stock Exchange. The firm, which bought East Lancashire Coach Builders out of administration last year, has plans to develop low emission bus models, based on either diesel or diesel-electric hybrid power. The Financial Times reports Darwen was admitted to Aim with a value of around £15m. The firm is based in Blackburn, Lancashire and is expected to move to bigger premises soon.
More from Lauren Jones on +44 (0)1 612 361 352 or lauren@mcmc.co.uk
And finally - the lore of averages
New Scientist's Feedback column reports that reader Peter Thornley asks it to decipher the following statement from the Melbourne (Australia) newspaper, The Herald Sun: "A whopping 10.6 million Australians were found to be below average in problem solving, while only 800,000 exceeded expectation." To help you, note that the population of Australia is around 21 million - so half would be around 10.5 million.
More from www.newscientist.com
Fuel tank supplier SB Components says it will show its latest 200 litre, stainless steel and purpose-designed AdBlue tanks on its stand 7-120 at the CV Show this spring.. The firm offers the tanks as larger replacements for the often smaller plastic tanks fitted as the original equipment on many 6x2 tractor units. The firm says it has sold over 1,000 of these units, which give a useful increase in AdBlue capacity.
More from Sonia Sleight on +44 (0)1 945 475 234 or sonia@sb-components.com
MAN wins €80m double-deck deal in Berlin
MAN says it has won another order for 200 low-floor, three axle Lion's City double-deck buses for Berlin. This follows success with 200 similar vehicles, in service since 2004. The new order will be delivered by 2010 and is worth some €80m. The new buses can each carry up to 128 passengers, 83 seated and 45 standing.
More from Thorsten Wagner on +49 (0)5 341 282 268 or thorsten.wagner@man.eu
Best January for commercial vehicle production
UK bus, truck, and van production had its best January since 1990, hitting 20,836 for the month. This follows a strong performance through 2007. "The rolling year total was the highest since 1998 and is forecast to continue strongly through 2008," said Paul Everitt SMMT chief executive. "Environmental issues remain a priority and Leyland Trucks factory's recent 'zero waste to landfill' achievement is an example of sustainable production in action."
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Debut for Appian scheduling software at CV Show
AutoLogic Systems Ltd, on stand 11-202 at the CV Show this Spring, will show its latest Appian Logistics vehicle scheduling and tracking software for the first time. The firm is the sole European distributor of Appian's Direct Route™ and DR Track™. Direct Route™ is an automated route scheduling system that optimizes route planning and DR Track™ is a fleet tracking and web based reporting tool which uses GPS technology to automatically update estimated arrival and departure times and track planned versus actual routes and mileage. "Our new software is really lowering transport costs for many of our existing and new customers," said Graham Carter, managing director.
More from Jo Love on +44 (0)7 887 775 271 or jo@lovecommunication.co.uk
Vintage Roadscene at CV Show
To mark the 60th anniversary of the re-introduction of the Commercial Motor Show, following the end of World War II, the CV Show Partnership has joined with Vintage Roadscene magazine to recall the industry's history. Stand 17-060 will be devoted to a heritage display. "This will include some fascinating examples of vehicles preserved from the 1950s and 1960s," said Professor Alan Earnshaw, the vehicle historian in charges of the project. "These will be complemented by photographic displays and the team from specialist transport publishers Trans-Pennine will be there to answer your questions or just re-live memories of the good old days.
More from Alan Earnshaw on +44 (0)1 768 353 268 or alan@transpenninepublishing.co.uk
New lights on congestion busting.
The Highways Agency says it will introduce a proven scheme to cut congestion and improve traffic flows at one of the busiest junctions on the North West's motorway network. Work will start on Tuesday 26 February, fitting intelligent traffic lights to better control traffic joining the M56 from the entry slip roads at Junction 4, near Wythenshawe. By releasing just a few vehicles at a time, the lights prevent the merging and motorway traffic bunching together and forming a bottleneck that delays everyone. Sensors in the motorway and slip monitor congestion and adjust the timing of the lights to cut the possibility of queues forming. The system has been successfully used on the M60, M62 and M6, cutting congestion and journey times by up to 9%.
