LCVs might be leading the way in terms of hybrid technology, but bus and coach operators are anticipating growing numbers of alternatives to conventionally-powered vehicles, reports John Challen
Hybrids
The choice of fuel – and associated technologies – has grown so quickly over the past few years that it is getting difficult to make a decision when specifying vehicles. Keith Read offers some clarity on what is available, and the likely operational costs
Alternative FuelsMarc Martinez has been appointed managing director of Renault Trucks in the UK. Taking up the post on 1 July 2010, Martinez will replace Laurent Farman, who takes over the same post at Renault Trucks in Spain. On the books at Renault for 22 years, Martinez has been involved primarily in sales roles.
People
Well, we certainly got parliamentary change – and considerably more than most bargained for. Yes, a hung parliament was no great surprise. But a coalition of the Tories and Liberal Democrats? And now we have David Cameron's and Nick Clegg's love-in, and their new face of politics, apparently forged in a spirit of co-operation 'in the national interest'. No one doubts the pressing need, and few challenge the refreshing approach – as long as co-operation doesn't turn into missed opportunities.
Workshop management systems can make or break dealerships' and independents' operations, in terms of efficiency and service. Brian Tinham looks at developments, and what's in it for operators
Workshop Management Systems
Storage and distribution firm Grocontinental reckons it has seen a rise from 20% to 65% of its drivers achieving a 'B' rating on MAN's EcoStyle driver and vehicle performance tool.
Telematics
Asda recently took delivery of 68 Cheetah aerodynamic moving deck, double-deck trailers from Cartwright, adding to the 173 semi-trailers the retailer bought late last year and bringing its total from Cartwright to well over 1,000.
Trailers
Longer, heavier vehicles, better known as LHVs, are rising in popularity throughout mainland Europe. However, in the UK, it is a different story: there is a great deal of opposition to such vehicles, much of it coming to the fore at the end of last year when Dick Denby's 25.1m-long Eco Link LHV was denied access to the public highway.
Longer Heavier Vehicles
New approaches to applying hydraulic hybrid engineering look set to cut fuel and emissions on construction equipment and refuse vehicles. Brian Tinham reports
Hydraulic systems
Flying in the face of sceptics, one major operator has made great improvements to its fleet, thanks to some innovative biofuel thinking. John Challen reports
Alternative Fuels
With the British truck racing championships well underway, Brian Tinham talks to leading talent Stuart Oliver about the engineering behind the action
Transmissions
Do tomorrow's trucks need even more mirrors and, if so, could they have prevented some recent high-profile accidents? John Challen looks for answers
Retrofits