Legal Brief
Transport News Brief Week 42
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The latest news roundup from the SMMT.
Tipcon returns
The organisers of the CV Show say TipCon will be back on the industry calendar next year, at the CV Show in the NEC.TipCon was a very popular date on calendar for 30 years because of its focus on the needs of the tipping industry.The CV Show organisers expect its return will prove a hit with operators and exhibitors."Next year's CV Show really will give visitors and operators exactly what they're after, an event synymous with the UK tipping industry," said Roger King, Road Haulage Association chief executive. Tipcon is the latest specialist area for the CV Show and will spread through an 8,000m2 hall with 5,000m2 more demonstration and display space outside."The response has been overwhelming," said King."TipCon's return means the organisers can concentrate all the tipper-related exhibitors in one hall." The CV Show opens on 15 April and closes on 17 April 2008 at the NEC, near Birmingham. Details are on www.cvshow.com
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Bösiger takes truck racing title
Markus Bösiger drove his Freightliner to win lead European Truck Racing Championship by one point at the season's penultimate race at Jarama last weekend. The final race is at Le Mans on 24 October.
More from www.truckracing.de
TankCon back too
Hot on the heels of the news about TipCon's return comes the news that TankCon will be back too. Like the return of TipCon, this move follows 'record interest' from manufacturers and equipment suppliers. The CV Show organisers say they already have 'significant' space bookings from firms like Crossland, Feldbinder, Lakeland, Magyar, Maisonneuve and Whale. TankCon will be in its own hall and like TipCon will have its own visitors' lounge and a large outside demonstration and display area. "I'm very pleased to see TankCon at the heart of the CV Show," said Adam Franklin, chairman of the Road Haulage Association's Tanker Group, who also runs DHL Exel's oil, gas and chemicals operation."The move will help highlight the sector's vital contribution to UK plc." The CV Show opens on 15 April and closes on 17 April 2008 at the NEC, near Birmingham. Details are on www.cvshow.com
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Friends of the Earth to study automotive logistics CO2
The SMMT's Week in Brussels reports that the Association of European Vehicle Logistics has commissioned Friends of the Earth to look at the external costs of logistics vehicles. The association hopes this will lead to a standard with which to measure CO2 footprints throughout the automotive logistics industry.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Optare launches new Solo model
Optare launched the Solo SR, the latest version of its highly successful Solo midibus, at last week's Coach and Bus Live event held at Birmingham's NEC and reports a "significant" number of orders and an exceptional response to the new model. The firm says its new model brings the style and external image of the larger Versa model to the midi-bus sector. "We recognise that some customers need to show that they are investing," said Bob Coombes, Optare's group managing director. "They want their passengers to see instantly that vehicles really are new."Improvements include better ride and stability, lower interior noise levels and more passenger appeal. The new SR range will initially come in two lengths, 8.9m, and 9.6m, and in the standard width, although other variants may be available later. "As with other Solo models, SR - about 1-200 kg heavier than equivalent length models - will still offer low unladen weight and class leading fuel economy."The SR will be available for delivery from March 2008.Optare, Britain's independent bus and coach maker is vying for No 2 spot in the UK bus market and launched the Solo range 10 years ago, with almost 3,000 now on the road.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
Hanbury Davies takes 100 Euro 5 Volvos
Hanbury Davies, one of the biggest privately-owned distribution and logistics firms in the UK, has taken 100 Volvo three axle tractors. All are Euro 5 models, rated at 480 or 520 hp and supplied through Volvo dealer MC Truck and Bus of Maidstone to Hanbury Riverside at Thurrock, Essex. The deal includes the 10,000th truck delivered by the dealer.
More from Nigel Hanwell on +44 (0)1 926 414 210 or nigel.hanwell@volvo.com
P&O fleet trailer spend to hit €16m
P&O Ferrymasters says it will have spent €16m on 610 new trailers by the end of the year. These will include 200 coil carriers, 275 Euroliner trailers, 75 Mega trailers and 60 reefers.
