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Transport News Brief Week 26
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The latest news roundup from the SMMT.
CV Show 2009 stand space sales off to a flying start
"We started getting serious enquiries for stand space at next year's show within hours of mailing the brochure," said Tony Young, CV Show manager recently. "The 2008 CV Show sold out two months before the event but, in fact, most of the prime sites were snapped up within six weeks of us opening for bookings last August." From the applications received, it looks as though the same is happening again, so firms wanting the best sites, large or small, need to act soon and certainly before 8 August, the deadline for inclusion on the first floor plan. "If any prospective exhibitor has not yet seen the 2009 CV Show brochure, please give us a call, as the mail is not always totally reliable," added Tony.
More from Susan Kitchener +44 (0)1 634 261 262 or sales@cvshow..com
Schmitz aims for 100,000 trailers a year.
European market leader, Schmitz Cargobull AG says that in its last financial year ,trailer production rose by 30% to over 66,500 and turnover jumped from €1.685bn to some €2.14bn. Speaking to journalists recently at a pre-IAA briefing, Bernd Hoffman, chairman said the firm's next 'strategic goal' is an annual production of 100,000 vehicles and a turnover of more than €3bn. The overall production rate from the firm's nine European plants was over 350 a day. Hoffman says economic growth continues to drive demand throughout Europe. In the new EU countries consumption and new production facilities are keeping the transport industry busy, with Russia's economy and that of the bordering former Soviet republics growing rapidly, in part due to very high oil and gas-based income.
More from Gerd Rohrsen on+49 (0)2 558 81 1323 or gerd.rohrsen@cargobull.com
Abbey Road cuts tanker fuel bills by £800 a month
Prompted by the recent rise in fuel prices, Abbey Road Tankers has fitted Tiss anti-siphons to its fleet and cut its fuel bill by £800 a month. "With fuel prices having risen by more than 20% over the past 12 months, it became a necessity rather than a preference to protect our fuel," said David Gilmour, fleet engineer. "Having fitted 40 of our Trucks with the Tiss Impregnable, I estimate I have saved £800 a month on our fuel bills." Abbey Road will fit the rest of the fleet shortly and Gilmour expects to save yet more cash.
More from Matthew Rose on +44 (0)1 253 400 401 or matthew.rose@tissltd.com
RHA in fuel price protests
As part of the industry day of action planned for Wednesday 2 July, the Road Haulage Association says it will join other groups in a fuel price protest on the day. The aim is to support the Fuel Price Regulator amendment to the Finance Bill and get an Essential User Rebate. The fun will start at 11:30 in Old Palace Yard and go on till lunchtime when people hope to meet their MPs. The Fuel Price Regulator should balance the increase in VAT the Government gets as a result higher fuel prices with a cut fuel duty. The RHA says this would stabilise fuel costs for hauliers.
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.net
Fuel saving tool
CarrierWeb says it recently launched a new in-cab colour touch-screen computer with integrated navigation to its range of fleet management systems. The new kit helps drivers and operators analyse and improve driving styles and habits and the firm says truckers across Europe and the UK using the web-based system report fuel savings between 6% and 25%. The new unit, known as the MDT 3000, also allows direct digital tachograph download and reporting from the web.
More from Frank Kendrick on +44 (0)1 932 849 699 or frank.kendrick@carrierweb.com
Darwen to buy Optare for £16m
Darwen Holdings plc says it has plans to buy Jamesstan Investments Ltd, the holding company of the Leeds-based Optare Group for £15.95m. The firm will issue shares worth £16m to finance the deal. "Optare, a brand synonymous with top quality service and market-leading products, complements Darwen's existing strong market position," said Andrew Brian, chief executive at Darwen. "This deal is fantastic news for our investors and builds on Darwen's strategic progress to date." He expects the deal to help deliver "market-leading hybrid public transport solutions."
More from Lauren Jones on +44 (0)1 612 361 352 or laurenj@mcmc.co.uk
New protected escort truck from MacNeillie
S. MacNeillie & Son will launch its new 7.5 tonne GVW Protected Escort Vehicle on stand OR 23 at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics show at Millbrook, Bedfordshire next week. Built around a standard commercial chassis, the West Midlands-based armoured and security vehicle specialist has created a versatile multi-role design capable of a wide range of jobs such as border patrol, command and control and airport security. Initial vehicles are already in service and MacNeillie's is confident it will attract big interest. "The ability to work within the 7.5 tonne GVW limit and offer a payload of around 1000 kg is very important," says Nigel Rowley, director. There are options for a range of ballistic protection levels, including B4 and B6 and all high impact areas use composite materials.
