Archive for June, 2009

FORD TRANSIT EMERGENCY RESPONSE VEHICLES JOIN NORTHERN GAS

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

Ford has been selected to provide 134 Transit-based emergency response vehicles for Northern Gas Networks (NGN). Key to NGN’s decision was the Ford Transit’s ability to accommodate on-board power systems.
Transits for sale on Trucklocator
Each vehicle is crewed by two engineers and is part of an emergency response and repair service covering NGN’s 23,000-mile network of gas pipes. To equip the vehicles for their role, power-conversion systems in the form of under-floor generators and compressors, power-tools, workbenches and racking are fitted.

The Transit order was placed by United Utilities Operations Ltd, which provides asset management and associated services for NGN. NGN distributes gas to 2.5 million users across Yorkshire, the North-East and northern Cumbria.

The emergency response vehicles are based on Ford Transit 350 medium-wheelbase, high-roof models, powered by 2.4-litre 140PS diesel engines driving the rear wheels. Rear-wheel drive is preferred by United Utilities for onboard power conversions, which NGN requires primarily to enable road-drilling.

“In this instance, Transit technology provides the best platform for our needs,” said Gary Banister, United Utilities’ head of transport services.

For clear identification, the Transits are finished in white with red stripes and liveried with ‘Northern Gas Networks working with United Utilities’. They are being supplied by Ford complete with vinyl seating, Thatcham-approved alarms, 70mph speed limiters and heavy-duty batteries.

Each of the Ford Transit models is purchased outright and they are expected to average 20,000 miles a year, with replacement scheduled at around four years.

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DAF revises the LF series - details at www.trucklocator.co.uk

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

DAF is introducing the ‘Edition 2009’ versions of the popular LF distribution truck. Revised interior trim ensures an even higher level of driver comfort while efficiency is further improved by the optimisation of the driveline and the availability of new options. All help to increase the appeal of DAF’s market leading distribution truck even further.
DAF LF Series on truckloctor.co.uk

’Evolution never stops’
With its modern and spacious cab, low unladen weight, tight turning circle for excellent manoeuvrability, easy cab entry and exit and passenger car handling, the DAF LF series is the ideal truck for distribution transport. In order to offer a customised vehicle for every application, the LF continues to be available in various weight classes and in a wide range of wheel bases and engine outputs. The LF is available as a rigid vehicle or as a tractor, and you can choose from a day or sleeper cab. The LF45 is available at GVWs of 7.5 to 12 tonnes, while the LF55’s 13 to 21-tonne GVWs can accommodate gross train weights up to 32 tonnes.

New: 210 hp/four-cylinder and 300 hp/six-cylinder engines
To offer even greater efficiency, the common rail injection system pressure of the 4.5-litre, four-cylinder PACCAR FR engine and the 6.7-litre, six-cylinder PACCAR GR engine has been increased from 1600 to 1800 bar. The engine control system has also been optimised. This, together with the use of redesigned pistons, leads to even better combustion, which in turn results in a continued improvement in fuel efficiency.

The 4.5-litre, four-cylinder PACCAR FR engine meeting Euro 5 exhaust emissions is available with outputs of 103 kW/140 hp, 118 kW/160 hp and 136 kW/185 hp. There is also a new top version with 154 kW/210 hp (maximum torque 760 Nm at 1200 to 1800 rpm).

The 6.7-litre, six-cylinder PACCAR GR engine, also at Euro 5, is available with the following outputs: 165 kW/224 hp, 184 kW/250 hp and 210 kW/285 hp. There is also a new version of this engine with 225 kW/300 hp (1100 Nm at 1200 to 1800 rpm), available in the 18-tonne LF55.

More ultra-clean EEV models
The PACCAR FR and GR engines make use of an advanced high-pressure fuel injection system for the highest possible efficiency and the lowest possible emission of particulate matter. Neither engine range requires a soot filter in order to comply with the strict requirement of 0.03 grams per kW/hour (ETC) for Euro 5. Furthermore, all four-cylinder PACCAR FR engines are available in a model which meets the standards of the even lower EEV emission values without a soot filter.

