Contents OCTO b E r 2025
Fleet Transport Magazine, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland. F12 E7P2
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editor: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
contributors: Cathal Doyle, Sean Murtagh, Paul White, Donal Dempsey, Howard Knott, ITOY, Johanna Parsons
Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Paul White, Cathal Doyle, Howard Knott, Newspress, Stephen Murphy
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Geotab Surpasses 5 Million Global Connected Vehicle Subscriptions
*AI & Data insights enable Fleet Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability
Geotab has achieved a new company milestone, surpassing 5 million connected vehicle subscriptions worldwide. This rapid growth, with the last million subscriptions added in less than two years, reinforces Geotab’s position as a global leader in connected vehicle solutions and a key innovator in accumulating, processing and relaying data and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive meaningful business outcomes.
“Geotab’s journey is about relentless innovation, we invest over $150 million annually in r&D and hold 630 global patents, which has helped to shape the connected vehicle industry over the past 25 years. This 5 million milestone proves that our data-driven approach to fleet management is solving real world challenges faced by businesses on a daily
basis,” said Neil Cawse, Founder & CEO of Geotab. “With the rapid adoption of AI, we expect the next five years to be as transformative as the last 25.”
Neil continued: “Geotab’s data insights help businesses improve their fleet operations, including reduction in unexpected vehicle downtime, improved safety, and reduced daily mileage through optimised route planning. These improvements help fleets save money on fuel and other operating costs while also directly reducing environmental impact.
The ability to deliver these tangible benefits is powered by the massive volume of data generated from 5 million subscriptions, producing over 100 billion data points daily, equivalent to more than 37 trillion data points annually. This data fuels Geotab’s AI and machine learning models with accurate benchmarks, predictive analytics, and actionable insights that empower fleets of all sizes to make smarter, faster decisions.”
2025 marks Geotab’s 25th anniversary, growing from a 2-person start-up to a 2900+ global organisation, highlighting the company’s focus on innovation and global expansion.
Geotab has maintained its position at the forefront of the industry with investments in research and development, continuously expanding its open platform capabilities, and building an ecosystem of over 700 partners globally. Over the past ten years, the Geotab Marketplace has grown and evolved, now featuring nearly 530 solutions for customers to choose from.
Founded and headquartered in Canada, Geotab is a global leader in connected vehicle and asset solutions, providing advanced data analytics and AI to enhance fleet performance, safety and sustainability while optimising costs. backed by a team of industry-leading data scientists, engineers and AI experts, it serves over 50,000 customers across 160 countries, processing billions of data points hourly from more than 4 million vehicles. Data security and privacy are at the forefront of all we do — trusted by Fortune 500 organisations and some of the largest public sector fleets in the world, and meets top cybersecurity standards. Geotab’s open platform and diverse Geotab Marketplace offers hundreds of fleet-ready third-party solutions.
The Volvo FH16 Aero is a truck for heavy transport assignments, shaped and powered for increased productivity. The aerodynamic design, together with the powerful D17 engine boosts your performance whilst saving fuel. The Camera Monitoring System improves your direct vision. Available with the Globetrotter XXL cab for improved driver comfort. Your efficiency. Extended.
Contact your local Volvo Trucks dealer or visit
reynolds Logistics supports HyHaul Hydrogen Corridor with Luxfer Gas Cylinders
M4 corridor, supported by three new hydrogen refuelling stations.
partnership as the HyHaul project rolls out.”
Luxfer Gas Cylinders (nottingham) which has been commissioned to supply its high-capacity hydrogen storage systems to support the UK’s first dedicated hydrogen mobility corridor along the M4, has partnered with specialist bulk liquid and gas transport company Reynolds Logistics to deliver the contract.
Former European Haulier of the year and twice winner of the Fleet Transport Irish Haulier of the Year award, reynolds Logistics will transport Luxfer’s G-Stor Hydrosphere Multiple Element Gas Containers (MEGCs), as part of the Hydrogen Aggregated UK Logistics Project (HyHaul).
The 40ft MEGCs have been chosen for Luxfer’s pioneering 380 bar hydrogen storage and significant 1,012kg hydrogen capacity. Manufactured at Luxfer’s bespoke Nottingham facility, these units allow for the most efficient transport of hydrogen, designed with fewer cylinders, valves and connections than was previously possible.
HyHaul, led by Protium and supported by over £30 million in Department for Transport (DfT) and Innovate UK funding, will bring together leading technologies in sustainable logistics. The project will move 30 hydrogen fuel cell HGVs along the
“Luxfer is pleased to partner with reynolds for the supply of our G-Stor Hydrosphere MEGCs.” said Mark Lawday, VP & General Manager at Luxfer Gas Cylinders. “HyHaul is an important demonstration of how advanced hydrogen transport solutions can be applied to enable adoption at scale.”
Commenting on the contract, Andrew reynolds, CEO at reynolds Logistics said: “This partnership with Luxfer is a cornerstone of our commitment to enabling the hydrogen economy. by investing in MEGCs, we’re securing critical infrastructure for HyHaul and ensuring our logistics model is future-ready, flexible, and aligned with the UK’s net-zero ambitions. We look forward to expanding this positive
The G-Stor Hydrosphere is available from Luxfer Gas Cylinders in 20-ft, 40-ft and 45-ft units.
Luxfer Gas Cylinders is a leading manufacturer of high-pressure composite and aluminium cylinders. More than 70 million Luxfer cylinders in service around the world have an exemplary record for dependability and safety in a variety of applications, including firefighter and first-responder life support, medical, fire extinguishers, alternative fuel, specialty gas, beverage, aerospace, inflation, SCUbA and performance racing.
An operating company of Luxfer Holdings PLC (NYSE:LXFr), Luxfer Gas Cylinders is based in riverside, California, and has manufacturing facilities in the U.S., England, Canada, and China.
Can you explain the main technical characteristics of this assembly line?
When we talk about the electric trucks, the main characteristic of this assembly line is that it is not different from our diesel assembly line, because right from the beginning we had the idea and the vision in place that we should create an integrated system. We were clear that it is maybe not so easy to predict also how volumes will ramp up and for how the speed is. So we thought to be fully flexible for the needs of our customers, the best thing is to integrate all in one and to run a system that we can scale easily because it’s not dependent on a good forecast.
But what are the main differences between a diesel truck assembly line and this EV assembly line?
Yes, of course there’s differences now because the products are different and the driveline is different. And of course that brings also some challenges in order to come to a system that is, at the end, fully integrated. One of these differences for example is purely the number of parts we assemble. So, for example, there are 30% more parts going into an electric truck assembly than in a diesel truck assembly.
Of course, we needed to find a way how to master that challenge. We talked with the engineering team how we could do it and then came up with the modularity system, so that we could do certain things in pre-assembly steps independently from our line speed, mastering the different complexity of a diesel and an electric truck, and then combining it to the assembly line again with processes that are many times the same, or even if they are different, they can be mastered by our teams in the same time.
That is why the cooperation with engineering was super important to design the product in a clever way, always with the target of not only to make the best possible e-truck, which is of course to make the product in itself perfect, but also to find a way in how to cleverly industrialise the product and to make it fit into a combined system.
How do you manage volumes with this mixed production programme?
First of all, we set up all processes and we designed it at the end, taking in the assembly system as well as the logistics
With Michael
Kobriger,
MAN Truck & bus Executive board Member for Production & Logistics, during the opening ceremony of the MAN Electric Truck Assembly Line in Munich, Germany
required. Ultimately we looked at the final stage of a pure electric production. We have to bear in mind the shortest possible production time and meet the biggest possible volume so that it can scale from 0 to 130 in a day.
The important thing is to not to get surprised. We need strategic planning, advancement from our supply base, they will need to be ready from today to triple the volume, of course. This needs some forecasting, but that is not much different to what the normal production would also be, just as demanding.
There is also the supply chain to follow. And in other ways it’s a question of qualification, we needed to train our team. We have trained more than 5,000 people here in Munich, not only on the production line but also all service departments, dealing with production together in order to know how they have to maybe behave differently with electric trucks, with regards to safety at least, especially having high voltage knowhow in itself. So also the team, of course, is a part of it. We started with a smaller part of the team in our e-mobility centre, where we developed the pre serial vehicles, where we developed the production process, where we trained people to be later train the trainer personnel. And that is now what we are profiting on in scaling up, also the competence level of the full team.
How do you manage to integrate the supply line as there are more components for an electric truck?
An electric truck part is part of a same modular system. So it’s not a completely different truck. And we also share quite many components and suppliers for components with a diesel truck. but of course, there are also specific parts and specific components that are only needed for battery electric.
However, we have some suppliers which are exclusive in the production of parts for battery electric. but they are integrated in a logistics manner in the same way as all the other ones. The complexity of course is rising parts volumes at our plant because we receive more components than what we ever had while producing more or less the same number of vehicles, but with many more different parts.
So the logistics system needed to be upgraded. but we were already in a pool system even before now, where many of the parts were pre-commissioned in logistics steps, either in our plant or even at a supply base, then coming just in time, just
in sequence to the assembly line, especially to only fit the next couple of trucks so that we will not have too many containers but can keep the space for the processes now.
How did you organise the quality control? Do you have the same quality standards as the diesel truck for electric trucks assembled?
The quality level we need to achieve, that our customers would expect, does not differ any between the diesel and electric truck. So the target is at the end to reach at least the same quality, that high quality level our customers are normally used from an MAN vehicle. There are specific quality criteria which we defined to check the specific characteristics of an electric truck, but it is also integrated into the same system.
And of course we work on the competence levels of our employees. And in some areas also we do automatic testing that is specific for the electric trucks in order to support that zero defect policy, which we would have anyway. So at the end, it is an extension of the existing system with the same main principles in order to really ensure zero defect production or if something happens, we are able to detect it in the plant.
What is the plan to ramp up EV truck capacity?
We are currently producing 50 trucks per shift, and with a two shift operation we can assemble 100 trucks per day. That system can further scale up without any further investments, for example, increase to 65 units per shift to 130 in a day. In future we will exceed that capacity. That’s why from a planning perspective, the system also suits our sister plant in Niepołomice in Krakow in Poland, where the cycle time would be even faster. Today, we are operating here at the cycle time of 8.5 minutes. With improved processes we can implement systems that run 4.5 minutes. For the next couple of years we believe that the Munich capacity will be sufficient for the heavy duty trucks. All light and medium duty trucks will be exclusively made in the Poland system as they are today.
And also here, of course, we will start next year with serial production of the electric vehicles.
courtesy of Itoy jury
Take II or a Doppelganger? The new Mercedes-benz Actros L ProCabin, which first saw light of day as the eActros 600 electric heavy duty truck, has also proved a most suitable body for the internal combustion version of the Actros.
Mercedes-Benz eActros 600
In recent weeks, Fleet Transport has had the opportunity to size up both powered variants in order to compare likefor-like.
It’s over a year now since brand owner Daimler Trucks revealed the futuristically designed ProCabin bearing a large Mercedes-benz threepointed-star badge and model series name. With its minimalist grille inlets and a significant amount of sheet panelling up front, certainly the most seen on any truck to date, this has certainly stirred the truck industry fraternity. So far, the general opinion is 50:50. No doubt that overall viewpoint will evolve over time.
Double-Take –Mercedes-benz Actros 1851 & eActros 600
front-end (by 80mm) from the European authorities, which in turn improves aerodynamics dramatically. Together with Mirror Cams system, significant fuel savings can be achieved.
Indeed ProCabin heralds a new era for the Actros truck range and this fifth generation flagship has a dual purpose role in that its modularity allows for both diesel and electric powertrains.
What led initially to its radical design and styling change was due to the allowance of an extended cab
regarding furniture, fittings and general in-cab specification, compatibility and synergies are abound. For example, the Multimedia Cockpit 2 comes with added digital services.
Thanks to a broader selection of service programmes and aftermarket contracts such as Mercedes-benz Complete and Mercedes-benz UpTime, allied to a broad warranty package, peace of mind operationally with Mercedes-benz Trucks ownership has never been better.
Another reason to like the new design - there can be no complaints from fleet owners relating to the application of company livery thanks to the vast amount of blank panels up front.
Mercedes-Benz Actros 1851
‘Truly Mercedes-Benz has taken its successful range topping heavy duty truck to a new level, not only with its futuristic design and improved aerodynamics, but also with many comfort elements and driving dynamics’
Th E P RO C ABI n
While sleek lines dominate the overall look of the ProCabin, details highlight the level Mercedes-benz has gone to to improve efficiency. For example, note the pre-spoiler on the roof in front of the actual roof spoiler that assists with the aerodynamic affect. So too do the
A-pillar deflector panels around the side windows, along with the large, flat front-end of the cab and the curved bumper featuring minimal air inlet openings for cooling. Together with new underbody panelling, the airstream meets a more drag efficient front end and continues to be guided around the vehicle as optimally as possible. Additionally, there’s a more streamlined (and convenient) entrance, improved wheel-arch trim and side trim. There are virtually no gaps or spaces left around the panels to disrupt the airflow. Also on the tractor-unit, the extended side deflectors have been designed like sails to ensure a good transition between the truck and the attached semi-trailer. All in all, this results in fuel savings of up to three percent from the new Actros L.
Inside, ProCabin, available in three variants - StreamSpace, bigSpace, or GigaSpace - offers numerous comfort features, many accessible from the driver’s seat and bunk area. Similar to the previous generation, the main operational functions are in the same place, with the steering wheel housing a number of the driving controls. Additional USb-C sockets in the side walls, a high-quality curtain in two-tone design, a second refrigerator, a 230-volt socket or the SoloStar Concept, are now available. Since launch, the new Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2 comes with a revamped menu design, voice control, further improved connectivity and new applications such as Connected Traffic Warnings. Occupants will also appreciate the heated seats, new premium flat-woven seat covers, or the bunks with full slatted frames and a new, thick premium mattress. The switch panels on the bunks have extended functionality including ambient lighting options and additional gooseneck LED reading lamps.
Mercedes-benz Trucks has introduced two new turbochargers geared towards long-haul transportation with the latest OM 471, with a main focus on achieving the lowest possible fuel consumption. In combination with the revised exhaust gas after-treatment system using Adblue, this exhaust gas turbocharger enables a maximum fuel saving of up to four percent over the previous generation.
‘The original Actros model series was first introduced in 1996 and has undergone a number of evolutions since, this ProCabin version is the most forward thinking statement ever’
In recent months, Mercedes-benz Trucks has expanded its battery-electric truck portfolio with further variants based on the Mercedes-benz eActros 600. The new tractor-unit and rigid versions feature the main character-
Helping with the overall efficiency of the diesel unit is the third generation of the 12.8-litre OM 471 diesel engine. It’s designed to reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) without compromising on performance or driving dynamics by providing more fuel-efficient driving, reduced CO2 emissions, lower operating costs, and ultimately higher returns.
istic features of the second-generation e-truck specifically designed for heavy-duty long-distance haulage, delivering high energy efficiency. The technological strengths of the eActros 600, the reigning International Truck of the Year 2025, awarded at the IAA Transportation exhibition last year, include the self-developed electric drive axle, the lithium iron phosphate cell technology (LFP) known for its long service life and the 800-volt on-board voltage, as well as the new Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2 and comprehensive, proven assistance systems for greater driving comfort and safety.
Produced at the Mercedes-benz truck factory at Wörth am rhein, the broader
selection of new models are now available to order. The expanded portfolio will include, for example, tractors and platform chassis with additional wheelbases, variants with two battery packs as well as alternative long cab types of the well proven and popular Actros design with different roof shapes.
Commenting about the additions to the eActros line-up, Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedesbenz Trucks said: “Our goal is to drive the industry’s decarbonisation at high speed by electrifying more and more transport applications. The areas of application and that of the needs of our customers for battery-electric trucks are very diverse, especially regarding payload and range. With the new variants, which will build on the strengths of the eActros 600, we want to offer our customers the best from the Mercedes-benz Trucks modular system and support them in managing their transport solutions with battery-electricity and economically.”
