Renault Trucks distributor Sparks Commercial Services is widening its reach across the South West with the acquisition of Renault Truck Commercials Exeter.
Dealerships
The Turkish joint venture of Ford Motor Company and Koc Holdings, Ford Otosan, has purchased Ford’s vehicle and engine factory in Craiova, Romania for Eur 575m (with a further Eur140m payment due depending on the site’s future capacity utilisation). The deal expands production of Ford Otosan for the first time outside of Turkey.
Light Commercial Vehicles
Evri (formerly Hermes UK) is carrying out a trial of a new electronically assisted cargo bike. So far, the results show a reduction in final mile carbon emissions by 89%.
Electric Vehicles
Jacobs Vehicle Systems has upgraded the company’s engine brake on model-year 2021 PACCAR (DAF) MX-11 heavy-duty diesel engines.
Brakes & Braking Systems
RATP Dev Transit London has secured a £30m green finance package from HSBC Equipment Finance for investment in electric buses.
Finance & Leasing
Suttons International has invested in 100 additional 24,000 litre ISO tank containers to bolster the business’ international tank container fleet.
Tankers
A UK wholesale supplier to the veterinary industry has ensured compliance for operation in London and other cities by switching from tractor units with big, flat-floored cabs, to narrower, lower variants.
Hand protection specialist Unigloves has launched a new nitrile disposable glove – BioTouch – combining chemical resistance, comfort and grip with biodegradable technology.
Workshop
Ayrshire - based Hillhouse Group is now part - way through a multi-million pound investment into an in-house tipper fleet, replacing a handful of previously-owned trucks with 23 new Volvo 8x4 FMXs.
Tippers
Almost 1,000 green buses have been rolled out with the backing of nearly £200 million in government funding. Twelve areas in England, from Greater Manchester to Portsmouth, will receive grants from the multimillion-pound package to deliver electric or hydrogen powered buses, as well as charging or fuelling infrastructure, to their region.
Electric Vehicles
Asset Alliance Group has financed 2,000 portable aluminium trackway panels worth more than £2m for Davis Trackhire, after first securing a deal to supply two new Scania drawbar outfits.
Finance & Leasing
From 25 March 2022, drivers will be breaking the law if they use a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel for any use, including scrolling through playlists, playing games, or taking photos. Anyone caught using a hand-held device while driving could face a fine of up to £1,000 as well as six points on their licence or a full driving ban.
Driver / People Management