Even greater driver comfort
The interior is even more attractive due to the use of new materials and colours. By opting for colours such as ’pastel yellow’ (wall and roof upholstery, and the mattress and curtains in versions with the sleeper cab), ’roast black’ and ’dark brown’ (dashboard, door panels), the much-praised interiors of the LF series get an even more distinctive touch and the interior space is emphasised even more. The new seats have luxurious embossed upholstery, which improves the seating comfort.

Furthermore, the number of languages in which vehicle and journey information is given on the main display on the dashboard has been increased by 21, bringing the total to 35. That means extra comfort for the driver and even greater efficiency for transport operators employing drivers of several nationalities.

All LF models are also fitted as standard with a system that warns the driver when the pressure in one of the tyres is too low. This prevents unnecessary fuel consumption and decreases the chance of a blowout.

New options
Trucks such as the LF series are utilised for a diverse range of transport tasks, from city and regional distribution to long-distance transport, as well as for special applications, such as road-sweepers, skip loaders and tankers.

Especially for use as refuse collection vehicles or mixers, the models with six cylinders are available with a new engine PTO with a torque of 400 Nm.

In addition, for use in refrigerated and frozen transport, preparation for a refrigeration block generator is available on all six-cylinder LF models. As this is mounted directly on the engine, the service life of the Poly V-belt is substantially improved. Specifically for fuel tankers, a box-shaped exhaust silencer is available as an option. This is mounted on the chassis in such a way that space is created for the installation of the distributor pump and fittings. As this silencer leads to a higher ground clearance, it is also of particularly interest for construction industry transport.

Less maintenance
To further improve the efficiency of the LF series, the load-sensing brake regulator will now be regulated electronically in order to achieve better brake distribution and to reduce maintenance. Also the new unitised wheel bearings of the LF45 virtually maintenance-free.

With the optimisation and expansion of the engine range, the renewed interior design and the availability of new options, the DAF LF continues to lead the field in the distribution segment. The innovations contribute to even greater vehicle efficiency and enhanced driver comfort. Production of the revised DAF LF series starts in July 2009.

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MORE RENAULT MIDLUMS FOR WEST MERCIA SUPPLIES

Friday, June 12th, 2009

Stationery and educational supplier, West Mercia Supplies, has taken delivery of three Renault Midlum 220.12s, through Renault Trucks Midlands.

The vehicles join a 10-strong mixed fleet. The rigid trucks, which have box bodies, will be used to deliver an extensive range of office and educational products to schools and colleges, as well as local government offices and other non-profit making organisations.

The vehicles will operate from the company’s depot in Shropshire, delivering supplies to the Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, West Midlands, Manchester, Derby, Coventry, Bath, Cardiff and North Wales areas.

Mike Rogers, Distribution Operations Manager for West Mercia Supplies, says: “We attended last year’s CV Show in Birmingham and evaluated the Renault Midlum against its competitors, looking at quality, build and fuel efficiency. Then after carrying out extensive trials and testing by our drivers they felt the Renault Midlum came out on top as best value for money. We already have three Renault Midlum 7.5 tonne trucks on our fleet and have been impressed with the quality and performance of these vehicles.”

West Mercia Supplies is a purchasing consortium owned by four member authorities – Herefordshire Council, Shropshire Council, Telford and Wrekin Council and Worcestershire County Council.

Established in 1987, WMS operates from its purpose built Warehouse at Oxon Business Park, Shrewsbury.

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Volvo FH 16 700 Details At Trucklocator.co.uk

Friday, June 12th, 2009

The factory gates open and the first Volvo FH16 700 appears. An eager Tore Aase from Norway is there to take delivery of the world’s most powerful series-manufactured truck. On Norway’s hilly west coast, the truck’s power will come into its own.
Volvo FH Trucks for sale at trucklocator.co.uk
The truck will be used in long-haul operations in the west of Norway, hauling equipment for the oil industry. The 700 horsepower and massive 3150 Nm of torque will be put to good use.

