ftmarch15_webfull - Fleet Transport Magazine Fleet Transport

Transcription

IRELAND'S LEADING COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MAGAZINE
Inside!
SNOW TIME!
ARCTIC VAN TEST 2015
WINTER
TESTING WITH
MERCEDESBENZ
MARCH 15
TIMES PAST: Behemoth Bedfords
WAREHOUSING: Forklift Buyers' Guide 2015 - Part II
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Contents MARCH 15
Fleet Transport Magazine,
D’Alton Street, Claremorris,
Co. Mayo, Ireland.
Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826
Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571
Email: [email protected]
Subscription Hotline: 094 93 72827
Editor: Jarlath Sweeney
Contributors: Sean Murtagh, Paul White, Cathal Doyle,
Jonathan Lawton, Donal Dempsey, Howard Knott, Jerry
Kiersey, Rob Van Dieten, HSA, Joe O'Brien, Dr. Betty
Maguire, Michael Corcoran, Leonard Allison, Petronela
Jipa
www.fleet.ie | 3
4 News
• CVRT failure rate high • Combilift
expands and creates new jobs • Finol Oil’s
Fleet Fuel Economy Calculator is launched
• Future Skills needs highlighted • Smart
Travel Policy a failure • Fleet Transport
Awards 2016 • FTA Transport Managers
event • EU opens for Cross-Border traffic
infringements.
26 Trailer
Latest from Thermo King, SDC Trailers &
BPW
8 Interview
With Ayrat Mardeev, KAMAZ
33 Warehousing
Forklift Buyers’ Guide – Part II – Reach
Trucks
10 Cover I
Arctic Van Test 2015 – Finland
28 LCV II
First drives in new FIAT Professional Doblò
30 Health Matters
Counterfeit medicines
36 Materials Handling
Hyster reaches 1000th Reach Stacker!
12 New Fleet
Newly purchased Volvo, Renault, Iveco &
Hino trucks
38 Times Past
Remembering classic Bedfords
Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Paul White, Cathal Doyle,
Rob Van Dieten, Howard Knott, Joe O'Brien, Michael
Corcoran, Laurent Missbaur, Colm Mahady - Fennell
Photography, www.freeimages.co.uk
14 Cover II
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4
40 Shipping & Freight
News from Stena Line, My Ferry Link &
Foynes Port
Administration: Orla Sweeney, Denise Owens,
Paula Mullarkey
16 Fleeting Shots
Mercedes-Benz & DB Schenker, Yodel &
Faymonville featured.
42 Comment
EU InterReg IVB Weastflows Conference
18 Preview I
CV Show 2015
44 Legal
Housekeeping
21 Review II
• FPS Expo 2015 • Multimodal 2015
46 Finance
Customer Analysis
22 Feature
Truck Finance
48 Opinion
Rising Insurance Costs
24 LCV I
Volkswagen Caddy4 launched
50 Soapbox
Road Transport – who cares?
Advertising: Mary Morrissey, Orla Sweeney
Design: Eamonn Wynne
Printed in Ireland
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 Office: D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.
Co. Reg. 368767
Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh.
P4
P12
Transport Barometer: Data from 16/01/2015 - 14/02/2015
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 Transport
Official Irish Jury
Member of the
International Truck
of the Year Award
Newly appointed jury
member of the
International Forklift Truck
Award
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www.fleet.ie
4 | NEWS 1
Over 5,000 ‘failed dangerous’ commercial
vehicles on Irish roads in 2014
A
larming and interesting figures were
revealed relating to the annual Road
Safety Authority’s Commercial Vehicle
Roadworthiness Test (CVRT). Of the 486,953
LCVs tested last year, 154,910 failed, with 3,816
failed dangerous as it’s termed, while 328,227
passed. 138,555 HGVs were tested which saw
51,148 failing and 1,199 failed dangerous, while
86,213 passed. That’s over 5,000 failed dangerous
commercial vehicles identified on Irish roads
during 2014, which is worrying and is likely to
see increased roadside checks by RSA officials
during the course of the year.
In reply to Fleet Transport’s query on how the RSA
is going to counteract this alarming situation, a
spokesperson said, “The Road Safety Authority
remains very concerned about the standards of
roadworthiness of commercial vehicles on our
roads and the volume of vehicles failing their annual
roadworthiness test. The RSA has implemented a
wide-ranging Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness
(CVR) reform programme, which focuses on three
key areas – making the roadworthiness test more
effective, introduction of premises’ checks for
operators of commercial vehicles to review their
maintenance system, records and procedures, and
increased roadside inspections of vehicles by the
RSA and the Garda Síochána.
The RSA is now responsible for managing the
Commercial Vehicle Testing system to ensure
the integrity of the annual roadworthiness test
is upheld. In addition, the RSA has real time
information on the outcome of the test and
targeting non-compliant vehicles is crucial to our
enforcement effort. While operators are legally
required to pass an annual roadworthiness test,
it is important to remember that vehicles should
be compliant 365 days a year. For operators,
continuous preventative maintenance is vital
to maintaining a high standard fleet and visits
to operator premises to check compliance with
requirements in this regard have been introduced.
There has been a four-fold increase in the number
of vehicle inspections at the roadside since the
reform programme began back in 2010. The RSA is
currently targeting enforcement at those operators
and vehicles which present a higher risk on our
roads and further measures are being looked at to
enhance this targeted approach.
The RSA has been making changes to the way
commercial vehicles are tested and maintained in
Ireland. These changes are important as they will
help to ensure that we are all sharing the road with
safe and roadworthy commercial vehicles.”
400 new jobs created & €40 million investment
by Combilift
C
ounty Monaghan based Combilift, best known for its wide range
of multi-directional forklifts, Aisle-Master articulated forklifts
and other innovative material handling solutions, is investing
€40 million in constructing a purpose-built, 40,000 square metre,
greenfield global HQ and manufacturing facility with a devoted Research
& Development building and adjoining back office facilities. Effectively
this development brings together its two current manufaturing facilities
in Monaghan town and in Clontibret, on 40 hectares of industrial zoned
land on the Monaghan by-pass. At a special event, An Taoiseach, Enda
Kenny TD and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, Richard
Bruton TD jointly announced the initiative and the creation of 200 new
jobs over the next five years at Combilift, the majority of which will be
for skilled technicians and design engineers. A further 200 jobs will be
established during the two year construction period of the new facility.
This investment programme will position Combilift to double its current
€150 million turnover over the next five years. The company currently
employs over 300 people between its current facilities.
The company was set up by Managing Director, Martin McVicar and
Technical Director, Robert Moffett in 1998 and thanks to the continued
7% investment of turnover in R&D they export innovative products to
over 75 countries.
Welcoming the announcement, An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny said: “Supporting
recovery in the regions is behind this fantastic announcement of an additional
Martin Mc Vicar, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Robert Moffett
200 jobs in Combilift and a further 200 construction related jobs. It is
growing and dynamic Irish companies like Combilift which are driving a
recovery across Ireland’s regions. Combilift’s new €40 million facility in
Monaghan will make a profound difference to the local economy and the
national export economy. These new jobs will have a deeply positive impact
on those who get back to work or take up new opportunities, but they also
have a knock-on economic benefit for local businesses, shops, restaurants,
tradespeople and service providers. Th is is part of the Government’s plan to
secure economic recovery and see it spread to every part of the country.”
Finol Oils launch Fleet Fuel Economy Calculator
F
ollowing on from the success of it’s
Agriculture Fuel Economy Calculator
on Finol Oil’s website, road transport
operators can now ascertain how much they
can save by switching to TOTAL’s Fuel
Economy Lubricants with the new Fleet Fuel
Economy Calculator. Fleet owners can now
log-on to www.fueleconomy.ie and select
the fleet calculator and generate substantial
fuel savings.
Finol Oils Ltd will be demonstrating this new
system at the forthcoming FTA Ireland (Freight
Transport Association) Transport Manager
Seminar at the Johnstown House Hotel & Spa,
FLEETTRANSPORT | MARCH 15
Enfield, County Meath on 26 March next.
manufacturers.
Fuel Economy Lubricants, developed by French
brand TOTAL, meets the requirements of
commercial and private users wishing to improve
the performance and lifespan of their vehicles
while also reducing fuel consumption. These
lubricants have been developed in TOTAL’s
laboratories and have successfully undergone
independent tests that prove up to 1 litre of
diesel can be saved per 100 kilomotres thereby
reducing fuel bills significantly.
Finol Oils is running
a special prize draw
for anybody who uses
its online Fleet Fuel
Economy Calculator
between now and 26
March 2015, and on
the day of the FTAI’s
Transport Manager
Seminar. For more
information on fuel
economy lubricants
please visit www.fueleconomy.ie
TOTAL’s Fuel Economy Lubricants is also fully
approved and recommended by leading vehicle
NEWS II | 5
Future Skills Needs
T
he Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) was established
in 1997. The Group's function is to assess skill requirements in the
Irish economy and highlight areas where future skills shortages
may arise. The EGFSN reports its findings to the Minister for Education
and the Minister for Jobs Enterprise & Innovation to assist with future
policy planning. Its latest report focused on the Freight Transport,
Distribution and Logistics sector in Ireland (FTDL), and highlighted
some areas of concern.
Introducing the document, EGFSN’s Chairperson Una Halligan explained
the objectives of the study, and outlined the scope of the research and the
methodologies used. She also noted that the research assessed and compared
similar models from other countries, and included a high level of engagement
with the FTDL industry and its representative bodies. The Chairperson then
called on Minister for Skills, Research & Innovation, Damien English TD.,
to officially launch the report.
The Minister welcomed the document noting: “The report highlights
the positive outlook for the future of the sector and shows that there is
significant employment growth expected.” However the Minister is aware
that the industry may not appeal to younger people when they are deciding
on a career path saying: “It is not an att ractive sector and the image needs
to be improved.” He hopes to discuss this issue soon with career guidance
and training organisations who can promote the FTDL industry in a more
positive light. Minister English closed by calling for “improved collaboration
between employers and training organisations.”
To explain the fi ndings in more detail the audience was addressed by Mr
Gerard Walker, Assistant Principal, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and
Innovation. Mr Walker said the research found that due to both expansion
in the sector and replacement of personnel there is an anticipated demand
for between 13,500 to 15,500 job vacancies. Topping the list are HGV
drivers which account for approximately 6,865 vacancies, or 45% of the
estimated total.
Pictured at the launch of the report at the Department of Education and Skills Marlborough
Street, were from left, Marie Bourke, Department of Jobs Enterprise & Innovation Secretary
to the Expert Group; Minister of State for Skills, Research & Innovation Damien English
T.D.; Una Halligan, Chairperson Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and Pat Ivory
Chairperson of the Project Steering Group.
In a similar manner to Minister English, Gerard Walker also notes the
“industry’s relatively poor image” and believes it is “increasingly important
for the sector to market itself.” He also “calls for companies to come forward
and to engage.”
The EGFSN proposes some recommendations including the introduction of
new Apprenticeship/Traineeship programmes for the FTDL sector. These
Apprenticeships would cover topics such as HGV Driving, Warehouse
Operatives and Freight Forwarding. It was mentioned by some of the attendees
that there are already a wide variety of training courses available and the
research found that not all companies were aware of the programmes.
The report is comprehensive, and just as important accurate, in its fi ndings
of the current state of employment in the transport industry. It clearly states
that action is needed if we are to avert a serious shortage of skilled personnel
in the next five years.
Paul White.
Increased Traffic - Has Smarter Travel Policy failed?
T
he 20% increase in traffic on tolled
roads is Government policy failure not
success according to An Taisce, (The
National Trust for Ireland) as Greenhouse
Gas levels, air pollution and congestion all
continue to rise.
According to its statement, “Traffic congestion
is back to 2008 boom time levels. Th is increases
transport greenhouse gas emissions, which have
risen by 2.1 % in 2013 over the previous year’s
levels. Congestion affects economic productivity,
slows down public transport and service vehicle
movement, and causes local air pollution in
particle emissions, particularly from diesel
vehicles.”
“The Department of Transport’s policy, Smarter
Travel: A Sustainable Transport Future – A New
Transport Policy for Ireland 2009-2020 sets out a
series of overriding policy objectives. Condition
7 of the 2005 An Bord Pleanála consent for the
additional lanes to Dublin’s M50 required that
within three years of completion of the scheme
(which occurred in 2011) demand management
measures be published. A Steering Group set
up by the National Roads Authority with the
relevant Local Authorities, which published its
report on 29 April 2014, revealed the issue of
mounting congestion on the M50 as stated in
the Executive Summary:
“By November 2011, 12 per cent of the route
was exceeding “safe operating capacity”… “in
the busiest lanes at peak times”… and “the
congestion which has occurred within the last
two years reflects this and has in turn resulted in
more frequent incidents and collisions.”
A number of “demand management” measures
including extended tolling and Smarter Travel
were proposed, but no action was taken.
Instead the situation has been made worse, by
the 2014 An Bord Pleanála consent for a National
Roads Authority supported Kildare County
Council's application to add two lanes to 13 km
section of the M7 between the Newbridge and
Naas interchanges. Th is will encourage extra
traffic from the Greater Dublin Area and beyond
to funnel into the Red Cow junction and M50
and undermine the national modal share targets
set out in Smarter Travel.
Congestion is rising around all the Irish urban
centres too. The particular targets for the €9m
funded ‘Limerick Smarter Travel Demonstration
City’ are not being met either.”
Fleet Transport Awards 2016 – Rewarding Best Practice
he leading Awards programme for the
Irish Road Transport and Haulage
Industry, the Fleet Transport Awards
2016 will take place on Thursday 3 September
2015 at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin.
T
the 23 March at which time the on-line entry will
go live and enable you to ‘Seek your Reward’. If
you are a Road Transport Operator in Ireland,
however big or small, you are eligible to enter
the Awards.
The official launch of the Fleet Transport Irish
Haulier of the Year 2016, in association with
Rosslare Europort, will take place in Dublin on
For the past number of years the Awards have
received great support from the industry, not
just from the leading operators in the country
but also from small relatively unknown fi rms,
demonstrating that companies of all types and
sizes are recognised and awarded for their best
practice and innovation.
Entry Form and full details will be in the next
edition of Fleet Transport but in the meantime
put Ireland’s industry event in your diary Thursday 3 September 2015.
www.fleet.ie
6 | NEWS 111
FTA Ireland Transport Manager
to address legislation and
enforcement issues
I
AWARDS
REWARDING BEST PRACTICE
THE LEADING AWARDS PROGRAMME
FOR THE IRISH ROAD TRANSPORT
AND HAULAGE INDUSTRY
THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2015
CITYWEST HOTEL, DUBLIN
n a change of plan, due to unforeseen
circumstances, Tom O’Mahony, Secretary
General, Department of Transport,
Tourism & Sport (DTTAS), will now address
delegates at the 3rd annual FTA Ireland
Transport Manager Conference, which takes
place at Johnstown House Hotel & Spa in
Enfield, County Meath, on 26 March. Attendees
will have the opportunity to hear from Tom on
roadside enforcement and future legislation
issues and the Department’s plans for the
industry.
The Transport Manager event, which is sponsored
by Eflow, Enprova, Goodyear, Total and Volvo
and supported by media partner Fleet Transport
magazine, is aimed at providing transport
managers with all the information, guidance and
best practice advice they need on forthcoming
legislation and enforcement changes.
The key sessions at FTA Ireland Transport
Manager 2015 include:
•
• Irish Haulier of the Year
2016
•
•
• Irish Truck of the Year
2016
• Green Commercial
of the Year 2016
Tom O’Mahony, Secretary General,
DTTAS, on the Department’s plans for
the industry
Noel Lacey, Health & Safety Authority on
the safe loading of commercial vehicles
Volvo Trucks on 'HGVs of the Future'
Orla Sweeney / Denise Owens
Tel: 094 9372819
Email: awards@fleet.ie
or log onto www.fleet.ie
•
•
•
Conor Faughnan of AA Ireland - Watching
our Roads
Moyagh Murdock, RSA on enforcement
issues
Conor Molloy of Authentic Energy
Management Systems on funding fuelefficient performance
The Transport Manager’s Calendar 2015-16
– a legislative and technical roundup
“The FTA Ireland Transport Manager Conference is
an important event in Ireland’s transport calendar
and we have an exciting line-up of speakers and a
packed programme this year. We are very much
looking forward to hearing what Mr. O’Mahony
has to say as FTA Ireland and its members are keen
to promote high standards of safety and compliance
within the industry,” stated Neil McDonnell,
General Manager of FTA Ireland.
FTA Ireland Transport Manager 2015 takes place
on Thursday 26 March at the Johnstown House
Hotel & Spa, Enfield, County Meath. The cost
for FTAI members is €250 plus VAT for the first
delegate and €220 for subsequent delegates; for
non-members €300 plus VAT for the first delegate
and €260 plus VAT for subsequent delegates.
For further details or to book a place call FTA
Ireland on 01 844 7516.
EU Parliament lifts road
block on Cross-Border traffic
penalties
T
he European Parliament vote to
approve a new law enabling police
to enforce penalties on foreign
motorists who break traffic rules has been
welcomed by the European Transport Safety
Council (ETSC) and TISPOL – the European
Traffic Police Network.
Non-resident drivers account for approximately
5% of road traffic in the European Union
(EU) but are responsible for 15% of speeding
offences, according to European Commission
figures. The law is expected to save at least
400 lives a year. The new rules cover offences
including speeding, drink driving, using a
mobile phone at the wheel and ignoring red
lights.
For further details contact:
•
On the approval, Antonio Avenoso, Executive
Director of the European Transport Safety
Council (ETSC) said: “The vote will help put an
end to the injustice of foreign drivers escaping
traffic penalties while locals get punished for
the same offence. This is a long overdue change.
The deterrent effect is important, knowing that
you can be caught plays a key role in preventing
dangerous driving.”
The law will come into effect in most EU
countries later this year; Denmark, Ireland and
the UK will have two additional years. Those
three countries opted-out of an earlier version
of the rules, but agreed to back a new proposal
after the European Court of Justice ruled last
year that the legal basis had to be changed. The
rules are also set to be reviewed in 2016.
“The next step will be to improve enforcement
of traffic laws across the EU, starting with
minimum standards for large-scale, regular
and visible police enforcement actions on the
three main causes of death: speeding, failure to
wear a seat belt and drink driving,” commented
TISPOL General Secretary, Ruth Purdie.
The European Parliament’s vote is the
culmination of a seven-year legislative process
and the positive result is thanks in no small part
to several MEPs who have fought tirelessly
for stronger enforcement of road safety rules
across the EU.
Euro
Your results
do the talking...
