TRUCKS AND VANS
MAN Truck and Bus (stand 5F10) has redesigned its D08 four- and six-cylinder engines for the TGL (7.5-12t gvw) and TGM (15-26t gvw) trucks to offer only SCR (selective catalytic reduction) emissions treatment; the previous version had SCR and EGR (exhaust gas recirculation). The change, which was trailed in general terms by MD Thomas Emmerich at last year’s CV Show, is said to increase torque and power over most of the range. That, plus a weight saving, provides a 5% reduction in fuel consumption, compared to the previous models. Also launching at the show is: a redesigned cab interior for TGL, TGM, TGS and TGX trucks (above); an upgrade of MAN’s predictive cruise control system that analyses the route ahead to determine optimum gearing; the rear-wheel drive TGE panel van and chassis cab; a short-turnaround Vans to Go scheme based around the TGE; and vehicle health monitoring tools. Three trucks grace the stand: TGX 26.640 6x2/2 BLS midlift tractor with XXL cab; TGM 18.290 4x2 BL chassis cab with LX cab; and TGE 3.180 4x2 SB chassis cab with dropside body.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (4G10) is demonstrating its new augmented reality system currently being trialled in 10 Van Centres ahead of a national roll out. The platform (pictured below) enables experts to send precise visual instructions remotely to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Van Centre and field technicians. If successful and effective, the technology will be rolled out to all Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles technicians, including those that work across the brand’s mobile service clinics that operate across the country, from June.
Over the next 18 months, Ford (5G10 & 5G20) is refreshing its entire LCV portfolio, and most of those vehicles will be at the show. They include the 1t capacity Ford Transit Custom, with a 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, and smaller Transit Connect and Courier vans. A new skeleton chassis for the jumbo 2t capacity Transit will be shown as a Luton van; its floor is 102mm lower than previously, and offers 200kg extra capacity. It will be joined by one of the Transit PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) currently under trial.
Although Renault is not exhibiting at the show, its Range T High is on show at Allports Garage (5H110), a commercial vehicle solutions provider to distribution and logistics.
Other truck and van exhibitors:
Fiat Professional 5D20
Guest Truck & Van/IVECO 5G110
Isuzu (UK) 5F65
LDV UK & Ireland 5F120
Mitsubishi Motors 4H90
Nissan 4G20
Peugeot 5D40
Renault UK 5H60
Ssangyong Motor UK 4F80
Toyota GB 4E10
Van Hool 5C79
COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES
Bowmonk Tapley (4D30) presents BrakeCheck – the DVSA-approved portable brake tester for recording and printing brake test results. Alongside that product is the recently announced BrakeCheck Geo, which contains a built-in GPS receiver so that the exact location of the brake test can be recorded, along with the brake test results. Other diagnostic products on display will include SensorCheck, for quickly diagnosing ABS-related faults without having to remove the road wheel, and TrailerCheck, which allows a single technician to test trailer lighting, ABS circuitry and CAN activity. Visitors to the stand will also be able to see a live demo of Bowmonk’s on-board weighing system, including a Bluetooth link to a nearby smartphone for single-technician loading or electronic recording of weight data.
BPW (3D111) shows its Eco Plus 3 hub and Eco Air Compact suspension systems, which were developed for high performance and operational efficiency. Appearing alongside these will be BPW’s Airlight Heavy Duty suspensions for off-road applications and axle loads up to 12 tonnes. Latest in telematics is an Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS).
Apart from offering drinks in a large networking lounge area, Brigade (3A65) will launch its new Ultrasonic Detection On-Screen-Display (OSD) hybrid camera. Working in conjunction with a camera monitor system and up to two ultrasonic detection systems, the on-screen display module warns the driver of obstacles close to the vehicle.
Carrier Transicold (3F125) debuts its all-electric Vector 1550 E trailer unit. This fridge harnesses electrical power either via a tractor fitted with an Eco-Drive genset or through mains power while parked. Also on show is the Iceland Twincool fridge powered by its Eco-Drive genset powered by a pump connected to the truck’s PTO.