Mercedes-benz Trucks has had electric trucks in its portfolio since 2021. Initially, the eActros 300/400 was introduced as the first battery-electric vehicle for heavy-duty distribution haulage, followed just a year later by the eEconic, for use in municipal waste disposal transport. Series production of the second model generation of electric trucks from Mercedesbenz Trucks with the new battery-electric flagship eActros 600 started at the end of 2024. From 2026, a small series of the new eArocs 400 for urban construction haulage, recently presented at bauma 2025, will be launched.
through a total of 22 countries was completed as was the “European Testing Tour Winter 2025” taking in around 6,500 kilometres through Northern Europe, each with a gross combination mass of 40 tonnes.
‘eActros’ overall technological concept consisting of an electric drive axle and LFP cell technology was decisive in winning the International Truck of the Year (IToY) award’
eActros 600 has already proven its capabilities several times under real-life conditions: In customer use and as part of the “eActros 600 European Testing Tour 2024”, a 15,000-kilometre all-electric development trip
The high battery capacity of over 600 kilowatt hours - hence the model designation 600 – and the newly developed efficient electric drive axle, enables the electric truck to achieve a range of up to 500 kilometres without intermediate charging. This range is accomplished under very realistic and practical conditions with a gross combination mass of 40 tonnes, which,
according to Mercedes-benz Trucks can also be significantly exceeded depending on the driving style and the route. It stated that the eActros 600, ‘is capable to cover well over 1,000 kilometres per day, with intermittent charging during statutory driver breaks making this possible, provided that high power charging options are available’.
In its standard layout eActros 600 comes with three battery packs, each with 207 kWh, providing a total capacity of 621 kWh. The batteries are based on the latest lithium iron phosphate cell technology (LFP) which ensure a long service life. In contrast to other battery cell technologies, more than 95 percent of the installed capacity can also be used with LFP technology. This enables a higher range with the same amount of installed battery capacity. The vehicle is technically designed for a gross combination mass of up to 44 tonnes. With a standard semitrailer, the eActros 600 has a payload of around 22 tonnes in the EU. In some cases, national law may allow a higher payload.
Diesel truck technology in recent years has progressed substantially in the manner on how it performs with efficiency, safety and comfort. The powertrain is so smooth that when on the road and compared with an electric twin as in the eActros 600, there is little
S P ec cH eck 1
Make/Model: Mercedes-Benz Actros 1851
difference. Sure, the battery powered is more silent and the energy regeneration system more engaging but overall, by using the same modular cab, the driver can adapt to either propulsion system quickly.
D RIVI n G T h E n EW P RO C ABI n ACTROS
The cross country journey taken in the Actros 1851 began in Dublin at its home base on the Naas road from where we headed towards Limerick to call on Mercedes-benz Commercial Vehicles’s Mid-West dealer TruckCar at Patrickswell. Following an overnight halt at Claremorris the return leg stopped off at another dealer, Kinahan Commercials, Moate, which caters for the Midlands region.
The journey proved to be a seamless, fulfilling and pleasant trip. We appreciated the 510 horses under the seats along with the spaciousness of the flat floor ProCabin and its furniture and fittings.
It was the same on boarding the eActros with the emission free vehicle proving to be both quiet and powerful. It’s noticeable that easing off the throttle and being more observant in the road
S P ec cH eck 2
ahead pays large dividends when driving an electric vehicle, especially a battery powered truck. The driver can avail of the advantage of the higher visibility points of being in a truck in this regard. Power a-plenty here though if required, up to 621 hp at peak, 544 hp normally.
The test route for the eActros took us to the Sunny South East and South where we paid visits to two dealers, Somers Commercials (Camolin, Wexford) and Surehaul Commercials (Clonmel, Tipperary) before turning around to venture back into the now always congested M50 around Dublin. In contrast to the diesel model tested, the eActros had MirrorCams fitted, providing better all round visibility with reduced blind spots, especially noticeable when reversing, while we noted that the traditional framed exterior mirrors catch more wind, creating more drag.
both trucks were specified with GigaSpace ProCabin, with leather features and full media pack, with sat-nav, connectivity, remote charging, top notch sound system, premium mattress and lots more comfort elements.
Whatever the application both Actros powertrain options are well kitted out and well fit for purpose.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
Make/Model: Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 4x2 tractor-unit
Cab: ProCabin L GigaSpace Width:2.5m
Wheelbase: 3850 mm
Engine/Motor: 12.8-litre OM 471 In-line 6 cylinder Euro 6e
Power: 510 hp @2,500 rpm
Torque: 2500 Nm @1100 rpm
Transmission: Mercedes PowerShift 3 12-Speed Auto
Suspension: Air Front & rear
Fuel tanks: Diesel; 680 litres + 430 litre tank on right Adblue; 120 litres
Axle capacity: Front: 8.0 tonnes
Tyres: F: 315/70 r 22.5 r: 315/70 r22.5
brakes: Discs
Cab: ProCabin L GigaSpace flat-floor Width:2.5m
Wheelbase: 4000 mm
battery pack 3 x 212 kW LFP blocks
Power: Continuous: 400 kW. Peak: 600 kW
Continuous: 536 hp Peak: 804 hp
Transmission: Mercedes-benz eAxle 4-speed Auto
Suspension: Air Front
battery packs: Usable battery 600 kW range: 500 km
Axle capacity: Front: 9.0 tonnes
GVW: 44 tonnes
Unladen weight: 22 tonnes
Tyres: F: 385/55 r 22.5 r: 315/70 r22.5
brakes: Discs
Two new award-winning DAFs to award winning Sligo Haulage & Distribution
DAF Trucks Ireland, Baldonnel, County Dublin recently supplied these two new XG 530 6x2 tractor-units, the International Truck of the Year 2024 to Sligo haulage & Distribution, Tubbercurry, County Sligo, the winner of Fleet Transport Irish haulier of the Year Award for 2024.
Pictured at the handover were
black DAF in fashion for Interior Creation
A special black exterior has been created for Interior Creation’s new DAF XD 310 18-tonne 4x2 rigid with sleeper cab, featuring similar paintwork on the box body built and fitted by C TEC Engineering, Magherafelt, County Derry.
Stephen Mullen (Managing Director; Sligo Haulage), Paul O’reilly; (DAF Trucks Ireland, Fleet Sales Manager) and Gareth Mullen; Transport Manager, Sligo Haulage).
The paint work and livery was carried out by Steen Commercials with additional lighting and headboard provided by TrP, DAFs parts division.
Additional furnishing was carried out by Tuite’s Garage, Oldcastle. Interior Creation, based at Oldcastle, County Meath continues to manufacture some of the best fully assembled bedroom furniture available. It also supplies Gleneagle Furniture and Homelee bedding.
Operating out of Furze road in
Automotive Team’s new DAF XD flagship enters service
Sandyford, Dublin, the Automotive Team, which provides logistics, storage and event management and marketing for the automotive industry has put into service this new DAF XD 450 4x2 tractor-unit and Eroglu
6-vehicle Transporter trailer. The former International Truck of the Year and Fleet Transport Irish Fleet Truck of the Year, was chosen by Automotive Team’s Managing Director Gordon Goodwin after participating in an evaluation exercise last year.
Dennehy Commercials Dublin & Limerick deliver for MAN
JbC Deliveries, Dublin which is contracted to DIY & Hardware retailers and suppliers brooks recently bought this new MAN TGM 26.320 6x2 rigid truck with Fitzgerald dropside flatbed body and equipped with a Palfinger PK19.001SLD 5 Crane. Pictured at the handover were Patrick Cahill, Dennehy Commercials Dublin; Amit Ahuja, JbC Deliveries and his son Jay.
Another new MAN TGS 35.440 Tipper with an auto sheet Fitzgerald tipper body was sold by Martin Hough, Dennehy Commercials Limerick to Kieran Kelly Haulage Ltd. Pictured with the new truck along with Martin is John Nestor, the company’s long serving and loyal driver.
………… and renault Trucks
As Dennehy Commercials pulls down the shutters on its renault trucks dealership, one of the final handovers was this renault C.480 Tridem sold to McGrath Quarries, Callaghans Mills, County Clare, fitted with a Fitzgerald purpose built dropside body and a 34-tonne Palfinger Crane that’s fully remote controlled.
Max trailer 3 axle Lowbed extendable to 13m with travel height of 350mm. On pendle axles, in stock.
Faymonville lifting bed extendable low loader, rear steer, double flip ramps, option of grid or timber flooring. Can be speced to suit your requirements. In stock.
2025 Schmitz 8.2m tipping trailer, electric cover, sealed tail board, galvanised chassis, front lift axle, auto dump on suspension, in stock,
2025 Feldbinder bulk powder tank, 2 pot, 3 lid, rear lift axle, ladder and catwalk, BPW axles, engine frame, can be supplied with or without power pack. In Stock.
New Scania Truck Sales at T Nolan & Sons, Limerick
lIM er I ck MetA l & r ecycl IN g co MPANy
Two new Scania trucks
- 500G 8x4*4 with VDL skip loader and Palfinger Epsilon crane
- 500G 8x4 drawbar with Alloy Tipp refuse tipper body and Palfinger Crane
cAHA rcloug H tA r MAc lt D. c lo NM el, cou N ty tIPP er A ry
New Scania 500G XT 10x4 with Gleeson tipper body
Atl AN t I c Pl AN t H I re, lISS yc AS ey, cou N ty c l A re
New Scania 770 S 6x4 tractor-unit
Jo HN Mcg r At H H Aul Age, Mull INAH o N e, cou N ty tIPP er A ry
New Scania r770 6x2 tag tractor-unit
BOOK YOUR VEHICLE TEST
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2025 Profile Truckstar Festival, Assen celebrates 10th Anniversary
The 2025 Profile Truckstar Festival, held at the TT Circuit in Assen, netherlands, is Europe’s largest road transport festival. Over the weekend of 26 & 27 July, it featured over 2,200 trucks and attracted over 57,000 visitors. The 2025 event celebrated a special year as it marked the 10th anniversary of the Truckstar Festival and the 140th company anniversary of Broshuis, the Dutch company known for its impressive heavy-haul trailer combinations.
What started with a single trailer on display in 2015, the broshuis trailer presence has grown into an impressive convoy. This year, it presented an unforgettable line-up, with 140 combinations on exhibit.
Pictured are some of the standout classic trucks from the event taken by Stephen Murphy.
BM TRANSPORT
SCANIA VABIS
RENAULT MAGNUM
SCANIA T
SCANIA 141
VOLVO F SERIES
ERF EC14
NEW CENTER
The new center of gravity, F-MAX, brings together comfort, technology, and performance. With its new design, innovative technologies, and efficient GEN2 engine, the New F-MAX is starting a new era.
The Health and Safety Authority, in accordance with section 60(4)(a) of the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005 (No. 10 of 2005), and with the consent of Alan Dillon, Minister of State for Employment, Small business & retail, has published a new Code of Practice entitled Code of Practice: Safe Use of Industrial Trucks.
The new Code of Practice replaces the existing 2001 Code of Practice rideroperated lift trucks: operator training. It has an increased scope which addresses many of the issues associated with the operation of industrial trucks in the modern workplace. It applies to the use of all types of rider-operated industrial trucks in all workplaces. Its aim is to provide practical guidelines, based on a risk management framework and a Safe System Approach, in order to help duty-holders identify, assess and control the risks specific to the operation of rider-operated industrial trucks.
The purpose of the code is to achieve several objectives, including:
n raising awareness of the hazards associated with lift truck operation
n Promoting the consistent application of safe practices when using industrial trucks
n Highlighting the employers’ responsibilities to ensure their workplace is safe, their operators are competent, and they provide adequate
New Code of Practice; Safe Use of Industrial Trucks published by HSA
supervision
n Helping employers to do effective risk assessments and implement safe management systems
n Providing a framework for managing industrial truck operations in a more holistic, safe, and sustainable way by introducing new requirements based on a Safe Systems Approach of:
n safe drivers/operators,
n safe vehicles,
n safe workplace, and
n safe operations
n raising the overall standard and consistency of lift truck training, by encouraging those trainers who currently deliver excellent training courses to continue to do so and to raise the quality of training courses to a minimum, common, standard.
The Code of Practice provides a comprehensive resource for managing industrial truck risks in all workplaces.
The Code of Practice is intended to be used by the following stakeholders:
n operators of industrial trucks,
n supervisors, managers and those in control of places of work where rider-operated industrial trucks are used,
n organisations providing training for operators of industrial trucks,
n businesses that hire or lease industrial trucks to others,
n safety representatives and trade union representatives, and
n employers assessing competency and training needs when employing industrial truck operators.
Examples of common rider-operated industrial trucks covered by this Code of Practice include counterbalance
and reach forklifts, narrow aisle trucks, teleporters/telehandlers, side loaders, order pickers, lorry-mounted trucks, straddle carriers, container handlers, ride-on pallet trucks, etc.
oP er Ator tr AININ g
The code retains the general training requirements from the previous code but strengthens some aspects. It lays down basic course syllabi (Level 5 QQI) for counterbalance and reach forklift trucks and minimum qualification requirements for trainers/instructors (Level 6 QQI “Train the Trainer”) of these types of trucks. It sets out requirements on course duration and ratios stipulating 32.5 contact hours for the training of novice operators and setting a desirable trainee:instructor:truck ratio of 3:1:1. It advises that the principles set out for counterbalance and reach truck training programmes should be adapted and applied in training for other types of industrial trucks, and that, for example, the courses under CSCS/ QSCS can be adapted for the training of operators of telescopic handlers in other workplaces, such as docks, waste facilities, agriculture, etc.
Persons who own, hire, lease, handle, operate, store, transport, maintain or manage the use of a rider-operated industrial lift truck in the workplace should visit the Health and Safety Authority website www.hsa. ie to download a copy and familiarise themselves with the terms of this Code of Practice. The Health and Safety Authority also intends to run a number of webinars aimed at employers and training providers, to provide information to support its implementation, details of which will also be published on the website.
NAEC Stoneleigh,
Warwickshire,
England – 24/26 September 2025 – Part II
A record number of 14,000 visitors passed through the gates of the National Agricultural Exhibition Centre (NAEC) at Stoneleigh, near Coventry for the road Transport Expo (rTX) 2025, a 34% increase on last year for the event that hosts over 330 leading exhibitors from across the road transport and logistics industry. Fleet Transport, ever present at the event, continues its review of the show, highlighting the new products from the big and not so big names in the industry.
MAN truck
At last year’s Expo, MAN Truck & bus UK revealed the all-new eTGX electric tractor-unit flagship. For the 2025 event, it doubled the number of debutants with the launch of two eTGS rigid models: the 20.449 4x2 20t GVW and a 28.449 6x2 28-t GVW.
”With the new eTGS, ranges of 750 km are possible, all without the need for intermediate charging,” said a spokesman.
Mercedes-benz
The triple-pointed-star brand was once again represented by Midlands Truck & Van, the approved Mercedes-benz Commercial vehicle dealership located across the West Midlands & South of England. Taking pride of place on its stand was the new Mercedes-benz Actros e600 electric tractor-unit, the current International Truck of the Year 2025.
renault trucks
range, a key word in the naming of the French brand’s model line-up now has a new meaning as the move to electromobility across its line-up from light to medium to heavy duty continues. In the latter category is the T E-Tech 4x2 tractor-unit that comes
with 6 90kW batteries, providing up to 300km of range that’s extendable to 500km from a quick DC charge.
Dennis eagle
Dennis Eagle and Terberg Matec UK, part of Terberg Environmental Group are leaders in sustainable waste management. renowned for innovative refuse collection vehicles and handling equipment, they deliver integrated solutions, including electric rCVs, advanced telematics, and specialised services—shaping the industry with cutting-edge technology.
Terberg DTS
Terberg DTS (UK) Ltd, part of the royal Terberg Group is a supplier of special vehicles into logistics, distribution, ports and industrial applications.
The long established company supplies new and used vehicles, rental and sales including full r & M support with nationwide engineering coverage. Terberg’s motto: ‘Where special comes as standard’.
