19 minute read
Overcoming driver shortages by improving delivery efficiency
MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd says David Cussans, UK Truck Sales Director MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, is to retire before the end of the summer, having worked with the MAN brand over a period spanning 33 years.
David joined MAN in 1988as a National Fleet Sales Manager and has subsequently held a number of board positions in the UK company. Between 2010 and 2017 David worked for sister brand Scania, as Regional Executive Director and member of the Scania GB Executive Team. In 2017 David returned to MAN as UK Truck Sales Director and is a director of MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd. Thomas Hemmerich, Managing Director MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, said: “David has had a long and extremely successful career in our industry, and his input to the success of this company has been invaluable. “However, after decades of working in the business, David has now decided to take a well-earned break and we all wish him all the very best and thank him for his remarkable contribution.” David commented: “I have been incredibly fortunate to have worked in such a dynamic and colourful industry, and to have met and worked with so many great people. I have always loved the MAN business and product range and I am proud to have played a part in the development of the UK company. “Thanks to the focus, commitment and engagement of the whole team and the entire dealer network, we have made huge progress in all areas of our business, and I am sure that the solid foundations will continue to be built upon and lead to further success.” He has been succeeded by Matt Squires, who first joined the MAN dealer network in 1996 as a technician, as we report on page 10.
The UK’s HGV driver shortage is becoming increasingly concerning, with, what Andrew Tavener, Head of Marketing, Descartes UK, calls the ‘perfect storm’ of Brexit, Covid-19 and growing demands exacerbating the problem.
He refers to numerous reports of the lack of qualified drivers creating difficulties for the logistics industry, which is having a severe impact on many different sectors, including retail and manufacturing. “With fresh food rotting while supermarkets and restaurants are facing shortages and shoppers facing higher prices for goods, these issues associated with driver shortages are becoming more and more problematic. “A drop of 15,000 UK truck drivers following Brexit coupled with nearly a third of the UK’s 300,000 drivers now over 55 and heading for retirement, means that the shortage has become critical. The industry needs to act now. “So, what remedies can retailers, distributors and delivery companies put in place to combat the fallout from such a crisis? Training and attracting new drivers is not a quick or simple fix but one solution that can make a difference now is to utilise advanced routing and scheduling software to unlock greater efficiency gains whilst minimising the need to recruit new drivers. Companies can transform performance and maximise the utilisation and efficiency of their existing drivers and vehicles. “Route optimisation software can increase the productivity of existing drivers, with improvements in route quality and delivery schedules. Collating deliveries close to each other together, improves delivery density and makes daily trips less hectic, reducing driver stress and maintaining compliance with drivers’ hours legislation. This all helps to retain drivers, “From integrated transport management to leveraging and sharing real-time data across the supply chain, transport operators and retailers can better manage assets and achieve the ‘do more with less’ mantra. “Combating the driver shortage is essential, but is not a challenge that will be solved overnight. Fleet operators therefore need to get the most out of the resources they already have, but without overstretching their drivers or compromising safety and compliance. So, to get the industry moving again, and to keep it efficient in the long term, technology solutions can go a long way in supporting fleet operators to go the extra mile.”
Getting into gear
Advanced route optimisation software allows transport operators to use fewer vehicles to deliver more goods in fewer miles. “These solutions ensure that now and, in the future, companies will have less demand for drivers because they are maximising their fleet’s potential. “In order to get more from your existing drivers, keep them happy and reduce driver turnover, logistics companies, including hauliers and delivery services should consider implementing routing and scheduling software now. After all, this is an opportunity for companies to capitalise on demand by increasing operational efficiencies.”
Thermo King to Develop Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Automation & Robotics
Thermo King is to collaborate with Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) in the development of a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Automation and Robotics, building STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills in the local community.
The initiative includes the design by Thermo King of a special robotics automation training centre at their manufacturing plant in Galway. This new bachelor’s degree will result in a major upskilling in engineering, automation, and robotics capabilities within Ireland and beyond. The creation of skills like this will empower ThermoKing to future proof for continued innovation and continue to be a leader in its ever-increasing electrified portfolio of transport refrigeration solutions for road (trucks, trailers, bus) air, ocean, and rail. This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. Commented Minister of State and Galway TD, Hildegarde Naughton: “This is a very exciting move which I am sure will bolster Galway’s place on the world map for engineering and automation. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in bringing this project to its fruition, particularly the team at Thermo King and the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology.”
SPECIALIST OPERATOR ‘HOOKED’ ON NEW GENERATION MAN TGS
T-Met Ltd, specialist scrap metal merchants and recyclers, steel stockholders and used vehicle parts suppliers, are hooked on their new New Generation MAN TGS 8x4; the new vehicle will operate across all four T-Met Ltd sites in Armagh, Belfast, Coleraine and Campsie.