A highlight of the Eberspacher stand (5F80) is a prototype of the Ariel Hipercar, a full-electric 1,180bhp sportscar, showing off the potential of electric vehicles for the company, as well as Eberspacher’s bespoke air conditioning and battery cooling tech. In terms of products, there are new larger sizes of its ‘Coldtainer’ range of individually-cooled containers.
Gemco’s (4E40) largest ever stand, at 180m², will provide the UK’s first view of the Autopstenhoj Quattrolift 4.65 F 480, a 6.5-tonne capacity electro-hydraulic four-ram lift with special wheel alignment platforms. Other equipment on show includes Somers mobile column lifts, an Autopstenhoj Maestro 5.5-tonne, two-post lift and the Bradbury H2603HG six-tonne capacity two-post lift. From a test equipment perspective, there’s Gemco’s Sherpa range of roller brake testers and test equipment, with two in-ground and surface-mounted (mobile) solutions.
Giti (4G60) will debut the GTL925 high cube trailer pattern in size 445/45R19.5 at the show (pictured, right). The tyre allows high cube trailer fleets to maximise a vehicle’s inside loading volume of up to 3m high. Available also in 435/50R19.5, both tyres carry a load index of 160 and speed index J, and are M+S marked for winter.
Goodyear (5C100) will promote a product and services package that includes KMax and FuelMax products, Fleet First services and Proactive Solutions. The latter, launched in 2016, was found to reduce tyre costs by almost 25% in a trial on eight Reynolds trailers. This is achieved through predictive technology that helps to prevent incidents and streamline fleet management through preventive maintenance, transport flow optimisation and driver training. Goodyear is also showing its portfolio of van tyres, which has not previously been displayed at the CV Show.
Hankook Tyre UK (5C60) will be presenting a wide range of tyres including the SmartFlex for regional haul and the SmartWork for on and off road, both of which are provided as original equipment on MAN, Mercedes-Benz and Scania trucks. Furthermore, the tyre maker will be launching an all-position bus tyre for city traffic. Also new for 2018 are the concept tyres from the 2016 Hankook Tyre Design Innovation Programme ‘Connect to the Connected World’. Designed by students from the University of Cincinnati, the three futuristic tyres present a vision of future mobility through tyres.
Intelligent Telematics (4H70) is displaying a new 3G multi-camera system. The modular solution will integrate with the company’s software platform, so commercial fleet operators can combine a range of internal and external camera options to gain complete visibility of what really happened in the event of a road collision.
Commercial vehicle safety and security specialist Maple (4E04) launches some new features in its Integritas security range. The connected container lock replaces disposable seals and provides greater transparency of cargo movements for safer, more efficient logistics operation. New integration software provides the gatehouse team with real-time data of a vehicle’s load status, as well as capturing all event activity as a vehicle arrives and departs the depot.
Lubricant manufacturer Morris Lubricants (4G19) will showcase its Versimax brand, a range of OEM-approved, heavy-duty diesel engine oils. It will also demonstrate its latest ‘Whatoil?’ online lubricants selector.
ProVision (4H120) will show a major extension to its CameraMatics platform, in the form of a new browser and app-based ‘Command Centre’, as well as two other apps to help with tracking fleet risk compliance and management, covering vehicle walk-around checks and accident reporting.
Texa (4J117) is releasing the eTruck remote diagnostic product. The miniaturised remote diagnosis tool, which plugs into the vehicle’s OBD port, allows workshops to expand the capabilities of their existing tools to provide an enhanced service to their customers. In particular, it allows them to constantly monitor vehicle status, manage service needs in advance and perform adjustments.
Vehicle tracking specialist Trakm8 (4H112) will showcase two of its major innovations. The RH600 is said to be the most advanced 4G telematics camera on the UK market and is now in full production at Trakm8’s UK manufacturing facility. Trakm8 will also promote its small-to-medium-enterprise combined camera/telematics solution, Trakm8 Prime.
