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Transport News Brief Week 7
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The latest news roundup from the SMMT.
"Superior" hydrogen bi-fuel van conversion
Revolve Technologies has launched a hydrogen bi-fuel hybrid conversion for vans. Called H2ICE, this converts a petrol engine to run on hydrogen while retaining a petrol-powered 'get you home' capacity. "Some people believe hydrogen fuel is a distant reality, but this is proven zero-emission hydrogen technology, on the road today," says John Mitchell, MD at Revolve. The firm has made three vehicles, based on a 2.3 litre, petrol-powered Ford Transit. Two will go to work for the Post Office on a trial basis while the third will be used for further development. This will include work with interested universities. "These are some of the first hydrogen-powered vehicles on the road in Europe, can be driven today and are production-ready." Revolve says the performance of its H2ICE is "far superior" to that of its electric counterparts.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
UK economy - unsteady recovery
"And the ride may get racier." So says Robert Baker, chief economist at the SMMT, in his latest weekly report to member firms. January's retail data show weak growth in January's sales and the housing market looked weaker, though some expect price rises. The weather and the VAT increase seem the main factors. At the same time, UK trade data showed low demand for exports, with some sources expecting an upward trend for exports later, balanced by a possible boost for sterling. Growth in money supply and cash spending remains feeble, but The Bank of England and others expect recovery to gain momentum but see mid-2011 to early 2012 before economic activity is back to pre-recession levels. In the meantime, manufacturing output, though down, has stabilised and should rise slightly, while crude oil prices continue to exert a big influence on inflation trends.
More from Robert Baker on +44 (0)2 073 449 225 or rbaker@smmt.co.uk
Save fuel, save cost, save the planet
The SMMTs' half-day seminar on telematics' role in cutting fuel use, costs and CO2 emissions for van operators is on 24 March at its London HQ. "If you cut fuel use you cut emissions," said Robin Dickeson, manager, commercial vehicle affairs at the SMMT.. "This means that it pays to cut CO2. And one of the best ways is to use telematics to monitor and manage your fleet." At the seminar, telematics suppliers and users will show the way their systems can help save fuel, save cost and save the planet. "Too many firms miss opportunities like this, thinking that cutting emissions is expensive; on the contrary, it should save money," said Sharon Clancy, editor at M-Logistics, the UK's leading magazine for telematics and vehicle tracking, who will lead the seminar. Richard Turner, leader of the Commission for Integrated Transport's van group will deliver the keynote speech and there will be contributions from systems suppliers Microlise and TomTom Work, and Tesco.com.. The event is free to SMMT members; for others the cost is £50 + VAT.
More from Natasha James on +44 (0)2 073 441 621 or njames@smmt.co.uk
Volvo wins 370-strong US order for SCR equipped trucks
Phoenix-based Knight Transportation just ordered 370 Volvo VN trucks. Fitted with selective catalytic reduction emission control kit, the trucks will start to join Knight's 3,736-strong fleet from April. Volvo says its SCR system cuts fuel use by up to 5% and meets the US Environmental Protection Agency's 2010 regulations. "We want this new technology from Volvo," said Dave Williams, Knight Transportation's vice president of equipment and maintenance. "We'll gain fuel economy. We've tested the technology and we're comfortable with it. These trucks are better for the environment and they're better for us." Knight is a long-standing Volvo customer with some 3,000 Volvo VNs in its fleet.
More from Jenny Björsne on +46 (0)31 66 45 23 or jenny.bjorsne@volvo.com
Anti-under-run warning
From 11 March 2010 EU member states may not allow the sale or delivery of trucks or trailers with anti under-run kit that doesn't meet the latest law. A new directive demands double the strength at the outer ends of the anti-under-run kit. It also allows specific changes to anti-under-run protection used with tail-lifts, to cater for the lift operating mechanism. "But in this case, the requirements are different from those in the present GB Construction and Use Regulation 49," says Allan McKenzie, senior technical manager at the SMMT. "There are opportunities for confusion here if vehicles are built complying with C&U, but then submitted for Type Approval. Vehicle builders need to understand the implications as mistakes will prove very expensive."
