Legal Brief
Transport News Brief Week 34
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The latest news roundup from SMMT.
Where now for commercial vehicles?
On Friday 28 August, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders will run a free web seminar to discuss some of the main achievements and opportunities for the commercial vehicle business. The recession has brought big cuts in enquiries and sales for vans, trucks, trailers and bodywork, with perhaps more grief to come. SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt will talk about achievements and opportunities and Professor Alan McKinnon, director of the Logistics Research Centre at Heriot-Watt University, will summarise the results of a Green Logistics research project and look at likely future trends in freight demand, vehicle use, energy efficiency and emissions. He will also talk about the likelihood of the road freight sector meeting UK government targets for CO2 cuts by 2020.. The seminar should run for 30 minutes, followed by a wide-ranging Q+A session. "All you need to join the free web seminar is internet access and a phone," said the SMMT's Jamie Harris. "Click this link http://www..smmt.co.uk/memberservices/events and we'll e-mail you the joining information, but as there is a limit on numbers, we'll work on a first-come, first served basis, so the sooner you let us know, the better. And please feel free to invite colleagues."
More from Jamie Harris on +44 (0)2 073 441 661 or jharris@smmt.co.uk
Modec and Navistar in JV
Modec, the UK electric truck maker and Navistar, the US-based truck maker say they will work in a "ground breaking" joint venture. The move coincided with President Barack Obama's announcement of a big grant to stimulate electric vehicle making in the US. Navistar won $39m to help the firm accelerate electric vehicle production. The deal between it and Modec will see the JV make and sell Class 2c-3 electric trucks in North, Central and South America. The all-electric delivery trucks will mainly do urban and suburban collection and delivery work, which is the ideal use for this type of zero-emission vehicle. Modec vans already work with blue-chip firms like FedEx and UPS and Tesco, the UK's largest supermarket chain. "The all-electric delivery vehicle is a concrete example of what business and government can do when we work together," said Daniel C Ustian, chairman, president and CEO at Navistar, who says interested customers, include some of the most respected names in the industry.
More from Catherine Hutt on +44 (0)2 077 769 000 or catherine.hutt@modeczev.com
Weak demand continues for vans and trucks
The latest van and truck registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, issued earlier this month, show 16,360 registrations in July and 247,611 for the rolling year. This is down 35.8% on the figure for the same time last year. "July saw both van and truck registrations fall some 40% on July 08 as firms continue to avoid buying new vehicles," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "But with truck makers and their dealers holding some stocks and sterling still weak against the pound there has seldom been a better time to do a good deal, especially with the 59 plate due in September. Truck prices are bound to rise, probably quite sharply and quite soon, particularly for new-build models. We don't expect any truck registration rise until those 59 plate trucks go to work."
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Big buses still strong but not for long
Bus and coach registration data from the SMMT, issued earlier this month, show strong growth for big buses, but the Society expects a weaker outlook ahead, while lower demand for coaches stabilised. Restructuring and recession still affects mini and midi bus demand. "Growth in big bus registrations continues as last year's strong orders are delivered. The outlook is uncertain as the recession begins to grip the sector," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "Bus and coach makers are cautious, as orders and activity fall. The coach sector should stabilise after more than a year of sustained monthly registration drops: we hope to see that stability by September, but at an annual volume near 700 units."
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
CV Operator Show website live
The Commercial Vehicle Operator Show website is now live at www.cvoperatorshow.com and getting an increasing number of hits as interest in the show grows. "Traffic on the site is growing healthily," said David Crawford, CV Operator Show sales manager. "And even more importantly we've more and more big-name exhibitors confirming that they will be at the show." The organisers already expect several important launches at the event next spring.
More from David Crawford on +44 (0)1 634 261 262 or sales@cvoperatorshow.com
Scania wins 100 EEV bus deal
UK bus and coach operator Stagecoach Group has ordered 100 Scania Euro 5 double-deck bus chassis for 2009 with an option for a further 100 in 2010. The new buses, based on Scania's N230UD chassis, will have the firm's nine-litre Euro 5 EEV (Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle) engines and ZF HP502 five-speed fully automatic gearboxes. They will go to work for a number of Stagecoach operating units around the UK. Scania (Great Britain) Limited won the deal.