Vehicle Weighing Solutions (4J21) will focus on its Vehicle Overload Protection System (VOPS2). This enclosed measurement system provides drivers with front and rear net, gross and axle weights. It can be fitted to most commercial vehicles from 3.5-tonne gvw upwards, whether the suspension is steel, air or spring.
Thermo-King and Frigoblock (3C100) will feature the new SLXi Hybrid trailer refrigeration units introduced at last year’s show as a concept. Other products include the vehicle-powered truck V-Series and B-Series units, now with telematics, and its all-electric and zero emission ‘last mile’ delivery range, which is now available for fresh, frozen and heat applications.
TotalKare (4E60), the workshop lift supplier, will present its T8DC lift, which will be exhibited raising a Volvo FH tractor unit. This cable-free unit has a capacity of 7,500kg per column, and adjustable forks that enable users to fit a variety of wheel sizes from 700mm to 1,400mm. Also on show is its 5.5-tonne capacity two-post lift, suitable for vehicles with long wheelbases such as Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter vans. A Volvo rigid tipper will be hoisted by TotalKare’s 25,000kg capacity, nine-metre fixed post lift, fitted with a jacking beam and lighting kit.
Trakm8 (4H112) will show off its RoadHawk 600 telematics camera, now in full production in the UK following last year’s launch to selected fleets including Iceland Foods and Calor Gas. The dash cam can be fitted with a single or dual camera to monitor the driver as well as the road ahead. The combination of a camera and a telematics unit is said to minimise the cost and downtime of buying and fitting separate devices. Also being promoted is Trakm8 Prime for small to medium-sized fleets, which combines GPS tracking with a driver scoring system and Trakm8’s vehicle health alerts.
SERVICES
BigChange (4G61) will promote its customised booking service that gives companies their own specially-configured and own-branded smartphone and tablet app on the major platforms. It allows business customers or consumers to arrange a transport service, fulfilment and shipment, or order any other type of service instantly at the touch of a button from any smartphone or tablet. Transport businesses could also use the app to book vehicle inspections and servicing, as well as urgent reactive work such as tyre repair and replacement.
BT Fleet Solutions (5C15) will unveil new apps and an accident management suite. Among the latest products and services are the DVSA-compliant Daily Vehicle Checker, which gives drivers an easy way to perform essential legislative checks, and accident management app.
Vehicle compliance company CheckedSafe (4E112) is set to unveil its new Fleet Maintenance module and Earned Recognition Dashboard. In the former, vehicle checks and maintenance logs are retained in a dedicated digital vehicle file. With the addition of calendar view, users can quickly identify all vehicles that are VOR, due a PMI or have any other maintenance scheduled. The latter stores key performance indicators for the DVSA’s new compliance scheme. The system costs just £1/week/vehicle.
Chevin Fleet Solutions (4E41), fleet management software provider, will demonstrate its data collection app and automated driver licence checking system, now upgraded with ‘e-consent’ and support for the DVSA’s ‘Earned Recognition’ pilot. It will also showcase a new shopfloor system called the Workshop Hub, designed to deliver technicians’ essential job information on a tablet or smartphone.
Fleet software specialist FleetCheck (4D31) is launching a free online maintenance and repair service. Called Garage Link, it is intended for small-to-medium-sized fleets who pay for and manage their own vehicle maintenance, and provides a single point of access to thousands of garages nationwide, through an online portal. Savings delivered are said to amount to 30%. The service is being provided through a partnership between FleetCheck and Allstar.
FTA (4F20) will offer personalised demonstrations of a condensed version of its new ‘Compliance Confidence Index’ (CCI) software. Available exclusively to members, it allows vehicle operators to carry out an in-house audit of a range of compliance issues, and pinpoint aspects of good practice and areas which would benefit from further improvement.
