Legal Brief
Transport News Brief Week 45
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The latest news roundup from the SMMT.
Good news coming from truck and van registrations
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders should show UK van truck registration levels are back very close to the medium term averages. "The clumsily handled introduction of digital tachos in May 2006 and the confusion over Euro 4 and possible incentives for Euro 5 last October caused enormous market distortion," said Robin Dickeson, manager commercial affairs for the SMMT. "But through the autumn, registrations have steadily returned to the long-term average and we're confident that things will be back to very healthy levels soon. Strong order books should bring good figures next year too."
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Iveco plans UK expansion
Iveco wants 25 more dealers in the UK to support its plans to take its share of the UK's heavy truck market up to 15% from its recent 6%. The firm says order intake for its Stralis heavy truck is already up 25% on last year.. Speaking to journalists recently, Henk van Leuven, newly appointed as UK managing director, said he also wants to see the Eurocargo medium range take 30% share of its market, up from the present 25% and the Daily vans and light truck range take 15% more of its market. Van Leuven wants to hit these targets by 2012 and says he already has "investors knocking on the door", impressed by the firm's products and confidence.
More from Nigel Emms on +44 (0)1 923 259 513 or emms@iveco.com
Euro 5 EGR from Scania
Scania says its new Euro 5 engine breaks a mould, confounding sceptics who said it would be impossible to hit Euro 5 emission levels without combining exhaust gas recirculation and selective catalytic reduction. Jonas Hofstedt, in charge of engine development for the firm, says the new engine gives "excellent fuel economy," comparable with Euro 3 engines of similar output. The engine also delivers "exceptional torque" at low speeds. A triple-pulse injection system, delivering fuel at 2,400 bar and variable geometry turbocharger, help scavenge unburt fuel. Hofstedt said that the same technology will spread to other engines in the Scania range.
More from Chris Love on +44 (0)1 908 210 210 or chris.love@scania.com
Daf hybrids to start work in the UK
Daf will have seven hybrid trucks on operator trials in the UK during next Spring. So said Stuart Hunt, UK managing director, speaking to journalists recently. He also said the Daf XF 105 already meets the Environmentally Efficient Vehicle emission standards without any exhaust after-treatment and that an even more efficient version, effectively at Euro 5.5, will be available next Spring. Hunt says these developments come against a background of increasing demands from operators to demonstrably cut their carbon footprints.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
7.5 tonner from LDV
LDV showed a new 7.5 tonne truck at the recent Rai Show. Called the Maxus MX100, the concept vehicle on show was a chassis-cab with drop-side body. Based on the Russian Valday range, the cab exterior and interior is based on and looks very similar to the Maxus. It is part of the firm's plans to extend its European product range beyond its present 2.8 to 3.9 tonne range. Target specifications include a payload capacity of over four tonnes, and a three litre, Euro 5 diesel producing 350 Nm torque and 150 hp. There were no sales details available. "This is one of a number projects we're working on," said Martin Leach, head of light commercial vehicles for the Gaz Group, LDV's owners. "We're looking forward to comments and reactions to help us develop the MX100." Expect more information at the CV Show in Birmingham, next April.
More from Hazel Crawford on +44 (0)1 902 714 957 or hazel@connect-group.com
SMMT extends supplier-finder free trial
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has extended the free trial for firms using its Automotive Supplier Finder service, to 23 November 2007. Developed around its 12,000 strong product and supplier database, the SMMT says this is the largest automotive industry-specific supplier-finder service. "It is a single-source matching service, unrivalled in depth, scope and ability to deliver good, targeted leads," says Yung Tran, e-business manager for the SMMT. "Hundreds of UK buyers and suppliers already use it, including volume vehicle makers and tier one component firms." Features include the ability to create private and public requests for quotations, view company profiles and browse the SMMT Motor Industry Directory.
More from Nikki Huggett on +44 (0)2 073 441 611 or nikki@autosupplierfinder.com
GAZ to invest $2bn
The Gaz Group says it will spend $2bn to renew 90% of its product range as part of a four-year plan. It aims to use a combination of acquisitions, partnerships and strategic alliances to grow to world status. It recently took a stake in the Canadian automotive parts maker, Magna International and has a partnership deal with AVL in Austria to develop a new, medium-sized diesel engine. The group bought the LDV Group in 2006.
