Wrexham-based, Rockrite Haulage Ltd - trading as Eco-Readymix - have purchased their first-ever Volvo truck from Thomas Hardie Commercials.

The newly-formed ‘environmentally aware’ business, which supplies ready-mixed concrete, mortar and floor screed across Wales and the Northwest of England, aims to become the most environmentally conscious ready-mix company in the UK.

The newly-formed ‘environmentally aware’ business, which supplies ready-mixed concrete, mortar and floor screed across Wales and the Northwest of England, aims to become the most environmentally conscious ready-mix company in the UK.

The first new Iveco Stralis Active Space Super tractor units to enter operation with West Yorkshire-based Bedfords Transport have been given the ‘thumbs up’ by drivers.

Each of the new vehicles will be finished in Bedfords Transport’s new livery, with the Stralis AS Super cab offering drivers 20 per cent more internal space (+95 mm in height, +90 mm in depth, allowing for a total increase of 1.8m³) than the previous AS model Stralis. As one of the most spacious two-man high-roof cabs available on the market, they also benefit from a heated and air-suspended driver’s seat offering four separate comfort level settings and a flat floor covering the living area of the cab, together with a slide-out fridge, air-conditioning, door roller blinds and an electrically operated roof-vent and windscreen blind.

Power is provided by Iveco’s 10.3 litre Cursor 10 engine (Euro 5), which is capable of producing up to 450 hp between 1,550 and 2,100 rev/min and up to 2,100 Nm of torque between 1,050 and 1,550 rev/min, driven through a twelve speed EuroTronic gearbox which offers either fully or semi-automated shifts.

Kögel says its 14.92m Big-MAXX rail semi-trailer can be loaded without restriction on T2000 and T3000 combined traffic rail wagons. A trial loading operation by Kögel and Kombiverkehr GmbH confirmed the fit. 
"This is another significant step in the quest to obtain European approval for longer semi-trailers," said Alexander Tietje, chairman of the Kögel Board.. 300 such trailers are part of a field trial in Germany. Kögel says the results are encouraging some other European countries to consider changing the lengths of semi-trailers. The firm claims their use could deliver an 8% cut in fuel use and emissions. The Big-MAXX rail is a standard, 14.92m semi-trailer with a maximum internal height of 2.70m and a semi-mounted dimension of 1.1 to 1.25m.

Michelin unveils its new Michelin X Energy SaverGreen range in an exclusive world premiere launch on the new version of the Renault Magnum.

Michelin became involved in Renault Trucks' innovations programme at a very early stage with its new model designed for long haul transport applications. This partnership has allowed Michelin to make a significant contribution to the Renault Magnum's overall energy efficiency. The Michelin X Energy SaverGreen tyres allow the vehicle to consume less fuel and therefore reduce CO2 and greenhouse effect gas emissions.

Allison's automatic transmissions can now be spec'd on the Kenworth T800.

The fully-automatic transmission is well-suited for construction and short-haul applications with high horsepower requirements, the company says. The Allison 4000 and the Allison 4500 are now available with Cummins ISX engines that don't exceed 1,650 lb.-ft. of torque.

"The new Kenworth T800 configuration offers the benefits of automatic transmissions while also meeting high horsepower requirements," said Gary Moore, Kenworth assistant general manager for marketing and sales. "The Kenworth T800 is one of the industry's leading models and this new offering will strengthen its position with customers to help get the job done in their specific applications."

Allison's automatic transmissions feature a torque converter which is designed to provide seamless, full power shifts.

Iveco is planning to launch its new Eurocargo range of medium weight trucks into the UK market in September 2008, following the international launch in Turin on Thursday 8 May. 

Amongst the most notable changes to the new model range, which spans the 7.5 to 18 tonne sector, will be the introduction of an automated EuroTronic transmission as standard in the UK market.

The new range extends to 11,584 different factory configurations and represents a complete line-up of vehicles that can be mission-matched to all types of applications, from urban distribution and regional haulage through to off-road tipper work and specialist 4x4 projects. It is designed to build on the strength of the existing Eurocargo which has been further developed to maintain its role as the benchmark commercial vehicle in the 7.5 to 18 tonne market sector.

An increase of 22 per cent in the mileage achieved before replacement is the main result of a comparative test of Continental tyres carried out in collaboration with an independent coach operator.

On the coach fitted with Continentals the tyres on the steer axle required changing at 133,000 kilometres and those on the drive axle at 205,000 kilometres, making a total for all six tyres of 1,086,000 kilometres.