More from Allan McKenzie on +44 (0)2 073 449 202 or amckenzie@smmt.co.uk
Flexible Optare Direct deal helps start new service
Wakefield operator Star Travel has put a pair of Solo midibuses to work on a trial service thanks to a flexible short-term leasing deal from Optare Direct which includes an option to buy. The buses are on the new ten-minute frequency Dewsbury town centre service, funded by West Yorkshire Metro and Kirklees Council on a six months 'use it or lose it' basis. If successful - and early signs are that it will be - Star Travel has the option to buy the buses. A similar service the firm runs in Wakefield with three Solos has proved a big hit with local people.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Mercedes cleans up at Karcher
Mobile engineers working for cleaning equipment maker Karcher, have a new ten-strong van fleet. The Banbury-based firm gave the engineers a shortlist and they picked Mercedes-Benz Vito vans. Oxford dealer Mudie-Bond did the business. The new vans are on three-year, full-maintenance contract hire deals with Daimler Fleet Management.
More information from Julia Elkins +44 (0) 1908 245616 or julia.elkins@daimler.com
Multipart wins environmental accreditation
After intensive checks by an independent assessor from Lloyds Register of Quality Assurance, logistics specialist Multipart has won ISO 14001 certification for its headquarters and distribution centre in Chorley, Lancashire. This recognises the firm's comprehensive environmental management system at its 19-acre site. This covers efficient use of heating and lighting in the 280,000ft2 distribution centre and cuts transport emissions. It also cuts waste by re-using and recycling packaging and other materials and avoids potentially harmful discharges into local watercourses or the atmosphere.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Four more Optare Solos for Israel
After successful homologation and in-service trials of an Optare Solo low-floor midibus in Israel, the firm has delivered four more from its Leeds plant. Dan, Israel's second largest bus company will run the buses which CNEC, Optare's recently appointed agent supplied. All five are 8.8m, two-door and 21-seaters. Modifications to suit local conditions, include a high-capacity and roof-mounted Sutrak air-conditioning system. Power is from a Euro 5 MAN DO834 EEV engines rated at 132 kW (177 bhp) driving through Allison 2100 Series five-speed automatic transmissions.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Driver ID from Trakm8
Fleet management firm Trakm8 says its driver ID tags can boost business efficiency. They work with Trakm8's Fleet Management system to show which driver is driving a particular vehicle at any time. The tag resembles a key fob and works with a reader in the vehicle to tell the operator's office who is driving what vehicle. For van operators the system can identify private mileage for tax purposes. It can also help manage drivers and deal with traffic offences and accidents.. Separately, it can immobilise a vehicle. "Driver ID makes drivers accountable for their own actions, can monitor individual driver behaviour and should promote more responsible driving," says the firm.
More from Emma Cox +44 (0)7 811 374 554 Emma Cox or ecox@cryptontechnology.com
Fuel speed ahead at Peterhead
Aylesbury-based liquid handling equipment firm Alpeco has delivered specialist high speed bulk delivery kit to John A Smith & Sons for the firm's two latest Lakeland-equipped tankers. Peterhead-based Smith uses the new trucks for dockside fuel deliveries to ships. "Marine deliveries are strictly controlled so we need a reliable, fast turn around," said Iain Smith.. Alpeco is the firm's preferred supplier as its system can handle hose-reel deliveries of up to 400 litres/min and bulk deliveries of up to 1,100 litres/min. Its controls cut the risk of accidental product mixing as the operator has to select and confirm product grade, compartment, delivery mode and volume via an on-screen menu.
More from Adrian Baskott on +44 (0)1 296 619 510 or adrian@alpeco.co.uk
Trakm8 to target fleet mangers
Fleet management specialist Trakm8 says it will use stand 5466 at the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show to target fleet managers. The firm is keen to show its fleet management system and its options. "We will demonstrate technology that can be integrated to your own system to meet your fleet management and data needs," said Emma Cox, marketing manager. "This allows you to measure everything from fuel use and CO2 emissions to driver behaviour and much more." She says the firm invites show visitors to come to the stand to talk about existing or future needs.