More from Hazel Crawford on +44 (0)1 902 714 957 or hazel@connect-group.com
Concept van from Nissan
At this year's Tokyo Motor Show, which runs till November 11, Nissan has its NV200 concept van. The combined office and van is 1.8m tall and has a 2..8m wheelbase. It is the result of work by Nissan design teams in Japan and Europe.
More from Gloria Maydew on +44 (0)1 923 899 937 or gloria.maydew@nissan.co.uk
Daniel Magyar is new CLLCR president
The Comité de Liason de la Construction de Carrosseries et de Remorques, which represents the business interests of van, truck and bus body-builders and trailer maker trade associations across Europe, has elected Daniel Magyar as its president. He replaces Henk Nooteboom, who has been president for the last six years. Magyar is managing director of road-tank maker G Magyar SA of Dijon, France. He represents Carcoserco, the French trailer makers and body-builders trade association on the CLCCR and was elected vice president in 2003. Noteboom is a former director of the Nooteboom Group and now is a part owner of that company and the Pacton Group. He is also on the board of the Rai, the Netherlands' automotive trade association and chairman of its trailer and bodybuilding group. He has represented the Rai at the CLCCR for some 20 years. The VDA in Frankfurt provides the secretariat for the CLCCR.
More from Dirk Höke on +49 (0)69 9 75 07 - 308 or hoeke@vda.de
New, ready-to-work vans and light trucks from Renault
Renault Trucks just launched a range of ready-bodied vans and trucks, based on its Master, Maxity and Mascott models. The firm is working with four UK bodybuilders to offer tipper, dropside, box, Luton and curtain-side bodies, hook loaders and refrigerated bodies. Ingimex will do tippers and dropsides, Palfinger will do hook-lift systems, JC Payne will do box, Luton and curtainsiders, while Coolfreeze will do temperature-contolled bodies. Renault will sell the bodied vans and trucks through its 70 strong dealer network. Nigel Butler, sales and marketing director, said the deal will help customers beat the industry-wide, long lead-times.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
New boss for SMMT
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says that Paul Everitt will be its next chief executive. He will succeed Christopher Macgowan who leaves the society at the end of December, after a nine-year term. Everitt will start his new job on 2 January 2008. He is director of civil air transport and communications at the Society of British Aerospace Companies, where he is responsible for environmental and safety issues, as well as leading its media team and government relations programmes. Before joining SBAC, Everitt was head of communications, economics and policy at SMMT. He played a big part in launching the SMMT's motor industry sustainability report and its annual CO2 report. He also took a lead on a range of high-profile policy campaigns, including the End of Life Vehicle Directive, Block Exemption and the Climate Change Levy.
More from Nigel Wonnacott on +44 (0)2 073 449 226 or nwonnacott@smmt.co.uk
Gaz Group ambitious for Maxus
Gaz Group says it has doubled LDV Maxus production in a year, hiked UK sales by 50% and productivity by 60%. On the back of this, Martin Leach, for Gaz International says, "We already have 70 new dealers across Europe including Spain, France, Belgium and Holland and will have 116 dealers by the end of 2007." He plans to expand into Portugal, Germany and Italy next year. "2009 will see Maxus production start in Russia where we expect to grow the business by 50,000 units a year. The vehicles built there will be solely for the Russian and CIS markets, with the European market supplied via our LDV Group factory in the UK."
More from Hazel Crawford on +44 (0)1 902 714 957 or hazel@connect-group.com
Eco-Oil takes three more oil-recovery tankers
Newport-based waste oil specialist Eco-Oil just took three more Iveco-based specialist tankers from Seven Asset Management. They are two 18 tonners and one 26 tonner, fitted with tank bodies by Jones Tankers. The three new trucks join a 38 strong fleet. The firm offers a nationwide service with a network of five reprocessing plants and four transfer stations. These handle automotive and marine oils as well more specialist products. Seven offers 24/7 support as well as on-line maintenance reporting and document retrieval systems.
