News: November 2007

Thermo King launches new SLX fridges

Thermo King claims its new SLX range of fridges will be 20% more fuel-efficient than the most economical models currently available - its own SL range. The new models, which go into production in the second quarter of 2008, are also claimed to be more reliable and require less maintenance than their predecessors.

"The SLX is 20% more fuel efficient and is 99.7% recyclable, so allows our customers and our customers' customers to reduce their carbon footprints," said Didier Teirlinck, president of parent company Ingersoll Rand Climate Control Technologies to the 900 press, dealers, trailer makers and customers who had been flown into Amsterdam from all over the world.

Thermo King regional director Graham Eames says the increasing cost of red diesel is "hitting operators hard". He explains that four years ago the fuel cost about 17p/litre, compared with close to 40p/litre today.

The new fridge has been tested extensively for four years, covering 11 million miles, in outside temperatures ranging from +50c to -35c. Prototype units have been trialled by hauliers in numerous countries. "There wasn't much point," says Eames, "after all, the most arduous thing about driving is sitting in traffic jams."

Thermo King says it has experienced a record year in the UK, so much so that lead times have been pushed out to February. "We are back to being market leader in the trailer sector," says Eames. He believes this success is partly a response to Thermo King's decision to offer driver training and advice to its customers. "We have been helping to make them as profitable as possible," he says. Will Shiers, Powered by Motor Transport

New Volvo FH and FH16 in summer 2008

During the course of 2008, Volvo Trucks will launch a new generation of FH and FH16. Production is scheduled for the autumn of 2008 but the new vehicles can be ordered from December 2007. These new vehicles will receive a totally new cab with the accent on comfort, functionality and security. There is expected to be more space and light as well as better stowage space. Moving about in the cab while standing should also be easier. The levers for the automatic I-Shift box and the Powertronic transmission have been moved slightly away from the driver’s seat, again to gain space. A wider couchette with an adjustable back is also planned. A Relax passenger seat is also worthy of note, a powerful audio system, a quality of cab light which Volvo describe as unique, along with better visibility in all circumstances. As for the FH16, the feeling of exclusivity will be even more apparent with, in particular, a bronze-tone finish to the dash. www.volvotrucks.be

The challenges of globalisation

Some 250 people (industrialists, European parliamentarians, members of the European Commission) took part in a conference named 'The challenges of globalisation' for the HGV market, in Brussels. The EU is expecting an increase of 50% in merchandise traffic between 2000 and 2020. This would lead to 1.5 million more HGV’s coming into operation by 2020. Within this context, Fotis Karamitsos, logistics director for the Commission, supports the idea of a 'green corridor' designed for ecological vehicles involved in long distance door-to-door transport. www.truckeurope.net

Maut to rise in October

The German 'Maut' toll is set to rise on October 1st 2008, by 0.6 to 6.2 cents/km depending on the emissions category of the vehicle. This corresponds to an increase which could be as much as 51.6%. The increase is justified by the German transport ministry in terms of the necessity of making a greater distinction between the various classes of emission. An ecological three-axle HGV will thus pay 10.6 cents per km and a truck with four or more axles, 21.7 cents. www.truckeurope.net

Operators want fuel and CO2 data from van makers

A straw poll among the 170 delegates to last week's Fleet Van conference showed that almost without exception they wanted van makers to come up fuel economy and CO2 data along the lines of the figures provided for cars. From 1 January 2008, all new vans will have to be tested according to a New European Driving Cycle, a car standard that combines both urban sub-urban driving, unladen. At the moment there is no obligation for van makers to publish the data, though it seems likely this will change. In the meantime, van operators at the conference said they are increasingly asked about fuel economy, emissions data and carbon footprints and want van makers to help sooner rather than later. Operators acknowledged that data derived from unladen driving tests would be a little unrealistic, but felt it would be better than nothing. www.emap.com

First sight of Mercedes's flagship in waiting

As the exclusive pictures reveal, Mercedes-Benz is well advanced in the development of the heavy truck range it is expected launch in 2010, well ahead of the Euro-6 engine emissions deadline.

The redesigned cabs clearly show Mercedes is re-aligning its Axor/Actros range into a single family of narrow-cabbed and full-width products using similar styling. The square, boxy shape of the current generation is replaced by a much smoother, more aerodynamic design, giving the truck a look more akin to the Volvo FH series.

The narrow-cabbed version, seen here in white with black 'disguise panels', is set to replace the Axor and is sure to address many of the criticisms aimed at the current range. For instance, the cab dimension appears longer, offering the prospect of improved bunk and living space for the driver, while the mirror arrangement also looks likes a big improvement.

