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INTERVIEW: Iveco's Stuart Webster MARKETPLACE: HGV Sales 2016 PROFILE: Munster Vehicle Sales MOTORSPORT: Dakar Rally 2017

FEBRUARY 17

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Contents FEBRUARY 17

Fleet Transport Magazine, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland. F12 E7P2 Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819/ 9372826 Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571 Email: enquiries@fleet.ie Subscription Hotline: 094 93 72827 Editor: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie Contributors: Sean Murtagh, Paul White, Cathal Doyle, Jonathan Lawton, Donal Dempsey, Howard Knott, Jerry Kiersey, HSA, Dr. Betty Maguire, Rob Van Dieten Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Paul White, Cathal Doyle, Rob Van Dieten, Howard Knott, Jerry Kiersey, Paul Sherwood, Tom Cunningham, Fondation Berliet, Logistics Manager, Frederic Le Floc'h Administration: Denise Owens, Paula Mullarkey Email: enquiries@fleet.ie Advertising: Mary Morrissey - mary@fleet.ie Sponsorship/Events: Orla Sweeney - orla@fleet.ie Design: Eamonn Wynne Printed in Ireland

4 News • Significant reduction in truck's fuel consumption in 20 years • Meet Nicola One! • New Generation Scania in demand • New GM at FTAI • MercedesBenz under a vest? • HGV Rollover Prevention Guide • New fleet head at Peugeot Ireland 8 Interview With Stuart Webster, Iveco UK & Ireland

36 Test Iveco Daily 55S17DW 4x4 38 Review I Brussels Motor Show 2017 40 Launch Pad Renault Pro+ extends LCV range 43 Fuel Prices & Safety Matters

10 Test Volvo FMX.540 8x4 12 New Fleet 171 Mercedes-Benz, Ford & Volvo 14 Marketplace Analysis of the 2016 HGV market 16 Fleeting Shots Featuring Iveco, Berliet & Empire 18 Profile Munster Vehicle Sales, Cork 20 Report Trucks in the City Safety Seminar 28 Fleet Van & Utility

Fleet Transport/ Fleet Car/ Fleet Bus & Coach/ Fleet Van & Utility/ Fleet Trailer & Body Builder/ Fleet Maritime/ Green Fleet Management are published by JJDS Publications Ltd. Registered Office: D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.

Co. Reg. 368767 Directors: Jarlath Sweeney, Sean Murtagh.

29 News • Ford LCV sales #1 • New VWCV Sales Manager • Unnecessary loads prove costly • Enterprise opens in Mayo • Annalise gets Mercedes-Benz Vito! • Katie Taylor sparring for Windsor Motors • Northgate backs BTCC team 34 Cover Last Mile Revolution with Mercedes-Benz

44 Health Matters Strokes 46 Trailer • Another Dennison milestone • Goldhofer innovates for Conexpo 48 Motorsport Dakar Rally in South America 52 Opinion Time to rethink road safety 53 Legal Brexit and Drivers' Hours 56 Finance Fuel usage 57-60 Fleet Maritime newsletter 62 Review II Part 2 from Brussels Motor Show 64 Comment Transport - a Doddle?

66 Soapbox All-Island Sectorial Dialogue

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Disclaimer: Fleet Transport Magazine management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Transport management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers.

The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specific matter.

Fleet Transport Official Irish Jury Member of the International Truck of the Year Award

Official Irish jury member of the International Forklift Truck Award follow us on twitter.com/fleettransport

www.fleet.ie | 3

Transport Barometer: Data from 16/12/2016 - 14/01/2017

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More digital added value from TimoCom

Timocom, Europe’s largest transport platform made a promise last year: to equip the platform with even more digital added value. Said and done. Since last September over 36,000 customers have availed of its easier to download document system.

The freight specialist IT service provider’s plan with this feature was to pave the way for digitalised work and help users optimise their processes. With the up-and download feature, users can upload frequently requested documents, which are necessary for transport contracts, and make them available for other users of the platform to download. Several thousands of documents have already been uploaded on the transport platform since the feature was released. For 2017 there will be more new features, with which customers will receive support with regard to process optimisation and digitalised work.

4 | NEWS 1

Two decades of Greener Trucks

T

o clearly allay any fears, criticism or negativity surrounding fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels in trucks over the past two decades, Mercedes-Benz undertook an interesting comparative test drive programme between the SK and Actros models from three emission standard generations with positive results.

In brief, the actual fuel consumption showed a considerable reduction, with the modern day truck recording an average 31.9 L/100 km – a reduction of 22 percent compared to the 20 year old tractor-unit with 40.8 L/100 km. Relating to exhaust emissions, such as Nitrogen oxides and particulates, significant reductions have been achieved – up to 96 percent when pitting the 1996 SK 1844 Euro 2 versus the Euro 6 Actros 1845.

The tests were overseen and certified by renowned institute DEKRA with identical parameters on three Mercedes-Benz from 1996, 2003 and 2016 over a 1,536 kilometre designated route with a 32 tonne max payload on each vehicle.

To ensure even better comparability of actual fuel consumption by trucks in future, Europe’s truck industry has agreed to develop a measuring cycle, called VECTO. Th is new term stands for “Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool,” with major input data measured and calculated officially provided by the European Commission.

Various component suppliers along with the truck manufacturers are involved with the process such as the aerodynamic drag of every single cab variant being independently measured, while the tyre brands will have to measure the rolling resistance of the tyres.

Regarding the powertrain, the engine, transmission and drive axle(s) – collectively

the vehicle manufacturers are responsible.

Initially, two of the most important truck segments (long distance and distribution) will come under this new test procedure, probably towards the end of 2018 following finalisation by the official committees of the European Union.

The Mercedes-Benz/DEKRA test verification was particularly appropriate due to its positive results in reduced fuel consumption in trucks, currently under constant scrutiny by politicians, despite the ongoing and significant investment in R&D by the collective truck brands.

Nikola One – Zero-emission hydrogenelectric truck due for production by 2020

N

ikola Motor Company has unveiled its highly anticipated Nikola One electric heavy duty truck at its Salt Lake City headquarters.

The Nikola (pronounced Neek-oh-la) One truck utilises a fully electric drivetrain powered by high-density lithium batteries. Energy will be supplied on-the-go by a hydrogen fuel cell giving the Nikola One a range of 800 - 1,200 miles while delivering over 1,000 horsepower and 2,700 Newton Metres of torque – nearly double that of any HD tractor-unit on the road. Never has a production model Class 8 (with a GVWR rating above 14,969 kg in North America) truck achieved bestin-class fuel efficiency while also dramatically improving performance over its diesel competition – all with zero-emissions.

From a sales prospective, the Nikola One leasing programme will include unlimited hydrogen fuel supply, warranty and scheduled maintenance during a 72-month term. To date, Nikola Motor Company has accepted reservations totalling nearly three billion dollars in future orders.

“Nikola will build a world-class advanced manufacturing facility which will create thousands of new jobs,” said Nikola Founder & CEO, Trevor Milton. Nikola is currently in discussions with several States to decide who to partner with in its effort to reduce America’s dependence on fossil fuels, advance green energy and revolutionise the FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

trucking industry. The location of the Nikola Motor manufacturing facility will be determined in the first half of 2017.

At the launch event, Mr. Milton revealed Nikola’s plan for a network of Nikola hydrogen fueling stations across the US and Canada and plans to begin construction of its hydrogen fueling stations in January 2018.

“We are extremely excited to finally show off the Nikola One to the public for the first time,” said Trevor. “There are many out there that wondered if we would deliver, but today we proudly show off the most advanced semi-truck ever built. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have one of the best brands in America, Ryder, as our trusted partner providing nationwide sales, service and warranty for Nikola Motor Company.”

NEWS II | 5

Scania’s Next Generation in control

S

cania’s New Generation trucks are an immediate success, judging by the high order book intake and success in group comparative and single trade media tests. Th is following the announcement of the Scania S-series as the International Truck of the Year 2017.

“We knew that our new trucks had outstanding qualities and have now received impartial confirmation of their superior performance,” said Christopher Podgorski, Head of Trucks at Scania. “Customers can look forward to an unprecedented driving experience with unmatched fuel economy.”

The new generation trucks have been praised in nearly all aspects – for their powertrain, performance, comfort, braking capacity, visibility and steering. “High performance with low fuel consumption, the best driving characteristics, a high level of comfort and a better place to work – that skilfully paves the way for the new S-class,” claimed German trade magazine Lastauto Omnibus in summarising the demanding comparative 1,000 Point Test. The new S 500 truck won the test against fierce competition from Volvo, Mercedes-Benz and DAF. It further reported, "Scania excels in lateral stability with precise steering and an overall feeling of control."

In another comparative test – the European Truck Challenge led

by German trade magazine KFZ-Anzeiger, with Fleet Transport as media partners, the Scania S 500 was found to be “sensationally economical”. In fact, it was the fi rst truck to register under 30 litres/100 km on their test route. ‘Defi nitely value for money, was the verdict.”

The excellent fuel economy performance was also confi rmed in France Routes’ test, the leading trade magazine in the country. It subjected the new Scania R 500 to rigorous tests along a 419-kilometre route in south-eastern France. Over the five hours of testing, the

new generation Scania R 500 recorded the lowest-ever average fuel consumption of 28.4 litres/100 km.

“We set out with the ambitious goal to develop the best truck that the world has ever seen,” added Mr. Podgorski. “Moreover, these trucks should be tailored to the precise characteristics of every industry and thereby obtain the very best total operating economy.

It is highly gratifying to note that these aspirations have now been independently affi rmed.”

Scania launched its new truck generation after having invested close to a record €2 billion in its development. It is Scania’s biggest product launch to date and includes the R- and S-series trucks. Over a three-month period beginning in September, Scania has hosted more than 20,000 people including members from the press and media, customers, and employees to experience the Next Generation Scania at the company’s facilities in Södertälje, Sweden.

New General Manager at Freight Transport Association Ireland

A

idan Flynn is the Freight Transport Association Ireland’s (FTAI) newly appointed General Manager. He succeeds Neil McDonnell, who headed up the organisation for over three years.

Previously the FTAI’s Business Services Manager, Aidan said on his appointment that he looks forward to launching exciting new projects in 2017 and striving to make FTAI the most admired and influential membership trade association in Ireland: “I am honoured and extremely proud to be chosen to lead the FTA Ireland team. I have worked with FTAI since the formative years of the Association in Ireland and together we have established a viable trade association in the midst of the worst economic recession

in our country’s recent history, and have done so by promoting safety and compliance requirements to fleet operators.”

Before joining FTAI, Aidan held a number of senior leadership positions within the transport and logistics sector in Ireland.

These included the establishment of a dedicated commercial fleet training business, health and safety and risk management consultancy and road safety initiatives.

association in Ireland and the undisputed voice of the supply chain with the public and Government,” he said.

“One of my key strengths is relationship building and I thrive on working with the members, promoting our services and listening to their issues. I am committed to ensuring that all of us at FTAI work tirelessly to meet our vision to be the most admired and influential membership trade

Aidan added that FTA Ireland members were in a healthy position through their ongoing participation in the Association’s lauded accreditation programme, which will be expanded in 2017 with the launch of VanSafe, an accreditation scheme for the commercial light goods vehicle sector. www.fleet.ie

6 | NEWS III

Stay Fit & Healthy with Mercedes-Benz Vest!

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or the professional driver Mercedes-Benz is supporting an active and healthy lifestyle with intelligent solutions. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas last month, it highlighted how adaptive comfort and infotainment systems can be used, for example, to reduce tiredness or stress. A later stage of development is to include the intervention of safety and assistance systems.

Under the auspices of ‘Mercedes me’, Mercedes-Benz is also working on a broadbased system to assist the user with an active and healthy lifestyle when away from the vehicle. To do this, ‘Mercedes me’ will, in the near future, merge all the information

that has been collected on the user, both inside and outside the vehicle and will give round-the-clock tips for greater well-being and fitness.

Vital data is measured on the vehicle on the basis of actual values supplied by a wearable (at CES this takes the form of the “Health Watch” from Phillips) and by appropriate sensors in the steering wheel. In addition, the technology behind “Predictive Emergency Defense” (PED) shows how Fit & Healthy functions may also help to prevent accidents in future. The aim here is to be able to detect imminent loss of consciousness by professional drivers in good time in future, in order to prevent resultant accidents. The researchers at Mercedes-Benz have also developed a so-called “Sensor Vest” with ECG (electrocardiography) sensors for this purpose.

Publication Rollover Prevention – HGVs

T

he Health & Safety Authorit y (HSA), in collaboration with the TVA in Sweden, has published an informative guide on HGV Rollover Prevention.

“HGV rollover accidents have long been a serious risk for road transport.

There is a clear need for taking a collective approach to spreading awareness of these risks,” emphasised Deirdre Sinnott , HSA. The Guide describes the risks and causes of rollovers for the most common HGVs operating on the roads, and highlights the dangers of driving vehicles with a high centre of gravity. In Sweden, where the publication originated, at least one rollover involving a HGV is recorded everyday.

A number of factors are explained under the ‘Risk’ – such as road conditions, weather and traffic situations. Under prevention, the two main elements are for the driver to know the vehicle and load hazards. Then there is the responsibility of delivery and load safety, or risk damaging the company’s public relations from the clean-up process. A safe

driving style conquers all. Vehicles in question, such as various truck and trailer combinations were mentioned, like petro-chemical tankers, bodymounted cranes, hooklifts, concrete mixers, bulk grain and wood-chip tippers, etc. “Don’t be caught by surprise,” is the dominant warning as most incidents are speed or sudden manoeuvre related. Rollovers can happen even at low speeds – but the length of the vehicle and the distance of the turn also contribute.

Specifying the truck and trailer with the latest electronic and braking aids such as Electronic Stability Programme, Anti-Brake System, Electronic Braking System, Hill Hold, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure System bring with them significant benefits in HGV rollover preventions. More details on www.hsa.ie

New National Fleet Sales Manager for Peugeot in Ireland

A

mong the recent key personnel changes at Gowan Distributors Limited, the Peugeot Importers in Ireland, Sean Weir has been appointed National Fleet Sales Manager.

Sean has taken the short journey around the corner from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Ireland Ltd, where he spent the last 12 years with responsibilities spanning used cars, then light commercial vehicles sales, then Fleet operations, culminating in his appointment as National Fleet Sales Manager, five years.

He arrived at Gowans with a wealth of FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

over 25 years' experience within the motor industry in total. Married, with 3 children, Sean is an avid sports fan. He replaces Kevin Sweeney, who retires this year, following a glittering 29-year long career at Gowan Group.

Sean takes up the National Fleet Sales Manager role at a time when the Peugeot light commercial vehicle market share in particular continues to strengthen and grow, thanks to a strong performance across the Peugeot Partner, new Expert and Boxer van range; Peugeot ranked number five in the

van market i n 2 016 , registering a +5 6 % growth year-onyear, the highest growth in the top 12 van marques. Sean will be charged with further strengthening Peugeot van, fleet and lease business in Ireland.

Wednesday 10th & Thursday 11th May 2017 at the Liverpool ECL

said FPS Expo is now bigger and better for business.

Why don’t you join us in 2017?

Call: +44 (0)113 224 2213 www.fpsshow.co.uk | For exhibitor opportunities contact: Alison Dickson E: Adickson@communicateco.com T: +44 (0)113 224 2213

8 | INTERVIEW

One-to-One with Stuart Webster, M.D., Iveco Ltd (UK & Ireland)

by Jarlath Sweeney

JS: In leveraging your association with the All Blacks, what has been most beneficial to Iveco as a commercial vehicle manufacturer?

SW: We have certainly gained on the synergies, sharing brand values such as commitment, performance, stamina, team spirit and communication, all aspects of the All Blacks’ philosophy. We have a need to grow further, and with rugby a growing sport in Europe, Eastern Europe, South America and Australia where we are strong, the All Blacks is a great brand in itself to be associated with, as they never cease to keep the winning mentality mindset.

JS: Tell us how, for this campaign, Iveco engaged in a number of joint initiatives such as the specially branded All Blacks’ team autographed truck and coach put up for auction with proceeds going to UNICEF? SW: Yes, a special limited edition All Blacks’ liveried Stralis tractor-unit and Magelys luxury coach were auctioned and together they generated a total of €230,000 which was donated to the children’s charity UNICEF. It is a great gesture by the company.

A special series of All Blacks’ decalled Stralis will be on sale early in the New Year and look out for some in Ireland leading up to the Six Nations Championship matches next Spring.

JS: Looking at the Iveco product range of Daily, Eurocargo, Trakker and Stralis, every sector and application is well catered for. Beginning with the multi-award winning Daily, do you plan to extend your customer base even further with the last Euro 6 lineup?

O

n the occasion of the visit of the All Blacks to Dublin in November 2016, Iveco, the official European partners to New Zealand Rugby during its Autumn Series European tour, provided a number of coaches and buses to transport the team, management and equipment.

During the stay in Dublin, Fleet Transport’s Jarlath Sweeney caught up with Stuart Webster, MD, Iveco UK & Ireland, to discuss the state of play with the Italian brand relating to product and sales.

Iveco Daily 35S13 Hi-Matic

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

SW: For Iveco the Daily is a high profi le vehicle, featuring in global media such as TV and newspapers regularly as events happen across the world. With its strong adaptable chassis and driveline, Daily is fit for any mission. With the no AdBlue Euro 6 version and the addition of Hi-Matic automated transmission, the Daily is the vehicle for all seasons; we have a number of target markets for increased sales – passenger transport and utility customers. With a 7 tonne plus capacity, there is no other vehicle of its weight and capacity to meet the larger number of seats required by converters.

The availability of the Hi-Matic gearbox is a welcome addition to this marketplace that will be appreciated by operators.

Iveco Stralis XP All Blacks Emotional Truck

INTERVIEW | 9 New Iveco Stralis NP (Natural Power)

At the recent Euro Bus Show at the NEC in Birmingham, we featured eight authorised Daily conversions from specialist companies meeting our Bus Master Accredited scheme. We are working closely with these body builders to ensure the right and proper design meets our product line.

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) combined, we can make this contribution without a substantial fi nancial penalty. In addition to producing lower carbon emissions, NP is more silent too. Presently we have ten Stralis NP demo-models for customers to try out.

JS:

JS: The latest Stralis range has what’s termed ‘Emotional Trucks’ – that explore Iveco’s high profile association with sport.

What about the campervan/motor-home marketplace?

SW: Indeed with the Hi-Matic we see a wonderful opportunity, something we have not concentrated on in the past. Conversions seem to centre mostly on the more convenient front-wheel-drive systems. With the Daily, we can offer a higher end, more robust product. Currently we are working on it and have appointed a dedicated representative to explore sales opportunities and talk with coachbuilders.

JS: With the Eurocargo the evolution of the 7.5 tonne weight category continues, but Iveco has many other options with this truck line.