More from Steve Cole on +44 (0)1 473 261 777 or steve.cole@sevenasset.co.uk
RHA wants fuel duty freeze
The Road Haulage Association wants the government to scrap any plans for further fuel duty increases. It says hauliers are paying an average of 85.7 pence a litre for diesel and that the two pence a litre fuel duty hike due next Spring may force some firms to close. "Our haulage industry is one of the largest employers and providers of freight services in the UK," says Kate Gibbs, communication manager for the RHA. "The chancellor should be giving our hauliers an incentive."
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.net
Daimler looking at Indian tie up
Just-auto.com says that Daimler is in talks with India's Hero Group over a similar commercial vehicle tie-up to that recently announced between Nissan and Ashok Leyland.
More from www.just-auto.com
More Lutons from easyVan
easyVan.com says it has made its Luton van fleet more accessible by simplifying the booking process. They can now be booked and confirmed straight away on the firm's website. The only conditions are that the minimum lead time between booking and pick-up is five days and the minimum rental length is two days. All other vans, including the Vauxhall Combo and regular Ford Transit can be booked for the next day. The low-cost rental business operates from more than 120 sites across the UK and John Sinke, marketing director says the latest move follows increased demand for Luton vans fitted with tail-lifts. easyVan.com acts as the van rental company and is responsible for the website, marketing and customer services, while the vehicles come from a range of quality suppliers including Northgate plc. The business was launched in January this year.
More from John Sinke on +44 (0)2 072 419 044 or john.sinke@easycar.com
New boss for Russian Machines automotive division
OSJC Russian Machines, which says it is Russia's largest industrial holding corporation, has appointed Erik Eberhardson to head its automotive manufacturing division and to join the Board of RM Systems, Russian Machines' automotive components business. Eberhardson was chairman of the Gaz Group and is succeeded by Sergey Zanozin. The automotive division of Russian Machines includes Gaz Group and RM Systems. The company also has a big stake in Magna International Inc. Gaz Group makes vans, trucks and cars, and has 18 automotive outfits in Russia, LDV Group in the UK, as well as distribution and servicing facilities. RM Systems specialises in developing new technologies for the Russian component market. Magna International says it is the world's biggest maker of auto industry components, with 235 national production sites.
More from Hazel Crawford on +44 (0)1 902 714 957 or hazel@connect-group.com
New Caddy van from VW
Volkswagen used the Rai commercial vehicle show to launch its new Caddy Maxi. At 470 mm longer than the regular VW Caddy van, the new model offers a 2.25m load floor, 4.2m3 cubic capacity and a payload potential of 800kg. The new van can also tow a trailer loaded to 1,500 kg and will go on sale in the UK early next year.
More from John Rawlings on +44 (0)1 908 601478 or john.rawlings@vwcv.co.uk
Transport Minister to talk about road pricing
The Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP, minister of state for transport, is to outline the Government's plans for road pricing at this year's Transport Times Annual Road Pricing Conference on 15 November at the Hilton, Kensington, London. The magazine says its conference will discuss local and national progress on the subject. Other speakers include: Peter Hendy CBE, transport commissioner for London, Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive, Manchester City Council, Stephen Joseph OBE, chief executive, Campaign for Better Transport, Edmund King, executive director, RAC and Theresa Villiers MP, shadow secretary of state for transport
More from Karen Todd on +44 (0)1 315 567 704 or k.todd@mackayhannah.com
Construction orders rise
The snappily named Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform says construction industry orders rose 2% in the rolling year to September 2007, compared to the previous twelve months. But orders in the third quarter of 2007 fell by 2% compared to the same quarter a year earlier and those in the third quarter 2007 fell by 13% compared to the previous quarter, with decreases in all sectors.
More from www.berr.gov.uk
Oshkosh earnings up
Business Wire says that US truck maker Oshkosh has reported record earnings per share, up 72.7% in the fourth quarter of its financial year that ended on 30 September 2007. At the same time the firm says it plans action to return Geesink Norba, its European refuse collection truck business, to profit. The US firm's net income was $268.1m in this last financial year, compared to $205.5m in the previous financial year.
More from www.buinesswire.com
TIP wins 10 trailer deal for LV Shipping
GE Capital's TIP Trailer Services says it just delivered 10 new trailers to UK logistics firm LV Shipping. The deal comprises six new Schmitz Cargobull Euroliner curtainsided trailers and four SDC flat trailers. They join LV Shipping's 25 strong trailer fleet based at one of the company's UK depots in Middlesbrough and will work between the UK and Scandinavia, including Norway, Finland and Sweden. TIP's FleetCare Europe-wide trailer maintenance programme covers all ten new trailers.