By comparison, the competitor brand of tyre needed changing at 116,000 kilometres on the front and 165,000 kilometres on the rear, making a total of 892,000 kilometres.

Taking into account the lower price of the Continentals, the results showed a significant saving in overall tyre running costs. Other factors were also analysed, including the effect on fuel economy, noise and road-handling, all of which proved either positive or to have a neutral effect.

Renault Trucks has won the UGAP, the French public purchasing cooperative union, call for tenders to supply 3.5?26 ton refuse collection vehicles for a period of 36 months.

This call for tenders concerned the supply of around 280 vehicles covering the whole of Renault Trucks' range, for a period of 36 months. The variety of Renault Trucks' product range on the Delivery segment with Master, Maxity and Mascott qualified the brand for referencing for 3.5 to 6.5 tons for the first time. The Renault Trucks range has already been referenced in the past for its Midlum and Premium Distribution vehicles.

The arrival of three DAF XF105 tractor units into the fleet of David Bletsoe-Brown Limited marks the first move to running at 44 tonnes for the expanding Kettering company.

Voted International Truck of the Year 2007, the XF105s are also the first new DAFs to be operated by the company. They join a 44-strong fleet that currently comprises artics at 38 tonnes, drawbar outfits and rigids and which splits between vehicles on general UK-wide haulage and those on local or dedicated contract work.

Axle and gross overloads are a potential headache for operators of almost all vehicles, especially those on work involving progressive loading, such as refuse collection. Fines are up to £5,000, and even worse is the threat to your O-licence. Axle weighing specialists Axtec believe they have the answer with their new On-Board Axle Load Indicator

Constantly displaying the individual axle and gross weights to the driver in his seat, the latest version is available for use with vehicles on air suspension as well as steel, and any combination of the two. It can now be fitted to multi-axle rigids with lift axles, where the colour touch-screen display shows the lift axle raised.

In another new development to meet customer demand, the Axtec On-Board Axle Load Indicator can send out an overload alarm signal to the truck's tracking device, which relays it back to base. The unit can also store in its memory any instances of overloads for subsequent download.

The new Axtec On-Board retains the features that made it such a hit at last year's CIWM Show, when it was launched to the waste industry market, especially the clear image of the truck with axle and gross weights shown in colour, using a simple traffic-light system. This is backed up by a graphical image showing the increasing load as growing pallets of bricks on the bed of the truck!

Semperit is pleased to announce the introduction of a new tyre for midi-trailers in size 385/55 R 22.5 the EuroTrailer. This new tyre is the first in the new Euro product range and offers the benefit of around 5 cubic meters more cargo volume as well as better mileage, making the use of midi-trailers even more effective for heavy road freight.

A conventional trailer, i.e. a trailer with standard 385/65 R 22.5 tyres, has an internal height of 2.70m. The 385/55 R 22.5 version of the new Semperit EuroTrailer allows an additional internal height of at least 10cm and thus increases the possible cargo volume by up to 5m³.

The widened and optimized tread of the low-section construction distributes the ground pressure more evenly over a larger area and thus reduces the normal deformation of the tyre while rolling. The new tyre thus reduces the rolling resistance of the trailer wheels considerably, thereby lowering fuel consumption.

One further advantage of the optimized ground pressure distribution is smoother wear, helping to gain a noticeable increase in mileage. A combination of three central tread grooves with self-cleaning inner sipes ensure the necessary protection of the casing. While the two narrow tread grooves in front of the shoulder ribs give the tyre high tracking stability and thus support the stability of the trailer and the whole truck.

Iveco has supplied a Stralis Active Space Super³ (AS440S50T/P) 4x2 tractor unit to Fiorano Ferrari ? an exclusive owners programme managed by Ferrari GB.

This vehicle, which was displayed on Iveco's stand at the CV Show, benefits from the Stralis AS Super³'s already high standard specification, making it perfectly suited for operation by one of the world's most prestigious car manufacturers.

It will be used in conjunction with a specialist 13.6m trailer to transport the only fleet of Ferrari F430 road cars and race-prepared 360 Challenge cars outside Italy.

This Stralis is powered by a 12.88 litre Cursor 13 engine, delivering up to 500 hp between 1,525 and 1,900 rev/min and a maximum 2,300 Nm of torque between 1,000 and 1,525 rev/min.