More from Emma Cox +44 (0)7 811 374 554 or ecox@cryptontechnology.com
Scania profits
In last week's report on Scania's 2009 profits I got a couple of figures wrong. The firm's 30% drop in sales was from Skr 89 billion, not million, and its vehicle and service-based flow dropped Skr 13bn to 5.512bn, rather than million. Naturally I apologise for the confusion. Scania, very creditably, is one of few truck makers to have returned a profit in the very difficult conditions of last year. Even more impressively, it has made a profit every year since 1934.
Robin Dickeson, editor
Smith Newton wins US Federal approval
The Smith Newton electric truck is now on the US General Services Administration schedule. This is a list of products approved for purchase by all Federal agencies and the US military. These spend a combined $1bn every year on GSA-approved vehicles and automotive services. The Smith Newton is the first medium duty electric truck to make the GSA schedule and is the only medium or heavy duty truck certified by the California Air Resources Board. It is built in North America by Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation, which is part owned by Smith Electric Vehicles in the UK.
More from Dan Jenkins on +44 (0)7 536 092 682 or dan.jenkins@smithelectricvehicles.com
120,000 km Michelins help Winson Coaches
Michelin is delivering longer tyre life to Paul S Winson Coaches, helping the firm handle inner city school runs, private hire contracts and long-distance touring. The Loughborough-based firm fitted a set of 295/80 R22.5 XZE 2+ tyres to the drive axle of its 53-seat VDL Bova Futuras coach three years ago. It has now done more than 120,000 km on the tyres, now re-grooved and with an average of 5mm of tread left. "We have to deliver 100% reliability and punctuality," said Paul B Winson, engineering director. He now has an all-Michelin XZE 2+ policy across the 30-strong fleet.
More from Paul Cordle on + 44 (0)1 782 402 341 or paul-m.cordle@uk.michelin.com
Show debut for new air con compressors
Wood Auto has booked stand 4431 at the CV Operator Show this spring and will use the event for the show debut of its new range of air conditioning compressors. This covers commercial and agricultural vehicles as well as cars. The Huddersfield-based firm says it will also show products from its starter and alternator range as well as ancillary products. This includes bulbs, cables, fuses, relays, switches and wipers products, as well as its LED Autolamps range. "The revised format of the show, with its focus primarily on operators, suits us," said Chris Spanton, commercial manager. "Our customers are mainly from the aftermarket and our range of products caters for the broad spectrum of visitors we expect to see during the show.
More from Steve Coombes on + 44 (0)1 753 785 957 or steve@chicanemarketing..co.uk
More Premiums for Hingley
Steel transport firm Hingley Transport Ltd just added seven new three-axle Renault Premium tractors to its 60-strong fleet. The new trucks will work nationwide, doing general steel haulage as well as deliveries for contacts with TDG and Corus. The firm is the largest private steel transport firm in the West Midlands and one of the largest in the UK, delivering more than one million tonnes a year. Renault Trucks Midlands did the business and services Hingley's trucks and 140-strong trailer fleet. More than half the truck fleet is Renault, with Premiums and Magnums since 2000.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
First two 12-tonne Isuzus for Automania
The UK's first two production 12-tonne Isuzu Forward crew cab trucks just joined Automania's 42-strong recovery fleet. The West London firm works in the Heathrow and Slough areas and the new trucks will run out of its Heathrow base, with 28 other Isuzus. The new trucks have tilt and slide bodies by Worldwide Recovery Systems. "For the type of recovery contracts we have recently gained, we need two new heavier weight crew cab vehicles and we had no hesitation in specifying the new Isuzu Forward 12-tonners," said Richard Goddard, MD at Automania.
More from David Nash on +44 (0)1 614 567 870 or quadpr@globalnet.co.uk
Trailermatic sensors cut coupling problems
Reversing Made Easy Ltd has recently fitted Cromwell Tools' mixed fleet of wagon and drag and single trailers with wireless Trailermatic reversing sensors and its camera-mounted drawbar observation system. With no Suzie required for the reversing sensors, the tractor unit automatically "locks on" to the trailer. The system then gives the driver a clear view of the towing jaws on a 5" flat screen, backed by an audio-visual countdown as he approaches the loading bay or any potentially dangerous blind spot obstacle. This day and night camera and screen means the driver can engage the drawbar and jaws with great accuracy. This saves time, cuts damage saves cash.
