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Transport News Brief Week 28
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The latest news roundup from the SMMT.
Low carbon van deal starts to roll
Cenex just hosted the first information day to invite potential suppliers to bid to supply low carbon vans, initially to a group of major fleets. The deal is part of a plan to stimulate the development and use of low carbon vans in the UK. The snappily named Low Carbon Procurement Programme has £20m to spend, provided by the Department for Transport and £30m more if early results go well. Cenex, the UK's centre of excellence in low carbon and fuel cell technology will run the scheme for the DfT. It wants bids from firms with either low carbon or all-electric vans to bid for the supply of up to 200 vans for a first phase and then "significantly larger numbers" for second phase. The cash will help operators and vehicle makers cover the additional capital and running costs for these development vehicles. "Interested firms need to look at www.cenex.co.uk/lcvpp and make sure they contact us without delay," said Adrian Visome, project manager for Cenex. "We'll send them a 'pre-qualification questionnaire' that they must complete and get back to us by Friday 12 September if they want to be considered.
More from Adrian Vinsome on +44 (0)l 509 635 757 or adrian.vinsome@cenex.co.uk
Strong demand keeps trucks in the spotlight
Van and truck registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show a 2.3% drop in June and a 5.1% rise to 395,582 for the rolling year. Within those totals, trucks were up 21.6% in June and 22.9% to 58,288 for the rolling year and vans were down 5.7% for the month and up 2..5% to 337,294 for the rolling year. "Healthy truck order books suggest we'll see stable demand and strong registrations for some time while van registrations have stabilised at record levels," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "The van and truck sector is in good shape and although businesses are wary about the economy, we expect tough challenges, not catastrophe."
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Strong June crowns buses' best first half for years
Figures from the SMMT show that bus registrations had the best first half for many years. Big bus registrations did better than expected, those for big coaches were at near record levels and double deck bus numbers continued their strong growth. But for most there are signs of change ahead. "June's figures showed the first half of 2008 as the best start to bus and coach registrations for years, on the back of sales last year," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "Manufacturers report some signs of slower sales earlier this year, which may show as a slowdown in registrations in the coming months. Helpfully, shifts in bus ridership may hold better prospects for the future."
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Another £36m for Vosa testing services
In a recent statement to the House of Commons, UK transport minister Jim Fitzpatrick said the future of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency is secure. He announced improvements in Vosa's testing services to improve access to commercial vehicle tests and cut vehicle downtime. He wants to see more Vosa tests at operators' premises, at more convenient times and also wants more Vosa tests at service and maintenance providers' premises. The aim is to improve quality of service and choice. On top of the £28m already promised for modernisation and IT support, Fitzpatrick committed another £36m over the next two years to support Vosa spending. The results will include extended opening hours and benchmarking between test stations. He aims to increase choice for customers "not just about where testing is done, but also when." He also says he wants "dialogue" with the freight industry and others about a detailed timetable that he plans to present this autumn.
More from Zita Easton on +44 (0)1 179 542 561 press@vosa.gov.uk
Diesel at 99p a litre from Northgate
Fleets can slash their fuel bills by more than 30 pence a litre with Northgate's special July promotion. This aims to encourage new customers to rent vehicles on Norflex and also get Northgate's fleet management expertise. All new customers that rent a vehicle on Norflex from the Northgate network in July, for a minimum of 28 consecutive days, qualify for the special offer: they can fill their tanks with diesel at just 99p per litre. The deal ends on 31 July. Northgate makes the offer after a survey shows that almost a third of all fleets and 49% of smaller fleets admit that they do nothing to keep fuel bills under control despite record pump prices.
More from Ross Clarkson on +44 (0)1 325 467 558 or ross.clarkson@northgateplc.com
First Renaults for Benton Brothers
The 100 year old, family-run and Boston-based Benton Brothers just got two new Renault Premium 450s, with another three to come in September. These are the first Renaults into the firm's 150 strong truck and 250 strong trailer fleet. They are also the first to carry Benton's new livery and will do general haulage work for subsidiary Benton Logistics. The group employs over 160 people across its Boston and Immingham sites. Renault Trucks dealer Thompson Commercials did the business.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 47 961 or penny..randall@renault-trucks.com
Vosa hikes test fees
Following full consultation, Vosa will introduce new commercial vehicle test fees from 13 July and O-licence fees from 1 August 2008. Fees will generally rise by an average of 5% though fees for Single Vehicle Approval will rise by 20%. Vosa says it need the higher rise in SVA fees because volumes have dropped by 70% over three years. Vosa has held fees level from 2001 till 2007 meaning the annualised rise in SVA fees is 3..66%. Fees for operator licensing and related services will also rise by 5%, generally, on 1 August. Vosa aims to cut the time to do a standard truck test from 90 to 72 minutes and to introduce on-line test bookings later this year.
