Legal Brief
Transport News Brief Week 31
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The latest news roundup from the SMMT.
Good news from the London Low Emission Zone
Transport News Brief heard that some operators thought that Transport for London had dropped its policy of a 28-day grace period after a vehicle was first spotted in the LEZ. So, we called TfL; this is what came back, promptly: "TfL's policy of issuing only warning letters to operators of non-compliant vehicles the first time they are seen within the Low Emission Zone will be in place throughout the life of the scheme. The policy has worked well in the months since the scheme started and TfL is very pleased with the levels of vehicle compliance. Compliancy rates for vehicles affected by both the first and second phases of the scheme are high at around 96 and 90 per cent respectively and we expect these figures to continue to rise as operators take action to comply with the scheme."
The scheme hit trucks over 12 tonnes but from 7 July extended to trucks over 3.5 tonnes and buses and coaches over five tonnes with nine or more seats. Those vehicles must meet a Euro 3 emissions standard for particulate matter or pay a £200 daily charge. TfL's reply is clear and should help to scotch rumours.
More from www.tfl.gov.uk
What Van Live? does the business
The What Van Live? area at the Motor show has some 50 vans, 20 ready for its 2.2 kilometre test route. The range is from micro vans to light trucks. "Vans are the fastest growing sector of the vehicle market," said Paul Everitt, chief executive at the SMMT. "We're really pleased that What Van Live? decided to set up and run this area, it adds an important business dimension to the Motor Show." Citroën, Ford, Nissan and Piaggio are all offering visitors the chance to get to grips with their products with accompanied drives and that static display, which also includes a Iveco Daily, the What Van?'s Van of the Year for 2007
More from John Procter on +44(0)2 073 449 263 or jprocter@smmt.co.uk
Citroën premieres attract at the Motor Show
There will be five UK show debuts on Citroën's stand at this year's British International Motor Show at the ExCel centre in London's Docklands. These launches include the C-Cactus, a concept car new to the UK, the luxurious new Citroën C5 Tourer and C5 saloon, the fresh new version of the ever successful Berlingo Multispace, and the new look C2 supermini. The C-Cactus, Citroën's award-winning ecological hatchback has minimalist design values and combines affordable hybrid technology with recycled components. The firm says it stands alongside Citroën's other production models highlighting the Company's commitment to designing environmentally friendly vehicles. Citroën will also launch a selection of congestion-charge beating, low-CO2 vehicles.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Good times and bad for Volvo
The Volvo group just released figures for the six months to June 30 showing that in the second quarter, its net sales increased 13% to SEK 80.4bn and its operating income rose 17% to SEK 7,186m. Against that background, basic and diluted earnings per share rose by 28% to SEK 2.53. In Europe, orders dropped 54% to 21,948 trucks in the second quarter. This comes after exceptionally high order intake in 2007 and increased uncertainty about European economies, higher fuel prices and lower activity in some housing and construction sectors.
More from Mårten Wikforss on +46 31 661 127 or marten.wikforss@volvo.com
VW gets OK for Scania deal
Autowired reports that German carmaker Volkswagen says it has received regulatory approval for its planned takeover of Swedish truck and bus manufacturer Scania. VW said that as well as last month's EU approval, it had also gone through a "large number" of antitrust proceedings in various countries. VW makes VW branded cars, vans and trucks and separately cars branded Audi, Bentley and Skoda. In March this year, VW took sole control of Scania, which makes heavy trucks, increasing its holding in the Swedish company to 68.6% of the voting rights and 37.73% of the capital rights.
More from www.autowired.co.uk
Porsche wins OK for VW takeover
The SMMT's Week in Brussels bulletin says EU competition authorities just agreed Porsche's plan to buy Volkswagen. The European Commission said, "The transaction would not significantly impede effective competition" as Porsche "will continue to face several strong, effective competitors with significant market shares". It also found that the "horizontal overlaps" between the two manufacturers were "limited". Industry observers note that VW now controls truck maker Scania as well as its own heavy truck brand. Some now wonder if truck racing will get a boost from Porsche technology?