More from Adrian Graves on +44 (0)1 284 787 438 or adriangraves@pressandpr.com
D-Tec Trailers in the UK
Theo van Wikselaar, export manager for D-Tec Trailers BV in the Netherlands says the firm has set up a new sales organisation in the UK, with two new dealers responsible for the sales and service of its container trailers. They are Munro Commercials Ltd in Burscough, Lancashire where the main man is Alan Munro, on +44 (0)1 704 897 003. For RTJ Trailers Ltd in Felixstowe, Suffolk the contact is Jason Taylor, on + 44 (0)1 394 674 000. Van Wikselaar says both can deliver the firm's Combitrailer direct from stock in Felixstowe.
More from Theo van Wikselaar on + 31 613 696 760 or info@d-tec.nl
ALD adds 20 Isuzus to its fleet
Associated London Distribution is now running the first ten of 20 new Isuzu 7.5t trucks, on its Metro newspaper delivery contract, making daily drops to tube and train stations in London and the South East. The remaining ten will follow shortly. ALD runs a 64 strong truck fleet, from 3.5t to 41t. Five of the Isuzus will act as replacements, whilst the remainder are additions to the fleet. Dan Ausling, operations director for ALD said he opted for Isuzu, moving away from what was a predominately Mercedes fleet, "mainly due to its higher payloads and vehicle manoeuvrability, ideal for our Central London operation." Supplied by MC Truck & Bus Thurrock with bodywork by Chelmer Truck bodies, the new trucks have Easyshift gearboxes and will be maintained by GHL Commercials, close to ALD's Bermondsey depot in South East London.
More from Danny Ausling on +44 (0)2 076 515 334 or danny.ausling@hqp.co.uk
Cybit's exclusive telematics deal with Ford
Cybit, which says it is the UK's leading online telematics firm has done an exclusive deal with Ford to run a fully-managed service called 'Ford Fleet Telematics' for Ford Fleet customers. This offers Ford Fleet operators a range of customised reports on vehicle and driver performance to help cut fuel and maintenance costs. The system uses a GPS device on the vehicle to give real-time positioning and vehicle performance data and send it via O2's GPRS network to Cybit's servers. These data are the basis of the user-defined strategic reports, distributed via the internet to give real-time or historical fleet management information.
More from Graham Gordon on +44 (0)1 480 423 972 or ggordon@cybit.co.uk
CRC may bite your business in 2010
The UK government aims for a Carbon Reduction Commitment to encourage efficient use of energy. Due to bite in 2010, rules for the CRC are at a draft stage now. The scheme will cover businesses, including all their UK subsidiaries using over 6,000MWh of electricity, so with collective bills over £500,000. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is working with government officials on the plans. "But we're worried that the complex scheme will increase business costs at an unwelcome time," said Matt Croucher, economist at the SMMT. He warns that the collective approach means firms need to look at overall energy bills wants to hear from any automotive organisations that think it may fall into the net.
More from Matt Croucher on +44 (0)2 073 441 640 or mcroucher@smmt.co.uk
Continental and Marangoni do retread deal
The Italian Marangoni Group and Continental AG have done a deal giving the tyre retread firm an exclusive licence to market the ContiTread brand. "Marangoni and Continental have been successfully working together in various areas for years, says Eckhard Wilanek, managing director of the fleet and retread business for Continental. "This co-operative relationship will allow us to add an important facet to our previous collaboration." Both say the deal should deliver quick global growth..
More from Udo Brandes on +49 (0)5 11 938 2923 or udo.brandes@conti.de
Kögel trailer now rail compatible
Kögel says its 14.92m Big-MAXX rail semi-trailer can be loaded without restriction on T2000 and T3000 combined traffic rail wagons. A trial loading operation by Kögel and Kombiverkehr GmbH confirmed the fit. "This is another significant step in the quest to obtain European approval for longer semi-trailers," said Alexander Tietje, chairman of the Kögel Board.. 300 such trailers are part of a field trial in Germany. Kögel says the results are encouraging some other European countries to consider changing the lengths of semi-trailers. The firm claims their use could deliver an 8% cut in fuel use and emissions. The Big-MAXX rail is a standard, 14.92m semi-trailer with a maximum internal height of 2.70m and a semi-mounted dimension of 1.1 to 1.25m.
