Legal Brief
Transport News Brief Week 5
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The latest news roundup from the SMMT.
Paccar's 71 straight years in profit
US truck maker Paccar, owner of the Daf, Kenworth and Peterbilt brands just completed 71 straight years of net profit. The firm also reported better fourth quarter revenues and net income compared to the third quarter of 2009. It is one of few firms in the sector to deliver net income every year in the last decade. Paccar shareholders got 19.1% annual return for the decade compared to the Standard & Poors average annual return of minus 1.0%. The firm earned $46.1m for the fourth quarter 2009 compared to $113.1m in the fourth quarter 2008.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
Scania wins £50m UK truck order
Scania (Great Britain) Limited has won its largest ever order, a 1,000 truck deal for the Stobart Group and AW Jenkinson Forest Products. The trucks are probably worth some £50m at "showroom" prices. The two firms run a joint buying deal that includes trucks and have ordered 1,000 trucks, mostly Scania R-Series but including "significant" numbers of Scania G-Series. All are tractor units and deliveries start in March 2010. The order splits 80:20 in Stobart's favour, with the firm taking additional and replacement trucks. "The Scania product is well-known and appreciated by both our companies," said William Stobart, Stobart Group's chief operating officer.
More from Phil Sampson on +44 (0)1 908 329 384 or phil.sampson@scania.com
World debut for TICC at CV Operator show
Transport software firm Road Tech will stage the world debut for its TICC or Transport Industry Conditions of Carriage on stand 5855 at the CV Operator Show in April, with Reed's Commercial Motor and Motor Transport magazines. The firm is already successfully selling its modern Transport Industry Conditions of carriage software and looks forward to the extra publicity that the world debut at the show will bring. "TICC helps you include a fuel escalator, set demurrage charges, or set your own limit of liability and add special clauses specific to your company," says Derek Beevor, MD. "You can create as many sets of Conditions of Carriage as you need and all for £48 per year + VAT. There is no costly membership fee, just a simple annual payment via www.ticc.co.uk." The firm will show its Tachomaster tachograph analysis software on a separate stand, 5758.
More from Maureen Ballance on +44 (0)1 923 460 000 or maureen@roadtech.co.uk
Size really matters
In last week's Transport News Brief I suggested that the 0..2m3 size difference between Iveco's new Daily and Mercedes' slightly bigger 7.5 tonne Vario was 200cm3 or about the size of a standard Rubik's cube 58.4mm along each edge. I was wrong, having got a decimal point in the wrong place, as lots of eagle-eyed engineers have pointed out. 0.2m3 is 200 litres, or a cube 58.4cm along each edge, equal to a largish box. That would be some Rubik's cube. So, yet more apologies.
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
New Master from Renault
Renault Trucks has launched a new version of its Master van and light truck range, with a weight range from 2.8 to 4.5 tonnes. The van payload range is from 994 to 2,254kg and up to 17m3. There are new engine versions, new rear-wheel drive models and a new cab design. Panel van, chassis cab, chassis double cab, chassis cowl, platform cab and platform cowl models will appear through 2010. These will come with front or rear-wheel drive and with single or twin rear wheels, depending on model. The firm quotes fuel figures of less than 8/100km and says it will support the new range with its Fast & Pro van sales and service centres, Start & Drive repair and maintenance contracts and Expandys warranty extension contracts.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
Tachomaster analyses on show
Transport software firm Road Tech will use stand 5758 at the CV Operator show this spring to demonstrate Tachomaster, its revolutionary and "market leading" tachograph analysis system. "From a standing start just four years ago, our data shows that we've already got 61% of the market," says Derek Beevor, MD. "Tachomaster, at www.tachomaster.co.uk, analyses digital, analogue and Working Time Directive data instantly on your PC for £1 a driver a week." The system includes a huge range of reports including Driver and Vehicle Use, Agency Self Billing, Drivers Daily Vehicle Check, Missing Mileage and much more. "Come and see us at the Show, see a demo and collect a 28-day free trial disc too."