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Airdream on for Citroën's new green vans
The French firm has used the Motor Show to launch what it says is an industry-leading environmental initiative for its van range. Citroën's new Airdream programme means that all its vans carrying the Airdream logo meet the following environmental criteria; they have CO2 emissions of less than 120g/km. or they have a diesel particulate filter system or they meet Powershift Band 4 standards. The firm says two Nemo models, the C2 van and the new C-Crosser Commercial 4x4 and a Dispatch model meet the standard. Separately the New Nemo and Berlingo 1.4i Dual Fuel van meet Powershift Band 4 requirements. Citroën is also one of the first to say that its vehicles could run on up to 30% bio diesel without modification.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
New from Wabco at the 2008 IAA Commercial Vehicle show
At IAA Commercial Vehicles 2008 in Hanover, Wabco says it will launch new driver assistance systems, new telematics for trailer makers and aftermarket applications, high-output compressors and transmission automation systems for trucks and buses. Its stand, B14 in hall 26 at the 2008 IAA Commercial Vehicle show promises to be busy. Also at the show, the firm will launch new ideas and products for vehicle electronic architecture and electronic stability control. These, it says, are part of a suite of systems and services designed to improve performance, safety, efficiency and the service life of commercial vehicles while cutting operating costs.
More from Tobias Mueller on +49 69 7191 6834 or tobias.mueller@klenkhoursch.de
King joins Committee on Climate Change
The SMMT's Week in Westminster report say that Hilary Benn MP, secretary of state for the environment just appointed Professor Julia King to the Committee on Climate Change. King recently did a review for the UK government, looking at the possibilities for lower carbon vehicles.. She will give expert advice on how the UK can best meet its climate change goals
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Traffic commissioner bans KDC Logistics Ltd
Joan Aitken, Scottish traffic commissioner disqualified KDC Logistics Ltd and directors Douglas Strachan and Kenneth Reid from applying for or holding a goods vehicle licence for five years at a Public Inquiry held on 3 July.
More from www.coi.gov.uk
Motor Show debut for Citroën dual-fuel van
Citroën has chosen Motor Show to launch its new Nemo X 1.4i dual-fuel van. This joins the firm's Ready-to-Run range and goes on sale immediately, priced from £8,820 + VAT + delivery. "Rising fuel prices, along with the confirmation, last week, that dual-fuel vehicles will retain their London Congestion Charge Zone exemption status have considerably enhanced the appeal of Citroën Ready to Run dual fuel vans," said Robert Handyside, Citroën's commercial vehicle operations manager. "At an average price of 58p a litre, LPG is about 40% of the cost of diesel. "This alone can deliver big fuel cost cuts for any UK operator. An operator working in the London Congestion Charge Zone the dual-fuel can mean additional savings of up to £1,696 a year."
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Select Committee wants your views on road taxes and charges
The House of Commons Transport Committee is to look at road taxes and charges. It has several questions it wants answered, including what taxes and charges are paid to the government by road users, how much cash do they raise and how does this compare with national and local government spending on roads? The committee also wants to know the effect of on individuals, businesses and the economy. It also wants to know about other ways of charging for road use; e.g. truck tolls and if foreign vehicles should pay to use UK roads. If you have any points you'd like to make, get writing and tell them by Monday 29 September 2008.
More from Laura Kibby on +44(0)2 072 190 718 or kibbyl@parliament.uk
Financial engineering for Gray & Adams roller beds
In the week 29 issue, a story that said Gray & Adams plans to offer competitive leasing and contract hire packages on its products soon. That was wrong. Gray & Adams has no plans to offer any leasing options on any product in their range. They have, however, been approached to make roller bed trailers for a rental firm, with the view that they would then offer the 'Air-Freight Loader' on spot rental. "There is no need for Gray & Adams to offer any leasing packages as the market is already well served. We have excellent relations with the leading companies in the contract hire and leasing sector, with whom we work closely to offer tailored packages for our customers," said Graham Usher, southern sales manager for Gray & Adams Ltd.