9.2mpg
When owner-driver Mike Boyd saw the new FH16-750 at
Truckfest he was so impressed he decided to order one there
and then. Operating out of Germany and Switzerland transporting
industrial gases, the FH16-750 was specified with an incredible
4100mm wheelbase to accommodate larger fuel tanks. Delighted
with its fuel performance, on a recent trip to Switzerland Mike
reports that fully loaded both ways the truck delivered 9.2mpg.
Mike Boyd, Owner Driver
9.25mpg, 8 wheeler off-road
These 16 new Euro 6 FMX 8x4 tippers are the first
Volvos we’ve operated. We have 30 trucks on muckaway and
groundworks for large civils contracts all over the UK. Although
the FMXs do a tough job, with a lot of off-road work, they are
averaging 9.25mpg. We’re very pleased with that figure.
They’re well built, and with fuel economy like that, the FMX
is a great truck all-round for muckaway.
Pat Sexton, Managing Director,
West Coast Haulage Ltd
Every Volvo has a story... what’s yours?
To get the complete Euro 6 story go to www.volvotrucks.co.uk/yourstory
www.volvotrucks.co.uk
Search: VolvoTrucksUK
54058
Volvo Trucks. Driving Progress
8 | INTERVIEW
One-to-One
with Ayrat Mardeev,
(KAMAZ Master Team),
winner of Dakar 2015,
with Gianenrico Griffini, Chairman,
International Truck of the Year Jury
Q. With three KA MAZ crews on the podium and
another KA MAZ truck in fifth position in the final
ranking of the Dakar 2015, did you expect this
dominant result?
Of course, we worked hard to get good results,
but no one imagined that we would have the first
three places. When we go to the race, we never try
to predict events. The most important thing for
us is the stable driving. In principle, if the vehicle
does not break down, then, KA MAZ will always
be on the podium.
Q. Can you explain the main reasons of this
dominant performance? Is it mainly due to the
trucks, the team, the tactic of your team manager
Vladimir Chagin, and the reliable 16 litre Liebherr/
MAN engines?
All these factors are very important. First of all, we
are a team. Our strength is in this: a team! We work
together as a harmonious mechanism, which is well
coordinated. We work for a common goal, and not
for an individual result. The second reason is very
good preparation of trucks. But it is thanks to the
team, to our mechanics and engineers, we have a
very fast truck. As for the suspension, I believe that
we have the best. We also have a special engine. Due
to the requirements of the Dakar regulations, we use
new engines from Liebherr. All the improvements
and modifications that have been made by our
engineers show that we are moving in the right
direction. I should also note that "the factor of
Chagin" in our success is down to undertaking
different test sessions with him, availing of his
experience and advice, all crucial elements.
Q. Can you outline the major steps in your career as
a driver of rally trucks? When did you start? What
about your major achievements?
The first step in my career was in karting. Almost
all drivers who are seriously engaged in motorsport
began in karting. The young generation of drivers
come to work in the Kamaz team, first as mechanics.
In 2008, I was at the wheel of the race truck
for the first time; it was a stage of the Russian
Championship, I was 21 years old. My first victory
was on the Russian Championship in Ulyanovsk in
2011; my co-pilot was Aydar Belyaev, and mechanic
Anton Shibalov. It was a difficult race. Our next big
result was a victory at the Silk Way Rally 2012 and,
of course, the second place at the 2013 Dakar, and
first overall at the 2015 Dakar.
I have many times talked about this, but I would
like to tell it once again, my victory is devoted to
my father who died in August 2014. Everything
that I have done, everything that I can, my love for
cars and motorsport - it’s all thanks to him. He was
my first coach. In karting he was my mechanic, my
teacher. My father really wanted me to win. And
now there is a surname Mardeev in the list of the
Dakar winners. It is a pity that he can’t share with
us this delightful event, but I think he feels it and
is happy for me.
Q. Can you tell us the story of your Dakar this year?
Was it easier or more difficult than last year’s? What
about the most difficult and demanding stages?
I remember the marathon stage, it was a novelty
for us. Eduard Nikolaev and I have experience of
such stages when we were crews’ mechanics. It
was important on this stage not to break the truck
and show good results, not to have problems at the
bivouac, as we had no help from our assistance
crews that day.
Dakar is very difficult. The most difficult part was
the Special Stage in the mountains, with the high
altitude. The Special started at a height of 3500
metres and we rose up to 4500 metres. It was a
big risk for an engine break down, so we had to
check all the parameters even more carefully. It
didn’t affect our physical state as we trained a lot
before the rally.
Q. Can you describe the major turning points
(for you) in this year's rally? After having won the
3rd stage, did you feel confident enough to be the
winner at the end?
This year the rally surprised us by its fast pace.
From the very beginning the first fi fteen trucks
were just five minutes from each other. We didn’t
expect such high-speed special stages, when the
average speed of the truck was 110 km/h – it is a
furious pace for a truck as the maximum permitted
speed for trucks is 140 km/h. It was unusual. We
have had such high-speed specials before on the
first two days. But the Dakar 2015 became the
fastest, no matter whether you go off-road or not.
The difficulty was in the fact that the first cars raised
clouds of dust, which was up in the air, like flour; it
was particularly difficult where it was not possible
to overtake to secure better visibility. So, the one
who takes the lead, could win at such stages. The
race was very unpredictable. The belief that we are
the winners came to me only when I was standing
on the podium in Buenos Aires.
Q. How can you define your driving style? Is it
aggressive? Cool? Are you able to spare your
truck?
Driving style always depends on the situation,
if you go with a good time, and you have a good
result, then it makes no sense to drive faster and
take risks, you need to slow down and drive safely.
If you are overtaking vehicle, then you go harder
and you should take risks.
Q. Where do you feel at your best as a pilot? On
rocky stretches? Soft desert sand? Cathedral dunes?
Narrow and windy routes?
I like the mountain stages, as we are able to show
good results there, I like the off-road sections when
suspension works hard at high pace. And of course,
I like sand. This year, our crew had some problems
in the sand, we didn’t get stuck, but had to make
a loop to overcome the dune. I was affected by
excessive excitement; we went first sometimes and
had to open the track. It is very difficult to follow
the track of cars, as they have their own trajectory.
Often, we had to choose our own way.
Q. The big technical issue for Kamaz trucks this
year was the Liebherr engine: how do you judge
its performance? Were you forced to adapt your
driving style to the new powertrain?
It is for the second time that we took part in the
Dakar with the Liebherr engine. The most difficult
in the beginning was to get used to the absence of
sound, as the Liebherr engine is not audible in the
cabin. It is very dynamic, and you have to change
gear more often. We are happy with technical
characteristics and that we had no technical
problems with the engine.
Q. Who among other teams and drivers was the
most challenging for your team?
We are very respectful of all our competitors. Gerard
de Rooy in the Iveco and Ales Loprais in the MAN
– they are very fast drivers and dangerous rivals.
Loprais chose our tactics - he drove steady, trying
not to make mistakes. Dutchman Hans Stacey in
the other Iveco, is a driver with a big experience, he
is good on windy, narrow routes. Martin Kolomy
in the Tatra is also a good driver; he deserves to be
on the podium – his Tatra is fast too!
-ZIGS[MXL
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
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Turning circle 10.5 m
and top driveability
Cal l 0 8 0 0 915 0 0 4 0 t o discover more about the New Daily r ange
o r v i s i t www.iveco- dealer ship.co.uk
“ In the most competitive year ever the new IVECO DAILY
was the number one choice of the 23 members of the jury,
representing the top commercial vehicle publications
across Europe and Russia”
Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman International Van of the Year.
W W W. I V E C O . C O . U K
10 | COVER I
Arctic Van Test 2015 – Finland
• Overall victory for FIAT Professional Ducato
A
nother extremely close competition
between the contenders for the
22nd annual running of the Arctic
Van Test (AVT) in Finland. For
the 2015 running of the now legendary event
organised by Auto Tekniikka ja Kuljetus
publication, Finland, six panel vans were up for
scrutiny, divided into two categories – 1 tonne
and 3.5 tonne GVW vehicles. Once again the
AVT had a premiere or three with the new FIAT
Professional Ducato among the debutants
alongside the new Mercedes-Benz Vito and
Renault Trafic. Ducato was challenged by
the Ford Transit and Opel Movano while the
Vito and Trafic were also up against the Ford
Transit Custom. As per every year, the weeklong test began with mechanical checks, loaded
and fitted with recording equipment. Logos
of event sponsors Neste Oil, Nokian Tyres
and Calix were also stuck on to the vehicles.
The vans were then measured regarding the
functionality of their cargo space.
Members of the test team from Scandinavia
and Central Europe began the driving element,
measuring the turning circle of each vehicle. As
the turning circle figures usually differ from what
manufacturers list when driving on snow and
with winter tyres, the Opel Movano recorded
the biggest difference to the manufacturer’s
figure while the Ford Transit Custom and FIAT
Ducato pictured below were closest.
Next came the reversing test. Reversing is not
only about rotating and handling, visibility plays
a big part especially when manoeuvring into
a narrow street or gateway. Each large panel
van in the AVT had side mirrors fitted with
a separate wide-angle section. Ford had the
largest wide-angle mirror and the smaller basic
version so was best to help the driver ascertain
the van’s rearmost corners and even its rear tyres,
while the FIAT Ducato had smaller wide-angle
mirrors, the driver was able to improve the view
with electric control and as a result it scored
the highest points in the test. Despite smallish
wide-angle mirrors, the Opel Movano provided
a decent rear view but with its 4.3m wheelbase,
gett ing the van into tight corners was a litt le
difficult. In the 1-tonne group the Renault
Trafic got most points, just ahead of the Ford
Transit Custom. The Trafic’s side mirrors curved
in three directions plus its wide-angle mirror
located in the passenger’s sunvisor received
much praise from the panel. Due to its smaller,
car-like mirrors, the Mercedes-Benz Vito faired
the worst in the reversing test.
The city of Oulu was once again the location
for the urban driving tests. Six members of
the expert panel drove around 25 kilometres
on a circular route to analyse the handling,
performance and other characteristics of the
vehicles. Also considered was accessibility
to the cab, visibility and steering control, etc.
Competition here was high in the 1-tonne class
with Ford and Mercedes-Benz offering the best
access to the cabin while the Vito got more points
for front and side visibility. Renault impressed
with Trafic’s mobile office adaptability and
particularly with the high torque levels and
gearing of its 1.6 litre dCi twin-turbo engine.
According to the in-cab measurements, the Vito
offered the lowest noise-levels.
Passage through the cabin of the 3.5 tonne group
was equally as good in each van. Ford Transit’s
excellent driving position, low engine noise
and overall visibility were noted while the Opel
Movano’s ergonomics shone strongest. Ford’s
complex dashboard was criticised as it takes
some time for the driver to get used to, with
panellists calling it “button-jungle”. Regarding
the load space behind the driver, the Movano was
top choice as items of up to 4 metres long can
be accommodated, thanks to the open section
under the passenger’s seat.
Opel’s new 2.3 litre CDTi twin-turbo (from
Renault) elevated the German brand into the
lead in the city challenge. On the open road the
Vito’s driveability from its FWD system (new)
was best. For the fi rst time ever, there was a tie
between all three vans in the 1-tonne segment
when all of the marks were added up. Out of
the 240 total points the Ford, Mercedes-Benz
and Renault trio were awarded 209 points. Th is
indicates the similar direction technically that
the various manufacturers are heading in, in the
light commercial vehicle industry.
FIAT Professional has made the breakthrough
in the large panel van (3.5 tonne) category. The
race was extremely close with the Italian marque
winning by just one point over the Ford (208 vs
207) with the Opel a close third on 202 points.
With contrasting market strategies in practically
every country in the European Union a general
COVER I | 11
points structure had to be agreed among the panel
relating to Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Price levels of spare parts, servicing, repairs and
warranty programmes were all considered. Then
of course the variations in the annual motor tax,
the vehicles' fuel economy and insurance costs
had to be included as well.
The latest Ducato, an evolution of the previous
model features many innovative high tech
items and received much praise for its overall
performance, especially with its fuel economy and
acceleration. Use of cabin space and number of
storage areas combined well plus its adaptability
to turn into a mobile office with folding seats,
etc. (See table for the best performers in the new
sections of the annual test, seen as the top LCV
test programme in Europe).
Visibility Counts
The importance of decent rear view mirrors was
highlighted earlier but what about the vehicle’s
overall visibility? The Arctic Van Test has a very
simple method of calculating same. Called the
Madeleine test, it measures how an average height
driver is able to observe surroundings from the
vehicle’s windows and mirrors. The one-metre
tall dummy (fitted to a sleigh) is moved in front
of and at the side of the vehicle. After the driver
adjusts the seat to find the perfect driving position,
he then reports to when the dummy gradually
goes out of sight, which is then measured and
recorded. After calculating the view from the
glazed areas, the blindspots of the rear-view
mirrors were then noted.
As in previous outings, Ford did well here and on
this occasion, its two entrants achieved the best
scores. Mercedes-Benz and Renault with their
respective Vito and Trafic models were second and
third while the FIAT Ducato and Renault Movano
took the secondary position to the Transit in the
bigger class. While the Vito had the best frontal
view, due to the shape of the bonnet, its side-view
could be better. The dimensions of the A-Pillars
of the Renault Trafic created a small blindspot
at the front corner of the van.
However, the biggest blindspots were found
around the nose of the FIAT Ducato. Its overall
view was among the best but its thick A-Pillars
and large mirrors block some vision on wide areas.
The Madeleine test took place at Mäntsälä.
Another significant aspect of the test was the
Traction Control Systems (TCS) and Electronic
Stability Programmes (ESP) offered by the
various manufacturers. Although electronic
safety systems have advanced in recent years,
there is still room for improvement according to
the judges. The driver has still to remain alert and
not become too confident in depending on the
technology to get the driver out of trouble.
The Ford Transit Custom gained most points in
the ice track tests at Pudasjärvi Airport. New
Vito with its front-wheel-drive system was almost
as good while Renault’s ESP system scored the
least points. FIAT and Ford faired best in the
bigger sized van and the Opel, like its Renault
Alliance van manufacturing partner, needs to
update its ESP system.
Text: Rob Van Dieten - [email protected]
Group 1: Medium Panel Vans
Ford Transit Custom 310 Van 2.2TDCi 125 L1H1
Mercedes-Benz Vito 111 CDI Medium Long A2
Renault Trafic dCi 120 TwinTurbo L2H1
Test Points
Driver Points
Urban area rest
Road test
Small road without load
Handling test
Measurements,
evaluations
Cargo space
Acceleration
Heating
Visibility & Reversing
Noise in cabin
Use and Service
Fuel economy
Service intervals, daily
service
Warranty
TEST TOTAL POINTS
Maximum Ford Transit
Custom
Mercedes-Benz
Vito
Renault Trafic
40
40
10
10
32.0
32.8
8.3
8.4
31.2
32.4
8.2
8.4
32.8
32.4
8.4
8.1
10
10
40
10
10
8.6
8.5
40.0
9.0
8.8
8.8
9.0
40.0
8.0
9.0
9.2
8.5
40.0
8.5
9.0
40
10
35.0
9.3
36.0
8.9
35.0
8.9
10
240
8.3
209
8.8
209
8.5
209
Group 2: Large Panel Vans
FIAT ProfessionalDucato 3.5 tonne 2.3 MultiJet 150 LH2
Ford Transit 350 2.2 TDCi 155 L3H3 RWD
Opel Movano 2.3 CDTI 136 BiTurbo L3H2
Test Points
Driver Points
Urban area rest
Road test
Small road without load
Handling test
Measurements,
evaluations
Cargo space
Acceleration
Heating
Visibility & Reversing
Noise in cabin
Use and Service
Fuel economy
Service intervals, daily
service
Warranty
TEST TOTAL POINTS
Maximum Fiat Ducato
Ford Transit 350 Opel Movano
40
40
10
10
32.0
32.4
8.3
8.5
32.0
32.8
8.8
8.8
32.0
32.4
7.7
7.5
10
10
40
10
10
9.1
9.5
38.0
7.5
9.0
9.2
9.0
38.0
8.5
9.0
8.7
9.0
38.0
7.5
9.0
40
10
36.0
9.1
33.0
9.2
33.0
8.8
10
240
8.3
208
8.3
207
8.5
202
Best Performers
Category
Cargo Volume m3
Wheelbase mm
Length mm
Width (no mirrors) mm
Width (with mirrors)
mm
Height mm
Power (hp)
Torque (Nm)
Fuel Tank (ltrs)
Load Capacity (kg)
Fuel economy L/100km
Urban/Rural
Large Panel Van
Ducato/Movano 13.0
Movano 4,332
Movano 4,332
Movano 2,070
Transit 2,474
Medium Panel Van
Vito 6.3
Trafic 3,498
Trafic 5,399
Transit Custom 1,986
Trafic 2,283
Transit 2,786
Transit 155 @3,500 rpm
Transit Custom 1,978
Transit Custom 125 @
3,500 rpm
Transit 385 @ 1,600-2,400 rpm Transit Custom 350 @ 1,450-2,000
rpm
Ducato 90
Transit Custom/Trafic 80
Movano 1,455
Vito 1,142
Ducato 9.3/8.9
Trafic (Urban) 8.3
Vito (Rural) 6.9
www.fleet.ie
12 | NEW FLEET
Dublin City Council takes delivery of two of first
new-series Volvo FL 4x2 rigids
I
rish Commercials (Naas, County Kildare),
main Volvo Trucks dealers has supplied
Dublin City Council with two new-series
Volvo FL 4x2 Crew-cab rigids, the fi rst of
their kind in Ireland or the UK. While Dublin
City Council’s 16-tonne GVW FL Crew-cab
trucks are operating in everyday use as tippers,
they also have the facility to be fitted with
demountable gritter bodywork. The gritter
spreader mechanism is driven by the engine
live drive PTO. The tipper bodywork was
built and fitted by Griffith J. Roberts Ltd., of
Ballycoolin, Dublin.
Volvo Truck’s new factory-built, four door
Crew-cab for the FL Series, provides seating for
up to seven persons. The cab tilts to 40 degrees
and Front Underrun Protection System
(FUPS) is fitted as standard. The Dublin
City Council vehicles are also equipped
with Rear Under-Run Protection (RUPS),
Electronic Stability Program (ESP), EBS+
package with Traction Aid and Hill Hold.
The steel suspended drive axle is fitted
with a diff-lock and a rear anti-roll bar is
standard fitment.
Key dimensions of the factory-built FL Crewcab include a ‘bumper to back of cab’ length
of 2830mm and a rear compartment standing
height, from floor to headlining of 1640mm.
The rear passenger compartment, which is
accessed via its own doors and two wide, low
steps, can accommodate up to four persons.
Both trucks are fully equipped for towing and
a reverse camera is also fitted. The new 7.7 litre,
D250K Euro 6-compliant engine, rated at 250
hp, provides power for the trucks, which are
fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox. The
standard fitment exhaust brake provides 120
kW of retardation.