More from Andreas Lubitz on +49 (0)82 85 88 312 or andreas.lubitz@koegel.com
Jost Group sold
Private equity firm Cinven has paid an 'undisclosed sum' for the Jost Group, which makes systems, modules and components for the truck industry. The deal will help plans for geographical expansion, the product and market development. Cinven will retain Jost's management and sales people. Jost Group owns the Jost, Rockinger, Regensburger and Tridec brands and products include fifth wheels, towing hitches, landing gear, draw-bars and articulated steering systems. The group employs some 2,000 people in 20 countries and has grown faster than the market over the past five years, with sales increasing at double-digit rates on average to around €445m in 2007.
More from Thomas Peisker on + 49 (0)6 102 2950 or thomas.peisker@jost-werke.de
Irish Haulier of the Year Awards 2009
Fleet Transport says its Irish Haulier of the Year Awards 2009 has already generated huge interest from industry with the number of entries received well in excess of last year. "The Awards celebrate excellence in the haulage and road transport industry and is now the industry event of the year in Ireland," says Jarlath Sweeney, the magazine's editor. "This is the last chance for operators to enter the awards as the deadline date for entry is 30 June 2008." There are 15 categories in the Haulier of the Year competition with details and an entry form on the magazine's website www.fleet.ie "You'll need to enter now if you want a chance to win."
More from Orla Sweeney on +353 (94) 9 372 819 or orla@fleet.ie
Gray & Adams wins deal for 75 rigids
Gray & Adams says it has won a deal for 75 fridge bodies on 13 tonne rigids from food service firm, Brakes. The move will see the Northern Irish body-builder deliver Brakes' refrigerated bodies for 2008. According to Matt Greener, purchasing manager for the Brakes Group, Gray & Adams offered the best deal when the business went to tender and will make the 75 replacement 13-tonne vehicles over the coming months, delivering the first six in June.
More from Laura Dougan on +44 (0)2 890 342 160 or l.dougan@grayadamsireland.com
Hard steel Montracon tippers
Montracon has started low volume production of a high capacity 55m3 (72yd3), heavy duty tipping semi-trailer aimed specifically at niche industry sectors such as metal recycling. Its construction features extensive use of hard steels, namely Hardox and Domex. Front end tipping gear is standard with various build and equipment options, including onboard weighing equipment are available either as a retro or on line fit. The new trailer has joined Montracon's ex-stock and immediate availability programme and the first one off the line has just gone to work with Northern Ireland based T-Met.
More from Trevor Longcroft on +44 (0)1 202 840 662 or tlongcroft@aol.com
RHA takes over European Tow Show
The Road Haulage Association says it has taken over the European Tow Show. The move follows successful talks with Frank McAllister and Roy Jones, the originators of this highly successful event. "Roy and Frank have done an outstanding job in initiating and developing this Show since its inception five years ago, and we are delighted to be building on the success achieved", said Roger King, RHA chief executive. "Frank and Roy will continue to play an active part so it remains very much business as usual."
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.net
Ceva raises £25,000 for charity
Ceva Logistics says its recent golf challenge raised £25,000 for charities, with 56 golfers playing five rounds in just one day at The Warwickshire Golf Club. The cash will go to Macmillan Cancer Support, the British Heart Foundation and Transaid.
More from Lindsey Randle on +44 (0)1 530 568 709 or lindsey.randle@cevalogistics.com
Sam Jennings
Jason Chipchase of Krone Trailers in the UK reports the unexpected death on 17 June of Sam Jennings, the firm's customer service manager. "He knew the meaning of service with a smile," said Chipchase. "He served our industry for many years with the honesty and integrity of a true gentleman. Our thoughts are with his loving wife Rose and their two sons." His funeral will be on Friday 27 June at Walkeringham near Doncaster.
