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Transport News Brief Week Eleven
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The latest news roundup from SMMT.
New van and truck registrations slump in 2009
Recent figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show van and truck registrations down 51% in February and down 17% to 325,339 for the rolling year. Within those totals, trucks were down 42% in February and up 1.5% to 54,423 for the rolling year. Vans were down 58% for the month and down 20% to 270,916 for the rolling year. "The UK CV business is under intense pressure with the slump in UK demand for vans, and now trucks, a big issue for the UK economy. It is vital to stabilise buyer confidence soon," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "Vans are 50% below the figure for this time last year and trucks are down 36% this year. 2009 will be a huge test for the resilience of our sector and of the firms that need modern, efficient transport to deliver a stable economy. These are unique circumstances in which the government must help. We need direct, positive action to give people the confidence to buy now."
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Bus registrations shine through economic gloom
More registration data from the SMMT show a good legacy from 2008's big bus demand helping February figures while tradition and new plates slow coach registrations. Minibus figures continue to decline, undermined by shifting buyer and use patterns. "February registration data shows that all the bus segments are positive while coaches and van-based minibuses continue their decline," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "February is always very slow for coaches as by tradition operators wait for Easter for new vehicles and the new number plate in March reinforces that trend. Overall, though the outlook is steady, we can't take anything for granted and remain very cautious."
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Iveco wins 4,500 Daily order from Deutsche Post
Iveco says it has won an order for 4,500 Dailys from Deutsche Post. The firm also says the deal is part of a plan developed specifically to enable Deutsche Post to deliver parcels. Each van will be custom-built for Deutsche Post, with a low entry and exit sliding side door and direct access from the driver's seat to the specially racked load compartment. The new vans will join the 7,500 strong DHL fleet as part of a three-year fleet replacement scheme; they are 3.5 tonne Dailys, each powered by a 116 hp Euro 4 diesel engine driving through Iveco's automated AGile gearbox, which should cut fuel use and driver fatigue.
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 086 474 467 or jk@garnett-keeler.com
Polish city wants to buy buses
The UK government's Trade and Investment team in Poland says that the City Office of Suwalki has just announced a tender to buy 12 new low-deck city buses for delivery this June. Bids need to be delivered by 8 April and all will be opened that day at 10:30 local time. The team at the British Embassy in Warsaw says that UK exports to Poland were worth £.2bn in 2007
More from Sylwia Piwowar on +48 (0)22 311 02 42 or sylwia.piwowar@fco.gov.uk
Leyland Trucks wins major safety award
Leyland Trucks, the UK's only remaining volume truck maker has won a top UK award for its health and safety performance from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the world-class safety organisation. The RoSPA President's Award 2009 marks fourteen straight years in which the truck maker has won gold medal status for consistently meeting the highest standards in protecting the health and safety of its 1,000 workers and of visitors to the plant. "This is a tremendous accolade to the considerable effort that everybody at the company puts in to the vital issue of health and safety every single working day," said Jim Sumner, managing director. "I'm pleased that it recognises both the maintenance of a consistent high standard over many years and the fact that awareness of the importance of health and safety is embedded in the company's culture, supported by management commitment at the highest level."
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
VB air suspension from SvTech
Vehicle re-rating specialist SvTech says that it now offers VB air suspension as a part of its uprating service for light vans and trucks. "This is as particularly useful for vehicles fitted with ESP," says the firm's Gareth Marsh. "The suspension increases operating weights and improves ride quality." Like all SvTech uprates, Marsh says the kit is designed for DIY fitment. "It needs no specialist equipment to install and so is also an attractive option for motorhome owners and van fleet operators."
Further details from Gareth Marsh on +44 (0) 1772 621800 or gareth@svtech.co.uk
Young technicians - the BBC needs you
The BBC is searching for the most talented 16-25 year old technicians to take part in its Young Mechanic of the Year series. From now until the middle of April the BBC will interview likely candidates around the UK and have them do practical tests. "The series will have a 'big show' feel, be entertaining but skewed towards learning and celebrating unsung heroes from a modern workforce. Ultimately we're very keen to praise the hardworking young people in today's society," said BBC researcher Colin Farquar. "The deadline for applications is 15 March 2009, which is not far away," The forms are available on line at youngtalent@bbc.co.uk "We're keen for all those interested to return those forms as soon as possible." Due to be shown at peak viewing time in the summer, the program will follow the experiences of the contestants and conclude by crowning the winner.
More from John Procter on +44 (0)2 073 449 263 jprocter@motorcodes.co.uk
Dominican firm wants lubricants, engines and parts.
