IRELAND'S LEADING COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MAGAZINE

JUNE 114.50

STG 3.75inc.V.A.T.

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M749R249 M749 R109R249

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contents JUNE 2011 www.fl eet.ie

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 11 3

4 NEWSVehicle Brake regulations change Volvo cites blind-spot problem Nightline expands Texaco sponsor Irish Truck of the Year Awards Eircom goes EV plus Bottom Lines short news snippets Fiat Ducato goes Euro 5 and the HSA Safety Matters column

8 COVERAll guns blazing at Donington Park for the EU Truck Racing Series

10 INTERVIEWWith Nigel Butler, Commercial Director Renault Trucks UK

12 NEW FLEETNew Ivecos, Isuzus, Volvos and Scanias take to the road

14 TESTFirst drive in the new Euro 6 Scanias

16 FLEETING SHOTSFeaturing a special Zetros, Defender, Ranger Racer and Reefer Show

18 WORKSHOPLatest development from the repairs and maintenance sector

20 REVIEW IPart II of the report from the CV Show 2011

22 NEWSLETTERProgress Report from the FTAI

25-40 FLEET BUS & COACH SUMMER 2011

41 FUEL PRICESDiesel and Petrol costs from around the globe

42 INNOVATION IIChanging Times in the Ports

43 TECHNICALPart III of Truck & Trailer ABS/EBS systems

44 WAREHOUSINGBenefi ts of becoming a member of the AIWA

46 TIMES PASTDoor-to-door delivery methods and machines

48 LEGAL EXPERTAdvice on trailer brakes and warranty issues

49 COMMENTBest way to link the Luas systems

51 LEGALMore new legislation from the EU

53 FINANCEInsurance matters

55 58 FLEET MARITIME

59 REPORT IInTraDe Project Report

60 TRAILERMarket update, MCDs new Double Deck & Nootebooms new Ballast Trailer

61 REPORT IIConsequences of Road Traffi c Accidents

62 REPORT IIIThe Energy Show, RDS, Dublin

64 REPORT IVFPS Expo 2011, Harrogate, UK

66 SOAPBOXCrystal ball glazing

Fleet Transport Magazine, DAlton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland.Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571Email: enquiries@fl eet.ie

Subscription Hotline: 094 93 72827

Editor: Jarlath Sweeney

Contributors: Sean Murtagh, Gerry Murphy, Cathal Doyle, Paul White, Jonathan Lawton, Donal Dempsey, Howard Knott, Jerry Kiersey, Michael Corcoran, Rob Van Dieten, Ailbe Burke, Kay McGinley

Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Gerry Murphy, Cathal Doyle, Paul White, Michael Corcoran, Rob Van Dieten, Tom Cunningham, Ian Jarvis, Ger McCarthy, Pilprea/Studio Zedda

Administration: Orla Sweeney, Denise Vahey, Helen Maguire

Advertising: Mary Morrissey, Orla Sweeney

Design: Eamonn Wynne

Fleet Transport/ Fleet Car/ Fleet Bus & Coach/ Fleet Van & Utility/ Fleet Trailer & Body Builder/ Fleet Maritime/ Green Fleet

Management are published by JJDS Publications Ltd.Registered Offi ce: DAlton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.

Co. Reg. 368767Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh.

Disclaimer: Fleet Transport Magazine management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Transport management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers.The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specific matter.

Fleet TransportOffi cial Irish Jury

Member of the International Truck

of the Year Award

P 8 P 16

Volume 8. No.2. Summer 2011

www. eet.ie

OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUS/COACH AWARDS

Superstar has been made even betterwww.busandcoach.travel in association with

P 25

Cover picture taken by Tom Cunningham.

Wexford hurler victorious in Win a Vito competitionLiam Clare from Cranford, Gorey, County Wexford emerged as the winner of the Win-A-Vito Competition presented by Mercedes-Benz Commercials in association with Fleet Transport Magazine. A member of the Liam Mellows Hurling Club in Coolgreaney, Liam works as a Sales Agent for Brennans Bread. He qualifi ed by taking a test drive in the new award winning Mercedes-Benz Vito at local dealer Somers Commercials, Camolin. At the Grand Final held at Mercedes-Benz Headquarters in Dublin, Liam chose the correct key to drive away the all-new Mercedes-Benz Vito 110CDI model worth 24,000. Pictured handing over the keys to the new Vito to Liam Clare is Stephen Byrne, M.D., Mercedes-Benz Ireland. Full details in next months Fleet Van & Utility.

Nightline Delivers expansion plans

NEWS 1

4 FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 11

Major changes in Vehicle Braking come into force

Volvo Trucks tackles blind-side problem with new technology & education

From 1 June, new braking regulations come into eff ect applying to all new passenger vehicles, goods vehicles and their trailers. Th ese new requirements, states implementation body the Road Safety Authority, which are due to be signed into law shortly by the Minister for Transport are intended to improve the standard of braking systems. It is a key safety issue and a suffi cient braking capability is one of the most important qualities a vehicle must have.

Under the new requirements, it will be obligatory for all new passenger and goods vehicles and their trailers registered aft er 1 June 2011 to meet with the technical requirements of the EC Braking Directives or equivalent UN/ECE Regulations.

For trailers under 3.5 tonne (maximum mass) which are not registered, the requirements will apply from 1 June 2011 also. Minibuses and goods vehicles under/over 5 tonnes and under/over 12 tonnes respectively must be fi tt ed with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS). Th ey must have a separate optical warning signal for the ABS of the trailer. In order to be approved, M3 buses (+5t) and N3 (+12t) goods vehicles, authorised to tow 04 trailers (+ 10 tonnes), must comply with a downhill braking test that eff ectively means they must be fi tt ed with a retarder (engine brake). All Inter-City coaches will require a retarder (that allows a vehicle to go down long descents using the brakes thereby preventing the brake from gett ing too hot).

In addition all goods and passenger vehicles will now be required to have a braking system, which will immediately provide half the full stopping power, even if one function of the braking system fails. And fi nally, every wheel of every vehicle (including trailers) will be required to have a brake on it, the adjustment for brake wear must be automatic and the electrical contractor for braking must meet ISO 7638. While 03 and 04 3.5 10t/+ 10t trailers must be equipped with continuous or semi-continuous brakes and in the case of air braking, only automatically activated shut-off devices are allowed.

I t is easy for pedestrians and cyclists to spot a truck. But unfortunately, it is not quite so easy for truck drivers to spot pedestrians and cyclists. A truck has more blind spots than a car does, and it is particularly diffi cult despite the fi tt ing of no less than four rear-view mirrors to get a good rear view along the vehicles kerb side. Th e statistics speak clearly: 20 per cent of all accidents between road users and trucks occur when the truck turns at a junction. Volvo Trucks is tackling this problem at every level, for example by means of new technology and public traffi c education.

City crossroads are dangerous places. Traffi c of all types jostle for space and it is diffi cult to gain a clear overview, but it is most diffi cult of all for truck drivers.

If you stop at a red light, the environment around you changes while your vehicle is stationary. Meanwhile, the driver is focusing on something else, such as the traffi c lights or looking for a suitable gap in the traffi c ahead. Above all, it is changes behind the truck that the driver does not see. Cyclists, in particular, can close the gap quickly, says Malte Ahrholdt, Project Manager at Volvo Technology.

Ahrholdt works with Intersafe-2, an EU-fi nanced project that focuses on making crossroads less dangerous. Volvo Trucks contribution to the project is a system that aims at solving the problem of the truck drivers blind spot on the passenger side. In an LHD test truck, Ahrholdt and his colleagues have fi tt ed laser scanners and ultrasonic sensors that monitor the area on the right of the vehicle. When a cyclist or pedestrian gets too close, the truck driver is alerted by fl ashing lights and audible warning signals.

But technical innovations are not the only solution to the problem. It is also necessary for the general public to have an increased understanding of how trucks work in traffi c.

One working example is a project entitled 'Road Safety at Eye Level, which Volvo Trucks is operating in Denmark. Th e background is that many accidents were occurring when trucks turned right at junctions and many of the injured were children. Th e project involves visits to schools throughout Denmark and so far more than 60,000 children have participated in the training programme.

Th e number of accidents in Denmark involving cyclists and trucks during right turns has decreased since the campaign began in 2003, dropping from approximately ten fatalities per year to just one in 2009. Of course, it is diffi cult to specify exactly just how much the campaign has contributed to this improvement, but today there is considerable demand for the programme among Danish schools. Volvo Trucks has also taken the initiative to launch similar projects in several other European countries.

Nightlines 5.5 million extension to its Dublin headquarters has received planning permission from Fingal County Council. Th e go-ahead to increase its Mygan Park facility in Finglas East by 40% will also bring with it 50 extra jobs at the site.