Diamond Trucks NI’s Renault Range Ts shine for
Woolsey Freight & DK Malcolm
D
iamond Trucks NI, the new name
for Renault Trucks NI, now under
the management of Setanta Vehicle
Sales (Dublin) has supplied new Renault
Range T tractor-units to Woolsey Freight Ltd
(Moy), and DK Malcolm, as part of the Sawyers
Transport Group in Armagh.
Four new additional T460.62 tractor units join
an existing number of six Renault Premium Long
Distance units, bringing a total number of ten
Renault trucks within the past two years. The
other two T460.26 tractor units are the first
to join DK Malcolm, and will run from its
head office in Dumfries.
These new vehicles are supplied through
Renault Trucks' Contract Hire & Rental
arm, BRS Ltd, on long-term contract hire.
Pictured at the handover are Iain Latimer
- Diamond Trucks NI; Andy Woolsey,
Woolsey Freight and Kieran Sheen - BRS
Ltd.
Versatility of Iveco Daily exemplified
T
he broad range offered within the new
Iveco Daily range was exemplified
recently at Gethings Garage,
Enniscorthy, County Wexford. At the upper
end of the International Van of the Year
2015’s line up is this 705C17 chassis/cab unit
supplied to Underground Technical Services
(Dublin).
Fitted with rear air suspension from the factory,
auxillary vacuum equipment installed is from
Dutch firm ROM BV which Underground
Technical Services (VTS) is the Irish agent.
UTS, in turn has delivered the complete unit
to Nor t her n
Ireland Water,
Belfast.
Powering this
7.0 tonne GVW
Iveco Daily is
FPT Industrial's
3.0 litre 170 hp
d ie s e l w it h
6-speed manual
gearbox.
Another Hino (with a difference) for Kelly Haulage
S
taunch Hino operator Kieran Kelly
Haulage (Ennis, County Clare) has
added a special new addition to its fleet
with the purchase of the unique 700 Series
with a 10x4 configuration. The 450 horsepower
multi-axle chassis which has a gross vehicle
weight of 39 tonnes facilitates a payload of 24
tonnes. Such is the interest in this particular
configured truck that stocks have outsold
sales orders.
Kelly stated at the handover with Long Haul
Commercial's salesman Martin Hough that the
extra payload will quickly recoup the additional
fi nancial outlay.
Additionally, Kieran Kelly Haulage recently
purchased a new Iveco Stralis 460 6x2 tonne
which will be deployed in the general haulage
side of the business.
Commenting on the new purchase, Kieran
Text: Jarlath Sweeney - [email protected]
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14 | COVER II
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4x4 –
Extra traction under tough conditions
N
o sooner had Mercedes-Benz launched the new Sprinter
series than work got underway in developing an all-wheeldrive system for the range. The new Sprinter 4x4 is a van
for a broad selection of commercial users that work dayby-day on construction sites, in the mountains, snow-prone regions,
dirt tracks and muddy fields.
Its all-wheel-drive system could not be simpler to operate as it can be engaged
at the press of a button, when the 4ETS (Electronic Traction System) takes
over. All the driver has to do is accelerate and steer carefully and let the
technology take care of the rest. The all-wheel drive is integrated into the
standard-fit Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and suitably complements
the safety systems provided.
Four-wheel-drive can be engaged when the engine is running, either
when the vehicle is stationary or at low speeds of up to 10 km/h, using a
switch on the instrument panel. An indicator lamp in the switch informs
the driver that the all-wheel drive is engaged.
In contrast to other systems of this type, the Sprinter’s engageable all-wheel
drive does not provide a rigid through-drive. The power is transmitted
variably; all the components of the standard-fit Adaptive ESP remain
operational even when all-wheel drive is selected.
When all-wheel drive is engaged, the drive power of the Sprinter 4x4 is split
in a ratio of 33 to 67 percent between the front and rear wheels in normal
operation, ensuring handling performance practically on a par with the
Sprinter’s usual rear-wheel drive in everyday operation.
The Sprinter 4x4 model’s all-wheel-drive system works with the 4ETS
instead of with mechanical differential locks: should one or more of the
wheels lose traction, 4ETS brakes the spinning wheels automatically with
short pulses and increases the drive torque at the wheels offering good
traction by the same amount.
Automatic brake application by means of 4ETS has the same effect as
up to three differential locks: the inter-axle lock, the rear axle lock and
the front axle lock. The engineering employs the same basic principle
as the all-wheel drive on the new Vito 4x4. (In view of the fact that the
Sprinter 4x4 is usually deployed in rougher applications, however, it does
without the fi ner touches such as the pre-loaded multi-disc clutch between
the front and rear axle).
For off-road-use, the optional “Low Range” reduction gear is additionally
available. Engaged at the push of a button with the vehicle stationary, the
4x4 drive activated and the clutch pedal and brake pressed, the ratio is
shortened by a factor of 1.42, i.e. by 42 percent. The maximum vehicle
speed obtainable in the individual gears is reduced accordingly, while
tractive power is increased by the same factor.
Although the Sprinter 4x4 is not an off-roader, it has a raised body (by
110 mm at the front and by 80 mm at the rear) to provide adequate ground
clearance.
Depending on the specific model version, the all-wheel drive in the Sprinter
4x4 results in a weight penalty of just 115 kg to 135 kg. Th is comparatively
low increase is down to the 4ETS all-wheel-drive technology that does
without heavy mechanical differential locks.
Two power outputs (129 & 163hp/305 & 360 Nm) from the MercedesBenz Euro 6 compatible 2.15 litre BlueTec diesels are the main options
for the 4WD 3.5 and 5.5 tonne Sprinters, be it panel van, bus or chassis/
cab. For those seeking even more power, also offered is the 3.0 CDI with
190hp and 440 Nm. These engines are mated to a 6-speed manual or
5-speed automotive transmission. On the drives along selected routes
surrounding Arvidsjaur, the surefootedness provided by the excellent
traction from the four driven wheels and that only winter tyres (not snow
tyres with studded caps) were used impressed most.
In addition, the Sprinter 4x4 is available with the option of Downhill Speed
Regulation (DSR), which ensures that a preselected speed is maintained
constantly when driving downhill. Again, DSR is activated using a button
in the cockpit. The speed is then controlled using either accelerator and
brake or the stalk for the cruise control.
The 4ETS traction control system is fully integrated in the Adaptive
Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The control characteristics have
been adapted for all-wheel drive and all of the Adaptive ESP functions
are retained even when the all-wheel drive is engaged.
One particularly important aspect for the many Sprinter body variants
and att achments is the load and centre-of-gravity detection feature Load
Adaptive Control (LAC). In the case of special-purpose bodies, for example,
Adaptive ESP detects the position of the centre of gravity based on the
vehicle’s movements and adapts the control characteristics accordingly.
The Mercedes-Benz Winter Test Programme saw the new Vito 4x4 make its debut in
Northern Sweden. Alas, it is only available in left -hand drive.
NEW DOBLÒ CARGO. A BETTER WAY TO WORK.
16 | FLEETING SHOTS
Mercedes-Benz AMG Petronas F1 & DB
Schenker link up for Grand Prix logistics
he Formula One Team has signed a new
four-year logistics partnership with
tation
German-based global transportation
and logistics provider, DB Schenker.
T
includin the five metallic silver Mercedes-Benz
including
1
Actros 1845
LS tractor units with GigaSpace
Cab th
that will transport the Silver Arrows
race cars.
From the 2015 season onwards, DB
Schenker will provide logistics services
for all European Grands Prix, tests
and promotional events, including the
transportation of the team’s F1 W06
Hybrid racing cars, garage equipment
and motorhome.
“ e highest degree of professionalism
“Th
and precision is indispensable in Formula
One, a consideration which also applies
to our logistics services. We are pleased
to welcome DB Schenker to the team as
o new logistics partner and we have
our
no doubt that they will provide excellent
serv and be able to respond to changing
service
circum
circumstances
with the necessary flexibility
spee required in Formula One,” Toto Wolff,
and speed
Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport.
very
Earlier this month, DB Schenker took delivery
-Benz
of its new team fleet from the Mercedes-Benz
many,
truck production plant in Wörth, Germany,
YODEL delivers books for World Book Night 2015
L
eading independent parcel carrier Yodel,
gency
has been chosen by The Reading Agency
as the official delivery partner of World
g.
Book Night for the third year running.
Ahead of the event on 23 April, Yodel will
be distributing World Book Night books
to every corner of the UK and Ireland,
helping people across Britain and
Ireland to ignite a love for reading.
bee selected by World Book Night’s editorial
have been
committee and specially produced by publishers.
Yodel distributes the boxes of books, which
volu
volunteers
collect from their local library
or bookshop to hand out on 23 April.
Thousands of institutions including
prisons, homeless shelters, colleges and
schools also take part in the event with
Yodel delivering books directly to them.
As well as gift ing the selected books,
v
volunteers
can also opt to give away their
ow favourite reads, either bought new or
own
from their own shelves.
Run by national charity, The Reading
Agency, World Book Night’s ongoing aim
d,
is to inspire those who don’t regularly read,
ines
to pick up a book. The programme also shines
a light on volunteering and social action,, with
haring
individuals, institutions and organisations sharing
their love of books with their communities
Volunteers from across the UK & Ireland
apply to take part in the scheme, and if successful
they give out one or more of twenty titles, which
addit to World Book Night’s publications,
In addition
the carri
carrier also delivers around 3.8 million parcels
of books each year, direct into retail chains,
independent book shops and to consumers across
the UK & Ireland.
Faymonville MAX trailers making in-roads in Ireland
T
he ongoing sales success of Faymonville
onville
er the
MAX trailers in Ireland over
ugh
past few years is notable. Th rough
Ashbourne Truck Sales, its Irish agentss
that covers both Northern Ireland
& the Republic, the Belgian trailer
manufacturer is very well accepted
in the marketplace.
“The MAX range offers a wide variety
of trailer types, the most common in
Ireland has been the MAX100 modell
which consists of the step frame trailers 3, 4
ndable
& 5-axle step frames, with fi xed or extendable
bed and choice of ramps from aluminium, single
l i d
hydraulic and double fl ip hydraulic,” explained
Sarah Mooney, Ashbourne Truck Centre.
Also offered by Faymonville in the MAX range
is the M
MAX200, which are flat trailers, and are
well bu
built and engineered. With a travel height of
low than a standard flat trailer, it has a low
6” lower
tar weight of only 6.2 tonnes. Constructed
tare
w the same high tensile steel that is
with
found with the 4-axle Faymonville step
frame trailers, the MAX200 has a gross
trailer weight of 45,000 kgs, which is 7
tonnes more than the average flat trailer.
Its secure loading points arrangement
ccomes with 10 pairs of heavy duty lashing
rin
rings in the border frame, 24 pairs of cut
outs in the side raves for securing with straps
and 10 pairs of posts and sockets. “Th is trailer
also available
av
in MAX200 extendable version,
hi h has same travel height as the fi xed trailer,”
which
added Sarah.
When you zone out,
people get hurt.
It’s everyone’s responsibility to
make sure we’re all safe around
vehicles in the workplace.
STAY ALERT, KEEP YOUR FOCUS.
DON’T GO ON AUTOPILOT.
Visit hsa.ie
18 | PREVIEW I
Commercial Vehicle Show 2015
– NEC, Birmingham – 14/16 April
F
rom A-Z there are over 400 exhibitors preparing to display
their wares at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show at the
NEC, Birmingham. From 14/16 April it has all the ingredients
to ensure the event is another major showcase for the road
transport, distribution and logistics sectors. Under one (vast) roof,
visitors can hear about and see the latest from the truck, van, trailer
and forklift manufacturers through to the ancillary service providers
that include insurers, tyre, telematics and training providers, fuel and
lubricants supplier. For the aftermarket, Workshop in Hall 4 caters for
the after sales segment while Cool looks after refrigerated transport.
new Vito for the fi rst time. We have been long-standing supporters of the
event, and it provides a great platform to show off our extensive product
range, as well as spend time with existing and potential customers,”
stated Steve Bridge, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Vans.
One of the organising companies the SMMT – Society of Motor
Manufacturers & Traders organised its annual CV Show Preview last
month and was attended once again by Fleet Transport. Over the next
two editions, a number of exhibitors present at this event will be featured
covering the main sectors.
LIGHT COMMERCIALS
PSA Peugeot-Citroën
One of Europe’s leading manufacturers of light commercials, PSA Peugeot
Citroën will have a prominent presence at this year’s CV Show. At the NEC,
the two French brands will separately premiere revised versions of their
small panel vans, the Partner and Berlingo. Unveiled at the popular Geneva
Motorshow (in passenger form), the jointly designed and produced van and
people mover line-up features a new front end design and improved interior
fitt ings. Both Peugeot and Citroën bring their own styling identity to the
vehicles to differentiate one from the other, as both brands are marketed
separately. Another significant new development is the new Euro 6 Blue
HDi diesel engine which now uses Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
technology that requires AdBlue (a urea/water based additive that helps
fi lter emissions). Both Peugeot and Citroën dealers will stock AdBlue and
educate customers on its usage requirements.
Ford Motor Company
As announced at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hannover,
Germany last Autumn, Ford has teamed up with Telogis to provide
innovative telematics systems for the ‘blue-ovals’ van range. Th rough
the Ford Telematics solution, customers can create a safer environment
for its workforce duty of care obligations through monitoring vehicle/
driver location and vehicle and driver performance. On the aftermarket
side, Ford vehicle diagnostics can be captured through Ford Telematics.
Ultimately, Ford aims to assist customers to reduce fuel costs by up to
20 per cent and decrease their environmental impact and encourage safe
driving habits through Ford Telematics. Telogis is a global leader in cloud
based connected intelligence soft ware platforms.
Mercedes-Benz Vans
New Vito will take centre stage at Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles'
1,200 m 2 stand in Hall 5 where all versions – van, crew cab, and passenger
will be premiered. “The CV Show is the natural choice for unveiling our
Tevo
On the ancillary end of the LCV business, racking and shelving systems
are becoming standard fitt ings for van operators if only to comply with
Health & Safety regulations, not to mention the convenience that these
systems provide. On Stand 5F30 in Hall 5, Tevo will be demonstrating
further new and innovative products that will enhance the range already
available. Tevo is continually working towards reducing the weight of its
products. In addition to promoting its new lighter drawers at the show,
a new locker range will also be on display. All new lockers are fitted with
an integrated lock and the weight of the locker has been reduced by
approximately 25 percent.
Xtreme Sales/XS 4x4 Parts
Xtreme Sales, based in Christchurch, Dorset specialises in modifying
Pick-Up trucks. Standard versions can be transformed into tough, durable
vehicles and even more multi-purpose than they have been originally
designed. Products designed and fitted for Pick-Up brands include Alu-Cab
loadbed canopy and awning, Rhino Bumpers, Rival underbody protection,
Hutchinson wheels and TMK suspension systems. “As the Land Rover
Defender nears its end in 2015, commercial users are looking for more
cost-effective and reliable alternatives. A modified Pick-Up truck fits the
requirements of companies who require a workhorse that can cope with
constant off-road abuse, fewer breakdowns and get from A to B through
the toughest of terrains,” explained William Rhodes, Director, Xtreme
Sales. Dealers and Partner resellers required.
GM Vauxhall/Opel
Opel’s sister brand Vauxhall at General Motors is launching the new
Corsavan based on the recently introduced Corsa 3-door hatch. Said to
offer superb safety credentials and drivability, class-leading payload and
30,000 kilometre/1 year service intervals, the new version is the newest
car derived van you can buy today. Regarding GM’s production plant
at Luton which produces the new Vivaro van range, the news is good. A
second shift has been added recently creating 250 new jobs. In fact, 1,200
PREVIEW I | 19
jobs have been secured for the next ten years in producing the Vivaro.
Over £185 million has been invested by General Motors at the Luton
plant which is located near Luton Airport.
TYRES
Continental
With tyre pressure monitoring systems being developed by various
manufacturers of late both Continental and Goodyear informed the
media present at the CV Show Preview of their preferred options.
ContiPressure Check is Continental Tyres' system created in conjunction
with its Continental Automotive (VDO) partners. Basically, it downloads
tyre pressure data to the transport operators via VDO T.S. web service.
Investigations by Continental have proven that 90% of punctures are caused
by gradual pressure loss that isn’t recognised by drivers. ContiPressure
Check not only checks the pressure but also the temperature inside the
tyre itself. Continental Tyres is also launching ContiRe City Service tyre
designed for waste and refuse vehicles while the Generation 3 hybrid range
is now completed with the addition of 22.5 sized Drive and Trailer tyres.
Call to Hall 5, Stand G120.
Goodyear
Goodyear returns to the annual CV Show for the second year running
and following the successful launch of its new KMAX and FuelMax tyre
products, it will showcase how Goodyear works in partnership with
businesses it services to help lower their cost of ownership. High profi le
fleet contracts with Eddie Stobart and Hoyer European as well as recent
deals with DHL, Wincanton and Turners clearly acknowledge that above
statement, while its Air Maintenance Technology (AMT) ensures the
optimum tyre pressure is maintained and as a result, saves on time, fuel
and inconvenience. All of its components, including a miniaturised pump,
is contained within the tyre.
its innovative system. “A network of rails makes it possible to have three
different pallet heights and a beam distributor in the roof which takes up
less room than a partition, so you can change from a single to multiple
compartments without having to remove the beams. These remain captive
in the semi-trailer and always available when needed. On average, a semitrailer represents 3% of a refrigerated transport company’s total cost of
operation and investing in MultiDeck-C represents less than 0.5%. Just one
extra pallet on each journey, i.e. a 3% increase in load based on 33 pallets,
and the investment pays for itself,” explained Christophe.
AirShutter-C, Air Efficient-C, Flex-C LED Lights are among the other
products to be shown.
Fuller Tankers & VanHool
Fuller Tankers established in 1947 at Sedbury (near Chepstow) in Wales,
specialises in tanker manufacturing mainly to Local and Water Authorities
supplying the UK and Irish markets as well as exporting to Europe and the
Far East. Last year Fuller Tankers became sole UK & Ireland representative
for the VanHool range of tankers and trailers. At the CV Show, Fuller is
launching the VanHool/Full Vac (31,000 litre) stainless steel, vacuum semitrailer tanker jointly developed with VanHool. Another debutant is the
Volvo FH Tridem Jet Vac Tanker, the fi rst of its kind on these islands. Th is
special 8x4 rigid has a 4,000 gallon capacity unit and offers approximately
18 to 19 tonne payload, depending on the application. Also on display will
be a VanHool 37,500 litres general purpose tanker, one of three sold to
TIP Trailers. Th is unit is mounted on BPW axles and alloy wheels.
