Legal Brief
Transport News Brief Week 29
Document Actions
The latest news roundup from the SMMT.
Whole Vehicle Type Approval seminar
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is to run another seminar on Whole Vehicle Type Approval, on Thursday 7 August at Volvo Trucks' HQ in Warwick. The aim is to bring vehicle makers and bodybuilders together to talk about the change in the law from next spring. Whole Vehicle Approval will be available from 30 April 2009. It will mean that for the first time an entire van, truck, trailer, bus or coach may need a set of approvals to cover the completed vehicle. "All the signs are that a significant number of customers will demand Whole Vehicle Type Approval from next May," said Robin Dickeson, manager, commercial vehicle affairs at the SMMT. "It also seems that all too many dealers and bodybuilders are choosing to ignore the situation and could find themselves in trouble. We want to help them avoid that." Place at the free half-day seminar will be on a first-come, first served basis.
More from Natasha James on +44 (0)2 073 441 621 or njames@smmt.co.uk
Chinese commercial vehicle market close to 2.5m
Truck & Bus Builder's China supplement reports that the Chinese CV market hit 2,493,990 units in 2007, up 22.5% on the 2,040,106 figure for 2006, itself up 14% on the 1,785,881 in 2005.
More from Jim Gibbins on +44 (0)1 984 639 300 or tbb.p@virgin.net
What Van? Live 2008 at the Motor Show
This year's What Van? Live will be at the British International Motor Show at London's ExCel exhibition centre from 23 July to 3 August. "Visitors will get to drive some of the UK's most popular vans around a 2.2km course on the site," said Neil McIntee, editor. "All you need to do is bring your driving licence. You'll be accompanied on each drive by someone from the van's firm, ready to help you get the best out of the experience. But sorry youngsters - you'll have to be over 18 to play." Citroën, Ford, Nissan and Piaggio will offer visitors the chance to get to grips with their products, while Iveco's Daily, the What Van?'s Van of the Year for 2007, will be there as a static display. You'll find more about the Motor Show at www.britishmotorshoe.co.uk
More from www.whatvan.co.uk
RHA disappointed at Tory timing
The Road Haulage Association says it is disappointed at the timing of the latest Tory ideas for a Fuel Duty Stabiliser. "These latest proposals from the Conservatives are very similar in concept to those proposed by the Scottish National Party" said RHA chief executive Roger King. The SNP/Plaid Cymru amendment to the Finance Bill was defeated, despite widespread industry backing. "Had the Conservatives put their weight behind the SNP's Fuel Duty Regulator proposals it would have made all the difference between the success and failure of an idea which had already achieved both cross-industry and cross party support." King says, despite the timing, he welcomes Tory support for an idea first floated three years ago.
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.net
Citroën's new van range at 2008 Motor Show
Citroën says it new van range will be on show at the British Motor Show at ExCeL, London, from 23 July to 3 August in the What Van? Live section. The firm will have its newly launched Nemo and Berlingo vans will be shown alongside the launched Dispatch and Relay ranges. For the first time at the ExCeL-based Motor Show, visitors will be able to drive and look at these vans in the What Van? Live part of the show. "The What Van? Live section at the London Motor Show provides an ideal opportunity to experience the exciting new, six-strong Citroën LCV range," said Robert Handyside, Citroën's commercial vehicle operations manager.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Defence debut for Euro 5 Cummins
At the recent 2008 Defence Vehicle Dynamics Show at Millbrook, Cummins showed its Euro 5 ISBe engine to the defence industry for the first time. The firm developed the unit to offer all of the latest technology whilst meeting Euro 2 to Euro 5 emission standards. The engine is the latest edition of the Cummins B Series platform and builds on an excellent reputation for reliability and low running costs in over 30,000 military applications around the world. It offers power up to 300hp, torque to 1100 Nm of torque with lower noise, better fuel economy and longer service intervals.
More from Steve Nendick on +44 (0)1 325 556 717 on steven.nendick@cummins.com
BCA buys UFD
British Car Auctions says it has the bought the Birmingham based United Fleet Distribution from Mears Group plc. BCA says the move "significantly enhances" the firm's inspect and collect capability when handling used vans and cars. UFD runs a range of logistic services including inspection, collection and delivery, storage and similar services for customers including Lombard, Lex, BT Fleet, Scot Group and ECM Mercedes Corporate. UFD has spent heavily on IT systems including electronic and web-based job input, driver allocation, status tracking, KPI reporting and incident management. All its drivers can use hand-held units and TBS TaskMaster software to do electronic vehicle appraisals.