SW: Surprisingly this year we have seen an uptake in 7.5 tonners mostly from rental companies, but this is a reciprocal thing. Our main focus is with the 12, 14, 16 and 18 tonne versions which offer more payload while availing of the compact nature of the cab design.

Thankfully for 2017, we have lots of orders in these weight areas on the table. While the Eurocargo’s line fi nishes at the 18 tonne 180 model, the Stralis rigid 190 then begins, which suits a different application marketplace.

JS: Mentioning Stralis, the latest model is getting noticed for its low Total Cost of Ownership.

SW: Stralis is the target growth area for Iveco. The big one for us in the range is the Natural Gas variant, the Natural Power (NP) model with its 400 hp and 12-speed ZF Eurotronic automated transmission driveline – a game changer. Major corporations are now looking to reduce their carbon footprint and are seeking that its transport operators play a significant role in achieving this objective. With

SW: Just like the All-Blacks’ special editions, we have special liveried versions connected to our relationship with De Rooy (Dakar), Ferrari (F1) and Schwaben Truck – EU Truck Racing.

Together they stir emotions to both customer and enthusiast. It shows what Iveco can do, honing in on a different area and a great way to inform people of the passion Iveco has in the business.

JS:

Is the Trakker the unsung hero in the Iveco family?

SW: There is no doubt but the Trakker is the most underestimated construction truck in the marketplace, with its excellent driveline, durability, payload and driver comfort. Some operators may recall the days of the successful and ever-popular Magirus Deutz and Eurotrakker from which the current Trakker takes its top class DNA. JS: Regarding customer packages, what can Iveco offer customers in terms of finance, R&M, etc.

SW: Together with our sales and distribution partners, NI Trucks in the north and Emerald Truck & Van, we are coming up with a number of bespoke packages to suit customer needs in this regard. As no two customers are the same, individual deals and contracts can be drawn up, an a-la-carte solution with fi xed rates, fi xed costs so to speak. We have an excellent award-winning product line-up now and currently we very much want to grow our presence in Ireland - we are gett ing there. There is good stuff happening which will be put in place during this year with the network really engaging with customers with a personalised service. www.fleet.ie

10 | TEST

Volvo FMX.540 8x4

W

hen the tachograph became mandatory in trucks over thirty years ago, the analogue chart system that recorded drivers’ hours and speed was greeted rather negatively by the truck driver fraternity. Deemed as the ‘Spy in the Cab’ at the time, it took some years for a positive mindset to emerge. In 2006, the digital tachograph was introduced which has a much broader scope and simplified application. Since then too, telematics in trucks have become the norm, with driver acceptance not an issue. In fact, drivers love to challenge themselves to improve their own performance against the system, or even against fellow truck drivers in the company. Based on this data, most transport fi rms have a driver league table, with initiatives up for grabs for the most consistent performer.

Volvo Trucks was one of the early innovators in this area, with its constantly evolving Dynafleet telematics programme. So, when we received the data downloaded from our cross-the-country 450km test drive in the Volvo FMX.540 8x4 tipper, it made for interesting reading. On the vehicle fuel efficiency report, the total score of 92/100% headed the page, while other measurements included anticipation (84%) and braking, engine gear utilisation (98%), speed adaptation (92%) and standstill (99%). Sharing the seven hour journey which took us from east to west with Volvo’s demo chief Martin Tomlinson, the Volvo was loaded to the permitted 32-tonne GVW on the fi rst half of the journey. An average speed of 70 km/h was maintained, recording an average 34.92 L/100km (8.09 mpg), emitt ing 0.41 tonnes CO2 .

When broken down, the loaded run from Kilmeague, Kildare to Claremorris, Mayo via N4/N5 consumed 36.79 L/100km, while the empty back leg returned 30.52 L/100km. AdBlue usage averaged 2.37 L/100km. Idling time was 7.2%, which included the load tipping time.

After meeting Martin at Johnstown House Hotel, Enfield, the journey began with a visit to N&C Enterprises (Kilmeague) to FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

take on a 20 tonne+ load for the test run. With a number of fi lls from the bucket loader, we were shortly en route to the West. The fi rst leg taken was via Kinnegad, Mullingar and all along the N4 and N5 through Strokestown and Frenchpark before going on the much welcomed bypass at Ballaghadereen and then turning left at Charlestown. No real terrain challenge ensued on this part of the journey - though ahead of us on the N17, the climbs to Ireland Airport West Knock awaited.

On the fi rst approach to the airport ascent we were cruising at 85 km/h and this speed dropped to 72 kp/h @1,200 rpm with the gearbox lowering a cog. While the rev counter levelled at 1,000 rpm thanks to keeping it in 11th in manual mode, we soon moved up to 12th, even before reaching the peak near the entrance to the Monsignor Horan landmark.

At the end of the fi rst leg at Claremorris, the load was tipped and the return journey took a different route. Up the N17 we headed, reminding Martin of the famous tribute song by the Saw Doctors.

On reaching Claregalway, the N6 was then taken and as the terrain is almost completely flat, no real challenge was tackled. Hence, a high average speed, thanks to Active Cruise Control engaged.

TEST | 11

As the engine was not under strain, it was easy to converse inside the cab. As with the sleeper cab, there is plenty of room for storing items and if needs be, comfortable provision for a snooze while waiting in a queue for unloading. Mentioning the 40 winks, Martin specified a higher positioned bunk, which is an optional extra, but allows for a fitt ing of the pull-out drawer that can accommodate a fridge or additional storage etc.

With the current Volvo FM cab, on which the FMX is based, exterior visibility improved with the well-designed mirrors that not only provide excellent vision but have also reduced the blind spot between the A-pillar and the mirror frames.

There is no doubt that Irish transport operators, especially owner drivers, love high horsepower and this 540hp unit with sleeper cab is right up their street. Invariably there is no real need for this level of horsepower and torque (2,600 Nm) for this type of application.

Great to have it and super to drive! But for every day work, the additional running costs may make it unviable. That said the ascent at Knock Airport is a good challenge for a truck, regardless of the applied power. In taking note of the figures, the performance was noteworthy in that all it took to head over the pass was one drop down in gear. Th is was done manually on the I-Shift automated box in order to hold that gear for a short while until reaching the edge of the peak. On the descent, the strong engine brake did its job in holding back the combined weight of truck and load.

Manoeuvring through traffic in town and villages was not a problem either, thanks to the Dynamic Steering Control fitted. This electronic weight and speed related system does feel different from standard truck steering and while it takes a litt le gett ing used to initially, it

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

engages extremely well.

Another advantage we found was when we did few figure of eight turns just to check out how the turning circle improved in comparison to standard eight-wheelers. Also, while in the quarry, the height of the cab from the ground up was noted - there is quite a distance between the lower step and the ground - one has to be careful! Th is is due to the X-High B-Ride straight front beam fitted on the front axle. On the plus side, high ground clearance is guaranteed.

Spec Check Make/Model Engine Power (Max) Torque (Max) VEB + (Engine brake) Transmission Suspension Wheel/Tyres Cab Front axle capacity Drive axle capacity Tank Capacity Wheelbase

Features

Volvo FMX 8x4 X-High B-Ride D13K 540 Euro 6 540hp (360 kW) @1450-1800 rpm 2600 Nm @1000–1450 rpm 375 kW @2300 rpm + Retarder I-Shift 12-speed (AT2612E) Parabolic springs front/rear 385/65R22.5 Michelin Axles 1+2 315/85R22.5 Michelin X-works Axles 3+4 Sleeper 16-tonnes 21-tonnes Fuel: 315 litres AdBlue: 48 litres 5,100mm Dark grey leather upholstery Electronic Stability Programme Adaptive Cruise Control Forward Collision Warning Lane Change Support Lane Keeping Support Driver Alert Support

www.fleet.ie

12 | NEW FLEET

Dungarvan Transport ups the Actros!

M

ore than 50 percent of the trucks in Dungarvan Transport’s fleet now wear the triple-pointed star brand as the County Waterford fi rm takes delivery of ten new Mercedes-Benz Actros 6x2 tractor-units, with 2.3 metre Streamspace cabs.

Supplied by Mercedes-Benz Commercial dealer, Surehaul of Clonmel, of which Dungarvan Transport is a long-standing customer, the new trucks have been delivered factory painted in the company’s distinctive blue livery.

Dungarvan Transport, a second-generation family-owned fi rm, has been at the forefront of Irish and international road haulage for over 30 years, specialising in the transportation of wood, agriproducts and pharmaceuticals. Members of both the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) and Freight Transport Association

Ireland (FTAI), the company serves both an Irish and international client base.

A further five similar specified units will follow later in the year.

New Ford Transit Connects ‘Wheels We Deliver’

W

heels We Deliver’s fi rst new 171 vehicle has taken up duty for the Dublin 1 based company.

Th is customized Ford Transit Connect, supplied by Rialto Ford (Dublin) for use in the Medical & Healthcare sector, is an eye-catcher with its specially designed hi-visibility reflective graphics.

Th is new light commercial vehicle is the fi rst of many planned new additions to the Wheels We Deliver fleet as it continues its expansion plans as Ireland’s No.1 courier company providing complete transport solutions. Wheels We Deliver has provided a dedicated daily post collection and delivery service to the Dublin business community for over 25 years with secure vehicles with a highly trained, vetted fleet of drivers.

With An Post’s Dublin 2 Delivery Office Unit at Cardiff Lane moving to Ravensdale Road, Dublin 3, Wheels We Deliver is adapting its services to meet with its client’s needs and to provide the most efficient and prompt service.

Emerald’s Volvo Horse Limo!

K

ilcullen, County Kildare’s Emerald Bloodstock has invested in a pedigree truck to transport some of the racing world’s most valuable yearlings around Europe.

It’s a new Volvo FH.460 6x2 with I-Shift, Globetrotter cab, rear steer, front and rear air suspension, drive plus package with twin bunks, factory reverse camera and monitor, I-Park Cool, fridge, and TV/DVD. Giblin Truck Bodies in Gort, County Galway built the horsebox which accommodates 12 horses. It’s fitted with electric/hydraulic rear ramp and manual side ramp, full height stainless steel stalls, removable drinkers and underbody storage, and an 8-camera system for monitoring horses. The grooms section has a separate entrance and 3-belted seats with radio, TV and intercom to cab. Th is body is

purpose built to meet the requirements set out by the Department of Agriculture & Food, and comes with NSAI certification.

Supplied by Volvo Truck dealers, Irish Commercials (Naas), it’s basically a limo for horses!

Need a quote? 01 2900 200

MIKE MURPHY INSURANCE

or Log onto www.mikemurphyinsurance.ie TODAY! CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN INSURANCE Haulage: • Single Vehicles • Motor Fleet for Hauliers • Haulage Risks • Carriers Liability • Warehouse Risks • Public Liability • Employers Liability Mike Murphy Insurance is a trade name of New Sure Life Ltd. and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

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renault-trucks.ie * The TÜV Rheinland , an independent certification body has certified a 10,9% reduction in the fuel consumption of a Renault Trucks T Optifuel vehicle compared with a standard vehicle. The two vehicles compared were 2 Renault Trucks T 4x2 tractors, Renault Trucks T Optifuel and Renault Trucks T standard, both fitted with a 430 hp Euro 6 DTI 11 engine with the same drive axle ratio (2.64). The 2 vehicles each had a 32 t load. The test was carried out over a 200 km route, typical of long-distance inter-regional operations.

Both drivers benefited from Optifuel Training in economic driving.

14 | MARKETPLACE

Satisfactory 2016 HGV sales figures as caution flag is raised for 2017

2

016 proved another positive year for new truck registrations, posting a 34% increase over the 2015 Irish marketplace. According to figures released by the SIMI – Society of Irish Motor Industry, new registrations topped 2,511 units last year compared to 1,873 from 2015. The top three brands, Scania, Volvo and DAF, which have consistently held those positions since 2014, have captured around 58% of the total market. Only Renault Trucks and Mercedes-Benz managed to gain beyond ten percent market share with the French brand overtaking the German giant for fourth place overall during 2016.

All of the above increased sales over the past twelve months, with Iveco doubling numbers. Hino was the biggest loser, mainly due to the fact that the Japanese brand never moved to Euro 6 engine emission technology. In the light to medium weight classes, Isuzu and Fuso command 4% and 2% of the total share.

Significant investment by Irish Commercials, with a brand new Sales & Service Centre at Santry, Dublin to open soon, should see the company grow its customer base for its Volvo Trucks franchise, to compliment its Naas headquarters and Galway branch.

“Commercial vehicle registrations, which perhaps best reflect the level of activity in the economy, were significantly up on 2015, with Light Commercial Vehicle registrations finishing 18.3% up and Heavy Commercial Vehicle registrations 33.92% ahead of last year,” said Alan Nolan, Director General at the SIMI. Joe Crann, Managing Director at Westward Scania looks back over 2016 with satisfaction but is cautious about the next twelve months, despite having a two-pronged attack on the market with the availability of the outgoing range and new generation S-series and R-series. “As we move into 2017 and the new 171 registration period, the industry is anticipating a continuation of the strong performance seen during 2016 and is projecting similar registration numbers to last year,” he said.

“Whilst the HGV market for 2016 was an improvement over that for 2015, the total market remained at just 50% of its boom-time levels.

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

Scania with almost 600 units had a healthy 29% market share of the 17-tonne+ HGV segment. With the uncertainty that the Brexit vote brought, there was a hiatus in July and August. But the order intake picked up in the last quarter, thus ensuring that 2017 will get off to a good start. Overall, there is a lot of deliberation by customers over investments and the time taken to make a purchase decision has lengthened. Similarly, the availability of credit seems to have tightened slightly, and there is a feeling of increased caution on all sides. Overall, I would predict a slightly weaker market, perhaps a total market weaker by up to 20%, but with the availability of the existing Scania range for all of 2017, together with a ramp up of the New Generation Scania, we are confident of retaining a strong position.

Scania has been successful in some medium to large fleet deals for 2017, but we are also mindful of the danger of residual value exposure over the shorter term. In that regard we will ensure that serving our loyal Scania customers takes precedence, whilst trading competitor products is becoming increasingly difficult.”

Harry Nash, Managing Director, Setanta Vehicle Sales, which handles the importation and distribution of Renault Trucks and also Dennis Eagle, is a little more optimistic. “We had a good year in 2016 finishing on 10.43 % market share, up 1.5 % on the previous year. Our activity in the construction sector improved well as did domestic rigid business.

We think 2017 will be back on 2016. Tractor-unit enquiries remain slow with the overhang of Brexit remaining and the uncertainty putting purchase decisions on hold. The waste sector through our Dennis Eagle business is busy and we think domestic activity will be buoyant again this year. We also anticipate that the long distance international hauliers will be a little more cautious adopting a wait and see approach, which will hold back on tractor-unit sales this year,” he said.

"A weaker sterling has seen a flood of UK imports reducing the value of used vehicle dealer stocks in Ireland and making the secondhand vehicle sector a challenging one in 2017. Wider availability of finance on favourable terms is helping the new and used market and is a positive outcome of an improved economy. However, outside economical influences could have a major impact this year and it is difficult to predict how these might play out. In summary we are cautiously optimistic for 2017," concluded Harry.

Andrew Johnson, Sales Manager, FUSO Ireland forecasts a similar outcome: “2016 was a very good year for FUSO Canter sales. We have seen the chassis cab market rise by 27% from 2015 and interestingly the vast majority of our Canter sales came from SMEs and owner operators, rather than larger fleet sales upon which there was reliance in recent years. Sales in our dealerships were up by 29% which is very important as we move back towards sustainable volumes in our market. We have also noticed that sales are now starting to spread out from the big cities and towns and into more rural areas which are showing signs of recovery. Access to capital for SME’s has certainly helped with this upward sales trend and funds must continue to be made available in order to achieve the complete market recovery in the future,” he stated.

MARKETPLACE | 15 “That said, we are taking a cautious approach on 2017. With the uncertainty of Brexit and the fluctuating exchange rate, we feel the threats of consumer hesitancy and potential UK imports could stifle the growth in sales that we have seen since 2014. Customer enquiries year to date would be lower than 12 months ago. We do feel that there will be somewhat of a levelling off in the market for commercial vehicle sales and if we could maintain the same level of Canter sales in 2017 then this would be considered a successful year. Having said that, we have some new model offers in the Canter line-up in 2017 which we will be rolling out to the dealer network soon which will boost our sales this year. And there are exciting developments in FUSO Europe with its product strategy for the next generation of Canter product line in a couple of years.”

2017 has started strongly for Iveco dealer Emerald Truck & Van, and to date there is no evidence of the suspected slowdown in the market that the year is predicted to bring. Emerald’s confidence in the market is reflected in a move to new larger premises at Ballymount, Dublin in Quarter 1, which will deliver further improved parts and service facilities. Iveco enters the year with its strongest vehicle line up yet. Every vehicle in the range is now equipped to the latest Euro6 standards. In the Heavy sector, the Iveco Stralis continued to sell well, helped in part by very competitive pricing through the year. The Trakker, Iveco's all-wheel drive chassis had a superb sales year - and providing that the confidence in the construction market in Ireland continues, is expected to repeat this success in the upcoming twelve months. Iveco added two new models to the Stralis range in 2016 with the innovative XP (Xtra Performance) and Natural Gas powered NP (Natural Power) models.

New FUSO e-Canter is on the horizon

Final words from Fergus Conheady, Sales Manager, Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles: “In 2016 we increased our HGV registrations by 35%. In any other year we’d be delighted with this, but due to the fact that the market also grew by 35% meant that we had no market share growth and finished with 10.2% as we did in 2015. Our greatest growth was in the Heavy Duty segment where we recorded a 50% increase in registrations. We would agree that the market will slow this year and expect it to be around 2,250 units for the year as opposed to 2,500 in 2016. There is a nervousness within the industry due to Brexit. Second hand values plummeted in the latter half of last year.

Th is was driven by the fact that several of the supermarket multiples de-fleeted large quantities of fresh trucks due to manufacturer driven initiatives. Th is has had an effect on the value of domestic trade-in vehicles.”

Commercial Vehicle registrations on steady increase across the EU

F

or the twelve months of 2016, new registrations in the European Union for Commercial Vehicles recorded continuous growth, according to figures released by ACEA, the Association of the European Automobile industry.

With more than 2.3 million units registered, an 11.6 percent increase was recorded. During the year, growth was sustained across all segments and all major markets, for the fourth year in a row, with the Italian market posting the highest increase (+49.9%), Spain (+11.3%), France (+8.3%), Germany (+7.0%), and the United Kingdom (+1.2%) all posted growth.

From January to December 2016, almost 2 million new light commercial vehicles (LCV) up to 3.5 tonnes GVW were registered in the EU, 11.9 percent more than in the same period a year ago.

Italy (+50.0%), Spain (+11.2%), Germany (+8.5%), France (+8.2%) Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

and the UK (+1.0%) all contributed to this positive upturn over the fi rst 11 months of 2016.

