Trucks | Motoring

With Volvo the hybrid future is already here

Volvo Trucks took on the hybrid powertrain challenge as early as the 1980s and years of subsequent research, development and testing has led to the new cutting edge Volvo FE Hybrid. The solution: parallel hybrid technology using up to 30 per cent less fuel.

Volvo FE gets automated transmission

Now all Volvo Trucks models for regional and city distribution can be specified with automated transmission. The most recent addition is the Volvo FE which in a 4x2 distribution configuration only is now available with Volvo I-Sync, as part of the company’s drive to strengthen its position in the segment.

Deliveries to every postcode every week for Hi Way Express FE’s

Electrical and ambient goods distribution specialist Hi Way Express, an associated member of HI Group PLC, are using six new Volvo FE 18-tonners on the company’s latest ‘day one for day three’ customer delivery cycle.

Transporter Engineering launches Renault Premium prototype

Renault Trucks UK has been working closely with leading car transporter manufacturer, Transporter Engineering, to develop the first transporter capable of maximising loads of vans and chassis cabs, including large jumbo vans, as well as passenger cars. The new Plus 10 Maxicom transporter is mounted to a Renault Premium 450, 6x2, three axle rigid chassis.

B Jay Haulage moves to Renault Lander over Scania

Shropshire based haulage company, B Jay Haulage, has taken delivery of a new Renault Premium Lander 410.32 with insulated tipper body, through Renault Trucks Midlands. The truck, which is fitted with a retarder and Optidriver + gearbox, is the first vehicle of its type to be built on a Renault chassis and was chosen by the company over its usual Scania.

Volvo Trucks cab factory to be entirely CO2-neutral

The Volvo Trucks cab factory in Umea, will soon be an entirely CO2-neutral factory. This is being achieved by replacing propane with DME and by cutting energy consumption through the use of an ice-cold underground river to cool the production machinery. At the same time, considerable environmental improvements in the paintshop have helped create the world’s cleanest and most energy-efficient paintshop.

Renault Trucks invests £9 million in the UK

Renault Trucks has officially inaugurated Renault Trucks Coventry, its new, custom built dealership at Nuneaton. A total of £4 million has been invested in the new site, which will offer the full range of Renault Trucks products and services.

DME - The route to a sustainable city?

In 50 years’ time, the population of the world’s large cities will be greater than the present-day entire population of the world. Keeping these growing mega-cities supplied in an ecologically sustainable way is one of the crucial problems facing urban and regional planners today. In the hunt for efficient alternatives to fossil fuels, Volvo Trucks’ latest green solution, biofuel DME, plays an important role.

The Truck – The essence of functional design

‘Robust’, ‘aerodynamic’, ‘safe to drive’, ‘comfortable to live in’ – and preferably also ‘attractive to look at’. The design demands on today’s modern trucks are among the toughest in the world of product design. So what does it take to meet all these demands? Asok George and Rikard Orell at the Volvo Design Center have the answer.

Big DAF helps keep traffic flowing

Installing motorway crash barriers, both permanent and temporary, is being made easier by the arrival of a specially equipped DAF CF85 tractor at Derbyshire contractors HW Martin Safety Fencing Limited.

TomTom WORK delivers smart routes for trucks

TomTom WORK, the B2B division of TomTom, announces the TomTom GO 7000 TRUCK, a device designed for trucks and large vehicles.

Drivers get their top choice at Luckings Ltd

Iveco has secured an order for nine new low-height Stralis Active Space Super³ tractor units from Luckings Ltd, each of which is being supplied by Grays Truck Centre in Guildford.

NMS Civil Engineering choose Volvo Trucks

NMS Civil Engineering Ltd., based in Wigan, Lancashire, has recently taken delivery of their first Volvo truck - Volvo FH-480 tractor unit with chassis-mounted Hiab crane - to add to their fleet of six other vehicles.

RHA disappointed at VOSA test station closure

The Road Haulage Association is disappointed that the concerns raised over the closure of the VOSA test station at Llandrindod Wells have gone unheeded and that the facility is do to close on Friday 25th September.

Bio-DME trucks from Volvo in unique field test

In 2010, Volvo Trucks will be the first truck manufacturer to start conducting comprehensive field tests involving Bio-DME, a biofuel that generates very low carbon dioxide emissions. In the long term it has the potential to replace 50 per cent of today’s diesel use for transport operations in Europe.