With accreditation being given to two new sites in France, Renault Trucks is continuing the development of its Fast & Pro concept dedicated to the maintenance and repair of light commercial vehicles. With these two innovatory new centres, which come on top of those already accredited in Europe, Renault Trucks is stating its position as the reference in light commercial vehicles

The new Fast & Pro technical centre in Corbas (near Lyon) is manned by a complete, dedicated team of 10 people. With an investment of over 1.5M, the volume and massive architecture of the equipment is very impressive. It is the biggest Fast & Pro centre in Europe. Covering 900m2, it offers a reception area, 300m2 of showroom for the sale of the brand's vehicles, a workshop area of 530m2 and a storeroom for spare parts.

In March, Renault Trucks also gave accreditation to the Renault Trucks Aquitaine site in Mérignac (near Bordeaux) whose building has been entirely renovated for the purpose. The investment made to house this new activity totals 2.3M.

With the inauguration of the Corbas and Mérignac Fast & Pro sites, Renault Trucks is continuing with the development of the light commercial vehicle segment of its business, begun in 2006.

Supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North, based in Carlisle, the FH16 580 6 x 4 tractor is plated at 135 tonnes as a STGO Category 3 heavy hauler. The vehicle, which features a Globetrotter double sleeper cab, generally operates at between 90 and 100 tonnes. Operating with two men for the wide and extra long loads, the truck can be seen all over the U.K. and is expected to cover 100,000 miles per year.

The combination of a low weight chassis, a long body and a 9.1 metre reach crane on a new DAF 18 tonner is bringing increased flexibility to the delivery operations of the leading independent builders' merchant

The truck makes up to 15 drops a day of a wide range of building materials from bagged sand and aggregates, to bricks, blocks and hard landscaping materials.

The 5.85 metre wheelbase LF55 is fitted with a 6.63 metre long double-dropside body capable of carrying up to 12 pallets or one tonne dumpy' bags. Sitting right at the back of the truck is an Atlas 105/A2 crane that has a reach of up to 9.1 metres.

Cheshire-based, Ray's Transport Ltd, have added three new Volvo FH-480 articulated trucks to replace older vehicles in their all-Volvo fleet.

In terms of vehicle performance, the latest Euro 4 Volvo FH additions to the 10-strong fleet were specified with 480 bhp, Globetrotter XL cabs in Prestige' trim, I-Shift automated transmission and all plated for 44 tonne GCW.

Earl Transport of Accrington has taken delivery of a new Iveco Stralis Active Space Super tractor unit after trialing a demonstrator supplied by Preston-based Iveco dealer Walton Summit Truck Centre.

The new vehicle marks the first Iveco heavy truck to join the company's 25-strong fleet in nearly six years and follows the impressive performance of the demonstrator throughout its week long road test.

The arrival of the Stralis 6x2 twin-steer tractor (AS440S50TX/P) makes it the most powerful tractor unit in the Earl Transport fleet, thanks to Iveco's 12.9 litre Cursor 13 engine, which is capable of producing up to 500 hp between 1,525 and 1,900 rev/min and up to 2,300 Nm of torque between 1,000 and 1,525 rev/min.

Successful long-term evaluation of DAF's CF85 6 x 2 tag axle FTR tractor by a leading West Country transport company has led to its adoption by DAF as a fully-approved, mainstream model.

The FTR model has a lifting tag axle with single wheels and tyres to give both excellent traction and manoeuvrability. It is currently available within the DAF XF range but some operators prefer the CF version with a cab that's a little narrower in width and lower in height than the XF cab and also lighter by around 400 kgs.

FIDEUS: Renault Trucks and Condis experiment with night deliveries in Barcelona
With the completion of the day deliveries phase, the experimental Renault Midlum developed by Renault Trucks as part of the European research programme  FIDEUS (Freight Intelligent Delivery in European Urban Spaces) has started on night deliveries in Barcelona. The truck, with its enhanced environmental performance, has been entrusted to Condis, one of Spain's biggest supermarket chains, and is currently being tested for a period of 3 weeks in the streets of Barcelona.

The safety of motorists and workers during routine and emergency roadworks is being ensured by five DAF LF55s now entering service with traffic control and management specialists A-Plant Lux

The 7.5 metre bodies were built by Fosters Commercials of Preston on the 6.25 metre wheelbase version of the LF55, which is the longest offered by DAF. The bodies include storage racks for temporary signs and can carry the sandbags to weight them down, cones, and other lane management equipment.

Shaun Winstanley, Director of Transport Services for A-Plant, says that the 18 tonne DAF LF55 is an ideal vehicle on which to mount this type of equipment.

