Avia is one of the leading providers of medium sized trucks in the 7.5 tonne to 12 tonne category. Avia trucks carry a three year / 1,000,000 km warranty, which is most unusual for commercial vehicles and is testament to the quality of the 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.

Brennan International is based in Limerick and offers an extensive range of national and international transport and run a fleet of 10 trucks.

Our picture shows Pat Brennan receiving the keys of his new truck from Diarmuid Nolan.

The East Midlands-based company says the 26-pallet, 13.6m tri-axle Schmitz Cargobull reefer – purchased in 2007 – has proven to be a cost-effective and reliable investment which has served a long-term rental contract on national and regional distribution operations for up to six days a week.

“A fridge trailer to a small company like ours is a significant upfront investment,” said Stuart Robinett, Owner of Cedartone. “Prudent cost management is essential; what may be a modest problem to some fleets may be something that costs me a disproportionate amount of money.

“It’s up to every rental company to make their own judgements on what equipment is best suited to their operations, but I find Schmitz Cargobull trailers some of the most reliable and cost-effective on the market.

“Given the high mileage covered, the minimal maintenance the trailer has needed certainly disputes the view that disc brake systems are significantly more costly to run in comparison to traditional drum brakes. In its four and a half years of continuous use, the trailer has not suffered any mechanical or structural failures, which is very impressive.”

Cedartone, which typically operates its trailers for between five and six years, cites the two top considerations when specifying both reefers and curtainsiders as low cost of operation and high residual value versus capital cost.

Schmitz Cargobull S.KO reefers feature patented FERROPLAST® insulated panels – made up of quality expanded, closed cell, polyurethane foam housed between steel skins – offering vapour diffusion-tight surfaces which are energy efficient, hygienic and age-resistant.

“Importantly to me, Schmitz Cargobull reefer trailers command strong residuals and are saleable across numerous European markets – giving me the best flexibility and profit potential when they finish their time with us,” added Stuart.

The company has a contract fleet of three curtainsider and three refrigerated trailers. It also looks after a further 15 trailers and 11 other vehicles under local fleet management contracts.

While watching ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, Lucian was inspired to decorate his Volvo FH12-460 with images and themes from the film. Now when he drives, he feels like a captain of his own personal ship.

”My goal is to deliver the cargo,” he jokes, while pointing to the treasure map printed on the truck’s upholstery. ”I think that the ideas that were born in my crazy head, reflect what has been gathered here.”

Initially residents in Lucian’s home town didn’t know how to react to his creation, but when the ‘Black Pearl’ started attracted publicity from far and wide, there was soon growing pride in the town’s new icon. Now that the ‘Black Pearl’ has been chosen to feature in the latest episode of ‘Welcome to my cab’, Lucian is delighted.

“I’m really glad that I’ve been chosen, and I’m happy to be presented among other drivers who drive Volvo.”

The video about Lucian Igras is available on YouTube and soon it will also be available on Volvo Trucks’ online magazine and on the company’s tablet magazine.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Ashcroft Trailer Hire on Tel. 00 44 (0)28 9083 2641.

The SARTRE project is being driven by seven European partners and is the only one of its kind to focus on the development of technology that can be implemented on conventional highways in which platooned traffic operates in a mixed environment with other road users.

“Our participation in the SARTRE project enables more efficient and safer transports with the potential of also saving fuel. It gives us the opportunity to explore future transport solutions and take advantage of the extensive research carried out at Volvo Trucks and Volvo Technology,” says Carl Johan Almqvist, Traffic & Product Safety Director, Volvo Trucks.

Stakeholder dialogue

Recognizing that the challenge of implementing road train technology on Europe’s highways is not solely a technical matter, SARTRE also includes a major study to identify what social infrastructure changes will be needed for vehicle platooning to become a reality. A number of stakeholder discussions will therefore be held. The participants in the first discussion included technical experts, politicians, legislators and traffic safety researchers. At the workshop a number of non-technical challenges for road trains were discussed, such as legal regulations, product liability and driver acceptance of automated vehicles.

Key future requirements identified were the need to agree a common terminology for platooning, such as criteria for defining when a vehicle becomes fully, as opposed to partially or even highly automated, and the need to address multiple and varied national regulatory law or to harmonize regulatory law.

