It’s amazing what you can do with a Sprinter. Steve Banner reports from Mercedes-Benz TecForum event, in Hamburg, Germany, on the sheer scale of innovations
Off Roaders
It’s no surprise that many transport operators aren’t awash with finance experts but, given our mistrust of the money men, some may be missing out on cost-effective vehicle acquisition. Brian Tinham reports
Finance & Leasing
Premium tyre manufacturers have invested heavily in tyre pressure monitoring systems. Steve Banner visits Continental’s Hannover HQ to sort the fact from the fiction
Tyres & Retreads
With the unsurprising news that the chancellor yet again failed to cut fuel duty last month, operators must now content themselves with two thoughts. Fuel is still cheap, currently nudging pre-2009 prices. And, well, the fuel tax freeze continues.
Alternative FuelsSOE (Society of Operations Engineers, the umbrella for IRTE) has promoted Ian Chisholm to managing director from executive director. He joined SOE as engineering executive in 2001 and has since overseen significant development at the society.
People
Chassis costs and refuelling infrastructure issues continue to dog alternative fuels, but the technologies are forging ahead and legislators must be watching. Ian Norwell reports from Scania’s Södertälje HQ
Alternative Fuels
Getting trailer specifications right – not just for the immmediate requirement but also for the longer term – demands up to date knowledge of available technologies. However, a serious dose of informed pragmatism is also advisable, warns Brian Tinham
Telematics
Town and Country Haulage says it has cut fuel bills and maintenance costs since installing the RouteMaster fleet control system from AGM Telematics.
Telematics
Registration is now open for the 2016 Microlise Transport Conference, taking place on 18 May at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.
Fleet Management Systems
Online freight exchange Returnloads.net has announced a new real-time vehicle tracking function, available free of charge to its members.
Fleet Management SystemsMBE Fabrications, which trades as Premier Pits, has been accredited to the BS EN 1090-1:2009 + A1:2011 standard for the manufacture of prefabricated vehicle pits.
Lifting Equipment
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has confirmed that it will be attending the CV Show, due to take place at the NEC, in Birmingham, from 26—28 April 2016 – the first time since 2011.
Car Derived Vans