ftmarch2012_webfull by Orla Sweeney

IRELAND'S LEADING COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MAGAZINE Inside!

TATRA on Track!

INSIDE

• TATRA Phoenix to spread its wings across Europe First Drives: FUSO SUPER GREAT ECO HYBRID & Canter 4x4 Launch Pad: Mercedes-Benz Citan • Mitsubishi L200 • FUSO Canter Analysis: Commercial Vehicle Sales 2011 • Preview: CV Show 2012 Feature: Waste Management Municipal Vehicles • Sector: Trailers

MARCH 12

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contents MARCH 12 Fleet Transport Magazine, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826 Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571 Email: enquiries@fleet.ie Subscription Hotline: 094 93 72827 Editor: Jarlath Sweeney Contributors: Sean Murtagh, Cathal Doyle, Paul White, Jonathan Lawton, Donal Dempsey, Howard Knott, Jerry Kiersey, Michael Corcoran, Rob Van Dieten, Ailbe Burke, Declan McKeon, Jonathan Pearce Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Cathal Doyle, Paul White, Michael Corcoran, Rob Van Dieten Administration: Orla Sweeney, Denise Vahey, Advertising: Mary Morrissey, Orla Sweeney

4 News • DX Ireland invests • Avia Truck Scrappage continues • Scania YETD 2012 • Fuso Dealer Award • DKV appointment • New GT Tyre • Irish Commercials on Facebook • Close Asset Finance comes to Ireland • MAN & Castrol go Truck Racing • DrivebyAds shine!

44 Finance I Accountants and your business

8 Interview With Luca Sra, Managing Director, Iveco UK & Ireland

48 Tyres Goodyear Dunlop hosts EU Seminar in Brussels

10 First Drives Exclusive drives in the Fuso Super Great and Canter 4x4

50 Finance II Northgate promotes the alternative

12 New Fleet 2012 Scanias, Mercedes-Benz, Avias and Renault Trucks 13 Launch Pad I • All new Mercedes-Benz Citan • Latest Mitsubishi L200 arrives 14 Analysis 2011 Commercial Vehicle Sales: Europe, UK and Ireland

Design: Eamonn Wynne Printed in Ireland

18 Cover Tatra is ready to ascend on Europe with Phoenix 20 Launch Pad II Fuso Canter introduced into Irish market

Fleet Transport/ Fleet Car/ Fleet Bus & Coach/ Fleet Van & Utility/ Fleet Trailer & Body Builder/ Fleet Maritime/ Green Fleet Management are published by JJDS Publications Ltd. Registered Office: D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Co. Reg. 368767 Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh.

www.fleet.ie

46 Opinion IRHA Conference 2012, Bunratty, County Clare 47 Technical EBS Systems II

52 Fleeting Shots Featuring Lynx Transport, Search Impex, Noone Transport and Bavaria City Racing 53 Appraisal On board the new Mercedes-Benz Actros 54 Comment Air freight is taking off! 55 Lubricants Mobil Delvac can save you money 56 Shipping & Freight News from across the Channels 58 Soapbox May the force be with you! P6

21 Legislation Operators Licence on both sides of the Border? 22 Materials Handling The low down from Jungheinrich 24 Waste Management Looking at the choice of municipal vehicles available 29 Review CV Show 2012, NEC, Birmingham, UK

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33 Long Term Test Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 Trendline 4MOTION Disclaimer: Fleet Transport Magazine management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Transport management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers. The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specific matter.

Fleet Transport Official Irish Jury Member of the International Truck of the Year Award Fleet Transport represents Ireland on the Trailer 2011 and the European Transport Company of the Year 2012 adjudication panels.

34 Fuel Prices/Health & Safety Matters Latest Fuel Prices & HSA Column 36 Trailer • Longer semis get approval in GB • Trailer market 2011 • Fitzgeralds & Farlows expand

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40 Times Past How times through photographs have changed 42 Legal HGV Roadside checks 43 Warehousing Details - 4th Annual Irish Logistics Network Lunch

Fleet Transport is an official Patron of the Lets Do It Galway Volvo Ocean Race Campaign. FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

NEWS 1

DX Ireland invests €500,000 in new ParcelXchange service

ollowing a €500,000 investment in hardware and soft ware to support its service, DX Ireland, the country’s leading independent mail and courier company, is deploying 35 ParcelXchange lockers throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. ParcelXchange will provide a 'virtual depot' network with over 500 technically-advanced intelligent lockers. These lockers will allow businesses and professionals the freedom of having parcels delivered securely to 35 locations in Ireland and Northern Ireland, allowing them to collect their parcels on the move and not be tied to a fi xed collection time. Lockers can be allocated on a permanent or day-to-day basis. Availing of Topaz’s and Maxol’s network of service stations, ParcelXchange lockers are located in the most convenient locations for professionals on the road.

Kevin Galligan, Regional Director, DX Ireland commented: “We are pleased to launch the ParcelXchange service, which we hope will be of benefit to Irish businesses of every size. We believe that the service will offer a more convenient way of doing business for those organisations that have personnel in the field supporting and servicing equipment, from materials handling equipment to office equipment, and from IT equipment to medical equipment. We have made a considerable investment in state-of-the-art technology to ensure this service offers the utmost in ease, security and reliability.” The secure service offers end to end traceability, 24/7 access and is supported by a 24-hour call centre. To ensure further ease of access there is a 9.00am delivery guarantee and customers receive a text alert when their package is delivered to their ParcelXchange locker.

Avia Truck Scrappage Scheme Extended

ollowing the success of the car scrappage scheme last year that injected additional activity in footfall at showrooms, Avia Truck Ireland has taken the incentive by introducing a truck scrappage scheme. David Mullen, Managing Director, explains, “We are offering an additional €5,000 trade-in allowance against all new Avia trucks. Th is offer applies to all makes of trade-ins regardless of age or condition. So, for example, a trade-in truck with a current value of €15,000 will now be worth €20,000. And the deal has been extended to 2 April.” He added, “Avia is one of the leading providers of medium size trucks in the 7.5 tonne to 12 tonne category. Avia carry a 3 year / 1,000,000 km warranty which is most unusual for commercial vehicles and is testament to the quality of their vehicles. Built to a very high specification, Cummins engines are standard across the range and have a reputation for being the most fuel-efficient truck in its class. In fact, “bullet proof and misers on diesel” are comments mentioned by owners," he said.

With ParcelXchange, part returns are no longer a problem. Engineers can send returns back to a selection of locations (including warehouses, warranty sites, stores, recycling centres) through any ParcelXchange in Ireland. Each return is barcoded using the integral printer at the ParcelXchange, so full traceability is assured.

Entries open for Scania Driver Competition • Overall European winner receives new Scania R-series truck

estward Scania will once again host the Irish Finals of Scania’s Young European Truck Driver Competition – YETD 2012. Entries are now open on www.scania.ie with the National Final held on 30 June at its headquarters in Strokestown, Country Roscommon. Professional drivers from all over the world will compete in this event on a national and regional basis initially. YETD is the largest and most demanding driver competition in the world and covers Health & Safety, Fuel Economy, Driving, Vehicle Checks and Defensive Driving. Held every two years, more than 100,000 drivers of heavy trucks have participated in this Scania Driver competition to date. Initiated in 2003, the YETD is focused on increasing road safety, minimising the environmental impact from vehicle emissions and increasing fuel efficiency. Sponsored by Michelin, it is endorsed by the IRU – International Road Transport Union & the European Commission. The European Final will be held from 8-9 th September.

MIKE MURPHY INSURANCE GROUP The Insurance Centre, 7 Sandyford Business Centre, Sandyford, Dublin 18. Working with the Irish Road Haulage Industry for over 35 years. Just call us for a quote! Tel: 01 2932350 Fax: 01 2932360 Email: info@mikemurphyinsurance.ie Web: www.mikemurphyinsurance.ie Mike Murphy Insurance Group is a trade name of Insureforsure Ltd. Is a member of IBA & Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

4 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

NEWS II

Gilmores awarded Fuso Dealer of the Year

ifteen main Fuso Dealers on the island of Ireland were in contention for the annual Fuso Truck Dealer of the Year Award. Gilmores Kingscourt, County Cavan secured the 2011 title that recognises excellence in Sales, Service and Business Development.

At the presentation made during Fuso’s Dealer Conference in Naas, County Kildare, Gerard Rice, Managing Director, Fuso Ireland added, “Gilmores Kingscourt are worthy winners. They continue to put their customers fi rst in these tough times and secured a major contract in 2011 to supply new Euro 5 Canters to Meath County Council.”

On receiving the award, Ken Gilmore, Managing Director, Gilmores Kingscourt said, “With the Canter Euro 5 winning the Fleet Transport Irish Light Truck of the Year Award, the new generation Canter Duonic Auto just launched and the endorsement that an award like this brings, we are very optimistic about future business.”

Pictured at the presentation of the 2011 Fuso Dealer of the Year Award are: Gerard Rice (General Manager, Fuso Ireland), Ken Gilmore, (Managing Director, Gilmores Kingscourt) and Alexander Kuhnt (Regional Manager, Fuso Europe).

New DKV Euro Service Regional Director

KV Euro Service has appointed Gertjan Breij as Director of its Benelux VOF (which also includes Great Britain & Ireland). Mr. Breij’s portfolio includes the effective channelling of the growth ambitions of DKV’s products and services such as fuel cards and on-board units for tolls.

Zonen BV in Nijkerk (the Netherlands) from 2008 to 2011. Starting his career in 1991 with Martinair Holland NV, Gertjan Breij fulfi lled various management functions for several international (transport) companies. At the same time he was actively involved in transport development and interest promotion for the transport & logistics sector, participating in various committees within trade associations, including Transport & Logistiek Nederland (TLN).

He has wide experience in the (international) transport and logistics industry, holding positions that include Director of Vos Logistics between 2005 and 2008 and director of M. Bouw &

New steer axle tyre from GT Radial

sian tyre manufacturer GT Radial, which is now positioned within the top 10 largest tyre brands in the world, has launched a new range of high performance truck tyre patterns specifically for the European marketplace. GSR220 is a new pattern for the steer axle position and is now available in 315/80R22.5 with 295/80R22.5 and 315/70R22.5 coming soon and other sizes currently in development.

According to Stephen Shaw, Brand Manager, GT Radial Ireland, “the GSR220 is the result of an extensive testing programme involving UK and European f leets and delivering extremely encouraging results when compared against the performance

of leading premium manufacturer brands and has clearly demonstrated a significant cost per kilometre advantage.” He added; “GSR220 features extra wide shoulder ribs delivering a very even wear across the tread area with an exceptionally high mileage performance. In addition a new casing construction design provides the driver with comfort, excellent stability and low noise emissions.”

Irish Commercials makes ‘friends’ on Facebook

rish Commercials, the Volvo Truck & Bus dealers in Naas, County Kildare has ventured into the wide world of ‘social media’ with great success. Its recently launched Facebook site has a growing number of followers and as an added attraction together with a focus on interaction, prizes are on offer through this new method of communication. Commenting on the development, Emily Smith, Marketing Manager, Irish Commercials

said, “Being able to interact directly with our customers, drivers of other makes of trucks and the legions of truck fans through Facebook is fantastic – the feedback has been super, not to mention the regular banter. We are using Facebook as a method of communication to keep our Facebook friends up to date with company’s developments, truck related developments and naturally we are throwing in some fun and games too!”

Through Facebook, Irish Commercials is currently calling on all truck spott ers to photograph the Irish Commercials demo truck which is currently on the road with prizes of free CPC Courses for the fi rst five successful “spotters” and Irish Commercials branded Jackets for the next five. For more details visit the Irish Commercials Facebook Page htt p://facebook.

com/irishcommercials

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

NEWS 111

Close Brothers Group opens Commercial Finance arm in Dublin

pecialist fi nance services group Close Brothers has extended its operations to the Republic of Ireland. Having offered invoice fi nance here since 2007, the newly formed Close Brothers Commercial Finance operation in Dublin will provide tailor-made packages for SMEs and large businesses that cover both asset and invoice fi nance. Headed up by Adrian Madden, Regional Sales Director, with almost 25 years of experience in the asset fi nance industry, was previously responsible for the Asset Finance Sales Team in Ulster Bank and spent many years working for a

number of American and Japanese Banks in the UK. Commenting on this development, he said; “Gett ing businesses going again and boosting employment and GDP are at the core of what the Government is trying to do, but without access to fi nance fi rms cannot make crucial investments in technology, print, machinery and transport. Our team of fi nance specialists are well equipped to support the funding challenges customers are experiencing from the legacy of the Irish banking crisis.” Harry Parkinson, Managing Director, Close Brothers Commercial Finance (Ireland) added,

“Increasing demand for asset fi nance has valued the industry at more than €3 billion. The Irish market not only offers us a great opportunity to expand our business portfolio but importantly it could benefit from new flexible funding options particularly in these tough trading conditions. “It’s important that businesses have ready access to fi nance for a number of reasons not the least of which is to fund growth opportunities even in these challenging times. There has been much rhetoric in this regard but we come to the market with genuine substance and are prepared to work with our clients to help them achieve their goals.”

Castrol Team Hahn aims to retain EU Truck Racing title

eam Hahn, the German Truck Racing outfit from Altensteig has one clear aim for 2012 - to defend and retain its FIA European Truck Racing Driver’s title. For its 15th year in the Series, the team has added three new partners for this season, Castrol, Kögel and Top Service-Team. Blue Chip brand names like MAN Top-Used, KnorrBremse, Bosch, RTA and Palfi nger remain on as loyal sponsors. Castrol has become the primary sponsor and heralds the dawn of Castrol Team Hahn.

European Truck Racing Championship winning driver Jochen Hahn will have support from new driver, Rene Reinert (owner of Reinert Logistic) while complementing the powerful line-up is Mika Mäkkinen, who has in the last few years shown that he is very competitive in a privately entered MAN.

Sponsor & Team Comments: Markus Sattler, BP/Castrol: “The new partnership with Team Hahn Racing underlines our passion to motorsport and also our cooperation with MAN. Truck racing is a perfect platform to demonstrate our efficiency. Castrol`s high performance lubricants and the new race fuel from BP will support the team with their mission ‘Title Defence 2012’ as much as possible.” Jochen Hahn, Driver: “We are proud with our existing partners to welcome Castrol, Kögel and Top Service-Team. The gap between the top teams is gett ing smaller and smaller – as a private team this is an increasing challenge. Therefore our new partnerships on the technical side and in marketing are very important for our success.”

For the success of their mission ‘Title Defence 2012,’ work is running at full speed to prepare the new MAN TGX race trucks with a completely new look - from a black colour scheme to white. The first roll-out of the high horsepowered racers is scheduled for early March with pre-season testing begining in April.

Conny Hahn, Team-Chief: “Our aim for the next years is clear. We would like to establish ourselves as the top team in the competition. Therefore, together with our partners we will do everything to be successful.”

DrivebyAds – Complete Road Network Coverage

rivebyAds have dramatically reduced the cost of advertising on trucks & buses on Irish roads by selling third party advertising space on working vehicles 'which are going there anyway'. Th is business model suits both carrier and advertiser in the current economic climate as it provides fleet owners with an additional revenue stream whilst providing advertisers with an array of cost effective advertising options which they cannot ignore. DrivebyAds has launched its new website www.drivebyads.ie, where fleet owners can register their interest in carrying third party advertisements, record the numbers type of vehicles within their fleet and record the routes which they travel on a daily basis. Advertisers 6

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

will be invited to nominate the number of adverts required, where they wish these adverts to be displayed (Motorways, City/Towns, etc.) and the preferred type of vehicle to be used (Bus/ Truck etc). DrivebyAds will then match their advertiser’s requirements to the appropriate vehicles, agree targets, book the vehicles, and pass on the selected advert(s) to one of their specialist graphic design companies in order to map the required adverts to the selected vehicles. Adverts are applied to vehicles on site minimising any vehicle downtime. Th is process can take approximately 3-4 hours per vehicle. The Advertising campaign is then ready to proceed and the advertiser has the option of monitoring their campaign via GPS which will allow them to log in anytime throughout the campaign to

monitor/report on where and when their adverts have been displayed. Currently DrivebyAds offer “back of truck” adverts (approx 6.5m 2of advertising) for an all inclusive €265 per month (less than €10 per day). The customer chooses where it is seen. “This is a great way of getting your message out there, building brand awareness, at a cost that is affordable,” explained Pat Clarke, DrivebyAds. To date DrivebyAds has over 2000 vehicles registered which are ready and willing to carry third party advertising and all fleet owners sign up to code of ethics ensuring that their vehicles reflect well on the company and product that they are promoting.

96; >gZaVcY " 9g^k^c\ [dglVgY# 9Vk^Y BdadcZn _d^ch i]Z iZVb Vh Ldg`h]de 8dcigdaaZg# David joins the DAF After Sales team as Workshop Controller in the DAF Service Department. David has many years valuable experience, having served his time with the Harris Group before moving on to manage workshops in both Northern and Southern Ireland. Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main focus will be to further develop the DAF service business, with greater emphasis on customer relations. He will also concentrate on growing the all makes servicing business, with assistance from the DAF TRP all makes parts brand. With the ever shrinking vehicle parc and stiff competition from independent workshops, it is a challenge David is looking forward to. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being dynamic and focused towards the needs of the customer is the key to success in the future. At the end of the day, good communication with the customer is vital to create a superior quality service, we act on this information and use it to develop the kind of service the customer wantsâ&#x20AC;?. This is the ethos DAF service department strives to achieve on a daily basis.

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Communication with the customer is paramount in ensuring cost effective quality repairs. It also cultivates a trusting relationship between DAF and their customers.

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Fixed price menu servicing Contract maintenance packages All makes servicing and maintenance

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EAJH DAF Check. A web-based system for vehicle maintenance records, providing customers with access to view their service records on-line, which helps to control compliance requirements simply and accurately. â&#x2014;?

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INTERVIEW

One-to-One

LS. No, it won’t be the Glider, it will be a truck carry over, an evolution, I think is probably best way to describe it. A substantial evolution and talking about the power line, new engines and the new engine features.

Luca Sra, Managing Director Iveco UK & Ireland with Jarlath Sweeney, editor@fleet.ie JS. Iveco’s UK market share is up, even more than the actual market itself which obviously must be pleasing for you, particularly just six months into the new position? LS. This has been, and will be one of our aims as we focus on the market share. We need to build it up, in order to create a profitable and sustainable market in the near future. We want to concentrate on leading partners and operators in the marketplace, creating the proper sustainability by the company. So I don’t want to be too concerned by the volume, we need to balance in between units and profits in the meantime and achieve sustainable growth. JS. From your time in Italy and in Turkey are there any business practices that you engineered while you were there that could be transferred into the U.K & Irish system? LS. I personally believe that when you move to another country you need to listen to understand and you need to adapt yourself to what is around you. In doing this I am taking the benefit of my past experiences but my decisions are driven by what is going on in the U.K. and Irish markets and not really driven by other experiences in these countries. If there is something that can be added coming from my experiences in Turkey or in Italy yes, this will come, even talking about people, it is important, let's say to have a proper mix of people and competencies inside our company and we do have this type of mix.

JS. With regard to Euro 6 there’s a fear out there that it could actually be by-passed by a lot of operators, that they will lend themselves to purchase the last of the Euro 5s, similar to what happened to Euro 4, particularly in terms of cost and fuel consumption.

JS. But the product is far more developed as well? LS. Yes JS. What are your plans for the Irish market to give it an injection, to rejuvenate the brand? LS. First of all I do believe that everybody has a problem with stock and this is related to the fact that the market in 2008 was booming. Ireland was, let’s say, the new bright star in the European scenario, the financial community was pretty much happy and then suddenly everything disappeared, and the world changed. So it is not really an Iveco problem but a problem of all the makers. But you know that perhaps some others have much more stock problems compared to the Iveco one. My plan is following our partner (Truck Dealers International/Harris Group) like we did in order to exploit the stock that we have in place, getting rid of them. So I do believe that we need to provide all the commercial tools needed in order to support the stock decrease and to follow the market. JS. Will we see the New Daily in Ireland soon? LS. Yes, you will see it because first of all we do not have such a big stock of the Daily light commercial vehicle in Ireland. We will be looking to launch the Daily in the month of November.

JS. Have you got to know the market here now six months into your new position or is the learning process continuing?

JS. Is there any opportunity for you to extend the Daily up to 7.5 tonnes and compete with the compact Japanese brands?

LS. My learning process?

LS. It is also a matter of truck anatomy because we are talking about a different type of Cab. We have a semi-Forward Control Cab and the Japanese have a Cab-over, so it’s a different concept and structure but with the introduction of the Daily 7 tonne two years ago, we have tried to follow this market movements.

JS. Yes, for the English and the Irish markets and that you have a good knowledge of the culture, which is different to anywhere else? LS. I don’t know if I have good knowledge or not but for sure it’s never enough. Definitely the U.K & the Irish markets are far away from the Eastern European markets. We’re talking about a much more developed market. This is especially related to the Southern part of England that is where the economy and the financial community is sitting and standing, but the concept such as, total cost of ownership suggests weekly rate and all this type of thing, so they are much more developed as compared to other experiences that I had.

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

JS. With Stralis for Euro 6, I understand the changes are just cosmetic for the exterior but the interior will be dramatically changed. LS. I wouldn’t say cosmetics because we talk quite huge change in design with the exterior and interior. It won’t be just a make-up. JS. So are you heading towards the Glider concept like we saw in Hanover?