More from Phil Sampson on +44 (0)7 885 152 132 or phil.sampson@scania.com
Armando Iannucci at SMMT dinner
The SMMT says Armando Iannucci will be its guest speaker at its 93rd Annual Dinner on Tuesday 24 November 2009. He created much of the most original TV comedy in recent years, including the Alan Partridge character with Steve Coogan. He is a regular broadcast guest and wrote and directed the award-winning The Thick Of It and the popular spin-off In The Loop. "We are delighted to announce Armando Iannucci as guest speaker and look forward to his observations on politics, the economy and the motor industry at the end of one of its most difficult years," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. Joe Greenwell, SMMT president and chairman Ford of Britain, will host and speak at what is the UK auto industry's top event.
More from annualdinner@smmt.co.uk
First past the IVA post
Kent based minibus maker Euromotive says an Iveco 50C Daily van it recently converted was the first vehicle to get an Individual Vehicle Approval under the new European Whole Vehicle Type Approval Scheme. This new system has been available as an option since 29 April and will be mandatory from 2010 and 2011, depending on the vehicle type. The Individual Vehicle Approval scheme for mini-buses and coaches is based on and will replace the Bus and Coach Directive 2001/85/EC and the present Certificate of Initial Fitness rules. It involves an inspection at a designated Vosa test station. The vehicle with which Euromotive won the accolade has a plug door, flat floor, climate control, 350kg wheelchair lift and can carry 15 seated or 5 wheelchair passengers.
More from Mike Jones on +44 (0)1 303 267 900 or mike.jones@euromotive.co.uk
Vacu-Lug cut carbon emissions
Retread tyre maker Vacu-Lug Traction Tyres says it has upgraded its factory in Grantham, Lincolnshire. The aim is to improve environmental performance by fitting new insulation jackets to each of the 67 curing moulds. The firm uses these to make 140,000 Duramold retread tyres a year. The move saves 8.3kW/h for each tyre, or nearly one megawatt a year. The Carbon Trust that has helped with the project says this equals a carbon cut of 47.92t a year.
More from Phil Sampson on +44 (0)7 885 152 132 or psampson@albanycom.co.uk
On-Line B2B parts system success
Truck & Trailer Components, Unipart's commercial vehicle parts arm, says its recently launched on-line business-to-business system is working very well and winning customers. The system means customers can manage their accounts direct via the internet, catering for out-of-hours orders and stock availability checks on any part, access over 50,000 cross-references and on-line account information. Only TTC's account customers can use the secure system. The firm says its B2B website traffic is also growing well as customers use its electronic catalogues, technical specifications, regular updates on TTC promotions and new product launches.
More from Emma Anderson on +44 (0)1 865 383 482 or emma_anderson@unipart.co.uk
Scania EGR Euro 5s deliver for Benson
Successful fuel trials won Scania a three-truck deal with Benson Box. Three 480 hp Scania twin-steer tractor units with Scania EGR Euro 5 engines have gone to work with seven Scanias in Benson's fleet. The trials ran a year with the two trucks running nationwide in the firm's fleet. They ran with double-deck trailers at 44 tonnes GVW. One got an average of 9.3 mpg and the other 9.0 mpg. On the back of this, Benson bought a third truck, a 4x2. Scania dealer Keltruck won the deal.
More from Phil Sampson on +44 (0)7 885 152 132 or phil.sampson@scania.com
New Daf-based horsebox by Equi-Trek
UK horsebox builder Equi-Trek has chosen Daf's LF truck as the basis of its new 12 tonne Envoy horsebox, now in production at the firm's factory in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. The company expects to sell the horsebox mainly to professional horse-riders across Europe through its sales network. Tom Janion of Equi-Trek says that the horsebox is designed to carry four or five horses in comfort and safety. Prices start under £60,000. "It should prove very appealing to a wide range of people, both professional and some amateur riders who might otherwise buy a used vehicle." With an Envoy they get a new vehicle on a fully warranted Daf chassis with first-class back-up."