More from www.highways.gov.uk
Masternaut buys FibreCity
Masternaut Three X, which says it is the UK's leading web-based telematics firm has spent £6m to buy internet service provider FibreCity. Masternaut says the deal means it can offer better and more integrated service as a result and expand its premises to over 25,000 sq ft and its highly skilled team to 150.
More from Martin Port on +44 (0)1 132 814 000 or martin.port@masternaut.co.uk
Export and Freight awards
Northern Ireland's Export and freight magazine says it 7th annual Irish transport and logistics awards ceremony will be on Friday 19 September at the Euromaster Hotel Belfast. "You can enter online at www.exportandfreight.com for any of the 16 categories," says Helen Beggs, editor. "The aim is to recognise and reward excellence in the industry." which include Logistics Operator of the Year, Haulier of the Year, International Haulier of the Year, Own Account Operator of the Year and Transport Manager of the Year.
More from Helen Beggs on+44 (0)2 892 688 888 or helen@4squaremedia..net
Sale and rent-back from Northgate
Northgate Vehicle Hire, which says it is Europe's leading vehicle rental outfit, now offers a sale and rent back deal. The firm says the plan will help companies to move their fleets to a rental basis, which it says will prove helpful at a time of increasing economic uncertainty. Firms that take up Northgate's offer will get an immediate cash injection for their businesses and will remove depreciating assets from their balance sheets. Depending on the age of vehicles sold to Northgate, firms will either rent the same vehicles back at a fixed rate, or if they are more than 27 months old, have them replaced immediately with new vehicles.
More from Ross Clarkson on 01 325 467 558 or ross.clarkson@northgateplc.com
Goodyear to launch Max technology at CV Show
Goodyear Dunlop says it will use the Commercial Vehicle Show this spring to launch its new Goodyear Max technology ranges to the UK market. The firm says the benefits include better fuel consumption, better wet braking, better load capacity and longer tyre life. The new system includes new tread compounds, new tread designs, a new tyre carcass construction and new sizes. "The low rolling resistance of the new Goodyear range ensures better fuel consumption," said Nigel Sowerby director truck tyres. "When combined with longer mileage this gives lower cost per mile for operators. At the CV Show we will demonstrate this with testimonials from the fleets who have tested Max technology during the last six months."
More from James Bailey on +44 (0)1 213 066 328 or jbBailey@goodyear.com
Teesport container terminal proposal agreed
The UK Department for Transport says Jim Fitzpatrick, shipping minister, has approved applications by Teesport for a big expansion of its container terminal facilities. The plan will increase the port's capacity to from 250,000 to around 1.5m twenty foot equivalent units a year. a TEU is the standard measure for container traffic and relates to the size of ISO containers.
More from www.dft.gov.uk
Two new Hydraloaders for PJM
Swanley-based P J M recovery has taken two new Dyson Hydraloaders, one based on a Renault Midlum and the other on an Iveco Daily. The new trucks will work in the north Kent and south east London areas, including the M25, M20 motorways and the A20 and A2 trunk roads.
More from Dennis Cantillion on +44 (0)1 453 755 551 or dennis@cka.co.uk
Europe's automotive production up 5.3% in 2007
Acea, the European auto industry body, says European automotive production grew 5.3% to hit 19.7m vehicles in 2007. Cars took 87% of the total, up 5.5% compared to 2006 and trucks did particularly well, up +15% on the back of booming European demand. Van production was up 2% while buses dropped 24%.
More from www.acea.be
Recovery operators try to get off the hook
The RHA wants London mayor Ken Livingstone to give its recovery operator members exemption from the costs of the London Low Emission Zone. The RHA is clearly irritated by the fact that showman's vehicles, those involved in the amusement and fairground trade, are exempted. But should these often elderly trucks break down within the zone, the recovery operator will be charged to provide help if his, probably much younger truck, doesn't meet the LEZ standards.
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.net
First Volvo for MT Kail
Stockport-based MT Kail Plant Hire, which says it is one of the largest plant-hire companies in the north-west of England, has got its first Volvo truck. Supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials in Stockport, the new FH 16520 will go to work among a fleet of eight rigid trucks. It will tow a Traffco low-loader trailer. Both truck and trailer are on a two-year repair and maintenance contract with the dealer.