More from Laura Dougan on +44 (0)2 890 342 160 or l.dougan@grayadamsireland.com
New UK parts distribution centre for Mathieu
Mathieu, of the Fayat Group, the leading French maker of street sweepers and street washers has created a new parts warehouse and distribution centre for the UK and says the new facility will be managed by Scarab Sweepers Ltd of Marden Kent. The French firm had to make swift changes in the UK after its distributor Euromec Ltd went into administration. "Mathieu customers that wish to buy should contact the Scarab Parts Department to arrange an account and any with warranty matters should, in the short term, contact the Mathieu Warranty Department," says Scarab.
More from Stuart Manners on +44 (0)1 622 834 500 or smanners@scarab-sales.com
RHA welcomes new haulage penalty scheme
The Road Haulage Association says it welcomes progress on a new system of penalties for truckers. The Department for Transport just published a consultation on Graduated Fixed Penalties, Financial Penalty Deposit and Immobilisation Schemes. "These schemes have wide implications and we will study them in detail. We also hope to discuss with the DfT on the detail of how they are to be implemented, which will be as important as the regulations," said Roger King, RHA chief executive. "Our main concern is that the scheme be introduced as soon as possible and with maximum effect in respect of foreign operators, who currently face no practical penalties in the UK for any but the most extreme offences.
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.net
Cars account for 79% of all traffic says DfT
The Department for Transport just published 'Road Statistics 2007: Traffic, Speeds and Congestion'. This shows car traffic up 11% since 1997, up 0.4% from 2006, and now comprising 79% of all traffic. The largest rise has been for light van traffic that grew by nearly 5% between 2006 and 2007 and has soared by 40% since 1997. Statistics also show that the average traffic speed over the whole network fell from 55.4mph in 2005 to 55.0mph in 2007. The average speed for the weekday evening peak fell by 1.4%. According to research from the British Chambers of Commerce, the annual cost of congestion to UK business is £17.55bn.
More from www.dft.gov.uk
Electric future
"Electric vehicles will be the most common on our streets in the future," said Lars Holmqvist, chief executive of Clepa, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, speaking at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' 'Components of Success' seminar at the British Motor Show. Holmqvist was eloquently underlining the extent of change he thinks faces the automotive industry. He wants change phased-in and rewards for 'eco-innovation' as the industry tackles its most expensive problem; dealing with increasingly tough CO2 legislation. He said there is £10 billion available in loans to help the auto industry cope with these challenges and that it can't hide behind trade barriers.
More from John Procter on +44(0)2 073 449 263 or jprocter@smmt.co.uk
Mega Motor Show for Aixam
Electric power is a big talking point at the British Motor Show, with an Electric Village dominating one hall. And in the middle of that, electric vehicle maker Aixam reports good business. "In the last few months, every time there's another fuel price hike, the phone rings with another enquiry," said a spokesman. The firm has been doing steady business for its Mega van, with individual orders and fleet deals too. On the back of that, it is quietly confident that the Motor Show will do the business for the Mega. "Expect to see a whole lot more on the streets soon," said the company, which expects to announce yet more fleet orders shortly."
More from John Procter on +44 (0)2 073 449 263 orjprocter@smmt..co.uk
AVS Steps signs deal with Stedall
AVS Steps, which says it is the world's largest automotive step specialist, has signed an exclusive distribution deal with commercial bodybuilder Stedall Ltd. This will see Stedall blending its sales and distribution expertise with AVS's manufacturing capability to market a new dual-branded slim line cassette step.
More from Samantha Stewart on +44 (0)1 746 763 576 or s.stewart@imagine-comms.co.uk
Citroën C-Crosser, another Motor Show launch.
