Tag: lorries|road transport|transport

With its Web Events, WABCOWÜRTH offers customers and interested parties an informative service about its products and the opportunity to ask questions live. The next free web events will be offered in German on October 24th, 2022 from 09:30 to 12:30, and in English on October 25th, 2022. The areas of application of the COOLIUS Trailer and application examples for the W.EASY ADAS Calibration as well as the Mirror Cam Calibration will be discussed. In addition, the new Cockpit function in the W.EASY diagnostic software will be presented.

“Our Web Events are public events to which anyone interested is invited,” says Ralf Niklaus, product trainer from WABCOWÜRTH Workshop Services GmbH. “The Web Events have always been well received in the past and will be continued as a service offer in the future.”

The COOLIUS trailer from WABCOWÜRTH combines innovative technical equipment with a new design and makes air conditioning service even more mobile. In addition to its technical features, its possible areas of application on agricultural and construction machinery as well as in the cargo sector will be presented at the web event.

With W.EASY ADAS Calibration, WABCOWÜRTH has implemented a cross-vehicle mobile solution for the calibration of assistance systems such as rain sensors, lane departure warning and emergency brake assistants. A new target for the radar on VOLVO/Volkswagen and similar vehicle groups will be presented as well as the use and extension of the basic tool. The new Cockpit function in the W.EASY diagnostics software will also be presented, with which actual values are displayed in the form of an intuitively readable graphic.

The new Mirror Cam Calibration tool enables simple and precise alignment for the mirror camera calibration. The innovative, time-saving solution, which can be applied by just one person, is exemplified on the Mercedes Benz Actros V.

The participants of the event can ask their individual questions about the presented products and solutions live in the chat.

CLICK HERE to register to attend.

BYD, a world-leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles and power batteries, revealed two exciting zero-emission eTrucks to European customers at the recent IAA Transportation 2022 event in Hanover

The two pure-electric trucks – the ETM6 7.5-tonne urban delivery truck and the ETH8 19-tonne truck designed for logistics and waste collection – feature BYD’s very latest technology for safe, reliable and efficient electric transport, and have been designed with European customers in mind.

A focal attraction of the BYD stand was the official European reveal of BYD’s new and highly adaptable eBus Blade Platform, incorporating the ultra-safe, and highly durable Blade Battery that it says is revolutionising battery electric transportation.

Expertise in battery and electronic technologies have been central to this, supported by BYD’s experience in new energy solutions. This knowledge, combined with an exceptional depth of research & development resources, has enabled BYD to master the core technologies of the entire industrial chain of new energy vehicles, such as power batteries, electric motors, electronic controls, and power semiconductors.

Such technological expertise and a relentless dedication to zero-emission electric mobility has been the foundation to BYD becoming a world-leading NEV manufacturer. BYD has built up an extensive global footprint in this sector that covers six continents, including more than 70 countries and over 400 cities, saving more than 12 million tonnes in carbon emissions. There are now more than 2.5 million BYD new energy vehicles on the road worldwide today, of which 90,000 are commercial vehicles.

Javier Contijoch, eBus Sales Vice President at BYD Europe Commercial Vehicles, said: “We are pleased to introduce BYD’s latest technological innovations to European customers, spanning eTrucks and eBuses. The launch of our eBus Blade Platform is especially exciting and represents further progression in electrification for this sector. We already enjoy solid relationships with many strategic partners and look forward to establishing more collaborations, to bring localised services and high levels of knowledgeable support and value to customers in Europe.

“We assist this further with BYD’s unique capability to offer total solutions supporting energy management and charging infrastructure. We see the future as electric, and through partnerships, we want to help European customers have the smoothest of journeys as they electrify their fleets.”

BYD is the first and only provider of 100% emissions-free full-market transport solutions in Europe, including an IFOY award-winning range of electric forklift trucks. For over two decades, BYD has been at the helm of technological innovation in pure-electric solutions for commercial transportation. BYD was the first company in the world to introduce fleet of commercial electric buses and has since evolved to become a world leader in this field.