Volvo FEs for Thomson Removals

Thomson Removals, based in Ayrshire, have taken delivery of two new Volvo FE trucks. The pantechnicon-bodied, 4x2 rigid vehicles join a mixed fleet of eight trucks and will work on both domestic and commercial removals.

A new truck and seven hours towards CPC for Volvo drivers

Volvo Trucks in the UK now has seventy hours of fully JAUPT (Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training) accredited Driver CPC courses available. These include a Vehicle Familiarisation course which the company believes is unique in the industry.

Renault Premiums for Dennis Distribution

Chilled and frozen food distributor, Dennis Distribution, has taken delivery of two new Euro 5 Renault Premium 450 tractor units.

Iveco secures Stralis repeat order with KN Drinks Logistics

KN Drinks Logistics, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Kuehne + Nagel Group in the UK, is taking delivery of 164 Iveco Stralis Active Time tractor units to complete the single largest Stralis order ever placed by a customer in the UK.

Volvo Trucks shows tomorrow’s vehicles at ITS

Volvo Trucks is displaying several exciting next-generation projects at its stand at ITS, the World Congress for Intelligent Transport Systems and Transport services to be held at the Stockholmsmassan in Stockholm from September 21-25th 2009.

Two-way street for Volvo and Sovereign Recovery

For Sovereign Recovery, their relationship with Volvo trucks goes beyond their contract as Volvo Action Service (VAS) provider across the London region. The company is a long-standing and enthusiastic Volvo customer, finding the marque’s reliability second to none as they service contracts that include not only VAS but Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police.

All seeing commercial vehicles improve safety

A device to see around blind corners and provide a “top view” will help drivers to manoeuvre trucks and buses more safely. Alpine’s Multi Camera technology is linked with a navigation database offering the ability to see all aspects of the vehicle and its surroundings, eliminating dangerous blind spots.

Volvo Trucks make a colourful statement

Function, quality and reliability are firmly in focus when new trucks are being developed. However, as Volvo Trucks has discovered, as the competition stiffens, it is increasingly important to stand out from the crowd.

Volvo FH pulling power looks good for HCR Recovery

HCR Recovery – the coach and LGV recovery specialists based in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire – have found their new Volvo FH as effective in competition as on the roads. Not only is the FH-460 “ideal for its job,” according to the company’s owner and co-Director, Peter Spencer, but it has also performed well at industry vehicles’ shows, enhancing HCR’s standing.

Volvo Logistics test drives with rapeseed oil

Environmentally-adapted fuel is one step on the road to reducing carbon emissions at Volvo Logistics. The first petrol station in western Sweden selling ACP Diesel Bio30 is now opening at the Skandiahamnen port in Gothenburg, close to Volvo’s plants and its trans-shipment terminal in Arendal. This is the result of a joint venture between IKEA, H&M, DHL, Preem and Volvo Logistics.

New Renault Premiums are first to go to Iceland

Leading UK food retailer, Iceland, has taken delivery of 29 Renault Premium 450.18, 4x2 tractor units through Renault Trucks’ UK fleet sales team. It’s an important deal for Renault Trucks as they are the first Renaults to join the company’s 310-strong fleet. The Euro 5 trucks are all fitted with the Optidriver+ gearbox.

New Volvo FH for NWF Agriculture

Cheshire-based NWF Agriculture has reported an increase in demand for their ruminant compound feeds and blends. This in turn has lead to the purchase of a new Volvo FH tractor unit to complement their all-Volvo fleet of 20 vehicles.

Euro 5 fuel economy delivers 0.5 mpg extra for Cool Solutions

Hull-based European road transport operators Cool Solutions are seeing not only environmental, but financial benefits from an early move to Euro 5 with Volvo.

PA Laing Timber haulage company logs its first Renault

Scottish timber haulage company, PA Laing, has taken delivery of a Renault Premium Lander 450, double drive, tractor unit, through Renault Trucks distributor, Border Trucks.

Renault Premium brings fuel consumption down for Switch

Hampshire based freight management company, Switch International, part of the TWT Logistics Group, has taken delivery of two new Renault Premium 450 tractor units. The 6x2 trucks with Optidriver+ gearboxes join a group fleet of 70 vehicles and were acquired through Renault Trucks South West.