The full-width cab has a new roof line and despite its disguise, our close-up picture indicates a completely new door panel has been designed for the range. A high-roof cab and promised near-flat floor should ensure superb in-cab living. Close inspection of the photos indicates a flat dash layout, with a slight curve to the instrument panel; the array of vents across the front of the dash indicates that demisting will not be a problem.

On the technical front the new truck family will be powered by the Daimler heavy-duty engine platform (HDEP), launched last month for US applications and available in Europe in 10.6, 12.8 and 14.8-litre versions. The smallest option is likely to prove the most popular motor for the fleet-spec narrow-cabbed versions, with the 12.8 and 14.8-litre engines best suited to the full-width cab.

Many observers expect Mercedes to trump MAN in the horsepower stakes with a 700hp offering from a top-of-the-range 15.6-litre straight-six. Andy Salter, Powered by Commercial Motor

FM400 EGR tipper put to the test

Although the badge on the cab displays its Euro 4 compliance, the only unusual aspect of this FM400 tipper is the absence of the now-typical Volvo AdBlue tank. Tilt the cab and the truth is revealed: EGR equipment is located on the exhaust side of the 13-litre engine, complemented by a Holset Variable Geometry Turbo, which echoes the technology used by Scania on its latest Euro 5 engines.

IN THE CAB

In the FM cab little belies that this is anything but an everyday Euro 4 Volvo. Turn the key and the attentive driver will notice a moderate whirr from below the engine tunnel, reminiscent of the now-defunct turbo-compound engine, and a more pronounced growl is emitted once the eight-legger is out on the road.

If the engine response is perhaps slightly less sharp than the SCR stablemate, we had no complaints about the FM's overall manners. With a traditional vertical stack exhaust behind the driver, the FM gains kudos with the tipper crowd who have had to make do with a bulky horizontal-into-vertical arrangement on the SCR version, although there's the inherent noise increase, which would be tiring on a longer run.

PERFORMANCE

We took the 32-tonner over a mix of cross-country terrain and were generally impressed. The I-shift gearbox is refined to the level where a clutch pedal is unmissed during normal operations, promoting a spirited performance, even up a sinuous 20% climb where the truck snatched a seamless single downshift a manual shift would definitely have required two full gears. Engine braking operates at a 100rpm lower rev ceiling, redlined at 2,200rpm, but proved effective at keeping the all-disc brakes in reserve for all but the toughest descents.

Otherwise it's business as usual with the EGR FM tipper, giving an assured, comfortable ride on our fully laden drive. While oil change intervals are reduced to 70,000km - an almost inevitable result of the switch to EGR - the sting is offset by Volvo's recommendation of less expensive mineral oil for the D13B, promising competitive running costs and improved payload productivity for tonnage operations. Powered by Motor Transport

UN approves truck electronic stability guidelines

Electronic stability control systems are set to become compulsory on all LGVs used in the EU following the approval of global standards for this technology by the United Nations' World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations.

These standards are usually written into EU law as type approval rules for vehicle manufacturers stability control systems could be included within two years. EU industry Commissioner Günter Verheugen says: "This development is very welcome.

These advanced systems have a huge life-saving potential, particularly for large goods and passenger vehicles where the consequences of an accident can be devastating."

The EC estimates that equipping trucks and buses with stability control systems could prevent 500 road accident deaths and 2,500 serious injuries a year across the EU.

This technology helps drivers maintain control of their vehicles when faced with slippery roads or unexpectedly tight corners. www.roadtransport.com

First NCTS/TIR transport is a success!

Zahony Customs (Hungary) successfully welcomed the first NCTS/TIR transport which entered the EU from the Ukraine. The NCTS/TIR web-based application was developed by the IRU to help TIR carnet holders meet the new EU regulation requirements that will come into force in January 2009.

IRU Head of TIR System, Jean Acri, said, "The successful completion of this NCTS/TIR pilot project leaves much hope and potential for the future development of what is bound to be an essential tool for TIR Carnet holders around the world. It marks the advent of a new application, with proven ability to adjust to the changing reality of road transport, as well as to facilitate procedures free of charge for holders, drivers, and customs authorities."

As of 1 January 2009, new EU regulations will make it mandatory for transport operators to pre-declare all TIR transport operations to departure/entry customs offices before leaving/entering the EU. Thanks to the Electronic TIR Pre-declaration facility (NCTS/TIR), the IRU enables TIR carnet holders to submit their pre-declarations free of charge via the Internet, in full compliance with national custom systems requirements.

The NCTS/TIR pilot project entered its operational phase this week, to the satisfaction of high ranking officials from Hungarian Customs and representatives from the IRU and IRU’s Hungarian (MKFE) and Belarusian (BAMAP) member associations, who witnessed this new efficient and effective system in action.

