Fresh produce haulier Lancashire Logistics has appointed ATS Euromaster to manage the tyres across its fleet, in a bid to cut tyre-related downtime and boost vehicle availability.
Tyres & Retreads
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks has extended its 400-strong fleet with 28 Crafter vans from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, citing vehicle reliability and aftersales support as reasons for the deal.
Light Commercial Vehicles
Following successful completion of Arriva’s trail of a Torotrak Flybrid KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) flywheel on a Wrightbus StreetLite, Torotrak says it is now on track to commence production of bus KERS systems this summer.
Alternative FuelsThe bolts retaining wall-mounted seat belts and grab handles may not conform to specifications. These bolts could become loose and affect the security of the seat belt and grab handle. Renew the retaining bolts for the seat belts and grab handles. Vehicle ID: 2115070 to 9200136
Recalls
The vanilla fleet tractor is a country mile from chassis required by the recovery sector. Indeed, to get the right result for the operators, it takes more than two to tango, says Ian Norwell
Speed Limiters
Building small buses on the backs of light commercial vehicle conversions is a juggling act. Steve Banner talks to body and coach builders seeking to enter the market
Vehicle Specification
Having examined not-so-humble fleet tractors last year, Ian Norwell turns his attention to the staple of the construction industry, eight-wheelers – and finds even more evolution
Gearboxes
Scania’s impressive new Maidstone dealership offers a template for truck and bus sales and service excellence in 2016 and beyond. Brian Weatherley reports
Workshop Management Systems
Welcome to 2016: the year in which irtec (the IRTE’s technician licensing scheme) looks set to lead training agendas. It may have been a long time coming, but, with fleets the size of Sainsbury’s now routinely requiring irtec accredited technicians at all contracted R&M suppliers, the penny is finally dropping.
Continuing Professional DevelopmentSOE (Society of Operations Engineers – the home of IRTE) past president Chris Grime has been appointed as the organisation’s new international representative. Grime has been tasked with helping to build the society’s global presence, with a particular focus on Hong Kong, where membership has already seen significant growth through SOE’s Hong Kong Centre (SOEHK).
People
With many irtec licensed technicians approaching the end of their five-year accreditation tenure, Brian Weatherley considers the IRTE scheme’s successes and its plans for the future
Continuing Professional Development
Legislation, cost-cutting and even tails wagging dogs are among the headaches for vehicle constructors in the fire and ambulance sectors. Brian Tinham reports
Road Safety