More from Tim Naylor on +44 (0)1 252 878 555 or tnaylor@bca-group.com
Financial engineering from Gray & Adams
Gray & Adams says it plans to offer competitive leasing and contract hire packages on its products soon. The firm says it is talking to a rental company and hopes to include its increasingly popular roller bed trailers in spot rental deals.
More from Laura Dougan on +44 (0)2 890 342 160 or l.dougan@grayadamsireland.com
New communications chief
Nikki Rooke is the new head of communications for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. She was senior communications manager with A1GP World Cup of Motorsport and worked for Ford's Premier Automotive Group and before that as a press officer for SMMT.
More from Nikki Rooke on +44 (0)2 073 449 226 or nrooke@smmt.co.uk
Rugby Radio a first from Iveco
Iveco has launched a website called Iveco Rugby Radio at www.ivecorugbyradio.co.uk, which is the first web radio station dedicated to rugby union. The firm says the radio station builds on its four year global sponsorship deal with New Zealand's All Blacks and a two year agreement with the Italian Rugby Federation and the Italian national rugby union team.
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler.com
Watch out for dodgy used tyres
Following the worrying results it found during a recent survey of second hand car tyres, Continental Tyre Group has repeated the process, this time with a random sample of van and light truck tyres bought over the internet from traders and private individuals. Roger Sanders, Continental's general manager technical services commented: "Our objective in conducting these tests is to highlight the potential dangers of purchasing second hand tyres from the internet and the findings are worrying." Of all the van tyres bought on eBay between February and April 2008, none were labelled as part worn, 73% were potentially unsafe and 27% were totally un-roadworthy.
More from Laura Hardy on +44 (0)1 895 424 321 or laura.hardy@conti.de
More apprentices for Greenhous
Greenhous Commercials, the Midlands based truck dealer supplies and maintains Daf trucks and LDV vans and just has taken on the first of three new apprentices for 2008. The firm says apprentices and a commitment to training are the only way to ensure technical excellence for British businesses. "Greenhous has always been committed to training a proportion of its technical teams from scratch," said Wayne Fletcher, service manager. "We're pleased to provide opportunities for local youngsters and know that they will form the back-bone of our business in the future."
More from Clive Reeves on +44 (0)1 543 501 111 or clive@wardlovett.com
Ultra low profile truck tyre from Pirelli
Pirelli says it has expanded its FH85 Amaranto truck tyre range, adding an ultra low profile steering axle tyre for long distance trucks running fully laden on good roads. The firm says its new 385/55 R 22.5 tyre offers increased load capacity, because it holds more air than other tyres of the same diameter. The low profile helps to cut truck and trailer deck heights, giving more potential load volume. Its patented all-steel, zero degree radial reinforcing structure helps to delivers a 1.4 tonnes increase in load capacity per axle. "An average of 40% more usable tread compound compared with the 315/60 R 22.5 FH55 helps ensure improved mileage," says the firm.
More from Sarah Brown on +44 (0)1 283 525 479 or sarah.brown.st@pirelli.com
GSPK does its bit to cut truck running costs
GSPK Multifuel Ltd of Knaresborough says it has now fitted its 300th Multifuel kit. This injects liquid petroleum gas into a diesel engine. "Independent tests have now proved that savings around 12% are normal and savings can be as high as 15%," says Graham Keddie, director at the firm.
More from Graham Keddie on +44 (0)1 423 865 641 or graham.keddie@gspk.com
New temperature controlled panel van conversions
Solomon has just launched its new range of insulated panel van conversions. The firm makes these in house using the same panel presses and assembly techniques used on its temperature controlled rigids. The floor is laminated in situ as a one-piece 'shower tray', seamless at floor level and impervious to moisture. High pressure vacuum bonded precision interlocking panels form the sides, bulkhead and roof with high impact, woven roving GRP to form a consistent and durable finish throughout the van. The insulation's thermal conductivity is extremely efficient with a K factor of 0.025W/m-K. Aperture surrounds are finished with purpose-made watertight moulds.
More from Anthony Clegg +44 (0)7 824 804 287 or anthony.clegg@solocom.co.uk
Mobile ticketing to boom
A report from industry analysts Juniper Research says that transport based mobile ticketing will grow from 37.4million transactions in 2007 to just over 1.8billion by 2011. The Far East and China will make up 73% of the total number of transactions worldwide.