UK and European logistics provider GBA Services is spearheading its ambitious growth plans by taking delivery of 10 new 480-horsepower diesel IVECO S-WAY (AS440S48TX/P) 6×2 with mid-lift axles.

This is the first time the IVECO brand has joined the 200-strong fleet with the S-WAYs part of a fleet refresh involving 50 new trucks being put on the road and 40 trucks being de-fleeted in the last few months.

GBA Services places the driver at the heart of every vehicle added to the fleet so the specification of each S-WAY is very high. Drivers benefit from a large fridge with cool box, sunroof, leather steering wheel, leather heated and air-conditioned driver’s seat, a leather heated, air conditioned, swivelling passenger seat, external sun visor, air horns, automatic climate control, night heater and night time safety lock plus a 7’’ Infotainment system with Tom Tom Sat Nav.

Externally Alcoa Diamant alloy wheels have been specified alongside LED Headlamps with cornering and bending fog lights, LED rear lights, an electric cab tilt and additional under cab storage. The bigger high roof AS sleeper cab accommodates two large bunks while a cab air kit with corner fins helps maximise the IVECO S-WAY’s impressive aerodynamics.

“We are currently expanding and renewing the fleet as the business grows and when the IVECO S-WAYs became available they fitted in perfectly with what we needed. The IVECO brand is a new addition to our fleet and the drivers were really keen to get behind the wheel of the new S-WAY.  Feedback from them has been extremely positive. Opting for the bigger AS cab has also meant more living space for the driver when they are away from home,” explained Mike Brown, GBA’s head of fleet and compliance.

The IVECO S-WAYs have been put to work on a contract with a national retailer which involves trunking double deck trailers between distribution centres in Amesbury, Wiltshire, and Sheffield. Typically, the trucks are running at between 40-44 tonnes and so far, the 480hp Cursor 11 diesel engine mated to the 12-speed automatic HI-TRONIX gearbox is returning 10mpg.

The trucks were purchased outright from IVECO dealer Walton Summit in Preston with a two-year warranty and are set to cover around 160,000km annually. Walton Summit completed the S-WAY’s high spec by fitting a full-size catwalk, rear of cab ‘A’ Frame, wheel nut markers, Anderson connectors, Haz Chem plates, an anti-syphon device, an additional rear work light and Direct Vision camera kits.

Like many logistics providers GBA is looking to improve its environmental credentials and Mike and his fleet team have signed up to reducing emissions by 50% by 2024.

“We are very mindful of reducing our carbon footprint and are looking at a number of different options including the IVECO CNG proposition. We are doing the numbers on gas versus diesel and as the fuel network improves it is becoming more of a viable option,” said Brown.

“It is very pleasing when a new operator onboards IVECO product for the first time and even more satisfying when the fleet manager receives positive praise from drivers. The IVECO S-WAY continues to set new standards of driver comfort and we are pleased that it has seamlessly fitted into GBA’s fast-growing fleet,” said Gareth Lumsdaine, IVECO’s Medium & Heavy Business Line Director.

 

UK commercial vehicle specialist Asset Alliance Group has appointed Craig Wells as Contract Hire Truck & Trailer Business Development Manager, with a remit to support the company’s continued growth and unlock new opportunities in the market.

Wells brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role, most recently as Regional Sales Manager for Hireco since March 2020.

Commenting on his appointment, he says: “The opportunity to join Asset Alliance Group was one I simply couldn’t turn down. My new role gives me a genuine opportunity to contribute to the company’s long-term goals; and it couldn’t come at a more exciting time for our industry, given the pace of change we are seeing and the wealth of new technologies coming into play.

“I will be concentrating on developing relationships with new customers who haven’t experienced the benefits Asset Alliance Group can bring to their business. I’ve also been tasked with managing a number of exciting new customer service projects, which is allowing me to use the insight I’ve gained from 21 years in the industry.”

