CV Operator Show - figures prove success
It's official - the recent Commercial Vehicle Operator Show at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham was "a resounding success" for visitors and exhibitors alike. "But don't just take our word for it", said Geoff Dunning, chief executive of Show Partner the Road Haulage Association. Official audited figures put the Show's visitor number at "an outstanding 9,452." Dunning says the Show Partners were confident that the event would be a success and "these figures confirm it". He says he's sure many people will share his optimism for a successful CV Show next year. That event will also be at the NEC, from Tuesday 12 to Thursday 14 April 2011.
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or
rdickeson@smmt.co.ukTruck tolls ahead
The BBC's coverage of the new UK government's plans include a note that it intends to introduce a system of truck tolls to ensure a "fairer arrangement" for UK hauliers. It says the government also plans a national recharging network for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and will stop central government funding for fixed speed cameras. The BBC says the truck toll plan is a new one, not covered in either Tory or Lib-Dem manifestos.
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www.bbc.co.ukObama sets truck fuel standards
President Obama has signed a presidential memorandum on truck fuel use. This directs the US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the US Environmental Protection Agency to jointly issue the nation's first fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards on new medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The NHTSA and EPA must issue a final rule by 30 July 2011 and it is to cover 2014 models. Obama told both agencies to find ways to make better use of existing ideas to cut fossil fuel use and emissions. He is quoted as saying that big artics might cut emissions by 20% and fuel use by 25% using existing technologies. The gases used in air conditioning can affect greenhouse gases without necessarily affecting fuel use, says the White House.
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www.ttnews.comTransport spending cut
BBC coverage of the new UK government's £6bn spending cuts shows the Department for Transport taking the third biggest hit. It is to cut its costs by £683m. What the DfT will do to save the cash isn't yet clear. But it is clear that there will be bigger cuts to come in the autumn.
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www.bbc.co.ukVan prices still rising - BCA
April set a new highest average monthly value in the used van market, according to BCA's latest Pulse Report. Used vans averaged £4,693 across the board in April, up £193 or 4.2% compared to March's figure. Average fleet and lease van values rose by £50 to £5,176, another new record and the sixth straight record month. Nearly-new van values rose 8% to £10,844 but volumes remained low. Part-exchange values were up 2.7% to £2,715, following a fall in March. "Values continue to march on, driven by good levels of demand," said BCA's Duncan Ward.
More from Tim Naylor on +44 (0)1 252 878 555 or
tnaylor@bca-group.comRenault gains
Renault Trucks says its gaining ground in the UK market, beating Iveco, Volvo and MAN in April truck registrations and taking an 8.94% market share above 6 tonnes. This gives the firm 6.83% of the registrations to the end of April 2010, versus 5.06% for the same period last year. The firm took 13.7% of the tractor market in April, giving it a 10.6% share for the first quarter, up 3.1% over the same period in 2009. "In a heavy truck market that's down 26%, to gain market share is a significant achievement," said Nigel Butler, commercial director, who also says the firm has "quite a strong order book" for the months ahead.
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nigel.butler@renault-trucks.comCartwright wins 86-strong trailer deal
The Manchester-based Cartwright Group says it has won an order for 80 curtainside trailers and six double-deckers from distribution firm CM Downton. In recent years Cartwright has sold the firm more than 580 trailers. Downton is one of the UK's largest distributors of magazines, delivering over 450 titles or 70% of publications on news shelves. Magazine distribution customers include IPC, Comag, National Magazines, Conde Nast, Marketforce and News International. Other customers include Pets At Home, Dyson, Constellation Wines, Magners, Dairy Crest, Tesco and many other big brand names.
More from Celeste Clarke on +44 (0)2 476 228 881 or
celeste@centurypr.co.ukFourfold increase at freight trading site
Freightfull, a free access, open tender freight trading service says its membership and use jumped by a factor of four in the last quarter. The system offers an on-line freight auction system and recently launched its second generation website at
www.freightfull.com. "The new fully-interactive and user-friendly site has an extensive user guide and FAQ section," says Mark Duncan "This means transport operators can register and pre-qualify for access and then bid for full or part loads offered by shippers and customers." Also firms, agencies and individuals with goods to move can "post" consignments on the site, inviting operators to bid to collect, carry and deliver them.
More from Adrian Graves on +44 (0)1 284 787 438 or
adriangraves@pressandpr.comBathgate bus firm fined for poor timekeeping
At a recent Public Inquiry, Joan Aitken, the Scottish traffic commissioner, fined Bathgate-based bus operator Passenger Travel Ltd £5,500 and told the firm that it may not "materially alter" its routes or timetables for a year. The company said it had wrongly been building in allowances for its services, running up to one minute early and up to five minutes late - misunderstanding that this was allowable.