North American telematics firm Geotab (4G89) makes its hard launch at the show, and its OBD-harness-connected device will be available for sale through six UK resellers include O2 and Levl Telematics. The company’s strength is apparently provision of engine data: it is said to be the only system that monitors AdBlue levels, for example. Ongoing data support is priced at about £15/vehicle/month.
Jaama (4H16), fleet industry asset management software system provider, will be showcasing new functionality introduced to its smartphone ‘MyVehicle App’ first unveiled at last year’s event. Now, it can record vehicle defects, rectification date and other details including the name of the person signing the vehicle back on to the road. Also, drivers are now able to take a photo of a critical defect and label a vehicle’s status as ‘off-road’ via the app.
Mandata (4H80) is launching a cloud transport management system that comes with the ability to plan, manage and invoice work all with one online system.
Marshall (4J10) is promoting an improved customer experience initiative. This includes working at height: MFS says that it is the first company in the CV sector to develop guidelines, in cooperation with the FSDF (Food Storage & Distribution Federation) and BFFF (British Frozen Food Federation), for safe working of service engineers, for transport refrigeration and other CV applications. Also, it has recently introduced standard ‘menu’-based service and repair pricing.
r2c Online (5J40) will launch its Exemplar workshop management software package with handsfree functionality, following the success of its fleet management equivalent. This uses innovative headsets with smart eyewear and voice recognition technology, allowing software use to be hands-free. Exemplar Workshop will complement existing offerings in compliance management, driver checks and fleet analytics software Exemplar Fleet.
RTITB (3A44) is promoting its Instructor Academy for the first time. Experts from the Academy will help delegates discover more about the newest ‘train the trainer’ courses designed to support the needs of transport and logistics businesses. The organisation is said to offer the only dedicated centre in the UK and Ireland for HGV, yard shunter and lift truck instructor training.
Guardian by Seeing Machines (3E84) detects when a driver is at risk and provides real-time intervention through in-cab alerts and feedback to management. It says that the technology has been used in 130 fleets worldwide.
A new driver monitoring service from Smart Witness (4G80) alerts both the driver and the fleet manager of instances of driver distraction or drowsiness. Its DDC-100 driver distraction camera uses a camera and infrared optics to monitor the driver’s face, but will only create an alert if the behaviour continues longer than three seconds – to prevent a false positive actuation from a sneeze, for example. In case of an infraction, the dash-mounted device beeps. An optional camera can, optionally, send a signal back to a driver record database.
Tachograph data analysis company TDi (4H20) is launching a tool that enables drivers to download and analyse their own tacho data. The Smart Drive allows daily downloads, for example, whose results can be transferred to a smartphone app for immediate analysis and action, telling them for example how many hours they have left.
TIP Trailer Services (5C80) is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a global trailer supplier to the transport industry. From its humble origins in 1968 as Transport International Pool, TIP now manages more than 25,000 trailers in the UK alone.
Transport Engineer (5G40) will offer weary show-goers the opportunity to stop, pick up the latest copy of the magazine, and meet the people behind it. For the first time in several years, Transport Engineer has a presence at the NEC, on one corner of a redesigned IRTE stand. And we are taking best advantage by showing off some of the highlights of the magazine, which is just one of the benefits of joining the IRTE. There is also a special offer for attendance to our IRTE Conference, 27 September 2018 at the Leicester Marriott Hotel. Other corners of the IRTE stand pull out just a few of the engineering institute’s other initiatives and membership benefits. They include: facilitating members’ registration with the Engineering Council (providing technicians with postnominals, such as EngTech); technician and workshop licensing accreditation schemes, which provide an independent verification of their quality; its support of technician trailblazer apprenticeships; and the vital role of partner S&B Automotive Academy, hosts of the IRTE’s Skills Challenge for bus and coach technicians.
Vacu-Lug (4G110) will be informing visitors how their fleets can benefit – economically, environmentally and legally – from the company’s tyre management service. The company will also show off its recently launched mobile app, VMS Mobile, which provides customers with remote access to their vehicle data. A selection of Vacu-Lug’s retread tyres will also be on show, including products from the high-end Logistik range.