“The reason why we chose the FH16 700 is that we haul loads of up to 50 tonnes. The roads are often narrow and there may be kilometre-long gradients of between 6 and 10 percent, so you can never really have too much power,” says Tore Aase, owner of haulage company Spesial og Tungtransport AS, located in Förde 170 kilometres north of Bergen on the Norwegian west coast.

Higher average speed
Tore Aase spends up to 200 days a year in his truck and his trips along Norway’s demanding west coast test the truck to its limits. “With our new 700, I will be able to maintain a far higher average speed on the long and steep gradients. I-Shift is also very important to me – not having to make constant gearchanges will considerably reduce my work behind the wheel. I’ve been driving trucks since the mid-seventies and I’m beginning to get a few aches and pains in my elbow.”

When asked how his colleagues will respond when he becomes the first customer to drive the world’s strongest truck, Tore Aase replies with a knowing smile: “Well, I’ll be leader of the pack and this truck is sure going to attract a whole lot of attention!”

Roo-bars to protect against deer
The new truck will become operational toward the end of July. Before that, it will be fitted with a variety of accessories, including roo-bars. Not that kangaroos are a common sight on Norwegian roads, but the region abounds with wild deer, elk and reindeer.

Tore Aase is a loyal customer who has driven Volvo trucks for the past 18 years. “I have tried other makes but I stick with Volvo. One important reason is that I get excellent service from my local dealer.”

Unique performance and fuel economy
The Volvo FH16 with 700 horsepower is the world’s most powerful truck. It is built for the most demanding haulage assignments. Despite its 700 horsepower, there is no increase in either its emissions or fuel consumption. On the contrary, nitrogen oxide emissions have dropped by 40 percent compared with the previous model, so the new truck meets the forthcoming Euro 5 emission standards.

“The FH16 700 is in a class of its very own on the world truck market. It offers a unique combination of performance and fuel economy. We have already noted considerable interest in the new model among customers who run particularly demanding transport operations,” says Claes Nilsson, President of the Europe division at Volvo Trucks.

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Mayor of London shows strong interest in LBM powered Daily

Friday, June 12th, 2009

All eyes were on Iveco’s natural gas powered Daily light commercial at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership’s exhibition earlier this week, as Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, stopped to talk to Iveco and Gasrec about the benefits of Liquid Biomethane (LBM).
Iveco Daily vans at Vanlocator.co.uk
Hosted in Potters Field Park, on the southern side of the River Thames between City Hall and Tower Bridge, Iveco and Gasrec jointly displayed a 6.5 tonne Daily to highlight the partnership between the two organisations, which last month (May 2009) saw Gasrec named as Iveco’s preferred supplier of LBM.

Taking pride of place at the event was the same Daily 65C14G cage tipper which has just completed a highly successful six month trial on recycling and street cleansing operations for Camden Council, during which time it recorded a 62 per cent saving in CO2 over diesel engined equivalents, whilst highlighting the suitability of LBM as a high quality fuel.

Boris Johnson dedicated part of his tour of the show to viewing the Daily and speaking directly with David Burke, Commercial Development Director at Iveco UK and Doug Leaf, Development Manager at Gasrec.

Commenting after the exhibition, Burke said: “The Mayor of London was extremely positive about the potential use of LBM. It’s a technology that he wasn’t fully aware of but was very keen to find out more.

“Our recent trial has highlighted that running a natural gas powered Daily on LBM offers fleet operators a serious and renewable alternative for applications where vehicles operate on a regular back-to-base cycle. As a direct result we are currently in discussions with several key operators about the potential of running gas powered Dailys on LBM, with right-hand drive production being geared-up at our plant in Suzarra to support the UK market,” he explained.

LBM is a commercially competitive and environmentally sound fuel that can be directly substituted for natural gas and is the most sustainable alternative fuel in terms of impact on resource depletion in relation to alternatives such as biodiesel and ethanol. Furthermore, LBM has the lowest carbon intensity of all commercially available alternative fuels – with one tonne of LBM equivalent to 1,200 litres of diesel, which is sufficient to fuel a 44 tonne heavy goods vehicle for an entire week.