Isuzu truck
Isuzu Truck offers multi-award winning commercial vehicles throughout Europe with great success. A full range of products from 3.5t to 13.5t were on display with numerous body types
on attached ranging from, tippers, dropsides, box bodies and curtainsiders to roadside recovery versions, demonstrating the flexibility of the product line.
bradshaw/groupil
bradshaw Electric Vehicles is the distributor for Goupil, the French manufacturer of all-electric, light commercial, zero-emission road vehicles. Showcased were Goupil’s G2 and G4 platforms in short and long wheelbase forms that offer a wide selection of body configurations to suit various applications for low emission zones, towns and city centres.
bPw
The bPW tri-axle trailer exhibit featured EbPMS Plus, its ECO Hub system, CargoMaster strap lift system, and ePower. New for 2025, bPW premiered its tri-axle trailer exhibit, which displayed three of bPW’s leading axle and suspension systems: ECO Air on a disc brake, Airlight II on a drum brake, and Airlight II self-steer on a disc brake.
innovative, durable and highly accurate axle weighing solutions for the transport industry. Detailed was the new 6000 Series Dynamic Weighbridge, the world’s most accurate dynamic axle weighbridge, delivering total vehicle weights for a 6-axle tractor/ trailer combination in just 40 seconds with an accuracy of +/0.2%.
gItI tire
Singapore headquartered Giti Tire is one of the world’s largest tyre companies in terms of volume and revenue. On offer is a complete product range including tyres for passenger cars, 4x4, van, truck and bus. Prominent in the UK as sponsor of british Truck racing, Giti Tire UK launched three new products at the show, assuring customers of better performance and long life.
Prometeon tyre
The Prometeon Tyre Group returned to the NAEC to promote its commercial and off-road tyres. Its multi-brand portfolio includes Prometeon, Pirelli, Formula, Aeolus, Pharos, and Anteo. With four production plants and r&D facilities worldwide, the Group employs 8,000 people across five continents, representing over 40 nationalities.
westlake tyre
On a separate stand to its distributor SDC Trailers, Westlake Tyres honed in on its corporate sponsorship deal with Arsenal FC, dishing out some branded ‘Gunners’ merchandise. Westlake is the No.1 tyre manufacturer in China, established in 1958. It was 9th in the Top 75 Global Tyre Manufacturers in Year 2023 with sales reaching $4.7724 billion
Axtec
Axtec, the axle weighing specialist, continues to providing
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Engaging Connectivity
Fleet Transport is proud to announce the finalists for the Fleet Transport Irish haulier of the Year Awards which honours outstanding achievement and celebrates excellence, innovation and professionalism across the Irish road transport and logistics sector.
The winners will be announced at the Awards Gala Dinner which takes place on Thursday 16th October next at the Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield, County Meath.
C ATEGO rY F INALISTS AWARDS 2026
nATIO n AL hAULIER OF T h E YEAR 2026
sponsored by
Clare Distribution Services (Dublin)
Derry Group Ireland (Armagh, Waterford & Dublin)
McCulla Ireland (Antrim & Dublin)
Toner Transport & Logistics (Dublin)
Vanfleet Transport (Dublin)
Virginia International Logistics (Cavan)
Zellwood (Dublin)
Worrell Timber Group (Offaly)
recognising and rewarding best practice in the Irish road transport industry for the last number of years. This year once again our event provides a positive platform to see the best in the industry honoured for their endeavours, while availing of an unequalled opportunity to network and liaise with colleagues and meet with the players and buyers of Ireland’s top companies.
R EFRIGERATED T RA n SPORT S PECIALIST (In TER n ATIO n AL/nATIO n AL ) hAULIER OF T h E YEAR 2026
sponsored by
Derry Group Ireland (Armagh, Waterford & Dublin)
Dixon International Logistics (Dublin)
JS r yan Freight (Laois)
McCulla Ireland (Antrim & Dublin)
O’Toole Transport (Galway)
Virginia International Logistics (Cavan)
Zellwood (Dublin)
O W n ACCOU n T T RA n SPORT O PERATOR OF T h E YEAR 2026
sponsored by
Musgrave (Dublin)
Polar Ice Ltd (Laois)
Tile Merchant (Dublin)
O W n ER/D RIVER hAULIER OF T h E YEAR 2026
sponsored by
H&E Crilly (Louth)
Longwood Transport (Meath)
Polar Express refrigerated Logistics (Mayo)
R EGIO n AL T RA n SPORT O PERATOR OF T h E YEAR 2026
sponsored by
breen Transport (Wexford)
JS r yan Freight (Laois)
Sean Moriarty Transport (Louth)
Sligo Haulage & Distribution (Sligo)
Tony O’Mahony Agri Plant & Haulage (Cork)
S PECIALISED S ECTOR hAULAGE
O PERATOR OF T h E YEAR 2026
sponsored by
H&E Crilly (Louth)
Longwood Transport (Meath)
Vanfleet Transport (Dublin)
VA n F LEET AWARD 2026
sponsored by
ESb Networks (Dublin)
Iarnród Éireann (Dublin)
Uisce Éireann (Dublin)
Inn OVATIO n AWARD 2026
sponsored by
Derry Group Ireland (Armagh, Waterford & Dublin)
Longwood Transport (Meath)
Polar Ice Ltd (Laois)
Worrell Timber Group (Offaly)
Zellwood (Dublin)
S AFETY P RACTICE AWARD 2026
sponsored by
AQS Environmental (Tipperary)
Derry Group Ireland (Armagh, Waterford & Dublin)
Iarnród Éireann (Dublin)
Musgrave (Dublin)
Polar Ice Ltd (Laois)
Uisce Eireann (Dublin)
Worrell Timber Group (Offaly)
L IVERY AWARD 2026
sponsored by
A Transport Ltd (Kildare)
Clare Distribution Services (Dublin)
Derry Group Ireland (Armagh, Waterford & Dublin)
Iarnród Éireann (Dublin)
Polar Ice Ltd (Laois)
Sligo Haulage & Distribution (Sligo)
Tile Merchant (Dublin)
Transland Group (Dublin)
Uisce Éireann (Dublin)
Vanfleet Transport (Dublin)
Zellwood (Dublin)
Worrell Timber Group (Offaly)
F LEET/T RA n SPORT M A n AGER OF T h E YEAR 2026
sponsored by
brian rodgers - Worrell Timber Group (Offaly)
Cathal byrne - Longwood Transport (Meath)
Gareth Mullen - Sligo Haulage & Distribution (Sligo)
James Plunkett - Zellwood (Dublin)
Nicholas breen (breen Transport - Wexford)
Paul Fitzsimons - Vanfleet Transport (Dublin)
En VIRO n ME n T & S USTAI n ABILITY AWARD 2026
sponsored by
AQS Environmental (Tipperary)
Derry Group Ireland (Armagh, Waterford & Dublin)
Dixon International Logistics (Dublin)
ESb Networks (Dublin)
Uisce Éireann (Dublin)
Virginia International Logistics (Cavan)
Zellwood (Dublin)
W OME n I n T RA n SPORT AWARD 2026
sponsored by
Aishling O’Donnell - Worrell Timber Group (Offaly)
Anna Gorecka - FTA Ireland (Dublin)
bláithin Curran - Virginia International Logistics (Cavan)
Linda Daly - Sean Moriarty Transport (Louth)
rebecca Crowe - Musgrave (Dublin)
Sarah Lonergan - Dungarvan Transport (Waterford)
Vickie Anderson - A Transport Ltd (Kildare)
E XCELLE n CE I n WARE
C USTOMER S ERVICE E XCELLE n CE AWARD 2026
sponsored by
Derry Group Ireland (Armagh, Waterford & Dublin)
McCarthy Commercials (Cork, Kilkenny, Clare)
Musgrave (Dublin)
Shaw Commercials (Mayo)
Zellwood (Dublin)
E XPRESS/hOME D ELIVERY S ERVICE
P ROVIDER AWARD 2026
sponsored by
Clare Distribution Services (Dublin)
Tile Merchant (Dublin)
Sligo Haulage & Distribution (Sligo)
T EC hn ICIA n OF T h E YEAR 2026
sponsored by
The Transport Operations & Commercial Driving Apprenticeship provides the academic qualification and practical training and work experience that supports a vibrant and exciting career in the freight distribution and logistics sector. Apprentices will also receive expert driving lessons and training in advance of completing their C/CE driving test and attaining the Driver CPC qualification.
Colm Carey - Setanta Vehicle Importers (Dublin)
Natasha rowan - ESb Networks (Dublin)
Paul Guerin - Dennehy Commercials (Limerick)
S ERVICES TO T h E T RA n SPORT In DUSTRY AWARD 2026
The academic award for this apprenticeship is a Higher Certificate (NFQ level 6) in Business in Transport Services and is the first qualification on the national framework of qualifications (NFQ) linked to
sponsored by
for Apprentices
P RODUCT hA n DLI n G AWARD
sponsored by
Derry Group Ireland (Armagh, Waterford & Dublin)
Dixon International Logistics (Dublin)
Longwood Transport (Meath)
McCulla Ireland (Antrim & Dublin)
The ecipient of this award will be announced on the night.
sponsored by ecipient of this award will be announced on the night.
With a wealth of knowledge in the road transport and commercial vehicle industry built up since 1946, M50 Truck & Van Centre offers customers a complete solution for their truck, van, bus and coach requirements, ranging from vehicle, parts, sales to repairs and maintenance.
This well respected third generation family-run company currently operates from two main sites in North Dublin. The M50 Truck & Van Centre, established over two decades ago, is conveniently located off the M50 (Exit 5) in Northern Cross business Park, Finglas.
n New 6-bay garage workshop
n Newly extended 3-lane Commercial Vehicle roadworthiness Test Centre (CVrT)
n Mercedes-benz Van Sales and Truck & Van Service Centre
n Authorised service partner for Mercedes-benz & Setra buses and coaches
n FUSO Trucks Sales & Service centre
n Irish agent and service provider for Hoppecke Power Motive Systems
M50 Truck & Van Centre is a road Safety Authority (rSA) approved Commercial Vehicle roadworthiness Test Centre (CVrT), an authorised service partner for Mercedes-benz Vans and FUSO Trucks. In addition, M50 is the authorised Irish agent and service provider for Hoppecke Power Motive Systems.
Separately the M50 Ground Support Equipment division, based at Dublin Airport, offers all the services necessary for the upkeep and repair of all airport
M50 Truck & Van CentreNorth Dublin’s all-in-one
commercial vehicle service provider
New six bay garage with CVr T lane extension launched in 2025
related ground support vehicles and equipment.
new garage workshop and expansion of CVRT facilities
2025 marks significant investment in the M50 Truck & Van Centre, with a major expansion of facilities and services. A new six bay garage workshop has been constructed and an extra lane installed at the CVrT centre.
As one of the busiest CVrT Centres in the country, the introduction of an extra inspection lane was much needed. “The new three bay drive-thru inspection bays are earmarked, two for light commercials and the other for heavy duty trucks and buses,” explained Antonia Hendron, Managing Director, M50 Truck & Van Centre, adding that the new bays mean there are now no wait times for customers.
Adequate space at the back of the facility’s main building was allocated for the new Service bay Area, which was constructed within three months. This tall structure comes fully kitted out with MAHA lifting gear, exhaust emission extraction and solar panels, and generates enough self-made electricity to meet its requirementsincluding heating - with some to spare to return to the grid. All resources needed to meet the expansion, from new personnel to technical equipment and parts stocks are in place.
The CVrT Centres offers extended opening hours from 7am to 6 pm daily and from 9am to 12 noon on
Saturdays. Highlighting the extra levels of dedication and service that M50 Truck & Van Centre offers, two drivers are employed to collect and drop vehicles undergoing the test from customers’ premises if and when required.
Glen Guildea, Director, M50 Truck & Van Centre noted that all required resources are already in place to meet this extra business, with a strong and knowledgeable team of technicians and apprentices on hand, alongside a well-stocked parts supply. repair and maintenance packages, built in as part of leasing agreements, are another M50 forte, with the company offering predictive and preventive maintenance plans. To further support customer needs, three mobile services vans fully equipped with a broad stock of parts are available for breakdowns or off-site visits. Another recent development is that the job cards for vehicle maintenance have gone paperless, with digital recordings of the intake of work, parts and lubricants used, the labour content and invoicing, outlined transparently to the customer.
Dedicated Apprenticeship Training
Special attention is devoted to nurturing apprentices on their route towards full qualification. “We allocate expert technicians to mentor these up-and-coming technicians, assuring that they get plenty of practical experience from the garage workshop during their time here,” explained Glen.
Mercedes-Ben Vans dealer for north Dublin
As an appointed main dealer for Mercedes-benz Vans, M50 Truck & Van offers the full range of the multi-award winning Sprinter, Vito and Citan, all of which are now available in fully-electric versions.
“We are extremely proud to represent Mercedes-benz Vans as its dealer in the North Dublin region,” said Antonia Hendron. The line-up includes the spacious, reliable, and robust Sprinter which celebrates 30 years of production in 2025 and is the ‘van of choice’ amongst top fleet owners, delivery services, and van rental specialists. Easily capable of 1 million plus kilometres and more, the Sprinter also enjoys a high public profile within the National Ambulance Service and numerous privately owned
Exclusive dealer for all-electric Fuso
Another recent development has been the appointment of M50 as the sole dealer in Ireland for the Fuso eCanter, the electric version of the popular utility vehicle.
“We believe that with the niche product range that the Fuso Canter trucks offer from 3.5 tonnes to 8.55 tonnes, the electric eCanter variant fits in well with our current business model,” explained Glen Guildea. “We look forward to the challenges of the new era of electric vehicles and while the commercial market has been behind the curve on this zero emission technology when compared to the passenger car market, we firmly believe it will be the way forward for the light goods vehicles of the future.”
OmniPlus aftersales agent for Daimler Bus & Coach
“Since 2018 Daimler bus & Coach has been part of our portfolio of franchised products,” explained Glen Guildea. “OmniPlus is the brand name for appointed aftersales agents of Daimler bus & Coach, which incorporates Mercedes-benz and Setra coaches. These products are distributed by Daimler bus UK throughout the UK & Ireland and have been popular with coach and commuter service operators.”
ambulance fleets. Meanwhile the mid-sized Vito is the current holder of the prestigious Continental ‘Irish Van of the Year’ award, with the smaller Citan claiming the same award the year before.
Explaining the rationale for expanding into this business, Glen added: “This was a strategic business decision that gave us an avenue into an affluent tourist and commuter coach industry with specific maintenance and support requirements, and so specialist training was required for our team. This passenger transport business opened a new vehicle park for us to draw business
from and an opportunity to grow our business further into a previously untapped area. Our dedicated, trained staff have been very committed and collectively we have successfully grown both aspects of this franchised business successfully. Currently we have five fully trained Daimler bus Master Technicians and two dedicated bus specific callout vehicles, fully stocked with the necessary parts for roadside 24hr support services.”
From small beginnings to a state of the art business
What’s clear is that what began as the Summerhill Commercial repair Centre Ltd. in the heart of Dublin City has continued to progress and grow strongly since its move to Northern Cross business Park with ongoing significant increases in turnover and employment levels.
“The company has steadily grown to become one of Ireland’s best known commercial business. Our policy of continuous training of our employees and technicians, updating of our garage equipment, and retaining and growing our customer base has been fundamental to the success of our company for over seven decades,” concluded Antonia.
M50 Power Solutions is the official Irish agent for Hoppecke batteries, widely used across industrial sectors such as heavy machinery, motive-powered vehicles, and aviation equipment. M50 designs, manufactures and supplies motive power batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, accessories, outdoor enclosures, and charging bay solutions tailored to meet a broad range of applications.
Over the last 13 years, M50 has established a strong and diverse customer portfolio, working with respected names in the logistics sector. However its greatest achievements lie within the aviation sector, where it has become a trusted partner of airlines and handlers in Irish Airports.
M50 Apprentices
Mary McHugh, Connacht Regional Fundraise Cancer Fund for Children/ Daisy Lodge with Michael Craddock, Show Organiser
At the 52nd IRhA Annual General Meeting & Conference held in Galway on 13 September 2025, Ger hyland, President, Irish Road haulage Association (IRhA) called for a united front approach in dealing with environmental, operating costs, staffing issues and sustainability in his keynote address to delegates.