More from David Nash on +44 (0)1 614 567 870 or quadpr@globalnet.co.uk
New Care and Community transport package from MacNeillie
MacNeille says that its all-new Community Transport Demonstrator has been developed following extensive user-focused industry consultation and research. The firm says the result, on show at the 2007 Community Transport Exhibition at G-Mex in Manchester, "offers a range of options for operational flexibility in use," and the package is supported by MacNeillie's recently strengthened aftercare and customer support programme and whole life vehicle management deal. The vehicle is based on a Renault Master LM35 100dCi and the use of light-weight and advanced materials means the complete vehicle remains well under 3.5 tonnes gvw.
More from Adrian Graves on +44 (0)1 284 787 438 or adriangraves@pressandpr.com
£2.5m depot for Keltruck
Midlands-based automotive and commercial specialist Adonis Construction says it just finished a new £2.5m depot in Worksop, Nottinghamshire for Keltruck Limited, the UK's largest independent Scania dealer. As well as an eight-bay dealer point with an air conditioning service-centre for trucks, buses and coaches, the 10,000 sq ft depot also houses an MoT test preparation centre. Its construction has led to the creation of 24 new, full-time jobs. Keltruck employs 520 people across 14 depots and has a turnover of some £100m.
More from Sophie Hunt on +44 (0)1 527 881 965 or sophie@betterpr.co.uk
MEPs to sort out compulsory fire-extinguishing systems
The SMMT's Week in Brussels bulletin reports that the European Parliament wants the Commission and the Council to demand that all road vehicles carry a personal safety system, consisting of a fire-extinguisher and a first-aid kit on all road vehicles. This is already mandatory in at least 12 Member States of the EU.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Goodbye DaimlerChrysler, hello Daimler
As expected, DaimlerChrysler AG has changed its name to Daimler AG. In the UK this means the firm's commercial vehicle and car business is run by a renamed Mercedes-Benz UK Limited. The firm's retail subsidiary is Mercedes-Benz Retail Group UK Limited. A new company, Chrysler UK Limited, has taken over head office operations for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge business in this country. All this follows the sale of the company's Chrysler Group business interests to Cerberus Capital Management in the US.
More from Ian Norwell on +44 (0)1 908 245 949 or ian.norwell@daimlerchrysler.co.uk
Transport data from DfT
The Department for Transport just published statistics on a range of topics relating to transport in its annual Transport Statistics Great Britain 2007 volume. These data cover the following: Modal comparisons, aviation, energy and the environment, freight, maritime, public transport, roads and traffic, transport accidents and casualties, vehicles and international transport data comparisons.
More from www.dft.gov.uk
Climate change policy needs joined-up government
The SMMT's Week in Westminster bulletin reports that the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee thinks the government needs a new group within the Cabinet Office to push climate change policy forward and cut the potential for conflict between different bits of government.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Changes to strengthen the draft Climate Change Bill
The SMMT's Week in Westminster bulletin reports that environment secretary Hilary Benn MP says the Government will change its draft Climate Change Bill to include the views of a three-month public consultation and pre-legislative scrutiny by parliamentary committees. The target for cutting emissions remains unchanged at 60% by 2050. The plans include strengthening the role and responsibilities of the Committee on Climate Change and demanding the Government to seek the Committee's advice before amending the 2020 or 2050 targets in the Bill. The Committee will publish its analysis and advice to Government on setting five-yearly carbon budgets. Benn also said the Bill will be used to introduce the Carbon Reduction Commitment and help ensure that the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation increases the use of biofuels. Friends of the Earth said "the Bill needs to be beefed up" to deliver the necessary cuts.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Scottish sales manger for Hellmann
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics UK says Jason Sanders is its national sales manager for Scotland.
More from Fiona on +44 (0)1 484 469 601 or fiona@manifestcomms.co.uk
And finally,
New Scientist's Feedback column says Vivyan Lisewski has sent it a photograph of a sign in New Zealand that states categorically: "Water and mud do not climb fences."