More from Steven Ransom on +44 (0)1 825 768 555 or steve@reversingmadeeasy.com
Canter reaches new heights
Compact external dimensions have helped to make the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter the 7.5-tonne chassis of choice for Access Industries. The Berkhamsted-based firm has sold ten Canter-based "cherry pickers" in the last year. Each had 27m reach access equipment from Multitel. Customers include hire firms, commercial cleaners, builders and roofers. Hatfield Mercedes-Benz dealer S&B Commercials supplied all the trucks. Melvyn Else, MD at Access says the vehicle is the most compact available with a 27m reach.
More information from Julia Elkins +44 (0) 1908 245616 or julia.elkins@daimler.com
First Renault for Slough International
Slough International Freight and Packaging just got its first Renault truck, a 6x2 Magnum 500.25, with Optidriver+ gearbox and multipass cab. The new truck will work across the UK, mostly hauling for the food industry. Slough International is a family business started in 1982 and offers 24-hour distribution across the UK with storage facilities and a full international distribution service, specialising in France and Italy. Renault Trucks South did the deal.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
Eberspacher to show new fridge boxes
Eberspacher UK says it is now the UK distributor for Euroengel mobile refrigeration boxes. Made in Italy, these insulated boxes are self-contained units which include the compressor and condenser within the box. They are easily fitted into a panel van, needing only a 12 or 24 volt connection. They also have a 110v / 230v capability. Capacities range from 22 to 330 litres and temperature ranges are from -24 to + 400C, with chill only, chill/heat and chill/freeze. They are ATP approved and have digital temperature controllers. The firm says the units are easily transferable from vehicle to vehicle and ideal for small batch transport or for firms that may not need dedicated refrigerated vehicles. Eberspacher will show the Euroengel range on its stand 5530 at the Commercial Vehicle Operator show this Spring.
More from Tina Carter on +44 (0)1 425 480 151 or tina@eberspacher.com
New Kangoo and Trafic from Renault
After the recent launch of its New Master, Renault is launching two more new van models, New Kangoo Van Maxi and New Trafic. The New Kangoo Van Maxi is almost 40cm longer than the Kangoo van, giving an extra cubic metre of load capacity. At the same time, the firm says improvements to New Trafic make it more comfortable and cut fuel use and so CO2 emissions. Finally, Renault says the Carminat TomTom sat nav system is now available across its complete van range, following its successful introduction on the Kangoo in last month. The Kangoo Van Maxi goes on sale in the UK on 4 June, with prices nearer the date.
More from Mike Gale on +44 (0)1 923 697 653 or mike.gale@renault.co.uk
Fuel cell range extender
Smith Electric Vehicles is trying a fuel cell that could double the range of its battery-powered vans and trucks. These have a range of around 100 miles or 160km but by adding a small hydrogen fuel cell to the system the range should be "closer to 200 miles or 320km". The UK-based firm is working with fuel cell experts Proton Power Systems plc in Germany to build and market a battery-powered van with a Proton Power PM200 fuel cell as a range extender. The fuel cell tops-up the batteries, provides an on-board power supply and runs auxiliaries like air conditioning and heating.
More from Dan Jenkins on +44 (0)7 536 092 682 or dan.jenkins@smithelectricvehicles.com
New sales manager at Bosch
Oliver Koehne is the new diesel sales manager for Robert Bosch in the UK and Ireland.
More from Marco Ferrari on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mferrari@automotivepr..com
More Actros for C&H jubilee
Kent-based Forest products transport specialist C&H has ordered 34 Actros 2544 tractors for its fleet. All but one are Long Distance sleepers. The exception is a flat-floored MegaSpace cab ordered as part of the firm's golden jubilee. This truck also has a special livery. "It looks fantastic and proved a real talking point, serving as a great advertisement for our business," says Steve Mercer, director. Local dealer Sparshatts did the business.
More information from Julia Elkins +44 (0) 1908 245616 or julia.elkins@daimler.com
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback page reports that the care instructions for the dog kennel John Straede bought advised: "Hand wash in warm water with mild detergent. Do not spin dry."