More from Zita Easton on +44 (0)1 179 542 561 press@vosa.gov.uk
Daf wins again
For the 11th time Daf Trucks has won accolades at the prestigious Motor Transport Awards, held last week at London's Grosvenor House Hotel. This year Daf again won the Fleet Truck of the Year trophy; the eighth time the Daf 85 or its predecessors have taken the trophy.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
Wheel appeal
Jane's Defence Weekly has been reporting a military mindshift from tracks to wheels for fighting vehicles. This has its roots in logistics; broadly, a wheeled vehicle can take itself to war while a tracked one needs a transporter. When it gets there, lots of big wheels still give pretty good mobility. This shift was clear at the recent Defence Vehicle Dynamics show at Millbrook in Bedfordshire. The annual opportunity to tear round the site's impressive off-roads tracks on anything from trail bikes to tanks was dominated by 6x6 and 8x8 drive trains, with barely a tracked vehicle to be seen. The UK's Ministry of Defence took the opportunity to announce orders for more fighting vehicles, all of them wheeled.
More from Peter Felstead on +44 (0)2 087 003 750 or jdw@janes.com
First 7.5 tonne Hino 300 in the midlands
The first Hino 300 in the midlands has gone to work for Bloxwich-based Abacus Builders Merchants (Walsall) Ltd. The new truck joins a five-strong fleet of rigids and will handle the delivery of 'heavy side' building materials to sites, including private houses, where access is often limited. The Hino 7.5 tonner has bodywork to carry bricks and blocks and has a chassis-mounted crane behind the cab. "We were looking for a robust, economical and manoeuvrable workhorse with an acceptable crane/payload capacity," said Bob Wright, MD at Abacus. "In the Hino 300 we found exactly what we wanted." Hi -Trucks (Birmingham) did the business.
More from Trevor Longcroft on +44 (0)1 202 840 662 or tlongcroft@aol.com
New metal for MoD
The defence vehicle industry is getting excited about the UK Ministry of Defence's Operational Utility Vehicle System deal. This aims to deliver a range of vehicles rather like the US Army's Humvee, larger and better protected than the ubiquitous Land Rovers in service today. At a time when there are moves to untangle the protectionism that cocoons European defence buying, the Ouvs deal is one of the biggest in prospect. It will generate intense competition and some unexpected competitors for the 16,000 vehicles said to be involved in a complex mix of new vehicles bought and older one refurbished. Sadly it will also generate far more than its fair share of virtually impenetrable MoD jargon along the way.
More from Danny Ruggobeer on +44 (0)1 295 277 050 or danny.rughoobeer@m-eng.com
Royal Mail gets a new lift from Penny
Penny Hydraulics has developed a special vehicle-mounted platform lift for Royal Mail Letters. The aim is to simplify the safe handling and collection of post trolley cages using smaller vans. The platform lift, known as the York Load Lift, was designed to replace conventional underslung tail lifts that could no longer be fitted to Royal Mail Letters' new van models because of their lower ground clearance. The Load Lift means the vehicle can carry four York cages, each weighing up to 250kg each without breaking current load limits. Royal Mail Letters says it put around 50 of these Four York Carrier vans to work, so that mail meets new delivery schedules.
More from Richard Short +44(0)1 246 811 475 or sales@pennyhydraulics.com
Small fleets do little to save fuel, CO2 and cash
Van rental giant Northgate says a recent survey shows that almost a third of all fleets and half of smaller fleets admit that they are do nothing to keep fuel bills and so CO2 emissions under control, despite record pump prices. But many larger firms do try to cut fuel bills, by cutting journeys, using more efficient vans, telematics and driver training. Generally, the bigger the fleet, the more it does to improve efficiency. Northgate says the lack of action to cut fuel costs is despite UK diesel prices rising from £0.972 a litre last July to £1.319 a litre now.