The UK government's Trade and Investment team says Bryste Dominican CxA, a new Dominican Republic firm wants to import lubricants for car and industrial use. Bryste also wants to import industrial machinery including diesel or gas engines, generating sets, diesel engine parts including filters, alternators and turbochargers.
More from Claudia Fulgencio on +809 (0)472 7054 or claudia.fulgencio@fco.gov.uk
Used truck values recovering says Manheim
Auctioneers Manheim says its three-year market analysis shows that truck values recovered at the end of 2008. The firm says average used truck wholesale values recovered in the last quarter of 2008. After two successive periods of decline they were still £620 or 11.3% less than in Q4 2007 and 5.1% less than in Q4 2006. But compared with Q4 2005, average values were up by 13.2%. Manheim says its unique Market Analysis for Trucks has tracked trends over the past three years and whilst average values have fluctuated recently, average age has remained quite stable as have days in stock. There has been a big increase in volumes of trucks sold last year compared with 2007 and average mileage took a sharp increase at the end of 2008.
More from Andrew Andersz on +44 (0)1 865 343 100 or andrew.andersz@thejjgroup.com
DfT should seize the day, if it means to ActOnCO2
The Government must be better at recognising businesses that offer significant CO2 reductions from road transport. That's the message from Colin Hay, founder of web service www.stuff2send.com, the online service that delivers business advantage to couriers by putting them in touch with parcels and packages travelling close to their destination. "We've made approaches to DfT in writing and through the ActOnCO2 website, pointing to the significant CO2 savings that come when you use vehicle space to its full potential and avoid duplicate journeys," said Colin Hay. "Sadly, we've yet to receive any response."
More from Colin Hay on +44 (0)7 786 626 282 or colin@stuff2send.com
British truck racing season starts soon
The British Truck Racing Association says the 2009 Delphi British Truck Racing Championship starts at Brands Hatch, Kent, over the weekend of 28 and 29 March. Through the 16 round season, teams will compete in events at four different circuits across the UK, as well as one round alongside trucks competing in the FIA European series at the Nurburgring in Germany. The dates are: 28-29 March at Brands Hatch, 18-19 April at Pembrey, 25-26 July at Nurburgring, 9 August at Donington, 15-16 August at Thruxton, 17-18 October at Pembrey and 31 October - 1 November at Brands Hatch. Eight-time Class A champion Stuart Oliver will defend his crown in his MAN while in Class B, Cees Zandbergen aims to do the same in his Scania. BTRA man Jon Reeves says the website www.btra.co.uk carries more about the teams, their trucks and the events.
More from Jonathan Reeves on +44 (0)2 088 577 365 or jonreeves@onetel.com
Renault wins tender invitation for 1,500 trucks
Renault Trucks says it just won a big part of an invitation to tender launched in 2008 by the Union des Groupements d'Achats Publics - Public Authority Procurement Group. Valid for 36 months this covers a total of 1,500 trucks for six new markets, to replace UGAP's range of available trucks. The firm's Maxity, Midlum, Premium and Kerax models were all chosen by the public trading group for resale to French local and public authorities. The deal will involve around 500 trucks a year.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
New Dustcarts for Donarbon
Donarbon, the fastest growing waste management group in East Anglia, just took delivery of three news dustcarts; two Heil Powerlinks and a Heil Big Bite from British dustcart maker, Heil Europe.
More from Sara Morris on +44 (0)1 326 560 402 or sara@oandbmarketing.co.uk
100 Arnold Clark Service Centres commit to Code
Arnold Clark, Europe's largest independent car dealer and current Motor Retailer of the Year, has committed all its service and repair sites to the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair. "Arnold Clark businesses are dedicated to providing the highest level of aftersales care in servicing, repairs and MoTs for all vehicle makes and models," said Andrew Hutton, group service manager. The Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair, detailed on its website www.motorindustrycodes.co.uk safeguards consumer interests by helping them identify responsible garages and encourage the sector to raise and maintain a high standard of customer service. More than 5,000 garages in the UK have already subscribed to the Code which is currently progressing through the Office of Fair Trading Consumer Codes Approval Scheme.
More from John Procter on +44 (0)2 073 449 263 jprocter@motorcodes.co.uk
FairCare from Krone
Trailer maker Krone says that all customers who buy a new Krone trailer from the Profi Liner range, Mega Liner, Cool and Box Liner can also buy the firm's FairCare complete service package at the same time. The package service includes trailer maintenance and free-of-charge wearing parts, a breakdown service and all legal testing requirements over 36, 48 or 60 months. Krone says it the deal can also cover tyres and refrigeration systems. Monthly prices depend on mileage and for operators using the Krone Telematik System, the payments can be done by credit card.