More from Maureen Ballance on +44 (0)1 923 460 000 or maureen@roadtech.co.uk
February van deals from Citroën
Citroën is offering van operators a month-long, nationwide opportunity to do deals across its Berlingo, Dispatch or Relay panel van range. The firm says it has a "unique combination" of additional safety benefits and low contract hire rates available in its first ever 'Commercial Vehicle Month. This runs across the UK's Citroën dealer network in February. Any of these new vans ordered between 1 and 28 February and registered by 31 March will get a three year 'Safe Speed' safety camera alert package, worth over £300. This is on top of the Trafficmaster Smartnav system, fitted as standard to these vans. Finally, all the Citroën dealers involved will offer contract hire deals, from £174 a month for a Nemo to £279 a month for a Berlingo.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Vans and trucks make a strong start at Manheim
Manheim Auctions says its January light and heavy commercial vehicle sales got off to strong start for the year, despite the weather. Its auction halls had 40% more physical and online buyers in January compared with the previous month. The biggest increase was the for the buyers use of Simulcast, Manheim Auctions' live online broadcast of its physical auctions. Double cab 4x4s, Transit panel vans and tippers have been in particular demand.
More from Andrew Andersz on +44 (0)1 865 343 100 or andrew.andersz@thejjgroup.com
RFA reports on RTFO failures
The Renewable Fuels Agency's report on biofuel supplied in the first year of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation says several fossil fuel suppliers failed to deliver sustainable biofuels.
More from Craig Rodgers on +44(0)2 073 441 614 or crodgers@smmt.co.uk
Unique load cleanout system
Allen Munro's new all-aluminium walking floor trailer has a unique load cleanout system. Developed by Munro, this includes a movable bulkhead and helps to ensure complete load discharge and minimal risk of the residue of one load contaminating another. "The 28 tonnes or 36m3 payload makes this a very efficient alternative to an eight wheel tipper with a 20 tonne payload," says the firm's John Draper. "The vehicle's inherent stability makes it much safer to run than an artic tipper too". He believes the low overall height and easily controlled discharge rate make it a very attractive proposition with Barber Greene road making machines or on waste disposal work.
More from John Draper on +44 (0)1 704 897 003 or john@munrocommercials.com
Truck of the Decade
Truck & Driver magazine invites its readers to vote for their "Truck of the Decade". To make this easier, it has a shortlist of the last ten International Truck of the Year winners: 2001 MAN TGA; 2002 Daf LF, 2003 Iveco Stralis; 2004 Mercedes-Benz Actros; 2005 Scania R-Series; 2006 MAN TGL; 2007 Daf XF105; 2008 MAN TGS/TGX; 2009 Mercedes-Benz Actros; 2010 Scania R-Series. Voters can choose their first, second and third favourites. There is an entry form in the March issue of T&D, in the shops from 4 February, or you can e-mail your top three to will.shiers@rbi.co.uk
More from Will Shiers on +44 (0)2 086 523 721 or will.shiers@rbi.co.uk
Sentinel Seals wins US security approval
Sentinel Tamper Evident Electronic Transport Seals, designed and made in the UK by ASD, have been approved for air cargo deliveries by the US Transportation Security Administration. The US TSA has made it a legal requirement that from 1 August 2010 all air cargo travelling on commercial aircraft has to be screened in accordance with the US Certified Cargo Screening Program. As an integral part of the programme, ASD says its Sentinel can be fitted to US trucks delivering goods into international airport cargo hubs in the USA for onward shipment around the world. "The system is also approved by UK Customs and increasingly widely used at UK airports "airside" vehicles, says the firm's Ian Winter.
More from Ian Winter on +44 (0)1 928 583 630 or ian.winter@asd-holdings.com
Equalize truck and car speed limits
The Freight Transport Association says more cash spent on roads and a "more intelligent approach" could improve road safety. This follows the Road Safety Foundation's report on trunk road safety. The RSF used a Europe-wide to assess English roads and gave but two stars to the over 65% of single carriageway trunk roads where only paint prevents head-on collisions. Malcolm Bingham, head of FTA road traffic management policy called for equalized speed limits between cars and trucks on "these dangerous, single carriageway roads where reckless overtaking is a proven killer."