Making a surprise UK première at the Motor Show is the new C-Crosser Commercial, the latest addition to Citroën's light commercial vehicle range. Based on the C-Crosser 4x4 SUV, the new C-Crosser Commercial is priced from £16,995 + VAT + delivery, the firm says it offers stylish and practical load carry capacity both on and off the road. "This new, exceptionally well equipped 4x4 van range brings a unique combination of benefits to this sector," said Robert Handyside, Citroën's commercial vehicle operations manager. The vehicle has a selectable control transmission for 'shift-on-the-fly' front wheel drive, four-wheel drive or transmission lock-up selection. Payload is 743kg, towing weight is 2,410kg, and load volume is 2.3m3. There is a full-height bulkhead between the driver and the load area.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Ricardo to upgrade key engine for Russia's Gaz
Gaz Group says it will award the UK's Ricardo plc a contract to upgrade the UMZ-4216 engine to Euro-4 emissions standards. Gaz makes vans, trucks, buses, cars, diesel engines, power-train parts and road-making kit and says it is Russia's biggest automotive firm. In the UK, it owns van maker LDV. UMZ-4216 engines made by Ulyanovsk Motor Works are used in Gaz Group vans. "This contract win underscores our developing business relationship with Gaz Group, one of Russia's largest commercial vehicle and powertrain manufacturers," said Dave Shemmans, CEO at Ricardo.
More from Anthony Smith on +44 (0)1 273 382 710 or media@ricardo.com
Peterbilt, Delphi successfully test new fuel cell APU
Truck News in Canada reports that Delphi and Peterbilt recently demonstrated a solid oxide fuel cell auxiliary power unit. This successfully powered a Peterbilt 386's electrical system while providing air-conditioning without depleting the truck's batteries or requiring it to idle. The Delphi system converts chemical energy in conventional fuels into electrical power without combustion. The firm says its system runs quietly and more efficiently than traditional, combustion engine-based APUs.
More from www.trucknews.com
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback column says that Christopher Sait recently heard the following announcement at London's St Pancras railway station: "Customers must stay with their luggage at all times, other wise they will be taken away and destroyed." Presumably, their luggage will be left intact.
More fromwww.newscientist.com
Transport News Brief heard that some operators thought that Transport for London had dropped its policy of a 28-day grace period after a vehicle was first spotted in the LEZ. So, we called TfL; this is what came back, promptly: "TfL's policy of issuing only warning letters to operators of non-compliant vehicles the first time they are seen within the Low Emission Zone will be in place throughout the life of the scheme. The policy has worked well in the months since the scheme started and TfL is very pleased with the levels of vehicle compliance. Compliancy rates for vehicles affected by both the first and second phases of the scheme are high at around 96 and 90 per cent respectively and we expect these figures to continue to rise as operators take action to comply with the scheme."
The scheme hit trucks over 12 tonnes but from 7 July extended to trucks over 3.5 tonnes and buses and coaches over five tonnes with nine or more seats. Those vehicles must meet a Euro 3 emissions standard for particulate matter or pay a £200 daily charge. TfL's reply is clear and should help to scotch rumours.
More from www.tfl.gov.uk
What Van Live? does the business
The What Van Live? area at the Motor show has some 50 vans, 20 ready for its 2.2 kilometre test route. The range is from micro vans to light trucks. "Vans are the fastest growing sector of the vehicle market," said Paul Everitt, chief executive at the SMMT. "We're really pleased that What Van Live? decided to set up and run this area, it adds an important business dimension to the Motor Show." Citroën, Ford, Nissan and Piaggio are all offering visitors the chance to get to grips with their products with accompanied drives and that static display, which also includes a Iveco Daily, the What Van?'s Van of the Year for 2007
More from John Procter on +44(0)2 073 449 263 or jprocter@smmt.co.uk
Citroën premieres attract at the Motor Show
There will be five UK show debuts on Citroën's stand at this year's British International Motor Show at the ExCel centre in London's Docklands. These launches include the C-Cactus, a concept car new to the UK, the luxurious new Citroën C5 Tourer and C5 saloon, the fresh new version of the ever successful Berlingo Multispace, and the new look C2 supermini. The C-Cactus, Citroën's award-winning ecological hatchback has minimalist design values and combines affordable hybrid technology with recycled components. The firm says it stands alongside Citroën's other production models highlighting the Company's commitment to designing environmentally friendly vehicles. Citroën will also launch a selection of congestion-charge beating, low-CO2 vehicles.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Good times and bad for Volvo
The Volvo group just released figures for the six months to June 30 showing that in the second quarter, its net sales increased 13% to SEK 80.4bn and its operating income rose 17% to SEK 7,186m. Against that background, basic and diluted earnings per share rose by 28% to SEK 2.53. In Europe, orders dropped 54% to 21,948 trucks in the second quarter. This comes after exceptionally high order intake in 2007 and increased uncertainty about European economies, higher fuel prices and lower activity in some housing and construction sectors.
