Just in case it does go, we would like to give it the Transport News Top Truck Award for 2006, not for nostalgic reasons, but because it really deserves it.

Convinced that steam power in lorries was on the way out, Edwin Richard Foden claimed his inheritance and built his own wagons with the internal combustion engine, or 'oilers' as they were known, badged with his initials, ERF.

Edwin was proved right, of course, as petrol then diesel became the motive power for trucks, and his decision to break away from the Foden family business all those years ago was vindicated.

Not surprisingly, engines have figured largely in ERF-badged trucks over the last century, with the Gardner and the Cummins synonymous with the marque. Latterly, we at Transport News have tested ERF rigids and tractor units with Rolls Royce (Eagle), Caterpillar and even Detroit Diesel power.

Today, ERF adds another engine to its list of greats, the MAN D20 with the compliments of its parent company. And, dare we say it, possibly its best power unit yet for sparkling performance and excellent fuel economy.

As a departure from the normal, this year's Top Truck is hot off the press, as they say, being one of the last vehicles tested in our busy 2005 Borders Route programme, so turn the page and read for yourself why the MAN-ERF ECT10 8x4 deserves the accolade of Transport News Top Truck for 2006.

It should be revealed that the two closest contenders for our 2006 top vehicle award, were also rigids: Iveco's 18 tonner which surprised us with EuroCargo's competitive fuel consumption figures. The remarkable 14mpg heaps praises on the Tector engine and the cab and body aerodynamics played their part too, as did the cab roof spoiler and cab side collar - both Iveco aftermarket parts...

The EuroCargo 18 tonner can be tailored to most haulage requirements with eight wheelbases to choose from (3,690 to 6,570mm) five tyre sizes and three Tector engine options: 120, 240 and 280hp.

DAF's eight wheel tipper also did well on test, where we confirmed that good handling is DAF's speciality on the multi-wheel range. In addition to their 'non-reactive' suspension on the front axles, 8x4 CFs have an increased front axle spread which gives better axle loading, payload balance and longer tyre life.

There's also an eight rod bogie for geometrically stable axle positioning and maximum traction on or off the road.

Although well firmed up to give a solid drive, including under diminishing loads, the CF 8x4 is still relatively light, and with its Rouse aluminium body our test vehicle gave a more than decent 20.68 tonne payload.