More from Jo Tanner on +44 (0)1 892 552 255 or jtanner@fta.co.uk
Saint promoted to Optare Board
Optare plc's highly regarded commercial director Glenn Saint has been promoted to the firm's Board, while retaining his present job. Saint has over 28 years experience in the transport sector. He worked with Rolls Royce, followed by time in the rail industry before joining Optare in 1997, where he has also been technical director and manufacturing director.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
US bans texting in trucks and buses
Ray LaHood, US transport secretary has announced a "federal guidance" that effectively bans commercial truck and bus drivers from hand-held texting. The aim is to avoid the danger of distracted driving. "Texting on a handheld phone while driving substantially elevates the risk of being involved in a crash," said Bill Graves, boss of the American Trucking Associations which supports the ban.
More from www.bulktransporter.com
Better glass transport systems
Supertrucks has made big improvements to its range of glass carrying kit for 2010. The firm says the new range should make it easier for glaziers and others to meet their duty of care obligations All Supertrucks external glass carrying racks for panel vans have additional reflectors front and rear and a number of other safety and efficiency improvements. These include new 170 and 200mm wide folding ledges, a new ladder system for access to loads on the roof rack, a new range of folding tables for glass cutting and improvements to the firm's Glass Stop! patented load restraint system.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
EC to charge trucks for pollution
A new report from the European Commission's in-house Joint Research Centre says that the advantages of charging trucks for pollution justify the higher prices this will men for consumers. The report supports the EC plan to revise the Eurovignette Directive on truck tolls to allow national governments to cover pollution costs. It also suggests that the price rises would be "negligible" and that the plan would cut road freight CO2 emissions by 8%. It says that truckers can absorb 20% to 30% of cost rises by using greater efficiency.
More from Craig Rodgers on +44(0)2 073 441 614 or crodgers@smmt.co.uk
New PR service for low carbon vehicles
Dan Jenkins, the former media relations manager for Smith Electric Vehicles has set up Bright Sparks PR to specialise in low carbon vehicles. Jenkins says it "offers the UK's first flexible, low-cost, pay-as-you-go PR service." He says he aims to maximise media interest in green vehicles, without locking their makers into monthly retainer fees.
More from Dan Jenkins on +44 (0)7 536 092 682 or brightsparkspr@yahoo.co.uk
Paccar's Piggott honoured
January's Harvard Business Review has honoured Mark Pigott, Paccar's chairman and chief executive. It says he is one of the world's top 50 CEOs, due to the firm's excellent long-term shareholder returns. Paccar just announced 71 straight years of profit.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
New truck-specific satnav
Clarion has launched a "revolutionary" portable satnav for vans and trucks, able to find routes based on a vehicle's size and weight. The MAP690TRK uses three different vehicle profiles, taking data on height, width, length, actual and maximum gross weight, axle weights and trailer data. Route calculations use bridge heights, weight limits, tunnel heights and width and hazchem transport restrictions. Other tools allow for load and waiting times at pre-determined stops while a travel time monitor checks driving and rest times. The system displays foreground buildings as see-through to avoid obscuring the view of the next junction. It also shows terrain in 3D to give better guidance on roads in 44 counties across Europe. It has a 'car' mode too, has 38 languages and costs £399.00.
More from Chris Hodges on +44 (0)1 491 411 777 or clarion@mph.co.uk
Sellers' market for late plate vans
Demand for good used vans consistently outstripped supply during January, boosting prices and sales for medium-sized, good-quality vehicle. This should continue through the first half of the year, as the scarcity of late-plate vans remains an issue for dealers and prices threaten to climb even higher, according to George Alexander, chief commercial vehicle editor at Glass's. "The only cloud on this sunny horizon would be if, in desperation to secure new sales, van makers give the green light for significant discounts," he warns. This would "undo all the good work" by dealers to raise used vehicle prices. The market needs more new vehicle registrations but not through underselling which he says would damage residual values for "several years."
More from Kate Hudson on +44 (0)1 622 766 528 or kate.hudson@pfpr.com
First firms sign up to ATF contract
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency just published the Authorised Testing Facilities contract and said that three firms; Wincanton, TruckEast and Scania (Great Britain) Limited have already signed up to run ATFs. Vosa is changing truck, bus and trailer testing by setting up an ATF network. Its people will do testing at ATFs, which will be at operators and dealers' sites. The aim is to move testing closer to customers' and vehicle maintenance sites, give more choice of test site, more flexibility and so less downtime.
