Fire appliance chassis are among the most sophisticated in transport. Ian Norwell reports Ulm, Germany, home of bodybuilder Magirus, on how standard trucks morph into rapid intervention machines
Bodywork
Brussels is keen to see a new generation of long-nose trucks on Europe's roads – not only to improve aerodynamics but also to reduce collisions between HGVs and vulnerable road users. Brian Weatherley investigates
Road Safety
If 2013 marked the start of economic recovery for commercial vehicle operators, 2014 was about working to make growth sustainable. John Challen and Brian Tinham cast an eye over the last 12 months, focusing on operating cost data and trends, with help from the RHA, FTA and SMMT
Grantham-based Vacu-Lug has announced that it is offering a new streamlined range of truck and bus products from Westlake Tyres.
Tyres & Retreads
The 2015 Dakar Rally began yesterday (4 January) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with three participants driving Iveco vehicles.
Off Roaders
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is now offering the Amarok Ultimate, a 500-vehicle limited edition of its crew cab pick-up truck, described by the manufacturer as the most luxurious yet.
Off RoadersGareth Jones, managing director of ebm-papst Automotive and Drives, is the new SMMT president. He succeeds Tim Abbott, who becomes deputy president, having also taken up a post with BMW in South Africa. Three new vice presidents are: Penny Randall, marketing director of Renault Trucks UK; Tony Walker, deputy managing director, Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK); and James Wright, managing director, Nissan Motor (GB).
People
Milk and dairy product supplier Graham's the Family Dairy has taken delivery of eight Mercedes-Benz Atego rigids and a 26-tonne Antos, all with Thermo King refrigeration units.
Temperature Controlled Vehicles
Next-day delivery business Tuffnells Parcels Express has ordered its first Mercedes-Benz vans – 22 Sprinters – after trialling several demonstration vehicles at three of its depots.
Light Commercial Vehicles
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has a free traffic update service to give fleet managers and drivers the latest weather and road information.
Road Safety
More than one in eight tyres (12%) from a sample of 500 vehicles has been found to be under-inflated by 20% or more.
Tyres & Retreads
Northern Irish chilled and frozen food distributor PRM Group has taken delivery of its first Euro 6 trucks, a 15-tonne Mercedes Atego and a 26-tonne Antos.
Temperature Controlled Vehicles