More from John Levett +44(0)1 256 830 002 or john.levett@juniperresearch.com
New lathe to cut bills and hike workshop profit
Pro-Cut Europe has launched the award-winning PFM 9.2 DRO-Live lathe in the UK. This skims light commercial brake discs in nine minutes and offers workshops an opportunity to make extra labour sales during servicing and MoTs. The latest innovation in on-vehicle brake lathes fits larger brake discs and includes a five-character LED screen to display data on lathe use and performance. This gives service managers the means to ensure the lathe's efficient performance. The machine uses a sensor, computer, and precise drive system to automatically align the lathe so the machined disc will turn perfectly true regardless of irregularities in the vehicle's hub.
More from Guy Carter on +44 (0)1 242 621 001 or guy.carter@procuteurope.com
It's Freightex now
X4freight has changed its name to Freightex. The firm will continue to run its successful exchange platform which matches unallocated freight with empty vehicles, helping improve road freight efficiency across Europe. "Around 30% of trucks on the road are empty, with no load for the return journey," says Tim Phillips Freightex CEO. "Quite simply, our system allows us to identify where efficiencies can be made in the transport of goods between the UK and mainland Europe." This offers environmental benefits and cost savings all round.
More from Amanda Jackson on +44 (0)1 254 851 680 or amanda@tigerfishpr.co.uk
New electronic hub odometer clocks trailer miles
Secureseal says its innovative new hub odometer will make it much easier for firms to monitor trailer use. The new electronic unit is a cost-effective, universal solution for use with any size tyre and is easily programmed to show distance in miles or kilometres. The firm says its new device replaces mechanical hub odometers that have to be purchased according to specific tyre sizes and measurement requirements. "With a robust design, large LCD and no moving parts the new unit offers a highly reliable and durable alternative to mechanical products," says Ben Grant, managing director of Secureseal's parent company OEM Group Ltd. "It also offers an exceptionally long battery life, giving up to four years of constant and consistent monitoring."
More from Ben Grant on +44 (0)2 083 448 777 or ben@secureseal.com
Low cost video offer
Automotive video producer, Communicator Limited has launched a low-cost, high-value package DesignAVideo (http://designavideo.com), which offers glossy, two-minute videos for under £2,000. "More and more firms are keen to use video as a sales or training tool but get scared off by the prices," says Paul Drew. "So we created a library of template videos that we'll customise within the price." The team successfully produces award-winning videos for firms like Cadillac and Saab and has a free demo DVD available. "You simply choose the video you want from the DesignAVideo library, send us the content and we'll do the rest. And we're offering Transport News Brief subscribers a 15% discount, bringing the price for the whole service down to just £1,650."
More from Paul Drew on +44 (0)2 077 048 333 or paul@designavideo.com
Doigs takes two Sorocos
Doigs of Glasgow has bought its first Optare Soroco minicoaches for its executive coach fleet, attracted by the vehicle's looks and finish. Owner Andy Forsyth says the move is in line with his policy of running a young fleet. He aims to get the average fleet age to less than three years and "always buys the best." He expects to spend over £1m a year, with the new 19 seater Sorocos forming a key part of his fleet replacement programme in 2008 and targeting the quality end of the market. They will do corporate and private hire work, including major sporting events.
David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Citroën appoints specialist CV dealers
Citroën says it has appointed "a core" of new commercial vehicle dealers to give better sales and aftersales service to its van and light truck customers and complement its six-strong van and light truck range. Strategically placed throughout the UK, the firm says these new CV Specialist Dealers have been appointed from its existing UK dealer network and that more will follow.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Tenstreet helps fleets keep their drivers
Tenstreet LLC has launched a new retention service called Tenstreet Xtend. This aims to provide better communications between employees and bosses to quickly find and tackle worries that need immediate attention. The firm says its system helps people feel more connected to their employers. "That, in turn, helps reduce driver turnover and builds loyalty, while giving fleets the opportunity to run their operations more profitably with the best possible group of drivers," said Craig Johnson, CEO of Tenstreet. He said the system can be particularly helpful during the first 90 days of a new driver's hiring - a period in which most accidents occur and turnover rates are highest.
