Despite the lack of proven Euro 6 dual-fuel engine conversions to date, the alternative fuels industry continues to accelerate. Brian Tinham reports
Alternative FuelsSimon Elliott has been appointed the new managing director of MAN Truck & Bus UK, taking over from Des Evans, who stood down due to ill health. Elliott, who has served as managing director of Volkswagen Group Ireland for the last three years, will assume the post on 8 September 2014.
People
Logistics firm Bedfords Group has taken delivery of nine Euro 6 Volvo FH-500 tractor units, after what it describes as an in-depth evaluation of vehicle reliability, fuel performance and dealer support.
Tractor Units
Celtic Manor Resort, in South Wales, has upgraded its Mercedes-Benz fleet with five new Traveliners – three Sprinter CDIs and two Vito 116 CDIs – to transport guests around the 2,000-acre estate.
Bus & Coach
MAN Lion's City GL CNG has been voted Bus of the Year 2015, with judges praising its clean, powerful engine, economic performance and high passenger capacity.
Alternative Fuels
Bus operator Arriva has invested £1.7 million in a fleet of 10 WrightBus StreetLite Micro hybrids for its North Hertfordshire and Luton operation.
Bus & Coach
Autobar Vending Services has outsourced the management of its commercial vehicle fleet to Prohire, in what is the fleet provider's largest contract win to date.
Finance & Leasing
Infrastructure services provider Amey has taken delivery of six 7-tonne Iveco Daily LCVs for traffic management duties on its contracts with the Highways Agency.
Municipal Vehicles
Farm feeds supplier ABN has taken delivery of 19 Mercedes-Benz Actros 2445 tractor units and a pair of 8x4 Arocs 3236 rigids, and is already reporting above-average fuel returns, compared with the rest of its 120-strong fleet.
Rigids
Federal-Mogul Powertrain has developed a range of spark plugs for heavy-duty vehicles that run on compressed natural gas (CNG).
Electronic Components/Systems
Launched last year to help develop low-carbon technology for the automotive sector, The Proving Factory will be showcasing its expertise at the forthcoming Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle 2014 event (10—11 September).
Alternative Fuels
Commercial vehicle manufacturers, including Volvo Trucks, Ford, Scania and Mercedes, are backing a social media campaign by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) to encourage young people to consider an apprenticeship in the motor industry.
Apprenticeships