TRA ILERS
Chereau
Buoyant sales in the UK and Ireland has put French trailer Chereau on
sound footing coming into the CV Show. Christophe Danten, Marketing &
Communications Manager profiled the company in that Chereau generated
a turnover of €156 million last year with its 730 employees producing
3,000 vehicles. 40% of these sales are exported. Some of its award winning
products will be on display at the NEC, namely, MultiDeck-C semi-trailer
which combines multiple levels, multi-temp and multiple load tyres within
www.fleet.ie
THE INTERNATIONAL TRUCK OF
THE YEAR IS NOT JUST A TRUCK
...IT IS A PROFIT CENTRE.
PROFITABILITY BEGINS WITH A CALL
BOOK A DEMO WITH SETANTA 01 403 4500.
www.renault-trucks.ie
PREVIEW II | 21
FPS EXPO 2015 - Harrogate International Centre – 22/23 April
E
xhibition stand spaces have fi lled faster than expected for FPS
EXPO 2015, the primary event within the UK & Republic
of Ireland oil distribution industry. Event organiser FPS
(Federation of Petroleum Suppliers) has decided to extend into another
hall at the Harrogate International Centre such is the demand for space
by new exhibitors.
Two big names in the industry recently secured places at FPS EXPO
2015, with Bulk fuel logistics companies, Brit European and Norbert
Dentressangle Tankers among the latest companies to secure a place.
Commenting on the increasing demand for display space at the event,
Dawn Shakespeare, FPS Marketing & Events Manager said: “FPS EXPO is
always extremely popular because of the diverse range of industry experts
that exhibit at the show but 2015 looks set to be even more successful
than our record-breaking 2014 event. Th is year we have so much to offer
visitors to the show. We have moved into Hall A to offer more exhibitors
and more space for the vehicle manufacturers.”
“Another first for FPS EXPO is our visitor and exhibitor reception on the first
evening of the show which will give exhibitors and visitors the opportunity
to stay longer at the show and offer more networking opportunities. We’ve
done this to create more time that can be devoted to exhibitors and visitors.
The Awards dinner is not being held in 2015 but this means we can really
make the most of the Driver of the Year and Depot of the Year awards by
presenting each award at the winner’s depot,” added Dawn.
The 2015 event will be the 35th year of the exhibition and the show’s last year
in Harrogate, before it moves to the new Liverpool Exhibition Centre.
Multimodal 2015 – NEC, Birmingham – 28/30 April
A
t the forthcoming Multimodal exhibition in Birmingham, DB
Schenker will be showcasing a range of ‘industry fi rsts’ and
innovative solutions to help its customers improve their supply
chain and reduce carbon emissions.
Multimodal is the UK & Ireland’s leading freight transport and logistics
exhibition which will be held from April 28-30, 2015 at the city’s National
Exhibition Centre. Commenting on DB Schenker showcasing its products
and services at the event for the seventh consecutive year, Geoff Spencer,
Chief Executive of DB Schenker Rail UK, said: “Rail freight is an increasingly
attractive and environmentally friendly option for customers. DB Schenker
Rail UK achieved another industry fi rst in 2014 with our announcement
to roll out stop start technology to 90 of our Class 66 locomotives. Th is is
just one of the many ways we are striving to work more effectively with our
customers, to help solve their challenges and add value to the supply chain.
We are delighted to be exhibiting at Multimodal again with our colleagues at
DB Schenker Logistics. We will be showing how we combine our expertise
to deliver intelligent supply chain solutions for our customers.”
DB Schenker can be found on stand 550.
Award categories include:
•
The Award for Contribution to Multimodal Development in conjunction
with the CILT
•
The Award for Contribution to Environmental Sustainability in
partnership with the FTA
•
The Multimodal Personality of the Year
•
The Multimodal Exhibitor of the Year
•
Young Shipper of the Year
Last year, trophy winners included Tesco, DSV and Frank Robotham of
ABP. Who will win in 2015?
Sponsors include FTA, CILT, Wincanton & DSV.
Multimodal Awards 2015
Building on the success of the inaugural Multimodal Awards last year, the
event is being expanded to further cater for demand in 2015.
Over 500 guests, will enjoy a networking champagne reception followed
by a three course dinner, with wine and coffees whilst being entertained at
the glittering ceremony. The evening is staged at the National Motorcycle
Museum, near the NEC at 19.00 on the fi rst day of Multimodal 2015,
Tuesday 28th April 2015.
www.fleet.ie
22 | FEATURE
Time to upgrade your truck fleet?
W
ith the economy showing signs
of improvement and truck
sales up 15% last year, are we
expecting 2015 to show us
even more improvement? One would hope
so with the announcement of new projects in
the construction sector and Ireland’s G.D.P
predicted to show 4% growth. Is it time to
make the investment and upgrade your truck
fleet? Some dealer networks have reported
fewer complaints from customers regarding
obtaining fi nance and this in turn is a step in
the right direction. Nevertheless arranging
fi nance is a huge decision and what comes
with it is even more decisions, what type of
fi nance package? Will it be Hire Purchase
(HP), Business Lease Plans, or Contract Hire?
There are many options out there from our
own local Irish banks as well as dealers and
manufacturers offering their in-house financial
services. Now that Total Cost of Ownership
dominates purchasing decisions and with
trucks becoming more sophisticated there
is also an uptake in Repair & Maintenance
packages. For the operator to make the right
choice they will need to compare and contrast
what is on offer, so they do not end up paying
over the odds for their vehicle or equipment.
To evaluate what’s on offer from our local
fi nancial institutions as well as the in-house
fi nancial services, Fleet Transport asked the
major commercial vehicle dealers as well as the
the major financial institutions to elaborate on
what sort of financial packages are on offer and
any changes in criteria from last year.
Bank of Ireland Finance
Bank of Ireland Finance provides a range of
funding options for its business/fleet customers
through its 14 franchise branches. The options
come in the form of Hire Purchase, Business
Lease and Business Lease Contract Hire
with rates ranging from 0% APR on some
manufacturer subsided campaigns up to 7.9%
APR. Bank of Ireland also provides funding on
used commercials ranging from 24 to 60 months
and deposits vary on the individual asset being
fi nanced.
Bank of Ireland Finance assesses each case
individually and says its requirements have
not changed in regards to seeking additional
funds or deposits into the deal. Generally, one
to three advance monthly rentals are required
for Contract Hire with funding terms ranging
from 12-48 months. Approximately 75% of
commercial vehicle fi nance in 2014 was Hire
Purchase which has seen an increase in January
2015 to 87% of the business. Bank of Ireland
Finance has not seen an increase in Repair &
Maintenance contracts and this is att ributed
to separate agreements between the supplier
and the customer.
Cl ose Brot h er s
Finance
Com m erci a l
One of Ireland’s leading financial solution
specialists offers a key selling point that considers
each deal on its own merits and determines the
level of upfront deposit required based on the
individual asset.
As a general rule the minimum deposit it requires
is 10% of the cost price or the current market
value of the assets. However, it takes into account
the customer's circumstances, which are all
different and provide a bespoke service.
The company has att ractive specialist funding
solutions in the form of Asset Finance and
Invoice Finance. Its Asset Finance plans allows
businesses to purchase or refi nance vehicles or
equipment with repayments tailored to match the
income generated by the assets. Invoice Finance is
available so that customers can unlock the funds
in their unpaid invoices. Together these financial
products enable Close Brothers Commercial
Finance to provide bespoke fi nancial solutions
that it believes will help transport fi rms realise
its aspirations.
Close Brothers Commercial Finance does not
offer Contract Hire, therefore business Lease
Plans and Hire Purchase remains its strongest
product offerings. Both provide flexible repayment
options that allow businesses to obtain the assets
they require while maintaining a healthy cash
flow. Close Brothers Commercial Finance does
not offer Repair & Maintenance contracts with
its fi nance agreements but nevertheless fi nds
that a lot of its customers who are purchasing
new assets do avail of Repair & Maintenance
contracts directly with the dealer.
AIB Finance
The packages on offer from AIB Finance
highlighted by Brendan Crowley Head of Asset
Finance, Corporate & Business Banking are:- 1:
Business Purchase Plan (HP - both fi xed and
variable) 2: Business Lease Plan and 3: Contract
Hire. Rates are depending on the individual
asset being fi nanced, the amount involved and
the term. Rates have been indicated in the form
of IRR rather than APR and would be in the
region of 5.9%. Finance packages are on offer
ranging from 6 to 60 months but fi nance can
be arranged over a longer period depending
on circumstances. The minimum amount for
fi nance is €5,000. Other lending criteria, terms
and conditions may apply.
With growth being evident in the CV market, it
has created a more att ractive second hand sector
and AIB Finance has not changed its criteria as
regards suitability or credit assessment. AIB
Finance approaches the second hand market
in the same vein as the new, i.e. it is competitive
and is aggressively targeting growth.
AIB Finance states that there is limited appetite
for Contract Hire and that 60% of fi nance is
done via HP and 40% fi nance lease. The primary
consideration for AIB Finance is repayment
capacity and its proposition is that it offers 100%
of the fi nance and does not require equity.
HEAVY GOODS VEHICLE
DISTRIBUTORS
Scania Finance
Scania Finance has been in the marketplace since
2010 but stated that the traditional sources are
also very prevalent. The fi nance rates on offer
between lenders have been well documented
as being very competitive. All banks including
Scania Finance require a sound business case for a
potential purchase and deposits or unencumbered
trade-ins seem to be the order of the day.
Contract Hire has not grown and customers
in general seem to prefer to write down their
own asset and have something of value to sell
or trade in after 5 or 6 years. Scania Finance
is also seeing a surge in customers signing up
for Repair & Maintenance contracts as trucks
get more complex and training for technicians
becomes more onerous.
Mercedes-Benz
Meccedes-Benz is one of the few manufacturers
which does not have a manufacturer’s bank
operating in Ireland, therefore relies on local
Irish banks to provide finance across its customer
base. Mercedes-Benz Ireland reports that funding
is more readily available than it has in recent
years but that Irish banks need to increase their
response time to keep up with the notably quicker
response times of the manufacturer banks.
With the customer focus now on Total Cost of
Ownership as opposed to the purchase price,
they are educated about fuel economy and
residual value, which can have a clear impact
on the amount of fi nance being sought. It is
also apparent that local banks favour fi nancing
brands that they feel would represent a stronger
re-sale proposition at contract end.
FEATURE | 23
FUSO Trucks
Volvo Financial Services
Mitsubishi FUSO’s general assessment of the
market is that it has opened up in recent months
and that fi nance is more obtainable than it has
been in recent years.
Volvo and Volvo Financial Services (VFS)
reported a year of growth in Ireland in 2014, with
an uptake in Contact Hire for new and existing
customers who were attracted to the “Volvo Total
Offer” that the dealers were promoting.
FUSO Trucks fi nance partner is Bank of Ireland
(BOI) and its principle offer to customers is a
competitive Hire Purchase offer, this applies
to both FUSO Trucks and Mitsubishi Motors
Businesses. FUSO dealers can offer a special
6.25% base rate to new Canter customers for the
complete model range. At the moment Mitsubishi
FUSO does not offer Contract Hire or Repair
& Maintenance (R&M) contracts through BOI.
For its FUSO business a lot of dealers in their
network would offer Contract Hire and R&M
contracts independently. There is no centralised
scheme in place for used vehicles although the
dealers have fi nance schemes and partnerships
to offer on the sale of used vehicles.
MAN Financial Services
A high proportion of its customer base opted
for Finance Leasing during 2014 and many have
also chosen a Repair & Maintenance contract
package regardless of how they chose to fund.
Volvo also stated that customer confidence is
growing and the lower fuel prices help boost
this. In addition fi nance terms are improving
as Volvo becomes more established and gains a
better understanding of the market place.
The used truck financing segment of the business
saw significant growth as packages were tailored
to the specific requirements of the operator.
Volvo has also reported that some customers who
initially looked at used vehicles actually opted
to buy new vehicles safe in the knowledge that
Volvo is seen as a long life product that Volvo
Financial Services is keen to fund.
Renault Trucks Financial Services
MAN Financial Services Plc tailors flexible
fi nancial solutions to enable the customer to
plan efficiently. MAN Financial Services offers
classic loan fi nancing which lets you adapt your
loan agreements to your individual needs with
flexible options of terms 12-96 months. Options
include repayment in full or agreed large fi nal
payment, non regular installment plans and
the opportunity of unscheduled payments.
MAN Financial Services reports no real change
and stated demand is still high for its range of
products including Hire Purchase, Operational
Lease as well as Contract Hire and Finance Lease.
MFS also said that there is an increase in Contract
Hire as it leaves the customer free to worry about
their own business and not maintenance costs
or residual value.
AWARDS
REWARDING BEST PRACTICE
THE LEADING AWARDS PROGRAMME
FOR THE IRISH ROAD TRANSPORT
AND HAULAGE INDUSTRY
THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER 2015
CITYWEST HOTEL, DUBLIN
• Irish Haulier of the Year
2016
• Irish Truck of the Year
2016
Renault Trucks Financial Services (RTFS)
offers the complete fi nancial solution to buy
or lease your commercial vehicle. Now that
approximately 90% of sales on both new and
used Renault vehicles is done through Renault
Financial Services, Neil Francis from Renault
Trucks Financial Services in Ireland, reports that
Finance Lease is still the most popular product
offering over a 4-5 years term. Th is term can be
increased to seven years in special circumstances,
depending on the asset and the customer.
• Green Commercial
of the Year 2016
DAF Trucks
DAF Distributors Ireland has a range of fi nance
options that can be tailored to suit the customer’s
needs and requirements and this is done through
its finance partner Deutsche Leasing. DAF Trucks
reports that fi nance applications have increased
and there is good confidence amongst operators
in the marketplace. Repair & Maintenance
contracts are also on offer to suit all operators
and their requirements.
Text: Leonard Allison - [email protected]
Hire Purchase is the second most popular
offering, which looks for VAT payment at
the start of the fi nance deal. Renault Trucks
Financial Services also states that there has
been an increase in Contract Hire which was
not as popular this time last year and that a lot of
customers are opting for Repair & Maintenance
contracts in conjunction with Contract Hire.
RTFS does not provide finance for trailers to any
further extent. As for any changes to criteria for
obtaining finance, ultimately up to date business
accounts or up to date bank statements in the case
of a sole trader are the most imperative. Another
product that Renault Truck Financial Services is
introducing is GAP Insurance which covers the
difference between the insurance sett lement and
the fi nance that remains on the vehicle.
For further details contact:
Orla Sweeney / Denise Owens
Tel: 094 9372819
Email: awards@fleet.ie
or log onto www.fleet.ie
www.fleet.ie
24 | LCV I
Volkswagen
Commercial
Vehicles:
MADE IN POLAND
A
t the launch of the fourth generation Caddy, Volkswagen
Commercial Vehicles’ Chief, Dr. Eckhard Scholtz sent out a
strong message – MADE IN POLAND.
In marking the introduction of Caddy 4, Dr. Scholtz stated in the
presence of the Polish Economics Minister Janusz Piechocinski that the
German company’s strong relationship with Poland is gett ing stronger
as construction of a new production plant for the next generation Crafter
has begun and will be open late 2016. Costing an estimated €800m, this
vast site located in Września, near Poznań will see the Crafter, its light to
medium commercial vehicle range, marketed by both Volkswagen and its
sister brand within the Volkswagen Group – MAN Truck & Bus. To date,
Volkswagen’s contribution to the Polish economy has been significant
especially over the past decade or more. According to Poznań plant
Head, Jens Ocksen at the launch of Caddy 4, the facility is the true home
of the Caddy family in all its variants, van and passenger car. “Almost 1.5
million units of the award winning current generation were sold during
its eleven years of production here,” he said. “A success that the new
Caddy is intended to continue, it’s a labour of love,” he added. Mr. Janusz
Piechocinski the Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Economics Minister
acknowledged that Volkswagen contributes enormously to the national
economy with more to come and he looks forward to the opening of the
Crafter plant next year.
Dr. Scholtz remarked that the company enjoys a good relationship with
the Cities’ Universities in preparing the level of employees required from
a technical point of view for the production facilities.
On exhibit at the premiere of the Caddy 4 were one van version and three
variants of the Caddy ‘Life’ passenger car, one special edition to mark the
introduction that will be sold in Germany. Caddy 4 Life will be making
its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
Volkswagen Caddy 4 – What’s New!
Caddy 4’s new look – ‘going forward’
F
rom the B-Pillar towards the rear of the new Caddy, the
body shape remains the same as per the previous model.
That goes for the panel van’s dimensions as the load
area measurements are as before but from the new door panel
forward, it’s all new, with a sleek new and more aerodynamic
profi le. The bonnet is lowered and curves towards the new
deeper grille and bumper profi le. The new light structures
incorporate LED Daytime Running Lights. Air intake into
the engine bay from the larger grille allows for the additional
ventilation required for the new Euro 6 engines fitted.
In the cockpit, open storage trays and shelves are to be found all
around the dash area and door pockets. Quality of materials used
is much improved and will add to the van’s overall durability.
As the same platform and body shell is used from before, only a
few little tweaks have been made to the vehicle’s overall drivetrain.
‘If it ain’t broken, why fi x it’, comes to mind!
LCV I | 25
l
Volkswagen’s Poznan plant produces Caddy & More
7
shop, the paint shop and assembly unit. Nearby in the Wilda district, a
foundry produces aluminium cylinder heads and steering system housings.
Body modules, cockpits and special vehicles are produced at Swarzędz,
where the logistics centre and the supplier park are located.
Th ree shift s undertaken by 7,000 assembly workers produce 650 Caddy
panel vans and passenger versions plus 70 variants of the Transporter,
mainly crew cabs and chassis/cabs. Its three units consists of the body
Conforming to the ISO Environmental Standard 14001, the Volkswagen
Commercial Vehicles’ Poznań plant undertakes a number of activities and
measures that care for the environment such as maintaining the local River
Cybina on Lake Swarzędz and planting 5,000 trees in the region.
20 Volkswagen Caddy and Transporter commercial vehicles
are produced per day at the Volkswagen Poznań plant located in
the capital region of Wielkopolska (Greater Poland). The plant
consists of 3 units taking up a total area of 770,029 m 2 of which 90% is
occupied by production buildings.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Crafter factory under construction
P
ictured is the construction site of the future Volkswagen
Commercial Vehicles' Crafter factory in Września (situated
50 km from Poznan, 240 km from Berlin and 280 km from
Warsaw).
•
•
•
•
•
Dynamic region, fast developing, near highway and railway.
The construction started in November 2014; confi rms to
environment and construction authorisations, in September and
October 2014.
2,000 workers in construction right now, in order to meet the
autumn 2016 deadline.
The total surface is 220 ha; for the beginning, only a half of this
surface will be built on, with further expansion to follow.
The investment in construction and production equipment is about
€800 million, and the entire investment for the new Crafter is almost
€2 billion.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - [email protected]
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
3,000 employees next year, 220 employees now.