More from Gail Isted on +44 (0)7 792 51 284 or media@eagle-eyepr..com
15 Sorocos for EasyBus
Optare has won what it says is the biggest mid-sized coach order this year - a deal for 15 Sorocos from EasyBus.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
Tachomaster spreads
Road Tech Computers says its selling its market-leading Tachomaster tachograph analysis service outside the UK. The firm has increasing numbers of customers based in Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands - and expects its customer base to spread further. "The system is so easy to use and gives unique management information based on instant analysis," says Derek Beevor, managing director. "It makes good business sense in any language. No other system offers you the same flexibility to manipulate your data for such low prices - all we charge for is storing that information."
More from Maureen Ballance on +44(0)1 923 460 000 or maureen@roadtech.co.uk
Wireless proximity sensor for petrol tankers
Reversing Made Easy says its Trailermatic range of wireless reversing sensors has got the OK from the petrochemical industry's Safe Loading Pass Committee for use on petrol tankers. "That the SLPC has approved our system gives us a green light to approach the petrol tanker industry with confidence," says Steve Ransom, director for the firm. Hoyer and Air Liquide already use the equipment and other ADR operators are showing interest too."
More from Steve Ransom on +44 (0)7 766 600 500 or steve@reversingmadeeasy.com
King Long success for BMC
Clive McNally, chairman at BMC (UK) Limited says the firm sold seven of its Chinese-built King Long coaches by the end of the first morning of last week's Coach and Bus Live show at the NEC. "We ordered 25 from China earlier this year and now another 50 to help us meet demand." BMC says the typically 56-seat high-floor coaches are homolgated for Europe and have Type Approval and UK Certificates of Initial Fitness.
More from Clive McNally on +44 (0)2 476 363 003 or clive@bmcukltd.com
Record Asian bus order for Scania
Scania says it has won a 500-strong bus and coach order, its biggest ever in Asia. SBS Transit in Singapore will take the Euro 4 buses and coaches as part of a plan to replace its 2,700 strong fleet with more environmentally friendly vehicles. All will have 230 hp, nine litre engines using exhaust gas recirculation. Gemling Coachworks in Malaysia will do all the body-building, including wheelchair access facilities on the low-floor buses. The deal includes a service package.
More from Gunnar Boman on +46 (0)8 5538 9510 or gunar.boman@scania.com
First Scania for Wreford
Northampton-based Wreford's Transport just got its first Scania, an R 420 Topline-cabbed three-axle tractor. The 420 bhp truck joins a 100 strong fleet. Wreford's does general haulage, distribution, logistics and storage.
More from Chris Love on +44 (0)1 908 329 270 or chris.love@scania.com
Paccar builds parts distribution centre in Hungary
Paccar boss Mark Piggott has laid the foundation stone of a new parts distribution centre near Budapest, Hungary. Due for completion in summer 2008, the 25,000m2 centre will "play a crucial role" for Daf and its plan for continued success in Central and Eastern Europe.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
MEPs want tighter particulate limits
The SMMT's Week in Brussels reports that the European Environment Committee has agreed its report on European air quality and called for tighter particulate values but longer deadlines to bring them in. The European Environmental Bureau is unhappy, saying that "air polluters have been given an extra 13 years, until 2013, to clean up their act.."
