Speaking at a recent press event, Ray Ashworth, UK MD at Daf Trucks said he hopes the firm will take 30% of the UK market for heavy trucks in 2009. “Paccar’s strong profitability is helping to carry us through.” He expects that the UK market for trucks over six tonnes will total 28,000 this year and that Daf will take some 8,300 of them, or 30% of that sector. “This is a 10% share increase in a falling market.” He credits a combination of loyal customers and hardworking dealers for another success in the making. Daf says it and its predecessor Leyland Daf have now led the UK truck market for 15 straight years. “All the trucks we’ve sold in the UK in the last three years were also built in the UK. No other major truck manufacturer can make that claim.”
Archive for December, 2009
Daf aim for 30% of UK truck market
Friday, December 18th, 2009
Another new business centre for Schmitz
Friday, December 18th, 2009As part of a strategy to boost its coverage throughout the UK and Ireland, trailer maker and truck bodybuilder Schmitz Cargobull has opened another new Regional Business Centre. This, the second of the firm’s business centres opened in 2009, is on a two-acre site. It includes offices, a parts store and a display area for new and used trailers. “Essentially, the Regional Business Centres operate like owned dealerships,” said Tom Macallan, UK managing director at Schmitz Cargobull. “They perform different but entirely complementary functions to those undertaken by our existing Service Partners, with whom we will continue to develop, train and grow our network.” Schmitz has similar RBCs operate in Warrington and Harelaw, with others due in the South West of England, Scotland and Ireland during 2010.
Truck Makers call for Euro6 Delay
Friday, December 18th, 2009Iveco’s Chief Executive Officer, Paolo Monferino, addressing a Brussels event called for Euro 6 implementation to be put back a further two years to allow the truckmakers to recover from the recession and allow them to invest the billions required to meet the standard. He went on to suggest the standard should be reassessed, “in the light of the foreseen negative global warming aspect of vehicles certified to this standard.”
Monferino referred to the composition of the commercial vehicle running parc of four of the most significant markets in Europe where, on average, almost half of the vehicles in circulation were older than Euro 3. He called for the European governments to introduce some tax incentives for companies to renew their vehicles – scrappage for trucks.
Paolo Monferino
JDS Trucks in MBO
Friday, December 18th, 2009Renault Trucks distributor, JDS Trucks Ltd., has been bought by its three directors, Mark Griffiths, Peter Glover and Richard Davies from former owner Peter Harper. The company, which operates from Manchester, Blackburn and Leeds, has been part of the Renault Trucks network since the early 1990’s.
Richard Davies, Dealer Principal, JDS Trucks, says: “This is very much a team effort and we are all very excited by the acquisition in very difficult times for the industry as a whole. Between the three of us we have over 70 years of commercial vehicle experience and we can honestly say that trucks are in our blood!
Although times are challenging at the moment, we are very much looking forward to taking on this challenge and to working closely with Renault Trucks and with our customers. Our number one focus will always be on quality of customer care and satisfaction and we want to ensure that we always go that ‘extra mile’ for our customers. Our plan is to build on the already well known JDS brand and continue to operate a high quality business as usual.”
Richard Davies joined JDS Trucks two years ago after 25 years with Mercedes Benz; Mark Griffiths, Finance Director, has been with JDS for 10 years and; Peter Glover, Aftermarket Director, has been with the company for 18 years.
JDS Trucks was established in 1965, as J Douthwaite & Sons, and bought by Peter Harper 20 years ago.
Isuzu’s fresh approach wins Fresh Direct’s truck order
Wednesday, December 9th, 20093 tonne payload, frugal fuel economy and customer service impresses
When it came to tendering for Fresh Direct’s latest vehicle order, Isuzu Truck UK successfully clinched the deal for 20 new vehicles with an all-round package that gave Fresh Direct the benefits of superior payload, frugal fuel consumption and unrivalled customer service.
The order for 20 new Isuzu N75.190 7.5t rigid trucks, all fitted with the popular Easyshift transmission, represents a move by Fresh Direct to the Isuzu marque for the first time as they were impressed by Isuzu’s overall approach to their specific vehicle requirements.
According to Nick Allen, head of logistics at Fresh Direct, “As an organisation, we are consistently looking at ways to reduce the number of delivery runs whilst improving the service we provide to our customers. The obvious payload advantage offered by the Isuzu 7.5 tonne range naturally appealed to us and this was complemented by the Isuzu’s proven fuel economy.”
With the combination of the Isuzu 7.5t chassis cab, the single compartment RVL refrigerated body and the Carrier Transicold Xarios refrigeration system, Fresh Direct are achieving a 3 tonne payload with these new trucks, which represents a significant improvement over their predecessors.
“We have also been impressed by how close Isuzu has worked with us since we ordered the new vehicles. At Fresh Direct, we operate an extensive driver training centre and with Isuzu’s help and input we have implemented a rigorous driver training programme to get the very best out of the new Isuzu vehicles,” added Nick Allen.