More from Ross Clarkson on +44 (0)1 325 467 558 or ross.clarkson@northgateplc.com
Vito Taxi for London cabbies
Mercedes-Benz has launched a new 'London Taxi' with taxi retailer KPM-UK, to offer the capital's cabbies an alternative vehicle, based on the Vito minibus. The new Vito Taxi uses a steering rear axle to meet meet London's strict rules for a 25ft (7.62m) turning circle. Mercedes builds the basic Vito Traveliner minibus in Spain and Coventry engineering specialist One80 then adapts the vehicle. London taxi dealer KPM-UK sells the Vito Taxi from its base in Bethnal Green, east London. "The Vito Taxi is a truly ground-breaking vehicle, offering London's cab drivers a genuine alternative to the ubiquitous LTI model for the first time in many years," said Steve Bridge, Mercedes-Benz UK's van sales and marketing director. Power is from a Mercedes-Benz 2.2-litre common-rail diesel engine "that meets all of the latest emissions standards."
More from Ian Norwell on +44 (0)1 908 245 949 or ian.norwell@daimlerchrysler.co.uk
Euro 5 on all core bus models from Optare
All new build Optare Solo, Versa and Tempo bus models are now available with Euro 5 engines if operators wish. This is a full 18 months before the law demands this, the highest available emission standard so far. Optare says all its Mercedes-powered models now come with Euro 5. "We're delighted that we can provide customers with vehicles meeting Euro 5 so far ahead of the legislative date," says Chris Wise, sales director. "We're aware that many are determined to be as 'green' as possible." Cummins and MAN engines, offered by Optare as options to Mercedes power will meet Euro 5 from the end of 2008.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
First for Renault
Renault Trucks Defense made its first showing at the DVD event recently, with three 4x4 examples of its eight-model Sherpa range. These were in reconnaissance, utility and 'special forces' configurations and "are compatible with the needs of the British Army and could be successful for its Ouvs programme," said Don Marks, sales manger, Europe for the business. The Renault Trucks Defense unit leads the Group's military vehicle business. "We have proven expertise, particularly for special vehicles and can draw on experience from Mack, Renault and Volvo brands." He was very pleased with reactions from some very senior visitors at the two-day event. "People are taking us very seriously."
More from Anne-Claude Buatois on +33 (0)1 77 71 20 36 or anne-claude.buatois@renault-trucks.com
Major new warehouse for NFT
NFT says it will open a new 215,000 ft2 warehouse on the Dirft Logistics Park in Northamptonshire. The new unit will give the firm a 50% increase in its chill and ambient temperature facility. It will have racked storage for 25,000 pallets and multi-temperature regimes with 150,000 ft2 for ambient storage and a further 65,000 ft2 for chilled food.
More from Sophie Whittle on +44 (0)1 179 073 400 sophie@jbp.co..uk
New Panther mid-range coach
Plaxton says it has a new variant of its best selling Panther coach model, based on the recently announced Volvo B9R platform. The new coach fits between the Profile B7R and heavier-duty coaches on the TX platform to give a new mid-range model. The Panther B9R is based on the 12.3m version of the Panther body and has a wide entrance that can take a concealed wheelchair lift. The first of the new coaches will be available soon as 53/57-seaters. A 49-seat touring model will follow later this year. Both are based on the proven stainless-steel Panther body.
More from Andrew Warrender on +44 (0)1 909 551 166 or andrew.warrender@plaxtonlimited.co.uk
Gray & Adams
In a recent issue I reported Gray & Adams' deal for 75 fridge bodies on 13 tonners for food service firm, Brakes. I wrongly said Gray & Adams is based in Northern Ireland. It isn't, the firm is based in Fraserburgh, Scotland with other production sites at Doncaster, Dunfirmline and Newtonabbey, Northern Ireland. My apologies to all concerned for the mistake.
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
G Wagen grows
Mercedes has a 6x6 version of its G Wagen and showed it last week at DVD. The 'concept vehicle' has been developed for the Australian Army and has a three tonne payload. Power comes from a version of the firm's 2.8 litre diesel more normally found in the Sprinter van range. The drive train includes a five speed auto box, a two-speed transfer box and cross axle and inter axle differential locks. Separately the firm also announced an armoured, two-axle version, with Unimog running gear to give better ground clearance and a higher payload potential.