More from Rachel Hicks on +44 (0)1 179 542 561 or rachel.hicks@vosa.gov.uk
Arriva eyes France's Keolis
The E-bulletin from Bus and Coach Professional reports that Arriva is in talks with France's state-owned railway operator, SNCF, about a possible takeover of the Keolis transport business. Arriva says that it has held "very preliminary discussions." If they came to fruition would "create a significantly enhanced and leading European transportation business focused on the increasing liberalisation of the transportation market in Europe".
More from www.busandcoach.com
SMMT wants action on digital radio
Vehicle makers, broadcasters and governments must work together to meet plans to fit digital radios into all new vehicles on European the roads by 2013 and for every other vehicle to be "digitally enabled" by 2015. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has told the House of Lords Select Committee on Communications that there is too little action, coordinated research and development between the parties. Its members broadly back the government's digital radio aims but worry that many of the UK's 31m strong vehicle fleet won't be adapted in those two years and will need converters and trained technicians to fit them. Paul Everitt, SMMT boss says "it is essential" that there is a "thorough cost/benefit study" before the government agrees a date.
More from Jonathan Visscher on +44 (0)2 073 449 263 or jvisscher@smmt.co.uk
Patchy market for used trucks
This time last year, truck dealers worried about being caught with their sales down and stocks up, according to George Alexander, chief commercial vehicle editor at Glass's. "Now many wish they hadn't rushed to clear out their yards." There are too many "hard-worked, mediocre 7.5 tonners" making poor money and disappointing their sellers, though high-power, bigger-body trucks from good homes are "holding their own" at auction. Good 10 to 14 tonners also make good money but there are very few of them. Too many of the 18 tonners on offer are below par, meaning buyers won't bid well, though tidy curtainsiders with "sensible mileages" do sell well. The best older models, with "good cab design and optimum horsepower" continue to make the best money..
More from Kate Hudson on +44 (0)1 622 766 528 or kate.hudson@pfpr.com
Asian CV bosses meet to talk emissions
Automotive data consultants Interger say Asian industry chiefs will meet in Beijing on 23 to 25 March 2010. They aim to discuss the new diesel emission legislation deadlines for trucks, after strong sales in China increased the need for the entire Chinese CV industry to review its emissions strategies. The meeting is due at an Integer sponsored event in the city.
More from Thomas Benjamin on +44 (0)2 075 031 265 or tomas.benjamin@integer-research.com
Wabco wins in India
Wabco says that its Indian subsidiary, Wabco-TVS, has won the India Manufacturing Excellence Award (IMEA) with "Super Platinum" distinction. This is the country's largest on-site audit of manufacturing practices benchmarked against global standards. It is a joint presentation by The Economic Times and Frost & Sullivan.
More from Tobias Mueller on +49 69 7191 6834 or tobias.mueller@klenkhoursch.de
London artics for Malta?
The E-bulletin from Bus and Coach Professional reports that Arriva plans to use some of the redundant London Citaro articulated buses on Malta, if the consortium of which it is part wins the tender to operate bus services on the island.
More from www.busandcoach.com
Aixam moves Nice sales to Rugby
Electric vehicle maker and distributor Aixam Mega is moving the commercial sales operations of its wholly-owned London dealership Nice Car to its Rugby HQ from Monday, 1 February. Tottenham-based Aixam Mega dealer Hiremech, will handle service and repair work for London-based owners of Mega e-City and Mega Multitruck vehicles.
More from Christine Gormley on +44 (0) 24 76 407422 or Christine@seachangecommunications.co.uk
GFS delivers for Transaid
Global Freight Solutions, a leading UK parcel carrier says that Transaid will be its nominated charity. Transaid, which works to improve the way transport is run and managed in developing countries. It has launched an emergency transport scheme for pregnant women in northern Nigeria, so they can get to health facilities when they are most in need. GFS will support this initiative.
More from Rachel Mealing on +44 (0)1 512 395 058 or rachel@masonmedia.co.uk
And finally
One of New Scientist's Feedback column journalists says that a colleague in Canada received a mail shot from utility company, Direct Energy announcing: "Special Offer! Free maintenance - only $13.99 a month."