More from www.newscientist.com
Revolve Technologies has launched a hydrogen bi-fuel hybrid conversion for vans. Called H2ICE, this converts a petrol engine to run on hydrogen while retaining a petrol-powered 'get you home' capacity. "Some people believe hydrogen fuel is a distant reality, but this is proven zero-emission hydrogen technology, on the road today," says John Mitchell, MD at Revolve. The firm has made three vehicles, based on a 2.3 litre, petrol-powered Ford Transit. Two will go to work for the Post Office on a trial basis while the third will be used for further development. This will include work with interested universities. "These are some of the first hydrogen-powered vehicles on the road in Europe, can be driven today and are production-ready." Revolve says the performance of its H2ICE is "far superior" to that of its electric counterparts.
More from Martin Hayes on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or mhayes@automotivepr.com
UK economy - unsteady recovery
"And the ride may get racier." So says Robert Baker, chief economist at the SMMT, in his latest weekly report to member firms. January's retail data show weak growth in January's sales and the housing market looked weaker, though some expect price rises. The weather and the VAT increase seem the main factors. At the same time, UK trade data showed low demand for exports, with some sources expecting an upward trend for exports later, balanced by a possible boost for sterling. Growth in money supply and cash spending remains feeble, but The Bank of England and others expect recovery to gain momentum but see mid-2011 to early 2012 before economic activity is back to pre-recession levels. In the meantime, manufacturing output, though down, has stabilised and should rise slightly, while crude oil prices continue to exert a big influence on inflation trends.
More from Robert Baker on +44 (0)2 073 449 225 or rbaker@smmt.co.uk
Save fuel, save cost, save the planet
The SMMTs' half-day seminar on telematics' role in cutting fuel use, costs and CO2 emissions for van operators is on 24 March at its London HQ. "If you cut fuel use you cut emissions," said Robin Dickeson, manager, commercial vehicle affairs at the SMMT.. "This means that it pays to cut CO2. And one of the best ways is to use telematics to monitor and manage your fleet." At the seminar, telematics suppliers and users will show the way their systems can help save fuel, save cost and save the planet. "Too many firms miss opportunities like this, thinking that cutting emissions is expensive; on the contrary, it should save money," said Sharon Clancy, editor at M-Logistics, the UK's leading magazine for telematics and vehicle tracking, who will lead the seminar. Richard Turner, leader of the Commission for Integrated Transport's van group will deliver the keynote speech and there will be contributions from systems suppliers Microlise and TomTom Work, and Tesco.com.. The event is free to SMMT members; for others the cost is £50 + VAT.
More from Natasha James on +44 (0)2 073 441 621 or njames@smmt.co.uk
Volvo wins 370-strong US order for SCR equipped trucks
Phoenix-based Knight Transportation just ordered 370 Volvo VN trucks. Fitted with selective catalytic reduction emission control kit, the trucks will start to join Knight's 3,736-strong fleet from April. Volvo says its SCR system cuts fuel use by up to 5% and meets the US Environmental Protection Agency's 2010 regulations. "We want this new technology from Volvo," said Dave Williams, Knight Transportation's vice president of equipment and maintenance. "We'll gain fuel economy. We've tested the technology and we're comfortable with it. These trucks are better for the environment and they're better for us." Knight is a long-standing Volvo customer with some 3,000 Volvo VNs in its fleet.
More from Jenny Björsne on +46 (0)31 66 45 23 or jenny.bjorsne@volvo.com
Anti-under-run warning
From 11 March 2010 EU member states may not allow the sale or delivery of trucks or trailers with anti under-run kit that doesn't meet the latest law. A new directive demands double the strength at the outer ends of the anti-under-run kit. It also allows specific changes to anti-under-run protection used with tail-lifts, to cater for the lift operating mechanism. "But in this case, the requirements are different from those in the present GB Construction and Use Regulation 49," says Allan McKenzie, senior technical manager at the SMMT. "There are opportunities for confusion here if vehicles are built complying with C&U, but then submitted for Type Approval. Vehicle builders need to understand the implications as mistakes will prove very expensive."