Competitive price sways Centrol Recycling to buy Volvo

Centrol Recycling, the Widnes-based recycling and waste management company have recently taken delivery of four new Volvo trucks, consisting of two FM-300 6x2 refuse vehicles and two FM-400s, with Boughton hook-loader equipment and drawbar coupling.

Elliott Baxter’s bright outlook for yellow Stralis rigids

The UK’s largest family-owned independent paper supplier, Elliott Baxter & Co Ltd, has added a pair of new 26 tonne Iveco Stralis Active Day rigids to its fleet to target new areas of business in the North of England.

Volvo FH-520 joins Saunders Recovery’s heavy brigade

High Wycombe’s Saunders Recovery has taken delivery of one of the largest Volvo recovery vehicles ever seen on UK roads.

The state of the ART means facts that save lives

Over a period of four decades, Volvo Trucks’ department for accident research, the Accident Research Team (ART) has built up a unique bank of expertise that is unsurpassed in the truck industry.

Continentals contain tyre costs at Nynas

A 15 year policy of using only Continental tyres on its 120 tractor units and trailers has paid off for leading bitumen supplier Nynas with its annual tyre budget now lower than it was decade ago.

Volvo MOT pass rates hit 91% for first half of 2009

According to statistics issued by VOSA, Volvo Trucks’ Dealer Network has achieved a national UK initial pass rate for MOT annual tests of 91.0%, for the six months to June 30th 2009.

Most competitive Volvo FM13 tippers for Kane Group

Hertfordshire-based construction contract specialists Kane Group have taken delivery of 11 new Volvo FM13 tippers, citing a competitive overall package and previous strong performance as the key reasons for their choice.

Revolutionary recovery version of Cabstar

Nissan’s popular light duty truck, the Cabstar, is embarking on a new career – as a recovery and delivery truck. Capable of carrying vehicles as large as Nissan’s Pathfinder, the special UK conversion is set to become a valuable asset to vehicle operators as well as Nissan dealers.

Eurocargos on the rise in Allied Bakeries fleet

Iveco’s decision to launch its latest Eurocargo model exclusively with an automated transmission and Euro 5 engine as standard has helped secure a major order from Allied Bakeries, a division of Associated British Foods plc.

Volvo first in UK to gain EU type approval and certificate 001

Volvo Trucks are the first commercial vehicle manufacturer to have a truck approved in the UK to the new European Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) according to Directive 2007 / 46EC.

Virtual co-driver means safer trucks

The truck of the future will have a digital co-driver on board. A virtual guardian angel that assists - or even takes over - if the driver loses control. “We quite simply attach eyes to the truck,” says Erika Jakobsson at Volvo, one of the powerhouses in the EU’s drive to develop intelligent vehicles.

Truck accidents can be a thing of the past

According to the most recent report from ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association), 40,000 people die on Europe’s roads every year, that is to say more than 100 per day. However, despite a three-fold increase in traffic over the past 30 years, the number of fatalities in Europe during this same period has been halved, largely thanks to technological developments.

Volvo’s leading safety invention 50th anniversary

Volvo Trucks has long been the industry leader in the field of passive safety, that is to say technology that helps protect those involved in a collision. This year marks 50 years since Volvo first introduced the three-point safety belt – an invention that has saved more lives in traffic than any other technical feature.

Making hay? Volvo FH-16 shines for Steve Gilleard

Yorkshire-based hay and straw supplier Steve Gilleard has taken delivery of a new FH16-580 rigid. The highly-specified, platform-bodied drawbar vehicle is the first Volvo in his fleet of three; deciding factors in his choice of the FH16 for this purchase were comfort on long continental trips, superior performance on hilly terrain and competitive pricing.

euroFOT: Volvo Trucks at the service of safety

Volvo Trucks has joined the research project euroFOT, which involves 28 European companies and organisations. Volvo’s aim is to put 80 Volvo trucks, packed with monitoring technology, into circulation by 2010. The project’s aim is to achieve safer, more efficient road transport.

