FACTS 107

The Pan-EuropeanTransport and Logistics Magazine

拢3.40

ISSUE 107 2015

68

Pages of news, views & reviews

CLOCS

EXHIBITIONS

BUS & COACH

ALTERNATIVE FACTS

NEWS & FEATURES 路 GROUPAUTO SPECIAL FEATURE路 SAFETY 路 HEAVY HAULAGE & MUCH MORE

VIEW THIS MAGAZINE ONLINE AT WWW.FACTSMAGAZINE.CO.UK FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @ FACTS_MAGAZINE

CONTENTS 05

WELCOME TO FACTS 107

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here is an interesting question raised by this issue of FACTS Magazine - and it centres on the nature of so called Original Equipment, or original equipment equivalence.

The whole point centres on quality and value. All of the major truck and trailer manufacturers buy-in many of the parts, which they assemble, together with all the bits and pieces which they themselves design and engineer. Many major components such as brakes, clutches, gearboxes, axles and a myriad of other assemblies and sub-systems are manufactured by third party partners. Sometimes these bits and pieces are specifically engineered for a particular vehicle, but more often the vehicle designers create their original design around off-the-shelf components which they know are or will be available.

Bell Johnstone Communications 34 Bernard Street, Edinburgh EH6 6PR Tel: 0131 554 1129 - Fax: 0131 555 1622 Bell Johnstone are proud to be Associate Members of the Road Haulage Association.

So, in the CV market place it is possible to buy replacement parts from, roughly in order of diminishing costs, the original vehicle manufacturer; the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) who supplied the original components to the truck company, or from a third party company who build OEE (Original Equipment Equivalent) components which match the original fitment in every specification, or from another third party with a similarly specified component which is not OEE but which has very similar characteristics to the original.

It is also possible to buy much cheaper imported components which may or may not have similar

specification but which have nothing much behind them to support their quality and safety.

It is also possible, for some components, to buy refurbished units, re-engineered back up to the original specification, or sometimes better.

The question which we raise is, which is the best way to handle these questions, especially given cut-throat margins, both on the road and in the workshop? The answer is dependent on many different factors, but our recommendation is: buy from a name you recognise and from someone you know you can trust. Money is tight, but safety and reliability must always be paramount.

Jock Howson jock@belljohnstone.co.uk

IN THIS ISSUE NEWS 06 Forestry Vehicle Weighing, CLOCS and the Econic and Automatic Handbrakes

GROUPAUTO 17 COVER: GROUPAUTO Copyright - All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. While due care and attention is taken to ensure that FACTS is accurate, the publishers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions. © Copyright 2015 - Bell Johnstone & Co Ltd, FACTS and the Publisher accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. Subscription free to trade and education addresses, other subscribers, twelve editions by post £40.80, by cheque to the address above.

Special Feature with many Key Suppliers

Editor Jock Howson jock@belljohnstone.co.uk

Commercial Director Simon Byers simon@belljohnstone.co.uk

SAFETY 56

Production Controller Leanne McLeod leanne@belljohnstone.co.uk

Title Manager Douglas Powell douglas@belljohnstone.co.uk

Affordable Hybridisation and Wrightbus Remembers Jack Kernohan

Production Nick Senior nick@belljohnstone.co.uk

Managing Editor Tony Wood tony@belljohnstone.co.uk

EXHIBITIONS 46 Keeping Things Clean, ADBA, ESS and Transport Solutions ME

HEAVY HAULAGE

52

New Girder Bridge and Flexibility for Heavy Transport

Tackling Blindspots, Avoiding Power Cables and Working Near Fuel Lines

BUS & COACH ALTERNATIVE FACTS

60 64

Kers System for Road Haulage and NGV Day 2015

FACTS 107 2015 • WWW.FACTSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

06 NEWS

VPG ONBOARD WEIGHING

THE PROBLEM WITH MOVING TREES

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imber transport is one of the most problematical areas for any haulier, for four main reasons.

• Timber lorries often require log-lift cranes, specialist trailer, suspension and brake configurations and additional electronic systems which have to be robust enough to last in some very rough territory. The vehicles are expensive.

• Loads are often picked up many miles from the nearest A-road or dual-carriageway and forest roads and local minor road infrastructure is usually very fragile. Roads must be protected and, if damaged, will need to be repaired, which can be very expensive indeed.

Junction box

• Carrying loads of timber out of some of the remote woodlands around the country will usually mean that the timber traffic will have to pass through, or close to, some equally remote communities, unused to high volumes of heavy traffic and sensitive to noise, disruption, and to environmental and ecological issues.

• Even when emerging from the hinterland onto a major road, it is unlikely that the main road will be a comfortable fit for such large machinery, and it is known that the DVSA keep a very keen eye on timber trucks in general, because they know that keeping them safely loaded and under GVW can be a major challenge.

Hauling timber requires some very specialised, and sometimes expensive equipment. These vehicles have to be able to go off-road, sometimes into some very rough terrain indeed.

They need to be tough and flexible and to be kitted out with a variety of different aids to help them carry out their assigned tasks. These can include specialist trailer structures, specialised suspension systems, tyre pressure management systems and, perhaps most importantly, good, accurate, and above all robust weighing systems.

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TruckWigh® indicator

This last requirement is absolutely fundamental.

Freshly felled timber is heavy. Timber which has been lying in the forest for a few days or weeks might have dried out a little and so be marginally lighter, or it may have been lying in the rain for a month and so be quite a lot heavier.

It is impossible to judge with the naked eye, even after years of experience. However it is absolutely vital that the total weight of any timber load be known accurately, and that is where VPG Onboard Weighing come in.

Accurate weighing of a timber load is necessary to address all of the key issues above. Keeping the load below the maximum GVW is essential to protecting both the fragile road infrastructure in rural location and to making sure that locals disrupted by the harvesting process do not get too unhappy with the monstrous loads rumbling past their front doors. It also helps to make sure

NEWS 07

Air pressure transducer

that the DVSA road-side examiners have no cause to put in a report which might affect the haulier’s OCRS. However it is also important to keep the load as close as possible under the maximum load, because that will reduce the number of transits required to clear timber from the section being harvested. So optimising the load weight is as important as keeping it legal.

TruckWeigh® provides this capability using VPG’s patented axle transducers and air pressure sensors, and can be fitted to any vehicle whether

It is absolutely vital that the total weight of any timber load be known accurately, and that is where VPG Onboard Weighing come in. it has mechanical suspension, air suspension, or a combination of both. The TruckWeigh system is designed to be very robust and to be largely maintenance free; because it has no moving parts, TruckWeigh is not susceptible to slipping out of calibration through mechanical wear.

TruckWeigh indicates the loading conditions of each axle and axle group, as well as the weight of the complete vehicle, and also includes trailer identification functionality, which negates the need for recalibration whenever the trailer is swapped.

Axle transducer

With TruckWeigh, VPG Onboard Weighing provides the right solution at the right price for all those who move raw timber from field to sawmill. VPG Onboard Weighing have been working with loggers and timber transport companies for over 30 years, developing some of the most advanced weighing systems for specialist timber transport machines. They understand all the issues involved in the industry. They can help.

For more information: www.vpgonboard.com

FACTS 107 2015 • WWW.FACTSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

08 NEWS

DRIVERS’ OPINIONS BOOST MAN TRUCK & BUS FOR FLEET REPLACEMENT “Efficiency and economy were clearly key factors in the decisions, but we also asked our drivers what they are looking for.”

Forward-thinking firm does its research and MAN TGS vehicles come out on top for economy and popularity.

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ulti award-winning Instarmac, which specialises in manufacturing cementitious and bitumen based products has five new TGS 26.320 6x2 curtainsiders in its fleet.

Andy Ryan, logistics manager at the Tamworth based company, said: “We have previously run MAN vehicles within the fleet and we carried out some research when some of the vehicles were due for replacement.

“Efficiency and economy were clearly key factors in the decisions, but we also asked our drivers what they are looking for.

“After analysis of all that information it was clear the MAN TGS was the right choice for us as part of our rolling replacement of vehicles as they reach six years on the road. The drivers were especially keen on the brand, and the feedback we have had is the cab size makes a difference and the MAN’s win on that score.”

Instarmac, in Staffordshire, has now taken delivery of the trucks, branded in their distinctive orange livery.

Andy added: “There are five brands within the Instarmac family, Ultratcrete, Ultrascape, Ultratile, Ultrafloor and Wondertex.

“The new trucks will be responsible for delivering our products nationwide as we find there is less damage incurred using our own fleet and drivers.”

Mike Richards, MAN sales executive, added: “MAN knows it delivers efficiency and economy to its customers, so to receive the feedback that the drivers prefer MAN too is very encouraging.

“It has been a pleasure working with Instarmac and we hope it is a relationship that will continue into the future as they look to replace more of their fleet.”

For more information: www.mantruckandbus.co.uk

Mike Richards and Andy Ryan WWW.FACTSMAGAZINE.CO.UK • FACTS 107 2015

Malcolm Logistics Driver Trainer, John Heirs, is currently on secondment for two weeks at Transaid’s Professional Driver Training project in Tanzania

NEWS 09

TRANSAID GOES ON THE ROAD WITH THE MALCOLM GROUP

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he Malcolm Group, a corporate member of international development charity Transaid, has found an innovative way of spreading the charity’s message across the UK, using one of the largest trailers in its fleet.

The logistics and construction specialist first unveiled the 14.6m longer semi-trailer (LST) in a distinctive Transaid livery at Multimodal 2015 in May. Since then the moving floor trailer has been delivering Transaid’s message across the UK, visiting nearly 50 different sites and travelling up to 3500km each week from its base in Linwood, Scotland.

Andrew Malcolm, The Malcolm Group’s Chief Executive, says: “We wanted to do something to raise awareness for the vital work that Transaid

does and to highlight the growing partnership between Transaid and The Malcolm Group.

Putting one of our trailers in Transaid livery seemed like the perfect idea.

“We’re proud to talk about our support of Transaid and we hope that this will spur others on to find out more about the charity’s projects and lend their assistance to such a worthy cause.”

Since pledging its support to Transaid in 2014, The Malcolm Group has sought other opportunities to back the charity, aside from its annual financial contribution and participating in the charity’s cycling challenges. Malcolm Logistics Driver Trainer, John Heirs, is currently on secondment for two weeks at Transaid’s Professional Driver Training project in Tanzania.

The Professional Driver Training project aims to reduce the number of fatalities on the roads by improving the standards of commercial driver training. As part of the programme, Heirs is using his expertise to train other driver trainers.

Gary Forster, CEO of Transaid, says: “The Malcolm Group has given us tremendous support over the past year, and the trailer in particular is putting us in front of new audiences on a daily basis. We are grateful to our corporate supporters for the great ideas, staff expertise and the vital funds they provide, which collectively helps us to reach our goals and improve the lives of people across Africa.”

For more information: www.transaid.org

FACTS 107 2015 • WWW.FACTSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

10 NEWS

EASIPUSH ALLOWS MOVEMENT OF ‘STRANDED’ VEHICLES WITHIN WORKSHOPS

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oving inoperable commercial vehicles inside a workshop in order to make a more efficient use of space is now possible thanks to the new pusher from Hunter - EasiPush, available exclusively in the UK from wheel servicing specialist Pro-Align.

Originally developed to help workshops move commercial vehicles a short distance forward in order to carry out the important rolling compensation check as part of the wheel alignment process, the innovative device is now available as a stand-alone tool.

The device has already attracted much attention from commercial vehicle workshops who have been carrying out repairs to a vehicle’s powertrain and have had to wait longer than expected for replacement parts. Under normal circumstances, it would not be possible to move the vehicle, but with EasiPush, technicians are able to easily move trucks, vans, coaches and buses to a more convenient location while they wait for the spare parts to arrive. In doing so,

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access to important workshop areas such as ramps, inspection pits or entry and exit doorways remain free and usable for other jobs.

“Before EasiPush, it was a massive challenge for workshops to move heavy commercial vehicles within the workshop if the engine was not working,” explains Paul Beaurain, Managing Director, Pro-Align. “EasiPush now solves this challenge and gives workshops a great deal more flexibility and ensures they can continue to maximise their efficiency and reduce vehicle down-time.”

Powered by a rechargeable battery unit, operators using EasiPush simply place the unit’s innovative roller assembly against a vehicle’s wheel and turn the handle to commence operation. Using the assembly’s high friction surface, the high torque motors then rotate the vehicle’s wheels, moving it along in a safe, controlled manner. To remove EasiPush, users simply need to engage the reverse gear and retract it from behind the wheel.

EasiPush is ideal for moving a wide range of vehicles including vans, truck and trailer combinations up to 20 tonnes, coaches, buses and much more.

For more information: www.pro-align.co.uk/easipush.

12 NEWS

QUALITY GUARANTEED: NISSAN LAUNCHES MARKET-LEADING FIVE YEAR COMMERCIAL VEHICLE WARRANTY ACROSS EUROPE

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issan is bringing a market-leading innovation to the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market with the introduction of a five year, or 100,000 mile manufacturer warranty for its range of petrol and diesel trucks and vans, purchased from September 1 this year.

Demonstrating the confidence Nissan has in the quality of its award-winning LCV vehicles, the manufacturer warranty covers a comprehensive array of component and chassis elements, from

powertrain and battery through to paintwork. The warranty even extends to include Nissan Genuine accessories.

Ponz Pandikuthira, Director of Light Commercial Vehicles for Nissan Europe said: “Nissan has a long heritage in LCVs and we intend to grow our presence in this market across Europe. Meeting and exceeding the needs and preferences of our customers is a priority. This innovative five-year manufacturer warranty was developed following in depth

research among our LCV customers to understand what they valued most. Launching this market-leading LCV warranty is testament to Nissan’s confidence in the quality of our vehicles and the peace of mind we wish to offer our customers across Europe.”

Nissan has one of the widest ranges of LCVs in Europe to include the popular current Navara pick-up and all-new NP300 from early 2016, NV200 and NV400 vans and NT400 Cabstar and NT500 trucks. Designed to suit a

variety of uses, Nissan’s vans and pick-ups provide cleverly-designed cargo spaces and the latest technological features as options, including rear view camera and NissanConnect Navigation system.

The LCVs provide for a wide range of applications, with impressive manoeuvrability, high levels of driver comfort and affordable cost of ownership from versatile and durable chassis and cabs.

For more information: www.nissan.co.uk

ROSPA DRIVER FLEET SAFETY UNDERGOING OVERHAUL TO MEET CUSTOMER DEMAND

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he division of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) which deals with fleet services will be getting a new name (formerly known as Driver and Fleet Solutions) as part of some major changes that will see numerous benefits for its customers.

The change of name, which will see the division become RoSPA Fleet Safety, and a new website spearhead a host of advancements of its product offering across the board, which reflects its success to date and a demand from its clients to add more value.

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Frances Richardson, director of operations at RoSPA, said: “The change of name is just the forerunner for many exciting changes we are making to the division, which will help us to position ourselves as one of the top, established fleet risk reduction providers in the UK.” The developments include a heavy investment in new systems and processes, to ensure RoSPA stays ahead of a quickly-changing market.

This will involve the inclusion of telematics as part of some services - and RoSPA is currently evaluating

the most appropriate partners to help them deliver this.