More from Dieter Rolfes on +49 (0)5 951 209 230 or dieter.rolfes@krone.de
Recent figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show van and truck registrations down 51% in February and down 17% to 325,339 for the rolling year. Within those totals, trucks were down 42% in February and up 1.5% to 54,423 for the rolling year. Vans were down 58% for the month and down 20% to 270,916 for the rolling year. "The UK CV business is under intense pressure with the slump in UK demand for vans, and now trucks, a big issue for the UK economy. It is vital to stabilise buyer confidence soon," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "Vans are 50% below the figure for this time last year and trucks are down 36% this year. 2009 will be a huge test for the resilience of our sector and of the firms that need modern, efficient transport to deliver a stable economy. These are unique circumstances in which the government must help. We need direct, positive action to give people the confidence to buy now."
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Bus registrations shine through economic gloom
More registration data from the SMMT show a good legacy from 2008's big bus demand helping February figures while tradition and new plates slow coach registrations. Minibus figures continue to decline, undermined by shifting buyer and use patterns. "February registration data shows that all the bus segments are positive while coaches and van-based minibuses continue their decline," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "February is always very slow for coaches as by tradition operators wait for Easter for new vehicles and the new number plate in March reinforces that trend. Overall, though the outlook is steady, we can't take anything for granted and remain very cautious."
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Iveco wins 4,500 Daily order from Deutsche Post
Iveco says it has won an order for 4,500 Dailys from Deutsche Post. The firm also says the deal is part of a plan developed specifically to enable Deutsche Post to deliver parcels. Each van will be custom-built for Deutsche Post, with a low entry and exit sliding side door and direct access from the driver's seat to the specially racked load compartment. The new vans will join the 7,500 strong DHL fleet as part of a three-year fleet replacement scheme; they are 3.5 tonne Dailys, each powered by a 116 hp Euro 4 diesel engine driving through Iveco's automated AGile gearbox, which should cut fuel use and driver fatigue.
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 086 474 467 or jk@garnett-keeler.com
Polish city wants to buy buses
The UK government's Trade and Investment team in Poland says that the City Office of Suwalki has just announced a tender to buy 12 new low-deck city buses for delivery this June. Bids need to be delivered by 8 April and all will be opened that day at 10:30 local time. The team at the British Embassy in Warsaw says that UK exports to Poland were worth £.2bn in 2007
More from Sylwia Piwowar on +48 (0)22 311 02 42 or sylwia.piwowar@fco.gov.uk
Leyland Trucks wins major safety award
Leyland Trucks, the UK's only remaining volume truck maker has won a top UK award for its health and safety performance from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the world-class safety organisation. The RoSPA President's Award 2009 marks fourteen straight years in which the truck maker has won gold medal status for consistently meeting the highest standards in protecting the health and safety of its 1,000 workers and of visitors to the plant. "This is a tremendous accolade to the considerable effort that everybody at the company puts in to the vital issue of health and safety every single working day," said Jim Sumner, managing director. "I'm pleased that it recognises both the maintenance of a consistent high standard over many years and the fact that awareness of the importance of health and safety is embedded in the company's culture, supported by management commitment at the highest level."
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
VB air suspension from SvTech
Vehicle re-rating specialist SvTech says that it now offers VB air suspension as a part of its uprating service for light vans and trucks. "This is as particularly useful for vehicles fitted with ESP," says the firm's Gareth Marsh. "The suspension increases operating weights and improves ride quality." Like all SvTech uprates, Marsh says the kit is designed for DIY fitment. "It needs no specialist equipment to install and so is also an attractive option for motorhome owners and van fleet operators."
Further details from Gareth Marsh on +44 (0) 1772 621800 or gareth@svtech.co.uk
Young technicians - the BBC needs you
The BBC is searching for the most talented 16-25 year old technicians to take part in its Young Mechanic of the Year series. From now until the middle of April the BBC will interview likely candidates around the UK and have them do practical tests. "The series will have a 'big show' feel, be entertaining but skewed towards learning and celebrating unsung heroes from a modern workforce. Ultimately we're very keen to praise the hardworking young people in today's society," said BBC researcher Colin Farquar. "The deadline for applications is 15 March 2009, which is not far away," The forms are available on line at youngtalent@bbc.co.uk "We're keen for all those interested to return those forms as soon as possible." Due to be shown at peak viewing time in the summer, the program will follow the experiences of the contestants and conclude by crowning the winner.
More from John Procter on +44 (0)2 073 449 263 jprocter@motorcodes.co.uk
Dominican firm wants lubricants, engines and parts.
The UK government's Trade and Investment team says Bryste Dominican CxA, a new Dominican Republic firm wants to import lubricants for car and industrial use. Bryste also wants to import industrial machinery including diesel or gas engines, generating sets, diesel engine parts including filters, alternators and turbochargers.