Nightlines CEO, John Tuohy said the move ref lected not only the companys current strength, but the success of its longer term business strategy. We are performing very strongly, especially given the current economic climate in Ireland, in particular. Th at we are able to press on with our physical and business

growth illustrates our confi dence. He added, It would not have been prudent to have taken such a step without considering the needs of our clients

and what the future holds in store. Our business plan is very much on-track and, therefore, we want to ensure that we have the infrastructure and the

personnel to cope with the volumes of work we envisage.Th e expansion is the latest in a series of bold steps forward from Nightline in the last 12 months. Aft er landing a string of major contract wins following the opening of a UK facility in Lancashire last May, the fi rm launched a subsidiary Eirpost to capitalise on postal liberalisation in Ireland which swift ly struck up a partnership with one of the worlds biggest mail operators, Swiss Post.

NEWS II

FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 11 5

The TEXACO brand of lubricants is to be the new title sponsor of the Fleet Transport Irish Truck of the Year Awards 2012. Th e announcement was made at the recent Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC, Birmingham prior to the line-up of contenders being revealed. Th e new Scania R-series Euro 6 will be up against the new Iveco EcoStralis, Isuzu N-Series Euro 5 and Fuso Canter Euro 5 for the prestigious title of the Irish Truck of the Year 2012 sponsored by Texaco-branded lubricants. Two additional awards are also up for grabs Truck Innovation of the Year 2012 and Trailer Innovation of the Year 2012. Applications are now open to these categories see www.fl eet.ie for details or email awards@fl eet.ie

At the launch of the Texaco Lubricants sponsorship deal with Fleet Transport, Dave Spence, Channel Marketing Manager Europe, said, Chevron,

through its Texaco Lubricants brand, has a long well-established presence in the Irish market, and we are delighted that CC Lubricants and OBrien Oil Products are committ ed to ensuring that Texaco Lubricants customers continue to have access to

our Texaco and Ursa branded commercial vehicle lubricants. We recognise the need to develop products which help reduce environmental impact and increase effi ciency, while reducing overall cost of ownership. Th is is why we believe our association with the Fleet Transport Irish Truck of the Year is a most suitable Texaco brand endorsement.

Th e Irish Truck of the Year Awards 2012 sponsored by Texaco-branded lubricants will be presented alongside the ESB e-cars Green Commercial of the Year Awards 2012 at the Fleet Transport Awards Gala Dinner on 3 October at the Johnstown House Hotel, Enfi eld, County Meath.

Chevron Lubricants produce and market lubricants under the Texaco, Chevron and Caltex brands and is used daily in cars, trucks, buses and industrial machinery around the world.

Texaco Lubricants back Irish Truck of the Year Awards 2012

New Pilot Scheme to measure viability of using Electric Commercial Vehicles

A project to ascertain the viability of using electric vans in real-time working environments has been launched by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, T.D.

Using three Eircom electric vans supplied by Green Machines of Terenure, the year long project, which is jointly promoted by Topaz, Eircom and the Ecology Foundation, will gauge the performance of the vehicles under a variety of criteria, including electricity usage, cost, mileage and emissions, as well as including driver and forecourt surveys and the publics response.

Th e three vehicles which are among the worlds fi rst fast chargeable (CHAdeMO protocol compliant) production vans will be charged via a combination of home charging and Topaz rapid charging facilities.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Varadkar said fi ndings from the project, which is granted aid by his Departments National Sustainable Travel Offi ce, would assist fl eet managers considering the

deployment of electric vehicles. He commented that the type of work that an Eircom van does would be quite similar to that undertaken by Local Authorities, and while there was no immediate plans to switch the Government fl eet over to electric, the Government could play a big role in reaching the target of 10% electric vehicle usage by 2020.

When questioned about anomalies that discourage commercial vehicle operators to switch to electric vehicles such as the fact that road tax on an electric vehicle can be more than its diesel equivalent, or that VRT is charged at the full rate, the Minister said that providing incentives in these areas would make sense and was something he was prepared to look into. He discounted allowing electric vehicle users to use bus lanes on the grounds that it would be unenforceable. Cathal Doyle

BOTTOMLINES BOTTOMLINES BOTTOMLINESGoodyear Showcases at Tip-ExGoodyear returns to this months Tip-Ex Show in Harrogate to highlight its Omnitrac MSS II and MSD II tyres featuring the two latest innovations DuraSeal and Max Technology.

DuraSeal is the worlds fi rst built-in tyre sealant for truck tyres that instantly seals tread punctures without time-consuming or messy application of aftermarket sealants as well as improving productivity and tyre life. Th is, combined with the Max Technology concept, which uses the latest materials and designs to produce tyres that provide excellent traction, damage resistance and high mileage, ensures that Goodyear is the fi rst choice for many fl eets in the industry.

Volkswagen brings Scania/MAN closerFollowing the Volkswagen Groups increased investment in MAN SE shareholding (from 29.9% to 30.47%) prompted an immediate public tender off er for the MAN SE Group.

A statement from MAN SE favours the industrial logic behind a more intensified co-operation

between MAN SE, Scania AB and Volkswagen AG. Furthermore, it states, a more intensifi ed co-operation has signifi cant synergy potential. We expect to continue our highly constructive strategic discussions with Volkswagen AG and Scania AB in order to achieve progress along this path.

Fiat Group Automobile & PSA Peugeot Citroen extend LCV co-operationFiat Group Automobiles and PSA Peugeot Citroen have announced that they are planning to extend their successful SevelSud manufacturing joint venture until 2019. Th e SevelSud factory in Val Di Sangro, Italy, produces the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Relay range of LCVs.

It has also been jointly agreed by PSA Peugeot Citroen and Fiat Group Automobiles that their SevelNord joint venture, based in Valenciennes, France, will not be renewed aft er its expiry in 2017 due to changes in each partners future product strategies. SevelNord currently manufactures the Peugeot Expert, Citroen Dispatch and Fiat Scudo range of light commercial vehicles.

Sales boost for Fuso CanterAt 1,325 units, sales at Fuso in Europe were 31 percent higher in the fi rst quarter than in the same period last year. In 2010 as a whole, the Japanese Daimler owned brand sold almost 6,000 units in Europe, an increase of 48.5 percent on the previous year. Meanwhile the Brisbane Truck Show in Australia premiered the launch of the New Canter light truck. Following Japan and North America, Australia is the third major market in which the eighth generation Canter (3.5 to 7.5 tons GVW) is being off ered. Th e truck is to be introduced in Europe in late 2011, and it will be available in more than 40 new markets by the end of 2012.

Sod turned on N5 Longford BypassCongestion in the centre of Longford town is to be eliminated following Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Mr. Leo Varadkars sod turning exercise on the 26 million N5 Longford Bypass. Journey times through the County town is to be reduced by an estimated 8 minutes once the new 2.6 km single carriageway route is completed by the end of 2012.

NEWS 111

6 FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 11

Fiat Ducato continues to evolve 30 years on

Since fi rst launched in 1981, over 2.2 million Fiat Ducatos have been produced and sold. Th e medium-sized van range originally designed for businesses has picked up numerous International awards over its fi ve generation life span. Th e secret of its success is being able to quickly adapt to change, be it from European legislation or in response to the specifi c needs of customers. And its in preparation for Euro 5 engine emission controls that Fiat Professional decided to give the Ducato a mid-life-cycle makeover. Even the keen eyed would fi nd it hard to notice any modifi cations to its exterior. Under the bonnet is where the real changes have been made. Lorenzo Sistino, CEO Fiat Professional outlined the companys One Mission: One Engine policy where the new 2.3 litre MultiJet II direct-injection turbodiesel Euro 5 engine power the majority of its vast confi guration line-up. For right hand drive markets, horsepower outputs stretch from 110 bhp to 177 bhp mated to

either 5 or 6 speed manual gearboxes. For the range-topping 3.0 litre 180 MultiJet (@ 177 bhp) a 6-speed ComfortMatic automated transmission will be available. Staying with the drivetrain, Traction +, Fiats traction control system is optional on the Ducato for the fi rst time as is the next generation Blue&Me Nav and eco:Drive systems which

helps both the driver/owner to drive correctly and economically and compared to the outgoing Euro 4 engines fuel consumption has been reduced by an average 15% and service intervals have been extended to 48,000 kms. Stop/Start technology is also developed for this engine range, which reduces CO2 emissions.

As before the Ducato line-up has a load volume ranging from 8 to 17m3.

Together with the new engines, the latest Ducato offers three trim levels something no other manufacturer currently does beginning with the standard spec to the top-of-the-range Techno with the Wood trim in-between. New Ducato now has more storage areas than its competitors too, just to emphasise that it continues to remain ahead of the game 30 years on.