Production capacity: 100,000 units a year, starting with 2017
(estimation). The production begins in the third quarter of 2016.
The production facility in Września includes four units: for
welding (93,000 sqm), painting (98,000 sqm), assembly line
(107,000 sqm) and a building for suppliers (34,500 sqm).
In May, two buildings will be complete and equipped with robots
– for body construction especially.
1,000,000 cubic metres of earth moved in order to prepare the
land.
Another 1,000,000 cubic metres of sand was transported to
there in order to stabilise the land.
500 trucks used every day for construction materials transport.
100,000 tonnes of steel transported to the site every week
3.100 concrete pillars installed, in order to stabilise the land.
www.fleet.ie
26 | TRAILER
More Power & Flexibility from new Thermo
King V-800 MAX Spectrum
C
ompared to several industry selfpowered truck refrigeration units,
non-diesel options provide more
sustainable operations that produce fewer
emissions. Thermo King is introducing a
new, non-diesel, vehicle-powered V-800
MAX Spectrum unit designed to make
multi-temperature urban distribution
easier for transporters.
Comprising two-piece split units
designed to satisfy two-compartment
transportation needs, the new series
provides full temperature f lexibility
allowing customers to transport goods
at any required temperature in either
compartment whether they are fresh, frozen
or heated for urban distribution.
The V-800 MAX Spectrum (replaces the
V-700) responds to this demand and provides
environmentally responsible transport
refrigeration for trucks up to 12 tonnes
GVW, delivering reliable performance and
more cooling capacity while maintaining
low energy consumption.
Th is new product range offers both cooling and
heating capabilities to ensure peak performance in
the most demanding city distribution conditions
with multiple stops and significant traffic.
The new V800 MAX Spectrum uses the
advanced Direct Smart Reefer controller,
bringing the latest in microprocessorbased intelligent control to Thermo King’s
direct drive range. The controller provides
accurate single-and multi-temperature
control. In addition, it employs an easyto-use interface and offers best-in-class
exposure experience.
SDC Trailers establish Middle East division
S
DC Trailers’ significant
growth has continued with
the establishment of SDC
Middle-East, following a number
of orders from interested parties
in the region for their specialised
units.
positioned to meet the requirements
of operators in this region. Our
vision is to provide flexibility and
innovation to every customer,
developing quality products to
specific transport requirements
for complete satisfaction and
maximum return on investment.
By continuously re-investing and
updating our engineering facilities
we have been able to adapt to changes
in the industry and provide customer
led transport solutions. These values
have allowed us to secure a number
of new trailer orders from operators
in the Middle East.”
The Toomebridge, County Antrim
headquartered company held a gala
event at the Atlantis Palm Hotel
in Dubai, which was attended by
prominent logistics and transport
operators. Twelve key suppliers were
SDC Trailers Export Sales Manager, Stephen McIvor (left) and SDC Parts Managing
Director, Gavin Diamond (third from left) pictured along with Enterprise, Trade &
also present, and discussions were
Investment Minister Arlene Foster and Invest NI’s Chief Executive, Alastair Hamilton
held around a series of orders, and the
at the Atlantis Hotel, Dubai for the launch of SDC Middle East.
company expects to make a number
of announcements in the coming
Another interesting Irish angle to
months. SDC senior representatives
the past few months.
the story in that one of SDC's new
also met with Northern Ireland’s Enterprise,
customers Crescent Transport, is also a customer
Trade & Investment Minister, Arlene Foster
Stephen McIvor, SDC Trailers Export Sales
of Omatra, the Iveco truck distributor in Saudi,
while there.
Manager, said that the move comes after steady
where Simon Teevan, formerly Sales Manager
growth across the region, and the development of
at DAF Distributors Ireland, is the Regional
SDC Parts is also working actively in the Middle
key strategic partnerships across the Middle East:
Manager for the Eastern Region with the DubaiEast and has secured £120,000 worth of truck
“The transport sector is looking very positive in
based Al Futt aim Group, which owns Omatra.
and trailer parts business from the region over
the Middle East at the minute and we are well
Hidromas Components added to BPW portfolio
H
idromas, one of the world’s leading
manufacturers of quality components
for the hydraulic tipper market,
is the latest product offering from BPW’s
comprehensive portfolio.
Maximum durability and easy maintenance are
inherent features of the unique Hidromas design.
The special tube diameters, and their thickness,
make the Hidromas Gold Series the lightest and
strongest in the world with 15% more lift ing
capacity than other makes. The advanced sealing
system, with all stages chrome plated, guarantees
easier service and no oil leakage, with cylinders
operating between -40C/+60C.
The Hidromas range includes hydraulic cylinders,
gear and piston pumps, control valves, oil tanks,
PTOs and accessories, all of which can be
combined to supply complete wet kits for trucks
and trailers.
BPW Limited is the sole distributor for the
Hidromas product range across the UK &
Ireland.
NEXT DAY
DELIVERY
COMPETITIVE
PRICING
ON ALL TRUCK
& TRAILER PARTS
SCANIA • VOLVO
DAF • MERCEDES
RENAULT • IVECO
BPW • MERITOR • SAF
DAIMLER-CHRYSLER
SERVICE
STOCKISTS & DISTRIBUTORS OF:
LUBRICANTS
SPRING
DEALS
NOW ON
ALL PARTS
Granco Limited
60 Tandragee Road, Newry. BT35 6QF
www.grancotrucks.com
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0044 (0)28 3082 1055
$VVHWWUDFNLQJDQGÀHHWPDQDJHPHQW Land, Sea, Air
High quality solutions to help you run
an efficient fleet operation
Real time
fleet visibility
Track vehicles,
trailers and plant
Improve
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This new Volvo FM11.410 Sleeper Cab, complete with Keltruck insulated Tarmcadam
Body, 14-speed gearbox, Volvo Engine Brake, 5.1metre wheelbase, and parabolic
suspension was sold to Robert Banville Construction Services Ltd., Barrys Cross,
Taghmon, County Wexford by Joe Baker, Salesman, McCarthy Commercials Kilkenny.
Focused on meeting the customer’s requirements with a cost effective service package,
driver training to increase productivity and a full range of support services, McCarthy
Commercials simply build great business partnerships.
28 | LCV II
FIAT’s seeing 'the bright
side of life' with Doblò
“A
lways look on the bright side of life,” came to mind at
the launch of the fourth generation FIAT Professional
Doblò in Turin. The famous tune from the hit Monty
Python movie must have been in the thoughts of FIAT’s
marketing department as their new promotional slogan is “The Doblò
side of life.”
But to put that celebrated song into context here, it remains true to FIAT’s
outlook for the future. There is no doubt that the Italian company’s senior
management concentrated much of their attention on North America and
the prolonged takeover of Chrysler Jeep and took their eye off the ball in
Europe. With the establishment of FIAT Chrysler Automobile, it's all
guns blazing again in Turin as its FIAT arm is planning to introduce 5
new models inside the next two years. Starting with the new Doblò – and
as its name describes, it’s a light commercial and passenger car within
one range.
Since fi rst launched in 2000, over 1.4 million units have been sold of
the three generations developed and produced. Generation II came in
2005 followed by number three in 2010. Interestingly with both of these
successors to the original model came the International Van of the Year
Award in 2006 and 2011, the most prestigious title in the business.
With the new Doblò Cargo commercial which comes as LWB and SWB
(high and low roof) panel van, chassis cab and dropside, the focus is very
much on functionability, performance and better value all round, while
the Doblò passenger version centres on versatility and convenience. Its
class leading load space (5m3) and 1-tonne payload remain unchanged.
In its various incarnations to date, the Doblò’s frontal appearance has
changed dramatically and the new look sports a much broader front grille
to give the van/car more width while the light cluster design not only fits
into the family I.D. in line with the Ducato, but also is better protected
against damage, thereby avoiding costly replacement. Inside the cabin
features an improved quality fi nish throughout, enhanced by the new
curvaceous dashboard design and re-jigged instrument panel together
with a selection of high-tech infotainment navigation and connectivity
systems. For the fleet operator, a plug-in Fleet Management ‘Gateway’
system has been devised providing detailed data of vehicle performance
and running costs.
Another major step forward with this edition Doblò is with the drivetrain.
New engines bring more torque to the lower end rev band and along with
modifications to the transmission, a smoother, quieter drive is assured,
as discovered in the inaugural drives around Turin. Specially developed
for the Doblò is EcoJet versions of the renowned MultiJet II 1.3 and 1.6
litre diesels. Offering 90 and 105 bhp respectively, both boast lower fuel
consumption by as much as 15% compared to the previous variants. There
are of course other power options from both units ranging from 75 to 90hp,
LCV II | 29
with the 135hp 2.0 litre MultiJet II topping the list. 5 and 6 speed manual
and Comfort-Matic autobox are among the transmission choices.
These next stage Euro 5+ engines have faster injectors installed that ensure
greater speed, flexibility and precision in the various operating phases. Th is
means better efficiency and performance, especially in the lower gears.
Relating to safety, all the required systems are fitted and more, such as
Electronic Stability Control with ABS/EBD/ASR and Hill-Holder.
around Cambiano, Pecetto and Sant'Anna would be less ordinary.
Thankfully all of the above mentioned safety items were not pushed to their
limits as the authorities had all routes passable and safe to travel. Having
a Doblò in the business for the past four years helped to make an instant
comparison for current versus new. Undoubtedly, the new drivetrain as
in the 1.6 litre MultiJet II EcoJet with 105hp is a far more refi ned vehicle
in many ways – more pulling power, lower road noise, improved gearshift
are further enhanced by the new driver cockpit. Runs were also given to
the 2.0 MultiJet II 135hp and the 1.3 litre with 90hp which demonstrated
the broad spectrum of customers the new Doblò can att ract.
Heavy snowfalls in and around Turin ensured that the test drive programme
Let Doblò start your working day
A
t the UK and Ireland market press launch in Birmingham we
discovered that the sales slogan had changed to “A Better Way
to Work” and within that theme were three subjects: More
Functionality, More Performance and More Value.
Sebastiano Fedrigo, UK & Ireland Country Manager for FIAT Professional
reiterated the statements made a week earlier by his counterparts in Italy.
“Now that the merger has been completed FIAT Chrysler Automobiles is
ranked seventh in the world with €96.1 billion in revenues and 4.4 million
unit sales. By 2018, the objective is to reach 7.0 million units,” he said.
FIAT Professional which was established in 2007 as a separate unit within
the FIAT Group at the time, will play an important role in achieving this
target as the brand’s products enters new markets such as North America.
FIAT’s commercial vehicle history, of course, dates back to 1901 with the
HP van and two years later, the Tipo 10 van.
•
•
•
•
One Petrol Engine - 1.4 MPI 95 hp
ECOJET versions: reduced consumption, right down to 64.2 mpg
and 115 g/km CO 2 saving up to 15%.
Bi-Link rear suspension: ensuring better stability and driveability, the
best in class handling and driving comfort and optimum behaviour
in all load conditions
Traction+: electric traction control system that improves the vehicle’s
handling on terrain with poor grip
MORE VALUE
The new Doblò Cargo brings to the new generation of professionals its
unique product contents:
•
Car-like design with more compact and dynamic style
•
Quality improvement
•
Reduced fuel consumption and a significant reduction in operating
costs
New FIAT Professional Doblò Cargo – A Better Way to Work
MORE FUNCTIONALITY
•
Superior acoustic comfort in the cab
•
Storage compartments with improved
capacity
•
Ergonomics handles on all doors
•
3 levels of infotainment system:
Radio with CD Player
Radio with CD/MP3 Player
Radio with CD/MP3 Player & Bluetooth
•
Best in class payload, up to 1 tonne
•
Best in class loading, volume up to 5.0m3
•
Best in class loading area length up to
2.17 m
Work Up: A pleasant drive around picturesque Warwickshire was undertaken in the
Doblò Work Up 1.6 MultiJet II 16v with 105 bhp Euro 5+. With maximum torque of
290Nm @ 1500 rpm the smooth drivetrain on the loaded dropside impressed as did
the excellent all-round visibility enhanced by the rear window and interior rear-view
mirror. Payload for this version is around 1000 kg from the FWD 2.5 tonne GVW
configured vehicle. Other drives taken around the region were in the entry level 1.3
Multijet Sub-Van.
MORE PERFORMANCE
•
Four MultiJet II Diesel engines
1.3 MultiJet II 90 hp
1.6 MultiJet II 90 hp Comfort-Matic
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - [email protected]
www.fleet.ie
30 | HEALTH MATTERS
Counterfeit
Medicines
– a multi million dollar industry
W
hen you go to your pharmacist
to buy prescribed medications
you are putting your trust
in a lot of people from the
pharmacist via the regulatory authorities
right back to the person in a factory who
manufactures the ingredients for said tablets.
You are paying for a guarantee that what you
buy has the correct ingredients in the right
quantity, tailored to your own particular
illness.
Worldwide consumption of medications is very
large and is increasing all the time. The industry
is very profitable with large pharmaceutical
companies showing profits of over $10 billion.
It is no surprise therefore that this industry has
been targeted by criminal elements who make
false medicines using fake ingredients and then
pass them off to a trusting public usually via
internet sales. Large scale illegal counterfeit
marketing of medications has been a major
public health issue as apart from causing patient
deaths worldwide, it has been found that there
is a link to organised crime and terrorism by the
manufacturers of these fake drugs.
In 2012 an international operation to break the
internet trade in counterfeit and unlicensed drugs
resulted in the seizure of $8.million worth of
pharmaceuticals and the closure of about twenty
thousand illegal on-line pharmacy websites.
Th is on-line market in medicines (which are
supposed to cure or prevent disease) is worth
about $2million a month and many of these
drugs are either sub-standard or falsified.
Sub-standard medicines are due to unintentional
or negligent errors - the raw ingredients may
be of poor quality, there may be errors in the
manufacturing process or essential ingredients
may have degraded and be no longer active. All
these things are usually due to poor standards
and are correctable with better regulation.
Falsified drugs on the other hand (a deliberate
intentional fraud) are made by unlicensed
manufacturers and are a criminal process.
They may contain the wrong ingredients in
the wrong doses. They may be fake products in
legitimate packaging made by an underground
manufacturer where there is no pretence of
adherence to any quality standards.
Photo: www.freeimages.co.uk
In Ireland we have the Irish Medicines Board – it is
the regulatory body that issues authorisation and
registration of medical products and notes their
source. The Board will not issue authorisation
if there is any doubt about the standard of the
medicines in question or of the bona fides of
their manufacturers.
In spite of that Ireland has a fake medicine trade
valued at about $115 million a year. Increased
internet access has enabled more Irish consumers
to purchase more medicines on-line. These online pharmacies routinely market counterfeit
products – some drugs contain too litt le or
none of the active ingredients, some have been
found to contain rat poison, lead paint or boric
acid. The commonest on-line purchases were
Viagra, Valium, steroids and weight loss pills,
but of course any legitimate medicine regardless
of quality or price can be copied cheaply and
profitably by criminals using fake ingredients.
The more humble drugs such as paracetamol are
especially att ractive to falsify because they are
off-prescription and off-patent and there is no
prospect of an angry patent holder demanding
prosecution for falsification of their drugs.
These unscrupulous criminals caused hundreds
of children in Haiti, China, Bangladesh and India
to be killed when given falsified paracetamol
syrup, which contained diethylene glycol – a
substance related to antifreeze.
Another falsified life saving drug – used in
advanced breast cancer – bevacizumab – has
been identified and it seems that although it
matches the appearance of the real medicine, it
contains starch and acetone instead of the active
ingredient, the effects of which substitution
may not become apparent for some time as the
underlying disease will probably be blamed
for the deterioration or death of the patient.
The customs have intercepted much illegal
medicines sent by post, and they have been
found to originate mostly in India, China and
Bangladesh.
It is probably due to the high cost of registered
pharmaceuticals that as many as one fifth
of people are buying their medications from
internet pharmacies. Many people are aware
of the risks they are taking but are prepared to
take them and quote time constraints, fi nancial
concerns and anonymity as justification. On a
recent trip abroad I came across an advertisement
for an STI (sexually transmitted infection) clinic
in a fl ight magazine.
The advantages of this were stated that with
the help of the internet, you can now be tested
for STIs without “awkward waiting rooms” or
“embarrassing conversations”. Order on-line
quick results and antibiotics sent out to you if
you test positive.
All kinds of pitfalls there – Do you trust the
clinic? Do they keep your data confidential?
Are their results valid? Will they send you the
appropriate antibiotic for your infection? Will
the antibiotic be sub-standard or falsified? If so,
whom can you sue?
One could see more embarrassing conversations
with your lawyers if you go down that road.
Need a quote? 01 6714288
MIKE MURPHY
INSURANCE
or Log onto www.mikemurphyinsurance.ie TODAY!
Mike Murphy, the only man for your car, home or van.
• Employers, Public & Carriers Liability • Single Truck Insurance & Fleet a Speciality!
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN INSURANCE
Mike Murphy Insurance is a trade name of New Sure Life Ltd. and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Text: Dr. Betty Maguire - [email protected]
IRISH LIFT TRUCKS
NEW HYSTER
REACH TRUCK
FOR DEMANDING
WAREHOUSE
APPLICATIONS.
®
Greater efficiency through faster acceleration and lift speeds.
Excellent all-round visibility with innovative mast design.
Designed for business with the driver in mind.
DISCOVER THE NEW REACH TRUCK
WITH ALL THE HALLMARKS OF HYSTER
®
Irish Lift Trucks, Clonlara Avenue, Baldonnell Business Park, Baldonnell, Dublin 22, Ireland
t. (+353) 01 4034100, f. (+353) 01 4034183, e. [email protected]
A member of
www.ohm.ie
WWW.IRISHLIFTTRUCKS.IE
HYSTER, the Hyster logo and STRONG PARTNERS, TOUGH TRUCKS.TM are registered trademarks, service marks or registered marks in the United States and certain other jurisdictions.