More from www.newscientist.
US truck maker Paccar, owner of the Daf, Kenworth and Peterbilt brands just completed 71 straight years of net profit. The firm also reported better fourth quarter revenues and net income compared to the third quarter of 2009. It is one of few firms in the sector to deliver net income every year in the last decade. Paccar shareholders got 19.1% annual return for the decade compared to the Standard & Poors average annual return of minus 1.0%. The firm earned $46.1m for the fourth quarter 2009 compared to $113.1m in the fourth quarter 2008.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
Scania wins £50m UK truck order
Scania (Great Britain) Limited has won its largest ever order, a 1,000 truck deal for the Stobart Group and AW Jenkinson Forest Products. The trucks are probably worth some £50m at "showroom" prices. The two firms run a joint buying deal that includes trucks and have ordered 1,000 trucks, mostly Scania R-Series but including "significant" numbers of Scania G-Series. All are tractor units and deliveries start in March 2010. The order splits 80:20 in Stobart's favour, with the firm taking additional and replacement trucks. "The Scania product is well-known and appreciated by both our companies," said William Stobart, Stobart Group's chief operating officer.
More from Phil Sampson on +44 (0)1 908 329 384 or phil.sampson@scania.com
World debut for TICC at CV Operator show
Transport software firm Road Tech will stage the world debut for its TICC or Transport Industry Conditions of Carriage on stand 5855 at the CV Operator Show in April, with Reed's Commercial Motor and Motor Transport magazines. The firm is already successfully selling its modern Transport Industry Conditions of carriage software and looks forward to the extra publicity that the world debut at the show will bring. "TICC helps you include a fuel escalator, set demurrage charges, or set your own limit of liability and add special clauses specific to your company," says Derek Beevor, MD. "You can create as many sets of Conditions of Carriage as you need and all for £48 per year + VAT. There is no costly membership fee, just a simple annual payment via www.ticc.co.uk." The firm will show its Tachomaster tachograph analysis software on a separate stand, 5758.
More from Maureen Ballance on +44 (0)1 923 460 000 or maureen@roadtech.co.uk
Size really matters
In last week's Transport News Brief I suggested that the 0..2m3 size difference between Iveco's new Daily and Mercedes' slightly bigger 7.5 tonne Vario was 200cm3 or about the size of a standard Rubik's cube 58.4mm along each edge. I was wrong, having got a decimal point in the wrong place, as lots of eagle-eyed engineers have pointed out. 0.2m3 is 200 litres, or a cube 58.4cm along each edge, equal to a largish box. That would be some Rubik's cube. So, yet more apologies.
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
New Master from Renault
Renault Trucks has launched a new version of its Master van and light truck range, with a weight range from 2.8 to 4.5 tonnes. The van payload range is from 994 to 2,254kg and up to 17m3. There are new engine versions, new rear-wheel drive models and a new cab design. Panel van, chassis cab, chassis double cab, chassis cowl, platform cab and platform cowl models will appear through 2010. These will come with front or rear-wheel drive and with single or twin rear wheels, depending on model. The firm quotes fuel figures of less than 8/100km and says it will support the new range with its Fast & Pro van sales and service centres, Start & Drive repair and maintenance contracts and Expandys warranty extension contracts.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
Tachomaster analyses on show
Transport software firm Road Tech will use stand 5758 at the CV Operator show this spring to demonstrate Tachomaster, its revolutionary and "market leading" tachograph analysis system. "From a standing start just four years ago, our data shows that we've already got 61% of the market," says Derek Beevor, MD. "Tachomaster, at www.tachomaster.co.uk, analyses digital, analogue and Working Time Directive data instantly on your PC for £1 a driver a week." The system includes a huge range of reports including Driver and Vehicle Use, Agency Self Billing, Drivers Daily Vehicle Check, Missing Mileage and much more. "Come and see us at the Show, see a demo and collect a 28-day free trial disc too."
