Contributors: Cathal Doyle, Sean Murtagh, Paul White, Donal Dempsey, Howard Knott
Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Paul White, Cathal Doyle, Howard Knott, Newspress, Kieran Ryan-Benson, Paul Sherwood, Dallas Dallaghan
administration: Orla Sweeney
Email: enquiries@fleet.ie
advertising: Mary Morrissey
Email: mary@fleet.ie
Design: Crackerjack Design House
Printed in Ireland
& Running! T Nolan & Sons opens new garage in Limerick
12 n e W Flee T
Recent sales of Renault Vans, MAN Trucks, DAF, Scania and Volvo
16 Flee TI ng S H oTS
On yer bikes with Transaid trio to Ireland
18 l aun CH Pa D I Updates to Ford F-MAX
Commen T
From where I’m sitting –Howard Knott
The transition into BEV commercials
Clare Distribution has taken to SOR Trailers
DHL’s new Innovation Centre in Germany
DAF extends its Electric truck offering
Mercedes-Benz Trucks go further on electric drives
aDv IC e Updates needed on National commercial vehicle fleet database
Flee T m ar ITI me
& Freight Newsletter
In T erv I e W: With Stephen McGrath, Leapmotor
Con T em P laTI on S BEV and range anxiety
L AU n C h PAD Leapmotors, Kia & Opel Flee T Tran
Full Report & Photographs from the Fleet Transport Awards & Networking event – Thursday 13th October
Thursday 9th October was a notable date in Hillsborough, County Down. It marked the official opening of Terberg MPM Ireland’s impressive new headquarters, situated on a prime location off the main Dublin to Belfast M1 motorway.
The opening ceremony was attended by MPM employees, customers, the Extended Board of Directors and members of the Terberg family.
This significant investment in constructing a new Sales & Service Centre supports the company’s continued growth in Ireland.
The custom built facility, which took 13 months to complete, spans 1,615 sq.m, comprising a 545 sq.m workshop, a 270 sq.m parts store, and 800 sq.m of office space to further enhance service capabilities.
“Having already acquired the land, we were in a good position to develop a pur-
pose-built, future-proofed facility that’s equipped with a wide range of services, including dedicated training rooms, and an indoor wash bay area, a repairs and refurbishment section, all fitting in with Terberg Special Vehicles global policy,“ explained Mark McCluskey, Managing Director at Terberg MPM.
He added that sustainability is to the fore as the site features electric vehicle charging points, solar panels, high grade insulation and a heat recovery system.
Currently 30 staff are employed there, with adequate space for more.
Mark, who established MPM with his wife Joanne fifteen years ago, selling all types of machinery and equipment, has a long history in the transport trade, as his dad and forefathers were all involved in haulage.
As trading at MPM progressed, Mark was appointed distributor for Terberg, the fourth generation family owned Dutch company that specialises in building trucks and fitting specialist
Terberg MPM Ireland opens new headquarters at Hillsborough
equipment that operate terminals at ports, airports and logistic centres.
In 2021, the Terberg Group acquired the MPM business and plans to further invest in the company were agreed.
Praising Mark and Joanne for their dedication and commitment in advancing the Terberg brand in Ireland, Godfried Terberg, CEO of Royal Terberg Group, said: “Ireland represents a strategic opportunity for Terberg. With this new facility, we are strengthening our ability to support customers across the island with sustainable, high-performance solutions. It’s a proud moment for our Group and we strongly value the dedication of the Terberg MPM team.”
Terberg continues its emission free path and achieved some high profile publicity in supporting Guinness and its Never Settle Zero Emissions Plan with the all-electric Terberg YT203EV. The objective for the Diageo owned brewery is for 70% of the vehicle fleet to be zero emission by the end of 2025, and 100% by the end of the decade.
The Guinness fleet of zero emission Terberg tractors are currently used to transport Guinness in tanker trailers from St James’s Gate to Dublin Port, and also to deliver stout kegs to the hospitality trade in Dublin City, with plans in place to further extend their usage.
Volvo FH16 Aero.
The Volvo FH16 Aero is a truck for heavy transport assignments, shaped and powered for increased productivity. The aerodynamic design, together with the powerful D17 engine boosts your performance whilst saving fuel. The Camera Monitoring System improves your direct vision. Available with the Globetrotter XXL cab for improved driver comfort. Your efficiency. Extended.
Contact your local Volvo Trucks dealer or visit volvotrucks.co.uk
Saturday 20th September marked a significant milestone in the history of T Nolan & Sons, the long established Scania dealer in Castleisland, County Kerry, with the official opening of a new state-of-the-art Sales & Service Centre at Raheen Business Park, Limerick.
Attendees at the event were very impressed with the overall design, superb build quality and attention to detail of the new facility, which was constructed within thirteen months.
The new Scania dealership will serve a broader customer base across Munster alongside the Castleisland garage.
Among the speakers at the event were Jim Callery, Chairman, Westward Scania, Importers of Scania trucks and buses who complimented the Nolan family on their work and dedication with the Scania truck brand for almost 50 years, and highly praised ‘this magnificent facility’. “Tim and Mary Nolan were among the first Scania dealers in the country after we acquired the franchise,” he said. Extending congratulations, Jim said that he has every confidence that this success will continue into the next fifty years.
Joe Crann, Managing Director, Westward Scania praised the investment and high standard of finish which more than meets the brand criteria. He said that the new dealership serves a growing need to serve Scania customers in the northern Munster region. “It’s a Premier League Scania dealership and a tremendous vote of confidence in the brand,” he said.
T Nolan & Sons Ltd officially opens new Limerick Scania dealership
Jim Callery, Westward Scania and Mary Nolan, T Nolan & Sons cutting the ribbon to officially open their new premises in Raheen, Limerick, assisted by members of the Nolan family
Nolan, Director, T Nolan & Sons, one of three second generation family involved in the business, welcomed the guests and outlined the origins and history of the family business and how the new facility opens a new chapter and extends the firm’s geographical footprint in the wider Munster region. He thanked the loyal and highly trained staff members at both garages and appreciated the long standing customer base. He thanked Westward Scania for its support over the decades.
Nolan’s company motto being ‘Driven to Serve You’ has just extended further – from Kerry to Limerick!
“The Limerick facility was specifically designed in conjunction with BDB Consulting Engineering bespoke to our own requirements and incorporating the Scania Standards,” explained Tom.
Tom
Thermo King’s Galway factory has been to the forefront of the refrigerated transport industry for decades and continues to evolve, meeting new regulations and market trends. How and why has it been such a success?
Galway is a city renowned for its spirit of innovation and community, and one that holds a special place in the heart of Thermo King and its North American owner Trane Technologies. But Galway is not simply a location on the map—it is the heartbeat of our manufacturing excellence and ingenuity. For almost fifty years, the Thermo King Galway site has been a cornerstone in the history of the company, producing top-tier products and setting benchmarks in quality, efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. The exceptional team here—their skill, dedication, and creativity—continually inspire, pushing our business and technology to new heights. We are immensely proud to call this remarkable community a pillar of Thermo King’s success.
These days it’s all about sustainability. At the recent Irish Road Haulage Association Conference, you addressed the delegates and spoke about “The Gigaton Challenge”. Can you outline what that is?
One of our boldest sustainability ambitions we have is the Gigaton
One
to One With Donal Cox –Vice President Commercial
Thermo King EMEA, at Trane Technologies
“Galway – 50 Years at the Heart of the Thermo King’s Business”
Challenge: that is to eliminate one gigaton of carbon emissions from our customers’ footprint by 2030. To put this in perspective, that’s equivalent to the annual emissions of Italy, France, and the UK combined. Achieving this goal requires creativity, determination, and collaboration. Through electrification and energy recovery, we are steadily making this vision a reality.
A key part of our transformational journey is partnerships. We have recently formed a strategic collaboration with Trailer Dynamics, a technology innovator of eTrailers, alongside German trailer manufacturer Krone. This alliance will drive innovations that enhance efficiency and accelerate the transition to zero-emission transportation in Europe, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The eTrailer provides supporting propulsion which allows significant diesel and CO₂ emission reduction when combined with traditional internal combustion truck, extends the driving range when combined with an electric powered tractor-unit, and has the capability to power electrified or traditional semi-trailer refrigeration units (TRUs). Thermo King will provide its industry expertise on electrification and transport refrigeration solutions. This collaboration will enable integration of technologies to revolutionise the industry, providing enhanced logistics capabilities for trade, industry, and freight forwarders, hauling fresh and frozen goods. By incorporating Trailer Dynamics’ innovative technology, Thermo King will enhance
its advanced innovation capability and product portfolio, reinforce its sustainability commitments, drive positive change within the industry, and support customer and regulatory demands.
How is the transition towards electrification coming along in the Irish marketplace?
Our Irish dealer partner, Ballinlough, the largest in the industry, providing excellent service 24/7, is with us in this move toward zero-emissions in transport.
As we look towards a sustainable future, it is crucial to accelerate the adoption of electrification in Ireland. Transport Refrigeration Units (TRUs) are fundamental in cold chain operations, ensuring the movement of perishable goods such as food and pharmaceuticals. Traditionally, TRUs have been diesel-powered, contributing significantly to CO2 emissions. For instance, TRUs for Light Duty Vehicles (LDVs) emit approximately 5 tonnes of CO2 per year, while those for Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDVs) emit around 8 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Trane Technologies has developed a portfolio of electrified TRUs for both LDVs and HDVs. These units are battery-powered and, for trailers, feature a passive recharging system that activates during braking and downhill motion, ensuring longer operations.
In Ireland, there are approximately 600 HDVs and 900 LDVs with refrigeration units registered each year. Over the past decade, this translates to around 7,200 HDVs and 9,500 LDVs on Irish roads, emitting approximately 57,000 tonnes and 47,500 tonne of CO2 per year, respectively. This CO2 could be significantly abated if TRUs transitioned from diesel-powered to battery-powered units. To accelerate this transition, we propose extending the scope of existing subsidies and incentives for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) to include TRUs and incentivising the retrofit of reefer trailers with electrified TRUs.
So Electrification and Energy Recovery go hand in hand?
Our commitment to electrification and energy recovery technologies is transforming the way we operate. Innovations pioneered here in Galway, such as the Advancer and E-Volution
Subsidised Industry led training for Transport, Logistics and Supply chains Drive sustainability, ensure compliance, and master EU fleet management!
Courses now enrolling. Visit www.ciltskillnet.ie for more information
product lines, are leading the way in sustainable transport refrigeration, reinforcing our competitive edge and our environmental stewardship.
One such innovation is Advancer AxlePower. Imagine never having to charge your electric car because it generates its own power as you drive. That’s the future we are bringing to trailer refrigeration. AxlePower harnesses energy recovery technology to drive efficiency and sustainability in transport refrigeration.
Thermo King’s also recognises the importance of education and investment in people, making a community oriented impact
Galway is home to not only world-class manufacturing but also talented minds and thriving communities. In 2021, we announced the launch of a new robotics engineering degree, which we co-designed with
Galway-Mayo Institute of technology, (now ATU), ensuring that the next generation of engineers is well-equipped to lead in our industry. We encourage young people, especially girls, to be curious about the possibilities to enter the incredible world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics). In 2022, we opened a new state-of-the-art R&D facility in Galway, fostering innovation and providing a hub for groundbreaking research and development for electrification and robotics. Through these initiatives and collaboration with local organisations, we continue to nurture growth, foster learning, and develop future leaders.
The future is bright and together with the key stakeholders, we will continue to shape the industry, achieve our sustainability goals, and create lasting value for our communities.
In conversation with Jarlath Sweeney –editor@fleet.ie
GET YOUR CAREER MOVING
T Nolan & Sons Ltd - Driven to serve Scania customers even more with new Limerick dealership
V945X99 is probably the newest eircode in the Raheen Business Park in Limerick. It’s the location of T nolan & Sons Ltd., a new Scania dealership that will serve a broader customer base across Munster alongside its established Scania sales and service facility in Castleisland, County Kerry.
and Diarmuid, with Tom taking the role of Sales Manager, while Diarmuid is Manager of Service & Parts Departments. The Finance and Accounts Department for both facilities are based in Castleisland and is managed by Mary O’Kelly along with her team.
“With our customer base increasing
T Nolan & Sons Ltd., established in 1976 in Castleisland by Tim and Mary Nolan, has almost fifty years’ experience in the commercial vehicle trade. This family run enterprise started on a small scale, serving customers from Kerry and beyond to carry out servicing and repairs to trucks and trailers. In 1978 Nolan’s was appointed as the Scania dealer for sales and service in the region. Over time the business grew gradually, and in 1987 a new workshop was built 400 metres down the road from the original garage. A few other extensions have been added to the premises over the years.
In 2014, Tim and Mary retired and handed over the responsibility of running the business to their sons, Tom
over time, we gained a lot of customers in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary,” explained Tom Nolan. “Therefore it was decided to open a state-of-theart Scania sales and service facility in Limerick to provide an efficient service to our customers. In February 2025 we welcomed our first customers through the door of our new premises in Raheen Business Park, Limerick. The development of this facility, which more than exceeds the Scania brand criteria and standards, marks the beginning of a new chapter in delivering world class support, reliability and service to our customers.”
T Nolan & Sons offer a full range of Scania Sales, Parts and Service making it
a one stop shop for all heavy commercial vehicles.
With Tom Nolan heading up the Sales Department at the Castleisland headquarters, Paul Hynan conducts the new business deals in the new Limerick dealership. Combined they have over 50 years of sales experience and knowledge of the transport business. With deep product knowledge and industry insight, they are ready to help clients find the right solution to whatever their requirements may be.
The service department undertakes service and repairs for all makes of HGVs including trailers and buses, along with many other services such as wheel alignment, re-gassing of air conditioning units, tachograph calibrations, CVRT preparation and 24-hour Scania roadside breakdown assistance. All of Nolan’s technicians are certified and trained to the latest Scania standards, to ensure as little downtime as possible for its customers. On occasion problems can be diagnosed remotely enabling the customer’s driver to stay on the road with little to no downtime.
The parts department carries a large stock of genuine Scania parts and components which ensures superior quality and durability. Trailer parts and AdBlue are also stocked. Nolan’s parts staff are expertly trained in identifying and sourcing the correct parts efficiently, backed up by a shared IT system throughout the Scania network. It also operates a Scania exchange parts programme, which has environmental benefits and is a cost effective option.
In addition a parts delivery service is in place twice a week throughout Munster.
“We also sell Scania merchandise such as clothing, and Scania accessories. Please call the office for our latest offers. Our experienced stores personnel are here to advise with your needs and can organise express delivery if required,” added Diarmuid.
‘Scania Genuine Parts manufactured to the highest standards to ensure quality, endurance and ultimate performance, which results on minimum downtime’
Back in 1986 Nolan’s was accredited to carry out testing on both heavy and light commercial vehicles (formerly known as Department of Environment (DOE)). In 2013, the Road Safety
Authority (RSA) took over the regulating of testing and changed its name to Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT). Since then Nolan’s has also been accredited with ADR testing (Transport of Hazardous Chemicals) and agricultural tractor testing. All of the CVRT testing, which includes Camper-vans, Buses, Tractors, Trailers and Ambulances is carried out
at the Castleisland facility.
Nolan’s are also accredited by the NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland) to carry out Tachograph Calibrations, Speed limiter Calibrations & Weight Plating at both its Limerick and Kerry Workshops and with Type Approvals in Kerry.
A new service alongside its existing wide selection of products and services is driver training which is customised to road transport operators’ business requirements. “Trained drivers increase fuel efficiency and reduce the risk of road accidents. With new technology in modern trucks, it’s of benefit to the company and the individual driver to know how to use each feature, to make driving less tedious, improve overall health and monitor truck performance on the road,” emphasised Diarmuid.
With Nolan’s company motto being ‘Driven to serve you’ its aims and objectives are to give the customer the best possible service, with as little downtime as possible. It takes pride in being a family run business and of knowing the importance of tailoring service to each individual requirements. And with the big investment in developing the new facilities in Limerick, T Nolan & Sons is in it for the long haul, together with its loyal customer base.
S PECIAL DELIVERy OF TWO
S CA n IA 770 S F IRE E DITIO n
Pictured on the front cover is one of two Scania 770 SS Fire Edition tractor-units delivered to Nolan’s recently. As there are only 50 of these prestigious limited edition trucks made by Scania, it’s a rare sight to see two of the same in the one delivery.
Mayo Renault dealer JJ Burke Car Sales has sold ten new Renault Master E-Tech electric vans to DPD West (Galway/ Mayo)—a landmark investment that moves the depot’s core collection and delivery fleet to zero-emission vehicles.
The handover took place at JJ Burke Renault, Ballinrobe, where Barry Molloy, Commercial & Fleet Specialist, and Directors Karen and Joseph Burke welcomed Mattie Heneghan, Owner of DPD Galway, along with Assistant Depot Manager Jamie Joyce, Fleet Manager Damien O’Toole, Brian
Mallon (Ballinrobe), and Depot Manager Patrick Rochford.
“This is a proud day for JJ Burke and a big moment for sustainable transport in the West,” said Joseph Burke, Director, JJ Burke Car Sales. “We’re delighted to support DPD West with a robust, fully-electric solution that cuts emissions while meeting the realities of daily routes across Galway and Mayo.”
“Fleet customers need electric vans that are dependable, easy to charge, and cost-effective to run,” added Barry Molloy, Commercial & Fleet Specialist at JJ Burke.
New MAN Trucks at work sold by Dennehy Commercials (Limerick)
MAN TGS
New MAN TGX 26.520 6x2 tractor-unit supplied to O’Dwyer Transport & Warehousing (Littleton), County Tipperary.
DPD West goes electric with 10 new Electric Renault Master vans from JJ Burke Car Sales
“The Renault Master E-Tech delivers all of that—along with the payload, space and telematics businesses depend on. We’re excited to see these vans working hard on the roads straight away.”
Mattie Heneghan, Owner of DPD Galway, welcomed the partnership: “Going fully electric is a major step forward for our depot and our customers. JJ Burke have been fantastic partners from specifying the vans to arranging driver handovers and aftersales support.”
New MAN TGL 8.190 sold to Young Nurseries Ltd., from Kilfinane, County Limerick
At DAF TRP Drumkeen, County Donegal, Deerpark Haulage (Newtowncunningham), representatives drove away these two new DAF XF 480
6x2 tractor-units. At the key handover were Joe Dolan and Kevin Dolan, sons of the Managing Directors Joe and Priscilla Dolan.
New
35.440 tipper purchased by McGinty O’Shea, (Building & Civil Engineering Contractors) Cork, fitted with Thompson Loadmaster body. Michael Regan, Plant Manager was there to collect.
Scania sales scores by McElvaney Motors (Monaghan & Dublin)
Hall Milk Collections (Monaghan): New
Mohan & Browne Haulage (Monaghan): A new Scania 660 S V8 6x2 Tractor Unit marks the company’s 20 years in business
Clady Aggregates/McCabe Earthworks (Monaghan): Two unique new Scania XT 460P Supers, complete with Bennett Body and Palfinger Crane
K. McMahon Haulage (Monaghan): New Scania 660 S V8 6x2 twin-wheel tag.
Annalitten Foods (Castleblaney): New Scania 420G 6x2 complete with Lifford Coachworks Body.
Altrad Generation (Dublin): 4 new Scania XT P320 6x2*4 rigids, with flatbed bodies and HIAB cranes supplied by NML Solutions
DPD (Dublin): Two new Scania 500 S 6x2 tractor-units.
Transport (Dublin): New Scania 660 S V8 to celebrate 30 years in business
James Quinn European (Dundalk): New Scania 660 S V8 6x2.
Scania R590 6x2.
Willsborough
Standout new Volvo Truck Sales at McCarthy Commercials
Keohane readymix ltd - Rossmore, County Cork - New Volvo FH13 500 10x4 complete with a Liebherr Mixer & Conveyor System from Value Tech Ltd.
Dermot Creedon Plant Hire - Aherla, County Cork - New Volvo FH13 500 10x4 complete with a Gleeson Tipper Body.
J&K ormonde Haulage ltd - Enniscorthy, County WexfordNew Volvo FH16 700 6x2 Aero Globetrotter XL Tractor Unit
Cooney Furlong grain Company - Enniscorthy, County Wexford - New Volvo FH13 540 6x2 Globetrotter Aero Tractor Unit.
mcSweeney bro’s - Ballynacarriga, County Cork - New Volvo FH13 540 6x2 Globetrotter Tractor Unit.
5 New Volvo FH13 500 6x2 Globetrotter Tractor Units for Prl group. A long-standing business partner & one of Ireland’s leading logistics providers.
It is that time of year again when lower light conditions make working around vehicles even higher risk. Serious injuries or fatalities occur in workplaces because people are struck by vehicles such as cars, vans, trucks or buses, or mobile work equipment such as industrial trucks (e.g., forklifts or telehandlers). The most effective way to reduce the risk of a person being hit by moving vehicles is to have a system of work which effectively keeps pedestrians and vehicles apart. However if circumstances exist where people must work in areas with moving vehicles, or have to work close to moving vehicles, the risk may be further reduced by using high visibility clothing to signal their presence. The Health and Safety Authority has a guidance document on the topic of using high visibility clothing for workers who regularly work with and around moving vehicles. This document provides “best practice” information for persons whose responsibility it is to manage these risks and will help in increasing the standard of use of high visibility personal protective equipment (PPE) in such circumstances.
High-visibility clothing for use around moving vehicles
The document points out that high visibility clothing is a vital and necessary requirement in any workplace where a considerable proportion of the work occurs near, in, on and around moving vehicles. The main purpose of high visibility clothing is to make the wearer stand out from the background so they can be seen more easily, particularly by drivers of vehicles and mobile work equipment, in any light or weather conditions. This reduces the risk of incidents occurring in potentially dangerous situations. As high visibility clothing is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE), it should be selected based on a risk assessment of the hazards in the workplace to identify the correct type to be provided and to make sure that it is appropriate to the risk. The level of risk must be assessed so that the performance required of the high visibility clothing can be determined. It should be made to a recognised standard, which in this case is IS EN ISO 20471:2013 & A1:2016, and it should be suitable for both the wearer and the circumstances in which it is to be worn.
One example of a high-risk situation affecting the driver themselves is when they get out of their vehicles. This regularly occurs in situations where there are other moving vehicles, for example in a transport yard or loading area. It is just as important that these drivers are seen by the drivers of the other moving vehicles, and one way to reduce the risk is by them wearing high visibility clothing in these situations. A simple way of achieving enhanced visibility for drivers who get out of their cab into a high-risk environment on a more frequent basis might be to incorporate high visibility clothing into their regular wear rather than requiring the driver to do it as an “add-on” measure. Think of how often you have seen situations where a high visibility garment has been provided but it is left hanging over the back of the seat in the cab. Another category of user that is often forgotten is people who drive on business, whether or not they are in a company vehicle. Many firms now provide a high visibility
vest which can be kept in a handy location in a car to be used in situations such as a breakdown.
Sometimes, even when high-visibility garments are put on, they are not worn correctly. For example, a vest or jacket that is not closed across the front of the torso does not afford any additional visibility when viewed from the front, such as when a pedestrian worker is facing a moving vehicle. A vest or jacket must be worn closed so that it achieves 360o coverage to enhance the visibility of the wearer from all angles.
The guidance is of use to those who are responsible for the safety management of any environment where moving vehicles and work equipment pose a risk, as well by workers who work in such environments. The risk presented by moving vehicles exists across the whole gamut of industry sectors (e.g., manufacturing, construction, logistics, waste management, etc.), so it has a broad application in any circumstances where workers are in a space where there are moving vehicles. The document covers specific sub-topics such as:
n PPE legislative requirements, CE marking and Standards, n the concept of conspicuity, n pointers for those carrying out a risk assessment,
n incorporating high visibility clothing into the regular wear of workers and layering garments to improve usage, n optimising biomotion cues to attract visual attention, and
n the importance of vehicle blind spot awareness training.
There are a lot of considerations when it comes to the provision of high visibility clothing as a measure to help reduce workplace risks, and this guidance will help with those considerations. The document is available to download from the Health and Safety Authority’s website at: https://www. hsa.ie/eng/publications_and_forms/ publications/work_related_vehicles/ high_visibility_clothing_for_use_around_ moving_vehicles.pdf
Turkish commercial vehicle manufacturer Ford Trucks has unveiled the latest version of its F-MAX, its flagship model in the heavy duty sector. This next generation F-MAX model line features upgrades and innovations within its interior and exterior design, as well as offering the most efficient, comfortable, and technologically advanced version with its newly developed Ecotorq GEN2 engine. Up to 11.3% fuel savings are promised, along with better performance, durability, and efficiency.
The F-MAX’s revamped front grill blends seamlessly with the body, giving the truck a more modern and sleek appearance. The Digital Mirror System further improves aerodynamic efficiency and maximises driver safety with its Sentinel Model, while the front headlamps get the black bezel treatment as standard to enhance both style and functionality.
New F-MAX from Ford Trucks
The 12“ Digital Cluster and 12.4“ Multimedia Display allow drivers to personalise themes and information flow. New features have been added such as a wireless charging compartment, electronic park brake, and keyless start, increasing the comfort of daily operation for drivers. Also new is a Max Security Lock which provides extra security for the driver and the vehicle while parking.
In keeping with a Ford Trucks marketing theme - ‘Go Further’, among the elements that further enhance the superior driving pleasure and safety offered by the new F-MAX is advanced Voice Assistant technology that accepts commands in 13 languages. Thanks to the Voice Assistant, which can be activated through four different commands, many functions, such as the air conditioner, music, radio, and phone, can be operated by voice commands of the driver. Drivers can also easily access these functions while resting, using a 7-inch touchscreen
control unit located next to the bed. Highlighting the new features of the F-MAX, Emrah Duman, Ford Trucks Vice President, stated at the launch: “Our goal is to offer drivers a seamless journey on long routes, superior comfort, and efficiency with the new F-MAX. The fuel savings of up to 11.3% we provide thanks to the Ecotorq GEN2 engine and our new cabin features elevate the new F-MAX comfort to driver-focused excellence. With the new F-MAX, we are strengthening our goals in all the markets we operate.”