LS. Yes, we can talk to the Government because it comes back to incentivising disposal of older vehicles rather than keep applying legislation to new vehicles. If you’re going to substitute Euro 0 or Euro 1 with a Euro 5 you are taking the benefit much more as compared to dramatically increasing the costs and the price of the vehicle with the Euro 6. We do believe that in the coming year there will be a huge demand for the Euro 5 because the customer will try to take the benefits of the availability of the Euro 5. With Euro 6, there will be a great jump in technology, on the other side payloads will suffer and then you have the extra cost of the vehicle. So because of this, we believe that there will be a demand coming from the customer related to the Euro 5 product. JS. By going down the road of SCR only do you think you have an advantage over the rest of Euro 6 technology? LS. Yes, absolutely. JS. Iveco is renowned for their engine technology, reliability and fuel economy so obviously this is at the next level and you are ahead of the game in that respect. Do you see other manufacturers may look to this system only in the future? LS. To be honest I do believe that we need to provide the most profitable and convenient solution to the customer, to the end user, so we focus and will focus on fuel consumption, truck efficiency, truck reliability in order to deliver a profitable and suitable transport solution. The others will make their choice and I really don’t care to be honest. JS. Obviously you’re proud of what you do in your company but you want to extend this pride to the customer as well, that they have pride in their product? LS. Yes, definitely, you can be proud by yourself but even the others have to follow you. Pride to the dealers and right the way through, yes. JS. Very good. Finally my last question is in relation to Iveco’s success achieved on the Dakar Rally. LS. One comment on Dakar is that it always helps engine development. Fiat Powertrain Technologies (Iveco’s engine development suppliers) have been heavily involved in developing those engines and any form of motorsports accelerates development so it works two ways, one in brand and one in advance testing.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

Driven to Perfection

J Harris Assemblers Naas Rd, Dublin. Tel: 01 4194500 Fax: 01 4602284 www.hino.ie

FIRST DRIVES

Exclusive First Drives in the Fuso Super Greats … and Canter 4x4!

he history of the Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus brand dates back to 1932. Today it sits alongside Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner (North America) and Bharat Benz (India) under the umbrella of Daimler Trucks. In its home market, Fuso is among the dominant Top 3 with Isuzu No. 1 with 36.7% market share, Hino on 23% and Fuso with 19.8%. Fuso is next to Hino in the bus sector with 29.9% and 22.1% market share respectively last year. Key to Fuso’s ongoing progress and success is the R&D Centre at its Kawasakai Headquarters and the Kitsuregawa Proving Ground. Situated at Sakura City, about 200 kms North East of Tokyo, Kitsuregawa is one of the largest truck and bus test facilities in the world. Welcomed by Mr. Wataru Morokuma, who heads up this operation, he detailed the ongoing activities at this 1.7million sq.m. site which first opened in 1980. Although shaken and damaged by the massive earthquake in March 2011, it is back to full operational capacity with some repairs to buildings ongoing. Diesel and Hybrid versions of the Canter and Super Great were available to test drive around the track along with the new Canter 4x4 model and a couple of examples from its Bus division. Super Great, like the Skoda Superb car does what it says on the tin, but maybe not to the full extent of its name. Design wise, the latest Super Great which caters for the multi-axle and tractor unit sectors for the Japanese manufacturer has taken on a European shape, as its exterior look is not too dis-similar to the MAN TGA. Inside, as expected, it takes on a typical Asian style in appearance and

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

finish. As one takes the three steps up into the cab, layers of dark grey plastic await with dials and swithgear placed across the dash in little circles, squares and triangles. A rather large engine cover prevents any easy cross-cab access in this single sleeper which really is only a driver rest area for short periods. Regarding the drivetrain, Fuso’s owners Daimler can take the credit here as the 6R10 12.8 litre is that from its world engine platform as per the MercedesBenz OM471 and the DD13 (Detroit Diesel) in the U.S. Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to control the exhaust emissions is used here too. The 12 speed Inomat II - 12 automatic transmission is a derivative of the Mercedes-Benz Powershift. When all put together, the loaded 25 tonne GVW 6x4 performed impressively. Around the 3.6 kilometre high speed test track, acceleration and power was good with the gearshift working in perfect harmony. Lap after lap. At a constant (limited) speed of 90 kp/h, the rev counter remained on the 1100 rpm point, mainly driven on the flat but sometimes rough surface depending on the lane taken. A spin in the Hybrid version premiered at the Tokyo Motor Show was then available to us. It performed just like its conventional diesel brother, with the addition of an electric motor, and stop/start engine cut off technology to help achieve a 10% reduction in CO2 and in fuel consumption. A laptop placed on the top of the engine cover informed us of the rate of energy consumption and regeneration the latter through deceleration and braking.

FIRST DRIVES The Fuso Network across Europe is keen to get its hands on the Super Great as this heavy duty range would enhance sales and service business at its Dealerships and sit-in nicely alongside the popular Canter range. Maybe the powers that be in Stuttgart will have a change of heart and allow importation of same into European markets.

New Mitsubishi Fuso Canter 4x4 marches on!

At a round table discussion held at the Kitsuregawa Proving Ground, Mr. Gustav Tuschen, Mitsubishi Fuso’s Vice-President of Product Engineering presented the business case for the Super Great Eco Hybrid. “Our evaluation so far shows that hybridisation can indeed benefit heavy-duty trucks in typical long-haul operations,” he said. “The conventional thinking is that hybrids best fit light-duty truck operations in urban areas, since such operations involve many stops and starts. While small truck operations in big cities do benefit from hybrid power trains, due to their ability to frequently recapture braking energy, heavy-duty trucks clearly can benefit as well.” Mr. Tuschen explained that heavy-duty long-haul trucks recover and store energy as they move up and down hills. In addition, they use higher braking power and tend to run much longer distances than city trucks, therefore, the benefits of hybrids accumulate. The hybrid system is optimised so it can capture energy even when the truck is going down very slight grades. The parallel hybrid system ensures that energy loss is minimised. Also related to their high mileage, the CO2 reduction effect of a long-haul hybrid heavy-duty truck is five or more times that of a light-duty truck with high mileage.

Outlook Based on the positive test results so far, Fuso is moving ahead with development of heavy-duty long haul trucks. The key challenge with heavy-duty hybrids, as with all hybrid commercial vehicles, is to ensure overall lifecycle cost benefits for customers. That means for significant market penetrations to occur, the fuel economy and other cost benefits must exceed the added cost to purchase a hybrid vehicle. Therefore, Fuso will work to optimise costs in all aspects, while ensuring reliability, durability and performance. Special focus will be taken to minimise the weight of the heavy-duty hybrid system, so customers can maximise their payload. Spec Check Make/Model: Engine: Power: Torque: Transmission: Gear Ratio: GVW: Dimensions (mm): Tyres/Wheels: Suspension:

Mitsubishi Fuso Super Great Heavy Duty 6R10 12.8 litre in-line 6 cylinder 380 PS @ 1800 rpm 2160 Nm @ 1100 rpm GS11-12 (speed) Inomat II Differential 2.411 25 tonnes (on test) 11990 (L) 2490 (W), 3080 (H) 7220 Wheelbase FR: 295 / 80R22.5 RR: 11R22.5 Leaf Springs Front / 4 Bag Air Rear

roudly parked in the paddock at the Reithaus in Ludwigsburg, Germany alongside the all-new Fuso Canter was the latest 4x4 version. We were informed that this model was designed to Australian specification and differs from which will be available in Europe. Within a month, we were able to drive a similar model around Fuso’s Kitsuregawa Proving Ground. On the multi-purpose track section of this vast testing facility, the 3.0 litre 150 PS all-wheel-drive Canter was put through its paces. Visually the 4x4 variant sits higher on the chassis as the cab gets more ground clearance. It takes two steps to enter and exit. As a result superior all-round visibility is better as the seating position is higher too. Fitted with Fuso’s new 6 speed Duonic automated transmission formed an efficient relationship with smooth transmission between gears. On the long descents, with engine brake on, the drivetrain was held at 40 kp/h @ 2050 rpm. Everything undercontrol. Engine noise was not a problem either. Runs were also given on the previous generation Fuso Canter Eco-Hybrid and new Canter in 5 tonne GVW form.

Spec Check Make/Model Engine Power Torque Transmission Dimensions Tyres Suspension GVW Test Drive Weight Kitsuregawa Proving Ground Site Area Buildings Total Length of Test Course Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

Fuso Canter 4x4 (4WD) 3.0 litre/in-line 4 (4P10T2) 150 PS @ 2840-3500 rpm 370 Nm @1350-2840 rpm 6 speed Duonic automated Length 6180 mm Width 2220 mm Height 2570 mm Wheelbase 3415 mm 225/80R17.5 Rigid Axle Leaf (front + rear) 5.3 tonnes 5.3 tonnes 1,171,039m 2 40,387m 2 14,440m FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

NEW FLEET

Another new Scania for Cunningham Transport …

right Blue and White R620V8 and Griffin Neons illuminate the interior cab wall of the new Scania R620 6x2 twin steer tractor unit purchased by Cunningham Transport. Sold by Tom Nolan & Sons, Castleisland, County Kerry, Main Scania dealers, the new high-spec truck will be operated by father and son team of Mike and Brian Cunningham (Raheenagh, County Limerick) on National and International transport. Apart from the special V8 styling pack that includes leather seats, badging and chrome grille surrounds, the cab was painted in metallic blue at the Scania factory and is equipped with a kitchenette. Mike McKenna Signs (Killarney) did the livery and graphics.

… while Brennan International scores 10/10

rennan International is another valued customer of T Nolan & Sons as Diarmuid Nolan hands over the keys of the new R500 Topline to Pat Brennan. The new 4x2 tractorunit was specified with a Topline cab, two pedal opticruise with retarder, dura brite alloys, and factory-fit Bluetooth and air horns. Brennan’s, based in Limerick, has operated Scanias for approximately sixteen years and runs a fleet of ten trucks.

New Actros is a black ‘n’ white matter for P&K Transport

fter eight years of service, Pat Sinnott (P&K Transport) from Ardlea, Country Laois said goodbye to his loyal Mercedes-Benz Actros 1844.

Now the dairy farmers on his round are wishing Pat “Well Wear” on his new Actros 2546 Powershift II 6x2 tractor unit. In addition to the comfort that the new truck brings, Pat is confident that his new purchase will prove as reliable as the previous two Actros purchased from Surehaul (IRL) Ltd.

Over that time they travelled the highways and byways of the mid-west on the daily milk collection run on behalf of Glanbia, Ballyragget.

New Avias on the double!

ustomer loyalty is much sought after in business today and thankfully Avia Truck continues to generate repeat orders from customers. Two such cases materialised last month with a new Avia D 75 delivered to Tullamore company, Ravenhill Couriers Ltd (pic 1), which has purchased examples from the Czech manufacturer since 2002. An original Monread built box-body and Zepro taillift were transferred from a

12 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

similar 2007 version that was traded-in. As the livery indicates, the truck is on contract to WEEE Recycle. Meanwhile another Tullamore company, Betson Tyres Ltd (pic 2) has purchased its next Avia D 75 fitted with a 15ft boxbody. “Th is loyal customer is a tyre wholesaler and this is their third Avia bought from us,” stated David Mullen, Managing Director, Avia Truck Ireland.

Finol selects slick Renault!

etanta Vehicle Sales Dublin has supplied this new Renault Midlum to FINOL. The national lubricant distributor for Total, Fina & Elf brands specified the 220 hp 14 tonne rigid with rear air suspension on a Jimmy Kelly built curtainside body and has been equipped with pumping equipment to discharge bulk oil deliveries.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

LAUNCH PAD 1

CITAN – another star is born for Mercedes-Benz

he secret is out! Mercedes-Benz new city van has been revealed. Those of us present at Daimler's Design Centre of Excellence at Sindelfi ngen were among the privileged few to see the new van in the flesh for the fi rst time. And it wasn’t until the following day that we discovered its name – CITAN – derived from ‘City & Titan’. From what we have seen, Citan bears litt le resemblance to that of the Renault Kangoo, on which it is based. Daimler’s collaboration with Renault goes beyond this project as more co-operation and codevelopments are in the pipeline to include drivetrains. Of course, this is not Daimler’s fi rst partnership with another light commercial manufacturer as its Mercedes-Benz brand has had co-share in the design and manufacturer of its Sprinter with the Crafter from Volkswagen. Th is three-year development of a new urban delivery van by Mercedes-Benz aims to succeed where its Vanio project from over a decade ago failed. Citan will

vehicles from a light van to a heavy duty truck. To be built at Renault’s Maubeuge plant in France, alongside the Kangoo range, Mercedes-Benz levels of build quality and equipment have been assured as well as high standards in component supply as used specifically for the Citan.

be a serious player in the ever-growing small panel van market. With the introduction of the Citan into the European marketplace shortly after its premiere in Hanover for the IAA CV Show, MercedesBenz will be the only manufacturer in the world to offer a complete suite of commercial

Visually, the new Mercedes-Benz van has a strong family look with a large triple pointed star dominating the front grille. The back end differs too from the Kangoo as does the interior, which has been reworked. It will be available in various length and weight categories and in the form of a panel van and crew cabs. Unlike the Vario, there will be no dedicated passenger version. Under the Daimler ‘Blue Efficiency’ badge the 1.5 litre DCi diesel engines and petrol variant from Renault will be used but modified to reduce their carbon footprint and lower fuel consumption. An electric version is also planned. ESP will be standard. Changes to the front axle, suspension system will ensure Citan's ride and handling characteristics will differ from the Kangoo. And by reconfiguration the seats and the fitting off a complete new dash will separate it from its newfound French cousin.

New model Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab descends

ollowing the launch of the new Pajero, Mitsubishi Motors is now introducing the new model L200 Pick-Up truck. “Bigger, Better, Stronger” is how it’s described to demonstrate its longer bed and greater load capacity, more powerful engine with 178 hp and improved torque values of 400 Nm.

Mated to this 2.5 litre Euro 5 common-rail turbo charged engine is a 5 speed manual gearbox with the option of a new electronically controlled 5 speed automatic transmission (with Sports mode). Priced at €32,742 standard equipment i ncludes fac tor y Bluetooth, cruise control, rear privacy glass, curtain and side airbags, automatic air conditioning and traction control. More details and photos in the Spring edition of Fleet Van & Utility out next month.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

ANALYSIS

EU Commercial Vehicle Sales rise 10% • Market remains 20% below pre-crisis levels

rance emerged as the largest market for commercial vehicles in Europe with a total of 482,823 new vehicles registered, an expansion of 5.6% over the previous year. Over 2011, a total of 1,935,392 new commercials were bought across Europe to mark a 9.9% increase over 2010, but still around one-fift y below pre-crisis levels when annual returns averaged 2.5 million units. Germany with 334,822 units (+18.7%) and the UK (+17.6%) with 306,488 new commercial vehicles sold were the next two biggest markets and growth toppers. In contrast, the Italian (-3.4%) and the Spanish markets (-6.6%) contracted. Looking into the figures further (produced by ACEA - The Association of Automotive Manufacturers in Europe), from January to December, the EU recorded 1,586,255 new vans, or 7.0% more than in 2010. Results were different across markets as France (+2.7%), the UK (+16.7%) and Germany (+18.8%) performed better, while Italy (-6.1%) and Spain (-10.1%) declined. Within the HGV sector, all significant markets experienced growth. Spain saw demand for heavy trucks increase by 20.6%, while growth was 23.3% in Germany, 41.5% in France and 42.5% in the UK. Overall, the EU recorded 236,512 new heavy trucks in 2011, which is 36.0% more than in the previous year. Cumulative figures for the Bus/Coach sector saw a 0.7% drop in new sales while France and Spain recorded increases, Germany and the U.K. witnessed a drop-off, the latter significantly by 16.4%.

Irish Commercial Vehicle sector recovers - slowly but surely

ithout the appeal of a scrappage scheme, the Irish Commercial Vehicle industry continues to show modest growth with the numbers of new HGV & LCV registrations increasing. With 1,141 HGV unit sales and 11,346 new LCV’s registered in 2011, these figures produced by SIMI are a long way from peak numbers of almost 6,000 units recorded in 2006. While new truck sales recorded an 8.05% growth Chart 1 HGV Brand Scania Volvo DAF Renault Trucks Mercedes-Benz MAN Iveco Hino Isuzu Mitsubishi Fuso Total Market

last year compared to the 11.38% deficit from 2010 over 2009, new vans wearing ’11 plates showed an almost 9% increase in numbers compared to 2010 – see chart #2. Biggest winners in the year long brand batt le was Scania, which jumped from No.3 to top the table on 15.95% market share. Volvo Truck gained a position recording 15.34% and only 7 units behind its Swedish rival. Renault Trucks however made the biggest impact, moving from 7th to 4th, while Mercedes-Benz was the

biggest loser free-falling from fi rst position in 2010 to fi ft h last year. The main reason could be put down to the pending arrival of the all new award winning Actros range early in 2011, which tempted loyal Actros operators to hold off . Another reason is that the various fi nancial packages offered by Volvo & Renault Trucks (under the Volvo Financial Services banner) and Scania Finance offer purchasers very competitive Contract hire/ Leasing rates.

The Renault marque also came very much to the fore in the LCV sector gaining three places in the Top 10 league. Again, 2011 Unit Sales Market Share Position 2010 Unit Sales Market Share Position Gain/Loss its att ractive fi nancial offering, 5 year 182 15.95% 1 113 11.08% 4 +3 Warranty and new product line in 175 15.34% 2 118 11.57% 3 +1 the Master van saw the French brand 148 12.97% 3 147 14.41% 2 -1 achieve phenomenal sales growth from 120 10.52% 4 38 3.73% 7 +3 570 units in 2010 to 1647 last year. With 100 8.76% 5 161 15.78% 1 -4 this serious impact on the sales graph, the two established podium toppers 60 5.62% 6 82 8.04% 5 -1 Ford & Volkswagen are looking into 55 4.82% 7 65 6.37% 6 -1 their mirrors more frequently, paying 36 3.16% 8 24 2.35% 8 = heed to the Gallic charge. Nissan’s Medium Goods Vehicle Segment rise of six positions in worth noting 76 6.66% 1 92 9.02% 1 = too as the Japanese company moved 49 4.29% 2 54 5.29% 2 = up from 11th to 5th over the past year. Again, Mercedes-Benz faired out poorly 2011

1141

14 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

2010

1056

2009

1151

ANALYSIS loosing market share and four places, and in the process relegation to 11th. Isuzu lost out too (as the Chart #2 describes) but this could be put down to the launch of the all-new D-Max Pick-up truck due soon, and is its best selling commercial.

Chart 2 LCV Brand

2011 Unit Sales Market Share Position 2010 Unit Sales Market Share Position

Gain/Loss

Ford

2452

Volkswagen

1784

15.72%

1376

13.05%

Renault

1647

14.52%

570

5.40%

Toyota

954

8.41%

1005

9.53%

-1

Nissan

666

5.87%

280

2.66%

21.61%

2073

19.66%

Comments from distributors re the 517 4.56% 6 481 4.56% 9 +3 marketplace for 2012 are in general Opel agreement that HGV sales will be Peugeot 485 4.27% 7 601 5.70% 5 -2 similar to that of 2011. “We have seen Isuzu 458 4.04% 8 619 5.87% 4 -4 a sett ling off of truck registrations Citroen 450 3.97% 9 361 3.42% 10 +1 over the past two years albeit at a dramatically reduced level when Fiat Professional 397 3.50% 10 511 4.85% =7 -3 compared to the boom years. While Mercedes-Benz 334 2.94% 11 511 4.85% =7 -4 this year has got off to a strong start I expect that over the period of the 2011 11,346 2010 10,437 2009 9,285 year we will see a levelling off of truck Total Market registrations with a full year total for 2012 being very similar to 2011,” said a Sales concerned about 2012 for a number of reasons burst of activity. Indeed many of the January Director for one of the leading brands. but particularly for the operators with the soaring sales seem to have come from deals done at early price of diesel / road tax and insurance. I fear as June last, and February registrations seem to Another is not so optimistic. "2011 was a there could be a very bleak year ahead as costs be of a more normal level. From our perspective, very difficult year for both distributors and are spiralling out of control and it will be a real there has been a great deal of tightening on the operators with the market over 7.5 ton GVW batt le to survive." availability of credit, and that combined with the ending more or less the same as 2010. There requirement for a customer deposit, or at least an was obviously no growth and with workshop “The challenging marketplace continues for unencumbered trade-in has meant that we have and parts sales dropping, 2011 was overall very another year,” said a Managing Director. “As been unable to quote on several deals. Also, we tough," quoted a National Sales Manager. He usual, virtually every single sale was a challenge, have been fi nding the used market a particular continued, "However, it has been a reasonably but then the HGV business is always a tough challenge, and there is litt le buoyancy in this good start to 2012 with registrations up on sale. The total market was up about 19%, but was area. Overall, the market should be up on 2011, January 2011 but this is a result of end of year very weak compared to even markets of the early but led by the larger fleet deals." orders from 2011. In general I would be very 1990’s. 2012 seems to have started with a real

Market Trends re-shape HGV Sectors

t the recent Iveco annual end of year press gathering, Nigel Emms, Head of Communications Iveco U.K. & Ireland outlined the structural change the Heavy Commercial Vehicle industry is going through. “Change is the order of the day” he stated. “Spurred on by the increasing need for productivity and cost-efficiency, road transport operators are steadily moving away from the traditional ways of doing things. But it’s a move that could be seen more clearly than ever in 2011, in particular as we have had one of the fastest-growing tractor-unit markets ever”. Th is change and developments in other weight segments mirror what’s happening here in Ireland also.

“Van sales are strengthening again,” said Nigel, as rental fleets return to buying and operators regain their confidence. Of course, the van sector is being driven more and more by levels of retail activity. Th ings like e-commerce and buying off the web have had a dramatic impact on this sector, with operators increasingly preferring vans for domestic and in-town parcel deliveries. By far the biggest element of this is at 3.5 tonnes.” “The significant thing as stated earlier, is how the structure of the market is changing with the balance between medium and heavy trucks has changed substantially. Today, heavy trucks account for exactly 80% of all truck registrations, with medium trucks making up only 20%. “Why Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

is this the case,” he asked. Operators are moving away from 7.5 tonners as vans offer a ‘lower cost perhaps’ and they also come with a wide variety of vehicle types from 17 cubic metre vans to bodied chassis. “That said,” Nigel continued, “the 7.5 tonner is a distribution vehicle. It was designed as such, it still offers excellent payload and space and it gets more economical to operate as times goes by. But we have to recognise the additional threat of Euro 6 at the extra weight. Euro 6 will add some 200kgs to the unladen weight, and this will hardly do the 7.5 tonner any favours.”