More from Maureen Ballance on +44 (0)1 923 460 000 or maureen@roadtech.co.uk
February van deals from Citroën
Citroën is offering van operators a month-long, nationwide opportunity to do deals across its Berlingo, Dispatch or Relay panel van range. The firm says it has a "unique combination" of additional safety benefits and low contract hire rates available in its first ever 'Commercial Vehicle Month. This runs across the UK's Citroën dealer network in February. Any of these new vans ordered between 1 and 28 February and registered by 31 March will get a three year 'Safe Speed' safety camera alert package, worth over £300. This is on top of the Trafficmaster Smartnav system, fitted as standard to these vans. Finally, all the Citroën dealers involved will offer contract hire deals, from £174 a month for a Nemo to £279 a month for a Berlingo.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Vans and trucks make a strong start at Manheim
Manheim Auctions says its January light and heavy commercial vehicle sales got off to strong start for the year, despite the weather. Its auction halls had 40% more physical and online buyers in January compared with the previous month. The biggest increase was the for the buyers use of Simulcast, Manheim Auctions' live online broadcast of its physical auctions. Double cab 4x4s, Transit panel vans and tippers have been in particular demand.
More from Andrew Andersz on +44 (0)1 865 343 100 or andrew.andersz@thejjgroup.com
RFA reports on RTFO failures
The Renewable Fuels Agency's report on biofuel supplied in the first year of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation says several fossil fuel suppliers failed to deliver sustainable biofuels.
More from Craig Rodgers on +44(0)2 073 441 614 or crodgers@smmt.co.uk
Unique load cleanout system
Allen Munro's new all-aluminium walking floor trailer has a unique load cleanout system. Developed by Munro, this includes a movable bulkhead and helps to ensure complete load discharge and minimal risk of the residue of one load contaminating another. "The 28 tonnes or 36m3 payload makes this a very efficient alternative to an eight wheel tipper with a 20 tonne payload," says the firm's John Draper. "The vehicle's inherent stability makes it much safer to run than an artic tipper too". He believes the low overall height and easily controlled discharge rate make it a very attractive proposition with Barber Greene road making machines or on waste disposal work.
More from John Draper on +44 (0)1 704 897 003 or john@munrocommercials.com
Truck of the Decade
Truck & Driver magazine invites its readers to vote for their "Truck of the Decade". To make this easier, it has a shortlist of the last ten International Truck of the Year winners: 2001 MAN TGA; 2002 Daf LF, 2003 Iveco Stralis; 2004 Mercedes-Benz Actros; 2005 Scania R-Series; 2006 MAN TGL; 2007 Daf XF105; 2008 MAN TGS/TGX; 2009 Mercedes-Benz Actros; 2010 Scania R-Series. Voters can choose their first, second and third favourites. There is an entry form in the March issue of T&D, in the shops from 4 February, or you can e-mail your top three to will.shiers@rbi.co.uk
More from Will Shiers on +44 (0)2 086 523 721 or will.shiers@rbi.co.uk
Sentinel Seals wins US security approval
Sentinel Tamper Evident Electronic Transport Seals, designed and made in the UK by ASD, have been approved for air cargo deliveries by the US Transportation Security Administration. The US TSA has made it a legal requirement that from 1 August 2010 all air cargo travelling on commercial aircraft has to be screened in accordance with the US Certified Cargo Screening Program. As an integral part of the programme, ASD says its Sentinel can be fitted to US trucks delivering goods into international airport cargo hubs in the USA for onward shipment around the world. "The system is also approved by UK Customs and increasingly widely used at UK airports "airside" vehicles, says the firm's Ian Winter.
More from Ian Winter on +44 (0)1 928 583 630 or ian.winter@asd-holdings.com
Equalize truck and car speed limits
The Freight Transport Association says more cash spent on roads and a "more intelligent approach" could improve road safety. This follows the Road Safety Foundation's report on trunk road safety. The RSF used a Europe-wide to assess English roads and gave but two stars to the over 65% of single carriageway trunk roads where only paint prevents head-on collisions. Malcolm Bingham, head of FTA road traffic management policy called for equalized speed limits between cars and trucks on "these dangerous, single carriageway roads where reckless overtaking is a proven killer."