More from www.smmt.co.uk
First Versas go to Stagecoach
Optare says it is delivering the first of a batch of 25 Versa single buses to Stagecoach and a smaller number to Arriva.. These are to be followed by a batch of 25 for Blazefield. Optare unveiled the first Versa prototype at last year's Bus and Coach to widespread acclaim. Since then the show model has done a 10,000 mile, round Britain tour, visiting "a vast number of operators." The firm says it is confident of "significant" orders.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
EU supports hydrogen technologies
The SMMT's Week in Brussels reports that the European Commission says it wants to support research into hydrogen-powered fuel cells and has €470m available, to be matched by the industry. The EC says it also plans to extend type approval to hydrogen-powered vehicles, making it easier to register and sell them.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
First Tempo for KVG, Kiel
Optare says its first Tempo single deck city bus has gone to work with German operator KVG in Kiel. The firm seems quietly confident that it will soon win more Continental orders in the wake of this foothold.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
Optare hybrid project heading for London
Bus and coach maker Optare says that it expects to see hybrid versions of its Tempo city bus model running in London next Summer and hopes to announce orders. This follows a deal the firm made with GM Allison last year to use its parallel hybrid technology. Optare's boss, Bob Coombes, says that its Solo and Versa single deck buses share a common driveline and the firm is hard at work with a technology partner on a hybrid solution for those city bus models too.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
King publishes interim CO2 reduction report
The SMMT's Week in Westminster reports that professor Julia King, vice chancellor of Aston University has published her interim report into the potential for CO2 reduction. This sets out the environmental challenge for transport and while it concentrates on cars, it is expected to have wide-ranging implications. The report looks at the scope for emissions savings from more efficient vehicle technologies, cleaner fuels and smart choices for consumers.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Masters for Beergas
Beergas Direct, an independent supplier of drinks dispensing gas systems, has committed all of its new franchisees to Renault Master 120.35 chassis cabs, fitted with special, high dropside bodies. JDS Trucks at Salford has already supplied some vehicles and expects to supply more as the franchise expands.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
Steel theft in Warwickshire
TruckPol reports that thieves struck at Coleshil last week, ramming the gates at the freight terminal and stealing a semi-trailer loaded with steel. The trailer is a Dutch Mammoet curtainsider with a fleet number MTB 3636. As it was Dutch, the trailer is also registered, the number is OJ68RB. If you or anyone you know sees it, Andy Round and his colleagues at TruckPol would like to hear from you.
More from Andy Round on +44 (0)2 476 516 246 or truckpol@avcis.pnn.police.uk,
First big for big Citroën Relay vans
Citroën says it just delivered 20 Relay 35 L4H2 120 panel vans to Sixt Rent a Car. The vans have a 4,070mm load bed and 15m3 load capacity and are among the largest models in the Citroën range. Good residual values and standard sat nav are among the factors that won Citroën the business; Sixt fits all its cars with sat nav. Based in the Greater London area, the new vans join a 26,000 strong fleet, of which about half are commercial vehicles. The new vans will do spot-hire work for two years and should cover 50,000 miles. Evans Halshaw in Mansfield did the deal.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Truck friendly sat nav from MAN
MAN's UK boss, Des Evans, has confirmed that the firm is working with suppliers to develop a 'truck-friendly' satellite navigation system. "We've all heard the horror stories about truck drivers led down completely inappropriate narrow roads, only to find themselves confronted by a dead-end or low bridge and no room to turn," said Evans. "We want to help avoid problems like that, with a truly truck-friendly sat nav system."
More from Paul O'Malley on +44 (0)1 263 584 199 or comms@btinternet.com
Reynolds is Irish Haulier of the Year
Reynolds Logistics of Dublin has won the first Irish Haulier of the Year 2008 Award. "The purpose of the event is to honour best practice in the transport industry," said Jarlath Sweeney, editor of Fleet Transport Magazine, which established and organised the event. The competition culminated in a gala dinner at the Marriot Johnstown House Hotel, at Enfield, near Dublin. Noel Dempsey TD, Irish minister of transport, presented awards to all ten categories. The overall winner was selected from amongst those ten. Reynolds is the largest petrochemical transporter in Ireland and has made 26% year-on-year growth for the past ten years.
More from Orla Sweeney on +353 (0)9 4937 2819 or oral@fleet.ie
BMC's new Nifty midi coach
BMC used last week's Bus and Coach Live show to launch its new 7.5 metre luxury midi coach, the Nifty. The firm expect the new vehicle will prove popular for hotel and airport courtesy work, where its 4.5m3 luggage capacity should prove attractive. The Nifty has reclining seats, air conditioning, and full curtains for its tinted and double glazed windows. There is a TV with DVD and CD player as well. Clive McNally, chairman at BMC (UK) Limited says he expects the £67,000 price should prove attractive too.. "There's a space for every case, so I'm confident it'll prove popular for hotel and airport courtesy work. That enormous luggage space is really important and it's accessible from both sides and the back" Power is from a front-mounted Cummins engine driving through a ZF gearbox. The chassis layout will make it easy to fit a rear mounted tail-lift to the more simply equipped welfare version BMC plans to offer next year.
More from John Mulkeen on +44 (0)7 736 619 213 or johnm@bmcukltd.com
First double-deck reefer
Ekeri has just delivered what it believes is the first double-deck reefer trailer for temperature-controlled distribution. MJ Griffiths of Burscough, Lancashire offers collection, storage and distribution in the temperature-controlled food chain. The firm is using its new trailer to improve the efficiency of its seven day a week multiple drop deliveries. This is MJ Griffiths' fourth Ekeri trailer.