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
More finance deals from VW
Volkswagen says its Commercial Vehicle Finance business is doing more deals than ever, offering low cost contract hire and finance lease rates on new or used Caddy, Caddy Maxi, Transporter or Crafter vans. These are available until 30 September, ahead of a price hike due on 1 October, but you'll only get them at some Volkswagen Van Centres. The firm says there are fixed price service plans and its latest scrappage scheme as well as some great offers on Approved Used vans, for example, 57-reg Caddy vans for £99 a month.
More from John Rawlings on +44(0)1 908 601 478 or john.rawlings@vwcv.co.uk
Anniversary deals from Citroën
Citroën says van buyers can enjoy its 90th anniversary celebrations with a series of "generously equipped," high-value "90 Years" Nemo, Berlingo and Dispatch vans. The firm has 310 Nemo, Berlingo and Despatch vans available at prices from £8,295 to £10,360, depending on the model. All have air conditioning, metallic paint and Bluetooth kit and a three-year Citroën Assist Roadside Assistance Package on top of that already "generous" specification. But the deals are only on offer through August and September, while stocks last at participating dealers. They offer "innovation, practicality, value-for-money and low cost operation" according to Citroën's Robert Handyside.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Optare appoints South African distributor
Optare says Busmark 2000 (Pty) Ltd is its new distributor for South Africa. Based in Randfontein, the firm makes and supplies buses and coaches and has successful experience making complete buses and their assembly from PKD and CKD kits. It also has a proven nationwide aftersales network. ""South Africa is the economic powerhouse of Africa and establishing a foothold there through a strong and well-established partner like Busmark is another important step in our strategy to increase Optare's presence around the world," said Jim Sumner, chief executive at Optare.. Football's World Cup in South Africa in 2010 will boost public transport, with around ZAR1bn (c. £700m) for new buses in the next ten months to move spectators.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Fuel saving facts
A conference on 22 September at Gaydon aims to deliver common-sense guidance on fuel saving gadgets. The day hopes to show people how to check the performance behind fuel saving kit and decide if the latest device is worth the money. Run by the Institute of Road Transport Engineers and the Brewery Trades Advisory Council, the event will include expert speakers with presentations on proven successes and savings, alternative fuels, fuel-efficient tyres and the role of maintenance. There will also be displays from suppliers and free entry to the motor heritage museum.
More from Nick Edwards on +44 (0)2 076 301 111 or nick.edwards@soe.org.uk
First Solo midibus for Israel
Optare has shipped the first of an order for five of its low-floor Optare Solo midibus models to Israel. The new buses will go to work for the country's second largest bus operator, DAN. The deal follows last year's appointment of CNEC of Tel Aviv as Optare's sales and service agent for the country. The Solos are 8.8m, two-door models, with high-capacity air-conditioning systems. All have MAN DO834 Euro 5 EEV engines. MAN engine power in the Solo was important in the deal with CNEC as the firm also the main MAN importer and distributor for that market. "This is another important step in the development of overseas markets for Optare products, said Jim Sumner, Optare chief executive.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Low Carbon Vehicle 2009
Cenex, the government-backed low carbon and fuel cell technology outfit will run a Low Carbon Vehicle ride and drive, exhibition and conference at Millbrook Proving Ground on 9 and 10 September. The aim is to promote a wide range of ideas for low carbon transport. Conference speakers include Lord Adonis, transport minister and Michael Hurwitz, from the DfT. Hurwitz will talk about DfT, discussing the newly created Office for Low Emission Vehicles. Cenex is working with the Technology Strategy Board, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills and the Department for Transport.
More from Brian Lawrence on +44 (0)7 918 656 711 or blawrence@smmt.co.uk
European stability up
Bosch says the number of new cars fitted with its ESP® electronic stability program rose 5% to 55%. In the UK, the rise was 8% to a total of 56%. The firm estimates that the share of the van market is growing similarly fast. New laws in the US, Europe and now Australia mean that every new vehicle in these countries will have this active safety system by the end of 2014 at the latest.