32 | FUEL PRICES (WEEK 9) / SAFETY MATTERS
Country
Currency
95 Lead Free
98 Lead Free
Diesel
Country
Currency
95 Lead Free
98 Lead Free
Diesel
Albania
ALL
161.00
-
158.00
Lithuania
EUR
1.107
1.142
1.077
Andorra
EUR
1.038
1.147
0.918
Luxemburg
EUR
1.144
1.210
1.054
Austria
EUR
1.171
1.315
1.148
Macedonia
MKD
62.00
64.00
51.00
Belarus
EUR
0.691
-
0.715
Moldova
MDL
16.47
17.17
15.57
Belgium
EUR
1.390
1.460
1.245
Montenegro
EUR
1.110
1.150
1.020
Bosnia-Herzegovina
BAM
1.85
2.05
1.90
Netherlands
EUR
1.625
1.694
1.349
Bulgaria
BGN
1.93
2.29
1.99
Norway
NOK
15.07
-
14.24
Croatia
HRK
9.08
-
8.52
Poland
PLN
4.41
4.66
4.49
Czech Republic
CZK
29.24
-
29.39
Portugal
EUR
1.449
1.571
1.269
Denmark
DKK
10.39
-
9.24
Romania
RON
5.15
5.88
5.27
Estonia
EUR
1.104
1.144
1.159
Russia
RUB
35.65
-
34.60
Finland
EUR
1.373
1.437
1.280
Serbia
RSD
131.90
-
141.90
France
EUR
1.369
1.415
1.208
Slovakia
EUR
1.216
-
1.116
Georgia
GEL
1.74
1.82
1.74
Slovenia
EUR
1.308
1.350
1.220
Germany
EUR
1.323
-
1.186
Spain
EUR
1.214
1.343
1.165
Greece
EUR
1.436
1.657
1.154
Sweden
SEK
13.14
13.64
13.50
Hungary
HUF
344.00
-
365.00
Switzerland
CHF
1.419
1.460
1.491
Ireland
EUR
1.309
-
1.229
Turkey
TRY
4.45
4.47
3.89
Italy
EUR
1.577
-
1.478
Ukraine
UAH
20.00
21.50
20.00
Kosovo
EUR
1.05
-
1.05
UK
GBP
1.083
1.183
1.151
Latvia
EUR
1.039
1.088
1.029
USA
USD
-
-
0.757
Safety Matters . . .
Safety Matters . . .
Profile of Work Related Vehicle Fatalities 2009 - 2013
E
mployers need to familiarise themselves with the risks that
their employees face and create when using vehicles for work
or when working in the vicinity of moving vehicles.
The following information was gathered by HSA inspectors conducting
work-related vehicle fatality investigations during the period 2009-2013.
By law, employers are required to report work related deaths to the
Health & Safety Authority.
Summary:
There were a total of 240 work related deaths reported to the HSA in
2009-2013. 99 of these deaths (41 %*) involved Work Related Vehicles
(WRV). 76 of these deaths (77%+) occurred in the workplace and 23
(23%+) occurred on the public road and resulted from activities associated
with driving for work and working on or near the road.
* = Percentage based on total deaths.
+ = Percentage based on Work Related Vehicle deaths only.
The top two causes of the 99 Work Related Vehicle deaths identified
were:
•
Victim hit or run over by a vehicle.
•
Victim crushed between vehicle & object
Tractors were the main type of vehicle involved in WRV deaths in
2009-2013, accounting for 20%+ of deaths.
2014 Statistics:
28 deaths involving Vehicles at Work reported to HSA up to 16 December
2014.
•
16 of those were in Agriculture. Tractors were involved in the
majority of deaths.
•
4 in Construction
•
2 in Transportation and Storage
•
2 in Wholesale and Retail Trade and Repair of motor vehicles
Th is accounts mainly for accidents that occurred in the workplace.
Alarmingly, the involvement of vehicles in deaths at work has increased
in 2014 for the fi rst time in 3 years to 54% of the
total figures. Th is is up 13% from the previous 5
year average for 2009 to 2013 of 41%. On average
around 20 workplace deaths occur every year
involving vehicles.
So what are the top 3 vehicle related activities that need to be effectively
managed in Irish workplaces for 2015?
•
•
•
Driving forward
Use of forklift s in loading and unloading activities
Reversing and Slow Speed Manoeuvres
Further information:
For further information on Work Related Vehicle Safety matters, including
Driving for Work Risk Management. Please follow the links below.
htt p://www.vehiclesatwork.ie
htt p://drivingforwork.ie
or by contacting the Workplace Contact Unit
at Lo-Call: 1890 289 389
(Between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday).
WAREHOUSING | 33
Forklift Buyers’
Guide – Part II
Reach Trucks
Jury Member of the
International Forklift Truck Award
R
each Trucks are designed primarily to work in high bay
racking systems and narrow aisles within warehouses.
They have two out rigger legs that distribute the load
weight; with a one or two wheel configuration per leg.
The drive wheel is located under the operator’s seating position
making them highly manoeuvrable. The operator typically sits
or stands sideways when operating the machine, to minimise
the overall dimensions of the truck.
The name refers to the ability of the fork carriage to ‘reach’ out
hydraulically to the front of the stabilising legs and therefore
into racking. The combination of this reach capability and the
stabilising legs means these trucks can lift pallets up to 13
metres high for some models, while still operating in very
tight spaces (often as narrow as 2.5m) depending on the pallet
size. A normal counterbalance forklift typically requires aisle
widths of 3.0m plus.
When the load is lifted and retracted over the stabilising legs,
this, combined with the battery which is located within the
overall reach truck body, eliminates the need for counterbalance
weight required for conventional forklift trucks.
Some Reach Truck manufacturers design their trucks with a
tilting cab mechanism to provide a more comfortable viewing
position for the operator. For other manufacturers, a clear-view
overhead guard means this is not required. For further visibility
and speed of operation, Reach Trucks can be fitted with cameras
on the fork carriage which transmits a signal (wired or wireless)
down to an LCD screen in the cab to aid navigation.
While excellent for use indoors, traditional Reach Trucks are
not ideally suited to work outside. Their low under-carriage
clearance may cause problems on uneven working surfaces,
and their electric power systems could be damaged if regularly
shaken due to uneven working surfaces. However, in recent
years a number of manufacturers have produced versions of the
reach truck which are fitted with larger semi-industrial tyres,
providing greater ground clearance and absorb vibration. These
machines can therefore carry out tasks normally associated
with Counterbalance forklifts.
A pantograph or telescopic forks can also be fitted to facilitate
‘double deep’ pallet storage therefore further increasing
warehouse storage density.
Here Joe O’Brien looks at some of the options available from
leading manufacturers and their Irish distributors.
CATERPILLAR
The
intelligent
design
of
the poweRamic triplex free-lift mast on
Caterpillar Reach Trucks gives operators
the best possible view of the fork tips
and support legs, for smooth, precise,
fast handling and pallet entry – with less
chance of damage to loads and racking. The
hydraulic cylinders are incorporated into its
profile, making it stronger and narrower
than that of a conventional mast, and the
stiffened chassis helps deliver class-leading
capacity retention at full lifts, which now
extend to an impressive 13 metres.
CLARKE
Clarke's CRT16/20SE electric Reach Trucks
with super-elastic tyres are designed to
work inside and outdoors for loading and
unloading of goods with subsequent storage
in racks up to 8.2 metres high with the
same truck.
power system provides ease of steering.
There are eleven models in the NR-N2 range
to choose from, with capacities from 1.4 to
2.5 tonnes, including compact and straddle
versions, ideal for use in drive-in racking
and small spaces.
Finger tip controls and the ‘cushioning’
function in the mast together with controlled
reduction of the lift speed ensures greater
stability, safety and less product damage.
Davcon Warehouse
Machinery
32-33 Orion Business
Campus,
rk,
North West Business Park,
Ballycoolin,
Dublin 15.
Tel: 01 866 5620
www.davcon.ie
Forklift Maintenance
Unit 4, Birch House,
ark,
Rosemount Business Park,
Dublin 15.
Tel: 01 885 3940 /
087 63 79622
[email protected]
Both the load and the drive wheels are over
sized and a powerful, low-noise electric
CROWN
Crown’s RD5700 double Reach Truck
series is designed to significantly increase
storage density, improve work flow and help
operators perform tasks more efficiently.
Double-deep pallet placement can increase
pallet locations by up to 50 percent by
eliminating every second aisle. Advanced
systems technology, multi-task controls and
variable side-stance contribute to superior
performance for the operator.
AC motors and intelligent controllers
deliver the power required with the energy
efficiency to minimise operating cost.
The RD5700 has a 1450kg capacity with lift
height up to 11.2m and a travel speed of
13.3 km/h. Other models in the range can
lift up to 2000kgs.
Castle
Mechanical
Handling
Damastown Way,
Damastown Industrial
Park,
Dublin 15.
Tel: 01 869 4711
www.castlemh.ie
www.fleet.ie
34 | WAREHOUSING
DOOSAN
Doosan 7 Series Reach Trucks utilise
the latest AC motors coupled with
German Sauer-Danfoss controllers for
advanced lifting and intelligent driving
characteristics. With the push of a button,
steering can be selected to suit the operating
conditions allowing for both 180° and 360°
steering options. The latest BR series can
change direction without speed reduction
and provides greater manoeuvrability in
tight spaces whilst the innovative autocentering of the steer wheel system means
there’s no need to check the starting
direction. Doosan Reach Truck feature load
weight sensors, fork height indicators and
height pre-selector which allows the reach
truck to be programmed so the fork stops
automatically at pre-selected rack heights
for quicker and accurate operation.
g
Castle Mechanical Handling
Damastown Way,
k,
Damastown Industrial Park,
Dublin 15.
Tel: 01 869 4711
www.castlemh.ie
E-P EQUIPMENT
The E-P range of Reach Trucks has varying
lift capacities from 1200 – 2000 kgs. A padded
armrest, rubber floor mat and resin coated
control knobs ensure comfort for daylong
operation and the angle of the steering
column can be easily adjusted. Curtis Multifunction instrumentation, together with the
multi display monitor provides information
for the operator, and power transistors
with high impulse frequencies control the
motor to save energy and reduce noise
levels. The drive control provides a jerkfree start and fast acceleration. Adjustable
energy feedback is achieved by releasing the
drive pedal through regenerative braking.
The chassis design and steering geometry
provide a turning radius of 1675mm and
reach stroke of 602mm on the 1400 kg
model.
AWE Forklifts Ltd..
Unit 408J Grants Park,
iness
Greenogue Business
Park,
Rathcoole,
County Dublin.
Tel: 01 401 9919
www.awe.ie
HELI
HELI G Series 1.6 - 2.0T ‘Sit Down’ Electric
Reach Truck is fitted with an advanced
MOSFET electric controller for traction
and lift control systems, to give optimal
performance. Its Electrical Power Steering
(EPS) makes it extremely easy to operate
and the truck has three independent braking
systems to ensure high levels of safety and
reliability. HELI G Series 1.5T AC ‘Stand Up’
Reach Truck offers high performance when
lifting at height, together with excellent
traction and responsive braking.
Trifik Forklifts
Clane Business park,
County Kildare.
Tel: 045 982585
www.trifik.ie
HYSTER
The new Hyster Reach Trucks have been
designed to lift loads up to 12.5m where
residual capacity is maintained thanks to
a unique patented channel mast design
and visibility improved through a reduced
total channel width. The overall height of
the Hyster Reach Truck can be lowered for
travelling under doors and onto trailers.
Irish Lift Trucks
Clonlara Avenue,
Baldonnell Business Park,
Baldonnell,
Dublin 22.
Tel: 01 4034100
www.irishlifttrucks.ie
HYUNDAI
Among the features on the Hyundai BRJ-7
Reach Truck range is excellent Gradeability & Anti-Roll Back when working on
slopes. The latest designed, large-capacity
hydraulic system includes a low-noise
control valve which shortens reaction
time during operation and improves both
efficiency and durability. When starting the
Hyundai reach truck, the drive wheel of
the truck will automatically turn to centre
position and the driving direction can
be controlled easily with the convenient
position of the Forward/Reverse switch.
JUNGHEINRICH
The ETV 318 Reach Truck from Jungheinrich
is capable of lifting and transporting loads
of up to 1800 kgs and has a maximum lift
height of 11.5m millimetres with a residual
weight capacity of 1000 kgs. The operatorprotecting panorama roof made of tinted
safety glass, offers improved visibility
during storing and picking operations,
particularly at high lift heights. The ETV
318 reach truck from Jungheinrich is also
fitted with a new electric steering which
means the wheel knob is always in the
most ergonomic position — the so-called
‘9 o’clock’ position — whenever the truck
travels in a straight line. This is the case
even if the steering wheel has been moved
while the truck was turned off or was rotated
several times in 180° steering mode.
ck Ltd.
Jungheinrich Lift Truck
Unit J5 Maynooth
Business Campus,
Maynooth,
County Kildare
Tel: 01 6517100
www.jungheinrich.ie
LINDE
The R14 to R20 range from Linde Material
Handling has load capacities from 1400 kgs
to 2000 kgs. The operator’s compartment
of the trucks has been fixed to the lower
chassis via 4 rubber blocks shielding
the operator from harmful vibration. The
operator is further protected by an airsuspended seat which automatically adjusts
to the operator’s body weight when the truck
is energised, thus ensuring that the operator
remains alert and motivated throughout a
long shift. The range has lift heights up to 13
metres and three different driving dynamics
settings to choose from: “Performance” for
the highest power output, “Efficiency” for the
best combination of handling performance
and energy efficiency, and “Economy” for
less demanding applications or those where
extended shift life is required.
Linde Material
Handling (Ireland)
Ltd.
Unit 22, Greenhills
Industrial Estate,
Walkinstown,
Dublin 12.
Tel: 01 4566626
www.linde-mh.ie
Travel speeds of up to 14km/h and a lift
speed of 0.8m/s add to their performance.
The operator compartment is available
in four different chassis types, which are
standard, narrow, and two options for
drive-in racking.
The multi-roller reach assembly provides
smooth, well controlled and safe load
handling and the Electro-Magnetic
Brake increases brake performance and
control.
Masterlift Ltd.
Unit 3/5 Block K,
ess
Greenogue Business
Park,
Grants Road,
Rathcoole,
County Dublin.
3
Tel: 1850 230 363
www.masterlift.ie
WAREHOUSING | 35
MITSUBISHI
Mitsubishi’s 11-strong family of SENSiA
Reach Trucks can lift up to 13 metres
and features patented fingertip controls
with modulated pressure that responds
naturally to driver’s touch. An F2 thumb
button doubles the number of integrated
functions – such as optional side shift and tilt
centring and pre-height selection, which can
be used without moving the hand. SENSiA’s
performance can be tailored to operator’s
needs with a choice of two settings - ECO
mode keeps power consumption low and is
ideal for new operators or extended shifts,
PRO mode provides more experienced
operators with higher performance – ideal
for peak periods in the warehouse. Lifting
capacities range from 1,400 kg to 2,500
kg.
Henley Forklift Group
Limited
Henley Industrial Park,
Killeen Road,
Dublin 10.
Tel: 01 620 9200
www.henley-mitsubishi.ie
STILL
The FM-X Reach Truck range from STILL
features Active Load Stabilisation (ALS)
which is a fast and effective way of stopping
the vibrations from occurring at high lifts,
potentially reducing the waiting time at the
racking resulting in a significant increase
in turnaround speed. High residual load
capacity means that the Reach Truck can
lift loads of up to 1,000 kg to a height of
13 metres. Foot plates, steering wheel
and seat can be adjusted according to the
working situation, build and preferences of
the driver. Other features include a driver’s
seat with optional tilting technology and
STILL’s exclusive sideshift mast.
ng
Total Materials Handling
Unit 4B, Glasnevin
Business Park,
Dublin 11.
Tel: 01 8304021
www.tmh.ie
TAILIFT
Tailift’s electric Reach Trucks have 1400kgs
to 2000kgs capacity and are fitted with
an AC control system which monitors
power consumption, providing longer
periods of operation between charges.
The rigid overhead guard and mast have
been designed to allow for maximum
visibility and increased safety. The RE range
has a turning radius of between 1610 and
1755, depending on model and are fitted with
a small diameter steering wheel making
operation easier. The mast is fitted with
soft landing cylinders and shock absorption
which reduces the noise and vibration when
the mast and load are lowered.
BK Forklifts
St Helena’s Terrace,
Dundalk,
County Louth.
Tel: 042 93 29211
www.bkforklifts.com
TCM
The TCM electric ‘sit-on’ Reach Truck
series, with capacities from 1.4 to 2.5
tonnes, feature longer run times per
battery charge, a higher level of safety
and a high level of operator comfort. A
variety of advanced features including
a load meter, deluxe suspension
seat and an auto power-off device,
enhances overall efficiency, comfort
and enviromental friendliness. Now that
Nissan, Atlat and TCM are all part of the
Japanese Unicarriers Corporation it will
be interesting to see how and where the
next generation of TCM Reach Trucks are
designed and manufactured.
The Forklift Centre
Lower Ballymount
Road,
Walkinstown,
Dublin 12.
Tel: 01 450 8600
www.forkliftcentre.ie
TOYOTA/BT
Suitable for highly intensive operations,
the BT Reflex R-series and E-series from
BT/Toyota consist of five Reach Truck
models with load capacities ranging from
1.4 to 2.5 tonnes and lift heights up to 12.5
metres. The R-series Reach Trucks provide
shock-free lifting and lowering, even at
maximum speeds, to prevent load damage.
A low step-in height, adjustable seat and
excellent all-round visibility improve driver
ergonomics. The E-series models have a
unique tilting cab system which allows for
faster and more accurate fork positioning,
enhancing productivity and resulting in
less risk of strain for the driver. These
trucks also feature an optional heated
cabin, making them suitable for use in cold
storage facilities.
ndling
Toyota Material Handling
Ireland,
Killeen Road,
Dublin 12.
Tel: 01 4190200
ts.ie
www.toyota-forklifts.ie
UNICARRIERS/ATLET
Atlet, Nissan and TCM forklifts are now all
part of Japanese corporation Unicarriers.
The Atlet Tergo ULS is a universal machine
suitable for medium or intensive material
handling operations with loads up to 1,400
kg. Its manoeuvrability and narrow chassis
(1120 mm width) further facilitate material
handling in confined spaces.
This nimble, silent and powerful Reach
Truck also features class leading ergonomics
with Atlet’s unique mini steering wheel,
intuitive controls and superior visibility by
means of the innovative Pro Vision mast
design add to reduced operator strain and
improved efficiency. Multi-direction and
roller guided versions are also available.
Masterlift
Unit 3/5 Block K,
Greenogue Business
Park,
Grants Road,
Rathcoole,
County Dublin.
Tel: 1850 230 363
www.masterlift.ie
YALE
The new Yale MR Reach Truck series boasts
a number of industry firsts, including
touch screen technology that allows
operators to be in full control throughout
the shift. Dual CANbus and ‘Get Home’
function, as well as laser positioning, help
reduce accidental damage to products
and racking. A unique new design of mast
channels (patent pending) allows smaller
capacity trucks to be used for lift heights
that would previously have required
larger and more expensive models. The
unique and intuitive Yale mini joystick
and Accutouch minilever control module
enable the operator to execute precise
hydraulic control operation and load
movements. The MR also features a fully
adjustable suspension seat with lumbar
support and helps reduce whole body
vibration.
Forklift Services
Harbour House,
Harbour Point Business
Park,
Little Island,
Cork.