*F-MAX is currently not on sale in right hand drive form.
Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
DDAW Driver Safety Camera
Brigade’s Driver-safety cameras and IP driver distraction cameras are designed to mitigate driver fatigue. Using AI technology, the cameras provide driver warnings against potential issues caused by inattention, distraction and tiredness.
Forward-facing camera:
• Lane departure warning (LDW)
• Headway monitoring warning (HMW)
• Forward collision warning (FCW)
Driver-facing camera:
• Drowsiness
• Distraction
• Yawning
• Mobile phone use
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Smoking
Having established itself in England with great success in the past few years, the Road Transport Expo (RTX) heads north of the border for the first time…and it’s happening this month!
In case you haven’t yet heard, RTX Scotland is a brand-new business trade show set to make waves in the road transport sector later this year. The two day exhibition will take place from 19-20 November at Glasgow’s SEC, and in keeping with hit RTX theme, promises to be a landmark event for HGV operators, fleet managers and road transport industry professionals across Scotland and beyond.
Organised and presented by the same experienced team behind the highly successful Road Transport Expo at the National Agricultural Exhibition Centre at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire, RTX Scotland will deliver the same ‘All about the truck’ ethos, but with a distinct Scottish flavour tailored to the needs and interests of local operators.
Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit
RTX Scotland is almost sold-out, with little exhibition space available as many well-known brands have already confirmed to take part.
Visitors can expect to see a wide range of products and services on display from trucks, trailers and bodybuilders to safety systems, electric charging solutions, training providers, and ancillary services.
A wide range of leading vehicle manufacturers will be represented at the show, including DAF, Isuzu Truck UK, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Renault Trucks, Terberg DTS and Volvo Trucks, all showcasing their latest models and innovations.
With more than 60 top manufacturers and suppliers already signed up to exhibit, attendees will have access to everything they need to keep their fleets running efficiently and compliantly.
Heading for the Hebrides! RTX Expo hits the high road to Scotland
RTX Scotland - Glasgow SEC19-20 November 2025
rTX SCoTlanD: THe DeTaIlS
n When: 19-20 November 2025
n Where: SEC, Glasgow – easily accessible by public transport and car
n Cost: Free for all visitors
n Registration: roadtransportexpo.co.uk/Scotland
n Sales, exhibition and sponsorship enquiries: emma.tyrer@roadtransport.com
n Show content enquiries (Knowledge Zone): hayley.tayler@roadtransport.co.uk
To see the full list of exhibitors attending and to plan your visit, please log on to: roadtransportexpo.co.uk/scotland.
Commenting on the expansion of the RTX theme, (which also come to Ireland next year), Vic Bunby, RTX Show Director, said: “Whether you’re running a single truck or managing a national fleet, RTX Scotland will offer inspiration, innovation and connections that can drive your business forward. Don’t miss the chance to be part of Scotland’s brand-new road transport event at the SEC this November.
Just like its sister event in England, RTX Scotland will provide a relaxed and friendly environment where visitors can combine essential business meetings with fantastic stand hospitality and the chance to connect with fellow industry professionals.
From cutting-edge vehicle technology and compliance solutions to insightful conference sessions and networking with industry leaders, the show is designed with HGV fleet operators and decision-makers in mind.”
Come, See & DISCover!
It’s free to attend – Book your ticket today!
RTX Scotland is completely free for visitors to attend.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your fleet, keep abreast of the latest trends and technologies or simply connect with others in the industry, this event is not to be missed.
Visit roadtransportexpo.co.uk/scotland to find out more and book your free ticket today.
KNOWLEDGE ZONE: LEARN, SHARE & ENGAGE
One of the highlights of RTX Scotland will be the Knowledge Zone stage, where industry experts and Scottish fleet operators will tackle the most pressing issues facing the sector today. Topics will include fleet decarbonisation, compliance, road safety, and more.
The sessions are designed to be interactive, with visitors encouraged to join the conversation using Slido on their mobile phones to ask questions live during the talks.
The ever popular HGV 1 Radio will be broadcasting its Transport News Hour live from the show floor on the first day, providing attendees with a chance to see behind the scenes of industry’s popular radio programme.
Hayley Tayler, RTX Head of Comtent, stated: “We’ve been speaking with industry to understand what visitors like to see in the RTX Scotland conference programme. Their input is invaluable as we shaped the content to reflect the challenges and opportunities facing operators today. If you have a wish-list of topics or inspirational speakers you’d love to hear from, please do get in touch – my contact details are hayley.tayler@ roadtransport.co.uk
Keep Your Fleet Moving This Winter: Why the Right Coolants Matter
For fleet operators, hauliers, dealerships, and service centres across Ireland, winter brings extra pressure. Engines face harsher starts, longer idling, and fluctuating temperatures. While tyres, batteries, and fuel often take centre stage in winter checks, one system can quietly decide whether a truck finishes its route or stops at the roadside—the cooling system.
When coolant is overlooked, the costs mount quickly. Corrosion, scale build-up, overheating, or frozen systems shorten engine life and can take vehicles off the road without warning. For operators working to tight schedules, even a single breakdown can mean missed deliveries and contracts, unhappy customers, and costly recovery charges.
This is why many fleets are moving from standard, short-life coolants to advanced, long-life coolants. These not only protect engines in cold weather; they also extend drain intervals, reducing downtime and maintenance spend across the fleet.
of standards including AFNOR NF R15-601, AS 2108, ASTM D3306, ASTM D4985, BS 6580 (2010), CUNA NC 956-16, NATO S 759, SAE J 1034, and UNE 26361–88.
W Hy Flee TS an D Serv IC e Cen T re S aC ro SS Irelan D C H oo S e CoolTem P range?
n reduced breakdowns – Long-life protection against corrosion, scale, and freezing keeps engines running in peak condition.
n lower costs – Extended drain intervals reduce workshop time, unplanned stoppages, and maintenance spend.
n Customer confidence – Workshops and dealerships can stock a trusted product range that cuts the risk of coolant-related failures.
CoolTemp range is far more than “ordinary coolant/antifreeze”— it is a key contributor to engine life, performance, and reliability.
Reviewing your coolant choice this winter could be one of the most cost-effective decisions for your fleet.
PraCTIC al TIPS To S ele CT TH e mo ST a PP ro P r I aT e
Coolan T F or your F lee T
n Check the manufacturer’s manual – Always match the coolant to OEM guidance to protect warranties.
n avoid “one-size-fits-all” products – Cheaper universal blends often lack the protection required for specialised engines.
n use colour only as a guide – Always confirm the exact coolant specification before topping up or replacing.
n Consult a trusted supplier – A specialist & trusted supplier, like Finol Oils, will ensure your coolant matches both operational needs and OEM requirements.
T H e CoolT em P range F rom F I nol oI l S
Designed for Irish roads, weather, and duty cycles, Finol Oils’ Cooltemp range includes:
n Cooltemp ultra oaT red – Very long-life coolant based on monoethylene glycol with organic acid inhibitor technology (OAT). Free from nitrites, amines, phosphates, borates, and silicates. Suitable for on-highway, agricultural, and off-highway construction equipment. Recommended where the following standards are required: AFNOR NF R 15-601, ASTM D3306, ASTM D4985, BS 6580 (2010), SAE J 1034, JIS K2234 and NATO S-759.
n Cooltemp ultra Si-oaT – Very long-life coolant that combines organic acids with silicate technology to provide rapid protection for aluminium components. Well suited to many European-built trucks such as MAN, Scania, Mercedes-Benz, and Iveco, as well as agricultural and off-highway equipment. It is recommended where standards such as: AFNOR NF R 15-601, ASTM D3306, ASTM D4985, BS 6580 (2010), CUNA NC 956-16 and SAE J 1034 are required. Also, suitable for light commercial vehicles from Volkswagen and MAN.
n Cooltemp ultra vrCS-2 – A new-generation MEG-based OAT coolant developed primarily for Volvo Euro 6 engines (VCS-2) and Renault MHDV series (RTCS-2). It offers strong stability, long drain intervals, and full backwards compatibility with older Volvo and Renault engines. Compliant with a wide range
W Hy F I nol oI l S?
With Cooltemp range from Finol Oils, fleets can depend on long-lasting protection, improved efficiency, and a reduced risk of unexpected breakdowns.
Since 1977, Finol has been supplying high-quality lubricants, coolants, and greases to Irish hauliers, fleet operators, and workshops. As the authorised distributor for TotalEnergies, Elf, Petro-Canada, Actioil, and BlueCat, Finol carries a wide range of high-quality coolants, lubricants and grease suitable for all leading makes and models across Ireland.
With a fleet of seven delivery vehicles equipped with pump-off systems, Finol provides fast & reliable nationwide delivery-bulk or packaged. Customers also benefit from free technical support and access to the online lubricant advisor tool at www.whichoil.ie.
With Finol oils, you can too find the right coolant(s) for your fleet or workshop this winter. Call +353 (0)1 223 8842, email fleet@finol.ie or visit www.finol.ie.
Coolants & Antifreeze
WINTER-READY COOLANTS FOR MAXIMUM FLEET PROTECTION
Prepare your Fleet for the toughest winter conditions with our advanced coolant technology. Our CoolTemp Ultra OAT Red, CoolTemp Ultra Si-OAT, and CoolTemp Ultra VRCS-2 coolants and antifreeze are engineered to deliver superior frost protection, extended service life, and exceptional heat transfer performance.
Colour coded for ease of selection | With latest additive packs
Available for all leading makes and models in 20L, 200L and Bulk.
IMhX 2025, the UK & Ireland’s premier logistics and supply chain exhibition, concluded on a high, marking another milestone in the industry’s evolution. held from 9-11 September at the nEC Birmingham, the event brought together leading innovators, industry professionals, and global brands to showcase cutting-edge technologies and solutions shaping the future of logistics and materials handling.
The exhibition featured an impressive array of exhibitors who unveiled ground-breaking advancements in warehouse automation, forklift technology, and parcel handling solutions. Attendees were treated to live demonstrations of lithium-powered forklifts, integrated automation systems, and sustainable innovations that promise to redefine operational efficiency across the sector.
IMHX 2025 was not only a showcase of technological innovation but also a hub for thought leadership and collaboration. The event’s Conference Programme featured a strong line-up of industry experts who delivered insightful sessions on key topics such as sustainability, digital transformation, and the future of supply chain resilience.
A standout feature of IMHX 2025 was the new Future Zone, a dedicated space designed to engage attendees with hands-on experiences and live demonstrations. Visitors had the opportunity to test cutting-edge equipment and technologies in real-world scenarios, participate in interactive workshops focused on operational efficiency and sustainability, and explore virtual reality simulations showcasing the future of warehouse design and logistics planning. Meanwhile, the IMHXperience Zone highlighted next-generation sustainable logistics solutions, including autonomous vehicles, robotics, and AI-driven technologies. This dedicated area sparked conversations about how businesses can adapt to and leverage these advancements to drive efficiency and sustainability.
IMHX 2025 - The Epicentre of Logistics & Supply Chain –closes on a High!
IMHX 2025 also celebrated notable achievements within the industry through the prestigious Archies Awards, which recognised outstanding contributions to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence in logistics and supply chain management. Winners of the Archies were honoured during a special ceremony, highlighting their commitment to driving the industry forward. The awards served as a testament to the creativity and dedication of organisations and individuals shaping the future of logistics.
Reflecting on the success of IMHX 2025, Chris Morley, Group Event Director of IMHX, expressed his gratitude to all attendees, exhibitors, and partners:
“IMHX 2025 has been an incredible celebration of innovation, collaboration, and progress in the logistics and supply chain industry. I want to personally thank everyone who joined us - whether as an exhibitor, sponsor, speaker, or visitor - for making this event such a success. Your enthusiasm and engagement have been truly inspiring. As we look ahead to IMHX 2027, I encourage everyone to continue driving innovation and thinking about how we can collectively shape the future of our industry. We can’t wait to welcome you back in two years’ time!”
IMHX 2025 reaffirmed its position as a cornerstone event for the logistics and supply chain community, setting the stage for continued innovation and growth. The next cycle of IMHX is already scheduled for 14-16 September 2027, promising even greater advancements and opportunities for the industry.
a bou T I m HX
The International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX) is the UK’s largest and longest-running event for the intralogistics, warehousing, and supply chain management industries. Co-owned by Informa Markets and the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), IMHX connects suppliers of materials handling, storage, and logistics equipment with logistics and supply chain professionals responsible for the safe and efficient operation of supply chains across manufacturing, retail, and distribution.
W I n a g ol D en Comb I l IFT! First unveiled at IMHX and recently showcased at the Fleet Transport Awards event, Combilift’s milestone 100,000th forklift continues its European tour, raising awareness for a worthy cause, UNICEF, as it heads to some of the biggest industry events across the continent.
Monaghan manufacturer Combilift is offering the chance to win the one-ofa-kind Golden Combi-CBE multidirectional forklift through a very special competition. The exclusive Golden Forklift, valued at over €60,000, isn’t just a celebration of innovation — it’s about making a difference. All proceeds will go directly to UNICEF’s Children’s Emergency Fund, helping deliver life-saving aid such as clean water, medicine, therapeutic food and emergency education to children impacted by conflict and natural disasters. With people’s support, Combilift aims to raise over €100,000 for UNICEF.
b r I gg S goe S Co2 F ree Intelligent Energy at the Briggs Equipment stand demonstrated its newly developed Drop-In Hydrogen Fuel Cell Battery Replacement solution. This innovative product is just a glimpse of its commitment to providing sustainable solutions that empower customers to reduce emissions and achieve their ESG goals with confidence.
having the opportunity to experience the
CroW n laun CH e S WJ 50 Crown showcased its integrated materials handling solutions with visitors
new WJ 50 Series compact pallet trucks firsthand, along with a diverse product lineup that includes forklifts, warehouse design, V-Force Energy Solutions, and fleet management technologies.
r evolu TI onary m o FF e TT TaXI SyST em
Moffett Automation presented its flagship innovation, the Moffett Taxi System, an advanced intralogistics solution designed to revolutionise pallet movement within warehouses. With unmatched flexibility, scalability, and precision, the system allows pallets to be transported to any location within the racking structure, maximising storage efficiency and minimising reliance on manual handling.
ToyoTa m aT er I al Han D l I ng D el I ver S
The Japanese corporation offers a full range of innovative material handling solutions, from a simple hand pallet truck to a fully automated warehouse and everything in between, coupled with world leading expertise helping to maximise efficiency and minimise waste in business. Its world-class innovations are designed to enhance safety, boost productivity, and reduce operating costs.
K na PP P rem I ere S a ero b oT
KNAPP promoted its portfolio of award-winning technologies for handling totes, cartons, pallets, flat packs and hanging garments. Among the exhibits included KNAPP’s brand-new storage technology, AeroBot. Launched at
LogiMAT earlier this year, where it won the coveted Best Product award, AeroBot features intelligent storage bots that move in three dimensions: lengthwise and crosswise on the floor and vertically by climbing the racks.
Ho PP e CK e - In D u ST r I al baTT er I e S an D energy STorage S olu TI on S e XP er TS
German company Hoppecke has been delivering batteries and power management solutions to customers around the world for nearly a century. Hoppecke Industrial Batteries offer energy storage solutions in the four main application areas of emission-free drives (track), secured power supply (grid), storage of regenerative energies (sun) and railway/metro-systems (rail).
ToyoTa u K I n T ro D u C e S l an D Cru IS er Commer CI al
The UK factory van conversion of the Land Cruiser five-door long wheelbase passenger car was on show. The load space is practical and hard-wearing with an edge-to-edge floor tray. It measures 1,090mm high, 1,685mm long and a maximum 1,286mm wide, giving a cargo capacity (VDA measurement) of up to 2,000 litres. The Land Cruiser Commercial powered by a 2.8-litre engine with eight-speed automatic transmission, can also tow loads up to 3.5 tonnes.
em S
Using a comprehensive range of products manufactured by BITO in
Germany, spanning pallet racking, carton and pallet live systems, shelving, bins and containers and the recently enhanced LEO driverless transport system, BITO provides supporting products such as mezzanines, warehouse trucks, signage and rack protection as part of a complete system. In addition, it addresses the increasingly important task of helping companies to demonstrate their sustainability credentials through their choice of materials handling equipment.
B&B Attachments highlighted its latest in forklift attachment innovation. A standout product was the Open Centre LayerMaster, specifically engineered for the produce, retail and distribution sectors. This versatile attachment not only maintains the exceptional layer picking and de-palletising performance of the original LayerMaster, but also supports full pallet swaps, pallet rebuilding, and mixed-load construction, providing unmatched flexibility for dynamic warehouse operations.
XI b I l IT y on o FF er WITH C H arlaTT e
Charlatte Manutention was created in 1982 and is now the leading manufacturer of battery powered electric equipment for industry and the airport ramps. The French company joined an amount of fully autonomous material handling solutions present at the show, and exhibited its 20 tonne fully autonomous cargo towing tractor. It produces around 3,000 units per year in France and USA from its portfolio.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
Su PP or T F rom b ITo S Torage SyST
Ta I lore D Han D l I ng Solu TI on S F rom b&b aTTaCH men TS
Fle
Cold Chain Hub by TCS&D – NEC, Birmingham – 9/10 September
Promoting Sustainable Solutions for the Cold Chain sectors
As the UK’s only dedicated exhibition for temperature-controlled logistics, Cold Chain hub brings together professionals involved in the transportation, storage and distribution of perishable goods. Organised by the team behind TCS&D and Frozen & Chilled Foods magazines, the event encompasses not only the exhibition but a free-to-attend conference and the TCS&D Awards. “Cold Chain hub provides a unique opportunity for professionals to gain insights and make connections in this fast-evolving sector,” says Martyn Cogan, Event Director.
Supported by the Road Haulage Association, Cold Chain Hub showcased products and services from right across the cold supply chain, with a strong focus on sustainability.
Visitors to Hall 3A at Birmingham’s NEC discovered innovation across two key areas of the exhibition – the Truck Zone and the Food Logistics Zone. Exhibitors promoted solutions designed to increase efficiency and reduce costs in the movement and storage of frozen and chilled foods and pharmaceuticals. These included temperature-controlled vehicles, including electric ranges, vehicle conversions and rental/contract hire options; transport refrigeration systems; renewable energy solutions; cold stores, including portable solutions; materials handling equipment; protective clothing; and temperature-monitoring technology.
This year’s Cold Chain Hub was – for the first time –co-located with IMHX, the UK’s largest logistics event, giving visitors even more reason to attend.
Fleet Transport paid a visit to capture some pictures from the event
ePower – The new electric power axle was demonstrated alongside new disc brakes and air suspension systems.
CarrIer TranSIColD
Trailer cooling redefined with the new Vector HE 19 Optimised, with up to 19% fuel savings.
eleCTra
Battery powered versions of the Iveco Eurocargo and MercedesBenz Econic were exhibited.
FleXIS
The new 100% electric, connected, safe range of light commercials set for urban delivery efficiencies.
gray & aDamS/THermo KIng
The Ulster and England bodybuilder had semi-trailers on show, this one was emission-free developed with
This newcomer to the LCV scene made its debut with the PV5 fitted with refrigeration by
The Dutch company produces several parts and components for the refrigerated transport sector.
Under its UK subsidiary, VFS, the Italian bodybuilder Scattolini markets refrigerated body builds branded ScattoCold.
A number of these semi-trailers were manufactured for Irish owned multinational food producer Greencore.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
Thermo King.
KIa
CoolKit.
Glass fibre Reinforced plastics (GRP) play a major role in a wide range of industrial applications.
The Northern Irish company recently taken over by the Martin Group looks to expand in the reefer sector.
renaulT TruCKS reD eDITIon
New award winning version of the Renault Master E-Tech on sale by Renault Trucks under the Red Edition banner.
SaF HollanD
TIger TraIlerS
Wrightbus, the Ballymena, County Antrim vehicle manufacturer which is renowned the world over for its electric, hydrogen and diesel powered buses and coaches, also has a thriving repowering division, newPower, where it gives older buses a new lease of life by replacing diesel engines with an electric powertrain.
Now the UK’s best selling bus brand (with over 40% of the new bus market) is set to do the same for trucks. unveiling its first truck conversion, a 19-tonne twin-axle DAF LF which has been refitted with an all-electric powertrain.
With the cost of the conversion coming in at less than half the price of a new electric truck, and comparable to that of a new diesel truck but with a 10% better TCO, Wrightbus believes it is a proposition that will appeal to many owners and operators of trucks between 5 and 9 years old looking to extend the working lives of their vehicles while also reducing the carbon footprint of their fleets. The solution realises a 76% wheel to wheel reduction in CO2 emissions and, says Wrightbus, can achieve payback in just three years.
Wrightbus is now repowering trucks from diesel to electric
* Renowned Northern Ireland bus manufacturer adds 19t trucks to its NewPower electric conversion business
framework agreement with a Chinese manufacturer.
The first example of a repowered truck comes after 11 months of research and development by the company. The DAF LF was chosen for its popularity with operators in the UK and Ireland, while the decision to focus on the 19-tonne division was because of its remarkably similar duty cycle DNA to a bus, with trucks in this class typically undertaking urban deliveries with fixed routes and returning to base at night. In fact, even allowing for adaptations to suit the truck chassis, there’s more than 90% commonality of parts with the proven Wrightbus BEV powertrain. While Wrightbus intends to focus on DAF models initially, it is open to converting suitable models from other brands down the line.
battery. Extended warranty packages are available.
Conversions will be undertaken at NewPower’s facility in Bicester in Oxfordshire where it already carries out bus conversions. Wrightbus hopes it will lead to the creation of 160 new jobs within the next two years. Service and maintenance of NewPower trucks will be provided by a fleet of mobile service engineers and a strategic partnership
with SVS, which already looks after Wrightbus’s brand of zero-emission trucks under its Rightech banner.
It’s not Wrightbus’s first foray into electric truck products. Since the start of 2025 it has been offering an electric truck in the 7.5t weight division via its Rightech brand through a strategic
Replacing the 6.7 litre Paccar PX-7 diesel engine is an electric motor matched to five battery units, two located under the cab and three under the middle of the chassis, giving a total capacity of 282kWh. That’s enough, says Wrightbus, to allow for a range of up to 290km on a single charge, more than enough to cover a full day’s operations for most users. Batteries are sourced from Chinese manufacturer CATL with the electric motor and inverter from Voith. It offers a chassis payload of 11,250kg, only a few hundred kilogrammes under what a twin-axle equivalent diesel model can carry.
The converted NewPower trucks will come with a three year / 100,000km vehicle and e-Drive warranty, plus eight years / 400,00km coverage on the
When fully operational it expects conversions of stripping out the diesel engine and gearbox and replacing them with an electric powertrain to take as little as four weeks.
CEO Jean-Marc Gales said the repowering project was a key cornerstone in the fight to decarbonise the truck sector. “Buses have led the way in decarbonisation for the last two or three years: year-to-date sales of new buses in the UK are 75% zero-emission, but trucks are lagging way behind, with less than 1 per cent of the sector switching to EV,” he explained.
“We believe that repowering is the simplest and most cost-effective way to ignite the market and our incredible Wrightbus engineers have more experience than anyone else in replacing internal combustion engines with electric powertrains.”
Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie
TRAILERS & RIGID BODYWORK
DAF Trucks BEV Event Eindhoven (NL)
“Battery Electric Vehicles - In reality a huge step for customers.”
As a key criterium when developing its multi award winning product range under the new Generation family of models, DAF Trucks specified designs that would accommodate the battery packs that would be necessary to electrify the range when the moment came to do so, That point in time has now come.
By taking the current truck models and applying battery power DAF’s electric range comes with all the updates in terms of safety and driver comfort that have been presented recently on XB, XD, XF, and XG. These include class leading forward vision and the DAF’s Digital Vision System with the all-important Corner View Camera.
With DAF now beginning series production, it joins the other major OEMs in offering a range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to their customers. That it would do so was only a matter of time as Senior Project Manager Testing at DAF
Raoul Wijnands stated: “BEV will come, and it will be a part of EU transport in the future. We have HVO and Hybrid, which are a nice stepping stone to BEV, and on to Hydrogen.”
He continued: “We had the LF Hybrid back in 2010, and while we didn’t sell a lot, we did learn a great deal. In 2018 we introduced some electric and in 2021 we revealed the internal combustion Hydrogen engine. Now in 2025 we are introducing the new generation electric range.”
DAF is fully committed to making BEVs work and has completed construction of a new EV assembly facility at the Eindhoven headquarters. However, naivety is not a characteristic that the Dutch are known for and speaking pragmatically. As Raoul noted: “We, like our customers, are a business, and we need to make money.”
primarily for the XD whereas the EX-D2 unit can be used for XD or XF. The trucks are powered by liquid cooled Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LFP) battery packs. Each pack comes with an eight-year warranty and depending on the
Commenting on the issue of charging, infrastructure and meeting the targets set by the EU Commission Raoul estimated that the industry will need about 400,000 BEV trucks. That is one issue, another is the need to charge these 400,000 vehicles. This DAF estimation will require 42 terawatt hours per year, or enough energy to power 17 million homes, or 9 wind farms with 170 large turbines each, or 11 new nuclear power plants. All of which is quite sobering and reveals how far we are away from making the transition to electric a reality.