Striking in appearance in the traditional T-Met corporate blue with the T-Met name and logo in white and with pinstriped panels, the new TGS 8x4 was supplied through MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd’s Direct Sales function and prepared by RK Trucks Centre. Established in 2000, T-Met Ltd has grown to become one of the largest recyclers and exporters of scrap metals in Northern Ireland. Their four fully licensed and strategically located depots,are capable of collecting and processing both ferrous and non-ferrous scrapmetals and End of Life vehicles (ELV’s). Through a series of continual business diversifications T-Met Ltd can also provide customers with a full range of new steel supplies, including aluminium sheet, angle iron, channel iron, circular and rectangular hollow section, flat bars, galvanised sheets and tubing, reinforcing mesh and solid round bars. T-Met Ltd also offer a second-hand car parts service, where customers can buy used parts off the shelf for all makes and models. T-Met Ltd.’s new MAN TGS, a 35.430 8x4 featuring the NN day cab, is powered by MAN’s latest generation Euro6D compliant D26, straightsix, 12.4-litre engines, which generates 316 kW (430 hp) and drives both rear axles via MAN’s TipMatic 12 speed automatic transmission. Bodied with a hook loader body with an automatic roll-over sheeting system, the new arrival offers a flexible, versatile and robust chassis solution. Adding a splash of style the new vehicle is equipped with Alcoa X alloy wheels. T-Met’s new TGS is joined by a new New Generation MAN TGM 4x2 18.250 skiploader. Both new vehicles join the expanding fleet of vehicles. Predominated by MAN, the fleet includes TGL12 tonners with tilt & slide car recovery bodies, TGM 18 tonne skipsloaders, TGS 8x4 and 6x2 hook loaders and TGX 44 tonne tractors. Business founder and Managing Director, T-Met Ltd, Chris Traynor, said: “We have an established and trusted relationship with MAN and MAN’s local sales executive Julian Brown and John Donnelly from RK Trucks Centre. Over the years this relationship has morphed into more of a partnership and the level of wrap-around care and commitment we receive is second to none. “As an expanding business in a specialised industry choosing new MAN trucks was an easy decision, we have found our MAN’s to be both reliable and trustworthy. In terms of efficiency, when looking at whole life vehicle costs, the MAN’s offer outstanding value for money and with a high level of car like comfort driver acceptance is good, as is the high level of technology in terms of both driver safety and assistance aids.” Focussing on the TGS 8x4 Chris added: “The finished vehicle with its 8x4 configuration and hook loader body offer us a rugged, reliable and customer friendly package. Moving forward these new vehicles, both the TGS and the TGM, will further enhance our scrap metal collection and delivery service ensuring we deliver our customers a timely collection and delivery service throughout the region.” Julian Brown, MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd area sales executive, commented: “It’s a pleasure to once again work with T-Met on their latest fleet edition. With the help of the skilled team at RK Trucks Centre we’ve managed to deliver vehicles that are truly turnkey ready and we very much look forward to seeing them on the road and our continued relationship.” The T-Met Ltd fleet of MAN trucks, like all MAN products, are supported by MAN’s Mobile24 24-hour service, which guarantees 24/7 professional roadside assistance partner 365 days of the year.
Thermo King’s Galway Plant Among First in Europe to be ISO-Certified as Carbon Neutral
Thermo King’s state-of-the-art manufacturing production line in Galway has been awarded the ISO 14064-1 (Carbon Neutrality) certification from the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), the first in the country and one of the first in Europe.
The recognition demonstrates
the company’s path towards their 2030 Sustainability Commitments, which includes leading by example in achieving net-zero carbon emissions, zero waste-to-landfill, net positive water use in its own operations, and its Gigaton challenge to reduce customer emissions by 1 billion metric tons. The Advancer A-Series trailer line, which was introduced last year, reduced energy used in its production processes by 60 percent over previous models. The refrigeration units are also 30% more fuel-efficient than the market average. The manufacturing line achieves carbon neutrality through a combination of efficiency measures and external carbon emission reduction initiatives. The award is based on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data across the entire manufacturing process including welding, e-coating, assembly and unit testing. “The Advancer and the zero-waste-to-landfill plant in Galway reflect Trane Technologies’ commitment to a sustainable, carbon-free society,” said Francesco Incalza, President Thermo King EMEA for Trane Technologies. “We are proud to receive this certification and continue to prioritise carbon neutral operations and producing energy efficient, clean technologies for heating and cooling buildings and transporting food, medicines, vaccines, and other critical goods. We challenge what’s possible today to accelerate progress towards a sustainable tomorrow.”
Stefan Thyssen takes over the reins at MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd
MAN Truck & Bus UK has appointed Stefan Thyssen as Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd.