More from Jason Chipchase on +44 (0)7 738 660 450 or jason.chipchase@krone.de
UN Geneva hosts industry milestone
On 26 June 2008, at the United Nations offices in Geneva, the organisation will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the International Agreement. In 1958 this set out the basic rules that motor vehicles and their components must use to meet international legislation. Now some 130 rules cover the safety, environmental and security performance that vehicles and parts must meet to get international certification. Originally aimed at Europe, the agreement and its separate regulations now reach far beyond those borders to Asia, Oceania and Africa. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' technical department has consistently worked with this influential process and, for instance, Allan McKenzie from the SMMT technical team leads general vehicle safety group.
More from Allan Mckenzie on +44 (0)2 073 449 202 or amckenzie@smmt.co.uk
50% off SMMT quality publications
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is offering a 50% deal on the following publications; ISO/TS 16949:2002 -Technical Specification, ISO/TS 16949:2002 - Rules for Achieving Recognition, edition two, ISO/TS 16949:2002 Guidance, Process Management Guide, Continual Improvement Tools & Techniques, Statistical Process Control and Failure Mode & Effects Analysis. You'll find details and an order form on the SMMT website www.smmt.co.uk, or email publications@smmt.co.uk and quote the promotion code LDSEP01. You'll need to pay for your order by 30 September 2008 to get the 50% deal.. Postage and packaging will cost extra.
More from Katie Page on +44 (0)2 073 441 663 or kpage@smmt.co.uk
More handling solutions form Thorworld
Materials handling equipment specialists, Thorworld Industries Ltd has published its new 44 page 2008/9 product range catalogue. This details a wide range of materials handling kit and services for specifiers, buyers and users of loading bay equipment, accessories and safety aids.
More from John Meale on +44 (0)1 246 260 981 or info@thorworld.co.uk
Hatcher aero aids for Hino
Hatcher Components says it has developed an aerodynamic aid kit for the new Hino 300 and 500 models. The firm says the trucks made their UK debut at this year's CV Show and it has been taking enquiries for air kits since then. It is now making the units, offering height adjustment ranges from 495 to 790 mm. Side-streamers are available too, designed so that they don't interfere with the cab tilt mechanism or side air intake. They come in Hino white. The firm says the need for effective air kits is more important than ever with fuel prices where they are and it has already taken orders for 20 and expects more soon. "We're also about to go into production on the Hino 700 so we'll be covering the entire Hino range," said Brian Getly, MD.
More from Richard Lawrence on +44 (0)1 728 621 285 or rl@splash.uk.net
"We started getting serious enquiries for stand space at next year's show within hours of mailing the brochure," said Tony Young, CV Show manager recently. "The 2008 CV Show sold out two months before the event but, in fact, most of the prime sites were snapped up within six weeks of us opening for bookings last August." From the applications received, it looks as though the same is happening again, so firms wanting the best sites, large or small, need to act soon and certainly before 8 August, the deadline for inclusion on the first floor plan. "If any prospective exhibitor has not yet seen the 2009 CV Show brochure, please give us a call, as the mail is not always totally reliable," added Tony.
More from Susan Kitchener +44 (0)1 634 261 262 or sales@cvshow..com
Schmitz aims for 100,000 trailers a year.
European market leader, Schmitz Cargobull AG says that in its last financial year ,trailer production rose by 30% to over 66,500 and turnover jumped from €1.685bn to some €2.14bn. Speaking to journalists recently at a pre-IAA briefing, Bernd Hoffman, chairman said the firm's next 'strategic goal' is an annual production of 100,000 vehicles and a turnover of more than €3bn. The overall production rate from the firm's nine European plants was over 350 a day. Hoffman says economic growth continues to drive demand throughout Europe. In the new EU countries consumption and new production facilities are keeping the transport industry busy, with Russia's economy and that of the bordering former Soviet republics growing rapidly, in part due to very high oil and gas-based income.
More from Gerd Rohrsen on+49 (0)2 558 81 1323 or gerd.rohrsen@cargobull.com
Abbey Road cuts tanker fuel bills by £800 a month
Prompted by the recent rise in fuel prices, Abbey Road Tankers has fitted Tiss anti-siphons to its fleet and cut its fuel bill by £800 a month. "With fuel prices having risen by more than 20% over the past 12 months, it became a necessity rather than a preference to protect our fuel," said David Gilmour, fleet engineer. "Having fitted 40 of our Trucks with the Tiss Impregnable, I estimate I have saved £800 a month on our fuel bills." Abbey Road will fit the rest of the fleet shortly and Gilmour expects to save yet more cash.
