Archive for September, 2009

CV Operator Show 2010 – something for everyone

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Amongst hundreds of exhibitors, visitors to the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show next April will find a wide variety of solutions to operating problems and ideas to increase productivity, improve efficiency and maximise profits.

From fleet management systems to tyres, lubes and fuels, specialist refrigerated or municipal equipment or vehicle parts, bodies and equipment, everything required to keep loads on the move will be there. Not since the CV Show in April 2008 has such a meeting place been available to enable operators to review their business arrangements and discuss technical and operational developments with suppliers.

At the CV Operator Show, the accent will be exclusively on the road transport and logistics business, making it an obvious destination for directors, managers and engineers in truck, van and minibus operators around the UK.

It is this authoritative audience which is proving so attractive to exhibitors, as Richard Gibbs, Managing Director of BPW confirms. “As a long-time exhibitor at the CV Show, we value the opportunity to meet so many of our customers, old and new, in a relatively short period and where they come to us. For operators, a business meeting place such as the 2010 CV Operator Show is a truly cost-effective way to keep up to date with new developments while also meeting new suppliers.”

Visitor registration for free entry tickets opens soon at www.cvoperatorshow.com.

The event will be held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham from 13-15 April 2010.

RHA disappointed at VOSA test station closure

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

The Road Haulage Association is disappointed that the concerns raised over the closure of the VOSA test station at Llandrindod Wells have gone unheeded and that the facility is do to close on Friday 25th September.

Commenting, RHA Head of Communications Kate Gibbs said: “Of course we support the intention of bringing vehicle testing closer to operators and improving the flexibility of testing hours but we fear that these benefits may fail to materialise in practice.

“Change is inevitable and we appreciate VOSAs efforts to engage with the industry. However, we are concerned that these efforts have not gone far enough to ensure that the service to hauliers will not be compromised either in terms of cost or site availability”.

At the request of the RHA’s Midlands and Western Regional Director, Mike Farmer, VOSA recently called a meeting attended by 85 operators at which they revealed that the site had been sold to a leading supermarket chain and was part of the transformation of testing. This includes moving testing from VOSA sites (the majority of which will face closure) to a new system of contracted sites; Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs).

Despite the fact that the Llandrindod Wells testing station is due to close in three days time, as yet there is still no agreement with a local ATF provider. In addition, it seems unlikely that any local firm entering into such a contract would be capable of taking large articulated trucks or would be prepared to commit to such an undertaking due, in no small part, to the financial investment needed..

“Hauliers are already facing uncertain future and this represents an additional worry that they can well do without,” Kate Gibbs concluded.

Commercial vehicle manufacturers: recovery still far away

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

The economic and financial crisis has a far-reaching effect on the European commercial vehicle industry. The drop in economic activity and transport has pushed truck production down to half of pre-crisis levels and there are no real signs of recovery in sight.

Demand for commercial vehicles has fallen sharply, mirroring the lower economic activity and reflecting the difficult financial situation of many transport companies. ACEA registrations data, published this morning, revealed a 37% drop in new vehicle sales in Europe until August this year compared to January - August last year. Order intake for heavy trucks stalled at around 25,000 in the first half of 2009, or 85% less than in the same period of 2008. This year’s commercial vehicle production is expected to halve at least. Whereas the bottom of the slope appears to have been reached, there are no signs of a rapid improvement. Manufacturers expect a flat market until late into 2010.

Over the past year, commercial vehicle manufacturers have already taken numerous measures to adapt to the economic turmoil, by laying-off of temporary workers, reducing shifts and cutting back working hours among other steps. Soon, further-reaching measures may have to be taken to adjust to lower output levels. “The commercial vehicle industry is facing the prospect of having to make fundamental changes to its operations”, said Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of ACEA.

The commercial vehicle industry is an important part of the European automobile industry and currently employs about 1.5 million people directly and indirectly in Europe. Its products are first choice around the world. The manufacturers’ advanced technologies are a clear industrial asset and essential in helping to achieve environmental objectives in the EU and across the globe. “The commercial vehicle manufacturers make the products that their customers need and society wants. Ways must be found to bridge the current exceptional crisis. Europe cannot afford to stand aside and let this sector be at risk”, said Hodac.

