Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Euro 5 vehicles produced from February 2010 come with EEV (Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicle) compliance as standard
EEV particulate emissions are some 30 % below the Euro 5 level
First light truck in the 3.5-t to 7.5-t perm GVW segment with EEV for all model variants
From February 2010 the Mitsubishi Fuso Canter comes with EEV (Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicle) compliance as standard and therefore offers even greater environmental compatibility (through a reduction in particulate emissions of some 30 %, for example) than the existing Euro 5 engine range. As all the engine variants comply with the new standard – from the 96-kW (130-hp) version to the 107-kW (145-hp) unit right up to the new 129-kW (175-hp) engine – all vehicles ordered from November 2009 come with it. This makes the Canter the first light truck in the 3.5-t to 7.5-t perm. GVW segment to provide EEV compliance for all model variants. Fuel consumption is not increased as a result. EEV is particularly relevant with regard to fleet operators and municipalities as compliance with this voluntary standard is a condition of certain invitations to tender.
The Mitsubishi Fuso Canter is a real success story. It has been in production since 1963 and today is in its seventh generation. Since its launch, some 3.5 million Canters have rolled off the assembly lines around the world; this makes it the world’s best-selling vehicle for the lightweight truck class between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes perm. GVW. In Europe, these vehicles have been distributed and supported exclusively by the Daimler sales organisation since 2001. An outstanding feature of the Canter is its high payload capacity – in the case of the Fuso Canter 7C15 (7.5 tonnes perm. GVW), for example, the chassis weight rating of 5.02 t results in a payload of about 4000 kg, depending on the body variant – with compact exterior dimensions.
Archive for the ‘Truck news’ Category
Canter comes with EEV compliance as standard from February
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
Daf aim for 30% of UK truck market
Friday, December 18th, 2009Speaking 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.”
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.
Iveco shows the UK’s first 18m artic
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009Iveco has joined forces with the Freight Transport Association to call on the UK Department for Transport to allow on-road trials of 18m articulated trucks. As part of the programme, the firm recently ran a series of trials at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. These, in front of an audience of civil servants, trade associations, MPs and media, used the first 18m artic tested in the UK. The longest artic allowed in Europe is 16.5m; the extra 1.5m that Iveco wants will allow trailers to carry the equivalent of four more Euro pallets or eight roll-cages, equivalent to 12% more load capacity. The move would also allow hauliers to carry 48ft ISO containers.
CAR TRANSPORTER MANUFACTURER LAUNCHES NEW RENAULT PREMIUM PROTOTYPE
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009Renault Trucks UK has been working closely with leading car transporter manufacturer, Transporter Engineering, to develop the first transporter capable of maximising loads of vans and chassis cabs, including large jumbo vans, as well as passenger cars. The new Plus 10 Maxicom transporter is mounted to a Renault Premium 450, 6×2, three axle rigid chassis.
The first Renault and Maxicom Transporter is to go into service with leading UK car transporter, the MCD Group, with a further 30 on order for delivery starting early 2010. The truck is the first Renault to join MCD’s 170 strong fleet.
Dave McWilliams, Managing Director, MCD, says: “With over one million more vans on the road in 2008 compared to 10 years previously, the significance of a transporter that enables us to carry the growing range of vans whilst optimising the load factors of cars provides a distinct operational advantage. Our team took a considerable amount of time assessing and evaluating the Maxicom and Renault truck before the decision to invest was made. The after sales support infrastructure of Renault Trucks and Transporter Engineering was a vital part of our needs and we’re comfortable that the overall package will serve us well.”
Jim Pearson, Managing Director, Transporter Engineering, says: “The engineering team at Renault Trucks worked closely with us to develop this important prototype to the required technical specifications. The result is a 450bhp truck with a high performance chassis specification and comfort level for the driver.”
Transporter Engineering is based in Essex and is a leading manufacturer of the top selling car transporters in the UK. As well as its workshop and manufacturing service facility, the company has a design office equipped with state of the art 3D fully integrated CAD modelling system, specialising in providing tailor made solutions for its clients’ needs. Transporter Engineering has worked closely with MCD, one of the largest privately owned car delivery companies in the UK. Since 1999, MCD’s fleet growth and replacement policy has remained entirely with Transporter Engineering.
VOLVO FE GETS AUTOMATED TRANSMISSION
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009Now all Volvo Trucks models for regional and city distribution can be specified with automated transmission. The most recent addition is the Volvo FE which in a 4×2 distribution configuration only is now available with Volvo I-Sync, as part of the company’s drive to strengthen its position in the segment.
I-Sync is a manual gearbox that has been supplemented with software for automatic handling of gearchanges. Just like I-Shift, I-Sync combines the manual gearbox’s operating reliability and low weight with the automatic transmission’s driving comfort. However, while I-Shift has been developed for heavy transport operations, I-Sync was tailored for local distribution applications. It was launched in the Volvo FL in spring 2008 and has become a major sales success.
“So far, more than one-third of all FL trucks have been delivered with I-Sync. Distribution operations involve a fast pace and repeated stops and starts, and many customers want an automated transmission that offers convenient progress combined with lower fuel consumption. Now we are strengthening our offer by also introducing I-Sync on some of the larger FE models,” says Anders Bellini, Business Area Manager for the Volvo FL and FE at Volvo Trucks.
Optimised for distribution
In the Volvo FE, I-Sync is combined with Volvo’s 260 hp 7-litre engine.
“This is an optimal combination for local distribution and shorter regional distribution duties. You get alert response from the engine along with smooth and convenient gearchanging even in frequent stop-start conditions such as close-quarter manoeuvring,” says Clara Werner Floberg, Product Manager for the Volvo FL and FE at Volvo Trucks.
Since gearchanging is optimised, I-Sync also contributes to good fuel economy and thus also low carbon dioxide emissions.
As before, the Volvo I-Shift automated transmission is available on the larger trucks in the Volvo range - the FH16, FH and FM.
BIO-DME TRUCKS FROM VOLVO IN FIELD TEST
Thursday, October 15th, 2009In 2010, Volvo Trucks will be the first truck manufacturer to start conducting comprehensive field tests involving Bio-DME, a biofuel that generates very low carbon dioxide emissions. In the long term it has the potential to replace 50 per cent of today’s diesel use for transport operations in Europe.
The field test is being made possible through a joint project DME that is produced from biomass, known as Bio-DME, has both high energy efficiency and low greenhouse gas emissions all the way from the source to the wheel. The raw material used is ‘black liquor’, an energy-rich, highly viscous by-product of the paper pulp industry. By using Bio-DME instead of diesel as a fuel, for example, carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by up to 95 per cent.
Volvo’s DME FH truck uses a regular D13 engine which, after some modifications to the tank system, injection system and engine management software, functions perfectly together with the biofuel.
An ideal fuel for diesel engines
Compared with a conventional engine, using Bio-DME as a fuel provides the same high efficiency rating along with lower noise levels. The combustion process produces very low emissions of particulates and oxides of nitrogen. Therefore, a simpler system can be used for after-treatment of the exhaust gases. The engine can also provide higher torque at start-up and thus improve driveability. All in all, this makes Bio-DME an ideal fuel for diesel engines.
Modifications to the fuel system
DME is filled in liquid form and stored in pressurised tanks in a leak-proof system which keeps the fuel in liquid form all the way to injection where common rail technology is used to create the optimum high injection pressure. As the energy content of DME is just over half that of diesel oil, it has to be compensated for by fitting larger tanks.
RHA disappointed at VOSA test station closure
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009The 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, 2009The 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.
FTA’s response to Gordon Brown’s speech at today’s Labour Party conference
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009Speaking 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.”