More from www.newscientist.com
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders should show UK van truck registration levels are back very close to the medium term averages. "The clumsily handled introduction of digital tachos in May 2006 and the confusion over Euro 4 and possible incentives for Euro 5 last October caused enormous market distortion," said Robin Dickeson, manager commercial affairs for the SMMT. "But through the autumn, registrations have steadily returned to the long-term average and we're confident that things will be back to very healthy levels soon. Strong order books should bring good figures next year too."
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Iveco plans UK expansion
Iveco wants 25 more dealers in the UK to support its plans to take its share of the UK's heavy truck market up to 15% from its recent 6%. The firm says order intake for its Stralis heavy truck is already up 25% on last year.. Speaking to journalists recently, Henk van Leuven, newly appointed as UK managing director, said he also wants to see the Eurocargo medium range take 30% share of its market, up from the present 25% and the Daily vans and light truck range take 15% more of its market. Van Leuven wants to hit these targets by 2012 and says he already has "investors knocking on the door", impressed by the firm's products and confidence.
More from Nigel Emms on +44 (0)1 923 259 513 or emms@iveco.com
Euro 5 EGR from Scania
Scania says its new Euro 5 engine breaks a mould, confounding sceptics who said it would be impossible to hit Euro 5 emission levels without combining exhaust gas recirculation and selective catalytic reduction. Jonas Hofstedt, in charge of engine development for the firm, says the new engine gives "excellent fuel economy," comparable with Euro 3 engines of similar output. The engine also delivers "exceptional torque" at low speeds. A triple-pulse injection system, delivering fuel at 2,400 bar and variable geometry turbocharger, help scavenge unburt fuel. Hofstedt said that the same technology will spread to other engines in the Scania range.
More from Chris Love on +44 (0)1 908 210 210 or chris.love@scania.com
Daf hybrids to start work in the UK
Daf will have seven hybrid trucks on operator trials in the UK during next Spring. So said Stuart Hunt, UK managing director, speaking to journalists recently. He also said the Daf XF 105 already meets the Environmentally Efficient Vehicle emission standards without any exhaust after-treatment and that an even more efficient version, effectively at Euro 5.5, will be available next Spring. Hunt says these developments come against a background of increasing demands from operators to demonstrably cut their carbon footprints.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
7.5 tonner from LDV
LDV showed a new 7.5 tonne truck at the recent Rai Show. Called the Maxus MX100, the concept vehicle on show was a chassis-cab with drop-side body. Based on the Russian Valday range, the cab exterior and interior is based on and looks very similar to the Maxus. It is part of the firm's plans to extend its European product range beyond its present 2.8 to 3.9 tonne range. Target specifications include a payload capacity of over four tonnes, and a three litre, Euro 5 diesel producing 350 Nm torque and 150 hp. There were no sales details available. "This is one of a number projects we're working on," said Martin Leach, head of light commercial vehicles for the Gaz Group, LDV's owners. "We're looking forward to comments and reactions to help us develop the MX100." Expect more information at the CV Show in Birmingham, next April.
More from Hazel Crawford on +44 (0)1 902 714 957 or hazel@connect-group.com
SMMT extends supplier-finder free trial
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has extended the free trial for firms using its Automotive Supplier Finder service, to 23 November 2007. Developed around its 12,000 strong product and supplier database, the SMMT says this is the largest automotive industry-specific supplier-finder service. "It is a single-source matching service, unrivalled in depth, scope and ability to deliver good, targeted leads," says Yung Tran, e-business manager for the SMMT. "Hundreds of UK buyers and suppliers already use it, including volume vehicle makers and tier one component firms." Features include the ability to create private and public requests for quotations, view company profiles and browse the SMMT Motor Industry Directory.
More from Nikki Huggett on +44 (0)2 073 441 611 or nikki@autosupplierfinder.com
GAZ to invest $2bn
The Gaz Group says it will spend $2bn to renew 90% of its product range as part of a four-year plan. It aims to use a combination of acquisitions, partnerships and strategic alliances to grow to world status. It recently took a stake in the Canadian automotive parts maker, Magna International and has a partnership deal with AVL in Austria to develop a new, medium-sized diesel engine. The group bought the LDV Group in 2006.