Noting that it was truly an honour to represent the IrHA as President - an organisation, he said “that represents the backbone of our economy, the driving force behind our supply chains, and the spirit of Irish enterprise, resilience, and hard work”, the County Laois haulier covered major topics of concern amongst the haulage fraternity in his keynote address. They included the ongoing truck driver shortage, the high toll charges and unnecessary delays at
IrHA AGM & Conference 2025
“We are Ireland’s haulage industry, and we keep Ireland moving “
booths, the driver test saga and costly fuel levies. All these issues connected to his main theme of creating “a more joined up thinking” regime, from the top down at Government level to the various State agencies and down to fellow members and operators.
Commenting on the driver shortage situation, Ger explained that there is an opportunity to employ drivers from abroad who are willing and able to start work but their applications are tied up with lengthy bureaucracy and red tape, ‘which is unacceptable’, he said.
“4,000 drivers are needed over the next 5 years and shortages will start to have a negative impact as soon as this Christmas! I have called on government to take simple steps to alleviate the bureaucracy that is preventing us from bringing in drivers from countries like South Africa to meet demand. We have met with Ministers calling for urgent help to cut red tape to bring in more overseas drivers in the short term, but also to remove barriers preventing young Irish men and women taking up roles as HGV drivers.
As the system is currently operating, there is a complete mismatch between the operation of the licensing exchange programme operated by the Department of Transport, the visa requirements operated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Employment Permit Schemes being operated by the Department of Enterprise. Each of these entities apply differing rules, require -
ments and timescales which are not joined up or operated effectively,” he explained.
Tolls add significantly to hauliers’s daily expenses, not only with the continually high costs at booths nationwide (which have seen rate increase each year for no reason), but delays on entering and exiting the barriers also create an environmental impact.
“Over €26million is wasted on diesel, which also generates almost 45 thousand tonnes of carbon annually, as trucks have to come to a complete stop at the barriers, losing momentum and then having to move off again. A barrier free system for toll tagged trucks, or a number plate recognition system like what’s on the M50 is required, all around the country,” he said.
“These fees are costing hauliers over €100,000 per day and these motorways are well paid for by now. For example, the M50/West Link, which cost €60m to build in 2008 has generated €2.2 billion for the exchequer to date.”
referring to the aforementioned M50, which is the main pathway to Dublin Port and is now continuously congested, Ger called for the abolition of this toll and an acceleration of the construction of a so called Outer ring road parallel to the M50.
As more and more hauliers are using HVO - Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil as a carbon reducing alternative fuel while bearing the additional cost of this fuel,
Ger Hyland, President, Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA)
Ger has again called on Government Agencies to put the price of HVO on a par with diesel in order for everyone to benefit, enable hauliers to remain competitive and achieve environmental benefits.
“All too often, the haulage industry is treated like villains in the climate change debate. We face ever-increasing taxes, carbon levies, fuel increases, and red tape, all levied with the aim of making our industry greener. Haulage is ready to reduce carbon emissions in the morning by 90% simply by switching from diesel to HVO fuel. but it needs to make economic sense.
We have sensible proposals to green our industry but Government needs to work with us on them.”
Ongoing matters relating to the truck driving test backlog and the high levies charged at the annual Commercial Vehicle roadworthiness Test (CVrT) has put the spotlight on the road Safety Authority (rSA) once again. The IrHA President was strong on his demand for a total review and reformation of the Government’s national safety organisation.
On behalf of the IRhA AGM & Conference title sponsor, Donal Cox, Vice President Commercial, Thermo King EMEA, Trane Technologies said that it was a privilege that the event was held in Galway—a city renowned for its spirit of innovation and community, and one that holds a special place in the heart of Thermo King and Trane Technologies.
“For almost fifty years, our Thermo King Galway site has been a cornerstone in the history of our company, producing top-tier products and setting benchmarks in quality, efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.
The exceptional team here - their skill, dedication, and creativity continually inspire us, pushing our business and technology to new heights. We are immensely proud to call this remarkable community a pillar of Thermo King’s
He recalled the front-line actions taken during the Covid pandemic lockdowns and how the road transport industry responded to meet any logistical demand required. “Great goodwill was achieved during that period, proving that we are always there when needed. It is past time that this was acknowledged by all concerned to ensure that the strength of our economy is maintained.”
“For generations, haulage families have supported rural Ireland, delivering our food, supporting our farmers, powering our multinationals, keeping our hospitals supplied and keeping our economy moving.
The dedication and commitment shown keeps Ireland’s haulage industry as one of the most successful, innovative and hardworking in Europe. Ireland, as an island, is more dependent on road transport than any other country on the mainland of Europe, with up to 98% of goods transported by road. When the haulage industry stops – Ireland’s economy stops.
It really is that simple. The success of the Irish economy can be measured
success. We are deeply committed to shaping a healthier, sustainable future through innovation and responsibility, creating meaningful change for our customers and the communities we serve.
A key part of our transformational journey is partnership. We have recently formed a strategic collaboration with Trailer Dynamics, a technology innovator of eTrailers, alongside German trailer manufacturer Krone.
Innovations pioneered here in Galway, such as the Advancer and Evolution product lines, are leading the way in sustainable transport refrigeration, reinforcing our competitive edge and our environmental stewardship. One such innovation is AxlePower in association with bPW.”
Donal also acknowledged the high value of its main dealer, ballinlough,
by how our sector is performing. When we hit obstacles and bumps, then the economy suffers too. As an industry, we are resilient. We are more than transport providers. We are problem-solvers. We are employers in our own communities. We are caretakers of a tradition passed through generations of hauliers. And as hauliers, we must remain a united force. We are stronger when we work together. When hauliers collaborate, share experience, advocate collectively, and support each other, we get results. We now have an opportunity to show people that we are a modern progressive organisation that is indispensable to the Irish economy.
We need Government to listen, truly listen, to the stark realities and challenges we face. Our members want to keep moving but have shown that they are not afraid to shut this country down to highlight the damage that certain policies are doing to our industry. Let us not underestimate our power when we are united. remember, we are stronger when we work together,” he concluded.
Donal Cox, Vice President Commercial, Thermo King EMEA, Trane Technologies
providing service 24/7.
More details from Donal’s speech will feature in the next issue of Fleet Transport.
Hildegarde Naughton, Minister for Disability in the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, formerly in the Department of Transport, with special responsibility for International and road Transport and Logistics between 2020 and 2022 was the guest speaker at the IrHA Conference annual dinner.
She began her address by stating that the road haulage sector is of strategic national importance, especially for an island nation like Ireland. It is a critical enabler of a functioning supply chain. It brings essential supplies – food, medicines, construction products, the list goes on – in and out of the country.
For all your work during brexit, Covid and the Ukraine crisis, and for all the work you continue to do every day, often in very challenging circumstances, I thank you. Your tireless dedication has helped keep our country and our
economy functioning in the face of great crises over recent years.
It’s so important that this collaboration continues outside of moments of crises, and that groups like the IrHA continue play a vital role in the continued development of transport and freight policy.”
She mentioned sustainability and the green challenge. “Given the fact that our road transport fleet is almost exclusively fuelled by diesel, decarbonisation will be a significant challenge in the medium to long term. Changes to EU emission standards will drive a major increase in the production and availability of Zero Emission Vehicles in the years ahead. There are supports available for hauliers looking to make the transition today, with €3.5 million available this year under the Zero Emission Heavy Duty Vehicle Purchase Grant Scheme.
A new Fleet Assessment Audit also offers businesses an assessment by an independent energy advisor, who will provide guidance on the transition to zero emission vehicles. The development of additional support schemes is a priority for Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI).
Increasing the blend of biodiesel in the national fuel mix and provision of eco-driving courses with grant support are of some help. In addition, the Department is finalising a detailed study on HVO use in the HGV sector which may also be of benefit.
She also covered the tolls issue and truck driver licence delays. “The Government is committed to continue working collaboratively with the IrHA in the years ahead,” she concluded.
Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie Photos: Jarlath Sweeney & Paul Sherwood
Pictured (l-r) are members of the IRHA - Paul Jackman, Michael Collins, Sandra Dennehy, IRHA; Minister Hildegarde Naughton, Eugene Drennan, IRHA, Ger Hyland – IRHA President; David McArdle, IRHA; Donal Cox – Vice President of Thermo King EMEA; John Ryan, Paul Toner and John Nolan, IRHA.
In a world where every day seems to bring further threats of disruption to the best laid plans of governments, businesses and citizens in their efforts to make the world a better place for present and future generations, a recent rather low-key announcement has to be great news.
rosslare Europort has confirmed that the port has received a Marine Area Consent from the Marine Area regulatory Authority (MArA) to enable the application for planning permission for the offshore wind support project there to proceed. This consent grants Iarnrod Eireann, as the Port Authority for rosslare Europort, the right to occupy a part of the Irish State’s maritime area. It also allows the development project to proceed to the next stage of the statutory consenting process with a Planning Submission which they will submit this autumn. All going well this would enable the project to be completed within three years.
At that stage the size of the existing port will be doubled through the reclamation of approximately 2.5 hectares of land while also delivering a deeper shipping channel and the construction of two additional
From where I’m sitting by Howard Knott Is offshore wind energy at last a realisable dream?
deep-water berths. This will enable rosslare to be capable of supporting the preparation of wind turbines and all the associated infrastructure along with the maintenance facilities to support their operation.
I think that even before the brexit prompted explosion of ro-ro services through rosslare, the notion that the port was in the right place to be a major service location for the planned wind farms off the Irish East and South coasts was very much alive, and that that industry has been pawing the ground awaiting such a development.
Why this seems to me to be so important is that the increase in the demand for electric power is relentless, while at the same time the environmental damage being done using fossil fuels is becoming more apparent every day. It was extraordinary to hear recently that, though there continues to be significant investment in wind farms, solar farms and specification of most buildings to incorporate solar panels, the increase in electric power usage in Ireland has meant that the amount of fossil fuel, specifically Natural Gas, being burnt for electricity production has remained constant. If this remains the case the cost of electric power will remain high and at the whim of potential political bad actors.
As an aside it is interesting to note that while there has been great emphasis on the use of roof-mounted solar panels, water harvesting and the like in most new Irish Distribution Centres and other significant buildings to minimise the environmental footprint, this focus does not appear to be the case in other European countries.
For a number of years, the Wind Energy Development lobby has been highly critical of the slow bureaucratic progress in Ireland in regard to facilitating offshore energy projects. Perhaps though the slow development pace will enable the technology of the wind farms to move further ahead based on experience elsewhere. Furthermore the current efforts of the Trump Administration in the US to restore ‘King Coal’ to its former prominent position in the energy hierarchy by disallowing most offshore wind power projects (even those off the US East Coast that are 80% completed), might enable the Wind Turbine builders to focus on the development of projects around the Irish coast.
It is also perhaps encouraging that serious projects are underway to enhance the Irish Electricity transmission network. Without that housing developments are stalled, and the move towards the full adoption of electric motive power for road vehicles is frustrated. More important must be developing the generation of sufficient power to enable the development of hydrogen which would appear to be potentially a very valuable fuel resource.
Work is currently underway to integrate Ireland into a European power network with a series of interconnectors, and these will enable Irish interests to become sellers rather than simply buyers of power. The effort to achieve that whole prospect and the determination to make it happen must replicate the ambition of the people and agencies behind the Ardnacrusha hydroelectric scheme of the 1920s.
Text: Howard Knott – contributor@fleet.ie
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The completion of Phase 2 of Terminal 4 in Dublin Port, formerly known as the Common User Terminal, marks a further step in the complete modernisation of the port facilities carried out within the scope of the port’s masterplan. The terminal, which is operated by Doyle Shipping Group (DSG), has been expanded, adding some 160 trailer spaces which will facilitate the handling of an additional 100,000 trailer movements annually.
redevelopment of Dublin Port’s Terminal 4 drives ahead
The extension of the trailer handling area within the developed Terminal has been made using land that until recently has been used for empty container storage. The land used within the port area for such storage has now been reduced to eight hectares from the pre-masterplan area of 40 hectares.
Speaking at the launch DSG manager Shane Morgan said: “This new capacity will give DSG much needed space to facilitate the growth of trailer volumes direct from mainland Europe”
The terminal is being used to support the growing unaccompanied ro-ro trade which now accounts for three quarters of the trailer traffic through Dublin Port. Overall DPC has invested €217 million in the development of the terminal and the project, to date, has been delivered on time and on budget.
Liebherr equipment for CLdN Terminal
CLdN, which is a significant user of the DSG facility in Dublin Port has also chosen Liebherr Container Cranes to deliver five new rTG’s for its Killingholme terminal being developed on the Humber Estuary. CLdN stated that the electric rTG’s will replace part of its
existing fleet of diesel-powered reach stackers, and each will have a lift capacity of 41 tonnes under the spreader and a gantry span of 35 metres which will enable the stacking of containers 18 metres high. The rTG’s are presently being built and will be introduced to
r
DSG has also invested significantly in the development of its handling equipment at the terminal. Included in this is the recent order from Liebherr Container Cranes in Killarney for a new ship-to-shore crane and the confirmation of an order for another three wide spanned electric rubber Tyred Gantries (rTG’s). Their introduction to service next October will coincide with work that Dublin Port is doing. Completion of this work will enable DSG to handle up to 250,000 teu at the Terminal.
In addition to the normal Monday to Friday opening times at the terminal for container collection and delivery, the DSG terminal is currently open from 05.00 to 12.30 on Saturday and from 12.00 to 19.00 on Sunday to encourage cargo owners and hauliers to spread their operating times.
service in early 2026 to facilitate the further development of CLdN’s North Sea services. The Killingholme investment follows significant upgrades being made to the company’s terminals at Liverpool and London.
ail Wagon builder WH Davis issues statement on Iarnród Eireann order
Wh Davis, the UK’s sole remaining independent railway wagon manufacturer, has confirmed an initial order worth £44 million to supply 150 freight wagons to Iarnród Eireann. The order has been supported by the UK export credit agency.
This contract will see the first wagons delivered by mid-2026, with the order full completed and the 150 wagons delivered and in service by the end of 2027. WH Davis will deliver a further 250 wagons over the next ten years.
According to the WH Davis statement: “The new wagons offer a third more carrying capacity compared to Iarnród Eireann’s older fleet and are faster too with a maximum speed of 110km/h (up from 80km/h). With larger and faster wagons more companies will be able to use them for transporting goods to businesses and communities around Ireland”
rail freight movement using the new rail terminal built by Dublin Port outside the main port gates remains suspended.
Text: Howard Knott - howard@fleet.ie
The new eActros 600
CHARGED TO CHANGE
A new chapter in the history of the transport sector: The new eActros 600 for long-distance transport is fully electric, sustainable and more profitable than ever before.
Why are margins traditionally low in the Irish road transport industry? There are many reasons, with the main factor being competition and lack of self belief in the real value created by the industry.
Take the construction industry in order to compare and contrast. For example a developer that has thrown up a shoddy product. Largely free of any real regulation within a market which had no idea of the value of the item being purchased a couple bought the house in the suburbs for €1.5 million when in fact it was a property that cost €400k nett to build. Factor in taxes and the rest was margin on land and building cost.
Competition in the marketplace forced prices up with the more paid the better clientele of neighbour guaranteed. The developers’ huge gross margin was only reduced by high overheads, which was a means to divert funds into high life at home and abroad.
Don’t get me wrong, developers are needed now more than ever and the Government has promised billions to support much needed infrastructure such as water, power and roads. However why is there not some support for a strategic industry like road transport that would improve efficiency and sustainability?
Working for Profit
In the road haulage industry overheads remain tight, and typically finance houses will only finance a business if personal guarantees are given. As soon as there is any light at the end of the tunnel the firm could be hit by either the customer requesting a rate stability demand as operational costs spiral or have a competitor try to muscle in.
It should be the accepted norm that margins of double digits are achievable in transport if operating a compliant and efficient business. Profitable businesses can take advantage of reinvestment to increase productivity and long term sustainability of the industry, but it means indigenous businesses can develop and compete with their much larger European counterparts and that the business has a cash flow to reduce the stress of working capital management and enabling to concentrate on the core activity of efficient, compliant transport services.
because the transport industry is a core ingredient in Ireland’s economic economic development why should hauliers not expect to have a higher margin from their business? This margin is created by the efficiencies and cost control built into the business, along with the long hours, hard work and determination. So, unlike the construction developer, margin in road transport is hard earned and really is only
eroded by non-compliant or misguided competitors and by some customers whose own greed for profit has to overrule all others.
being one of the most competitive industries in Ireland is healthy overall but obviously an industry with higher margins and better regulation will in the long term be more beneficial to the economy and nation.