Many benefits

Road trains promote safer transport since the vehicle platoons are led by a professional driver in e.g. a truck and inter-vehicle reaction response times are much quicker. Environmental impact is reduced since the cars follow close behind each other and reap the benefit of lower air drag. The energy saving is expected to be in the region of up to 20 percent. Road capacity will also be able to be utilised more efficiently.

Throughout a vehicle’s life, various components will require replacing and for safety, reliability and environmental reasons, it is important that these replacements are fit for purpose and are manufactured to acceptable standards.

In order to curtail the possible supply and fitment of non-approved or sub-standard components to the national fleet, the RSA is proposing initially that three categories of components are selected for further consideration due to their direct impact on safety and the environment. These components are:

· Brake linings – Poor quality brake linings may fail or under perform in an emergency situation;

· Coupling devices – A poorly designed or manufactured coupling which fails may result in catastrophic consequences for the vehicle driver and other road users;

· Exhaust silencers – Replacement exhaust silencing systems which do not perform in line with the vehicles original specifications may cause excessive noise pollution.

The consultation proposes that all replacement brake linings, exhaust silencers and couplings placed on sale are Original Equipment (OE – i.e. same as originally fitted), or that they are approved replacements to EC or UNECE standards (thereby “e” or “E” marked). There may be exemptions from these requirements, for example, for older vehicles. However, the components placed on the market for such vehicles should meet with alternative marking and packaging requirements. The RSA is interested to hear from stakeholders including those involved in the manufacture and distribution of vehicle components, road users and other members of the public. The consultation document “Consultation on Selected Vehicle Components” sets out Ireland’s current legislation with regard to motor vehicle components and puts forward proposals to strengthen these provisions. Feedback from this consultation may be incorporated into policy development and legislation. The consultation document may be viewed on the RSA’s website at the following location: http://www.rsa.ie/Active-Consultations

The consultative process lasts until the 2nd of March 2012 and you are invited to send your views to: componentsconsultation@rsa.ie

or, in writing to:

Vehicle Components Consultation,

Vehicle Standards Section,

Road Safety Authority,

Moy Valley Business Park,

Primrose Hill,

Ballina,

Co Mayo.

Responding to operator needs and increasingly stringent European safety regulations, Krone designed the Multi-Lock rave-securing system to provide maximum load securing options (over 3,000 using a complete system) faster loading, increased flexibility for different load types and most importantly, safe handling.

According to Richard Grimes, International Business Development Manager for Maru, safety is paramount but speed and efficiency are pre requisites when providing the level of professional service for which Maru is renowned.

“Krone Trailers offer the simplest and easiest stripping and re boarding of any of the manufacturers” Comments Richard, “and this assists us greatly when turning vehicles round for loading and unloading to meet our deadlines at the hub. The Multi Lock Side Rave securing facility forms a key part of the process.”

Maru supply international transport services to most towns and cities in Eastern and Western European countries and with the mileage involved, reliability is as important as back up service.

“Krone’s European service network is crucial to our operation” Continues Richard Grimes. “In the unlikely event we have any need, we can contact Krone. Their after sales service is incredibly helpful and critically, in what are time-sensitive markets, gives us fast and efficient response times.”

All Krone trailers are accredited with European body structure codification, EN 12462 XL. This guarantees a tough and robust standard of build which not only provides for additional security and safety but also ensures a long working trailer life.

“We have always found”, concludes Richard, “that all Krone Trailers have excellent build quality. Our investment with Krone means that during their lifespan for Maru their tractor/trailer combinations travelling over a million miles are robust enough to remain in service for many years.”

Mark and Lynda Lonergan and family

The 6×2 tractor units are replacing vehicles that are being taken out of service and increase the number of Volvo trucks in Mark’s fleet to 50 per centof the total.

The company focuses on refrigerated container haulage and distribution, with his customers based in Ireland and on the Continent. Mark told HGV Ireland.com: “The new trucks are vital to our business to ensure that we operate a fleet of vehicles that we know and trust and are efficient to run especially in times of rising fuel and operational costs for hauliers like us.”

Mark Lonergan Transport is a member of the Irish Road Haulage Association and strongly supports the ethics of the association in terms of promoting excellence, professionalism and safety in the operation of road transport businesses.