Rick Wood, head of training for RoSPA Fleet Safety, said: “We want to be embracing technology, in particular around vehicle telemetry and effective management of data output to improve road safety, by delivery of relevant driver improvement interventions.

“We won’t be collecting data for data’s sake - we want to work with fleet managers to deliver safety improvements.”

The changes to the division will complement its burgeoning international work, which has

seen it become the sole supplier to a number of multi-national firms, including several large oil organisations.

An update on developments at RoSPA Fleet Safety will be made at the Fleet Management Live event, at the NEC, Birmingham, on October 6-7, where RoSPA will be exhibiting.

For more information: www.rospa.com

14 NEWS

BUILT FOR THE CITY If the question for truck operators is how to work safely alongside cyclists and pedestrians, the Mercedes-Benz Econic has all the answers

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he quest to develop safer trucks for operation in city centres has become one of the transport industry’s most pressing issues. Some manufacturers have been left scrabbling to adapt standard models to the challenge of working in urban environments. For Mercedes-Benz, however, a ready-made solution was already available.

Purpose-designed to combine versatility, ergonomics and safety like no other commercial vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz Econic is quite simply in a class of its own. It features a unique low-entry cab and air suspension all round. These features, coupled with the comprehensive specification, engineering integrity and outstanding build quality for which the three-pointed star is renowned, allows the vehicle to offer operators in busy cities and towns exactly what they need: efficiency, comfort, environmental compatibility and safety.

The Econic was launched 16 years ago and has always been aimed primarily at municipal operators. Having firmly established it as the UK’s number one refuse chassis, Mercedes-Benz is now marketing this ground-breaking vehicle to operators working in other sectors, notably construction. Econic-based tippers, mixers and skip-loaders provide significant safety benefits for companies seeking to reduce the risk of one of their vehicles being involved in a potentially fatal collision with a cyclist or pedestrian.

An 8x4 Econic tipper with ‘tridem’ rear bogie set-up was among the undoubted stars at both this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show and biannual CLOCS (Construction Logistics & Cycle Safety) conference. The Econic’s trademark panoramic windscreen and full-length glazed passenger door, together with a full suite of cameras and mirrors, mean this impressive

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vehicle provides the driver with unparalleled all-round visibility. The axle configuration, meanwhile, provides excellent manoeuvrability, another key attribute for trucks required to work in tight city streets.

Fitted with a lightweight Wilcox Wilcolite insulated aluminium body, and Edbro front-end tipping gear, the Econic 3235L carries a competitive, 20-tonne payload. It is now being trialled in a real-life operation by Cemex, running between the operator’s Angerstein Quarry near Dartford and its cement and concrete plants across London.

“It’s clear to see that this revolutionary design, giving more than 90% extra visibility, can help prevent incidents and save lives on our busy urban roads, particularly those of cyclists,” comments Matthew Wild, the company’s Vice President Cement Commercial, Logistics and Building Products. “CEMEX and the construction industry have a responsibility to look at the vehicles that are used day-in and day-out and are an integral part of the business. This new design could completely revolutionise the design of the construction vehicle of the future.”

Mercedes-Benz announced at the CV Show that the Econic would now be available with an optional eight-speed Mercedes PowerShift automated transmission, alongside the six-speed Allison automatic gearbox previously fitted as standard on all models. Again, this development increases the model’s appeal to operators outside the refuse and recycling sector.

Key to the Econic’s design concept is its innovative low-entry, aluminium space-framed cab, which is clad with sheet-moulded composite fibre (SMC) panels. The reduced height and low driving position are complemented by a deep, wraparound windscreen which accords the driver an unrivalled field of vision to the front and both

sides - a clear advantage when driving through built-up areas, or complex urban environments shared with pedestrians and cyclists.

Crucially, from the lower seating position the driver has unimpeded cross-cab vision, and is at the same level as pedestrians and cyclists. To further enhance the range of vision, and at the same time minimise blind spots, the standard-fit, air-operated kerbside door is fully glazed from floor-to-ceiling. This opens bus-style, by folding into the vehicle, and allows the driver and crew to make direct eye-to-eye contact with other road users, and also to see any obstacles, or third parties, that may otherwise be hidden.

Econics are designed and built with additional pre-wiring, which simplifies the process of installing external cameras and dash-mounted monitors. These cameras provide a 360° vision of what is going on around the vehicle and ensure enhanced levels of safety for other road users.

Standard equipment also includes an arsenal of essential Mercedes-Benz safety assistance systems: the Electro-Pneumatic Braking System (EPB) and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) improve the performance of the brake system, thereby contributing to the safety of the vehicle, its occupants and other road users.

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) adds greater security in critical driving situations, and Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) prevents the wheels from spinning.

For any operator needing a truck chassis for urban operation with the ultimate safety credentials, the way forward - like the view from the driver’s seat of a Mercedes-Benz Econic - is clear.

For more information: www.mbtrucks.co.uk/econic

16 NEWS

VISION TECHNIQUES

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n an industry first, vehicle safety experts Vision Techniques have introduced a completely new safety system that automatically applies the vehicle handbrake if a driver forgets, removing the risk of vehicle runaway once and for all.

Technical Manager Nigel Armstrong recognised the need for a failsafe system after the rise in rollaway accidents effecting waste, construction and freight vehicles. Earlier this year he began developing a system designed to prevent runaway accidents for their customers.

“What we’ve done is create something unique to the safety industry but also an essential system that will take away the risk of rolling accidents.”

VT BrakeSafe is a simple idea; if a driver attempts to leave the vehicle when the handbrake is not applied, the failsafe automatically applies the brake and warns the driver audibly.

Although products were available which warn a driver of a forgotten handbrake, there were no systems which applied the brake automatically until now.

“We’re very proud to be the only provider of a system that will stop a vehicle automatically without driver interaction, essentially taking away the risk of unexpected movement.”

The first-of-its-kind braking system has been installed onto waste vehicles at Craven Council in Skipton, where Fleet Manager Steve

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STOP VEHICLE ROLLAWAY ONCE AND FOR ALL

Parkinson instantly saw the potential of rollaway protection.

“It’s a simple solution to a potentially devastating problem. Having a failsafe like this on a vehicle is a health and safety neccessity. We’re really happy VT came to us first with this system.”

As the handbrake system has been developed in-house by their own technical team, VT BrakeSafe will integrate with other safety products such as recording or telematic systems to provide data and statistics to fleet managers.

VT BrakeSafe has been successful throughout testing with Craven Council and demand for the system has been high after demonstrating the safety product to visitors at this years RWM. “As the only company to have a system like this we are in the process of installing trials with some of our biggest customers. We’re proud to bring new innovation to our customers, once again leading the way in vehicle safety.”

VT BrakeSafe joins VT’s product range of safety systems which are hugely popular within the safety industry, including VT TurnAware, their ultrasonic beating cyclist detection system, which was recently shortlisted for a CIWM award in vehicle and plant innovation.

For more information: www.vision-techniques.co.uk

Although products were available which warn a driver of a forgotten handbrake, there were no systems which applied the brake automatically - until now.

GROUPAUTO 17

GROUPAUTO SPECIAL FEATURE

AN INTRODUCTION TO G-TRUCK AND TOP TRUCK

THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE NETWORK FROM GROUPAUTO

The key thing to understand about GROUPAUTO in the Commercial Vehicle sector is that it represents a way for businesses to become part of a very large, very high-profile, international brand, recognised across Europe as a leader in parts supply and CV repair: while still retaining complete independance. GROUPAUTO represents a way to move a business to the next level in terms of training, business development, expertise and recognition.

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owever, becoming a part of the GROUPAUTO family is not simply a question of signing on a dotted line, hanging up a plaque, and then being able to get hold of Tier 1 parts and materials at competitive prices. All of that is true of course, but the reality is that there is a strong commitment in both directions.

GROUPAUTO insist on a very high level of quality

of service and the training and experience to back that up, and they are dedicated to making sure that both their distributors and workshops achieve these levels and they do everything they can to make it possible.

Becoming a part of the GROUPAUTO network enables a member to become as good as they always wished they could be, and provides the

motivation, resources and support to make sure it happens. The idea is to do better business by becoming a better business, and by becoming a part of a high level brand while still remaining wholly independent.

GROUPAUTO represents a unique opportunity.

This feature takes a peek at just how great that opportunity can be.

FACTS 107 2015 • WWW.FACTSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

18 GROUPAUTO

FOLLOW THE MONEY It is important to understand that the whole GROUPAUTO ethos is not based around money.

This may sound like a strange thing to say, because all of business must in the end be about making profit, but for GROUPAUTO the focus is first and foremost on quality.

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he above is true at all levels of the business. If you look at their suppliers it is all about market leaders and well known brands in the industry. Through them they source OE and OE equivalent products, again working with many of the leading brand names in the business.

On the distribution side, the G-Truck distributors make a huge commitment to GROUPAUTO in terms of being willing to support and enhance the G-Truck brand. And GROUPAUTO works hard

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with and for them to make sure that they have everything they need to be successful. This is not simply product training and business and marketing development but includes full Health and Safety support, branded work-wear, even phone systems and credit card operations. All of this on top of the centralised billing and account management which is designed to make sure that the G-Truck factors feels very well looked after. In return they are expected to uphold and deliver the quality expected from within the G-Truck brand.

Similarly for the Top Truck workshops, GROUPAUTO does everything it can to support and encourage them to become at least as good as big franchised operations, in terms of their personnel, their level of training and experience, their equipment and their internal management systems. The whole idea behind Top Truck is to build a very recognisable brand, which will be identified by fleet operators as being a high level national, indeed international, provider of top class maintenance and repair services.

GROUPAUTO 19

GROUPAUTO works with Top Truck members to ensure that their premises are clearly branded, but also to ensure that the member businesses are fully committed to working to the very highest levels of technical competence and customer service.

And so it is clear that as with all businesses income underlies the GROUPAUTO business, as it must, their focus is not on commercial growth at any price, but rather on growing a high-quality distribution and workshop network.

However it must always be remembered that GROUPAUTO does not itself act as a distributor, as it does not, by and large, hold stock in its own warehouses.

This is the usual added-value that classical distributors supply to their part suppliers, but GROUPAUTO has developed a different model.

By providing centralised control over billing and invoicing, GROUPAUTO allow their customers to order directly from the suppliers at a beneficial discount, but the invoices are consolidated and guaranteed by GROUPAUTO, taking a huge financial and administrative burden off the suppliers, who have a single point of contact and payment for everything that comes through the GROUPAUTO channel.

At the same time, the GROUPAUTO members’ invoices are also consolidated, so that rather than have multiple invoices from all the different suppliers, they get invoices from GROUPAUTO and a single monthly statement for everything they have purchased through their G-Truck or Top Truck agreement. (The Top Truck workshops are supplied through their local G-Truck outlets.)

In essence then GROUPAUTO acts as a financial consolidation agency and admin manager, both up and down the chain, and thus adds-value to both suppliers and customers.

As part of all this GROUPAUTO runs a marketing fund system, based on a percentage of what individual members spend with them, and this is returned to the factor or workshop in the form of direct marketing support. GROUPAUTO pays for 75% of the rebranding of the premises for example, but the remaining 25% can be offset against the joint marketing fund. GROUPAUTO will also pay £100 per vehicle for branded livery.

All of this is designed to build the outlet into the GROUPAUTO community and to constantly increase the visibility of the G-Truck and Top Truck brand across the country. The next stage of development will be for GROUPAUTO themselves to establish and grow a national account network where large fleet operators are signed up to the GROUPAUTO family and can reap the benefits of working with the G-Truck and Top Truck brands across the UK, and in Europe as well.

GROUPAUTO is of course in business to make profit, but much more importantly they are focussed on getting the best possible deals for their members, and passing on the volume purchasing benefits they accrue from their very widespread net of suppliers. However, as part of this, they have worked out that for certain high volume products, largely consumables, it makes financial sense for their outlets to be able to buy directly from GROUPAUTO who can purchase in bulk and put into the distribution channels at very attractive prices. To that end therefore they do now have a fabulous modern warehouse, just down the road from the headquarters building in Bradford, from where they can directly supply a wide variety of non-specialist items. Once again however, this is not run as a major profit centre; primarily it operates as yet another way to optimise the purchase price, and hence the revenue streams, for the G-Truck and Top Truck operation.

And so it is clear that as with all businesses income underlies the GROUPAUTO business, as it must, their focus is not on commercial growth at any price, but rather on growing a high-quality distribution and workshop network.

FACTS 107 2015 • WWW.FACTSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

20 GROUPAUTO

IT’S ALL ABOUT BRANDING “Branding is one of the most important aspects of any business, large or small, retail or B2B. An effective brand strategy gives you a major edge in increasingly competitive markets.”

John Williams, Entrepreneur Magazine

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ROUPAUTO’s operation is a very simple model. As a very large international group, GROUPAUTO can talk directly with any and all of the major suppliers in their key markets: automotive and commercial vehicle parts supply. Because they have such a large presence in the market, all across Europe and beyond, they are a very attractive partner to the biggest brand names in the industry. This means that they can negotiate competitive terms by using the combined purchasing power of their members and pass these through to their distribution channels.

It is these high value brand names which are so important to the G-Truck factors and the Top Truck workshops. By being able to source first class components from the likes of ZF, Bosch, Schaeffler, Valeo, TMD, LED Autolamp, DEB, Mann & Hummel and Baldwin, amongst many others, GROUPAUTO members can supply OE or OE equivalent products from the top names in the industry.

But brand value and brand identity is fundamental to what GROUPAUTO do in a different way as well. Part of the added value which GROUPAUTO bring to their members is the very fact that they are members of a high profile international brand, whether it is G-Truck or Top Truck. When a factor or a workshop signs up with GROUPAUTO one of the first thing that happens is that their premises are rebranded in the GROUPAUTO commercial vehicle colours of gray and red, and fitted with all the appropriate

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signage. Of course the original name of the business and all of its own identity is retained, but almost instantly the premises become part of a very well recognised and appreciated brand name, with all the trappings to match.

The interesting thing about this of course is that this is largely funded up front by GROUPAUTO. The company does this for two reasons. Firstly, GROUPAUTO know that a big part of their value, to both suppliers and members, is the recognisability of the brand, not just in the UK but across the whole of Europe. By being readily identified as being a part of the GROUPAUTO network, a local business is also recognised as being up to the ‘major franchise’ level of quality and service which GROUPAUTO insist on within their membership, and as part of an international network on which a customer can rely.

They can negotiate competitive terms by using the combined purchasing power of their members and pass these through to their distribution channels.

GROUPAUTO 21

The second reason for GROUPAUTO’s focus on brand identity, and their willingness to pay for it, is because they want their members to understand and embrace the ethos which comes as part of being a part of the GROUPAUTO team. The fundamental drive is for G-Truck and Top Truck to be seen as playing at the same level as such brands as DAF and Scania, and Valeo and Quinton Hazel, and Dickies and Draper. This level of Brand value benefits everyone: the suppliers, the factors,

the workshops, GROUPAUTO itself but also, and most importantly, the end user customers. The fleet operators and logistics giants across Europe are looking for guaranteed levels of local support, certainly across the whole of the UK and, in many cases, across the whole of Europe. The aim is to have the GROUPAUTO brand recognised as the leading independent provider of parts supply and vehicle maintenance across all the markets they work in. They are well on their way.