So how can transport business go about improving their margins? Well a key factor is making it clear to customers just how valuable the service provided by the industry is. One suggestion would be to list the total number of skills in the company needed to master a compliant and efficient transport firm, then look at the onerous repercussions of accidents in transport. Explain why transport is the only industry that applies marginal costing principles to determine a rate (a backload rate, which is below the full cost does contribute to margin). When you explain that such practice is similar to booking the last appointment with a GP, getting a minor procedure (blood pressure check) and then trying to negotiate the charge from €80 to €25 because all the previous patients covered the overhead and the consultation time used was short, maybe the penny might drop…
Text: Donal Dempsey –
When Irish road Haulage Association (IrHA) delegates gathered in Galway in early September to discuss the state of the sector, there was a clear sense of nervousness and a lot of dissatisfaction in the road transport industry. In the lead up to the annual general meeting, the IrHA had received extensive media coverage, all positive. Ger Hyland has grown into a media performer, having gained confidence in the last two years of his Presidency. As he starts a second term at the helm, his experience will be of immense value to the association.
His speech delivered at the Saturday night banquet was well structured and critical of the Government and its agencies. Long time members may have been reminded of a speech delivered by a former President, the late John Thomson in Cork, back in 1992. In the presence of the then Minister of State at the Dept of Transport, Noel Treacy, Mr. Thomson, in a well-structured address, was highly critical of the Government and its policies. It was a turning point to an extent in the relationship between successive governments and the transport industry.
Ger Hyland didn’t hold back in his comments. He began by recognising the importance of family run haulage companies like his own, as forming the backbone of the Irish economy. Ger is third generation, and he hopes it will
pass to the fourth generation. road transport is responsible for 98% of freight moved in Ireland, he said.
In the past few year’ road hauliers have been there when required. Starting with brexit which was followed by the Covid crisis and then the war in Ukraine, these events led to extraordinary commitment from the industry and its drivers. While other sectors were able to cash in on extra payments and bonuses, in some cases drivers were not even allowed into customers’ premises to use basic facilities. Despite this effort recognition was limited. Thanks would have been appreciated a little more, similar to that which was heaped on other sectors.
roll on a few years and we had the crisis in Holyhead with the damage to docking berths after Storm Darragh. It took a monumental effort by operators and their drivers to get good which were stockpiled at the port delivered before Christmas. Extra miles, extra diesel and extra cost, but very little in the way of extra financial reward or compensation, in stark contrast to the way some of the utility companies were treated.
Something that irked me at the time was a statement from the Department for Transport, stating how it had managed to get a short derogation for hauliers on the driving regulation. Let’s give the benefit if the doubt and accept that it was worded badly, probably by a Department official, but let’s be clear, any derogation was for the country as a whole.
Going back to Ger Hyland’s address on the Saturday night, he was clear in his message. He reiterated the cost burden on hauliers, with 32% of all gross income going on taxation of one sort or
Many issues and topics discussed at 52nd IrHA AGM & Conference
another, comprising of eight elements in total. His comment that the road Safety Authority (rSA) is not fit for purpose is a view held by many and it has not been helped by the current fiasco in the driver testing system. A call to have it disbanded may be seen as severe, but it should be a wakeup call to the agency and the relevant Minister that something is wrong. Continuing, he pointed to the lack of communication between the various agencies when foreign drivers arrive in Ireland seeking work, leading to long delays before they are fit to be gainfully employed. barrier free tolling is an unnecessary cost and contributor to pollution. Dealing with climate change, Mr. Hyland stated the call for carbon neutral and the targets are unrealistic. Not only in Ireland, but all over Europe there are calls to reduce the deadlines for carbon neutral transport and make better use of some of the alternatives that are available. Ger said that the use of HVO fuel across the board would reduce our carbon footprint by 90%.
Much of what the IrHA is looking for will not be a big cost on the State, namely a reduction in red tape, improved efficiency and communication between Government Departments and agencies, a review of the tax burden, and finally a realistic look at the way the sector is reducing its carbon footprint.
Ger Hyland and his new management team are approaching their next term with vigour and determination. Two politicians were in attendance over the weekend, Independent TD, Carol Nolan and Fine Gael Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton. Let’s hope they heard everything and will bring it back to the floor of the Dail.
In the past the Government hid behind the Green Party when it came to transport policy and climate action. That hiding place is now gone so it must fess up. The IrHA and its President and management team say their patience is limited.
Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie
THE NEXT GENERATION eCANTER. AVAILABLE NOW. CONTACT YOUR DEALER TODAY.
An integral part of the commercial vehicle trade in Ireland and abroad for almost six decades, the harris Group continues to evolve. Over that period of time, the company that was founded and led for many years by Robert ‘Pino’ harris has overseen the sale of more than 100,000 new commercial vehicles many of them from the hino truck brand which Pino introduced to the Irish market, but also Isuzu trucks and commercials and, more latterly, higer buses and Maxus vans. In addition harris successfully held the Iveco truck and van franchise for more than twenty years.
Currently more that 15,000 commercial units are newly number plated each year, sold through 120 dealers, with 150 employees undertaking the work involved.
The Ireland and UK marketplaces are where the Harris group primarily concentrates its daily business activity, with the
Maxus and Isuzu brands leading the charge. Hereto-fore the Hino 700 series made the initial serious impact in the UK market for years (after the demise of the british marque Foden).
Other significant milestone in its development timeline was the appointment of Denise Harris as CEO in 2017, the move to new corporate headquarters nearby on the Long Mile road, Dublin the year after, followed by the establishment of the Harris Group Training Academy in 2022.
Harris Group: Delivering Strategic Growth & Commercial Vehicle Product Expansion
*Keeping customers central to both sales and aftersales journeys
During that time the Maxus commercial brand (formerly known as LDV) was officially launched in the UK. Owned by the Chinese conglomerate, the SAIC Corporation, it is also the parent company of MG Cars. Developments in the UK included the original office and parts depot in Warrington being replaced by a larger facility in Liverpool. Two years ago a strategic reorganisation of senior management was undertaken, the results of which are now well in place. 2025 marks the formation of Harris bus & Coach in britain and the extension of the Maxus range to include the new 7.5-tonne electric truck chassis/ cab model called the Maxus 75, with additions at the heavier end in years to come.
“We’re immensely proud of what we have accomplished in the recent past. We firmly believe we have a challenging but achievable commercial strategy in place, and the right team to deliver it. Our commercial vehicle offering is one
Maxus eTerron 9
New Maxus 75
of the most comprehensive available,” said brian Patterson. Group Managing Director, Harris Group.
“That’s why it’s vital we meet and exceed the expectations of our retail partners and customers. The actions we’ve taken in recent months to refine processes and deliver change clearly demonstrate our ability to provide quality, value and outstanding service,” he added.
Also worthy of note is that Harris is Maxus’s number one global distributor, as well as the largest distributor in Europe for Isuzu and Higer.
With the majority of the Maxus models on sale electrically powered, the Harris Group has understandably focussed on carbon neutrality, saving up to 11 million kgs of CO2 to date.
behind the scenes, the structures in place at the Harris Group headquarters not only cover vehicle sales, but technician training and aftermarket services including an efficient parts supply set-up. Each department has its own senior personnel that cover everything from operations, the dealer
network and finance to customer care and marketing.
At the dedicated Training Centre, Keith Mooney (pictured below), Director of the Training Academy at the Harris Group outlined the intensity of the programmes involved, noting the special emphasis on electric powertrains and all of the safety issues surrounding this ever advancing technology.
Technicians and apprentices are trained and examined to the Maxus Level 4 standard, with 304 ‘students’ having passed through the two in-house classrooms and workshops over the past two and half years.
“Aftersales support, technical expertise and customer care remain central to the business, with ongoing investment to ensure exceptional service throughout every vehicle’s lifecycle,” stated brian.
As the number of Maxus light commercial vehicles on offer has increased in recent years, so too has the growth of the brand, recording an impressive 106.5% increase on average year-onyear. Maxus can boast numerous large fleet operators listed within its customer base. Most recently announced was a large deal with Tesco for 750 eDeliver 9 electric models.
A run through the 60,000 sq.ft parts warehouse within the vast compound demonstrated the enormity of the amount of stock racked (26,000 parts and components worth an estimated €12m). Together with the current Maxus and Isuzu models lines, spare parts are also available for legacy brands such as Hino and LDV.
On the back of all of this is a telematics package called Maxus Intelligence Solution, which provides real time data though experienced global providers Geotab.
MAXUS scales new heights
In just ten years the Chinese Maxus light commercial vehicle range has gained a strong presence in the Irish and british marketplaces. At the press gathering hosted at Harris HQ, the new eDELIVEr 75 was revealed. The all-electric 7.5t light truck is set to address rising demand for clean and efficient urban, inter-urban and last-mile transport solutions. It joins a diverse Maxus portfolio that includes the multi-award winning eDELIVEr 3, 5, 7, and 9 electric light commercials, diesel variants of the Deliver 7 and 9, the T60 MAX and all-electric eTErrON 9 pick-ups, plus the MIFA 7 and MIFA 9 electric MPVs.
For the longer term the Harris Group has ambitious plans for the truck sector, with a product range spanning various powertrain options and weight categories. Designed to meet diverse customer needs, the line-up will compete strongly in the marketplace, backed by a robust service network.
“This is a turning point for Harris Group,” brian emphasised. “Our measured, sustainable growth plan reflects our commitment to customers, staff and dealers, and secures the company’s long-term future; a future built on exceptional customer service.”
SpeCialiStS in ContraCt Hire of CommerCial
VeHiCleS.
TRUCK & VAN CENTRE
Setanta Vehicle Importers, probably best known as the national distributor of Renault Trucks and Red Edition Renault vans for Ireland. has undertaken a collaboration project with leading German trailer manufacturer Meiller to co-develop the Grandload Tipping semi-trailer (half pipe). Both companies’s technical and engineering teams have designed a specific Aggregate half Pipe Trailer for the UK and Ireland markets. The semi-trailer underwent extensive redevelopment to meet the construction and use regulations of 5.5T/M (UK) and 5.75 T/M (IRL) on the wheelbase.
Setanta Vehicle Importers and
Meiller co-develop Grandload Tipping semi-trailer (Half pipe)
Alfie barker, General Manager, Setanta Vehicle Importers Ltd., explained the focus on the project:
“As you may be aware, EU-manufactured Half Pipes in this sector are very limited, especially in the UK as they do not have a product to meet the overall requirements enforced by VOSA. Therefore, this was a significant engineering feat to make this happen.”
He added that the following criteria had to be met:
n Engineer a new chassis to allow for the longer tipping body n New tipping body design to incorporate the additional length n Advanced Automatic/remote
New ECOmode on Thermo King Advancer Trailer refrigeration Units cuts Fuel Consumption
A new operating mode for Thermo King’s Advancer trailer refrigeration units, named ECOmode, helps fleet operators significantly improve fuel efficiency, without having to compromise on reliable temperature control of cargo.
It offers customers a smart balance between tighter temperature control and reduced fuel consumption. by expanding the Advancer range’s operational flexibility, ECOmode enables transporters to optimise performance based on cargo sensitivity and delivery profile.
Adding to the existing Continuous and CycleSentry (start-stop) operating modes, ECOmode delivers fuel consumption reduced by up to 50% compared to continuous operation, while maintaining significantly tighter temperature control compared to CycleSentry mode. In ECOmode, the
Controlled sliding tarpaulin to meet the new body length
n Newly designed Hydraulic Cylinder, designed and manufactured by Meiller in-house. As it required additional stability due to COG, also faster tipping speeds under lower pressures to meet the requirements of IrL and UK truck PTO specifications.
n Achieving 45S tipping and 90s Lowering
“In addition to this, Meiller is now investigating new Cylinder Cradles to allow for UK style Weight Cells. This will be an evolution of the model we just launched. Therefore, we have not stopped the innovation on the model. Tipping trailers are unsung heroes, without them, we would be a lot slower building our infrastructure.”
Advancer limits the temperature deviation from the set point and ensures sequential airflow to keep protecting the cargo.
This new operating mode is particularly suited to operations transporting goods that require tight, but not ultra-tight temperature control. It delivers improved temperature management than in the traditional start-stop mode, offering carriers the benefit of reduced operational costs while preserving cargo safety, integrity and compliance.
From September 2025, ECOMode will be included as a standard feature on all new Thermo King Advancer units. It is also available as a software retrofit through the Thermo King dealer network.
“We are continuously innovating to help our customers reduce fuel
consumption without compromising precious cargo. ECOmode adds to the features our customers already value in the Advancer range, such as industry-leading refrigeration capacity, temperature recovery and pulldown performance – all with complete transparency of fuel levels and consumption,” said Galway based Colm O’Grady, product leader Trailer at Thermo King. “We have introduced ECOmode to give more flexibility and control to fleet managers and help them reduce their operational costs.”
All Thermo King Advancer units offer complete transparency of fuel levels and consumption, accessible both on the unit and remotely via telematics. Thermo King’s TracKing platform is standard with every Advancer unit including two years of full, two-way telematics connectivity service.
Long Wheel Base
Setanta Vehicle Sales are excited to introduce the brand-new Meiller Long Wheel Base Tipping Trailer. Fully 46 T compliant, allowing you to operate at Ireland’s maximum legal load capacity. We have these models in stock and ready to go.
MEILLER Tipping Trailer LONG WHEEL BASE
With a 25m³ (32.6 cu yd) capacity, this trailer is built for performance and efficiency. Fitted with BPW axles and suspension with drum brakes and front lift, it combines strength with smooth handling. Key features include an automatic dump valve, rear-to-front cover, and a robust Hardox body (5mm floor, 4mm side and front walls) for maximum durability. Weighing just 7,200 kg, it’s powered by a reliable Meillermanufactured ram that lifts in 45 seconds and lowers in 90 seconds – built to keep your operations moving.
Schmitz cargobull
Highlight: New S.KO Urban 10.5m refrigerated semi-trailer with command rear steer axle, developed for the UK & Ireland markets.
krone
Krone Trailer has a highly experienced team providing a full range of semi-trailers, parts, service and repair agents in the UK & Ireland.
kässbohrer
Since 1893, Kässbohrer has developed award-winning trailers to meet the diverse transportation needs of its customers and operations.
trailers at rt X 2025
Fruehauf
From a 64-acre facility in Grantham, it crafts durable, high-performance trailers for agriculture, aggregates, waste management, and haulage.
Sunswap/Hireco
A joint venture between the two companies, Hireco”s first fully electric refrigerated trailer from Sunswap can be charged from the mains and topped up with solar power.
Megalift
Following its successful debut at Powergen 2025 in Dallas, Texas, the Monaghan based trailer mounted container lifter was back at rTX.
Hammar
World’s leading manufacturer of sideloaders. More than 50 years of experience. Setting standards for smart and simple container handling.
Palfinger uk
Sole distributor for Palfinger truck cranes, Epsilon construction cranes, Palfinger hook & skiploaders with over 30 years’ experience.
Manitou
Manitou, through MEb Equipment and Eamonn bolger exhibited a range of Truck Mounted Forklifts, both Masted & boom 4-Way.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
Every craftsman needs tools for their trade. From apprenticeship on to undertaking a full time career a specific selection of machines, tools and other equipment becomes part of the daily operations and business in general. These devices become invaluable, precious even, and are well protected by their owners.
Often though, when carrying out big projects it can be difficult to transport all of this gear, particularly if the work is remote and off-road. Just think about how repair and maintenance is done on the growing number of Wind Turbines, Towers and Tunnels.
In such situations enter Woodstock Welding Services, a bespoke company that has for a number of years provided customised metalwork to large-scale structural welding, on and off-site. but not only that, the unique business is backed up by a specialised, self-designed fleet of heavy duty trucks that can only be described as impressive and
Woodstock Welding Services - Expert Welding and Fabrication Solutions
inspiring. The person behind these engineering creations and feats is barry Prendergast, hailing from the townland of Woodstock, near ballindine, County Mayo.