More from Mike O'Neill on +1 (0)2 157 521 429 or oneillpr@aol.com
Gallagher calls for biofuels slow down
The Renewable Fuels Agency's review of the indirect effects of biofuels, led by RFA boss professor Ed Gallagher, says the use of biofuels should be slowed until there are effective ways to stop land use change and higher food prices. Gallagher also said there is a future for a sustainable biofuels industry but creating the policies will be a slow, difficult job and that we risk causing, rather than cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Biofuel producers should aim at idle and marginal land and use wastes and residues. This will avoid indirect land use change and reduce competition with food - demand for biofuels has already hiked food prices
More from Chris Malins on +44 (0)2 079 448 454 or chris.malins@dft.gsi.gov.uk
24 more trailers for Continental Express
Continental Express Transport Ltd, the Waltham Cross-based temperature controlled distribution specialist, has taken 24 new Schmitz Cargobull dual and single compartment refrigerated trailers. The firm will use its new trailers on work across the UK and internationally as far as North Africa. The deal, funded by Cargobull Finance - Schmitz Cargobull's own finance operation - takes Continental's orders to over 100 reefers from Schmitz.
More from Lloyd Arkil on +44 923 777 897 or lloyd@am-pr.net
Joined up thinking from BCA and 2nd Byte
BCA and 2nd Byte say a joint deal offers vehicle makers and their dealers better electronic remarketing. The firms say their combined management, sales experience and retail marketing skills offer vehicle makers a new way to select and sell their wholesale stock to the widest possible audience - from franchised networks to retail consumers. The deal cuts disposal costs by setting and tracking refurbishment, storage and vehicle movement needs. The firms say they have pushed stock worth £1.3bn a year back through the franchise dealer network.
More from Tim Naylor on +44 (0)1 252 878 555 or tnaylor@bca-group.com
Kuehne + Nagel takes 205 more trailers
GE's TIP Trailer Services says it just won an order for 205 trailers from Kuehne + Nagel. The deal follows the recent delivery of an order for 155 curtainside trailers on a seven-year lease. The firm is to start delivering the new trailers in September this year. All 360 of the 13.6m curtainsider trailers will work for KN Drinks Logistics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Kuehne + Nagel Group. They are built to a 'Palletmaster' drinks specification by Don-Bur, in Stoke on Trent. Based at distribution centres and brewery sites across the UK, the deal includes additional trailers to help KN cope with new contract work.
More from David Nash on +44 (0)1 614 567 870 or quadpr@globalnet.co.uk
Archbold picks Krone
Archbold Rapide, a division of Archbold Logistics has just taken nine new Krone Profi Liner trailers. The new vehicles join a fleet of 250 trailers and 120 trucks. The firm recently won the Motor Transport International Operator of the Year Award. Krone offers a 10-year corrosion warranty with a multi-lock side rave as standard and an Edscha sliding roof and a 31 tonne front bulkhead. Krone says all its trailers have European Whole Vehicle Type Approval, which it says will be an increasingly important factor in the industry.
More from Liam Olliff on +44 (0)1 326 560 400 or liam@m1marketing.co.uk
More Dennis Eagles for Sutton
Fiveways Municipal Vehicle Hire has delivered 11 Dennis Eagle dust carts as part of its first contract hire agreement with London Borough of Sutton council. The new vehicles are on a five year contract hire deal. They will do domestic and trade waste collection and all use Dennis Eagle's narrow variant 2.2m wide Elite 6x2 mid lift chassis with the firm's narrow P2-15N single compartment general compaction bodywork. All have four-man Elite cabs and Terberg Omni-Del bin lifts. The deal means that all the council's 27 strong fleet are Dennis Eagle machines.
More from Roberta Manca on +44 (0)1 926 316 000 or roberta.manca@dennis-eagle.co.uk
Traffic commissioner limits coach firm
Scottish traffic commissioner Joan Aitken has imposed the top penalty of £4,400 on Goosecroft Coaches Ltd of Denny. The firm is now limited to running a maximum of four vehicles for three months. It was also banned from registering any new local services for two years. The Traffic Commissioner's decision resulted from poor running of local services and maintenance failings.
More from www.coi.gov.uk
Norman Thoday is MD at Dennis Eagle
Dennis Eagle says Norman Thoday; formerly managing director of commercial operations for the firm is promoted to managing director. Mike Molesworth keeps his role as chief executive with Dennis Eagle, and gets the job of chief executive of Ros Roca's £350m turnover Equipment Division. The moves follow the parent company's reorganising the group's combined businesses.