In the heavy commercial vehicles (HCV) over 16-tonnes category saw demand for new heavy trucks continued to increase (+12.3%), with 292,170 new vehicles being registered across the EU. All major markets made a positive contribution to the overall upturn, especially the Italian (+52.9%) and French (+12.9%) markets with their double-digit increases.

For 2016, 365,051 new trucks were registered in the EU, 11% more than in the same period last year. Italy (+54.4%), France (+12.6%) and Spain (+10.1%) made particularly significant contributions to this.

www.fleet.ie

16 | FLEETING SHOTS

Scuderia Ferrari Iveco Stralis NP speeds to €177k at charity auction

I

veco has generously donated a brandnew flagship model Stralis XP to the charity Telethon Foundation.

The 440hp Hi-Way 4x2 Hi-TroniX TCO2 Champion dedicated to Scuderia Ferrari was auctioned through CharityStars.com raising €117,000, and giving the lucky recipient a chance to own an integral part of the Scuderia Ferrari motorsport team.

The new award winning Stralis NP proudly carries the special red livery of Ferrari and celebrates the historic collaboration between Iveco and Scuderia Ferrari.

Telethon Foundation, has been committed to fostering and developing scientific research for cures related to rare genetic diseases since 1990.

Berliet Foundation at Rétromobile 2017

A

s the 42nd edition of Rétromobile take place in Paris from 8-12 February 2017, once again the Berliet Foundation will be exhibiting, this time with a Berliet type 1 CB bus “Les plus belles Routes des Alpes” (the most beautiful Alpine roads).

The mythical Route des Alpes, the link between Lake Geneva and the Mediterranean, follows the ridge line of the Alpine massif, runs through five departments and crosses nine passes including five summiting at over 2000 metres.

In July 1911, some sixty French and foreign public figures took the inaugural journey in five stages aboard six Berliet Alpine buses, including a journalist from the newspaper “Le Temps” who wrote that “their smooth ride,

Méditerranée (PLM), with daily departures from Nice and Evian.

The mechanical chassis manufactured by Berliet took into account the lessons learned from the behaviour of the Alpine buses, as was indicated in the following year’s catalogue: “All of our 1912 chassis owe their additional sturdiness, gusto and solidity to the Alps.” silence and comfort are perfect. They are so well equipped that it seems as though we’re taking this splendid journey in limousines or club cars.”

From that time on, every summer from early July to mid-September, the Route des Alpes was travelled by a bus service organized by the Compagnie Ferroviaire Paris-Lyon-

The vehicle exhibited was manufactured in 1921 and was designed as a “tank with seats” and each row of seats had its own door. With its Torpedo bodywork, this convertible bus was equipped with a 22 horsepower, 110 x 140 5.3L 4-cylinder gasoline engine. It belongs to the family of the Berliet CAB and CAH omnibuses.

Empire RV showcased luxury American Motorhomes Autosport International

S

traight from famous circuits from around the world in 2016, the luxury RV provider Empire RV took pole position at Autosport International in January.

European race organisers, including preferential parking and benefits that no other accommodation supplier can offer, mean Empire RV’s customers can be right in the action and even in the paddock, with the Empire RV team always on hand.

The Somerset & Silverstone-based recreational vehicle company showcased two of its most luxurious RV’s, at the NEC, Birmingham.

Offering motorhome rental at all manner of European racing events, from Superbikes and MotoGP to Touring Car Championships and numerous 24-hour races, Empire RV provides

American style Motorhome accommodation for fans, drivers and teams.

Exclusive agreements with most of the

The company also now offers the largest exclusive fleet of seven-star RV and American Motorhomes in Europe, stocking the largest number of luxury RVs, Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels from Winnebago, Four Winds and Thor. Its policy is to travel all over the world to source specific vehicles on a customer’s behalf.

Need a quote? 01 2900 200

MIKE MURPHY INSURANCE

or Log onto www.mikemurphyinsurance.ie TODAY! CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN INSURANCE Haulage: • Single Vehicles • Motor Fleet for Hauliers • Haulage Risks • Carriers Liability • Warehouse Risks • Public Liability • Employers Liability Mike Murphy Insurance is a trade name of New Sure Life Ltd. and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

NEW YEAR. NEW LINE UP. NEW TEAM MEMBER

NEW COMMERCIAL VEHICLE Windsor Long Mile Nissan Commercial Centre Now Open.

See our extensive range of new and used commercial vehicles.

Phone 01 219 0888 to book your test drive today or visit www.windsor.ie for more details.

LONG MILE NISSAN

12 elephone: 01 219 0888

Do you recognise this man?

Perhaps not.

His name is Seamus Deighan, MD at Deighan Transport, and he recognises the importance of an efficient, compliant and, above all, a safe fleet of trucks.

That’s why he’s a member of FORS – the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme.

And he’s also achieved Gold status, meaning that specifiers and contractors want to get to know him better.

Isn’t it time you were recognised, too?

Safety, efficiency, environment www.fors-online.org.uk 08448 09 09 44

18

MVS – Munster Vehicle new gam

R

enault Trucks’ brand logo features prominently on Sunday’s Well Rugby Club’s shirt. A s it happens, Sean Loftus, whose name has been associated with the success of the French truck brand in recent years in Ireland is the club’s President. Sean, along with business partner Harry Nash formed Setanta Vehicle Importers and elevated Renault Trucks from also-rans to strong top four players. By coincidence, Sunday’s Well has achieved promotion twice in successive years, and now competes in Division 2A of the Ulster Bank League.

Next season it is likely that a new sponsor’s logo, with the MVS brand appearing on the ‘Well’s green, white and red striped jerseys – but there will still be an association with Renault Trucks.

Munster Vehicles Sales Ltd (MVS) operates from a purpose-built facility in Ballinahina, Dublin Pike in Cork, where the previous dealer Transport Services (Ballyvolane) operated from. Munster Vehicle Sales Limited which is owned and operated by Sean Loftus (pictured)

covers counties Cork, Kerry and Clare, offering new and used truck sales and services along with sales of the new Renault Master van range.

In addition, MVS holds the agency for Dennis Eagle municipal trucks for the Munster region.

Since returning to Cork on a permanent basis last year, Sean has invested in the business, taking on more staff including his daughter Aisling in an administration and marketing role, while his son Darren who is a qualified technician plans to return from a working stint in Canada in due course.

“After over ten years on the road, driving up and down to Dublin and across the country looking after the Renault Trucks’ dealer network through Setanta Vehicle Importers, it was time to come home and start afresh with the Renault Trucks’ brand in Cork,” said Sean.

He can look back with satisfaction on his involvement with Setanta Vehicle Importers for raising the profile of the Renault Trucks’ brand, and along with it a significant increase in market share. “Yes, we brought it from around two percent to over ten percent over the years since we (Setanta) took over the national franchise from Glencullen (Bill Cullen),” explained Sean.

The timing of the acquisition for Setanta was both good and bad, as instant increases in sales were achieved followed by the market collapse, following the economic crash in 2008/09. A move from the existing headquarters on the Naas Road to the Longmile Road happened then also. Sales of Premium Long Distance (LD), Magnum and Midlum and particularly Kerax 8-wheelers were rising leading up to the recession.

When the market collapsed the overstocked inventory had to be dealt with, and as Sean put it, “Thanks to Renault Trucks UK, they took back a good number of stock vehicles, which helped to ease the financial pressure.” Attractive finance packages, an extended warranty and keen repair and maintenance contracts helped to keep the wheels turning.

As business began to pick up, Renault Trucks undertook a complete renewal of its model range, with the new Range T, a multi-award winner, effectively replacing the Magnum and Premium LD in one swoop. Many conquest sales have been gained with the Range T as it has made its way into many fleets that here-to-fore never had a truck bearing the diamond logo. As the construction sector has begun to find its feet again, custom in the Range C 8x4 and Range K multi-wheelers has begun to take off. “Customers are really appreciating the qualities

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

cle Sales me plan in hand

of the Renault Trucks models,” emphasised Sean.

One of the other main elements of the success was establishing a strong nationwide dealer network offering confidence-building after-sales back up.

Grass roots knowledge Sean’s familiarity with the French manufacturer goes back decades to the family’s demolition and civil engineering business, where the firm operated Renault vehicles.

He began his career as a plant and machinery technical/fitter and after spending a period knocking and fi xing, he studied at night to gain a degree in Civil Engineering. At that time he was carrying the oval ball across the line for Sunday’s Well, coming up on occasion against the aforementioned Harry Nash. Lasting relationships often begin on the playing fields.

In 1989 the relationship with Renault Trucks began as a stake in Transport Services was acquired, it was then a sub-dealer for Glencullen before becoming an authorised dealer in its own right. As the business progressed, Renault Trucks’ headquarters in France came knocking on the door to see if Sean was interested in taking over the Renault Trucks importer from Bill Cullen who was retiring from the heavy commercial vehicle end of his business. Realising that a Dublin head office was necessary Sean approached Harry Nash who was well known in the CV spare parts sector about joining forces. This led to the Munster and Leinster based parties coming together – something which doesn’t happen too often on the rugby pitch!

While the trade (and publications!) tend to concentrate primarily on bright and shiny new models, Sean was keen to highlight the buoyant used trade within the Renault Trucks’ family. “Demand for

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

PROFILE | 19 good second-hand Premium Long Distance (LD) tractors remains high all of the time – it’s great on fuel, reliable, very comfortable and the drivers love them,” expressed Sean. MVS can also supply used Dennis Eagle trucks which come complete with fully serviced refuse collection bodywork, or construction related specification. As with the new truck sales packages, MVS can provide similar Renault Finance for used vehicles. Opportunities also exist for the Renault Master van range which now includes a new 17-seater minibus. Sean is looking to increase penetration of the Contract Hire section of the business as well as entering Truck and Van Rental.

His grass roots knowledge of the trade and the Renault Trucks’ brand puts Sean at a big advantage when dealing with customers and knowing how, what and where to meet their needs. Having served both sides of the counter as it were, has its benefits. “People buy from people they know in business or even outside of business,” he exclaimed. “What we have done and are constantly doing is building confidence in the brand. As the old saying goes, “A good salesman sells the first truck, good service and back-up sells the next.”

Having let go the reins at Transport Services to co-run Setanta Vehicle Importers, the wheel has turned full circle and he is now back at the helm at Munster Vehicle Sales. But one thing is for sure, between the daily business operations at MVS and the weekend duties at Sunday’s Well, the Renault Trucks’ brand will be heading towards the top of the league table.

In Brief • Increase in Renault Truck Sales has resulted from better customer acceptance and improved relationships with clients.

• Dennis Eagle enjoys a 70% marketshare in the UK and Irish markets. Now under the new ownership of Dutch company Terberg, further potential through a broader range of vehicles is on the cards.

• No artic unit is complete without a trailer, and MVS continues its parts and service agreement with Europe’s leading trailer manufacturer, Schmitz Cargobull.

• Mentioning maintenance, there are five full length drive-through service bays with a heavy duty gantry overhead.

• A rise in over-the-counter parts business to the tune of 33% is heartening, according to Sean.

As part of the evolving of Munster Vehicle Sales Limited, the existing staff of Transport Services (Ballyvolane) were retained, Sean is also looking to recruit a few more people in various departments. His daughter Aisling brings lots of experience and ideas to the company with a Master’s degree in management & marketing. She also has worked with Ford Ireland and in the insurance sector. Meanwhile salesman Kieran Stokes is a business graduate and spends much time out on the road meeting clients.

www.fleet.ie

20 | REPORT

‘Trucks in the City’ Safety Seminar – Ina

Welcome Address - Jarlath Sweeney, Group Editor, Fleet Transport

Fatalities in the Republic of Ireland 20082011

T

he broad interest and positivity stemming from the inaugural ‘Trucks in the City’ Safety Seminar was encouraging for event hosts Fleet Transport in establishing a platform for creating a programme to protect the vulnerable road user in the urban environment.

Held in association with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and Health & Safety Authority (HSA), over 180 delegates from a wide range of transport related sectors heard from leading experts covering issues of road safety surrounding trucks and vulnerable road users. Top of the agenda was CLOCS and FORS, two integrated programmes covering Construction Logistics & Community Safety and Fleet Operators Recognition System.

Presentations from Transport for London, the CLOCS initiators, and a testimonial from O’Donovan Waste Disposal Ltd highlighted the success of the initiative with input from the RSA, HSA and the Construction Industry Federation. Of additional relevance to Ireland, statistics relating to trucks and fatal incidents were outlined for the first time covering from 2008-2011.

In welcoming the attendees, Jarlath Sweeney, Group Editor, Fleet Transport said, “With Dublin City traffic increasing each day, the risk of incidents are getting higher, and to date there have been too many fatalities involving vulnerable road users such as

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

Vicky Simms, Project Manager, Transport for London (CLOCS) Title of Presentation: Construction Logistics and Community Safety – beyond the hoardings. cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists.

From the speaker panel and follow-up discussions, the successful CLOCS and FORS programmes introduced in Britain and Northern Ireland can be adapted to provide safe, sustainable freight activity within the supply chain in the urban landscape in Dublin, for a start. “The momentum has begun,” he concluded.

Developments undertaken by specialist companies in providing dedicated equipment for trucks were exhibited at the Citywest Hotel venue in Dublin while all the main truck manufacturers involved in complying with CLOCS and FORS demonstrated various construction, waste management and distribution specified models at the outdoor display area.

The seminar was chaired by Superintendent Con O’Donohue from the Garda National Roads Policy Bureau.

Speaker Panel: Deirdre Sinnott, Health & Safety Authority Title of Presentation: Managing the risk and vulnerable road user contact-context.

Professor Anne Drummond, Centre for Safety and Health at Work UCD Title of Presentation: Trucks and Road Traffic

Peter Morrow, FORS Manager for Northern Ireland Title of Presentation: Safety considerations and FORS Tom Parlon, CEO, Construction Industry Federation Title of Presentation: Construction Industry Perspective Jacqueline O’Donovan, MD., O’Donovan Waste Disposal Ltd Title of Presentation: Leading the way in road safety Closing Address: Moyagh Murdock, CEO, Road Safety Authority Deirdre Sinnott from the Health & Safety Authority spoke about “managing the risk of trucks and vulnerable road user contactcontext.” She began with figures released involving workplace fatalities during 2016.

“A total of 44 people died in workplace incidents, 20 (45%) of which involved a workplace vehicle with trucks, forklifts and teleporters among the vehicle types relating to the fatalities.” One of the slides clearly illustrated the size of HGVs in relation to the vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, and how the solution to help eliminate the number of fatalities means that all stakeholders need

REPORT | 21

naugural event generates great interest

Deirdre Sinnott , Health & Safety Authority

Professor Anne Drummond, Centre for Safety and Health at Work UCD

Vicky Simms, Project Manager, Transport for London (CLOCS)

to work together covering everything from safer vehicles, safer drivers to safer operations and safer journeys.

Manager (Transport for London (TfL)), gave a broad update on the CLOCS programme. It recently received a slight name change, with the word ‘Community’ replacing ‘Cyclists’ to broaden the scope of the initiative. “Like London, Dublin is a growing city and pro-rata, the population growth forecasts are similar.”

The big challenge ahead is meeting the demand for new construction builds versus truck movements, community commuter requirements and sharing streets and roads.

“20% of pedestrian fatalities and 78% of cyclists fatalities in 2015 involved HGVs, despite trucks representing just 4% of the miles driven in London. These incidents make the headlines, they are high profi le.

Lorry drivers have no more excuses when it comes to cycling blind spots.”

logistics industry. On vehicle specification, the onus was on maximising driver direct vision. Reaction from all truck manufacturers was encouragingly positive. Collectively they increased glazed areas on the truck’s cab, added warning signs, sensors and audio alarms, as well as in-cab cameras. HGV drivers also upped training, while players within the supply chain stood up and took more responsibility.”

Significant pedestrian and cycle accidents with trucks Professor Anne Drummond from the Centre for Safety & Health at Work at UCD was in a unique position to outline for the fi rst time vulnerable road user related accident statistics in her presentation, “Trucks and road traffic fatalities in the Republic of Ireland from 2008-2011,”. Anne recalled the first fatalities from the early days of motoring in the nineteenth century, both involving Irish people. One of her stark revelations was that 51% of work related fatalities, totalling 193, involved a truck. She added that in 89 of the 175 work-related fatal collisions, a truck driver was involved. 28% (8) of the 29 workers who died were driving a truck and in 3 of these tragic incidents, the other party was also a truck driver. Of the 51% of bystanders who were killed that were pedestrians, in 49% of these cases reported, the other party was driving a truck.

“Many of the victims in this category veered/ skidded/walked/ran/jumped/fell/cycled/ wobbled into, or were lying in, the path of the truck. Poor lighting conditions and lack of high-visibility clothing was a major factor.

From a driver perspective, almost all of these collisions were unavoidable. In cases where testing was carried out, none of the truck drivers tested positive for alcohol or drugs.

There was one criminal prosecution against a truck driver who was the other party in a collision,” outlined Anne.

CLOCS making London safer Vicky Simms, recently appointed Project

From research, blind spots around construction type vehicles like tippers and mixers can be 50% greater than any other delivery vehicles. “Of the incidents involving vulnerable road users and HGVs, a disproportionate number involved these type of vehicles.” CLOCS was created to address the systemic failings in the way work related road safety was considered and managed in the construction logistics industry. A series of recommendations and recognised standards were established dealing with all aspects of work related risks in the sector. With various leading stakeholders in place, working groups were formed consisting of contractors, vehicle manufacturers, clients, regulatory bodies and logistics operators.”

“The structured programme had clear objectives – improve vehicle safety through manufacturer and design, address health and safety issues on construction sites and encourage best practice throughout the

“It’s fair to say that CLOCS is making an impact, with over 20,000 trucks now fitted with enhanced safety features. Over 30,000 drivers have undertaken TfL’s Safe Urban Driving training while we now have over 320 CLOCS champions.” Vicky welcomed the interest in CLOCS from Ireland and that the word is spreading internationally. “There is huge focus on zero tolerance on health and safety within the construction industry. What we want to see is CLOCS to be considered in the same way – there should be an equal focus on work related risk.”

FORS Accreditation ensures best practices Peter Morrow, FORS Manager for Northern Ireland explained all about Fleet Operator Recognition System, how its accreditation process works, and what benefits there are to be gained as a FORS member. “Founded in 2007, FORS is an industry led accreditation scheme. As industry helped shape it, it reflects sensible day-to-day fleet operation best practice.” He also made the following points: • •

FORS helps companies to measure and monitor performance; It helps them ensure they are operating legally and implementing best www.fleet.ie

22 | REPORT

Peter Morrow, FORS Manager for Northern Ireland

• • •

practice; It helps suppliers to ensure they are using reputable operators; FORS is voluntary and open to anyone operating commercial vehicles; The scheme was originally focused on London, but is now available for any operator to join.

Peter also said, “Safety and efficiency run through FORS but there is also an environmental aspect that will become obvious as we move through the presentation.”