More from Hazel Crawford on +44 (0)1 902 714 957 or hazel@connect-group.com
Concept van from Nissan
At this year's Tokyo Motor Show, which runs till November 11, Nissan has its NV200 concept van. The combined office and van is 1.8m tall and has a 2..8m wheelbase. It is the result of work by Nissan design teams in Japan and Europe.
More from Gloria Maydew on +44 (0)1 923 899 937 or gloria.maydew@nissan.co.uk
Daniel Magyar is new CLLCR president
The Comité de Liason de la Construction de Carrosseries et de Remorques, which represents the business interests of van, truck and bus body-builders and trailer maker trade associations across Europe, has elected Daniel Magyar as its president. He replaces Henk Nooteboom, who has been president for the last six years. Magyar is managing director of road-tank maker G Magyar SA of Dijon, France. He represents Carcoserco, the French trailer makers and body-builders trade association on the CLCCR and was elected vice president in 2003. Noteboom is a former director of the Nooteboom Group and now is a part owner of that company and the Pacton Group. He is also on the board of the Rai, the Netherlands' automotive trade association and chairman of its trailer and bodybuilding group. He has represented the Rai at the CLCCR for some 20 years. The VDA in Frankfurt provides the secretariat for the CLCCR.
More from Dirk Höke on +49 (0)69 9 75 07 - 308 or hoeke@vda.de
New, ready-to-work vans and light trucks from Renault
Renault Trucks just launched a range of ready-bodied vans and trucks, based on its Master, Maxity and Mascott models. The firm is working with four UK bodybuilders to offer tipper, dropside, box, Luton and curtain-side bodies, hook loaders and refrigerated bodies. Ingimex will do tippers and dropsides, Palfinger will do hook-lift systems, JC Payne will do box, Luton and curtainsiders, while Coolfreeze will do temperature-contolled bodies. Renault will sell the bodied vans and trucks through its 70 strong dealer network. Nigel Butler, sales and marketing director, said the deal will help customers beat the industry-wide, long lead-times.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
New boss for SMMT
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says that Paul Everitt will be its next chief executive. He will succeed Christopher Macgowan who leaves the society at the end of December, after a nine-year term. Everitt will start his new job on 2 January 2008. He is director of civil air transport and communications at the Society of British Aerospace Companies, where he is responsible for environmental and safety issues, as well as leading its media team and government relations programmes. Before joining SBAC, Everitt was head of communications, economics and policy at SMMT. He played a big part in launching the SMMT's motor industry sustainability report and its annual CO2 report. He also took a lead on a range of high-profile policy campaigns, including the End of Life Vehicle Directive, Block Exemption and the Climate Change Levy.
More from Nigel Wonnacott on +44 (0)2 073 449 226 or nwonnacott@smmt.co.uk
Gaz Group ambitious for Maxus
Gaz Group says it has doubled LDV Maxus production in a year, hiked UK sales by 50% and productivity by 60%. On the back of this, Martin Leach, for Gaz International says, "We already have 70 new dealers across Europe including Spain, France, Belgium and Holland and will have 116 dealers by the end of 2007." He plans to expand into Portugal, Germany and Italy next year. "2009 will see Maxus production start in Russia where we expect to grow the business by 50,000 units a year. The vehicles built there will be solely for the Russian and CIS markets, with the European market supplied via our LDV Group factory in the UK."
More from Hazel Crawford on +44 (0)1 902 714 957 or hazel@connect-group.com
Eco-Oil takes three more oil-recovery tankers
Newport-based waste oil specialist Eco-Oil just took three more Iveco-based specialist tankers from Seven Asset Management. They are two 18 tonners and one 26 tonner, fitted with tank bodies by Jones Tankers. The three new trucks join a 38 strong fleet. The firm offers a nationwide service with a network of five reprocessing plants and four transfer stations. These handle automotive and marine oils as well more specialist products. Seven offers 24/7 support as well as on-line maintenance reporting and document retrieval systems.