The fundamental drive is for G-Truck and Top Truck to be seen as playing at the same level as such brands as DAF and Scania, and Valeo and Quinton Hazel, and Dickies and Draper.

SACHS CLUTCH AND DMF KITS AVAILABLE FROM GROUPAUTO MEMBERS

D

iscerning drivers expect their vehicles to be maintained to the highest standards, and in the current economic climate they demand good value as well.

Sourcing parts from a GROUPAUTO member factor gives buyers at workshop and end-user level easy access to premium quality parts from Original Equipment suppliers such as ZF, without the franchised main dealer markup.

Original Equipment (OE) parts are certified by major vehicle manufacturers for use in series production and must meet their exacting specifications for fit and performance. From an aftermarket perspective, this is important for long-term reliability and maximum product life, and also to ensure that a

vehicle’s warranty is not compromised.

As an example, GROUPAUTO members can supply ‘ZMS Modul’ kits from the ZF aftermarket brand Sachs, containing all parts required for clutch and dual-mass flywheel (DMF) renewal on a variety of vehicles. Manufactured by ZF, each kit contains clutch cover, clutch driven plate and DMF, plus new fixing screws and assembly grease. Some kits also include the clutch release bearing or concentric slave cylinder (CSC). Benefits of a boxed kit include time and cost saving versus sourcing individual parts, and reassurance that the parts will fit correctly and operate together flawlessly.

For more information: www.zf.com/uk FACTS 107 2015 • WWW.FACTSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

22 GROUPAUTO

BALDWIN FILTERS: WHEN QUALITY COUNTS

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ore than ever, transportation companies are becoming cost conscious but be warned, the cheapest isn’t always the best. Filtration plays a key role in maintaining engine performance which is why so many manufacturers turn to Baldwin Filters when innovative solutions are required to keep customer fleets in peak condition, no matter what the operating conditions.

The latest filter technology has come a long way from the traditional image of disposable paper elements, and has now been designed to remove extremely low levels of particulate and moisture contamination down to sub-micron levels, while maintaining high flow rates with a long operating life.

From fuel, air and lube filters to extended life coolant/antifreeze additives, Baldwin Filters is a recognised expert with innovative products that help prolong engine life, increase productivity, reduce downtime and lower your total cost of operation.

We specialise in developing and applying the latest technology to the design and manufacture of filters, which results in low cost and high performance filtration products. Our products are built to meet every need and perform with efficiency, whether you’re driving heavy, medium, or light duty vehicles, we’ve got the protection you need.

Global Presence Over 3000 employees contribute to the company’s success and growth, at five manufacturing locations around the world. Our global reach enables us to serve and support our customers

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Customer Relationships Providing excellent support to our customers is a core value for Baldwin Filters. We understand our customers’ needs and provide support throughout the life-cycle of our products, from product development and manufacturing to after-sale service and replacement parts.

Technological Expertise Baldwin Filters is a technology-driven company committed to satisfying customer needs for filtration solutions through innovative research and development. Our engineers hold over 200 worldwide patents. We combine our particulate and chemical filtration technology with other disciplines, including fluid dynamics, structural analysis and acoustics to deliver pacesetting products.

Here at Baldwin Filters, quality is our top priority. Unlike many large companies, we are not just a filter assembler. Vertically integrated manufacturing process allows us to provide maximum control and consistency by not only producing filters, but also by manufacturing filter components.

Through rigorous testing and quality control all of Baldwin’s filters are manufactured to meet or exceed OEM specification where possible.

Our full range of heavy duty filtration products cover most popular truck and bus applications for oil, air and fuel filters. These replacement parts are made to exactly the same quality and specification, if not better than original equipment filters.

Marc Worthington, Sales Director, comments: “Every effort is taken to ensure the filters we produce perform to the highest standard.

Through vertical integration (the process of manufacturing the components in place of being an assembler of outsourced components), we have greater control over quality. Vertical Integration, recognised industry testing and significant investment in Research & Development are one of the many reasons leading OEM’s choose Baldwin Filters as their supply partner for filtration to protect their engines.”

Protect your equipment with Baldwin Filters, your trusted Commercial Vehicle Supplier. When it comes to coverage, Baldwin Filters provides one of the widest range of air, fuel, lube, coolant and hydraulic filters in the industry.

Heavy duty - it’s our business.

For your nearest Baldwin Filters stockist, please email your enquiry to ukcustomerservice@baldwin-filter.co.uk For more information: www.baldwinfilter.com

24 GROUPAUTO

CLEANING UP IN THE WORKSHOP

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elieve it or not Swarfega has been with us now for almost 70 years, and the company which brought it to our workshops, all across the country, is also still with us. Originally called Deb Chemical Proprietaries, Swarfega, and many other skin cleansing and care products, are now brought to us by The Deb Group. But not only has the company grown and developed, the whole issue of skin care in the industrial sector, and particularly in the automotive and commercial vehicle maintenance environment, has come right to the top of the agenda.

The key thing to understand is that contact dermatitis is by far the most commonly reported form of industrial injury, and even at that it is known to be significantly under-reported.

Contact dermatitis is inflammation of the skin that occurs when you come into contact with a particular substance. It can be caused by: •a n irritant - a substance that directly damages the outer layer of skin •a n allergen - a substance that causes the immune system to respond in a way that affects the skin Contact dermatitis caused by irritants is more common, causing up to 8 in every 10 cases.

This means that the cost to the CV maintenance industry of bad skin care in the workshop, in terms of lost man-hours, is very significant indeed. The effect of constantly niggling “itchy hands” on employee morale and motivation must also be considered.

Gone are the days when it was sufficient to keep a tin of hand cleaner in the corner of the workshop, for employees to claw out already dirty gel to clean their hands at the end of the day. Deb, and their national and international distributors such as GROUPAUTO, can now provide not only an advanced, tailored range of skin care products and dispensers. In addition, Deb can also advise on the best regimes to prevent dermatological problems in the workshop; to ensure that Health & Safety is properly managed, and to make sure that time and money lost through this form of industrial injury is minimised.

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BUCKET HAND CLEANERS CANNOT BE THE WHOLE STORY Deb Group: Be Compliant and Avoid Workplace Skin Complaints It is estimated by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), that from reported cases of occupational skin disease diagnosed by specialist physicians, approximately 70% of them are contact dermatitis.

with potentially harmful materials, providing the right protective equipment and skin care products, and checking for possible skin disease problems. If it is not reasonably practicable to prevent exposure to possibly harmful substances, the law says that employers must do all they can to minimise exposure.

What are the potential causes of dermatitis in the automotive industry?

• Frequent or prolonged contact with used engine oil may cause dermatitis and other skin disorders including skin cancer.

• Many cleaning and degreasing substances used in valeting can cause dermatitis.

• Exposure to fine dust during hand sanding can cause dermatitis.

• Some substances in two-part adhesives, body fillers and foam fillers can cause skin allergies.

• If the hands are frequently wet, or wet for prolonged periods during the workday (for example during wet sanding), this can lead to dermatitis.

So, what can businesses within the automotive industry do to ensure they are compliant?

Effective prevention requires full co-operation between all involved; management and employees alike. Whatever the obligation of the employer, the employee also has a duty to comply with all preventative actions identified.

But, the diversity and complexity of the automotive environment can make it difficult to find an appropriate, effective skin safety solution that will be used and understood by all.

Paul Jakeway, Marketing Director at Deb advises: “It is important to look at the needs of every employee in the workplace, not just those who require PPE. Organisations should work with companies who are experts in skin care to provide a systemised skin safety solution along with providing support materials to create a communications campaign to educate employees on the importance of hand hygiene.”

Jakeway Concludes: “The Swarfega Skin Care System™ comprises a complementary range of skin care products and support activities to overcome obstacles and encourage employee motivation to comply with a rigorous skin safety philosophy.”

Protecting the skin is particularly important in the automotive industry, as contact with potentially hazardous materials is inevitable. By having a systemised approach to skin care, combined with programmes to educate employees about their skin, employers can provide a simple yet cost-effective solution to help all employees combat dermatitis in the workplace.

What are the implications of occupational skin problems?

The cost implications of occupational skin problems can be significant and are widely accepted to be under reported. Occupational skin complaints not only mean personal costs for the employee, but there are also disruption costs to businesses such as lost productivity through employee absence from work, reduced employee efficiency and poor staff morale, together with the potential damage caused to both an organisation and its reputation through negative publicity.

What can businesses do to avoid such costs?

Health and Safety Executive guidelines highlight that employers are legally obliged to provide a safe working environment and to carry out regular safety assessments.

Therefore, employers have a legal ‘duty of care’ to assess the risks that could cause dermatitis, as well as other risks, and to take necessary preventative actions such as reducing contact

For more information: Email: enquiry@swarfega.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1773 855137 Web: www.swarfega.com

26 GROUPAUTO

PROUD TO SUPPLY GROUPAUTO WITH OE QUALITY CV WARNING AND SAFETY PRODUCTS

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t’s easy to see why ECCO and GROUPAUTO have such a great trading relationship - they both share the same philosophy of supplying the independent CV aftermarket with OE quality products via the networks of G-TRUCK parts distributors and the TOP TRUCK independent workshops.

ECCO supplies directional LEDs, beacons, minibars, lightbars, worklamps, and reversing safety in the form of CCTV systems and back-up alarms. Like G-TRUCK, ECCO believes that quality is key to vehicle reliability, avoiding VOR situations and ultimately providing the best operating safety for drivers, workers and members of the public. Indeed, ECCO’s philosophy is summed up in its key belief of being “passionate about safety”.

Back-up alarms - an example of OE quality Back-up alarms provide a prime example of ECCO’s quality assurance. The company has become the world’s largest manufacturer of back-up alarms and remains at the forefront of the product’s design and technology. The company supplies alarms to the leading OEM’s worldwide and is also a major player in the automotive aftermarket. From alarms for small vans right up to giant earth-movers, ECCO has a comprehensive range with a multitude of applications.

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Tried and tested with the AMECA effect It’s easy for manufacturers to claim their products meet government standards.

However, it’s another thing when their testing equipment, procedures and results are independently certified by a reputable third party. The Automotive Manufacturers Equipment Compliance Agency (AMECA) has been providing independent certification on ECCO products, including alarms, for over a decade.

ECCO back-up alarms have all been stringently tested and certified to meet all relevant standards.

Directional LEDs ECCO supplies a comprehensive range of directional LEDs. Easy to fit and compact with amazing light output that enhances safety on the road or off-road operations such as construction sites and quarries. Products include the VigiLED II and SecuriLED which are very popular with the municipal and utility sectors.

Beacons Available as traditional rotator, xenon or with the latest LED technology, ECCO beacons can meet any application and can be specified with a large number of mounting options including permanent or magnetic. ECE R65 versions can also be specified.

Lightbars LED versions are now leading the way with this technology becoming increasingly cost-effective.

LED bars are often maintenance-free and can be a “fit and forget” option.

A range of options is available on many of the bars in the range including Stop/Tail/Indicators, alley lights and built-in worklamps.

Worklamps ECCO offers a range of worklamps some of which can “turn night into day” with amazing light output up to 3000 lumens. The latest versions provide all the advantages of LEDs, namely a maintenance-free service life, excellent light output, 12 or 24V operation in one unit and a relatively low current draw, allowing reduced stress on batteries and alternators.

CCTV for reversing safety The latest kit is wireless and uses ECCO’s unique monitor and camera design. It includes a 5.6” touch screen colour monitor and infrared camera providing excellent colour images even in poor lighting. The monitor is easy to fit and is designed to take up minimal cab space. The system can be expanded to use up to four cameras.

For more information contact your nearest G-TRUCK distributor.

28 GROUPAUTO

FEBI TRUCK DIVISION

O

perating independently, the Truck Division from febi bilstein offers perfectly fitting wear-parts for all established brands and models of truck, trailer and bus. The range covers from steering, engine, suspension and wheel mounting technology to vehicle electrics and pneumatics.

47 highly-qualified employees work solely for this division, making sure every wear-part meets the specific requirements for quality, resilience, installation safety and efficiency.

KEEPING YOU ON THE ROAD With more than 8000 replacement parts, the Truck Division boasts a broad spectrum of products that keeps on growing. New product lines are to be introduced (among them, air conditioning, cabin components and turbochargers), while the core competence in the area of steering and chassis is constantly expanding.

EVERYTHING FOR LARGE VEHICLES The maintenance and repair of commercial vehicles places particular demands on the quality, stress resistance and durability of all the components used. Whether for trucks, trailers, semitrailers or buses, you will find the right OE quality spare part for all the popular types in the febi Truck Division.

This selection is also unbeatable. From steering, engine, braking, chassis and wheel fastening technology to vehicle electrics and pneumatics, the febi Truck Division offers you a wide range of products, to quickly get commercial vehicles back on the road again.

FEBI BILSTEIN: ALWAYS ONE STEP AHEAD

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ince its establishment in 1844, febi bilstein, the world-renowned manufacturer and supplier, has stood for product and service innovations whose enormously high standard of quality is constantly reflected in the in-house production of precision parts. For febi bilstein, the “Made in Germany” seal of quality is more than just a statement, it’s a promise.

Therefore the company invests continuously in the expansion of in-house production, machining facilities and testing equipment.

As a trendsetter in the independent aftermarket, febi bilstein’s stated goal is always to be among the first in the market to incorporate new product

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developments into its own range of products; not only as a supplier, but also making their mark on the market as a manufacturer with their “Made in Germany” solutions. febi bilstein uses its many years of expertise as a manufacturer, in addition to cutting edge production technologies, to enable it to meet ever-increasing market demands at all times. The range covers more than 30,000 technical spare parts for all popular models of European cars and commercial vehicles. The diversity of this product range is rounded off by the febiplus programme.

For more information: www.febi-parts.com

The following product groups are included in the range: • Steering technology • Engine technology • Braking technology • Suspension technology • Vehicle electrics • Wheel fastening • Cabin components • Pneumatics • Fluids • febiplus

30 GROUPAUTO

TRUCKTEC: GROUPAUTO’S OWN BRAND OF HIGH QUALITY LUBRICANTS

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ruckTEC has introduced a new, fuel saving, commercial vehicle engine oil, which has undergone extensive testing at the Millbrook vehicle test and development facility, with the results proving it can provide huge, long term savings on a typical fleet operator’s fuel bill.

The fully synthetic TruckTEC Euro FE 5W-30 LS engine oil was tested in two types of bus, a Cummins ISB4.5 powered 2013 Wrightbus Streetlife and, a Volvo D7 powered 2005 Volvo B7RLE. Fuel economy testing can be completed in a number of varying ways such as in an engine test cell or on a chassis dynamometer. For a fleet owner it is important to understand if the claimed fuel consumption improvements will actually transpire to a real world operation.

The oil was tested in two types of bus, a Cummins ISB4.5 powered 2013 Wrightbus Streetlife and a Volvo D7 powered 2005 Volvo B7RLE. The buses were put through lengthy and varied driving cycles designed to mimic urban and rural environments with both stop-start and constant speed conditions.