The complete range of gas powered Daily’s extends to 28 different models available in the UK, plated between 3.5 and 6.5 tonnes, including three panel vans, five chassis cabs and five chassis crew-cabs, available in a variety of different wheelbase lengths. All models are powered by the same 3 litre engine which is capable of producing up to 136 hp between 2,730 and 3,500 rev/min, and up to 350 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 2,730 rev/min.

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VOLVO TRUCK AND BUS CENTRE NORTH & SCOTLAND OPEN DEALERSHIP ON TEESSIDE All Used trucks on trucklocator.co.uk

Friday, June 5th, 2009

Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland have opened a new, state-of-the-art dealership on Teesside.
Volvo Truck Dealer - Teeside
The new Dealerpoint handles truck, bus and coach parts and service as well as new and used truck sales. Customers can also book annual tests at the on-site, VOSA-authorised MOT Test bay. To service tanker operators in the region, the workshop meets the latest regulations for all petroleum vehicles.

Located just off the A19 trunk road, adjacent to the Portrack Roundabout at Stockton-on-Tees, the new depot replaces the older facility in Yarm Road Business Park, Darlington. The location is also close to other major routes, including the A66 and is of strategic importance for existing Volvo customers and new customers alike. It is also conveniently located for operators working on the development of the Tees Port project.

Secure access to the Volvo Customer Portal is one of the many innovative services offered to customers of the new Teesside Dealership. This secure internet-based service allows contract and preventive maintenance customers to view details of their account online, together with service schedules, service job sheets and invoices. They can even book inspections and services online and the Customer Portal highlights critical defects.

The new site offers first class security and ease of parking for all truck, bus and coach customers. The emphasis throughout, says Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland Managing Director Martin Merrick, is on delivering service excellence to the region’s valued customers.

“Our focus is on fast, efficient service to the highest quality standards,” says Martin,” We have a full staff of highly trained workshop personnel, including Volvo Master Technicians and also Volvo Frontline Bus and Coach Technicians. We have the most up-to-date workshop equipment to offer customers a more efficient turnaround of repairs and maintenance jobs.”

A number of measures have been taken to reduce the carbon footprint of the new facility. These include compliance with the latest standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS), rain water collection and filtering. Roof fans blow hot air back to the workshop floor to reduce fossil fuel usage and low energy light bulbs have been used throughout the site.

Volvo Action Service cover is provided 24/7 all year round. Opening hours are 07.00 am to 23.00 pm Monday to Friday and 07.00 am to 13.00 hours on Saturday.

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Truckstops: too few and too poor, say FTA members

Friday, June 5th, 2009

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has revealed a wholesale dissatisfaction with the standard and scale of truck stop provision in the UK among its members. In the leading trade body’s latest survey, two-thirds of FTA members rated truckstop driver facilities, their availability and security levels to be ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’. None of the respondents rated truck stops as ‘very good’.
Trucklocator Weekly Magazine
Many truckstops around the UK stock copies of Trucklocator Weekly magazine for drivers to pick up free of charge and read through the hundreds of trucks for sale to buy themselves a fantastic truck bargain.

Don Armour, FTA’s Manager for Fleet Information, said:

“These results confirm just how poor truck stop provision is in the UK, the implications of which are very serious. Aside from providing lorry drivers with the humane standard of basic facility needed for a decent sleep, secure truckstops also mean that drivers are far less likely to be at the mercy of violent truck thieves.”

Truck theft is on the rise, with 793 incidents recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008 rising from 712 in the fourth quarter of 2007, according to TruckPol. Instances of truck theft are more prevalent in areas with strong motorway access and where load values are typically higher, such as the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Essex and London.

Armour continued:

“Lorry drivers are legally required to take plenty of rest periods for obvious road safety reasons, the simple fact is that they have to park-up somewhere, so why not somewhere safe?”

FTA objected to plans to replace the Night Owl Truck Park in Featherstone, West Midlands with industrial units when the scheme was first mooted two years ago. Recent approval of the scheme will leave drivers with difficult decisions to make if they want to comply with drivers’ safety rules to encourage road safety.

Armour concluded:

“Truck drivers are just trying to do an honest day’s work getting goods from a to b, why should they have to face the prospect of violence and intimidation?