More from Steve Cole on +44 (0)1 473 261 777 or steve.cole@sevenasset.co.uk
RHA wants fuel duty freeze
The Road Haulage Association wants the government to scrap any plans for further fuel duty increases. It says hauliers are paying an average of 85.7 pence a litre for diesel and that the two pence a litre fuel duty hike due next Spring may force some firms to close. "Our haulage industry is one of the largest employers and providers of freight services in the UK," says Kate Gibbs, communication manager for the RHA. "The chancellor should be giving our hauliers an incentive."
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.net
Daimler looking at Indian tie up
Just-auto.com says that Daimler is in talks with India's Hero Group over a similar commercial vehicle tie-up to that recently announced between Nissan and Ashok Leyland.
More from www.just-auto.com
More Lutons from easyVan
easyVan.com says it has made its Luton van fleet more accessible by simplifying the booking process. They can now be booked and confirmed straight away on the firm's website. The only conditions are that the minimum lead time between booking and pick-up is five days and the minimum rental length is two days. All other vans, including the Vauxhall Combo and regular Ford Transit can be booked for the next day. The low-cost rental business operates from more than 120 sites across the UK and John Sinke, marketing director says the latest move follows increased demand for Luton vans fitted with tail-lifts. easyVan.com acts as the van rental company and is responsible for the website, marketing and customer services, while the vehicles come from a range of quality suppliers including Northgate plc. The business was launched in January this year.
More from John Sinke on +44 (0)2 072 419 044 or john.sinke@easycar.com
New boss for Russian Machines automotive division
OSJC Russian Machines, which says it is Russia's largest industrial holding corporation, has appointed Erik Eberhardson to head its automotive manufacturing division and to join the Board of RM Systems, Russian Machines' automotive components business. Eberhardson was chairman of the Gaz Group and is succeeded by Sergey Zanozin. The automotive division of Russian Machines includes Gaz Group and RM Systems. The company also has a big stake in Magna International Inc. Gaz Group makes vans, trucks and cars, and has 18 automotive outfits in Russia, LDV Group in the UK, as well as distribution and servicing facilities. RM Systems specialises in developing new technologies for the Russian component market. Magna International says it is the world's biggest maker of auto industry components, with 235 national production sites.
More from Hazel Crawford on +44 (0)1 902 714 957 or hazel@connect-group.com
New Caddy van from VW
Volkswagen used the Rai commercial vehicle show to launch its new Caddy Maxi. At 470 mm longer than the regular VW Caddy van, the new model offers a 2.25m load floor, 4.2m3 cubic capacity and a payload potential of 800kg. The new van can also tow a trailer loaded to 1,500 kg and will go on sale in the UK early next year.
More from John Rawlings on +44 (0)1 908 601478 or john.rawlings@vwcv.co.uk
Transport Minister to talk about road pricing
The Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP, minister of state for transport, is to outline the Government's plans for road pricing at this year's Transport Times Annual Road Pricing Conference on 15 November at the Hilton, Kensington, London. The magazine says its conference will discuss local and national progress on the subject. Other speakers include: Peter Hendy CBE, transport commissioner for London, Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive, Manchester City Council, Stephen Joseph OBE, chief executive, Campaign for Better Transport, Edmund King, executive director, RAC and Theresa Villiers MP, shadow secretary of state for transport
More from Karen Todd on +44 (0)1 315 567 704 or k.todd@mackayhannah.com
Construction orders rise
The snappily named Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform says construction industry orders rose 2% in the rolling year to September 2007, compared to the previous twelve months. But orders in the third quarter of 2007 fell by 2% compared to the same quarter a year earlier and those in the third quarter 2007 fell by 13% compared to the previous quarter, with decreases in all sectors.
More from www.berr.gov.uk
Oshkosh earnings up
Business Wire says that US truck maker Oshkosh has reported record earnings per share, up 72.7% in the fourth quarter of its financial year that ended on 30 September 2007. At the same time the firm says it plans action to return Geesink Norba, its European refuse collection truck business, to profit. The US firm's net income was $268.1m in this last financial year, compared to $205.5m in the previous financial year.
More from www.buinesswire.com
TIP wins 10 trailer deal for LV Shipping
GE Capital's TIP Trailer Services says it just delivered 10 new trailers to UK logistics firm LV Shipping. The deal comprises six new Schmitz Cargobull Euroliner curtainsided trailers and four SDC flat trailers. They join LV Shipping's 25 strong trailer fleet based at one of the company's UK depots in Middlesbrough and will work between the UK and Scandinavia, including Norway, Finland and Sweden. TIP's FleetCare Europe-wide trailer maintenance programme covers all ten new trailers.