Sophisticated fuel consumption analysis showed that the buses when running with TruckTEC Euro FE 5W-30 LS engine oil saved an average of nearly 2% fuel compared with the same buses carrying out the same driving cycles with a conventional 15W-40 engine oil. This could mean huge savings on a typical fleet operator’s fuel bill.

In addition to fuel saving, TruckTEC Euro FE 5W-30 LS offers other key benefits for a wide range of applications including: Compatibility with after-treatment devices including diesel particulate filters, long drain formulation, low oil consumption, outstanding anti-wear protection and, excellent cold starting properties.

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TruckTEC Euro FE 5W-30 LS is ideally suited for use in the very latest Euro 6 emission engines and is backwards compatible to older models.

It is particularly recommended for use in commercial vehicles by MAN, DAF, Iveco, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz and Renault.

TruckTEC Euro FE 5W-30 LS is the perfect choice for a typical heavy duty fleet operator running a range of vehicle types and ages and who wishes to reduce fuel costs.

Arriving at fuel efficient lubricants Significantly, unlike many other design parameters, the introduction of a more fuel efficient lubricant is not limited to a model upgrade, they are in fact available for use at any time. They can also be applied to multiple vehicle models and platforms and can be used across these areas at any time providing they meet the required claims of the relevant Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in question.

The key factor is that the introduction of a new lubricant for a vehicle is generally not viewed as necessitating a major engineering redesign and associated testing/calibration.

The decision to move to a more fuel efficient lubricant is enhanced since the incremental cost of introducing a fuel efficient lubricant is low in comparison to the potential fuel savings leading to a favourable economic decision.

One of the primary methods for delivering this fuel economy benefit is by lowering the viscosity of the engine oil. This enables a reduction of friction within the engine, but the actual change of viscosity within the engine depends on a number of factors including the engine design and typical operating conditions.

To deliver the optimum balance of fuel economy and durability, a careful balancing of the base

oil, viscosity modifier and additive package is needed. Within this balance, it is also well known that the additive chemistry plays an important role by both ensuring the durability of the engine is not compromised and by directly contributing to the friction reduction in the engine.

About TruckTEC All TruckTEC products meet the quality requirements for “parts of matching quality” as described by BER 1400/2002 article 1, paragraphs t and u (European Block Exemption).

There are currently 10 grades available in the TruckTEC range comprising fullyand semi-synthetic oils for DAF, MAN, Mercedes Benz, Renault, Scania, Volvo and Iveco applications.

A range of 11 premium gear and transmission oils is also available.

Products are available in a range of sizes from bulk to IBCs to 199L, 20L, 5L and 1Litre packs.

For more information: www.tradetec-oil.co.uk/trucktec

32 GROUPAUTO

LED AUTOLAMPS AND GROUPAUTO

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he benefits of LED vehicle lighting are now widely acknowledged within the CV industry, with many more vehicle producers and fleet managers making the switch from traditional bulb lighting. The savings that can be made through lower power consumption and reduced down-time are very attractive to vehicle owners, and is an essential step to make when looking to economise a fleet.

As an approved supplier to GroupAuto, LED Autolamps’ huge vehicle lighting range is readily available through the comprehensive network of GroupAuto and G-Truck distributors - supported

by LED Autolamps’ own 20,000ft2 distribution centre based at their headquarters near Birmingham.

‘We have an incredibly high level of stock holding, and aim to have complete product availability at all times.’

Maurice continues ‘Our partnership with GroupAuto is very important to us as a manufacturer; G-Truck provides us with an extensive CV dealer network and a professional outlet for our lamps, and in turn we offer fast delivery, great service and technical assistance on hand at all times.’

LED Autolamps are the largest supplier of LED lamps in Europe with the most comprehensive lighting range available. In their extensive product portfolio, all of which is available through GROUPAUTO and their G-Truck factors, LED Autolamps offer a fantastic choice of compact combination lamps; round, square and single function lamps; modular, number plate and rear

A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY?

cluster lamps; marker lamps; warning lamps; a wide choice of work lamps, and much more.

Being one of the original companies to bring this technology to the market, LED Autolamps have been pushing the sector forward ever since, with continuous product development and innovation. Throughout the years, the company have established itself as a recognised and respected brand that is fitted by many large and medium OEM’s. If you are a commercial vehicle parts dealer looking for a reliable single supplier to cater for your lighting needs, read on.

Suitable for all types and sizes of commercial vehicle and fully approved for European road use, LED Autolamps products are unique and are not available from any other supplier. From a distribution point of view, factors and workshops can fully promote the many benefits of LED vehicle lighting to their own customers, including: • Low power consumption: up to 90% less than traditional bulb lighting.

• Longevity: service life exceeding 50,000 hours, compared to 500 hours for a typical bulb.

• Durability: LEDs are a solid state lighting technology and contain no loose or moving parts, making them highly resistant to shock and vibration.

• Highly efficient: over 90% of energy emitted is usable light, with almost no heat loss at all.

• Environment: clean to produce with around 90% recyclable material being used.

• Whole life costs reduced: maintenance and servicing costs are minimised as no bulb changes are required - completely service free.

• Safety: risk of blown bulbs is eliminated, reducing police/DVSA interest, and improving the safety of your vehicle.

• Performance: LEDs offer a faster rise to full light intensity, compared to traditional bulb lighting, which gives increased safety benefits with regards to a faster stop light function.

Unlike much of their competition, LED Autolamps design, engineer and manufacture all of their products. Not only does this guarantee quality and production control, but it means the company holds sole rights to all, meaning wholesalers cannot access these products in the open market; this in turn means increased margins for factors and workshops as there is reduced competition. As an ISO9001(2008) accredited company, LED Autolamps aim to offer exceptional customer focussed service through efficiency, responsibility and credibility, and work closely with GROUPAUTO and G-Truck to ensure this is maintained throughout their distribution network.

For more information: Tel: 0121 313 2222 www.ledautolamps-uk.com enquiries@ledautolamps-uk.com

EU200

150BARE2 Merch Box

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7515C Illuminated

150ARM

34 GROUPAUTO

TO BE OE, OR NOT TO BE

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n its Statement of Genuine OE Quality, MANN+HUMMEL states that “MANN-FILTER brand products are at least of an equivalent quality within the meaning of Motor Vehicle Block Exemption 461/2010”. Through this statement, MANN+HUMMEL, the manufacturer of MANN-FILTER, ensures there is no distinction in the quality of its OE, OES and MANN-FILTER products for LCV and CV applications.

THAT IS THE QUESTION! “OE quality” claims from filter manufacturers and marketers should not be taken for granted, as often this promise may not be kept. In order to reduce production costs and hence the cost offered to you, it is necessary to compromise on the quality and quantity of filter component materials.

For more information: www.mann-filter.com

The following components are often targeted and compromised by low cost, low quality filter manufacturers: The Filter Media

BRAND ‘X’

BRAND ‘Y’

BRAND ‘Z’

Often considered the most important filter component. To function correctly it is critical that the media grade and quality and filter surface area exactly match the OE specification.

These determine filtration efficiency and most importantly, the filter’s capacity to retain contaminant between servicing. Each MANN-FILTER product is equipped with the OE specified media grade and filter surface area to endure the OE service interval.

The Filter Element The design and construction of the filter element is essential to support, seal and position various components. To achieve peak performance each of the pleats should be consistent and evenly spaced with parallel aligned end caps. In addition precision end cap pressings and optimum adhesive application is necessary.

The By-pass Valve

BRAND ‘X’

During normal engine operation, the by-pass valve must seal perfectly to avoid the circulation of unfiltered lubricant. The by-pass valve spring opening pressure, dictated by its spring strength, is carefully determined by the OEM and filter manufacturer and is specific to engine types, operational characteristics and service intervals. An oil filter equipped with a by-pass valve of incorrect specification can significantly reduce engine life expectancy.

The Anti-drain Valve The anti-drain valve (ADV) retains lubricant inside the filter when the engine is not operating, ensuring instant engine lubrication on start up. In addition the ADV creates a permanent seal between the filter element and the filter lid thus preventing the by-pass of unfiltered lubricant. MANN-FILTER ensures high temperature durability and positive sealing through 360° using an OE specified silicon compound. Compromising the design or manufacture of the ADV results in the probability of premature engine wear or failure.

Peace of mind The risk of engine failure is significantly increased by replacing OE parts with lower specification filters. By choosing MANN-FILTER CV products from G-TRUCK members, genuine OE quality, optimum engine protection and peace of mind is assured.

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36 GROUPAUTO

40 YEARS OF SERVICING YOU

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he TTC brand, established for over 40 years now, has grown to become the leading independent brand in commercial vehicle parts and accessories and has gained the w ­ ell-earned reputation in the CV parts aftermarket for product quality, personal service and excellent product availability. This heritage is something the team pride themselves on and drives the team’s commitment to its customers on a daily basis.

Following the launch of its own genuine alternative product range in 2009, this has strengthened the TTC heritage in offering competitively priced alternatives to OE, as well as quality assured proprietary product brands, to ensure customers can meet their own customer’s needs, whilst also allowing them to remain competitive.

The long established TTC catalogue has been at the forefront of the CV industry since its launch back in 1975 and this still remains today with many referring to it as the ‘industry bible’ Edition 19, TTC’s 40th Anniversary edition, is a completely new and redesigned parts catalogue from the TTC team, and covers the complete product range, both TTC and its proprietary brand partners. The new catalogue has been designed with the vehicle repairer and distributor firmly in mind, with new logical page layouts to help easily identify, the required part, by vehicle application.

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This new edition is the biggest and best yet, with over 200 additional pages, packed full with hundreds of new products, including a brand new Truck & Van parts section. New layouts dominate throughout including new Braking, Road Spring and Air Spring sections.

For the first time, the TTC catalogue contains the Covind truck body panel range covering all the major trucks on European roads. Covind, with over 30 years of experience and “on field” testing, guarantee a highly performing finished product, of equal quality to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

Also hot off the press in Edition 19 is our new range of all-makes Truck Hubs. TTC Truck Hubs are manufactured to OEM standards using the latest technology machinery in an ISO9001:2008 manufacturing plant. The majority of the range is offered as a complete hub assembly, including bearings/seals and these are fitted only with FAG bearings, giving customers and end-users alike, piece of mind from a quality perspective.

Edition 19 also contains the new range of Corteco Truck Hub Oil Seals. Corteco, part of the Freudenberg Group has been a designer and manufacturer of OEM hub oil seals since 1929.

The range offered by Unipart Autoparts covers all major European truck applications and is available on a next day basis.

This latest edition of the TTC catalogue also sees the debut of TTC’s new range of Automatic Slack Adjusters. This range, launched in conjunction with the catalogue, covers all the major European truck and trailer applications and has a two year warranty with TUV approval.

This catalogue section is designed with the distributor / workshop in mind, containing, as well as the application data, all dimensional and cross reference information along with an image of each part.

As well as this, the new catalogue includes all of the previously launched TTC own brand product, including the extensive new Steering & Suspension range, consisting of over 250 part numbers including; track and tie rods, tie end rods, track control arms, radius rods, stabiliser links, v-links and repair kits.

The innovative new range of TTC Brake Calipers is also included, offering both new and re-manufactured Brake Calipers for both truck & trailer applications, all of which are bench tested and all castings fully bar coded for full traceability.

With all of this to offer plus much, much more, TTC are proud to partner with GROUPAUTO to deliver the most comprehensive commercial vehicle component range available today in the UK aftermarket.

For more information: www.ttcparts.com

38 GROUPAUTO

WORLD-LEADING BRAKE TECHNOLOGY

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ore than 200 million drivers worldwide rely on the quality of TMD Friction products to bring their vehicles to a safe and comfortable stop. And with in excess of one million brake pads and linings rolling off its production lines each day, it is not surprising that it is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of brake friction products.

TMD Friction has been developing original equipment (OE) brake friction since the beginnings of the automotive industry and for some of the very first motor vehicles. To this day the company continues to be a

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preferred supplier and trusted development partner to the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers.

Vehicle and brake system manufacturers expect their original equipment suppliers to be present where they are; in Europe, Asia and North and South America. TMD Friction fulfils this requirement, providing customers with specialist brake technology and local expertise in production, quality management and logistics.

With a workforce of 4800 operating in 15 production locations in nine different countries across four continents, the company’s global presence is vital to ensure up-to-date and innovative products for the automotive industry. The company enjoys long-standing and successful relationships with leading automotive manufacturers including VW, BMW, Daimler and Porsche.

In parallel to its OE programme, TMD Friction has engineered an enviable aftermarket product range, with internationally recognised brands such as Textar, Mintex and DON. In addition to disc brake pads and drum brake linings, the product portfolio also includes brake discs, brake drums, accessories and specialist brake pads for the motorsport sector.

STOP WITH THE BEST Textar has been renowned as a source of OE, premium quality braking products since 1913. Today, it stands for cutting edge, innovative and technologically-advanced products. The Textar range for passenger cars totals more than 1500 brake pads and linings, covering effectively 100% of all vehicles driven in Europe, utilising more than 60 different OE quality damping shims, helping to increase braking comfort in virtually every passenger car.

This comprehensive product range has been significantly extended in the last few years. Brake pads and linings are supplemented with matching components such as brake shoes, brake shoe kits, brake discs (most of which are 100% coated), drums, wear indicators, accessories, brake fluid and brake cleaner, as well as lubricant. In addition, a complete range of hydraulic brake and clutch components, as well as brake tools, are available under the Textar brand.

However, TMD Friction isn’t limited to premium braking. Every market segment is comprehensively served with high-quality products, with well-established and trusted brands further developed and strengthened for the aftermarket, including Mintex in the passenger car sector, and DON for commercial vehicles.

Mintex has been a leading brand since 1908 and is possibly one of the most famous brands in motorsport. As one of the pioneers of the brake discs and pads that we know today, Mintex’s name is synonymous with quality. Offering a wide-range of products made to OE specification, Mintex has a complete aftermarket solution for all vehicles, from superminis to supercars.

DON however, is the ideal solution for fleet owners and workshops, standing for uncompromising quality and optimum safety at a

competitive price. With a greatly extended range of products and a reputation for reliability, DON has retained its position as a strong market player in developing and supplying braking solutions for commercial vehicles, buses and coaches.

There are several brands owned

by TMD Friction, all with their own heritage, purpose and identity, yet the company’s consistent quality and OE expertise is at the heart of each and every product.

For more information: www.don-brakes.co.uk

TMD Friction has been developing original equipment (OE) brake friction since the beginnings of the automotive industry

40 GROUPAUTO

SAFETY FIRST OE-quality brake pads improve safety, wear rates and downtime, saving operators’ money

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ehicle safety systems that use brake intervention are making it more important than ever before to fit ­high-quality brake materials. For systems such as active braking and stability control to continue to work to their maximum potential it is advised that, when replacement parts are needed, the vehicle is equipped with ­OE-specification brake pads such as those offered by Ferodo.

Vehicle manufacturers know that productivity is key to the success of their customers’ operations, they use only the best friction materials for their braking systems to deliver the best possible combination of performance and durability. Fitting Ferodo ­OE-quality replacement brake pads reduces the chance of later problems with safety and productivity.