More from Lynda Lane on to 01619354174 or llane@thhardy.co.uk
Highways Agency pioneers pictograms
The Highways Agency says drivers on the M42 motorway near Leicester will be the first on England's motorway network to get digital pictograms on the overhead electronic signs. These will help warn drivers of dangers ahead including accidents, congestion, snow, ice, side winds or congestion. The pictograms use internationally recognisable signs, making it easier for foreign drivers to understand them.
More from www.highways.gsi.gov.uk
Scrap plans for fuel duty hike
The Freight Transport Association has told the Chancellor of the Exchequer that his Budget must abandon plans for a two pence a litre fuel duty hike from 1 April. The FTA says that with oil now over $100 a barrel, and still rising, the move will cause 'severe problems' for both the UK transport industry and its customers. It says road transport costs are rising at 8.4% a year for a 40 tonne truck, well over the inflation rate of 3.4%.. The planned two pence a litre increase from 1 April would be the second rise in six months and comes on top of a 12.5 pence a litre increase in fuel prices during 2007.
More from Geoff Dossetter on +44 (0)1 892 552 255 or gdossetter@fta.co.uk
Russia to be the largest European vehicle market by 2010
Just-auto.com reports that the Russian new car market hit. 2.35m new cars in 2007 making in the 4th largest in Europe, behind Germany Italy and the UK. It is on course to be a Europe's largest market by 2010.
More from www.just-auto.com
Anti-truck theft technology from Volvo
The Volvo Group has bought into the Swedish firm Datachassi, which has developed a theft protection system based on intelligent radio technology and sensors that can sharply cut thefts. Volvo says goods worth over £6bn (Skr75bn) are stolen from trucks each year in the EU alone. "We foresee a huge potential for this invention," says Per Wassén, investment manager at Volvo Technology Transfer. Most of the thefts from trucks are from the trailer and Volvo says there is no satisfactory security system for protection. The Datachassi system uses radio communications with changes to the trailer's sidelights to take sensors and radio beacons. When objects or people come too close to the trailer, the sensors alert a unit in the cab which then sends a wireless signal to a central server or a security company to raise the alarm.
More from Per Wassén on +46 31 66 91 68 or per.wassen@volvo.com
May is the worst month for truck tyre punctures
ATS Euromaster says its data shows that May 2007 saw the most commercial vehicle tyre-related breakdowns on the UK roads last year. Through the year ATS Euromaster's 24 hour Rapid Response team handled 111,318 calls for roadside assistance from vans to top weight articulated trucks, with 10,242 or 9.2% of all call-outs falling in May. The quietest month was December, with just 7,042 or 6.3% of calls.
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler.com
Hague joins UAN
The United Aftermarket Network says Stephen Hague is its newly appointed commercial vehicle business development manager, covering northern England and Scotland.
More from Mark Field on +44 (0)1 213 234 165 or markfield@unitedaftermarket.net
Europe likely to miss road safety target
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile says Europe urgently needs to do more if it is to hit its road safety target of halving deaths by 2010. Some of the measures it recommends include mandatory Electronic Stability Control and the rapid adoption of the Directive on road infrastructure safety management.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Commission wants tyres to help deliver CO2 targets
The European Commission is trying to figure out how persuade people to buy low rolling resistance tyres to cut fuel use by between three and four per cent. One idea it seems to like is tyre energy labelling.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
EU greenhouse gas emissions drop 8%
The European Environment Agency says total greenhouse gas emissions for EU fell 0.7 % between 2004 and 2005 and by 7.9 % between 1990 and 2005. In 2005 the leading European greenhouse gas culprits were Germany at 19 %, the UK at 13 %, Italy at 11 % and France at 11 %.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
UK to raise its CO2 game
The Government may raise its target for cutting CO2 emissions to 80% by 2050 and will ask the independent Committee on Climate Change's advice on the idea. A review of the target to cut the UK's CO2 emissions by at least 60% by 2050 will also be a statutory duty under the Climate Change Bill, according to Hilary Benn MP, environment secretary. Separately, Benn announced up to £400m for clean energy technologies, investments and enterprises over the next three years.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
UK Government to review biofuel use
The Government is to review the environmental and economic damage caused by the use of biofuels. "The UK Government takes this issue very seriously, said Ruth Kelly MP, transport secretary. "We are not prepared to go beyond current UK target levels for biofuels until we are satisfied it can be done sustainably." The new Renewable Fuels Agency will do the study and report in early summer this year.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
On-line employment law service from the RHA and Croner
This April, Croner and the Road Haulage Association are to offer RHA members a new online product, RHA Croner-i Employment Law, to help users stay ahead of workplace issues and legislation. The RHA says the scheme will offer a practical, easy-to-use, on-line approach to managing employment law issues for UK truckers, including hauliers and own account operators. "People are a very real factor in the success of a business," said Martin Smith, managing director at Croner. "There are a great many costs associated with non-compliance, not least the threat of closure - what business wants or can afford that?"