More from Chris Wakley on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or cwakley@automotivepr.com
Scania flagships for Fogarty
One of Boston, Lincolnshire's oldest-established companies, master quilt and pillow maker Fogarty has bought two new flagships for its fleet. They are 480 horsepower Topline-cabbed Scania R480 twin-steer tractor units. Both are on full five-year contract hire agreements and Scania Boston will do all service and maintenance work over the period. Delivered with matching new Dennison curtainsider trailers, the rigs are the first to use Fogarty's new livery. The trucks run on the firm's long haul jobs across the UK and Ireland.
More from Phil Sampson on +44 (0)7 885 152 132 or phil.sampson@scania.com
Changes at Reed's Road Transport Group
Steve Hobson is the new editor at Motor Transport. He replaces Justin Stanton who just joined sister publication Commercial Motor as editor, following editor-in-chief Brian Weatherley's decision to step down. Hobson was editor of Utility Week for four years and was a reporter on MT 20 years ago and acting content editor for the Road Transport Group last year. He will front and help organise the MT Awards and chair MT's roundtables. Weatherley continues to work with CM, as a freelance writer, as editor of the Biglorryblog and as the UK's man on the Truck of The Year jury.
More from Steve Hobson on +44 (0)2 086 523 285 or steve.hobson@rbi.co.uk
3.5 tonner delivers more for dairy
Bespoke Bodies of Warrington says a lightweight body on a 3.5t Renault Master gives a 1.2t payload. The truck has recently gone to work for Leicestershire dairy Kirby & West. "We wanted a design that would allow our non-HGV licenced drivers to carry higher payloads over longer distances," said Graham Smith, MD at Kirby & West. "Bespoke Bodies gave us that and helped us lower our operating costs. It's a design that works exceptionally well and one we would recommend to anyone looking to extend the range of their 3.5 tonne fleet."
More from Tony Williamson on +44 (0)1 928 563 525 or fennelpr@aol.com
Another Plaxton for Drury
Goole-based Drury Coaches has just added another Plaxton to its fleet; the firm's first Cheetah. The new coach drops the average age of Drury's five-strong front line fleet to less than three years and means it is now 100% Plaxton-based. The new Cheetah is to Club specification and all its 33 seats have three-point seatbelts. Its chassis is a Mercedes-Benz Vario 0816, with Euro 4 engine and six-speed manual gearbox. Plaxton Coach Sales at Anston did the business.
More from Andrew Warrender on +44(0)1 909 551 166 or andrew.warrender@plaxtonlimited.co.uk
Truck racing fun at Thruxton
The Grand Final of the Anglo-French truck racing Challenge produced some real excitement at Thruxton last weekend, but the foreign visitors didn't get a look in. The UK's Mat Summerfield kept his best performance of the weekend for the final race and led from start-to-finish. Dave Jenkins came a sometimes too close second in his MAN. He collected a "Drive-Through" penalty for excessive keep hopping at the chicane but still managed, dented but undaunted, to hold on for the runner-up spot. A great charge from back of the field saw Oliver take the final podium spot - ahead of top French runner, Renault driver Philippe Arlaud. The next UK meeting is the Delphi British Championship round at Pembrey on 17 and 18 October.
More from Jonathan Reeves on +44 (0)2 088 577 365 or jonreeves@onetel.com
And finally
Transport News Brief reader Steph Savill says she found this story on the UK Autotalk Forum: "The three Goldberg brothers, Norman, Hiram, and Maximilian invented and developed the first car air conditioner. On 17 July 1946 with the temperature in Detroit at 97oF, they sweet talked Henry Ford's secretary into telling him that they were outside with the most exciting idea in the auto industry since the electric starter. Curious, Henry invited them into his office. They refused and insisted that he come out to their car. They persuaded him to get into the car, where it was about 130oF and then turned on the air conditioner. It cooled the car immediately. Excited, the old man invited them back to the office, where he offered $3m for the patent. The brothers refused, saying they would accept $2m, but wanted a label saying "The Goldberg Air-Conditioner," on the dash of each car fitted. Mr Ford refused but they haggled for about two hours and finally agreed on $4m and that the brother's first names would appear instead. Which is why, to this day, all Ford air conditioners show Norm, Hi and Max on the controls."