NMS CIVIL ENGINEERING CHOOSE VOLVO TO HELP MAKE MOTORWAY MAINTENANCE SAFER

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

NMS Civil Engineering Ltd., based in Wigan, Lancashire, has recently taken delivery of their first Volvo truck - Volvo FH-480 tractor unit with chassis-mounted Hiab crane - to add to their fleet of six other vehicles.
Volvo FH 480 Tractor Units - loads for sale at trucklocator.co.uk
Peter Law, Contracts Director at NMS commented, “Operating a number of marques over the years, we were swayed to choose Volvo based on price, reputation and exceptional customer service from our local Volvo Dealership.”

Purchased from Thomas Hardie Commercials, the Euro-4-compliant 6×2 Volvo FH 480 bhp, tag axle truck is specified with a 14-speed gearbox and sleeper cab and is plated for 44 tonnes GCW. The vehicle also features a Palfinger PK42502c crane, with a 12.1 metre reach, capable of lifting a capacity of over 3000kg at maximum deployment.

As Peter explained, “Working on motorways, our vehicles often have to operate with restricted room and uneven surfaces causing problems when deploying the legs for the Hiabs.”

He continued, “Our new vehicle has been fitted with an Integrated Stability Control (ISC) deployment system which shows the percentage of capacity utilisation and the overload situation. This means that will never lift an unsafe load, allowing us to set safer standards for our line of work.”
As the premier force in the Northwest motorway and road reconstruction industry, NMS have chosen to opt for a 5-year repair and maintenance contract at Thomas Hardie Commercials.

Peter received the vehicle from Peter Schofield, Thomas Hardie’s Area Sales Manager, and commented, “Thomas Hardie Commercials have been commendable throughout the purchasing process of the vehicle; I now expect the same professionalism throughout NMS’s contract.”

As the company’s only vehicle with ISC advanced safety features, the vehicle will primarily operate on the company’s ‘Asset’ contract ensuring the safe installation of temporary barriers along the regions motorway network.

VOLVO CUSTOMERS LOOK FOR SAVINGS AFTER EXTRA FUELWATCH SEMINARS

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

The current series of ‘Fuelwatch’ seminars run by Volvo Trucks around the UK has enjoyed considerable success, with around 100 customers attending the eight sessions held to date.
Volvo Trucks Fuel Seminar - Buy a Volvo Truck at Trucklocator.co.uk
The programme, which began in May, was originally intended to end in November, but has been extended until December because of customer demand, with a further ten sessions planned by the end of the year.

Response among customers has been extremely positive, with several already considering follow-up action such as contracting into Volvo’s Fuel Management Service.

Day Aggregates, for example, are in talks about a trial of Dynafleet fuel telematics and Phil Loughney, Transport Manager of Tyneside-based demolition operator G. O’Brien & Sons, is equally enthusiastic. “Saving diesel is a big factor these days,” Phil remarks, “in terms not just of cost, but of carbon footprint. The seminar was very good, very interesting, and we’re setting up a more in-depth meeting. The Fuel Management Service sounds the business; if we go ahead with it, we’ll look at employing a full-time staff member just to monitor fuel use. If the projections are accurate, our fleet of 38 trucks could be making savings in the region of £80k per year!”

According to Chris Evans, Volvo’s TIS and Sector Manager and the man behind the seminars, the subject matter is particularly relevant to the current economic climate and offers a detailed and challenging look at every factor in fuel use.

“We cover everything from fuel types to aerodynamics to vehicle specification,” says Chris. “We run through the principles involved and then we ask questions and get into a lot of specific detail.“
“We challenge the customers and their assumptions quite seriously,” Chris continues, “and we try to make it as interactive as possible, getting customers up to do presentations – which give the material the credibility it deserves.”

Driven by customer participation, some sessions have run to over three hours and were described by Chris Cooling, Transport Operations Manager of Day Aggregates, as “well presented and very informative.”