More from Allan McKenzie on +44 (0)2 073 449 202 or amckenzie@smmt.co.uk
Flexible Optare Direct deal helps start new service
Wakefield operator Star Travel has put a pair of Solo midibuses to work on a trial service thanks to a flexible short-term leasing deal from Optare Direct which includes an option to buy. The buses are on the new ten-minute frequency Dewsbury town centre service, funded by West Yorkshire Metro and Kirklees Council on a six months 'use it or lose it' basis. If successful - and early signs are that it will be - Star Travel has the option to buy the buses. A similar service the firm runs in Wakefield with three Solos has proved a big hit with local people.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Mercedes cleans up at Karcher
Mobile engineers working for cleaning equipment maker Karcher, have a new ten-strong van fleet. The Banbury-based firm gave the engineers a shortlist and they picked Mercedes-Benz Vito vans. Oxford dealer Mudie-Bond did the business. The new vans are on three-year, full-maintenance contract hire deals with Daimler Fleet Management.
More information from Julia Elkins +44 (0) 1908 245616 or julia.elkins@daimler.com
Multipart wins environmental accreditation
After intensive checks by an independent assessor from Lloyds Register of Quality Assurance, logistics specialist Multipart has won ISO 14001 certification for its headquarters and distribution centre in Chorley, Lancashire. This recognises the firm's comprehensive environmental management system at its 19-acre site. This covers efficient use of heating and lighting in the 280,000ft2 distribution centre and cuts transport emissions. It also cuts waste by re-using and recycling packaging and other materials and avoids potentially harmful discharges into local watercourses or the atmosphere.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Four more Optare Solos for Israel
After successful homologation and in-service trials of an Optare Solo low-floor midibus in Israel, the firm has delivered four more from its Leeds plant. Dan, Israel's second largest bus company will run the buses which CNEC, Optare's recently appointed agent supplied. All five are 8.8m, two-door and 21-seaters. Modifications to suit local conditions, include a high-capacity and roof-mounted Sutrak air-conditioning system. Power is from a Euro 5 MAN DO834 EEV engines rated at 132 kW (177 bhp) driving through Allison 2100 Series five-speed automatic transmissions.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Driver ID from Trakm8
Fleet management firm Trakm8 says its driver ID tags can boost business efficiency. They work with Trakm8's Fleet Management system to show which driver is driving a particular vehicle at any time. The tag resembles a key fob and works with a reader in the vehicle to tell the operator's office who is driving what vehicle. For van operators the system can identify private mileage for tax purposes. It can also help manage drivers and deal with traffic offences and accidents.. Separately, it can immobilise a vehicle. "Driver ID makes drivers accountable for their own actions, can monitor individual driver behaviour and should promote more responsible driving," says the firm.
More from Emma Cox +44 (0)7 811 374 554 Emma Cox or ecox@cryptontechnology.com
Fuel speed ahead at Peterhead
Aylesbury-based liquid handling equipment firm Alpeco has delivered specialist high speed bulk delivery kit to John A Smith & Sons for the firm's two latest Lakeland-equipped tankers. Peterhead-based Smith uses the new trucks for dockside fuel deliveries to ships. "Marine deliveries are strictly controlled so we need a reliable, fast turn around," said Iain Smith.. Alpeco is the firm's preferred supplier as its system can handle hose-reel deliveries of up to 400 litres/min and bulk deliveries of up to 1,100 litres/min. Its controls cut the risk of accidental product mixing as the operator has to select and confirm product grade, compartment, delivery mode and volume via an on-screen menu.
More from Adrian Baskott on +44 (0)1 296 619 510 or adrian@alpeco.co.uk
Trakm8 to target fleet mangers
Fleet management specialist Trakm8 says it will use stand 5466 at the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show to target fleet managers. The firm is keen to show its fleet management system and its options. "We will demonstrate technology that can be integrated to your own system to meet your fleet management and data needs," said Emma Cox, marketing manager. "This allows you to measure everything from fuel use and CO2 emissions to driver behaviour and much more." She says the firm invites show visitors to come to the stand to talk about existing or future needs.
More from Emma Cox +44 (0)7 811 374 554 or ecox@cryptontechnology.com
Scania profits
In last week's report on Scania's 2009 profits I got a couple of figures wrong. The firm's 30% drop in sales was from Skr 89 billion, not million, and its vehicle and service-based flow dropped Skr 13bn to 5.512bn, rather than million. Naturally I apologise for the confusion. Scania, very creditably, is one of few truck makers to have returned a profit in the very difficult conditions of last year. Even more impressively, it has made a profit every year since 1934.