Two TIR Carnet holders from Belarus used the IRU NCTS/TIR application to submit their pre-declarations beforehand via the Internet. Upon arrival at Zahony’s border-crossing point, Hungarian customs officers used their national system to retrieve all the declared information within a few seconds. Customs formalities, which sometimes take hours to complete and often need forwarders’ assistance at consequent costs, were dealt with in less than 5 minutes, free of charge.

"This model public-private partnership between the Hungarian Customs administration, road transport associations BAMAP and MKFE, and the IRU, will hopefully serve as an example for other EU Member States to implement the NCTS/TIR application," Jean Acri concluded. www.iru.org

Swedes roll out CO2 reduction plans

Volvo Trucks is part of a group that aims to halve the climate impact of a typical Swedish long-haul transport operation by 2020 through reduced CO2 emissions. The group has already presented a report, entitled Climate Neutral Goods Transports on their Way, to the Swedish Ministry of the Environment it is now preparing a joint project to test the various suggested improvements.

These include:

* Intensifying efforts to increase fuel-efficient driving (FED) the Swedish Road Administration, Vägverket, will increase demands for FED on all those aiming to take their driving licence from 2008

* Increasing the amount of renewable fuels by partly replacing crude oil with biomass at the refining stage and increasing blends of RME (Rapeseed Methyl Ester) and diesel

* Investigating the conditions required to increase the length of load carriers beyond the country's current 25.25m as a means of reducing CO2 emissions Chris Tindall, Commercial Motor

ESP soon compulsory on new vehicles

An agreement has been reached during a United Nations meeting in Geneva which would see all new trucks and buses fitted with electronic stability control (ESP). It is calculated that this system would save 500 lives and 2,500 serious accidents per year in the EU. ESP helps the driver retain control of the vehicle in a critical situation. New vehicles are set to be fitted with this as standard from 2010. www.truckeurope.net

Could Kogel's super-size trailers come to UK?

One in eight trucks could be taken off Europe’s roads if Kögel’s Big-MAXX semi-trailer is accepted by the member states.

Germany is two years into a six-year trial, which sees 300 of these longer trailers in operation with 50 hauliers. Last week the Czech Republic announced that it would allow an unlimited number of permits for its domestic hauliers to operate them, and Kögel is optimistic that other countries are about to follow suit.

"There is absolutely no reason why this concept can’t be rolled out across Europe, including the UK," says Kögel’s marketing manager Andreas Lubitz.

The Big-MAXX is not rocket science – it is simply a regular semi-trailer, but 130cm longer than the norm. The rear overhang is 100cm greater than usual, while the wheelbase has been extended by 30cm. This increases the overall length of the truck from 16.5m to 17.8m. In terms of capacity, this results in an extra 8 to 10%, increasing the number of Euro-pallets carried from 33 to 36. The overall maximum weight of the vehicle remains at 40 tonnes.

Although BigMAXX is very much the brainchild of Kögel, there is no patent and any other trailer maker is free to build it. Will Shiers, Motor Transport

Hauliers' views sought on EU road charging

Hauliers have until 31 December to tell the European Commission (EC) what they think about a pan-European Union (EU) road charging system, and if so, what charges should be levied.

The public consultation is part of the EC's preparation for major proposals it must make next year on road charging to cover the external costs created by all transport methods.

These include pollution, CO2 emissions, congestion, infrastructure wear and tear, and accidents.

The Brussels initiative is mandated by the 1996 Eurovignette Directive on road charging for trucks this says that by June 2008, the EC should present "a generally applicable, transparent and comprehensible model for the assessment of all external costs to serve as the basis for future calculations of infrastructure charges".

This study has to be accompanied by an assessment of the impact of "the internalisation of external costs for all modes of transport", and also by "if appropriate, proposals for further revision of this Directive". Keith Nuthall, Commercial Motor

Daimler opts for hybrid technology

Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses have presented, in Stuttgart, their projects for environmentally-friendly vehicles. With the programme entitled 'Shaping Future Transportation', Daimler intends to reduce the noxious emissions and consumption of its vehicles by going down the hybrid route. Daimler already has wide experience of hybrid fleets in Japan and the USA, and now wants to extend this experience to Europe. In 2008, the first Atego Bluetec Hybrid models will be delivered in France, Germany and the Czech Republic, while English clients will test 10 Mitsubishi Fuso Canter models. As far as alternative fuels are concerned, Daimler has opted for CNG (bio-gas) HVO, ethanol and bio-diesel (FAME). In time, Daimler wants to move to zero emissions thanks to hydrogen and fuel cells. www.truckeurope.net