Mark had considerable experience in the haulage industry prior to going it alone in 2003 with just one truck. The growth and success experienced by the company in the last eight years is down to the dedication of this husband and wife team in the smooth running of the business.

As they say themselves, “small enough to care, big enough to cope”

The vehicle, operated by Reynolds Logistics, will carry a mobile display, communications media and interactive systems that will provide the public and other target audiences with the chance to interact with various road safety campaigns and to spread the message about the importance of road safety.

To date, more than 100,000 drivers of heavy trucks have participated in Scania Driver Competitions, making it the world’s largest truck driver competition and training event.

This year over 45.000 young drivers from 27 countries on five continents are expected to compete to become the world’s best truck driver.

National rounds and the final competition will include theoretical tests on road safety regulations, and practical tests on vehicle inspection, fuel-efficient driving and safe manoeuvring. The winner will be offered a brand new truck from Scania.

Arran Leatherland, Sales Manager at IMS Limited explained, “This specifically designed, wide angle, self-steering axle demonstrates the commitment from SAF to not modify existing axle systems to comply with changing UK legislation, but to develop and produce them.”

Arran continued “SAF have the solution and able to fulfil a full complement of technical design requirements, where self-steering systems for 14.6 and for 15.6 metre trailers are preferred by operators. SAF also have command steering axles systems available for those who prefer this option. All systems are available with drum or disc brakes in wheel sizes 17.5”, 19.5” or 22.5”.”

The development of the SAF self-steering axles is part of the Department of Transports public consultation to consider extending the maximum length of semi-trailers. IMS welcome the trial and the many benefits it should bring if longer semi-trailers are approved in the future and would be delighted to share their knowledge, experience and the SAF system with other trailer manufacturers and fleet/haulage companies. Please contact them on 01509 600 185.

The stage for the game is set in the back of a truck and the goal is to overcome obstacles and avoid hazards to find a Christmas gift in a wintry world. Once found, this gift can be sent by the player to friends, or posted to social networks as a Holiday greeting.

So hurry up and get into that wintry mode…

Let’s play at: http://loadingramp.volvotrucks.com/en-gb/Games/Whats-in-the-truck/

Eddie Stobart offered Rockingham the once in a lifetime opportunity of naming a truck, after it successfully held its ‘Stobart Fest’ at the Northamptonshire race circuit. The event, which was the first of its kind, attracted crowds of more than 6,000 Eddie Stobart enthusiasts, some from as far afield as the United States. The event offered fans of the haulage company the unique opportunity to get close to some of the famous Eddie Stobart trucks and cast members from the Channel 5 documentary, Eddie Stobart: Trucks & Trailers.

There is usually a two-year waiting list to name one of the iconic trucks – and this offer is usually only open to members of the official Eddie Stobart fan club.

However, members of the general public can now register their suggestions at www.rockingham.co.uk/stobart, where a short-list of the best names will be published, for visitors to then pick their favourite. The winner will be the name which receives the most votes, the only criteria is that it must be a must be a double barreled female name such as Gracie-Mae.

Chief Executive of Rockingham, Charlotte Orton, said: “It is a great privilege to be given the chance to name an Eddie Stobart lorry. We have recently held our 10th Anniversary celebrations here at Rockingham so, to further commemorate the occasion, we wanted to offer this competition to our followers.”

Closing date for entries to be submitted to the website is Friday, December 9.

South Gloucestershire Council maintain 1500km of road, and during winter keeping access roads, delivery ramps and shoppers’ car parks clear in areas of urban Bristol, such as the Cribbs Causeway and Kingswood Malls. This comprises a somewhat unexpected application for the FMX snowploughs, especially all-wheel drive 4x4s. They are also working on the rural main roads such as the A46 and A38 and local market towns like Thornbury, Yate and Marshfield.

According to South Gloucestershire Council’s Highways Manager Owen Jenkins, the short wheelbase 4x4s are ideal for this application as they are required to work on icy surfaces, on steep hills, between rows of parked cars to keep roads open for local businesses, residents, shoppers and delivery vehicles. In addition to the latest D11C 11-litre engine rated at 330hp, the specification includes the Volvo Powertronic PT2106 six-speed fully-automatic planetary gearbox with integral retarder.