More from Ian Norwell on +44 (0)1 908 245 949 or ian.norwell@daimlerchrysler.co.uk
Specialist Andover Trailers body goes north
Site and plant equipment haulage firm RD Anderson Haulage just got a Volvo FM400 8x2 rigid with an Andover Trailers plant body. The 32 tonner joins a 50-strong mixed vehicle fleet serving the construction industry in Edinburgh and its surroundings. "The bespoke-built LPPB32 plant body is a great example of how specialist body design can meet customer requirements," says Ivan Collins, Andover Trailers sales director. Oil and fuel tanks, toolboxes, steady legs and spreader plates and their stowage have been engineered into place under the body for the customer. "For many years we have operated vehicles with Andover Trailers plant bodies as they are tough and well-built," says Roberts Young, transport manager for RD Anderson. "Our oldest vehicle is now nine-years-old and we have never suffered any kind of failure on the body."
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler.com
Aixam and Autosafe to boost after-sales service
Aixam Mega says it has done a deal with 400-strong independent vehicle service and mechanical repair network Autosafe to handle service, repair and warranty work for Aixam and Mega ultra-light commercial vehicles. The new arrangement will help support customers, offering local after-sales service according to Lawrence Holland, managing director for Aixam Mega. "Many of our dealers are selling vehicles outside their immediate territories and this makes it easier for them to assure their customers that ongoing after-sales care is available locally."
More from Christine Gormley on +44 (0)2 476 407 422 or christine@seachangecommunications.co.uk
Go fell-walking for charity
Brake, the national road safety charity, is looking for volunteers to climb Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain on Saturday 20 September and raise funds to support its work. "Every day nine people die on the roads in the UK and ten times as many are seriously injured," says Lisa Kendall at Brake. "Every penny raised in sponsorship will go towards Brake's dedicated work preventing road death and injury and caring for people bereaved or injured in road crashes."
More from Lisa Kendall on +44 (0)1 484 683 294 or lkendall@brake.org.uk
New look for Citroën C2 Enterprise van
Citroën says its smallest van, the C2 Enterprise 1.4HDi has just been given a new look for 2008. The firm says the face-lifted C2 Enterprise also has improved audio equipment and an upgraded optional air conditioning pack, all without any price increase. The C2 Enterprise van has a list price of £7,945 + VAT + delivery and with the present customer offer, it is available from just £6,995 + VAT + delivery.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Cutting the paper wait
Cheshire-based print management specialist APS Group just opened a new 50,000ft2 warehouse in Cheadle Heath. Materials handling firm Jungheinrich designed, supplied and installed the racking and supplied the forklift truck fleet at the new site. This give APS some 7000 pallet locations and racking aisles served by a combination of Jungheinrich EKS 310 order pickers and ETV 216 reach trucks. Powered pallet trucks and an EFG115 counterbalanced machine unload and load incoming and outgoing delivery vehicles at the site.
More from Lloyd Arkill on +44 (0)1 923 770 455 or lloyd@am-pr..net
Vaculug does a charity auction for Transaid Week
Tyre retreader Vaculug is offering a full set of tyres for a 4x2 truck in what is believed to be the transport industry's first ever eBay charity auction. Worth some £1,000, the tyre set includes two Yokohama steer-axle and four Duramold drive-axle tyres and the firm says all the money will go Transaid. To help the charity and maybe pick up a bargain, go to www.ebay.co.uk and search for "vaculug".
More from Phil Sampson on +44 (0)7 885 152 132 or psampson@albanycom.co.uk
Crusader Holidays switches to Continental tyres
Crusader Holidays is progressively switching its 26-strong coach fleet to Continental tyres that the firm finds give longer life compared with another leading make. Crusader did a comparative trial over two years involving five Setra 416 three-axle touring coaches, delivered in 2006. These luxury long-distance touring coaches can weight up to 20 tonnes with a full passenger load and their luggage. Three of the new coaches came with Continental's HSR1 steer tyre on all three axles and two were fitted with a competitor make. The Continentals are still working at 173,000 kilometres, while the other make have been replaced. Crusader says it is one of the leading independent coach touring firms in the South East.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback column says reader Tony Budd wants to know if the post for a synthetic research chemist, advertised in the 7 June UK edition of the magazine has anything to do with the 'genetically modified humans' cover story in the same issue?