Volvo gets closer to customers at Bardon open day

Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia’s Dealerpoint at Bardon, Leicestershire, has recently held a successful open day. As well as seeing a range of new and used vehicles, over 70 customers had the chance to participate in sessions on a range of operating issues. In the wake of the day’s success, more open days will be held in a variety of locations.

Renault Trucks Midlands wins leading industry award

Renault Trucks Midlands, located on the Black Country New Road, Tipton, is celebrating winning the prestigious 2009 Motor Transport Dealer of the Year Award. The award was announced at the official awards dinner, at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, London, on Wednesday 1st July, with Renault Trucks Midlands beating four other finalists to win the coveted title.

McBurney Transport invest in fuel efficient fleet renewal

McBurney, one of Northern Ireland’s largest independently owned transport operators, has placed an order with Volvo Dealer, Dennison Commercials of Ballyclare for 50 FH-460 tractor units.

New Iveco’s delivered to ALC in UK’s largest ever Trakker deal

Iveco Defence Vehicles has delivered the first specialist 6x6 Trakkers to ALC, an Amey and VT joint venture, to provide the Ministry of Defence (MoD) with its ‘C’ vehicle fleet, covering civil engineering and rough terrain mechanical handling capability.

DAF drawbar brings added flexibility to natural food firm

A workers’ co-operative that is the UK’s largest independent wholesale distributor of natural food products has made significant efficiency gains and cut costs in its transport operations by introducing a highly flexible DAF drawbar outfit into service.

Volvo extra low height artics for Brian Yeardley Continental

Residents in Andover can show their cheeky side on Sunday 14 June 2009 by uniting in their pants for the annual "Pants in the Park" 5K fun run, in partnership with Simplyhealth, for Prostate UK.

Volvo secures record truck order in India

Volvo Trucks in India has secured an order for 125 trucks, the company’s largest order since being established in the country.

Volvo Truck initiatives to prevent transport thefts

Long-haul truck operations are the lifeline of Europe; the link that joins together the continent’s various countries and permits trade between them. However, risks on the road have increased significantly over the past decade and today annual thefts from long-haul trucks total in the region amount to € 8.2 billion (£ 7 bn) – every single year.

JB Kind uses new Renault fleet to promote rainforest cause

Independent high quality door distributor, JB Kind, has taken delivery of three new Renault Midlum 220.14 trucks with Hatcher semi sky cabs; one Renault Midlum 7.5 tonne truck and a Renault Premium 280.18. The vehicles were supplied through Renault Trucks distributor, Allports Trucks. The trucks are replacement vehicles on a 13-strong mixed fleet, nine of which are now Renaults less than 18 months old.

Continental European Technology Truck arrives in the UK

An impressive purpose-designed technology truck arrived in Crewe this month for the latest stage of its 2009 European tour. The Continental truck launched the new second generation regional and long distance tyres to the UK market.

Lloyds Transport won over by Renault Trucks

West Midlands based freight logistics company, Lloyds Transport, has taken delivery of 10 new Renault Premium 450.25 tractor units, through Renault Trucks Midlands. The 6x2, Euro 5 trucks join a 35-strong mixed fleet, following company trials of all major manufacturers.

100th DAF comes well wrapped for Waverley TBS

Residents in Andover can show their cheeky side on Sunday 14 June 2009 by uniting in their pants for the annual "Pants in the Park" 5K fun run, in partnership with Simplyhealth, for Prostate UK.

Thirty pallet DAF drawbar gets the thumbs up

Residents in Andover can show their cheeky side on Sunday 14 June 2009 by uniting in their pants for the annual "Pants in the Park" 5K fun run, in partnership with Simplyhealth, for Prostate UK.

FL-240 LPG tanker spearheads Volvo’s return to Callow Fuels

Residents in Andover can show their cheeky side on Sunday 14 June 2009 by uniting in their pants for the annual "Pants in the Park" 5K fun run, in partnership with Simplyhealth, for Prostate UK.

First delivery of the world’s strongest truck

Residents in Andover can show their cheeky side on Sunday 14 June 2009 by uniting in their pants for the annual "Pants in the Park" 5K fun run, in partnership with Simplyhealth, for Prostate UK.

More Renault Midlums for West Mercia Supplies

Stationery and educational supplier, West Mercia Supplies, has taken delivery of three Renault Midlum 220.12s, through Renault Trucks Midlands.