More from Jane Brown on +44 (0)7 976 929 715 or jane_ebrown@hotmail.com
More AdBlue from Air1
Air1 says it expects to run at least 50% more AdBlue retail sites in the next few months as demand grows, taking its site network from 14 to around 20. Already the firm says it estimates that 80% of its AdBlue is distributed from 'home based' bunkers, at prices of around 30 pence a litre.. This contrasts with between 44 and 54 pence a litre at truck stops.
More from Dan Mozley on +44 (0)1 384 276 411 or dan.mozley@air1.co.uk
New city bus from Neoman
Neoman Bus UK launched its new, low-floor, single deck 'Meridian' city bus at last week's Bus and Coach Live show at the NEC. The new bus is the product of a partnership with the Wright Group and uses the UK firm's Aluminique bodywork. The first example will go to work with Whitelaw's Coaches of Stonehouse, Lanarkshire, Scotland. "We've six MAN based buses already and we're very pleased with them," said Sandra Whitelaw Ginestri, general manager and partner at the firm. "We're really excited about the new bus; there are lots of things we like about it look forward to it starting work on 1 November.." It will join a 39 strong fleet.
More from Paul O'Malley on +44 (0)1 263 584 199 or comms@btinternet.com
New Double decker for Cardiff.
Cardiff Bus has taken its latest East Lanc's, Olympus-bodied Scania double-deck bus direct from the Darwen Group's stand at last week's Bus and Coach Live show. One of a fleet of new buses, it has sophisticated CCTV and GPS kit to link to the city's real-time passenger information system. Seven such of the new buses will do school work and also run on scheduled networks outside of school hours.
More from Lauren Jones on +44 (0)1 612 361 352 or laurenj@mcmc.co.uk
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback page reports that a factory near Norman Parker's house has two entrances. One has a notice saying "NO LORRIES USE NEXT ENTRANCE". "Do we need to know?" asks Parker.
More from www.newscientist.com
The organisers of the CV Show say TipCon will be back on the industry calendar next year, at the CV Show in the NEC.TipCon was a very popular date on calendar for 30 years because of its focus on the needs of the tipping industry.The CV Show organisers expect its return will prove a hit with operators and exhibitors."Next year's CV Show really will give visitors and operators exactly what they're after, an event synymous with the UK tipping industry," said Roger King, Road Haulage Association chief executive. Tipcon is the latest specialist area for the CV Show and will spread through an 8,000m2 hall with 5,000m2 more demonstration and display space outside."The response has been overwhelming," said King."TipCon's return means the organisers can concentrate all the tipper-related exhibitors in one hall." The CV Show opens on 15 April and closes on 17 April 2008 at the NEC, near Birmingham. Details are on www.cvshow.com
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Bösiger takes truck racing title
Markus Bösiger drove his Freightliner to win lead European Truck Racing Championship by one point at the season's penultimate race at Jarama last weekend. The final race is at Le Mans on 24 October.