More from Roberta Manca on +44 (0)1 926 316 000 or roberta.manca@dennis-eagle.co.uk
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback column reader Joshua Hall tells the magazine that outside the Royal Mail sorting office in Salisbury, in the south of England, there are two adjacent slots for posting letters The sign above them reads: "Please Use Both Letterboxes"
More from www.newscientist.com
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is to run another seminar on Whole Vehicle Type Approval, on Thursday 7 August at Volvo Trucks' HQ in Warwick. The aim is to bring vehicle makers and bodybuilders together to talk about the change in the law from next spring. Whole Vehicle Approval will be available from 30 April 2009. It will mean that for the first time an entire van, truck, trailer, bus or coach may need a set of approvals to cover the completed vehicle. "All the signs are that a significant number of customers will demand Whole Vehicle Type Approval from next May," said Robin Dickeson, manager, commercial vehicle affairs at the SMMT. "It also seems that all too many dealers and bodybuilders are choosing to ignore the situation and could find themselves in trouble. We want to help them avoid that." Place at the free half-day seminar will be on a first-come, first served basis.
More from Natasha James on +44 (0)2 073 441 621 or njames@smmt.co.uk
Chinese commercial vehicle market close to 2.5m
Truck & Bus Builder's China supplement reports that the Chinese CV market hit 2,493,990 units in 2007, up 22.5% on the 2,040,106 figure for 2006, itself up 14% on the 1,785,881 in 2005.
More from Jim Gibbins on +44 (0)1 984 639 300 or tbb.p@virgin.net
What Van? Live 2008 at the Motor Show
This year's What Van? Live will be at the British International Motor Show at London's ExCel exhibition centre from 23 July to 3 August. "Visitors will get to drive some of the UK's most popular vans around a 2.2km course on the site," said Neil McIntee, editor. "All you need to do is bring your driving licence. You'll be accompanied on each drive by someone from the van's firm, ready to help you get the best out of the experience. But sorry youngsters - you'll have to be over 18 to play." Citroën, Ford, Nissan and Piaggio will offer visitors the chance to get to grips with their products, while Iveco's Daily, the What Van?'s Van of the Year for 2007, will be there as a static display. You'll find more about the Motor Show at www.britishmotorshoe.co.uk
More from www.whatvan.co.uk
RHA disappointed at Tory timing
The Road Haulage Association says it is disappointed at the timing of the latest Tory ideas for a Fuel Duty Stabiliser. "These latest proposals from the Conservatives are very similar in concept to those proposed by the Scottish National Party" said RHA chief executive Roger King. The SNP/Plaid Cymru amendment to the Finance Bill was defeated, despite widespread industry backing. "Had the Conservatives put their weight behind the SNP's Fuel Duty Regulator proposals it would have made all the difference between the success and failure of an idea which had already achieved both cross-industry and cross party support." King says, despite the timing, he welcomes Tory support for an idea first floated three years ago.
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.net
Citroën's new van range at 2008 Motor Show
Citroën says it new van range will be on show at the British Motor Show at ExCeL, London, from 23 July to 3 August in the What Van? Live section. The firm will have its newly launched Nemo and Berlingo vans will be shown alongside the launched Dispatch and Relay ranges. For the first time at the ExCeL-based Motor Show, visitors will be able to drive and look at these vans in the What Van? Live part of the show. "The What Van? Live section at the London Motor Show provides an ideal opportunity to experience the exciting new, six-strong Citroën LCV range," said Robert Handyside, Citroën's commercial vehicle operations manager.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Defence debut for Euro 5 Cummins
At the recent 2008 Defence Vehicle Dynamics Show at Millbrook, Cummins showed its Euro 5 ISBe engine to the defence industry for the first time. The firm developed the unit to offer all of the latest technology whilst meeting Euro 2 to Euro 5 emission standards. The engine is the latest edition of the Cummins B Series platform and builds on an excellent reputation for reliability and low running costs in over 30,000 military applications around the world. It offers power up to 300hp, torque to 1100 Nm of torque with lower noise, better fuel economy and longer service intervals.
More from Steve Nendick on +44 (0)1 325 556 717 on steven.nendick@cummins.com
BCA buys UFD
British Car Auctions says it has the bought the Birmingham based United Fleet Distribution from Mears Group plc. BCA says the move "significantly enhances" the firm's inspect and collect capability when handling used vans and cars. UFD runs a range of logistic services including inspection, collection and delivery, storage and similar services for customers including Lombard, Lex, BT Fleet, Scot Group and ECM Mercedes Corporate. UFD has spent heavily on IT systems including electronic and web-based job input, driver allocation, status tracking, KPI reporting and incident management. All its drivers can use hand-held units and TBS TaskMaster software to do electronic vehicle appraisals.