“Anti truckstop agendas are effectively a green light for truck thieves; the decision to remove the Night Owl is an example of pound signs winning over common sense and will leave many truckers high and dry.”

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Truck Manufacturers call on Governments to Help in Crisis - Trucklocator.co.uk

Friday, June 5th, 2009

In an update given to on trucklocator.co.uk, the European commercial vehicle manufacturers have called upon the European Union and Member States to push economic recovery by investing in the infrastructure of the future, restoring broad access to financing, ensuring a supportive regulatory framework and stimulating vehicle fleet renewal.

“This is not a normal cycle; we are experiencing the sharpest downturn ever. Governments must act to prevent the failing of viable businesses, and they must do so in a coordinated way”, said Leif Östling, CEO of Scania and chairman of the ACEA commercial vehicle manufacturers board, today in Leipzig at the International Transport Forum, a three-day conference gathering transport ministers from the EU. The Forum coincides with the EU Competitiveness Council, today in Brussels, which will assess crisis measures to support Europe’s industrial base.

The financial and economic crisis has triggered a marked drop in transport activity and subsequent sharp decline in demand for commercial vehicles. Order intake for heavy trucks stalled at 10,000 in the first quarter of 2009, compared to 100,000 a year ago. Adapting to the crisis, manufacturers expect commercial vehicle production to at least halve this year, putting great pressure on employment levels both at vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers.

“Progress towards sustainable mobility requires a thriving industry. In the current extraordinary economic and financial situation, however, the relative cost of the regulatory burden on our industry increases. This is an issue that must be addressed. The legislative framework should be carefully scrutinised”, said Östling. “Furthermore, there are many infrastructural and construction projects planned for the future that could be launched right now.” Investments in sustainable mobility, energy and telecommunications networks will stimulate the economy in a focused way. Referring to the European elections early next month, Östling added: “This is an issue that the new European Parliament should embrace as well.”

Governments must also act to restore the functioning of the financial system, said Östling. “The lack of credit is a particular problem in our industry. We have many customers that could show a valid business case for investing in new vehicles but are unable to finance these investments due to the overall lack of credit facilities.” Östling warned that the recession will lead to an aging vehicle fleet with negative environmental and safety repercussions. “This increases the need to make the overall transportation system more efficient and, for example, enlarge cargo capacity by allowing longer vehicle combinations on European roads. Governments should also introduce fleet replacement incentives across the EU so improving the environmental and safety performance of the vehicle fleet on the roads.”

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Update Trucklocator and Vanlocator websites using your existing Dealer Edit

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

Truck dealers and van dealers already using dealer edit to update their stock on the internet can now have the details of their stock automatically uploaded to Trucklocator.co.uk and Vanlocator.co.uk for a nominal fee of just £5 per week on top of the standard Trucklocator and Vanlocator charges.

This small fee does not depend on the number of vehicles in the feed - if you have 20+ trucks, the link up is excellent value. If you are a dealer and are looking at new ways of increasing advertising response then adding your vehicles to Trucklocator.co.uk and Vanlocator.co.uk may be the way forward.

In the past, dealer edit users would have to enter the details of their vehicles into Trucklocator or Vanlocator separately. Now the details are automatically updated overnight from dealer edit to Trucklocator.co.uk and Vanlocator.co.uk

The details include up to four photographs. Dealers interested in the service should call Focus Publishing Limited, the company behind the Trucklocator.co.uk and Vanlocator.co.uk brands on 01733 566933.

Prices start at just £60 per month with special prices for 3, 6 and 12 month bookings.

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Hundreds of Volvo Trucks for Sale at Trucklocator.co.uk

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

In a recent agreement with Volvo Trucks UK, more than three hundred Volvo commercial vehicles for sale were put onto the trucklocator.co.uk website.

This more than doubled the total number of Volvo commercial vehicles available on the site and includes Volvo Tractor units, Volvo rigids with all body types including box-bodies, curtainsiders, Volvo tippers and all models including FM trucks for sale, Volvo FH trucks for sale and Volvo FL trucks for sale.

To search for a Volvo truck for sale users simply need to visit the buy a truck page on trucklocator.co.uk

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