The Electricity Supply Board (ESB) and Kildare-based Telecoms & Power company KTL scooped top honours at Th e European Transport Safety Council [ETSC] awards for work related road safety. Th e winners were up against stiff competition from a range of companies operating in Europe. As responsible employers, the ESB and KTL place work related road safety at the heart of their management systems. Both companies demonstrated that they had eff ective systems in place to manage work related road risks. Th eir respective submissions were evaluated based on criteria on setting road safety targets and evidence of progress, sustainability and achievements in managing work related road safety risks. Both companies eff ectively demonstrated that through their safety management practices they have reduced work related road accidents. Th eir safety programs have resulted in very good return on investment with a reduction in fuels bills, insurance premiums and costs associated with accidents and downtime. Th is reinforces the message that investing in safety makes sound business sense.

Th e large company winner, ESB, employs 7,150 people. Th e ESB has a strong safety culture. It has

been promoting work related road safety since the 1960s, through in-house safe driving awards. Th e ESB Safe Driving Bureau is at the heart of pushing the work related road safety agenda at ESB and runs a range of programmes to reduce the occurrence of work related vehicle accidents both on and off the road.

Th e SME winning company, KTL, based in Naas, operates in the telecom, renewable, transmission and power sectors and employs 170 staff . KTL has shown constant commitment to providing a safe workplace for its employees, by sett ing out and implementing a number of safety initiatives to tackle work related road safety issues and to create awareness amongst employees of the dangers associated with driving.

Martin OHalloran, CEO of the Health and Safety Authority said, ESB and KTL have put considerable resources into their work related road safety management systems and have been recognised at European level. Organisations that ensure risks are properly managed have improved safety for staff and the public.

Health & Safety Authority: Th e Vehicles at Work http:www.hsa.ie/eng/Vehicles_at_Work/ section of the website provides FREE resources to help you to manage your work related vehicle risks. In addition you can call the HSA's dedicated helpdesk, in confi dence, on LoCall: 1890 289 389 (between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday) on any safety query.

Th e European Agency for Safety and Health at Work: Have a new section on the website aimed at the road transport sector. Go to: htt p//osha.europa.eu/en/sector/road_transport

ETSC PRA ISE project: Th ematic reports are aimed at employers to assist, enable and empower them to manage specifi c work related road risks. Available FREE to download from htt p://www.etsc.eu/PRA ISE-publications.php

Minimising In-Vehicle Distraction: Off ering employers insight on how to minimise distractions for employees who use vehicles for work.

Th e report analyses the eff ects of nomadic devices, including mobile phones and portable navigation devices (PNDs).

Workzone Safety: Focuses on improving safety for both employees and road users in relation to work zone areas on and near to roads.

Two Irish Companies Scoop European Safety AwardsSafety Matters . . . . Safety Matters . . . . Safety Matters . . . .

KTL accepting award: L-R: John Duane, KTL; Elke Schneider, European Safety Agency; Claire OBrien, KTL and Antonio Avenoso, ETSC

ESB accepting Award: L-R: Ollie Brogan,ESB; Grainne Coogan, ESB; Tadhg Crowley, ESB; Antonio Avenoso, ETSC and Ronan Collier, ESB.

IN BRIEF . . . Resources for Employers on Work Related Road Safety

Volvo Trucks. Driving progresswww.volvotrucks.co.uk/tted-price

Its a fact of life that some things just work better when they are together, like Genuine Volvo Parts and Genuine Volvo Service. Only by having your parts tted in a Volvo Workshop by a fully trained Volvo technician can you be sure of the best possible levels of service, uptime and efciency.With a Volvo Fitted-Price, what we quote you upfront is the price you pay, with no hidden extras thats a great deal, plus a great deal more! Volvo Fitted-Parts carry a 2-year Warranty* on both Parts and Labour Fitted by fully trained Volvo Technicians Flexible workshop hours to suit you Environmentally conscious disposal of all uids and waste Free roadside recovery and repair if tted-parts fail or break Top class customer service 24/7

For a Volvo Fitted-Price, go online to www.volvotrucks.co.uk/tted-price or contact your local Volvo Dealer and Just Ask for a Volvo Fitted-Price.

Because SOME THINGS WORK BETTER TOGETHER

*Volvo Exchange Engines & Gearboxes are covered by 3 year Warranty (exceptions apply to some wearing parts).

M any say that motorsport nowadays, at the top level is not really a sport, its a business. Th e more sponsorship a team can bring in can lead to more success, be it through investment in technology or signing the best drivers. Th ats the way it is in Formula 1 and the World Rally Championship. But what about the FIA European Truck Racing Championship? Th is is where sport and business truly blend together as Fleet Transports Jarlath Sweeney discovered while att ending the opening rounds of the 2011 Series at Donington Park in the heart of the British Midlands. Th e weekends events sponsored by Renault Trucks UK, are not the French truck brands only involvement in the 10 round series held around Europe (now including Russia). Renault Trucks is the title sponsor of the MKR Technology's Team and also supply engines and other expertise to the Czech based outfi t. Th is partnership, formed last year ended the season on a winning note by securing the European Team crown by an impressive 27 points over its MAN backed rival Equipe Cespa.

Aft er a 10-year absence, Donington Park hosted the return of the British Truck Grand Prix, which opened the 2011 FIA European Truck Racing Championship. Fans were treated to an array of att ractions both on and off the track in order to keep all family members entertained. Th ese att ractions included stunt shows, trade stands and an impressive truck parade too. On top of the action around Doningtons famous circuit, the Launch Pad Arena behind the Redgate Corner held the opening round of the British Drift Championships on the Saturday. Th e day before, members of the press and invited VIPs were treated to the opportunity to experience racing trucks fi rst hand with demo-drives on board the 5.5 tonne 160 kp/h team trucks around

the legendary Donington track. Fleets Jarlath Sweeney experienced 5 fast laps along with leading Renault MKR driver Markus Bsiger. Such is the high level of torque (an amazing 5,500 Nm) in relation to the truck's overall weight, that litt le gear changing was necessary. Th e FIA governs the vehicle's overall speed to 160 kp/h and only allows the use of a standard manual gearbox, which is supplied by ZF. As with other racing machines, full safety regulations must comply from roll cage to race spec seats and tyre usage. As the engines are mounted towards the centre of the trucks chassis' bett er weight distribution is guaranteed on the tractor unit, which even has a fi ft h gear fi tt ed. And just

like racing cars, the driver sits low down and as far back as possible in the cab. Compared to standard trucks, the race steering wheel is tiny and mounted at 900 from the column.

Over the three days, Renault Trucks UK invited 12,500 customers to capture all the excitement as well as providing entertainment and refreshments. In order to gain the maximum potential from the exercise, sales representatives were brought in to advise potential customers on the vehicles impressively exhibited in the paddock area. Staff from the Marketing Department were busy too selling out the vast array of Renault Trucks Racing merchandise at the VIP tents.

COVER

8 FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 11

Renault Trucks 'Deliver' Success in the FIA European Truck Racing Championships

Markus Oestreich en-route to a lights-to-fl ag fi nish fr om pole in Race 1 of the FIA European Truck Racing Championships in Donington Park. Photo: Ian Jarvis

High Horsepowered Fast Forward Fun to the Finish!Season aft er season, spectators enthusiasm for truck racing during the FIA European Championship never wanes. Next to Formula 1 it att racts the biggest number of spectators. Over 500,000 of them were drawn to races last year up from 430,000 in 2009. Over 200,000 come to the famous Nurburgring in Germany for the annual races in July, which ties in with a Truck Show. Whats the big att raction? Th e sheer power, noise and door-to-door contest that is comparable to chariot racing from the glory days of the Roman Empire. Horses of a diff erent colour of course nowadays. Th e high performance Renault 13 litre DXi13 racing engine develops 1,140 hp with a torque of 5,500 Nm with a maximum engine speed of 160 kp/h at 2,600 kp/h. Th ese 4x2 tractor units are able to go from 60 kp/h to 160 kp/h in under 7 seconds! 80 litres of water is used in each race to cool down the brakes on the move! In the past works teams from Mercedes-Benz, Tatra, DAF Trucks to name a few have competed in the series which began in 1990. According to Fabian Calvet (pictured), FIA Delegate and Director Truck Racing Organisation, negotiations with Mercedes-Benz and Iveco to re-enter the series is ongoing.

Th e fi rst ever FIA Grand Prix event held in Russia was a round of the EU Truck Racing Championship last year. To demonstrate the signifi cance of the opportunities of mixing business with pleasure, Renault Trucks did a deal worth 8 million with a road transport operator for the supply of 250 trucks this year.

Nigel Butler, Sales Director, Renault Trucks UK said that this event was their main element of exposure this year, having passed on the opportunity to exhibit at the CV Show at the NEC in nearby Birmingham. He did admit that with the continued upturn in the transport industry, the company is seriously considering a return to the Halls of the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham next year. However, that wont stop Renault Trucks backing next years event judging by the success achieved at this Easter extravaganza.