More from Matthew Rose on +44 (0)1 253 400 401 or matthew.rose@tissltd.com
RHA in fuel price protests
As part of the industry day of action planned for Wednesday 2 July, the Road Haulage Association says it will join other groups in a fuel price protest on the day. The aim is to support the Fuel Price Regulator amendment to the Finance Bill and get an Essential User Rebate. The fun will start at 11:30 in Old Palace Yard and go on till lunchtime when people hope to meet their MPs. The Fuel Price Regulator should balance the increase in VAT the Government gets as a result higher fuel prices with a cut fuel duty. The RHA says this would stabilise fuel costs for hauliers.
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.net
Fuel saving tool
CarrierWeb says it recently launched a new in-cab colour touch-screen computer with integrated navigation to its range of fleet management systems. The new kit helps drivers and operators analyse and improve driving styles and habits and the firm says truckers across Europe and the UK using the web-based system report fuel savings between 6% and 25%. The new unit, known as the MDT 3000, also allows direct digital tachograph download and reporting from the web.
More from Frank Kendrick on +44 (0)1 932 849 699 or frank.kendrick@carrierweb.com
Darwen to buy Optare for £16m
Darwen Holdings plc says it has plans to buy Jamesstan Investments Ltd, the holding company of the Leeds-based Optare Group for £15.95m. The firm will issue shares worth £16m to finance the deal. "Optare, a brand synonymous with top quality service and market-leading products, complements Darwen's existing strong market position," said Andrew Brian, chief executive at Darwen. "This deal is fantastic news for our investors and builds on Darwen's strategic progress to date." He expects the deal to help deliver "market-leading hybrid public transport solutions."
More from Lauren Jones on +44 (0)1 612 361 352 or laurenj@mcmc.co.uk
New protected escort truck from MacNeillie
S. MacNeillie & Son will launch its new 7.5 tonne GVW Protected Escort Vehicle on stand OR 23 at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics show at Millbrook, Bedfordshire next week. Built around a standard commercial chassis, the West Midlands-based armoured and security vehicle specialist has created a versatile multi-role design capable of a wide range of jobs such as border patrol, command and control and airport security. Initial vehicles are already in service and MacNeillie's is confident it will attract big interest. "The ability to work within the 7.5 tonne GVW limit and offer a payload of around 1000 kg is very important," says Nigel Rowley, director. There are options for a range of ballistic protection levels, including B4 and B6 and all high impact areas use composite materials.
More from Adrian Graves on +44 (0)1 284 787 438 or adriangraves@pressandpr.com
D-Tec Trailers in the UK
Theo van Wikselaar, export manager for D-Tec Trailers BV in the Netherlands says the firm has set up a new sales organisation in the UK, with two new dealers responsible for the sales and service of its container trailers. They are Munro Commercials Ltd in Burscough, Lancashire where the main man is Alan Munro, on +44 (0)1 704 897 003. For RTJ Trailers Ltd in Felixstowe, Suffolk the contact is Jason Taylor, on + 44 (0)1 394 674 000. Van Wikselaar says both can deliver the firm's Combitrailer direct from stock in Felixstowe.
More from Theo van Wikselaar on + 31 613 696 760 or info@d-tec.nl
ALD adds 20 Isuzus to its fleet
Associated London Distribution is now running the first ten of 20 new Isuzu 7.5t trucks, on its Metro newspaper delivery contract, making daily drops to tube and train stations in London and the South East. The remaining ten will follow shortly. ALD runs a 64 strong truck fleet, from 3.5t to 41t. Five of the Isuzus will act as replacements, whilst the remainder are additions to the fleet. Dan Ausling, operations director for ALD said he opted for Isuzu, moving away from what was a predominately Mercedes fleet, "mainly due to its higher payloads and vehicle manoeuvrability, ideal for our Central London operation." Supplied by MC Truck & Bus Thurrock with bodywork by Chelmer Truck bodies, the new trucks have Easyshift gearboxes and will be maintained by GHL Commercials, close to ALD's Bermondsey depot in South East London.
More from Danny Ausling on +44 (0)2 076 515 334 or danny.ausling@hqp.co.uk
Cybit's exclusive telematics deal with Ford
Cybit, which says it is the UK's leading online telematics firm has done an exclusive deal with Ford to run a fully-managed service called 'Ford Fleet Telematics' for Ford Fleet customers. This offers Ford Fleet operators a range of customised reports on vehicle and driver performance to help cut fuel and maintenance costs. The system uses a GPS device on the vehicle to give real-time positioning and vehicle performance data and send it via O2's GPRS network to Cybit's servers. These data are the basis of the user-defined strategic reports, distributed via the internet to give real-time or historical fleet management information.
