Legal Brief
Transport News Brief Week 9
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The latest news roundup from the SMMT.
SDC first for trailer brake approval
SDC Trailers says it has got the first braking type approval under new UN-ECE braking regulations, covering all its semi-trailers fitted with the firm's roll stability system option. This means customers can now add the approved braking system to their trailers. The system is designed to act and cut the risk if it detects the chance of roll-over. It offers SDC's customers better trailer safety features by monitoring the trailer's movements through an on-board accelerometer and wheel speed sensors. The firm has approvals for braking systems from Haldex, Knorr Bremse and Wabco, meaning it can offer a type approved braking system with the customer's preferred EBS maker. Braking type approval will be mandatory from 2012.
More from Briege Armour on +44 (0)2 879 651 167 or briegearmour@sdctrailers.com
Save fuel, save cost, save the planet
The SMMT's half-day seminar on telematics aims to show the technology's role in cutting fuel use, costs and CO2 emissions for van operators. "The aim is to start discussion and make people aware of the big savings in fuel use, emissions and cash that are available right now from the intelligent use of telematics," said Robin Dickeson, manager, commercial vehicle affairs at the SMMT. "Telematics should offer savings of at least 10% within days, while we'll have to wait longer for most other technologies to make the same difference." Sharon Clancy, editor at M-Logistics, the UK's leading magazine for telematics and vehicle tracking will lead the seminar and Richard Turner, leader of the Commission for Integrated Transport's van study group will give the keynote speech. There will be contributions from systems suppliers Microlise and TomTom Work and from operators. The seminar is on 24 March at the SMMT's London head office. The cost is £50+VAT a head, though SMMT members go free.
More from Natasha James on +44 (0)2 073 441 621 or njames@smmt.co.uk
FTA manifesto
The Freight Transport Association says politicians must commit to the logistics sector or risk consigning the UK to a future of under-achievement. The FTA makes these comments as it sets out its manifesto, calling for politicians to invest in UK infrastructure, work with it on carbon solutions, change the Highway Code, respect commercial vehicles and tackle truck crime. It says these five commitments are vital. "Logistics delivers our food, our medicine and even warms our homes. Its 2.3 million strong workforce contributes billions to the Treasury each year," said Jo Tanner of the FTA. "Modern society is not only enriched by our sophisticated global supply chain, but almost entirely dependent on it."
More from Jo Batten on +44 (0)1 892 552 343 or jbatten@fta.co.uk
Scania wins Autologic deal
Scania has won a deal with Autologic to manage its mixed fleet of trucks and specialist trailers from 1 March. The firm will run Autologic's Doncaster Vehicle Maintenance Unit. Autologic provides nation-wide logistics and technical services to the automotive industry. Scania will handle the maintenance and safety testing of some 280 Autologic drawbar trucks and trailers, including the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations testing for lifting decks. It won't do the tyre fleet management. Once at full capacity, Scania will manages 18 technicians and all the other people needed to run the unit on Autologic's behalf, as part of its Total Transport Solutions scheme.
More from Phil Sampson on +44 (0)7 885 152 132 or phil.sampson@scania.com
Ryder's first electric truck on contract hire
Truck rental and contract hire specialist, Ryder has delivered its first leased 10 tonne electric truck. The Smiths Newton 10 tonne truck goes to Bunzl, the distribution and outsourcing group; it will work on catering and hospitality jobs in the central London area. Based at Bunzl's Charlton branch, the truck has a range of some 80 miles and has been designed for stop-start work in the greater London area. Trials with a demonstrator have shown that one charge could last for up to three days on Bunzl's normal delivery routes around the capital.
More from Colin Peck on + 44(0)1 784 482 336 or colinjpeck@aol.com
Tata gets a £340m EIB loan
Tata Motors has done a deal with the European Investment Bank for an eight-year, £340m loan for Jaguar Land Rover. This will help pay for the development of micro and full hybrid drive trains and research into more efficient car bodies.