Friction components represent just 0.2%, of the average annual running costs of a heavy vehicle. Specifying a high quality, longer life friction product, for a small price premium,

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is a good deal for operators who can keep their vehicles running without unscheduled maintenance stops.

From its work with vehicle manufacturers worldwide, Federal-Mogul Motorparts, Ferodo’s parent, understands how the braking requirements of different vehicles vary and it has developed a wide portfolio of friction materials.

An example is work with Daimler to develop two different homologated friction materials for the Mercedes-Benz Actros. The materials were designed to cater for the different requirements of the vehicle’s front and rear axles.

Each Ferodo material is designed to suit its individual application and is matched to the requirements of specific braking systems.

Whether operators are running start-stop, short-haul urban buses or refuse trucks, or long-haul coaches and freight trucks, Ferodo engineering means consistent braking under all temperatures and conditions.

Ferodo has developed a number of features that are instrumental in providing OE braking performance.

A green coating eases the bedding-in process and enables safer initial braking following brake pad replacement. Specially moulded grooves, a thermal underlayer and cast iron back plates improve heat dissipation, helping the brake to last and to perform at its peak for longer.

ProTec S® brake pads, from Ferodo, feature a pre-welded spring which stops the unsafe practice of using old springs with new pads. They also help reduce fitting times, improve braking efficiency and are quieter in operation.

Fitting OE-quality brake pads ensures the safety systems fitted to the vehicle are working to their maximum potential. Applying the appropriate OE-quality friction materials for a vehicle’s operating conditions, improves safety, wear rates and downtime, saving operators’ money.

For more information: www.ferodo.com

GROUPAUTO 41

COMMERCIAL BRAKE TECHNOLOGY AND GROUPAUTO: BETTER BRAKE SOLUTIONS

C

ommercial Brake Technology (UK) Limited have been a preferred supplier to GROUPAUTO for commercial brake calipers since December 2014, and have gained considerable traction with group members based on exceptional feedback from those who have chosen to give their products a try.

Commercial Brake Technology (C.B.T) are experts at brake systems in general and brake calipers in particular. The whole purpose of the company is to deliver re-engineered replacement brake calipers which are actually better than the original fitments they are replacing. Director Andrew Baker explains.

“Most people believe that Original Equipment replacement parts are the best technical solution for fitting replacement brake components to their trucks, coaches or buses, if only they weren’t so expensive. In some instances this is true, but only where the brake components

are specifically designed and manufactured for a particular vehicle and a particular application.

This is rarely the case. Most brake systems are manufactured by one of three or four major manufacturers, and it is usually the case that a chassis, and its axle and wheel layout, is built to accommodate pre-existing components, chief amongst them the brakes. This means they might not be perfectly suited to the role for which they are used.”

At C.B.T, after a faulty unit has been inspected and tested, it is taken apart by a fully trained and qualified technician, and all the consumables are replaced with a whole set of new sub-components of at least the same specification as the originals.

However, if there is a known problem or an identified point of failure, the re-engineered unit is fitted with up-rated components designed to cure the problem in the original design and to better suit the application for which the unit will be used.

The primary mechanical components are replaced where necessary, the main casting is then shot-blasted and painted with special corrosion and heat resistant paint and then lubricated and reassembled following strict guidelines. The finished product looks brand new, works like brand new, is often more reliable and more durable than brand new, but is available at a fraction of the cost.

Since they started working with GROUPAUTO, C.B.T have increased their productivity by introducing additional skilled workforce and leaner production methods whilst maintaining the quality standard that has given C.B.T their much sought after reliability. One happy customer - Acton Commercial Factors in London - has said “The team at C.B.T are a great outfit to deal with. They are very responsive, their product is exceptional and I certainly would recommend using them.”

For more information: www.commercialbraketechnology.com

C.B.T HAVE BEEN PROVIDING GROUPAUTO MEMBERS WITH HIGH QUALITY UNRIVALED PRICED CALIPERS AND KITS SINCE DECEMBER 2014 • All new bolts fitted torque tested to O.E spec and marked • O.E equivalent kits fitted • No surcharges applied • Free standard next day delivery with TNT • Double coated paint finish to improve shelf life and reduce corrosion • Build technicians trained using ILUX training program • SOP’s used at all times • Supplied in strong secure box and clearly labeled • Excellent stock and range of calipers and caliper kits • Very competitive prices • Imprest stock agreements available Stock items include: • MERITOR DX195 TRAILER CALIPER • KNORR BREMSE SB/SN7000 • MERITOR MERC VARIO REAR • BREMBO IVECO 75E15 REAR • WABCO PAN17

FACTS 107 2015 • WWW.FACTSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

42 GROUPAUTO

IRTEC

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rtec is a renewable and voluntary accreditation scheme that assesses the safety and competence of technicians who maintain and repair vehicles in the commercial vehicle, trailer and passenger carrying industries.

After identifying a need for technicians in road transport to be able to prove their skills, competence and safety, irtec was established by the Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE).

In 2010, IRTE joined forces with IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) and IMI Awards Ltd, the leading awarding body for the retail motor industry, to strengthen irtec’s aims to improve industry competence and standards. IRTE and IMI work together, in consultation with industry, on the development of the irtec assessments, to ensure that irtec reflects the changing needs of employers and industry.

Through irtec, technicians and mechanics can add to their qualifications and demonstrate that their skills and knowledge are up-to-date. An irtec licence proves a commitment to safety and demonstrable professional development by both the technician and employer.

Technicians who take the irtec test are assessed on their theoretical and practical skills and, if successful, are awarded an irtec licence. An irtec licence certifies the individual, rather than the employer, and can be used to demonstrate a common standard of skills from one company to the next. irtec licences are awarded at four different levels and in several vehicle classes, depending on the technician’s skills, experience and road transport industry sector. Once an irtec licence is issued, the technician is listed on a national register and is bound by a code of conduct.

An irtec licence is valid for a period of five years after which the licence holder must undergo reassessment for renewal. IMI Awards Ltd. manages the quality assurance process for irtec, including the approval of new irtec testing centres, and the monitoring of assessments and assessors.

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INDEPENDENT TECHNICIAN ACCREDITATION IN THE CV SECTOR Measuring skills at 4 levels The cost of taking an irtec licence test varies depending on which irtec assessment centre the tests are taken. Some assessment centres also offer pre-test training which comes at an additional cost. irtec offers licences at four benchmark career levels which reflect a technician’s job role and experience. Licences can be taken in various vehicle classes. Technicians are assessed on both practical competence and theoretical knowledge.

Once accredited, irtec technicians agree to abide by the irtec code of conduct, receive a licence card, certificate and are placed on the irtec technicians register. As an additional benefit, irtec licence holders are eligible for a free Halfords Trade Card.

1. Service Maintenance Technician The minimum entry requirement is two years’ industrial experience or a Level 2 S/NVQ (or equivalent qualification) plus at least one year’s experience in a relevant industrial environment. In order to achieve an irtec licence, a technician must first carry out an hour-long theory (Under Pinning Knowledge) test at an irtec-approved assessment centre, before completing a practical assessment.

2. Inspection Technician The minimum entry requirement is three years’ industrial experience or a Level 3 S/NVQ (or equivalent qualification) plus at least one year’s experience in a relevant industrial environment.

In order to achieve an irtec licence, a technician must first carry out an hour-long theory (Under Pinning Knowledge) test at an irtec-approved assessment centre, before completing a practical assessment.

3. Advanced Technician The minimum entry requirement is three years’ industrial experience ora Level 3 S/NVQ (or equivalent qualification) plus at least one year’s experience in a relevant industrial environment.

In order to achieve an irtec licence, a technician must first carry out an hour-long theory (Under Pinning Knowledge) test at an irtec-approved assessment centre, before completing a practical assessment.

Practical assessments are carried out at an irtec-approved assessment centre, although they can be carried out in the workplace (under controlled conditions) by an irtec-approved assessor (additional charges may be applicable).

4. Master Technician The irtec Master Technician level provides recognition for individuals either in, or working towards a senior position such as a supervisory role or similar within a maintenance and repair workshop environment.

Technicians should be working in the industry and ideally have at least five years’ experience or a Level 4 S/NVQ (or equivalent qualification) plus at least one year’s experience in a relevant industrial environment. This is to ensure they are familiar with the skills, knowledge and techniques required to diagnose system faults, communicate effectively at all levels and be able to transfer their technical knowledge to others such as apprentices and technicians.

In order to achieve an irtec Master Technician licence, a technician must carry out a theory (Under Pinning Knowledge) test and a series of practical assessments at an irtec-approved assessment centre.

For more information: www.irtec.org.uk

An irtec licence proves a commitment to safety and demonstrable professional development by both the technician and employer.

GROUPAUTO 43

HTF

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ave Moore of HTF Commercial Repairs Ltd, Top Truck workshop in Oldham in Lancashire, is very forthright about the company’s relationship with GROUPAUTO. “Martin has made us do everything I always wanted us to do, as a business, but somehow could never find the time.”

Martin is of course Martin Sangster, who is Commercial Manager - CV at GROUPAUTO, and manages both the G-Truck and Top Truck operations. It is his responsibility to find likely members of the GROUPAUTO network and then to work with and support them to make sure they come up to the required standards and reap all of the benefits which becoming part of the brand brings with it.

“The thing about being part of the Top Truck group is exactly that, you are part of something much larger. We are just a straightforward commercial vehicle garage, though my business partner and I also run a couple of other businesses from here, so we maintain our own vehicles as well as a lot of other people’s. This of course means we are very busy, both in the workshop and in the office, and we simply could never find time to do all the things with the

THE VIEW FROM THE STREET

workshop which we wanted to do to bring it up to scratch.

“That’s probably was the main reason why we joined up with Top Truck. Of course Martin explained the benefits of being part of the network, both from an operational and a marketing point of view, and that’s all fine, but it also gave us the impetus, and the support, to make our business better. We pay good money to attract good people, though there is a real skills shortage out there. But GROUPAUTO is very focussed on training and runs a great apprenticeship scheme with Manchester College, and also works with irtec to make sure that people are not only trained to the right level but are certificated to prove that they are.

GROUPAUTO also worked with us to implement the Blue Crystal fleet management suite which means our in-house jobs and operational management is better. We are now much better at what we do because we are part of Top Truck, and we are seeing the benefits of that in all areas.”

For more information: www.htfcommercial repairs.co.uk

“HTF is a great example of what Top Truck is all about:” explains GROUPAUTO’s Martin Sangster. “Indeed not just Top Truck but everything that GROUPAUTO’s commercial vehicle operation is looking for. We want to do business with people who can understand the vision of a large, multinational brand while still retaining their own complete independence as a business. The two Dave’s at HTF, Dave Moore and Dave Bromley, are both astute business people who have their fingers in many pies, but making sure that HTF is seen as a high quality workshop, delivering top class services and customer support is very much a central part of what they are doing.

“I am always on the lookout for more independent workshops like HTF. Not too many mind. We don’t want to flood the country with branded workshops, we simply want to be able to offer our services to every fleet operator large or small, wherever they are in the country, and to let them know that, no matter where their vehicles get to, GROUPAUTO can take care of it. We even offer Europewide breakdown recovery services, so that operators can be happy that any vehicle which has a problem on the road can be picked up and taken to a Top Truck workshop, where they know they will receive top quality attention and service using top quality components.

That is what the G-Truck and Top Truck brands are all about.”

Martin Sangster

FACTS 107 2015 • WWW.FACTSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

44 GROENEVELD

GROENEVELD IN THE CV SECTOR

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n the world of logistics transport everything must be focused on efficiency. Margins are narrow, competition is tough, pick-up and delivery schedules are very tight - with even tighter penalty clauses, and the total fuel spend is always an issue. Even though fuel prices remain somewhat depressed at the moment, it is the same for everyone and so doesn’t provide competitive advantage, and it still remains a huge percentage of a hauliers operating costs.

To be competitive operators have to concentrate on minimising VoR, maximising longevity and reducing maintenance costs while still ensuring maximum reliability and compliance. This is a complex web to weave.

Groeneveld provides solutions for the maintenance of trucks, trailers, RCVs, tippers, and virtually the whole range of heavy commercial vehicles, providing systems that automatically control the oil level and lubricate the various greasing points. Groeneveld provides systems which allow operators to maximise control over the operational condition of a fleet, and to do so in a very simple and environmentally friendly way.

The Groeneveld approach delivers maximum results with minimum effort, allowing optimisation of maintenance lubrication while also working to minimise costs in terms both of materials and time in the workshop.

Improving your operational efficiency is our challenge Groeneveld’s products allow an operator to monitor the maintenance of the fleet in a straightforward way, which prevents unnecessary downtime and which also helps to protect the environment, by preventing wasted oil and grease through over-generous manual lubrication regimes. This saves not only time and money but also helps to protect the world’s resources.

Groeneveld has become widely recognised throughout the UK transport industry as one of the main providers of efficiency systems for transport maintenance operations across a multitude of different market sectors. The company continues its focus on bringing operational efficiencies to transport businesses of all sorts in the UK. The key to understanding Groeneveld is to look at their products and their target markets as an interlocking network of efficiency solutions; a web of money saving ways to improve the management of essential but often insufficiently well scrutinised elements of transport and equipment maintenance.

Groeneveld’s oil management and automatic lubrication systems are there to deliver not just a single efficiency saving, but to have a three-fold impact on cost savings.

• First of all they help to reduce operational costs, by ensuring that fleets use exactly the right amount of exactly the right kind of lubricant.

• Secondly they maximise both the uptime and longevity of some of the most expensive capital cost equipment that most businesses will have on their books.

• Thirdly, they protect the resale value of equipment ranging from the smallest fork-lift in the factory to the largest container-handler at the port; as well as vans, trucks, trailers, buses, coaches, construction equipment, even trains.

If a company has any kind of ground transport equipment in its portfolio, Groeneveld are there to make the workshop operations more efficient.

And, particularly in the heavy transport sectors, Groeneveld’s Greensight Active Safety systems are also in place to further protect a business’s investment, and to minimise downtime and maintenance costs.

From haulage depots to bus garages and from ports to warehouses, Groeneveld’s product web is there as a safety net, keeping expensive machinery in prime condition and helping to drive costs down and efficiencies up.

For more information: www.groeneveld-group.com

Groeneveld has become widely recognised throughout the UK transport industry as one of the main providers of efficiency systems for transport maintenance operations across a multitude of different market sectors.

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A GLOBAL COMPANY WITH A LOCAL PRESENCE With 25 years experience in the UK, Groeneveld provides the highest levels of customer commitment and product support, delivering a wide portfolio of solutions which save operational costs while safe-guarding the long term value of capital investment.

Groeneveld Group is the manufacturer of all the products they provide. Their production is concentrated in a modern production plant in Italy. Groeneveld produces more than 2500 different kinds of products and components.