More from Steph Savill on +44 (0)1 903 879 988 or steph@foxyladydrivers.com
On Friday 28 August, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders will run a free web seminar to discuss some of the main achievements and opportunities for the commercial vehicle business. The recession has brought big cuts in enquiries and sales for vans, trucks, trailers and bodywork, with perhaps more grief to come. SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt will talk about achievements and opportunities and Professor Alan McKinnon, director of the Logistics Research Centre at Heriot-Watt University, will summarise the results of a Green Logistics research project and look at likely future trends in freight demand, vehicle use, energy efficiency and emissions. He will also talk about the likelihood of the road freight sector meeting UK government targets for CO2 cuts by 2020.. The seminar should run for 30 minutes, followed by a wide-ranging Q+A session. "All you need to join the free web seminar is internet access and a phone," said the SMMT's Jamie Harris. "Click this link http://www..smmt.co.uk/memberservices/events and we'll e-mail you the joining information, but as there is a limit on numbers, we'll work on a first-come, first served basis, so the sooner you let us know, the better. And please feel free to invite colleagues."
More from Jamie Harris on +44 (0)2 073 441 661 or jharris@smmt.co.uk
Modec and Navistar in JV
Modec, the UK electric truck maker and Navistar, the US-based truck maker say they will work in a "ground breaking" joint venture. The move coincided with President Barack Obama's announcement of a big grant to stimulate electric vehicle making in the US. Navistar won $39m to help the firm accelerate electric vehicle production. The deal between it and Modec will see the JV make and sell Class 2c-3 electric trucks in North, Central and South America. The all-electric delivery trucks will mainly do urban and suburban collection and delivery work, which is the ideal use for this type of zero-emission vehicle. Modec vans already work with blue-chip firms like FedEx and UPS and Tesco, the UK's largest supermarket chain. "The all-electric delivery vehicle is a concrete example of what business and government can do when we work together," said Daniel C Ustian, chairman, president and CEO at Navistar, who says interested customers, include some of the most respected names in the industry.
More from Catherine Hutt on +44 (0)2 077 769 000 or catherine.hutt@modeczev.com
Weak demand continues for vans and trucks
The latest van and truck registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, issued earlier this month, show 16,360 registrations in July and 247,611 for the rolling year. This is down 35.8% on the figure for the same time last year. "July saw both van and truck registrations fall some 40% on July 08 as firms continue to avoid buying new vehicles," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "But with truck makers and their dealers holding some stocks and sterling still weak against the pound there has seldom been a better time to do a good deal, especially with the 59 plate due in September. Truck prices are bound to rise, probably quite sharply and quite soon, particularly for new-build models. We don't expect any truck registration rise until those 59 plate trucks go to work."
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
Big buses still strong but not for long
Bus and coach registration data from the SMMT, issued earlier this month, show strong growth for big buses, but the Society expects a weaker outlook ahead, while lower demand for coaches stabilised. Restructuring and recession still affects mini and midi bus demand. "Growth in big bus registrations continues as last year's strong orders are delivered. The outlook is uncertain as the recession begins to grip the sector," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "Bus and coach makers are cautious, as orders and activity fall. The coach sector should stabilise after more than a year of sustained monthly registration drops: we hope to see that stability by September, but at an annual volume near 700 units."
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk
CV Operator Show website live
The Commercial Vehicle Operator Show website is now live at www.cvoperatorshow.com and getting an increasing number of hits as interest in the show grows. "Traffic on the site is growing healthily," said David Crawford, CV Operator Show sales manager. "And even more importantly we've more and more big-name exhibitors confirming that they will be at the show." The organisers already expect several important launches at the event next spring.
More from David Crawford on +44 (0)1 634 261 262 or sales@cvoperatorshow.com
Scania wins 100 EEV bus deal
UK bus and coach operator Stagecoach Group has ordered 100 Scania Euro 5 double-deck bus chassis for 2009 with an option for a further 100 in 2010. The new buses, based on Scania's N230UD chassis, will have the firm's nine-litre Euro 5 EEV (Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle) engines and ZF HP502 five-speed fully automatic gearboxes. They will go to work for a number of Stagecoach operating units around the UK. Scania (Great Britain) Limited won the deal.