More from Craig Rodgers on +44(0)2 073 441 614 or crodgers@smmt.co.uk
New telematics antenna for trucks and buses
Australian antenna specialist RF Industries has a new low-profile aerial for use with truck and bus telematics systems. Called TLA4000 series it meets relevant European standards. Oxtec, RFI's European partners say the unit is "an ideal single antenna solution" for harsh environments. It will work on all cellular frequencies, WiFi at 2.4GHz and handle GPS for tracking.
More from Michael Woodfine on +44 (0)1 295 722 848 or michael.woodfine@oxtec.co.uk
Eaton wins biggest UltraShift order
Eaton says it has won the biggest single order for its UltraShift truck transmission. Penske Truck Leasing will take more than 1,800 new Fuller UltraShift 'Highway Value' medium-duty and fully automated gearboxes. They will be built into International DuraStar trucks behind MaxxForce engines that will run as part of Penske's consumer truck rental fleet. Independent testing using SAE-approved protocols has shown that the UltraShift HV can make 7% through 19% fuel savings over a conventional automatic, depending on the job.
More from Mike O'Neill on +1 (0)2 157 521 429 or Oneillpr@aol.com
Show debut for new axle load indicator
Axtec's latest version of its successful on-board load indicator makes its UK debut on stand 5851 at the 2010 CV Operator Show in April. The new unit offers a range of new options to help operators meet axle and gross weight restrictions. The biggest change is the opportunity to integrate a reversing camera into the system. This automatically displays a view from the rear-facing camera as soon as the driver selects reverse gear. All systems will come with this connectivity as standard for use with existing reversing cameras, or Axtec can supply a complete kit. The system now also stores overload data to give the transport manager detailed records. Where a vehicle has a live tracking system, Axtec can link to it to give live loading data.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Cameron's internet-based fuel management system
Cameron Forecourt will launch a new fuel storage management system called Eclipse on its stand 5474 at the CV Operator show in April. This uses satellite-based technology to give round-the-clock fuel status monitoring via the Internet and needs no special software. Aimed specifically at the owners of commercial refuelling installations, the system makes it far easier for fleet operators to monitor stocks, pinpoint deficiencies and stamp out theft or unauthorised fuelling. "With traditional landline or GSM-linked monitoring systems, the data can be anything up to 24 hours old," said Martyn Gent, sales and marketing manager. "The Eclipse tells you immediately when things start going wrong, be it theft, fuel loss or any other exception."
More from Martyn Gent on +44 (0)1 226 742 441 or martyngent@cameron-forecourt.co.uk
Halls Auto Electrical at the CV Operator Show
Fuel injection and auto electrical firm Halls Auto Electrical says it will have specialists on its stand number 5594 at the CV Operator Show in April. Halls works across Central and Southern Britain from bases in Bristol and Swindon and has a staff of highly trained and experienced mobile engineers and support staff. "Using the latest equipment, our engineers can interrogate modern vehicle computer systems and seamlessly install auxiliary equipment," said the firm's Steve Hall. "Our reputation, coupled with ISO9001 accreditation and manufacturer awards has helped us build an excellent customer base." The firm has been in business 30 years this year.
More from Steve Hall on +44 (0)1 454 319 722 or steve.h@hallselectrical.co.uk
Aixam's new drive train for electrics
Electric vehicle maker Aixam has a new AC motor drive-line for its Mega e-City urban vehicles and Mega Multitruck commercial ranges. This gives a longer range and more torque for better acceleration. It also means lower maintenance costs. The new models will make their first public appearance on Aixam's stand 5825 at the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show at the NEC in April.
More from Christine Gormley on +44 (0)2 476 407 422 or Christine@seachangecommunications.co.uk
Aspray to double in size
Willenhall-based family firm Aspray Transport expects to grow 20% this year and double in size in two years. The firm just got 26 new Daf trucks, mostly LF 7.5 tonners but with some CF tractors to help it handle newly-won work. It also expects to hire 50 more people by the end of March. The new trucks join Aspray's 300 trucks and 110 trailers. The firm also plans to order another 25 new trucks later this year. Greenhous Commercials, also in Willenhall, got the business on the back of Aspray's local buying policy and a successful, 22-year relationship between the two firms. The firm has 12 depots across the UK, including a logistics site in Wolverhampton.