“The FORS partnership panel is made up of industry members, trade associations, regulators and specifiers such as AECOM which operates the day to day running of concessions, and the provision of help line staff. The Chartered institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT) looks after the certification and education procedures, while Fleet Source is our auditing partner and looks after workshop delivery. The standards set are split into four core sections – Management, Vehicles, Drivers and Operators. FORS has three levels of accreditation, having a Bronze Silver and Gold structure.

A Bronze operator is a legally compliant company following good practice. Silver represents high quality operators committed to becoming safer, greener and more efficient, while Gold represents exceptional operators who are sett ing targets and continuously improving.

“As an operator, if you wish to bid for a CLOCS contract then you can satisfy the accreditation requirement by becoming FORS accredited. FORS Silver satisfies the CLOCS standard in relation to vehicle safety features and driver training.”

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

Tom Parlon, CEO, Construction Industry Federation

Jacqueline O’Donovan, MD., O’Donovan Waste Disposal Ltd

Peter concluded with video footage from Deighan Transport (Garvagh, Coleraine) the first Gold Accredited FORS member.

Firm w ith Irish roots is CLOCS and FOR S Champion Jacqueline O’Donovan, Managing Director, of the award winning London based O’Donovan Waste Disposal presented a unique insight into the operational side of becoming a CLOCS champion, and the many beneficial aspects it presents from financial to increased safety practices. Originating from Goleen, West Cork, her late father established a waste management business in the heart of London to become the leading independent company in this sector with 90 trucks and 160 employees.

CIF: Any initiative needs all transport stakeholders to support Tom Parlon, CEO, Construction Industry Federation (CIF), welcomed the opportunity to address attendees, keenly emphasising, “Safety is a key objective for construction companies and is seen as the cornerstone of the industry’s reputation and always striving to move towards a zero-fatality industry.

Time and resources have been invested by the construction companies to instil a safety culture,” he said. “Trucks entering sites are subject to extremely strict safety standards.”

Investment in training has proved positive and Tom stated that 90,000 people have completed the regulatory Safe Pass course last year.

With an estimated 25% growth in construction around Dublin City in the next three years (which includes the new Children’s Hospital), and the increase in bike users in the capital, this means that more vigilance is needed, with Tony saying: “My experience is that it can only be done in partnership with the HSA, RSA, Councils and of course, the citizen.”

He called on all transport stakeholders such as hauliers, truck manufacturers and importers to become more involved to ensure that their product is safe, and to eliminate or minimise any risk caused. “The power of the procurement process to affect change should not be overlooked. Clients which support tender applicants that invest in safer systems will be rewarded, as where price is king, safety gets a low rating. CIF welcomes this discussion, it’s timely as we are facing increased construction activity, we all need to strive together to ensure safety on site, and off, for all citizens.”

Annually there are 6 million HGV waste movements on UK roads with 400 million tonnes of materials delivered to construction sites, which in return produce 109m tonnes of waste material each year. The O’Donovan fleet undertakes a significant number of the 15,000 daily journeys in and out of the English capital. Relating to the increasing number of cyclist fatalities in particular in recent years, led to O’Donovan’s deciding to make safety a priority and encourage other companies to do the same. “From 2008 to 2013, 55% of cyclist fatalities in London involved a HGV, mainly construction vehicles,” stated Jacqueline and added that in 2013 alone, 6,092 incidents reported to the police involved a HGV. “Safety is our top priority, we have a responsibility as an employer and want to improve industry standards, change culture and along with it, improve the perception of our industry. Engaging with the FORS scheme has been beneficial in helping to raise standards, offering safety advice and practitioners courses, while its evaluation processes ensure reduced fuel usage, CO2 emissions and vehicle incidents.”

O’Donovan was involved with the CLOCS programme from the start, assisting to develop the standard and set the objectives for a safe

REPORT | 23 involving trucks. Collisions involving trucks accounted for 20% of urban VRU fatalities."

"The audience here today would all be very aware of the work of the RSA both from road side inspection and premises perspectives. The RSA has run a number of campaigns highlighting road safety issues surrounding heavy commercial vehicles and vulnerable road users in urban areas, such as a recent campaign with AGS to highlight ‘blind spots’ on trucks."

Supt Con O'Donohue - Moderator

Moyagh Murdock, CEO, Road Safety Authority

working environment to increased fleet safety and with it, achieve significant change. “More than 2 million people across the UK cycle at least once a week, and we introduced safety measures to address the cycling revolution and the changing streetscape.” Part of that initiative was to introduce compulsory training with practical courses, such as hazard perception and safer urban driving programmes. “All drivers have online training – in addition, our Training Plus module incorporates an in-house auditor/standards manager while vehicle in-cab CCTV records incidents.” Within these operational systems, efficiency is improved all round, from reduced wear and tear on vehicles, to significant reduction in insurance premiums.

mean safer operations.” Jacqueline and the O’Donovan’s have deservedly received numerous awards for their safety practices, training and leadership.

In demonstrating how to decrease work related road risk, Jacqueline displayed some photographs displaying various safety enhancing fitt ings on O’Donovan’s truck fleet, such as side guards, reversing and left turn alarms, motion sensors, in-cab cameras, cycling safety stickers and improved visibility mirrors to help eliminate blind spots. “Th rough CLOCS, we were involved in the initial vehicle design and were the first company in the UK to put the Mercedes-Benz Econic skip loaders to work. We also field tested new glazing designs with a number of truck brands such as Volvo, DAF Trucks, MAN, Renault Trucks and Scania. Our experiences were then shared with other SMEs.” She highlighted results and successes achieved such as a high staff retention rate, a 60% reduction in insurance premiums, and that its CO2 footprint has dropped by 21.5%, coinciding with a reduction in fuel consumption by 27.5%, including reduced idling by 50%, less harsh braking and sudden acceleration.” On the back of all that, sales have increased by 21%. “Safer vehicles Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

The closing address was presented by Moyagh Murdock, CEO, Road Safety Authority who summarised the presentations. “They were all extremely interesting and provide great potential for improving road safety for vulnerable road users in Ireland.” Relating to Anne Drummond’s address, Moyagh said that she would be very interested in seeing how the safety performance of organisations which voluntary report collisions measures up versus those who don’t. “I would imagine it is much more favourable because they learn and adapt new improved practices.”

Moyagh praised the great work and research undertaken by TfL that led to the creation of the CLOCS programme and the improvements it has brought in London. In acknowledging Tom Parlon’s contribution, Ms. Murdock mentioned that the construction sector is very competitive and the main challenge is ensuring the balance is there between commerciality and safety.

In conclusion, Moyagh highlighted some facts regarding road safety in urban areas. “A quarter of all fatal collisions occur on urban roads and almost half of the serious collisions occur on urban roads. Vulnerable road users constituted over 30% of all deaths last year and it is the behaviour of the drivers who make up a significant portion of the culpable person in these deaths.

"Dublin and Cork had the highest number of deaths in Ireland last year. Unsurprisingly in Dublin 80% were VRU’s. In Ireland’s urban areas, between 2007 and May 2015, 54 vulnerable road users (cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists) were killed in collisions

Photos: Paul Sherwood

"Ireland has taken progressive steps to improve the indirect vision of a truck driver by requiring the fitment of additional mirrors on the cab since 2010, which has halved the number of deaths, linked to the blind spot issue. However, it hasn’t eliminated casualties, and the RSA has subsequently run campaigns which have helped to raise greater awareness of the issue among cyclists and truck drivers."

"To mark Bike Week 13th - 21st June, the RSA developed a new 30-second video to highlight the danger of the blind spot on trucks. The video is aimed at both cyclists and goods vehicle drivers and will be deployed online and promoted on social media."

"I look forward to working closely in 2017, not just with the Gardaí and HSA which we would be doing anyway but with the industry, the policy makers and the legislators to ensure that we target the rogue operators, that there is a level playing pitch for the compliant business, and that pays to invest in systems such as FORS and CLOCS and ultimately that the lot of the vulnerable road users is improved.

There is a massive increase in cycling, both for leisure purposes, sport and for work and utility purposes. We need initiatives such as we have heard today to keep pace. The uplift in the economy has seen a massive increase in commercial vehicle registrations but also, we have seen unprecedented increase in the number of people turning to cycling and this has to be welcomed for both environmental and health reasons, not to mention efficiency reasons."

"I would like to reiterate Superintendent O’Donohue’s thanks to Jarlath Sweeney and Fleet Transport for organising today’s event.

It’s at the early stages in this country and we will be working with the industry and the vulnerable road user stakeholder groups to further develop the initiatives." www.fleet.ie

24 | REPORT

INDOOR EXHIBITORS

Road Safety Authority (RSA)

Brigade Electronics

OUTDOOR DISPLAY ARENA

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

Close Brothers Commercial Finance

Sentinel Systems

Freight Transport

REPORT | 25

Association Ireland (FTAI)

ProVision

TechPlus - Turnkey Instruments

Capitalflow

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NEWS I | 29

Ford #1 again as LCV market remains buoyant

2

016 saw Ford once again claim the number one position in the Irish Light Commercial Vehicle market.

Over the past twelve months the overall marketplace recorded a significant increase of 18.26 percent over the previous year. In all, there were 31,053 light commercial units registered, up from 25,876 for 2015.

With 7,580 vans registered, Ford took a strong pole position with almost 27% market share, well ahead of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles on 4,658 registrations. Renault Pro+ was the third most popular brand, with 3,579 unit sales.

The Ford Transit was again Ireland’s top selling van nameplate with 3,329 units registered over the course of the past year.

“As 2017 begins and with it, the centenary year for Ford as a company in Ireland, it is heartening to hear that our vehicles were again the number one choice for van operators in the country,” said Ciarán McMahon, Chairman & Managing Director of Ford Ireland. “No other car brand can claim such a pedigree in Ireland and it is clear that such a long-standing legacy is a huge boost to our favourability among Irish motorists.”

With the new 171 registration period now in full flow, 2017 looks set to drive on for Renault Commercial Vehicles (Pro+), which claimed 10.3 percent of new commercial vehicle sales after the first ten days trading.

“It is early days but with the LCV market up 7.8 percent, it looks set to be a promising kick-off to the new 171 registration period,” stated Patrick Magee, Country Operations Manager Ireland, Renault Group. “Europe’s best selling and multi award winning LCV range also performed well in the first ten days of the month finishing at 10.3 percent market share. The popular Trafic was the best-selling model

for Renault, followed by Master and Kangoo. The award-winning LCV range combined with the very attractive 5-year warranty makes Renault LCV a very affordable proposition for businesses of all sizes.”

Light Commercial Vehicles Sales 2016 (SIMI) Position Marque 2016 % Share 1 Ford 7580 26.90 2 Volkswagen 4658 16.53 3 Renault 3579 12.70 4 Toyota 1960 6.96 5 Peugeot 1710 6.07 6 Citroën 1446 5.13 7 Opel 1276 4.53 8 Nissan 1208 4.29 9 Mercedes-Benz 1046 3.71 10 Land Rover 875 3.11 Totals: 2016 = 28,180 verses 2015 = 23,829 (+ 4,351 + 18.26%)

New Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Aftersales Manager

V

olkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland has appointed Ger Boyle as its new Aftersales Manager. He moves on from the role of National Service Manager he had held since joining the company in October 2014.

the Irish market in line with the long-term company strategy. In addition, he will be tasked with ensuring the company is considered the best possible choice for Irish Customers when selecting a Commercial Vehicle.

A native of Dublin, Ger has vast industry experience within the Commercial Vehicle aftersales area, having also worked for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealer, McElvaney Motors.

Welcoming Ger’s appointment Alan Bateson, Managing Director at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ger Boyle to Aftersales Manager. Our strategic focus is to continue to be the best commercial vehicle brand in the Irish market and Ger’s broad motor industry experience will reinforce this both in terms of commercial and qualitative results in 2017 and beyond.”

Based at Volkswagen Group headquarters in Liffey Valley, Dublin, his responsibilities will include ensuring the continued growth of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in

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30 | NEWS II

Unnecessary loads on vans can prove costly

A

n increase in fuel consumption of more than 20% between an unladen panel van and the same vehicle with 75% of its maximum payload has been recorded by leasing company Arval.

The controlled trials were designed to underline the importance of ensuring that LCVs are only carrying the load needed on any given journey.

A popular SWB panel van was driven in controlled conditions over a 49.1 mile course for the test at 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% of its 1,079kg maximum payload. The tests were all at the same time of day, an eco-driving style was used, and air conditioning was switched off.

The results were: Payload Fuel used consumption MPG 0% 35.74 25% 33.79 50% 30.97 75% 28.16

Increase in fuel use over 0% payload 5.4% 13.3% 21.2%

Commenting on the trials, Arval Fleet Consultant Liam Cresswell said: “Fleet operators know that payload has an impact on fuel consumption but perhaps are not aware of the degree. These results are marked. A van that is carrying a 75% payload is using a fi ft h more fuel, which is a considerable cost increase.

“Th is has direct operational implications, the most immediate and direct of which is to ensure that your vans are not carrying any weight that isn’t needed. Th is is something that needs to be communicated effectively to drivers.

“In the medium term, you should also endeavour to raise driver awareness of the payload of their vehicle and how to use it to maximum advantage. Vehicles should be clearly labelled with payload information and education for drivers is very useful.

“It is also worth considering the question of storage systems. Good, modern, lightweight racking can help to maximise the carrying capacity and payload of a vehicle and generally increase its efficiency in use.

“Finally, this is an issue that can influence the selection of vehicles. A smaller vehicle operating near its payload capacity will always be a more cost-effective transport choice than an under-utilised, larger van.”

Liam added that even the unladen vehicle in the test had been more than 25% adrift of the manufacturer’s official combined MPG figure.

“Official MPG figures are obviously carried out in controlled test conditions but this shows once again that they only provide an indication of performance in real world conditions.”

Enterprise Rent-A-Car opens latest branch in Castlebar

E

nter pr ise R ent-A-Ca r recently opened its newest Irish branch in Castlebar, County Mayo. Catering for car and van rentals, the new outlet will operate from Casey Accident & Repair Centre on the Turlough Road, in the county town, primarily serving tourists who wish to rent a car and explore the town and surrounding areas.

location for a new branch given the area’s thriving business and tourism sector. “It provides a service to Mayo based business people and locals who may require affordable transport from time to time without needing a fulltime vehicle,” he said.

The company has also officially launched its new door-to-door tow truck service which will serve the entire Galway / Mayo area.

Speaking at the official launch, Richard FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2017

Mahon, Area Manager, Enterprise Rent-ACar Ireland, said that Castlebar is the ideal

Enterprise, which prides itself on a thorough 25-point safety check on each vehicle and provides a free Pick-Up and Drop-Off service, has a new fleet of cars and vans on Casey’s premises offering highly competitive weekend special rates. The new branch at Caseys of Castlebar operates from 8am-6pm Monday to Friday.

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32 | NEWS III

Olympic sailing star Annalise on course with Mercedes-Benz Vito!

I

n preparation for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Irish sailing Olympic silver medal winner Annalise Murphy, has renewed her association with Mercedes-Benz in Ireland.

As part of a ‘Tier One’ partnership sponsorship deal that sees Mercedes-Benz retain its status as the only vehicle manufacturer supporting Annalise’s bid for further Olympic glory, the 26-year old from Rathfarnham will shortly take delivery of a 171-registered Vito Mixto van for use in transporting her team, herself and her equipment to events, in Ireland and overseas.

Commenting on the renewed arrangement, Annalise said: "The support of Mercedes-Benz, so valuable when preparing for the Rio Olympics, ensures my plans to go one better in Tokyo are off to a great start."

Set to be a familiar sight at Laser Radial sailing events, the new extralong 119E Vito is equipped with features fit for an Olympic star. They include five leather-covered passenger seats, chrome grille, automatic cruise control and speed limiter, reversing camera and a spacious load-carrying interior. Featuring the most powerful unit in the Vito range, the 119E is driven by a 190hp CDI engine.

Annalise is pictured at the announcement of her ‘Tier One’ partnership deal with Mercedes-Benz, with Fergus Conheady, Commercial Vehicles Sales Manager and Stephen Byrne, Chief Executive.

To be wrapped with a striking action photograph of Annalise carving her way through the sea, the arrangement with Mercedes-Benz includes provision to display its familiar ‘three-pointed star’ logo on Annalise’s sails and clothing.

“Th is ensures there’ll be a star – not just in the boat, but on the boat as well,” noted Fergus Conheady, Sales Manager for Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles in Ireland.

Katie Taylor Announced as Windsor Motor Group Ambassador

I

reland’s largest motor dealer group, the Windsor Motor Group, has appointed Irish boxing legend, Katie Taylor as its product Ambassador. Katie, Olympic Gold Medallist, five-times World Boxing Champion and six-times European Champion, not to mention local and national hero, recently took delivery of her all-new 171 Nissan X-Trail.

Commenting on the partnership, Peter Nicholson, Managing Director, Windsor Motor Group said: “We’re very proud to welcome Katie Taylor, to the Windsor Motor Group Ambassador family. She’s a remarkable and inspirational lady, who is passionate, driven, and determined and clearly has her sights set on one goal – to be the best – these are attributes Windsor Motor Group mirrors. The entire Windsor Motor Group team is looking forward to working with Katie and exploring the synergies between us.”

Established in 1964, Windsor Motor Group with over 320 employees and tens of thousands of satisfied customers, operates 15 dealerships, ten Nissan dealerships in Airside, Belgard, Bray, Clonee, Deansgrange,

Dundrum, Galway, Liffey Valley, Long Mile, and Raheny. Furthermore, it operates two Opel dealerships at Liffey Valley Motor Mall and Airside Motor Park, as well as two Peugeot dealerships in Airside Motor Park and Clonee and a Mazda dealership in Galway.

Windsor Motor Group, through Sixt Leasing, also provides Fleet Management services to the large corporate and SME sectors.

Northgate Vehicle Hire to feature on BTCC Team

N

orthgate Vehicle Hire Limited is continuing its association with motorsport in announcing a major new sponsorship deal with British Touring Car Championship front runners, the Handy Motorsport Team and driver Rob Austin.

Here-to-fore Northgate supported Irish rallying and to officially launch the new

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2017

partnership, Northgate joined the Handy Motorsport Team on the British Touring Car Championship stand, at the Autosport International Show at the NEC, Birmingham.

As the team unveiled their new car, their new driver, Rob Austin (otherwise known as the ‘fans favourite’) talked about his ambitions for the 2017 season and his love of the new Toyota Avensis and its’ striking livery with the Northgate branding.

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34 | COVER

Mercedes-Benz Vans:

Thinking outside the (Delivery) Box

e-C

ommerce is changing everything in the way shopping, the supply chain and logistics are carried out. To use the words of a famous Irish poet, “Changed, changed utterly. A terrible beauty is born.” Customer demands and expectation alongside a fast, efficient, dispatch and delivery system are the key concerns.

Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles presented its latest ongoing Research and Development at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at the Las Vegas Convention Centre. The annual event, which for the past five decades has showcased all things electronic, has in recent years featured advances from the automotive industry. Mercedes-Benz’s presence highlighted both aspects involving collaborations with start-up enterprises. Two interesting elements were presented under the auspices of its adVANce strategy and Vans and Robots banner. What is clear is that Mercedes-Benz has moved on from being a commercial vehicle manufacturer to a provider of “holistic system solutions for the transport sector,” as expressed by Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes Benz Vans, particularly in this case, the express delivery services.

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2017

“The transportation of goods and people has always been vital to global economic development. With digitisation and the Internet of Things we are currently once again experiencing an industrial and economic revolution,” underlined Volker. “In an era of booming online commerce, the interplay of transport and digitisation plays a vital role. Intelligent connectivity makes new services possible, enhances convenience and flexibility for the end customer, and boosts efficiency in delivery operations.”

CES featured the North American debut of the Vision Van, part of Mercedes-Benz AdVANce strategic future initiative. As it did at the IAA CV Show in Hannover last September, the metallic silver dream delivery machine drew huge attention, but what was on top and inside is what intrigued the most – the drones.

Vision Van combines digitisation, connectivity, information technologies and a little more. “It is the first van worldwide to serve as an integrated concept for a completely digitally connected process chain from the goods distribution depot to the consignee. It features a fully automated load compartment, integrated drones for autonomous air deliveries

COVER | 35 and a state-of-the-art joystick. Up to 270 km can be reached from the emission free and silent 75 kW electric motor, which is extremely beneficial to the last mile delivery operation.”

At this point of the interview conducted at the CES, Volker stated that the brand’s concentration for future drivelines will be IC - international combustion and pure electric drive – no hybrids. Dual systems only complicate things, make the development more expensive and have payload issues, according to Mr. Mornhinweg.

The concept vehicle, which looks a little smaller than the Sprinter van but a lot sleeker and more aerodynamic, provides the driver with all the relevant data such as traffic management and route planning, plus drone flight details, all from the dashboard.

The van study is an example of intelligent communication between the vehicle, the driver and their surroundings. The vehicle communicates with other road users via the Black Panel radiator grille with LED matrix and an LED display integrated in the rear end, which warns them when the vehicle is stopping, turning or releasing drones, for example.

One vital piece of safety equipment fitted is LED indicators in the stainless steel floor that illuminate to warn the driver of any pedestrians or cyclists approaching the vehicle. “The driver is also continuously provided with information relating to manual delivery operations by means of a smartwatch. The watch shows him various data, such as the delivery address, input codes for electronic locking systems and, if necessary, secure places in which the consignment concerned can be deposited. New possibilities also arise for end customers. They benefit from reliable new delivery options, such as same-day delivery and time-definite delivery. End customers are additionally able to adapt deliveries to their needs, rescheduling the delivery time when their plans for the day change, for example,” added Volker.

Huge potential here as the drones can access areas unreachable by standard vehicles. Heading in this broader perspective has given Volker and his team much scope and has helped build huge motivation within the brand’s management and staff. Collaborating with Start-up firms like Matternet and Starship is beneficial to both parties, bringing fresh thinking to the projects. As a result, Mercedes-Benz has added significantly to its Research & Development teams as well as establishing new centres around the world. Synergies with their budding enterprises will be established soon.

‘Vans and Robots’ is another very interesting futuristic delivery system concept from the German marque. In teaming up with British start-up firm Starship Technologies, established just over two years ago, the i-Pad remote controlled box type robot could be making a delivery to you anytime soon. “Mercedes-Benz Vans is transforming the van into a mobile goods depot and a distribution centre for automated last-mile delivery systems. The van becomes the basis of a new type of delivery system combining a high range with low infrastructure costs,” explained Volker.

This solution is based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, incorporating a racking system which operates according to the first-in first-out principle.

The rack is loaded with a total of 54 load carriers for eight Starship robots. An algorithm calculates a route for the van with optimised stops for unloading individual robots and for collecting empty robots. The robots are loaded at predefined stops. They then proceed autonomously Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

to the delivery destination and return to the Mercedes-Benz van – their mobile hub – at one of the subsequent stops.

The long-term vision of this concept, which also goes by the name of “Mothership”, is an autonomous robot fleet which coordinates and optimises its routes autonomously with vans from Mercedes-Benz and which is loaded automatically. Cooperation with Starship Technologies is to be stepped up in pursuit of this vision and the project developed further.

Initial field-testing out on the city streets of London has gone well with no security issues of concern.

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36 | TEST

Iveco Daily 4x4 (5.5 tonne) on the batt lefield. Mainly thanks to its selectable 24+4 gears with crawler and three different wheel locks, it’s outstanding climbing, while when descending, hill control ensures that there is literally no place out of reach with the Daily 4x4. Due to its wide approach and departure angles, any terrain can be tackled. We tried everything that Millbrook could throw at it and Daily 4x4 emerged chest beating!

To protect the electric fan when wading though deep water, it is advisable to turn it off manually through a switch on the dash.

The new chassis frame accommodates a broad range of specialist bodies and ancillary equipment and for real off-road duties there are Power-Take-Off options both on the transfer box and on the gearbox. The front fi xing plate is standard.

W

hen opportunity knocks, open the door and let it in. Make it happen. Life (and business) presents itself with golden opportunities and if they are not acted upon.....well, they're gone, and regret sinks in.

Case in point is Iveco with the newly extended range of 4x4 utility options within its award winning Daily range. Here-to-fore Mercedes-Benz dominated this specialist market with the long serving Vario, which is now out of production. At the heavier end, Mercedes-Benz has the Unimog. Other than that, the Fuso Canter 4x4 is the only other main competitor. So, Iveco sees great potential with its Daily 4x4.

Now catering for two weight categories - 3.5 tonne and 5.5 tonne GVW, Daily 4x4 is available either with a standard 3-person cab or 7-person crew cab, with two wheelbase lengths (3,050mm & 3,400mm) for the former. All options are powered by Iveco’s 3.0 litre Euro 6 diesel that produces 170hp and 400Nm of torque. The 6+1-speed manual gearbox has up to 28 gears, when the 4 low ranges are applied. On-road or off-road tyres can be specified.

The 4x4 is built on a much higher platform than the standard Daily, due to its specially developed off-road chassis frame, but with the same cab design. A few coats of amour are attached, such as the three piece steel bumper that can take hard knocks and is designed for easy repair, while the fuel tank is well protected and the rear under-run protection bar folds up. Stepping into the 55S17DW 5.5 tonne crew cab version while on a test session at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire was different, with an extra external step fitt ing to aid gett ing on board. A grab handle on the B-pillar would not go amiss here, which was noted by Mark Hank, Iveco’s demo driver.

Not much else is changed inside the cabin other than the extra gear lever and higher centre of gravity when driving. The on-road section took in the journey from Luton Airport to Millbrook, which was comfortable enough with its strong suspension and comfortable driving seat, but required a fi rm hold of the steering wheel at times over the bumper sections!

Iveco is targeting utility and service providers in the main with the Daily 4x4 as a good value for money all rounder.

From the day long exercise, it could not be faulted.

Opportunity knocks, opportunity taken!

Spec Check Make/Model: Engine: Power: Torque: Transmission: Brakes:

Iveco Daily 55S17DW 4x4 Euro 6 Crew Cab 3.0 litre 4-cylinder 16 valve 125kW/170hp @3,000-3,500 rpm 400 Newton Metres @1,250-3,000 rpm Manual 6+1 gears with 4 low ranges (total 24+4) Front; discs - Rear; drums - Standard ABS Front; 3 leaf parabolic springs - Rear; 4 leaf parabolic Suspension: springs 9.5R17.5 - Optional: 255/100R16 - Full Off-road Wheel/Tyres: tread Ground Clearance: 255mm Tank capacity: Fuel; 90 litres - AdBlue; 25 litres Towed load: 3.5 tonnes (braked)

On a cold frosty foggy morning Daily 4x4 proved its worth out FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2017

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

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38 | REVIEW I th

95 Salon de Bruxelles – Brussels Motor Show 2017 A-Z presence from all the leading Light Commercial Vehicle manufacturers as seen

by Jarlath Sweeney Addax Motors Local enterprise Addax Motors is convinced that mobility in our cities will s o on be powered by smart, customised, small electric vehicles, since they allow clean, silent and efficient transport of goods and services. Its model MT exhibited can cover 80 km on one charge.

FIAT Professional Two debut modelsfromthe Italian brand highlighted newly created alliances w ith other manufacturers, namely Renault for its Talento van, a nd Mitsubishi for the Fullback Pick-up.

Hyundai Premiered here was the 6-person crew cab version of the H350 van range, while over in the corner was the interesting Fuel Cell powered by hydrogen.

Citroën K now n a s the Jumpy in markets across Europe, the Citroën Dispatch was shown in both panel van and SpaceTourer passenger styling.

Iveco Daily The history of the best selling LCV range from Italy was highlighted as one of its exhibits was the original model from 1978 perched nicely on the back of the latest Euro 6 version.

MercedesBenz A Sprinter with a difference, with this threeaxle, all wheel drive variant showcased.

Alongside was the award winning Marco Polo which is the Vito campervan.

FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2017

Ford An impressive all-white lineup of the ‘blueoval ’ brand which included the 2-tonne Transit and Custom with Select–Shift transmission.

Ford introduced a 100,000 km warranty at the show.

Isuzu W h i le t he MY2017 Isuzu D-Ma x got a noticeable makeover, the most significant development is under the bonnet with a new 1.9 litre Ddi Blue Power Euro 6 diesel.

Expect new models in Ireland this Spring.

REVIEW I | 39

Most Loved Van Visitors had the opportunity to choose their favourite van from the line-up selection and win €15,000 to boot! Leading marques such as FIAT, Ford, Hyundai, Iveco, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Opel, Renault, Toyota and Volkswagen were in contention.

Nissan Another national premiere with the new NV300 from Nissan, which is actually a Renault Trafic with different badging. The platform type eNV200 electric also drew attention.

Opel As well as the Corsavan, Combo,Vivaro, Movano and Vivaro Camper displayed by GM Opel, the Combo CNG was on show elsewhere at the Natural Gas powered section.

Peugeot The second element of the new van design partnership with Citroën and Toyota, Peugeot had both versions of the Expert LCV range displayed namely the Panel van and Traveller MPV.

Renault Pro+ Group Renault’s association with its own Formula 1 race team is being promoted through special limited Formula Editions of its van range, which will be seen in RHD soon.

Toyota The new Proace completes the trilog y of recently launched vans in association w it h PSA Peugeot Citroën.

Proace Verso is the passenger carrier version.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Another national debutant in the form of the Volkswagen Crafter, the newly crowned International Van of the Year 2017. This proud achievement is recognised by the German brand with badging celebrating the award featuring on each version off the production line.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

40 | LAUNCH PAD

Renault Pro+ to become Masters of EV LCVs Renault Kangoo ZE

W

Renault Master EV

hen a company or team is ahead of the game, there is no time for resting on laurels. Continuous evolution of the product line or team squad brings fresh thinking or legs to the collective

(instead of its Nissan Alliance partner, strangely). Built at Renault’s vast Maubeuge factory in France, Kangoo ZE (Phase II) will be available by mid 2017 in two lengths, and will come with 2 or 5 seats in van, passenger or crew cab form. Load volume is from 3 to 4.6m3 and 650 kg payload is achievable.

For many years now, Renault Commercial Vehicles, or Renault Pro+, the new preferred name, has led the European sales charts comfortably. Under the current team leader, Ashwani Gupta, Vice President, Global Head of LCV Business (pictured), the evolution of the brand continues to ensure the leadership is maintained.

Master ZE uses the same battery base and provider in LG Chem but the electric motor is more powerful at 57 kW. Up to 200 kilometres range distance is claimed by Renault Pro+ and a payload of over 1,000 kg is offered, which is sufficient for this type of operation.

Again 6-hours is required for a full charge and top speed is 120 kmh.

Torque values are 225 Nm. Like the Kangoo ZE, an improvement to the heat exchange system boosts cold starting. Master ZE will be sold by year-end in four versions; three van lengths and two roof heights, plus a flatbed option.

effort.

With the refresh to the Renault van range finished, the soon to arrive Alaskan 1-tonne Pick-up truck together with the Oroch half tonne Pick-up, will expand the product portfolio even further.

By the end of 2017, Renault Pro+ will have launched the latest electric van into its LCV fleet with the Master ZE. With that, the French brand will become the fi rst mainstream manufacturer to mass-produce an affordable totally-electric 3.5 tonne van. Others have tried, collaborations failed and start-ups … stopped in this zero-emission arena. Renault’s focus is now on the big blue chip express courier companies that are keen on promoting their green credentials by using the Master ZE as a last mile delivery solution.

SME’s will be targeted also in due course.

Dovetailing this development is a re-engineering of the Kangoo ZE. After four years on the market, the original sold 25,000 units to contribute towards Group Renault’s 100,000 Electric Vehicle unit sales to date. With the Kangoo ZE, the range distance has been stretched by 50% to an estimated 270 kilometres. Charging speed has been raised too, to 6 hours. Th is has been achieved by the development of higher power battery unit and electric motor.

Other vital statistics include 76 hp and 225 Nm, 33 kWh and 44kW respectively.

In this case Renault worked with Korean specialist LG Chem FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Spring 2017

To date Master has clocked up 475,000 sales in the past 6 years.

Both vehicles received their global premieres at the Brussels Motor Show as an acknowledgement to the Belgian market where Renault and Renault Pro+ are market leaders.

LAUNCH PAD | 41

Master EV interior

Maubeuge Plant At the Renault Pro+ Maubeuge plant in France, which produces the Kangoo (and Citan for Mercedes-Benz, not sold in Ireland) is one of the most modern and sophisticated manufacturing facilities within the Group Renault. Every minute a completed vehicle rolls off the production line and on to the quality control department.

Last year the 2,200 employees assembled 151,064 units, and have built over 3 million Kangoos in its 20-year history. A high percentage of female operatives are employed – 8%, and plans are to increase that figure to 20% in the short term. All of the steel pressings for the bodywork is done in-house by giant machines, each weighing 5,400 tonnes. Automation is high and impressive with hundreds of robots carrying out their duty efficiently. Quality control is a key aspect of each and every vehicle produced and microscopic inspections are carried out by specially trained engineers.

For the electric Kangoo, a special floor is fitted to take both the weight of the batteries but also all of their fitt ing under the floor.

They are also well protected from the elements.

Master EV Plug-In Charge Point

Ashwani mentioned during his launch presentation that these new arrivals give Renault Pro+ the competitive edge to meet the needs of professional customers. “By 2030, 25% of the vehicle fleet will be electric powered which will bring good business for us.”

As well as highlighting the merits of the latest Kangoo ZE and new Master ZE, Mr. Gupta spoke about the newly created connected services for its LCV customers. Stating that vans should take to business and vice-versa really means that telematics in light commercials have many benefits, similar to those achieved with HGVs for the past decade or so. Again Renault Pro+ is leading the way in bringing these systems to market and not depending on third party providers. Fully integrable into mixed fleets, the Renault Pro+ Fleet Management System monitors and reports on driver and vehicle performance, so that the fleet operator can pin point wasted fuels, and significantly reduce downtime through its preventative maintenance programmes. Th is represents savings all round, said Mr. Gupta, mentioning that the difference between drivers can vary between 20 and 25% on fuel consumption alone.

Interestingly, the battery fast charge option was not installed with the latest ZEs, according to Eric Feunteun, EV Programme Director.

He explained that the operator does not use fast charge facilities while out on delivery duty as the preferred option is to charge back at base. “All too often the city located charge points are occupied when most needed,” he said.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

www.fleet.ie

20

A

17

Wh

n atVa ?

WA DS R

WINNER LCV of the Year

3

Transport Manager Ireland 2017 FTA Ireland’s Transport Manager conference is packed with industry leading speakers and the very latest information, guidance and best practice advice surrounding legislation and enforcement changes. Join your colleagues for the ‘must attend’ industry event of the year.

Date, time and venue Thursday 30 March 2017 – 10am-3.25pm Johnstown House Hotel & Spa – Enfield, Dublin

Why attend?

• Your exclusive opportunity to hear from Eoghan Murphy, Minister of State at the Department of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform • Hear the latest on road safety and the impact of Driver CPC training – 7 years on • The importance of risk management within your operation • Discover how Brexit could affect your business • Network with industry peers

For more information and to book your place, visit ftai.ie/events or call 01 8447516 Sponsored by

Media partner DELIVERING SAFE, EFFICIENT, SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS For the latest news…

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FUEL PRICES (WEEK 4) / SAFETY MATTERS | 43 Country

Currency

95 Lead Free

98 Lead Free

Diesel

Country

Currency

95 Lead Free

98 Lead Free

Diesel

Albania

ALL

174.00

-

172.00

Lithuania

EUR

1.184

1.253

1.094

Andorra

EUR

1.106

1.166

0.956

Luxemburg

EUR

1.187

1.255

1.028

Austria

EUR

1.192

1.341

1.133

Macedonia

MKD

67.00

69.00

53.50

Belarus

EUR

0.576

-

0.595

Moldova

MDL

17.90

18.49

15.54

Belgium

EUR

1.440

1.527

1.333

Montenegro

EUR

1.290

1.330

1.160

Bosnia-Herzegovina

BAM

1.86

-

1.82

Netherlands

EUR

1.672

1.750

1.327

Bulgaria

BGN

2.12

2.37

2.13

Norway

NOK

16.29

-

15.35

Croatia

HRK

9.66

-

8.90

Poland

PLN

4.70

4.94

4.62

Czech Republic

CZK

30.81

-

30.08

Portugal

EUR

1.532

1.572

1.317

Denmark

DKK

10.99

-

9.29

Romania

RON

4.63

5.19

4.67

Estonia

EUR

1.199

1.249

1.199

Russia

RUB

38.78

-

37.41

Finland

EUR

1.473

1.547

1.345

Serbia

RSD

139.20

-

148.90

France

EUR

1.444

1.491

1.284

Slovakia

EUR

1.300

-

1.165

Georgia

GEL

2.09

2.25

1.94

Slovenia

EUR

1.298

1.375

1.198

Germany

EUR

1.348

-

1.168

Spain

EUR

1.237

1.362

1.121

Greece

EUR

1.548

1.658

1.291

Sweden

SEK

14.22

14.82

13.90

Hungary

HUF

370.00

-

382.00

Switzerland

CHF

1.450

1.520

1.520

Ireland

EUR

1.399

-

1.279

Turkey

TRY

5.41

5.43

4.71

Italy

EUR

1.569

-

1.418

Ukraine

UAH

23.98

25.01

21.60

Kazakhstan

KZT

149.00

163.00

131.00

UK

GBP

1.197

1.302

1.221

Latvia

EUR

1.154

1.203

1.084

USA

USD

0.623

-

0.683

Safety Matters . . . Safety Matters . . .