More from Phil Sampson on +44 (0)7 885 152 132 or phil.sampson@scania.com
Armando Iannucci at SMMT dinner
The SMMT says Armando Iannucci will be its guest speaker at its 93rd Annual Dinner on Tuesday 24 November 2009. He created much of the most original TV comedy in recent years, including the Alan Partridge character with Steve Coogan. He is a regular broadcast guest and wrote and directed the award-winning The Thick Of It and the popular spin-off In The Loop. "We are delighted to announce Armando Iannucci as guest speaker and look forward to his observations on politics, the economy and the motor industry at the end of one of its most difficult years," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. Joe Greenwell, SMMT president and chairman Ford of Britain, will host and speak at what is the UK auto industry's top event.
More from annualdinner@smmt.co.uk
First past the IVA post
Kent based minibus maker Euromotive says an Iveco 50C Daily van it recently converted was the first vehicle to get an Individual Vehicle Approval under the new European Whole Vehicle Type Approval Scheme. This new system has been available as an option since 29 April and will be mandatory from 2010 and 2011, depending on the vehicle type. The Individual Vehicle Approval scheme for mini-buses and coaches is based on and will replace the Bus and Coach Directive 2001/85/EC and the present Certificate of Initial Fitness rules. It involves an inspection at a designated Vosa test station. The vehicle with which Euromotive won the accolade has a plug door, flat floor, climate control, 350kg wheelchair lift and can carry 15 seated or 5 wheelchair passengers.
More from Mike Jones on +44 (0)1 303 267 900 or mike.jones@euromotive.co.uk
Vacu-Lug cut carbon emissions
Retread tyre maker Vacu-Lug Traction Tyres says it has upgraded its factory in Grantham, Lincolnshire. The aim is to improve environmental performance by fitting new insulation jackets to each of the 67 curing moulds. The firm uses these to make 140,000 Duramold retread tyres a year. The move saves 8.3kW/h for each tyre, or nearly one megawatt a year. The Carbon Trust that has helped with the project says this equals a carbon cut of 47.92t a year.
More from Phil Sampson on +44 (0)7 885 152 132 or psampson@albanycom.co.uk
On-Line B2B parts system success
Truck & Trailer Components, Unipart's commercial vehicle parts arm, says its recently launched on-line business-to-business system is working very well and winning customers. The system means customers can manage their accounts direct via the internet, catering for out-of-hours orders and stock availability checks on any part, access over 50,000 cross-references and on-line account information. Only TTC's account customers can use the secure system. The firm says its B2B website traffic is also growing well as customers use its electronic catalogues, technical specifications, regular updates on TTC promotions and new product launches.
More from Emma Anderson on +44 (0)1 865 383 482 or emma_anderson@unipart.co.uk
Scania EGR Euro 5s deliver for Benson
Successful fuel trials won Scania a three-truck deal with Benson Box. Three 480 hp Scania twin-steer tractor units with Scania EGR Euro 5 engines have gone to work with seven Scanias in Benson's fleet. The trials ran a year with the two trucks running nationwide in the firm's fleet. They ran with double-deck trailers at 44 tonnes GVW. One got an average of 9.3 mpg and the other 9.0 mpg. On the back of this, Benson bought a third truck, a 4x2. Scania dealer Keltruck won the deal.
More from Phil Sampson on +44 (0)7 885 152 132 or phil.sampson@scania.com
New Daf-based horsebox by Equi-Trek
UK horsebox builder Equi-Trek has chosen Daf's LF truck as the basis of its new 12 tonne Envoy horsebox, now in production at the firm's factory in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. The company expects to sell the horsebox mainly to professional horse-riders across Europe through its sales network. Tom Janion of Equi-Trek says that the horsebox is designed to carry four or five horses in comfort and safety. Prices start under £60,000. "It should prove very appealing to a wide range of people, both professional and some amateur riders who might otherwise buy a used vehicle." With an Envoy they get a new vehicle on a fully warranted Daf chassis with first-class back-up."