More from www.truckracing.de
TankCon back too
Hot on the heels of the news about TipCon's return comes the news that TankCon will be back too. Like the return of TipCon, this move follows 'record interest' from manufacturers and equipment suppliers. The CV Show organisers say they already have 'significant' space bookings from firms like Crossland, Feldbinder, Lakeland, Magyar, Maisonneuve and Whale. TankCon will be in its own hall and like TipCon will have its own visitors' lounge and a large outside demonstration and display area. "I'm very pleased to see TankCon at the heart of the CV Show," said Adam Franklin, chairman of the Road Haulage Association's Tanker Group, who also runs DHL Exel's oil, gas and chemicals operation."The move will help highlight the sector's vital contribution to UK plc." The CV Show opens on 15 April and closes on 17 April 2008 at the NEC, near Birmingham. Details are on www.cvshow.com
More from Robin Dickeson +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Friends of the Earth to study automotive logistics CO2
The SMMT's Week in Brussels reports that the Association of European Vehicle Logistics has commissioned Friends of the Earth to look at the external costs of logistics vehicles. The association hopes this will lead to a standard with which to measure CO2 footprints throughout the automotive logistics industry.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Optare launches new Solo model
Optare launched the Solo SR, the latest version of its highly successful Solo midibus, at last week's Coach and Bus Live event held at Birmingham's NEC and reports a "significant" number of orders and an exceptional response to the new model. The firm says its new model brings the style and external image of the larger Versa model to the midi-bus sector. "We recognise that some customers need to show that they are investing," said Bob Coombes, Optare's group managing director. "They want their passengers to see instantly that vehicles really are new."Improvements include better ride and stability, lower interior noise levels and more passenger appeal. The new SR range will initially come in two lengths, 8.9m, and 9.6m, and in the standard width, although other variants may be available later. "As with other Solo models, SR - about 1-200 kg heavier than equivalent length models - will still offer low unladen weight and class leading fuel economy."The SR will be available for delivery from March 2008.Optare, Britain's independent bus and coach maker is vying for No 2 spot in the UK bus market and launched the Solo range 10 years ago, with almost 3,000 now on the road.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
Hanbury Davies takes 100 Euro 5 Volvos
Hanbury Davies, one of the biggest privately-owned distribution and logistics firms in the UK, has taken 100 Volvo three axle tractors. All are Euro 5 models, rated at 480 or 520 hp and supplied through Volvo dealer MC Truck and Bus of Maidstone to Hanbury Riverside at Thurrock, Essex. The deal includes the 10,000th truck delivered by the dealer.
More from Nigel Hanwell on +44 (0)1 926 414 210 or nigel.hanwell@volvo.com
P&O fleet trailer spend to hit €16m
P&O Ferrymasters says it will have spent €16m on 610 new trailers by the end of the year. These will include 200 coil carriers, 275 Euroliner trailers, 75 Mega trailers and 60 reefers.
More from Gail Isted on +44 (0)7 792 51 284 or media@eagle-eyepr..com
15 Sorocos for EasyBus
Optare has won what it says is the biggest mid-sized coach order this year - a deal for 15 Sorocos from EasyBus.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
Tachomaster spreads
Road Tech Computers says its selling its market-leading Tachomaster tachograph analysis service outside the UK. The firm has increasing numbers of customers based in Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands - and expects its customer base to spread further. "The system is so easy to use and gives unique management information based on instant analysis," says Derek Beevor, managing director. "It makes good business sense in any language. No other system offers you the same flexibility to manipulate your data for such low prices - all we charge for is storing that information."
More from Maureen Ballance on +44(0)1 923 460 000 or maureen@roadtech.co.uk
Wireless proximity sensor for petrol tankers
Reversing Made Easy says its Trailermatic range of wireless reversing sensors has got the OK from the petrochemical industry's Safe Loading Pass Committee for use on petrol tankers. "That the SLPC has approved our system gives us a green light to approach the petrol tanker industry with confidence," says Steve Ransom, director for the firm. Hoyer and Air Liquide already use the equipment and other ADR operators are showing interest too."
More from Steve Ransom on +44 (0)7 766 600 500 or steve@reversingmadeeasy.com
King Long success for BMC
Clive McNally, chairman at BMC (UK) Limited says the firm sold seven of its Chinese-built King Long coaches by the end of the first morning of last week's Coach and Bus Live show at the NEC. "We ordered 25 from China earlier this year and now another 50 to help us meet demand." BMC says the typically 56-seat high-floor coaches are homolgated for Europe and have Type Approval and UK Certificates of Initial Fitness.
More from Clive McNally on +44 (0)2 476 363 003 or clive@bmcukltd.com
Record Asian bus order for Scania
Scania says it has won a 500-strong bus and coach order, its biggest ever in Asia. SBS Transit in Singapore will take the Euro 4 buses and coaches as part of a plan to replace its 2,700 strong fleet with more environmentally friendly vehicles. All will have 230 hp, nine litre engines using exhaust gas recirculation. Gemling Coachworks in Malaysia will do all the body-building, including wheelchair access facilities on the low-floor buses. The deal includes a service package.