More from Sylvie Pender on +44 (0)1 179 493 394 or sylvie.pender@corixa.co.uk
High mileage Dafs for ATL
Three new Daf CF85 tractors with Derbyshire-based Ascott Transport Limited are each likely to do around 275,000 miles (445,000 km) a year on a contract with tyre maker Pirelli. The trucks are working 24/7, fully laden, moving raw materials and finished products between Pirelli plants at Burton-on-Trent and Carlisle. The job needs 12 drivers on a double and split-shift system. There are two 40 tonners and one 44 tonner, all powered by 460bhp 12.9-litre engines driving AS-tronic automated gearboxes with long distance software. Imperial Commercials of Derby did the deal.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Fire fighting vehicle deal on offer
The SMMT's International Department says that the Sungai Ling Authority in Brunei has issued an open tender for the supply and maintenance of six fire fighting vehicles and support equipment and their maintenance for four years. The vehicles are a 5,000 litre foam tender on 4x4 chassis cab, a Haz Mat tender based on a 6x4 chassis cab, an emergency tender based on 6x4 panel van, a single cab rescue tender, a command car based on 4x4, five seat SUV and a 4x4, five seat MPV. The tender demands that interested firms submit a pre-qualification questionnaire by Tuesday 6 April, 2010. The tender requires maintenance of all vehicles for four years after warranty.
More from David Croxson on +44 (0)2 073 449 230 or dcroxson@smmt.co.uk
Commission makes overtures to Iceland
After a positive assessment, the European Commission recommends membership talks with Iceland. This follows Iceland's application for membership made in July last year. The assessment takes account of "some economic issues," mostly centring on the so-called 'Icesave' accounts at Landsbanki, one of the three major banks to collapse as a result of the financial crisis. EU leaders must now formally decide on opening accession talks with Iceland.
More from Craig Rodgers on +44(0)2 073 441 614 or crodgers@smmt.co.uk
European CV registrations drop 12.3% in January
Acea, the Brussels-based European motor industry association just released January data on commercial vehicle registrations in the European Union. These show a total of 123,527 units for the month, 12.3% down on January last year. This is now a 21 month on month decline. Heavy trucks, over 16 tonnes did worst, down 43.5% to 10,961 while vans up to 3.5t dropped 5.2% to 105,522. For all vans and trucks over 3.5t, registrations dropped 40% to 15,756. Germany did best, taking 4,185 of those vans. January bus and coach registrations dropped 30.9% to 2,249..
More from Quynh-Nhu Huynh on +32 (0)2 738 73 55 or qh@acea.be
Logistics showcase
If you feel that logistics doesn't get the credit it deserves, the Freight Transport Association's giving you a chance to show the sector some love at its Logistics Showcase. On the first evening of the CV Operator Show in Birmingham, the FTA will run a gala dinner to celebrate the sector. "The night will also see the premiere of four brand new short films, each showing an aspect of logistics," says Jo Tanner at the FTA. "And you'll get a chance to meet contacts old and new. Places are limited, so make sure you book today at www.lovelogistics.co.uk or by calling 08 717 112 222."
More from Jo Batten on + 44 (0)1 892 552 343 or jbatten@fta.co.uk
Parcelforce takes 1,000 ECO-Start Sprinters
Parcelforce Worldwide, the Royal Mail Group's UK and international express delivery division recently got 1,106 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 311CDI vans. All have the Mercedes ECO-Start system which automatically cuts the engine when the vehicle is stationary. Parcelforce chose the vans after a trial involving its drivers and expects the vans to cut fuel use and emissions by some 5%.