Groeneveld UK Ltd. The Greentec Centre, Gelders Hall Road, Shepshed, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 9NH Telephone: 01509 600033 • info-uk@groeneveld-group.com • www.groeneveld-group.com

46 EXHIBITIONS

KARCHER ROADSHOW 2015

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ollowing their success at the Concorde Hanger at Manchester Airport in May, Karcher’s nationwide Roadshow came to the home of Scottish rugby, BT Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, on September 16, just a few days before the start of the Rugby World Cup. As well as launching five highly anticipated new products, this event showcased the largest selection of Karcher products ever likely to be found in one place, offering a fantastic opportunity for the commercial vehicle industry to get up close with new products and meet experienced Karcher staff to talk through cleaning challenges. FACTS Magazine was invited along to find out more.

KARCHER STRENGTHENS INDUSTRIAL CLEANING LINE-UP When you think of Karcher, it is pressure washers that will more than likely come to mind; however Karcher’s offering goes much further than this, and indeed the key thing we took away from the event at Murrayfield was the sheer scale of their product, a depth of capability that many may not fully appreciate.

Commenting on Karcher’s new product launches, Craig McKay, Sales & Marketing Director Kärcher Professional, said: “This announcement is a game-changer for the business as we continue to expand our range of professional cleaning equipment to service large-scale cleaning operations. The UK is a major market for Kärcher Professional so it’s great to be able to unveil five brand new machines quite literally on our home turf.”

Designed to serve municipalities, large retail and logistics operations, healthcare facilities and the commercial vehicle sector, amongst many other, the five new Kärcher Professional machines are: • The Pulire KM 125/130 R ride-on sweeper.

• MC 130 municipal sweeper in the one cubic metre class.

• A Hot-water, high-pressure trailer for completely stand-alone use.

• B 95 RS step-on scrubber drier with eco!efficiency mode.

• The Classic Class pressure washer range featuring compact petrol machines for mains-independent operation with high portability.

As well as launching five highly anticipated new products, this event showcased the largest selection of Karcher products ever likely to be found in one place.

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EXHIBITIONS 47

KARCHER AND THE UK COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SECTOR

K

archer has 16 major outlets around the country from Aberdeen to Belfast, and from Lowestoft to Bristol, allowing the company to support the vast majority of the CV industry, either on a direct basis or through distributors - Karcher also has in excess of 200 resellers located around the country.

Simon Taylor, Karcher Sales Manager - North for whom the Murrayfield event was very close to home, said: “Thanks to our market coverage, if you are looking for the personal touch then there is quite simply nobody closer to the professional cleaning market than us.

“The automotive side of our business extends to not only cars, but also to trucks, buses and bikes etc. We cater for everything around the automotive sector, and we do mean everything. From development stages and

vehicle production in factories, right through to preparation, showroom, aftersales and cleaning support, we really do cover all bases with the perfect solution.”

Karcher even supply the necessary equipment for high-pressure ‘monsoon’ testing during vehicle development stages to test and expose ineffective seals and panel gaps to eliminate water ingress in mass production models.

Considering operations in commercial vehicle workshops, the company collaborate very successfully with DVSA, and assisted with their campaign a few years ago which needed a very specific type of machinery for cleaning test-centre floors against slips, trips and falls. The same proven technology can easily be applied in any CV sales or workshop environment to ensure safety and cleanliness in the business.

WHAT MAKES KARCHER THE COMPANY OF CHOICE?

“F

irst of all, unlike a lot of other global companies, we are still a family-owned business and to this day are still wholly owned by the Karcher family - this means we are not beholden to shareholders and so are not dividend driven; it allows us as a company to take a longer view on our operations.” continues Simon Taylor: “This puts us in the fortunate position where we are able to re-invest a very large amount of profit back into product development to make them better, more efficient, provide even greater value and continually provide more solutions for our customers.

“As a company, we are proud to be behind over 15,000 innovations worldwide and we hold literally thousands of product patents. We even

innovate and re-engineer products which have been in the market for a long time, some as long as 20 years and more, because it is still the right product and solution, but it may just need a bit of tweaking to make it as effective as possible in the modern environment.

“Taking into account our product range, dealer network and our sales and support network, there is no other company in the industry which can match our offering to multiple industries across the world. This all means we are far more adaptable and better able to respond to our customers’ needs.”

What was clear on the day from speaking with various delegates and staff was the depth of knowledge and expertise on-hand. Karcher pride themselves on suggesting the best overall

solution for the customer, rather than suggesting a particular product to try and fit the situation in question. This is one of the reasons why Karcher conduct free customer site visits, as customers will always value the results a great deal if Karcher can help them to implement the right solution in the first place, independent of specific product capabilities.

For more information: www.kaercher.com/uk

FACTS 107 2015 • WWW.FACTSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

48 EXHIBITIONS

ADBA

F

ollowing the general election, the seventh ADBA National Conference will focus on the impact of recent government policy announcements, and outline our strategic vision to build a world class AD industry here in the UK. With David Cameron successfully forming the first Conservative government in eighteen years in May 2015, the conference programme will take an in-depth look at how their first full term has developed. Including analysis of the Summer Budget, a review of the Autumn Statement due in November, an assessment of the UK’s resource and waste collection strategies with the aim of streamlining food waste services, alongside an evaluation of the new government’s green credentials as we move towards binding 2020 energy and climate objectives.

The anaerobic digestion (AD) industry has made huge progress since 2010, having grown by over 600% outside of the water sector over the past five years and having moved beyond the 400 plant industry milestone in July. To maintain this growth, the ADBA National Conference (December 3, Westminster) will bring together leading political and industry figures to evaluate the impact of crucial government decisions such as: • The decision to remove the Climate Change Levy (CCL) levy exemption certificates (LECs) in the summer budget, which represents an £11 million cut across the entire AD industry.

• DECC’s fast-tracked consultation aimed at removing pre-accreditation from feed-in tariffs (FiTs), which will take effect from 1 October; retrospective action which removes the funding certainty that enables investors and operators to continue to grow the industry.

• DECC’s FiT review proposals which recommend funding support to be capped at just 26

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NATIONAL CONFERENCE

additional megawatts of capacity from 2016; half that of current levels - but inaccessible without pre-accreditation.

• Uncertainty on whether support for biomethane and biogas heat under the RHI will be extended beyond March 2016, with the Financial Times recently reporting on rumours that the budget could be slashed.

• Continued incentive degression, with a 10% RHI tariff degression this October, squeezing profit margins and threatening further industry growth.

The ADBA National Conference is the platform to learn, analyse and discuss the implementation of policy which would: implement clear pathways for biomethane; facilitate uptake in source-segregated food waste collections within England; support AD’s role in supporting sustainable farming; avoid over-cumbersome bioenergy sustainability criteria; and mitigate the potential impact of the new Circular Economy package on the developing digestate market.

The ADBA National Conference also holds smaller and more intimate sessions which this year will focus on the next steps for the biomethane sector, financing AD in a changing policy world, farming and AD led by Neil Parish MP, Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Select Committee, and maximising the value of digestate across AD operations.

The ADBA National Conference is a must attend event for anyone interested in the future of anaerobic digestion, resource and waste strategies across the UK, biomethane production and low emission fuel policy, digestate use and farming diversification.

“We are delighted to announce the following speakers have already agreed to present: Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland; Chris Huhne, Strategic Advisor, ADBA (former Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change); David Hurren, Business Unit Manager, Air Liquide UK; Steve Lee, Chief Executive Officer, The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM); Lee Marshall, Chief Executive, The Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC); Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive, ADBA; Amy Mount, Senior Policy Adviser, Green Alliance; Neil Parish MP, Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Select Committee; Dr Richard Swannell, Director of Sustainable Food Systems, WRAP; and Andrew Whittles, Managing Director, Low Emission Strategies.” ADBA. To register please go to: www.adbioresources.org/ adba-national-conference-2015 Time: 9.00 - 17.00, December 3, 2015 Venue: One Great George Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3AA For more information: www.adbioresources.org

EXHIBITIONS 49

MORE VISITORS THAN EVER AT THE EMERGENCY SERVICES SHOW

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he Emergency Services Show held at the NEC in Birmingham on September 23 and 24, attracted a record number of 6151 visitors. This represents the ninth consecutive year-on-year increase in visitor numbers and a 10% increase on last year’s attendance record.

In addition to the record visitor attendance, over 400 delegates attended co-located meetings at the event, and the same number of first responders came to represent their organisations in the Emergency Response Zone.

The event organisers attribute the record number of visitors to a number of factors including the fast-changing landscape of the emergency services; more exhibitors (at over 450) with many launching new products and services; a comprehensive free-to-attend three-stream conference programme and the innovative use of new marketing techniques such as Glean In social registration, SMS marketing and strong engagement via social media including Twitter, Facebook and Linked In. “This is a period of extraordinary transformation for the emergency services and their partner agencies,” says Event Director David Brown. “I believe this and The Emergency Services Show’s unique ability to bring together innovators from all parts of the public, private and volunteer sectors were drivers behind the record attendance at

this year’s event. It proved to be a truly thought-provoking event and offered opportunities for all our visitors to network, share experiences and learn.”

Collaboration, community response and the expansion of blue light services into preventative and social care were among hot topics at this year’s event. Senior figures from the fire, police and ambulance services shared their experiences of co-responding to incidents.

The latest communications technology, drones, defibrillators and body worn cameras were among the many new products at the show that are helping to improve the effectiveness of the emergency services against a background of reducing budgets and increasing demand. One of the most noteworthy of many new product launches was Terberg Fire & Rescue’s Telstar (Terberg Emergency Life-saving Support Tactical Ancillary Rescue) multi-service vehicle or “Fire Ambulance”.

Visitor Superintendent Kerry Blakeman of West Midlands Police commented: “I was really interested in vehicles and the equipment that we can carry in vehicles as well. Investing in some really good kit can save money in the long term, so I found the show really beneficial.”

“A brilliantly informative, fascinating two days,” said Rodge Byren of BIKERS Training on Facebook.

“There was truly too much to get through in one day with numerous indoor stands, demonstrations and explanations and very extensive outdoor area.”

Nicola Stacey, British Red Cross Event Manager, said: “What a brilliant opportunity to see equipment and experience new innovation first hand. The seminars

ORGANISERS ANNOUNCE MOVE TO BIGGER HALL 5 AT NEC FOR 2016

offered me CPD opportunities with the discussion from a wide range of organisations. It was very well worth the visit.”

Andy Smith, Volunteer Officer and Head of Unit at Rushden Branch of the Maritime Volunteer Service, added: “It’s a one-stop-shop for all your emergency services and resilience needs - from a sticking plaster to a rescue hovercraft!”

Exhibitor David Savage, CEO of Excelerate Technology, said: “For anyone who is focused on the blue light services I think this is the premier show to attend.”

Chris Thain, Commercial Business Manager for Red One, added, “We’ve had some very interesting conversations about collaborative relationships with partner organisations and had some direct leads from fire and rescue services in this country and around the world. The show brings together all the various different sectors within the emergency services arena from charities through to each of the primary emergency services. It’s a great place to come and meet people.”

John Ellis, Managing Director of Ferno UK, commented: “The show

brings all the emergency services together and we’ve had a lot of quality visitors on our stand and plenty from overseas too including US, Canada, Australia, Sweden, Slovakia and Holland.”

Simon Ash, UK Sales Manager for Haix Footwear, said: “The quality of the people coming onto the stand was very relevant to the products we are selling and we’ve met the people who have the influence within their business to make purchasing decisions. We’ve also been talking to end users and getting valuable feedback direct from the people who are wearing our products.”

In 2016 The Emergency Services Show will move to the larger Hall 5 at the NEC, enabling the expanding event to be housed in a single hall. The event will take place on September 21 and 22, 2016. The organisers have confirmed they will continue to offer entry to the exhibition and seminars free of charge as well as provide free parking.

For more information: www.emergencyuk.com

FACTS 107 2015 • WWW.FACTSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

50 EXHIBITIONS

REGIONAL LAUNCHES PLANNED FOR TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS MIDDLE EAST Top names across the industry sector have confirmed their participation

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nnounced just a few months ago as a platform for road haulage and urban transport industry, Transport Solutions Middle East is fast becoming a firm favourite. Top names from the region are already considering the event as an ideal avenue to launch their new vehicles!

Transport Solutions Middle East is the only international exhibition in the Middle East covering the entire supply chain of the wider region’s transport industry, showcasing the world’s leading manufacturers and service providers. The inaugural edition of Transport Solutions Middle East will take place from March 14-16, at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Some of the top names that have already signed up to be part of Transport Solutions Middle East include IVECO, Emirates Money and Acacus Technologies. As many top names from the road haulage and urban transport industry consider being part of the event, see what IVECO, Emirates Money and Acacus Technologies have to say about their participation: IVECO says “Transport Solutions Middle East presents an ideal opportunity for IVECO to showcase its top of the line on road and off road commercial vehicles line. With no dedicated event for the

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sector, we are very much looking forward to the event in order to further grow our business in this region. We are joining the event with an exhibition space of 300m2 and will be showcasing latest launches as well the regional favorites”.

According to Emirates Money: “At Emirates Money, we feel that Transport Solutions ME will give us access to the right audience looking to expand their business by adding new commercial vehicles to their fleet.

Emirates Money has the right lending solutions and financial expertise to support all businesses big or small!”.

Acacus Technologies “At Acacus Technologies, we believe that Transport Solutions Middle East will be the best opportunity to showcase our latest Optimization and Tracking Solutions. We are aware that we have unique Optimization and Tracking solutions that improve operations and provide immediate return on investment. We welcome all visitors and exhibitors to come and discover it in our exhibition space”.

“We hope that Transport Solutions Middle East will provide the missing platform for the urban transport and road haulage industry to converge

and share their knowledge. With the associated events part of Transport Solutions Middle East including innovation awards, conference and demonstration area, the industry is certainly going to gain the required knowledge to increase the pace of growth.” said Joaquim D’Costa, Event Director of Transport Solutions Middle East.

Transport Solutions Middle East 2016 will be brought to the region for the first time

by Comexposium, the same organiser as Solutrans, a biennial five-day trade trade fair, owned by the French Federation of Bodywork Manufacturers, dedicated to bringing to light the latest innovations in road haulage and urban transport, and featuring more than 800 exhibitors from 16 countries in November 2015 in Lyon, France Comexposium is one of the Europe’s largest exhibition organisers, and manages a portfolio of 114 consumer and trade events covering 17 sectors. The French-based organisation’s events host 38,000 exhibitors every year, 40% of which come from outside of France, while they also attract 3.5 million visitors, 350,000 of which are international.

For more information: www.transportsolutionsme.com

52 HEAVY HAULAGE

600t HIGH GIRDER BRIDGE BY THE NAME OF G²|K 600 MAKES LIGHT WORK OF ITS FIRST HEAVY LOAD

All photos by Kahl Schwerlast.

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ven if the transformer to be transported weighed “only” 261t, the new G²|K 600 high girder bridge with a load capacity of 600t developed in collaboration with Greiner GmbH (Neuenstein) by Goldhofer Aktiengesellschaft (Memmingen) - one of the world’s leading manufacturers of vehicles for heavy and oversized cargo transportation - and delivered to KAHL SCHWERLAST GmbH (Moers) in mid-May can be said to have passed its first test with flying colors.

The load was a 300 MVA transformer (11.2x3.8x4.4 m) built by Siemens, which was first shipped by barge to the Westfalen power plant in Hamm and from there taken by road to the TenneT substation in Paderborn-Elsen. For the journey of just over 80km, the heavy-haulage specialists at the Kahl Schwerlast company reckoned with two nights on the road.