Leaseurope pleased with EC tachograph ruling

Leaseurope, the European Federation of leasing company associations, has received with delight the written confirmation of the European Commission concerning the non-obligation of HGV (Heavy Good Vehicles) leasing companies to use the tachograph for internal movements. This means movements for maintenance, repairs, washing, between sites, pick-ups etc. www.leaseurope.com

Large orders for Fliegl in Russia and Netherlands

Volvo Moscow has ordered 15 canvas-sided Fliegl semi-trailers, and MAN Automobile Moscow a further ten. This strengthens the partnership between the German manufacturer and the two Russian companies. Fliegl has also taken an order from Dutch company Moermanns involving twelve 3-axle lowered semi-trailers of SDS 480 T type (total permitted weight 48 tonnes) and five lowered trailers of type DTS 300, with a total permitted weight of 24 tonnes. www.fliegl.com

October record for Renault Trucks

Renault Trucks took over 1,000 UK truck orders in October alone, a record for the firm. "And by the end of the year we'll invoice more than 3,500 sales," said Laurent Farman, UK managing director for Renault Trucks. He also confirmed that the UK market is a priority for the French firm which aims to use 2008 to make good the European market share it lost through minor production problems in the early part of this year. In this context Farman expects Renault heavy truck production to rise from 180 to 300 units a day through next year. The firm also plans production plants in Turkey and Russia, which should help it meet growing demand from Eastern Europe. Its global order intake is up 64% this year, while that from Eastern Europe is up 235%. Penny Randall, www.renault-trucks.com

Scania delivers third-generation ethanol buses

Scania says it has just delivered the first 10 'third generation' ethanol-powered buses to Busslink, which is responsible for Stockholm City Transport. Scania says the third-generation ethanol engines cut CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to diesel engines and that these are the cleanest buses in the world. They won acclaim from the Clinton Climate Change Initiative too. There are already some 400 older Scania ethanol powered buses in the Stockholm area and the city says it will only buy ethanol powered buses from 2010. Chris Love, www.scania.com

EU and car industry work together.

The European Commission has entered into a partnership with the car industry 'to improve anticipation and management of change within the European Union's car industry'. This approach follows a forum on restructuring which took place last month in Brussels. Within the European Union, 12 million families live from the car industry. It employs more than 2 million Europeans and is behind around 10 million indirect jobs, representing some 3% of the EU's GDP. Vladimír Špidla, European employment, social affairs and equal opportunities commissioner, commented : "The sector is facing considerable challenges, amongst which are intensified competition and restructuring, but it also offers tremendous opportunities. Through this partnership, companies, trades unions, governments and regions are committing to work together to better prepare for change and to actively manage it". A new 'Restructuring' forum will take place on November 26th. It will focus, this time, on how small companies can adapt to change. www.truckeurope.net

30,000th service station for DKV .

DKV has signed a contract with a 30,000th service station. This makes DKV Euro Service the leading European network. The new service station is located in Istanbul, an important location in a country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

www.dkv-euroservice.com

Trailer® 2007

FROM 23 TILL 27 NOVEMBER 2007

Fair organizer SAV, the Royal Professional Organization of Flemish Road Haulers and Logistics Service Providers, organises for the 12th time the professional fair Trailer®. This biannual specialized fair aims exclusively at professionals from the world of haulage, logistic services and related activities.

Trailer® offers consumers and manufacturers or service providers a forum to get to know the newest technological evolutions in the field of road haulage and the goods handling that is preceding or following it.

From 23 up to 27 November 2007 the constructors of semi-trailers, trailers, bodies, construction, components, and accessories for goods handling and logistics will again exhibit their products during the 12th edition of the professional fair. Just like in the previous editions, the innovative solutions will be at the centre and a central position will be provided for a considerable number of Belgian constructors which anticipate best on niche markets where quality stands above quantity and have turned Trailer into what the fair is now. www.trailer.be

New Mercedes gas-powered tractor unit.

Mercedes came up with one of the few surprises at the Amsterdam show. Both through the choice of the vehicle (a tractor unit equipped with an ultra-low Econic cab and a top-sleeper) and through the technology used. This NGT Econic runs on gas, but not only on CNG like most of its colleagues. It can also be fuelled with LNG, liquid natural gas made up 98% of methane, obtained after cooling to – 160°C. The difference lies in the pressure to which the tanks and injection systems are subject: 200 bar for CNG (in gaseous state) and only 2 to 4 bar for LNG (liquid). The greatest advantage of LNG is its autonomy, because 100 litres of CNG provides a range of 80 to 100 km, whereas with LNG the figure rises to 350 km, a distance comparable to current diesel engines. LNG has an octane level of 130. www.truckeurope.net