Volvo Technology Transfer AB is a new part-owner in El-forest AB, based in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, and is thereby investing in the development of energy efficient and environmentally sound forestry machinery. The investment is part of the Volvo Group’s striving to strengthen its role as a leading supplier to the forestry industry.

The El-forest forwarder is the world’s first forestry machine that uses energy efficient electric-hybrid technology. The technology has attracted great interest and support, among other reasons as a result of its potential to cut fuel consumption by 50% and thereby also reduce emissions of carbon dioxide. Due to its lighter weight, although still able to handle the same load as a conventional forwarder of a comparable size, it facilitates more environmentally sound log hauling.

In addition, it has significantly less impact on the external environment through a patented innovative frame construction that enables all wheels, which are individually electrically powered, to follow the same wheel-track with adapted speed. It has attracted major attention from the large forestry machine customers in the Nordic countries as well as from customers in many of the large forest countries worldwide.

Volvo Technology Transfer’s investment in El-forest will accelerate the introduction of the forestry machine and will enable customers to benefit faster from the economical and environmental benefits that the El-forest forwarder promises. The first machine delivery will be to state-owned Sveaskog - Sweden’s largest forest owner - during 2008.

Volvo Technology Transfer AB is part of AB Volvo and focuses on developing and supporting new business relevant to the Volvo Group. Part of the effort is to invest in companies and projects that are technically and commercially attractive.

The latest addition to the fleet of Dudley-based, international heavy-haulage operator TDR Transport Services Ltd, is the company’s first 200 tonne GCW Volvo FH16-660, 8 x 4 tractor unit.

Purchased as an additional vehicle to cope with growing demand for the family-owned business’s specialist heavy-haulage services, the FH16-660 - which joins a 15-strong fleet - was supplied by Volvo Dealer Hartshorne Motor Services in Walsall.

Richard Rollinson, joint Managing Director TDR Transport Services Ltd is delighted with the performance of the FH16-660. ”We broke with tradition and went for our first Volvo 8x4 heavy-hauler. It’s got tremendous low-speed torque and the driver loves it. The Volvo Geartronic automatic gearbox is great for the driver as he can concentrate on the driving and manoeuvring safely, and it has already proven itself pulling loads up to 150 tonnes gross out of quarries with ease. Overall the truck is performing well without a second thought. The 8x4 configuration is also ideal as it reduces the chance of axle overloads.”

He added, “As it’s plated at 200 tonnes, it enables us to stay well inside of the gross design weight, thus giving us greater operational flexibility. When we order more tractor units, we will be looking very favourably at Volvo.”

The tractor unit usually operates at a maximum of 150 tonnes GCW with a Nooteboom 5 axle low loader with a two axle inter-dolly although it has the potential to operate at 200 tonnes GCW.

Operating in the UK and internationally in Germany, Ireland and Holland, the FH16-660 hauls construction plant, earthmoving equipment, piling rigs, recycling machines and associated plant.

Operating on a single shift with a dedicated driver and covering up to 90,000 kms per year, the FH16-660 is on a full R&M contract with servicing being carried out by Hartshorne Motor Services.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are the first fire service in the UK to take delivery of a new Volvo FL truck.

The new vehicle, which will be used as a driver training vehicle for members of the fire service, becomes the latest addition to a fleet of over 120 Volvo trucks.

Currently operating two older Volvo FL12’s based at driver training centres at Wigan and Philip Parks Fire Station, the decision was made to purchase an additional vehicle. However with new regulations from the DSA on training vehicles, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service had to consider the latest criteria before an order was placed.

Brigade Engineer, John Collier, commented that, “Recent industry changes to standardise all training vehicles meant that we had to search the market to ensure the strict criteria was met.”

He added that, “Volvo was the only company to meet all of our requirements, in terms of the new regulations, price and delivery.”

Purchased from Municipal Sales Manager, David Greenwood at Thomas Hardie Commercials in Wigan, the Volvo FL-240, 4x2 rigid with rear air suspension, also has Euro 4 technology to minimise emissions. In light of this, the vehicle will help the Fire Service, as they strive to reduce their carbon footprint across the city. Based from Manchester Fire and Rescue’s fire station in Wigan, the new vehicle has already received a glowing report. John commented that, “Our instructors have praised the vehicles overall performance and ease of use for new LGV drivers.” The latest driver training addition can be seen across the City of Manchester, but will predominantly operate across the Boroughs of Wigan and Leigh. The service’s other training centre at Philips Park now have their own Volvo FL on order, which is expected to be delivered very soon.