More from www.newscientist.com
Cenex just hosted the first information day to invite potential suppliers to bid to supply low carbon vans, initially to a group of major fleets. The deal is part of a plan to stimulate the development and use of low carbon vans in the UK. The snappily named Low Carbon Procurement Programme has £20m to spend, provided by the Department for Transport and £30m more if early results go well. Cenex, the UK's centre of excellence in low carbon and fuel cell technology will run the scheme for the DfT. It wants bids from firms with either low carbon or all-electric vans to bid for the supply of up to 200 vans for a first phase and then "significantly larger numbers" for second phase. The cash will help operators and vehicle makers cover the additional capital and running costs for these development vehicles. "Interested firms need to look at www.cenex.co.uk/lcvpp and make sure they contact us without delay," said Adrian Visome, project manager for Cenex. "We'll send them a 'pre-qualification questionnaire' that they must complete and get back to us by Friday 12 September if they want to be considered.
More from Adrian Vinsome on +44 (0)l 509 635 757 or adrian.vinsome@cenex.co.uk
Strong demand keeps trucks in the spotlight
Van and truck registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show a 2.3% drop in June and a 5.1% rise to 395,582 for the rolling year. Within those totals, trucks were up 21.6% in June and 22.9% to 58,288 for the rolling year and vans were down 5.7% for the month and up 2..5% to 337,294 for the rolling year. "Healthy truck order books suggest we'll see stable demand and strong registrations for some time while van registrations have stabilised at record levels," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "The van and truck sector is in good shape and although businesses are wary about the economy, we expect tough challenges, not catastrophe."
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Strong June crowns buses' best first half for years
Figures from the SMMT show that bus registrations had the best first half for many years. Big bus registrations did better than expected, those for big coaches were at near record levels and double deck bus numbers continued their strong growth. But for most there are signs of change ahead. "June's figures showed the first half of 2008 as the best start to bus and coach registrations for years, on the back of sales last year," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "Manufacturers report some signs of slower sales earlier this year, which may show as a slowdown in registrations in the coming months. Helpfully, shifts in bus ridership may hold better prospects for the future."
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Another £36m for Vosa testing services
In a recent statement to the House of Commons, UK transport minister Jim Fitzpatrick said the future of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency is secure. He announced improvements in Vosa's testing services to improve access to commercial vehicle tests and cut vehicle downtime. He wants to see more Vosa tests at operators' premises, at more convenient times and also wants more Vosa tests at service and maintenance providers' premises. The aim is to improve quality of service and choice. On top of the £28m already promised for modernisation and IT support, Fitzpatrick committed another £36m over the next two years to support Vosa spending. The results will include extended opening hours and benchmarking between test stations. He aims to increase choice for customers "not just about where testing is done, but also when." He also says he wants "dialogue" with the freight industry and others about a detailed timetable that he plans to present this autumn.
More from Zita Easton on +44 (0)1 179 542 561 press@vosa.gov.uk
Diesel at 99p a litre from Northgate
Fleets can slash their fuel bills by more than 30 pence a litre with Northgate's special July promotion. This aims to encourage new customers to rent vehicles on Norflex and also get Northgate's fleet management expertise. All new customers that rent a vehicle on Norflex from the Northgate network in July, for a minimum of 28 consecutive days, qualify for the special offer: they can fill their tanks with diesel at just 99p per litre. The deal ends on 31 July. Northgate makes the offer after a survey shows that almost a third of all fleets and 49% of smaller fleets admit that they do nothing to keep fuel bills under control despite record pump prices.
More from Ross Clarkson on +44 (0)1 325 467 558 or ross.clarkson@northgateplc.com
First Renaults for Benton Brothers
The 100 year old, family-run and Boston-based Benton Brothers just got two new Renault Premium 450s, with another three to come in September. These are the first Renaults into the firm's 150 strong truck and 250 strong trailer fleet. They are also the first to carry Benton's new livery and will do general haulage work for subsidiary Benton Logistics. The group employs over 160 people across its Boston and Immingham sites. Renault Trucks dealer Thompson Commercials did the business.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 47 961 or penny..randall@renault-trucks.com
Vosa hikes test fees
Following full consultation, Vosa will introduce new commercial vehicle test fees from 13 July and O-licence fees from 1 August 2008. Fees will generally rise by an average of 5% though fees for Single Vehicle Approval will rise by 20%. Vosa says it need the higher rise in SVA fees because volumes have dropped by 70% over three years. Vosa has held fees level from 2001 till 2007 meaning the annualised rise in SVA fees is 3..66%. Fees for operator licensing and related services will also rise by 5%, generally, on 1 August. Vosa aims to cut the time to do a standard truck test from 90 to 72 minutes and to introduce on-line test bookings later this year.