Wells began his career at Newtown Vehicle Rentals in 2001, before moving to Northgate Vehicle Hire in 2005 as Regional Sales Manager. Ten years later he joined Close Brothers Vehicle Hire as Regional Sales Manager, being promoted to National Fleet Manager shortly after.

He will be based out of Asset Alliance Group’s headquarters in Wolverhampton, and will report to Paul Wright, Sales Director.

Asset Alliance Group is one of the UK’s largest independent retailers of new, nearly new and used commercial vehicles, and 2022 marks its 12th year in operation.

Asset Alliance Group has strengthened its six-year relationship with The NX Group, supplying the distribution side of its business, NX Logistics, with 12 new DAF XF 530 tractor units.

Supplied on a two-year full-service contract hire basis, the vehicles join a 38-strong truck and trailer fleet – two thirds of which has been provided by Asset Alliance Group. Each new truck will distribute to NX Logistics’ wide range of customers in the B2B and B2C sectors across the UK, predominantly pulling box trailers.

Neil Powell, Managing Director at The NX Group, says: “A good relationship and excellent communication are really important to us when it comes to looking for a company that can provide vehicles for our fleet. We’ve worked with three different suppliers over the 12 years we have been in business and Asset Alliance Group prove time and time again they are the ones we can trust – both with the service they provide and with reliable, modern vehicles.

“They are a lot more proactive than their competitors in terms of ensuring our vehicles are fully and efficiently operational.”

The NX Group will benefit from Asset Alliance Group’s comprehensive full-service contract hire offering, including all safety inspections, maintenance, servicing and repairs, tyre cover, and full roadside assistance covered by a single monthly payment.

Five of the new DAFs are replacements for older models, and the remainder are new additions to the fleet in support of recent business growth. All are expected to clock-up between 80,000 and 100,000 kilometres annually.

Powell adds: “It’s not just me who has the last word on the vehicles we operate. The input of our transport manager and drivers play a huge part on the assets, spec and company we choose, and the newness of the DAFs is proving to be very popular. We always try to have the most up-to-date kit, as we want to keep our drivers happy and comfortable.”

Founded in 2010, The NX Group offers supply chain solutions for businesses across three divisions: distribution, warehousing and courier services. NX Logistics provides secure palletised delivery across the UK.

 

Around one million Britons are currently isolating with COVID-19, causing a staffing headache across many industries, including haulage and logistics. SNAP, one of Europe’s leading smart payment solutions provider for lorry drivers and fleet operators, has revealed the potentially game-changing automated technologies that could help to overcome the challenges of a diminished workforce.

Getting under the bonnet of an automated future, SNAP has conceptualised Truck Park 2049 – illustrating how new capabilities and efficiencies could be created in haulage to ease the demand on drivers.

Emma Westwood, Commercial Manager for SNAP, said: “Without knowing when the pandemic will end, or how much longer businesses will have to endure the current shortages, automation and digitisation have a bigger role to play than ever before. Doing more with less could be an ongoing battle for businesses, so by highlighting some of the exciting and progressive technologies that are being developed, we’re helping to paint a picture of how this could be achieved within the haulage industry; a sector at the heart of the British economy.”

Self-driving trucks

SNAP predicts that advances in automation will make it much easier to multitask at truck parks. Upon arrival, drivers will be able to leave their self-driving trucks. Artificial intelligence will then guide the trucks through services before parking in a designated spot, ready for the drivers to collect. This will free up drivers to eat, rest or perform other jobs, allowing them to use their time more efficiently.

With the rise in automated vehicles, SNAP expects the human driver’s role to increasingly focus on maintenance. Diagnostic machines will become an important feature of new era truck parks, providing drivers with the information and support they need to conduct minor repairs, perform upgrades and optimise their vehicles for maximum efficiency.