From Volvo’s point of view, says Chris Evans the seminars are “a business growth opportunity as part of our total offer,” but he points out the unique nature of the services available from the company as follow-up to the events.

“What we constantly hear from customers is that lots of other manufacturers offer telematics, but all they provide is raw data,” he explains, “However, as far as we’re aware, only Volvo is providing interpretation, analysis and practical solutions based on that data.”

FTA’s response to Gordon Brown’s speech at today’s Labour Party conference

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Speaking after Gordon Brown’s speech to the Labour Party conference today, the Freight Transport Association’s James Hookham said:

“A new national investment programme for businesses could provide a much needed boost for companies looking to expand and invest. Needless to say, the devil will be in the detail, but this, plus the increase in training opportunities, could help those areas reliant on logistics to turn the corner in these tough times.

“Of course, without continued investment in infrastructure, joining up the road and rail networks and making it easier to move goods from coast to coast, these efforts will be for nought. That’s why FTA will continue to press the Government not to scrap these programmes and to recognise the value of the logistics sector to UK plc and to give it the support it needs.”

New Scania R-series announced

Monday, September 21st, 2009

Scania’s R-series is taking on a new look inside and out. External changes have sharpened its looks, while enhancing aerodynamics and improving cooling capacity. Inside there is a new high-quality ambience, along with a brand new pull-out bed concept and lots of thoughtful detailing emanating from customer requests.
Scania R Series Trucks For Sales at Trucklocator.co.uk
Five years after its launch and with more than 200,000 vehicles delivered to markets across the globe, the top-of-the-line Scania R-series has been given a new, more dynamic frontal treatment and other external styling touches that serve to boost its productivity and improve its looks.
At the same time the interior has been extensively modified, with upgraded materials that add a new level of quality. Innumerable options are available, luxury car style, to tailor the driver’s working and resting environment to individual needs.
Sharper exterior
Sharper frontal styling, with more pronounced horizontal lines and a new vertical theme picking up from the window line and recess on the side and running all the way to the bumper, accentuates the flowing style and reinforces the Scania identity, which is also boosted by a bigger Scania logotype.
The new grille, with more distinct horizontal bars, features a brighter colour that contrasts better with the paintwork. The shape improves airflow and admits more air to the radiator and into the engine compartment.
The new bumper design blends into the strength of the frontal styling, while extending the availability of adaptive cruise control (ACC) to a wide range of models. Optional LED daytime running lights and high-pressure headlamp cleaners are integrated in the design.
New sideskirts for tractor units, painted in the cab colour as a standard feature, harmonise with the sharper frontal styling and lines from the boarding steps. The new aerodynamic shape improves fuel consumption by 0.6 percent compared to the current sideskirts. The new sideskirts are designed to accommodate larger fuel tanks, a step up to the catwalk and an integrated LH side exhaust outlet. A fuel tank capacity of up to 1,500 litres can now be specified on a 4×2 tractor unit, both with EGR and SCR engines.

Personalised interior
The R-series driver station – by many considered to be an industry benchmark – has been extensively modified and upgraded to further enhance safety, comfort, storage, convenience and driver appeal.
The dashboard features new styling and new materials that improve its look and feel. The styling and choice of colours reflects the different functional areas in the cab, i.e. the workplace, the resting area and the sleeping quarters, all tied together by a coherent, customisable colour scheme.
A long list of factory options enables the working environment and living space to be customised. Ergonomics have been further improved and the storage facilities around the driver enhanced to accommodate all the items that need to be at hand when driving.
As comfy as they get
The standard lower R-series bed introduced in late 2008 features a thick, 155 mm mattress with pocket springs and small fill-in sections that can be left permanently in place for most drivers.
Scania is now launching an optional new bed with exceptional comfort, featuring a pull-out concept to adjust the width and the springing as well as a thick 155 mm pocket-spring mattress. Sleeping comfort can easily be tailored to individual drivers, without encroaching on the highly adjustable driver station. Bed width is adjustable from 730 to 900 mm. The width adjustment is easily accomplished by lifting the front of the bed, even when seated on it.