Th roughout the weekend and over the series of 10 race weekends, which moves around Europe til October, the main focus for Renault Trucks is to defend its crown in the 2011 FIA European Truck Racing Championship. Stefano Chmielewski, CEO of Renault Trucks, who att ended the event at Donington, appreciates the eff orts made by MKR Technology. Achieving such a result in 2010 cannot be a question of chance, he observed. Th is team brings together the best in the discipline, both in terms of people and technology, from Mario Kress, the Team Manager with a string of triumphs to his credit, to the drivers and also those who worked so hard for this victory, such as the Renault Trucks engine designers and mechanics. And we almost certainly wouldnt be here without the contribution of Renault Trucks technology with the DXi13 racing engine, the chassis and the expertise of MKR Technology.

Renaults DXi13 race engine already has a great reputation, as confi rmed by last years Team Championship title. Flexible, reliable and delivering very high performance, it has been considerably developed as a result of the information gathered during the previous Grand Prix events. With this engine, we knew that we could challenge the best, and our competitors were not surprised by our performance, explained Grard Ptraz, Head of Team Co-ordination and Partner Relations in an interview with Fleet Transport. Grard and his team have been making the most of this positive

and passionate drive in preparation for the new season. Nothing has been left to chance, the trucks have been totally dismantled and rebuilt, the engine,

which proved its reliability and power has been minutely examined by our engineers and we are now fully ready to defend our title! Right from the off , the MKR Renaults delivered to use a phrase commonly associated with the Renault Trucks brand. Markus Oestreich (4th in the series in 2010) won the fi rst race on both the Saturday and Sunday with the German racer following that good result with a podium fi nish on the fi nal race. Adam Lacko from the Czech Republic, a new member to the team clinched second place by a whisker on Saturdays Race 2 which saw reigning champion Antonia Albecete (MAN) take victory with former Group N World Rally Champion (with Mitsubishi), Uwe Nitt el sett ling for third spot in the other red MAN. Markus Bsiger (Switzerland) wearing

Number 2 in the black Renault recorded one 5th and two top 6 fi nishes while French pilot Anthony Jariecs best Renault in the MKR Team 14 Juniors Satellite outfi t was 7th over the 15 lap 2 mile circuit in Race 1 Day 2.

Renault Trucks will also supply customer engines to the Belgian BJP Racing Team with team owner Jean-Pierre Blaise at the wheel. Truck racing allows manufacturers to enhance its image among members of the general public and build strong ties with its customers. Although a major competitor in truck racing since 2007, the partnership between Renault Trucks and MKR Technology, which began last year, enabled the whole team to start from scratch and rethink the vehicles design in a new light to create a new Renault Trucks Racing identity. Th e Premium Racing truck not only proved to be the best overall performer on the grid but the most att ractive too, thanks to the original and sharp design created by the Renault Trucks Halle de Design in Lyon, France.

COVER

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 11 9

Renault Trucks UK is marketing a special limited edition Renault Premium Long Distance to mark the brands success in the FIA EU Truck Racing Championship. Th e DXi11 460hp Euro 5 comes with exclusive truck racing livery alloys and other special touches such as red leather steering wheel, embossed seats and fl oor mats.

10 FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 11

INTERVIEW

JS. Day two of the three day British Truck Grand Prix sponsored by Renault Trucks at Donington Park for the opening rounds of the FIA European Truck Racing Championships and the atmosphere is building up nicely!

NB. What is it, fi ve to nine, and I can feel the atmosphere already, brilliant! Were always looking for ways to get close to customers. Th e CV Show is fantastic; its great for my Fleet Sales Representatives to get all the buyers together. I see hundreds of people that I know I can catch from a trade point of view about whats going on in the business. We love the CV Show and we want to be back there. At the CV Show we dont get access to smaller fl eets and we dont get access to truck drivers. Th e CV Show is good for the category buyer. Truck Fest is not quite as diverse. We cant aff ord to supply Truck Fest in the way that we want to do, but I do like Truck Fest. We are constantly reviewing how do we get close to the customers, in a more defi nitive way than the standard CV Show and Truck Fest. So when this came up we thought it would be interesting. Of course, theres been no FIA round here for 10 years. We were able to create the opportunity to do something in the UK, to bring the race back to the UK and were proud of that really. We worked very closely with the network and were convinced with the time-frame, so the deal was struck at the back end of last year. It was a real job to pull the whole thing together. A massive learning curve for us. Th e upshot of it really is weve worked with the dealer network initially with the concept they could do this, this or this, or a combination of things. We had all the network sales people together and set up a workshop. Th ey came up with all sorts of ideas, from moving the tickets and gett ing people interested. We set ourselves with what we thought was rather a tall order of 10,000 tickets. 10,000 tickets from Donington, thinking if were lucky

we might do 7,000 but whats happened is the sales guys said to their customers look, weve got this event coming up, why dont you send your top ten drivers, why dont you have a bit of a competition. Th ese guys have all booked tickets and in the event 12,500 tickets were sold. Its been absolutely fantastic.

JS. Unlike the CV Show when you invite customers youre in danger of them moving onto the other manufacturers stands, where as this here is more concentrated with the fi ne display of new vehicles outside in the Paddock with sales people ready to talk to them. Its more focussed on the Renault Truck brand.

NB. Very much so. Youve walked around the Paddock and had a good look we are the core brand here this year. MAN are here, in a small sort of way but I dont know what the arrangements are with the teams theyre working with. Clearly therell be some sort of fi nancial or supply arrangement. Th eyre not at the same sort of level that we are. We have got the opportunity now weve branded the event. Whether people are coming to watch MAN Cepsa or whether theyre coming to watch one of the other teams, they are going to go away with no mistake Renault Trucks are here in a big way. Its great from a brand image point of view.

JS. When it comes to brand exposure, every avenue is covered. One is you are the sponsor of the MKR Technology team which won the Team Championship last year, you are sponsoring the overall event and to follow on fr om the success of last year you have branded Zero One Championship Premium Limited Edition trucks on sale and then you have the merchandise as well.

NB. Yes, its the whole thing, isnt it? Th e 01 Premium Route is being sold right across Europe. We decided in the UK that we had our own 01 version of Magnum, which we pulled together, so its quite an exclusive brand really. We dont expect to sell thousands of these but there will be a core of owner drivers out there that are turned on by that sort of thing. Its great for demos and running around. Last year we completely renewed all our

merchandise range, built around three diff erent themes Business, Adventure and Racing, all of which are selling well.

JS. With the actual Championship going back to the UK aft er a long period, do you think it will be a bit of a slow burner the fi rst year followed by a bett er impact next year?

NB. Just looking out of the window, seeing everyone walking past I dont know whether it is going to be a slow burner. Youd expect a

gradual take-up really. Just going back to what you were saying about gett ing to people at the CV Show and the big companies, what were going to get here is the whole cross section of people, weve got senior people, buyers coming along for the weekend, the Easter Bank Holiday. Th ey are coming along to look, in relax mode, not coming from a work perspective, just coming along for a look to see what this Truck Racing is all about. Youve got the middle guy that you may or may not get at the CV Show and youve got the drivers as well that you defi nitely dont get at the CV Show but at the Truck Fest. Weve got many more opportunities to get to a whole diff erent spectrum of people. Yesterday I got quite excited about it really, the number of people well get to grips with, to get some quality time with who wont see it as a selling opportunity. All the Renault Trucks branding around, it helps create an impression, it helps build the brand image, to bring it to the forefront of peoples minds.

JS. From the technological aspect you have the Volvo Group engines pushed out to maximum power. You also have the dynamic team back at Lyons, touching up the trucks in a very artistic fashion.

NB. Weve got MKR Technology to thank. Th ats the business end, if you like, and what were doing is were supporting them fi nancially, supporting them particularly with expertise. Where does that expertise show through? Th at expertise shows through really from the front to the rear of the truck. Th e most obvious one is the aerodynamics. We have the Halle de Design team in Lyon working on this aspect and you can see that come through in the nostrils, the fl ares, the diff erent air dam, which are specially shaped and designed. A model really to get your cooling into your brakes, when you look at the side frames of the vehicle. With all the cross braking we were looking at yesterday out on the track, that again comes from work were doing. CAD (Computer Aided Design) work with MKR technology. I mean these guys are experts at it anyway. Mario Kress is probably the most successful team manager in the history of the sport. Were really able to give him access to the skills of technicians, engineers and designers, which help these things onto the next level. Were able to work with them, not just to throw more fuel into the engine to give it more power, but to actually refi ne the projection system to put more fuel in in exactly the right amount at exactly the right time its a very tense environment really, high stress, high pressure environment. If we can get it to work on a race track, well get that same technology to work on the road. What we are actually able to do also is test the use of Bio-diesel in a very harsh environment - high temperature, high power, high pressure and prove it in a racing environment and when it works in a racing environment then we can ask how can we get it into production and make it available to the general public. Fuel consumption is particularly important as well. So were able to fi nd an awful lot of expertise in an awful lot of diff erent areas. A lot of its done by guys who are really very committ ed. Th e lead guys are working late, working weekends, really to help, for the love of the brand, the love of the business, the love of the sport really.

