As the HGV manufacturing industry battens down the hatches, ready for a rough ride in 2009, the world’s largest supplier of HGVs, Daimler, is more than confident that the Mercedes-Benz brand is well placed to survive the downturn. Nevertheless, despite numerous reports that the group’s luxury car division is facing the possibility of severe job [...]
Thermo King has officially launched its patented cryogenic system, called the Green CryoTech, which uses recycled liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) as a coolant. First and foremost, two different systems have ultimately been developed: the CO2 Hybrid and the ST-CR. Therefore, the CO2 Hybrid can be fitted to a conventional diesel-powered HGV cooling system, whilst the [...]
Recent studies have shown that oil additive can undoubtedly boost UK’s fuel economy. For instance, a HGV has recorded a 10.8% improvement in fuel economy after using a new engine oil additive. Moreover, as part of a recent survey conducted at the Warwickshire Test Track (MIRA), the BORPower product (from Nano Boron) was added to [...]
The oil company Shell claims that one of its HGV fuel products is in fact delivering considerable economy gains. In other words, internal heavy-duty engine tests of Shell Diesel, combined with a fuel economy formula, indicate efficiency improvements for HGVs of up to 3%. Apparently, earlier this year, Shell supplied Mercedes-Benz, just when an Actros [...]
Apparently, the controversy over the clamping of HGVs at Knutsford services on the M6 continues, with further queries reaching Commercial Motor about the practice. Last week, for example, CM highlighted Bob Painter, a HGV driver, who parked at the service station to use the toilet facilities, and so had his HGV clamped and was therefore [...]
Apparently, roadside tacho-checks, conducted by the Highways Agency officials and the police, reveal that Continental HGV drivers are more liable to break the EU working time rules on UK roads than UK citizens. Moreover, the most recent EU figures indicate that 27,418 of hours defenders, detected on British highways in both 2004 and 2005, were [...]
Delegates at the 5th Motor Transport Fleet Management Conference reportedly voted synthetic diesel as the future fuel alternative. Allegedly, following a presentation on future fuel alternatives by Volvo Trucks Legislation / Environment Manager Ray Cattley, synthetic diesel emerged at the top of the list, ahead of dimethyl ether (DME) and biodiesel. Nevertheless, the seven criteria [...]
According to recent statistics, hauliers face a 22% rise in the cost of using one of the most important roads in UK, as Dartford Crossing increased its tolls on 15 November. Furthermore, the increase takes the cost of the Crossing for HGVs, or, in other words, multi-axle goods vehicles to £3.70, now £2.90. Vans will [...]
It appears that the need for HGV mechanics is increasingly on the up, as demand for skilled tradesmen rises on the back of the implementation of Euro-5 emissions limits. As the Euro-5 emissions standards came into effect for new HGVs on 1 October, the need for specialist CV mechanics is now more crucial than ever. [...]
It was officially announced that the Freight Transport Association (FTA) is pressing VOSA to adopt a more pragmatic approach to enforcing sideguard rules. In 2007, VOSA announced a more rigorous enforcement due to start in April 2008, but soon after the FTA intervened and explained the retrofit difficulties on about 15,000 crane-equipped vehicles, thus the [...]