More from Geoff Dunning on +44 (0)1 274 863 100 or geoff.dunning@rha.net
New ideas from Allison at the CV Show
Allison Transmission says it will announce new distribution applications for its automatic transmissions on its stand 6-280 at the CV Show in April 2008. The firm, now under new ownership, aims to continue its expansion into different sectors, for example distribution and construction, as well as increasing the number of its hybrid bus powertrain sales in Europe. Visitors will also be able to sign up for the 2008 Awareness Events that Allison is holding throughout the UK. In addition, the firm's most senior executives will be over from the US to meet the increasing number of people using Allison products.
More from Nick Bailey on +44 (0)1 205 277 050 or nick.bailey@m-eng.com
FTA calls for operator choice on recovery
The Freight Transport Association says it has replied to the consultation on draft regulations regarding the removal, storage and disposal of vehicles and has welcomed the chance for truckers to make their own arrangements to recover a vehicle rather than be forced to accept solutions imposed on them by police forces.. The FTA says it has seen examples of operators forced to accept a police appointed recovery firm when their own agent could do the job more quickly, efficiently and economically. The new regulations mean that won't happen in future.
More from Geoff Dossetter on +44 (0)1 892 552 255 or gdossetter@fta.co.uk
Maxus fire engine
West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service has bought what it thinks is the first custom-built fire engine for young people. The service will use the LDV Maxus-based vehicle to help students on its Young Fire-fighters course. The Maxus fire engine has most features found on a full-size appliance; the crew cab seats five people and has space for breathing apparatus and the vehicle carries two ladders - triple extension and a light-weight double. Local LDV dealer F&G Commercials did the business.
More from Steve Miller on +44(0)1 213 223 089 or smiller@ldv.com
Straight forward rear steering
National brick and block carrier, Intasite Haulage has taken delivery of its first CityTrailer tri-axle twin-steer trailer to help it cope with increasingly difficult site access. The trailer's second and third axles steer via kingpins instead of the more common turntable and bar method. Bryan Swales, managing director of Intasite says the manoeuvrability is 'phenomenal' as is the weight saving compared with other mechanical solutions. "The new steering system will also be very interesting to people carrying rear-mounted fork lifts," said Mike Gauntlett, managing director at Rimorchio Ltd, which sells the system. "The CityTrailer system locks the steering of both axles via the electronic braking system at a preset speed, giving better safety and stability than most conventionally steered axle trailer."
More from Mike Gauntlett on +44 (0)1 454 315 103 or mike@citytrailer.co.uk
Darwen floats
UK bus maker Darwen Holdings has begun on the Alternative Investment Market (Aim) of the London Stock Exchange. The firm, which bought East Lancashire Coach Builders out of administration last year, has plans to develop low emission bus models, based on either diesel or diesel-electric hybrid power. The Financial Times reports Darwen was admitted to Aim with a value of around £15m. The firm is based in Blackburn, Lancashire and is expected to move to bigger premises soon.
More from Lauren Jones on +44 (0)1 612 361 352 or lauren@mcmc.co.uk
And finally - the lore of averages
New Scientist's Feedback column reports that reader Peter Thornley asks it to decipher the following statement from the Melbourne (Australia) newspaper, The Herald Sun: "A whopping 10.6 million Australians were found to be below average in problem solving, while only 800,000 exceeded expectation." To help you, note that the population of Australia is around 21 million - so half would be around 10.5 million.
More from www.newscientist.com
About TNN News Feed