One-to-OneOne-to-OneNigel Butler, Nigel Butler, Commercial Director,Commercial Director,Renault Trucks UKRenault Trucks UKwith Jarlath Sweeney with Jarlath Sweeney editor@fl eet.ieeditor@fl eet.ie

Nigel about to get in some fast laps around Donington Park driven by Markus Bsiger.

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Donlon Couriers sound with Scania!

12 FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 11 Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie

NEW FLEET

Truck Dealers International supplied this Iveco Eurocargo 100E 180EEV Crew Cab utility truck to Kilkenny County Council. Sporting the Countys black and amber colours, the 10 tonne 4x2 rigid with factory built crew-cab features Ivecos EEV tractor engine. EEV, which denotes Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicle, goes beyond the stringent Euro 5 engine emission controls as set out by the European Union.

April was a good month for Volvo Truck & Bus dealers Irish Commercials (Sales) Ltd, Naas, County Kildare. Featured here are three handovers of new Volvo Trucks to C & G Logistics and Elsatrans Ltd. Headquartered at Westpoint Business Park, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, C & G Logistics took delivery of a new FLL 15 tonne 4x2 Rigid and an FM11 4x2 Tractor-Unit. Th e former features a 240 hp (Euro 5) version of the 7-litre engine with I-Sync automated transmission while the FM11 tractor with sleeper cab is powered by

Volvo Groups 11-litre 450 hp diesel mated to its I-Shift gearbox.

Th e arrival of the new FM11.450 tractor-unit to Elsatrans base at Johnstown, County Kildare brings its Volvo fl eet number up to nine trucks. Specifi cation on this 4x2 tractor-unit includes LXL Cab, Drive + Package with full leather interior, audio with Bluetooth and full air-fl ow pack and side skirts.

Th e Elsatrans fl eet is fully maintained by Volvos

Full Gold Contract.

Along with the annual Tappet & Injector Adjustment, Tracking & A xle Alignment, and Road Speed Limiter reduction, Owner/Operator Aaron McAleenan says an average of 10 mpg across his fl eet of FM11.450hp trucks is achieved.

The handover was completed by Aaron McAleenan (Elsatrans Owner) & Jim Bergin (Irish Commercials).

Eco-friendly Eurocargo for Kilkenny County Council

New Isuzu NPR for General Hardware Supplies

Volvo trio delivered by Irish Commercials

MIKE MURPHY INSURANCE GROUPThe Insurance Centre, 7 Sandyford Business Centre, Sandyford, Dublin 18.

Working with the Irish Road Haulage Industry for over 35 years.Just call us for a quote! Tel: 01 2932350 Fax: 01 2932360

Email: info@mikemurphyinsurance.ie Web: www.mikemurphyinsurance.ieMike Murphy Insurance Group is a trade name of Insureforsure Ltd. Is a member of IBA & Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

GHS General Hardware Supplies Ltd, Newcastlewest, County Limerick recently took delivery of this new Isuzu NPR 75 from Dennehy Com merc ia ls Ltd, Limerick.

The 7.5 tonne GV W features a Fitzgerald Steel Tipping-body.

Pat Reeves, Sa les Executive at Dennehy Commercials secured the deal.

Longford based Donlon Couriers continues its relationship with Westward Scania having recently taken delivery of a new Scania P280. Th is new 4x2 rigid features a sleeper cab, leather seats and a special factory built sound system.Monread Body Builders (Naas) supplied the curtainsider and Dhollandia 2,000 kg tail-lift .

Michael Treacy, Retail Sales Manager , Westward Scania conducted the deal.

are you registered?From 3 January 2012 emissions standards are tighteningand more vehicle types will be included.

Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, (including buses and coaches weighing more than 5 tonnes gross vehicle weight) will need to meet Euro IV emissions standards or pay a 200 daily charge.

Larger vans and other specialist vehicles between 1.205 unladen and 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, plus minibuses with more than 8 passenger seats weighing 5 tonnes or less, will need to meet Euro 3 emissions standards or pay a 100 daily charge.

Once your vehicle meets these standards, you will need to register with TfL before you drive in to London.

For advice on your options and a registration form, visit t .gov.uk/lezlondon or call +44 20 7310 8998

W hen the series of Euro emission limits became known back in 1992, the implementation of Euro 6 seemed a lifetime away. Having progressed through Euro 4, and with operators currently wrestling Euro 5 - it seems that the next stage has appeared overnight. In fact Scania AB will be taking orders for Euro 6 from the beginning of June.

In being one of the fi rst to make compliant vehicles available, Scania hope to meet any urgent customer demands for Euro 6, and possibly att ract some new customers. However, quantifying customer demand is proving very diffi cult, and to a large extent appears to be out of the manufacturers hands.

In any fi eld of business, meeting more stringent regulations usually means an increase in costs - and meeting Euro 6 is no diff erent. Scanias Product Aff airs Manager Per-Eric Nordstrom states the cost of a Euro 6 rated truck will be around 12,000 more than an equivalent Euro 5 version. So what are the potential benefi ts or incentives for transport operators to make the very expensive move, at a time when the price of fuel is highly volatile, and fi nance diffi cult to obtain?

Whatever benefi ts Scanias Euro 6 may bring, reduced fuel consumption is not one of them. While Euro 6 will not increase the diesel bill, it will also not lower the monthly invoice/s. Th e potential benefi ts of investing in Euro 6 may arise from reduced road toll charges or taxation, and

possibly improved residual values. Unfortunately these factors realise diff ering benefi ts to companies operating in diff ering conditions.

One example would be a haulier operating regularly to or through Germany, where a Euro 6 should att ract a reduction in the charges levied by the Maut road pricing system. Unfortunately, no details are available for what percentage reduction if any - may apply. Th is is because throughout the EU no Member States or Local Authorities have reached fi nal decisions.

Currently running a fi ve axle Euro 4 vehicle a roundtrip journey from Aachen to Munich and back to Aachen costs approximately 250 in road tolling. Th is could be an opportunity for hauliers to be aff orded signifi cant reductions in road charges for investing in greener vehicles.

However if you do not operate in Countries where road pricing exists, there is as yet no advantage or incentive to upgrade. Th e idea of operating Euro 6 vehicles may confer some level of moral superiority - but it certainly comes at a price. To the general public a Euro 6 vehicle appears just as any other truck on the road. So it would take a clever advertising campaign to get the message across that you just invested an extra 12,000 to be greener. Consequently, calculating any return on this investment becomes highly subjective.

On the road the 13 litre, Euro 6 - 440 and 480 hp engines drive exactly the same as the Euro 5 versions. In fact the engine power and torque graphs for both Euro 5 and 6 could be laid on top of each other with no noticeable diff erence. What turns a Euro 5 to a Euro 6 is primarily to do with features and modifications post combustion. Scania has achieved this through a combination of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and the installation of a Particulate Matt er Filter (PMF).

As the exhaust gas is expelled from the combustion chamber into the outlet manifold, 25% of the gas is re-circulated, cooled and mixed with incoming fresh air, then returned to the combustion chamber. Th e remaining exhaust gas is directed through an in-line Diesel Oxidising Catalyst or Oxicat, and then

14 FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 11

TEST

Scania hits the road with Euro 6Going Green is Going to Cost

through the PMF, which removes 99% of the soot a n d c a r b o n particulates. Just prior to entering the new silencer unit, an electronic dosing meter injects the Ad Blue solution.

On entering the si lencer u n it the exhaust gas passes through two parallel SCR units and fi nally

a Slipcat to remove any ammonium, before the remaining emissions are released to the atmosphere. Correct operation of the system is monitored by two separate NOx sensors. One being located between the Variable Geometry Turbocharger and the Oxicat, with the other positioned just aft er the Slipcat at the fi nal stage of the cleansing process. Th e sensors measure the variation in the exhaust gas before and aft er the cleansing process to ensure acceptable emission levels.

Intervention by the driver may be required if the vehicle is operating in heavy traffi c or with light loads for prolonged periods. If necessary, the driver is alerted to activate the Regeneration Switch on the dashboard, which increases engine speed for approximately 20/25 minutes to burn off ash deposits on the PMF.