Moving up to the 18 tonne to 26 tonne segments, Nigel explained that the move to the latter is down once again to productivity. 6x2 rigids offer better payloads, greater carrying capacity, and better residuals for a minimal increase in price and hardly any difference in operating costs. The 8x4 configuration category continues to be hit by the slump in the construction industry. A number of developments in road transport led to the upturn in demand for new tractor units. “In 2011, we saw operators starting to re-fleet as older vehicles became uneconomical to keep on the road any longer. Add that to the fact that the most productive vehicle you can possibly operate is a 3 axle tractor with a double-deck semi-trailer. Operators are increasingly realising this in their own operations, and many who might have previously operated 18 tonners, maybe even

6x2’s – are now moving to tractors for all their operations, including things like distribution. Go to any Shopping Centre at six in the morning these days, and increasingly its tractors you’ll see delivering to shops, where it would traditionally have been 18 tonners. That is driving a shift towards tractors, at the expense of other types of vehicles, and it’s a trend we strongly believe will continue. Tractors are flexible, adaptable and productive. The 2 axle sector remains the preserve of certain types of operation, and in particular, supermarkets,” said Nigel. “Again, it's all down to productivity and earning power," he stressed. “We all know Euro 6 is on the horizon. We all know costs are going to increase. So a question: do we believe there was any impact on demand in 2011 as a result of operators pulling-forward fleet replacements to avoid these costs? Th at’s a hard one to answer. In truth, probably no. That said, operators defi nitely have Euro 6 on their agenda – so we confidently expect many to be buying Euro 5 products in advance.” In early January, Iveco’s CEO Alfredo Atavilla gave the brand a huge vote of confidence in meeting the demands of an ever changing marketplace by approving a €1 billion investment in new products and services. (See Interview with Mr. Luca Sra M.D. Iveco U.K. & Ireland on Page 8).

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

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COVER

Phoenix: TATRA'S Flagship • Czech brand aims to go further across Europe

TATRA participated in the ITOY contest for the first time ever. “This great result for TATRA is strengthened by the fact the winning truck is classified as a long distance road haulage truck. The second-placed new TATRA PHOENIX was thus the best scoring all-wheel-drive truck for 2012 entered in the entire competition,” said a delighted Martin Najzr, Chief Marketing Officer, TATRA .

t was a big surprise to many in the Commercial Vehicle industry that the TATRA Phoenix fi nished runner-up to the Mercedes-Benz Actros in the race for the International Truck of the Year 2012 title. On the contrary, the 24 strong member jury voted the new heavy duty construction

range from the Czech manufacturer ahead of the Scania R-series Euro 6 for its impressive handling characteristics and innovative developments. TATRA, with a history of engineering that dates back over 160 years, is one of the oldest vehicle producers in the world. Based in Kopřivnice, Czech Republic, it is entering into a new era with the flagship Phoenix, a new heavy-duty truck product line, in collaboration with DAF and its parent PACCAR. In fact, so impressed was DAF with the ongoing developments at TATRA , that it invested in a major shareholding in the company. As a result, DAF dealers across Europe will benefit in having a well built dedicated construction range available for sale. “There are many innovative and breakthrough vehicles in the rich, 160-year history of TATRA that have had inf luence on the automotive industry. I strongly believe that TATRA Phoenix truck belongs to them as it does not only start a new era for TATRA but also for DAF and even for the heavy-duty off-road trucks segment. “It is a quantum leap ahead for TATRA ," said Ronald Adams CEO TATRA on announcing the co-operators agreement with DAF. “It’s a great opportunity for DAF dealers," stated Harrie Schippers, DAF Trucks CEO at the launch of the Phoenix to the market. Martin Najzr, TATR A’s Chief Marketing Officer added; “The new TATR A Phoenix delivers unrivalled value to its customers. It does so by combining the newest and most advanced TATRA chassis design based on backbone tube and independent swinging half-

18 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

axles with the technological sophistication of DAF cabs and PACCAR engines. With these technologies, TATRA Phoenix brings its users outstanding productivity, comfort and efficiency. These customer values are well-captured and communicated through the branding ‘TATRA takes you farther’ – you, the driver will drive farther in the off-road terrain than you were accustomed to, and, you, the owner, will achieve better business results. Delivering these values, TATRA Phoenix will gradually become the company’s fl agship truck serving customers around the globe.” “The TATRA Phoenix marks a new beginning for the company and brings about a significant shift in the competitive playing field of the heavy duty off-road commercial truck segment. With the new vehicle begins another chapter in the globally successful TATRA story,” explained Martin. He went on to detail the joint-venture element of the new product development. “Thanks to the cooperation with prominent truck manufacturer DAF and the PACCAR group, we are entering an era of the most fundamental globalization of our products and services. For our partners and customers, TATRA Phoenix provides proof that a new line of commercial vehicles offering ultimate driving capabilities, high productivity and operational efficiency, driver comfort, and a long lifespan was fi nally born. The modernised unique TATRA chassis with new transfer case and pneumatic suspension of all axles, completed with a DAF CF 85 cab (short or sleeper), PACCAR MX engine with 360-510 hp output and ZF Ecosplit transmission (manual or ASTronic automatic), signals the indisputable dawn of a new era for TATRA , its commercial customers, business partners and supporters. The TATRA Phoenix maintains the tradition of all-wheel drive with the possibility to engage or disengage the front-wheel drive at any time while driving. Vehicles are available in standard configuration 4x4, 6x6, 8x8 and now also 8x6. The vehicle can be operated in the most difficult terrain without problems and now is also better adapted to the mixed-terrain operations.”

COVER Enthusiastically, he added, “The TATRA Phoenix will boost your productivity! The TATRA Phoenix unique chassis design eliminates the sub-frame between the chassis and the body, lowering kerb weight. As a result, the truck offers outstanding payload capacity and carries heavier loads. Unique to TATRA is its axle concept, unlike those of competitors, it does not require wheel-hub reduction gears in standard truck applications. Th is feature and the usage of the automated AS-Tronic transmission further decrease fuel consumption.” Proof of the vehicle’s sturdiness and reliability is the 36-month (or 300,000 kilometres) warranty period for the truck’s powertrain – currently the leading standard warranty in this truck segment.

Spec Check Make/Model Engine Power/ Torque

Turning Circle

TATRA Phoenix 12.9 litre 6 cylinder PACCAR MX diesel (turbo) SCR Euro 5 MX265: 360 hp & Torque 1775@1000-1410 rpm @ 1500 + 1900 rpm MX 300 408 hp @ 1500-1900 rpm Torque 2000 @ 1000–1410 rpm MX 340 462 hp @ 1500-1900 rpm Torque 2300 @ 1000-1410 rpm MX 375 510 hp @ 1500-1900 rpm Torque 2500 @ 1000-1410 rpm 16 speed ZF Ecosplit/16 speed AS-Tronic automated. Single Plate dry ZF sachs 430 mm TATRA Independent suspension with/without hub reduction Front: Air Rear: Leaf Springs / Air 315/80 R22.5 385/65 R22.5 Day/Sleeper with 1/2 beds Steel or Aluminium 220-545 litres AdBlue: 45 litres 300 mm 4x4 6x6 8x8 (8x6) 16.5m 18.5m 21.5m

Kerb weight Wheelbase

8350 kg 3700-4500 mm

Transmission Clutch Axles Suspension Wheels Types Cab options Tanks Clearance Height

9,800 kg 3440-4500 mm

11,500/11,200 kg 2150-2950 mm

TATRA – the third oldest vehicle manufacturer in the world

ATRA’s brand history dates back to 1850 when Ignac Sustala produced horse-drawn carriages in Nesselsdorf – now known as Kopřivice, in the former Austro Hungarian Empire. In keeping with trends, developments in rail transport emerged, but it was not until 1919 that the TATRA brand first appeared on a truck called the TL4. Mr. Novak, a company director renamed the company (from Nesselsdorfer Wagenbau) after the local mountain range. Following the independence of Czechoslovakia in 1918, TATRA earned a solid reputation for producing a wide range of cars and trucks of quality throughout Central Europe. It was primarily through military orders that the development of truck production expanded. Legendary ‘go-anywhere’ ability, rugged construction, easy maintenance, and high performance together with a long working life are the attributes of TATRA trucks that continue to this day. TATRA III from 1942, originally designed for military purposes, became an icon in its lengthy lifetime. The 14.8 litre 12 cylinder three-axle 8-10 tonner laid the foundation for its successors, namely the T138, T148 and the T815 from recent decades. Multi-axle and all wheel drive became a TATRA forte. Model T815 also made its name through numerous successes in cross-country rallying and became a firm favourite in the Dakar Rally, with 6 wins by Karel Loprais. In the most recent running of the famous Rally Raid held in South America, TATRA finished third. In the same month, victory was accomplished in the Eco Africa race, a similar type but shorter event held in Northern Africa. Another notable achievement was in 2001, when the TATRA Jamal Evo II won the European Super Race Truck B Series.

Another Rally Raid success for TATRA in winning the Africa EcoRace for the second time. Tomás Tomecek and Vojtech Moravek brought the Letka Racing Team TATRA 815 2TOR45 to the finish line at the Pink Lake, Dakar before all the others who survived the Moroccan tracks and dunes of Mauritania.

After the accession of the Czech Republic to NATO in 1999, TATRA developed special ARMAX Vehicles based on the TERR No.1 range designed to operate in difficult terrain and climate conditions. Variations of the FORCE Series, through its modular chassis, allowed for configuration to cover 6x6 through 8x8, 10x10 to 12x12. Collaboration with other manufacturers is not new at TATRA as Renault Trucks supplied the cabs and other components for the medium weight T810 launched in 2006 which covered both the military and general markets. 2009 heralded the arrival of one of its greatest and most versatile vehicles, the T815.7. A new, low cab, which in conjunction with the progressive air suspension allows for transport in the C-130 Hercules plane. This chassis is also used for special applications such as crane carriers and fire tenders. The first application of a revolutionary design of a central tube with ‘swinging’ half axles dates back to 1923. Together with air suspension, this design is unbeatable under extreme terrain conditions. In 2011, TATRA introduced the Phoenix range, which continues the rich tradition of its predecessor. Phoenix becomes TATRA’s new flagship and proudly wears the brand name of one of the longest established auto manufacturers in the world.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

LAUNCH PAD 11

New Fuso Canter - ‘Fuss Free Fuso’

ertain vehicle names immediately conjure up, not only an image of the vehicle, but also bring to mind a list of att ributes. Often, this perception relates to the manufacturer's name, however, individual models have created their own identities and their name becomes a by-word for particular qualities - one such name is Canter. The latest and eighth generation of Canter, the TF series was launched to the Irish market against the backdrop of the Killashee House Hotel in Kildare. While some previous versions may have lacked some of the good looks and glamour born from Japanese styling, that has now changed, and Canter comes with a modern dynamic profi le. Canter’s new roomier cab is welcome and the extra space has been well used to provide practical storage. With the dash mounted gear selector, cross cab access is simple and the new facia layout is pleasant, with ample space for folders and a useful lockable compartment. With an ISRI suspension drivers seat as standard and fully adjustable steering, a good driving position is easily found, also the important access and egress for multi-drop work is fi rst class. In this highly competitive market sector good looks and glamour are generally not top of the shopping list - durability and reliability are the factors which has led to Canter’s popularity in Ireland. An ability to get the job done minus the fuss, has always been critical for vehicle operators in this class, and the new Canter will have a lot to live up to. Possibly the most dramatic change for Canter is the new ‘Duonic’ transmission which comes as standard in the 7.5t, and optional for the 3.5 tonner. If there are any lingering doubts about the benefits of automated transmissions over standard manual shift ing Duonic should sett le 20 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

the debate. The dual clutch six speed is superbly smooth and defi nitely worth considering for the 3.5 t. The heavy stop/start nature of work for vehicles in this class can surely justify the extra cost, when fuel savings and the costs of clutch replacement are accounted for. On the subject of urban driving, Canter’s Duonic transmission has an ‘Eco-Mode’ setting as standard which optimises gear selection, and an optional ‘Idle Stop Start’, to further improve figures. Designated as 3C and 7C, Canter offers a choice of two cabs, three engines, and wheelbase options from 2,500 to 4,750 mm. The three Euro 5, ‘Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicle’ (EEV) power units have outputs of 130/150 and 175 hp, (98/110 and 129 kW) and meet EEV standards with the help of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). For normal driving the DPF is self-cleaning, though if required the cleansing process can be activated by a dash mounted switch. Our test drive included some motorway, national roads and busy town traffic, and throughout the highly manoeuvrable Canter TF is an impressive, and competent truck for its area of operation. Fuso has equipped Canter with a high level of comfort and specification not always found in this vehicle class, all of which should help to retain loyal customers while att racting new ones. The availability of Fuso Finance in partnership with Bank of Ireland, which includes an allowance for the vehicle body, will also help to generate interest. Completing the package is an optional 5-year, 300,000 km warranty and a free fi rst service.

vehicles themselves. Market share has averaged 20% even though the market has contracted by almost 80% since its peak in 2007. However, Fuso Ireland is confident that the new TF will help improve on that figure and increase market share to capture 24% of total vehicle sales. Our run in the new TF would indicate that 24% market share is a realistic possibility, especially with the range being boosted with the addition of a new 4x4 version due later this year. Standard Specifications Duonic 6 Speed Transmission (7.5T) Ventilated Disc Brakes all-round ABS & EBD (7.5t) Exhaust Brake Daytime Running Lights Front Fog Lights ISRI Suspension Driver’ Seat Remote Central Locking Bluetooth Radio Fully Adjustable Steering Multi-function Display Optional Duonic 6 Speed Transmission (3.5t)

As part of Daimler AG, Fuso Trucks cater to a particular segment, and what may surprise some is that Canter is the largest selling truck within the Daimler Group. In Ireland Canter’s sales performance has remained as reliable as the

ABS & EBD (3.5t) Idle Stop Start Electronic Stability Programme (7.5t) 5 Year / 300,000 Km Warranty Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie

LEGISLATION

Island of Ireland deserves harmonised compliance

ith the imminent introduction of operator licensing seemingly secure for Northern Ireland; isn’t it about time that similar laws to raise road safety standards were extended to the whole of the island of Ireland? Declan McKeon (pictured) of FTA Ireland argues that for O licensing to truly work harmonisation across the island is more than just a wish, it’s a must.

When the Freight Transport Association met with Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister earlier this year, it was reassured by Mr. Att wood’s confidence that full O-licensing would be up and running in Northern Ireland by April this year. Considering the glacial rate of progress of the legislative process to date, this affirmation was quite a coup for FTA Ireland’s UK counterpart. This is because licensing of transport operators has clearly had a positive impact on road safety in Great Britain, where it has existed for over forty

years. This new legislation north of the Border will mean that every goods vehicle operator in Northern Ireland, including ‘own account’, will now be legally required to hold an O-licence; whereas the previous status quo has only required ‘hire and reward’ to be licensed. But with cross-Border road freight a fact of life on the island of Ireland, it makes absolute sense that these same rules are transposed to transport operators in the south too – not just for safety reasons but to avoid commercial disparity. Most responsible truck operators on either side of the Border would agree that safety and compliance must be harmonised across the North and South of the island of Ireland. A consensus exists for a more decisive move towards the harmonisation of road freight compliance. Indeed, a top priority of the All Island Freight Forum, of which Government Agencies form both North and South are a part of, is compliance across the island of Ireland. From our own experience at these forum meetings, there is an overwhelming, almost tangible, groundswell of desire from industry to reverse the deleterious culture of non-compliance that has been allowed to flourish over the decades in the island of Ireland. Reversing such an entrenched perception will be no mean feat. But if industry can uniformly drive the road safety debate it will not only prove to the Road Safety Authority that it is serious about raising standards of road safety, but it will confirm to all those in the industry itself that road safety is a nettle it wants to grasp; a clear message to our main export customers and the Enforcement Authorities of those countries – especially Great Britain. And it is our sincere hope that operator licensing in the North will improve the odds of seeing a similar degree of compliance in the South. This would be

good news for all road users as it would effectively help drive out the rogue vehicle operators that are not only a menace on the island’s roads but, frankly, embarrass those that already operate to a very high standard; there can be no excuse for our transport operators having sunk to the bottom of EU league tables on safety and compliance. Certainly, through O-licensing we can significantly improve the safety standards of HGVs on roads. But adding more grist to the mill are the peripheral economic and environmental benefits. If commercial vehicle owners were legally bound to make regular, preventative maintenance checks and drivers were properly trained to detect vehicle faults then this would reduce congestion resulting from vehicle breakdowns, improve air quality and reduce those indirect costs associated with unreliable deliveries and vehicle downtime. Although less than two years old, FTA Ireland is already an important factor in the harmonisation equation. Its robust accreditation system, redoubtable membership and rate of growth – membership numbers over 50 leading companies – are a testament to the resolutely professional companies that already form the backbone of Ireland’s logistics sector. This strong profile also gives FTA Ireland the teeth it needs to exert meaningful influence for the good of the industry, and at the very highest level. As it grows so to will its influence in the Oireachtas and beyond. Of course, Mr. Att wood’s reassuring words are the first steps in seeing this vision of a harmonised island of Ireland. But FTA Ireland will be looking to mirror the pressure that has been exerted in Northern Ireland to improve the reputation of transport operators, north and south. Indeed, we will be doing just this when we meet the Minister of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, on the 23 February. Find out more about FTA Ireland at www.ftai.ie

Date for the diary

21 March, Enfield: FTA Ireland’s Transport Manager Seminar will be an unmissable event for transport operators in Ireland ROI. Topics to be covered include the impact of the new Road Transport Bill, work related vehicle safety, ADR and employee law, with a range of speakers from the Department of Transport, the Health & Safety Authority and the Road Safety Authority. To fi nd out more contact dmckeon@ft a.co.uk.

MIKE MURPHY INSURANCE GROUP The Insurance Centre, 7 Sandyford Business Centre, Sandyford, Dublin 18. Tel: 01 2932350 Fax: 01 2932360 Email: info@mikemurphyinsurance.ie Web: www.mikemurphyinsurance.ie Mike Murphy Insurance Group is a trade name of Insureforsure Ltd. Is a member of IBA & Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Text: Declan McKeon

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12 21

MATERIALS HANDLING

Jungheinrich means much more than Materials Handling solution providers

ungheinrich’s continuous investment to evolve and revolutionise the materials handling industry was clearly evident following presentations made by senior executives at their International Trade Press Conference 2012, held in Zurich. Innovation in material flow engineering through their portfolio of products from forklift trucks, shelving systems, services and advice keeps the family owned German company very much to the fore in the Intra-Logistics sector.

Dr. Helmut Limberg, Member of the Board of Sales at Jungheinrich addressing the Trade Press.

Premiered at the event were two new forklift trucks – a 5-tonne hydrostatic truck and a new electric counter balance truck. However it was the world’s fi rst Lithium-ion powered pallet truck that stole the show. Among the topics discussed at the conference were current market trends, energy friendly products, and the latest in battery technology. Live presentations of the new forklifts followed a new warehouse development by Lagerhäuser Aarau.

y truck Jungheinrich VFG 540s – 550s – The ‘Bigg One’ hydrostatic

ith the arrival of ‘Big One’ – the 5-tonne combustion engine truck with hydrostatic drive, Jungheinrich has completed this series from 1.6 tonnes to 5 tonnes. Apart from gaining the new family appearance, the new forklift (which has a load centre of 600 mms) is powered by Volkswagen engines (a 55kW/74bhp) 2.0 litre TDI diesel and 3.6 litre VR6 FSI (59 kW) petrol – for the LPG version). As the diesel block features the latest common rail technology, Stage 3b engine emission legislation that comes into force by 2013 has already been met. According to Marek Scheithauer, Head of Product Management for IC truck products, the VFG Series 5 will be aimed primarily at the fleet segment. Client requests have been listened to and worked on with this new machine – low emissions, driver comfort and being economical and safe to use. "The presentation of this truck completes the Jungheinrich hydrostatic truck range that was successfully launched into the market with the introduction of the VFG 425s-435s in 2008. The well-tried concept regarding design, drive technology as well as ergonomics and safety features was transferred to the new truck and further improved.”

nical Using less mechanical ostatic components, the hydrostatic drive technology is easier es less to service and requires aticc maintenance. “Hydrostatic drive characteristics standd for high driving comfort and high throughput performance, especially in intensive applications,” continued Scheithauer. The engine speed iss eased during automatically increased ransmission of driving and the lifting process. The transmission hydraulics processes is direct, precise and effortless thanks to the hydrostatic drive. Five pre-defined operating programmes – from reduced performance parameters for energy-saving operations to maximum throughput performance – enable the driver to adjust the operating method of the truck to the respective application,” he explained. The motors, supplied by Volkswagen Industrial, reduces fuel consumption by up to two litres of diesel or two kilograms fuel gas per hour compared to the previous engine used in the VRS Series. “This saves costs, lower CO2 emissions and takes care of

tth thee enviro environment,” stated Marek. F eaturing a larger cab with one (left) door Featuring aallows al lows for more space and storage areas around th the driver. Vibrations are reduced t a minim to minimum and are at the same values of its el electric trucks. The display and op operating fields are integrated in tthe h seat-mounted armrest that is adj adjustable in two directions. The driver can also choose between the SOLO and MULTI PILO PILOT – both with integrated driving direction switch. An A automatic parking brake and twice adjustable, slender steering column with memory function for even more legroom. Among the safety aspects include excellent stability due to its low centre of gravity, good all-round visibility, an overhead guard auto parking brake and three control systems that govern access, drive and lift systems. “Hydrostatic Drive – focused on customer needs, comfortable and efficient operating highest productivity while offering low CO2 emission, best summarises the new FG5 Series,” concluded Marek.

More powerful, economical and environmentally friendly EFG Series 4 electric trucks

s per the VFG 5 Series, the new electrically powered EFG 425-430 counter balance truck will be available to order from Jungheinrich agents this Spring. This new truck, which can transport loads up to 3.0 tonnes, is more powerful while at the same time more energy efficient and economical by up to 13% than the EFG 216K Series launched in 2008. Using the latest generation envirofriendly 3-phase AC technology, the new range supplements the EFG Series 4 portfolio by two further trucks – one with extended load centre of 600mm and the other with a shorter chassis. “The new truck thus has excellent energy efficiency at highest performance," says Stefan Pfetsch, Head of Product and Portfolio Management counterbalance trucks at Jungheinrich. “We call this Pure Energy.”