The XD and XF electric models use two drive units, namely the PACCAR EX-D1 for up to 29 tonnes and the PACCAR EX-D2 for up to 50 tonnes, offering outputs from 170 kW (230hp) to 350 kW (480hp) driving through a three-speed transmission. EX-D1 is used
application up to five battery packs can be fitted like a Lego system. Dependent on the number of packs fitted driving ranges from 200 kms to over 500 kms can be achieved. One important advantage of LFP batteries is that the packs can be charged to 100% per day and are suitable for AC charging or DC fast charging. With three battery packs installed a vehicle can be charged from 0 to 80% in just over three quarters of an hour, and the five-pack option can be charged within two hours. Although each pack weighs 850 kg, the EU Directive 96/53 EC and the subsequent amendments can allow for an increase in the permissible gross weight by 2,000 kgs. However, while it allows an increase in the overall gross combination weight, the individual axle weights must remain country specific. Nevertheless, DAF believes it is possible to gain a weight advantage if we subtract the weight of the ICE engine at approximately 1,350 kgs and an allowance for 700 litres of diesel, and if the appropriate
number of batteries can be applied then it is possible to achieve a payload gain of 535 kgs. DAF has invested a great deal of thought in the chassis development and intelligent battery placement to accommodate all manner of ancillary equipment and PTOs.
EV trucks are interesting and appealing to drive and certainly have their place. However, while the DAF offering is similar in the sense of being electric it comes with one fundamental difference - it rolls. This was well explained at the technical presentation, although it is only when you get to drive the truck that you fully appreciate the difference it can make to the drive.
To get the best from the system requires some driver training and it will certainly enhance the vehicle’s performance. In simple terms and unlike some other BEV vehicles once a driver releases the accelerator pedal the DAF will roll, it will not automatically go into recharge mode. If the ‘engine brake’ is engaged in any of the three stages (33%, 66%, or 100% braking power), it will then slow the vehicle and enter recharge mode, though the choice of what mode is selected remains with the driver. All necessary operating modes and charging information is clearly displayed on the electric blue trimmed screen in the binnacle.
Our first drive was in the DAF XF 350 in a 6x2 drawbar combination loaded out to 40 tonnes. Once leaving the parking area and heading to the motorway it instantly became clear that there was something different about this truck. On the motorway with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) engaged, if the truck in front began to slow, thereby activating the ACC, this XF would engage what would best be described as ‘EcoRoll’ as would be the case with a diesel ICE truck, rather than going into recharge mode. For example, when taking a slip road to exit the motorway it’s best to allow the truck to roll freely. When it’s rolling no power is used, while the ‘engine brake’ can be engaged and recharge can be activated when or if required. This is done just to slow the truck as with a normal engine brake engagement and not principally for recharge.
Once at a cruising speed of say 85 km/h on the motorway, to excessively slow the truck is a waste of power, whereas to allow the truck to do simply roll makes better use of the power and enhances the overall efficiency of the vehicle. Moving to the 6x2 XD, it
performed in a similar manner as indeed did all the other electric DAFs handled. As with all BEVs the smooth silence is immediately noticeable and arguably even more so with the XF and XD thanks to the absence of external mirror assemblies.
Another feature of the DAF system is that after leaving the motorway and driving on national routes and smaller roads the engine brake was engaged at level 2 of the 3 levels. This meant that once off the accelerator the truck began to slow and recharge, allowing an element of one-pedal driving. While this may appear as somewhat of a contradiction it is far from that. It is simply a case of the driver choosing the correct operating mode for the conditions of the time.
DAF is aware that in reality electrification is a huge step for customers, and it is not the same in every country, with suitable infrastructure rather than suitable vehicles the main challenged for the majority of customers. The new electric XD and XF come with the same DNA as their ICE powered multi-award winning siblings - now with the option of plug and play.
DAF along with other OEMs have truly resolved its side of the zero emission equation, whereas the powers that be, (who are the ones setting the timelines) have yet to step up to the call of the zero emission conundrum.
Text & Photos: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie
Daimler AG Molsheim (F)
‘Clarity - our customers need to know what the future holds’
It is not generally widely known that Mercedes-Benz (as part of Daimler Truck) has a major vehicle production facility in France. Mercedes-Benz Custom Tailored Trucks (CTT) is located in Molsheim, near Strasbourg where it builds some distinct models such as the Zetros. Also at CTT the company has specialised in adapting standard Mercedes-Benz trucks to bespoke customer demands since the year 2000. In the 25 years since, CTT has constructed some incredible transport vehicles especially trucks for the heavy haulage sector and Defence Forces in Germany, and around the world.
Fleet Transport travelled to CTT to drive the second generation of the German producer’s battery electric (BEV) eActros 400 and the eActros 600. Mercedes-Benz has raised the bar with these models and now offers a range of clever solutions tailored to meet customers’s needs - whatever those needs may be. The eActros now comes with over 40 variations in battery and chassis options, from a low cab L model with two battery packs giving 414 kW of power to the GigaSpace ProCabin with three 207 kW battery packs providing 621 kW to facilitate long-distance transport of over 500 kilometres without intermediate charging. The Lithium
Ferrous Phosphate Battery (LFP) packs can offer a useable capacity of 95% and come with a 10 year guarantee. This offering now brings the prospect of fully electric transport operations to a realistic physical possibility - even if the theoretical business case remains another matter.
enhance the drive and performance. The 1845 version with the Pro-cabin was noticeably quiet, with the cab’s styling reducing drag and consequently noise - helped of course by the MercedesBenz Mirror Cameras. Updates to the Actros driveline and in particular the transmission have delivered quicker and smoother gear shifts from the12-speed G291 AMT. Another important feature is the new rear axle ratio of 2.278:1 that has managed to down-speed the engine to just a shade under 1,000 rpm at 80 km/h. Combined, these new features have achieved a valuable 3% saving in fuel consumption.
While the diesel powered Actros is exceptionally quiet on the road, it is obviously not as quiet as the battery powered eActros. What MercedesBenz is now presenting with these two trucks allows operators to decide what will perform best for the nature of their work.
Interestingly, the first drive undertaken was in the latest version of the diesel Actros with the SoloStar interior. Pic x 1 – Actros Diesel The truck was powered by the third generation of the well-proven OM471 engine which has received some updates to
In simple terms the customer can choose an eActros fitted with two of the LFP battery packs. This model, the eActros 400 is aimed at catering to regular short range or heavy distribution work. If a truck is needed to operate at heavier weights or on long distance transportation, then the operator can select the eActros with the three battery
eActros 600
eActros 400
option - the eActros 600 model.
The move to full use of LFP batteries across the range including on the new eArocs 400 launched at Bauma earlier this year means that Mercedes-Benz will phase out the ‘old’ eActros 300/400 by the end of 2025, though this will not apply to the eEconic model.
The operator can also select from a wide range of wheelbase and chassis configurations and these versions can be configured with either the L Cab or the ProCabin variant. If the work is primarily urban distribution then the familiar L version lower cab is the way to go, and equally if there are long distances and overnights involved then the choice would be for the ProCabin.
Driver Distraction system to measure a person’s level of attention to the task of driving.
It’s worth mentioning the latest version of PPC integrated into the Active Drive Assist 3 system. This is rated as a SAE Level 2 Semi-automated driving programme and it does a good job of managing the vehicle speed from reading the road signs. In addition, it includes a stop and go function, so once the truck is not stopped for more than about 10 seconds it will move away without the accelerator being pressed, and will then resume the previous cruising speed dictated by the road signs. When linked with the assisted steering, the systems all combine to provide a Level 2 Semi-Automated drive that works well and can ease stress on the driver.
noting that the eActros 400 with two LFP batteries and a standard semi-trailer can realise a payload of 25 tonnes.
Both L and Pro cabs include new features integrated with the new multimedia system that displays some of the upgrades including Predictive PowerTrain Control (PPC), Sideguard Assist 2, and the 6th version of Active Brake Assist (ABA). The multimedia unit comes with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control, while a Connected Traffic Warning function can inform the driver of ten different types of hazards including accidents ahead, fog or road works for example. This service is free for the first three years after which there is a small subscription fee if the operator wishes to continue with the service. This version of Hey Mercedes includes a number of safety features set to become standard from 2026 on. One example being a
One aspect noticed from the drives in the electric eActros models was that the new eActros 400 was slightly preferred of the two. Initially this was put this down to the truck driven being a three-axle rear steer rigid. However, when trying the same 400 in a semi-trailer combination, it appeared to be a slightly smoother and little more responsive than the 600. Possibly this was due to both trucks using the newly developed electric axle with two electric motors and the 4-speed transmission. Certainly the improvements in drive-ability and the new safety systems integrated into both the 400 or 600 eActros models is quite remarkable. The range of the two battery eActros 400 very much depends on the nature of the work. As a rigid working at heavy distribution the truck will generally be unloaded through the day therefore extending its range, which means that Mercedes-Benz estimates the truck could exceed over 400 kms. It is also worth
Nevertheless, there remain issues with the greater penetration of the trucks into the European transport infrastructure. Head of Product Engineering at Mercedes-Benz trucks Rainer MullerFinkeldei believes for EVs to become mainstream three things need to become aligned - the product, cost parity and the infrastructure, and so far progress is way to slow. Importantly, he said: “We all need clarity for the future if we are to invest, and our customers need to know what the future holds.”
Achim Puchert, CEO of MercedesBenz Trucks is of the opinion that “eActros 600 proves that battery-electric long-distance haulage is a reality - the vehicle is now successfully operating in over 15 countries (including Ireland). But one thing is clear: for the transformation to succeed, the expansion of the charging infrastructure must keep pace with the vehicles, and the operation must be profitable for customers.”
These calls for greater infrastructure and more clarity from OEMs are supported by industry bodies such as the International Road Transport Union (IRU). Commenting on a recent report into the future of EVs. General Secretary of the IRU Umberto de Pretto said: “Without the right enabling conditions, millions of road transport operators around the world will not be able to buy or run alternatively fuelled vehicles. Governments need to act now in providing investment incentives.”
eActros
Actros Diesel
For over five decades the Putzmeister name has been synonymous with quality and innovation within the construction industry. In 2012, Putzmeister, based at Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, south of Stuttgart. was acquired by the Sany heavy Industry Co., the largest producer of construction machines in China, and the third-largest worldwide, trailing only Caterpillar and Komatsu.
With Sany’s engineering expertise in the design of construction equipment, the move to design and develop its own truck was an obvious step. Now with an 18% share of the market it is the largest producer of heavy trucks in China, and market leader for the past four consecutive years. The company has over 900 service sites in China to support the 33,000 trucks sold, stating that” “no other OEM has so many electric trucks in the field.”
In 2021, Sany reported revenues of $27 billion. It has since decided to focus solely on developing battery electric vehicles (BEV) and will no longer produce diesel engine trucks except for some specific markets. Interestingly at
its fully automated production plant in Changsha, it takes 15 hours to produce one truck, and a new Sany rolls off the assembly line every 6 minutes.
Since 2012, Sany supported by Putzmeister is now moving into the broader European market, having tested the waters with its first generation truck. While it was reasonably well received, it was not really to European liking or standards. However, this second generation e435 is different, and well and truly ready to take on the main European manufacturers.
Sany estimates that a typical 8x4 in the construction sector travels about 129 kms per day, with the average journey being 14.5 kms. This makes them suitable candidates for electrification, and apart from the distances, the trucks generally don’t work at night allowing time to charge. Nevertheless, as we know that the European charging infrastructure is still an issue and Sany executives agree that “if there is no financial benefit why should companies invest, and we need the politicians to realise this.”
Sany Putzmeister - ‘Transformation made affordable’
one to each side between the axles sets. The batteries have a useable capacity of 95% and are guaranteed for 8 years. In addition, Sany’s ‘Dual Gun Charging’ system is the first in Europe and allows the e435 to be charged simultaneously on both sides to a max charge of 250 kW. Using a 250-kW facility the e435 will recharge from 20% to 100% in 1 hour and 10 minutes. With a full charge and a rated energy consumption of approximately 1.1 to 1.3 kW per km, this returns an overall range of around 250 kms.
The truck Sany presented was the 8x4 e435. The naming denotes the e435 is electric with four axles and a 350 kWh capacity. The power comes from three Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LFP) battery packs, one mounted under the cab, and
In developing the next generation vehicles Sany and Putzmeister were highly conscious of the needs and requirements of European operators and drivers. As a chassis cab, the truck weighs in at 12,100 kgs, and as tested with a Putzmeister drum (bottle), the 8x4 tipped the scales at 15,270 kgs. When compared to two competitor’s trucks at 32 tonnes, the Sany has a payload of 7cm³ as against 6.4cm³ and 6.1cm³ - and is more powerful at 350 kW compared to 315 and 290 respectively.
There are two PTO options available with one driven from the 4-step transmission or alternatively from a 45kW electric motor located behind the cab. Both air and leaf spring suspensions are available for the maintenance free axles, and the truck comes with Knorr-Bremse disc brakes all-round. As required the e435 complies with the General Safety Regulations 2, and any software updates
can be delivered over the air. When off-road the truck has a ground clearance of 350 mm and a wading depth of 800 mm. Approach and departure angles are in line with industry norms at 26° and 30° respectively.
It is clear that both partners had a great deal of influence on each other when developing the e435. If Putzmeister recommended a change they felt was needed to meet European standards or wished to rework some aspect of the truck, the Chinese engineers were back immediately with solutions, even through the difficult times of the Covid pandemic. It’s worth noting that Sany will readily fit brands of equipment other than Putzmeister to their chassis and will work with customers to make it happen.
From the driver’s point of view the flat floored cab is comfortable and well-appointed. There is good internal and external storage and it comes with a driver’s seat that is both heated and ventilated. Behind the standard heated steering wheel, a large display screen is mounted into a slightly curved dash that is finished with soft touch materials and is easily on par with its European competitors. Equally, as standard the truck comes with an in-cab fridge and a 360-degree camera system with reverse park sensors.
The first drive was taken on the off-road circuit and working with the drum half-filled with water, overall it performed well. As an EV it is obviously quiet and has ample torque. The truck cornered neatly, and felt stable over the uneven sections, no doubt helped by the good driving position, and while the truck felt robust, the suspension felt solid but not harsh.
On the road section the truck was found to be easy to work with. There are different driving modes including Eco and Power that can be selected from a stalk on the steering column; this stalk also doubles as the retarder/engine brake and offers 5-stages of recuperation.
During development, the new e435 underwent extensive testing in both summer and winter climates, and in 2021 began field trials with customers. Sany then received ‘Whole Vehicle Type Approval’ in 2022 and revealed the truck at the Bauma Construction Show in Munich and made their first European sale to a company based in Iceland. This operator now has nine BEVs and intends to move his whole fleet of 25 to electric. However, we should remember that thanks to the abundance of geothermal energy in Iceland the price of electricity is approximately €0.04 per kWh. Sany has since made sales in the UK, Australia and some other markets. In total there are over 150 trucks now operating in 15 European countries and combined they have driven over 8,500,000 kms.
though there is little need to use this function as the truck is powerful enough in Eco mode. The steering did feel somewhat light though we quickly got used to that. Sany has designed the steering primarily for use in the urban environment and in this case the lighter steering would be welcome.
There is a significant difference between the first and second versions of the Sany 8x4. Gen-2 now includes all the features necessary for it to appeal to European operators especially an electric v diesel breakeven point of just over 3.23-years. The e435 is a serious competitor in the segment, and there are other configurations on the way including a 4x2 tractor and a 6x2 rigid chassis.
It’s possible to recuperate 25-30% of the energy used with prudent use of this function. In Power mode the truck was inclined to lurch forward slightly when the accelerator was pressed,
S P e C C H e CK make model Sany e435
If this is the second generation, one can be sure the third and any subsequent generations that follow will be most interesting. While there are no immediate plans in place enter the Irish market, Sany will enter the UK in Q1 2027.
An Garda Síochána is to clamp down on fleet and motor trade vehicles failing to add their details to the national Fleet Database (nFD). The national Police force will be using the opportunity provided by the ‘Day of Action on no Insurance’ to place a special focus on identifying any such fleet vehicles which are breaking the law and not complying with their statutory obligations.
Under the provisions of the Road Traffic & Roads Act 2023, any vehicles insured on a fleet or motor trader type motor policy must have their information added to the NFD. Typically, this may include fleets of trucks, buses, coaches, taxis, construction vehicles, hire cars, delivery vans, utility vehicles, service vehicles, retail and service transport, semi-State operators as well as vehicles offered for sale by motor traders.
Owners of any vehicle that fail to comply may be subject to prosecution in the District Court and fines of €500 per vehicle.
The NFD is a dedicated online database which was launched in 2022. The information collected is used by An Garda Síochána in the battle against
illegal, uninsured driving. Every day the Gardaí receive an update which includes details on all those vehicles listed on the NFD. Through their automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) or personal handheld devices, Gardaí can identify in seconds if the vehicle is breaking the law. Those not listed on the NFD also risk being identified as being uninsured and having their vehicle seized by the Gardaí.
The NFD is maintained by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI), a not-for-profit organisation, that was established to compensate the victims of road traffic accidents caused by uninsured and unidentified vehicles.
Gardaí to clamp down on fleet vehicles failing to add details to national fleet database
be added and will face prosecution if identified by the Gardaí.
“Those who own or use fleet vehicles should be aware that they are legally required to ensure their details are included on the National Fleet Database,” said David Fitzgerald, CEO of the MIBI. “These vehicles will be receiving special
According to the MIBI, the information for more than 387,000 fleet and motor trader vehicles are listed on the NFD. It estimates there are still thousands of vehicles which are yet to
focus during the upcoming Garda Day of Action and those who are failing to comply with their legal obligations and are breaking the law risk facing the consequences. Not only could this lead to prosecution and fines, it may result in the vehicle being seized if the Gardaí believe the vehicle is not insured.”
“Adding details to the NFD only takes a few minutes and can be easily done from any computer with internet access or a smartphone device. It is a very simple and straightforward process. We would encourage anyone who has yet to add their details to act now. Otherwise they will be breaking the law and could face legal sanctions, as well as delays to their work schedules and the disruption that brings,” Mr. Fitzgerald added.
anyone wishing to upload their vehicle information can do so on nfd.mtpl.ie
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FLEET MARITIME
S HIPPING & F REIGHT N EWSLETTER –
Compiled by Howard Knott – howard@fleet.ie
Ship to Shore Stories
The launch of the third weekly service operated by Irish Rail for XPO Logistics on its Ballina/Waterford service has been further deferred. Irish Rail has informed XPO and Waterford Port that due to staffing issues it will be unable to operate the service until January 2026. Volumes using the current twice weekly service are high.
No progress has been reported on restoration of the service operated by Irish rail for IWT on the Ballina/Dublin Port route.
New Zealand based Bluebridge Ferries has sold its now redundant ferry Strait Feronia to Pan Shipping, Egypt where she will join her sister ship Pelagos Express on Red Sea service. Both vessels started their careers with Norse Irish Ferries in 1997.
DFDS Ferries has increased capacity on its Rosslare/Dunkirk route by switching Optima Seaways to the Klaipeda/Karlsham service, and taking the significantly larger Victoria Seaways from that route to the Rosslare Europort service. The larger vessel now sails the five times weekly round trip route alongside her sister ship Athena Seaways. Each vessel has 2,650 lane metres garage capacity and accommodation
for 900 passengers. Commenting on the DFDS move, Glenn Carr, Director of Business Units with Iarnrod Éireann said: “The boost in capacity on the Rosslare/ Dunkirk route demonstrates the latent demand from both business and leisure travellers”.
Work will continue at Holyhead Port over the autumn/winter period to complete the works undertaken earlier in the year to fully restore the second ferry berth. Ferry services through the port currently operate to the temporary schedule which was introduced at the re-opening of the port in the spring. The construction work will be suspended over the Christmas period to facilitate higher seasonal traffic levels. There will also be a reduction in services in the winter annual vessel maintenance period with cooperation between Irish Ferries and Stena to facilitate each other’s customers.
Stena Line and Irish Ferries will also cooperate during the winter vessel maintenance period on the southern corridor services operating through Rosslare. Stena Ports will close Fishguard port for a short period to facilitate repair and development work at the terminal
and their customers will be facilitated on board the Irish Ferries service running between Rosslare and Pembroke.
The Irish Sea Taskforce will hold its final meeting on 13th November. This body was set up by the Welsh Government in cooperation with its Irish counterpart and a range of interests including ports, shipping lines and business groups in response to the service disruptions caused the enforced closure of Holyhead Port in December 2024. Much of the focus of the group moved to the development of port infrastructure and port area facilities along with road and rail connections to the principal Welsh Ports.
The Norwegian Government has announced a reversal of the decision not to proceed with the development of the Stad Tunnel, the world’s first ship tunnel which is to be built on the West Coast. The 1,800 metre tunnel will be 37 metres high and 36 metres wide and building work is expected to commence in 2026. The completed tunnel will facilitate the Norwegian Coastal Voyage ferry and cruise services avoiding the most dangerous part of the exposed west coast.
WEC LINES has upgraded its Spain/ Ireland/UK service. The company has put a second vessel into the route giving fast weekly sailing from Bilbao and Gijon to Dublin and Liverpool. This service also offers connections from Dublin to Antwerp, Le Havre and Montoir-deBretagne.
Strait Feronia Bluebridge Ferries
Optima Seaways
Holyhead Port
Stena C FLexer
WEC Lines Van Gogh
The Ports of normandy organisation which operates the Channel ports of Cherbourg, Caen-Ouistreaham and Dieppe hosted a Dublin Conference on 7 October in conjunction with the French Embassy, Irish Ferries and Brittany Ferries. The focus of the conference was on the Port of Cherbourg and its Irish connections. Cherbourg is now served by daily ferries from both Dublin and Rosslare, operated respectively by Irish Ferries and Brittany Ferries.
Brittany Ferries also operate freight and passenger services linking Cherbourg with Poole and Portsmouth. In 2025 90,000 trailers are expected to ship through the port and half of these will be unaccompanied. Prior to Brexit annual trailer throughput was less than 36,000 trailers. Traffic volumes continue to grow with almost 4% growth in the
Ports of Normandie hosted Dublin event
last three months.
The principal speaker at the event was Jerome Chauvet, Ports of Normandie Business Development Manager. Focusing on decarbonisation, he told the meeting that they are planning to have 20mW of shore power available by 2027 spread between the three Ferry berths and one Cruise berth. This would mean that 90% of Cherbourg port calls will operate with zero emissions giving a total CO2 saving of 7,000 tonnes a year. They are also planning to make vehicle charging points available for ferry customers. On security he said that Cherbourg Port has significantly upgraded its port security and is now enclosed with 1.5 km of 4-metre-high reinforced fence, upgraded CCTV lighting and operating constant port patrols. An indication of the success of the new measures has been the reduction of unauthorised intrusions of the estate from 243 in August 2023 to 13 in August 2025.
The recently launched feeder rail service linking Cherbourg with Bayonne, close to the Spanish border is proving
Stena Line takes over Stena Connecta and announces major newbuild project
newbuild Stena Connecta sailed from the ChI shipyard in Weihai, China on 16 October and will shortly take up service on the Belfast/heysham route. Together with Stena Futura which is already in service on the route the new vessels will increase capacity by 40% and significantly reduce CO2 emissions. The new 2,800 lane metre vessel uses a multi-hybrid propulsion system enabling the use of battery power, biofuel and methanol as well as having two norsepower Rotor Sails. These sails are 28 metres high and 4 metres wide and can save up to 9% in fuel while sailing from Belfast to heysham. Current schedule for the heysham route gives a total of twelve round trips a week.
The owner of Heysham Port - Peel Ports Group, has announced the installation of shore power to coincide with the full operation of Stena’s new vessels
very successful in driving more activity through the port, not just of the ferry routes to and from Ireland but also on Brittany Ferry across English Channel routes. At present there are six trains overnight in each direction operating weekly on the 1,000 km route, each with 36 wagons. The service is managed by a Brittany Ferries subsidiary and there are plans for the development of further routes feeding traffic through the port.
During discussion at the Dublin event comment was made about the shortage of trailer parking at the port, which is becoming more acute as trailer volumes increase and as a higher proportion of the trailers being shipped are unaccompanied. These require parking facilities for dropping off at the port and prior to collecting from it. A part of the solution to this problem will be facilities at the Business Park which will be located at a site two kilometres from the port.
Both Irish Ferries and Brittany Ferries confirmed the intention to continue to operate their links from Dublin and from Rosslare with Cherbourg daily right through the year giving a high degree of schedule reliability through the year.
serving Belfast. The first plug is already live and the four berths at the port will be connected by mid-2026. Peel Ports stated that this investment will enable all Heysham routes within the Irish Sea to operate with zero emissions while at the berth and at sea, supporting full electric propulsion of the ferry services. It also claims that once all power points are live, this infrastructure will enable the service vessels to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 10,000 tonnes a year alongside significant reductions in NOx and SO2 emissions.
While at the Weihai shipyard overseeing the handover of the Stena Connecta, Per Westling, CEO of Stena RoRo AB announced that he had signed a letter of intent with China Merchant industries for the development and building of a total of six brand new
design RoRo cargo ships designated as C-Flexer type. The C-Flexer design builds on the previous experience of the successful E-Flexer and the NewMax concepts with a combination of highly efficient hull form, engines for future fuels and an expandable battery hybrid design. Stena RoRo plans to market the new design vessels across the industry in a similar way to what they are doing with the E-Flexer vessels which are now in use with a wide range of Ferry companies. The C-Flexer design concept allows for variation in design with a three-deck version having a garage capacity of between 3,000 and 3,400 lane metres and a four-deck version with 4,100 to 4,700 lane metres.
The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) has published its review and analysis of freight and other traffic movements on Ro-Ro and Lo-Lo services serving the island of Ireland.