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
More finance deals from VW
Volkswagen says its Commercial Vehicle Finance business is doing more deals than ever, offering low cost contract hire and finance lease rates on new or used Caddy, Caddy Maxi, Transporter or Crafter vans. These are available until 30 September, ahead of a price hike due on 1 October, but you'll only get them at some Volkswagen Van Centres. The firm says there are fixed price service plans and its latest scrappage scheme as well as some great offers on Approved Used vans, for example, 57-reg Caddy vans for £99 a month.
More from John Rawlings on +44(0)1 908 601 478 or john.rawlings@vwcv.co.uk
Anniversary deals from Citroën
Citroën says van buyers can enjoy its 90th anniversary celebrations with a series of "generously equipped," high-value "90 Years" Nemo, Berlingo and Dispatch vans. The firm has 310 Nemo, Berlingo and Despatch vans available at prices from £8,295 to £10,360, depending on the model. All have air conditioning, metallic paint and Bluetooth kit and a three-year Citroën Assist Roadside Assistance Package on top of that already "generous" specification. But the deals are only on offer through August and September, while stocks last at participating dealers. They offer "innovation, practicality, value-for-money and low cost operation" according to Citroën's Robert Handyside.
More from Phil Reed on +44 (0)2 086 684 048 or leadingpr@aol.com
Optare appoints South African distributor
Optare says Busmark 2000 (Pty) Ltd is its new distributor for South Africa. Based in Randfontein, the firm makes and supplies buses and coaches and has successful experience making complete buses and their assembly from PKD and CKD kits. It also has a proven nationwide aftersales network. ""South Africa is the economic powerhouse of Africa and establishing a foothold there through a strong and well-established partner like Busmark is another important step in our strategy to increase Optare's presence around the world," said Jim Sumner, chief executive at Optare.. Football's World Cup in South Africa in 2010 will boost public transport, with around ZAR1bn (c. £700m) for new buses in the next ten months to move spectators.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Fuel saving facts
A conference on 22 September at Gaydon aims to deliver common-sense guidance on fuel saving gadgets. The day hopes to show people how to check the performance behind fuel saving kit and decide if the latest device is worth the money. Run by the Institute of Road Transport Engineers and the Brewery Trades Advisory Council, the event will include expert speakers with presentations on proven successes and savings, alternative fuels, fuel-efficient tyres and the role of maintenance. There will also be displays from suppliers and free entry to the motor heritage museum.
More from Nick Edwards on +44 (0)2 076 301 111 or nick.edwards@soe.org.uk
First Solo midibus for Israel
Optare has shipped the first of an order for five of its low-floor Optare Solo midibus models to Israel. The new buses will go to work for the country's second largest bus operator, DAN. The deal follows last year's appointment of CNEC of Tel Aviv as Optare's sales and service agent for the country. The Solos are 8.8m, two-door models, with high-capacity air-conditioning systems. All have MAN DO834 Euro 5 EEV engines. MAN engine power in the Solo was important in the deal with CNEC as the firm also the main MAN importer and distributor for that market. "This is another important step in the development of overseas markets for Optare products, said Jim Sumner, Optare chief executive.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Low Carbon Vehicle 2009
Cenex, the government-backed low carbon and fuel cell technology outfit will run a Low Carbon Vehicle ride and drive, exhibition and conference at Millbrook Proving Ground on 9 and 10 September. The aim is to promote a wide range of ideas for low carbon transport. Conference speakers include Lord Adonis, transport minister and Michael Hurwitz, from the DfT. Hurwitz will talk about DfT, discussing the newly created Office for Low Emission Vehicles. Cenex is working with the Technology Strategy Board, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills and the Department for Transport.
More from Brian Lawrence on +44 (0)7 918 656 711 or blawrence@smmt.co.uk
European stability up
Bosch says the number of new cars fitted with its ESP® electronic stability program rose 5% to 55%. In the UK, the rise was 8% to a total of 56%. The firm estimates that the share of the van market is growing similarly fast. New laws in the US, Europe and now Australia mean that every new vehicle in these countries will have this active safety system by the end of 2014 at the latest.