Temperature management for Euro 6 is critical through all parts of the process. To ensure the system does not cool down when on overrun, Scania has fi tt ed an air Intake Th rott le Valve to regulate the volume of cool air being drawn through the silencer unit. Th is ensures the optimal operating temperature of 250 C is maintained. In addition the capacity of the new sound deadening plastic oil sump has been increased by 3 litres to assist with engine cooling.

Euro 6 engines have been run on a test basis with some selected transport operators and Scanias own transport company Scania Transport Laboratory (STL). STLs trucks turn 360,000 kms per year, operating round the clock from Sodertalje in Sweden, to Scanias assembly plant at Zwolle in Holland. As this 20 strong fl eet has tested the system in authentic working conditions, Scania are confi dent that reliability with Euro 6 will not be an issue.

Maintenance of the additional components will not appreciably increase downtime. Changing PMF takes about one hour every two years and is programmed into the recommended servicing

schedule. However due to the hazardous nature of the substances involved this task can only be carried out by qualifi ed personnel. In addition Scania strongly recommends using their approved Long Drain Oil is used to ensure correct performance.

One area which does require constant vigilance is the quality of fuel used. If a high sulphur or poor quality diesel is used there is a risk of damage to the system, which could prove costly. For this reason Scania wanted to ensure that the silencer unit was kept as compact as possible, in order to allow the standard fi tment of high capacity fuel tanks (1,500 litres) for those operating to the furthest corners of Europe. Although fuel consumption has not been reduced with the advent of Euro 6, improved electronic metering has realised an approximate 33% reduction in the average consumption of Ad Blue.

Scania AB has invested heavily to achieve what it set out to accomplish back in 2007. Th e cost of meeting the Euro 6 criteria was more than double the cost of the initial move to Euro 3. Moreover Scania even managed to meet the regulations when the testing parameters were changed during the development process, with the Authorities stipulating that the number of individual particulate/s must be counted aft er every test cycle.

It is now time for the respective Authorities in EU Member States to reveal how green they really are by assisting and encouraging transport operators to upgrade. However this raises the possibility of indirectly penalising operators who may have recently invested in high spec Euro 5 and/or Euro 5 EEV vehicles.

Any assistance programme which promotes a move to Euro 6 by means of subsidies, has the potential to depress the residual value of all non-Euro 6 commercial vehicles.

Th ere is no doubt that Scania has met the challenge of Euro 6 compliance head on, managing to achieve what was thought to be impossible less than ten years ago. Intense lobbying of the relevant Authorities is now required to ensure that the eff ort and investment will not solely result in large amounts of very clean hot air.

Text& Photos: Paul White - paul@fl eet.ie FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 11 15

TEST

Summary of ChangesAvailable as 440 & 480 Hp Power Outputs - (2,300 & 2,500 Nm) respectivelyCan be fi tt ed to G and R cab optionsE6 achieved by means of combined EGR, SCR and Particulate Matt er FiltrationReduced consumption of Ad Blue by an average of 33%New plastic oil sump with capacity increased by 3 litresAir Intake Th rott le to control air fl ow and help to maintain operational temperatureWeight penalty of 200 kgs over equivalent E5 EGR versionNo date set for implementation on passenger vehicles as yet

16 FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 11 Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fl eet.ie

FLEETING SHOTS

Two Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6x6's with a diff erence are currently trekking across outer Mongolia on hunting missions and various leisure excursions by their wealthy owners.

Th e 25 tonne GVW three-axle heavy-duty trucks are powered by a 7.2 litre 326 hp 6-cylinder engine with impressive torque values of 1,300 Nm from 1,200 to 1,600 rpm and equipped with three diff erential locks. On board the Hartmann custom-built body features high spec levels of equipment supplied by equipment specialist Huenerkopf.

Fully insulated and double-glazed, it also comes with living and sleeping accommodation. Even the fl oor is heated! All mod-cons are included such as high-tech audio/visual entertainment, water cooled generator, air-conditioning and separate water systems that put them on par with top-class motorhomes.

Animals in Game Parks in South Africa will not be disturbed by the noise of the open-top 4x4s thanks to Land Rover and Europes lithium-ion batt ery systems specialists Axeon. Together they have developed an all-electric version of a Land Rover Defender 110 High Capacity Pick-Up for use out on Safari.

By replacing the standard 2.4 litre diesel engine means that the production vehicles tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions of 295 g/km have been reduced to zero and the electric Defender is also able to operate very quietly. In testing, the range was shown to be capable of three times a typical game drive on a single charge. Unlike many electric vehicle batt ery packs that are positioned in the fl oor of the vehicle, the Axeon pack has been designed to fi t into the vehicles engine bay in order to maintain ground clearance and wading height for this unique vehicle.

Th e bespoke batt ery system also incorporates Axeons proprietary Batt ery Management System ( B M S ) , w h i c h monitors the battery s t a t e , me a s u r i n g and controlling key operational parameters, thus ensuring safety particularly important for an electric vehicle that may encounter harsh conditions.

David ORegan featured strongly in the support races on the British Truck Grand Prix at Donington Park driving in the Pick-Up Truck Racing Championship. Th e 20 year old student from Cork is among the top rookies in this years Championship which takes in 13 race weekends across the UK.

While studying for a Road Transport Management Degree at Limerick Institute of Technology, David also fi nds the time to compete in the National Hot Road Championships at Rose Green Tipperary in a 2.0 litre Opel Tigra. Th e 2010 winner of the Hot Road Grand National in Hednesford last year must be applauded for pursuing his talents across both sides of the Irish Sea.

Without the support of his Dad John, who runs a Cork-Dublin-Cork courier service for the motor parts business, and his family and friends, Davids att empt to mix it among the big and more experienced boys in the 2.3 litre Ford Ranger Pick-Up would not happen.

David fi nds the contrast between oval racing and circuit racing quite challenging but is enjoying the experience. Fleet Transport aims to keep an eye on Davids Pick-Up Racing campaign and report on his progress throughout the season.

Pictured in the Pit Garage at Donington are John ORegan, Niamh Moakley and David ORegan.

Many players in the sector have signed up to exhibits at a two-in-one new exhibition in England for the frozen and chilled foods industry.Th e Temperature Controlled Storage & Distribution Show and the Frozen & Chilled Foods Show will be co-located at Peterboroughs East of England Showground Exec Exhibition Centre on 14 and 15 September. With over 40 exhibitors having booked stands, more than 60% of the fl oor space has already been allocated plus a further 30 exhibitors are poised to sign up. Its shaping up to be a fantastic launch event, said Martyn Cogan, Sales & Marketing Director, and the level of interest from this specialist sector shows the demand for these new Shows.

At the end of the fi rst day of the Show, exhibitors and visitors are invited to att end the TCS&D Dinner, which makes a welcome return to the industry aft er a break of some 15 years. Guests will enjoy a three-course meal with entertainment and the opportunity for some valuable networking. For more details, call R ichard Cogan on 0044 1732 868288. To register to attend the Shows, visit www.tcsanddshow.com or www.fcfshow.com.

MIKE MURPHY INSURANCE GROUPThe Insurance Centre, 7 Sandyford Business Centre, Sandyford, Dublin 18.

Working with the Irish Road Haulage Industry for over 35 years.Just call us for a quote! Tel: 01 2932350 Fax: 01 2932360

Email: info@mikemurphyinsurance.ie Web: www.mikemurphyinsurance.ieMike Murphy Insurance Group is a trade name of Insureforsure Ltd. Is a member of IBA & Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

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Zero emission Land Rover Defender on Safari

Irelands Lone-Star Ranger Racer!

New Cold Show in September

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provenreliability As tted to the

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a tri-axle trailer with overall length of15.65m which handles better

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Photo of Muldoon 15.65m Longer Semi-Trailertted with Muldoon Sidewinder positive rear steer system

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WORKSHOP

18 FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 11

T he normal transport day is fraught with problems. Because there are so many possibilities for things to go wrong, something usually does and if not now, it will be sure to in the near future. It is almost unheard of for someone to call and say thanks for doing a good job. When the phone rings; it is usually someone with a problem, who wants you to solve it for them.

Most vehicle owners or traffi c managers have received a call from a driver stating the famous line, I have just had a small tip, it is nothing really just thought Id let you know. When the dust sett les and the damage can be seen, the small tip oft en develops into a major headache. Even in cases where there are no third parties involved, it is going to cost.

Th e repair of body damage diff ers from mechanical breakdowns for one major reason. It oft en requires that the vehicle is off the road for what may seem like extended periods of time. In addition to being costly, this down time can throw vehicle planning and scheduling into chaos. It may necessitate the hiring in of equipment and/or subcontractors, just to meet customer demands. Regardless of the damage, when a vehicle is off the road for bodywork repair, experience has shown that it always takes longer and costs more than first anticipated.

Conscious of the cost of vehicle downtime, damage repair specialists appreciate the need to get a vehicle back on the road as quickly as possible. It is also in their interest as the quicker the job is resolved the quicker they can invoice.