More from Claudia Fulgencio on +809 (0)472 7054 or claudia.fulgencio@fco.gov.uk
Used truck values recovering says Manheim
Auctioneers Manheim says its three-year market analysis shows that truck values recovered at the end of 2008. The firm says average used truck wholesale values recovered in the last quarter of 2008. After two successive periods of decline they were still £620 or 11.3% less than in Q4 2007 and 5.1% less than in Q4 2006. But compared with Q4 2005, average values were up by 13.2%. Manheim says its unique Market Analysis for Trucks has tracked trends over the past three years and whilst average values have fluctuated recently, average age has remained quite stable as have days in stock. There has been a big increase in volumes of trucks sold last year compared with 2007 and average mileage took a sharp increase at the end of 2008.
More from Andrew Andersz on +44 (0)1 865 343 100 or andrew.andersz@thejjgroup.com
DfT should seize the day, if it means to ActOnCO2
The Government must be better at recognising businesses that offer significant CO2 reductions from road transport. That's the message from Colin Hay, founder of web service www.stuff2send.com, the online service that delivers business advantage to couriers by putting them in touch with parcels and packages travelling close to their destination. "We've made approaches to DfT in writing and through the ActOnCO2 website, pointing to the significant CO2 savings that come when you use vehicle space to its full potential and avoid duplicate journeys," said Colin Hay. "Sadly, we've yet to receive any response."
More from Colin Hay on +44 (0)7 786 626 282 or colin@stuff2send.com
British truck racing season starts soon
The British Truck Racing Association says the 2009 Delphi British Truck Racing Championship starts at Brands Hatch, Kent, over the weekend of 28 and 29 March. Through the 16 round season, teams will compete in events at four different circuits across the UK, as well as one round alongside trucks competing in the FIA European series at the Nurburgring in Germany. The dates are: 28-29 March at Brands Hatch, 18-19 April at Pembrey, 25-26 July at Nurburgring, 9 August at Donington, 15-16 August at Thruxton, 17-18 October at Pembrey and 31 October - 1 November at Brands Hatch. Eight-time Class A champion Stuart Oliver will defend his crown in his MAN while in Class B, Cees Zandbergen aims to do the same in his Scania. BTRA man Jon Reeves says the website www.btra.co.uk carries more about the teams, their trucks and the events.
More from Jonathan Reeves on +44 (0)2 088 577 365 or jonreeves@onetel.com
Renault wins tender invitation for 1,500 trucks
Renault Trucks says it just won a big part of an invitation to tender launched in 2008 by the Union des Groupements d'Achats Publics - Public Authority Procurement Group. Valid for 36 months this covers a total of 1,500 trucks for six new markets, to replace UGAP's range of available trucks. The firm's Maxity, Midlum, Premium and Kerax models were all chosen by the public trading group for resale to French local and public authorities. The deal will involve around 500 trucks a year.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
New Dustcarts for Donarbon
Donarbon, the fastest growing waste management group in East Anglia, just took delivery of three news dustcarts; two Heil Powerlinks and a Heil Big Bite from British dustcart maker, Heil Europe.
More from Sara Morris on +44 (0)1 326 560 402 or sara@oandbmarketing.co.uk
100 Arnold Clark Service Centres commit to Code
Arnold Clark, Europe's largest independent car dealer and current Motor Retailer of the Year, has committed all its service and repair sites to the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair. "Arnold Clark businesses are dedicated to providing the highest level of aftersales care in servicing, repairs and MoTs for all vehicle makes and models," said Andrew Hutton, group service manager. The Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair, detailed on its website www.motorindustrycodes.co.uk safeguards consumer interests by helping them identify responsible garages and encourage the sector to raise and maintain a high standard of customer service. More than 5,000 garages in the UK have already subscribed to the Code which is currently progressing through the Office of Fair Trading Consumer Codes Approval Scheme.
More from John Procter on +44 (0)2 073 449 263 jprocter@motorcodes.co.uk
FairCare from Krone
Trailer maker Krone says that all customers who buy a new Krone trailer from the Profi Liner range, Mega Liner, Cool and Box Liner can also buy the firm's FairCare complete service package at the same time. The package service includes trailer maintenance and free-of-charge wearing parts, a breakdown service and all legal testing requirements over 36, 48 or 60 months. Krone says it the deal can also cover tyres and refrigeration systems. Monthly prices depend on mileage and for operators using the Krone Telematik System, the payments can be done by credit card.
More from Dieter Rolfes on +49 (0)5 951 209 230 or dieter.rolfes@krone.de
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