More from Zita Easton on +44 (0)1 179 542 561 press@vosa.gov.uk
Daf wins again
For the 11th time Daf Trucks has won accolades at the prestigious Motor Transport Awards, held last week at London's Grosvenor House Hotel. This year Daf again won the Fleet Truck of the Year trophy; the eighth time the Daf 85 or its predecessors have taken the trophy.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
Wheel appeal
Jane's Defence Weekly has been reporting a military mindshift from tracks to wheels for fighting vehicles. This has its roots in logistics; broadly, a wheeled vehicle can take itself to war while a tracked one needs a transporter. When it gets there, lots of big wheels still give pretty good mobility. This shift was clear at the recent Defence Vehicle Dynamics show at Millbrook in Bedfordshire. The annual opportunity to tear round the site's impressive off-roads tracks on anything from trail bikes to tanks was dominated by 6x6 and 8x8 drive trains, with barely a tracked vehicle to be seen. The UK's Ministry of Defence took the opportunity to announce orders for more fighting vehicles, all of them wheeled.
More from Peter Felstead on +44 (0)2 087 003 750 or jdw@janes.com
First 7.5 tonne Hino 300 in the midlands
The first Hino 300 in the midlands has gone to work for Bloxwich-based Abacus Builders Merchants (Walsall) Ltd. The new truck joins a five-strong fleet of rigids and will handle the delivery of 'heavy side' building materials to sites, including private houses, where access is often limited. The Hino 7.5 tonner has bodywork to carry bricks and blocks and has a chassis-mounted crane behind the cab. "We were looking for a robust, economical and manoeuvrable workhorse with an acceptable crane/payload capacity," said Bob Wright, MD at Abacus. "In the Hino 300 we found exactly what we wanted." Hi -Trucks (Birmingham) did the business.
More from Trevor Longcroft on +44 (0)1 202 840 662 or tlongcroft@aol.com
New metal for MoD
The defence vehicle industry is getting excited about the UK Ministry of Defence's Operational Utility Vehicle System deal. This aims to deliver a range of vehicles rather like the US Army's Humvee, larger and better protected than the ubiquitous Land Rovers in service today. At a time when there are moves to untangle the protectionism that cocoons European defence buying, the Ouvs deal is one of the biggest in prospect. It will generate intense competition and some unexpected competitors for the 16,000 vehicles said to be involved in a complex mix of new vehicles bought and older one refurbished. Sadly it will also generate far more than its fair share of virtually impenetrable MoD jargon along the way.
More from Danny Ruggobeer on +44 (0)1 295 277 050 or danny.rughoobeer@m-eng.com
Royal Mail gets a new lift from Penny
Penny Hydraulics has developed a special vehicle-mounted platform lift for Royal Mail Letters. The aim is to simplify the safe handling and collection of post trolley cages using smaller vans. The platform lift, known as the York Load Lift, was designed to replace conventional underslung tail lifts that could no longer be fitted to Royal Mail Letters' new van models because of their lower ground clearance. The Load Lift means the vehicle can carry four York cages, each weighing up to 250kg each without breaking current load limits. Royal Mail Letters says it put around 50 of these Four York Carrier vans to work, so that mail meets new delivery schedules.
More from Richard Short +44(0)1 246 811 475 or sales@pennyhydraulics.com
Small fleets do little to save fuel, CO2 and cash
Van rental giant Northgate says a recent survey shows that almost a third of all fleets and half of smaller fleets admit that they are do nothing to keep fuel bills and so CO2 emissions under control, despite record pump prices. But many larger firms do try to cut fuel bills, by cutting journeys, using more efficient vans, telematics and driver training. Generally, the bigger the fleet, the more it does to improve efficiency. Northgate says the lack of action to cut fuel costs is despite UK diesel prices rising from £0.972 a litre last July to £1.319 a litre now.