As with so many businesses the body repair sector has changed dramatically over recent years. Complying with regulations governing health and safety has changed working procedures, and environmental legislation governing the disposal of end of life vehicles is stringent and can only be carried out by approved facilities. Likewise many of the products used in vehicle repair are by their nature highly dangerous and their use is strictly controlled. Correct handling and storage of these substances requires investment in training and sometimes licensing.

The investment in equipment requires huge resources, and the demands to constantly re-invest appear to be endless. Todays customer has high expectations, which can only be realised through time, eff ort, and great att ention to detail. What was previously known as a body shop or panel beaters has now evolved to provide a wide range of services, for as wide a range of clients. It is no longer adequate when recovering a vehicle to simply tow it back to the workshop. Vehicle

recovery has become a specialised area of work, requiring expensive dedicated vehicles - and thats just for breakdowns. Correct recovery of damaged vehicles from the scene of a road traffi c accident calls for levels of skill and experience that only a few operators in the country possess.

Companies such as CP Commercials in Baldoyle Industrial Estate, Dublin has both the equipment and the skills to undertake the heaviest of these recovery missions on a 24/7 basis. Th e need to recover damaged vehicles quickly, in particular commercial vehicles without causing further damage to the vehicle or load, has become increasingly important. Incorrect recovery methods can make an already bad situation rapidly worse and create as much damage as the incident itself with a subsequent knock-on aff ect increasing the cost of repairs.

What has also become an issue with modern motor vehicles is the correct re-fi tt ing of electronic systems damaged in an accident. Again this has required repair facilities to invest in diagnostic equipment, to ensure all electronics are operating correctly, especially in the area of safety critical systems, such as air bags. Unless linked to a main dealer, this can pose problems for the repair shop, as they generally deal with all makes and models of vehicles.

It might be viewed as somewhat ironic that higher demands are now being placed on repair facilities to provide a wider range of services, from expert recovery, repair, and diagnostics through to vehicle hire with drop off and collection packages. However, improvements in our road infrastructure, in particular with the expansion of the Motorway network, have reduced the number of accidents. While everyone views this as a positive outcome, it has caused a corresponding decline in business for those in the repair trade.

Fleet Transport paid a visit to one of the leading vehicle repair and recovery specialists in the country, to view current trends in this aspect of the industry. With over thirty-fi ve years experience Corcorans of Portlaoise is recognised as a provider of high quality work, to all manner of companies, including An Garda Siochanna, the Defence Forces and major Insurance Underwriters. It may be a clich to say their facilities just off Junction 17 of the M7 are state of the art - but thats what they are. Th e level of investment in premises and equipment is one aspect of the business that few get a chance to see but repairing vehicles to the exacting standards required by organisations like the Defence Forces can only be accomplished with the most modern chassis alignment tools and spray booths.

We spoke to a number of repair facilities around the country about their concerns and to gauge their thoughts about the future of the industry. In keeping with so many who operate within whats commonly referred to as the small and medium enterprise sector, fi nance and cash fl ow is proving diffi cult. In the vehicle repair sector cash fl ow is always a concern as the type of repair may extend

Repairs - on a Crash Course

WORKSHOP

Text: Paul White - paul@fl eet.ie FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 11 19

over a prolonged period of time and may also require a signifi cant investment in parts, materials and labour by the company. None of which can be invoiced before the vehicle is restored to its former glory and been signed off by the customer. Moreover it is not uncommon for disputes to arise which can further delay payment being received.

Other concerns arise with the costs of adhering to the Health & Safety Directives and the increasing body of regulations governing environmental issues. While all appreciate the need for the issues being regulated, meeting the regulations has increased costs which are becoming harder to pass on - and harder to absorb. Furthermore all highlight the increasing level of pressure being exerted on repair businesses by insurance underwriters. As insurance companies fi ght for market share

it has transpired that in order to reduce policy premiums to retain existing customers and att ract new business, they view the cost of vehicle repairs as a method of reducing expenditure. For some of the people we spoke to this practice was reaching a worrying level. Fleet Transport was shown documents relating to a number of vehicle repairs which when the amounts were fi nalised bore no relation to the original estimate. Th e documents also contained certain clauses, which made what some may consider, unreasonable demands on body-shops.

Based on previous experience a number of the vehicle repair companies are beginning to decline work off ered from certain insurers. Th is could result in the policy underwriters seeking

their savings elsewhere, and here the possibility may arise that if a less reputable repair facility were engaged, shortcuts may be taken. As already stated the modern vehicle is now a far more complex creation that demands ever increasing levels of skill to ensure correct operation. If safety systems like ABS are compromised in an accident it is imperative that such devices are restored to their manufacturers specifi cation. Th is cannot be assured without access to specialist equipment and/or soft ware.

With customers demanding ever lower premiums from Insurance Companies something has to give somewhere. Or contrary to popular belief maybe we are not paying as much for cover as we should.

20 FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 11

Penny HydraulicsChesterfi eld company Penny Hydraulics featured two Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles fully kitt ed out to promote its range of cranes and platform lift s. As an accredited converter of VW LCVs (as well as Renault & Nissan) it had a Transporter and Show debutant the all-new Amarok Pick-Up all geared up and ready to go on its demonstrator fl eet.

REVIEW 1

Commercial Vehicle Show 2011 Air1AdBlue supplier Air1, which has six retail sites in the Republic of Ireland, all in or around the Dublin area, was promoting a new bulk dispenser unit called BlueBox. Designed as an aff ordable solution for home yards, fuel stations and bus depots, it features double wall protection and one dispensing nozzle that can fi ll both fuel lanes.

CameleonMuch interest was directed towards the Cameleon stand where a selection of Iveco Daily 4x4s stood to att ention. Th is specially prepared multi-functional vehicle will protect and deliver its crew and load across the widest range of terrain and combat scenarios. Th e 180hp 3.0 litre turbo powered Cameleon IV440 5.5t GVW utility has a payload of 3 tonnes.

DFSKDFSK formerly known as DFM (Dongfeng Motor Group) produces over one million mini-vans in China. Th e product, which includes vans and pick-ups in electric form were on sale in Ireland under a Cork based company called Verde. Vestatec Automative Distribution Ltd now has the franchise for both the UK and Ireland and will off er full back-up.

JohnstonJohnston, the leading manufacturer of outdoor surface cleansing equipment was focussing on green technology and less water usage at the CV Show. Among the vehicles on display was the recently introduced sub-compact sweeper, the CN101 model designed for use in confi ned areas. Johnston says the simplicity of its design means uniquely long service intervals resulting in exceptionally low costs of ownership.

Kracker TrailersOne of the few trailer builders on exhibit was Dutch manufacturer Kracker. Its wide range of trailers with various fl oor options can move anything according to Jan de Kraker, representing the company at the Show. Kracker Trailers are sold in Ireland by Raymond Cogan, based in Frenchpark, County Roscommon.

KudaGood aerodynamics saves money, is the slogan used by Kuda UK Ltd to promote its range of high volume Air-Management-Solutions. We work closely with our customers to ensure that they get the best fuel economy from their vehicles, said Kevin Hawes, Aerodynamic Specialist. Kuda is part of the Truck Depot Group in Europe, which has branches across the EU from Finland to Spain.

MAN Truck & BusMAN broke the mould when it came to displaying brand new one-coloured shiny vehicles as per the norm at shows. Th e Swindon based company exhibited customer vehicles all decked out in their own livery both inside and in the outside display area. Special packages for rental customers, trailer owners and parts users were also showcased.

Mix TelematicsEven before Mix Telematics launched its Track, its new vehicle track and trace product, over 2,000 units have been sold, such was the reaction from the pre-event press information. Tony English, MD, Mix Telematics EU outlined its complete range of f leet management production and services, some of which were marketed under the Siemens VDO brand.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney & Cathal Doyle FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 11 21

REVIEW 1

Prime DesignLeading roof rack specialists Prime Design Europe doubled its turnover last year over 2009. Th is was achieved through several fl eet deals in the UK, Belgium, France, Poland and Germany. At the NEC, its AluRack and ErgoRack demountable ladder systems were displayed on diff erent LCVs and Pick-Ups.

Refl exiteRosaleen Jones and Michelle Duggan represented Refl exite the Waterford based multi-national that specializes in developing refl ective products. Its VC104+ range of high brightness fi lms for vehicles is EC104 compliant which will be the legal requirement for all newly registered trucks over 7.5 tonnes and trailers over 3.5 tonnes as of 10 July.

SolomonSolomon, the manufacturer of temperature controlled rigids showcased its new aerodynamic solution Slipstream. Comprising sculpted bodywork around the refrigeration unit, and a vortex generator on the rear, Solomon says that road tests have achieved fuel savings of 10.3% over the same vehicle without the Slipstream technology.