More from Gunnar Boman on +46 (0)8 5538 9510 or gunar.boman@scania.com
First Scania for Wreford
Northampton-based Wreford's Transport just got its first Scania, an R 420 Topline-cabbed three-axle tractor. The 420 bhp truck joins a 100 strong fleet. Wreford's does general haulage, distribution, logistics and storage.
More from Chris Love on +44 (0)1 908 329 270 or chris.love@scania.com
Paccar builds parts distribution centre in Hungary
Paccar boss Mark Piggott has laid the foundation stone of a new parts distribution centre near Budapest, Hungary. Due for completion in summer 2008, the 25,000m2 centre will "play a crucial role" for Daf and its plan for continued success in Central and Eastern Europe.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
MEPs want tighter particulate limits
The SMMT's Week in Brussels reports that the European Environment Committee has agreed its report on European air quality and called for tighter particulate values but longer deadlines to bring them in. The European Environmental Bureau is unhappy, saying that "air polluters have been given an extra 13 years, until 2013, to clean up their act.."
More from www.smmt.co.uk
First Versas go to Stagecoach
Optare says it is delivering the first of a batch of 25 Versa single buses to Stagecoach and a smaller number to Arriva.. These are to be followed by a batch of 25 for Blazefield. Optare unveiled the first Versa prototype at last year's Bus and Coach to widespread acclaim. Since then the show model has done a 10,000 mile, round Britain tour, visiting "a vast number of operators." The firm says it is confident of "significant" orders.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
EU supports hydrogen technologies
The SMMT's Week in Brussels reports that the European Commission says it wants to support research into hydrogen-powered fuel cells and has €470m available, to be matched by the industry. The EC says it also plans to extend type approval to hydrogen-powered vehicles, making it easier to register and sell them.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
First Tempo for KVG, Kiel
Optare says its first Tempo single deck city bus has gone to work with German operator KVG in Kiel. The firm seems quietly confident that it will soon win more Continental orders in the wake of this foothold.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
Optare hybrid project heading for London
Bus and coach maker Optare says that it expects to see hybrid versions of its Tempo city bus model running in London next Summer and hopes to announce orders. This follows a deal the firm made with GM Allison last year to use its parallel hybrid technology. Optare's boss, Bob Coombes, says that its Solo and Versa single deck buses share a common driveline and the firm is hard at work with a technology partner on a hybrid solution for those city bus models too.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
King publishes interim CO2 reduction report
The SMMT's Week in Westminster reports that professor Julia King, vice chancellor of Aston University has published her interim report into the potential for CO2 reduction. This sets out the environmental challenge for transport and while it concentrates on cars, it is expected to have wide-ranging implications. The report looks at the scope for emissions savings from more efficient vehicle technologies, cleaner fuels and smart choices for consumers.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Masters for Beergas
Beergas Direct, an independent supplier of drinks dispensing gas systems, has committed all of its new franchisees to Renault Master 120.35 chassis cabs, fitted with special, high dropside bodies. JDS Trucks at Salford has already supplied some vehicles and expects to supply more as the franchise expands.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
Steel theft in Warwickshire
TruckPol reports that thieves struck at Coleshil last week, ramming the gates at the freight terminal and stealing a semi-trailer loaded with steel. The trailer is a Dutch Mammoet curtainsider with a fleet number MTB 3636. As it was Dutch, the trailer is also registered, the number is OJ68RB. If you or anyone you know sees it, Andy Round and his colleagues at TruckPol would like to hear from you.
More from Andy Round on +44 (0)2 476 516 246 or truckpol@avcis.pnn.police.uk,
First big for big Citroën Relay vans
Citroën says it just delivered 20 Relay 35 L4H2 120 panel vans to Sixt Rent a Car. The vans have a 4,070mm load bed and 15m3 load capacity and are among the largest models in the Citroën range. Good residual values and standard sat nav are among the factors that won Citroën the business; Sixt fits all its cars with sat nav. Based in the Greater London area, the new vans join a 26,000 strong fleet, of which about half are commercial vehicles. The new vans will do spot-hire work for two years and should cover 50,000 miles. Evans Halshaw in Mansfield did the deal.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Truck friendly sat nav from MAN
MAN's UK boss, Des Evans, has confirmed that the firm is working with suppliers to develop a 'truck-friendly' satellite navigation system. "We've all heard the horror stories about truck drivers led down completely inappropriate narrow roads, only to find themselves confronted by a dead-end or low bridge and no room to turn," said Evans. "We want to help avoid problems like that, with a truly truck-friendly sat nav system."