More from Tim Naylor on +44 (0)1 252 878 555 or tnaylor@bca-group.com
Financial engineering from Gray & Adams
Gray & Adams says it plans to offer competitive leasing and contract hire packages on its products soon. The firm says it is talking to a rental company and hopes to include its increasingly popular roller bed trailers in spot rental deals.
More from Laura Dougan on +44 (0)2 890 342 160 or l.dougan@grayadamsireland.com
New communications chief
Nikki Rooke is the new head of communications for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. She was senior communications manager with A1GP World Cup of Motorsport and worked for Ford's Premier Automotive Group and before that as a press officer for SMMT.
More from Nikki Rooke on +44 (0)2 073 449 226 or nrooke@smmt.co.uk
Rugby Radio a first from Iveco
Iveco has launched a website called Iveco Rugby Radio at www.ivecorugbyradio.co.uk, which is the first web radio station dedicated to rugby union. The firm says the radio station builds on its four year global sponsorship deal with New Zealand's All Blacks and a two year agreement with the Italian Rugby Federation and the Italian national rugby union team.
More from James Keeler on +44 (0)2 083 991 184 or jk@garnett-keeler.com
Watch out for dodgy used tyres
Following the worrying results it found during a recent survey of second hand car tyres, Continental Tyre Group has repeated the process, this time with a random sample of van and light truck tyres bought over the internet from traders and private individuals. Roger Sanders, Continental's general manager technical services commented: "Our objective in conducting these tests is to highlight the potential dangers of purchasing second hand tyres from the internet and the findings are worrying." Of all the van tyres bought on eBay between February and April 2008, none were labelled as part worn, 73% were potentially unsafe and 27% were totally un-roadworthy.
More from Laura Hardy on +44 (0)1 895 424 321 or laura.hardy@conti.de
More apprentices for Greenhous
Greenhous Commercials, the Midlands based truck dealer supplies and maintains Daf trucks and LDV vans and just has taken on the first of three new apprentices for 2008. The firm says apprentices and a commitment to training are the only way to ensure technical excellence for British businesses. "Greenhous has always been committed to training a proportion of its technical teams from scratch," said Wayne Fletcher, service manager. "We're pleased to provide opportunities for local youngsters and know that they will form the back-bone of our business in the future."
More from Clive Reeves on +44 (0)1 543 501 111 or clive@wardlovett.com
Ultra low profile truck tyre from Pirelli
Pirelli says it has expanded its FH85 Amaranto truck tyre range, adding an ultra low profile steering axle tyre for long distance trucks running fully laden on good roads. The firm says its new 385/55 R 22.5 tyre offers increased load capacity, because it holds more air than other tyres of the same diameter. The low profile helps to cut truck and trailer deck heights, giving more potential load volume. Its patented all-steel, zero degree radial reinforcing structure helps to delivers a 1.4 tonnes increase in load capacity per axle. "An average of 40% more usable tread compound compared with the 315/60 R 22.5 FH55 helps ensure improved mileage," says the firm.
More from Sarah Brown on +44 (0)1 283 525 479 or sarah.brown.st@pirelli.com
GSPK does its bit to cut truck running costs
GSPK Multifuel Ltd of Knaresborough says it has now fitted its 300th Multifuel kit. This injects liquid petroleum gas into a diesel engine. "Independent tests have now proved that savings around 12% are normal and savings can be as high as 15%," says Graham Keddie, director at the firm.
More from Graham Keddie on +44 (0)1 423 865 641 or graham.keddie@gspk.com
New temperature controlled panel van conversions
Solomon has just launched its new range of insulated panel van conversions. The firm makes these in house using the same panel presses and assembly techniques used on its temperature controlled rigids. The floor is laminated in situ as a one-piece 'shower tray', seamless at floor level and impervious to moisture. High pressure vacuum bonded precision interlocking panels form the sides, bulkhead and roof with high impact, woven roving GRP to form a consistent and durable finish throughout the van. The insulation's thermal conductivity is extremely efficient with a K factor of 0.025W/m-K. Aperture surrounds are finished with purpose-made watertight moulds.
More from Anthony Clegg +44 (0)7 824 804 287 or anthony.clegg@solocom.co.uk
Mobile ticketing to boom
A report from industry analysts Juniper Research says that transport based mobile ticketing will grow from 37.4million transactions in 2007 to just over 1.8billion by 2011. The Far East and China will make up 73% of the total number of transactions worldwide.