More from Mårten Wikforss on +46 31 661 127 or marten.wikforss@volvo.com
VW gets OK for Scania deal
Autowired reports that German carmaker Volkswagen says it has received regulatory approval for its planned takeover of Swedish truck and bus manufacturer Scania. VW said that as well as last month's EU approval, it had also gone through a "large number" of antitrust proceedings in various countries. VW makes VW branded cars, vans and trucks and separately cars branded Audi, Bentley and Skoda. In March this year, VW took sole control of Scania, which makes heavy trucks, increasing its holding in the Swedish company to 68.6% of the voting rights and 37.73% of the capital rights.
More from www.autowired.co.uk
Porsche wins OK for VW takeover
The SMMT's Week in Brussels bulletin says EU competition authorities just agreed Porsche's plan to buy Volkswagen. The European Commission said, "The transaction would not significantly impede effective competition" as Porsche "will continue to face several strong, effective competitors with significant market shares". It also found that the "horizontal overlaps" between the two manufacturers were "limited". Industry observers note that VW now controls truck maker Scania as well as its own heavy truck brand. Some now wonder if truck racing will get a boost from Porsche technology?
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Airdream on for Citroën's new green vans
The French firm has used the Motor Show to launch what it says is an industry-leading environmental initiative for its van range. Citroën's new Airdream programme means that all its vans carrying the Airdream logo meet the following environmental criteria; they have CO2 emissions of less than 120g/km. or they have a diesel particulate filter system or they meet Powershift Band 4 standards. The firm says two Nemo models, the C2 van and the new C-Crosser Commercial 4x4 and a Dispatch model meet the standard. Separately the New Nemo and Berlingo 1.4i Dual Fuel van meet Powershift Band 4 requirements. Citroën is also one of the first to say that its vehicles could run on up to 30% bio diesel without modification.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
New from Wabco at the 2008 IAA Commercial Vehicle show
At IAA Commercial Vehicles 2008 in Hanover, Wabco says it will launch new driver assistance systems, new telematics for trailer makers and aftermarket applications, high-output compressors and transmission automation systems for trucks and buses. Its stand, B14 in hall 26 at the 2008 IAA Commercial Vehicle show promises to be busy. Also at the show, the firm will launch new ideas and products for vehicle electronic architecture and electronic stability control. These, it says, are part of a suite of systems and services designed to improve performance, safety, efficiency and the service life of commercial vehicles while cutting operating costs.
More from Tobias Mueller on +49 69 7191 6834 or tobias.mueller@klenkhoursch.de
King joins Committee on Climate Change
The SMMT's Week in Westminster report say that Hilary Benn MP, secretary of state for the environment just appointed Professor Julia King to the Committee on Climate Change. King recently did a review for the UK government, looking at the possibilities for lower carbon vehicles.. She will give expert advice on how the UK can best meet its climate change goals
More from www.smmt.co.uk
Traffic commissioner bans KDC Logistics Ltd
Joan Aitken, Scottish traffic commissioner disqualified KDC Logistics Ltd and directors Douglas Strachan and Kenneth Reid from applying for or holding a goods vehicle licence for five years at a Public Inquiry held on 3 July.
