Archive for July, 2009

Customers feel the force behind Fuso strengthen as new Canter Euro 5 models are announced

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

* Mitsubishi Fuso Canter now with fully integrated nationwide team
* Euro 5 models reduce costs, increase efficiency and add versatility
Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles has used the announcement of the exciting new Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Euro 5 to unveil its new UK sales and marketing organisation. The new structure gives the Fuso brand a strong UK foundation to launch the new models, by using the expertise of the UK’s entire Truck Sales and Marketing team.

The new 26-strong head office team will work with the dealer network to roll-out the new Canter Euro 5 range, which arrives in showrooms next spring. Headed by Sam Whittaker, Director Truck Sales and Marketing, Fuso Canter will still be available through all Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles dealers – but now with added back-up and support for an expanded line-up.

The new Canter Euro 5 takes the popular low-cost, high-payload vehicle into new territory. A family of efficient, powerful new three-litre engines combine improved fuel consumption with reduced maintenance costs, whilst adding increased driveability and bigger payloads across the range.

Single or double cabs are available to order in two widths, and the new lightweight engines mean the 7.5-tonne variants can now carry an impressive five tonne load. Adding more depth to the range is the introduction of a 3.5-tonne model with a narrow cab – ideal for urban deliveries in tight spots. This modular approach means there is an ideal specification for more applications than before.

Ian Jones, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles, explained: “The new Fuso Canter range takes this important truck to a new level – and it makes more financial sense than ever before, too.

“Businesses across the country are looking to reduce their costs. This new range with smaller, more-efficient engines, better fuel consumption and bigger payloads drives costs down whilst giving operators a high-quality, easy-to-use vehicle. Adding strength and depth to the nationwide team means our customers will benefit from improved vehicles and even better service.”

Sam Whittaker added: “The new Canter Euro 5 announcement is the ideal time to reinforce the new products with increased UK sales and marketing support from our experts in head office and throughout the dealer network. Fuso was previously a stand-alone boutique-type business unit and the team worked hard, but the expanded model-line-up deserves a bigger – fully integrated - team backing it up.

“Our new range arrives next spring, so we have plenty of time to get behind the existing Canter range, to work with our dealers and offer customers even better service than before. 2010 is shaping up to be an exciting year in the truck business, and we’re well-placed to offer a compelling family of vehicles, now from 3.5-tonnes upwards. Whether our products wear the three-pointed star or three diamonds on their grilles, we’ve now got one dedicated team, committed to delivering exceptional service.”

UK prices and specifications of the new Fuso Canter Euro 5 models will be announced in due course.

Eurocargos on the rise in Allied Bakeries fleet

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Iveco’s decision to launch its latest Eurocargo model exclusively with an automated transmission and Euro 5 engine as standard has helped secure a major order from Allied Bakeries, a division of Associated British Foods plc.

Allied Bakeries placed the order for 93 new vehicles to replace the same number of older vehicles in its fleet following trials of a demonstrator from two different manufacturers.

Christopher Davies, Fleet Engineer at Allied Bakeries, famous for grocery brands including Allinson, Kingsmill and Sunblest, explains: “We were in the market to place an order for 93 new distribution vehicles, split between 7.5, 14 and 18 tonnes, and took the decision to trial demonstrators from Iveco and Daf.

“Both trucks performed well but only the Eurocargo was available with an automated gearbox and a Euro 5 engine as standard. This worked heavily in its favour, as paying for these features as optional extras just didn’t make commercial sense after comparing the two trucks side-by-side,” he adds.

Allied Bakeries’ decision to adopt automated transmissions for its medium weight distribution fleet follows trials the company has already run with its tractors which recorded a notable improvement in fuel economy when comparing the two different gearboxes.

“We’re confident the same theory will bring benefits to these new vehicles,” adds Davies. “The great advantage of an automated transmission is that you can’t over-rev the engine, so the truck is always in the right gear. It also prolongs clutch life and offers enhanced comfort and safety for our drivers, since routine traffic congestion these days means stop/start driving is commonplace.”

The total order includes 55 Eurocargo 75E16S, which will be used for multi-drop urban distribution, together with 27 Eurocargo 140E22P and three Eurocargo 180E25P, for direct deliveries to larger stores and supermarkets across the UK. Additionally a further eight Eurocargo 140E18’s fitted with a manual transmission have been supplied for driver training purposes. Supplied by Stormont Truck & Van, each vehicle has been mounted with a Don Bur dry freight box body and Dhollandia tail-lift and is expected to remain in operation for between 10 and 11 years

“MOST COMPETITIVE” VOLVO FM13 TIPPERS FOR KANE GROUP

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Hertfordshire-based construction contract specialists Kane Group have taken delivery of 11 new Volvo FM13 tippers, citing a competitive overall package and previous strong performance as the key reasons for their choice.

The 8×4 trucks are plated for operation at 32 tonnes GVW; two will run in the colours of Kane Group demolition subsidiary G. J. Gaywood while the others will bear Kane Haulage Limited livery.

“Initially,” says Group Managing Director Andy Kane, “I went to competitive tender on an order for 10 chassis that was subsequently changed to 11. I have previously had good experience of the Volvo product and on this occasion Volvo supplied the most competitive package.” Driver satisfaction was also an important consideration, according to Andy; “All the drivers appreciate the power and comfortable ride. In our experience there has always been a high degree of driver comfort achieved with the Volvo product.”

All 11 vehicles are equipped with B-ride suspension and will be used in heavy-duty muck shifting operations, as well as carrying sands and gravels for the aggregate supply side of the business. The tipper bodies are heavy gauge aluminium with Harsh Underfloor tipping gear; they are also equipped with PM Onboard weighing units and Transcover sheeting systems.

Repair and maintenance will be carried out by the supplying Dealer Volvo Truck and Bus Centre London on a 3-year contract, with work being carried out from their Radlett depot.

VOLVO UK NATIONAL MOT PASS RATES HIT 91% FOR FIRST HALF OF 2009

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

According to statistics issued by VOSA, Volvo Trucks’ Dealer Network has achieved a national UK initial pass rate for MOT annual tests of 91.0%, for the six months to June 30th 2009.

The Volvo figures include not just Volvo trucks, but also trailers and non-Volvo vehicles prepared and tested by the Volvo Dealer Network.

Indeed, the pass rate for June itself is 92.1% (1.75% better than May 2009) and reflects a rising trend in the Volvo Dealer Network as a whole. In fact, Volvo’s Dealers outperformed the general initial pass rate trend for the full year 2008 by achieving a 2.97% improvement compared to the rest of the manufacturers who recorded a 1.47% improvement over the course of the year.