The summary of the report states: “In the first half of 2025, unitised traffic on the island of Ireland exhibited diverging patterns across the two principal cargo modes. Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) volumes in the Republic of Ireland declined modestly, falling by 2% to 573,038 units, while Northern Ireland recorded a 2% increase to 460,730 units. By contrast, Lift-on/Lift-off (LoLo) throughput grew strongly in the Republic of Ireland, increasing by 11% to 643,631 TEUs, while remaining broadly stable in Northern Ireland at 109,412 TEUs. The combined effect is that all-island RoRo traffic was largely unchanged compared to 2024 levels, while all-island LoLo volumes rose by 9%.”
The report goes on to say that the most notable development over the recent period has been the divergence between the Ro-Ro and Lo-Lo markets in terms of each mode’s market growth. The report says that Ro-Ro traffic volumes have plateaued and are gradually declining, while Lo-Lo traffic is on a pronounced upward trajectory. They go on to say: “This juxtaposition is significant for policymakers and industry stakeholders as RoRo and LoLo represent approximately half of all freight transport through Irish ports. Their diverging paths have implications for infrastructure planning and future capacity requirements. The relationship between the two modes is complex, with substitutability varying across markets, routes, and product groups. The IMDO continues to analyse these dynamics and engage with shipping operators, port companies, and trade stakeholders to better understand
the drivers.”
The evidence to date confirms that the unitised freight market remains resilient, with LoLo recording record throughput in the Republic of Ireland and RoRo volumes holding steady. The differing trajectories underline the importance of continuous monitoring, rigorous analysis, and open dialogue with industry. The IMDO will continue to report quarterly on these developments, providing government and stakeholders with objective and timely information to inform policy and investment decisions”.
The report shows that Ro-Ro volumes shipped through RosslareEuroport continue to grow, with an increase in volume against 2024 figures of 9,985 units to a total of 111,688 units. Meanwhile the flow through Dublin dropped by 20,849 units to 457,685 units. A significant factor in the discrepancy between the Rosslare and Dublin figures has been the continued strong growth in traffic through Rosslare on direct services to EU countries. This traffic through Rosslare reached 73,557 units while volumes on the Dublin/EU routes declined by 4% to 116,162 units. The report explains that this decline through Dublin was driven largely by a modal shift in the unitised traffic sector. New LoLo services were added to Dublin Port yet again in the second quarter of 2025, which drove existing RoRo traffic on direct services to mainland European ports to shift towards these new LoLo services. Although both modes (RoRo & LoLo) have core competencies and competitive advantages in different areas, their cargos often fall under related categories i.e. manufactured goods. Both cargo modes are effective substitutes for one another, and operators in each market compete for similar business. As most LoLo services
IMDO publishes unitised traffic reports for first half of 2025
are direct to mainland EU ports, the substitutability with ROI – EU RoRo services are high. This is a common practice in the Irish unitised shipping market and became more pronounced in the post-Brexit era as demand for direct services to mainland EU ports rose sharply.
On the container side, Lo-Lo traffic has increased sharply at all Republic of Ireland ports, with both Dublin and Waterford registering a 12% first half 2025 increase over the same period in 2024 and an increase through Cork of 6%. Volumes through Dublin reached 475,460 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units). Through Cork it was 145,657 TEU and through Waterford, 22,514 TEU. Volumes shipped through Belfast, at 109,412 TEU were similar to 2024 figures. Passenger numbers passing through Irish ports in the first half of 2025 remained on a par with those of 2024, with significant increases in numbers through Belfast and a smaller increase through Rosslare. All other ports recorded a drop-off in figures. Though passenger numbers through Dublin were down, the number of passenger vehicles passing through there increased significantly. The Rosslare numbers also increased; a 2% rise in the period to 98,295.
This report does not go into detail on the question of the shift in the Ro-Ro activity from accompanied to unaccompanied trailer movements. This shift is proving to be challenging for ports in Ireland and elsewhere in terms of equipping the port with tug units and other handling equipment, developing their digital capability in managing the truck park, and maintaining schedules for vessels.
The CMA CGM Group has announced the acquisition of the long established rail freight operation, Freightliner in Britain. The transaction encompasses rail and road operations, inland terminals, as well as the Freightliner brand.
The company has announced that this acquisition underlines CMA CGM’s ambition to build a sustainable and competitive transport offering in Europe. By adding a long-standing name in UK rail freight, the Group reaffirms its commitment to supporting the modal shift from road to rail – a cornerstone of decarbonising global supply chains.
The transaction is expected to close in early 2026, subject to the required regulatory approvals. Other Freightliner businesses – Heavy Haul, Rotterdam
Major Silk Road link adds new tonnage
ASCO (Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping) will shortly launch the third of a series of Ro-pax vessels from Baku Shipyard. The new vessel, like most of the other fourteen vessels in the company’s fleet, will offer both rail and road carriage on the inland Caspian Sea routes connecting Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. During the first nine months of 2025 the fleet carried over 28,000 trucks and other road vehicles along with a further 28,000 rail wagons.
CMA CGM moves into the Rail Freight business
Rail Feeding, and Freightliner Poland/ Germany – will remain under existing ownership.
Freightliner operations will remain focused on its multi-user and multi-customer approach and will be run independently with existing teams who have proven their expertise and dedication. Rail freight is a major lever for reducing CO₂ emissions. With Freightliner UK’s expertise and know-how, CMA CGM will further strengthen its ability to offer European customers, seamless and integrated intermodal solutions including transport and terminal operations.
The company goes on to say that the addition of Freightliner opens the way to significant enhanced-value offerings: developing comprehensive intermodal offerings combining maritime, rail, and road; enhancing connectivity between Europe’s major ports and the UK hinterland through strategically located inland terminals; and driving shared innovation in decarbonised logistics solutions.
These trans-Caspian routes are a vital component of many of the truck and rail services linking Europe with Asia. Use of these services continues to grow as governments recognise trade facilitation systems such as the TIR carnet and enable transit times to further improve. At present the IRU reports that trucks can operate door to door Asia/ Europe services with a six-to-seven-day transit. Rail operations continue to take longer with one impediment being
Commenting on the takeover
Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, said: “The acquisition of Freightliner, a leading rail freight operator, strengthens our intermodal presence in the United Kingdom, a strategic market for CMA CGM. It enables us to connect sea, rail and road more efficiently, delivering better solutions for our customers. It is also a concrete step in expanding lower-carbon transport options, supporting both their needs and the decarbonisation of global trade.”
While shipping lines have over recent years been very active in seeking to increase their level of involvement in their cargo owner customers’ supply chains, this has generally been done by moving into Terminal operations. As CMA CGM has already done with CEVA moving into the Freight Forwarding business, this move by CMA CGM has surprised the market and may be the forerunner of similar developments elsewhere.
the requirement for the containers to be transhipped at various locations to different wagons operating on different track gauges.
Caspian Sea Ferry Zafira Aliyeva
A team of 48 riders from across the transport and logistics sector have returned from an epic 328 km cycle challenge from Cork to Dublin to raise funds for Transaid’s road safety and access to health projects across sub-Saharan Africa.
the way participants took in scenic countryside, castle ruins, heritage towns and soaked up the wonderful atmosphere in a selection of traditional Irish pubs.
Maddy Matheson, Head of Fundraising for Transaid, said post event: “Taking part in this year’s cycle challenge was an unforgettable experience for our riders, and it was fantastic to see firsthand the passion and dedication shared by all our supporters. The unrestricted funds raised from events like these allow us to launch new pilot projects that transform and save lives. A massive thank you goes out to everyone who took part this year.”
After three days in the saddle, the group raised more than £90,000, supported by headline sponsor Dublin Express, medal sponsor the RHA, and event sponsors Dawsongroup and Stanley Travel. Fleet Transport was also involved as sponsors to the refreshments stopover at Coach House Coffee at Kilmacthomas, County Waterford.
Day one started with a 132 km pedal from Cork to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, with an additional 91 km on day two as the team headed to Carlow, and a final 105 km push to end in Dublin. Along
Epic 328 km cycle challenge from Cork to Dublin - raise funds for
Transaid
at the stunning Irente Viewpoint and Lake Jipe to experience the country’s lush green valleys, rolling hills and breathtaking vistas.
Transaid also plans to announce the details of its 2026 UK/EU Cycle Challenge in the coming weeks.
Participants in the event represented 16 organisations from across the transport and logistics industry, including 2K Games Dublin, Asset Alliance Group, Backhouse Jones, Dawsongroup, DVV Media, Iron Mountain, IVECO, Libra Europe, MAN, Michelin, Microlise, PF Whitehead, Pulse Communications, RHA, Stanley Travel, and The Malcolm Group.
Next year the challenge returns to Africa, for a 10-day, 454 km adventure from Kilimanjaro to Pangani on the coast of Tanzania, travelling through small farm towns and municipalities, as well as a stop
To sign up for the event or for more information, please contact Anna Giavedoni, Events Manager for Transaid, via anna@transaid.org
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie
Anna with colleague Maddy Matheson from Transaid
Over the last twenty-three years of Fleet Transport magazine, one of the biggest developments in road transport in Ireland has been the adoption of telematics technology. Mainly used in the tracking, monitoring and productivity of truck and trailer fleets, as take up has increased the cost of tracking of vehicles has dropped by over 70% in that period. The level of technology that is now available has expanded linking the location, speed, engine performance, braking, fuel monitoring and digital tachograph data to transport managers, whether they are at their PC in the office or by way of an APP to their smartphone.
Two decades ago only large fleets and early adaptors of technology had tracking on vehicles; the information was only available on an office based computer, and the main application was for high value loads. Move on twenty years and all the information that vehicles’ ECUs gather can now be downloaded in real time and relayed back to management, along with the details on the drivers digital tacho card. Information on harsh braking, over-revving and idling time are monitored by the new electronic systems so as to improve driver behaviour. In relation to real time information from the digital tachograph, this allows a transport manager to route and schedule drivers within drivers hours regulations and monitor their adherence to regulations. Linking the trucks’ fuel details allows the system to monitor any differences between levels of fuel in the tank when the vehicle stops and level in the tank when it commences its journey.
All the advances in motor technology stem from competition, for example, look at the level of detail fed back to Formula 1 teams from the race cars. The way they can alter settings remotely shows how far this application can be taken. Remote fault diagnosis by main dealers for vehicles with engine malfunctions is currently possible, the reason is that the cost of installing this technology has decreased, while its durability and
Technology Increases Profit
the ability of technicians to use it have dramatically improved in the last decade.
The biggest issue with transport firms investing in technology in the current economic climate is getting the right person to deliver on this plan, and more importantly retaining that person, (in other words understand what financial benefits are required, train in the use of the technology and the implementation and monitor this plan). Medium to large transport firms may have invested hundreds of thousands of euro in technology that is only partially being used. Sometimes the ongoing monitoring and use of the technology has diminished as the novelty wears off and while the technology is referred to in new business development meetings, no one is responsible for its long term benefit.
A simple financial question needs to be asked. In a medium sized Irish transport fleet of forty vehicles what will be average cost per annum of the adoption of this technology cost and what are the benefits?
Driver Monitoring and Monthly League Tables = 5% Fuel saving = €84,000
Further cost savings apportion to actual costs include:
n Driver Tacho Monitoring and Compliance n Vehicle Productivity; Vehicle
Maintenance and Tyres; Insurance Costs
Final element of technology integration in transport is to link transport management package with vehicle and tacho monitoring. Now that’s an integrated system that allows the transport manager to monitor all work carried out by the fleet.
As owners and managers of transport companies what type of information received from technology and how it is used it are crucial in making financial sense of the investment. Accumulating reams of paper from the system on vehicle’s fuel consumption etc,. but having no benchmark or plan to improve is a pointless exercise.
For example, a fleet manager may want to know what’s the biggest cost to monitor and improve? If it’s diesel consumption, what is the norm for trucks in a certain line of work? What is the best and how can this be reached?
What’s the next biggest cost? Drivers wages perhaps. How can we maximise drivers hours (legally) with productive driving? What percentage of empty running is happening? What percentage is waiting time?
With the advent of AI what are the next steps/implementations that a well-run transport and logistics business should be implementing? Simply asking IT to make the business more profitable won’t work but the detail to carry out that request is at fingertip level. All that is needed is to extract it and use it correctly.
Text: Donal Dempsey – donal@fleet.ie
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Once again, last month, I had the privilege of being a member of the judging panel for the Fleet Bus & Coach Awards. having been involved in this process on several occasions I come away with the strong feeling that this is an industry that, despite all that the world throws at it, is in good spirits and keen to do better in serving its customers and in operating in an environmentally friendly manner.
As I was crawling along the M50 on my way to Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield, where we were doing the interviews, one issue being discussed on RTE Radio’s Morning Ireland was an SEAI report on Ireland’s progress towards meeting its EU climate change targets. While considerable progress in lessening pollution was reported in all sectors, the transport industry was being called out as being off target and unlikely to reach its target for the year. If that is the case, then even tougher targets will be set for 2026 to bring things back into line. If, by 2030 the figures are still below target then Ireland will face significant fines from the EU.
Fast forward to that morning’s interviews and the discussion with each company about moving away from diesel to less polluting fuels. There was no reluctance to talk about this but there was no real move. The problems of buying and operating electric vehicles were clearly spelt out, the capital costs were unsustainable in a business in which margins are very tightly controlled, whether by State Agencies that controlled the distribution of work or by large Tour Companies. Also, much of the industry’s activity is carried out in areas away from large conurbations and where the electric charging infrastructure is severely lacking.
Yes, but isn’t there a simpler and immediate solution? What about using HVO to fuel the existing fleet? The response from across the table was simple and clear, “it is too expensive”. If an operator moves to HVO and pays the extra twenty or so extra cents a litre to purchase it will they be compensated for doing this? Of course not, but here’s the thing. If, as all elements of the transport for hire industry asked for in their pre-Budget submissions, the tax take on HVO was brought down to a level that its price would be competitive with that for diesel, would the bus and coach operators use it?
It was clear from the conversations that most of them would. It is equally clear that in enabling HVO to be competitive with diesel it would significantly reduce the overall pollution figures from the transport sector and, perhaps, bring it into line with the climate control targets. Doing that, of course, would save the State significant fines which would, likely be at a level that would exceed the current loss in revenue involved in making the fuel competitive, not to mention, of course, the environmental benefits of this pollution reduction alternative, reducing carbon emissions by up to 90% and improving engine performance and air quality without requiring engine modifications. It is more
stable and has better cold-weather performance than traditional diesel.
This is all fine and good but there is another danger here. In early October the International Maritime Organization (IMO) held a conference in London, the focus of which was on the reduction of environmental pollution from the global shipping sector. The UN based organization had drawn up an agenda with targets to significantly cut pollution by 2030 and for the global industry to function in an entirely carbon neutral manner by 2050. At the end of that meeting the set of proposals was put back for another year at the insistence of the US and Saudi Arabia, both countries with a significant interest in maintaining the status quo, but, apart from these countries virtually every other nation was behind the pollution control targets as is the Global Shipping Industry.
HVO is already a significant maritime fuel, and its use is spreading rapidly. This fact led to a protest being mounted outside the building in which the IMO meeting was taking place seeking to draw attention to the fact that the availability of used vegetable oil and other “green” waste product is very limited with the result that the growing of food crops in some regions was now being displaced with palm oil and other HVO material crops.
This would seem to be quite mad and, maybe HVO is not the big answer after all.
A proposal from outgoing Green Party leader and Transport Minister Eamon Ryan to make purchase of Electric vehicles for transport companies compulsory has surfaced in Europe. The Irish Road haulage Association (IRhA) is seeking to have it rescinded.
During the term of the last Government, the Greens - and Minister Ryan in particular - were blamed for most of the unpopular decisions made regarding road transport. There is considerable evidence to suggest that is true. However, the full picture will not emerge immediately as there are several impending deadlines and decisions that the government must address concerning the reduction of carbon emissions.
European commercial vehicle manufacturers have been vocal about these approaching deadlines and, more importantly, the fines that will be imposed. It appears that the European Commission intends to place these fines on the manufacturers rather than operators, costs that will inevitably be passed on to road transport companies.
Another potential problem has surfaced in recent weeks. It has come to the attention of the IRHA that Minister Ryan, in a parting move before leaving government, requested that the European Commission make it mandatory for all fleet buyers to purchase electric vehicles. It is not yet clear whether this applies to a set percentage, or what that percentage might be.
IRHA President Ger Hyland has written to all members informing them of the situation. It seems that Minister Ryan had the support of his Belgian and Dutch counterparts. When the IRHA became aware of this proposal, it contacted the International Road Transport Union (IRU), an umbrella group that represents all modes of transport across Europe. The IRU fully supports the IRHA’s position and begun making representations to the Commission.
It is not yet clear whether the Belgian or Dutch haulage associations have taken a position on the matter, although it would seem unlikely that they would support such a proposal. The IRHA has
Obituary: Seamus (Shem) Kelly (RIP)
A founder member and early President of the IRhA (1977 – 1979), Seamus - or Shem as he was affectionately known - was a practical man who expressed things in a straightforward manner. In the formative days of the IRHA, it shared offices with the BHA (Beet Hauliers Association) in Carlow. Seamus proposed that the IRHA should relocated its offices to Dublin, as Ireland’s presence in the EEC was strengthening and most key developments were taking place in the capital. That transition to the Capital happened during his term at the helm. It was a delicate period, as the three associations that had amalgamated to form the IRHA were still finding their footing. Although some rivalry existed
between Dublin and country carriers, Shem always played it down. He was eager to see the road network improved, and also identified inequities between how own account operators and hauliers were treated for tax purposes.
One early achievement during his Presidency was the decision allowing hauliers to deduct the weight of tipping gear, toolboxes and other ancillary equipment when calculating road tax.
Shem once described the abolition of the old license plate system in his typically plain-spoken way:
“When talks of liberalisation came, I knew the plates had to go. The old regulations were very finicky and didn’t always make sense. You could only work
Mandatory Purchase of Electric Vehicles & Development of Electric Trucks
also contacted the new government to raise their concerns. According to Ger Hyland the Association has received verbal assurances that this policy will not be pursued, buts seeking to have that commitment in writing. Following the disappointment of the last Budget, trust between the government and the Association remains limited.
At the most recent meeting in Brussels between the IRHA and the IRU it was agreed to launch a petition signed by as many operators and interested parties as possible. The IRHA is keen to emphasise that it fully supports the decarbonisation of the road freight industry, but opposes any form of compulsion currently under discussion.
Titled “Yes to Greening -No to Mandates”, the petition is available on the IRHA website. Concluding, IRHA President Hyland said decarbonisation is already underway and will accelerate naturally as soon as financial and infrastructural conditions become suitable and compatible with electric vehicles.
Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie
within certain distances of the post office, go into certain counties, and this led to all kinds of trickery. If a licence was sold it could only be sold within a certain area - which caused even more trickery, with people using oddball addresses belonging to far out cousins and relations. The system was part of the control that CIE had over the industry. CIE was a sacred cow, - everything was done in the department to protect them. When liberalisation came, it went too far the other way, and things became a bit loose.”
Sham lived all his life in the house where he was born, near Borris, County Carlow and is survived by his wife Margaret, sons Martin and Seamus and daughters Niamh, Grainne, Deirdre and Fiona (RIP).
There are a number of reasons why Clare Distribution Services (CDS) was previously crowned winner of the ‘Fleet Transport Irish Haulier of the Year,’ and was more recently recognised as winners of the Express/Home Delivery category at the Fleet Transport Awards 2026. The award winning company demonstrates that it operates in a reputable manner across all areas of its business. This includes health and safety, human relations, legislation and compliance, and more recently, sustainability and care for the environment. However, there is one aspect that’s not yet mentioned, and that is the vehicle fleet, how it is maintained and presented.
CDS trucks and trailers are among the most instantly recognisable and eye-catching vehicles on the road, and few would ever have seen these vehicles unclean or in disrepair. Running such a large fleet on Irish roads in all kinds of weather, this is quite an accomplishment.
Of course, one way to keep a fleet in top-class condition is to develop a programme of continuous vehicle replacement. This will reduce maintenance and downtime, something that all agree can only increase productivity and maintenance bills.
Founded by Mark Clare in 1977, the company has grown exponentially,
Clare Distribution has taken to SOR Trailers with Transway Fleet Solutions
principally through being recognised as a reliable service provider to its large customer base. CDS specialises in the transportation of temperature-controlled food products on a time-critical basis. The nature of this work demands that there are no mistakes in either delivery times or transport temperatures. Such a service can only be ensured by using top-class and well-maintained equipment.
Ensuring that CDS uses the best possible equipment has led Mark to engage with Transway Trailers. The Dublin company is the official importer of SOR Trailers, a trailer brand that is rapidly gaining in popularity in Ireland. Typifying the thoroughness with which CDS conducts all its business, Mark travelled to Alzira near Valencia in Spain where SOR is headquartered to view the trailers and the production process and came away impressed not only with the facility, but also with the build quality and overall finish of the trailers.
“We actually bring customers who are interested in SOR trailers out to visit the facility. We also get to see the sights around Valencia, in Eastern Spain, which is a beautiful city,” said Evan Balfe, Strategic Business Development, Transway Fleet Solutions.
In addition to the standard trailer having an internal width and height of 2,500 mm and 2,700 mm, what is important for CDS is that all trailers can be produced by SOR to the bespoke requirement of any individual customer. Any particular customer requests can be facilitated without difficulty. As an example, the trailers for CDS require an internal split door, a feature that SOR can accommodate, as well as fitting other equipment or ancillaries such as tail-lifts, pallet carriers, telematics,
or different types of fridge units. This personalised service extends to having the trailer painted or sign-written in the customer’s livery.
Mark was also impressed by the sturdy strength of the SOR unit. There are now four examples of the Spanish trailers operating within the CDS fleet. To date the trailers have performed well, and such is Mark’s positivity about the performance that he has ordered another four which are due for delivery early next year. Importantly also for Mark and CDS is that the SOR trailers have found favour with the company’s drivers who seem to like the spec of the trailer and the detail of the finish.
The repeat order from CDS of four new SOR trailers speaks volumes about the partnership between SOR and Transway. As Mark stated: ”Transway are great at what they do and certainly are the go-to partners for fridge trailer repairs.” Fridge body repair is a service that Transway take great pride in.
That is quite a comment from a transport operator who knows where he will receive a service equal to the one he delivers to his customers - a service and reputation he has built his highly regarded company on.
Text: Paul White - paul@fleet.ie
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DhL Group, the world’s leading logistics company, has officially opened its new Europe Innovation Center in Troisdorf, Germany, which, the company says, underscores its commitment to redefining global logistics through technology, sustainability, and collaboration. The new facility replaces DhL’s previous innovation centre in the same city and represents a major milestone in the company’s Strategy 2030, which focuses on smart growth, digital transformation, and reducing emissions across supply chains.
The new Troisdorf facility joins DHL Group’s global network of innovation centres, which also includes sites in Chicago, Singapore, and Dubai. Together, these hubs form a connected ecosystem designed to identify emerging trends, pilot new technologies, and accelerate the deployment of effective solutions worldwide.
Located near the group’s global headquarters in Bonn, the 5,360-square-metre centre is designed as a hub for developing and testing new technologies — from artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to Internet of Things (IoT) systems and sustainable logistics solutions. It serves a dual service, a showcase for cutting-edge innovation and a collaborative platform for customers, startups, researchers, and industry partners.
“Innovation is the engine driving our transformation,” said Katja Busch, Chief
DHL Opens New Europe Innovation Center in Germany to Drive the Future of Sustainable Logistics
Commercial Officer of DHL and Head of DHL Customer Solutions and Innovation (CSI).
“The new DHL Europe Innovation Center enables collaboration, driving growth, and redefining what’s possible in logistics — by turning ideas into impact. It’s where we co-create the
future of logistics together with our customers, partners, and employees.”
a m o D el o F Su STa I nable De SI gn
The new facility itself is an exercise in demonstrating DHL’s commitment to sustainability. It’s constructed using cross-laminated timber and is powered entirely by renewable energy enabling it to operate with zero greenhouse gas emissions. From the natural materials used in construction to the integration of smart energy systems, all aspects were designed to minimise environmental impact.
The building meets DGNB Platinum certification, one of Europe’s highest standards for green buildings. The building itself features a flexible, modular layout enabling the space to be adapted to different types of workshops, exhibitions, and collaboration sessions depending on need. Capable of hosting up to 400 visitors at once, the centre is home to the DHL Customer Solutions and Innovation team, which drives the company’s global innovation agenda alongside other business units.
DaTa-Dr I ven InnovaTI on Pr I or ITI e S
A key driver of DHL’s focus areas is its Logistics Trend Radar, a strategic tool it
uses to forecast the top industry trends over the next decade of supply chain developments. To refine these priorities, DHL surveyed over 2,500 supply chain professionals worldwide, with the survey identifying that AI, robotics, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations will have the greatest impact on logistics transformation.
According to the survey results: n 44% of respondents identified AI as the top driver of change in logistics, n 28% highlighted robotics for its role in automation and efficiency, and n 25% cited ESG as a growing factor in shaping sustainable supply chains.
“Our customers want solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also sustainable and scalable,” Busch said. “The DHL Europe Innovation Center brings that shared vision to life through AI-powered solutions, autonomous robotics, and eco-friendly packaging innovations, to name just a few.”
From vISI on To r eal-Worl D Im PaCT
While the new Innovation Center will leading the way in finding new technologically advanced solutions, many innovations found in research and testing are already being applied, with DHL Supply Chain, the company’s contract logistics division, playing a leading role in bringing new technologies into day-to-day operations.
Using a structured approach that combines standardisation, strategic partnerships, and digital orchestration platforms, DHL Supply Chain has deployed technologies such as collaborative robots, AI-driven analytics, and autonomous transport systems across hundreds of sites. To date, the company has completed nearly 10,000 automation and digitalisation projects globally, integrating more than 8,000 collaborative robots into its warehouses and distribution centres.