During a recent visit by Fleet Transport to barry’s large workshop, both of the specialist all-wheel-drive trucks were luckily on site, namely the MAN HX60 18.330 4x4 and the more recently acquired Mercedes-benz Arox 6x4, important assets which showcase the precision, durability, and creativity that define every project undertaken. barry and his expert staff serve customers throughout Ireland, the UK and across Europe with reliable, mobile and in-house solutions.
A labour of love best describes barry’s multi-stage development work on the various trucks and utility vehicles used over the years. What began with a Nissan Patrol Commercial 4x4 with a mobile welding unit mounted on a twin-wheel trailer soon evolved into more durable and flexible off-road vehicles in the shape of a series of Mercedes-benz Unimogs, firstly a U140 and then on to a higher powered U400. both featured bespoke bodies that were not only capable of carrying all of the equipment needed on and off-site but also become mobile workshops in themselves.
Over time as larger and more complex contracts were won, it became clear that a bigger vehicle was required. A chance look on a british auction site led to the purchase of the ex-Army MAN all-purpose, all-terrain vehicle. On arriving back home, barry and his crew got to work, transforming the unit into a ‘serious bit of kit’ with welders, cutters, tools and a big generator on board.
After a few years, it was time for the next evolution vehicle, one that had more traction off road while also providing a bunk for the night when
required. Hence a 2015 44-tonne GVW 510hp 6x4 Mercedes-benz Arox tractor-unit with sleeper cab was acquired last February in England. It has also since undergo extensive modifications.
“This Axor heavy duty tractor-unit (CAT3) was cut in half and stretched 1.1 meters to suit our requirements. We also added a sub chassis and built three point linkages front and rear and fitted hydraulic circuits to carry our equipment to sites. All of the work was carried out by ourselves except the paint job,” explained barry. Originally painted red and white, the cab was soon sprayed to its corporate metallic grey and black colours, expertly created by ronan Mitchell at rJM, Claremorris. Many of the external fittings are of a heavy duty nature such as a removable tower press upfront and a tow bar to the rear with other lifting gear. Air suspension was fitted to the front axle to allow for the front of the truck to raise or lower to ensure precision when the tower press is engaged, which can be operated from the truck cab or through a remote controlled key pad.
On occasions, when working on major contracts in remote areas with little or no access to a hotel room, a night or two in the Arox fits the bill. Inside, domestic facilities for cooking and refrigeration are catered for. Probably one of the most significant features - and another ingenious design element - is that the actual body is a removable
container type, twist locks and all. There is also another thoughtful, future proofed fitting, one that is in keeping with the environmentally friendly themes of his clients – barry has installed solar panels on the roof of the truck body that generate enough electricity, stored in compact lithium-ion battery packs to work some of the electrically powered equipment fitted. The solar panels, which barry really appreciates, plus other auxiliary fittings were supplied by David Morley, Tool & Light, brickens, Claremorris.
barry, while modestly displaying pride in his work and creativity, explained what his business is about: “Woodstock Welding delivers expert welding, fabrication, and on-site machining services tailored to the needs of wind, marine, and heavy industries. Operating across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, we support complex projects with precision and efficiency, either on-site or at our fully equipped workshop.”
barry further explained that the company’s fleet of mobile welding services are designed for fast deployment to remote and high-demand environments. These self-contained units enable Woodstock Welding to carry out a wide range of services directly at the client’s site, including:
n Mobile machining
n Line boring
n Flange facing
n Mobile welding
n broken blade bolt extraction
n Pile welding
“We also operate portable lathes and heavy-duty, large capacity lathes, allowing us to complete complex mechanical repairs on large-scale components. At our facility in ballindine, we offer high-quality in-house welding and fabrication for structural steel, custom components, and heavy equipment. Our workshop is equipped to handle demanding tasks with precision.”
In recent years, as natural energy generation has increased, Woodstock Welding has developed specialist wind turbine solutions for the wind energy sector, including:
n Out-of-round wind turbine tower flange pressing
n Wind turbine in-situ generator shaft machining
n removal of seized or broken blade bolts
n Tower pressing
These services reduce downtime and ensure structural integrity in high-stakes environments.
Paramount to keeping the all traction wheels in motion and the business in general running is barry’s wife Nicola who looks after all of the administration, along with an experienced staff of seven, who rotate between in house and on site work.
Woodstock Welding has become a trusted partner for many complex and complicated projects including the HS2 High-speed rail line under construction in England. “We were approached to address an issue related to the manual cutting of foundation piles on the HS2 rail line,” explained barry. “In response, we designed an automatic, self-propelled, hydraulic-driven saw to resolve this problem. This innovation not only reduced the time required to cut a pile to one-quarter of the time taken by manual methods but also crucially eliminated the risk of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) for workers, as the unit operates completely hands-free.”
That clever engineering solution did not go unnoticed. “Due to the huge success of our innovation on the HS2 project we were shortlisted to the final four out of over 40 entries for an award by the Federation of Piling Specialists Awards 2024. Although we did not secure first prize on the night, being a finalist was a testament to our dedication and commitment to the design and fabrication of bespoke devices, as well as our services to the industry.”
Another notable project had Woodstock Welding designing and manufacturing infrastructure components for offshore pile welding at Greenock Ocean Terminal. “We carried out fabrication at the new Greenock ocean terminal. This project included welding 2,350mm diameter piles with 35mm wall thickness, which were subsequently driven into the seabed to secure the new concrete pontoons for accommodating the world’s
largest cruise liner. Additional tasks involved welding all other components offshore once the piles were in position. All welds and fabrication underwent thorough testing and inspection.”
“Over the years our team has thankfully been trusted by major industry partners to deliver durable, high-performance solutions on time and on budget. What ever is needed, from on-site repairs to mobile machining, or complete fabrication, we’re ready to support any project,” added barry.
n Coded Welding & Fabrication
n Milling | Drilling - Large Capacity
n 500-tonne Press brake
n CNC Plasma Cutting
n Line boring
n Lathe Work Horizontal & Vertical
n 300-tonne Horizontal Press
n Flange Facing
n Clam Shell Pipe Cutting (Cold Cutting)
n Guillotine
Precision welding, fabrication and machining is carried out at the fully equipped home base, delivering an expert in-house welding, metal fabrication, and precision machining services to clients across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. “We handle projects of all sizes—from detailed sheet metal fabrication to large structural steel components—using industry-leading tools and machinery. Our capabilities include line boring, CNC plasma cutting and more, with our largest lathe accommodating components up to 20 tonnes, 7.5 metres in length, and 3.5 metres in diameter, enabling us to efficiently manage both standard and large-scale projects. Our mobile services help eliminate costly disassembly and transport, keeping customers’s operations running with minimal interruption,” concluded barry.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
woo DS tock w el DIN g Serv I ce S
Collett & Sons Ltd, a leader in specialist heavy transport in the UK & Ireland, has purchased new Goldhofer Stepstar trailers, with delivery scheduled during September. The latest investment includes two 3-axle and two 4-axle step-frames, to further enhance Collett’s operational capabilities and reinforce its commitment to high-performance equipment across abnormal and heavy haulage operations.
Engineered to deliver maximum performance with minimal height and tare weight, the new Stepstar trailers are designed to combine versatility with operational efficiency.
Specifications include:
n A super low running height of the trailer bed at just 780mm.
n Air suspension offering improved ride quality and reduced impact on cargo and road infrastructure.
n Specialised CargoPlus80 tyres (225/60 r17.5) rated for 12-tonne axle loads at 40mph, compliant with STGO Cat 2
Collett & Sons invests with five new Goldhofer
Step-Frame Trailers
and Cat 3 regulations respectively.
n Extendable trailer beds reaching up to 16.14 metres for increased flexibility with long and oversized cargoes.
n Ten 10-tonne lashing points with twist-lock securing points for ‘outof-gauge’ flat rack containers and other oversized cargo.
n Low tare weight combined with high payload capacities of up to 52 tonnes on the 3-axle trailer and up to 62.5 tonnes on the 4-axle trailer.
n Side extensions up to 3.0 metres, plus drop-down rear landing legs for safe loading.
The lightweight construction of the Stepstar range, combined with high payload capacity and extendable deck length, provides an ideal solution for transporting heavy and abnormal loads across a broad range of industry requirements.
Two Faymonville Highway MAX Heavy-Haul Trailers for ALL
Crane in the US
*Nine-axle extendable trailers haul up to 170,000 pounds; available for rent
To emphasise the broad sales reach of Famonville Trailers, the ALL Family of Companies in Cleveland, USA has added two innovative heavy-haul trailers to its own trucking fleet and are now available for rent. ALL initially purchased the two Faymonville highwayMAX trailers to carry the tracks for two newly acquired crawler cranes, the Liebherr LR 11000 and Liebherr LR 1800, but soon realized the trailers could be useful for other markets as well.
Commenting on the deal and specification, David Collett, Managing Director at Collett & Sons Ltd, commented: “The low height, capacity and flexibility of the new step-frame trailers make them an excellent addition to our fleet, bridging the gap between standard step-frames and more specialist equipment. It’s another step forward in ensuring we continue to provide our clients with the most efficient and effective transport solutions.”
Experts in heavy-haul since 1928 Collett & Sons Ltd has generated a wealth of experience transporting difficult and abnormal loads throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide, serving the Power Generation, Oil & Gas, Civil & Infrastructure, Heavy Engineering and renewables sectors. It operates across depots in Halifax, Elland, bradford, Goole, Grangemouth and Dublin.
The HighwayMAX is a nine-axle extendable highway trailer with nine hydraulically steered pendle-axles and a legal payload of up to 77,000 kg (113,000 kg technical payload). Axle spacing is adjustable by up to 6.85m between each three-axle group, and each axle steers independently at 60 degrees for ultimate manoeuverability in tight spaces. All axles are liftable.
On its customer base, Jimmy Hill, Logistics Manager for ALL, said: “It will be in demand for transporting large
industrial equipment, as well as work at steel mills and wind farms,”
One of the trailers already had its maiden voyage, transporting a 77 tonne bolt press from brecksville, Ohio, to Alsip, Illinois. Other heavy-haul jobs have come in just through word-of-mouth.
“Faymonville trailers are still fairly rare in the U.S.,” said Hill. “Once people see what they’re capable of, they’re interested in trying them out.”
120 & 130 CYD Walking Floor Hire Kässbohrer
Container Chassis
Kassbohrer Stepframe
13.9 m Kassbohrer Flat
9.4m Kässbohrer Tipper
STaS 130 CYD BIOSTaR with auto sheet
STaS Ecostar with Hydraulic Nets
2020 Renault T480 6x2
Following the introduction of the award-winning S.KOe COOL which features the fully electric S.CU ep85cooling unit, and the arrival of the next generation diesel powered S.CU dc85, Schmitz Cargobull has a power source for every application.
The S.CU refrigeration units are available across Schmitz Cargobull’s hugely popular S.KO COOL semi-trailer range, including the latest addition: the compact S.KO UrbAN, for those operating in busy city centres.
New generation of Schmitz Cargobull refrigeration units – from future-proof to high-performance
It means there’s now a perfect transport and cooling option for every task, allowing road transport operators to deliver as efficiently, sustainably and profitably as possible.
The newly launched flagship S.CU dc85 cooling unit is 5% more fuel efficient than the model it replaces (the S.CU V2.0) and quieter thanks to the fitting of a Silence Kit as standard for optimal noise reduction without loss of power.
Its low-cost stablemate the d80 hasn’t been idle either, and the workhorse unit has a new extra feature: the option to specify a factory-fitted preparation for an electric power take-off (ePTO). This
EbPMS introduced as a factory fit option for all trailers
Initially launched at the turn of the year for Manchester-made Schmitz Cargobull curtainsiders, Electronic Brake Performance Management System (EBPMS) technology is now available from the factory on the German company’s popular S.KO COOL refrigerated semi-trailers.
EbPMS integrates seamlessly with Schmitz Cargobull’s TrailerConnect telematics and enables road transport operators to enhance road safety and reduce vehicle downtime. In the UK there is an added compliance advantage following revisions to the official roadworthiness regulations.
The popular S.KO COOL semi-trailer has been joined by a younger sibling, the S.KO URBAn. This 10.5m long reefer which was 18 months in development, is designed specifically for the delivery of goods into its traffic-filled towns and cities. Capable of carrying 20 pallets, the S.KO URBAn features a command-steer axle for greater manoeu-
allows purely electric operation when towed by an electric tractor unit, backed up by diesel operation if an electrical source is not available.
In use, the control in Schmitz Cargobull’s S.CU cooling unit automatically switches back and forth between the ePTO and the diesel generator, ensuring that it remains 100% operational thanks to the two different energy sources.
For those looking to go emission free, the S.KOe COOL and its fully electric cooling unit, the S.CU ep85 is just the ticket. Combined with battery system, power electronics and electric generator axle, operators can reduce fuel consumption, as well as cutting the total cost of ownership.
Small can be beautiful – the new generation S.KO City semi-trailer for urban delivery
vrability, and a column tail-lift for efficient stowage (available with the mono or multi-temperature S.CU dc85).
All reefers are constructed with Schmitz Cargobull’s proven FErrOPLAST technology, which combines the increased insulation of a polyurethane hard foam with a durable and resistant covering of multiple layers of coated metal. The result is a product without any thermal bridges that may affect cooling performance.
In addition, the glue-jointed design of the FErrOPLAST box body is self-sup -
porting and warp-resistant, which means it only requires a “short chassis”. This permits a higher body height, as the box sits directly on the tractor unit, improving insulation and maximising interior height throughout the trailer. It also improves ground clearance, allowing customers to fit stowage options.
The strong MODULOS bolted chassis used across the product range comes with a 10-year warranty against rust-through on all galvanised parts, underlining the longevity users can expect from their hard-working units.
Carrier Transicold has recently expanded its line of Supra high Efficiency (hE) truck-mounted refrigeration units with the launch of the Supra hE 11 Multi-Temperature (MT) and hE 13 MT. These two high-performance, compact and fuel-efficient systems are designed for compatibility with one of the most comprehensive ranges of evaporators on the market.
Available in standard and silent versions, the Supra HE 11 MT and HE 13 MT units are designed to meet a wide range of refrigerated transport needs, supporting various configurations, including double compartment setup for the Supra HE 11 and the option of either double or triple-compartment setup
Impactful - Carrier
Carrier Transicold expands Supra HE r ange with new Multi-Temperature Units
for the Supra HE 13 MT. based on the dimensions of the box and the specific application requirements, the Supra HE 11 MT and HE 13 MT units provide two distinct levels of cooling capacity, the latter being the most powerful of the range. Additionally, Carrier Transicold has increased evaporator airflow capacity by up to 32% compared to the legacy Supra remote evaporators to enhance air circulation and ensure consistent temperatures throughout the vehicle’s interior.
The Supra HE MT delivers enhanced performance with improved cooling power and reduced fuel consumption. rigorously tested in extreme conditions ranging from minus 30 degrees C to 55 degrees C, the system provides reliable
Transicold Vector High Efficiency 19 MultiTemperature units on new Gray & Adams urban double-deck semi-trailers
Savings all round has been achieved with the customised Carrier Transicold Vector high Efficiency (hE) 19 MultiTemperature (MT) units mounted on new Gray & Adams urban double-deck semi-trailers, each equipped with a 23kW battery pack to enable diesel-free operation. These units transport ambient, chilled and frozen products simultaneously as part of a customer’s wholesale association with food retail chain SPAR. The new systems deliver significantly reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon footprint.
operation in any environment.
Its updated lightweight, compact design allows for seamless adoption into a variety of vehicle body types while maintaining cab tilting capability for easy maintenance and accessibility.
“Carrier Transicold is setting new efficiency standards in multi-temperature refrigerated transport with the Supra HE 11 MT and HE 13 MT units,” said Jean-Michel Vadecard, Product Director Truck Trailer International, Carrier Transicold. “These solutions deliver optimised refrigeration performance, reduced fuel consumption, a compact design and enhanced airflow capabilities to accommodate all rigid truck configurations on the market.”
Each unit in the Supra HE line comes equipped with telematics hardware and is compatible with Carrier Transicold’s Lynx Fleet digital platform.