22 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

Unique to Jungheinrich he battery is that the e xc h a ngee s y stem needs onlyy one ‘snapor on the fit’ adaptor orm pallet low platform rdless of the truck regardless oltage type. forklift’s voltage FG 425-430 “The new EFG has two different specifications over and above all capacity classes. The truck performance can be configured in different ways due to the new equipment variants Efficiency and Drive&Lift Plus. Truck specifications can thus be adapted exactly to

ind individual customer requirements,” added St Stefan. E Ergonomics of the new Jungheinrich e electric trucks have also been adjusted and i improved. Height and tilt of the slender steering column can be easily adjusted with one-point-adjuster. A seat mounted armrest offers additional operating comfort. It can also be steplessly adjusted in height and length. “All primary operating elements are thus quickly and sim adjusted to individual requirements simply h driver,” d off the he emphasised. The EFG Series 4 also features Solo or Multi Pilot integrated armrest in a well-designed cab that caters for every driver’s needs. Slimmer A & B pillars ensure excellent visibility all round.

MATERIALS HANDLING

Current trends in Intra-Logistics • Forklift market buoyant in 2011

s Jungheinrich heads into its 60th year in business in 2013, global sales for its products and services are buoyant with all markets recording increases during 2011, according to Dr. Helmut Limberg, Member of the Board of Sales. Worldwide market volumes increased by 25% with Eastern Europe and North America showing the best results with growth figures of 39% and 29% respectively. Western Europe was next best on 24%. Warehouse trucks with 61%, combustion engined forklifts (21%) and Electric drive forklifts on 18% make up the breakdown of product sales in Europe during 2011. That equates to 313,000 units (+20% on 2010). By the end of 2012, Dr. Limberg estimates a further 3% growth to 323,000 units. Although lower than expected, the uncertainty with the euro and the economic situation with various countries around Europe, has led to this cautious assumption. Worldwide, the market volume stands at almost 900,000 forklift trucks, up 25% than the previous year. ‘Best Invest’ is Jungheinrich’s new solution to optimise total cost of ownership for its customers. This will be achieved by improving throughput performance, reducing energy consumption and by evaluating processes and increasing efficiencies through material flow analysis and intelligent warehouse management systems. “This Best Invest promise aims to deliver reduced operating costs by up to 20%,” stated Dr. Limberg. Another element of this product-cum-service offering is the adaption of its web-based fleet management system called ISM on-line, “which is a system for analytical collection, monitoring and analysis of fleet data, site overlapping and independent of manufacturer,” explained Dr. Limberg. Under four categories, Basic, Safety, Productivity and Operating costs, vehicle productivity will be achieved to a maximum in a most efficient manner. No details of the initial start-up or ongoing costs/fees or training were outlined at this point.

Jungheinrich stacks up with Lagerhaüser Aarau One of the main reasons that Zurich was chosen by Jungheinrich for their International Trade Press Conference 2012 was the opportunity to visit one of Switzerland’s leading transport and logistics companies Lagerhaüser Aarau. Mr. Ulrich Gloor, Managing Director of Lagerhaüser Aarau explained the new relationship established with Jungheinr ich in the development and construction of its new multi-story warehouse. Apart from supplying 75 new forklift and pallet trucks, Jungheinrich was very much involved with the design process offering advice on material flow engineering solutions and equipment including shelving and racking systems. The new facility situated alongside a rail-link is planned to be open by April with Coco-Cola as its anchor tenant.

Jungheinrich presents World’s first lithium low powered pallet truck

ungheinrich has been to the forefront of energy-efficient electric forklift trucks for over 40 years. The core of its competence is through research and development of charging technology, energy storage and drive systems. In analysing energy consumption/loss of an electric forklift, 40% is lost through the charger and battery. 24% is excessively used up in travelling, with 31% on lift ing. Th rough investment in AC technology with energy reclamation, savings of up to 30% have been achieved. By fitt ing steer-by-wire technology to replace the hydraulic system, energy levels have been cut by 50%. Reduced heat loss by frequency controlled charging gains 30% to make the Jungheinrich EFG energy

ve system a clear winner efficient electric drive in independent testss that were conducted recently. chievements to In highlighting the achievements laus–Dieter date in this area, Dr. Klaus–Dieter Rosenbach, Board Member ng, Managing Engineering, proudly highlighted the advantages of the new EJE 112i using the latest Lithium batteryy technology – a world’ss fi rst. “High energy densities,, quick charge ability, longer service life, higher operating ratios and maintenance free

w among the advantages mentioned were by Dr. Klaus–Dieter. Compared to the st standard lead battery powered EJE, the pal truck’s overall weight has been pallet red reduced by 150 kg and its length by 69 mm All it takes is 30 minutes to quick mm. ch charge the battery. “Energy Efficiency,” m by Jungheinrich, is the theme for the made H Hamburg headquartered company as it c continues to reduce its carbon footprint th through all of its incoming and outgoing p processes. In the last 10 years over 25% re reduction in CO2 emissions have been achie achieved and Dr. Rosenbach has set a target of a further 20% by 2020.

Future supply of Lithium-ion is secure

ith the availability of Lithium-ion said to last for hundreds of years, no fears were expressed by Peter Dibbern, Head of Advanced Development as he delivered the interesting topic in battery development for the automotive and industrial industries. In re-iterating Dr. Rosenbach’s statements about the advantages of Lithiumion technology, Mr. Dibbern dug deeper in explaining the structure and function of the lithium-ion cells. Positive and negative electrodes allow for the ions to pass through a membrane while charging, and release energy in the process. Each battery has seven cells and is fitted with connection, fuse and sensor to

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

In Peter’s estimation, industrial assembly will greatly reduce battery costs. “Lithium takes up less than one percent in today’s battery cost structure. By 2020, battery assembly will have reduced by 71%, cell production by 70%, raw materials by 46% and other components by 75%,” he said.

communicate with, and protect the system.

“The annual worldwide production of lithium would power 50 million cars with lithium-ion for 200 years,” he added. Global availability of lithium resources is estimated at 160 million tonnes. So the electric power source for automobiles is secure for generations to come.

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12 23

WASTE MANAGEMENT

The Low Down on Municipal Waste Vehicles â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Options and Opinionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

ew issues can stir as much passion and fervour in the normally mild citizens of the country as that of waste management. As can be clearly seen by the long running debate surrounding the proposed waste incinerator for Dublin. To date this issue has not been resolved and looks set to continue for some time to come. The fact that the facility is planned for Dublin is to some degree irrelevant. Wherever the location of a waste handling facility is proposed, it will cause the instant formation of opposition groups, often composed of persons who under normal circumstances may have little in common. All of which makes life difficult for those who provide services to the industry, and try to make a profit from those services. The sector is in a constant state of change, and with increasing levels of regulation from National Government and Local Authorities it can be difficult to plan for the future.

Planning for the future is key to the success of any business, and the unplanned and almost total demise of the construction industry brought with it a difficult period for those who provided waste transfer services for construction companies. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s little doubt this resulted in a number of companies closing and others have merged or been taken over. Servicing the construction sector placed a heavy demand on vehicles and equipment, and with that work all but gone, can the waste and recycling companies survive? With any business model, if a mainstream source of work dries up, and companies begin competing for revenue, prices are inclined to go down. Unfortunately these events occurred at a time when fuel costs soared, therefore for anyone operating in this environment there is little doubt that there must be casualties. Waste handling is an extremely capital intensive business, requiring heavy investment in specialised 24

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

vehicles and equipment. For the most part the equipment cannot be used for any purpose other than its original design which limits the opportunities for operators to diversify. If a small haulage company were to cease trading, the tractor units and trailers would dissolve into the national fleet and be absorbed without great difficulty, this is not so easily accomplished with municipal vehicles. Recent decisions by some Local Authorities and County Councils to outsource waste collection to the private sector provided an opportunity for some companies to tender for work that was previously unavailable to them. Now that the majority of these arrangements are in place, there are some concerns that collections of household waste in its present format is uneconomical for the companies, and that a change in pricing structure will have to come about. Where residents previously had

one vehicle per week collecting all refuse they now have a varying number of vehicles doing a somewhat similar task. One consequence of the Public Authorities decision to divest themselves of refuse collection, was to release a number of used vehicles back into the market. These vehicles were absorbed relatively quickly as most had low milage and were in good repair, and as such were good value when compared to new equipment. The purchase of any new vehicle is a major undertaking, however for municipal vehicles with dedicated bodywork, getting the specifications right takes on a different meaning than for a general haulage rigid or tractor. However there is no shortage of expert help at hand from vehicle suppliers, many of whom have purpose built units to cater for the sector. One such company

WASTE MANAGEMENT synonymous with low cab variants for road sweeping and refuse collection is Dennis Eagle. Importers of Renault Trucks in Ireland, Setanta Vehicle Sales is now the exclusive agent for the Dennis Eagle range. Dennis has long been recognised as leaders in the design and supply of specialised work vehicles and not just in Europe. Their expertise in this field can be seen as far away as South Africa and recently with a ‘twin-steering wheel’ road sweeper in Australia. Th is recent co-operation has enabled Dennis to market their products through the Renault Truck Network as the Renault Access. ‘Fleet Transport’ spoke to Martin Ryan (Sales Director) of Dennis Eagle (Ireland) Ltd, and Kevin Else, Denis Eagle’s Deputy Managing Director. Kevin comes to Ireland regularly with Martin visiting customers to discuss issues of concern, and one of these issues is fuel. Martin says, “it is very tough for companies to make a profit at the moment,” adding that companies are trying to improve routing through GPS and telematics to reduce costs and improve productivity. Setanta can supply a wide range of Dennis chassis cab configurations from 4x2 to 8x4 - mid-steer with Olympus bodywork, and choice is further enhanced with a narrow cab option. Seating options range from driver +1 to driver +4 in a cab tailored exactly to the area of work, with easy clean functional materials and one step entry. The preferred driveline for Dennis is a Euro 5 Volvo 7 litre, coupled to an Allison MD 3000 six-speed fully automatic transmission.

the sector and the truck continues to develop and evolve quietly in the background away from more mainstream Mercedes-Benz products. However this does not mean Econic is the poor relation of the Daimler Group. Th roughout its history it has benefitted from the same advances in technology as other vehicles from the German manufacturer. All Econics now come as Euro 5 and are rated, as ‘Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicle (EEV).

We asked Martin and Kevin about developing trends and the level of interest in Euro 6 or Hybrids. It appears that even in the environmentally demanding area of urban vehicles, neither have created any interest. Hybrids remain too expensive, and there is as yet, no appetite for Euro 6. However both Kevin and Martin are expecting to see an increase in sales of Euro 5 vehicles before the Euro 6 deadline comes into effect.

The Econic is based on a tried and trusted driveline of the 6.4 litre OM906 LA or the 7.2 litre OM926 LA - 6 cylinder engines. Giving a choice of three power ratings of 238 hp, 286 hp and 326 hp respectively, all driving through a six speed Allison transmission. Allison being the transmission of choice for the majority of manufacturers for this type of work. Most agree that some fuel savings could be gained with a standard manual or automated manual transmission, though there is a belief that for the modern mode of operation in

Martin noted that for some operators the availability of Renault Truck with an Olympus is preferred for vehicles operating outside of major cities, as low entry, low floor cabs are not as comfortable when travelling between towns, and standard truck heights provide better visibility on rural roads. Th is also provides some savings as a standard automated manual transmission (AMT) can be significantly cheaper than a fully automatic box with a torque convertor.

densely populated urban areas, a regular clutch type transmission could not deal as well with the rigours of this work, nor be as reliable. Econic has created a niche for itself in the market, which is confirmed by the high demand for used models. As a waste vehicle, Econic’s low entry cab can be easily equipped to cover all requirements, including multiple seating arrangements. Its highly practical near-side folding door is a sensible option where the door is being used constantly and reduces the risk of expensive damage in windy conditions, as well as providing additional safety benefits. Again Econic can be supplied in a variety of chassis configurations, from 4x2 to 8x4/4, with a choice of two cab heights 2.395 and 2.845mm and a cab width of 2.280mm. Bodywork for waste collection and other municipal applications is fitted and cared for by partner companies who work in conjunction with MUTEC the ‘Municipal and Utilities Truck Equipment Company, a division

The Dennis/Setanta joint venture would appear to work well, with both sides bringing to the table a great deal of knowledge and experience in the particular field. With Renault Truck Finance also on board for those who wish to go that route, it has created a one stop shop for operators. Another easily recognisable low entry cab, specifically targeting the municipal sector is the Mercedes-Benz Econic. Although unmistakable on the road few outside the intended areas of operation have ever driven this popular and familiar truck. Econic is highly regarded within FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12 25

WASTE MANAGEMENT sight in Irish towns and cities. Volvo dealer Irish Commercials (Naas) will have a demonstration vehicle available soon. Th is is the first Low Entry Volvo into Ireland and features Geesinknorba G Series 22m3 body 3 in 1 Combi Split Bin Lift.

of Motor Distributors Ltd. Econic is an all purpose utility vehicle which has served operators well and looks set to continue. If asked to identify a low entry truck it is fair to say that many mention the Dennis Eagle or the Econic. They have a history in Ireland and are reasonably familiar to the general public - but they are not the only options. Volvo’s FE ‘Low Entry Cab’ (LEC) is a worthy contender in the contest for special service vehicles. Using Volvo’s D7 - engine at 300hp or 340 hp to drive through an Allison transmission means the purpose built FE LEC possesses all the qualities necessary. The 26 tonne 6x2 rear-steer tag with walk-through cab can accommodate up to four and is a very dynamic looking truck. Visibility is excellent for city traffic and if required a kneeling function lowers the entry level by another 100mm. Th is tried and tested vehicle may not be common here, but in Sweden they have proved their worth. FE is designed with a more than adequate turning circle and a rear steered tag axle is available for the 6x2 variant. Designed as special purpose vehicle means that it performs well at its task, and put together with a build quality that is typically Volvo, means that FE LEC could become a more familiar

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

In a similar fashion Scania’s low entry offering is another purpose built vehicle targeting the sector. As one of the most popular vehicle manufacturers with both operators and drivers, Scania’s P-series Low Entry is another well presented and appealing truck. Operating in residential areas even on an occasional basis, a commercial vehicle should not appear threatening to the public, and should provide the driver with as much help as possible to complete the work safely for all concerned, and here Scania tick all the boxes. Available in 2,3 or 4 axle configurations the Low Entry Cab is mounted forward of the front axle which allows for exceptionally wide entry steps. Combined with the extra-wide doors opening to 90° access, and well placed grab handles in a bright yellow colour access and egress is excellent. In addition good design and ergonomics provides seating options to cater for up to four persons in a comfortable easy clean workplace. The low entry cab options offer a choice of three heights, low, normal and high, and a kneeling option is also available. Driveline choices offer four engines with power outputs from 240hp to 360hp, and two transmissions, a fully automatic torque converter or Scania’s own automated manual Opticruise.

Again Scania’s P-series is a truck widely used and highly regarded in Europe and not solely for refuse collection. Variants can be found at all manner of service applications and especially with fire and emergency services - which says a lot about its ability to do the job. A significant development in late 2011 was the appointment of an approved agent in Ireland for the Geesinknorba range of products. Geesinknorba Ireland will provide waste collection and recycling solutions from their base in Naas, County Kildare and Oranmore, County Galway, working in partnership with the long established Volvo truck and bus dealer Irish Commercials. Widely recognised throughout Europe as a builder of high quality bodies, compactors and lifting systems, Geesinknorba sees opportunities in the Irish market to develop its customer base. The idea of a one stop shop always appeals to operators, and the Naas facility can handle all necessary work from initial fitting to scheduled servicing and repairs. In fact, repair and maintenance is carried out on all makes of municipal vehicles. Geesinknorba’s catalogue details a product range in excess of 800 variations, covering vehicle capacities from 7.5 to 32 tonnes. The catalogue also details some interesting concepts, including a plug-in electric body, which trials have shown to provide significant savings in fuel consumption and a dramatic reduction in noise levels. Using a PTO to charge a battery, ancillaries are then driven electrically allowing quiet operation and potential fuel savings in excess of 20%. The plug-in electric system has been operational in Sweden since 2003 and is now available to the Irish market. With over 800 variations available, there is a combination to suit any area of operation, and body conversions and upgrades are also an option many are taking. A quick tour of a demonstrator vehicle shows that the caliber of workmanship and the quality of materials and components alone will generate interest from operators in the sector.

WASTE MANAGEMENT Geesinknorba bodies can be specified and fitted to any vehicle regardless of the make. Finance is available through Volvo Financial Services if the truck specified is a Volvo. In the search for efficiencies in waste collection and recycling, technology is playing an ever more important role. At the forefront in this area is Advanced Manufacturing Control Systems (AMCS) on the Ballysimon Road in Limerick. AMCS has recently launched its‘Routeman 5’ package based on the ELEMOS software platform. Routeman can be installed on a selection of mobile computing devices, and uses Sat-Nav to assist the driver with route planning and advises on weight restrictions, and low bridges. Also additional pickups can be advised and immediately updated on the driver’s touch screen. Combining GPS and ‘Radio Frequency Identification’ (RFID) with the AMCS soft ware, a tag is associated with each customer so any collection data including weighing can be allocated to that customer. Once a task is complete the system verifies completion, and for commercial customers the Routeman reporting can generate reports and raise invoices. AMCS plan to include a facility to photograph contentious issues such as blocked access and recycling contamination later this year, which could help to reduce and resolve disputes with customers. Through their support team AMCS can interact with drivers in real time to change configurations and upgrade the systems soft ware remotely on individual vehicles. The system can be tailored to meet the specific operators requirements and will provide a range of functions covering all aspects of the business.

drying up the immediate future looks somewhat uncertain.

solution may be has yet to be determined. However, one must admire the industries ability to change and adapt to whatever challenges may arise.

Th is is somewhat ironic as one thing we are sure of is that we will continue to produce waste, which needs to be removed and processed in some manner. What the most economically viable

It would appear that operators in the waste collection and recycling industry have never had it so good - regarding options at least. There is a range of vehicles, bodies and equipment which is as technologically advanced as any area of the transport industry. However the sector is undergoing dramatic change and with evermore stringent regulations and certain revenue streams

GEESINK NORBA MINI RCV For operators of Municipal Waste Management Vehicles in tight City environs Geesinknorba has developed an interesting product in the Geesink Norba 0520 Mini. Constructed on chassis down to 7.5 tonne GVW chassis, it comes in three body sizes of 5,6 and 7 cubic metres. It also has a binlift option, capable of lift ing all standard wheeled bins. Geesinks mini range is proven to be as tough as its full size relatives and is easy to repair.

Euro 6 – No Pal to the Municipals The complex issue of Euro 6 technology and its applications to municipal vehicles is one which may need further consideration, as the operational cycle of these trucks may not achieve the stringent temperature requirements necessary to ensure clean burning. In addition when operating in urban areas the opportunities for high speed driving to clean a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) are limited. The manual regeneration process used to purge a DPF involves creating extreme temperatures to burn off ash deposits, and the vehicle must be parked in a suitable location for the process to take place. As municipal vehicles are required to route the exhaust vertically this may create another issue which needs to be investigated further. Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12 27

PREVIEW

CV Show 2012 – Keeping the Road Freight Transport Business Moving

ver 40 companies that are exhibiting at the CV Show 2012 at the NEC in Birmingham next month welcomed journalists to the annual pre-exhibition ‘Speed Dating’ event. Held at the Gallery Suite at the NEC, exhibitors outlined what they collectively will be showcasing to those connected to the commercial vehicle industry. Organised by one of the show partners, the SMMT – Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders Ltd, this event provided invaluable time to discuss what visitors can expect to see at the annual show and also guaranteed that the exhibitors will get some exposure leading up to the three day event, which runs from 24-26 April next. Jarlath Sweeney was present for Fleet Transport. By all accounts this year’s CV Show is full of premieres from vehicles to components to accessories to IT systems. From the exhibitors that attended the CV Show Speed Dating event, here’s a quick A-Z of what’s on the cards. Ashwoods Automotive is the UK’s leading supplier of hybrid and low carbon light commercial vehicles. The Exeter based company is an exclusive provider to Phase Two of the British Government’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme with 500 Ashwoods Hybrid Transits (of various configurations) available on a first come, first served basis. Its new EcoDrive+ system which monitors driver behaviour and is said to deliver up to 12% in fuel savings will be launched at CV Show ’12. Bridgestone’s full range of products and services will be exhibited at the NEC including the next generation of low rolling resistance truck tyres – Ecopia II, ahead of their launch in 2013. Th rough Bridgestone’s acquisition of Bandag, the Japanese company is now a world leader in the retreading sector.

Brigade demonstration truck

Brigade Electronic’s demonstration truck will be the centre of att raction as it contains all of its vehicle safety products including their new wireless camera monitoring system. New digital technology has vastly improved the stability of picture performance and following extensive product testing and Brigade’s system elimates the need for suzie cables. Also to be premiered is a new version of Sidescan which is an ultrasonic sensor system fitted along the side of a vehicle. Citroën’s Scott Michael, Commercial Vehicle Operations Manager informed us that the recently updated and lower emissions Berlingo and Dispatch vans will be among the Show debutants in Hall 2. Both LCVs now feature a new chevron design and wide chrome grille that extends up to the headlights. Equipment levels have been enhanced also. Notable from what he said was that the Berlingo’s emission levels have dropped to 123 g/km thanks to the Stop/Start technology and new 6 speed auto box. Likewise, the Dispatch’s emissions fall to 168 g/km with the HDi 125 engine. “Hybrids will follow,” he said, “but initially full electric powered vans will be further developed and marketed.”