More from Julia Elkins +44 (0)1 908 245 616 or julia.elkins@daimler.com
TVS Logistics goes for European growth
TVS Logistics, the Indian company which bought Multipart last year, is re-organising its European operations as part of a global plan to double revenue in two years from its current level of more than £140 million. The firm says that a key part of this is the appointment of Chris Gateley, Multipart's managing director, to the Boards of TVS Automotive Europe, as chief executive and to TVS C J Components, TVS Group's British component making subsidiary. Gately also keeps his job as MD at Multipart. TVS Automotive Europe offers Line Feed, Original Equipment Purchasing, Inbound Supply Chain management, aftermarket and related IT and technical support to motor industry clients across Europe.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
City Link wins £300k deal
City Link's Kidderminster depot just won a £300,000 annual deal to handle all distribution needs for Bromsgrove-based vehicle parts supplier Fuel Parts UK Ltd. "The contract started off on a trial basis but after three days Fuel Parts UK said they were delighted with how things were going and took us on permanently," said Denise Wigley, general manager. "The company has an excellent reputation in the industry and we are delighted to be a part of it." The City Link Kidderminster Depot employs 60 people to take care of 163 customers across the Worcestershire area.
More from Celeste Clarke on +44 (0)2 476 228 881 or celeste@centurypr.co.uk
New air suspension from Drive-Rite
Dublin-based Drive-Rite Air Suspensions says its new Generation II IntelliRide Electronic Air Suspension is aimed at vans, minibuses, ambulances and community transport vehicles. It is an air suspension control system, pioneered by Firestone, which can be adapted to meet the most specific needs of a vehicle maker or converter. The electronic control unit reads and quickly adapts to road, vehicle and driver inputs to "optimize air suspension performance." Fully certified by the Vehicle Certification Agency to EU Standards and already tested and approved by a number of Original Equipment Makers, the system meets "the harshest" environmental and electromagnetic conditions.
More from John Lindsay on +353 (0)860 480 484 or jlindsay@driveriteltd.com
Grayson goes to Turkey
Heat exchange specialist Grayson Thermal Systems will go to Busworld Turkey at the Istanbul Expo Center from 25 to 28 March. The firm says this is the latest stage in its push to develop new European markets. The Birmingham-based company will exhibit alongside ComeSys Europe, with whom it has been working on the development of new cooling systems technology for hybrid drive and all-electric buses and coaches. Grayson has recently opened a large new factory to give it more capacity for research, development and manufacturing.
More from Christine Gormley on +44 (0) 24 76 407422 or Christine@seachangecommunications.co.uk
Actros to help launch lifeboats
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has got its first heavy haulage tractor unit, a Mercedes-Benz Actros 2546 plated for Special Types operation at 72t GCW. The new truck has a MegaSpace cab and Mercedes Powershift 2 auto transmission. It will tow a low-loader trailer, moving boats and heavy plant between lifeboat stations nationwide. Pentagon Commercials of Poole did the deal. "We were previously sub-contracting out our heavy vehicle and plant movements," said David Tidman, transport manager for the RNLI. "So this new Mercedes-Benz will help us to increase efficiency."
More information from Julia Elkins +44 (0) 1908 245616 or julia.elkins@daimler.com
New website for Tiss
Tiss Security Systems says its new website at www.tissltd.com shows its growing dealer network, deals with truck makers and more educational information. Matthew Rose, commercial director says that new pages explain how Tiss' TankSafe Impregnable anti-siphon may help operators meet corporate and social responsibility targets. The site also covers tests by Mi Technology to compare fuel security devices.
More from Silvia Vitale on +44 (0)1 253 400 401 or silvia.vitale@tissltd.com
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback page says that one of its readers, Roger Powell wants to get hold of a box from Amazon, as these handy containers appear to have the ability to reduce the weight of any objects placed inside them. For example, the vehicle reversing aid Roger was interested in normally weighs 2kg, according to the product details on Amazon's site but its boxed weight is listed as only 599 grams. This, Roger suggests, must be how Amazon keeps its shipping costs down.