Designed for heavy duty applications, the PT2106 offers smooth gearchanges without interruption in power delivery in both automatic and manual modes. Smooth start-ups and good traction, even on gradients and demanding terrain are possible thanks to the electronic gear selection and torque amplifier with automatic lock up.

Goodyear says the new tyre delivers deduced downtime, improved tyre management and greater security

The company has released its first product to utilise the technology, the Goodyear Regional RHT II RFID (Radio Frequency Identity) 435/50R19.5 trailer tyre.

The microchip built into the tyre helps deliver fleet operators the above benefits through interfacing with FleetOnlineSolutions, Goodyear Dunlop’s internet-based tyre management programme.

A late night; a double shift; a baby who won’t go to sleep or the monotony of the open road – there are many reasons for becoming drowsy at the wheel of a vehicle. Regardless of the cause, the consequences can be devastating on the person, the family, friends/colleagues or the vehicle. The proportion of accidents caused by tired drivers varies from one study to another, but is generally between about 15 and 60%. Research also shows that this type of accident is often more serious than collisions caused by other factors because reaction times are delayed and evasive manoeuvres are not taken.

Dead tired

“It has been proven that it can be as dangerous to drive while tired as it is to drive with alcohol in your bloodstream,” says Torbjörn Åkerstedt, sleep researcher and professor at Karolinska Institutet and the University of Stockholm.

During the course of his research, Professor Åkerstedt puts tired people into a driving simulator to study how they react behind the wheel. After first experiencing the classic symptoms of tiredness, such as heavy eyelids and yawning, many of the test subjects slip into what is known as a microsleep, when they doze off for a few seconds – often without realising it. To help combat this, Volvo Trucks has developed Driver Alert Support (DAS), a sensor-based system which detects when a driver is drifting off. If the driver shows symptoms of tiredness such as erratic or jerky driving, the system sends out both an audible warning and a visual signal.

“The system is invisible if you are driving well,” says Peter Kronberg, who led the technical development of DAS for Volvo Trucks. “It isn’t something that will require your attention or unnecessarily distract you while you are on the road. However, when it makes itself known, it does so for a very good reason – to warn you that you are a danger on the road and it is time for you to do something about it.”

However, driving ability is affected in a variety of ways in addition to the obvious consequences of actually falling asleep.

“You think more slowly, you take longer to remember things, you find it more difficult to learn new things and respond more slowly to simple stimuli,” says Professor Åkerstedt. “Studies have also shown that you lose control over your emotions. Being emotionally unstable is naturally not a positive characteristic when you are behind the wheel since this impairs your judgement.”

Truck drivers in focus

In one National Transportation Safety Board study, 52 per cent of single-vehicle accidents involving heavy trucks were fatigue-related, and in nearly 18 per cent of cases the driver admitted to falling asleep. The European SafetyNet (2009) Fatigue survey revealed that 60 per cent of all heavy vehicle drivers have experienced drowsiness behind the wheel. However, a Finnish study* reveals that truck drivers are less likely to fall asleep behind the wheel than other road users and are involved in fewer accidents per kilometre, but because of the sheer amount of time they spend driving, they are still an important group to examine.

The average long-haul driver sleeps 4.6 nights a week in the cab, according to surveys carried out by Volvo Trucks. This was underlined when the company asked 2,200 long-haul truck drivers to prioritise fifteen different in-cab parameters, because top of the list was ‘rest’ and ‘sleep comfort’. Today’s driving and rest regulations for truck drivers can only improve safety if the statutory rest period really does offer proper relaxation.

“A good driver’s environment is one of Volvo’s hallmarks, but it’s also as much about another of our core values – safety,” explains Carl Johan Almqvist, Traffic and Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks. “A poorly designed driver’s environment results in poorer road safety, but a driver who is tired because they have slept badly is actually even worse.”

So Volvo has redesigned the bunk area of its sleeper cabs to help drivers sleep better, thereby keeping them more alert behind the wheel the next day. Beds are adjustable, mattresses are available in different firmness levels and there is a choice of overlay mattresses to meet each individual driver’s preferences.