Following roll-on roll-off transshipment using a Goldhofer 14-axle self-propelled vehicle, thus avoiding the additional expense of using cranes, the transformer set off on a journey

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Above & Left: The over 84 meter long rig negotiating the 90° bend onto a level crossing.

The priorities for the design engineers working on the high girder bridge included an optimized deadweight to payload ratio and innovative load distribution to the axles for an axle load of less than 12t. The reduction in loads imposed on roads and bridges when using the G²|K 600 to transport extremely heavy items like generators, transformers, motors and turbines means that fewer detours have to be made so that journey times and costs are also reduced.

With a power rating of 300MVA, the transformer is used to convert the voltage from 380kV to 110kV as a link between the extra-high voltage and high-voltage grids. According to TenneT, the situation is comparable with a slip-road connecting a motorway with a lower-level road.

Theoretically, a 300MVA transformer has the capacity to supply electricity to about 450,000 households.

For more information: www.goldhofer.de

that included eight roundabouts and a 90° turn onto a level crossing. Thanks to the exceptional maneuverability of the vehicles - Goldhofer’s heavy-duty modules come with a 60° steering angle - and the exceptional performance of the hydraulics of the high girder bridge, the operation was no problem for Kahl’s experienced team. Only a few traffic signs and some traffic lights had to be dismantled prior to the arrival of the gigantic rig, which had an overall width of 4.6m. With an enormous stroke of 2145mm, the G²|K 600 was simply raised to negotiate the roundabouts along the route.

The complete push-pull tractor trailer rig, with 2x16 axles, had a total weight of no less than 550t. With transport dimensions of 84 x 4.60 x 4.70m (lxwxh), that made for an axle load of only 15t, which was compliant with the regulations. “I am delighted to see that our high girder bridge has now made its debut on the road and done a great job, too,” says Stefan Fuchs, CEO of Goldhofer Aktiengesellschaft, with regard to the premiere for G²|K 600.

Above:The bridge has ample stroke to solve any problems with roundabouts.

Below: A shot showing the gigantic proportions of the rig.

54 HEAVY HAULAGE

FLEXIBILITY MEANS COST-SAVINGS FOR EVERYDAY HAULAGE

THE COMBIMAX FACTOR FOR TEAM HEAVY WEIGHT

The CombiMAX from Faymonville functions on a modular basis. The customer selects precisely the elements needed for the haulage task in hand. Multi-functional and optimally designed to overcome complicated administrative hurdles - the CombiMAX is a real all-rounder.

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imply a top product” says Jef Hufkens of the heavy goods handling firm Team Heavy Weight. His company recently took possession of a CombiMAX combination consisting of two 3-axle bogies plus a 2-axle and one 4-axle boogie.

Added to this, two low beds, an add-on extension support and two goosenecks mean that all possible requirements are now covered.

“We are using the CombiMAX to carry 100-tonne loads over long distances” says managing director Eric Hufkens when asked about the vehicle requirements. “The CombiMAX also ticks important boxes such as an optimum empty weight and short, compact construction.” Hufkens also praised the good sales support “We got precise answers to every technical question.” The delivery time was unbeatable and we were able to start work in no time.”

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As a driver, Jef Hufkens works every day with the new semitrailer and so has concrete experience of its unassailable benefits. “The CombiMAX is really light and uniquely flexible. It’s exactly what haulage companies need these days. For example, I recently converted a 5+7-combination to a 3+6 without a crane. I simply loaded the dismantled elements onto the low bed. My overall length remained less than 30 meters and I was able to make the unloaded run back home un-escorted.”

That’s worth a lot whichever way you look at it. “I save myself ten hours waiting time and an escort vehicle. Conversion takes just three hours. Even in the short term you can make immense savings.” And it’s so easy to use. “It doesn’t even take a day to learn. It’s simple low loader technology with modular options.”

Especially for international hauliers, administrative regulations and requirements are becoming ever more complicated. Axle load standards vary from one place to another and this is a daily challenge for Jef Hufkens. However, the CombiMAX has new things to offer here too. “The advantage is, we can change the number of axles during a journey without a crane and without unloading either.”

Team Heavy Weight makes numerous trips right across Europe and the CombiMAX has a few tricks up its sleeve for this. “For example, when we come out of Germany with a 3+6 low-loader combination with a 12t axle load. If we then have to enter France or Belgium we simply leave two axles at the border and continue as a 3+4-combination with 13t axle load. The axle load and fifth wheel load can thus be optimally adjusted. Flexibility in action,

CombiMAX makes it all possible.

We save 3 meters in length and 5t net weight.”

The CoC conformity certificate also permits registration in every EU country and therefore international passage in legal terms. Modularity, flexibility, speed and efficiency - the revolutionary CombiMAX concept offers vital flexibility in the life of a transport company.

For more information: www.faymonville.com

56 SAFETY

SAFER LORRY SCHEME FIASCO

BLIND SPOTS STILL BLIND

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he Safer Lorry scheme, effective in London from September will mandate fitment on lorries of newly specified standard mirrors but Chris Hanson-Abbott, Founder of SteerSafe says the new measures will still leave blind-spots.

Under the Scheme all lorries over 3.5 tonnes will be banned from the capital until they are fitted with Class V (side close proximity) and Class V1 (front projection) mirrors and sideguards.

Extended view mirrors are designed to improve the driver’s field of view and reduce blind spots, says Transport for London (TfL). Lorries are involved in a disproportionate number of cyclist and pedestrian fatalities says TfL with HGVs accounting for nine out of fourteen cyclist deaths in 1913 in London alone.

Admirable as the Scheme is, as long as there are blind spots a zero-tolerance policy is futile and cyclists will continue to die. Considering the current renaissance in cycling this trend is set to escalate unless the driver, the focal point of the problem, is equipped with ergonomically optimised means to avoid collision with anyone and anything.

Information Overload This is the driver’s primary problem; information overload creates a major hazard.

Every extra item to watch, to listen to, to consider, to react to or to ignore puts extra demand on driver attention. Every mirror, every monitor image, every buzzer, beeper, speaker, hooter, warning light, dashboard instrument including, particularly, speedometer, every road sign, other traffic, pedestrians, particularly vulnerable road users - each adds extra load to a driver’s attention until the final straw breaks the camel’s back. All too frequently somebody dies.

The Safer Lorry Scheme, all very well in theory with its criss-crossing sightlines, its multiple cameras displaying multiple images on multiple screens, its acoustic warnings demanding attention to one sensor detection after another, is prone to overwhelm a driver in sole charge of

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Chris Hanson-Abbott, Founder of SteerSafe

a heavy wheeled load travelling on a crowded road. Something’s got to give.

Visual images from multiple sources at once can be very confusing and take a long time to process. Multiple mirrors, multiple monitor screens from assorted camera positions and angles are apt to disorientate the driver and even cause dizziness. There is scant evidence in the Safer Lorry Scheme that driver ergonomics have been considered at all.

Blind Spot Triumph The Scheme’s drafting committee is evidently unaware of the latest 360° technology, already on the market for two years, which solves the blind-spot problem at a stroke. Mini-cameras mounted at the top four corners of a vehicle’s body display on a cab-mounted monitor a continuous bird’s eye surround view of a wide footprint all-round the vehicle. A split-second glance reveals any hazard instantly. No more multiple mirrors, split screen monitors, much reduced information overload and, vitally, no blind spots.

A further benefit on the screen edges is other vehicles shown lane-changing and overtaking.

Mini-cameras mounted at the top four corners of a vehicle’s body display on a cab-mounted monitor a continuous bird’s eye surround view of a wide footprint all-round the vehicle.

SAFETY 57

WIRE-WATCHER

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very year, all over Europe, there are incidents where vehicles and equipment come into contact with overhead power cables - or near contact. If a vehicle offers a path to earth then, in the right conditions, flash-over can occur if a metal component even comes within a few feet of a cable. The results either way, are the same; power-outages, damage to the machinery and, often, severe injury or even death, not only to the operator, but potentially the shock can effect anyone else who is working in the immediate vicinity The thing is of course that the damage, pain and misery caused by these incidents is entirely unnecessary. The recently revised Wire Watcher II can prevent any such incidents. The core of the problem is that, despite legislation, despite health and safety precautions, despite operator training, there will always be situations that arise where machinery will be operated in the vicinity of live overhead cables. And at some point, either because the operator doesn’t realise that the cables are there, or is distracted by some other aspect of the task in hand, and momentarily forgets his earlier caution, and moves he machinery in such a way as

to come to close to a live wire.

Of course such situations should never arise. Legislation has been in place for over thirty years to make sure that they don’t. But despite all this, accidents continue to happen because, given human nature and our propensity to look for ‘short-cuts’, in the real world all the necessary precautions will not always be applied. Risks are taken, and accidents do occur.

Wire-Watcher actively aims to very significantly reduce the risk of accidents by sensing the presence of live over-head power cables.

The system flashes a light, warning operators that there are power cables in their vicinity. Should they then engage the power system for the crane, elevated platform or tipper body, Wire-Watcher will sound a continuous audible alarm.

For situations where such work must be undertaken in a ‘risk’ area, then Wire-Watcher II is fitted with an operator over-ride function,

WATCHING OVER YOU such that the alarm can be temporarily cancelled and replaced by an audible warning that sounds every 30 seconds, reminding operators that they are working in a dangerous environment. Dedicated external outputs may be used to activate optional external beacons or sirens to warn operators if they are controlling the vehicle away from the cab, as might be the situation with a lorry mounted crane.

Wire-Watcher is a 12-24 Volt DC system which can easily be mounted in the cab of tipper lorries, lorry-mounted cranes, concrete pumps, elevated work platforms, agricultural machinery, excavators or virtually any piece of equipment which is

height-extensible and which is used outside, in areas where there might be overhead cables. Every single such vehicle should be fitted with a Wire-Watcher, to finally eradicate this needless source of personal hazard and business risk.

For more information: www.wirewatcher.co.uk

58 SAFETY

Step 1: Make sure fuel lines are not leaking or creating a vapour.

HOW TO SAFELY REMOVE A RUSTED, CORRODED NUT NEAR FUEL LINES

Step 2: Select the correct Coil. Coils come in various sizes. Bend Coil to the correct shape for ease of use.

Warning: Do not use Coils with breaches in the insulation.

With the Mini-Ductor® Induction Heating tool range.

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ave you ever been faced with the problem of removing a rusted, corroded nut in an inaccessible space, near a fuel line? The traditional approach of using an Oxy-Acetylene torch is obviously out of the question as its use in a confined space vastly increases the consequential fire risk - plastics, wiring, trim and fumes around the part to be removed can catch fire, causing potentially costly damage.

Safely remove, inaccessible corroded nuts with Invisible Heat® Good news, help is at hand. The innovative Mini-Ductor® Induction Heating tool range uses Invisible Heat® to quickly heat ferrous and some non-ferrous metal, providing a safe and viable alternative to

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using a naked flame. Some parts can be also be reused as the Invisible Heat® is localised on the part and not the surrounding area, with less collateral damage.

Bendable coils provide access to hard-to-reach nuts near fuel lines The Mini-Ductor is supplied with 3 bendable coils, ideal for getting into awkward areas and thin enough to wrap round the nut and heat it in seconds for easy removal. For example, a 19mm nut is heated red hot in 15 seconds. The heat expands the nut and breaks down any corrosion bonds.

NB. Before use Equipment needed: Heat resistant gloves, overalls, goggles and a respirator mask (if smoke will be produced from heating).

Knowledge required: A well reviewed proficiency of the tools safety and operating instructions.

The Mini-Ductor range is available in 240V II + (MD-800), 110 CE (MD-700CE) and new, portable 12V (MD-500) version, which works off a 12-volt battery pack, or off a car, van or truck battery. It’s designed and manufactured by leading US manufacturer Induction Innovations, Inc. the trusted market leader for induction heating tools worldwide.

To find out more, or ask for demo, call 01953 859138, email info@theinductor.co.uk, visit www.theinductor.co.uk or watch videos at www.youtube.com/theinductoruk For more information: www.theinductor.co.uk

Step 3: Tighten preformed Coil well.

Step 4: Only heat the nut enough to expand and loosen. Red hot is too hot!

Step 5: Select correct tools, such as a spanner, to loosen nut.

Caution: Remove nut whilst still hot

Step 6: The nut is safely removed.

EIS WASTE SAY: “WE DON’T KNOW HOW WE WORKED BEFORE FITTING BRIGADE’S SYSTEMS.”

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IS Waste say they don’t know how they ever worked before fitting Brigade’s systems to their fleet of vehicles after not only reducing vehicle damage and false claims but also improving efficiency.

Based in Aberdeen, EIS Waste Services provide a collection, treatment, recycling and waste disposal service to the North East of Scotland. They operate 27 commercial vehicles including; refuse collection vehicles, eight wheeled rigid vehicles, skip loaders, front end loaders and hooklifts.

Initially Brigade’s Backeye®360, supplied by Dingbro Ltd and fitted by Taylor’s Auto Electrical, were fitted solely to improve safety and reduce vehicle damage. Backeye®360 is an intelligent camera monitor system designed to assist low speed manoeuvrability by providing the driver with a real-time surround view of the vehicle in a single image. The four wide angle cameras enable a better view of the hopper and beyond than conventional cameras.

Then the company decided to fit mobile digital recording.

The Backeye 360 cameras are connected to Brigade’s MDR-304A digital recording system enabling EIS waste to review footage in the event of incidents.

EIS Waste’s Transport Manager, Raymond Henderson said: “In one incident our driver was on a dual carriageway and the lorry driver in front was driving erratically, speeding up and slowing down continuously.

Our driver decided to overtake the vehicle to avoid it. He pulled into the outside lane to overtake and as he did the third party driver left their lane and bounced into our vehicle, ripping the side of their lorry. The third party driver blamed our driver.

I sent a copy of the MDR footage to their transport manager who withdrew the claim.”

EIS Waste have reaped benefits in many ways, saving money, time and improving efficiency. So what is their overall opinion of Brigade’s systems? Raymond said: “I don’t know how we ever worked before.”

For more information: www.brigade-electronics.com

FACTS 107 2015 • WWW.FACTSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

60 BUS & COACH

BRITANNIA OFF TO FLYING START IN 2015 WITH DEMAND FOR ITS AUTOMATED WASHING SYSTEMS

“We are particularly pleased that commercial fleet operators are placing more orders as they appreciate the importance of upkeeping the image of their brand, and their customers’ brands, on the roads.

“Our machines offer an unsurpassed washing quality and are robust and strong, giving good performance year after year, and we can design wash systems to suit a wide variety of vehicles including articulated lorries and municipal vehicles.

“We are winning new customers at home and abroad - and our loyal customers keep coming back because they know they can rely on Britannia to keep their fleets pristine and professionally clean.”

“There definitely appears to be an uplift in the economy which is leading to greater orders in the UK and the investment in high speed rail infrastructure in the Far East is also fuelling demand.”

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mith Brothers & Webb, the manufacturer of the Britannia brand of automated bus, truck and train washing systems, is on track to equal or beat its record-breaking 2014 sales figures this year.