More from www.newscientist.com
SDC Trailers says it has got the first braking type approval under new UN-ECE braking regulations, covering all its semi-trailers fitted with the firm's roll stability system option. This means customers can now add the approved braking system to their trailers. The system is designed to act and cut the risk if it detects the chance of roll-over. It offers SDC's customers better trailer safety features by monitoring the trailer's movements through an on-board accelerometer and wheel speed sensors. The firm has approvals for braking systems from Haldex, Knorr Bremse and Wabco, meaning it can offer a type approved braking system with the customer's preferred EBS maker. Braking type approval will be mandatory from 2012.
More from Briege Armour on +44 (0)2 879 651 167 or briegearmour@sdctrailers.com
Save fuel, save cost, save the planet
The SMMT's half-day seminar on telematics aims to show the technology's role in cutting fuel use, costs and CO2 emissions for van operators. "The aim is to start discussion and make people aware of the big savings in fuel use, emissions and cash that are available right now from the intelligent use of telematics," said Robin Dickeson, manager, commercial vehicle affairs at the SMMT. "Telematics should offer savings of at least 10% within days, while we'll have to wait longer for most other technologies to make the same difference." Sharon Clancy, editor at M-Logistics, the UK's leading magazine for telematics and vehicle tracking will lead the seminar and Richard Turner, leader of the Commission for Integrated Transport's van study group will give the keynote speech. There will be contributions from systems suppliers Microlise and TomTom Work and from operators. The seminar is on 24 March at the SMMT's London head office. The cost is £50+VAT a head, though SMMT members go free.
More from Natasha James on +44 (0)2 073 441 621 or njames@smmt.co.uk
FTA manifesto
The Freight Transport Association says politicians must commit to the logistics sector or risk consigning the UK to a future of under-achievement. The FTA makes these comments as it sets out its manifesto, calling for politicians to invest in UK infrastructure, work with it on carbon solutions, change the Highway Code, respect commercial vehicles and tackle truck crime. It says these five commitments are vital. "Logistics delivers our food, our medicine and even warms our homes. Its 2.3 million strong workforce contributes billions to the Treasury each year," said Jo Tanner of the FTA. "Modern society is not only enriched by our sophisticated global supply chain, but almost entirely dependent on it."
More from Jo Batten on +44 (0)1 892 552 343 or jbatten@fta.co.uk
Scania wins Autologic deal
Scania has won a deal with Autologic to manage its mixed fleet of trucks and specialist trailers from 1 March. The firm will run Autologic's Doncaster Vehicle Maintenance Unit. Autologic provides nation-wide logistics and technical services to the automotive industry. Scania will handle the maintenance and safety testing of some 280 Autologic drawbar trucks and trailers, including the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations testing for lifting decks. It won't do the tyre fleet management. Once at full capacity, Scania will manages 18 technicians and all the other people needed to run the unit on Autologic's behalf, as part of its Total Transport Solutions scheme.
More from Phil Sampson on +44 (0)7 885 152 132 or phil.sampson@scania.com
Ryder's first electric truck on contract hire
Truck rental and contract hire specialist, Ryder has delivered its first leased 10 tonne electric truck. The Smiths Newton 10 tonne truck goes to Bunzl, the distribution and outsourcing group; it will work on catering and hospitality jobs in the central London area. Based at Bunzl's Charlton branch, the truck has a range of some 80 miles and has been designed for stop-start work in the greater London area. Trials with a demonstrator have shown that one charge could last for up to three days on Bunzl's normal delivery routes around the capital.
More from Colin Peck on + 44(0)1 784 482 336 or colinjpeck@aol.com
Tata gets a £340m EIB loan
Tata Motors has done a deal with the European Investment Bank for an eight-year, £340m loan for Jaguar Land Rover. This will help pay for the development of micro and full hybrid drive trains and research into more efficient car bodies.