Take a break

So, what should you do if you feel you are getting tired while driving? “Drowsiness can be counteracted by drinking plenty of coffee or taking frequent breaks,” says Professor Åkerstedt. “However, after a break you’re only alert for another 15 to 30 minutes and the more tired you are, the faster you’ll become tired and sleepy again after each break. As such, it’s vital to be aware of your tiredness, so that you can choose to act before it gets too late.”

Designed for insulated vans and light commercial vehicles with a load space of 12 to 30 cubic metres, the innovative range stands out for its ability to reach full refrigeration capacity at low engine speed (1,000 rpm), ensuring a constant set point throughout the delivery cycle. Additionally, the Pulsor unit has been designed to meet multi-temperature requirements, with the ability to cool and heat multiple compartments simultaneously to varying set points between -30°C and +30°C.

Justin Grace, managing director of Carrier Transicold UK, explains, “The beauty of the Pulsor unit is that it uses patented new Carrier E-Drive™ technology, combined with an inverter and a variable speed hermetic compressor. E-Drive technology has been specially adapted from Carrier’s proven Vector™ all-electric trailer system, which the majority of supermarket fleets in the UK and Ireland already benefit from.

“Many of these customers also run significant home delivery operations; where extensive product testing has shown the Pulsor unit to thrive, with a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption during pull down. This can provide operators with a tangible return on investment.”

“We also expect this new technology to prove attractive to fleets operating direct drive systems as it eliminates the requirement for a roadside compressor – a component renowned for being the primary cause of unit downtime,” he adds.

Innovative technology

As with the Vector 1550 and Vector 1850 trailer units, Carrier E-Drive technology removes mechanical transmissions found in traditional belt-driven systems and transforms engine power into electricity via a generator. The generator then channels the electrical power to an inverter that regulates the power delivered according to refrigeration needs. Finally, the variable speed hermetic compressor works at different speeds according to the inverter’s output, delivering constant capacity in all refrigeration phases.

The Pulsor unit’s high and continuous capacity at low engine speeds is ideally suited to modern-day refrigerated light commercial vehicles operating in congested urban centres, where multi-drop work is commonplace. In contrast, a traditional refrigeration unit’s compressor is connected to the vehicle’s engine and runs at the same speed, meaning refrigeration capacity is directly linked with engine speed and only reaches optimum capacity at 2,400 rpm. During urban deliveries approximately 90 per cent of a typical journey is completed with engine speeds below 2,400 rpm, resulting in the potential risk of fluctuation in temperature control and possible damage to perishable cargo.

Optimised cold chain protection

The Pulsor unit reaches the designated set point twice as fast as conventional technology, and is accurate to within +/- 0.3°C of the defined set point. This rapid pull down and temperature accuracy, combined with constant, full refrigeration capacity delivered even at low speeds, ensures that the temperature within the load space is always maintained regardless of traffic

jams and multiple door openings. Furthermore, it can operate effectively in extreme ambient temperatures ranging from -30°C to +50°C.

Reducing environmental footprint

The new refrigeration unit meets Carrier Transicold’s objective of minimizing environmental impact, with Carrier’s E-Drive technology enabling a significant reduction in fittings and hoses, considerably reducing the potential for refrigerant leaks. In addition, all connections are made with copper pipe instead of flexible hoses to further reduce potential leaks. With an average of 2.5 per cent refrigerant leak per year, the Pulsor unit reduces CO2 emissions by 75 per cent per annum compared with conventional technology.

Positive feedback

The Pulsor unit has undergone more than a year of extensive field testing with customers throughout Europe, including the UK. In addition to temperature accuracy and improved environmental performance, fleet operators have been impressed with the Pulsor unit’s low cost of ownership, owing to a reduction in the number of serviceable parts, hoses and fittings combined with the proven robustness of the inverter. The inverter is a standard component used in the air- conditioning industry that has been further strengthened to meet Carrier

Transicold’s requirements, and which provides users with superior product reliability. This is made possible as the inverter regulates the power delivered to the compressor according to refrigeration needs, meaning the compressor always works within its envelope, minimising the potential for breakdowns.

The Pulsor range will be commercially available from January 2012 in six models: Pulsor 300, 350, 400, 500, 400MT (multi-temp) and 600MT.