The Vector HE 19 MT units utilise Carrier Transicold’s electric E-Drive technology which is central to all Vector refrigeration systems. The battery packs, which can be quickly recharged at the customer’s depot using a standard five-pin, three-phase standby plug connected to the main grid, have been installed on special sliding mounting brackets designed by Gray & Adams ensuring easy access for maintenance and minimising labour costs. The system allows the Vector HE 19 MT units to maintain three separate compartments
due to the addition of two evaporators to support triple-temperature operation.
The Vector HE 19 MT unit’s optimised hermetic scroll compressor and economiser boost refrigeration capacity during pull-down by 40%, while also helping to provide unparalleled levels of refrigerant gas containment. Additionally, when operating in electric mode, whether at base or on the road, noise levels are reduced to below the 60 db(A) PIEK limit, helping to minimise potential noise disturbances.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
With a background in engineering and metal works it is perhaps no surprise that the Monaghan brothers looked at the possibility to refurb one of their older delivery vehicles, a MAN TGL 8.180 4x2 rigid with a 20ft body, with a view to extending its long life and loyal service to the company.
19 years young! Monaghan bros extends life of its MAN TGL
transport fleet of trucks and vans.
The project in question was whether to refurbish their 2006 MAN TGL or replace the truck with a new one. The almost twenty year old truck with high volume load area was originally purchased from Dennehy Commercial Vehicles, Dock road, Limerick, complete with a Luton Van body with drop down rear section, built by Fitzgeralds Vehicle body builders, Cork.
Having looked at all the figures, comparing the price of a new truck and body of a similar size to that of restoration, bearing in mind the relatively low milage recorded the decision was made by the company directors to seek out Gray Vehicle bodies, Kilcock, County Kildare to undertake the refurb job. As it turned out, the body shape of the Luton changed dramatically, losing its box-overcab design as that section was showing worse for wear. A wind defector was fitted on the cab’s roof as part of the restyling. With other bits of bodywork repaired, the other major element was to respray and redo the vehicle in the company’s distinctive livery.
Monaghan brothers, based near Mayo Abbey, close to Claremorris, County Mayo has been supplying bespoke handcrafted furniture to hotels, bars, restaurants, night clubs, fast-food outlets and service stations all over the world for almost 40 years. All of its work is carried out to the highest standard with deliveries undertaken by its own
up in 1987 by four brothers Paddy (rIP), Peter, Michael and richard Monaghan. Starting as artisans, they gradually came to specialise in hospitality furnishings.
The firm operates from its own 27,000 sq.ft. purpose built premises, comprising of a manufacturing facility that includes wood working, metalworking, and upholstery and finishing on the ground floor, and raw materials storage and showrooms on the second floor.
“We manufacture a wide range of furniture from fitted seating, sofas, tables, chairs etc. The production of bespoke furniture is our speciality – all the customer has to do is send us the drawings and we can manufacture the product,” explained Peter.
Company director Peter Monaghan, was very pleased with how the truck job turned out, fully endorsing the decision.
“At Monaghan bros, we pride ourselves on our ability to make a good product to meet our customers’ requirements. We deliver all work on time and to the highest quality, ensuring the customer is delighted with the end result. The high quality work undertaken on the MAN TGL matches our standards and we look forward to many more years of loyal service from the truck,” he said.
Monaghan bros is a manufacturing specialist, producing standard and customised furniture for the hospitality industry. The family run business was set
Monaghan bros’ furniture is sold directly to the hospitality sector, both at home and abroad, spanning across Europe, Japan, Australia and the USA. Its corporate clients include Applegreen, Supermacs, NUIG, Yale University (USA) and Dalata Hotel Group.
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
Described as “the avant-garde model” of camper vans, the latest Grand California; Model Year 2026, based on the Crafter light commercial vehicle range from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, was presented at the recent Caravan Salon exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany. It features numerous visual and constructive updates which improve the living space of Volkswagen’s flagship camper van. All the revised elements of the motorhome, which is produced in Poland and is offered in two wheelbases, will be incorporated into vehicles going on sale this Autumn.
Evolution of Volkswagen Grand California: Premiered 2025 Caravan Salon
Grand California Model Year 2026 in detail: New lounge look: The interior of the Grand California is now characterised by a new “Atami bamboo” décor, in which the tabletop and the work surface of the kitchenette are executed. The new flooring (kitchen, dinette, cargo area), which is made of durable PVC, also has the same surface appearance. The now black faucet in the kitchen has also been redesigned. Together with the new wood look, they create a lounge-like contrast to the white interior giving an almost Mediterranean yacht character.
option, which enables assisted longitudinal and lateral guidance. The electronic parking brake, which is operated via a switch in the instrument panel, is particularly practical in the Grand California: Since this new solution has replaced the classic handbrake lever in the footwell, the driver’s seat can now be turned even
Perfection in detail: The mobile dining table can now also be locked on the outside of the kitchen unit in a flash, so that meals or an evening glass of wine can be enjoyed in the open air. Also new on board the California 600 (6.0 metres, transverse sleeper) and California 680 (6.8 metres, longitudinal sleeper) are luggage nets in the upper cabinets, which make it easier to stow away clothes and utensils of any kind. The new optional equipment includes a custom-fit thermal mat and blackout set for the windows in the cab.
more easily and quickly into the living area.
Most importantly, it has two rear sliding doors with accessibility from both sides on the right hand drive variant. A significant development and a big safety plus.
In brief:
Parallel to the update of the Grand California, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles also presented many other new ‘camper’ highlights among its other mobile leisure models at Caravan Salon.
Innovative base vehicle: Like all current Crafters, the Grand California models have already been fitted as standard since July 2024 with additional new details such as digital instruments (“Digital Cockpit Pro”), a new infotainment system with optically free-standing touchscreen (26 cm, 10.4 inches in diameter, optionally 32 cm and 12.9 inches) and assistance systems such as “Front Assist” (emergency brake assist including cyclist and pedestrian detection), “Lane Assist” (lane departure warning), a parking aid (front and rear) and traffic sign recognition. Since then, “Travel Assist” has also been offered as an
Avant-garde model: New wood look enhances lounge-like atmosphere in the bright and friendly living and kitchen area of the Grand California new detail solutions: Additional luggage nets perfect the storage space; Interior dining table can also be used outdoors for the first time
new blackout set: Custom-fit thermal mats for the windows in the cab of the Grand California block out heat, cold and prying eyes
Progressive base vehicle: The Grand California is based on the latest version of the Volkswagen Crafter; it has stateof-the-art assistance and infotainment systems on board
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
The new Grand California is based on the latest version of the Volkswagen Crafter light commercial vehicle
The new wood look interior finish enhances the lounge-like atmosphere of the Volkswagen Grand California
MAX Trailer delivers vehicle number 10,000
The MAX Trailer brand with its signature modular concept was first introduced by the Faymonville Group in 2012. It hasn’t taken long for the Poland based manufacturer to reach a significant milestone, with the production of its 10,000th heavy haul trailer.
MAX Trailers offers a number of different vehicle types for special and heavy duty transport.
“We started in 2012 with the MAX100 semi low loader series. Over time, the range was completed with flatbed semi-trailers, drawbar trailers and low-bed vehicles,” explained Product Manager Mario Faymonville, looking back on the rapid development of the brand.
“Our customer base has always grown steadily. The same applies to our sales and service network, which extends throughout Europe. Standardised vehicles with optimised equipment in premium quality have prevailed. We are taking the lead and enabling an excellent cost-benefit ratio through the strong backbone of the Faymonville Group,” he added.
The 10,000th vehicle from MAX Trailer was sold to Dutch company rutges Cargo, which has opted for an extendable MAX100 semi low loader with wheel recesses.
The Faymonville Group, which has a global reach produces it Faymonville, MAX and Cometto branded trailers in belgium, Luxembourg, Poland and Italy.
MAX trAIler ProDuct rANge:
MAX100
2 to 6 axle semi low loader with friction or forced steering that is also available in
an extendable variant (single or double extension), with wheel recesses or as a tarpaulin body.
MAX200
3 to 4 axle flatbed trailer, similarly available in a telescopically extendable version, with friction or forced steering.
MAX300
Drawbar trailer with 2 or 3 central axles and ramps.
MAX410
Force steered ballast trailer with 3 to 5 axles especially for the transport of crane parts and weights.
MAX510
Lowbed trailer with 2 to 3 axles as pendle axle version or power steered, removable gooseneck and telescopically extendable loading platform.
MAX600
Turntable drawbar trailer with 3 or 4 axles for the building and public works sector.
Two Faymonville highwayMAX heavyhaul Trailers for ALL Crane in the US *Nine-axle extendable trailers haul up to 170,000 pounds; available for rent
To emphasise the broad sales reach of Famonville Trailers, the ALL Family of Companies in Cleveland, USA has added two innovative heavy-haul trailers to its own trucking fleet which are now available for rent. ALL initially purchased the
two Faymonville HighwayMAX trailers to carry the tracks for two newly acquired crawler cranes, the Liebherr Lr 11000 and Liebherr Lr 1800, but soon realised the trailers could be useful for other markets as well.
The HighwayMAX is a nine-axle extendable highway trailer with nine hydraulically steered pendle-axles and a legal payload of up to 77,000 kg (113,000 kg technical payload). Axle spacing is adjustable by up to 6.85m between each three-axle group, and each axle steers independently at 60 degrees for ultimate manoeuvrability in tight spaces. All axles are liftable.
Speaking about its potential use by the company’s customer base, Jimmy Hill, Logistics Manager for ALL, said: “It will be in demand for transporting large industrial equipment, as well as work at steel mills and wind farms,”
One of the trailers already had its maiden voyage, transporting a 77 tonne bolt press from brecksville, Ohio, to Alsip, Illinois. Other heavy-haul jobs have come in just through word-of-mouth.
“Faymonville trailers are still fairly rare in the U.S.,” said Hill. “Once people see what they’re capable of, they’re interested in trying them out.”
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie
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The Irish Magazine for the Materials Handling, Warehousing & Logistics Sectors
The Irish Magazine for the Materials Handling, Warehousing & Logistics Sectors
The Irish Magazine for the Materials Handling, Warehousing & Logistics Sectors www.handling-network.com
M7 Real Estate Ireland has entered a letting agreement with leading logistics provider JMC for its newly refurbished Ballymount Logistics hub on a long-term lease. The logistics facility recently achieved a BER rating of A2 and BREEAM In-Use Very Good accreditation.
The building extends to over 151,000 sq.ft., sits on a site of more than 7 acres, provides 26 dock levellers, and has storage space for 17,175 europallets. It also benefits from a high-profile location, situated just 600 metres from Junction 10 of the M50.
To achieve such a high bEr rating, M7 installed energy-efficient windows, LED lighting throughout, a PIr system, a new air source heat pump, EV charging points and energy-efficient VrF systems. These upgrades will deliver an annual operational carbon emissions saving equivalent to the carbon capture of 4,000 trees.
Commenting on the deal, Garrett Murphy, Managing Director at JMC, said: “We are delighted to have worked closely with CbrE and M7 real Estate to successfully agree lease terms on ballymount Logistics Hub. This is further testament to JMC’s long-term commitment to our national and international customers. From customs clearance to our thirty-two-county nationwide network, we can provide a complete end-to-end solution.”
John Murnaghan, Managing Director at M7 real Estate Ireland, added: “I am really pleased that JMC has chosen ballymount Logistics Hub as their warehousing division location. They are an impressive, fast-growing business, which is exactly the type of occupier we enjoy working with. We look forward to growing our relationship with JMC.”
For the first time, the annual IFOY AWARDs Gala Ceremony will take place in Stuttgart, Germany on June 25, 2026. The announcement of the winners and presentation of the trophies for the International Intralogistics & Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) AWARDS 2026, the global intralogistics competition, will be made at the headquarters of software provider AEB in the BadenWuerttemberg region.
The building, which won the German Design Award 2020 for ‘Excellent Architecture’ provides a most suitable setting for the award ceremony. With its open atrium, it stands for creativity and exchange and has already hosted numerous IT festivals and logistics events.
Around 200 international guests from business, science, and the media are expected to attend the evening Gala banquet.
“The IFOY AWArD not only honours cutting-edge technologies, but it also brings together the thought leaders and movers and shakers of intralogistics. This fits perfectly with AEb, a company that has been driving innovation in shipping, transport, and warehouse management, as well as trade compliance and customs management, for decades. With its open architecture and focus on collaboration, AEb’s headquarters in Stuttgart is an ideal place to celebrate and network the best solutions in the industry,” says Anita Wuermser, Executive Jury Chair of the IFOY AWArD.
“Innovation thrives on exchange, courage, and a culture of open dialogue - values that we live by every day at AEb
IFOY AWArDs 2026: Stuttgart to host ceremony for the first time
*Application portal remains open at www.ifoy.org until October 30, 2025
and that this building consciously reflects. The fact that the IFOY AWArD Night 2026 will take place at our headquarters is a highlight for us. We look forward to welcoming the international logistics community here, experiencing technologies that set new standards, and discussing the future of our industry together,” says Markus Meissner, Managing Director of AEb.
Application phase for the IFoy AwArDs 2026 is currently in full swing The online application portal for the IFOY AWArDs 2026 remain opens until October 30. There are ten categories to choose from for the new contest, covering all areas of intralogistics — from forklifts and warehouse equipment to special vehicles, automated and autonomous industrial trucks, stationary and mobile robots, software solutions, outstanding technical components, and ergonomic innovations. In addition, successfully implemented, holistic warehouse and automation projects will be honoured. A separate spin-off award will be presented to start-ups. Newly founded companies can apply for the IFOY Start-up of the Year Award with their products and services.
The IFOY AWArD, which is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Economics, is one of the world’s most prestigious technology awards in intralogistics. It is considered a reliable indicator of economic efficiency and innovative strength and is particularly coveted in the industry due to its neutral testing organisation and high marketing value.
Candidates are nominated by an international jury of editors-
in-chief from leading logistics media outlets in 19 countries. Fleet Transport/ Handling Network represents Ireland. The finalists undergo a three-stage audit consisting of the IFOY Test, the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, and a jury test. The evaluation is not based on a direct comparison of the finalists with each other, but rather on a comparison with competing products. The IFOY audit will take place again next year as part of the Test Camp Intralogistics in Dortmund. The historic Westfalenhalle will open its doors on April 15 and 16.
Applications for the IFOY AWArD and the IFOY Start-up of the Year Award can only be submitted online at www.ifoy. org.
HIAb Moffett once again exhibited at the National Ploughing Championships, in Tullamore, showcasing its renowned and award winning truck mounted
HIAb Moffett exhibited at the National Ploughing Championships
Pictured (l-r) are Michael O’Reilly, Edel Moroney, Martin Kellett, Gavin McDermott, Tove Gunnarsson and Garrett O’Reilly.
forklift products and its next generation offerings, as it continues its electromobility journey. Moffett, celebrating 80 years of excellence, has spent the last 80 years pushing boundaries, driving innovation and building a legacy of
Abbey retail becomes Official Dealer For Manitou UK
Manitou UK is delighted to announce the appointment of Abbey Retail to its expanding dealer network. This partnership will see Abbey Retail represent Manitou across Clare & Galway (Agricultural range only) and Tipperary & West Kilkenny (Construction, Agricultural, Compact Equipment, and Industrial ranges), further strengthening Manitou’s footprint in Ireland and enhancing customer access to its market-leading handling solutions.
A Trusted Irish Manufacturer
Since 1947 Abbey retail, a division of Abbey Machinery, is a leading dealership serving Co. Tipperary and the surrounding counties. backed by the heritage and expertise of Abbey Machinery, Ireland’s leading agricultural machinery manufacturer founded in 1947 by the Cavanagh family, Abbey retail has built a strong reputation for reliability, service, and product range.
Over the years, Abbey retail has established a large and loyal customer base across the farming and contracting sectors, while also attracting wider audiences through its extensive hardware offering. From plough metal, tools, filters, oils, and merchandise, to a comprehensive stock of parts and accessories, Abbey retail has become a trusted one-stop shop for agricultural and construction customers alike.
In addition to offering the full range of Abbey Machinery products, Abbey retail is an authorised dealer for many
of farming’s most recognisable brands, including Massey Ferguson, Kverneland, rauch, Quicke, Prodig, and McConnel. These partnerships, combined with a strong aftersales service, have helped position Abbey retail as one of the leading dealerships in the region.