More from Paul O'Malley on +44 (0)1 263 584 199 or comms@btinternet.com
Reynolds is Irish Haulier of the Year
Reynolds Logistics of Dublin has won the first Irish Haulier of the Year 2008 Award. "The purpose of the event is to honour best practice in the transport industry," said Jarlath Sweeney, editor of Fleet Transport Magazine, which established and organised the event. The competition culminated in a gala dinner at the Marriot Johnstown House Hotel, at Enfield, near Dublin. Noel Dempsey TD, Irish minister of transport, presented awards to all ten categories. The overall winner was selected from amongst those ten. Reynolds is the largest petrochemical transporter in Ireland and has made 26% year-on-year growth for the past ten years.
More from Orla Sweeney on +353 (0)9 4937 2819 or oral@fleet.ie
BMC's new Nifty midi coach
BMC used last week's Bus and Coach Live show to launch its new 7.5 metre luxury midi coach, the Nifty. The firm expect the new vehicle will prove popular for hotel and airport courtesy work, where its 4.5m3 luggage capacity should prove attractive. The Nifty has reclining seats, air conditioning, and full curtains for its tinted and double glazed windows. There is a TV with DVD and CD player as well. Clive McNally, chairman at BMC (UK) Limited says he expects the £67,000 price should prove attractive too.. "There's a space for every case, so I'm confident it'll prove popular for hotel and airport courtesy work. That enormous luggage space is really important and it's accessible from both sides and the back" Power is from a front-mounted Cummins engine driving through a ZF gearbox. The chassis layout will make it easy to fit a rear mounted tail-lift to the more simply equipped welfare version BMC plans to offer next year.
More from John Mulkeen on +44 (0)7 736 619 213 or johnm@bmcukltd.com
First double-deck reefer
Ekeri has just delivered what it believes is the first double-deck reefer trailer for temperature-controlled distribution. MJ Griffiths of Burscough, Lancashire offers collection, storage and distribution in the temperature-controlled food chain. The firm is using its new trailer to improve the efficiency of its seven day a week multiple drop deliveries. This is MJ Griffiths' fourth Ekeri trailer.
More from Jane Brown on +44 (0)7 976 929 715 or jane_ebrown@hotmail.com
More AdBlue from Air1
Air1 says it expects to run at least 50% more AdBlue retail sites in the next few months as demand grows, taking its site network from 14 to around 20. Already the firm says it estimates that 80% of its AdBlue is distributed from 'home based' bunkers, at prices of around 30 pence a litre.. This contrasts with between 44 and 54 pence a litre at truck stops.
More from Dan Mozley on +44 (0)1 384 276 411 or dan.mozley@air1.co.uk
New city bus from Neoman
Neoman Bus UK launched its new, low-floor, single deck 'Meridian' city bus at last week's Bus and Coach Live show at the NEC. The new bus is the product of a partnership with the Wright Group and uses the UK firm's Aluminique bodywork. The first example will go to work with Whitelaw's Coaches of Stonehouse, Lanarkshire, Scotland. "We've six MAN based buses already and we're very pleased with them," said Sandra Whitelaw Ginestri, general manager and partner at the firm. "We're really excited about the new bus; there are lots of things we like about it look forward to it starting work on 1 November.." It will join a 39 strong fleet.
More from Paul O'Malley on +44 (0)1 263 584 199 or comms@btinternet.com
New Double decker for Cardiff.
Cardiff Bus has taken its latest East Lanc's, Olympus-bodied Scania double-deck bus direct from the Darwen Group's stand at last week's Bus and Coach Live show. One of a fleet of new buses, it has sophisticated CCTV and GPS kit to link to the city's real-time passenger information system. Seven such of the new buses will do school work and also run on scheduled networks outside of school hours.
More from Lauren Jones on +44 (0)1 612 361 352 or laurenj@mcmc.co.uk
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback page reports that a factory near Norman Parker's house has two entrances. One has a notice saying "NO LORRIES USE NEXT ENTRANCE". "Do we need to know?" asks Parker.
More from www.newscientist.com
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