DAF took over the new production facilities in Belgium in 1966. It started out with the manufacture of cabs, then in 1971, it added axles to its repertoire. In addition to cabs, DAF Vlaanderen in Westerlo also manufactures axles for the popular CF and XF105 models, including 7.5 and 9–tonne front axles, 13–tonne rear axles and 26–tonne tandem axles for single or tandem drive. The axles developed and manufactured by the company are optimally tailored to DAF trucks so as to achieve maximum quality, reliability and efficiency. What really sets DAF axles apart is their low unladen weight for a high load capacity and the large range of versions available.

Major investments

Just like in the cab factory, major investments have also been made in the axle factory over the past few years in order maximise efficiency and quality. For example, a new half shaft line has been produced and the factory uses the latest in robotic technology. Production takes place sequentially following the ‘just–in–time’ principle, which means that the axles are delivered to the DAF assembly plant in Eindhoven and to Leyland Trucks in Great Britain at precisely the right time. DAF Vlaanderen currently manufactures around 475 axles per day.

“The milestone of 2,000,000 manufactured axles is a fantastic recognition of the employees of DAF Vlaanderen”, explains Harrie Schippers. “Thanks in part to their effort and dedication, we are able to supply axles of the highest quality, which is essential for drivelines that combine maximum efficiency with optimum sustainability.”

The 6×2 480 hp tractor unit has been donated by Iveco to industry development charity Transaid, which is working in partnership with the National Institute of Transport (NIT) to address the shortage of skilled commercial vehicle drivers. The initiative is being supported by a consortium of European transport and logistics companies, including Iveco. Shipping was generously funded by Cardinal Maritime and Eukor.

Nigel Emms, Press and Public Relations Director at Iveco, says: “There is a massive shortage of skilled heavy goods vehicle drivers in sub-Saharan Africa and very little quality training available. Transaid’s work with the NIT is already making huge strides in training bus drivers; we hope the arrival of the Stralis will help to provide the resources for truck drivers to benefit in the same way.

The provision of a vehicle with an automated EuroTronic gearbox will also ensure drivers are trained using the latest driveline technology, which is now becoming a familiar sight on the roads of Tanzania.

Gary Forster, Chief Executive of Transaid, explains: “This truck will join an existing Iveco tractor unit which has just been donated by The World Bank and allows us to add much-needed capacity to this unique training facility in Tanzania. The two Ivecos will enable the NIT to train drivers to the standards required to operate heavy trucks safely.

“At the moment there is a huge demand for truck driver training in Tanzania, particularly amongst drivers who want to improve their skills and who want to drive more safely. There’s no doubt about it that these two vehicles will help to save lives through better road user education.

“Initially the Stralis will be used for training driver trainers, with a target of six to ten trainers within the first quarter of next year. In the 12 months which follow, we hope as many as 1,000 drivers will spend valuable time behind the wheel of the Stralis,” adds Forster.

Between January and March 2011 over 6,000 road crashes were recorded in Tanzania, with 11 per cent proving fatal and claiming the lives of 829 people.

Lack of training is one of the main causes of dangerous driving on Tanzanian roads, alongside drivers working extremely long hours, operating badly maintained and overloaded vehicles, utilising a poor road infrastructure and weak traffic enforcement. Transaid is working to address these challenges by improving professional driver training standards and collaborating with key transport organisations and government bodies.

Iveco is further supporting the donation of this latest vehicle by helping to support its maintenance at a local level via its dealership in Dar Es Salaam.

For further information please visit www.transaid.org – to view a video about the Stralis’ departure, visit http://www.youtube.com/user/Transaid1#p/u/4/dsqYNtRRY28

With a view to lowering fuel consumption as far as possible, measures were firstly taken to optimise aerodynamics. One of these is the addition of a complete package of roof spoilers and side fenders, combined with side skirts, which will be supplied on the CF85 and XF105 ATe as standard. Tyres that have a low rolling resistance are also supplied as standard. These come in size 315/70R22.5 to lower the vehicle height and to further decrease air resistance.

In the new CF85 and XF105 ATe models, the12.9-litre PACCAR MX engine is coupled to an AS Tronic automated gearbox with a shifting strategy that is fully optimised for lowering fuel consumption. The driver has the option to shift gears himself at speeds below 30 km/h and when using the MX Engine Brake; in all other situations the electronics decide the ideal shifting moment.