Recognition of needs technology

Smarter still, automatic recognition of needs technology – combining analytics and data tracking – will notify truck parks of the services required for each driver; for example, charging, engine maintenance, cleaning, or driver rest. This will create a tailored experience for each driver that streamlines each visit.

Westwood continued: “We are already witnessing the rapid acceleration of automation technologies. Rather than replacing human jobs, we believe that these developments will assist in the efficient delivery of work and reduce the time and resources required for operational tasks, thus allowing staff members to optimise their workloads. This will help to ease the pressure caused by staff shortages. In the haulage industry specifically, this will assist in securing and speeding up supply chains and aiding the smooth running of all the businesses we serve.”

SNAP Account’s smart payment system for truck parks is just one example of automated technology that is already making a difference to the haulage industry by allowing fleet operators to digitally manage their businesses more efficiently, safely and effectively.

Westwood added: “Now is the perfect time to look ahead and see how automated technologies can be harnessed to assist businesses in their day-to-day operations and with their long-term growth plans. Truck Park 2049 encapsulates what an automated future could look like and how it could benefit fleets and drivers.”

BP has acquired a 28.57% stake in Gasrec, the UK’s largest dual provider of bio-Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and bio-Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to road transport. The company builds, owns and operates biomethane refuelling stations, providing renewable solutions to the HGV industry.

BP will supply Gasrec with renewable biomethane produced mainly from organic wastes, such as food and dairy manure. The investment will expand BP’s UK footprint in renewable gas production and distribution, adding to its market leading position in the US.

Carol Howle, EVP Trading and Shipping at BP, said: “Bio-LNG and bio-CNG play a crucial role in the energy transition and decarbonisation of the heavy-freight industry and is another example of how we’re helping decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors. We’re excited to work with an industry leader like Gasrec to increase the supply of biomethane for HGV customers. This investment further expands BP’s global renewable gas portfolio, an area which we believe will have an increasingly important role on the path to net zero.”

Founded in 2003, Gasrec was the UK’s first supplier of biomethane to the road transport sector. Its customers include some of the UK’s biggest retailers, parcel delivery companies and hauliers – Asda, Ocado, Gregory Distribution and Reed Boardall. By offering lower-carbon solutions for HGVs, Gasrec lowers the carbon emissions associated with the road transport supply chain and the customers who transport goods.

Gasrec’s network of 10 biomethane refuelling stations across the UK is capable of refuelling approximately 1,250 vehicles per day and includes one of Europe’s largest gas refuelling stations, at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT). With a strong market position, refuelling around 40% of the UK’s gas-powered HGVs, Gasrec is seeking to expand its network of refuelling stations at logistics parks.

In the UK, road transport is reported as being responsible for 27% of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. HGVs represent just 5% of vehicle miles travelled, yet their associated emissions are disproportionately greater, producing around 16% of road transport emissions. Renewable gas is an important part of the energy transition for the HGV sector, providing a commercially viable option for fleet owners to reduce their carbon footprint by up to 85% in comparison to diesel.

From producing and supplying biomethane through to building and operating the fuelling stations, BP and Gasrec are well positioned to meet the increasing demand for reliable, renewable gas solutions.

Rob Wood, CEO of Gasrec, said: “This agreement is an important milestone for our company as we look to continue increasing our impact on the UK’s heavy goods vehicle industry. Building on our 18 years’ experience and leading position in the HGV gas supply industry, we are excited to be working with BP to help expand our reach.”

Miralis Data, a transport-focused software and data science company, has joined forces with a consortium on a £1.1m project to explore on-the-move charging for HGVs.

Miralis has partnered with Honda R&D Europe (UK), Honda Japan, TRL and Galliford Try on a project funded by the Department of Transport and managed by Innovate UK, as part of a wider initiative to decarbonise transport in the UK.

Addressing the government’s plans to ban the sale of fossil fuel heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) by 2040, the Electro Road project offers an in-depth feasibility study into an electric road system that would enable larger vehicles to charge whilst travelling.