He succeeds Thomas
Hemmerich who has been appointed the role of Managing Director for the National Sales Company, Korea, which also includes responsibility for the Austral/Asia region. Currently Head of MAN Truck & Bus Scandinavia, Stefan Thyssen began his career with MAN Truck & Bus in 2007. He has worked in a variety of roles including Business Development, Corporate Planning, Program Management and Group Controlling, all based out of MAN Truck & Bus, Munich, Germany. In 2017 Stefan moved to MAN Truck & Bus UK, into the role of Finance Director, based at UK headquarters in Swindon. In 2020, Stefan became Managing Director of MAN Scandinavia, covering the markets of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, based in Copenhagen. In a statement, Executive Board Member for Sales & Marketing MAN Truck & Bus SE, Goran Nyberg, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Stefan to lead the team in the UK, a market area which is already, due to his previous role as UK Financial Director, familiar to him. “Stefan’s broad experience within MAN comprehensively demonstrates a deep understanding of the strategically important UK market. Because of Stefan’s past the relationships with UK customers, the dealer network and the MAN Truck & Bus team is already established and we all wish him well for the future.” Stefan commented: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to head up MAN Truck & Bus UK and I’m very much looking forward to once again meeting with customers, the dealer network and the team. “Given the importance of the UK market, I want to continue the focus of strengthening our established footprint and ensure that our customers receive an industry leading level of support through our mature, highly focused and strategically located dealer network.”
Stefan Thyssen
www.exportandfreight.com
Helping businesses thrive again.
Release working capital from assets, such as machinery, stock and customer invoices.
closecommercialfinance.ie
MAN Truck & Bus UK has announced the appointment of Matt Squires as Director of New Truck Sales for MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd. Matt succeeds David Cussans who will retire before the end of the summer, having worked with the MAN brand over a period spanning 33 years.
First attracted to the commercial vehicle industry in 1989 as an apprentice, Matt joined the MAN dealer network in 1996 as a technician at what was known as Frank Tucker Commercials. In 2006 he joined MAN Truck & Bus where he held the positions of Regional Technical Manager and Heavy Haulage Specialist and in 2008, Matt became After Sales Manager for Centre South. In 2012 Matt moved to South Korea where he was responsible for the development of Aftersales covering the regions of Singapore, Japan and Taiwan, which lead to him becoming Aftersales Director for South Korea in 2013. Returning to the UK in 2015 he was responsible for further development, improvements and enhancing the customer experience in Own Retail. During this time, Matt also held the position of Head of TopUsed until he moved into his current role of Director of Aftersales & Service in 2018. Stefan Thyssen, Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to have appointed Matt to lead the UK NewTruck Sales Team. His wealth of experience within the MAN brand, his established customer relationships and his knowledge of the commercial vehicle industry, will prove a huge asset to the company. “As you can see from Matt’s background he is uniquely qualified to take on this responsibility and we all wish him well in his new role.” Matt commented: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to head up MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd’s New Truck Sales team. As a full range commercial vehicle manufacturer, with products spanning the 7.5 to 250 tonne categories, we have a compelling range of award winning, robust, efficient and cost effective vehicles. “Since the launch of the New Truck Generation in 2020, we’ve seen the TG range appeal to more and more customers, both family owned businesses and larger blue chip Public Limited companies. Strengthening our vehicle offering is our mature, highly focussed and strategically located commercial vehicle dedicated dealer network, who work tirelessly to ensure they deliver an outstanding and unsurpassed level of customer service.” “As I move into this new and exciting role, and take another step within the MAN brand, I’d like to thank the Aftersales and Service teams for all their hard work, dedication and commitment.” concluded Matt.
Amy Stokes joins Volvo Trucks as Head of e-Mobility
Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland has appointed its first Head of e-Mobility, just weeks after opening the order books for its all-new Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric heavy-duty trucks – which meet the demands from society and customers for dramatic cuts in CO2 emissions.
Amy Stokes joins the company after 18 months as Group Energy Market Manager at Volkswagen Group UK, where she was responsible for the development of new energy market opportunities to support the uptake of electric vehicles. She comments: “I love everything to do with e-mobility and the opportunity to join Volvo Trucks was one I simply couldn’t turn down. The management team shared their vision with me for transitioning half of all sales to electric product by 2030 and I knew immediately this was something I wanted to be part of. “We have already got one Volvo FL Electric operating in London with DHL Supply Chain, and sales will only grow in one direction from here. It’s going to be hugely exciting.” Highlighting the opportunities ahead, she adds: “When people talk about electric trucks, a lot of the challenges we need to overcome are simply around doing things differently – and it’s not necessarily worse. In fact, in so many areas electric trucks offer huge advantages, for the driver, the operator, other road users and of course the environment. My focus is going to be on taking customers by the hand and supporting them on this journey.” Her remit covers the whole of Volvo Trucks’ electric portfolio in the UK and Ireland, which will see three new heavy-duty electric trucks enter production in 2022. These will join the existing Volvo FL and FE Electric trucks which are already available – with the team set to take delivery of their first dedicated Volvo FL Electric demonstrator for the UK market this summer. She will be based at the company’s head office in Warwick, reporting directly to Managing Director Christian Coolsaet.