One small example was demonstrated at a visit to DHL’s distribution centre in the nearby city of Mönchengladbach where it manages the distribution for the
Invited media are shown around DHL’s new European Innovation Center
Katja Busch
German and Benelux markets for a major retail client with strong Irish connections. Demonstrating a robot that is capable of unloading a truck full of boxes and placing them on a conveyor belt, what was interesting to note was that with AI the robot ‘learns’ continually. So for instance if it drops a box it recognises the parameters that caused it to do so and will not repeat the error. As a result it is continually getting quicker and more
Emily Pitcher, Senior Manager, Innovation
One example of innovation that DhL has been working on at its Innovation Center is in improving workflows in warehouses to make them more efficient and safer. The company is teaming up with a young Irish company to achieve this, as Emily Pitcher, Senior Manager, Innovation at DhL, explained to Fleet Transport.
“Protex AI is an Irish-based startup. They’re focused on AI, specifically computer vision. What they do is they look into operational health and safety by leveraging the existing CCTV cameras in a warehouse and integrating it with their solution. The use cases that they can address are not limited to, but can include the speed of forklifts, monitoring them that they’re not speeding. Another example is identifying if PPE is being worn, so safety vests, goggles, helmets and gloves. Making sure that doors that are intended to be only exited through or entered through are being used in the correct way. They can also check that pathways are being adhered to. They
accurate at its task.
“Nearly every customer site we operate has been touched by our innovation agenda,” said Rainer Haag, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Europe. “From automation and IoT sensors to data analytics and AI, intelligent technologies are embedded across our operations. Innovation only reaches its full potential when implemented at scale — and that’s exactly what we’re doing, delivering real
impact for our customers, employees, and investors.”
a g lobal InnovaTI on eCo S yST em The opening of the Europe Innovation Center marks the next stage in DHL’s evolution as a technology-driven logistics leader. With its focus on collaboration, sustainability, and practical innovation, the Troisdorf facility is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the supply chains of the future.
Irish start-up partners with DHL to improve warehouse safety
also do heat mapping, which is a very important feature for us to understand, how, in a warehouse, we can amend our workflows to make them more efficient.
When we initially engaged with Protex.AI, they were super small. They only had four employees, two of which are the founders. And we worked very closely with them to develop a solution to make it something that is really scalable for logistics operations. DHL is not a tech developer and Protex AI are not logisticians, so it’s basically combining the expertise on both sides that enabled us to tailor that solution and work together.”
Emily explained some of the challenges that had to be overcome. “We started on a very small site in Copenhagen where we integrated four cameras just testing the solution to make sure it actually works. We were able to identify certain features that needed further development. For instance they had data privacy through facial blurring. But in a very small site like the one we were testing in, we only had about 20 employees working there, so it’s still very easy to identify a person by any personally identifiable features. Tattoos, a shoe, whatever it may be. So we then asked them if they could strengthen the data privacy features. They started by
DHL’s Range Extender Scania
Another example of the innovative solutions that DHL has been working on is this ‘Extended Range Electric Vehicle’ (EREV), developed in collaboration with heavy vehicle maker Scania, at the OECD International Transport Forum in Leipzig. The EREV is an electric truck equipped with a fuel-powered backup generator that generates electricity to recharge the batteries when they are running low. This new truck concept is being extensively
tested by DHL for package transport between Berlin and Hamburg. Initial results after the EREV covered nearly 22,000 kilometres between the two cities showed that it operated more than 90% of the time in electric mode. The range extender was activated in only about 8.1% of the kilometres driven. As a result, the EREV saved more than 90% of CO2 emissions compared to a conventional diesel truck during the testing period,
blurring the image completely, but that leaves gaps for us to not be able to see what’s happening. So they then pushed that into a full silhouette so you cannot see any features. That made it much more scalable for DHL and the result of that pilot was really positive. We saw some really good insights that meant we were able to change certain workflows in that warehouse.“
Emily went on to outline how this success enabled the partnership to be expanded. “We went into a much larger pilot project integrating 40 cameras. We were able to see some really great results in terms of the data and the amount of reduction that we were seeing in workplace injuries and also the downtime related to injuries. Again a few limitations on the technology side gave us more opportunity for collaboration. By working together Promex AI further developed their camera solution and have now actually integrated 360-degree cameras.”
With the project set to be rolled out in further sites, depending on country specific regulations, the partnership between DHL and Promex AI is an example of the innovative solutions that DHL has every reason to believe will continue to flow from its Europe Innovation Center.
while enhancing operational flexibility by providing an additional energy reserve when no charging station is available, unlike a fully electric truck.
Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie
The Fleet Bus & Coach Awards, which celebrates the outstanding achievements and innovations that drive our industry forward, are taking place at the Johnstown Estate hotel, Enfield County Meath on Thursday 13th november.
The event promises to be an unforgettable night of celebration, networking, and recognition. Join us as we pay tribute to the individuals and teams who have set new standards of excellence across Ireland’s passenger transport sector. Your presence will not only show support for the finalists but also strengthen our shared commitment to quality, safety, and professionalism in fleet operations.
n Date: Thursday 13th November 2025
n Venue: Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield, County Meath
n Time: Pre-Awards Welcome/Drinks Reception 6.30pmsponsored by The Plaza Group
Show your support to our Finalists - Be part of this special evening of recognition, networking, and inspiration.
C ATEGORY F INALISTS
CoaCH oP eraTor aWar D 2026 –Tour organiser & Coach Provider Sponsored by Volvo Bus
n Corduff Travel n EI Travel Group n Eirebus / Swords Express n Executive Travel Solutions n Fitzpatrick Coaches n Leatours
b u S oP eraTor aWar D 2026 –less than 10 vehicles
Sponsored by Harris Bus & Coach
n Keogh Barrett Tours n Seamus Nolan Coaches
b u S oP eraTor aWar D 2026 –m ore TH an 10 v e HIC le S
Sponsored by Clarke Autowash
n Bartons Transport n Brigdale Coaches n Burkes Bus n Callinan Coaches n Carolan Coach Hire n Corduff Travel n Dave Long Coach Hire n Donoghues of Galway n Dublin Express n EI Travel Group n Executive Travel Solutions n Fitzpatrick Coaches n Fureys of Sligo n Glasheens Coaches n Glynns Coach Hire n Go Ahead Transport Services n Irish Concert Travel t/a Sligo Coaches n JJ Kavanagh n Keaveney Travel n Nolan Coaches n Paul Nash Travel n Roches Coaches
S CH ool b u S oP eraTor aWar D 2026
n Brigdale Coaches n Carolan Coach Hire n Corduff Travel n Donoghues of Galway n Executive Travel Solutions n Fitzpatrick Coaches n Irish Concert Travel t/a Sligo Coaches
n Kearneys of Cork n Keaveney Travel n Nolan Coaches
n Paul Nash Travel n Roches Coaches
Sa F e T y PraCTIC e & Tra I n I ng aWar D 2026
Sponsored by Coach Climate Systems
n Burkes Bus n Corduff Travel n Fitzpatrick Coaches
lI very & Cor P oraT e I D en TIT y aWar D 2026
Sponsored by Brian Noone Ltd
n Bartons Transport n Collins Travel n Corduff Travel n Donoghues of Galway n Dublin Express n Eirebus/Swords Express n Executive Travel Solutions n Glasheens Coaches n Glynns Coach Hire n Go Ahead Transport Services n JJ Kavanagh n Nolan Coaches
Care F or TH e e nv I ronmen T aWar D 2026
Sponsored by PTSB
n Collins Travel n Corduff Travel n Cronins Coaches n Dublin Express n Fitzpatrick Coaches n Kearneys of Cork
Inve ST men T I n InnovaTI on aWar D 2026
Sponsored by The Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland
n Burkes Bus n Dave Long Coach Travel n Fitzpatrick Coaches n Fureys of Sligo n JJ Kavanagh n Kearney’s of Cork n Nolan Coaches
Women I n Pa SS enger Tran SP or T aWar D 2026
Sponsored by Apex Buses
n Claire Spain – Executive Travel Solutions n Dervla McKay – Go Ahead Transport Services n Marie Donoghue – Donoghue’s of Galway n Sarah Finnegan – Finnegans of Bray
rISI ng S Tar aWar D 2026
Sponsored by Pelican Bus & Coach/Yutong
The Recipient will be announced on the night
Serv IC e S To TH e Pa SS enger Tran SP or T In D u ST ry aWar D 2026
Sponsored by MUTEC Mercedes-Benz Bus & Coach Centre
The Recipient will be announced on the night
For today and for tomorrow
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Contract Hire I Rental I Refrigeration
Contents Winter 2025
60 n e WS
Finalists listed for International Van of the Year Award 2026
Farizon has sustainably in practice Kia scoops Guinness World Record with PV5
64 In T erv I e W I
With Roberto Fumarola, Stellantis ProOne
66 Cover
Featuring the 2025 International Pick-up Group Test, Bulgaria
72 In T erv I e W II
With Sjoerd Knipping, Kia Europe
74 F I r ST Dr I ve I
In the all new Farizon SV
76 F I r ST Dr I ve II
In the all new Kia PV5
78 m ob I le l e IS ure
On board the new Volkswagen California Ocean
80 l aun CH Pa D KGM goes electric with Musso pick-up
82 Cla SSIC & m o D ern
Renault Vans - generations apart
84 mI le STone
Literally - Rock Solid from Mercedes-Benz Vans
86 o n r e Cor D
With the Ford Transit on its 60th anniversary
New light commercial vehicle brands from China and South Korea are among the list of nominees for the International Van of the Year 2026 (IVOTY) award, along with traditional European brands.
The 34th running of the most prestigious prize in the light commercial vehicle industry has nine candidates listed on the voting paper, with some of the vehicles presented as joint nominations.
Newcomers from China, namely Farizon with its SV electric van and Kia, from South Korea, with its new PV5 light commercial vehicle, also electric, are welcome entrants on this occasion, which sees them contest against several finalists from Ford Pro and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
New entrants from Asia among contestants for the International Van of the Year 2026 Award
From Ford Pro is the new Ford E-Transit Courier, the Ford Transit Connect PHEV and the latest uprated Ford E-Transit (Long Range), while Volkswagen has its ICE and electric versions of the new Transporter (T7) listed along with the upgraded Crafter, which is jointly nominated with the MAN TGE (MY2025).
“We’re in a very interesting period in our sector, with new players coming into the marketplace, with fresh thinking, creating new segments, and offering new solutions, all with emission free technologies. These new brands are most welcome, and to have them in the contest alongside household names in the trade, makes our job when voting even more difficult”, stated Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman, IVOTY.
He added: “They all meet the main criteria for the International Van of the Year Award which includes the vehicles’ contribution to the efficiency, safety, sustainability and environmental standards of the light commercial vehicle sector.
Farizon delivers on sustainable production
The all-new born-electric Farizon SV large van, just launched in Ireland, delivers a sustainable solution for customers, with environmental factors playing a significant part in the vehicle’s development and production.
In its construction, the SV uses 10 per cent recycled materials, while 85 per cent of its materials can be recycled at the end of its life, and 95 per cent are recoverable. Out on the road, the use of high-strength steel and hybrid aluminium-steel materials in the chassis and body, along with the innovative driveby-wire platform, helps reduce weight by eight per cent, which provides gains in energy conservation and operational efficiency.
To be eligible, the vehicle must be new, in series production by the end of the year in which it receives the award, and present a significant technological innovation. The election process is adjudicated independently.”
The official announcement and presentation of both the IVOTY 2026 and the International Pick-up Award 2026 trophies will take place at Solutrans 2025 at EurExpo, Lyon, France on Wednesday 19 November next.
In alphabetical order, the jury will elect the overall winner from the following:
2026 I voT y Can DIDaT e S
Farizon SV
Ford E-Transit Courier
Ford E-Transit (Long Range)
Ford Transit Connect PHEV Kia PV5
Volkswagen Transporter /
Volkswagen E-Transporter
Volkswagen Crafter/MAN TGE
In addition to these significant advances, a large part of Farizon’s environmental focus has been spent on low carbon manufacturing. Located in the Xiangtan Economic Development Zone in Hunan, China, Farizon’s flagship manufacturing facility has been created to be a global benchmark for carbon-neutral commercial vehicle production.
Designed from inception as a zero-carbon factory, the base plans to operate on 100 per cent renewable energy, primarily from solar and wind, with on-site generation
capacity exceeding 40 per cent of total consumption. Its closed-loop water recycling system reduces freshwater dependency by 75 per cent, while AI-optimised logistics networks cut ancillary emissions by 30 per cent. Every SV produced at the facility embeds sustainability across its lifecycle, aligning with EU Green Deal objectives and circular economy mandates.
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Record Making! Kia has made history, setting a new global range distance benchmark for an all-electric van. The new Kia PV5 Cargo, the company’s first dedicated electric light commercial vehicle and part of its pioneering Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) line-up, has officially broken a Guinness World Record title for its achievement of: “The greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge is 693.38 km (430.84 mi)”.
The PV5 Cargo Long Range 4-door panel van variant, featuring a 71.2 kWh battery, was trialed with its maximum authorised payload of 665kg, with the record-breaking drive taking place on 30 September 2025 under authentic, real-world conditions on public roads north of Frankfurt, Germany.
“Even if Kia is new to the LCV market, this record is a testament to the versatility and innovation behind Kia’s first PBV, showing that we are serious contenders.” said Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe. “The fact that much of our target audience for this van variant could operate for almost two full working days on a single charge speaks volumes about its real-world capability. The PV5 combines efficiency, flexibility, and intelligent connectivity in one package.”
The record route was carefully designed to replicate the daily realities of delivery and logistics operations. Over a 58.2-kilometre urban and extra-urban loop, the PV5 Cargo faced traffic lights, intersections, roundabouts, and typical city traffic — mirroring the conditions most logistics drivers encounter every day. On
top of this, the van repeatedly tackled an elevation gain of approximately 370 metres, completing the loop 12 times while carrying its full payload, and finally coming to a stop within the twelfth loop.
The challenging conditions underscore the PV5 Cargo’s superior efficiency and reliability. Designed by engineers to optimise practical usability, the PV5 serves as a highly dependable solution for sustainable urban mobility without compromising performance.
The record attempt was meticulously prepared. Inspectors from TÜV Hessen and buck Vermessung supervised the
loading process and verified compliance with weight specifications. The drive was continuously recorded using GPS tracking and in-cabin cameras. Before departure, the PV5’s battery was charged to 100 per cent and both the charging port and cargo compartment were sealed until the end of the 22-hour, 30-minute journey.
With this Guinness World Record Kia underscores its ongoing commitment to developing innovative, efficient, and practical solutions for the mobility of tomorrow. The record-breaking Kia PV5 Cargo will be on display at the Solutrans Tradeshow in Lyon, France (EurExpo) from 18 November 2025, Hall 5, Booth C130.
From €44,500
Roberto Fumarola could be described as an industry veteran having begun his career with Fiat in 1987 before moving to CaseNew Holland and more recently Stellantis ProOne, therefore having the opportunity to mix car, agricultural and commercial vehicles in his career. Today working as head of the brand’s collective LCV badge line-up, he previously served as Director of Commercial Vehicles in the Italian market.
The Stellantis ProOne brand collection consists of Fiat Professional, Citroen, Opel, Peugeot and Vauxhall. Among Roberto’s day-to-day activities include dealing with the many blue chip converters of the ProOne chassis-cab and large panel vans. “Ducato is the absolute leader in this field, an amazing and interesting sector,” he said in an interview while attending the Stellantis ProOne CustomFit Experience at Atessa, Italy, where the Group’s large vans are made.
“The Ducato has been a leader in the recreational vehicle market for many years, with over two million Campers sold on the platform over two decades”
Other aspects of his position covers logistics, legal aspects such as legislation and supply chain. He also oversees the B2B and B2C elements in that the chassis-cab/cowl is sold to the converter, which is then delivered to the dealer who sells it on to the customer.
One-to-One with Roberto Fumarola, Head of the Recreational Vehicles Department for Enlarged Europe region at Stellantis ProOne
CustomFit is one of the main activities at the plant at Atessa, adding bodywork and fittings to the chassis or panel van, proving a one-stop-shop for customers, assuring a speedy delivery time of the complete ready-to-work vehicle and guaranteeing high levels of quality workmanship. Therefore, a full warranty package is offered; solutions such as box body, tipper, dropbox and racking systems, plus fittings form emergency and municipal vehicles.
Roberto sees immediate market opportunities with the transition towards electric.” There are certain tasks within the sector that will take to it extremely well, like tradespeople, for example, that cover small distances in kilometres every day. Then we have the sector of daily deliveries, the last mile, which is more oriented to full electric, they can recharge at their depot as they cover more kilometres per day. The recharge can be done during the night. In my opinion, the last mile is completely fitting to full electric light commercials.
can be factored in over the life of the camper-van. The Recreational Vehicle division are currently working on electric power-plants,” he added.
“But they have more work to do. We have to proceed gradually , to reduce the price and overall weight.”
Moving on to the topic of pick-ups, Roberto declared that there is a new Ram 1-tonne model due for Europe, with the Stellantis Group having previously dipped their toe in the market with the Fiat Fullback, which was in fact a rebadged Mitsubishi L200.
The same can be said for the service courier business,” he added.
With regards to leisure vehicles, ProOne is prepared: “Absolutely, but there are challenges , with charge points (lack of) and payload issues,” he said. In addressing these matters, he stated: “Campsites will need to have quick charge points for leisure vehicles and the driver’s basic licence will have to allow for the extra weight of the batteries and move up to the allocated 4.25 tonnes GVW.
The range on the eDucato is good, up to 400km and the higher overall price
In light of the so-called ‘China Challenge’ , Roberto is looking across the Atlantic to counteract any loss in sales due to the new opposition coming in from the East. “North America is a large market prospect and a great opportunity, bearing in mind the new tariffs, and the fact that the Ram brand in the USA already markets the Ducato as the ProMaster. “It is our ambition to be the leader in this sector, we are number one in Europe and South America and near the top position in the Middle East. And so, as America is the biggest market, we have a chance to be number one there too.”
In conversation with Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie
The K ia PV 5 Car go . Electrifying your business. Coming soon.
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IPUA ‘25 Successful International Pick-up Group Test held in Bulgaria
With Bulgaria nominated as the host country for the International Pick-up Award Group Tests 2025, the Belchin region, located in the Samokov Municipality with its beautiful yet rugged landscapes was chosen as a most suitable location for the event. hosted by the Bulgarian Transport Press, the two day event entailed on and off road trials undertaken by International Van of the year jury panelists representing 19 European countries and South Africa. The initiative was created in 2010, to highlight the merits of 1-tonne pick-up trucks as a business tool for on and off road activities.
Manufacturers of four-wheel drive pick-up trucks were invited to participate in the biennial exercise with their latest models. What emerged was an interesting competition between traditional brands and models from Europe versus newcomers from China.
The Ford Ranger returned as reigning joint champion (winning last time out two years ago alongside the Volkswagen Amarok), with its new Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain and was up against the Grenadier Quartermaster from British start-up INEOS, the new Maxus T60 and two examples from Foton, the G7 and V9.
The road tests on day one were carried out initially to and from the event headquarters at the Belchin Garden Hotel to Sofia airport as delegates arrived, and then on set routes within the Somokov Municipality. With an appreciated welcome from
the Mayor of Belchin, Veneta Spasova, a challenging, arduous and high-altitude off-road trial route was carved through the vast forests at Belchinsky Rai, north of the Tsari Mali Grad, an ancient Roman fortress, which has been meticulously reconstructed, with the base camp for car exchanges at St. Paul’s Cross, Klisura, a high altitude location, 1191m above sea level.
The organisers wish to acknowledge the sponsorship and support from Glavbolgarstroy (Lara Race Circuit), the Municipality of Samokov, Belchin Garden hotel, Pobeda and Bulgarian Rose.
As the outgoing title holder and the most successful candidate in the IPUA to date with three trophies over the eight previous running of the competition, the Ford Ranger has entered a strong contender this time around with the new Plug-in petrol-electric hybrid (PHEV).
For the past eleven years, Ford has maintained leadership in the European pick-up truck segment and is headed for a record 47% market share by the end of this year. SMEs and utility fleets make up the majority of the Ranger model line sales. 63% in fact use Ranger for work, with 89% using it to tow a trailer.
In developing the PHEV version, the Ford Pro team sees the hybrid sitting nicely alongside the current diesel powered options, offering a lower carbon footprint. Ford’s tried and trusted 2.3-litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder petrol is married to a 75kW e-motor that uses an 11.8kWh lithium-Ion usable battery pack, capable of 43km of emission-free propulsion. Many current owners will be surprised to hear that the Ranger PHEV is more powerful than its diesel counterparts, boasting 281 PS and 697 Nm of torque, without suffering any shortcomings as the 1-tonne payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity remains like for like. Its total cost of ownership is less also.
Driving the Stormtrak version which is unique to the PHEV range. the contrast between this and the familiar 3.0-litre V6 diesel is noticeable in that the hybrid is a smoother experience, a little more refined. There are seven drive modes, depending on the conditions underfoot to choose from and like the diesel, all linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission. In addition the driver can engage more by availing of the three electric modules: EV Now (full EV), EV Later (save battery) and EV Charge (EV for external devises). The 10-amp/2x15-amp power points provide 2.3kW/6.9kW, available to plug in from the load bed.
On road and off road, Ranger PHEV performed perfectly, as expected. Other versions include the Wildtrak and sporty MS-RT flagship.
Chinese brand Foton was recently introduced into Bulgaria by Future Trucks, a division of the Bulauto company which has 33 years expertise as importers and distributors of truck and van brands. Two versions of the new Tunland pick-ups were presented, the G7 which enters the standard P3 classification, and the V9 in the larger P4 category.
To highlight the enormity of Foton as a complete commercial vehicle manufacturer, it’s the third biggest in China, turning out 11 million units per year. Established in 1996, it has formed long standing synergies with global engine and component suppliers as well as contra-deals with other auto manufacturers. For example, the Tunland is powered by a 2.0-litre 160hp/330Nm
FoTon g7 & FoTon v9
Cummins turbo-diesel, with an 8-speed ZF transmission. It comes with a Berg Warner all-wheel drive system, has a 950 kg payload and a 3-tonne towing capacity.
The Tunland V9, also called the Grand General, looking in no way dissimilar to that of a certain American three letter word brand model, uses the same powertrain with the addition of a 48kW mild hybrid system that boasts 450Nm of torque, rated to tow 3.5-tonnes and carries 895kg. Featuring an independent double wishbone front suspension and multi-link leaf springs on the rear axle, due to its extra size in width and length, it
proved to be more suited to a more pleasurable on road driving experience than more engaging, all-terrain territory. That said, it has hill descent control and selectable 4WD modes when required. A dual screen display dominates the dash and the 360 degree camera comes in handy when in tight corners.
In contrast the Tunland G7, with its neater dimensions felt more at home on the road and in the forests. Unlike the Ranger for instance, the switchgear to engage the all-wheel traction had to be done through the 10.25” centre touch screen, as there are no actual physical dials or buttons to press. Visibility was good all round, thanks to the large external mirrors and 360 degree camera system, as was the ground clearance even when encountering the deep muddy ruts which formed due the heavy rain days before. The automatically engaged diff lock helped out here, and the slick automatic gear change remained in control at all times.
Foton is entering the European market full scale with new energy pick-ups and vans that have already received EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA). The Chinese company has secured large orders in countries like Italy and is actively building its sales, service, and operational network to expand its presence in other European markets such as Germany, Spain, and Poland.
Depending on the price when sold in Europe, the G7 could become a value for money prospect for many pick-up users and new customers.
Foton G7
Foton
Foton V9
The Grenadier from chemical giant INEOS, is probably one of the most talked about vehicles in recent years. From the concept initiated by company boss Jim Ratcliffe as a result of a pub conversation mourning the fact that Land Rover never truly replaced the Defender, he set about creating and developing an ‘unbreakable’ all-wheel drive and durable heavy duty sports utility and a selection of commercial vehicles. Following the launch of the 5-door Station Wagon, a rear flat floored commercial was revealed, followed by a flatbed version. Then an open back pick-up, called the Quartermaster, based on a longer chassis arrived and was keenly tested during the IPUA days, particularly on the off road section, where it excelled.
Powered by a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder BMW Euro 6d diesel engine and mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox, everything about the Grenadier talks tough.
Some say it’s old fashioned, others commented that it’s built to last, just like the original Defender and the INEOS is catering for that varied global marketplace that the Land Rover is not at present.
During the product presentations from each brand, the INEOS representatives affectionately called it ‘the Analogue playing in the Digital World’ and that’s no bad thing as the Grenadier brings back the real feel inside the cabin with an array of switches and knobs and buttons, with a small centre console screen for basic needs. While the Quartermaster at times has some steering issues, being a bit loose on the open road, it also
suffers from a poor turning circle, mainly due to the supplier of the beam axles which includes John Deere tractors on its books. It proved its worth however on the multi-faceted surfaces on the off-road course, full of bumps, hallows, hills and descents. Passengers can avail of three grab handles, and they were needed!
For the driver, entry and exit is an issue. When asked about this, the explanation given was that a grab handle on the A-pillar would cause a blind-spot. Some intervention by owners has seen a looped strap type device attached to do the job!
n Two versions of the Quartermaster are available, the FieldMaster and TrialMaster, the latter specified as a 100% off-roader.
n A europallet can fit inside the load bed that can carry 760kg and tow 3.5-tonnes.
n Built in France, Grenadier is now sold in 50 countries worldwide and has accumulated over 30,000 unit sales to date.
When the Harris Group first introduced a Maxus pick-up, the T90, it came in electric form but was deemed as a soft-roader rather than an off-roader, due to its 2WD system and low ground clearance. However, market research and general interest in a pick-up from the Chinese brand has led to two new models
I
being introduced - the diesel powered T60 and the new electric T9 eTerron. In a similar fashion to its country rival Foton, the T9 is the larger, but was not available for the group sessions.