To date there has been zero transitioning of HGVs to electric in the logistics industry due to a lack of suitable vehicle and charging options.

Electrifying HGVs poses unique challenges. Given the typical range required of larger goods vehicles, a large capacity battery would be required to cover the distances. Adding heavier batteries to vehicles that can already be up to 44 tonnes, will diminish the vehicle’s efficiency. So larger vehicles will need a way to recharge their batteries on the go.

Electro Road focuses on cutting-edge, state-of-the-art research carried out by Honda Japan. The company has developed conductive technology which has been shown to charge smaller vehicles effectively – this latest project will discover how this technology can be applied to HGVs and how best it can be deployed across the UK’s major highways.

Dr Will Maden, Research Director at Miralis, explains more: “This really could be a game-changing project in the race to decarbonise transport in the UK. Logistics firms know they need to planning for their EV transition but with no viable options currently on the table, the race is on to find a solution that will drastically reduce emissions in the industry.

Reducing emissions in transport and logistics is at the very top of our agenda, and at the heart of everything we do at Miralis, so to be partnering with companies at the forefront of electric road system technology is very exciting for us. We’re delighted to be working together and keen to see what can be achieved in the coming months.”

The project will run for 9 months, with a report expected in Spring 2022.

IVECO is celebrating the 600,000th Eurocargo produced at its Brescia plant, an iconic production site for the brand that has played a key role in every generation of this vehicle, whose glorious past goes hand-in-hand with constant, forward-looking innovation. The Brescia plant has always been the heart of production operations for the Eurocargo, thanks to the commitment and passion that its workforce of around 1,600 employees dedicate to their jobs.

Says Brescia plant director Marco Colonna: “It is with great pride that we are celebrating the production of the 600,000th Eurocargo, whose fourth generation has been enjoying a continued success for many years. This milestone vehicle could not be powered by anything else but compressed natural gas (CNG), a tangible reaffirmation of IVECO’s constant commitment to sustainable mobility.

“Launched in 1991, the Bertone-designed Eurocargo was conceived to be one of the most innovative industrial vehicles on the market – as reflected in its remarkable sales success – with a modular cab platform allowing extensive scope for vehicle customisation without driving up costs. The significant history that lies behind us now guides us on a path of continuous improvement and innovation which, over the coming years, will see our vehicles evolve to become greener than ever.”

A pioneer in sustainability, IVECO is engaged every single day in actively reducing CO2 emissions with its alternative energy vehicles, which offer the ideal solution for the energy transition of the transport industry. Natural gas benefits both the environment and the economy, as it is the most effective solution available today for the needs of tomorrow. Natural gas-powered Eurocargo models are also extremely quiet, making them ideally suited to all urban missions.

The Brescia-based team works in synergy in every phase of production, from assembly of the chassis to cab bodywork, painting and installation of the transmission, to fitment of the interior trim, all the way to final inspection. The factory also produces special versions for military applications and firefighting. This flexibility is made possible by teamwork and by the ‘World Class Manufacturing’ integrated production system, which was introduced in 2007 with the goal of achieving zero defects, inefficiencies, waste and accidents. This gives the Eurocargo an edge, not only for its design, but also for its performance.

The origins of the plant date back to 1903, when Roberto Züst founded Fabbrica Automobili, a company that went on to become Officine Meccaniche (OM) in 1928 and was acquired by Fiat in 1968. After initially manufacturing cars (including race cars), OM moved to the agricultural sector and then on to industrial vehicles. In 1975, OM was among the “founding partners” of the new-born company IVECO.

In 1991, the factory was chosen as the site where production of the new Eurocargo would begin. The plant thus became the “home” of this model, and went on to play a key role in plotting the roadmap towards high-tech, sustainable vehicles. The plant itself is committed to safeguarding the environment and sustainability, and over the next few months, approximately 20,000 sq m of solar panels will be installed at the site, cutting CO2 emissions by 1,300 tonnes per year.