Fresh Direct (UK) Ltd, based in Bicester, is a major foodservice supplier dealing with predominantly pubs, restaurants, hotel groups, premium retailers, colleges, conference centres, event organisers and even celebrity chefs. Operating through seven depots nationwide, the company operates an all-refrigerated distribution fleet comprising in excess of 145 vehicles.
Each of the new vehicles has its own unique livery featured on the refrigerated body, highlighting the extensive range of over 2000 different fruits and vegetables supplied by the company.
The first 15 of the new Isuzu 7.5 tonne rigids are working out of the company’s Bicester depot, with the five remaining vehicles operating from the Fresh Direct depot in St Neots in Cambridgeshire.
“The temperature controlled distribution sector is an area where, during 2009, Isuzu has achieved significant success with its Forward range. With prestigious companies, such as Fresh Direct, choosing Isuzu for the first time, we believe that our all-round package of payload, fuel economy and customer service is a winning combination for any company involved in the distribution of temperature sensitive products,” said Keith Child, Marketing Director at Isuzu Truck (UK) Limited.
MAN WINS WELSH WASTE ORDER FROM WILLIAMS
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009Skip-hire and recycling specialists, Williams a Williams in Pwllheli, North Wales, has taken delivery of a bespoke 8×4 draw-bar combination from local MAN Truck Centre in Wrexham, AN Richards, for bulk recycling operations.
The TGS 35.440 8×4 BB prime-mover is equipped with Multi-Lift roll-on-off bodywork, and is coupled to a Cauldswell tri-axle skip-trailer. The 44 tonne GCW offers a payload of 20 tonnes.
The new ‘L’-cabbed drawbar unit joins a 280hp MAN TGM 18 tonner in the company’s non-AdBlue fleet of ten trucks.
Since the closure of its local landfill site, Williams a Williams was forced to undertake a 150 mile round trip from its transfer station to deliver its full loads of compacted waste.
The requirement for a larger capacity truck became apparent, and the 20 tonne payload provided by the MAN drawbar combination sees the company operating profitably once more. The 8×4 is also run solo for other applications.
“The MAN 8×4 offered the ideal specification,” said Managing Director, Meurig O Jones, “MAN TipMatic automated gearbox, front disc brakes, and a really robust chassis for quarry and highway maintenance work made the truck very appealing. AN Richards were very helpful too – they made sure we spec’d the right truck for the job, and guided us through the whole acquisition process.”
“We’re keeping well away from AdBlue as well,” he said, “the whole SCR concept seems unnecessary. Why bother with it? Operational costs increase, and I’ve heard of costly refilling accidents from other local operators.”
Mercedes Sprinters are on the menu for Creed
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009Creed Foodservice hit on a tasty solution to problems with unreliable vans – it switched to Mercedes-Benz. The Gloucestershire-based company invested in three Mercedes Sprinter 315CDI Long vans, which arrived via Tewkesbury dealer Mudie-Bond. And they have performed so well, says Operations Director Philip de Ternant, that an order for seven more may soon be on the menu.
Creed Foodservice runs a fleet of 50 vehicles, most of them trucks with gross weights of up to 15 tonnes, from its headquarters in Cheltenham and a second depot in Nottingham.
“Our trucks are of various marques but our 10 previous 3.5-tonne vans were all by the same manufacturer,” says Mr de Ternant. “We stuck with them for a while but finally lost patience with their poor reliability and an unsatisfactory level of back-up when things did go wrong.
“The Mercedes Sprinter, by contrast, has a great reputation for reliability and, importantly, Mudie-Bond provide excellent parts, servicing and breakdown cover should we need it.”
He continues: “My background is in the distribution industry and I know from experience that Mercedes-Benz builds high-quality vehicles. Reliability is the key aspect for us, as it’s vital that we keep our promise of a first-class level of service to our customers.”
Creed’s vans cover up to 100,000 miles a year. They deliver a wide range of foodstuffs to hotels, restaurants, hospitals, schools and other establishments, all over the country.
“So they are tested to the limit,” adds Mr de Ternant. “Sprinters are built to take that kind of punishment, while offering a safe and comfortable workplace for our drivers.
“The image of the three-pointed star also helps us to convey the right message about our own brand, especially when we’re delivering to five-star hotels and renowned restaurants!”
DAF four-cylinder LF models with EEV engines as standard
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009From spring 2008, EEV compliant engines have been available as an option across the DAF Range. From the beginning of January next year, all models of the LF Range – often used for urban and city centre applications - which are powered by the PACCAR FR 4.5 litre four-cylinder engine will be EEV compliant as standard. Without the fitment of a soot filter, particulate emission values are realised that were long thought to be only achievable with gas engines.