More from Chris Wakley on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or cwakley@automotivepr.com
Scania flagships for Fogarty
One of Boston, Lincolnshire's oldest-established companies, master quilt and pillow maker Fogarty has bought two new flagships for its fleet. They are 480 horsepower Topline-cabbed Scania R480 twin-steer tractor units. Both are on full five-year contract hire agreements and Scania Boston will do all service and maintenance work over the period. Delivered with matching new Dennison curtainsider trailers, the rigs are the first to use Fogarty's new livery. The trucks run on the firm's long haul jobs across the UK and Ireland.
More from Phil Sampson on +44 (0)7 885 152 132 or phil.sampson@scania.com
Changes at Reed's Road Transport Group
Steve Hobson is the new editor at Motor Transport. He replaces Justin Stanton who just joined sister publication Commercial Motor as editor, following editor-in-chief Brian Weatherley's decision to step down. Hobson was editor of Utility Week for four years and was a reporter on MT 20 years ago and acting content editor for the Road Transport Group last year. He will front and help organise the MT Awards and chair MT's roundtables. Weatherley continues to work with CM, as a freelance writer, as editor of the Biglorryblog and as the UK's man on the Truck of The Year jury.
More from Steve Hobson on +44 (0)2 086 523 285 or steve.hobson@rbi.co.uk
3.5 tonner delivers more for dairy
Bespoke Bodies of Warrington says a lightweight body on a 3.5t Renault Master gives a 1.2t payload. The truck has recently gone to work for Leicestershire dairy Kirby & West. "We wanted a design that would allow our non-HGV licenced drivers to carry higher payloads over longer distances," said Graham Smith, MD at Kirby & West. "Bespoke Bodies gave us that and helped us lower our operating costs. It's a design that works exceptionally well and one we would recommend to anyone looking to extend the range of their 3.5 tonne fleet."
More from Tony Williamson on +44 (0)1 928 563 525 or fennelpr@aol.com
Another Plaxton for Drury
Goole-based Drury Coaches has just added another Plaxton to its fleet; the firm's first Cheetah. The new coach drops the average age of Drury's five-strong front line fleet to less than three years and means it is now 100% Plaxton-based. The new Cheetah is to Club specification and all its 33 seats have three-point seatbelts. Its chassis is a Mercedes-Benz Vario 0816, with Euro 4 engine and six-speed manual gearbox. Plaxton Coach Sales at Anston did the business.
More from Andrew Warrender on +44(0)1 909 551 166 or andrew.warrender@plaxtonlimited.co.uk
Truck racing fun at Thruxton
The Grand Final of the Anglo-French truck racing Challenge produced some real excitement at Thruxton last weekend, but the foreign visitors didn't get a look in. The UK's Mat Summerfield kept his best performance of the weekend for the final race and led from start-to-finish. Dave Jenkins came a sometimes too close second in his MAN. He collected a "Drive-Through" penalty for excessive keep hopping at the chicane but still managed, dented but undaunted, to hold on for the runner-up spot. A great charge from back of the field saw Oliver take the final podium spot - ahead of top French runner, Renault driver Philippe Arlaud. The next UK meeting is the Delphi British Championship round at Pembrey on 17 and 18 October.
More from Jonathan Reeves on +44 (0)2 088 577 365 or jonreeves@onetel.com
And finally
Transport News Brief reader Steph Savill says she found this story on the UK Autotalk Forum: "The three Goldberg brothers, Norman, Hiram, and Maximilian invented and developed the first car air conditioner. On 17 July 1946 with the temperature in Detroit at 97oF, they sweet talked Henry Ford's secretary into telling him that they were outside with the most exciting idea in the auto industry since the electric starter. Curious, Henry invited them into his office. They refused and insisted that he come out to their car. They persuaded him to get into the car, where it was about 130oF and then turned on the air conditioner. It cooled the car immediately. Excited, the old man invited them back to the office, where he offered $3m for the patent. The brothers refused, saying they would accept $2m, but wanted a label saying "The Goldberg Air-Conditioner," on the dash of each car fitted. Mr Ford refused but they haggled for about two hours and finally agreed on $4m and that the brother's first names would appear instead. Which is why, to this day, all Ford air conditioners show Norm, Hi and Max on the controls."
More from Steph Savill on +44 (0)1 903 879 988 or steph@foxyladydrivers.com
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