Preventing Vehicle related injuries at work - a priority for 2017

U

p to the 31st of December 2016, there were 20 work related vehicle deaths reported to the Health & Safety Authority (HSA). Th is represents 45% of reported deaths at work in 2016.

• • •

This does not include all the deaths that occurred on our roads involving people either driving for work, as passengers in work vehicles, or working on or near the road. However we do know that about 25% of all fatal and serious road collisions involve at least one person working.

•

• Vehicle related injuries and deaths affect nearly all Irish work sectors and are associated with many vehicle types including cars, vans, trucks, buses and specialised vehicles.

• The 3 sectors worst affected by work related vehicle injuries and deaths are Agriculture, Construction and Transport & Storage.

This is not inconsistent with the trends seen in previous years [2009 to 2015].

The HSA programme of work for 2017 will involve an evidence led, targeted programme of interventions for the sectors and work activities associated with highest vehicle death and injury rates.

This will include enforcement, education, awareness raising, research and statistics, new guidance and working with key stakeholders to influence a sustainable reduction in the numbers of workers and others injured and killed in vehicle related incidents in the workplace and on the road.

The HSA urges all employers and employees to do more to manage vehicle related risks in the workplace. Here are some simple steps that you can take to stop vehicle related harm where you work:

•

•

•

Make work related vehicle safety a priority topic for your business.

Appoint a responsible person for vehicle risk management in your business.

Inform yourself about common vehicle related risks in the workplace at www.vehiclesatwork.ie and on the road at www. drivingforwork.ie.

Learn about and educate yourself on how to manage vehicles by taking the online Workplace Transport Safety and Managing Driving for work courses at www.hsalearning.ie.

Develop a vehicle risk management policy for all vehicle related activities in the workplace. This includes not only vehicles operated by you and your employees, but also visiting vehicles that need to be managed and controlled.

Carry out necessary risk assessments to fully identify, understand and measure the level of risk exposure in your business.

Put procedures in place to eliminate and control known risks associated with: driving for work, loading and unloading, deliveries and collections, parking, reversing and manoeuvring, coupling and uncoupling trailers.

Inform, instruct and train all employees how to work safely with, on, or around vehicles. Often, those killed and injured by vehicles are not driving them, but working on, near or around them.

Record and learn from all incidents and near misses. Learn from your own business but also from accident trends in your sector or similar businesses. http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Vehicles_at_Work/ Work_Related_Vehicle_Safety/Work_Related_Vehicle_ Statistics/

Do your part to protect yourself, your employees and your business from vehicle related harm, cost and damage in 2017. www.fleet.ie

44 | HEALTH MATTERS

About Strokes is about 86%.

Of course the earlier the patient can access treatment the greater success the result will be and the fewer patients left with a permanent disability.

S

troke is a good word to describe a catastrophic disaster that can befall anyone.

With interruption to the blood flow to some part of the brain, a sudden weakness afflicts one side of the body. The cause can be either a clot in the blood vessel supplying that part of the brain, or a rupture of the blood vessel causing the blood to disperse into the general tissues rather than being delivered to a specific part of the brain.

The spectrum of severity of strokes ranges from a passing weakness and tingling in a limb, to a profound paralysis, coma and death.

The causes of these vascular injuries are usually due to high blood pressure or to hardening of the arteries which supply the blood to the tissues. Occasionally there is a congenital weakness in the blood vessel.

Sometimes there is undiagnosed diabetes, congenital heart disease, tobacco and/or contraceptive pill use, alcohol overuse, or a hidden cancer.

All of these issues facilitate strokes, and when a stroke does occur, the immediate emergency is to salvage the patient’s brain tissue.

Until good diagnostic techniques were developed there was no definite way of deciding to which category the stroke belonged - the clot or the bleed.

The prognosis and treatment for each of these strokes is different, but development of computerised scans has made it possible to diagnose with accuracy the immediate cause of the stroke, and with the help of x radiation it is possible to intervene in some categories of strokes and cure the patient.

Approximately 85% of strokes are due to a clot which blocks the supplying artery. Usually medications to dissolve the clot are given to the patient, but these may not always be effective or suitable.

Recently, devices have been developed that remove clots from blocked brain arteries while restoring blood flow, a form of mechanical clot removal. It is important that the clot is released and delivery of blood to the brain resumed quickly, as the brain cells will die off within a short time and may not be renewed.

With that in mind a device has been developed - a stent which is inserted into the blocked artery via a thin tube which compresses and traps the clot. The whole device is then removed including the clot, thereby reopening the blocked blood vessel. The success rate for this FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

German researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of Mobile Stroke Units - specialised ambulances equipped with a CT scanner, a laboratory, and telemedicine that transmits information directly to a hospital while the patient is en route.This has been shown to have halved the time needed to actually get the patient into theatre ready to have the clot removing device used. Rescue action within the first hour of a stroke is vital as permanent harm to the brain cells will be reduced preventing lifelong disability.

Prevention of this appalling occurrence is of the highest importance – have a general check up, check the family history of stroke bearing in mind your age and sex (male and over sixty vulnerable) and as to whether you have had a previous stroke – or even a mini stroke – all these things will forecast your likelihood of getting a big one next time – go to your doctor in good time to prevent all this.

Remember most of these medical disasters can be prevented – don’t chance it - you mightn’t be lucky enough to be one of the 86% .

The cyclist hasn’t been seen in the mirrors, but...

...the driver already knows he’s there.

Brigade’s range of leading edge safety systems assist both driver and cyclist. Side sensors detect obstacles alongside the vehicle giving an audible signal to the driver, whist an external speaking alarm warns cyclists and pedestrians of the vehicle’s intended left turn. Combined with a camera monitor system including side view camera, vision and awareness in the near side blind spot are greatly improved.

Killing blind spots. Saving lives.

brigade-electronics.com Call on 01322 420300 or visit your stockist

Text: Dr. Betty Maguire - contributor@fleet.ie

Ashbourne Truck Centre, Ballymadun, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Ireland Tel: 00353 18350573 Josef: 0035387 255 66 77 Sarah J: 0035386 255 66 77 Web: www.ashbournetruckcentre.com

New Unused Faymonville MAX built Trailers, in stock. 3speciÄ axle with lifting floor section, idealstep for loading small machines onto neck ofdelivery, trailer, New Faymonville trailers available, to customers cations, New MAX 4-axle frame extendable, in stock for immediate safe, quick and easy toon operate.

Trailertimes. comes with Double flip rampsoption with for hydraulic side shift, rear ramps, steer axle, greaser, 4-axle step frame available short delivery hydraulic or aluminium two out rear riggers, steer axles. winch is optional, can have steel grid or timber flooring, also available in extendable version.

New Unused Faymonville 3 +available, 4 axle low loader withNew body structure.

Full width double flip ramps, New Schmitz Cargobull tippers in stock, both lengths choice MAX Flat trailers, Äxed and extendable version available, only 6 with steel grid or timber flooring, rear steer axles, greaser,tonnes body empty, can extend width height, sliding roof. optioninfor steerand axles. of colours, immediate delivery.

Large selection of second hand trailers also in stock, ready for work, DoE’d and serviced.

Test Drive the award-winning New Generation Scania S-series & R-series International Truck of the Year 2017 Dates as follows: •

Westward Scania, Strokestown, County Roscommon 25 & 26 February

•

Delaney Commercials Ltd., Naas, County Kildare 3 & 4 March

•

Cawley Commercials Ltd., Knocknarea, County Sligo 10 & 11 March

•

KD (Garage Services), Drinagh, County Wexford 18 & 19 March

•

IRHA Annual Conference, Wexford - 24 & 25 March (Static display).

•

AOC Commercials, Carrigtwohill, County Cork - 1 & 2 April

•

T Nolan & Son, Castleisland, County Kerry - 7 & 8 April

•

McElvaney Motors Ltd., Monaghan - 6 & 7 May

Further information on www.scania.ie Telephone: 071 9634 563 or Email: Caroline.Glancy@westwardscania.com

46 | TRAILER

Another significant milestone recorded at Denniso Dennis o n Trailers

D

ennison Trailers has reached another major milestone, producing its 50,000th trailer since the company was formed, just over 50 years ago.

Th is latest landmark is another great step in an illustrious timeline for the Naas headquartered company, which includes becoming the fi rst company in Ireland to develop and manufacture its own tractor units in 1977, and its development of the revolutionary sliding skeletal trailer in 1991.

Trailer number 50,000 has been produced as one of 34 trailers that will be supplied in a new deal with Suttons International, a UK based innovative logistics and supply chain company.

The trailer to take on this special accolade is a Slope Frame ISO Tank trailer and features a special gold paint to mark the occasion.

Dennison Trailers, which also has a factory in Lancaster has always been known for

its innovation, with ongoing research and development at the core of the business.

The award-winning fi rm dominates the container transport sector in both the UK and Ireland and is seeing significant growth in other markets, including the steel, timber, oil and construction industries.

Commenting on this recent achievement, James Dennison, Managing Director of Dennison Trailers, said: “I’m proud that we’ve reached such a fantastic milestone, 50 plus years after Dennison Trailers Ltd was formed. We’re particularly pleased that

the 50,000th trailer has gone to Suttons International, a major name in the haulage industry, and we look forward to producing the next 50,000 trailers that will carry the Dennison name.”

John Sutton, CEO of Sutton’s Group said of the milestone: “Working with Dennison Trailers has been a pleasure. They have been very flexible to our requirements and have produced this and many other trailers to our specific requirements. I am pleased we are able to share in this fantastic milestone with them.”

Goldhofer setting new standards at Conexpo 2017

I

t will be ‘Viva Las Vegas’ for German headquartered global trailer builder Goldhofer, which will be presenting two big attractions to its American customers: a 6-axle ADDRIVE with three self-propelled axle lines and an STZ-P 9 (3+3+3) AA low loader semitrailer for use on North American highways.

Unveiled initially at the Bauma exhibition in Munich, ADDRIVE, with broad versatility and wide range of potential applications, has switchable drive, beneficial to use with heavy-duty applications - whether they are operated as towed modules or as self-propelled modular transporters. The advantages of the system include efficient vehicle mobilisation and fast and easy reduction of the overall weight, for example when bridges have to be crossed. In such cases the tractor is simply disconnected and ADDRIVE switched to the self-propelled mode. That avoids the need to unload the cargo onto a separate self-propelled module.

In addition to solving problems with weight limits on bridges, this solution is equally applicable to tricky situations involving tight bends and roundabouts.

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

Goldhofer’s engineers have designed the ADDRIVE with a free-wheeling mode: As soon as a certain speed has been reached, the system disconnects automatically from the drive and functions as a normal heavy-duty module for towing at speeds of up to 80 km/h. With the drive axle uncoupled from the motor, there is no more oil flow. That means there can be no overheating of the drive, and - with the related sources of wear and resistance eliminated - it significantly reduces maintenance. Another plus: If a steep hill climb calls for a short-term increase in available power, ADDRIVE is simply

reactivated by pressing a button. In some cases that avoids the need to have a second tractor in tow. And it is especially safe: ADDRIVE is the world’s fi rst heavy-duty module to have a particularly quick-acting Electronic Braking System (EBS).

Also at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, where Conexpo 2017 is due to be held from 7/11 March next, Goldhofer will also be showing its THP/DC Dual Lane solution, which has now reached the production stage.

Text: Rob Van Dieten - rob@fleet.ie

DO YOU OPERATE GOODS TRAILERS? If you have a Goods Trailer that has a design gross weight over 3,500 kilograms, you must declare this information as part of your Operator Self-Declaration to the RSA. To submit your online Self-Declaration or to update your current declaration to add your Goods Trailers go to www.cvrt.ie

International Property Consultants Savills Dublin

Savills Cork

Savills Belfast

+353 (0) 1 618 1300

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+44 (0) 28 9026 7820

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48 | MOTORSPORT

Experience counts as Peugeot, Ka he 2017 Dakar started on fi re literally, with twotime winner Nasser Al-Attiyah’s Toyota Hilux bursting into flames on the opening stage, and exciting moments continued to come thick and fast throughout the two-week rally.

T

….at last, of Briton Sam Sunderland in the KTM, after a number of nonfi nishes.

The most striking images included the chain of spectacular accidents which sent previous winners such as Toby Price, Nasser Al-Att iyah and Carlos Sainz home; the intriguing batt le for the title between Peugeot’s Stéphane Peterhansel and Sébastien Loeb, with the veteran claiming his thirteenth victory in the end, and the arrival

Familiar names and faces took to the podium steps of this year’s Dakar Rally with Peugeot, Kamaz and KTM tasting victory once again in their respective race car, truck and motorbike classes.

Peugeot 3008 DKR roars to dominant 1-2-3 at Dakar 2017

T

hirty years after its initial Dakar Rally success in 1987, Peugeot provided another sizzling demonstration of its sporting prowess with a landmark 1-2-3 finish at this year’s event in South America.

In the hands of a top-line dream-team of Stéphane Peterhansel/Jean-Paul Cott ret, Sébastien Loeb/Daniel Elena and Cyril Despres/David Castera, the three newly developed Peugeot 3008DKRs completed the 2017 Dakar Rally’s 9,000km run through Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina, to take victory and the other podium places when the race fi nished in Buenos Aires.

The glorious result takes Peugeot’s score on the famous cross-country marathon to six outright victories.

Nearest challenges came from a pair of

Dakar 2017 winners for Peugeot Sport - Peterhansel & Cott ret

Toyota Hilux pick-ups, and cars from Mini ALL4 Racing and MINI John Cooper Works Rally .

The 2017 cross-country rally turned out to be a close, drama-packed affair, with

Toyota's Joan Roma held fourth place at the rest day in La Paz FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

numerous leader changes and exceptionally small gaps between drivers, from start to finish. The challenging route included high-altitude running, tougher than ever navigation and appalling weather.

The Mini John Cooper Works Rally of 6th place finisher Orlando Terranova

MOTORSPORT | 49

Kamaz & KTM take Dakar honours Kamaz Masters in Kommand at Dakar Rally once more!

T

he Russian KA MAZ-Master team triumphantly returned to the top tier of the world’s toughest off-road rally, taking the top two places in the 2017 edition of the Dakar Rally. The crew of race truck №505, with driver Nikolaev, co-pilot Yakovlev and mechanic Rybakov took the lead in the latter part of the twelve special stages and then took control, assisted by teammates, Sotnikov/Akhmadeev/Leonov in truck №513.

Gerard de Rooy, last year’s winner and leader at one time, took the final place on the podium for the Petronas De Rooy Iveco team, driving the Iveco Powerstar. The Dutchman was followed by team member Federico Villagra in an Iveco Trakker.

Dakar 2017 winner - KA MAZ Master

The road to the Kamaz-Master Team victory was not easy. All in all 50 trucks competed, including 14 from MAN, 6 DAF Trucks, 6 Ivecos, 3 Tatras, 4 Kamaz, 3 Renault Trucks, 3 Ginaf, 3 MAZ, 2 Hinos, 1 LIAZ, 2 Scania and 3 examples from Mercedes-Benz.

Other notable efforts were from Ales Loprais (Tatra Phoenix Buggyra) and Teruhito Sugawara who won the under 10-litre class in the Hino 500.

As well as taking back control of the Dakar sand dunes, the Kamaz Master had double reason to celebrate as other members of the truck race team won the Africa Eco Race, which ended at the Pink Lake in Dakar and was held at the same time as the South American event.

Afr ica Eco Race 2017 - winner KA MAZ Master

Petronas De Rooy Iveco PowerStar with Gerard DeRooy - 3rd overall

Iveco's Federico Villagra finished just behind De Rooy in fourth place www.fleet.ie

50 | MOTORSPORT

Alex Loprais - Tatra Phoenix - 7th overall

HINO 500 - Class Winner & 8th overall

Hans Stacey brought the MAN home ninth

MKR & Renault Trucks made a big impression

Sunderland succeeds at last in Dakar

S

am Sunderland went into the final short (64 km) Special Stage with a 33-minute advantage over rivals on his KTM 450 Rally with the task of holding his nerve and getting the job done. He completed the stage in a comfortable sixth place and sacrificed only a couple of minutes. After almost 9,000 km through Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina, he topped the overall time-sheets with a total time of 32:06.22 hours.

KTM: Matt hias Walkner & Sam Sunderland KTM 450 Rally Podium Dakar 2017

It was also an excellent performance by Matthias Walkner, who exited in 2016 with a broken leg that kept him out of competition for much of the past season. He was under slightly more pressure on the run to the finish as he had two riders, Gerard Farres Guell (KTM) and Adrien Van Beveren (Yamaha), the eventual stage winner, in hot pursuit. Walkner finished fourth in the stage and was 33 seconds off the leading time, which was enough to preserve his position.

Sunderland and Walkner stepped up and delivered for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team after teammate and 2016 winner, Toby Price of Australia, went out on the fourth stage after crashing and breaking his leg in four places. After surgery in La Paz, the Australian desert champion has now returned to Australia with the aim of being back on his KTM 450 RA LLY machine in four months.

Spanish KTM factory rider Laia Sanz, who had a successful second week after losing time initially, wrapped up her rally at 16th overall, just one place short of her pre-race goal of a top 15 finish. Also, the FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

women’s World Enduro Champion, Laia is the leading female rallyraid rider.

KTM first won the Dakar Rally in 2001 and has topped the podium every subsequent year, with the exception of 2008 when the race was cancelled on the eve of departure because of terrorist threats in North Africa. It regrouped for the 2009 edition, held in for the first time in South America, where it has developed a huge following and is an annual sporting highlight. The sport is also attracting a new generation of South American rally-raid talent and support.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

FUEL CARDS | 51

Top Oil – Fueling Ireland Top Oil - over 200 years experience in the Oil industry As one of the leading fuel operators in the country, Top Oil has over 200 fuel card locations throughout Ireland coupled with service stations and successful home heating oil business. With a mix of Top Oil branded retail locations and un-manned 24 hour sites, Top Oil provides easy access for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) and high speed pumps dispensing Road Diesel, AdBlue and Sulphur Free Gas Oil. With a trading history of over 200 years, not many realise the heritage that makes Top Oil one of Ireland’s longest standing Irish family owned businesses. With its range of service offers for customers, a particular focus for the company in 2017 is continuing to grow its fuel card business.

The fuel card has increased in popularity due to the main advantage that they tie all fuelling transactions into one place, offering companies the ability to keep track of their fuel spend easily and eliminate any issues with lost receipts and unrecorded transactions. With an increase in Top Oil fuel card locations expected, never has it been more accessible to reap the savings that can come from signing up as a fuel card member.

Signing up for Fuel Cards couldn’t be simpler Top Oil’s Fuel Card Manager, Eamon Martin outlines how ‘easy it is to sign up and start saving with us, by completing our application form and we’ll take you through the rest.’