More from www.coi.gov.uk
Motor Show debut for Citroën dual-fuel van
Citroën has chosen Motor Show to launch its new Nemo X 1.4i dual-fuel van. This joins the firm's Ready-to-Run range and goes on sale immediately, priced from £8,820 + VAT + delivery. "Rising fuel prices, along with the confirmation, last week, that dual-fuel vehicles will retain their London Congestion Charge Zone exemption status have considerably enhanced the appeal of Citroën Ready to Run dual fuel vans," said Robert Handyside, Citroën's commercial vehicle operations manager. "At an average price of 58p a litre, LPG is about 40% of the cost of diesel. "This alone can deliver big fuel cost cuts for any UK operator. An operator working in the London Congestion Charge Zone the dual-fuel can mean additional savings of up to £1,696 a year."
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Select Committee wants your views on road taxes and charges
The House of Commons Transport Committee is to look at road taxes and charges. It has several questions it wants answered, including what taxes and charges are paid to the government by road users, how much cash do they raise and how does this compare with national and local government spending on roads? The committee also wants to know the effect of on individuals, businesses and the economy. It also wants to know about other ways of charging for road use; e.g. truck tolls and if foreign vehicles should pay to use UK roads. If you have any points you'd like to make, get writing and tell them by Monday 29 September 2008.
More from Laura Kibby on +44(0)2 072 190 718 or kibbyl@parliament.uk
Financial engineering for Gray & Adams roller beds
In the week 29 issue, a story that said Gray & Adams plans to offer competitive leasing and contract hire packages on its products soon. That was wrong. Gray & Adams has no plans to offer any leasing options on any product in their range. They have, however, been approached to make roller bed trailers for a rental firm, with the view that they would then offer the 'Air-Freight Loader' on spot rental. "There is no need for Gray & Adams to offer any leasing packages as the market is already well served. We have excellent relations with the leading companies in the contract hire and leasing sector, with whom we work closely to offer tailored packages for our customers," said Graham Usher, southern sales manager for Gray & Adams Ltd.
More from Laura Dougan on +44 (0)2 890 342 160 or l.dougan@grayadamsireland.com
New UK parts distribution centre for Mathieu
Mathieu, of the Fayat Group, the leading French maker of street sweepers and street washers has created a new parts warehouse and distribution centre for the UK and says the new facility will be managed by Scarab Sweepers Ltd of Marden Kent. The French firm had to make swift changes in the UK after its distributor Euromec Ltd went into administration. "Mathieu customers that wish to buy should contact the Scarab Parts Department to arrange an account and any with warranty matters should, in the short term, contact the Mathieu Warranty Department," says Scarab.
More from Stuart Manners on +44 (0)1 622 834 500 or smanners@scarab-sales.com
RHA welcomes new haulage penalty scheme
The Road Haulage Association says it welcomes progress on a new system of penalties for truckers. The Department for Transport just published a consultation on Graduated Fixed Penalties, Financial Penalty Deposit and Immobilisation Schemes. "These schemes have wide implications and we will study them in detail. We also hope to discuss with the DfT on the detail of how they are to be implemented, which will be as important as the regulations," said Roger King, RHA chief executive. "Our main concern is that the scheme be introduced as soon as possible and with maximum effect in respect of foreign operators, who currently face no practical penalties in the UK for any but the most extreme offences.
More from Kate Gibbs on +44 (0)1 932 838 917 or kate.gibbs@rha.net
Cars account for 79% of all traffic says DfT
The Department for Transport just published 'Road Statistics 2007: Traffic, Speeds and Congestion'. This shows car traffic up 11% since 1997, up 0.4% from 2006, and now comprising 79% of all traffic. The largest rise has been for light van traffic that grew by nearly 5% between 2006 and 2007 and has soared by 40% since 1997. Statistics also show that the average traffic speed over the whole network fell from 55.4mph in 2005 to 55.0mph in 2007. The average speed for the weekday evening peak fell by 1.4%. According to research from the British Chambers of Commerce, the annual cost of congestion to UK business is £17.55bn.