More from Jo Tanner on +44 (0)1 892 552 255 or jtanner@fta.co.uk
Saint promoted to Optare Board
Optare plc's highly regarded commercial director Glenn Saint has been promoted to the firm's Board, while retaining his present job. Saint has over 28 years experience in the transport sector. He worked with Rolls Royce, followed by time in the rail industry before joining Optare in 1997, where he has also been technical director and manufacturing director.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
US bans texting in trucks and buses
Ray LaHood, US transport secretary has announced a "federal guidance" that effectively bans commercial truck and bus drivers from hand-held texting. The aim is to avoid the danger of distracted driving. "Texting on a handheld phone while driving substantially elevates the risk of being involved in a crash," said Bill Graves, boss of the American Trucking Associations which supports the ban.
More from www.bulktransporter.com
Better glass transport systems
Supertrucks has made big improvements to its range of glass carrying kit for 2010. The firm says the new range should make it easier for glaziers and others to meet their duty of care obligations All Supertrucks external glass carrying racks for panel vans have additional reflectors front and rear and a number of other safety and efficiency improvements. These include new 170 and 200mm wide folding ledges, a new ladder system for access to loads on the roof rack, a new range of folding tables for glass cutting and improvements to the firm's Glass Stop! patented load restraint system.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
EC to charge trucks for pollution
A new report from the European Commission's in-house Joint Research Centre says that the advantages of charging trucks for pollution justify the higher prices this will men for consumers. The report supports the EC plan to revise the Eurovignette Directive on truck tolls to allow national governments to cover pollution costs. It also suggests that the price rises would be "negligible" and that the plan would cut road freight CO2 emissions by 8%. It says that truckers can absorb 20% to 30% of cost rises by using greater efficiency.
More from Craig Rodgers on +44(0)2 073 441 614 or crodgers@smmt.co.uk
New PR service for low carbon vehicles
Dan Jenkins, the former media relations manager for Smith Electric Vehicles has set up Bright Sparks PR to specialise in low carbon vehicles. Jenkins says it "offers the UK's first flexible, low-cost, pay-as-you-go PR service." He says he aims to maximise media interest in green vehicles, without locking their makers into monthly retainer fees.
More from Dan Jenkins on +44 (0)7 536 092 682 or brightsparkspr@yahoo.co.uk
Paccar's Piggott honoured
January's Harvard Business Review has honoured Mark Pigott, Paccar's chairman and chief executive. It says he is one of the world's top 50 CEOs, due to the firm's excellent long-term shareholder returns. Paccar just announced 71 straight years of profit.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
New truck-specific satnav
Clarion has launched a "revolutionary" portable satnav for vans and trucks, able to find routes based on a vehicle's size and weight. The MAP690TRK uses three different vehicle profiles, taking data on height, width, length, actual and maximum gross weight, axle weights and trailer data. Route calculations use bridge heights, weight limits, tunnel heights and width and hazchem transport restrictions. Other tools allow for load and waiting times at pre-determined stops while a travel time monitor checks driving and rest times. The system displays foreground buildings as see-through to avoid obscuring the view of the next junction. It also shows terrain in 3D to give better guidance on roads in 44 counties across Europe. It has a 'car' mode too, has 38 languages and costs £399.00.
More from Chris Hodges on +44 (0)1 491 411 777 or clarion@mph.co.uk
Sellers' market for late plate vans
Demand for good used vans consistently outstripped supply during January, boosting prices and sales for medium-sized, good-quality vehicle. This should continue through the first half of the year, as the scarcity of late-plate vans remains an issue for dealers and prices threaten to climb even higher, according to George Alexander, chief commercial vehicle editor at Glass's. "The only cloud on this sunny horizon would be if, in desperation to secure new sales, van makers give the green light for significant discounts," he warns. This would "undo all the good work" by dealers to raise used vehicle prices. The market needs more new vehicle registrations but not through underselling which he says would damage residual values for "several years."
More from Kate Hudson on +44 (0)1 622 766 528 or kate.hudson@pfpr.com
First firms sign up to ATF contract
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency just published the Authorised Testing Facilities contract and said that three firms; Wincanton, TruckEast and Scania (Great Britain) Limited have already signed up to run ATFs. Vosa is changing truck, bus and trailer testing by setting up an ATF network. Its people will do testing at ATFs, which will be at operators and dealers' sites. The aim is to move testing closer to customers' and vehicle maintenance sites, give more choice of test site, more flexibility and so less downtime.