Robin Dickeson, editor
Smith Newton wins US Federal approval
The Smith Newton electric truck is now on the US General Services Administration schedule. This is a list of products approved for purchase by all Federal agencies and the US military. These spend a combined $1bn every year on GSA-approved vehicles and automotive services. The Smith Newton is the first medium duty electric truck to make the GSA schedule and is the only medium or heavy duty truck certified by the California Air Resources Board. It is built in North America by Smith Electric Vehicles US Corporation, which is part owned by Smith Electric Vehicles in the UK.
More from Dan Jenkins on +44 (0)7 536 092 682 or dan.jenkins@smithelectricvehicles.com
120,000 km Michelins help Winson Coaches
Michelin is delivering longer tyre life to Paul S Winson Coaches, helping the firm handle inner city school runs, private hire contracts and long-distance touring. The Loughborough-based firm fitted a set of 295/80 R22.5 XZE 2+ tyres to the drive axle of its 53-seat VDL Bova Futuras coach three years ago. It has now done more than 120,000 km on the tyres, now re-grooved and with an average of 5mm of tread left. "We have to deliver 100% reliability and punctuality," said Paul B Winson, engineering director. He now has an all-Michelin XZE 2+ policy across the 30-strong fleet.
More from Paul Cordle on + 44 (0)1 782 402 341 or paul-m.cordle@uk.michelin.com
Show debut for new air con compressors
Wood Auto has booked stand 4431 at the CV Operator Show this spring and will use the event for the show debut of its new range of air conditioning compressors. This covers commercial and agricultural vehicles as well as cars. The Huddersfield-based firm says it will also show products from its starter and alternator range as well as ancillary products. This includes bulbs, cables, fuses, relays, switches and wipers products, as well as its LED Autolamps range. "The revised format of the show, with its focus primarily on operators, suits us," said Chris Spanton, commercial manager. "Our customers are mainly from the aftermarket and our range of products caters for the broad spectrum of visitors we expect to see during the show.
More from Steve Coombes on + 44 (0)1 753 785 957 or steve@chicanemarketing..co.uk
More Premiums for Hingley
Steel transport firm Hingley Transport Ltd just added seven new three-axle Renault Premium tractors to its 60-strong fleet. The new trucks will work nationwide, doing general steel haulage as well as deliveries for contacts with TDG and Corus. The firm is the largest private steel transport firm in the West Midlands and one of the largest in the UK, delivering more than one million tonnes a year. Renault Trucks Midlands did the business and services Hingley's trucks and 140-strong trailer fleet. More than half the truck fleet is Renault, with Premiums and Magnums since 2000.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
First two 12-tonne Isuzus for Automania
The UK's first two production 12-tonne Isuzu Forward crew cab trucks just joined Automania's 42-strong recovery fleet. The West London firm works in the Heathrow and Slough areas and the new trucks will run out of its Heathrow base, with 28 other Isuzus. The new trucks have tilt and slide bodies by Worldwide Recovery Systems. "For the type of recovery contracts we have recently gained, we need two new heavier weight crew cab vehicles and we had no hesitation in specifying the new Isuzu Forward 12-tonners," said Richard Goddard, MD at Automania.
More from David Nash on +44 (0)1 614 567 870 or quadpr@globalnet.co.uk
Trailermatic sensors cut coupling problems
Reversing Made Easy Ltd has recently fitted Cromwell Tools' mixed fleet of wagon and drag and single trailers with wireless Trailermatic reversing sensors and its camera-mounted drawbar observation system. With no Suzie required for the reversing sensors, the tractor unit automatically "locks on" to the trailer. The system then gives the driver a clear view of the towing jaws on a 5" flat screen, backed by an audio-visual countdown as he approaches the loading bay or any potentially dangerous blind spot obstacle. This day and night camera and screen means the driver can engage the drawbar and jaws with great accuracy. This saves time, cuts damage saves cash.
