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 French connections |
06/01/2012
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| The recent Solutrans Show in Lyons had plenty to interest for truck and trailer operators alike. Brian Weatherley picks out the main engineering breakthroughs |
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Street value |
06/01/2012
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| Improving truck and van reliability has still not eliminated mechanical, electrical or electronic faults, which can prove costly. Steve Banner investigates common roadside problems and some solutions |
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Iveco Le Dakar |
06/01/2012
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| The advanced edges of truck racing may look like a vanity pit for sponsors' cash, but the engineering could soon turn up on a tractor near you, says Ian Norwell |
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Safety in numbers |
06/01/2012
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| It's not only truck launches that command attention. Production improvements that bring better functions and safety are worth keeping up with, too. Ian Norwell reports from a quarry near Barcelona |
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Your shout |
06/01/2012
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| Has there been a better time for organisations in the transport industry to embrace innovation? |
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Tracking technology or back to basics? |
07/12/2011
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| With all the talk of new technologies, aimed at improving everything from engine emissions to fuel consumption, from driver safety to efficiency, and from vehicle aerodynamics to stability, it may come as a surprise to learn that there can be unintended engineering consequences. |
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Burning ambition |
07/12/2011
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| As fuel costs continue to rise and the Euro 6 emissions regulations draw ever nearer, injection system and engine designers are rising to the challenge. Brian Tinham reports |
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Power recycling |
07/12/2011
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| BAE Systems launched its parallel hybrid truck with Denis Eagle at the RWM exhibition. Brian Tinham talked to the developers |
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Shifting perceptions |
07/12/2011
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| Mercedes-Benz is embracing dual clutch technology on its commercial vehicles with the Fuso Duonic, discovers Ian Norwell |
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Refuse vehicles get insurance safety upgrades |
07/12/2011
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| Cheshire East Council's new fleet of RCVs (refuse collection vehicles) has been fitted with 360° hard disk recording camera systems, reversing radar, LED strobes and front and rear-facing LED light-boards. |
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Cold call |
07/11/2011
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| As the UK prepares itself for adverse weather, John Challen finds out the best ways for operators to prepare vehicle fleets and get the best chance of maintaining business as usual |
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Waste expectations |
07/11/2011
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| Engineering breakthroughs in the municipal vehicle market are promising improved levels of fuel consumption and efficiency. Dan Gilkes rounds up on some of the latest developments |
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Double shift |
07/11/2011
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| The evolution of dual clutch technology, coupled with increasing popularity of automated manual transmissions, is leading to more choice for operators. John Challen looks at latest developments |
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Hard Actros to follow |
07/11/2011
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| Following on the launch of Mercedes' new Actros Euro 6 heavy truck, Ian Norwell reports from the first drive experience – and says automation and control could help canny operators cut costs |
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Daily delights |
07/11/2011
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| Iveco's Daily range has been revamped, helped by a new engine and gearbox line-up, and quite a lot more, as Steve Banner finds out |
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Automatic choice |
07/11/2011
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| The writing is on the wall for manual transmissions, as automatics take control – but fluid couplings are fighting back. Ian Norwell reports from Allison Transmission's ambitious factory opening in Hungary |
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Stable environment |
07/11/2011
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| Problems of vehicle instability don't stop at mechanical breakdown, nor even resulting downtime. Andrew Woolfall points to legal ramifications, whether due to poorly maintained trucks or overloading |
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Light direction |
07/11/2011
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| Upcoming European regulations for lighting are forcing commercial vehicle manufacturers to look for better illumination solutions. John Challen finds out more about the latest products |
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Light wait |
06/10/2011
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| Improvements to van suspensions, powertrains, tyres etc are being led by technology often from other sectors of industry. Keith Read reports on current engineering advances for LCVs |
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Back to Basics |
06/10/2011
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| Diagnostics equipment has a critical part to play in fault-finding with today's trucks, vans, buses and coaches. However, we're not looking at a magic wand, says Brian Tinham |
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Part transplant |
06/10/2011
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| With claims and counter-claims about a perceived disparity between OE and aftermarket parts, what should fleet managers be choosing to keep costs down while also minimising downtime and maximising fleet residuals? John Challen investigates |
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Loads and the law |
06/10/2011
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| Case law around operating commercial vehicles outside legal weight limits demonstrates clearly that the problem is not only one of truck welfare, but also operators' and drivers' livelihoods. Andrew Woolfall provides advice |
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A new era of engineering to tackle the tough times |
07/09/2011
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| As world markets teeter on the brink of forcing further bank meltdowns, yet more national bailouts and even potentially another global recession, transport professionals can only watch and wait, with their fingers crossed. Or can they? Indeed, should they? |
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