More from Katy Jeffrey on +44 (0)1 312 449 062 or
katy.jeffrey@coi.gsi.gov.ukPenske orders 1,350 SCR trucks from Freightliner and Volvo
Transport Topics in the US reports that Penske Truck Leasing Co. just ordered 750 new Freightliner Cascadia tractors and 600 Volvo VN670 tractors, on the back of growing freight demand. All the new trucks use selective catalytic reduction emissions control technology.
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www.ttnews.comIrish Office of Public Works plugs in
Dr. Martin Mansergh, TD, minister of state at the Irish Department of Finance says the Office of Public Works has bought the first electric vehicle for its Dublin fleet. The truck is a Smith Newton 7.5 tonner. The OPW Furniture Division will use it for deliveries and transport in and around the Dublin area. It has fitted a special charging point for the vehicle. "I would like to acknowledge the assistance of Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland for part-funding almost 50% of the cost of this vehicle," said Mansergh. "The target of this Government is that, by 2020, 10% of vehicles on Irish roads will be powered by electricity."
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info@electricvehicles.ieXlite aluminium wheel sales start well
Motor Wheel Service Distribution says it has won orders worth more than £20,000 for its new xlite range of forged aluminium commercial vehicle wheels. This follows a launch at the recent Truckfest in Peterborough. The firm says that J E Douglas & Son, Ball Trucking and Paul Stewart Transport have all taken deliveries and it has serious enquiries from "several other" operators. "Xlite wheels are five times stronger and 40% lighter than the standard steel equivalent," says John Ellis, managing director. "They are forged from a single aluminium billet and come in 17.5, 19.5 and 22.5 inch sizes and a choice of three finishes - machined, polished and xbrite"
More from Matt Wells on +44 (0)1 614 348 455 or
matt@mpublicrelations.co.ukMayor of London launches transport strategy
Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, has published his transport strategy. This gives his transport vision for London and describes how Transport for London and partners will deliver it. Policy 12 deals with freight transport and says that the mayor will try to improve freight distribution in the city. He aims to have TfL work with the Department for Transport, Network Rail, train operators, hauliers and others to improve freight distribution in the city. Johnson believes that better delivery and servicing plans, access to strategic industrial sites and other efficiency measures will deliver the goods.
More from Steve Steele on +44 (0)2 030 540 370 or
stephensteele@tfl.gov.ukHaulage Exchange up 144%
The Haulage Exchange says it saw 3,197 loads posted on its site in March this year, up "an astonishing" 144% on the 1,311 loads posted in March 2009. All of these were for trucks over 7.5 tonnes. "Hauliers are being forced to turning to other methods of delivery having sold off, mothballed or down-sized fleets during the recession," says Lyall Cresswell, MD at the Transport Exchange Group.
More from Luke Davies on 44 (0)8 442 253 500 or
luke@haulageexchange.co.ukUK van and truck production rises
Recent data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that UK commercial vehicle output rose by 40.8% in April and 44.3% in first four months of this year. UK car and engine production also rose over the same periods. "Output in April is up across the car, commercial vehicle and engine sectors compared to the same time last year, reflecting a good start to the second quarter of 2010," said SMMT chief executive, Paul Everitt. "The home market saw a significant increase in the month, a positive indication of a strengthening economy and an improvement in consumer confidence."
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jvisscher@smmt.co.ukTrailer makers and bodybuilders busier
There are no reliable data on UK trailer and commercial vehicle bodywork production, but anecdotal evidence from some SMMT members suggests that business is picking up. "The lack of objective and independent data does make the sectors difficult to judge, but the signs are that enquires, sales and production have risen over the last few months, albeit from a very low base," said Robin Dickeson, manager, commercial vehicle affairs for the SMMT.
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or
rdickeson@smmt.co.ukTacho testing at Keltruck Burton
Keltruck can now test and retro-fit tachographs at its Burton-on-Trent branch. The firm offers two and six year statutory testing on any tacho-equipped vehicle. It can also retro-fit Stoneridge tachographs into vans and offers 24-hour coverage for tacho faults for any make of vehicle. It will do all this alongside its MoT bay, which recently got Vosa approval for Passenger Service Vehicle MoT tests.
More from Andrew Bentley on +44 (0)1 215 257 000 or
andrew.bentley@keltruck.comDundee bus appeal fails
The Upper Tribunal, which includes some of the work of the former Transport Tribunal, has upheld Joan Aitken's decision to fine Dundee bus company Fisher Tours £12,650 and to cancel six local services. Aitken is traffic commissioner for Scotland. James and Catherine Cosgrove, trading as Fisher Tours appealed against her decision following a public Inquiry held on 14 October 2009. There the traffic commissioner found that of 42 bus journeys monitored over a period of seven days from 13 May to 1 June 2009, 31 ran late, early or failed to operate.