The ATe models have a direct drive driveline with a 2.69:1 reduction in order to achieve optimum fuel efficiency. A version with 2.53:1 reduction is available as an option for lighter use and applications. The ATe models also come with adaptive cruise control, which will help to reduce fuel consumption. The MX Engine Brake, which saves both fuel and load capacity, has been selected as a retarder.

What is more, all CF85 and XF105 ATe models come with DAF EcoDrive driver training, which permanently reduces actual fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 3 to 5% on average.

DAF ATe

The new CF85 and XF105 ATe versions form part of the DAF ATe (Advanced Transport efficiency) programme of the same name, a complete package of intelligent solutions that serve to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions and to further improve the truck’s efficiency. Also the engines in ATe models are switched off automatically once they have been idling for five minutes, and the maximum speed ex-factory is limited to 85 instead of 89 km/h to achieve a 2 to 3% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In order to raise the driver’s awareness of the importance of low fuel consumption, information on the current and achieved fuel consumption is provided on the central display on the dashboard as standard.

The new CF85 and XF105 ATe come with a 12.9-litre PACCAR MX engine which delivers 340 kW/460 hp with the ultra–clean EEV model, and includes the enhancements that have recently been made to these engines. New pistons and piston rings are being used, resulting in further reductions in internal friction and engine efficiency increases. The fuel injection and oil lubrication systems have been optimised and the engine management system further refined for this purpose. DAF is the first in the truck industry to use encapsulation not only for the turbo charger but also for the exhaust manifold unit. This results in improved air management thanks to the greater efficiency of the turbo. The enhancements to the PACCAR MX engine result in around 3% lower fuel consumption and a reduction in CO2 emissions, depending on the conditions and application.

DAF supplies the 4×2 tractors CF85 and XF105 ATe combined with the spacious Space Cab.

According to Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles sales manager Fergus Conheady “reaction to it has been extremely good with many commenting on the comfortable interior, ease of handling and exceptional economy.”

So, if you see a tractor unit driving around Ireland dressed in a balaclava, know that before long unmasked versions of the new Actros will become familiar sights on Irish roads.

Based in Castlebar, County Mayo, the company provides recovery services to truck, bus and coach operators throughout the west of Ireland.

Previously, for many of these jobs, it has relied on a standard, fixed-axle low-loader trailer. But for buses and coaches in particular, with their very long overhangs, this was not an ideal solution.

“Getting a bus onto the trailer was a two-man job and always difficult – the angle of approach just wasn’t low enough,” says Managing Director Mick Shaw.

“But the Landoll is specifically designed for recovery work and the travelling axle system means the approach angle is very low indeed. The time it takes to turn around a recovery has been slashed by at least half, and it’s now a safe and straightforward one-man operation.

“That obviously makes our lives easier, but is a big and very welcome improvement in the level of service we can provide to our customers too.”

This is the first time that Shaw Commercials has invested in equipment from Roger Dyson. Based in Droitwich, Worcestershire, the leading specialist is the sole UK and European distributor for the American Landoll brand, as well as manufacturing its own, comprehensive range of vehicle recovery systems.

“I flew over to Birmingham and was met at the airport by Roger Dyson himself – he drove me to his premises and gave me a tour of his impressive factory and workshop, before showing me the trailer I’d come to buy,” recalls Mr Shaw.

“We discussed some minor modifications I wanted to make to the basic spec, which were sorted quickly and without fuss. Dyson then delivered the trailer onto the ferry and I met it at the other end. The whole process was handled very smoothly and professionally.”

Shaw Commercials’ new trailer has a fully hydraulic, 48ft platform (Landolls are also available at 41ft) and offers an ultra low loading angle of less than six degrees. Other features include an extra front extension, over-width side-mounted outriggers and a 20,000lb winch with remote control. Fitted with three Haldex EBS electronically braked 11,000kg axles, it is designed to a gross vehicle weight of 53,000kg, giving a potential carrying capacity of 44,000kg and allowing it to cope easily with the largest recovery jobs.

“The Landoll is an excellent addition to our fleet and – as far as we know – is unique in the west of Ireland. I’m delighted with its ease of use and the build quality is superb,” adds Mr Shaw.