JMP Wilcox hooked on Renault Premium Lander

Leading textile reclaimer and processer, JMP Wilcox, has taken delivery of a Euro 5 Renault Premium Lander 450.26 drawbar with hook loader, through Renault Trucks Midlands. The truck joins a 40-strong mixed fleet.

Volvo’s sophisticated sound lab seeks the sound of silence

The work carried out at Volvo Trucks’ sound lab is all about controlling noise levels. A truck driver experiences a variety of different sounds while working, some of which might be considered pleasant but, for the most part, the work of the sound engineers focuses on keeping unwelcome noise to a bare minimum.

Renault Trucks make lighter work of bulk LPG deliveries for BP

BP Gas is benefitting from the arrival of four new Renault Trucks equipped with Allison fully automatic transmissions. The 18-tonne rigid Midlums were specified as part of a fleet replacement programme to increase efficiency, cut vehicle component maintenance and replacement costs, and improve driver comfort on deliveries to domestic, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers in Scotland and the North of England. Working out of three BP LPG gas depots in the north of the UK – Cairnhill in Aberdeenshire, Carlisle and Evanton in Rosshire – the new tankers allow the logistics team to maximise bulk capacity via a chassis which can adeptly handle steep, windy, single track roads from the Lake District to the Scottish Highlands.

Rapid reduction in CO2 from Volvo Trucks’ transport operations

Over the past two years, Volvo Trucks has reduced its CO2 emissions from transport to and from the company’s European factories. This green project was initiated by Staffan Jufors, CEO Volvo Trucks, and has been conducted in collaboration with Volvo Logistics.

Volvo Truck and Bus open state-of-art dealership on Teesside

Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland have opened a new, state-of-the-art dealership on Teesside.

Volvo Trucks deliveries April 2009

Volvo Trucks’ deliveries declined by 67% in the month of April compared with the year-earlier period.

Volvo Truck Nation keeps on trucking for ten years

2009 marks the tenth anniversary of the founding of Volvo Truck Nation – the club for operators, drivers and enthusiasts - created by Volvo Trucks in response to requests from drivers who wanted an enthusiasts’ organisation that also catered for the professional trucker.

DAF’s light weight means more litres delivered

The light weight of DAF’s LF55 chassis means more payload and more litres delivered for Cornwall’s leading independent supplier of fuel oils and lubricants.

Eurocargo and Trakker team up for Carillion plc

Carillion plc, one of the UK's leading support services and construction companies, is taking delivery of 16 new Iveco Trakkers and nine Eurocargos supplied by Guest Trucks.

Hybrid bus breaks new ground for fuel economy and emissions

A hybrid-electric drive system for buses, for which Revolve Technologies’ systems engineering team has developed a specially optimised engine management programme, has achieved the best results for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions ever recorded from a double deck vehicle – an unprecedented 10mpg.

Championship Renault Premium for ATOL Motorsport Fuels

Racing fuel and lubricant supplier, ATOL Motorsport Fuels Ltd., has taken delivery of a Renault Premium 410 rigid with high roof sleeper cab and Optidriver gearbox. The truck, which was supplied through Renault Trucks distributor, Sparks Commercials, has a 31 foot box body and will be transporting race fuel to all rounds of the British Touring Car Championships.

Renault Magnums for Mark Doel Transport

Cambridge based, specialist road haulage company, Mark Doel Transport, has taken delivery of two Renault Magnum 500.25 tractor units, through Renault Trucks distributor, WTL Truck and Van Centres. In an important conquest deal, they are the first Renaults to join the company’s 13-strong mixed fleet and will replace Mercedes and MAN. Both Renault Magnums have Optidriver gearboxes. They will undertake long haul distribution of bulk plastic and powders nationwide.

Oldbury set to expand UK manufacturing content

Oldbury UK, the West Midlands-based vehicle, equipment and trailer specialist, has announced plans to increase its current levels of local content engineering and manufacturing. Concurrently, it is to offer a hire, in-service refurbishment and life extension package, to meet operator demand during the current market downturn. In addition to its own range of products, the company is the UK importer and distributor for ARB step-frame trailers, heavy-duty low loaders, goose-necks, extendables and specialist carriers.