DAF were one of the first manufacturers to be able to offer EEV compliant diesel engines and the EEV option has proved a particularly popular choice in the LF with the previous version of the FR engine, where it was available at a single power rating of 160hp. A number of the UK’s largest fleets chose the EEV option because of its benefit to the environment and no doubt the availability of EEV as standard at all ratings from 140 to 210hp will allow operators from a broader operational range to take advantage.
DAF offers the PACCAR FR EEV engine with power outputs of 140 hp (103 kW), 160 hp (118 kW), 185 hp (136 kW) and, recently, 210 hp (154 kW). The FR EEV is the standard engine in the LF45 at GVW’s of 7.5 to 12 tonnes and in the LF55 at 13 to 15 tonnes GVW.
The LF is the UK’s most popular truck and in the 7.5t to 15t sector it accounts for almost 40% of registrations. It is frequently used for local and regional distribution into urban areas, where operating with low emissions and minimal environmental impact is most important.
The PACCAR FR engine in the DAF LF uses an advanced common rail fuel injection system with operating pressures which have been increased from 1,600 to 1,800 bar. In addition, further optimisation of the engine management system and the use of revised pistons result in even better combustion. Without the use of a soot filter, the very stringent EEV emission standard is achieved, which, when compared to the current Euro 5 standard, requires a further 33% reduction in soot particle emissions, to a mere 0.02 grams per kW/h.
Depending on the model, the LF is specified with a five or six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with an AS-Tronic automated transmission available as an option. The Allison automatic transmission is also available for specialist applications.
2009 Edition
Earlier this year, a number of enhancements were introduced to DAF’s popular distribution truck in the 7.5 to 21 tonnes GVW segment. The interior is even more attractive thanks to the use of new materials and colours. New seats provide even greater comfort. Vehicle and journey information can be shown on the main dashboard display in an even wider range of languages (35). All 4×2 LF models are now fitted as standard with a system that warns the driver if the pressure in one of the tyres is too low. To further increase the efficiency of the LF series, the load-sensing valve is replaced by an electronically controlled regulator to achieve even more graduated braking control and to reduce maintenance. The LF45’s axles also now have unitised bearings which minimise scheduled maintenance.
NEW VOLVO TRUCKS TO HELP LAUNCH NEW CHEESE BRANDING
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009FJ Need (Foods) Limited, the Cheshire based cheese supplier, recently unveiled two new Volvo FH-500 revealing new livery to mark the final phase of the company’s brand development project.
Specified in Globetrotter XL, the Euro 4, 500 hp tractor units, are two of the last few Volvo’s to be placed on the road with EGR technology. They are fitted with a manual gearbox and a host of optional extras, including leather seats, fridge, upgraded living package and Volvo’s new driver visibility package.
With an aim to generate sustained growth and help to raise the company’s profile, FJ Need (Foods) Limited has rebranded one its most popular product lines - their ‘Spinnyfields’ cheese brand - to build upon its success of over 20 years of trading.
As part of the rebrand strategy, the company have refreshed the ‘Spinnyfields’ logo, signage, product packaging and host of marketing material. The final stage has been to replicate the new brand and image on their fleet.
FJ Need’s Marketing Manager, Dawn Storey commented, “As one of world’s best known brands, Volvo were the ideal marque to help us to raise our company’s profile within our industry with fresh new livery.”
Going into service in the North West the vehicles, sold by Thomas Hardie’s Area Sales Manager, Mark Lingard, have been placed on a standard three- year repair and maintenance contract, at the Volvo dealerships Middlewich depot.
Having purchased a number of Volvo’s over the years, FJ Need’s Transport Manager, Simon Platt commented that, “I have always been impressed with the extras that Volvo provides and their value for money.” He added that, “As our drivers are away from home for up to five days at a time, comfort is paramount.”
FJ Need (foods) Limited will use the FH-500’s to distribute their extensive range of cheese products across the UK and parts of Europe.
Whole life cost makes DAF XF105 attractive
Friday, December 4th, 2009Good fuel economy throughout an expected 720,000 kilometre service life and a high residual value when replaced after four years have made DAF’s top range XF105 model the choice of Lincolnshire chilled produce distributor Freshlinc.
The arrival of another batch of 15 mid-lift axle FTG models, which follow on from 10 delivered in the first quarter of the year, continues Freshlinc’s strategy of eventually running a two-marque fleet. It brings the total of 105s in the UK fleet to 60 based in Lincolnshire, Worcestershire, Yorkshire and Holland. Five new Dutch specification UK registered vehicles are also based in Holland to collect flowers from local growers to be consolidated and sent to the UK for onward deliveries.
Andy Marchant, who as Fleet Engineer is responsible for the Freshlinc fleet of 148 trucks, says “With the majority of our 105s based at Spalding we can also enjoy good service and maintenance support from Hill Hire’s depot in the town and the adjacent Ford & Slater DAF service dealership.”