More from Steven Ransom on +44 (0)1 825 768 555 or steve@reversingmadeeasy.com
Canter reaches new heights
Compact external dimensions have helped to make the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter the 7.5-tonne chassis of choice for Access Industries. The Berkhamsted-based firm has sold ten Canter-based "cherry pickers" in the last year. Each had 27m reach access equipment from Multitel. Customers include hire firms, commercial cleaners, builders and roofers. Hatfield Mercedes-Benz dealer S&B Commercials supplied all the trucks. Melvyn Else, MD at Access says the vehicle is the most compact available with a 27m reach.
More information from Julia Elkins +44 (0) 1908 245616 or julia.elkins@daimler.com
First Renault for Slough International
Slough International Freight and Packaging just got its first Renault truck, a 6x2 Magnum 500.25, with Optidriver+ gearbox and multipass cab. The new truck will work across the UK, mostly hauling for the food industry. Slough International is a family business started in 1982 and offers 24-hour distribution across the UK with storage facilities and a full international distribution service, specialising in France and Italy. Renault Trucks South did the deal.
More from Penny Randall on +44 (0)1 582 479 619 or penny.randall@renault-trucks.com
Eberspacher to show new fridge boxes
Eberspacher UK says it is now the UK distributor for Euroengel mobile refrigeration boxes. Made in Italy, these insulated boxes are self-contained units which include the compressor and condenser within the box. They are easily fitted into a panel van, needing only a 12 or 24 volt connection. They also have a 110v / 230v capability. Capacities range from 22 to 330 litres and temperature ranges are from -24 to + 400C, with chill only, chill/heat and chill/freeze. They are ATP approved and have digital temperature controllers. The firm says the units are easily transferable from vehicle to vehicle and ideal for small batch transport or for firms that may not need dedicated refrigerated vehicles. Eberspacher will show the Euroengel range on its stand 5530 at the Commercial Vehicle Operator show this Spring.
More from Tina Carter on +44 (0)1 425 480 151 or tina@eberspacher.com
New Kangoo and Trafic from Renault
After the recent launch of its New Master, Renault is launching two more new van models, New Kangoo Van Maxi and New Trafic. The New Kangoo Van Maxi is almost 40cm longer than the Kangoo van, giving an extra cubic metre of load capacity. At the same time, the firm says improvements to New Trafic make it more comfortable and cut fuel use and so CO2 emissions. Finally, Renault says the Carminat TomTom sat nav system is now available across its complete van range, following its successful introduction on the Kangoo in last month. The Kangoo Van Maxi goes on sale in the UK on 4 June, with prices nearer the date.
More from Mike Gale on +44 (0)1 923 697 653 or mike.gale@renault.co.uk
Fuel cell range extender
Smith Electric Vehicles is trying a fuel cell that could double the range of its battery-powered vans and trucks. These have a range of around 100 miles or 160km but by adding a small hydrogen fuel cell to the system the range should be "closer to 200 miles or 320km". The UK-based firm is working with fuel cell experts Proton Power Systems plc in Germany to build and market a battery-powered van with a Proton Power PM200 fuel cell as a range extender. The fuel cell tops-up the batteries, provides an on-board power supply and runs auxiliaries like air conditioning and heating.
More from Dan Jenkins on +44 (0)7 536 092 682 or dan.jenkins@smithelectricvehicles.com
New sales manager at Bosch
Oliver Koehne is the new diesel sales manager for Robert Bosch in the UK and Ireland.
More from Marco Ferrari on +44 (0) 2 074 948 050 or mferrari@automotivepr..com
More Actros for C&H jubilee
Kent-based Forest products transport specialist C&H has ordered 34 Actros 2544 tractors for its fleet. All but one are Long Distance sleepers. The exception is a flat-floored MegaSpace cab ordered as part of the firm's golden jubilee. This truck also has a special livery. "It looks fantastic and proved a real talking point, serving as a great advertisement for our business," says Steve Mercer, director. Local dealer Sparshatts did the business.
More information from Julia Elkins +44 (0) 1908 245616 or julia.elkins@daimler.com
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback page reports that the care instructions for the dog kennel John Straede bought advised: "Hand wash in warm water with mild detergent. Do not spin dry."
More from www.newscientist.com
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