Citroën’s New Berlingo

Continental Automotive showcases the latest development of its Pro range of digital tachograph download keys. DLK Pro downloads mass memory and Driver Card data while Pro TIS-Compact combines the downloading, archiving and management of data in one device. DLK Pro Inspection key easily checks Driver and Vehicle data for infringements and archiving at the same time. Details of its approved Driver CPC Training courses will be outlined alongside its telematics system offered in association with Qualcomm. DFSK UK will introduce a new range of compact LCVs with the Loadhopper V Series which will go on sale here later in 2012. Sourced from Dongfeng Motor Group, China, a selection of vans, single and double cab pick-ups which are around 15% larger than the existing line-up. All are Euro 5

Eberspächer Hydronic system FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12 29

PREVIEW compliant. In time, electric versions will be offered and the Swindon based company also has an eye on the Irish market. Eberspächer celebrates 35 years supplying independent air and water heaters for vehicles. Among the new products and services on display is the Hydronic2 commercial water heater, which is more efficient, quieter and easier to install. Two new additions to its portfolio include the Wigam air conditioning workshop equipment and Euroengel professional mobile refrigeration boxes. These innovative mobile insulated refrigeration boxes range from 22 to 330 litres and contain an integral compressor and condenser within the box. Total Life Care (TLC) provides ‘one call’ service to Eberspächer’s dedicated After Sales team which ensures one of its trained engineers is available to attend to any services issue. Eco-Drive presents an interesting alternative to refrigerated transport that is simple, reliable and more economical, not to mention being more environmentallyfriendly. Fitted to the tractor-unit or rigid chassis, the Eco-Drive unit is driven by the truck’s engine which is more efficient than a fridge motor. It provides free energy when travelling downhill, coasting and braking and only provides energy when the fridge requires it. Recent trials with a supermarket chain recorded reduced running costs by up to £3,000 per vehicle per annum. Eminox specialises in producing and fitt ing exhaust after-treatment systems for commercial vehicles. To date, it has retrofitted almost 20,000 vehicles with its systems in order to comply with the stringent Low Emission Zone in London. Irish transport operators working within this restricted region (with Euro 3 engines) must have this type of system fitted. Based on Diesel Particulate Filter technology, one of the issues that will be highlighted at the CV Show is that these fi lters need to be maintained and that the warning lights should not be ignored.

based on a Volvo FM Euro 5 Globetrotter 410 hp 6x4 rear steer and lift axle. It is the fi rst vehicle to achieve EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval legislation that comes into being in 2014. A new range of compact jet vac tanks based on 7.5 tonne trucks have also been launched. Fuller Tankers have sold into Ireland to Local Authorities in Dublin and Waterford. Isuzu Truck is launching a brand new service for its customers with the introduction of ‘I-Vision’. It is a full range of vehicle telematics that combines with Isuzu Motors Japan’s proven online Mimamori system. According to Keith Child, Marketing Director at Isuzu Trucks “Not only does I-Vision provide standard vehicle tracking and two-way messaging facilities but also offers additional intelligent features such as driver style characteristics, fuel consumption and vehicle diagnostics/ prognostics.” Maxon UK returns to the Halls of the NEC with renewed energy having been acquired by its US parent Maxon Lift Corporation, which is the leading manufacturer of taillifts in North America. A broader range and ready supply of lifts are now available to suit most applications together with a strong team of technical and sales personnel. Since taking over from where the Ray Smith Group left off, Maxon UK offers back-up in parts and service for this brand. Agents have been appointed in Northern Ireland and the Republic (through Fleet Solutions, Dublin).

Fuller Tanker's 2900 gallon water recycler

Mercedes-Benz will have a major presence at the CV Show with the allnew International Truck of the Year 2012 winning Actros taking top billing. The new flagship will also feature wearing the company’s Driver Training livery. Placed alongside will be its LCV models (Sprinter and Vito) as well as the new Canter from sister brand Fuso.

Ford’s press representatives were prett y excited about the forthcoming event where the new Transit concept premiered in passenger form will be the most talked about vehicle in Birmingham and beyond. (See Launch Pad for more details in this edition). The Econetic 2 version of the Fiesta Van along with competitions surrounding the ‘blue oval’ brand’s sponsorship of the Champions League Final will be there as will a new SportVan version of the Transit. Stage 5 Transit 17 seater bus will also be present.

MiX Telematics is a South African headquartered vehicle tracking, f leet management and associated services provider. Two new partnership agreements will be announced at the Show with Towergate Fleetcare+ (for insurance) and Fleetsure (for contract hire). “Considerable savings for operators are now generated for two key areas where telematics can be deployed,” said Steve Coffi n, Marketing & Operations Director. “As well as improving fuel efficiency, our solutions can help reduce accident rates, minimise driveline wear and tear and monitor the way in which drivers perform and vehicles are used.” Mix Fleet is its new Smart phone App.

Fuller Tankers marks 65 years in business in 2012 and as part of its expansion programme has chosen the CV Show to display their wares. Among its new developments is 2900 gallon water recycler

Mobil Delvac is promoting full use of its synthetic lubricants in the heavy commercial vehicle complete driveline that will cut fuel bills by almost 5%. Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5N-30 is its fully synthetic

30 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

Ford’s New Tourneo Custom concept

Maxon 7.1 Max15S

MiX Telematic's Mobile App

PREVIEW high performance heavy-duty diesel engine oil that helps protect both the engine and emission system while providing long drain capability and fuel economy potential for modern diesel engines. Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 is a fully synthetic, supreme performance commercial gear lubricant, suitable for total driveline applications. Recent trials conducted with Volvo and Iveco trucks demonstrated significant fuel economy benefits by using these prementioned products. Opel/Vauxhall herald the arrival of the all-new Combo van which sits below its larger stablemates, the Vivaro (up to 2.9 tonnes) and Movano (up to 3.5 tonnes). In replacing the second generation Combo, General Motors, the Opel/Vauxhall parent looked to its long standing engine alliance partner Fiat Professional and basically bought the rights to rebadge the successful Fiat Doblo Cargo. It will be made in Turkey and feature the Fiat driveline. No private passenger version will be marketed in the UK or Ireland but a Commercial Crew-Cab will be sold. Ratcliff/Palfi nger focuses on the safety aspect of its product line with newly designed safety gates which greatly reduce the risk of injury to the operators. Among the lifting solutions include new and popular models from its column, cantilever and light van tail lift s. At this event, we say ‘Happy Retirement’ to the company’s long serving Marketing Executive, Sally Gethings, and ‘Hello’ to Sarah Knight who assumes her role. Snooper Truckmate Pro is a dedicated portable sat-nav device specifically for drivers of commercial and other large vehicles. By entering the height, width and weight of vehicles, Truckmate automatically calculates a route avoiding low bridges, weight restrictions and other hazards. Navteq provides the advanced street level mapping and European coverage is optional with UK and Ireland as standard. Th ree screen sizes – 4.3”/5” and 7” ensure that most application requirements are met. Phillip Jones, Sales Director is looking for an Irish distributor for its commercial and private consumer products – contact enquiries@fleet.ie for further details. Stoneridge Electronics prov ides sophisticated electrical and electronic systems for vehicles. Headquartered in the US (with a EU base in Scotland) its products are fitted to leading OEMs such as DAF, Mercedes-Benz, MAN, Scania and Volvo including digital tachographs. In the lead up to the introduction of the ‘second source of motion’ legislation which follows the ‘one minute rule’ introduced last year, this latest element to the EU Directive aims to improve the security of the ‘tacho’ by installing a second source of motion in all new vehicles from October 2012. Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

Th is will help to overcome the problem of unscrupulous drivers manipulating the digital tachograph, for example, with the use of a magnet. Optac3 (tachograph analysis) and Arena 250 (Roller Brake Tester) are two other Stoneridge products that will be exhibited. Supertrucks, contrary to its name designs and manufactures innovate, high cube, low loading space vans. For its 2012 show appearance, a version fully kitted out for the safe glass carriage will be displayed. Based on a long wheelbase, high roof Ford Transit, it is one of 25 ordered from Glass Solutions. Modifications to its new Space Van range include smoother fairings, new side door design, and an option of an electric folding/ sliding step as per campervans/minibuses. Mentioning the latter two sectors, Peter Wright, Supertrucks Chairman stated that his company has been asked to produce body shells for same as well as for the equine industry. Taubenreuther supply specialist vehicle equipment throughout Europe. At the CV Show, snow ploughs, roof rack systems, winch mounting kits, suspension systems, pick-up truck hardtops and accessories and a catalogue of extremely useful equipment will be on display aimed at maximising vehicle productivity. A range of EnvVets recycling products and eco-friendly workshop equipment will be there also. Tevo is launching its new website, a new tool trolley and will demonstrate the many advantages that high tensile steel has over timber frame shelving in vehicles. “Tevo’s racking systems for LCVs combines maximum strength with minimum weight,” stated Gill Alexander, Sales & Marketing Co-Ordinator. “They are crash tested and approved to the European TüV standard, is ISO 9001 Certified and offers a 36 month warranty,” she added. TomTom Business has just announced a partnership with the Freight Transport Association (FTA) in its push for Van Excellence. The link-up will see the market leading supplier of f leet management systems provide its support to the FTA’s promotion of best practice through selfregulation. The programme is designed to improve safety and efficiency among van drivers, and help to scrap the outdated ‘white van man’ image. At the CV Show TomTom Business will be showcasing ecoPLUS, a device that gives managers a real-time view of the fuel efficiencies of every vehicle in their fleet, showing where and when the fuel was wasted.

Mobil

Opel Vauxhall Combo

Ratcliff/Palfinger gates closed

Supertrucks Space Van

TomTom Webfleet FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12 31

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LONG TERM TEST

Volkswagen Amarok Trendline 163 bhp 4MOTION (Double Cab)

Seating positions are good with excellent visibility provided all round.

rom Chile in South America to Claremorris in the heart of the West of Ireland is some distance as the crow flies but in the true spirit of the Volkswagen Amarok, its go anywhere, anyplace attitude rings true to us. It was in Northern Chile while chasing the Dakar Rally last year that we had our first opportunity to enjoy an extensive test drive in the International Pick-Up Award Winning Amarok. While the terrain covered in Chile was mostly off-road or on beaten tracks the Amarok excelled on this territory. What was interesting for us to know was just how the Amarok would perform on the ‘black-stuff ’ in Ireland. A number of long distance North/ South cross-country runs provided the platform and we can confirm that the Amarok is most pleasurable to drive and most comfortable for the passengers. Volkswagen entered the Pick-Up truck marketplace later than the others but it is obvious that their design team looked at the opposition carefully and took ideas from the best and worked on enhancing them. What has resulted is a four-door double cabbed utility and leisure vehicle that combines robustness, innovative design, high safety standards and good fuel economy for a vehicle of this type and size. At over 1500 mm long and 1620 mm wide, petit it is not!! What business users will appreciate is its huge class-leading cargo area of 2.52m2 that can accommodate a Euro pallet between its wheel-arches. The Amarok’s payload capacity of up to 1.05 tonnes and a maximum towing unit limit of 2.8 tonnes will appeal to others whether towing trailers, boats or caravans. Those that do not require the extra passenger space can choose the single cab version, which

offers extended load volume. I n t he past, double cabbed pick-ups were tight on interior space; the Amarok (along with the latest generation compatriots) is more considerate in this regard. Sit into the back of the Amarok and you will have class-leading headroom, legroom on the bench seat. As an added bonus, with only two people on board the interior storage space can be increased by folding the rear seat. Though some others have box type storage in this area. Specified for this Amarok for the Fleet Transport Long Term Test is the 2.0 litre Euro 5 common-rail TDI bi-turbo Trendline 4-MOTION generating 163 hp and torque values of 400 Nm @ 1500 rpm. There is also a lower powered 122 hp/340 Nm variant of same. Both engines are mated to a sixspeed manual gearbox. A new 8 speed automated transmission is now available too. On this mid-range Trendline (with some extras fitted that brings the price up to €37,960) standard specification includes electric windows, remote central locking, air-con, colour coded bumpers and mirrors, 16’’ alloys, cruise control and front fogs. While the mirrors provide excellent rear view vision, they could do with a demisting heater element. On the safety front, there is nothing wanting here with 6 airbags, ESP with Brake Assist, Traction Control, Electronic

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie

Differential Lock, Hill Hold Assist and Hill Decent Control and Trailer Stability control plus off-road ABS, designed to shorten stopping distances significantly on loose surface. Mechanical Differential Lock comes as standard while the 4MOTION selectable 4WD system offers a choice between rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive via a button mounted on the centre console. On the road, as mentioned earlier, the Amarok’s road manners are impeccable. Steering feel is good and the rear-end does not suffer from wheel spin too often. To provide added grip we applied a 200 kg weight ballast in the open-load area, particularly as 99% of the driving is done on tarmac. Fuel economy is not adversely affected and our average return is around 8.5L/100kms aided by the gear change indicator on the dash, which is a bit off from the factory figure of 7.9L/100kms. Thanks to its 80 litre tank, up to 1000 kilometres can be driven without refuelling. And another thing we like about the Amarok is that it is attracting a lot of attention, be it on the road or parked. While the Amarok name is derived from the Inuit word for ‘wolf’, this animal in mechanical form is at home in the urban environment as it is in the wild. FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12 33

FUEL PRICE UPDATE / HEALTH & SAFETY MATTERS

The price of fuel is an important element in costing an international trip. Drivers are invited to check this report which is compiled fortnightly from information supplied by IRU national associations and by ‘TCS Touirsme et Documents’, Geneva. Prices you can see here are an average for each country (for week 9). Country

Currency

95 Lead Free

98 Lead Free

Diesel

Country

Currency

95 Lead Free

98 Lead Free

Diesel

Albania

ALL

184.00

194.00

183.00

Lithuania

LTL

4.81

4.89

4.65

Andorra

EUR

1.280

1.330

1.180

Luxemburg

EUR

1.394

1.417

1.271

Austria

EUR

1.431

1.565

1.422

Macedonia

MKD

81.00

82.50

71.50

Belarus

EUR

0.563

0.582

Moldova

MDL

16.44

16.84

15.67

Belgium

EUR

1.713

1.733

1.550

Montenegro

EUR

1.380

1.410

1.280

Bosnia-Herzegovina

BAM

2.45

2.55

Netherlands

EUR

1.803

1.874

1.499

Bulgaria

BGL

2.61

2.77

2.70

Norway

NOK

15.05

15.38

14.20

Croatia

HRK

10.41

10.79

9.89

Poland

PLN

5.61

5.87

5.74

Czech Republic

CZK

35.80

38.50

35.90

Portugal

EUR

1.696

1.795

1.487

Denmark

DKK

13.39

13.79

12.25

Romania

RON

5.70

6.19

5.87

Estonia

EEK

1.382

1.422

1.417

Russia

RUB

28.91

29.70

28.76

Finland

EUR

1.637

1.688

1.567

Serbia

RSD

138.00

159.00

144.90

France

EUR

1.625

1.654

1.460

Slovakia

EUR

1.524

1.437

Georgia

GEL

2.30

2.35

2.40

Slovenia

EUR

1.438

1.454

1.335

Germany

EUR

1.621

1.710

1.512

Spain

EUR

1.380

1.500

1.330

Greece

EUR

1.746

1.803

1.544

Sweden

SEK

15.28

15.78

15.29

Hungary

HUF

425.00

444.00

Switzerland

CHF

1.800

1.850

1.950

Ireland

EUR

1.599

1.559

Turkey

TRY

4.44

4.51

3.87

Italy

EUR

1.786

1.887

1.721

Ukraine

UAH

10.25

11.26

9.55

Kosovo

EUR

1.29

1.33

GBP

1.362

1.437

Latvia

LVL

0.972

0.984

0.962

USA

USD

1.046

Safety Matters . . . . Safety Matters . . . . Work Related Vehicle Deaths on the increase

he Health & Safety Authority is concerned about an upward trend in the number of vehicle related deaths at work. In 2011 there were a total of 55 work related deaths reported and 23 [40%] involved a vehicle. Th is is an increase of 5% on 2010. A detailed report is being fi nalised and will be available at the end of March on the HSA website. The detailed report for 2010, based on information gathered by HSA inspectors for work-related vehicle fatality investigations revealed that there were a total of 48 reported deaths with 17 [35%] involving vehicles used for work. Of the seventeen people killed: • All were male. • 16 were Irish and one was “Other EU”. • 8 people were aged in the category 55 – 64. • 9 people were not in control of the vehicle. • 6 people were killed by tractors. • February has the highest number of WRV deaths with 4 people being killed in this month alone. • Thursday was the worst day for WRV deaths with 5 of the seventeen people being killed on Thursdays. 34 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

•

Clare, Cork and Kerry were the worst counties for WRV deaths during 2010, each having two deaths per county.

The top two causes of the 12 workplace transport deaths identified were (1) being hit or run over by a vehicle, followed by (2) being crushed by a vehicle. The 12 deaths were all male. 8 people (55%) died at the scene of the accident. 4 people died on the day of the accident.

vicinity of moving vehicles. This applies equally to the workplace and to the public road. Employers have a legal duty to effectively manage the risks and prevent avoidable harm at work. Vehicle manoeuvres and reversing continue to be the main activities most involved in vehicle deaths in the workplace. The Health & Safety Authority urges businesses to apply the following top ten tips to managing vehicle risks in the workplace.

To view the full reports on work related vehicle deaths for 2009 and 2010 go to http://www.hsa.ie/ eng/Vehicles_at_Work/Work_Related_Vehicle_ Safety/Work_Related_Vehicle_Statistics/

Top 10 Workplace Transport Safety Tips 1. Control entry to your workplace. 2. Keep pedestrians & vehicles apart. 3. Eliminate vehicle reversing, where possible. 4. Provide clearly marked pedestrian walkways. 5. Mark & signpost vehicle only areas. 6. Ensure all work areas are well lit. 7. Keep traffic routes free of obstructions/ mark permanent obstructions. 8. Provide impact protection for vulnerable parts of the workplace such as lamp posts & columns. 9. Provide & wear high visibility personal protective equipment. 10. Accompany visitors.

Employers need to familiarise themselves with the risks that their employees face and create when using vehicles for work or when working in the

More information on managing work related vehicle risks can be found at http://www.hsa.ie/ eng/Vehicles_at_Work/

2009 revealed an even higher incidence of vehicle related deaths at work with 42% of the total deaths reported involving a vehicle. There were a total of 43 work related deaths in 2009. 18 of these deaths involved vehicles (42%). Fourteen of these deaths were workplace transport fatalities (33%) and 4 (9%) involved work related road safety incidents.

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TRAILER 1

Longer semi-trailers get approval all-round

DC Trailers has become the first UK and Irish trailer manufacturer to be granted approval for its longer semitrailers with all five of its new models passing the strict regulations set by the British Department for Transport and governed by the VCA – Vehicle Certification Agency. Orders are streaming in from approved hauliers keen to upgrade their trailer fleet to the new maximum length of 15.65 metres. The new high-volume Eco-trailer comes under a Vehicle Special Order scheme as part of a 10-year trial of one and two metres longer than the previous maximum length of 13.6 metres. The extended trailers allow operators to carry higher volumes of goods but still meet the current regulations with regard to maximum permitted weights and turning circles. One of the first examples of SDC’s Envirotrailer as it’s called has been delivered to a leading supermarket goods distributor. Specified with two steering rear axles, which provide impressive manoeuvrability and less wear and tear to the road network, the trailer can accommodate 54 retail cages full of groceries. As a result, the 20% increase in payload effectively reduces the number of trucks required for the contract. SDC got the approval to produce this new range of longer semi-trailers after two days of extensive testing overseas by the VCA, which had a particular emphasis on meeting the requirements of the physical turning circle provision. SDC, headquartered in Toomebridge, Country Antrim has received approval for the following longer trailers. • • • • •

14.65m self-steer rated for 44 tonnes 15.65m self-steer rated for 44 tonnes 15.65m single Tri Dec command steer rated for 44 tonnes 15.65m single Muldoon command steer rated for 44 tonnes 15.65m twin Tri Dec command steer rated for 44 tonnes

Mark Cuskeran, Managing Director SDC commenting on the approval said, “We are delighted to be the first manufacturer to achieve our LST (Longer Semi-Trailer) Model Report which makes our range of trailers road legal. SDC has been working on this project for over three years and we have been testing prototypes for 18 months. Our development team have been working tirelessly to keep us ahead of the game and help hauliers realise the environmental and business benefits that the trailers will bring.”

LONGER SEMI-TR AILERS BRING ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS: * High volume trailers will boost economy, reduce congestion and cut emissions. * 20% increase in volume while still meeting current weight limits.

ABOUT The UK Department for Transport began the trial in January to allow 1800 longer semi-trailers to operate in Great Britain. The trial involves 900 semi-trailers of 14.6m in length (i.e. 1 metre longer than the current maximum) and a further 900 semi-trailers of 15.6m in length (i.e. 2.05 metres longer). This would bring the total maximum length of the articulated vehicle to 17.5 metres for the first trial category and 18.55 metres for the second. The trial will provide the opportunity to establish the impacts of each length. The longer semi-trailers will be required to operate within the UK’s existing domestic weight limit (44 tones for vehicles of 6 axles). Participation in the trial is on a voluntary basis and at the participants’ own risk; the Department will provide no guarantee that the use of the longer semi-trailers will continue to be permitted beyond the end of the trial period. The trial will run for a maximum of 10 years, to enable participants to recover the costs of their investment in the longer semi-trailers.

To date, demand to operate the 1800 longer semitrailers has significantly exceeded supply. The trial applies only to road in Great Britain. According to a spokesperson for the Department of Environment in Northern Ireland, “at present there is no provision in place in Northern Ireland to permit the use of these trial ‘High Volume Semi-Trailers’ (HSVT) in Northern Ireland. Their use in Great Britain is authorised by means of Vehicle Special Orders made under the 1988 Road Traffic Act, which does not extend to Northern Ireland. Having said that, we are working with the Department for Transport and the Vehicle Certification Agency to set up a system to make corresponding Orders under Northern Ireland legislation. This is not yet in place, but we hope to have it operative within the next two months." He added, "the situation with regard to a separate Northern Ireland trial of HVST is still being evaluated. As you may know, several Northern Ireland companies are involved in the Great Britain trial already, and there may not be sufficient demand from NI based manufacturers to justify a separate trial. Since any trial would be expected to run for the lifetime of a trailer, ie at least ten years, the value of a separate trial must be assessed in light of the impact on already stretched Departmental resources. No decision has yet been taken: however, at this point the most likely outcome is that a separate trial will not be run in Northern Ireland. Similarly, these trailers will not comply with standards in force in other European Member States so cannot be used for International traffic."

Don-Bur’s self-steer longer semi-trailer is also in much demand with Wincanton as its first customer (pictured right).

36 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

Text: Rob Van Dieten - rob@fleet.ie

TRAILER 11

Trailer market finished 2011 up 27.2%

he West European trailer market fi nished 2011 up 27.2% over the level of 2010. Th is means that there was a 40.7% increase over the very low demand level of 2009 at the EU recession came to an end. However, as a result, the trailer market has only recovered to the level of 2003, which itself was at the bottom of a mild downturn. “What is more 2012 will not provide any growth – in fact there will be a small drop in the demand for new trailers – thanks to the continuing euro-zone debt crisis and the resultant fall in business confidence, commented Gary Beecroft, Managing Director of CLEAR, consultant to the trailer industry. “The economic outlook for

2012 has been downgraded in recent months in every country of the region. Both GDP and business investment growth will fall below 1% in most countries,” he estimates.

it becomes uneconomic to keep running old equipment, which should lead to increased demand for new vehicles.