More from John Levett +44(0)1 256 830 002 or john.levett@juniperresearch.com
New lathe to cut bills and hike workshop profit
Pro-Cut Europe has launched the award-winning PFM 9.2 DRO-Live lathe in the UK. This skims light commercial brake discs in nine minutes and offers workshops an opportunity to make extra labour sales during servicing and MoTs. The latest innovation in on-vehicle brake lathes fits larger brake discs and includes a five-character LED screen to display data on lathe use and performance. This gives service managers the means to ensure the lathe's efficient performance. The machine uses a sensor, computer, and precise drive system to automatically align the lathe so the machined disc will turn perfectly true regardless of irregularities in the vehicle's hub.
More from Guy Carter on +44 (0)1 242 621 001 or guy.carter@procuteurope.com
It's Freightex now
X4freight has changed its name to Freightex. The firm will continue to run its successful exchange platform which matches unallocated freight with empty vehicles, helping improve road freight efficiency across Europe. "Around 30% of trucks on the road are empty, with no load for the return journey," says Tim Phillips Freightex CEO. "Quite simply, our system allows us to identify where efficiencies can be made in the transport of goods between the UK and mainland Europe." This offers environmental benefits and cost savings all round.
More from Amanda Jackson on +44 (0)1 254 851 680 or amanda@tigerfishpr.co.uk
New electronic hub odometer clocks trailer miles
Secureseal says its innovative new hub odometer will make it much easier for firms to monitor trailer use. The new electronic unit is a cost-effective, universal solution for use with any size tyre and is easily programmed to show distance in miles or kilometres. The firm says its new device replaces mechanical hub odometers that have to be purchased according to specific tyre sizes and measurement requirements. "With a robust design, large LCD and no moving parts the new unit offers a highly reliable and durable alternative to mechanical products," says Ben Grant, managing director of Secureseal's parent company OEM Group Ltd. "It also offers an exceptionally long battery life, giving up to four years of constant and consistent monitoring."
More from Ben Grant on +44 (0)2 083 448 777 or ben@secureseal.com
Low cost video offer
Automotive video producer, Communicator Limited has launched a low-cost, high-value package DesignAVideo (http://designavideo.com), which offers glossy, two-minute videos for under £2,000. "More and more firms are keen to use video as a sales or training tool but get scared off by the prices," says Paul Drew. "So we created a library of template videos that we'll customise within the price." The team successfully produces award-winning videos for firms like Cadillac and Saab and has a free demo DVD available. "You simply choose the video you want from the DesignAVideo library, send us the content and we'll do the rest. And we're offering Transport News Brief subscribers a 15% discount, bringing the price for the whole service down to just £1,650."
More from Paul Drew on +44 (0)2 077 048 333 or paul@designavideo.com
Doigs takes two Sorocos
Doigs of Glasgow has bought its first Optare Soroco minicoaches for its executive coach fleet, attracted by the vehicle's looks and finish. Owner Andy Forsyth says the move is in line with his policy of running a young fleet. He aims to get the average fleet age to less than three years and "always buys the best." He expects to spend over £1m a year, with the new 19 seater Sorocos forming a key part of his fleet replacement programme in 2008 and targeting the quality end of the market. They will do corporate and private hire work, including major sporting events.
David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Citroën appoints specialist CV dealers
Citroën says it has appointed "a core" of new commercial vehicle dealers to give better sales and aftersales service to its van and light truck customers and complement its six-strong van and light truck range. Strategically placed throughout the UK, the firm says these new CV Specialist Dealers have been appointed from its existing UK dealer network and that more will follow.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Tenstreet helps fleets keep their drivers
Tenstreet LLC has launched a new retention service called Tenstreet Xtend. This aims to provide better communications between employees and bosses to quickly find and tackle worries that need immediate attention. The firm says its system helps people feel more connected to their employers. "That, in turn, helps reduce driver turnover and builds loyalty, while giving fleets the opportunity to run their operations more profitably with the best possible group of drivers," said Craig Johnson, CEO of Tenstreet. He said the system can be particularly helpful during the first 90 days of a new driver's hiring - a period in which most accidents occur and turnover rates are highest.