Competing in the standard class the new T60 is competent machine, with appealing design and styling. Its driveline compares well with what’s out there, with its 2.0–litre bi-turbo Euro 6e diesel that produces 216 hp and 500 Nm running through an 8-speed transmission. Impressive too is its 1,050 kg payload and 3.5-tonne towing capacity. Supporting the chassis are double wishbones in the suspension setting. The gas sprung tailgate fitted as standard was noted also. Inside, a now familiar touchscreen takes up the centre dash area, all 12.3” of it that covers the infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system.
The three drive modes were tried, Eco, Power and Normal, to good effect. Although the steering feel a touch tight, it give a positive feel up for the road. Off-road, T60 performed dutifully, without any issues.
In general, the Maxus T60 is a competent mid-size pickup truck known for its value, robust design, and generous standard features. Manufactured by SAIC Motor since 2016, it is marketed globally and is also sold under other names, such as the LDV T60 in Australia and New Zealand, while it has the T60 Max badge in European markets.
The Harris Group (Dublin) handles the importation and distribution of the Maxus pick-ups and van models across the UK and Ireland.
Adrenaline, high speeds, and a competitive spirit are set to come alive near Samokov with the construction of the LARA Racing Circuit. The high-tech track will offer world-class conditions for both car and motorcycle racing, positioning Bulgaria on the international motorsports map. Designed to attract professional drivers, enthusiasts, and speed lovers from across Europe, LARA will become a premier destination for high-performance racing.
This large-scale infrastructure project is a private investment, supported by GBS Energy Solutions, a member of the Management Board of the Bulgarian Motorcycling Federation. A result of international collaboration, the track was designed by Driven, leading experts in racetrack development, with the architectural concept designed by IPA - Architecture and more. The outcome is a world-class facility that meets the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and performance.
The track will be built to meet the standards of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), guaranteeing optimal conditions for both car and motorcycle racing.
LARA Racing Circuit will stretch 4 km in length and 12 m in width, with key corners expanding to 15m to provide more flexibility for drivers. The track is designed to deliver a dynamic racing experience, combining high-speed straights, challenging technical corners, and elevation changes that create an authentic racing feel. With twenty one configurable layouts, it can be adapted for various race formats and testing needs.
The track will be fully equipped to host both national and international competitions, featuring a pit lane and garages, as
Lara Racing Circuit, a new motorsport facility near Samokov (Bulgaria) construction nearing completion
well as fully equipped service areas for professional teams. It will include race control and briefing rooms to ensure complete monitoring and management of events. Fans will enjoy spectator stands and a restaurant designed to provide a comfortable experience. Additional amenities include conference rooms and a training centre, where future champions will be developed. While the track will be certified to international standards, its primary focus will be on hosting national and regional championships, providing the ideal conditions for the growth of Bulgarian racing talent.
Construction is well underway, with completion expected by the end of the year. The track’s management will be handed over to international experts, ensuring the highest operational standards and seamless integration into the global sports calendar.
The construction of LARA Racing Circuit represents a major milestone for Bulgarian motorsports. Until now, the lack of modern facilities in the country has limited opportunities for the professional growth of local competitors, forcing many to look for alternatives abroad. The new track is expected to become a key destination, attracting both professional racers and motorsport fans alike, and fuelling the future of motorsports in Bulgaria.
Competitors, fans, and speed enthusiasts – Samokov is about to launch a high-tech arena that will deliver unforgettable thrills and adrenaline!
The “Lara” new track in Bulgaria is designed to meet FIA Grade 3 and FIM Category BA standards, suitable for races like Formula 3 and various motorcycle events. The circuit is planned to have a 4km length with 15 turns, a 900-meter main straight, and an expected capacity of 30,000 spectators. The project’s first races are tentatively planned for late 2025, with the official opening of the entire complex scheduled for early 2026.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
One-to-One With Sjoerd Knipping, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Europe
Considering the competitive marketplace Kia is entering, up against traditional European LCV brands and also newcomers from China, have you found a niche with a new PV5 to differentiate from the other?
One thing that we aim to achieve with the PV5 as a start-up in the sector is to deliver a van without compromise. Our engineers worked an electric light commercial based on our ten year experience in passenger cars EVs (electric vehicles) and built on our unique e-GMP.S e-platform, new from the ground up.
But also benefiting from starting from a clean sheet of paper?
Yes, we initially started out with a strategy built on four pillars - drive, charge, convert and work. Since then we’re adding a fifth, which is adapt, but that’s down the road.
Can that add to your business plan substantially?
Yes, as it’s related to all the conversion options we have, many of which will come from the factory, pan-Europe and with local converters, because that can bring extra business. If I’m not mistaken, based on the research we’ve done and what I’ve learned in the past, for normal vans, about 70% of them have some kind of conversion.
Explain more about the other pillars
There a couple of simple ones that make it stand out. Due to the e-platform, the PV5 has the lowest entry load height and above average load volume - these are
assets of the vehicle in relation to what is in the market already. I think PV5 sets itself apart from any competitor because it’s sitting in between two segments C and D.
In a way we see it in a sense of not looking at how traditional vans have been done in the past, because the majority of traditional vans manufactures are converted existing ICE powered volume to EVs, which doesn’t always work.
Of course, the PV5 is only the start of the PVB (Platform Beyond Vehicle) programme. How did it all come about initially?
Actually when I joined Kia almost 14 years ago, and while on a visit to the company’s headquarters in Seoul, I asked the CEO - “When are we going to move into CVs?”
As you know Kia has become very strong in retail markets and even more so on the move to electrification and more of the fleet market.
Having a good balance between retail and fleet, one of the questions we were getting from the business end was“Where’s your LCV line up, we would like to take your brand if you can offer us the full fleet”.
Opening new doors, therefore?
Actually, additional opportunities, as commercial fleet customers and also car drivers and we can capture that purchase too.
Continuing on with the modularity aspect of the PV5 programme, describe the WAV - wheelchair application vehicle, contained within the pillars WAV is a great initiative and is
covering a market that’s not directly and already catered for primarily by the main manufacturers.
WAV is another good example of how we can stand out from the crowd, but it’s also with the chassis cab segment. There is no other C-segment chassis-cab in the market today that I’m aware of. We can create a special segment within the existing playing field that can serve multiple fields.
An opportunity for your new, dedicated dealer network too?
Yes, they are obviously essential as well, as we have high expectations from the network of about 600 to 700 dealers that will be PBV dedicated. They are also aware that it will bring them new businesses opportunities, opening doors for new passenger customers.
As the majority of these dealers are multi agency, many with LCV expertise, that will be another benefit?
Yes, it will help us, nevertheless we are very clear with them as we have set out new standards and knowhow, in order to stand out from the crowd. But it also needs to be delivered throughout the whole customer experience and once established we will then extend the line-up with the PV7 and PV9 and add more dealers.
In conversation with Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie
Following Geely Group’s public stock market entry in 2003, 2007 saw its first car produced. The value for money offering stirred the Chinese market and the company has not looked back since. The acquisition of Volvo Cars was a serious statement of intent from the company and helped to establish Lynx & Co in 2016, with the first steps taken to establish Farizon as a commercial vehicle brand happening in the same period. In subsequent years, the takeover of famed British marque Lotus and a major shareholding in Proton brought further dividends and the investment in Daimler Group led to a joint venture in reforming smart cars from 2020. But that’s not all, as the creation of luxury car brand Zeekr and entry into the London Taxi business with LEVC can also be included to Geely’s impressive expansion. In all, during the course of 2024, more than 3.3 million Geely Holding Group vehicle sales were recorded with the company on target to top 4 million this year. Geely also produces its own battery packs and microchips for its vehicles.
‘Farizon, headquartered in Hangzhou, is the leading new energy commercial vehicle brand in China, with 300,000 unit sales to date’
With commercial vehicle brand Farizon now on sale in Ireland and wider Europe, Geely is well placed to expand its horizons further. As well as a broader selection of SV light commercials covering the mid-size market, a smaller van, the V6E will arrive later this year. From 2026, the strategy is to introduce electric trucks and buses into the European market.
Farizon to the fore and more!
and distributor for Farizon, MMC Commercials, can avail of some of its Fuso truck and MG car dealer network to look after customers based on their vast experience in the trade, in addition to new appointees.
‘Farizon is set to introduce the Homtruck, and a selection of buses from 8 to 12 metres and well as a full size coach in the next few years’
According to Cook Xue, CEO, Farizon International, the company is aiming high, with a strong objective to achieve a 5% share of the European BEV market.
Farizon will utilise a combination of its car brand dealers, some with commercial vehicle infrastructure and expertise, backed up by a part and components supply based in the Netherlands. In the case of Ireland, the newly appointed importer
His philosophy is ‘Win in Europe - Win the World’ - noting an appreciation of the mature and sophisticated market landscape that continues to progress on this continent. To date Farizon has established itself in 18 countries with 30 sales outlets and 40 service channels.
Mr. Xue and his executive colleague David Yu firmly believe that by starting with a clean sheet of paper a better design and development offering is assured. David stated the fact that the Farizon SV is not based on an existing combustion engined van, hence there are no compromises. And with the design talents of Herve Bertrand, who was in the past responsible for the Renault Trucks T, C & K Ranges as well as for Mack Trucks models in the US, the SV is unique in many ways. Under consideration in creating the LCV were a number of themes, such as Elegance, Heritage,
Freedom and Decadence, combined to produce a light weight zero emission vehicle.
Other plus factors are that the SV boasts slick aerodynamics with a low drag factor, while along with that it meets a 95.5% recycling rate. Mentioning rates, new SV achieved a 5 Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating, as it is equipped with 30 ADAS safety systems.
Another significant aspect to note is that the Farizon engineering team undertook 2.8 million kilometres of testing on various prototypes in numerous countries and ever changing weather conditions.
There are main two electric power options available on the SV. An 83kWh battery is said to deliver up to 479km in city mode or 376km combined. Above that is the 106 kWh version that can achieve figures of 551/398 km. Official energy consumption is rated at an average 24.3kWh/100km (WLTP). For some markets a 67kWh battery option is available.
Three model size types are on sale initially with a single wheelbase length and three height options, covering from 695m3, 939m3 and 1,300m3 in load volume, while capable of carrying 1,390/1,200/1075kg respectively. Towing up to 2-tonne is possible. At the rear side panel there are two V2L 3.3kWh plug in points to power trade tools etc.
Access to the load area is unique, especially from the side doors. With the absence of the B pillar on the kerb side, a 2.5m aperture opens up right to the passenger door. For practical loading purposes there’s really 1.3m of side access which is impressive. The twin rear doors open fully around and the load weighing system comes in handy. A three person seating arrangement is standard inside the cab and there are
storage shelves under the driver and bench seats. A fold around bulkhead partition is being developed which will allow for longer loads once the back of the bench seat folds down.
To come is a 4x4 variant and additional body and chassis platform types.
Details of the new SV in brief:
n WLTP city range of up to 551km
n Load volume: Low roof 6.95 m3, High roof 13 m3
n 520mm cargo load height
n Hidden B pillar for ease of side loading
n 240 million km preproduction tests
n EU wide parts availability
n Low drag aerodynamics
n Load weight indicator
Two versions of the SV were driven in Spain over two separate routes, one urban and one rural but mostly on motorway. Based out of La Quinta de Jarama, we headed north in the standard wheelbase and roof height model, which had a pallet full of sand bags on board.
At first the steering feel was a bit tight, stiff almost, with some road noise prevalent over the smooth electric drivetrain. Both driving or regeneration modes were tried in low and medium setting, giving noticeable but not very strong retardation. As these were the inaugural production models, we were informed that further modifications are imminent and the Farizon people appreciated the feedback from the members of the International Van of the Year jury.
The seating position is
good but could be bettered with a reach option on the steering wheel, which is coming on stream soon. Driving data and connectivity from the main digital dash and touchscreen was fine as were the ventilation switchgear. Visibility all round is good and the warning alarms for lane detection and over speed in restricted areas kept the driver alert!
The second and longer run was taken in the 3.5 tonne, long wheelbase, high roof variant, unloaded on this occasion. Somehow the steering feeling was not so strong, maybe because we were more used to it and that it was mainly motorway and primary roads that were driven.
2025 can be marked as the year of a number of new arrivals in the electric van and light truck scene, with developments mostly from Asia such as Farizon, Flynt and Kia to be joined by Flexis, via Renault in due course. Collectively, they will change a whole zero emission light commercial vehicle landscape in an already competitive, mature market, led by long established players, mostly European. Interesting times ahead.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie
Two recent meeting and events hosted by Kia, one virtual and the other in reality, provided updates on the South Korean auto manufacturer’s plans and objectives upon entering the light commercial vehicle marketplace. As launched at exhibitions in Seoul (Mobility Show), Birmingham (CV Show) and Munich (IAA Mobility) this year, the first of a new range of LCVs to go on sale is the PV5, a small to medium sized van, specifically tuned for European users. Initial and inaugural first drives were experienced in Korea, followed lately with the first long distance test runs held in Southern Spain last month.
PV5 – First Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) from Kia
“PV5 is the first step on our Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) journey,” began Akshit Khosia, Advance Planning & PBV – Kia Europe at the Marbella event. “To explain, the definition of PBV is an ‘All-Life Platform’, through hardware flexibility, software scalability and connectivity of future technologies,” he added. He mentioned what’s coming down the line in reference to additional models in the PV5 family of load and people carriers. “From next year, we will launch a 2-seat SWB and a high roof version with 5m3 load volume and we will also have a chassis-cab option. The passenger variant will offer choice of 5-seats and or with 6-7 seats and also a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV)”. 25% of the PV5 sales will come from the passenger version.
“During 2026, additional versions such as a crew van, and platform/chassis-cab”
Akshit pointed to the company’s ambitious sales target of 4% of the EV LCV market share in Europe and up to 17% by the end of 2030, when a full line-up of light, medium and large volume and duty vans will be on sale.
The PV5 is creating a niche size-wise, as it fits in between the C and D small to medium segments, even with two wheelbase and height types of panel vans (and passenger variants). From the initial touch and feel experience, the driving elements and low load height stand out, not to
mention the adaption of the Kia design theme to a light commercial vehicle marketplace.
Its foundation lies within the Kia E-GMP.S battery electric platform, which, along with the battery packs, allow for an extended warranty programme: 8-years on the battery and 7 years/150,000km on the vehicle itself.
Three powertrains have been developed, serving a diversifying marketplace. Battery capacity is via a 51.5kW unit with 291km range or a range topping 71.2kW version giving 416km. These combinations of cells power two types of electric motors, with power outputs of up to 120 kW (161hp), and a maximum torque 250 Nm. 150 kW DC quick charging can bring the battery from 10-80% inside 30 minutes. 11 or 22 kW AC charging at home or depot is provided.
Up to 690 kg payload is provided with an estimated range distance of 416km, and for added convenience the plug in charge point is positioned in the middle of the front grille. Other add-ons include V2G vehicle to grid back feed
and V2L vehicle to load, that can power devices from the rear of the van (3.68 kW/16 amp/220 volt), plus an ePTO option. Another point of note is the tight turning circle of just 5.5 m, compared to others that are beyond 6 m.
PV5’s aerodynamics are impressive at 0.286 Cd, reducing wind drag and there are two active air vent flaps on the lower grille/3 piece bumper section that open automatically when in motion. Actually almost 80% of the underside is covered and therefore protected.
Interestingly, the regen doesn’t function if there is a trailer being towed, nor while the brake pedal is being pressed, or when the snow mode is engaged or if the vehicle is 100% charged.
Regarding safety, there are up to 25 driver assistance systems, many mandatory, some optional extras. PV5 has passed the stringent Euro NCAP tests and been awarded 4 Stars.
Connectivity is an essential requirement both in cab and remotely. Inside, two screens provide all the information and engagement necessary - a 7.5” unit at the steering wheel plus a 12.9” touchscreen, the latter using Android architecture that can interface with any devise. B2B fleet management systems in place allow for ‘Over the Air’ software upgrades on board.
While on the driving routes, the Eco and Normal modes were used, as the Snow button was not required in this area. Maybe a Rain mode would suit us better in Ireland? We asked!
Visibility from the driving seat is excellent, one of the best amongst its competitors, thanks to its low belt line and well sized and positioned exterior mirrors. Due to the placement of the battery packs within the platform, they lend to a low centre of gravity, adding to more stability on the road .
In addition to the three driving modes, there are seven levels of regeneration for the batteries, operated through a paddle shift at the steering wheel, which helps to regain used energy and also facilitate one-pedal-driving.
A suite of telematics data, provided by tech partners Geotab covers a multitude, such as predictive and preventive maintenance, driver and vehicle performance etc.
Practicality comes with a number of storage areas, for instance, slits in the roof panel, pockets in the centre console, door panels and of course the now mandatory cup holders.
In relation to the 4.4 m3 load volume in the L2H1 – LWB Standard roof, the actual load area, can accommodate two Europallets (and UK size) but it’s a little complex, one fits width way, while the other is positioned length way. Not ideal when it comes to loading and unloading. A long forked forklift is needed to haul out the inner one as it cannot be accessed form the sliding side door. However, more convenient access can be achieved through a specially defined removable floor, which can be slotted in over the wheel arches and comes with secure loading hooks.
One significant advance is the low loading height at 419mm. Special fittings such as racking, shelving and other out-fittings can be supplied by a number of authorised and approved providers, including some of the renowned names in the trade.
Nine dedicated Kia PBV dealers in Ireland have been appointed nationwide, with the first of the new PV5 models entering the market before year end.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
When you’re as successful as Volkswagen has been with the California, meddling with such a well-established formula can be risky. The latest T7 iteration of the iconic campervan heralds the biggest update in concept and thinking since the original air-cooled T1 of the 1950s was launched.
For the first time the California isn’t based on the tried and trusted Transporter van platform, instead it uses the MQB platform of the long wheelbase Multivan that is shared with a range of passenger cars including the Golf and Tiguan. It results in a vehicle that is longer by 27cm and 4cm wider than the old California with the height remaining the same. Crucially though it brings the promise of better driving and handling characteristics. For a vehicle that doubles up as an everyday passenger car for many owners, that’s something that should greatly add to its appeal.
But there are other changes from the previous T6.1, some definite enhancements, others not so much. On the plus side is that there are opening rear side doors on both sides of the vehicle, giving greater flexibility for moving around and setting up awnings as well as providing a safe offside exit on right hand drive vehicles.
That though has meant a redesign of the kitchen on Coast and Ocean models (the Beach retains the simpler slide out mini kitchen at the rear). It’s not necessarily for the better as the previously fitted two ring gas hob has now been reduced to a single outlet. The compressor cool box fridge has been moved to the front which allows it to be accessed from outside but is slightly smaller at 37 litres down from 42 in the T6.1. Kitchen storage space is not as generous as before either and the absence of the previous slide-out single leg table attached to the kitchenette side means you have to set up the four legged table (located in the boot area)
inside the van for dining.
Another change sees the previously fitted rear bench seat replaced by two individual chairs. While they are easier to slide back and forth and offer better support to passengers when on the move, the cavernous storage space offered by the bench seat isn’t matched by the two individual storage pockets. Setting the bed up is much the same as before, though the bed itself - while the same width at 1.12m - is 0.12m longer at 2.05m. When in place it stretches right up to the front seats whereas the old California left a little useful standing space. Indeed other reviewers have reported that unlike the old van there isn’t room now to manoeuvre a porta potty in this area though we didn’t personally verify this.
Useful enhancements include five litres extra capacity for fresh water, improved ambient lighting, and a new 5” control unit in the C-Pillar for controlling all camping relevant features. Another downside though is that available payload is down compared to the old van….from 500kg to 413kg.
From the front there’s no doubt that this is the most car-like and luxurious California to date, with excellent road manners. The 150PS diesel version is willing and quite frugal though interest in the plug-in hybrid when it arrives should be strong. It’s refined and handles well, with the caveat that
Price as tested
Volkswagen takes new approach with latest California
* Driven: Volkswagen California Ocean T7
this is a campervan so it’s not a vehicle that you’re going to be exploring handling limits in too often. Whereas with the Multivan passenger vehicle we can very much see the benefit of the car-derived platform in refinement levels, the difference is less obvious with the California where there are always rattles and creaks from the furniture behind. It’s worth noting too that that extra 27cm of length can make finding suitable car parking spaces that much harder, a consideration if planning to use the vehicle as an everyday runaround.
v er DICT
There’s no doubt that the California Ocean as tested remains a very desirable vehicle. However while this is the most car-like iteration to date, we would question whether it is a better vehicle for camping than hitherto. Second sliding door aside, we feel most of the changes are a step back, with a smaller kitchen, a lower payload and less interior space to move around when the bed is down. Whereas in the past the kitchen area made it worthwhile to opt for the Coast or Ocean versions, now it’s the more basic Beach model which comes with an extra passenger seat and wider downstairs bed that seems the more sensible choice - and it’s €12k (Coast) or €19.5k (Ocean) cheaper!
Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie
vol KSWagen Cal IF orn I a oC ean
€93,595 (prices for Beach and Coast models are €74,095 and €86,095)
TDI with 7-Speed
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Musso is a long standing auto badge that proved popular in Ireland from the ‘90s onwards. Back in the day, this large commercial sports utility produced by South Korean manufacturer SsangYong was in great demand by the farming and construction sectors mainly. In fact, there are two SsangYong models that feature in the top five in the Korean all time auto favourite list, the Musso and Korando.
Noted for its durability, reliability and strength, the Musso name, which means rhinoceros in Korean, is apt and it’s no wonder that the marque’s new owners the KG Group kept the model name when it was introduced as a pick-up truck.
When the KG corporation acquired SsangYong, it formed KG Mobility and began an adventurous journey of investment and restructuring, creating a whole new image, identity and design
KGM - Building confidence for the road ahead
theme, under the KGM symbol.
The first chapter began with the reveal of the all new EVX Torres electric SUV, to be followed by the larger Actyon SUV hybrid. Next up is an all new electric Musso pick-up, the first from a Korean automobile company, joined by the EVX Torres Hybrid at the launch in Germany, attended by Fleet.
Addressing the global media present, Mr. Jea Sun Kwak, Chairman KG Group, expressed confidence about the road ahead, stating that the brand is growing, going forward and on track to launch five new models in the next five years. These include ICE (diesel and petrol), hybrid (petrol/ electric) and even hydrogen technology. “KGM’s future is strong, we have a long term strategy, built from a 70-year heritage.”
“KGM’s first electric pickup, the Musso EV, and the Torres HEV, now entering global markets, have already received positive feedback in Korea. We are confident they will be highly competitive in export markets as well. This launch marks the start of an accelerated global rollout, guided by marketing strategies tailored to each country.” He further emphasised: “With exports on the rise, we aim to increase sales this year by expanding our presence in both established and emerging markets, developing KD business opportunities, and strengthening collaboration with local distributors.”
One of the key elements relating to the pace of the progress in development is the hybrid engine and electric motor technology sharing partnership and supply deal with leading Chinese conglomerate BYD.
Another is the reorganisation of the design department, appointing Kang Lee, formerly of Kia as head of design philosophy, who has established a striking and stylish new look and identity for the brand, first seen with the EVX and Korando and continuing to the new Musso EV. This monocoque shape with fully integrated body and load deck, is probably one the most stylish pick-ups
on the market today. It features a dual motor system with traction to both front and rear wheels, with a 80.6 kWh - lithium iron phosphate (LFP) blade battery pack, renowned for durability and fire resistance, producing 207 horsepower and 339Nm of torque, for the 2WD and 4WD system.
Chairman Kwak also met with global distributors and journalists to exchange insights, review local customer feedback, and acknowledged distributors for their contributions.
‘With 300kW fast charging, the battery can recharge from 20% to 80% in just over 30 minutes, and the system also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), enabling convenient power supply for camping or outdoor work’
In terms of structure, 78% of the body is made of high- and ultra-high-strength steel—the highest level in its class. This robust body design not only enhances crash safety but also contributes to greater rigidity, quietness, and overall durability.
It can tow 2.8 tonnes and offer ranges of up to 420 km (2WD) and 380 km when running all wheel drive. There are a number of stand-out features on board such as the self levelling suspension system when loaded, the indents to the side of the rear bumper which act as convenient steps, an Alpine surround sound system. and the rear seats which can recline to 32 degrees while the back rest can fold forward to allow for loading space inside. There are also a number of attractive and convenient load cover, canopies and load boxes on the accessories options lost. For those cold winter nights and mornings, a battery pre heating programme can be timed from the touchscreen.
The Musso EV stands as the flagship of KGM’s pick-up family, inheriting the spirit of the legendary SsangYong Musso SUV while carrying forward the legacy of Korea’s first recreational pick-up, the Musso Sports, first launched in 2002.
Since then Korea’s only pick-up truck maker shaped and expanded its presence in the market across four generations: Actyon Sports (2006–2011), Korando Sports (2012–2017), and the current Musso & Musso Grand (2018–2025).
At the launch, two colours stood out: Grand White and Blazing Gold and it was with the former that we undertook the inaugural test drive. From the positive clunk of the doors when closing to the freshness and openness of the clean, spacious layout inside, with its panoramic widescreen, high quality all round was plain to be seen. Excellent build standards too. A 12.3-inch digital cluster and an intuitive 12.3-inch touchscreen provide all the information and engagements needed and with a
simple touch of a few buttons on screen the ongoing annoyance of alarms going off while driving are eliminated.
The chunky double D-cut steering wheel, with numerous button controls provided a secure grip to match its sporty driving performance and experience. Road holding is superb, with a good feel up from the surface, without strain.
Well placed twin cup holders and numerous storage areas assure maximise practicality, and there is safe phone charge point in the centre pocket under the armrest.