System TrainingTh e UKs largest logistics training provider invited the press to try out its new truck simulator. By allowing practical driving, spatial awareness and hazard perception training earlier in the learning process, the simulator will help drivers bett er prepare for their test, explained Robin Brown, System Training CEO. Lets say we passed too!

TATA MotorsOne of the most interesting new exhibitors came from Indian conglomerate TATA Motors. Th e TATA ACC EV is a 1550 kg zero-emission compact drop-side truck. It can also be supplied as a tipper or box-van style. Maximum speed is electronically limited to 25 mph/40 kp/h with a range of just 30 miles/50 kp/h. It is assembled in the UK.

TEVOSince coming under the Modul-System Group Tevo Ltd has expanded its range of modular vehicle racking systems. 2011 marks Tevos 30 years in business and for the Show, a new extra long drawer unit was launched which integrates into the familys product range.

NEC, Birmingham - Part11Ratcliff Palfi ngerRatcliff Palfi nger used the Show to demonstrate a number of new products including the launch of this new R15 Twin-Fold Tuckaway. Th e R15 is a joint development with sister brand MBB in Germany and has a 1500kg capacity and features a twin cylinder design for greater stability. Th e platform is 1400mm deep and 2150mm wide.

Smith ElectricWith its fi nancial situation now secure following the successful buyout of the UK fi rm by its North American subsidiary, its upwards and onwards for Smith Electric. Modifi cations to its range of electric vehicles include increased payload for its Edison (based on the Ford Transit). Its load capacity has gone up from 860 kg to an impressive 1,160 kg. David Mullen, M.D., Electric Vehicles Ireland att ended on the three days and had an Edison recently sold to the ESB (Electric Ireland) on display.

Volkswagen Commercial VehiclesIt was a hive of activity at the Volkswagen CV stand. To begin, a Darts competition featuring stars Mark Webster and James Wade was held followed by a presentation to the media by Company Chief Simon Elliot. Th en the new Amorok, the International Pick-Up of the Year was revealed together with the latest generation Caddy Racer. Surprisingly the revised Craft er was not there but what did att ract much interest was the 1954 split-screen Transporter.

NEWSLETTER

A s FTA Ireland celebrates its first birthday, Head of Policy, Declan McKeon looks back at the achievements of the past 12 months and the steps that this fl edgling, multi-modal transport trade association has taken so far in meeting its manifold aims.

Good ideas are oft en simple great ones can be irresistible. When companies with an active interest in moving goods in and out of Ireland fi rst coalesced and approached Freight Transport Association in the UK to set up a similar body in Ireland, it seemed to be a winning concept. Aft er all, it is no secret that the image of the many responsible and reputable companies that comprise this sector has been tarnished by the poor safety records of their less than compliant compatriots. As well as being palpably unfair on those companies wishing to maintain their own high standards at their own cost, this has led to Ireland having among the worst reputations in Europe when it comes to road safety. As such, the poor image of the Countrys logistics sector is clearly not an accurate refl ection of the excellent standards of practice that are already being upheld by the majority of transport operators. Insidious reputation damage by association aside, issues of late charges being incurred and missed ferry slots as a result of heightened targeting by enforcement agencies at the roadside have made trading conditions, already very tough, still tougher.

When founding members of FTA Ireland (including the likes of DHL, FedEx, Tesco, UPS, Cemex and Wincanton) held their inaugural meeting at Dublin Castle last June to discuss the shape and feel of the newly formed Association, the key aim was to create a credible voice for the logistics sector in Ireland. Even in these most formative stages, it was quickly decided that central to this would be the development of a robust and intelligent accreditation system; this isnt a club you can simply buy your way into companies need to prove they are responsible businesses and compliant operators. As such a working group of existing FTA Ireland members has designed an accreditation process which is due to be rolled out in the third quarter of this year. Until then, new members will have to agree that at some stage this year they will have to be accredited to pass muster. Th is will be based on, but not confi ned to, such things as roadworthiness, driver competence, fi nancial standing and good repute.

While some might argue that eff ectively limiting the number of potential members in an association is a brave move, especially when in its infancy, and when money is in short supply for everyone, it is a crucial part of this trade bodys make-up and identity. Th e resulting credibility becomes an important ingredient in giving FTA Irelands political agenda real teeth when it is in, for example, a dialogue with Government and State Agencies. To founder members it seemed obvious that the longevity of any trade association requires the most stable of foundations to be set in place; get this right and you ensure a sold future. Paul Leahy, Operations Director of Emo Oil (an own-account operator), supports this point, It was clear from the outset that the intention is for FTA Ireland to be around for a very long time. Th ere was understandable accord from all members that under no circumstances would FTA Ireland be anything less than the most admired and infl uential trade association in Ireland and the undisputed voice of the supply chain with the public and Government. Th is shared goal coupled with the promise of a robust accreditation scheme made the decision for Emo Oil to join FTA Ireland a simple one.

Couple a rigorous approach to standard of entry with a collegiate democratic structure based on regular Council meetings, multi-modal working groups, and a supremely capable President in BOC Gases (Ireland)'s Niall Cott on, and one year on FTA Ireland off ers members an hitherto unrealised opportunity to present their combined views on transport policy at the highest possible

levels. Th is level of infl uence is befi tt ing of an organisation which covers all aspects of the freight, passenger transport and logistics supply chain, including road, rail, sea, air, port, airport and public service transport interests, whether as operators of freight and logistics services, coach and bus operators or as shippers.

Being closely associated with FTA in the UK is also immensely useful, giving the brand itself a more powerful and established image and allowing me to work with a much bigger, multi-interest team rather than in splendid isolation from my Dublin offi ce. In this respect I am fortunate to be able to share the expertise and experience of colleagues such as Tom Wilson, FTAs Head of Policy for Northern Ireland based in Belfast; important when visiting TDs in Ireland and MLAs, MPs in Northern Ireland, various industry stakeholders and businesses with interests on both sides of the Irish border and in the UK to exert wider infl uence of our objectives. With colleagues from FTAs policy, public aff airs and media departments, this team is well equipped to deal with the issues that make a diff erence to our members. And what an array of issues they are; from reducing congestion in Dublin and improving Port and Airport access, to curbing rising fuel duty and environment taxes or promoting operator licensing, we will be banging the drum loud and clear. By establishing a freight plan for Dublin, for example, or encouraging the Irish Government to legislate for bett er working practices and enhanced enforcement standards, not only will the supply chain be enriched but it will also lend Irelands businesses that competitive edge in Europe. To give an example widely reported in the press and media, there have been rising instances of Irish trucks being targeted at the roadside when they visit the UK, thus impacting their productivity, sadly, a bad image on many hauliers ability to

From irresistible concept to credible voice, FTA Ireland refl ects on fi rst year

Declan McKeon installed in Dublin offi ce as FTA Irelands Head of Policy

Tom Wilson, FTAs Head of Policy for Northern Ireland based in Belfast

22 FLEETTRANSPORT | JUNE 11

NEWSLETTER

do business in the UK and beyond. Inputt ing into the Heads of Road Transport Bill 2010, although encouraged by talk of a system similar to Operator Licensing into Ireland, FTA Ireland members were particularly exercised by plans to exclude own account operators from an operator licensing system. One of the primary political goals for industry has to be the introduction in Ireland of an O-Licensing system similar to that in the UK and that which is moving forward in Northern Ireland, says Neil McDonnell, Contracts Manager of Wincanton Ireland, Th is is our best shot at improving standards throughout the island of Ireland and will create a level playing fi eld for those involved in the industry. But it cant just be confi ned to hire and reward operators; it needs to apply to all operators as it could go a long way to improve our image with the enforcement bodies outside of our jurisdiction.

Given the fact that over three quarters of Irelands trade is in exports, it was perhaps unsurprising that issues of Port connectivity formed a signifi cant part of our initial Council meetings. In these pages I wrote about the issue of capacity at our Ports faced with the almost inevitable rise in traffi c volumes that Ireland will (and needs to) see in the coming years. Th is is a problem that will have a broad impact not just on FTA Ireland members but also the wider transport network as a whole and, indeed, our entire economic recovery as a country. FTA Ireland is supremely well placed to input into the future of ports in Ireland as was evident when Dublin Port presented its Masterplan 2011-2040 to fellow members in April; an invaluable opportunity for the Port operator and its users to share ideas about how the doubling of capacity forecast by 2040 can best be achieved. By the time you read this we will have contributed a cohesive response to the Masterplan and will be tracking its progress closely. Covering all modes, outsiders might see this all things to all people stance as a representational challenge. But this comprehensiveness is actually FTA Irelands core strength, aff ording it an unashamedly holistic view of a logistics sector, which demands a joined up approach.

But it is not just issues of mo