More from Katy Jeffrey on +44 (0)1 312 449 062 or
katy.jeffrey@coi.gsi.gov.ukUsed Scania helps brick firm grow
Midland Brick Fabrications Ltd of Burton-on-Trent just put a 2007 Scania 18 tonner on the road, replacing an older 7.5 tonner. Scania dealer Keltruck did the deal for the growing firm, fitting a triple-dropside body on the sleeper cab truck, re-spraying and sign-writing it too. "This is our first 18 tonner and our only vehicle; this means that it was a very serious decision to make," said Mark Gillespie, MD. The new truck will work across UK delivering hand cut bricks to building sites. It is on a five-year service plus contract with Keltruck Burton on Trent.
More from Andrew Bentley on +44 (0)1 215 257 000 or
andrew.bentley@keltruck.comElectric vehicle training guide
The SMMT is developing an industry-wide electric vehicle technical training programme. The aim is to deliver a best practice guide for the sector. Its priority will be the emergency and breakdown services and it will involve all interested parties, including manufacturers, dealers and technicians. The training programme will set consistent technical standards to help the industry and its technology grow safely.
More from Catherine Hutt on +44 (0)2 073 441 625 or
chutt@smmt.co.ukNew UK sales boss for Geodis
Geodis Calberson, the UK division of global logistics group Geodis say it has promoted Maxine Scanlon to be its new director of network sales in the UK. She has worked for the firm for two years.
More from Celeste Clarke on +44 (0)2 476 228 881 or
celeste@centurypr.co.ukDriver training - with a difference
National driver trainers TTC Automotive recently used a Scalextric racing car event at Sellafield Ltd's Capenhurst Site as part of a Safety First campaign. TTC says the event was a fun way to point out the dangers of drink and drug driving and speed awareness. "It is the first time we have done this and it went down very well," said Christine Holmes, TTC's business development officer. "People went away with some very important messages about the dangers of "the morning after" driving and the way that over-the-counter medicines can affect driving too.
More from Elaine Adams on +44 (0)1 952 505 026 or
publicity@elaineadams.comGongs for Doblo Cargo
Fiat Professional's newly launched Doblo Cargo van just won two awards, weeks after its UK launch. In the ambitiously named 2010 Van Fleet World Honours, in London on 18 May, it won Best Light Van and the Environment Award for its Start&Stop fuel-saving system. This can cut fuel use by 15%.
More from Puneet Joshi on +44 (0)1 753 519 591 or
puneet.joshi@fiat.comCalderon urges end to trucking dispute
While visiting Washington, Felipe Calderon, Mexican president said that Mexico and the US must "work toward" solving the dispute between the two nations over allowing Mexican trucks access to US roads, according to Transport Topics on-line. As part of the North American Free Trade Agreement that took effect in 1994, the US agreed to let Mexican trucks travel freely through the country under a pilot program started under the Bush administration. With about 80% of Mexican exports going to the US, Calderon says cross-border trucking is vital to trade between the two countries. In March 2009, Congress banned Mexican trucks from delivering goods in the US on road safety grounds.
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www.ttnews.comBeware the bandits
Several exhibitors at the recent and successful CV Operator Show have contacted the Show organisers, worried by approaches from a Mexican firm. The outfit appears to offer registration in a "Fairguide" or an "Expo-Guide" and to imply that this is an important official publication sanctioned by the exhibition organisers. It isn't. "We've seen scams that look like this before. The best bet is to go to the Association of Exhibition Organisers' website,
www.aeo.org. and search it for Fairguide and then follow the AEO's advice," said Robin Dickeson, press officer for the CV Operator Show. The outfit in Austria used to send a registration form, inviting exhibitors to sign it to confirm that their details were correct. When an exhibitor returned the signed form, the firm then used that signature to commit the exhibitor to a fee of some €800 a year for three years, for an entry in a seemingly obscure directory. That scam went on for years until it appears that the Austrian authorities stopped it. "Now someone, maybe the same bunch, seems to be doing something very similar from Mexico. Don't get caught."
More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or
rdickeson@smmt.co.ukAnd finally
New Scientist's Feedback column says that reader Xander Wijninckx was unsettled by a warning that popped up on the screen of his Apple iPod Touch. It read: "74,024,608 per cent battery remaining." Assuming that a full battery gives 36 hours of music, as Apple asserts, he reckoned this should mean he had around 26,648,858 hours of listening time still available, or about 3,040 years. Xander wants to know what Apple makes its batteries out of; the world's energy crisis may have already been solved.
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www.newscientist.com