Shaw Commercials recently moved from its former home is Snugboro to new, purpose-built premises on Castlebar’s Breaffy Road Business Park, which include County Mayo’s first Vehicle Testing Network (VTN) Commercial Test Centre.

As well as running a recovery fleet the company is Mayo’s only Renault truck dealer, so the Landoll also offers a useful capability to transport both new and used truck chassis.

Irish Commercials Managing Director Barry Horan, Geesinknorba Sales and Service Manager Gary Mclauchlan, Geesinknorba UK and Ireland Business Director Geoff Rigg and Irish Commercials Sales Director Conor Horan at Naas, where Geesinknorba Ireland will be based.

In a new move for Geesinknorba, the company has chosen to partner with a dealership encompassing the whole of Ireland. Trading under the name Geesinknorba Ireland as a main dealer for Geesinknorba Ltd, the company will offer a full sales and aftermarket service effective from 1st December.

Geoff Rigg, Geesinknorba’s UK and Ireland Business Director said that he is very excited about the waste management company’s new partnership with Irish Commercials.

He said: “We see the Irish market consolidating and the whole customer base is becoming much more professional. We took our time looking for the right partner but when we found Irish Commercials it was soon obvious that they were what we were looking for and didn’t take long to appoint them.”

“We know how they go about business in terms of a consultative approach, long term decisions, and professional well organised aftersales. We see them as a company that does business in a very similar way to ourselves.”

The Geesinknorba business will further enhance Irish Commercial’s ability to provide all-in solutions for customers, including offering financial solutions via Volvo Financial Services, according to Managing Director, Barry Horan.

He said: “We market ourselves very strongly as a one stop shop. This partnership further enhances that for the waste sector. Geesinknorba has a massive range of quality products from 7.5 tonnes up to 32 tonnes. As a company they have gone down a similar route as regards a one stop shop in that they can provide the body, the bin-lifts, and more recently they can provide the weighing solution – something which is quite unique.”

Barry believes the new business will complement Irish Commercials’ long-standing relationship with Volvo Trucks, but stresses that Geesinknorba products will be fitted to whatever trucks customers wish to use.

He said: “We very much view ourselves as Volvo, and although we would rather sell a Geesinknorba body on a Volvo chassis, as Geesinknorba Ireland it is critical that we are happy to sell our products on other makes as well. Otherwise we are limiting Geesinknorba Ireland which is obviously the last thing we want to do.”

The full range of Geeinknorba’s extensive product line-up, including the award winning Plug-in Electric vehicle range will be available to Irish customers. As well as the existing facilities in Naas and Galway which will be fully equipped to meet all servicing and aftersales requirements, Geesinknorba Ireland will be appointing a number of sub-dealers. Additionally a number of promotional events including a Roadshow with demonstration vehicles are being planned for the coming months.

Unveiling SIMI’s pre-Budget submission in Dublin yesterday, SIMI President, Gerry Caffrey, outlined how our current registration plate causes serious problems in relation to the seasonality of car sales.

He said: “Nearly 50 per cent of new cars are sold in the first quarter of the year, which puts huge pressure on resources, from staff to cash flow. For those working in the industry, it is impossible to know if they will still be employed at the end of the year.”

“We’re proposing two changes to the current registration plate which can solve this problem and also generate significant revenue.”

SIMI is seeking the addition of a special ‘identifier’ such as an extra character on the registration plate for all vehicles registered after 1st July in 2012 to create a second new car sales peak. This could generate an extra €20 million in VAT and VRT each year and potentially a lot more in the first year of its introduction, according to SIMI.

Caffrey added: “This will create a far more stable environment in the Industry and will help spread sales more evenly through the year supporting employment and Exchequer revenues continually through the year.”

The second proposed change to the registration plate is to allow a consumer or Motor Retailer to get a used vehicle’s registration plate re-designated to the county of residence of its new owner. Based on a charge of €250 for this re-designation, it could deliver an additional €20million for the Exchequer in year one alone.

Caffrey noted: “Many cars cannot be sold outside of their county of registration because some customers may have a preference for driving a car with their own county number plate. I’ve no doubt that this option would be taken up by many consumers.”