Tel: 1890 435 500
www.forkliftservices.ie
Text & Photos: Joe O'Brien - [email protected]
www.fleet.ie
36 | MATERIALS HANDLING
Hyster hands over its
1000th ReachStacker
allowing fully optimised power and response with
low fuel consumption. In addition to the Cummins
engine technologies, further Hyster performance
optimisation includes cooling on demand, load
sensing hydraulics (power on demand), RPM
management and alternate engine idle speed to
help further reduce the total fuel usage.
The trucks also feature the ECO-eLo Fuel Efficiency
Mode, which can be used to reduce the maximum
engine speed and further maximise fuel efficiency.
With engine, transmission and hydraulic protection
systems, Hyster guarantees excellent reliability in
the most challenging quayside operations.
Klaus-Wachsmann, PCH with the 1000 th-Hyster-ReachStacker
I
n January, the team at the NMHG
(Nacco Materials Handling Group)
factory in the Netherlands celebrated a
milestone in its 63 year history with the
building and handing over of the 1000th Hyster
ReachStacker.
“This 1000th ReachStacker is very special because
it is one of the first Tier 4 final / Stage IV trucks
to leave this factory and the design builds on
our reputation of durability and tough trucks,”
stated Lucien Robroek, Vice President Big Trucks,
NACCO Materials Handling Group (NMHG).
Hyster claims its latest big trucks can provide up
to 25 percent fuel savings for ports and terminals
when compared to previous Hyster models and
many of its competitors.
“We have ‘right sized’ the engines and introduced
Hyster technologies that deliver profitable low
emissions for customers across the world,” added
Lucien.
The ceremony took place at the NMHG factory in
Nijmegen, the Netherlands, where the keys to the
1000th Hyster ReachStacker were handed over
to the customer, PCH Packing Center Hamburg
GmbH. It was one of three Hyster RS46-36CH
ReachStackers which will be used at PCH in the
Port of Hamburg to transport and stack shipping
containers in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd row.
collected thousands of validation hours in real life
applications.”
Jan Willem van den Brand, Product Strategy
Manager, Big Trucks continued, “We have ‘right
sized’ the engines to give the best performance,
reliability and economy. Our goal was to continue
our ‘Profitable Low Emissions’ strategy reducing
the total cost of operations and ownership
while meeting the new standards for a cleaner
environment.”
The 1000th Hyster ReachStacker, is fitted with a
Cummins QSL9 engine (up to 370 hp, 276kW)
which provides the power and is also used on the
Hyster 36-48t forklift trucks, and Hyster laden
container handlers. The Hyster 5-8 high empty
container handler, the 18-20t and 25-32t forklift
truck ranges feature the latest Cummins QSB
6.7 engine (up to 270 hp, 201kW) with similar
benefits.
The engine’s EGR technology provides the best
possible control of NOx (nitric oxide and nitrogen
dioxide) at all engine loads and exhaust temperatures
Jan Willem van den Brand next to the 1000 th
ReachStacker engine
The Hyster ReachStacker is well known for its fast
lift speeds, combined motions of lift and boom
extension while driving and exceptional reliability,
particularly in 24/7 operations. This performance
should help terminals move containers more
quickly and also increase financial margins. During
the press event, visitors were given the opportunity
to witness the Total Quality Control (TQC) that
runs through the Hyster ReachStacker production
line and ends in full functional testing of every unit.
The plant’s production standards were recognised
in 2013 when it achieved the European Foundation
for Quality Management (EFQM) Recognised for
Excellence 4 Star level.
The build of the 1000th Hyster ReachStacker was
tracked at the start of the production line, and
Hyster shared photos and videos at key stages of
the build on social media https://twitter.com/
hystereurope or visit www.hyster.eu
Jan Willem van den Brand says the Cummings
engine fitted to the Hyster ReachStacker provides
up to 25% fuel savings.
The Hyster RS46-36CH ReachStacker can stack
containers in the 1st , 2nd and 3rd row.
The full range of Hyster Materials Handling
Equipment, including High Capacity Forklifts,
Container Handlers and Reach Stackers are
supplied and maintained by Irish Lift Trucks,
the exclusive Hyster dealer in Ireland for over
30 years.
The latest Hyster ReachStacker took many years
of development, life-cycle simulation and testing
to develop the machine. Peter van Sommeren,
Manufacturing Operations Manager at the
NACCO plant in Nijmegen explains that from
concept to launch, every new Hyster product
follows a carefully structured development process.
“Prototype trucks are proven in application before
going into production and the 1000th Hyster
ReachStacker is an excellent example and testimony
to our promise to proof test. We had the first test
trucks running back in May 2012 and have since
Text: Joe O'Brien - [email protected]
5
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38 | TIMES PAST
Remembering some classic Bedfords
I
t is good to be writing about history once
again and so many possible subjects have
turned up in recent months that it is hard
to know where to start.
An important event during 2014 was a celebration
of the 75th anniversary of the Bedford OB bus,
that enduring model that was so much a mainstay
of Ireland’s rural operators for many years. But
the OB was only one half of a pair, the other being
a Bedford lorry series that gave such good service
to many companies and individual operators all
those years ago.
1.5 Bedford OY Tractor BS8 (ZD 7083) – CIE
Here it is necessary to go back briefly to the
Bedford WT type lorry which had been
introduced in 1934 and was a familiar sight on
our roads for many years. In 1938 the WT’s
appearance was updated with a new bonnet and
radiator grille, the famous ‘bull-nose’ that would
later be carried on the O models. Why such an
elegant grille should have so brutal a description
is questionable, but in any event, its use on the
WT foreshadowed the O model – almost by
stealth. In retrospect, the O type grille and
bonnet looked somewhat incongruous against
the rather angular cab of the WT.
The O series duly appeared in 1939, powered by
a 3.5-litre overhead valve six-cylinder engine,
perhaps better known as the 214. Load capacities
ranged from 3 to 5 tonnes and the various
sub-types were designated by letters, the most
important being S (short) and L (long), there
being thirteen variations in all; the bus was the
OB. Th is new range was available for only a short
time when World War II broke out in September
1939 and in Britain, all vehicle production was
quickly directed to military use.
CIE W Bedford Horsebox, 1946
O type lorries were still built – in even bigger
quantities – but the most common model was the
OYD, rated as a three-tonner in military fashion.
The grille was now broad, flat and plain, with
built-in headlamps. Limited numbers of OWS
and OWL types were built for essential civilian
operations and these became a familiar sight on
our roads towards the end of the War.
Córas Iompair Éireann, which came into being
on 1st January 1945, just months before the end
of the War, took over a large and varied fleet
of lorries from the Great Southern Railways.
Many of these were quite old and in need of
replacing. Also, services which had been severely
cut back during the War had to be restored and
expanded. Bedfords played a significant role
here and many flat-nosed examples were placed
in service. In time, these gave way to vehicles of
greater carrying capacity. When civilian type O
types became available, several other prestigious
operators bought them.
Bedford GUX 188, Inns Quay, 12 May 1957 - now under restoration at the National Transport Museum.
Somewhat different circumstances surrounded
the OB bus. Only a handful, all coaches, was built
before the War put an end to production. But
one of the results of the War was to put severe
and increasing strains on Britain’s bus fleets.
They were now overworked; many vehicles were
TIMES PAST | 39
old and several were destroyed in air raids. To
remedy the resulting shortage, Government
approval was given for the building of utility
buses, with Bedford the only manufacturer
licensed to build single-deckers.
The Bedford OWB, retaining the familiar 1939
grille and small headlamps, carried a somewhat
angular body seating up to 32 passengers,
accommodated on slatted wooden seats. Several
of these buses went to Northern Ireland and after
the War some of them appeared in the Republic,
usually with upholstered seating. An example
of the strict utility type has been handsomely
rebuilt in the livery of the erstwhile Northern
Ireland Road Transport Board and has attended
several rallies.
From 1946 onwards, OBs proliferated among
the small private companies in the Republic,
who were about 30 in number and in time most
of them operated OBs, both buses and coaches.
The coaches usually seated 26 passengers, the
buses up to 32. The last OBs were built in 1951
but they could still be found working up to twenty
years later, some of them being reprieved for the
fi rst school transport services in 1967. The last
one is believed to have been withdrawn in 1974.
The final O type commercials were turned out in
1953 and second hand examples could be found
in the hands of some one-man enterprises well
into the 1970s.
CIE W Bedford Horsebox, 1946
So highly thought of is the O type Bedford that
books have been written about it and it has been
impossible in this short offering to mention only
a few of its many manifestations. However one
outstanding version deserving of recognition is
the Bedford Scammell articulated unit where a
Bedford O tractor was coupled to a Scammell
semi-trailer and for many this was their fi rst
introduction to articulation.
The National Transport Museum in Dublin is
privileged to have both an O lorry and an OB bus.
The lorry, IO 6263, was new in 1946 and, with
creels, was used as a turf lorry by an owner in
County Kildare. When this man died, the lorry
was stored until purchased in the early 1970s by
John Wheatley, who found the previous owner’s
hat and stick in the cab. John, a member of the
Transport Museum Society and a professional
coach builder, restored the Bedford beautifully
as a platform lorry and it is now a prime exhibit
in Howth.
Northern
Ireland
Road Transport Board
BedfordWartime Bedford
OWB No. 957.
Tim O’Donohue, who for years ran the Aherlow
Bus Service in Tipperary, had long experience
of OBs. Something like 12,000 are said to have
been built over the years and the vast majority
were coaches, only a few hundred being bodied
as buses. GUX 188 was one such, a late example
built in 1951 with Duple bus bodywork. It came
to Ireland from Oswestry in 1956 and its fi rst
Irish operator was B Kavanagh of Urlingford until
1963. It came to Aherlow via Limerick Tours
in 1964 and worked for another ten years. It is
currently undergoing restoration in Howth.
It is hard to believe that Bedfords are no longer
made. I hope to return to them soon again.
The National Transport
Museum
Heritage Depot, Howth Demense,
Howth, Dublin 13.
Opening Times:
Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays,
2.00 - 5.00pm
Text & Photos: Michael Corcoran - [email protected]
www.fleet.ie
40 | SHIPPING & FREIGHT
Stena jets out of Dun Laoghaire and replaces
vessel on Dublin route
T
he forty knot, four jet engine powered, HSS ferry Stena Explorer
has ceased operations on the Dun Laoghaire – Holyhead route.
This brings to an end a link between the two ports that had operated
for almost two hundred years, since the establishment of rail connections
between the respective ports and their hinterland. An Post claims that the
opening, in 1835 of the mail train service linking what is now Pearse Station
and Dun Laoghaire was the world’s first regular freight train service.
The Stena Explorer was one of three similar vessels built to Stena Line designs
by Finnyards in Finland and has served Dun Laoghaire for nineteen years.
She initially ran five round trips daily but as fuel prices increased and duty
free shopping came to an end, the frequency dropped. In recent years she has
operated once daily but only at peak Summer season. Both of her sister ships
have recently gone to the scrap yard while a smaller vessel of similar design
has also been withdrawn from service. These withdrawals mark the end of jet
power and forty knot large ferries on the world’s sea routes. Dun Laoghaire
Harbour Company has confirmed that it had discussions with Stena Line about
sourcing a vessel more on the lines of Irish Ferries’ Jonathan Swift to service
the route, but to no avail. The company is optimistic that another operator
might be found for the 2016 season.
Stena Line has confirmed the newly upgraded Stena Superfast X will displace
the Stena Nordica on the Dublin–Holyhead route on 8 March. While the
replacement vessel has similar freight capacity to the Line’s existing ferry,
she has substantially greater passenger capacity, more than compensating for
any peak Summer volumes previously carried on the Dun Laoghaire service.
The Stena Nordica will not transfer to the Rosslare-Fishguard route as had
been expected in many quarters, but will instead fill the gap left in the DFDS
Seaways, Dover–Calais route left by the departure of the Superfast X vessel last
November from the route. DFDS Seaways also operates a Dover-Dunkerque
service and the addition of the soon to be re-named Stena Nordica will bring
their daily sailing through Dover up to twenty.
In a curious footnote to these changes, the arrival of the Stena Nordica at Dover
will enable DFDS Seaways to withdraw the Calais Seaways for an engine re-fit.
The vessel has experienced serious engine problems over a number of months
and a replacement for one of her four engines has been sourced at a scrap yard
at Aliaga in Turkey from the former Pandoro ferry, Ibex which is currently
being demolished. The 1978 ferry, which had been built to operate alongside
B + I Line’s Tipperary on the Dublin–Fleetwood service had been re-engined
in 1998. Her two engines will now be re-furbished ready for further use.
Further ripples in the English Channel
T
he long running saga of the future of the Eurotunnel controlled
My Ferry Link, appears to be coming to a conclusion with the
appeals to the various Competition Authorities running out.
It now appears likely that the company will cease operations in May of
this year. In addition to the deployment of extra DFDS Seaways tonnage
on the Dover–Calais route, Eurotunnel has also increased its rail fleet
capacity through the Tunnel, so that the withdrawal of the French fleet
may not have a significant congestion impact.
While capacity on ferry routes between Spain and England and other
Western channel routes took a hammering with the withdrawal of the LD
Line services and the Transfennica call at Portsmouth, the situation will be
eased by the introduction by Brittany Ferries of the former Sirena Seaways
on its Portsmouth to and from Le Havre and Bilbao routes.
The Ro-Pax vessel, which is currently being upgraded through the installation
of Exhaust Scrubbers, has a freight deck capacity of 2,200 lane metres.
According to Brittany Ferries Group Freight Director, this additional ship
will provide a welcome boost in freight capacity and provide customers with
an even wider range of sailing times between Portsmouth and Le Havre. It
now brings the total number of Brittany Ferries sailings to Spain to seven
a week. Elsewhere, concerns have been expressed about the increasing
dominance of Brittany Ferries in the Western Channel.
€38m investment by Shannon Foynes Port Company
Investment will propel key economic driver of Mid-West region
S
CPL, in the construction of a new smokeless fuel depot. Th is plant is
planning to meet the expected increase in future demand for smokeless
fuels. In addition, a further €4 million will be invested by a private operator,
Argosea, in the construction of a 1,400sqm warehouse for the storage of
animal feeds. Th is will position the port to take advantage of the expected
increased demand for animal feed, post the ending of the milk quota
regime in March of this year.
The first major project announced is the infi lling of the East Jett y in Foynes;
a 12 month project employing up to 150 people during construction. The
commencement of the redevelopment of the east jett y involves the
reclamation of 13,500ms of foreshore and the demolition of the existing
jett y. The new jett y will provide increased operational area of activity and
lead to improved bulk discharge times. The redevelopment will also allow
the use of larger cranes that can handle more varied cargo. It is estimated
that a total of €12 million will be spent by SFPC on this project in 2015.
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, has
welcomed the investment, “These announcements are the fi rst phase of a
significant investment programme which seeks to double SFPC trade in
the next three decades in line with its ambitious Masterplan, Vision 2041.
The port is seeking to maximise the enormous potential of the Shannon
Estuary and anticipates that the number of people employed in port
activities will increase by 25% over the period of Vision 2041, with the
economic benefits extending towards a much larger economic system. The
long-term job creation figures, of up to 2,000 jobs, are based on anticipated
expansion in existing heavy industries as well as planned projects such as
the Shannon LNG terminal. I am delighted to see investment of this scale,
knowing the impact it will have on the Mid-West region generally.”
hannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC), Ireland’s largest bulk port
company, is to invest €38million to further develop the County
Limerick port. SFPC currently helps to facilitate international
trade valued at over €6 billion yearly through the six port facilities on
the Shannon Estuary. The port is in the process of advancing significant
strategic projects that will ensure the company fulfi ls its mandate as
one of the key economic drivers of the Mid-West region.
Further investment of €22million was announced by a private investor,
Text: Howard Knott - [email protected]
Trucks Cost Money. Ours Save Money.
With a national network of Authorised Mercedes-Benz
Commercial dealers to choose from, there has never been a
better time to own a Mercedes-Benz Truck.
Authorised dealers available at www.mercedes-benz.ie
42 | COMMENT
‘Living in a Box’
A
t the EU InterReg IVB Weastflows
Conference, the room in the EU
Thon Hotel in Brussels had about
120 attendees from all over Europe,
to hear the distilled wisdom of the partners
in that massive project. There was also a
number of invited speakers and panellists
from outside the partner organisations but who
had played a significant part in development
of ideas during the project. One of these was
Justin Kirkhope from the UK Co-Operative
Stores Logistics Services. He spoke about the
challenge of delivering a huge range of product
from central distribution centres to a vast range
of stores scattered throughout Great Britain
and Northern Ireland. Justin mentioned about
the strengths and weaknesses of using rail
services to improve the carbon efficiency of the
whole freight operation and about the issue of
backloading containers and trailers.
Mr. Kirkhope really got things going when he
spoke about their newest transport innovation,
the 50ft intermodal container. I had seen a
couple of these boxes at the Multimodal Exhibition last Spring, but had
assumed that, though a nice idea, there was no way such equipment would
be introduced. He then put up a picture of one of these on board one of
the specially designed trailers and, indeed, the box looked every inch of
the 13.5% extra capacity of the normal 45ft container being used for such
transport. But the trailer looked very strange with the axle spacings done
so as to allow it have a similar turning circle to combinations with the
smaller containers. The real surprise, however, was that these monster
boxes had been cleared for use on any road in the UK and not just on
motorways. I really must say that I don’t see the sense in that; it’s not that
such combinations would be problematic in cities and other congested
areas, after all there are very likely truck bans in such places, but I would
be concerned about such vehicles on windswept rural roads.
From where I'm sitting Howard Knott
As famously said somewhere else; “we are where we are!” but container
manufacturers and their customers must be constrained from introducing
more complications in an already too complex equipment marketplace.
Then, there is another problem. These containers could not, in fact, be used
in intermodal transport. Yes, you could put one onto a 60ft rail wagon, but
then there’s 10ft of wasted space on a wagon that could otherwise carry a
40ft and a 20ft container and this would considerably reduce the economic
efficiency of the whole operation.
I spoke about this with Eoin Gavin, the President of the Irish Road Haulage
Association, whose main role at the Conference was to participate in a
panel discussion on the Sustainable Freight Gateways work package within
the project. His view was indeed that 50ft containers were the wrong way
to go, much better would be drawbar combinations with 20ft and 40ft
containers on board which would operate on main routes.
Full Time Course Starts
Dublin, Wednesday, 13th May
Now, I know that in North America the 53ft container is quite normal
and trucks and trains can easily accommodate them. They cannot be
used on ships; some trials in which goods were shipped from a Chinese
port to the US West Coast in 53ft containers did not work out at all well
and the experiment died very quickly. Canadian Tire is now reported to
be trialling some 60ft containers, but only on depot to depot routes on
major highways.
When you think of it and with the benefit of hindsight, isn’t it a great pity
that the europallet with dimensions, 0.8 metres x 1.2 metres, was invented.