The process takes just a few days to set up including a credit check and fuel card users can start availing of the benefits quickly.

AdBlue – an added bonus “With the additional access to AdBlue at a number of our fuel card locations now too, there is the opportunity to protect the environment from harmful emissions, just another benefit that we offer our customers,” continued Eamon.

Top Oil is an Irish owned company flexible in its approach to customers wishing to sign up to fuel cards , simply reach out to Eamon Martin on 086 2562785 or emartin@top.ie to fi nd out more.

About Top Oil Top Oil is a family owned Irish business with a 200 year trading history. Top Oil sells over 1.3 billion litres of fuel throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland, annually. Top Oil owns and manages its own 55,000 tonne import terminal to provide a true end-toend solution, from ‘Port to Pump’ ensuring security of supply of Quality Assured fuel products for consumers and businesses.

Top Oil’s nationwide network of 200 Top Oil Service Stations, Motorway Service Areas, Top Oil Fuel Card locations, resellers and 21 Top Oil Depots continues to grow, nationwide.

Visit www.top.ie for further Top Oil information.

Know a Top spot?

Strengthening our Fuel Card network With over 200 fuel card locations throughout Ireland and a mix of branded retail locations and un-manned 24 hour sites, Top Oil is looking for potential new locations to strengthen our fuel card network for HGV’s and provide additional AdBlue fueling points for our customers.

With opportunities to earn rental income or transaction payment for each litre purchased.

If you have a potential site or require more information about Fuel Cards, talk to a member of our Fuel Card Team.

Call 1850 22 22 62 fuelcard@top.ie www.top.ie Eamon Martin on 086 2562785 or emartin@top.ie www.fleet.ie

52 | OPINION

Road Safety rethink required

C

entral to all of the presentations made to delegates at the ‘Trucks in the City’ Seminar organised by Fleet Transport in mid January was the need to protect vulnerable road users. A broad range of speakers quoted some very stark statistics and very relevant case history relating to deaths on Irish roads. Fresh thinking and approaches are needed to get more buy-in into road safety by all road users which will hopefully reduce death and injury on the roads.

We have seen some slight increases in road deaths in the recent past, however, there is divided opinion by those at all levels of the industry as to why this is so. Some blame reduced enforcement, there are those that suggest increasing traffic volumes are leading to a natural increase, almost organic. Whatever the reason though, none of us can afford to ignore extra fatalities or accept them as normal.

Let me tell you about comments made by the CEO of Delta Airlines in 1986 at an airline conference. 1985 had been a particular bad year for fatalities in the air with the Lockerbie and Air India disasters. 1986 had seen an improvement and some in the industry were giving themselves a pat on the back. In a ‘back to reality’ comment, the CEO from Delta said: “If we just manage to maintain this year’s safety record, think about, with the expected increase in air travel in the next thirty years, we can expect that one large jet will crash every week.” A chilling comment - but an incredible challenge to aviators. Quite obviously the airline industry rose to the challenge because thirty years later with twice as many people flying, fatalities have been more than halved. This is the challenge all of us face when it comes to road safety. If we don’t bring fresh thinking in the way we deal with road safety, we could double road deaths by 2030 just because of increased volume.

It was heartening to hear some of the comments at the ’Trucks in the City’ Seminar in Citywest. Moyagh Murdock, CEO of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) said, “We must foster a blame free environment that allows people to report incidents and near misses.”

Deirdre Sinnnot, Senior Advisor with the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) said, “We all need to have conversations about the way forward.”

Professor Anne Drummond from the Centre for Safety & Health at Work in UCD said, “We should always be trying to find culpability but share information about incidents.” In her concluding comments she said her advice to everybody in the industry would be to “keep doing what you are doing, but do it better.”

For me this is the kind of fresh approach that will help make a positive impact and reduce fatalities on the road and more importantly get people’s attention. While enforcement is a necessary part of the jigsaw, there is a danger that those that are compliant see it as tedious and may inadvertently fall into careless ways.

Some other statistics were available on the day, for instance that 55% of cyclists killed in London had had incidents with trucks. In a presentation on the Construction Logistics & Community Safety (CLOCS) safe system of working, introduced in central London to help reduce the impact of trucks on the streets, Vicky Simms, Transport for London (TfL) said they wanted to facilitate operators rather than dictate to FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

View from the Operators Desk by Sean Murtagh sean@fleet.ie

them. She said the three core principles of their plan were to improve design and retrofit where possible, coordinate site and road safety, and encourage best practice.

A phrase that came up many times during the day was “buying in to best safety practice.” However truck operators will want to see some “paying in” and not be expected to fund improvements and safety initiatives on their own. Developers and construction companies also need to put their money where their mouths are.

In a cruel twist of fate, having spent a day discussing road safety and listening to the need to protect vulnerable road users, delegates traveling home would have heard on news bulletins that two vulnerable road users, (female pedestrians), lost their lives as they crossed a busy road near Ardee, having alighted from a bus. A horrible tragedy for the families but a very good reason for us all to focus harder.

Transport Manager CPC

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LEGAL | 53

Will Brexit change the Drivers’ Hours Legislation?

A

ll the legislation controlling the driving and working hours of commercial vehicle drivers emanates from Europe. It was felt, understandably, that to make the legislation effective, it was essential to harmonise the legislation across the European community. To achieve this, as with all harmonised European legislation, each EU Member State needed to introduce domestic legislation that would duplicate the EC legislation. In the Republic of Ireland, the intended harmonisation was achieved by various pieces of legislation of which the most significant are (EEC) 3821/85 and (EC) 561/2006.

Since the introduction of the legislation there have been those in every member country who sought, and continue to seek, amendments to the EC legislation for various reasons. One of the most common areas of concern is the lack of sufficient flexibility in the Drivers’ Hours legislation, notably when looking at the impact of a delay on the ability of the average driver to work within those rules, particularly if the time of the delivery is critical.

Travelling by road from the Republic to Europe, depending on the chosen route, there will either be one or two ferry crossings from the Republic leaving from either Dublin Port or Rosslare, or one from Northern Ireland. All sea crossings are, of course, subject to changes in the weather, and experience has taught operators that ferries can be subject to long delays or cancellations. The same problems apply to vehicles travelling by ferry to and from the UK to the EC. However, problems caused by delay have existed since the ferries started operating and, as the same EC legislation applies to all hauliers operating within the EC, in the context of the application of the EC legislation, these delays cause no real problems at the moment.

Haulage companies in the UK also seek changes to the current EC legislation and it appears that the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has similar views to those of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) in the UK. At this moment we simply do not know whether, in the UK, as the result of some deal with the EC, existing legislation affecting the haulage industry will be retained in its present form, but there must be the possibility that, as the result of Brexit, all the EC related legislation will no longer have effect. In the event that that is the result, the EC legislation will then have to be replaced, probably in its entirety, particularly as the UK public will want to see an effective control over the haulage industry.

At the moment a Directive is issued by the EC which must then be incorporated in the national law of the various Member countries.

Member States have an opportunity to make representations when a proposed directive is under discussion, but once it becomes a Directive, the rules of the EC require that it becomes part of the national legislation of Member States. As an example the language of (EC) 561/2006 is that required by the original EC Directive.

legislation was the same for both countries. If the UK were to make substantial unilateral changes to the EC legislation, it is theoretically possible, and possibly probable, that a haulier from the Republic would have to comply with any new UK legislation. Th is means that any new UK legislation will have to be understood and complied with by any operator whose vehicles will pass through the UK. Those Irish companies concerned with ‘Cabotage’ may have particular reasons to be concerned about possible changes to the rules that presently apply.

At the moment we can only wait and see, but all Irish operators should keep their eyes and ears open.

Cawley Commercials Ltd. Drinaghan, Sligo.

Tel: 071 91 69555 / 91 60783 / Fax: 071 91 69500

www.cawleys.ie

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The relationship between hauliers from the Republic and enforcement officers in the UK has not always been easy, even though the Text: Jonathan Lawton - jonathan@fleet.ie

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54 | ADDITIVES

‘Be Smart in 2017’ Maxol launch new Smart Plus System - The Smart Choice for AdBlue

M

axol Lubricants have been the sole distributor of GreenChem AdBlue on the island of Ireland since 2005. As one of Europe’s leading producers of AdBlue, GreenChem is fully certified and well recognised across the continent. Like Maxol, GreenChem is keeping abreast of the industry and bringing new and innovative solutions to market.

The AdBlue Smart Plus by GreenChem is a new and improved system designed to streamline fleet operators AdBlue management. Supplied, fitted and managed by Maxol Lubricants the Smart Plus is the ideal solution for any fleet. This unit is installed on-site and has a storage capacity of 3,350 litres or 5,000 litres. Maxol Lubricants offer an all-inclusive solution with a fully integrated telemetry system so we can monitor the levels on your behalf and refill your tank to ensure it doesn’t run dry.

Maxol Lubricants long standing customer Elsatrans Ltd., operates 18 trucks that use AdBlue from its headquarters at Naas, County Kildare. It has used GreenChem Smart Systems for over 8 years now and has found it most beneficial in terms of preventing downtime and also bringing peace of mind as the AdBlue will never run out. Elsatrans offers a 24 hour, 7 day week road transport service to the Retail, Manufacturing and Logistics Industries throughout Ireland: “The automatic replenishment feature ensures we never run out of stock. Maxol is prompt and on time with all deliveries to ensure our fleet is always ready for the road. I would have no hesitation in recommending the AdBlue Smart System to any potential user,” said Aaron McAleenan, Elsatrans Ltd.

Quality It is important to use quality approved AdBlue in your vehicle.

It is essential that you buy your AdBlue from a VDA licensed partner as there are some brands of AdBlue on the market that are not approved and do not meet the required specification.

These brands could cause damage to your vehicles as not every urea solution is AdBlue. If you use an inferior quality AdBlue, the initial costs that might be saved by buying the lower quality product will be wiped out by future maintenance costs and downtime to your fleet. By purchasing AdBlue from Maxol Lubricants you can be assured that your AdBlue is premium quality. GreenChem AdBlue is produced according to the international standard ISO 22241.

Commenting on the new Smart Plus System, Chris Haynes, Managing Director, GreenChem said: “With 11 years of experience in manufacturing and supplying AdBlue behind us, we have developed a new AdBlue storage and delivery system. This makes us the first AdBlue supplier in Europe to design and build their own in-house tank. The system will be more reliable and robust than anything else in the AdBlue market with capacities and dimensions to suit most hauliers operations. The Smart Plus and the Smart 5000 has a capacity of 3350 litres and 5000 litres respectively. With a width of just 112 cm they will fit on most fuel islands and not be intrusive into the operational area”.

Maxol Lubricants General Manager, Owen O’Neill thinks the new AdBlue Smart Plus is a must for any company with a fleet FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

Another customer of Maxol Lubricants, Derry Refrigerated Transport, is a leading service provider for chilled and frozen distribution throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe.

A large fleet of temperature controlled vehicles ensures that the quality of service remains at the highest levels at all times. As a specialist provider Derry Refrigerated Transport understands the needs of your business and they are determined to protect your business, investing in the most up to date technology available to do this. “I would have no hesitation in recommending Maxol AdBlue Storage Tanks and pumping system as it’s perfect for Derry Transport and with Maxol monitoring our usage via the telemetry system it ensures we can focus on our customers as we know Maxol will never let our tanks run out. A truly great company to work with, no hassle no fuss just good service and premium quality AdBlue,” commented Patrick Derry, Derry Refrigerated Transport. of vehicles on the road: “The new Smart Plus removes the hassle of constantly checking the levels of AdBlue in your tank. Also, there is no need to risk contamination by constantly filling your vehicles from barrels or IBC’s. You can be guaranteed and assured of the quality of AdBlue supplied by Maxol Lubricants. It is produced to the highest standards and it really is AdBlue you can trust”.

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56 | FINANCE

Financial factors affecting diesel usage

I

n the fi rst part of this two stage article, we look at the key areas affecting the road transport industry’s biggest costs, and how the sector can control and monitor this cost effectively.

It’s a fact that the single biggest cost in road haulage is diesel. It can vary from 20% of overall cost (exceptional cases) to over 50% of overall cost (again exceptional, but as diesel costs increase, it may be seen in more cases). Previous articles on these pages concentrated on fuel monitoring, and featured a well used quote: “if you cannot measure it, you cannot monitor it”. Th is article looks at the means of checking and improving MPG, while advising on how to monitor fuel efficiency in much greater detail.

Driver Profi le The single biggest factor in determining how efficient a tractorunit performs is the driver. The range of technology available now to monitor driver behaviour and performance has dramatically improved while the cost of this technology has decreased. Systems that simply track vehicles are obsolete now, as driver monitoring and appraisal in real time are in place, with the systems highlighting driver error and areas for improvement. In the assessment of driving standards, previous benchmarks were seen as one’s ability to hill start, reverse around corners, parallel park and reverse into difficult loading spaces. Now though, the emphasis has moved to the driver’s ability when driving to read the road, assess his or her att itude to risk, anticipation, observation and forward planning.

example is that double deck trailers may reduce MPG by over 20% but productivity may increase by over 40%. Looking at groupage deliveries, identify the optimum size of vehicle for the route and possible delivery schedule - larger rigids with specialised handling devices may give cost savings. Latest innovations in trailer technology mean the application of road trains on specific licensed routes which can increase fuel and vehicle efficiency by as much as 50%.

Let’s look at the biggest efficiency savings equating to lowest cost.

Item 1 has to be the routing and full loading of vehicles. Item 2, the monitoring of these vehicles and drivers, not simply tracking vehicles and now not simply accessing information from vehicle, such as engine and braking information but using the latest telematics systems, such as FleetBoard, developed by Mercedes-Benz. These systems evaluate a range of factors including load weight, and assess all drivers on a level playing pitch regarding driver efficiency and performance. Putt ing the driver on poor roads with maximum weight can now be compared against another driver with low weight and main road work. When there is a fair system of monitoring efficiency then a system to reward drivers for performance pays off. A fair scoreboard system will mean that good drivers will retain interest in reaching acceptable scores, while if the fair benchmark is set high enough, only above average driver performances reach bonus level.

The aim for operators is to save money on fuel, not just simply look at fuel economy in MPG, or as is more commonly quoted today, litres per 100 kilometres. In fact, look at further benchmarks for efficiency - such as litres used per €1000 turnover. To achieve the lowest cost of operation and to reach a satisfactory profit margin by simply looking at MPG alone may not be the best method.

Look at the biggest factors first. Empty vehicles will achieve excellent MPG but what is required is to maximise revenue in relation to fuel used. Assess empty running and how it can be reduced. Another major factor in vehicle productivity is trailer capacity. A simple FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

Text: Donal Dempsey - donal@fleet.ie

fleetMaritime: IRISH SHIPPING & FREIGHT

MARITIME I | 57

Compiled by Howard Knott Edited by Jarlath Sweeney email: maritime@fleet.ie

Volume 12, No. 1 Spring 2017

Unintended consequences and rubbish

I

n the course of a post-Christmas interview with a representative of the waste collection and recycling fi rm REPAK, Pat Kenny on Newstalk radio moved from the subject of disposing of wrapping material from Christmas presents to the imminent opening of the Covanta Dublin Waste to Energy incinerator in the Dublin South Docklands area. Building is almost complete and a formal opening date of St. Patrick’s Day 2017 has been proposed.

The plant will have the capability to burn up to 600,000 tonnes of waste a year and is a joint project between the US Covanta fi rm and the four Dublin Region Councils. While it could operate with a lower volume, the question was asked in the course of the interview as to where the waste will come from given that the Local Councils do not collect household waste any more, therefore leaving the whole business in the hands of privately owned specialist waste fi rms. The REPAK representative said that these companies were now shipping 250,000 tonnes of material as Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) out to various facilities in continental Europe, and that the opening of the new facility would bring that business to a stop.

Leaving to one side the question of whether or not the Dublin operation will offer the owners of the RDF competitive pricing to encourage them to divert product away from the export markets, there is another significant issue to do with the fi nances of the regional ports in particular, for which the shipment of the thousands of silagewrap style bales of this material has become a substantial business.

While overall both Lo-Lo and Ro-Ro containerised freight business is broadly in balance in terms of volumes, the same cannot be said for the dry bulk cargo business that is the mainstay of many smaller ports. Their business is dominated by significant import flows of grain, fertiliser, animal feeds, timber, steel and other construction related products. On the export side, some larger ports have been busy shipping out mineral ores and some timber products, while scrap metal would have been the natural cargo for some smaller ports. Over the last ten years RDF exports have grown rapidly, while within the last couple of years, exports of cement and some stone have also grown strongly at ports close to the production or quarrying facility.

Wicklow, the contract is only for one-way, and the ship-owner must seek out return cargo for every voyage. Th is can become very complex but like any other freight vehicle the owner’s best option is to have the vessel sailing fully laden at all times.

The ideal way is to be able to secure an export cargo at the port where the vessel discharges. The owner saves considerable port related costs and the port secures double cargo revenue. Th is tends to drive down costs enabling the exporter to ship more economically, while also being able to ship the RDF or other cargo from a port close by. A good example of this working out was the December call of the 87-metre motor ship Arundo at Sligo Port. She brought in a cargo of coal from Rostock and left with a cargo of RFD for the Netherlands. Th is was the 18th vessel call of the year at Sligo which reported a twenty percent increase in cargo volumes during 2016. Certainly, when Dublin City Council and the other Local Authorities put together their incinerator plans with Covanta, they could not have foreseen that by the time that the unit came into action a significant part of the waste to landfi ll would no longer be going to landfi ll, nor that most of the quarter of a million tonnes being exported as RDF was being shipped out through local ports contributing unintentionally to the delivery of a National Spatial Strategy.

Unlike the containerised freight vessels, the dry bulk cargo fleets of Arklow Shipping, Scot Line, Wilson Line and others do not run services to a fi xed schedule. Though some vessels may operate on regular traffic flows, for example, timber from Swedish Ports to

E bookings@derrybros.com T 0044 28 87784949 www.derrybros.com

FREIGHT FERRY SERVICES FLEETMARITIME | Spring 2017

58 | MARITIME II

There’s something familiar about:

Port Portals

his is the first of a short series of pieces, each with a focus on one vessel that has, over the years, operated for a number of lines over a variety of routes but still retains the distinctive profile so as to beg the question; “Is that the XXXX that used to run the ??? route?”.

• In its ‘end of year’ statement the Irish Coast Guard reported that it had coordinated some 2500 incidents in 2016 through its three Marine Rescue Coordination Centres, based in Valentia, Malin Head and Dublin. A total of 405 people who were rescued or assisted were categorised as ‘lives saved’ on the basis that the intervention precluded loss of life or severe risk of loss of life.

• The IMDO reports that forecourt retailer Topaz has agreed to pay €15.7m to buy a 50% stake in a fuel terminal at Dublin Port.

The purchase is part of Topaz’s takeover of the ESSO business in Ireland and the terminal is one of three located in the Port which, between them, service about half of the national requirement.