Background Looking further forward, there are grounds for optimism in 2013/14, “Trailer demand has been well below the long-term trend level since 2009. Even with a good level of growth in 2013/14 we will only just get back to trend at the end of 2014,” he added. In the meantime a backlog of replacement demand is building. Because the level of new trailer sales is still low, the trailer parc (fleet size) is both ageing and shrinking. Eventually

77% of goods in Europe are moved by road and most of that proportion is transported on a trailer pulled by a truck. The last severe downturn in the heavy goods trailer market was in 1993 – but 2009 was worse. In 1992/93, the demand for trailers fell by 31% or 37,000 trailers. In 2008/9 the fall was 51% or 107,000 trailers. The fall in trailer production was worse as exports dropped faster than domestic demand plus there was a massive destocking of fi nished vehicles.

Irish Trailer & Coachbuilders in expansion mode • Fitzgeralds open production centre in UK allow, County Cork based Body Builders & Coachworks company Fitzgerald’s has opened a new production centre in Skelmersdale to further develop their business in the UK.

Liverpool, Warrington, Boston, Wigan …. from a site covering 7500 m2 (2 acres) including a modern covered area of 2180 m2 (2347 sq ft). A brand new paint booth has been installed to accommodate double trailers.

Fitzgerald’s Vehicle Works Ltd will operate from their premises at Unit 3 Glebe Road, East Gillibrands Industrial Estate in Skelmersdale WN8-9JP a catchment area covering Manchester,

Initially, the premises will be used as a major repair centre. New bodyworks will be the next phase of development. Refrigerated vehicles will defi nitely be part of the offer for new vehicles

in due course. Company founder John Fitzgerald will run the operation assisted by his son Steven and Daniel Laffly well known and respected in the industry. Dave Shaw (previously with Lamberet) has joined the company as Business Development Manager.

• Farlow Engineering invests in Trailer Division With this recent acquisitionFarlow Engineering Ltd now manufacture over 90% of Wilson Trailers chassis at their factory in Garvagh and at least one load per week is shipped to England where the trailers are completed at Wilsons 30,000 sq ft facility. Farlows is now in a position to produce a diverse range of chassis including forty high spec Straight-Frame curtainsiders and five extra long Multi-Deck Step Frame Trailers with rear steering axles for a mineral company in Dubai.

ince founding the family business over 35 years ago in Garvagh, County Derry, Alex and Jean Farlow has earned a solid reputation in manufacturing and maintaining a broad range of products for the construction and waste management industries. In recent years their two sons Brian and Alan joined Farlow Engineering and in recent times decided to expand its product portfolio with the design and manufacture of its own range of articulated and draw-bar trailers.

Another major development in 2010 saw Farlows purchase a 50% shareholding in Wilson Trailers in Leeds and see this investment as an opportunity to extend their sales potential into the UK, EU and beyond.

Mike Moran is Farlows agent in the Republic of Ireland tel 087 966 4181.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12 37

COLERAINE

Sales & Aftermarket Dealers Aftermarket Dealers only

BALLYCLARE DUNGANNON MONAGHAN NEWRY

GALWAY

NAAS

CLARE

KILKENNY

Dennison Commercials Ltd Ballyclare, Co Antrim Tel: 00 44 28 9335 2827

CORK

Coleraine, Co Londonderry Tel: 00 44 28 7032 1155 Dungannon, Co Tyrone Tel: 00 44 28 8772 2220 Newry, Co Down Tel: 00 44 28 3026 5425

Irish Commercials Ltd

volvo trucks working with you At times like these, when business is under real pressure you need a dealer whose commitment and service support is second to none. From financial services, planned maintenance contracts and driver

Naas, Co Kildare Tel: 00 353 45 879881 Glennascaul, Oranmore, Co. Galway Tel : 00 353 91 790500

McCarthy Commercials Ltd Clonlara, Co Clare Tel: 00 353 61 356360 Ring Road, Kilkenny Tel: 00 353 56 773 4200 Watergrasshill, Co Cork Tel: 00 353 21 488 9700

McDonnell Commercials Ltd Monaghan, Co Monaghan Tel: 00 353 47 83588

development training to the industry leading Volvo Action Service, your Volvo Trucks dealer is dedicated to working with you to guarantee improved cost efficiency and bottom line performance. We are here to talk now.

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Murphy Commercials Ltd Galway, Co Galway Tel: 00 353 91 739700

TRAILER TIMES PAST

Looking at old photographs

O’Connell Bridge 1920s

sizable wedge of my time is spent searching for, or looking at old photographs, and showing them to others. It has been said that everybody who looks at old images expresses a different interpretation and I have never ceased to be amazed at the range of observations expressed by people looking at the same picture.

O’Connell Bridge, February 1992

cited by preservationists pleading for a more constructive approach to replacement and retention. And sometimes one or both of the pictures can cause both amusement or even incredulity. And here I would like to introduce the fi rst two pictures reproduced this month and explain one of the ways in which trams help to date Dublin pictures.

1930. The picture can also be placed after 1924 because the tram to the right of the O’Connell monument is a totally enclosed Standard Saloon, a type which did not appear until August of that year and of which further examples did not enter service until 1925. Groups of trams like these, which appear in numerous pictures, can help to date pictures very accurately.

Over the years, many people have built up impressive collections of pictures, often postcards, showing their own home towns or villages at different times. If the pictures are photographs, the historical span can sometimes reach 150 years, back to the 1860s – there are of course some rare exceptions going back somewhat further and lucky is the individual who possesses such images. And there are also instances of an artist who at an earlier time painted a recognisable image of a patrticular location.

At the Dublin United Tramways Company car works at Ballsbridge and Inchicore, there were kept, from the late nineteenth century what were called the Repair Books. These huge ledgers, which devoted a page to every one of the 330 trams, recorded the history of each vehicle – when it was built, rebuilt, modified, replaced, scrapped. Thankfully, these books survived the years 1916-1922 and still existed when the system closed in 1949. Every detail was painstakingly copied out by my late friend and colleague Bill Birnery and we still use Bill’s notes to this day when dating pictures.

A feature of this picture which causes great amusement to younger viewers is the parking of cars at the island on the bridge. There was litt le regulation of parking in Dublin until the mid-1930s and even for some thirty years after that what happened depended on an element of goodwill between drivers and Gardai.

As far as transport is concerned, looking at two pictures of the same location taken some years apart is both fascinating and very educational. Depending on the interval between the images, much or most of what appears in the older picture will have gone – in the case of vehicles, usually scrapped, and this is a situation often

In the case of the picture we are looking at, it is 1920s and the reconstruction of O’Connell Street has clearly gone well after the terrible events of 1916-1922. Tramcar No. 212 on the left of the picture sets the outer limits of the shot to 1922-1930, because No. 212 was built in 1922 and received a different paint scheme by

AEC Refueller – Pratt s 44 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12 40

Moving on to the second picture of O’Connell Bridge, this view was shot by me in February 1992 and was one of a series taken to compare with older views of the same locations. There is a dearth of traffic, the time being mid-morning but if the date was not known the buses, although away from the camera, are a help. Dublin Bus, which took over the city services from Coras Iompair Éireann in 1987, began a repainting programme for buses from the old livery of desert sand, and the vehicle on the left of the picture is one of these, while the bus nearest the camera on the left is one of the Leyland Olympians introduced in 1990. Two years of an identification gap, but better than nothing. Buses and commercial vehicles in street scenes are just as much a help in dating pictures as the trams were. The other changes in this second picture are probably so obvious as to be hardly worth noting. However, one of the questions often asked is “When was Nelson Pillar blown up?” and brings an incredible range of dates but for the record it was 1966, twenty six years before this photograph. Finally - the roadway is now marked out in lanes and the centre island has long been restored to as near as possible to its pre-1953 layout. These same litt le details that can be identified in almost any old picture one looks at is an absorbing study and can provide answers.

TIMES TRAILER PAST

Esso Petrol Delivery 1954

Moving on to the other pictures which are very much more like close-ups, each came from a different source and deserves a few words of explanation. First is the image of a solid-tyred AEC belonging to Pratt’s (a petrol company that eventually became part of Esso) delivering fuel in Baldonnell in the late 1920s. Not being knowledgeable about aircraft, I will pass on that one, but would observe that the fuel is stored in barrels, so primitive on what was obviously an important occasion. The lorry has the brushes or splash guards as they were called, mandatory on lorries in Dublin in the 1920s – a time when streets were not as well paved as they are today and great numbers of horses were still in use. Th is was also a time when many women wore full-length skirts, hard to protect from mud and splashes. The names of the men in the Pratt’s picture are unknown to me and I hope that they can be recognised by their descendants. It is always sad to see anonymous people in old photographs looking out across long periods of years. After years of such encounters I remember that the people in these pictures lived frugal lifestyles much harder than anything experienced today. They served their employers and customers well and, making many sacrifices, endeavoured to ensure that their children would enjoy higher standards of education and employment. Above all, they laid the foundations for our modern lifestyles for which we owe them a great debt. It has happened too often that some tasks were so mundane that nobody bothered to record them and the next picture illustrates this. Th is image shows a Maudslay Mogul tanker owned by Esso making a petrol delivery to a kerbside pump in Georgian Dublin. Kerbside pumps are now part of history and it is notable that several similar arrangements in towns around the country have all but disappeared. In this instance, the tanker driver is assisted by a helper, one of the many youngsters known as tanker boys who served in that capacity before (hopefully) going on to driving. Th is image, from an Esso calender, is dated 1954 and I hope that both individuals’ names are known.

Cathal Doyle - cathal@fl eet.ie eet.ie Text: Michael Corcoran - enquiries@fl

McGrath Bros Lowloading Float

The next picture in the series shows a horse and cart belonging to McGrath Tea company. This old established fi rm had their Dublin premises at the corner of Bachelor’s Walk and Lower Liffey Street, in a building that gave way to the massive redevelopments of the boom years. The cart in the photograph, pictured in Liffey Street, was known as a lowloading float and had a cranked axle, allowing for a lower floor on to which goods R2, D’Olier Street, December 1937 could be loaded with some ease; there were also carts with an even considerable time afterwards, several families lower floor line, used for the carriage of very and individuals claimed that their father drove heavy units such as safes. Who the men on R1 on its fi rst day. We made enquiries about this the cart were nobody knows, and the date was but no names could be verified and in more recent probably sometime in the 1930s. The picture years the claims have moved to grandfathers. The was one of a batch found on a skip about forty original 1937 crew are assuredly gone to their years ago – and is not the only one that came to eternal reward but we still hope that some day light in similar circumstances. they will be identified. The sixth and fi nal picture this month has so many connections that it could fi ll a small book. Th is official photograph was taken in D’Olier Street, Dublin on 20th December 1937, the fi rst day of double-deck bus operation by the Dublin United Tramways. Who the busmen are has not been established but the bus is Leyland Titan R2, one of the pair that fi rst ran on that day; no more were brought out until 1938. In the background can be seen the other 1937 Titan, R1, the bus that is now in the Transport Museum. After the opening of Saturdays, the Howth Museum in June 1986 and for some

Old pictures and the vehicles they show are unrivalled repositories of history; they tell innumerable stories and I hope to go back to both themes. Meanwhile, if anybody has old transport pictures, perhaps they would loan them for scanning.

The National TransportMuseum, Heritage Depot, Howth Demense, Howth. Opening Times: Sept - May: Sundays and Bank Holidays, 2.00 - 5.00pm FLEETTRANSPORT FLEETTRANSPORT || MAR MAR 12 12 45 41

LEGAL

Dealing with the results of Roadside and other Checks

etween the years 2008 and 2011 Road Safety Authority (RSA) Enforcement Officers inspected 13,148 vehicles and trailers. The most common faults involved braking systems, lights and markings, and tyres and wheels. Any one of these faults can result in an appearance before the Court, and, of course, a conviction may have an immediate effect on an Operator’s Licence. Unsurprisingly enforcement activity is on the increase. In 2010 79 cases were prosecuted by the RSA but, in 2011 (to the end of October) that number increased to 200 with many cases still waiting to be processed by the courts. Additionally, in 2011, 515 checks were carried out on premises used by transport operators. Overloading a vehicle is another common offence. Weight checks have been carried out on static weighbridges of one sort or another but in Ireland the necessary equipment to ‘weigh in motion’ is to be introduced. Those operators whose vehicles travel in the UK and in Europe may also have their vehicles checked in those countries. (Driver’s records continue to provide grounds for prosecution for errors caused by forgetfulness in the less serious cases, and, in the worst cases, errors resulting from fraud. The Gardai have now been equipped with the means to download information from a digital tachograph at the roadside). The impact of a conviction on a licence to operate can be substantial and in every case an operator should consider whether there are any grounds on which a prosecution might be defended, and, if not, whether a letter should be written to the Licensing Authority explaining the circumstances in which the offence came to be committed. There is little point in spending money considering a defence in a case that cannot be defended, but many cases depend upon the use of equipment, such as a weighbridge, and anything that is mechanical needs to be checked for accuracy before it is used. Both Radar and Laser speed measuring equipment require certain checks to be carried out before they are used and, in practice, it is not uncommon for these checks to be missed. In the event that the required checks have not been carried out it is possible to maintain an argument that the accuracy of the equipment is in doubt. The fact that ‘weigh in motion’ equipment is to be introduced suggests that there will be more weight checks and it should be remembered that weighbridges of every sort require routine checks on their accuracy and, depending on the type of weighbridge there may well be instructions as to how they are to be used when they are to provide 42 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

evidence for enforcement. En forcement Of f icers inspecting vehicles frequently compla in about excess movement in the steering or braking mechanism. Clearly the extent of the movement should be measured, and it is important to be certain that amount of movement recorded is not simply a subjective assessment by the enforcement officer concerned. Quite apart from anything else the permitted movement will vary between different manufacturers. The measurement of tread depth in a tyre is also an exercise, which may lead to an inaccurate result. If there is any doubt the operator should get the tyre to a commercial tyre fitter to be examined, not forgetting to record the number of the tyre fitted to the vehicle. As the driver is also at risk of prosecution follow ing the discovery of a defect in the vehicle he/she is driving, it is important to watch what the Enforcement Officer is doing and to make notes. Photographs can be particularly helpful, and arguably, a photograph of a weighbridge, or weighing equipment, used in a check should always be taken. Nothing in this article should be seen as a suggestion that all enforcement evidence is suspect. In the majority of cases the operator and driver will recognise the accuracy of the compla i nt about the vehicle. Where, however, there is doubt, it may well be worth looking ca ref u l ly at t he evidence.

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WAREHOUSING

Cycle Madagascar 2012 Cycle around 500km across the diverse and incredible landscapes of Madagascar and help Transaid to achieve its mission of creating better transport across Africa and the developing world.

Spaces are limited so sign up now! For more details email events@transaid.org or call 0044 - 20 7387 8136

The Fourth Irish Logistics Network Lunch

he Fourth Irish Logistics Network Lunch takes place at the Carlton Hotel, Dublin Airport on Tuesday 3rd April 2012

The event is organised jointly by the All Ireland Warehousing Association (AIWA) and the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) on behalf of the International Federation of Warehousing Logistics Associations (IFWLA) and the Confederation Europeene de lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Entreposage et de la Logistique (CEEL). It is supported by CILT (Ireland) and Fleet Transport magazine.

The current economic situation continues to provide challenges that are difficult to overcome alone. Every company is looking to take

costs out of its operations and seeking to find innovative solutions to generating new business and retaining existing clients. Networking is a vital strategy in these market conditions, and this event will provide a discreet and quality networking opportunity for you, whether you are a third party operator, own account operator or a supplier to industry. Attending the lunch will be a Principal Guest and Speakers as well as leading Logistics Directors and CEOs together with suppliers from Ireland and leading UK companies with business links in Ireland.

I very much hope you will be able to attend the lunch on 3rd April and for ticket enquiries please contact 0044 207 836 5522 by 27th March 2012. Roger Williams CEO, UKWA./AIWA Walter House, 418-422 Strand, London WC2R 0PT t. +44 (0) 207 836 5522 f. +44 (0) 207 438 9379 e. jcorderoy@ukwa.org.uk www.ukwa.org.uk www.warehousingireland.ie

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FINANCE 1

How can your Accountant Add Value to your Business?

n the current economic climate every cannot be underestimated. business must cover all costs and make a margin business and especially companies in and a strategy of take all work at any cost runs the transport sector need to review all Looking internally at the operation of your the risk of key customers and prime rates being costs and determine that the maximum business your accountant can assist in the lost as the cut throat competition in haulage puts value is achieved from costs incurred in the preparation of quarterly and even monthly transport operators out of business. business. Most operators view their Accountant management accounts, it means you are gett ing as a necessary expense in the preparation the information more quickly and it can be used Most hauliers believe that divulging too much of accounts and completion of the annual to manage your business to alleviate losses and information to accountants is bad for their audit. The end product is a neatly bound set concentrate on profitable work. It takes both business. No accountant will start up in business of accounts, prepared in accordance with operational knowledge and strong analytical in competition to you, they are bound by Accounting Standards and normally the fi ling ability to pinpoint unprofitable work and devise strict rules of confidence (exception being of these accounts along with necessary tax a plan to turn unprofitable work into profit their obligation to disclose tax fraud/money liability calculations. A set of accounts signed or drop certain customers/sectors over time. laundering) and the final point is the information off eight months after year end and nearly By contacting your accountant on a monthly you do not supply will be gained anyway but as two years from the commencement of the basis means you have an unbiased fi nancial a billable expense of time incurred to you. All audited period give very litt le information professional who can quantify fi nancially the business can be broken down in fi nancial terms as to why the business made a profit or loss, effects of your operational decisions. so once your accountant has consulted you on your accountant will compare figures with the operational requirements their fi nancial advice previous twelve months (even further does not require them to have operational back in history) and give a brief outline expertise or interest. that your turnover has slipped and your NEW FUEL CARD MAKES CENTS! diesel cost has increased as would be the All Accountants are conservative by norm in the vast majority of businesses nature, and most hauliers see this as a today. For the annual audit fee of â&#x201A;Ź6,000 failing and an inability to take risks and to â&#x201A;Ź20,000 on average, how can you develop the business. However, you can get added value from your accountant use this to your advantage as business to improve the performance of the proposals you can see only positives but business. Here are a few pointers: may be scrutinised in a different manner by your Accountant. Your accountant Firstly, put in place a computerised will stress test any proposal to factors accounting system that will close off that may change during the term of the your prime books quickly after year end. contract, he or she will look at the risk Ask you accountant in what format he/ exposure and the exit strategies and she wants this information, and undertake cost. It's vitally important that you use as much of the book-keeping function inan accountant that you are not afraid house to reduce costs. Ask your accountant To help drivers reduce their fuel costs, AA Ireland has teamed up with to ask questions of, and that the flow what control structures should be in place. Topaz to provide a new discount fuel card available to all its members. of information between both parties is Are you too lax with your debtors? Are The new easy to use swipe card guarantees 2 cent off a litre of petrol or in a format that both can understand. diesel at any of 320 Topaz service stations nationwide. Card users won't you in danger of incurring bad debts? have to worry about carrying cash and will save money every time they Often time and money is wasted as the Are employees paid tax efficiently? Is fill up their tank. hauliers discusses technical issues and your working capital sufficient for your the Accountant compliance issues that business or will the business be put at risk Pictured at the launch of the card were Trevor McNaughton, AA Patrol, neither party fully understand. due to cash shortages? The equity that you Nicola Hudson, Senior Marketing Manager AA Ireland and Laura Murphy, have built up in the business, is this at risk Commercial Marketing Manager, Topaz Ireland. For more information Using your Accountant as purely a scorego to htt p://www.aaireland.ie/fuelcard. from future trading conditions? keeper for annual returns means that you are losing out on a valuable asset that In dealing with financial institutions your Use your accountant in the costing/tendering should have the confidence and knowledge to accountant can access current norms for loan, process, while he or she may not fully understand support you in your business in both the good lease and overdraft facilities and by dealing with the current market forces in driving down times and bad. Many Accountants specialised financial institutions with you it demonstrates to rates you will get an unbiased opinion as to in tax and wealth management in the good times banks that your business has both the operational the actual profitability of your business. In the and clients reaped rewards now their expertise and fi nancial expertise to properly access what short term most costs (even diesel) is a fi xed cost in cash planning, costing, negotiating with the fi nance needs of the business will be. It is in transport, such as a vehicle running empty fi nance houses and business support are key to important to remember that both your accountant to fullfi ll outbound deliveries, and hauliers your survival. and bank manager may have potential customers are quoting rates purely on a basis of revenue for your business and the value of networking generation but in the medium to long term the

Spaces are limited so sign up now! For more details email events@transaid.org or call 0044 - 20 7387 8136 44 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

Text: Donal Dempsey - donal@fleet.ie

JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED IT! ‘‘

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OPINION

IRHA Conference 2012 – More to DO! View from the Operators Desk by Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie

• Transport Minister has some ground to make up

hen Eoin Gavin and his new team took over management of the IRHA Irish Road Haulage Association just one year ago they faced probably the biggest challenge any incoming committee faced in the history of the Road Transport Organisation. Certainly the newly elected management team was a good mixture of experience, ability and enthusiasm. My memory of last year’s Conference was that it was a subdued affair. Many operators were fearful of what the future would bring, and some asked would they be around at Christmas? In many ways they looked at the new President and Management Team in hope rather than expectation. In his opening address to Council newly elected President Eoin Gavin did not make any fake promises, he did however give a commitment to fight and represent the industry. While there was a lot of pressure on him to go to the then newly appointed Transport Minister Leo Varadkar T.D., with the bodies Five Point Plan in one hand and the threat of evection in the other, the new IRHA President left all talk of protest outside the meeting. It is a mark of the credibility of the IRHA that all of the meetings have been with the Senior Minister and not the Junior as has often been the case in the past. Th rough the year there have been a number of meetings with Senior Ministers including one with Finance Minister Michael Noonan T.D. Cynics might look at some of the motions up for discussion at this year’s AGM and say we will have the same problems in the industry. Yes of course we have, but progress is being made with fuel is the hot topic at the moment. In the fi rst instance the price of diesel and on the second instance the abuse by those using washed or laundered fuel. The fact that the IRHA’s

IRHA AGM & Conference 2012

he 39th IRHA Annual General Meeting & Conference will be held in the Bunratt y Castle Hotel, County Clare, on Saturday, 10 March, 2012. The following is the Programme of Events for the weekend:

At this years IRHA Conference, Eoin Gavin can say he brought the Minister to Bunratt y (the Presidents hometown) on two occasions, not something any other President can say. He and his management team are half way through their term and they can hold up their heads at the AGM proudly as they have regained some of the ground the IRHA had lost and made progress with parts of the five-point plan. Minister Varadkar must bring something to the Conference; he has some ground to make up. On a lighter note, the Minister should be aware of the tradition in Bunratt y Castle where a villain is thrown in the dungeon every night, he may not be spared!