Amy Stokes
Helping businesses thrive again.
Release working capital from assets, such as machinery, stock and customer invoices.
closecommercialfinance.ie
Mercedes-Benz Battery-Electric eActros Truck Celebrates World Premiere
Mercedes-Benz is bringing electrification to its heavy-duty truck range with the introduction of its new battery-electric eActros, which has just received its world premiere.
Paralleling the ground-breaking work being done by the German manufacturer in the field of hydrogen-based fuel-cell technologies, the new eActros is intended primarily for heavy-duty short-radius distribution. Its introduction forms part of a major swing by Mercedes-Benz Trucks towards eMobility, CO2-neutral transport and the development of alternative energy vehicles. First presented in 2018, the eActros has undergone intensive customer testing and phase one series production is planned for later this year. Welcoming its introduction, which heralds a new era for the German manufacturer as the first series-produced electric truck to bear the threepointed star, Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle sales manager in Ireland, Fergus Conheady views eActros ‘as yet another example of the work being done by Mercedes-Benz to maintain the position of Actros as a leading innovator in the field of heavy commercial vehicle development’. eActros will draw its energy from either three or four battery packs of 105 kWh each. Positioned beneath the frame, within a protective aluminium housing, they produce a total capacity of 315 or 420 kW respectively, the latter providing a range of up to 400 kilometres. With a charging capacity of up to 160 kW, when connected to a regular 400A DC charging station, the three battery packs need little more than an hour to charge from 20 to 80 percent. According to Mercedes-Benz, the technological centrepiece of the eActros is its drive unit – a rigid electric axle with two integrated electric motors and two-speed transmission. Both liquidcooled, the motors generate a continuous output of 330 kW and a top performance of 400 kW. Available as a two or three-axle truck with 19 or 27 tonnes permissible gross weight, its quiet drivetrain makes it suitable for night-time deliveries – easing strain on road networks during peak times. Amongst its numerous other features are Interactive Multimedia Cockpit, Fleetboard management system and access to the eConsulting team at Mercedes-Benz Trucks. Safety is enhanced through an external Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), providing warning noises to pedestrians and cyclists, Sideguard Assist – which uses MirrorCam display in place of regular main and wideangle mirrors – and fifth-generation Active Brake Assist emergency braking system with pedestrian recognition, all fitted as standard.
New Generation DAF trucks come alive digitally
DAF Trucks is making its brand New Generation XF, XG and XG+ come alive on computer screens and mobile devices with a stunning augmented reality app and a fully immersive online virtual experience - an industry first. Both applications reflect DAF’s New Generation slogan ‘Start the Future’.
With the interactive augmented reality New Generation DAF app – downloadable via the app stores at Google Play and Apple – each detail of the New Generation XF, XG and XG+ is just a swipe away on the display of any mobile device. Using the camera of your mobile phone or tablet, the software can place the truck where you want it. Right on top of a desk, in a parking area or even in a living room. Appusers can then explore the truck from all angles, both inside and out, and discover all the details and features without leaving the seat. Together with the New Generation DAF app, the DAF Virtual Experience, an immersive and interactive online environment, has been launched, which convincingly emulates its physical equivalent at DAF’s onsite Experience Centre in Eindhoven. This virtual domain offers shows, presentations, videos, a live chat and even the possibility to register for a virtual drive in the New Generation XG and XG+. A visit to the DAF Museum and a virtual web shop are also included. More features will be added during the year. At the heart of this Virtual Experience is the ‘Start the Future’ showroom. Here, visitors can get up close and personal with the New Generation XF, XG and XG+ and discover some of the important features that make this new line of trucks so revolutionary. Comments Richard Zink, Director Marketing & Sales: “The DAF Virtual Experience has been designed to work on all devices – desktop and mobile. It is responsive, rapid and much more than just a video production, with the look and feel of a high-end gaming environment. The New Generation DAF app and the DAF Virtual Experience are part of a comprehensive digital launch of a new generation of trucks, and at the same time ushers in a new generation in communications too.”
Links
Website: https:// virtualexperience.daf.com Google Play Store: https:// play.google.com/store/apps/ details?id=com.daf.app.ar2021 Apple App Store: https:// apps.apple.com/us/app/newgeneration-daf/id1558461306
Helping businesses thrive again.
Release working capital from assets, such as machinery, stock and customer invoices.