Outside the load box Musso EV can carry up to 500kg, and side panel lamps ensure visibility at night, while the tailgate can support up to 150kg, comfortably seating two adults, adding versatility for outdoor relaxation or casual dining.
During the trial drives, on and off road, north of Frankfurt airport, regenerative braking in three stages via steering wheel paddles, eco, normal and sport were engaged with varying degrees of retardation.
What impressed most was its steadiness on the road and the lack of noise, vibration or harshness (NVH) well engineered to deliver SUV-level quietness, despite the pick-up configuration.
Its Off-road capability includes a 20.2° of approach angle, 24.3° of departure angle, and 181.4mm of ground clearance, The Musso EV is equipped with many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a number pre- and post-collision safety features, delivering driving and parking safety on par with SUV standards. Wide angle mirrors and an all-round camera system practically eliminates blind spots and aids when reversing.
Attendees expressed strong satisfaction with both models. The Musso EV was praised for setting a new benchmark in the pick-up market with its economic efficiency and versatile utility, while the Torres HEV received acclaim for its performance, optimised electric driving mode for daily urban use, impressive fuel efficiency, authentic outdoor appeal, and stable ride comfort.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie
Villiers-Saint-FredericHosting Past, Present & Future of Renault LCV
The ‘Originals & Beyond’ event held by Renault Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) at a location west of Paris somewhat explained the past, present and future of the French manufacturer, but in reality it says more than that. ‘Fleet’ was invited to a behind closed doors experience of what goes on at Renault’s Villiers-Saint-Frederic research and development centre dedicated to commercial vehicles. For the first time in its 60 year history, Renault allowed journalists to discover what happens inside the site’s vast layer of walls.
“A commercial vehicle is not designed in the same way as a passenger vehicle. It’s done with a specific approach, specialised tools and a strong team of experts,” said Jan Ptacek, the newly appointed Head of Renault LCV.
Jan presented the opportunity to test drive a selection of vintage and classic Renault van models, to highlight the progress and innovation associated with the brand into today and tomorrow. The line-up included the original Estafette, with a new model bearing the same name due next year but with a completely new size and shape. Also available to try out were the new additions to the Master and Trafic models equipped with a brand new 9-speed automatic transmission. Now available to order are rear wheel drive and twin rear wheel variants of the Master, which will no doubt be in rich demand.
Villiers-Saint-Frederic is one of a number of R&D centres dedicated to commercial vehicle design and testing in Europe and North Africa, with another in South America. These new commercials created are manufactured at factories in France, Morocco and Argentina, together producing 475,000 units per year. Driving these numbers are 600 Pro+ dealers across Europe, supported by over 300 approved bodywork converters. In fact, almost 50% of Renault’s light commercial sales are completed with some sort of body fitting, ancillary or application, almost half of which are carried out on site at Renault plants, appointed partners or the Renault Group owned Qstomise mobility specification specialist.
The 15 hectare site at Villiers-Saint-Frederic, which employs 1,000 people dates back to 1965 when established by French commercial brand Saviem, which was subsumed into Renault Vehicles Industrial when Berliet, another national marque was acquired. From 2008, the facility was dedicated to light commercials by the Renault Group.
Villiers-Saint-Frédéric has six key areas of expertise in the research and development of LCVs:
n Test facilities, benches, workshops, acoustics
n Prototypes
n Engine study areas and test benches
n Competitive quality assessments
n Engineering studies
n Phygital workshop (PHYical Parts: diGITAL Vehicle)
Today a vast array of ongoing test programs on current and future models are carried out, many 24/7, 365 days per year. Elements such as axles, engines, engine mountings, suspension, body durability, noise, vibration and harshness are arduously tested, and more recently electric platforms and associated casings etc. More than 1,000 vehicles are tested in this way annually. Most of the test programs are validated by UTAC, an independent body that has expertise in all aspects of vehicle testing which is headquartered in France and is the owner of the Millbrook Proving Ground in England. Once done with the well-worn out vans, these units are donated to emergency services to use for incident simulation purposes.
When one considers that there are more than 450 versions of the Master, each one has to be made right - and right from the start - when it comes to durability and reliability. For example, the Reliability & Durability centre ensures that Renault LCVs are both robust and hard-wearing, essential qualities for meeting the demands of business customers.
“A structured programme put in place five years ago targets over 200 parts identified as potential sources of incidents. Deploying a rigorous methodology, the programme addresses any malfunctions observed and prevents their recurrence. Reliability tests reproduce the most demanding conditions encountered by customers in day-to-day operation. Intensive, accelerated testing simulates up to 400,000 km or 20 years of use
in just 18 months, ensuring that vehicles are both durable and efficient,” explained Jan.
Key FI gure S:
n 900,000 opening/closing of doors observed for some customers
n 450,000 entries/exits for the driver’s seat
n High mileage of up to 120,000 km/year.
Conversions are a significant part of the Renault LCV business and the broad display of applications parked outside the Villiers plant demonstrated to what extent. What is noticeable is the attention to detail involved to ensure that it’s a perfect fit for the customer, whether it’s an SME or fleet operator.
With the specialist team at Renault LCV allied to its Pro+ dealer network, each and every customer goes on a specification journey to ensure that the van is best suited to their daily duties. With the conversion or body application carried out ex-factory or through authorised partners, significant time is saved. And time is money in the competitive business world.
These body modifications can be undertaken on the panel van, chassis cab and platform chassis on the Renault LCV range, either diesel or electric, mainly on Master and Trafic and to a lesser degree the Kangoo. Within each vehicle preordered changes or upgrades can be made to the cabin to enable it to become a mobile office, to the load area by fitting with shelves, converting to become a mobile workshop, or fitting a variety of bodies on the platform such as tippers, box, dropside, equine carrier etc.
“The LCV market spans a wide range of uses and needs associated with a variety of business activities. Customers require vehicles tailored to their expectations in terms of size, handling,
comfort, ergonomics, load capacity and layout. Vehicles must also be economical to run, reliable, durable and compliant with specific regulations,” advised Jan.
“The diversity of the Renault LCV range rests on an extremely broad base. From 3.3m3 to over 20m3, from vans to platform cabs and chassis cabs, with up to four different lengths and three different heights depending on the model, not to mention a choice of powertrain and drive options, and wide range of doors and glazing. All the players involved in vehicle conversions recognise the range as being the best suited to customisation needs, with design and conversion-ready features making for easier adaptation,” added Jan.
Thanks to this being the era of virtual reality, mock ups of clients’ usage of vehicles are constantly being created in the so-called Phygital workshop (PHYical Parts: diGITAL Vehicle). A demonstration of the daily life of an express delivery driver was shown, featuring the newly designed Estafette large panel van, with kerbside slide door opening and walk-thru load area access. It indicated that more than an hour can be shaved of the driver’s working time due to the efficiencies of the innovative design.
A number of hours were devoted to driving some classic Renault vans, from the early Estafette to the first Master and even the legendary Renault 4 van. All of them were beautifully restored and maintained. Nostalgia at its best. Considering how back then, there was no power steering, a four speed gearbox
was the norm, and climate control was managed by winding down the window! Not very efficient compared to nowadays. Great fun was had by all, with the Gendarmerie version of the Estafette much in demand. But in true reality, not virtually, Renault vans have come a long, long way and with what’s to come next year, the French ‘diamond’ will continue to sparkle.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
Mercedes-Benz Vans is drawing an exciting parallel from the past to the future: linking the restoration of the world’s oldest roadworthy delivery van, an 1896 Benz combinations delivery vehicle with the development of an all-new Sprinter van range through a ‘The BOuLDER’ theme concept.
Best depicted as art meeting van design and craftsmanship, the intrigue is based on elements of the new Sprinter being carved out from a giant rock, breaking free from the mould, but having been nurtured from decades of light commercials that came before. Another aspect of the sculpture theme harks on the robustness, versatility, durability and reliability of the generations of Sprinter models to date, as a bight new era dawns.
At the inaugural presentation of ‘The BOuLDER’ concept in Stuttgart was the aforementioned replica of the world’s oldest roadworthy delivery van, highlighting and acknowledging MercedesBenz’s “130 Years of Transportation” anniversary,
“As the inventor of the original light commercial vehicle we’ve been consistently putting all our expertise and experience at the service of our commercial customers for almost 130 years. Their benefits and added value are our top priority – then, now and in the future. Customer satisfaction and innovative solutions are deeply rooted in our corporate DNA and form the foundation of our premium vans,” stated Thomas Klein, Head of MercedesBenz Vans at the reveal.
Spanning 650-centimetres long, 275-centimetres high and 250-centimetres wide, ‘The BOuLDER’ sculpture outlines some of the design details of the next Sprinter regarding its exterior design, which will be once again geared towards the broad needs and requirements of commercial customers.
Under the guidance of chief designer Kai Sieber, certainly from
Bold & The BOuLDER from Mercedes-Benz Vans
what is revealed from his stone chippings from the solid structure is that the shape of the new Sprinter will be completely different from its predecessors, with aerodynamics playing a central role, along with operational efficiencies. More design details will be revealed next year.
“The next generation of MercedesBenz vans will focus on innovative powertrains, connectivity and advanced digital services. Functionality and customer needs are at the heart of our development. We’ve tailored our Mercedes-Benz Operating System specifically to commercial use, and with it will redefine the van segment once again. We offer our customers stateof-the-art technology combined with efficiency and tailor-made intelligence. I’m confident that our future Sprinter will be the flagship in its segment more than ever before,” added Andreas Zygan, Head of Development at Mercedes-Benz Vans
Benz combinations delivery vehicle from 1899 – the oldest roadworthy
The success story of Mercedes-Benz Vans began under the name Benz & Cie in 1896, when Carl Benz invented the motorised transporter, or commercial load carrier. He developed two models to meet different customer needs: the Benz delivery van as a “carriage with an enclosed body” based on the Benz Victoria, and the Benz combinations delivery van as a “small coachman’s carriage with a removable body” based on the smaller and lighter Benz Velociped.
Thanks to its removable body it could be converted into a two-seater passenger car in just a few simple steps, making it particularly versatile. It was, in effect, the first multi-purpose vehicle. Both models were powered by a rear-mounted single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a displacement of 2.7 litres in the delivery van and 1.0 litres in the combination delivery vehicle. A payload of 300 kilograms (plus driver) was
Mercedes-Benz transporter
sufficient for inner-city transport back then. The power output of 2.75 to 6 hp provided a top speed of 15 to 20 km/h when fully loaded. The new vehicles were therefore faster than a two-horse carriage and could also carry around three times as much payload. A new market segment in the still-young history of the automobile was born, and Carl Benz had once again proven himself to be a visionary inventor.
The Mannheim-based company handed over the first example of the delivery van to the Du Bon Marché department store in Paris on December 5, 1896, at a sales price of 4,500 marks. As of today, the oldest roadworthy transporter still in existence is a Benz combination delivery vehicle from 1899 in the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection. It was meticulously restored (frame) and rebuilt (body) for next year’s 130th anniversary. The original model was built under licence in England by Hewetson’s Ltd., the official Benz representative in Britain. Known as the Ideal Van, it had an output of 3 hp and could carry a payload of around 100 kilograms plus the driver. Later models had 3.5 hp and could transport up to 250 kilograms.
30 years of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter – the great all-rounder that works 24/7
Around 100 years after the invention of the transporter, Mercedes-Benz Vans captured and enlightened the light commercial vehicle segment once again in 1995 with the Sprinter. Just like the Mercedes-Benz triple star brand, which in some eyes can been seen as a clock with its hour pins and seconds counter, the Sprinter is truly a 24/7 around the clock servant, dutifully bound for multitasking
everything from carrying out deliveries and providing a tool for utilities and emergency services, to being a people mover and mobile leisure provider. Like the clock, it never stops!
To date more than five million Sprinters have been produced in three decades in different variants for different purposes and for almost all situations in life: As the ideal van it is there when lives are saved and children are born, when parcels or frozen food are delivered, when houses are build and bathrooms are renovated, when VIPs are driven or travel adventures are experienced. This makes the Sprinter a reliable partner for a wide range of industries worldwide.
Customer loyalty is therefore a key factor in the Sprinter’s success
In 2024, 77 percent of existing customers in Europe chose a Sprinter again. This high repurchase rate proves how popular this key stakeholder in the light commercial vehicle industry is.
Based on the brand’s new VAN architecture, the Sprinter of the future will be even more versatile and efficient, and it will form the basis of all newly developed medium-sized and large Mercedes-Benz vans in the future. It will allow for a clear differentiation between premium people carriers (VLE and VLS) and commercially oriented vans in both segments.
Beginning in 2026, the fully electric models of the Van Electric Architecture (VAN. EA) will be introduced for private customers, (as in the replacement of the current V-Class). The VLE will be the first model to be launched, followed by all electric commercial vans and minibus chassis, similar to current offerings.
partly due to the new design, which the sculpture already hints at. In addition, the future Sprinter will be available with a variety of drive systems and in numerous length, wheelbase and weight variants. It is therefore made to measure for different configurations and industry-specific body and conversion solutions – from courier, express and parcel services to refrigerated vehicles, service and workshop vehicles, ambulances and rescue vehicles, flatbed vehicles for construction sites and passenger transport for people with limited mobility, right through to camper vans. The aim is to meet all customer requirements in the best viable way and to further expand the leading position in the van market,” explained added Andreas Zygan.
The next generation of vans will also set new standards in terms of connectivity and software. They will run entirely on the company’s own Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). This makes them the most intelligent MercedesBenz vans ever. The deep integration of chip-to-cloud programmes into the vehicle allows for many functions to be precisely controlled – from infotainment and comfort features to charging – as
This modular platform also allows for a second version of the VAN.CA with the latest emission-friendly internal combustion engines to complement the future portfolio for private and commercial use.
“The commercially positioned vans were developed in close collaboration with customers from various industries and are therefore consistently tailored to their needs and requirements. This is
well as passenger like driving experience. Van Uptime Monitor or Large Vehicle Navigation, make the maintenance and use of their own vans even more efficient and sustainable. Thanks to AI-supported MB.OS, every van will be equipped with high-performance computers that are connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud. This enables over-theair updates of the entire vehicle software, including driver assistance systems, ensuing every van will remain up to date for years to come – quite similar to a smartphone, which can be regularly equipped with new apps and extended functions.
The Ford Motor Company has produced over 13 million Transit vans since the first model was launched in August 1965, and it seemed that a good portion of them were present on a Saturday morning in September at the company’s Dunton Technical Centre in Essex, fondly known as ‘The Home of Transit’.
This very early example October 1965 registered Mark I has been immaculately restored by Transit aficionado and all-round expert Peter Lee.
Ford Transit is now an official World Record Holder
Rally fans will have appreciated this Mark I service van bedecked in the same livery as the famous Roger Clark Escort Mark II in Cossack colours.
County may be best known for its 4WD conversions of Ford agricultural tractors, but it also produced go anywhere Transit conversions, as seen on this 1995-96 face-lifted third generation model.
The occasion was a special one to mark the 60th anniversary of the world’s best-selling van, but more than that, to attempt to set a new record. A spectacular convoy of Transits of all shapes, sizes and ages ensured that a new official Guinness World Record title for Largest Parade of Vans was easily achieved, with 201 Transits ranging from the earliest petrol models to the latest all-electric variants going into the history books.
In fact that number could have been exceeded further as many more Transits from all over the UK, Ireland and abroad
turned up. However a lack of space to fit them in the convoy within the test track arena meant they could not be included - to make it an official record the convoy had to keep moving at a minimum speed.
Fleet Transport was part of the record breaking attempt, driving a Transit Connect PHEV FlexCab which impressively ran on electric power for the duration of the record attempt.
A very tidy Mark I with dropside body.
“This record-setting achievement is a testament to the passion Transit inspires and to the versatility of the world’s best-selling cargo van,” said Lisa Brankin, Chair and Managing Director, Ford of Britain & Ireland. “Our Transit convoy demonstrated the huge variety of services made possible by Ford Pro and Ford’s industry-defining van across six decades.”
That was only the start of the celebratory day though as participants then drove the 46 kilometres to the Transit Festival at Chelmsford City Racecourse for a proper celebration of all things Transit. With examples of every model produced on display featuring every conceivable type of bodywork and attachment, the festival also featured fun, games and useful activities including workshops.
Flying the Irish flag was Transit enthusiast Declan Munnelly from County Mayo who brought over his twin wheeled third generation model for the event. Declan also has a 2.9 V6-powered Mk2 panel van in his collection.
Pretty in pink. A range of sporty products from approved Ford converter MS-RT drew admiring attention from the crowd including this eye-catching Transit Custom.
This Dutch registered Mark II is an original camper van from new with the conversion done by Homer featuring period deep shagpile carpeting.
From the original SuperVan with 400 bhp Ford V8 Formula 1 engine to the latest all-electric SuperVan 4.2 which produces 2,012 horsepower, fast Transits continue to draw the crowds.
Forty-six new car models will fight it out for the coveted title of Irish Car of the year 2026, in association with Continental Tyres. And for the first year in the history of the awards, the majority of eligible models are electric-powered vehicles.
Voted on by jury members drawn from the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI) including Jarlath Sweeney and Cathal Doyle from this publication, the Irish Car of the Year awards highlight for Irish motorists the best cars launched in the country each year, taking into account the particular requirements of the Irish market.
The winners from the 2026 Irish Car of the Year awards programme will be revealed at a gala event at The Conrad Hotel, Dublin, on Friday November 14th.
Edited by Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie
Shortlist for Irish Car of the Year 2026 revealed
In the lead up to the finale, Mark Noble, Chairman of the MMAI, said: “The fact that over half of the eligible cars for the 2026 Irish Car of the Year awards are electric is a clear reflection of where the market is going. Just a few years ago, EVs were a niche category — today, they are leading the field. This year’s line -up shows the breadth of choice now available to Irish motorists, from compact city cars to large SUVs, all powered by
electricity. It’s a milestone moment for the awards and for the Irish car market.”
Tom Dennigan of awards sponsor, Continental Tyres, added: “Continental Tyres is proud to once again support the Irish Car of the Year awards, which shine a spotlight on the very best cars available to Irish motorists. The dominance of electric models in this year’s field underlines the pace of change in the industry. For car buyers, it means more options than ever before to choose sustainable, high performing vehicles — and for us, it’s exciting to see how far the market has come in such a short time.”
Last year’s winner of the title of 2025 Irish Car of the Year, in association with Continental Tyres, was the Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric.
The full field of candidates for the Irish Car of the Year 2026 awards is as follows:
Alfa Romeo Junior Cupra Born VZ MG Cyberster Škoda Elroq
Alpine A290 Cupra Taviscan MG HS Hybrid Škoda Elroq RS
Audi A5/Avant Cupra Terramar MG S5 Tesla M3 Performance
Audi A6 Dacia Bigster MG ZS Hybrid Tesla Model Y
Audi A6 etron Dacia Duster Mini Iceman Tesla MY Performance
Audi Q5 Dacia Spring Nissan Ariya Nismo Toyota Landcruiser
BMW M5 Ford Capri Opel Frontera Volkswagen ID.3 GTX
BMW X3 Honda HR-V Opel Grandland Volkswagen Tayron
BYD Dolphin Surf Hyundai Inster Peugeot 5008 Volvo EX90
Chinese brand Leapmotor is the latest car manufacturer to enter the Irish market where it will be distributed by Gowan Auto, the long-standing importer of Stellantis vehicles and Honda. At the official launch of its first two models, the T03 electric compact car and the C10 large family SUV, Fleet Car caught up with Stephen McGrath, Brand Manager for Leapmotor Ireland to find out about plans for the brand here.
What prompted Gowan Auto to become a distributor for Leapmotor? What distinguishes it from other Chinese brands? And in reverse, what made Leapmotor want to partner with Gowan Group?
I think for us with Leapmotor, it’s obviously the level of technology, the different cell to chassis technology that’s in the car, but also the partnership with Stellantis. For them, ultimately being able to access our dealer network that’s tried and tested and trusted by Irish consumers. We work with partners that we trust, and they trust us, and yeah, it’s kind of a good kind of marriage between us and Stellantis and Leapmotor.
Leapmotor - Ireland’s newest car brand
One to One with Stephen McGrath, Leapmotor Ireland
What is the status of your relationship with Leapmotor? Do you deal with the Chinese directly, or do you deal with the European side of things via Stellantis?
Ultimately Leapmotor International is 51% owned by Stellantis. Stellantis also has a 21% share in Leapmotor globally. Leapmotor International’s offices are based in Turin, but they’re a very separate organisation to Stellantis.
With Gowan Auto you already have a number of brands that are kind of competing in the same arena with the various Stellantis brands and honda. Is Leapmotor going to be complementary to or in competition with these brands?
We’ve looked into this as well, and it is complementary. For us there isn’t actually a huge amount of crossover, which is good. So we think we’ll be able to carve out our own space with the brand. What we expect as well is we’ll get that cross-migration between the segments and ultimately we’re hoping to actually get customers who can’t afford those high prices for the cars that are currently in our stable, but ultimately want to have a new electric car or hybrid.
The quality of dealer you’re choosing is important?
Extremely. You want to have people that have built relationships with ourselves. It’s important for Gowan Auto and Leapmotor in many ways. You’re going back up to Leapmotor International, which is part of Stellantis, but then for us the most critical part is our dealer network. So those we’ve selected so far are very high quality dealers. They have the space for us, which is very important because as you saw with the six models, they’re going to need it by this time next year.
Speaking of the six models you just mentioned, you’re launching with two cars, the T03 and the T10. What’s coming down the line in the next year or two years?
Tell us about your plans for your dealer network. you’ve been busy opening new branches so far.
We’ve had a very busy few weeks. We’ve had a dealer announced every week, so we’re hoping to continue that journey. We’re hoping to have up to eight at the end of the year, and the announcement for Dublin will be within the next couple of weeks. We’re still at discussion stages with some dealers.
We’ve obviously got C10 BEV and the range extender is added to that. We’ll be launching the pricing for the C-SUV sized B10 at the end of the month. And that’ll be BEV, it will come in two battery sizes. And if you think the C10 is competitively priced you haven’t seen anything yet. The B10 is going to be absolute phenomenal value in the market.
Any plans for commercial vehicles?
There’s none coming from the factory at present, but as you’ve seen with the speed of how they go it wouldn’t surprise me down the line. Right now there are no commercial vehicles in the traditional van sense, but we have the option of working with our local partners for converting locally as well.
In conversation with Cathal Doylecathal@fleet.ie
It’s human nature to over-promise. It seems car manufacturers are as guilty as the rest, if predicted ranges of EVs is anything to go by.
Reflecting the state of the new car marketplace, the majority of vehicles we test-drive these days are electric models. What is noticeable though is how they can differ with regards to predicted range. Some you can accurately plan your journey confident that the car will reach your destination or next planned charge point, but others you experience the sinking feeling of watching the range estimate plummet faster than expected. One moment your remaining range says 350 kilometres; twenty kilometres later it’s down to 280, leading to a stressful driver wondering whether they will make it home.
So why is this? You can understand if you are driving the vehicle for the first time that it may be basing its predictions on the previous driver, but why doesn’t it ‘learn’ your driving style? After all petrol and diesel cars do this so why do manufacturers of some electric cars insist on overpromising time and again?
Obviously there are lots of variables at play, not least weather and what kind of roads are being driven on, but it would seem that at least some manufacturers are choosing to prioritise positive marketing over mathematical realism. On many occasions I’ve charged an EV’s battery to 100% to find that the predicted range is exactly that stated by the brand as the official range. With my idiosyncratic driving, what are the odds of it exactly matching the WLTP measured figure?
At the heart of every range estimate is an algorithm that combines
battery charge level, driving history, temperature, terrain, and accessory use to predict how far you can go before you run out of juice. But the sophistication of that algorithm — and how transparent it is — seems to vary dramatically between brands.
Of course you can understand that it is tempting to show a theoretical range based on ideal laboratory conditions: moderate temperature, flat roads, and gentle driving. But real-world conditions are rarely ideal. Once you factor in air conditioning, high speeds, and hills, that number starts to look more like wishful and unrealistic thinking.
In fairness there are brands that appear to rely heavily on real-time data and recent driving behaviour, continually adjusting the displayed range to reflect reality. If you’ve been driving aggressively or in cold weather, the estimate drops; if you’ve been gliding efficiently, it climbs. As you would expect should happen.
Part of the issue stems from how electric vehicles are tested. The WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure) testing for electric cars is a significant improvement over the previous NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test but it still is undertaken in a largely artificial environment. It is rare to drive a vehicle, be it electric, hybrid or ICE powered, where you can achieve the official WLTP figures.
So if the figures quoted are largely optimistic in any case, maybe the manufacturers figure it’s better to over- rather than under-promise. Particularly when range remains one of the key deciding factors in a purchasing decision of an EV.
Why Some Electric Cars Tell the Truth About Range — and Others Don’t
In essence, the marketing range helps sell cars but the usable range helps drivers trust them. Unfortunately, those two goals are often at odds. The problem is that once a driver learns that their car routinely exaggerates, they start mentally subtracting kilometres from every estimate. Confidence erodes. And long term that is probably harming the brand, with the customer less likely to go for another model when it comes time to change.
In contrast, brands that under-promise and over-deliver build loyalty. If you arrive at a journey end with more range left than was predicted at the start, that’s going to endear the driver to the car and brand. That psychological reassurance is worth far more than a few digits on a brochure.
And let’s be clear, it’s not that the manufacturers cannot be realistic about their range capabilities if they want to. EVs are essentially computers on wheels, and these days come with sophisticated telemetry capable of monitoring thousands of inputs per second — and are able to refine their predictions constantly. They can account for battery aging, temperature fluctuations, and driver tendencies.
Ultimately, the automakers that get range right treat it not as a marketing claim but as a dynamic, evolving calculation. They understand that credibility, not just capacity, defines the ownership experience.