More from Ross Clarkson on +44 (0)1 325 467 558 or ross.clarkson@northgateplc.com
Vito Taxi for London cabbies
Mercedes-Benz has launched a new 'London Taxi' with taxi retailer KPM-UK, to offer the capital's cabbies an alternative vehicle, based on the Vito minibus. The new Vito Taxi uses a steering rear axle to meet meet London's strict rules for a 25ft (7.62m) turning circle. Mercedes builds the basic Vito Traveliner minibus in Spain and Coventry engineering specialist One80 then adapts the vehicle. London taxi dealer KPM-UK sells the Vito Taxi from its base in Bethnal Green, east London. "The Vito Taxi is a truly ground-breaking vehicle, offering London's cab drivers a genuine alternative to the ubiquitous LTI model for the first time in many years," said Steve Bridge, Mercedes-Benz UK's van sales and marketing director. Power is from a Mercedes-Benz 2.2-litre common-rail diesel engine "that meets all of the latest emissions standards."
More from Ian Norwell on +44 (0)1 908 245 949 or ian.norwell@daimlerchrysler.co.uk
Euro 5 on all core bus models from Optare
All new build Optare Solo, Versa and Tempo bus models are now available with Euro 5 engines if operators wish. This is a full 18 months before the law demands this, the highest available emission standard so far. Optare says all its Mercedes-powered models now come with Euro 5. "We're delighted that we can provide customers with vehicles meeting Euro 5 so far ahead of the legislative date," says Chris Wise, sales director. "We're aware that many are determined to be as 'green' as possible." Cummins and MAN engines, offered by Optare as options to Mercedes power will meet Euro 5 from the end of 2008.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
First for Renault
Renault Trucks Defense made its first showing at the DVD event recently, with three 4x4 examples of its eight-model Sherpa range. These were in reconnaissance, utility and 'special forces' configurations and "are compatible with the needs of the British Army and could be successful for its Ouvs programme," said Don Marks, sales manger, Europe for the business. The Renault Trucks Defense unit leads the Group's military vehicle business. "We have proven expertise, particularly for special vehicles and can draw on experience from Mack, Renault and Volvo brands." He was very pleased with reactions from some very senior visitors at the two-day event. "People are taking us very seriously."
More from Anne-Claude Buatois on +33 (0)1 77 71 20 36 or anne-claude.buatois@renault-trucks.com
Major new warehouse for NFT
NFT says it will open a new 215,000 ft2 warehouse on the Dirft Logistics Park in Northamptonshire. The new unit will give the firm a 50% increase in its chill and ambient temperature facility. It will have racked storage for 25,000 pallets and multi-temperature regimes with 150,000 ft2 for ambient storage and a further 65,000 ft2 for chilled food.
More from Sophie Whittle on +44 (0)1 179 073 400 sophie@jbp.co..uk
New Panther mid-range coach
Plaxton says it has a new variant of its best selling Panther coach model, based on the recently announced Volvo B9R platform. The new coach fits between the Profile B7R and heavier-duty coaches on the TX platform to give a new mid-range model. The Panther B9R is based on the 12.3m version of the Panther body and has a wide entrance that can take a concealed wheelchair lift. The first of the new coaches will be available soon as 53/57-seaters. A 49-seat touring model will follow later this year. Both are based on the proven stainless-steel Panther body.
More from Andrew Warrender on +44 (0)1 909 551 166 or andrew.warrender@plaxtonlimited.co.uk
Gray & Adams
In a recent issue I reported Gray & Adams' deal for 75 fridge bodies on 13 tonners for food service firm, Brakes. I wrongly said Gray & Adams is based in Northern Ireland. It isn't, the firm is based in Fraserburgh, Scotland with other production sites at Doncaster, Dunfirmline and Newtonabbey, Northern Ireland. My apologies to all concerned for the mistake.
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
G Wagen grows
Mercedes has a 6x6 version of its G Wagen and showed it last week at DVD. The 'concept vehicle' has been developed for the Australian Army and has a three tonne payload. Power comes from a version of the firm's 2.8 litre diesel more normally found in the Sprinter van range. The drive train includes a five speed auto box, a two-speed transfer box and cross axle and inter axle differential locks. Separately the firm also announced an armoured, two-axle version, with Unimog running gear to give better ground clearance and a higher payload potential.