If the world had stuck with the one metre square pallet, then there would
have been no need to develop the 2.5 metre wide container or trailer. Th is
would mean that containers used for deep sea shipping services and those
used for operation within Europe would be of the same width and, thus,
interchangeable. Not only would this mean that a container arriving in say
Galway from Germany with components could be reloaded, probably from
the same factory with fi nished goods for the US or other market. It would
also make the whole business of stowing a mix of short sea and deep sea
containers much simpler and drive down European shipping costs.
Text: Howard Knott - [email protected]
TRANSFORMING
OIL DISTRIBUTION.....................
22nd & 23rd April
at the HIC Yorkshire Conference & Exhibition Centre.
The UK and Ireland’s leading event for the Downstream
fuel industry with 150 exhibitors and over 2000 delegates
from across the globe
register online now at: www.fpsshow.co.uk
HIC
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CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION CENTRE
44 | LEGAL
HOUSEKEEPING
A
t the beginning of a year it can be a
useful exercise to look at the whole
of a company’s activities to see if any
part of it can be improved. Some
few years ago the acronym ‘SWOT’ featured
in many Board meetings, SWOT standing for
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and
Th reats - all of which were to be considered
by the board at twelve monthly intervals in
relation to the trading success of the company.
Even without the formality of a Board meeting
looking at the position of any business in the
light of those headings can produce surprising
results.
In the first instance how sound are the company’s
buildings. Is the roof leak proof? Is any remedial
work needed, or is any work necessary to improve
the facilities? Does the yard need attention and
is the electrical wiring safe? Can any work that is
needed be left or is immediate action required?
The safety of the premises needs to be considered in relation to those who
work there, and also, and no less importantly, in relation to visitors who
may have to come into the premises. Have lanes been clearly marked to
separate pedestrians from moving vehicles, and are those lanes kept free
from obstructions? Do loading areas and loading bays present any risk to
people who may have to be nearby?
the insurance premium. Equally, if new equipment is purchased it may
well be necessary to alter the cover by notifying your insurer of the new
additions.
It has been said that it is the attention to the background detail of company
administration that is the difference between success and failure.
Has proper attention been given to the general position of your
employees? Have they all received contracts of employment,
and are those contracts up-to-date and complete? Have the
employees all been given copies of the company’s rules and, if
not, are the rules displayed on some suitable notice board?
Are the records of the Driver’s CPC’s complete, and do you
know if the required training has been provided for every
machine that an employee may be required to use? Does each
of your drivers have the appropriate, and current licence for the
vehicle that he/she is required to drive? Have your employees
received training in manual handling loads, and have drivers
been shown how to secure loads safely and securely?
OUR JOURNEY
CHANGING LIVES
FOR THE BETTER
Sending over 1000
bicycles to Madagascar
to support with community
health activities
Critically, where a company uses Forklift trucks, those
drivers must have the appropriate licence and their driving
skills should be checked periodically to be certain that no
dangerous shortcuts have crept into use.
A business should look at its relationship with its customers to
see if, in any way, they can be improved. There will always be
the threat of competition, and one of the best ways of dealing
with that threat is to ensure that you have a good relationship
with the people with whom you work. New work will often
be the result of a recommendation and recommendations are
more likely to come from customers who are happy with the
service that you provide. It is important to ensure that your
staff, including your drivers, understand the importance of
good customer relations. It is, after all, the drivers who meet
the customers on a face to face basis and, as well as being polite
and courteous, they should have a good appearance and some
form of company uniform can be a great help.
Finally, and even if no other action is taken, a company’s
insurance should be under constant review. In the first instance
it is important to be satisfied that every activity undertaken
by the company and its employees is covered by insurance.
Where an employee is using their own car to get to work will
that be considered to be part of their employment and will
they be insured? Do not forget that, as the value of vehicles
is depreciated, it may be necessary to make adjustments to
Training 710
taxi drivers
Teaching 2,454
HGV and PSV
drivers & 13 driver
Here’s what’s
been keeping us
busy in the last
12 months…
trainers in Tanzania
and 38 instructors
in Nigeria
Introducing hovercrafts
to double deliveries of
Delivering
health supplies in Madagascar
Distributing 100
bicycle
ambulances and 18
ox carts in Zambia
programmes
in 7 countries
– from improving road
safety to increasing
access to healthcare
Introducing 270 guests to
our patron, HRH
The
Princess Royal
We couldn’t have done it
without YOU. Thanks a million.
Organising fundraising
challenges for 93
participants, who
raised £145k
•
•
•
•
•
23 member companies
17 ambassadors
6 experts on secondment
93 supporters on our fundraising challenges
26 events made us their beneficiary
UK registered charity no 1072105. Patron HRH The Princess Royal.
transaid.org
Text: Jonathan Lawton - [email protected]
Call to your nearest MAN Dealer for further details:
MAN Importers Irl, Dublin 12. Tel: 01 419 1300
Dennehy Commercials, Limerick. Tel: 061 229900 Cork. Tel: 021 488 3344
MS Commercials, New Ross. Tel: 051 422277
O’Reilly Commercials, Ballinalack. Tel: 044 93 71360
Newtown Trucks, Newtowncunningham. Tel: 074 91 56666
Athenry Truck Centre Ltd., Galway. Tel: 091 849 375
46 | FINANCE
Customer Analysis
A
s part of a company’s monthly
management accounts, and without
exception as part of your annual
bank review, analysis of the customer
base must be discussed. First step will be to look
at the turnover and balances due from the top
five customers, their track record in payment,
as well as the medium to long term strength of
the customer business.
Beyond this analysis is where it gets interesting
for an accountant, whereby resources and time
allocated to customers and the profit earned
from each customer or type of customer on the
books are reviewed. Customers are a major asset
in business, look at all the time and effort spent to
get new business and look at the overall turnover
of the business and profit.
In a transport business the easiest unit of measurement is vehicles. It may
be no surprise that in a transport fleet of thirty vehicles, seven units are
profitable, the remaining twenty three range from small profit to substantial
loss making. Look at the customers that utilise the least resources but
pay highest margin, they may form part of overall mix of work in the fleet
(harder to see the other non-profitable customer mix) or they may be stand
alone units, so profit is easily calculated. Your profitable customers have
similar traits. They pay promptly (as they are profitable), their work suits
your business so litt le negative interaction, they have stable workflow, and
because the business relationship is a win-win situation you have access
to their future plans.
is mentioned or when you don’t want to waste extra time and resources
on them to address problems they have created for themselves. Mention
rate increases and you are told all other suppliers are happy, actually the
competition want your slice of the action at lower rates and any accountant
brought along to fight your case is met with mild distain.
If you spend time properly analysing your customers and how you can
address the above problems, you will have a more profitable business, a
business that has lower overall risk and a workload that will reduce from
the 80 hour week to somewhere that approaches normality. When the game
is up and you confront the unprofitable customer with the clear facts and
the knowledge that dropping their business will actually benefit you - it is
like calling a bully’s bluff . They are only a problem because you allow it.
Even though they may be the most profitable customers, making the most
productive use of your vehicles is paramount. Very litt le of your most
important resource (your own management time) is spent either further
developing the relationship or interacting with the customer.
Now let’s look at the customers that use 77% of your resources by way of
units, probably 60% of turnover and nearly 100% of your management
and administration time.
Why do we have unprofitable customers?
1. We have not properly costed or checked customer business.
2. We believe we can adjust and renegotiate rates to make profit.
3. They are there to cover overheads and give us a volume of work during
off-peak periods.
4. Our customers have beaten us to this level and rates.
As a rule the unprofitable customer is higher risk, slower to pay and even
though they are the bane of your life, are the most demanding, they would
be the fi rst to drop you for a newer more shiny and cheaper alternative.
Businesses have unprofitable customers because they were rate takers and
believed that bigger is better. Many recall the gut wrenching feeling in 2008
when companies were restructuring leases and payments because they had
geared up for volume, some were fighting for survival simply because of
volume greed. Poor strategy indeed. The biggest drawback of unprofitable
customers is the total draw on management time. In order to do the work
corners are cut, the customer complains, drivers are not happy and the
business is jeopardised to perform work that is not economical.
If retention of poor customers is justified by the requirement to cover
overheads, look at the amount of time and resources committed to these
customers. Due to lack of respect for your services they have no problem in
being the most demanding. And because you are trying to do the impossible,
which is to make uneconomic rates actually work, your own time and
energy are used and abused. Please remember the customer knows your
costs as well as you, so their feigning ignorance of your plight really does
not hold water. The carrot is always extra volume, they are your best friend
at the meeting, you are an important cog in their wheel, they will share their
vision with you. The stick is that they border on psychotic when extra cost
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Text: Donal Dempsey - [email protected]
48 | OPINION
Insurance costs raises its
View from the Operators Desk by
ugly head again
Sean Murtagh - [email protected]
I
n the past few months we are hearing soundings from the insurance
companies that premiums are on the up. Unfortunately the
evidence in the marketplace would seem to back this up. What
is of concern is that we are beginning to hear the same party line
from insurers as we listened to after the New York 9/11 terrorist attacks
in 2001. These self fulfi lling prophesies of rising premiums became a
reality and anybody that was in business then will know that for many
companies insurance premiums doubled on renewal day, forcing some
people out of business.
It is no harm to look back at that time and see what happened and who the
main players were in trying to solve the problem. One person that played a
pivotal role in addressing the issue was Sean Quinn. In the current financial
crisis, Sean Quinn of the Quinn Group has taken a lot of the criticism, in
particular from the upper echelons of political life, Dublin based media
and the more traditional insurance industry. How short their memories
are. Quinn Direct entered the commercial vehicle insurance market at
a time when premiums were nearly as high in percentage terms as fuel
is today. Service from insurers was abysmal. Collectively, they claimed
they were doing everything possible to reduce the fi nancial impact of the
crisis on business. As it turned out competition in the market place was all
that was required. You could say Quinn Direct changed the way insurers
did business forever. At the time, insurance premiums were calculated
on fi nancial claims history rather than proper risk assessment. Probably
because of Sean Quinn’s business experience and particularly because of
his background in operating trucks, he brought genuine fresh thinking to
the insurance sector.
There were other heroes at that time; the Irish Road Haulage Association
(IRHA) played a pivotal role in what we could now refer to as the ‘insurance
crisis’. It spanned the Presidencies of Gerry McMahon and Sean Delaney.
So bad were things that the IRHA gave serious consideration to sett ing up
its own insurance company. A business alliance was set up in which the
IRHA played a pivotal role. Former IRHA President, Gerry McMahon
acted as its spokesperson. The Government set up a Working Group to
examine the problems with insurance. The IRHA was represented on this
Group - Motor Insurance Advisory Board (MIAB) - by past President,
Sheila McCabe and the coach operators were represented by Pat Burke of
the Coach Tourism & Transport Council (CTTC). At the time I thought it
was political fudge set up as a reaction by the Government and would be no
more than a talking shop. I was wrong on that. A woman, Doretea Dowling
was appointed as the Chairperson, she was a feisty lady and had extensive
experience in the insurance industry. Ms. Dowling worked in the industry
in the early part of her career and spent time in the Claims Department
of one of the State Companies. Her report was blunt and even to this day
makes good reading. When the Report of the Group was published it was
critical of insurers and eventually led to the establishment of the Personal
Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB).
One other event around that time that had a significant effect on insurance
premiums was an intervention by the IRHA regarding significant numbers
of their members that were in real difficulty because of the increased
premiums being quoted. An informal meeting was arranged with some
representatives from the Quinn Group and it was attended by some members
of the IRHA including Eugene Drennan and Pat O’Donovan, both Council
members along with Mike Murphy (Mike Murphy Insurance) and Quinn’s
underwriter. This meeting sowed a seed and it resulted in a follow up meeting
with Mike Murphy. Arranged for an afternoon in the Montaque Hotel near
Portlaoise, the IRHA delegation went in hope, more than expectation of
a solution. Mike arrived quite undignified in a red coloured Volkswagen
Beetle, with a yellow web painted all over it, displaying his company’s logo.
However, there was a lot more dignity in his news. A breakthrough at last,
as he announced that his company would be accepting business for Quinn
Direct in the coming weeks. A turning point surely, resulting in premiums
being reduced by half in most cases.
For one person though this news came too late. In the weeks beforehand,
the high profi le and very successful Dublin based Con Transport had been
forced to close its doors. At an IRHA Council meeting held shortly after Con
Transport was forced to fold-up because its insurance renewal premium
had doubled, the now unemployed Managing Director, Niall Hickey put
on a brave face as he told a hushed audience how his insurance company
had effectively closed him down. After listening to his story, most people
in the room were coming to the conclusion that the insurance renewal date
could become the closing date for their business. It might sound dramatic
now but people felt they were in some cases sitt ing on death-row, waiting
for their sentence.
In recent times official comments on the Quinn Direct legacy is not
favourable, we are told that policyholders will be paying a levy for many
years to cover the loss of the failed company. There is however another
view. Most companies’ insurance bill is at least half of what it was at its
peak and in some cases a lot less. So you could say the levy is good value.
As I suggested at the start, the soundings from insurance companies is a bit
un-nerving. Insurance is a tricky business and like all products it should be
constantly upgraded and developed. During the last insurance crisis, very
litt le innovation came from insurance companies. Like the captain of the
ill-fated ‘Costa Concordia’ they chose to solve the problem from the safety
of the shore, Quinn and others like him were the only ones in the water.
As Sean Quinn puts his empire back together, would he be tempted to
go back into the insurance business? While there is no doubt there were
discrepancies in the way Quinn Direct traded in the past, the innovation
it brought to the insurance sector was impressive. Let’s hope the baby is
not washed-out with the bathwater.
New Stock Available
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Transport Manager Ireland 2015
Stay ahead with the industry experts
FTA’s popular Transport Manager Ireland Conference is
back in 2015, taking place at the Johnstown House Hotel
and Spa, Enfield on Thursday 26 March.
This year’s conference will explore the latest enforcement
priorities from the Secretary General, Department of
Transport, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the
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you afford to miss what is set to be a must-attend event
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Why attend?
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DELIVERING SAFE, EFFICIENT, SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS
50 | SOAPBOX
Who Cares for the Road
Transport Industry?
W
hile it may seem like a lifetime
ago, it was only in 2004 that
Willie Walsh as the Chief
Executive of Aer Lingus
made an attempt with some colleagues to
stage a management buyout of the airline.
Then, as now, politicians who know nothing
of the world of transport frothed at the
mouth at the cheek of the man. Willie walked
then, as he will probably do again and moved
straight into a job with British Airways, one
of the world’s largest and oldest airlines,
now part of IAG. The Spanish Government
overcame its scruples with Iberia, a much
bigger fish than Aer Lingus. Ireland’s loss
was the UK’s gain but in all the puffi ng and
blowing from our body politic, not a mention
of the Aer Lingus that could have been under
his stewardship. Now a second chance along
and we have a repeat. Working for myself over the years I have learnt
the hard way to learn from my mistakes, unfortunately our politicians
have the bank of the taxpayer to pay for theirs.
Aer Lingus employs approximately 3,900 folk. The taxpayer repeatedly
bailed it out despite its monopoly position in Dublin and despite it owning
the second busiest route in Europe. It lost money just like Swissair, Sabena
and the other State owned airlines that have now departed this world.
They reeked of restrictive work practices and gilt-edge salaries, self-serving
rather than serving a market. Willie Walsh saw a brighter future in 2004,
Michael O’Leary saw the same opportunities and now Willie is back but
the body politic cannot see beyond the end of their noses and the next
election. Leadership how are you?
The contrast between politician’s treatment of Aer Lingus and the road
transport industry surely cannot have escaped your notice? We are an
industry of 50,000 employees and we neither ask for nor get money from
the taxpayer. We are milked by a system indifferent to the necessity of the
services we provide with the highest level of road taxes in the EU. The
only headlines we get are when forty to fi ft y hauliers staged a protest at
Dublin Port causing Minister Donohue to have palpitations and hastily
telling them he won’t talk to them about their concerns if they carry on
doing so. Those serving Donegal are being charged £10 per day to use a
road traversing Northern Ireland that as taxpayers we have contributed
to. The Irish Government does nothing to subsidise or alleviate this
cost yet Aer Lingus get a subsidy of €162 per passenger to fly to and from
Donegal. Anyone seeking to get in or out of Donegal can drive or get a
bus, they have choices, however Donegal’s goods exports have no choice
but to travel by truck!
Nor indeed do the rest of Ireland’s imports and exports have a choice other
than truck. However, increasingly those trucks are not from the Republic
of Ireland, almost half of the Ro-Ro traffic entering and leaving Dublin
Port is drawn by out-of-State hauliers, which, whilst here can benefit
from an Essential User Rebate from our Government on our cheaper
fuel, whilst at the same time escaping the UK’s £10 a day road levy and
availing of road tax 75% cheaper than ours. With some rare exceptions
our politicians are mute to our predicament and only come to life when
we protest on foot outside a port.
As a haulage industry we are being hampered and harried by both the
Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Gardai for what seems like trivia
that is adding considerable stress and strain to small business managers
life. At the same time it seems out-of-State hauliers are guilty of no offence.
Cabotage and tachograph manipulation are the order of the day that are
ignored for the out-of-State operators some even gett ing Garda escorts
for their illegal activities. Is it truly a case that the only way a Minister
for Transport will take notice is to protest?
In times past it was said that exports of livestock on the hoof was jobs
lost in Ireland, surely it is time for our politicians to understand that Irish
exports on out-of-State trucks means jobs lost in Ireland.
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) needs to get that message
to every member of both Houses of the Oireachtas or we soon won’t have
an international fleet.
New MAX 3 axle Áat trailer, full
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standard Áat, 10 pair of heavy duty
lashing rings, headboard, 10 pair
of post sockets, container locks,
extendable version also available.
In stock
New MAX 3 axle step frame,
extendable low loader with lifting
Áoor, rear steer axle, auto greaser,
choice of ramps, grid Áooring, in
stock.
New MAX 3 axle step frame low
loader, 48ton gross, front lift axle,
rear steer, auto greaser, choice of
ramps, in stock.
New Schmitz tipping trailers in
stock, hardox steel body, front lift
axle, self-opening tail board, auto
dump valve.
ALL TRAILERS SOLD READY FOR WORK,
MOT’D AND WELL MAINTAINED
Ashbourne Truck Centre, Ballymadun, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Ireland
Tel: 00353 18350573
Josef: 0035387 255 66 77 Sarah J: 0035386 255 66 77
Web: www.ashbournetruckcentre.com
Text: Jerry Kiersey - [email protected]
Driven to Perfection
Two new Hino 700 Series for Lagan Concrete, Cork.
39 tonnes GVW with unique 10m3 load capacity on the 3945 model. Centre
most axle lifts/self-steers.
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Naas Rd, Dublin.
Tel: 01 4194500 Fax: 01 4602284
www.hino.ie

ftmarch15_webfull - Fleet Transport Magazine Fleet Transport

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