More from Craig Rodgers on +44(0)2 073 441 614 or crodgers@smmt.co.uk
New telematics antenna for trucks and buses
Australian antenna specialist RF Industries has a new low-profile aerial for use with truck and bus telematics systems. Called TLA4000 series it meets relevant European standards. Oxtec, RFI's European partners say the unit is "an ideal single antenna solution" for harsh environments. It will work on all cellular frequencies, WiFi at 2.4GHz and handle GPS for tracking.
More from Michael Woodfine on +44 (0)1 295 722 848 or michael.woodfine@oxtec.co.uk
Eaton wins biggest UltraShift order
Eaton says it has won the biggest single order for its UltraShift truck transmission. Penske Truck Leasing will take more than 1,800 new Fuller UltraShift 'Highway Value' medium-duty and fully automated gearboxes. They will be built into International DuraStar trucks behind MaxxForce engines that will run as part of Penske's consumer truck rental fleet. Independent testing using SAE-approved protocols has shown that the UltraShift HV can make 7% through 19% fuel savings over a conventional automatic, depending on the job.
More from Mike O'Neill on +1 (0)2 157 521 429 or Oneillpr@aol.com
Show debut for new axle load indicator
Axtec's latest version of its successful on-board load indicator makes its UK debut on stand 5851 at the 2010 CV Operator Show in April. The new unit offers a range of new options to help operators meet axle and gross weight restrictions. The biggest change is the opportunity to integrate a reversing camera into the system. This automatically displays a view from the rear-facing camera as soon as the driver selects reverse gear. All systems will come with this connectivity as standard for use with existing reversing cameras, or Axtec can supply a complete kit. The system now also stores overload data to give the transport manager detailed records. Where a vehicle has a live tracking system, Axtec can link to it to give live loading data.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Cameron's internet-based fuel management system
Cameron Forecourt will launch a new fuel storage management system called Eclipse on its stand 5474 at the CV Operator show in April. This uses satellite-based technology to give round-the-clock fuel status monitoring via the Internet and needs no special software. Aimed specifically at the owners of commercial refuelling installations, the system makes it far easier for fleet operators to monitor stocks, pinpoint deficiencies and stamp out theft or unauthorised fuelling. "With traditional landline or GSM-linked monitoring systems, the data can be anything up to 24 hours old," said Martyn Gent, sales and marketing manager. "The Eclipse tells you immediately when things start going wrong, be it theft, fuel loss or any other exception."
More from Martyn Gent on +44 (0)1 226 742 441 or martyngent@cameron-forecourt.co.uk
Halls Auto Electrical at the CV Operator Show
Fuel injection and auto electrical firm Halls Auto Electrical says it will have specialists on its stand number 5594 at the CV Operator Show in April. Halls works across Central and Southern Britain from bases in Bristol and Swindon and has a staff of highly trained and experienced mobile engineers and support staff. "Using the latest equipment, our engineers can interrogate modern vehicle computer systems and seamlessly install auxiliary equipment," said the firm's Steve Hall. "Our reputation, coupled with ISO9001 accreditation and manufacturer awards has helped us build an excellent customer base." The firm has been in business 30 years this year.
More from Steve Hall on +44 (0)1 454 319 722 or steve.h@hallselectrical.co.uk
Aixam's new drive train for electrics
Electric vehicle maker Aixam has a new AC motor drive-line for its Mega e-City urban vehicles and Mega Multitruck commercial ranges. This gives a longer range and more torque for better acceleration. It also means lower maintenance costs. The new models will make their first public appearance on Aixam's stand 5825 at the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show at the NEC in April.
More from Christine Gormley on +44 (0)2 476 407 422 or Christine@seachangecommunications.co.uk
Aspray to double in size
Willenhall-based family firm Aspray Transport expects to grow 20% this year and double in size in two years. The firm just got 26 new Daf trucks, mostly LF 7.5 tonners but with some CF tractors to help it handle newly-won work. It also expects to hire 50 more people by the end of March. The new trucks join Aspray's 300 trucks and 110 trailers. The firm also plans to order another 25 new trucks later this year. Greenhous Commercials, also in Willenhall, got the business on the back of Aspray's local buying policy and a successful, 22-year relationship between the two firms. The firm has 12 depots across the UK, including a logistics site in Wolverhampton.