More from Ian Norwell on +44 (0)1 908 245 949 or ian.norwell@daimlerchrysler.co.uk
Specialist Andover Trailers body goes north
Site and plant equipment haulage firm RD Anderson Haulage just got a Volvo FM400 8x2 rigid with an Andover Trailers plant body. The 32 tonner joins a 50-strong mixed vehicle fleet serving the construction industry in Edinburgh and its surroundings. "The bespoke-built LPPB32 plant body is a great example of how specialist body design can meet customer requirements," says Ivan Collins, Andover Trailers sales director. Oil and fuel tanks, toolboxes, steady legs and spreader plates and their stowage have been engineered into place under the body for the customer. "For many years we have operated vehicles with Andover Trailers plant bodies as they are tough and well-built," says Roberts Young, transport manager for RD Anderson. "Our oldest vehicle is now nine-years-old and we have never suffered any kind of failure on the body."
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler.com
Aixam and Autosafe to boost after-sales service
Aixam Mega says it has done a deal with 400-strong independent vehicle service and mechanical repair network Autosafe to handle service, repair and warranty work for Aixam and Mega ultra-light commercial vehicles. The new arrangement will help support customers, offering local after-sales service according to Lawrence Holland, managing director for Aixam Mega. "Many of our dealers are selling vehicles outside their immediate territories and this makes it easier for them to assure their customers that ongoing after-sales care is available locally."
More from Christine Gormley on +44 (0)2 476 407 422 or christine@seachangecommunications.co.uk
Go fell-walking for charity
Brake, the national road safety charity, is looking for volunteers to climb Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain on Saturday 20 September and raise funds to support its work. "Every day nine people die on the roads in the UK and ten times as many are seriously injured," says Lisa Kendall at Brake. "Every penny raised in sponsorship will go towards Brake's dedicated work preventing road death and injury and caring for people bereaved or injured in road crashes."
More from Lisa Kendall on +44 (0)1 484 683 294 or lkendall@brake.org.uk
New look for Citroën C2 Enterprise van
Citroën says its smallest van, the C2 Enterprise 1.4HDi has just been given a new look for 2008. The firm says the face-lifted C2 Enterprise also has improved audio equipment and an upgraded optional air conditioning pack, all without any price increase. The C2 Enterprise van has a list price of £7,945 + VAT + delivery and with the present customer offer, it is available from just £6,995 + VAT + delivery.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Cutting the paper wait
Cheshire-based print management specialist APS Group just opened a new 50,000ft2 warehouse in Cheadle Heath. Materials handling firm Jungheinrich designed, supplied and installed the racking and supplied the forklift truck fleet at the new site. This give APS some 7000 pallet locations and racking aisles served by a combination of Jungheinrich EKS 310 order pickers and ETV 216 reach trucks. Powered pallet trucks and an EFG115 counterbalanced machine unload and load incoming and outgoing delivery vehicles at the site.
More from Lloyd Arkill on +44 (0)1 923 770 455 or lloyd@am-pr..net
Vaculug does a charity auction for Transaid Week
Tyre retreader Vaculug is offering a full set of tyres for a 4x2 truck in what is believed to be the transport industry's first ever eBay charity auction. Worth some £1,000, the tyre set includes two Yokohama steer-axle and four Duramold drive-axle tyres and the firm says all the money will go Transaid. To help the charity and maybe pick up a bargain, go to www.ebay.co.uk and search for "vaculug".
More from Phil Sampson on +44 (0)7 885 152 132 or psampson@albanycom.co.uk
Crusader Holidays switches to Continental tyres
Crusader Holidays is progressively switching its 26-strong coach fleet to Continental tyres that the firm finds give longer life compared with another leading make. Crusader did a comparative trial over two years involving five Setra 416 three-axle touring coaches, delivered in 2006. These luxury long-distance touring coaches can weight up to 20 tonnes with a full passenger load and their luggage. Three of the new coaches came with Continental's HSR1 steer tyre on all three axles and two were fitted with a competitor make. The Continentals are still working at 173,000 kilometres, while the other make have been replaced. Crusader says it is one of the leading independent coach touring firms in the South East.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback column says reader Tony Budd wants to know if the post for a synthetic research chemist, advertised in the 7 June UK edition of the magazine has anything to do with the 'genetically modified humans' cover story in the same issue?
More from www.newscientist.com
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