Enquiries about the UK-based company’s reliable and highly effective washing systems have been pouring in from as far afield as Taiwan, Australia, India and the Middle East from both rail and bus operators.

There is also a growing order book in the UK, where many coach and bus operators are choosing to invest in new wash systems this year, as are an increasing number of commercial vehicle fleet operators.

So far Smith Brothers & Webb already has multiple orders for new wash systems as well as orders for reconditioning two machines,

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modifications and conversions with many more quotes having been issued.

Last year was a bumper year for Smith Brothers & Webb when it nearly doubled its turnover, designed bespoke systems to wash the iconic Routemaster “Boris Bus” in London and the high-profile Edinburgh Tram.

Andy Barracliffe, Director of Britannia Washing Systems, said: “We thought 2014 was a year of spectacular growth and this year is just as good, if not better. We are inundated with enquiries - it seems that our reputation is spreading fast.

“There definitely appears to be an uplift in the economy which is leading to greater orders in the UK and the investment in high speed rail infrastructure in the Far East is also fuelling demand.

One of the attractions of Smith Brothers & Webb is that it employs its own team of engineers around the country to carry out its range of service and maintenance contracts - giving customers peace of mind that machines will suffer minimal downtime as engineers will be both prompt and experienced.

Employees are now going full steam ahead to fulfil orders from around the world, including the installation in Hong Kong of the first of its innovative, super-fast CET (Contained Effluent Transfer) systems for emptying on-board tanks for train loos.

Three times faster than conventional CET systems, it uses airline toilet technology and is set to transform the ease with which trains can be serviced, making it especially suited for use on popular, new high-speed lines.

For more information: www.sbw-wash.com

BUS & COACH 61

CUSTOMCARE ACHIEVES A ‘DOUBLE FIRST’ WITH DUALWAY

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ustomcare, the dedicated aftermarket division of Wrights Group, has undertaken a specialist conversion project for city sightseeing bus operator the Dualway Group.

Two Eclipse Gemini II buses, built on Volvo B9TL chassis, have been converted into open top sightseeing buses for deployment on a range of routes throughout Dublin. A third vehicle is to undergo the same conversion and enter into service in 2016 and will feature a multi-language system for the benefit of non-English speaking tourists to the city.

This is the first Wrightbus approved, open top double decker structural alteration to be carried out by Customcare’s highly skilled, special projects team at the company’s headquarters in Ballymena. These are also the first ever Wrightbus vehicles to be added to the Dualway fleet.

Ian Downie, Managing Director - Sales and Customcare for Wrightbus, said: “This project heralds a double first for us with Dualway Group

with our first open top conversion and the first time we’ve supplied our vehicles into their fleet.

We hope this will be the start of the long and successful business relationship with them.”

David McConn, Chief Executive Officer of Dualway Group, added: “The Wrightbus Gemini II is renowned for its operational performance as well as for its external appearance and passenger comfort.

“This project, which has transformed the two buses into specialist city sightseeing vehicles, has been excellent and we’re particularly pleased with the quality of the conversion and finish. We look forward to our third bus being completed and entering into service next year.”

The conversion project included the removal of the roof behind the staircase enclosure and the strengthening of the side and rear frames to comply with the Customcare stress engineers’ stringent requirements. Other changes involved the lowering of the rear end frame to suit the new rear dome top section and extra drain holes

were added to ensure the fast removal of any rainwater. Plastic waterproof seats have also been added to the open top section.

The electrical system, situated at the back of the bus, has been fully waterproofed as have the speakers used by the driver and travel guide PA system.

In addition to specialist conversion and adaptation projects, Customcare provides a dedicated support infrastructure for Wrightbus customers which centres around maximising vehicle availability and productivity. It also covers all aspects of warranty administration and repair, technician training and technical documentation.

The Dublin based Dualway Group has 35 years’ experience in transport and tourism and its work has been recognised with 16 awards. Its sightseeing offer includes scheduled or tailored tours with the option of English speaking or multilingual tour guides.

For more information: www.wrightsgroup.com

JACK KERNOHAN 1937-2015

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t is with great sadness that Wrightbus has announced the passing of Jack Kernohan MBE. A much liked and respected figure both in industry and community, Jack died peacefully on Sunday morning September 6 after a period of illness.

Jack Kernohan had a career spanning over 40 years with Wrightbus. Jack, who wrote and published ‘The Wright Way’ to mark the 60th Anniversary of the company in 2010, rose through the ranks from Workshop Foreman through to Production Manager until switching to the sales side of the business in 1970 when he was appointed Sales Manager. He became Sales Director in 1988, a position he held until his retirement in 2005 at the age of 68.

He became a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the Bus Industry in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June this year.

Speaking about his great friend and colleague, Dr William Wright CBE said: “We are all deeply saddened at the loss of Jack. He was a great character, with a mischievous spirit, well liked and respected by everyone who knew him. With over 40 years of service to the company, he was a key figure in the growth and development of the business during that period. Even after he retired, he maintained a keen interest and strong links with the company and his many friends in the industry.

Everyone in the company would wish to extend their deepest condolences to Jack’s family.”

FACTS 107 2015 • WWW.FACTSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

62 BUS & COACH

AFFORDABLE MECHANICAL HYBRIDISATION IS THE KEY TO UNLOCKING SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS FOR OPERATORS OF LOW-CARBON BUS FLEETS

Tobias Knichel, Business Development Director, Torotrak Group

Torotrak Group’s Flybrid bus KERS unit

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eading UK low-carbon vehicle technology innovation company, Torotrak Group, has urged bus and coach operators planning investment in hybrid vehicles to fully research the different options available to them before committing funds.

“There is widespread recognition that hybrid buses will be integral to a low-carbon public transport network in the UK, but operators need to ensure they are fully conversant with the different technologies on offer, particularly with regard to cost,” said Tobias Knichel, Torotrak Group Business Development Director. “Capital investment, training requirements,

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service costs and re-sale value are all significant considerations in the buying process for a ‘conventional’ vehicle and there is no reason for a hybrid purchase to be approached any differently.”

Knichel was speaking during the 2015 Bus and Coach Engineering Seminar, held in September, at the London headquarters of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, where Torotrak Group was one of a number of industry stakeholders sharing and discussing information and opinion on the latest low-emission technologies and developments in the bus and coach arena. Presenting on ‘Hybrid Buses: Advantages, Disadvantages

and Lessons Learned’, Knichel focused on Torotrak’s experience of designing, developing and testing its Flybrid® mechanical Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), which is currently installed in a Wrightbus StreetLite that is undergoing passenger trials as part of the Arriva fleet in Kent.

“We believe that a mechanical KERS design fitted to a vehicle such as the Wrightbus StreetLite is the ideal solution for operators wanting a robust, cost-effective route to establishing or extending a hybrid presence in their fleet,” commented Knichel. “Our goal from the outset was to develop a system that works in ‘real-life’ without subsidy,

“There is widespread recognition that hybrid buses will be integral to a low carbon public transport network in the UK.”

BUS & COACH 63

requires no bespoke employee training or additional infrastructure and delivers good residual value - and this is exactly what we have achieved.”

The Flybrid KERS for buses has a design life of 1,000,000 (one million) km / 40,000 hours of operation / 8,000,000 (eight million) charge/discharge cycles - effectively equivalent to the working life of the vehicle to which it is fitted. Torotrak cites the additional capital investment needed for a Flybrid installation as one quarter that of the requirement for a full battery electric hybrid, with a payback timescale of less than five years wholly realistic.

The discussions about technologies and legislation at the IMechE

Seminar were very timely for bus manufacturers and fleet operators in the UK, with applications for the first round of grant from the new Low Emission Bus Scheme (LEB) having to be submitted by October 31. Launched earlier this year following consultation with the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, the LEB commits the Government to make at least £30million available over the next three years to support the purchase of new, more fuel-efficient buses. Operators can apply for funding towards the additional cost of low carbon technologies such as hybrid systems, in comparison to the cost of equivalent diesel vehicles.

Torotrak’s Flybrid system qualifies for the maximum 75% subsidy

Graphical representation of Torotrak Group’s Flybrid KERS integrated into a bus drivetrain

available under the LEB regulations for its class of technology, making the commercial proposition even more attractive to bus operators.

“Flybrid technology already offers a long-life, low-maintenance hybrid solution with significant advantages in respect of initial capital investment and subsequent fuel savings and vehicle residual value,” explained Knichel. “The opportunity to apply for grant funding that could more than halve the payback period to just two years only makes it even more compelling.”

The Flybrid system can be ordered now for fitment to a Wrightbus StreetLite bus.

Above: A Wrightbus Streetlite fitted with Torotrak Group’s Flybrid KERS technology is currently undergoing passenger trials with Arriva

For more information: www.torotrak.com

Torotrak cites the additional capital investment needed for a Flybrid installation as one quarter that of the requirement for a full battery electric hybrid.

FACTS 107 2015 • WWW.FACTSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

64 ALTERNATIVE FACTS

SKELETON TECHNOLOGIES AND ADGERO UNVEIL KERS SYSTEM FOR ROAD HAULAGE

Skeleton Technologies and Adgero SARL have developed the world’s first Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) for road freight vehicles. The unique hybrid system is designed to reduce fuel consumption and associated emissions by up to 25%, and is optimised for intermodal road transport solutions.

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he Adgero Hybrid System consists of a bank of high-power ultracapacitors working alongside an electrically-driven axle, which is mounted under the trailer. The technology is controlled by an intelligent management system that tracks driver input in order to automatically control the regenerative braking and acceleration boost.

The technology is projected to reduce fuel consumption and associated CO2 emissions by 15-25%, depending on terrain and traffic profile.

It will also pay for itself in as little as three years through reduced consumption alone, and where

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subsidies are available the payback can be even quicker. The product has also been designed to exceed the typical 10 year lifetime of the trailer itself.

“Road haulage accounts for over a fifth of the EU’s total CO2 emissions, so fuel efficient solutions are crucial. We are beginning to see regenerative braking systems in automotive applications but the market clearly needs a similar solution for articulated lorries,” explains Mack Murray, CEO of Adgero SARL. “By partnering with Skeleton Technologies, we are putting the world’s most advanced

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Over the last year, Skeleton Technologies has worked with Adgero to adapt an 800V ultracapacitor power module that is proving successful in the motorsport industry to meet the needs of road freight vehicles.

ultracapacitors at the heart of our system. This will give us a powerful competitive edge in a demanding industry where energy density is a key metric.”

Skeleton Technologies is the only ultracapacitor manufacturer to use a patented graphene material that allows for better conductivity and higher surface area. This material has allowed the young company to quickly achieve breakthroughs in product performance, delivering twice the energy density and five times the power density of competitors’ products.

Over the last year, Skeleton Technologies has worked with Adgero to adapt an 800V ultracapacitor power module that is proving successful in the motorsport industry to meet the needs of road freight vehicles. The module consists of five 160V units made up of Skeleton Technologies’ cylindrical cells. With monitoring for each individual cell, the module is able to actively self-balance.

“At Skeleton Technologies we pride ourselves on being a vertically integrated ultracapacitor manufacturer, from materials technology through to the system level,” explains Chief Technology Officer Volker Dudek. “To enable this solution

for Adgero, we developed intelligent power modules with a proprietary management system that allows for smart monitoring and control of the energy/power profile according to customer requirements.”

Adgero’s system will be fully compatible with existing infrastructure and staff training programmes, and has been optimised for intermodal solutions. Any truck equipped with an Adgero monitor becomes a parallel electric hybrid when paired with an equipped trailer. If a truck without a monitor picks up a retrofitted trailer, the hybrid system will simply stay in standby mode.

In recent months the system has been through rigorous testing procedures including vibration, shock and immersion testing. Road testing will begin in 2016 with Altrans, a French logistics company that is part of a trade organisation that represents 11,000 vehicles across Europe.

Adgero and Skeleton Technologies then plan to ramp up production, with the objective of producing 8000-10,000 units annually by 2020.

For more information: www.skeletontech.com or www.adgero.eu

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66 ALTERNATIVE FACTS

Natural Gas Vehicle Network Day 2015, October 22, National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham

NGV DAY 2015 WILL DEMONSTRATE HOW GAS POWERED VEHICLES CAN PROVIDE CLEAN AIR AND REDUCE COSTS FOR FLEET OPERATORS

W Everything fleet operators need to know about how to run compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquid natural gas (LNG) vehicles will be explained at this year’s NGV Day

ith clean air plans firmly on the government’s agenda, increasing freight costs and pressure to further reduce CO2 emissions, there has never has there been a better time for heavy duty vehicle operators to join companies like John Lewis and Argos and opt for gas as a fuel.

A one day conference and exhibition, NGV Day 2015, dedicated to the gas vehicle sector, is being held in Birmingham this October.

Everything fleet operators need to know about how to run compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquid natural gas (LNG) vehicles will be explained at this year’s NGV Day, which is being organised by the Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Network.

Over the last year there have been big investments in NGV technology and the infrastructure of the industry. Highlights are a fast growing network of gas filling stations, National Grid’s Grain LNG facility at the Isle of Grain and new dedicated CNG and LNG gas trucks built for the UK. All the pieces are in place to making running a gas fleet a reality now.

Mark Jordan, who heads up the NGV Network said: “Fleet operators are now recognising that gas can bring down both freight costs and emissions. We also have government support for gas use in HGV’s. Amber Rudd, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change recently said that the national gas grid will remain important for many decades to come and that

T

he Natural Gas Vehicle Network was launched by Energy and Utility Skills to highlight the multiple benefits of gas powered vehicles. Under the NGV Network umbrella companies including National Grid, Centrica, Calor Gas, CNG Services, Avanti Gas, Flogas , Gasrec, Iveco and, Scania are working together to drive forward the development of the NGV market in the UK, focusing on trucks and buses.

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one of the uses would be as a fuel for HGVs. At NGV Day people will be able to find out exactly what the benefits of gas are and how to get on-board with gas now.”

Richard Court, head of Stakeholder Delivery at National Grid, one of the founder organisations in the NGV Network, said, “The existing gas network infrastructure in the UK can play a key role in helping facilitate the connection of refilling stations around the main transport routes.

Manufacturers are now delivering dedicated gas powered vehicles and new filling stations are starting to be connected across the country, so the sector is poised to make a big impact. We expect the NGV Day to be the most successful yet and to really show the potential for this sector.”

Speakers at NGV Day will give the audience a concise industry overview, set out a clear strategic vision for the NGV sector and show how major UK companies and local authorities are already reaping the benefits of incorporating natural gas vehicles into their operations.

NGV users, vehicle and fuel suppliers and infrastructure owners will be represented by speakers from National Grid, Freight Transport Association, Birmingham City Council and Institute of Gas Engineers, vehicle and fuel suppliers.

For more information: www.ngvnetwork.co.uk

An EU Skills report showed that both CNG and LNG can provide significant GHG reductions in the short term using existing technology (15 - 30%).

Gas as a vehicle fuel reduces both nitrous oxides (NOx) and Particulate Matter emissions which can help the UK and Local Authorities achieve their Air Quality targets. NGV trucks also offer a 50% reduction in noise compared to diesel.

For more information: www.ngvnetwork.co.uk