More from Sylvie Pender on +44 (0)1 179 493 394 or sylvie.pender@corixa.co.uk
High mileage Dafs for ATL
Three new Daf CF85 tractors with Derbyshire-based Ascott Transport Limited are each likely to do around 275,000 miles (445,000 km) a year on a contract with tyre maker Pirelli. The trucks are working 24/7, fully laden, moving raw materials and finished products between Pirelli plants at Burton-on-Trent and Carlisle. The job needs 12 drivers on a double and split-shift system. There are two 40 tonners and one 44 tonner, all powered by 460bhp 12.9-litre engines driving AS-tronic automated gearboxes with long distance software. Imperial Commercials of Derby did the deal.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
Fire fighting vehicle deal on offer
The SMMT's International Department says that the Sungai Ling Authority in Brunei has issued an open tender for the supply and maintenance of six fire fighting vehicles and support equipment and their maintenance for four years. The vehicles are a 5,000 litre foam tender on 4x4 chassis cab, a Haz Mat tender based on a 6x4 chassis cab, an emergency tender based on 6x4 panel van, a single cab rescue tender, a command car based on 4x4, five seat SUV and a 4x4, five seat MPV. The tender demands that interested firms submit a pre-qualification questionnaire by Tuesday 6 April, 2010. The tender requires maintenance of all vehicles for four years after warranty.
More from David Croxson on +44 (0)2 073 449 230 or dcroxson@smmt.co.uk
Commission makes overtures to Iceland
After a positive assessment, the European Commission recommends membership talks with Iceland. This follows Iceland's application for membership made in July last year. The assessment takes account of "some economic issues," mostly centring on the so-called 'Icesave' accounts at Landsbanki, one of the three major banks to collapse as a result of the financial crisis. EU leaders must now formally decide on opening accession talks with Iceland.
More from Craig Rodgers on +44(0)2 073 441 614 or crodgers@smmt.co.uk
European CV registrations drop 12.3% in January
Acea, the Brussels-based European motor industry association just released January data on commercial vehicle registrations in the European Union. These show a total of 123,527 units for the month, 12.3% down on January last year. This is now a 21 month on month decline. Heavy trucks, over 16 tonnes did worst, down 43.5% to 10,961 while vans up to 3.5t dropped 5.2% to 105,522. For all vans and trucks over 3.5t, registrations dropped 40% to 15,756. Germany did best, taking 4,185 of those vans. January bus and coach registrations dropped 30.9% to 2,249..
More from Quynh-Nhu Huynh on +32 (0)2 738 73 55 or qh@acea.be
Logistics showcase
If you feel that logistics doesn't get the credit it deserves, the Freight Transport Association's giving you a chance to show the sector some love at its Logistics Showcase. On the first evening of the CV Operator Show in Birmingham, the FTA will run a gala dinner to celebrate the sector. "The night will also see the premiere of four brand new short films, each showing an aspect of logistics," says Jo Tanner at the FTA. "And you'll get a chance to meet contacts old and new. Places are limited, so make sure you book today at www.lovelogistics.co.uk or by calling 08 717 112 222."
More from Jo Batten on + 44 (0)1 892 552 343 or jbatten@fta.co.uk
Parcelforce takes 1,000 ECO-Start Sprinters
Parcelforce Worldwide, the Royal Mail Group's UK and international express delivery division recently got 1,106 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 311CDI vans. All have the Mercedes ECO-Start system which automatically cuts the engine when the vehicle is stationary. Parcelforce chose the vans after a trial involving its drivers and expects the vans to cut fuel use and emissions by some 5%.