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very detailed proposal submitted to Government in advance of the Budget was ignored was a terrible disappointment and an injustice to everyone involved in the industry. On Budget night the IRHA President captured the mood of most hauliers during a passionate televised interview when he accused the Government of encouraging “Tanker Tourism”. Following this rebuke by the Department of Finance, the IRHA regrouped kept their composure and consulted with their Members and the Council. Now the President knew it was time to introduce the threat of protest to the Government, he knew he had a mandate from his members and that he had been more than reasonable. Fortunately, he has not had to use that tool so far and hopefully the high level-working group that the Minister for Finance has put in place will be able to deliver some type of solution that will give some level of assistance and fair play to professional and legitimate operators.

9.00am to 1.00pm 1.00pm to 2.00pm 2.00pm to 4.00pm

The fi rst meeting of the newly elected Council will commence at 4.00pm Spouses Programme: Golf at Dromoland Castle, Bunratt y Folk Park If interested in either of the above – please contact IRHA – Telephone 01 801 3380 4.30pm – 5.30pm Traditional Music Session in Hotel 7.30pm to 8.15pm Drinks Reception 8.30pm Gala Dinner, followed by entertainment

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46 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

TECHNICAL

Electronic Braking Systems I1

n this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue Ailbe Burke will take a look at the main components of the EBS Electronic Braking Systems. The first component covered is the ECU Electronic Control Unit. ELECTRONIC BRA KING SYSTEMS would probably be better described as electronic controlled braking systems. The braking system itself is still applied by air to the main part, but where the electronics comes in is instead of using a remote or direct signal air pressure to the valves an electric solenoid is fitted on the valves. These solenoids are operated by commands from the EBS ECU (Fig 1) through electric voltage signals. The signal from the ECU to operate the valves comes from having fi rst received information from the various sensors which tell the ECU the current braking condition of the vehicle, i.e. foot brake applied or not, wheels have locked up or not vehicle speed and stability and so on. Besides having ABS capabilities modern EBS system ECUs can come programmed with the following.

Figure 1. EBS Control unit for towing vehicles

Automatic brake adaption: where the EBS ECU can identify and control the EBS system of a trailer from the moment it is connected making it fully compatible with the tractor unit brakes.

the accelerator is released. If the wheels begin to lock, the retarder brake will be shut off and the driving wheels allowed rotate again. The wheels will then regain traction with the road. The accelerator position is over-ridden to allow the vehicle gain better traction through a communication between the engine ECU and EBS ECU. Automatic differential lock: again combined with the engine and EBS ECUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, the differential lock on the driving axles can be engaged automatically to give the vehicle better traction for off-road conditions. Hill start assistance: this is an extra safety feature where vehicles are prevented from rolling back when stopping or starting on an incline. Hill Start Assist helps the driver to start off on an incline. When the hill start switch is activated this temporarily prevents the brakes from being released and the driver has extra time to accelerate. The function is deactivated when the switch is pressed in a second time.

Brake signal transmitter Another major component is the Brake Signal Transmitter (Fig 3) which would be commonly known as the foot brake valve, but its new name is more applicable as the fi rst portion of brake application is transmitt ing an electrical signal to the brake modulator / solenoid valves. There are two distance sensors which determine the value that is transmitted, and this is done as a pulse-width modulated Signal. The second part of the valve is pneumatic so if the electronic brake system fails further, depressing the brake pedal will put the truck braking back to an air only system.

Emergency brake assist: if the brake pedal is rapidly depressed, the system assumes it is in an emergency braking situation. The brake pressure is automatically increased to achieve increased braking.

Figure 3

EBS status monitoring: the status recorder is a diagnostic feature the purpose of which is to be able to save information about how the EBS functions and what functions are most active. Th is will give the technician an insight into the performance of the EBS and that all functions have been working in the vehicle. If further analysis of the EBS system needs to be done the Status monitor counts and records the number of events the following safety functions are activated , ABS, ESP: Roll Over Prevention, ESP: Yaw control, Traction control, Brake assistant and Brake Fade warning. These recordings can be read out via SAE J1587 diagnostic interface.

Brake pad wear equalisation: where the wear of the brake pads are monitored by wear sensors fitted on the brake callipers and the ECU can then increase or decrease braking force on the brake cylinders to provide for equal wear of the pads. Th is is designed to incorporate warning systems for the driver where a message can appear on the drivers information system to tell how many kilometres until the brake pads need replacing. Th is benefits drivers for planning maintenance purposes.

Text: Ailbe Burke

Rear Axle modulator Valve (Fig 4) with integrated control unit for regulating brake pressures on each side of the rear axle(s). Th is unit does the same as Fig 2 but with the added function of gathering information for the ECU such as Lining wear and brake status, i.e. wheels locked or rolling.

Figure 4

Information supplied by Department of Mechanical & Automobile Engineering, Limerick Institute of Technology,

Brake blending: this term means that along with activating the brakes electronically the auxiliary brakes i.e. Engine brake or transmission retarder can also be automatically engaged to reduce wear on the brake pads. Throttle release control: can prevent the driving wheels locking on slippery roads when

Front Axle Solenoid The next component on the EBS System is the single ABS Solenoid valve (Fig 2) fitted to the front axle brakes. Th is valve provides the EBS system with a means of quickly supplying, holding and releasing air pressure to the front wheel brakes. The valves are usually fitted close to the wheels and there is one at either side of the chassis for the left and right wheels.

Moylish, Limerick.

Figure 2. Solenoid control valve: Disassembled FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12 47

TYRES

Goodyear Dunlop – ‘The Rocky Road to 2020’ Paper of March 2011, it simply echoes the voice of the transport industry, and allows that voice to state what can realistically be achieved by operators and what assistance they need in order to meet the targets for 2020.

n extensive report published by Goodyear Dunlop has revealed some interesting information about the current state of the European transport industry. The report titled ‘Driving Fleet Fuel Efficiency’ compiles data from transport operators across Europe and is a comprehensive state of the nation address. While Goodyear’s document does not contest the proposals detailed in the EU White

48 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

Goodyear presented the report to a wide ranging group assembled to discuss the findings, and the potential impact of the White Paper on Europe’s transport industry. In addition to Goodyear Management, invited guests represented all aspects of road transport, and included small and large f leet operators, t he I nter nat iona l Road Transport Union (IRU), the European Road Hauliers Association (UETR) vehicle manufacturers and academics. Presenting the case for the EU were a number of representat ives including Vice-President of the European Commission, Directorate-General Transport (DG Move) Mr. Siim Kallas. Mr. Michael R zonezf (Vice-President Commercial Business Unit, Goodyear Dunlop Europe) welcomed all to the conference and outlined the scope and methodology of the research, which surveyed over 400 transport

companies and fleet managers between October and November 2011. 60% of those surveyed operated a number of vehicles from 1-50, 30% operated fleets with up to 250 vehicles and the remaining 10% represented the largest European transporters. Mr. Rzonezf certainly got everyone’s attention when he revealed that the research found that 15% of those surveyed did not believe their business would survive to see 2020, and that almost one-third of fleets have no plans in place to deal with impending CO2 legislation which will come into force over the next decade. The proposed legislation detailed in the White Paper demands a reduction in carbon emissions of 20% over 1990 levels by the year 2020 - (2020-20), with a further reduction of 60% by 2050. Although the White Paper makes specific demands it does not specifically say how this is to be achieved, other than stating that - ‘a change is needed.’ Goodyear set out to discover how operators are responding to the White Paper, and to gauge how the ‘greening’ of transport affects their business. Many operators have engaged in programmes to reduce fuel consumption, with driver training being the most prevalent at 69%. Other measures include the retrofitting of aerodynamic equipment and specifying fuel efficient tyres. However the principle motive for these measures is to reduce fuel costs and possibly gain a competitive advantage - not necessarily to reduce CO2 emissions. Th is has been further augmented by changes to vehicle routing and delivery schedules through load consolidation. One startling figure revealed was that 8% of respondents said they had made no attempts to improve the fuel efficiency of their companies. Lack of funding was given as the main reason preventing 40% of operators from investing in new vehicles, while 35% said that EU incentives would encourage them to purchase.

TYRES

For operators already investing in fuel saving methods, 46% believe there is not much more they can do without assistance from the regulatory authorities. To date they feel they have done all they can to reduce fuel consumption and estimate that a further 10% decrease in fuel consumption would be the limit, with 6% believing that they are unable to achieve any further savings. Of the top five methods to manage fuel efficiency, Eco Driver Training is the most effective, generally realising results of around 10-15%. Although for long term benefits it should be linked to an incentive scheme, and continuous assessment studies show that the initial benefits usually diminish after three months. If combined with fuel efficient tyres saving 5-8% and improved aerodynamics saving up to 10% especially for long-haul, it shows that there is some scope for savings. The extent to which customer demand for greener transport affects operators varies widely throughout the EU. Greater demands are exerted on transport companies in Italy, whereas there appears to be litt le interest from Spanish transport users. Asked if being perceived as an environmentally aware transporter offers benefits when winning new business, 44% said it was not a factor, 23% said it was somewhat considered, with only 10% of customers demanding green credentials. Which would indicate that allowing for the nature of the customer's business and their public profi le, it appears that price remains the deciding factor. Mr. Rzonezf then invited Siim Kallas to address the audience. Mr. Kallas began by stating that transport had developed against a background of cheap fuel and that we must break our dependence on oil. Continuing that this is a crucial moment in the development of transport strategies, he cited the ‘Green e-Motion’ project (of which Ireland will receive €1.5 million) as an example. Accepting that road freight is necessary for the long-term competitiveness of the EU, the Commission’s strategy is to have ‘zero CO2’ city logistics in place by 2030. Mr. Kallas also promises a review of vehicle weights and dimensions by the end of the year. This review will include a decision on the possibility of allowing 25.25 metre, ‘Longer Heavier Vehicles’ (LHV’s) to engage in cross border traffic. The contentious issue of LHV’s is one which the industry wants resolved, and sees no reason why they cannot be allowed. Presenting the case for the Commission Mark Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie

Major said that the issue of LHV’s will be reviewed, stating “the Commission is good at making decisions based on facts.” However he also notes that it is an emotional subject and may prove difficult for politicians. In reply Theo Pas of DAF Trucks stated that in a small country like the Netherlands there are currently over 800 ‘Eco-combis’ (as the Dutch call them) operating - and no one notices them. President of the European Freight Forwarders Association, Marc Huybrechts added that similar vehicles (Gigaliners) are allowed limited operation in Germany. However under EU regulation the vehicles are not permitted to cross borders - a regulation which he called absurd.

Siim Kallas; Vice-President of the European Commission, Directorate-General Transport (DG Move)

Michel Rzonezf; Vice-President Commercial Business Unit, Goodyear Dunlop Europe

Mr. Major was critical of the Goodyear Report and “was surprised by the clear focus on 2020 which is only 8 years away, saying that the longer term view is missing.” He asks “who will be the driver for industry and bring the vision to reality for 2050?” Speaking on future legislation Mr. Remi Mayet, Deputy Head of Land Transport at DG Move listed a number of changes including a review of the Cabotage regulations, harmonised penalties for offences and full disclosure of nonconforming transport entities across the EU. He also noted that proposed specifications for the next generation tachograph with an inbuilt GPS facility should be adopted by the Commission before the end of the year. The conference allowed Goodyear Dunlop the opportunity to launch an intuitive new tool on their website. The facility allows operators to enter vehicle specifications and general operating conditions, and the portal then calculates what improvements would reduce fuel consumption and CO2 . For example, an operator can add low rolling resistance tyres and the tool will calculate what saving this might realise, similar calculations can be made for engine size, truck wind deflectors and trailer side skirts. Goodyear deserves credit for producing a comprehensive document, which should be viewed as more than just another report, as the document provides a useful and realistic insight into the current state of the industry. The conference also highlighted the importance of strong industry representation in Brussels. Listening to the presentations and speeches one gets a sense of detachment from the people developing the legislation. A sense that they really do not understand the possible consequences of

Boris Stevanovic; Marketing Director, Goodyear Dunlop Europe

Lie Junis; Director of Public Affairs, Goodyear Dunlop Europe

their actions on the transport industry. The move to 20.20.20 is only eight years away and it would appear that the Commission and DG Move are unlikely to help or incentivise hauliers to reduce emissions. Though it would appear highly likely that they will penalise hauliers who don’t.

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12 49

FINANCE 11

The flexible alternative to vehicle finance

ith external costs increasing faster than the eye can see, the question of how to finance a fleet of vehicles is increasingly playing on the minds of fleet managers and business owners nationwide. While vehicle finance may be an appealing alternative to buying a fleet, there is actually a more attractive option that brings with it more benefits. Enter flexible vehicle hire, an option that has never been more pertinent than in today’s climate. Over the last few years we have seen a remarkable increase in commodity price increases. Fuel, for one, has increased in price by 34% since 2009, tyres are up 15%, oil and lubricants up 25%, breakdown and recovery up 15% and braking parts and consumables are up by 5%. This all makes for some rather sobering reading if people are trying to balance the cost of financing a fleet too and, considering that 90% of businesses still own some or all of their vehicles, they’ll be depreciating in value at the same time as we’re facing these increasingly harsh economic pressures. There is an alternative to vehicle finance and it comes in the form of flexible vehicle hire. Soaring in popularity for years now, partly due to the unstable economy, which is unfortunately showing little sign of recovery in the near future, more and more businesses are opting to hire vehicles as and when they need rather than commit to contract hire or finance agreements that allow little flexibility should times get tough. For businesses that may see seasonal fluctuations, having the flexibility to add to or remove vehicles from your fleet at any time without penalty could be the make or break factor. And it isn’t necessarily the case that because external costs are going up, fleet suppliers put their costs up too … buying in volume enables them to counteract price increases, making flexible vehicle hire even more relevant and beneficial in the current market.

50 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

Businesses’ needs change with the seasons – and the extent of this can’t always be anticipated – but, for financial reasons, a fleet needs to be utilised 100% of the time to increase efficiency. This is often why hire rather than purchasing and financing fleets makes more business sense. There is no depreciation, no need to worry about residual value, risks are removed, and the support of the supplier is guaranteed should emergency back up or replacement vehicles be required. Really, it’s a winwin situation with the constraints of contract hire and finance agreements completely removed. Flexible vehicle hire is where the clear benefits lie for those who aren’t always able to forecast their fleet and want an element of ‘wiggle room’ rather than be tied down to a specific contract linking them to x number of vehicles for x years, and finance agreements costing €x per month. Some of the benefits of flexible vehicle hire: • The ability to control fleet costs and forget about forecasting fleets. • Flexible hire periods and fleet sizes. • Access to the latest fuel-efficient vehicles, which may have been previously unaffordable. • Enjoying customised vehicles, for example including tow bars, roof racks, beacons and livery – all tailored to individual requirements. • Freeing up budget that would otherwise be spent on purchasing (or financing) vehicles. With no contract, no risk and no ties, flexible vehicle hire is the best step for smart businesses that don’t want to be paying over the odds in interest, and it brings with it the benefits of owning a fleet without the commitment factor. Fleet suppliers can often support customers with insurance needs too, taking the onus off them and freeing up more of their valuable time. Fuel cards may be another sensible option to think about alongside flexible hire, helping to control costs even more with the added bonus of reducing emissions.

Key benefits of fuel cards include: • Understanding and controlling fuel costs. • Tracking fuel purchases nationwide with online management. • Efficient VAT recovery - no need to collect till receipts. • Paying for fuel directly instead of refunding your employees. • Having more accurate costs and getting rid of over inflated expense claims. • Controls can be installed to enable fuel-related purchases only. • Significant reductions in administration through consolidated invoicing. Th is is just a little bit of food for thought for businesses wincing at the thought of vehicle finance. But one thing’s for sure; the benefits of flexible vehicle hire grow at a similar rate to the spiralling external costs we’re currently seeing in the market. People need to be smarter, think about cost-saving measure and look at the benefits of having an all inclusive fi xed cost that covers servicing and DOEs as well as the actual rental, so that they can forward plan for what’s set to be another challenging year.

About Northgate Vehicle Hire has shaped and defi ned the van hire market for over 30 years. Operating over 55,000 vehicles on rental through more than 60 locations, which include 56 workshops and 356 mechanics operate within the direct service network. With a diverse customer base ranging from blue chip corporations and Local Authorities right down to small and medium sized enterprises and owner operators, Northgate will deliver the very best service levels available within the market place through the delivery of vehicles, a wholly owned infrastructure of workshops and technical centres, specialist staff and innovative systems.

Text: Jonathan Pearce - Marketing Manager, Northgate Vehicle Hire

10 new intelligent designs from Hyster

) 2)3( ,)&4 425#+3 Clonlara Avenue, Baldonnell Business Park, Baldonnell, Dublin 22, Ireland T. (+353) 01 4034100 F. (+353) 01 4034183 E. info@irishlifttrucks.ie W. www.irishlifttrucks.ie A member of

www.ohm.ie

FLEETING SHOTS

Lynx Transport 'Rises Up' with Good Distribution Practice Passport

o use the strapline from Connacht Rugby - ‘Front Up, Wise Up’, Galway based Lynx Transport has become the fi rst company in the Province to be awarded the Good Distribution Practice (GDP) Passport by the Irish Exporters Association Life Science Ireland. The accreditation, which ensures supply chain integrity and product safety from raw materials through to the end consumer, is gaining increased importance in Ireland and across the globe. The award was presented by John Whelan, Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association, said that Lynx Transport was now part of a select group in Ireland that have achieved

in the life sciences sector in the future. Director of Lynx Transport, Enda McDonnell, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised for our commitment of providing our customers with the best quality service, and especially for our team who continue to work tirelessly to deliver road transport and logistics excellence across the board. Our dedication in excellent customer service and industry knowledge are the key foundations of this company, and now being recognised among the best in our industry is a benchmark we are very proud of.” a standard that is likely to become an essential requirement to deal with companies operating

Cool models for McCulla

lster Transport Company McCulla is well known around Ireland and beyond for its distinctive livery and now a miniature example of one of its Iveco Stralis is available from promotional model vehicle specialists Search Impex. These 1:50 scale 4x2 tractor unit (pictured) together with a 3-axle reefer trailer with Carrier fridge unit and underslung tail lift is one of 105 limited editions produced. McCu l la models, available f rom Search Impex cost £138 each (including UK delivery + VAT) through its website

www.search-impex. co.uk or by phoning Jim Newsome on 0044 1332 873 555.

Noone Transport takes to the track

ictured is Kevin Noone (Noone Transport Ltd.) with 12 year-old Aaron Clifford and Michael Hynes (M.D. MAN Importers Ireland) at the announcement that Noone Transport is sponsoring Aaron’s campaign in the Irish 125cc Motorbike Clubmans Racing Championship in an Aprilla. Aaron from Dunleek, Meath is the reigning I r ish M i n i-Moto Champion in two different classes. R e c e nt l y No one Tr a n s p o r t Ltd. purchased 17 new MAN TGX 18.440 XXL trucks from MAN Importers Ireland.

Irish GP2 team joins Bavaria City Racing extravaganza

display and will perform on the Dublin City track which starts at the Convention Centre Dublin, continues along Customs House Quay before crossing Butt Bridge, chicane’s at D’Olier Street, zips past College Green and the Central Bank on Dame Street before reaching the chequered flag on O’Connell Bridge.

Former Jordan F1 driver Timo Glock and new Williams F1 signing Bruno Senna applied their trade with Breezemount in their early careers. Both the 600hp 4 litre GP2 race car and the Mercedes-Benz powered McLaren will be on

Bavaria City Racing Dublin is a free public event and over 150,000 people are expected to line the streets of Dublin. For those who want to get closer to the action there are three ticketed premium performance zones on the track at Customs House Quay, O’Connell Bridge and at the Main Paddock on North Wall Quay. Tickets for these areas are priced from €75.90.

reezemou nt Motorspor t, t he Hillsborough based Irish GP2 motor racing team has joined Bavaria City Racing, Dublin, the forthcoming motorsport extravaganza on the streets of Dublin on 3 June. Also on the roster is the big att raction, Formula 1 giants Vodafone McLaren.

Irish World Superbike star Eugene Laverty is the latest big name from the world of motorsport to confirm their participation at Bavaria City Racing Dublin. The 25-yearold from Toomebridge in Antrim finished 4th in the World Superbike Championship in 2011 and has since teamed up with the Max Biaggi at the Aprilia team.