• Bunker Oil prices at Rotterdam as at 13 January 2017 stood at USD 309.50 per tonne, an increase of 175% over the USD 112.50 figure on the same date in 2016. This increase is reflected in Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) charged by ferries and other shipping services. In the case of Seatruck the January 2017 BAF stands at 14%, up from 0.5% in January 2016. Figures from other lines are similar.

• Arklow Marine Services has delivered the car/passenger ferry Spirit of Rathlin to the franchised operator of the service linking Ballycastle with Rathlin. She will enter service as soon as the UK£1 million harbour investment project at Rathlin is complete. Capacity is six vehicles and up to 140 passengers.

T

The series starts with the Stena Nordica which is currently acting as replacement vessel for each one of the Stena Line’s Irish Sea fleet as they go through their annual maintenance and upgrade.

The Stena Nordica was built in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 2000 as the first of three similar vessels ordered by P&O Ferries for service on the Irish Sea. She was initially named European Ambassador and was deployed on its new Dublin to Mostyn, North Wales route. The new 170-metre long vessel had garage capacity of 1950 lane metres and accommodation for 405 passengers, figures that have not changed significantly over the years.

The other new vessels, the European Causeway built in 2000 and the European Highlander, delivered in 2002 were slightly smaller than the European Ambassador and immediately went into action on P & O’s Larne to Cairnryan route, which they have continued to service without a break.

All three vessels were built with a capability to operate at a speed of up to 28 knots, far in excess of the service speed of 20 knots that is the norm for regular ferries. Shortly after the European Ambassador entered service, P & O commenced using her on the Dublin to Cherbourg route, departing the Irish Capital on Saturday and arriving back into Dublin on Monday morning. The company had at that time recently commenced running a three times weekly Rosslare to Cherbourg service with the European Diplomat.

In 2004 P & O’s parent company decided to pull out of the Irish Sea Ferry business, though in the end it was encouraged by Competition

Authorities and others to retain the key Dublin/ Liverpool and Larne/Cairnryan routes. A short while later P&O introduced the Hales Trophy, Transatlantic Blue Riband holder, the catamaran European Express onto a Larne/ Troon route. The Cherbourg services were part of that purge, with Celtic Link Ferries taking over the route from Rosslare, while it was to be another ten years before Irish Ferries put the Epsilon on to the Dublin Cherbourg route. Shortly after Stena Line took over the Fleetwood routes and vessels, the Swedish Company purchased the European Ambassador and gave the vessel the name Stena Nordica.

Over the next four years the vessel saw service on a number of Scandinavian routes before returning to Dublin to partner the Stena Adventurer on the Dublin/Holyhead route.

The two vessels are of quite unequal size and type, and in the springtime of 2015 the Stena Nordica went on charter to DFDS Seaways on its Dover/Calais route. She displaced the Dieppe Seaways there, and that vessel, following a major refit, became Stena Superfast X and moved onto the Holyhead route.

Stena Nordica now became Malo Seaways and was part of the DFDS Dover fleet until the pair of larger former SeaFrance vessels became available. At the end of her charter at DFDS, the vessel regained her Stena Nordica name but was chartered to operate on a summer season service by Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) on the thirty-three hour plus, Barcelona/ Tangier route. At the end of that charter, Stena Nordica returned to her owner’s Scandinavian routes before sailing to Dublin to undertake her current ‘stand-in’ duties which are planned to run until the end of March this year. She will then be transferred to the Latvian port of Ventspil for Stena’s service to the port of Liepaja.

• Jenkinson Logistics, as agent for Borchard Line, is now offering 40ft reefer container capacity on its weekly service linking Dublin with Iberian and Mediterranean ports. In the light of the recent agreement to permit the import of Irish beef into the Egyptian marketplace, the line anticipates making increased capacity available on the service giving a fourteen day transit to Alexandria.

E bookings@derrybros.com T 0044 28 87784949 www.derrybros.com

IRISH SEA ROUTES FLEETMARITIME | Spring 2017

MARITIME III | 59

Port of Cork wins Cruise Industry award

I

n the course of announcing its 2016 traffic results, the Port of Cork highlighted an award won by the Port and the Cobh cruise terminal. The Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice Destination Awards saw Cobh named as the secondbest Cruise Destination in the British Isles and Western Europe. Over the 2016 season the Port welcomed 58 vessels with a total complement of 127,000 passengers and crew. A significant development for Cork and for Dublin was a series of calls over the Christmas holiday period, with traffic that was particularly welcomed from tourism facility interests, some of which would be closed over the winter period.

significantly increase, with 69 vessels already booked to call there. The recent National Transport Authority Rail Review document also highlights the development of cruise passenger traffic from the Cobh terminal and the suggestion of re-opening the station at Blarney to facilitate tours there.

Meanwhile a planning application has been lodged with Cork City Council to facilitate the locating of what will be Ireland’s fi rst floating hotel at Penrose Quay, close to the city centre. The project backers have secured the 100 metre, former Rhine River cruise vessel My Story, which is fitted out with 87 bedrooms spread over three decks in addition to restaurant and leisure facilities.

In 2017 Cork ’s cruise business will

Dublin’s Cruise business moves up a gear

D

ublin Port reports strong cruise traffic figures during 2016. Up to end-September 103 vessels have called there, an increase of 16% on the 2015 figures for the same period.

While visiting passenger numbers were broadly similar to the previous year, there was an increase of over 200% to over 5000 in the numbers of passengers joining and leaving vessels while they are in Dublin.

Th is marks a significant move towards Dublin becoming a ‘home’ port, with the attendant benefits for the tourism industry in the capital in hotel overnight stays, tours and the like.

Modern luxury cruise line Celebrity Cruises has become the fi rst major Cruise Line to confi rm Dublin as a ‘home’ port when a ship will call the city home during early summer 2018.

For five sailings commencing in late April, throughout May and until the end of June 2018, one of Celebrity Cruises’ 2,800+ guest Solstice-class ships will offer cruises throughout northern Europe from Dublin.

Full details on the destinations on offer will be announced later this year. Over 14,000

people are estimated to start their cruise holiday from Dublin on a Celebrity Cruises ship in 2018.

The move is worth an estimated almost €6 million to Dublin and the surrounding area in knock-on economic benefits. Celebrity Cruises already features Dublin and other ports throughout Ireland in its European deployment, however this is the most significant increase in its investment into Ireland in the history of the global business.

In announcing Celebrity Cruises' new commitment, Jo Rzymowska, Managing Director, Celebrity Cruises UK & Ireland, said: “Celebrity Cruises has enjoyed significant support from our travel agent partners and guests throughout Ireland for many years. Now we are saying thank you by basing one of the flagships of our fleet

in Dublin for a mini-season during early summer 2018. We know that our guests from around the world and in Ireland will love the warm welcome they receive when starting a holiday in Dublin”. Celebrity Cruises is a member of the Royal Caribbean Cruises Group, the global second largest cruise vessel operator.

In the meantime, work is underway in the Port’s Alexandra Basin re-development project, which includes the building of its fi rst dedicated Cruise Terminal which will be located adjacent to The Point Village.

Plans are also afoot to develop working groups within the Grow Dublin Tourism Alliance to seek to propel further cruise ship-based tourism using the Port and the current and planned facilities at Dun Laoghaire.

Having welcomed its fi rst cruise vessel call in twenty years last summer, Rosslare Europort has announced that it will waive port dues for such vessels. Th is announcement has been welcomed by local tourism interests.

E bookings@derrybros.com T 0044 28 87784949 www.derrybros.com

EUROPEAN ROUTES FLEETMARITIME | Spring 2017

60 | MARITIME IV

No let-up in the pace of Deep Sea Line consolidation

T

he headline event of 2016 in the intercontinental container shipping business has been the demise of South Korean Hanjin Shipping, which was unable to sustain its activity in the face of ever increasing losses resulting from very low freight rates. Hanjin is not the only line to face fi nancial difficulties. Before the collapse there had been a number of mergers and acquisitions, and new plans for lines to come together into new alliances to share operating costs and drive efficiency.

The situation is not helped by the number of new vessels coming off the production lines, each with a capacity to ship up to 20,000 containers, and the relatively slow pace of vessel scrapping. The opening in mid-year of the new series of locks in the Panama Canal facilitating the passage of vessels with double the previous capacity further disrupted international shipping economics. The Panama development has enabled lines operating out of Asia to serve the US Gulf and East Coast Ports at lower cost and with shorter timelines than is available routing via the US west coast and overland to destination, or shipping via the Suez Canal.

In September, Maersk Line, already the world’s largest carrier by a considerable margin and operating with 16% of world capacity, announced a re-organisation that would split off the Shipping Line and terminal businesses from the other Maersk activities. It would also defer ordering any new tonnage but would seek to grow the business by acquisition and organic growth. On 1 December Maersk announced that it would buy the world number seven carrier, Hamburg Sud (pictured below), a specialist in north-south shipping routes, for a reported $5 billion. The combined company would have container capacity of about 3.8 million TEU’s, almost 19% of world capacity and almost 50% larger than its nearest rival, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

Ocean-Alliance 2017

In January 2017 news broke that the very successful, world number eight shipping line, Hong Kong based Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) was up for sale. At time of writing the most likely buyer is COSCO Line, itself the product of a recent merger between COSCO and China Shipping Line. The combined operation would then knock CMA-CGM out of the world number three slot.

As matters stand, in 2017 most of the container shipping industry will be controlled by 12 carriers operating in three vessel sharing alliances. These agreements include the already existing 2M Alliance consisting of Maersk Line and MSC (with conflicting press accounts in recent weeks about whether HMM will join); the Ocean Alliance, consisting of CMA-CGM, COSCO, Evergreen Line and OOCL; and THE Alliance, consisting of Hapag-Lloyd, Yang Ming, ‘K’ Line, MOL and NYK. As the takeover of Hamburg Sud will not formally go through until the latter part of 2017, it is assumed that it would, in the meantime, work within the 2M Alliance.

The Ocean Alliance and THE Alliance are presently in the fi nal stages of securing regulatory approval from the governments of the countries and regions that they serve, but are expected to launch in April 2017.

According to Industry Consultants, Alphaliner, those 12 carriers currently operate ships with over 15.8 million TEUs, or 76.5 % of the world’s 20.7 million TEUs, of liner capacity.

CMA-CGM has also announced the completion of integration of the business of APL into its system, while extending its MacAndrews Line and OPDR services in Europe. One new MacAndrews call rotation enables CMA-CGM to service feeder cargo from Ireland onto, in particular, its West African services via Algeciras, rather than via an English Channel Port giving considerable savings on time and cost. Th is is a similar feeder system to that introduced by Maersk in April 2016.

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62 | REVIEW II

95th European Motor Show 2017 Brussels Expo, Heysel, Belgium

A

s the resurgence of the Brussels Motor Show continues, almost all of the leading automotive brands exhibited in the multifaceted event that includes cars, light and heavy commercials

DAF Trucks: Unique to the Belgium market is this DAF XF 460 6x2 SuperSpace, wearing Fuel Dynamics livery. It features high levels of safety equipment as standard.

plus motorbikes. Jarlath Sweeney was there to smell the freshness of the new trucks displayed.

MAN: Th is TGX PerformanceLine 18.460 4x2 tractor-unit model stole the limelight on the stand of the Volkswagen Truck & Bus owned brand, while many also liked the TGS 28.460 6x4 H with Hydro-drive.

Renault Trucks: The range topping T480 4x2 High Edition cabbed Range T from the French marque was one of the three trucks displayed, the others were a T440 4x2 tractor and C440 6x4, both all Comfort cabs.

FUSO: The Daimler brand, with Canter the best selling model range within the group, showed off its flexibility and alternative power options such as E-CELL (electric), Eco Hybrid (diesel-electric) and standard Euro 6 diesels.

Mercedes-Benz: Safety was much in focus at this stand with the gleaming yellow 1953 Actros Safety Truck flagship with staged obstacles placed alongside. The special edition 1845 LS 4x2 Uptime also caught the eye.

Volvo Trucks: On either side of the Swedish brand’s stage was an FMX.460 6x4 and an FH.450 4x2 with strong country of origin livery and I-Shift Dual-Clutch badging.

Scania: With the S500 4x2 taking centre stage as reigning International Truck of the Year 2017, the outgoing R450 model, sold as a limited supply Crown Edition Streamline, also att racted on-lookers.

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

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64 | COMMENT

Must say again “Transport is no Doddle”

A

few months back this column took the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross T.D, to task for suggesting that the Transport element within his brief was a “doddle”. He had said this in the aftermath of the various Olympics controversies, however I would be very surprised if he has not reviewed his opinion since that time.

In the early days of December I picked up the Rail Review 2016 report from the National Transport Authority (NTA). At about the same time the Dublin Airport Authority issued a further consultation on its Second Runway proposals. Th is was followed

by Bus Éireann coming out with the news that losses were such that the company would go bust within two years. Then we had An Bord Planála giving a qualified approval to the proposed Dun Laoghaire Harbour Cruise Terminal development while the Local Authority there adopted a very cautious approach to the planned transfer of the Port to their ownership.

Good to hear at last that the US authorities fi nally gave Norwegian Air International the go-ahead to offer fl ights from Cork to Boston, but the objectors haven’t given up yet. Iarnród Éireann returned the Phoenix Park Tunnel to passenger service, while the proposal from the people at Transport Infrastructure Ireland to put multiple tolls on the M50 to price people off it, surfaced again. Iarnród Éireann published a new “Network Statement” while the DTTAS published its own Strategic Plan for the coming three years.

All of this is more than enough for any Minister to deal with, even if he did not have the transport realities of BREXIT and climate change imperatives to deal with as well. Where does he even begin?

Well, perhaps the forty-seven pages of the Rail Review with its 226 pages of appendices is a good place to start. It was prepared by the NTA with the assistance of Iarnród Éireann and, doubtless, many other bodies. It is a mine of information and includes a few rather random opinions, such as the one that the rail station at Blarney should be re-opened in order to facilitate visitors from cruise ships docking at Cobh. Overall though it does litt le more than nod at the role that rail would have as part of the Government’s national mitigation plan to counter global warming, and at the shift of freight from road to rail. In the latter case the NTA appears to maintain its view that freight transport is not a part of its brief. The report’s reference to Rosslare Europort, the one ferry port that could feed passengers onto the rail network, does get a mention, but only to the extent that the Port contributes €3 million to Iarnród Éireann, funds which is used to cross-subsidise other activities.

Th is is all detail and, in discussing it, we are falling in to the same trap as the report authors have done. It would seem that a National Transport Authority should seek, in the fi rst instance, to establish a National Transport Plan. The objective, surely, is quite simple; to put into place and develop a network of transport infrastructures and services that provide mobility for passengers and freight at a

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

From where I'm sitting - Howard Knott minimum cost fi nancially and environmentally.

Of course, the creation of this plan would be difficult, not intellectually, but in meeting the objections of the various interest groups, many of them within the Government service. It would be difficult, for example, to persuade the Department of Finance of the merits of a ban on all cars other than the absolutely essential, and that these should be battery powered, something that would knock a large hole in the VAT, VRT and fuel tax receipts. Of course, those local authorities, harbour companies and the like that very much live off car parking receipts would not be too thrilled either.

But without a strategy based National Transport Plan it really is a bit pointless for Government or any of its Agencies to produce a rail, road or any other review. Now, doing that would be a fair challenge for the Minister and, certainly, not a “doddle”.

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66 | SOAPBOX

Brexit - Difficulties are Opportunities

T

here are many of us involved in the world of Irish transport who have often felt that as a country we have repeatedly overlooked the potential of transport.

Every so often a debate comes alive on the potential of our deep seaports, the need for rail connections etc., but to date, I have never been to an event such as the “AllIsland Sectoral Dialogue on Transport” held in Dundalk on 23 January last.

Held under the auspices of the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, TD, in response to the threat of Brexit, it was for me a truly historic occasion for the whole transport sector. An attendance of more than one hundred was drawn from the UK, NI and the Republic of Ireland. Represented were hauliers and some of their largest clients, as well as delegates from ports, shipping lines, freight forwarders, trade associations, airlines, airports, aviation authorities, Chambers of Commerce and Local Authorities. Senior officers within sections in the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport (DTTAS) facilitated the procedures, and the Minister was present for the whole occasion, both opening and closing the event.

In years of attending similar type events a Minister will be present for the opening and then quietly slip away to do more “important business”. That Shane Ross had no more important business than this event, combined with the presence of the entire senior staff within the Department of Transport, indicates the gravity of the threat of Brexit and how it is being viewed in Government. That should make us all even more concerned than we are.

The event was dominated by the concerns of most of the attendees of the impact on their business of Brexit, which for most has the potential for disaster. The Minister and his team were left with no illusions, if they ever had them, of the potentially colossal impact on the sector. Speakers such as Alistair Eagles of Seatruck Ferries saw the potential for an “Operation Stack” in Dublin Port, with fi fteen-kilometre queues of trucks waiting to clear Customs.

FLEETTRANSPORT | FEBRUARY 17

We were then asked to suggest ways forward and time and time again the untapped potential of the transport sector revealed itself.

Suggestions that hitherto had fallen on the ears of the converted at seminars were aired before the top echelons of the Transport Department. There is an open invitation to all to make suggestions on how to master Brexit at brexit@dttas.ie. The Minister asked that we utilize the various trade bodies we belong to, to lobby on behalf of Ireland in Brussels. For the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) that body is the International Road Transport Union (IRU) and its Customs procedures, and for the car transport sector it is the Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) and retention of the Cabotage regime.

Talking to those at the European Parliament in Brussels they seem completely oblivious to the threat to Ireland. I got the defi nite impression that their concerns are of the impact on the EU of Brexit (and a certain feeling of gett ing their own back) but after departure it will be life as normal. If Brexit is handled that way, life will never be the same for Ireland. EU Commissioner Moscovice said while visiting Dublin recently, “But of course there must be borders.” The question remains what sort of borders? I have been

told repeatedly that we are not masters of our situation and that Brussels will have the overall say on what happens. Indeed our own Commissioner Phil Hogan, MEP said as much in the last few weeks.

Personally, I believe all our MEP’s and personnel in Brussels need to be called home to a similar seminar and put on message to Brussels, “Protect Ireland or we will exercise our veto.”

New Zealand Premier Jim Bolger spoke some years ago in Dublin of the impression he got during the original EU accession talks of Ireland’s Minister Haughey’s stance.

He knew that New Zealand’s days as the provider of butter and milk to the UK were fi nished, no matter what the UK said.

We need our Minister Ross to fi ght as Charley Haughey did. The EU is not to be seen through the prism of Franco/German eyes. At the end of this process ‘Irish Eyes need to be Smiling.’

The “Sectoral Dialogue” for me is a very positive sign that Minister Ross and the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport are up for the fight. Difficulties, if handled properly, are truly opportunities.

Text: Jerry Kiersey - jerry@fleet.ie

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