More from Graham Gordon on +44 (0)1 480 423 972 or ggordon@cybit.co.uk
CRC may bite your business in 2010
The UK government aims for a Carbon Reduction Commitment to encourage efficient use of energy. Due to bite in 2010, rules for the CRC are at a draft stage now. The scheme will cover businesses, including all their UK subsidiaries using over 6,000MWh of electricity, so with collective bills over £500,000. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is working with government officials on the plans. "But we're worried that the complex scheme will increase business costs at an unwelcome time," said Matt Croucher, economist at the SMMT. He warns that the collective approach means firms need to look at overall energy bills wants to hear from any automotive organisations that think it may fall into the net.
More from Matt Croucher on +44 (0)2 073 441 640 or mcroucher@smmt.co.uk
Continental and Marangoni do retread deal
The Italian Marangoni Group and Continental AG have done a deal giving the tyre retread firm an exclusive licence to market the ContiTread brand. "Marangoni and Continental have been successfully working together in various areas for years, says Eckhard Wilanek, managing director of the fleet and retread business for Continental. "This co-operative relationship will allow us to add an important facet to our previous collaboration." Both say the deal should deliver quick global growth..
More from Udo Brandes on +49 (0)5 11 938 2923 or udo.brandes@conti.de
Kögel trailer now rail compatible
Kögel says its 14.92m Big-MAXX rail semi-trailer can be loaded without restriction on T2000 and T3000 combined traffic rail wagons. A trial loading operation by Kögel and Kombiverkehr GmbH confirmed the fit. "This is another significant step in the quest to obtain European approval for longer semi-trailers," said Alexander Tietje, chairman of the Kögel Board.. 300 such trailers are part of a field trial in Germany. Kögel says the results are encouraging some other European countries to consider changing the lengths of semi-trailers. The firm claims their use could deliver an 8% cut in fuel use and emissions. The Big-MAXX rail is a standard, 14.92m semi-trailer with a maximum internal height of 2.70m and a semi-mounted dimension of 1.1 to 1.25m.
More from Andreas Lubitz on +49 (0)82 85 88 312 or andreas.lubitz@koegel.com
Jost Group sold
Private equity firm Cinven has paid an 'undisclosed sum' for the Jost Group, which makes systems, modules and components for the truck industry. The deal will help plans for geographical expansion, the product and market development. Cinven will retain Jost's management and sales people. Jost Group owns the Jost, Rockinger, Regensburger and Tridec brands and products include fifth wheels, towing hitches, landing gear, draw-bars and articulated steering systems. The group employs some 2,000 people in 20 countries and has grown faster than the market over the past five years, with sales increasing at double-digit rates on average to around €445m in 2007.
More from Thomas Peisker on + 49 (0)6 102 2950 or thomas.peisker@jost-werke.de
Irish Haulier of the Year Awards 2009
Fleet Transport says its Irish Haulier of the Year Awards 2009 has already generated huge interest from industry with the number of entries received well in excess of last year. "The Awards celebrate excellence in the haulage and road transport industry and is now the industry event of the year in Ireland," says Jarlath Sweeney, the magazine's editor. "This is the last chance for operators to enter the awards as the deadline date for entry is 30 June 2008." There are 15 categories in the Haulier of the Year competition with details and an entry form on the magazine's website www.fleet.ie "You'll need to enter now if you want a chance to win."
More from Orla Sweeney on +353 (94) 9 372 819 or orla@fleet.ie
Gray & Adams wins deal for 75 rigids
Gray & Adams says it has won a deal for 75 fridge bodies on 13 tonne rigids from food service firm, Brakes. The move will see the Northern Irish body-builder deliver Brakes' refrigerated bodies for 2008. According to Matt Greener, purchasing manager for the Brakes Group, Gray & Adams offered the best deal when the business went to tender and will make the 75 replacement 13-tonne vehicles over the coming months, delivering the first six in June.