More from www.dft.gov.uk
Electric future
"Electric vehicles will be the most common on our streets in the future," said Lars Holmqvist, chief executive of Clepa, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, speaking at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' 'Components of Success' seminar at the British Motor Show. Holmqvist was eloquently underlining the extent of change he thinks faces the automotive industry. He wants change phased-in and rewards for 'eco-innovation' as the industry tackles its most expensive problem; dealing with increasingly tough CO2 legislation. He said there is £10 billion available in loans to help the auto industry cope with these challenges and that it can't hide behind trade barriers.
More from John Procter on +44(0)2 073 449 263 or jprocter@smmt.co.uk
Mega Motor Show for Aixam
Electric power is a big talking point at the British Motor Show, with an Electric Village dominating one hall. And in the middle of that, electric vehicle maker Aixam reports good business. "In the last few months, every time there's another fuel price hike, the phone rings with another enquiry," said a spokesman. The firm has been doing steady business for its Mega van, with individual orders and fleet deals too. On the back of that, it is quietly confident that the Motor Show will do the business for the Mega. "Expect to see a whole lot more on the streets soon," said the company, which expects to announce yet more fleet orders shortly."
More from John Procter on +44 (0)2 073 449 263 orjprocter@smmt..co.uk
AVS Steps signs deal with Stedall
AVS Steps, which says it is the world's largest automotive step specialist, has signed an exclusive distribution deal with commercial bodybuilder Stedall Ltd. This will see Stedall blending its sales and distribution expertise with AVS's manufacturing capability to market a new dual-branded slim line cassette step.
More from Samantha Stewart on +44 (0)1 746 763 576 or s.stewart@imagine-comms.co.uk
Citroën C-Crosser, another Motor Show launch.
Making a surprise UK première at the Motor Show is the new C-Crosser Commercial, the latest addition to Citroën's light commercial vehicle range. Based on the C-Crosser 4x4 SUV, the new C-Crosser Commercial is priced from £16,995 + VAT + delivery, the firm says it offers stylish and practical load carry capacity both on and off the road. "This new, exceptionally well equipped 4x4 van range brings a unique combination of benefits to this sector," said Robert Handyside, Citroën's commercial vehicle operations manager. The vehicle has a selectable control transmission for 'shift-on-the-fly' front wheel drive, four-wheel drive or transmission lock-up selection. Payload is 743kg, towing weight is 2,410kg, and load volume is 2.3m3. There is a full-height bulkhead between the driver and the load area.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Ricardo to upgrade key engine for Russia's Gaz
Gaz Group says it will award the UK's Ricardo plc a contract to upgrade the UMZ-4216 engine to Euro-4 emissions standards. Gaz makes vans, trucks, buses, cars, diesel engines, power-train parts and road-making kit and says it is Russia's biggest automotive firm. In the UK, it owns van maker LDV. UMZ-4216 engines made by Ulyanovsk Motor Works are used in Gaz Group vans. "This contract win underscores our developing business relationship with Gaz Group, one of Russia's largest commercial vehicle and powertrain manufacturers," said Dave Shemmans, CEO at Ricardo.
More from Anthony Smith on +44 (0)1 273 382 710 or media@ricardo.com
Peterbilt, Delphi successfully test new fuel cell APU
Truck News in Canada reports that Delphi and Peterbilt recently demonstrated a solid oxide fuel cell auxiliary power unit. This successfully powered a Peterbilt 386's electrical system while providing air-conditioning without depleting the truck's batteries or requiring it to idle. The Delphi system converts chemical energy in conventional fuels into electrical power without combustion. The firm says its system runs quietly and more efficiently than traditional, combustion engine-based APUs.
More from www.trucknews.com
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback column says that Christopher Sait recently heard the following announcement at London's St Pancras railway station: "Customers must stay with their luggage at all times, other wise they will be taken away and destroyed." Presumably, their luggage will be left intact.
More fromwww.newscientist.com
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