A twin-cylinder turbo-diesel designed by Ricardo for Italian manufacturer Piaggio, is being claimed as the world's first engine of its type to be certified Euro 5 emissions compliant.
Emissions Control
With 2011 just around the corner, John Challen asks SOE president Chris Grime, and CEO of the Freight Transport Association Theo de Pencier, to predict the next 12 months for fleet managers
Apprenticeships
The Driver CPC qualification has been causing considerable angst since it introduction and is still the subject of urban myths. John Kendall clarifies exactly what is needed and where to get it
Driver CPC
In challenging economic times, it's no surprise to find operators tempted by the promise of significant savings by going down the non-OE parts route. Brian Tinham reports
Gearboxes
Brampton based Stoddart's Fuels is reporting that its new Isuzu 11 tonner does the work of two trucks and provides for a bigger and better payload potential.
Flatbed
With the new European roadworthiness testing Directive 2009/40 getting ever closer to formal implementation in the UK, fleet engineers, workshop service providers and VOSA inspectors are going to have to get their heads around checking a possible 69 new testable items. Meanwhile, operators are probably going to have to dip into their pockets, as both costs and vehicle downtime escalate.
Continuing Professional Development
Could an innovative multi-axle steering system lead to renewed interest in longer, heavier vehicles (LHVs)? John Challen and Brian Tinham talk to the people behind the technology
Longer Heavier Vehicles
Allison Transmission works with many bus fleets operating around the UK to help deliver reliable, safe and smooth journeys for passengers. As a result, being a key part in the IRTE's Skills Challenge was a natural step, states the company's UK area manager, Riccardo Sardelli.
Gearboxes
Less than scrupulous accident management companies (AMCs) need to watch out, as fleet managers get wise to the increasingly prevalent rip-off culture, revealed by this journal.
Repair & Maintenance
Truck and trailer steering are seeing significant improvements. Dave Young travels to Eindhoven to test drive Tridec's latest hydraulic innovations
TrailersChris Turner has been appointed head of operations, logistics for Geodis Calberson. Turner previously worked for DHL, Kuehne and Nagel and DB Schenker. He reports directly to Gary Hubbard, Geodis Calberson's director of logistics.
People
Following consultation with the transport industry, development work is nearing completion on both service maintenance technician and inspection technician standards in the irtec scheme. John Challen reports
Apprenticeships