More from Laura Dougan on +44 (0)2 890 342 160 or l.dougan@grayadamsireland.com
Hard steel Montracon tippers
Montracon has started low volume production of a high capacity 55m3 (72yd3), heavy duty tipping semi-trailer aimed specifically at niche industry sectors such as metal recycling. Its construction features extensive use of hard steels, namely Hardox and Domex. Front end tipping gear is standard with various build and equipment options, including onboard weighing equipment are available either as a retro or on line fit. The new trailer has joined Montracon's ex-stock and immediate availability programme and the first one off the line has just gone to work with Northern Ireland based T-Met.
More from Trevor Longcroft on +44 (0)1 202 840 662 or tlongcroft@aol.com
RHA takes over European Tow Show
The Road Haulage Association says it has taken over the European Tow Show. The move follows successful talks with Frank McAllister and Roy Jones, the originators of this highly successful event. "Roy and Frank have done an outstanding job in initiating and developing this Show since its inception five years ago, and we are delighted to be building on the success achieved", said Roger King, RHA chief executive. "Frank and Roy will continue to play an active part so it remains very much business as usual."
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.net
Ceva raises £25,000 for charity
Ceva Logistics says its recent golf challenge raised £25,000 for charities, with 56 golfers playing five rounds in just one day at The Warwickshire Golf Club. The cash will go to Macmillan Cancer Support, the British Heart Foundation and Transaid.
More from Lindsey Randle on +44 (0)1 530 568 709 or lindsey.randle@cevalogistics.com
Sam Jennings
Jason Chipchase of Krone Trailers in the UK reports the unexpected death on 17 June of Sam Jennings, the firm's customer service manager. "He knew the meaning of service with a smile," said Chipchase. "He served our industry for many years with the honesty and integrity of a true gentleman. Our thoughts are with his loving wife Rose and their two sons." His funeral will be on Friday 27 June at Walkeringham near Doncaster.
More from Jason Chipchase on +44 (0)7 738 660 450 or jason.chipchase@krone.de
UN Geneva hosts industry milestone
On 26 June 2008, at the United Nations offices in Geneva, the organisation will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the International Agreement. In 1958 this set out the basic rules that motor vehicles and their components must use to meet international legislation. Now some 130 rules cover the safety, environmental and security performance that vehicles and parts must meet to get international certification. Originally aimed at Europe, the agreement and its separate regulations now reach far beyond those borders to Asia, Oceania and Africa. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' technical department has consistently worked with this influential process and, for instance, Allan McKenzie from the SMMT technical team leads general vehicle safety group.
More from Allan Mckenzie on +44 (0)2 073 449 202 or amckenzie@smmt.co.uk
50% off SMMT quality publications
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is offering a 50% deal on the following publications; ISO/TS 16949:2002 -Technical Specification, ISO/TS 16949:2002 - Rules for Achieving Recognition, edition two, ISO/TS 16949:2002 Guidance, Process Management Guide, Continual Improvement Tools & Techniques, Statistical Process Control and Failure Mode & Effects Analysis. You'll find details and an order form on the SMMT website www.smmt.co.uk, or email publications@smmt.co.uk and quote the promotion code LDSEP01. You'll need to pay for your order by 30 September 2008 to get the 50% deal.. Postage and packaging will cost extra.
More from Katie Page on +44 (0)2 073 441 663 or kpage@smmt.co.uk
More handling solutions form Thorworld
Materials handling equipment specialists, Thorworld Industries Ltd has published its new 44 page 2008/9 product range catalogue. This details a wide range of materials handling kit and services for specifiers, buyers and users of loading bay equipment, accessories and safety aids.
More from John Meale on +44 (0)1 246 260 981 or info@thorworld.co.uk
Hatcher aero aids for Hino
Hatcher Components says it has developed an aerodynamic aid kit for the new Hino 300 and 500 models. The firm says the trucks made their UK debut at this year's CV Show and it has been taking enquiries for air kits since then. It is now making the units, offering height adjustment ranges from 495 to 790 mm. Side-streamers are available too, designed so that they don't interfere with the cab tilt mechanism or side air intake. They come in Hino white. The firm says the need for effective air kits is more important than ever with fuel prices where they are and it has already taken orders for 20 and expects more soon. "We're also about to go into production on the Hino 700 so we'll be covering the entire Hino range," said Brian Getly, MD.
More from Richard Lawrence on +44 (0)1 728 621 285 or rl@splash.uk.net
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