More from Rachel Hicks on +44 (0)1 179 542 561 or rachel.hicks@vosa.gov.uk
Arriva eyes France's Keolis
The E-bulletin from Bus and Coach Professional reports that Arriva is in talks with France's state-owned railway operator, SNCF, about a possible takeover of the Keolis transport business. Arriva says that it has held "very preliminary discussions." If they came to fruition would "create a significantly enhanced and leading European transportation business focused on the increasing liberalisation of the transportation market in Europe".
More from www.busandcoach.com
SMMT wants action on digital radio
Vehicle makers, broadcasters and governments must work together to meet plans to fit digital radios into all new vehicles on European the roads by 2013 and for every other vehicle to be "digitally enabled" by 2015. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has told the House of Lords Select Committee on Communications that there is too little action, coordinated research and development between the parties. Its members broadly back the government's digital radio aims but worry that many of the UK's 31m strong vehicle fleet won't be adapted in those two years and will need converters and trained technicians to fit them. Paul Everitt, SMMT boss says "it is essential" that there is a "thorough cost/benefit study" before the government agrees a date.
More from Jonathan Visscher on +44 (0)2 073 449 263 or jvisscher@smmt.co.uk
Patchy market for used trucks
This time last year, truck dealers worried about being caught with their sales down and stocks up, according to George Alexander, chief commercial vehicle editor at Glass's. "Now many wish they hadn't rushed to clear out their yards." There are too many "hard-worked, mediocre 7.5 tonners" making poor money and disappointing their sellers, though high-power, bigger-body trucks from good homes are "holding their own" at auction. Good 10 to 14 tonners also make good money but there are very few of them. Too many of the 18 tonners on offer are below par, meaning buyers won't bid well, though tidy curtainsiders with "sensible mileages" do sell well. The best older models, with "good cab design and optimum horsepower" continue to make the best money..
More from Kate Hudson on +44 (0)1 622 766 528 or kate.hudson@pfpr.com
Asian CV bosses meet to talk emissions
Automotive data consultants Interger say Asian industry chiefs will meet in Beijing on 23 to 25 March 2010. They aim to discuss the new diesel emission legislation deadlines for trucks, after strong sales in China increased the need for the entire Chinese CV industry to review its emissions strategies. The meeting is due at an Integer sponsored event in the city.
More from Thomas Benjamin on +44 (0)2 075 031 265 or tomas.benjamin@integer-research.com
Wabco wins in India
Wabco says that its Indian subsidiary, Wabco-TVS, has won the India Manufacturing Excellence Award (IMEA) with "Super Platinum" distinction. This is the country's largest on-site audit of manufacturing practices benchmarked against global standards. It is a joint presentation by The Economic Times and Frost & Sullivan.
More from Tobias Mueller on +49 69 7191 6834 or tobias.mueller@klenkhoursch.de
London artics for Malta?
The E-bulletin from Bus and Coach Professional reports that Arriva plans to use some of the redundant London Citaro articulated buses on Malta, if the consortium of which it is part wins the tender to operate bus services on the island.
More from www.busandcoach.com
Aixam moves Nice sales to Rugby
Electric vehicle maker and distributor Aixam Mega is moving the commercial sales operations of its wholly-owned London dealership Nice Car to its Rugby HQ from Monday, 1 February. Tottenham-based Aixam Mega dealer Hiremech, will handle service and repair work for London-based owners of Mega e-City and Mega Multitruck vehicles.
More from Christine Gormley on +44 (0) 24 76 407422 or Christine@seachangecommunications.co.uk
GFS delivers for Transaid
Global Freight Solutions, a leading UK parcel carrier says that Transaid will be its nominated charity. Transaid, which works to improve the way transport is run and managed in developing countries. It has launched an emergency transport scheme for pregnant women in northern Nigeria, so they can get to health facilities when they are most in need. GFS will support this initiative.
More from Rachel Mealing on +44 (0)1 512 395 058 or rachel@masonmedia.co.uk
And finally
One of New Scientist's Feedback column journalists says that a colleague in Canada received a mail shot from utility company, Direct Energy announcing: "Special Offer! Free maintenance - only $13.99 a month."
More from www.newscientist.
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