More from Julia Elkins +44 (0)1 908 245 616 or julia.elkins@daimler.com
TVS Logistics goes for European growth
TVS Logistics, the Indian company which bought Multipart last year, is re-organising its European operations as part of a global plan to double revenue in two years from its current level of more than £140 million. The firm says that a key part of this is the appointment of Chris Gateley, Multipart's managing director, to the Boards of TVS Automotive Europe, as chief executive and to TVS C J Components, TVS Group's British component making subsidiary. Gately also keeps his job as MD at Multipart. TVS Automotive Europe offers Line Feed, Original Equipment Purchasing, Inbound Supply Chain management, aftermarket and related IT and technical support to motor industry clients across Europe.
More from David Rowlands on +44 (0)2 074 948 050 or drowlands@automotivepr.com
City Link wins £300k deal
City Link's Kidderminster depot just won a £300,000 annual deal to handle all distribution needs for Bromsgrove-based vehicle parts supplier Fuel Parts UK Ltd. "The contract started off on a trial basis but after three days Fuel Parts UK said they were delighted with how things were going and took us on permanently," said Denise Wigley, general manager. "The company has an excellent reputation in the industry and we are delighted to be a part of it." The City Link Kidderminster Depot employs 60 people to take care of 163 customers across the Worcestershire area.
More from Celeste Clarke on +44 (0)2 476 228 881 or celeste@centurypr.co.uk
New air suspension from Drive-Rite
Dublin-based Drive-Rite Air Suspensions says its new Generation II IntelliRide Electronic Air Suspension is aimed at vans, minibuses, ambulances and community transport vehicles. It is an air suspension control system, pioneered by Firestone, which can be adapted to meet the most specific needs of a vehicle maker or converter. The electronic control unit reads and quickly adapts to road, vehicle and driver inputs to "optimize air suspension performance." Fully certified by the Vehicle Certification Agency to EU Standards and already tested and approved by a number of Original Equipment Makers, the system meets "the harshest" environmental and electromagnetic conditions.
More from John Lindsay on +353 (0)860 480 484 or jlindsay@driveriteltd.com
Grayson goes to Turkey
Heat exchange specialist Grayson Thermal Systems will go to Busworld Turkey at the Istanbul Expo Center from 25 to 28 March. The firm says this is the latest stage in its push to develop new European markets. The Birmingham-based company will exhibit alongside ComeSys Europe, with whom it has been working on the development of new cooling systems technology for hybrid drive and all-electric buses and coaches. Grayson has recently opened a large new factory to give it more capacity for research, development and manufacturing.
More from Christine Gormley on +44 (0) 24 76 407422 or Christine@seachangecommunications.co.uk
Actros to help launch lifeboats
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has got its first heavy haulage tractor unit, a Mercedes-Benz Actros 2546 plated for Special Types operation at 72t GCW. The new truck has a MegaSpace cab and Mercedes Powershift 2 auto transmission. It will tow a low-loader trailer, moving boats and heavy plant between lifeboat stations nationwide. Pentagon Commercials of Poole did the deal. "We were previously sub-contracting out our heavy vehicle and plant movements," said David Tidman, transport manager for the RNLI. "So this new Mercedes-Benz will help us to increase efficiency."
More information from Julia Elkins +44 (0) 1908 245616 or julia.elkins@daimler.com
New website for Tiss
Tiss Security Systems says its new website at www.tissltd.com shows its growing dealer network, deals with truck makers and more educational information. Matthew Rose, commercial director says that new pages explain how Tiss' TankSafe Impregnable anti-siphon may help operators meet corporate and social responsibility targets. The site also covers tests by Mi Technology to compare fuel security devices.
More from Silvia Vitale on +44 (0)1 253 400 401 or silvia.vitale@tissltd.com
And finally
New Scientist's Feedback page says that one of its readers, Roger Powell wants to get hold of a box from Amazon, as these handy containers appear to have the ability to reduce the weight of any objects placed inside them. For example, the vehicle reversing aid Roger was interested in normally weighs 2kg, according to the product details on Amazon's site but its boxed weight is listed as only 599 grams. This, Roger suggests, must be how Amazon keeps its shipping costs down.
More from www.newscientist.com
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