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

APPRAISAL

New Mercedes-Benz Actros ‘What can you get for two billion euro these days?’

n launching the new Actros, MercedesBenz was as frank and honest as it was possible to be. The Daimler truck brand actively sought feedback and opinions on the product, and the test routes chosen were demanding for both truck and driver. Its faith in their new flagship is evident, and after ten years development and over two billion euro spent in research, tooling and plant development, ‘Merc’ is sure to have got this one right. While openly acknowledging mistakes were made in the past, Hubertus Troska (Head of Mercedes-Benz Truck) stated that “this will not happen again.” Before the fi rst Actros launch in 1995 the truck was tested for three million kilometres, which Mr. Troska recognised “clearly this was not enough.” For new Actros the testing regime covered over twenty-million kilometres, Mr.Troska continued “technology must be reliable for it to be good for the customer.” Fuel consumption and reliability were the main areas addressed by Mercedes-Benz when developing the new Actros, as these points where the most prominent concerns highlighted from the customer based comments. Offering four cab designs and four versions of the new 12.8 litre in-line six with power outputs from 420 to 510hp, with all driving through an improved standard fit 12-speed ‘Powershift 3’ automated transmission. There are two cab

widths 2.3 and 2.5 m, and three cab heights from the base model ‘Classic’ up to the impressive 3.95 GigaSpace. Interior trim options include a single driver SoloStar version with ample space for the long-haul loner. After a brief run down of some of the new features with our demo driver Herman, we set to work. The fi rst improvements drivers will notice is the enhanced seating, the second is a footswitch for steering adjustment. Also changed is the transmission mode selector now moved from the armrest to a column mounted stalk more in keeping with manufacturer’s saloon car models. Once comfortable with our driving position we fi red up the 12.8 litre by pressing the retro style start/stop button - which is now trendy. On the move the vehicle instantly reveals a sense of purpose – ‘it feels good and fits well.’ The first section of the drive covered mostly good national road with some small sections of dual carriageway, allowing us to get a good feel for the vehicle. Compared to its predecessor new Actros is somewhat stiffer on the road, yet manages to be more positive and more comfortable. The high cab has always given the driver a commanding view to the front, and all-round visibility has never been an issue. Although the att ractive mirror assembly does create a blind-spot, especially approaching roundabouts, this is a problem for

all manufacturers and is at best difficult, if not impossible to solve. On the subject of mirror arrangements a much improved ‘Cyclops’ mirror now replaces the previous model. The Motorway sections of our two day test run were uneventful allowing us time to try out many of the toys that come with Actros. Included here is Adaptive Cruise Control which brakes when approaching stopped traffic, and from a standing stop will move the truck off again when the queue moves – this does take a litt le faith on the driver’s part, but works extremely well. Not having an independent fuel metre, we had to trust to the on-board display, initial figures indicate that Actros will deliver what Mercedes-Benz promise with regard to frugality. To finish our day we chanced a spin in the flagship 520hp with the SoloStar trim option in the GigaSpace. The 520 is a different machine and instantly displays its flexibility, as we headed off the main roads onto small national roads through a series of towns and villages similar to much of the Irish trucks daily toil. Mercedes-Benz believe this is the birth of an iconic truck, my fi rst drive would indicate they could well be right. So what do you get for two billion euro? It would appear quite a lot, if you spend it wisely.

Hubertus Troska (Head of Mercedes-Benz Truck) Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie

FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12 53

COMMENT

Freight – Up, Up and Away?

From where I'm sitting - Howard Knott

uring the last week in January I visited the French Port town of Calais taking part in an EU Project ‘Weastf lows’ meeting there. Two things to say, the first that travelling to Calais without a car can be a tedious and chilly experience, though, litt le did I know at the time how lucky we all were to get back to our Irish temperate climate, in the nick of time too!. The second point from that experience was that, following the collapse of the French State owned Sea France ferry company, it turned out to be a particularly interesting week having the opportunity to meet folk from Calais Port, from Eurotunnel and from P & O Ferries and to quiz them on how each responded to the challenge. Since I returned, not only have there been significant developments on the Dover Strait, but I have been in further discussions with some of the people involved. Th is will give us the basis for a discussion piece in next month’s ‘Fleet Maritime’. But I guess that the main point was that Sea France with its potential to operate twenty round trips each day having disappeared, and the other operators immediately taking up the slack, no International haulier appears to have been seriously inconvenienced. Without looking away from the Calais/Dover/ Folkestone triangle there were options for the customer, I think that the expression is that the system had ‘redundancy’. Coming back to home and thinking about Government plans to boost export growth and jobs, this transport system redundancy is surely a very significant issue. Internally we are not badly off, the recently improved road network including, particularly, the various tunnels, has given hauliers plenty of route options, the rail system has a certain amount of route flexibility, but internal air travel is gett ing trickier.

The Airfreight business is, however, different. Airports and, to a greater or lesser extent, airlines have, like their colleagues in the rail sector in the nineties and the noughties, treated freight as being unimportant and this business unworthy of consideration for investment. Though shipments may be measured in kilos rather than tonnes, their value to the exporters and, ultimately, to the Irish economy, is huge. I am aware of a study being done on this whole matter at present, again with the Weastflows project involved, and this should address information ‘Black Hole’.

A major problem is in identifying what cargo actually is airfreight and to where it is going. I was one of those people working in the freight forwarding industry in the 1970’s who responded to an Aer Lingus strike by sending the airfreight on the local collection trucks on the Liverpool ferry and on to The question now is, has the Heathrow or Manchester airport to fly from there. Of course, it arrival of Emirates Airlines was a great system and, when strike was over, the die was at Dublin, following soon the cast that most air freight would after Etihad opened its continue to truck to British or near Continent airports. Other Dublin to Abu Dhabi service, than limited services to the USA changed the Irish airfreight direct air cargo services from Ireland withered and with that, business in a fundamental the exporters’ options.

way and for the better? Irish exporters and importers are well served by the Ports and Shipping Lines and, mirroring the Calais situation, the marketplace sorts out any problems that arise. A major factor, I suspect here, is that transporting cargo by ship is considered to be quite environmentally friendly and Irish Ports are mainly located out of earshot of most people.

54 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

The question now is, has the arrival of Emirates Airlines at Dublin, following soon after Etihad opened its Dublin to Abu Dhabi service, changed the Irish airfreight business in a fundamental way and for the better? On the arrival of the fi rst Emirates aircraft into Dublin on 9 January launching the daily direct service linking Dublin with the airline’s main hub at Dubai, Michael Meagher, who heads

the airline’s Emirates Sky Cargo operation in Ireland said: “Air cargo is a vital part of Emirates business and, through Emirates Sky Cargo we provide a fi rst class service not only for general cargo, but specifically for more time sensitive perishable material. Th rough our hub at Dubai we provide connections to over one hundred destinations worldwide.” For Emirates, the beauty of the way they tackled the cargo issue is that they had developed a substantial Irish business already feeding through Birmingham and other Emirates’ destinations. Thus, they had established themselves in the marketplace here and were able to say that exporters, particularly in the food/seafood and pharma sectors will now be able to avail of a service that is direct, unlike the traditional method that they and others had been offering of trucking via the UK and onwards leading to inbuilt delays of at least 24 hours. Each daily A330 has a belly hold capacity of 15 tonnes. But the airline now says that it will introduce Boeing 777 aircraft onto the route this summer, each with a capacity of 25 tonnes. Add this to the 150 tonne weekly capacity on the Etihad service and with each of the airlines offering multiple worldwide destinations from their middle eastern hubs, that’s an awful lot of high value exports skipping over the bad weather, the night-time fl ight bans and weekend driving restrictions that face the more traditional routes to world markets. Two interesting statistics to finish: Etihad Crystal Cargo pushed up its airfreight volumes by 18% in 2011 and expects an 11% rise in 2012. Frankfurt Airport reports a 17% drop in air cargo through 2011. Have these airlines and their Asian competitors changed the whole freight by air game? It’s worth some thought. Text: Howard Knott - howard@fleet.ie

LUBRICANTS

Mobil Delvac Drivetrain Lubricants Achieve Fuel Economy Savings

• • •

obil Delvac synthetic lubricants proven to enable truck operators to reduce fuel costs and extend vehicle life

HGV fleet operators can reduce their annual fuel bill by £1,270 per truck. Independent city-cycle tests highlight average fuel economy savings of 4.7 percent in an Iveco light truck. Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30 and Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 help optimise drivetrain performance4.

ExxonMobil’s range of flagship Mobil Delvac commercial vehicle lubricants have demonstrated significant fuel economy benefits in independent testing in Volvo and Iveco trucks. Fuel economy savings recorded in Volvo articulated trucks highlighted the potential for operators to cut fuel bills by £1,2701 per truck, while a significant average fuel economy improvement of 4.7 percent 2 was realised in Iveco 7.5 tonne vehicles. The recorded fuel economy benefits have the potential for fleet operators to make significant fi nancial savings over a 12 month period. For example, a company operating a fleet of 30 HGV trucks may save nearly £40,000 a year by switching from mineral-based products to Mobil Delvac flagship lubricants. The independent fuel economy evaluations were recently conducted on track at Millbrook Proving Ground, in the United Kingdom, using two Volvo FM 440 Series Euro 5 trucks, loaded to 75% Gross Vehicle Weight (circa 33 tonnes) and two Iveco Eurocargo 75E16 EEV Euro 5 trucks, loaded to 50% Gross Vehicle Weight (circa 6.2 tonnes). Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30 was used in the engine and Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 was used in the rear axle for both vehicles, with Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 and Mobil Delvac Synthetic Transmission Oil V30 used in the transmissions of the Iveco and Volvo trucks respectively. Statistically significant R EFER ENCE POI N TS: 1 Statistica l ly signif icant f uel economy benef its were obser ved when compa r ing the sy nthetic products to the mineral products with an average f uel economy ga i n of 3 . 0 %* for c it y d r iv i ng c ond it ion s a nd 2 .7 %* f or h i g hw ay d r i v i n g cond itions. Fuel economy improvements a re dependent on veh icle/equ ipment t y pe, outside temperat ure, d r i v i n g c ond it ion s a nd y ou r c u r r e nt f l u id v iscosities. Financial saving of £1,270 per truck was calculated by using average mileage (70,000 miles) and f uel cost per m i le (63.8 pence) data for a 4 4 tonne g ross (6x 2+ tr i-a x le) combination, included in t he Road Hau lage A ssociations Cost Tables – 2011. T he f inancia l sav ing was based on a 2 .85 Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie

fuel economy benefits were observed when comparing the performance of these synthetic lubricants to mineral products3. These potential savings, coupled with the capability of Mobil Delvac fully synthetic lubricants to help extend vehicle life through excellent equipment protection, can provide f leet operators with a tangible competitive edge during these challenging times. Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30 for example is a fully synthetic high performance heavy-duty diesel engine oil that helps protect both the engine and emission system while providing long drain capability and fuel economy potential for modern diesel engines, including those fitted with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF). Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 is a fully synthetic, supreme performance commercial gear lubricant, suitable for total driveline application4. Formulated using advanced base oils and an innovative additive system, Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 has been proven to deliver outstanding protection alongside fuel economy benefits. “With fuel costs continuing to rise and fleet operators looking to extend the vehicle life of their trucks, it’s a win-win situation when percent sav ing from an annual f uel cost per truck of £ 4 4, 660. *Cor rection has been appl ied when changes in test env iron ment had a statistica l ly sig n i f icant i mpact on f uel economy). Er ror ba rs ind icate 95% con f idence inter va l based on t he range of outcomes obser ved during testing. Data Source: E x xon Mobi l Resea rch & Eng ineer ing. 2 Statistica l ly signif icant f uel economy benef its were obser ved when compa r ing t he sy nt hetic products to the mineral products with an average f uel economy ga i n of 4.7%* for c it y d r iv i ng cond itions. Fuel economy i mprovements a re dependent on veh icle/equ ipment t y pe, outside temperat ure, d r i v i n g c ond it ion s a nd y ou r c u r r e nt f l u id

operators switch to advanced, fuel efficient lubricants throughout their drivetrain4,” said Steve Crawley, UK & Ireland Commercial Vehicle Lubricants Manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties. “Alongside proven fuel economy benefits of Mobil Delvac drivetrain lubricants, the superior performance of synthetic lubricants provides extended engine and component protection, which may enable truck operators to cost effectively extend the running-life of their fleet.” Ex xon Mobil Lubricants & Specialties Ex xon Mobil Lubricants and Petroleum S p e c i a lt ie s C om p a ny i s a le a d i n g marketer of finished lubricants, asphalts and specialty products, as well as one of the world's largest suppliers of lubricant base stock s. Mobil Strategic Lubricant Distributors in Ireland: • Bu rke Lubr ica nts, R at h new, Co. Wick low • Sean Delaney & Sons Ltd: Glanmire, Count y Cork v iscosities. *Cor rection has been appl ied when changes in test env iron ment had a statistica l ly sig n i f icant impact on f uel economy). Er ror ba rs ind icate 95% con f idence inter va l based on t he range of outcomes obser ved during testing. Data Source: E x xon Mobi l Resea rch & Eng ineer ing. 3 E x xon Mobi l ’s r a nge of f l ag sh ip s y nt het ic produc t s we re c ompa re d a g a i n s t a m i ne r a l 15 W- 4 0 i n t he e n g i ne , a m i ne r a l 8 5 W-14 0 in t he rea r a x le and a m inera l 80W-90 in t he transm ission. 4 A lways remember to check product selection aga i nst OE M speci f icat ion requ i rements a nd s e r v ic e i nt e r v a l s a p p r o p r i a t e t o y o u r appl ication. FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12 55

SHIPPING & FREIGHT

New and improved services linking Dover and Calais

esponding to the closure of the SeaFrance ferry services between Dover and Calais at the end of November 2011, P & O Ferries has added substantial capacity to its competing service between the Dover Strait Ports. The Line has two vessels operating in freight mode and five others in multipurpose roles. Amongst these ships is the ‘Spirit of France’ which entered service on 9 February. She is a sister vessel of the 2010, ‘Spirit of Britain’ and they are the largest vessels in the P & O Ferry fleet. Vessels operating on this route can achieve five round trips a day and present schedules give approximately 28 round trips daily with main focus on driver accompanied trailer traffic, facilitating a forty minute turnaround at each Port. Daily vehicle capacity is up to 4,500 x 15 metre units. FASTNET LINE has given up on its efforts to offer a ferry service between Cork and Swansea, certainly for the 2012 season. The vessel, ‘Julia’ remains tied up in Cork and a number of potential buyers have inspected her. Stena line and Irish Ferries expect to be able to accommodate the displaced traffic on their services ex Rosslare.

MAERSK LINE’S weekly container service from the Caribbean and Mexican Ports which calls to Ringaskiddy as its first European Port is reported to be proving to be very successful. Carryings of fruit, vegetables and other cargoes for shippers and consignees other than the core customer Fyffes, are growing rapidly. The Port of Cork is upgrading the container handling facilities at the Deep Water Terminal so as to be able to keep pace with the cargo throughput from the service which made its first Cork call in January.

DFDS Seaways, which entered the English Channel marketplace in 2010 with its purchase of the Norfolk Line, Dover to Dunkirk service responded to the closure of the Sea France operation with the charter of the LD Lines multi-purpose vessel, ‘Norman Spirit’. This brought its fleet operating on the route to four vessels and a sixteen round trip capability. STENA LINE’S anticipated sale of the cruise ferry ‘Stena Navigator’ to the Spanish Balearia Line following completion of her service on the Belfast to Stranraer route, has fallen through. However, the fact that the former ‘Stena Discovery’ that had operated on the Harwich to Hook of Holland route prior to her sale in 2009 to Venezuelan Line, Ferromar and has been idle since then, has undergone a $5.5 million refit and will now enter active service, there has encouraged interest from the same Operator in purchasing of the ‘Stena Voyager’. She has been laid up in Belfast since the closure of the Stranraer service. SEATRUCK has completed the upgrade of its fleet serving Dublin. The ‘Clipper Pace’ displaced by the new-build, ‘Seatruck Progress’ on the Dublin – Liverpool route has been switched to the Dublin – Heysham route while the second of the company’s new-builds the ‘Seatruck Power’ has gone into service on the Liverpool route.

DFDS Seaways and LD Lines then formed a joint venture to operate a Dover – Calais service directly displacing the Sea France service. This commenced operation on 17 February using the 110truck capacity ‘Norman Spirit’ switched from the Dunkirk route. The single vessel service can offer five round trips a day. She operates flying the French flag and a DFDS statement goes on to say that a further ferry under the French flag will be added on the Dover Strait: ‘as soon as we can be ready with a suitable ship”. The joint venture Line has undertaken to hire 300 staff for the new service, many of them previously SeaFrance employees. LD Lines is quoted as being short of vessels to undertake this service along with its other English Channel and its Nantes to Gijon service to which and it wishes to add a second ship and increase frequency to six times weekly. P & O FERRIES has withdrawn the freight ferry ‘Norcape’ from the Larne to Troon route and will concentrate for its northern corridor freight focus on their Larne-Cairnryan service. The ‘Norcape’ had suffered grounding close to Troon Harbour in November and subsequent repair costs were not justified and the vessel is to be scrapped. The Japanese built vessel had commenced her career operating for B + I Line between Dublin and Fleetwood as the ‘Tipperary’. P & O will re-introduce its fast ferry service ex Larne for the summer season with Scottish destinations alternating between Troon and Cairnryan.

The third of the new sister vessels, the ‘Seatruck Performance’ has been launched and expected in service by early Summer. As its older vessels are dry-docked for maintenance the prefix on its names will be switched from ‘Clipper’ to ‘Seatruck’ as part of a brand strengthening exercise.

Minister launches Consultation on ‘Ireland’s Ocean Wealth’

arine Minister, Simon Coveney T.D. has launched a Public Consultation website, www.ouroceanwealth.ie which will be open until 31 March 2012 and will inform his Department in the production and publication of an Integrated Marine Plan in Summer 2012.

The marine environment, including seafood, shipping, oil and gas, renewable energy etc, is calculated to generate only 1.2%

of GDP from an ocean area ten times that of Ireland’s land area. Minister Coveney said: “We need an integrated Marine Plan to harness our ocean wealth, get the environment right for investment and use the potential for our marine economy to create jobs in a sustainable manner.”

56 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

Text: Howard Knott - howard@fleet.ie

Murphyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Truckcentre

Ballymount, Dublin 22, Ireland. T: (01) 459 2069 (Day) M: 087 255 3307 Contact our Team directly: Michael 087 2416939 and Seamus 087 2557867 Email: info@murphystrucks.ie Web: www.murphystrucks.ie

SOAPBOX

UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL

“W

e told those assembled aboutourboomingexport industry, competitive corporation tax rate and this Government’s continuing commitment to investing in research and development, which is so important for all our futures.” The above is a quote from An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny’s weekly message to members of Fine Gael speaking after his visit to New York. For me all that statement does is highlight this Government’s complete indifference to the role of the licensed haulage industry. It is not that I expected to be mentioned to a group of US business people, rather the fact that he can make the above statement within weeks of allowing Minister Noonan to levy yet more costs on transport, taxation on fuel, carbon tax (a fuel tax by any other name) and road tax, highlights the complete indifference of Government and senior civil servants to the role of the road haulage industry. How in the name of all that is holy can they go on with this blather without the understanding that everything this country manufactures has to be brought by a truck somewhere at sometime in its life? The Chinese Vice-President on his recent visit to Ireland included a visit to an Irish dairy farm whose milk is being exported to China. As raw milk, it is collected by truck and brought to the factory that turns it into powder and then trucked to Port for export. The farmer/producer will be allowed to use rebated fuel in his tractors and they receive much by way of support in both financial and educational incentives whilst the haulier will receive nothing more than increases in fuel and road taxes. Therein lies the contradiction, a complete lack of recognition of the vital role of our industry, and whilst we receive these increases, the States own transport “enterprises” continue to receive subsidies. Whilst their monopolies remain, we have a battle on our hands. The IRHA’s Executive Committee immediately after its election last year created a “Five Point Plan” of the goals it would pursue during it's time in office. These were not something they dreamt up but a response to the instructions of those who elected them to office. They held meetings with Transport Minister Leo Varadkar, T.D. and whilst agreement has not been got on all points, discussion

has continued and progress can be reported. However, the major issue for members of the IRHA is the complete undermining of profitability by Minister Noonan’s budgetary increases on fuel and road tax. The IRHA Executive contacted the Department of Finance seeking to meet with Minister Noonan, and instead was rewarded by a meeting with Brian Hayes, T.D. his Junior Minister who listened to the Officers of the Association, and said he understood their problems and promised a meeting with Department of Finance officials at which he would be present. The meeting took place and despite Mr. Hayes' assurances that he would be present, he was not and all we got from those in permanent pensionable jobs was more unction.

At this stage the die was cast and at meetings around the country action was voted for, these actions ranged from an all out strike to blockades of our Ports. Lest it be misunderstood, these were not the votes of militant trade unionists, hauliers are a proud industry of self-starters. Not one in their hearts wanted to take part in such actions but are forced to do so by those who broadly believe us to be incapable of such united action. The IRHA Executive, Council and members of the association had in the meantime been lobbying TD’s of all hues about Minister Noonan’s refusal to meet and the fact that we were going to take drastic action, with the consequence that a meeting was hurriedly arranged. At the last minute the meeting was cancelled due to an emergency meeting of Ecofin Ministers in Brussels. However Minister Noonan rearranged the meeting as soon as he became aware the Ecofin meeting was cancelled, fair play. Those who

represented the Association were accompanied by seven Fine Gael TD’s In fairness to them they warned us that the best we could expect of this meeting was the fact that we were present in the Ministers office and he would listen. I can only report what I have been told but my understanding is that those Civil Servants present at the Minister’s side appeared to have either not read or misunderstood the Association's documents that had been presented to them at the meeting arranged by Minister Hayes. The Association’s views on rebated fuel available to Irish hauliers on the Continent, the fact that 1.2 billion litres of green diesel (of which farmers use 200 million) is being sold compared to 2.1 billion of legitimate fuel means our industry (and our country) is being destroyed by criminals washing diesel seems to mean little more than a wringing of hands from Department of Finance officials. Minister Noonan however appeared to see some sense of a win-win in the IRHA’s documents and his proposal of a Working Group of two senior Department of Finance officials, two TD’s, Aine Collins and Heather Humphreys and the IRHA officers has been put to the IRHA’s Council. The fact that the first meeting of that Working Group was arranged before the week was out and scheduled to take place the following week commencing the 20 February has impressed me. It also impressed the IRHA’s Council to back the leadership in continuing to negotiate and postpone militant action for a specific period of time. Minister Noonan is dealing with Irelands disastrous financial condition to the best of his ability, he knows that 20% of what he is doing will bring 80% of his results. The other 80% can be ignored, that is unless militant action forces those within that Group to come to the fore, action such as we have seen on the septic tanks issue. Minister Noonan is fighting for Irelands life, we hauliers are fighting for ours, all leaders recognize that there are casualties in war, regrettable but a fact of war. Ireland will win this war and the victors will share the spoils, let us now by our united action avoid becoming the necessary casualties. This is one of the most momentous periods in the history of the Association, an opportunity for our industry to finally highlight its value to the Irish Economy to those who govern it. Now is the time for members past and present to support the Irish Road Haulage Association, United we Stand, Divided we Fall.

58 FLEETTRANSPORT | MAR 12

Text: Jerry Kiersey - jerry@fleet.ie

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