More from David Nash on +44 (0)1 614 567 870 or quadpr@globalnet.co.uk
New Care and Community transport package from MacNeillie
MacNeille says that its all-new Community Transport Demonstrator has been developed following extensive user-focused industry consultation and research. The firm says the result, on show at the 2007 Community Transport Exhibition at G-Mex in Manchester, "offers a range of options for operational flexibility in use," and the package is supported by MacNeillie's recently strengthened aftercare and customer support programme and whole life vehicle management deal. The vehicle is based on a Renault Master LM35 100dCi and the use of light-weight and advanced materials means the complete vehicle remains well under 3.5 tonnes gvw.
More from Adrian Graves on +44 (0)1 284 787 438 or adriangraves@pressandpr.com
£2.5m depot for Keltruck
Midlands-based automotive and commercial specialist Adonis Construction says it just finished a new £2.5m depot in Worksop, Nottinghamshire for Keltruck Limited, the UK's largest independent Scania dealer. As well as an eight-bay dealer point with an air conditioning service-centre for trucks, buses and coaches, the 10,000 sq ft depot also houses an MoT test preparation centre. Its construction has led to the creation of 24 new, full-time jobs. Keltruck employs 520 people across 14 depots and has a turnover of some £100m.
More from Sophie Hunt on +44 (0)1 527 881 965 or sophie@betterpr.co.uk
MEPs to sort out compulsory fire-extinguishing systems
The SMMT's Week in Brussels bulletin reports that the European Parliament wants the Commission and the Council to demand that all road vehicles carry a personal safety system, consisting of a fire-extinguisher and a first-aid kit on all road vehicles. This is already mandatory in at least 12 Member States of the EU.
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Goodbye DaimlerChrysler, hello Daimler
As expected, DaimlerChrysler AG has changed its name to Daimler AG. In the UK this means the firm's commercial vehicle and car business is run by a renamed Mercedes-Benz UK Limited. The firm's retail subsidiary is Mercedes-Benz Retail Group UK Limited. A new company, Chrysler UK Limited, has taken over head office operations for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge business in this country. All this follows the sale of the company's Chrysler Group business interests to Cerberus Capital Management in the US.
More from Ian Norwell on +44 (0)1 908 245 949 or ian.norwell@daimlerchrysler.co.uk
Transport data from DfT
The Department for Transport just published statistics on a range of topics relating to transport in its annual Transport Statistics Great Britain 2007 volume. These data cover the following: Modal comparisons, aviation, energy and the environment, freight, maritime, public transport, roads and traffic, transport accidents and casualties, vehicles and international transport data comparisons.
More from www.dft.gov.uk
Climate change policy needs joined-up government
The SMMT's Week in Westminster bulletin reports that the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee thinks the government needs a new group within the Cabinet Office to push climate change policy forward and cut the potential for conflict between different bits of government.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Changes to strengthen the draft Climate Change Bill
The SMMT's Week in Westminster bulletin reports that environment secretary Hilary Benn MP says the Government will change its draft Climate Change Bill to include the views of a three-month public consultation and pre-legislative scrutiny by parliamentary committees. The target for cutting emissions remains unchanged at 60% by 2050. The plans include strengthening the role and responsibilities of the Committee on Climate Change and demanding the Government to seek the Committee's advice before amending the 2020 or 2050 targets in the Bill. The Committee will publish its analysis and advice to Government on setting five-yearly carbon budgets. Benn also said the Bill will be used to introduce the Carbon Reduction Commitment and help ensure that the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation increases the use of biofuels. Friends of the Earth said "the Bill needs to be beefed up" to deliver the necessary cuts.
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Scottish sales manger for Hellmann
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics UK says Jason Sanders is its national sales manager for Scotland.
More from Fiona on +44 (0)1 484 469 601 or fiona@manifestcomms.co.uk
And finally,
New Scientist's Feedback column says Vivyan Lisewski has sent it a photograph of a sign in New Zealand that states categorically: "Water and mud do not climb fences."
More from www.newscientist.com
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