Because in the end, range anxiety isn’t just about how far you can go — it’s about whether you can believe what your car tells you.
Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie
Sponsor – Irish Haulier of the Year
Associate Sponsor
O’Toole Transport honoured with the Fleet Transport Irish Haulier of the Year Award 2026
yet another All-Ireland title has been won by Galway with O’Toole Transport, Moycullen securing the prestigious title - Fleet Transport Irish haulier of the year Award 2026, sponsored by Rosslare Europort, at a Gala Banquet held at the Johnstown Estate hotel, Enfield, County Meath on Thursday 16 October. It was the second such honour for the family owned company entering its 30th year in business, having received this accolade for 2015.
Laurence O’Toole, Managing Director, O’Toole Transport was presented with a specially commissioned themed pencil painting by award winning artist Bernie Prendergast. In fact, seventeen counties from around the country were shortlisted as finalists in the annual competition, which
highlights, rewards and promotes best practice in the
transport industry.
O’Toole’s continuous investment and expansion in business and services at home and abroad were noted by the judging panel as well as its trustworthy reputation built up over the years with its leading brand customer base.
More than 600 attendees were generous in their applause for the overall prize winner, following the announcement by compère Claire Brock. Musical entertainment was performed by the Electric Twist Band. Earlier in the evening O’Toole’s won the Refrigerated Transport Specialist (International/National) category, sponsored by Thermo King.
O’Toole Transport’s status as one of Ireland’s premier food logistics company can be traced back to the 1940s, to when John
Irish road
Patrick O’Toole purchased a Commer lorry in a bid to establish a local agricultural delivery business. Based in Moycullen, this early foray into small-scale Connemara logistics proved successful and the company expanded into general haulage serving the area until John Pake’s untimely death in 1963 aged 56.
In 1996, the O’Toole family came together and set up O’Toole Transport Ltd as a family run business. With only a handful of prospective customers, O’Toole Transport set out on a path that would lead not only to full family employment but to a total full-time staff of 220 employees.
Their first vehicle, a Scania 93M 230, was pivotal in helping O’Toole Transport become a reliable carrier. In early 2000, O’Toole Transport became heavily involved in transport for the food industry, developing a network of industry contacts even further and expanding the fleet to its current size of over 190 trucks and 250 trailers.
On receiving the awards, Laurence O’Toole, Managing Director, O’Toole Transport, was delighted in winning the overall prize, saying that he, his family and his team were “extremely pleased” to win what is widely regarded as the most prestigious prize in the Irish road transport industry.
“It’s a fitting end to what has been a difficult year for the O’Toole family having lost our beautiful mother Angela suddenly in the summer. Her work in helping set up the company in 1996 will never be forgotten, and we dedicate this award in recognition of her contributions. A big thanks to our people in
Galway, Dublin, Glasgow and Liverpool. Next year will mark 30 years of O’Toole Transport, we will celebrate it as a proud family business,” concluded Laurence.
Jarlath Sweeney, Group Editor, Fleet Publications, on behalf of the event organisers said: “Sincere congratulations to O’Toole Transport, once again deserved winners of the Irish Haulier of the Year award. The progress and expansion of the company is noteworthy as are the high standards that they have created and maintained throughout its day-to-day operations at home and abroad. True ambassadors for the Irish road transport industry.”
Hosted by Fleet Publications, the long established, highly sought after awards programme consists of the Irish Haulier of the Year Awards, the Irish Truck of the Year, Irish Green Commercials Awards and the Irish Truck & Trailer Innovation Awards. On this occasion the Truck awards were presented to Volvo, MAN, DAF and Renault Trucks, while Maxus, Ford, Volkswagen, Renault, Nissan took the ‘Green’ trophies with Iveco and Meiller/Setanta winning the Trucks & Trailer Innovation awards.
Also on the night, a number of special presentations were made and inducted into the Fleet Transport Awards Hall of Fame, to mark company milestones such as: Iveco (50 years), Jennings family/Jennings Truck Centre/Longhaul Commercials (80 years), Moffett Engineering (80 years), Sean Moriarty Transport (40 years), Zellwood (30 years) and Brendan Phelan (30+ year’s service award) and Easytrip (20 years).
Claire Brock, Master of Ceremonies
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine
All HGV & LCV brands in contention for the Fleet Transport Award’s Irish Truck of the Year & Green Commercials Awards 2026
All of the main hGV and LCV brands were in contention for Ireland’s most prestigious commercial vehicle titles, the Fleet Transport Irish Truck of the year & Green Commercials Awards, which were announced and presented at Fleet Transport Awards Gala Banquet, held at the Johnstown Estate hotel, Enfield, County Meath on Thursday 16 October.
The Volvo FH16 780 Globetrotter XXL 6x2 won the top prize, the Irish Flagship Truck of the Year 2026, with the DAF XD 310 4x2 rigid winning the Irish Distribution Truck of the Year 2026 in the Medium class while the MAN TGS 26.440 6x2 securing the Irish Distribution Truck of the Year 2026 in the Heavy category.
Leading up to the prize giving ceremony, the experienced adjudication panel assessed more than thirty commercials; trucks and vans, over three days. Paired up, the judges undertook a static inspection, followed by a set driving route on the road, and heard the technical aspects of each truck and van from the distributor’s representatives.
Various aspects of each vehicle’s design and styling is reviewed from its overall appearance, aerodynamics, entry and exit, driver comfort, ergonomics, safety enhancements, powertrain efficiency and overall visibility. Representatives from the Irish Truck and Green Commercial awards sponsors PTSB and ePower were on hand to observe and engage in the activities and were impressed with the high levels of performance and technology on display during the event.
“Our 2026 Awards Gala marked 23 years in hosting the Irish Truck of the Year Awards and over the decades we have honoured the many brands and models which have excelled in terms of top class engineering and innovation, stemming from continued major investment in research and development. Our judging panel, selected from a number of commercial vehicle sectors looked at these vehicles in different ways, coming up with a unified consensus on selecting and electing the prize winners. Congratulations to the award winners on the night,” said Jarlath Sweeney, Group Editor, Fleet Publications, on behalf of the organisers.
Alongside and also highlighted on the night were the Irish Green Commercial of the Year awards, where the sector has seen a growing number of established light commercial vehicle manufacturers offering existing models with an electric option, in various segments and in addition with some newcomers, mostly from China, which has entered the European LCV market with totally emission-free drivetrains. Prime examples of which were presented and trialed during the Test Days.
Likewise a number of truck manufacturers had zero-emission HGVs in contention for the Irish Green trophies also, with the Renault T-High E-Tech 4x2 tractor-unit emerging victorious.
In the van sector, accolades were presented and shared in some cases, due to synergies and partnerships between automotive marques. Chinese brand Maxus was awarded the Small Green Van class with its eDeliver 5, while the Ford E-Transit and Volkswagen E-Transporter shared the Medium Green Van category and the Large Green Van honour was won jointly by the Renault Master E-Tech / Nissan Interstar-e / Renault Master E-Tech Red Edition.
In the separate Irish Truck & Trailer Innovation Awards, sponsored by MOFFETT, the winners of these long standing awards were IVECO S-Way 500 CNG 6x2 tractor-unit and Meiller Grandload Tipping semi-trailer (Half pipe).
When Iveco launched the S-Way CNG 6x2 tractor unit with 500hp and a 500km range, it was a game changer. The much sought after 6x2 configuration is a collaboration with Astra Vehicle Technologies. Sustainability minded truck operators can cut CO2 emissions by up to 95% when using biomethane instead of diesel. The S-Way CNG 6x2 is powered by the FPT XCursor 13 engine which features a 12.9-litre unit adapted to run efficiently on compressed natural gas. Now with 500hp, the latest developments with this power plant results in being 10% lighter and 8% more efficient than its predecessor.
Collectively, Setanta Vehicle Sales and Meiller Trailer’s (Germany) engineering teams co-developed a specific Aggregate Half Pipe Trailer for the UK and Ireland markets. The innovation involved the following:
n Engineering of a new chassis to allow for the longer tipping body
n New tipping body design in incorporate the additional length
n Advanced Automatic/Remote Controlled sliding Tarpaulin to meet the new body length
n Newly designed Hydraulic Cylinder, designed and manufactured by Meiller in-house as it required additional stability, also facilitates faster tipping speeds under lower pressures to meet the requirements of UK & Ireland truck PTO specifications.
Irish Distribution rigid – medium Truck of the year 2026 –DAF XD 310 4x2
Irish Distribution rigid – Heavy – Truck of the year 2026 –MAN TGS 26.440 62
g reen Commer CI al aWar DS 2026 – sponsored by ePower
Irish electric Truck of the year 2026 – Renault T-High E-Tech 4x2
Irish electric light Commercial of the year 2026 –Small/Compact – MAXUS eDeliver 5
Irish electric light Commercial of the year 2026 – medium Ford E-Transit Custom / Volkswagen e-Transporter
Irish electric light Commercial of the year 2026 – large –Renault Master E-Tech / Nissan Interstar-e / Renault Master E-Tech Red Edition
Ir ISH Tru CK InnovaTI on aWar D 2026 –sponsored by MOFFETT –IVECO S-WAY 500 CNG 6x2
Ir ISH Tra I ler InnovaTI on aWar D 2026 –sponsored by MOFFETT –
Meiller Grandload Tipping Semitrailer (Half pipe) in partnership with Setanta Vehicle Importers Ltd
The road transport industry rarely receives the recognition it deserves for the work done, or the services provided. The phone calls received to say well done, that was a great job, or a simple thanks – are few, if any.
Nevertheless, there is a great deal of work done quietly without fanfare or seeking accolades. This is true for the many occasions when an operator provides services to local and national groups at their own expense.
These services can range from providing time, equipment, facilities or
Standing ovation for
Paul
Toner as the most appropriate recipient of the Fleet Transport Services to the Transport Industry Award, in association with Capitalfow
people to support fundraising, or help organise events. And while all charities need help with fund raising, everyone can help raise money. However, not everyone can provide a truck or a trailer at a moment’s notice to ensure an event goes as planned and is a success for all concerned.
Paul Toner of Toner Transport’s work with the charity began eight years ago and his efforts have become such an important part of the Pieta House efforts to deliver their services. By the selfless way he and his team have provided the
Fleet Transport Awards promotes Elephant in the Room movement
‘Let’s Talk’ is the theme of the Elephant in the Room movement that was promoted at the Fleet Transport Awards event on 16 October at the Johnstown Estate hotel, Enfield on 16 October 2025.
The Elephant in the Room movement is a transformative mental health awareness campaign that is revolutionising the way people’s mental well-being is addressed and supported from boardrooms to schools across the globe. The movement challenges mental health stigma and promotes discussion and media engagement by bringing business, arts and the community or communities together to create this amazing awareness campaign which is capturing the imagination of the business community in Ireland and around the world.
“Everybody has their own individual Elephant in the Room – things that they
find difficult to discuss because there is stigma surrounding the topic. This movement is all about supporting all people and bringing hope with the simple message of ‘saving lives one normal conversation at a time’. Each new elephant art sculpture creates the opportunity for more people to start a conversation about the stigmas that most affect them, to open up and talk about their ‘Elephant in the Room’. It is also a reminder to everyone to be kinder in their interactions with others because you may never know what is going on in their day, or their lives,” explained Eoin Byrne, Elephant in the Room Movement.
logistics essential to ensure the success of Pieta’s fundraising and awareness events, his work has influenced the lives of so many people in an immeasurable way. Equally, his involvement with Pieta arose from an event that created a deep personal connection and understanding of the valuable work of the charity does.
a quote from Pieta House “Our committees and team couldn’t do what we do without Paul and his team, and he is truly a kind and inspiring Hope Hero.”
“The Elephant in the Room movement is a global initiative that promotes an open culture and de-stigmatises conversations around mental health. We invite forward-thinking corporations and organisations throughout the world to join the movement and use bespoke art sculptures to ignite conversations and change the narrative around stigma, bias and mental well-being in workplaces and everywhere.”
www.fleet.ie
Engaging Connectivity
AWARDS 2026
Ir ISH Haul I er o F TH e year 2026
national Haulier of the year 2026
sponsored by Volvo Trucks
Winner: Vanfleet Transport
refrigerated Transport Specialist (International/national)
Haulier of the year 2026
sponsored by Thermo King
Winner: O’Toole Transport
own account Transport operator of the year 2026
sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles
Winner: Musgrave
owner/Driver Haulier of the year 2026
sponsored by DAF Trucks Ireland
Winner: Longwood Transport
regional Transport operator of the year 2026
sponsored by FUSO
Winner: Breen Transport
Specialised Sector Haulage operator of the year 2026
sponsored by MAN Truck & Bus
Winner: h&E Crilly
van Fleet award 2026
sponsored by Peugeot
Winner: ESB networks
Innovation award 2026
sponsored by Easytrip
Winner: Worrell Timber Group
Safety Practice award 2026
sponsored by AS24 Fuel Card Ltd
Winner: Úisce Éireann
Women in Transport award 2026
sponsored by FTA Ireland in partnership with Transport Operations Commercial Driver Apprenticeship
Winner: Sarah Lonergan - Dungarvan Transport
livery award 2026 – vans sponsored by Close Brothers Commercial Finance
Winner: Iarnród Éireann
livery award 2026 - Trucks sponsored by Close Brothers Commercial Finance
Winner: Polar Ice Ltd
Fleet/Transport manager of the year 2026
sponsored by Geotab
James Plunkett - Zellwood environment & Sustainability award 2026
sponsored by Gas Networks Ireland
Winner: Dixon International Logistics
Technician of the year 2026
sponsored by Dennison Fastparts
Paul Guerin - Dennehy Commercials excellence in Warehousing & Product Handling award 2026 sponsored by Combilift
Winner: Derry Group Customer Service excellence award 2026 sponsored by Schmitz Cargobull Winner: McCarthy Commercials express/Home Delivery Service Provider award 2026 sponsored by FIAT Professional Winner: Clare Distribution Services rising Star award 2026 sponsored by Farizon
Bláithín Curran – Virginia International Logistics Services to the Transport Industry award 2026 sponsored by Capitalflow
Recipient: Paul Toner – Toner Transport & Logistics
Ir ISH T ru CK o F TH e year & g reen Commer CI al aWar DS 2026
Irish Flagship Tractor unit of the year 2026
sponsored by PTSB
Winner: Volvo Fh16 780 Globetrotter XXL 6x2
Irish Distribution rigid – Heavy Truck of the year 2026 sponsored by PTSB
Winner: DAF XD 310 4x2
Irish Distribution rigid – medium Truck of the year 2026 sponsored by PTSB
Winner: MAn TGS 26.440 6x2
Irish Truck Innovation award 2026 sponsored by MOFFETT
Winner: IVECO S-WAy 500 CnG 6x3
Irish Trailer Innovation award 2026 sponsored by MOFFETT
Irish electric Truck of the year 2026 sponsored by ePower
Winner: Renault T-high E-Tech 4x2
Irish electric light Commercial of the year 2026 –Small/Compact sponsored by ePower
Winner: MAXUS eDeliver 5
Irish electric light Commercial of the year 2026 – medium sponsored by ePower
Winner: Ford E-Transit Custom / Volkswagen e-Transporter
Irish electric light Commercial of the year 2026 – medium sponsored by ePower
Winner: Renault Master E-Tech, the Renault Trucks Master E-Tech Red Edition and the nissan Interstar-e
Winner: vanfleet Transport .
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine; Joe Roddy, Network Truck Sales Director, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland (sponsor); Paul Fitzsimons and Greta Duffy, Vanfleet Transport and Claire Brock, M.C.
Winner: o’Toole Transport
Pictured along with Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine is Diarmaid Bucke, Area Manager for Ireland Sales & Service, Thermo King (sponsor) presenting the award to Laurence O’Toole and team from O’Toole Transport.
oW n aCCoun T Tran SP or T oP eraTor o F TH e year 2026
Winner: musgrave
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine; Barry O’Neill, Musgrave Director of Transport; Gerry McDonnell, Technical Sales Manager, Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles (sponsor); Des Fortune, Transport Health & Safety Manager and Jason Quinlan, National Transport Manager, Musgrave and Claire Brock, M.C.
oW ner /Dr I ver Haul I er o F TH e year 2026
Winner: longwood Transport
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine; John McCann, Sales Manager, DAF Trucks Ireland (sponsor); Cathal Byrne, Longwood Transport and Claire Brock, M.C.
Winner: breen Transport
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine; Derek Roche, Head of Sales, FUSO (sponsor); Nick Breen, Ashleigh Breen, Nick Breen, Breen Transport and Claire Brock, M.C.
Winner: H&e Crilly
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine; Michael O’Dwyer, National Sales Manager, MAN Truck & Bus (sponsor); Gavin Crilly, H&E Crilly and Claire Brock, M.C.
Winner: eSb networks
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine; Sean Weir, Peugeot National Fleet Sales Manager, the Gowan Group (sponsor); James Jones, Natasha Rowan and Martin Convey, Fleet Asset Manager, ESB Networks and Claire Brock, M.C.
Niall Cotton, CEO, FTA Ireland (sponsor); Sarah Lonergan, Dungarvan Transport; Orla Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine and Claire Brock, M.C.
Winner: Polar Ice ltd
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine; Alison Richie, Polar Ice; Gavin Smith, Head of Sales, Close Brothers Commercial Finance (sponsor) and Claire Brock, M.C.
Winner: Iarnród Éireann
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine; Gavin Smith, Head of Sales, Close Brothers Commercial Finance (sponsor); Dave Southern, Elephant in the Room; Thomas Heffernan, Iarnród Éireann and Claire Brock, M.C.
Winner: Worrell Timber group
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine; Ciaran Doyle, Head of Sales & Marketing, Easytrip (sponsor); Kenneth Worrell and Eoin Worrell, Worrell Timber Group and Claire Brock, M.C.
Winner: uisce Éireann
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine; David Keating, Nicola Cawley, Simon Wall, Ken Clayton and Paul Mahon, Uisce Éireann; Matthew Perret, Managing Director for the UK & Ireland, AS24 Fuel Card (sponsor); Tara Dooley, Úisce Éireann and Claire Brock, M.C.
e nv I ronmen T & Su STa I nab I l IT y aWar D 2026
Winner: Dixon International logistics
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine; Fran McFadden, National Customer Acquisition Manager, Gas Networks Ireland; Brendan Dixon, Dixon International Logistics and Claire Brock, M.C.
Te CH n ICI an o F TH e year 2026
Winner: Paul guerin –Dennehy Commerials
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine; Christine and Paul Guerin, Dennehy Commercials; David Dennison, Dennison Fastparts (sponsor) and Claire Brock, M.C.
Winner: Derry group Ireland
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine; Patrick Derry, Derry Group Ireland; Jason Gilmour, Product Manager, Combilift and Claire Brock, M.C.
Winner: mcCarthy Commercials
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine; David O’Connor, Sales Manager, Schmitz Cargboull (sponsor); Mark McCarthy and Michael Walsh, McCarthy Commercials and Claire Brock, M.C.
Winner: Clare Distribution Services .
Pictured along with Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine is John Saunders, Managing Director, FIAT Professional (sponsor) presenting the award to Mark Clare and team from Clare Distribution Services.
Winner: James Plunkett - Zellwood
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine; Phil Barnes, Business Development Manager, Geotab; James Plunkett, Zellwood and Claire Brock, M.C.
Winner: blaithín Curran – virginia International logistics
Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine; Natasha Maher, Head of Marketing, Farizon (sponsor); Blaithín Curran, Virginia International Logistics and Claire Brock, M.C.
IC e S To TH e Tran SP or T In D u ST ry
recipient: Paul Toner
Pictured along with Jarlath Sweeney, Fleet Transport Magazine is Ronan Kelly, Managing Director, Capitalflow (sponsor) presenting the award to Paul Toner – Toner Transport & Logistics and his family.
Paul O’Reilly, Sales Director, DAF Trucks Ireland; Sean Murtagh, Fleet Transport Magazine; Colm Furlong Head of Asset Finance, PTSB (sponsor) and Claire Brock, M.C.
Michael O’Dwyer, National Sales Manager, MAN Importers Ireland; Sean Murtagh, Fleet Transport Magazine; Colm Furlong Head of Asset Finance, PTSB (sponsor) and Claire Brock, M.C.
Colm Furlong Head of Asset Finance, PTSB (sponsor); Martin Tomlinson, Head of Media & Truck Demonstration and Joe Roddy, Network Truck Sales Director, Volvo Trucks; Sean Murtagh, Fleet Transport Magazine; and Claire Brock, M.C.
Joe Lynch, Sales Manager, IVECO Ireland; Michael O’Reilly, Global Product Manager, MOFFETT (sponsor) and Sean Murtagh, Fleet Transport Magazine.
John McCann and Alfie Barker, Setanta Vehicle Importers; Michael O’Reilly, Global Product Manager, MOFFETT (sponsor) and Sean Murtagh, Fleet Transport Magazine.
g reen Commer CI al aWar DS
Ir ISH e le CT r IC Tru CK o F TH e year 2026
renault Trucks T-High e-Tech 4x2
Cathal Doyle, Fleet Transport Magazine; Alfie Barker and Aaron Clarke, Setanta Vehicle Sales; Hugh Hall, Director, ePower (sponsor) and Claire Brock, M.C.
Ir ISH e le CT r IC lI g HT Commer CI al o F TH e year 2026 – Small/Com PaCT
Cathal Doyle, Fleet Transport Magazine; Karl Haughton, Head of Sales & Dealer Network; MAXUS; Keith Dempsey, Dealer Development & Fleet Manager for MAXUS and Isuzu (Ireland); Hugh Hall, Director, ePower (sponsor) and Claire Brock, M.C.
Ir ISH e le CT r IC lI g HT Commer CI al o F TH e year 2026 – m e DI um
Ford e-Transit Custom
Cathal Doyle, Fleet Transport Magazine; Brian Lyng, Harris PR representing Ford Ireland; Hugh Hall, Director, ePower (sponsor) and Claire Brock, M.C.
Ir ISH e le CT r IC lI g HT Commer CI al o F TH e year 2026 – m e DI um
volkswagen eTransporter
Cathal Doyle, Fleet Transport Magazine; Hugh Hall, Director, ePower (sponsor) and Carl Goldfinch, Fleet Rental & Network Executive, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
g reen Commer CI al aWar
Ir ISH e le CT r IC lI g HT Commer CI al
o F TH e year 2026 – l arge
renault master e-Tech
Cathal Doyle, Fleet Transport Magazine; Hugh Hall, Director, ePower (sponsor) and Conor Dixon, Cedar Group.
Ir ISH e le CT r IC lI g HT Commer CI al
o F TH e year 2026 – l arge
renault Trucks master e-Tech red edition
Hugh Hall, Director, ePower (sponsor); Aaron Clarke and Alfie Barker, Setanta Vehicle Sales and Cathal Doyle, Fleet Transport Magazine.
Cathal Doyle, Fleet Transport Magazine; Hugh Hall, Director, ePower (sponsor); Michael Coughlan and Darren McManus, Nissan Ireland.
Evan Balfe, James Cleary –Transway Fleet Solutions
Ivan O’Connor – ePower and Peter Waters - TP Waters Kildare
Patrick Derry, Mark Livingstone, Mark O’Hara, Tommy Tyrrell - Derry Group
Hugh Lenihan, Oisin Sweeney, Matthew Gilligan, Aidan Brogan – TY Students, St. Colman’s College, Claremorris.
Vickie Anderson, Callum AndersonA Transport Victoria Goodfellow, Gowan Auto and Aisling McCabe
Nduna Zembe, Sergej Bistrov, Zoltan Bognar and Andras SimoZellwood
Niall Cotton, Tonya Grace and Paul McGuire - FTA Ireland
Johanna Parsons with Vic Bunby and Emma Tyrer –(RTX Expo)
Joe Morrissey, Deirdre Cooke, Cian Royston - GPT & NVD
Carl Buckingham and Mark GilksEnvevo
Diarmuid O’Mahony and Caitriona O’Mahony
Mary Morrissey, Fleet Transport and Claire Brock, Master of Ceremonies
Karl Jennings and Gavin SmithClose Brothers
Olwyn Horan and Dara Sullivan –MAN Importers Ireland
Phil Barnes, Romina Dashghachian and Mark Creighton - Geotab
Eoin Ryan, Alan Greene, Colum McLaughlin - PTSB Asset Finance
Orla Sweeney, Claire Brock and Johanna Parsons
Mick O’Hara, Shane Convery, Darren Getty, John Quinn, John Byrne - SDC & BPW
Leah Staunton, Mary Morrissey and Hugh Lenihan
Dennehy Commercials, Limerick.
Hall oF Fame
A number of companies reached a significant landmark in 2025 and Fleet Transport honoured these companies at the Fleet Transport Awards on the 16th October 2025 with a specially commissioned hall of Fame Award.
IVECO 50 years –Accepting the award are Rod hawkins, Business Development Manager, Iveco Ireland, Greig Goodings, District Sales Manager, Iveco UK & Ireland and Joe Lynch, Sales Manager,
Jennings Family, Jennings Truck Centre and Longhaul Commercials – 80th Anniversary – Conor Jennings accepted the award.
Brendan Phelan, Emerald Truck & Van received a Special Recognition Award on his 30 years service with Emerald Truck & Van.
Zellwood – 30th Anniversary – William Flanagan, Managing Director, Zellwood accepted the award.
Easytrip – 20 years – Trish Smith, head of Customer Service and Ciaran Doyle, head of Sales & Marketing accepted the award on behalf of Easytrip.
MOFFETT –celebrating 80 years – Michael O’Reilly, Global Product Manager accepted this award on behalf of MOFFETT.
Sean Moriarty Transport – 40th Anniversary – Paula and Sean Moriarty accepted the prestigious award.
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