More from Mike O'Neill on +1 (0)2 157 521 429 or oneillpr@aol.com
Gallagher calls for biofuels slow down
The Renewable Fuels Agency's review of the indirect effects of biofuels, led by RFA boss professor Ed Gallagher, says the use of biofuels should be slowed until there are effective ways to stop land use change and higher food prices. Gallagher also said there is a future for a sustainable biofuels industry but creating the policies will be a slow, difficult job and that we risk causing, rather than cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Biofuel producers should aim at idle and marginal land and use wastes and residues. This will avoid indirect land use change and reduce competition with food - demand for biofuels has already hiked food prices
More from Chris Malins on +44 (0)2 079 448 454 or chris.malins@dft.gsi.gov.uk
24 more trailers for Continental Express
Continental Express Transport Ltd, the Waltham Cross-based temperature controlled distribution specialist, has taken 24 new Schmitz Cargobull dual and single compartment refrigerated trailers. The firm will use its new trailers on work across the UK and internationally as far as North Africa. The deal, funded by Cargobull Finance - Schmitz Cargobull's own finance operation - takes Continental's orders to over 100 reefers from Schmitz.
More from Lloyd Arkil on +44 923 777 897 or lloyd@am-pr.net
Joined up thinking from BCA and 2nd Byte
BCA and 2nd Byte say a joint deal offers vehicle makers and their dealers better electronic remarketing. The firms say their combined management, sales experience and retail marketing skills offer vehicle makers a new way to select and sell their wholesale stock to the widest possible audience - from franchised networks to retail consumers. The deal cuts disposal costs by setting and tracking refurbishment, storage and vehicle movement needs. The firms say they have pushed stock worth £1.3bn a year back through the franchise dealer network.
More from Tim Naylor on +44 (0)1 252 878 555 or tnaylor@bca-group.com
Kuehne + Nagel takes 205 more trailers
GE's TIP Trailer Services says it just won an order for 205 trailers from Kuehne + Nagel. The deal follows the recent delivery of an order for 155 curtainside trailers on a seven-year lease. The firm is to start delivering the new trailers in September this year. All 360 of the 13.6m curtainsider trailers will work for KN Drinks Logistics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Kuehne + Nagel Group. They are built to a 'Palletmaster' drinks specification by Don-Bur, in Stoke on Trent. Based at distribution centres and brewery sites across the UK, the deal includes additional trailers to help KN cope with new contract work.
More from David Nash on +44 (0)1 614 567 870 or quadpr@globalnet.co.uk
Archbold picks Krone
Archbold Rapide, a division of Archbold Logistics has just taken nine new Krone Profi Liner trailers. The new vehicles join a fleet of 250 trailers and 120 trucks. The firm recently won the Motor Transport International Operator of the Year Award. Krone offers a 10-year corrosion warranty with a multi-lock side rave as standard and an Edscha sliding roof and a 31 tonne front bulkhead. Krone says all its trailers have European Whole Vehicle Type Approval, which it says will be an increasingly important factor in the industry.
More from Liam Olliff on +44 (0)1 326 560 400 or liam@m1marketing.co.uk
More Dennis Eagles for Sutton
Fiveways Municipal Vehicle Hire has delivered 11 Dennis Eagle dust carts as part of its first contract hire agreement with London Borough of Sutton council. The new vehicles are on a five year contract hire deal. They will do domestic and trade waste collection and all use Dennis Eagle's narrow variant 2.2m wide Elite 6x2 mid lift chassis with the firm's narrow P2-15N single compartment general compaction bodywork. All have four-man Elite cabs and Terberg Omni-Del bin lifts. The deal means that all the council's 27 strong fleet are Dennis Eagle machines.
More from Roberta Manca on +44 (0)1 926 316 000 or roberta.manca@dennis-eagle.co.uk
Traffic commissioner limits coach firm
Scottish traffic commissioner Joan Aitken has imposed the top penalty of £4,400 on Goosecroft Coaches Ltd of Denny. The firm is now limited to running a maximum of four vehicles for three months. It was also banned from registering any new local services for two years. The Traffic Commissioner's decision resulted from poor running of local services and maintenance failings.
More from www.coi.gov.uk
Norman Thoday is MD at Dennis Eagle
Dennis Eagle says Norman Thoday; formerly managing director of commercial operations for the firm is promoted to managing director. Mike Molesworth keeps his role as chief executive with Dennis Eagle, and gets the job of chief executive of Ros Roca's £350m turnover Equipment Division. The moves follow the parent company's reorganising the group's combined businesses.
More from Roberta Manca on +44 (0)1 926 316 000 or roberta.manca@dennis-eagle.co.uk
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback column reader Joshua Hall tells the magazine that outside the Royal Mail sorting office in Salisbury, in the south of England, there are two adjacent slots for posting letters The sign above them reads: "Please Use Both Letterboxes"
More from www.newscientist.com
About TNN News Feed