Peter Smyth, Sales Director at Manitou UK, welcomed the partnership: “We are delighted to partner with Abbey retail. Their long-standing reputation for premium offerings, commitment to innovation, and strong customer relationships make them an excellent fit for Manitou. With Abbey’s reach across Clare, Galway, Tipperary and West Kilkenny, we are confident that this partnership will provide real value to customers in the region.”
Sean Kinane, retail Manager at Abbey retail, added: “Abbey retail are proud to have been awarded the Manitou franchise for Tipperary, Kilkenny, Clare, and Galway. The Manitou range for both construction and agriculture is extensive, and we’re excited to offer and support everything from forklifts to the impressive MrT, Manitou’s rotating telehandler range.
We’ll be stocking the full Manitou lineup at both our Nenagh and ballyclerihan depots. We look forward to connecting with existing Manitou customers as well as building new relationships. To ensure the highest level of service, we’ve expanded our team and invested in additional parts, technical resources, and demonstration machines
excellence. Moffett are sponsors of the Fleet Transport Truck Innovation and Trailer Innovation Awards at this year’s Fleet Transport Awards which are taking place on Thursday 16th October next at the Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield, County Meath.
— all to meet and exceed the expectations of Manitou customers.”
D ELIVERI n G COMPRE h E n SIVE S OLUTIO n S ACROSS I RELA n D
As an official Manitou dealer, Abbey retail will provide the full Manitou portfolio across its designated territories, spanning Construction, Agricultural, Compact Equipment, and Industrial (Con/Ag/CE/Ind) ranges. From forklifts and telehandlers to loaders and warehouse equipment, customers will have access to quality, high-performance machines engineered for efficiency, reliability, and operator comfort in the most demanding environments.
This partnership also reflects Abbey retail’s deep commitment to sustainable farming and environmental responsibility. The company operates under strong energy policies, integrating renewable energy sources and eco-friendly practices into its operations while designing machinery that helps farmers achieve greater productivity with a reduced environmental footprint.
Eight Innovative companies honoured at IFOY AWArDs 2025
*EP Equipment, Exotec, Geekplus, Interroll, Jungheinrich, Plancise, Still and Filics receive prestigious intralogistics awards
representatives from business, science, politics, and media assembled at the Phoenix des Lumières in Dortmund for the announcement of the winners of the International Intralogistics & Forklift Truck of the Year - IFOY AWArDs. During the Gala banquet the prestigious IFOY international intralogistics trophies were presented to EP Equipment, Exotec, Geekplus, Interroll, Jungheinrich, Plancise, Still and Filics.
The IFOY AWArDs 2025 is one of the largest technology competitions in intralogistics worldwide. 15 companies presenting a total of 49 products qualified, with 21 products and solutions nominated to the finals.
“The lineup of finalists alone demonstrated the tremendous innovative strength within intralogistics. The jury’s decisions reflect more than ever that volatile markets, rising cost pressure, and the ongoing labour shortage call less for incremental improvements and more for practical, economically viable solutions. Autonomisation is a clear trend, but it’s simplified thinking that drives real innovation,” said Anita Würmser, Executive Chair of the IFOY jury in Dortmund.
Looking at this year’s winners and reflecting back to the early days of the IFOY contest demonstrates how the industry and various sectors have evolved. It was notable for instance that in a highly competitive field, a powerful yet simple electric pallet truck rose to the top – impressing with its ease of use and high performance in automated operation.
The Warehouse Truck of the Year is the X Mover EXP15 from EP Equipment. The jury considered the EXP15 a prime example
tH e wINN er S
of successful simplification in the automation of in-house transport processes. This pallet truck, which can be used both manually and autonomously, stands out with its rugged design, intuitive handling, and its “record and run” function, which allows travel paths to be memorised without any programming skills or training. Combined with an outstanding price-performance ratio, the device from the Chinese manufacturer significantly lowers the entry barriers to partial automation – making it an attractive option for both new and replacement investments as well as for those businesses making their first steps into automated transport applications.
In the robot Warehouse System category, the award went to Exotec for its Next Generation Skypod System. This innovative robotics solution from France impressed with its slimmer design, increased dynamics, and extremely high storage density. The robot is the only system component to integrate all key functions into a compact all-in-one unit – without the need for complex subsystems such as conveyors or sorters. Particularly noteworthy is its ability to flexibly sequence items during transport and to utilise space even beneath the racks. The modular architecture, intelligent routing, and closed-loop processes combine cutting-edge technology with practical benefits. According to the jury the easily scalable system is a future-ready solution for a wide range of industries – offering high adaptability and significantly reduced investment risk in uncertain times.
In an extremely close race in the Integrated Customer Solution category, Geekplus from China secured the title with its automation of the new Dr. Max warehouse in Telgate near bergamo, Italy. What convinced the jury was the overall package of customer benefit, system availability, and scalability
– combined with minimal personnel requirements. In phase one, Geekplus Europe implemented a solution for 11,000 products in the e-commerce and pharmacy business on just 1,300 square meters. The setup includes 22 roboShuttles for double-deep storage – up to five times more space-efficient – and 50 P40 robots for fast tote transport. Pick-to-light workstations enable ergonomic and error-free picking of more than 200 totes per hour and per station. The jury was particularly impressed by a cleverly positioned conveyor belt above the driving area – a space-saving solution that doubled productivity. A textbook example of future-proof warehouse automation in the pharmaceutical sector.
Interroll from Switzerland won the Special of the Year class with the MCP PLAY (Modular Conveyor Platform). The control solution for its modular conveyor platform for totes and cartons enables the simple and fast implementation of systems for handling items up to 50 kilograms and achieves up to 30 percent energy savings. E-commerce retailers and 3PL service providers in particular benefit from throughput increases of up to 100 percent. The jury highlighted the significant shift in conveyor technology. MCP PLAY allows for precise item localisation, freely scalable zone sizes, and seamless merging of multiple lines. Innovative features include Adjust to Gap, for reduced spacing between items and Flowing Merge, for continuous merging without stops.
The Counter balanced Truck of the Year is the EFG 425 from Jungheinrich. The powerful 3.5-tonne electric forklift from the Hamburg-based manufacturer, designed for heavy-duty indoor and outdoor use, impressed in the IFOY test team with its strong dual-motor drive, high throughput of up to 389 pallets per shift, and exceptional all-around visibility thanks to a glass roof and slim mast design.
The jury especially praised the combination of robust construction, improved temperature stability during attachment operation, and the ergonomic driver’s cabin. With its impressive movement and lifting speeds, the EFG 425 is a powerful answer to the growing demand for emission-free forklifts with combustion-engine performance, according to the jury. It sets new standards in performance, safety, and driving comfort.
The new title holder of the Intralogistics Software of the Year is Workforce Management for Logistics from Plancise, Austria. This SaaS tool, specifically developed for larger logistics centres with more than one hundred employees, digitises the previously mostly manual workforce planning and adapts it to fluctuating volumes and seasonal demands – a key competence in times of skilled labour shortages.
Through dynamic capacity and daily planning in real time, the cloud software detects understaffing or overstaffing and proposes targeted personnel shifts based on throughput forecasts, qualifications, and current workload. The jury particularly recognises the innovative implementation, which not only unlocks efficiency potential but also closes a previously neglected gap in intralogistics.
The FM-X iGo from STILL secured the IFOY AWArD 2025 in the Mobile robot of the Year category. The first series-produced automated Li-Ion reach truck from the Hamburg-based manufacturer is an entry into the integration of autonomous technology into existing warehouse environments. The jury was particularly impressed by the integrated safety technology according to ISO 3691-4, its narrow aisle width, the digital service concept based on a digital twin for each vehicle, and the intuitive commissioning via the iGo easy software. In a market increasingly challenged by skilled labour shortages and high efficiency
demands, the FM-X iGo ticks the box, the jury stated. It addresses small and medium-sized enterprises that have so far been up against the difficulties of complex automation projects.
Four young companies with disruptive potential competed for the IFOY Start-up of the Year Award. The winner was the Munich-based start-up Filics with its Filics Unit –a globally unique, CE-certified dual-ski system consisting of two autonomous robots that can synchronously enter and pass under Euro pallets or Euro mesh boxes. The skis offer a payload capacity of up to one tonne and enable the automation of manual pallet truck processes that were previously economically unviable in block and line warehouses or confined production and logistics environments.
The jury particularly praised the high-quality in-house developments of the lifting and driving modules, the system’s flexible application in ‘brownfield’ problem spaces and its potential for automated truck loading and unloading. The space savings of up to 66 % also made a strong impression.
tH e IF oy AwA r D S
Each year, the IFOY AWARDs pays tribute to the most innovative newly developed intralogistics products and solutions. Established as a benchmark for economic efficiency and innovation, they are regarded as one of the most prestigious international innovation awards in intralogistics due to their expert evaluation. Decisions are based on a three-stage audit process – consisting of the comprehensive IFOY test protocol with around 80 criteria, the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, and the jury test. Crucially, the nominees are not compared against each other, but rather against their competitive market devices.
The winners of the IFOY AWArDs are selected annually by an international jury of expert trade journalists and magazines including Fleet Transport/Handling Network, representing Ireland for many years.
The application phase for the IFOY AWArD 2026 is now open. See News items on page 64.
IFoy AwArDs: 2025 winners at a glance
EP Equipment: X MOVEr EXP15
Exotec: Skypod System
Geekplus: roboShuttle + P40 Tote-to-Person Solution with Dr. Max Italy
Interroll: MCP PLAY
Jungheinrich: EFG 425
PLANCISE: Workforce Management for Logistics
STILL: FM-X iGo
Filics: Filics Unit
r aising standards across Ireland
* briggs Equipment Ireland is investing in the future with AITT-accredited courses
As one of the leading providers of materials handling equipment in Ireland, Briggs Equipment caters to diverse industries, from manufacturing and warehousing to haulage and recycling.
but behind the hardware, there is a growing training operation. The company’s training team work out of a new £3.5 million, state-of-the-art training academy in Lisburn, with briggs offering courses that span the full spectrum of material handling equipment. From small electric counterbalance trucks to towering telehandlers, indoor and outdoor fleets of all power sources are covered.
Christopher budd, Academy Manager at briggs Equipment Ireland, explained: “Training is fundamental, and we have heavily invested in our services. Customers can train at our new facility, or we can deliver the training on the
customer’s site. We aim to offer flexibility as much as we can.”
briggs sought AITT accreditation to formalise its internal training standards and ensure alignment with best practice.
“We wanted a guarantee that our training was reaching and exceeding the industry standard,” said Christopher. “AITT is a well-respected accrediting body known throughout Ireland. It is seen as the benchmark, and we knew that AITT accreditation would set us apart.
“Our verified courses give customers confidence and peace of mind that they are receiving the highest standard of training available. Safety is our number one value, and the accreditation reflects a standard that briggs holds itself to. The training is the best there is, and with accreditation, it’s proof of the truth.”
Liam Knight, AITT Managing Director, said: “briggs Equipment Ireland has an impressive dedication to delivering quality training and the fantastic new academy is testament to that. We’re proud to support briggs, and in turn, all the trainers and instructors they work with.”
AITT ensured a straightforward accreditation
process where briggs trainers received instruction via AITT training providers on the mainland. This is followed by annual audits and site visits to assess paperwork and provide ongoing support.
For briggs, training is about improving standards across Ireland while also providing opportunities for younger people and fostering future talent. The new training facility is a platform for helping 17–19-year-olds access valuable skills and qualifications.
“AITT accreditation goes hand in hand with our investment not only in the future of training standards but in future workforces across Ireland,” said Christopher. “It adds weight to all the qualifications we issue to our customers and employees.
“Since we made the move from another accrediting body, we haven’t looked back. The feedback from the academy training team has been very positive about how easy it is to work with AITT. A standout has been the course conversion chart, which enables employees to save time and money when training across categories.
“Gaining the accreditation was effortless from start to finish. The syllabus is good, the materials are high quality, and you get great guidance. We can phone AITT and get support whenever we need it. The fact that Liam came to visit us just goes to show that they are willing to put the effort in. They tick all the boxes.”
Ireland’s infrastructure is due for a boost. Electric vehicles may be the future of transport, but for freight operators the more immediate question for sustainability is our road network. To that end, two of the biggest imminent projects should ease capacity constraints across the country.
The N/M20 Cork to Limerick motorway and the Dublin MetroLink are still at the planning stages, but those plans are developing apace.
MetroLink is a passenger train but with 20,000 journeys per hour it should smooth the bottlenecks on the city’s roads, “potentially diverting up to 360 million car trips cumulatively from the opening year to 2050, depending on future growth scenarios,” explains Darren reed, the Executive Managing Director for Transport & Infrastructure at WSP in the UK and Ireland.
MetroLink will be Ireland’s first fully automated, high-capacity metro system, spanning some 19km, between Swords and Charlemont via Dublin Airport and the city centre. The timeline for completion is estimated at about nine years after it is granted a railway Order by An Coimisiún Pleanála, however market engagement was due to start in September.
As for the Cork-Limerick motorway, most would agree that the upgrade cannot come soon enough. The N20 as it stands is not popular. Munster
Logistics operators can look forward to significant upgrades to Ireland’s infrastructure
*Handling Network catches up with Darren Reed, Executive Managing Director for Transport & Infrastructure at WSP regarding two major infrastructure projects
and Ireland rugby star Peter O’Mahony recently named it as the thing he’d miss least on his retirement, dubbing it “a tortuous bastard of a road” in an interview.
However, all that is set to change, subject of course to approval from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Department of Transport.
Current plans include 80km of motorway, 100km of “active travel” walking and cycling lanes, seven transport hubs and one freight hub in Mallow.
barry Transportation and its project partners Sweco and WSP have been appointed as Technical Advisors to progress the planning and design for the scheme.
“The Mallow freight hub will serve as a dedicated, secure facility for Heavy Goods Vehicles,” explains Darren. “It will provide 30 HGV parking spaces, EV charging points to support the transition to e-freight, security monitoring and rest and welfare amenities including toilets and showers,” he says.
There’s no doubt that decent toilets and shower facilities will be a great asset for users. Sadly, Darren admits that the current plans don’t feature commercial facilities such as shops or a café, but these will be accessible in Mallow town nearby.
He points out that the location is key as it lies roughly halfway between the ports of Cork and Foynes, which is “in line with European regulations for the TransEuropean Transport Network”.
Seven further “Transport Hubs” are planned along the route at rathduff, Mourneabbey, Mallow, buttevant, Charleville, bruree and Croom. These will have parking, EV charging points, and access to public transport.
by boosting connectivity between Ireland’s second and third largest cities and along the Atlantic Corridor to Galway it is expected to reduce traffic volumes and even “eliminate traffic congestion.”
The project team estimates transit time between blarney and Patrickswell will be approximately 50 minutes for HGVs, 45 for buses and 40 for cars.
The planning application for the N/ M20 project is set to be submitted to An bord Pleanála next year, subject to approval of the project’s business Case, which will be presented to Government later this year.
“The freight hub is an integral part of this multi-modal network, supporting HGV drivers and enhancing freight movement along the corridor,” adds Darren.
Completion of these projects may seem far off, but even slow progress is progress, nonetheless. And in the mean-time the N/M20 is still open for public consultation, so if you feel they’re missing something there is still time to get involved and share your insights.
Website: www.corklimerick.ie
Phone: 061 973730
Email: info@corklimerick.ie
Text: Johanna Parsons
Anthony Maher Agri hardware, Clonaslee, County Laois has recently taken delivery of the first ‘side-seat’ Palfinger Truck Mounted Forklift in Ireland, which was supplied by Tullamore based Palfinger Ireland. The family business, which is run by John Maher, supplies and delivers a wide range of agricultural and building hardware including animal feeds, fertilisers and fencing materials throughout the counties of Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and further afield.
2.5-tonne capacity and all-wheel drive
The latest Palfinger FLS 25 forklift, which has 2.5-tonne capacity, is mounted on an MAN TGM 6X2 rigid truck which is ideal for accessing remote delivery locations. The all-wheel drive design of the Palfinger means it can deliver pallets through farmyards over rough terrain, if required. The differential lock feature also enables the machine to travel through muddy sites and steep hills to deposit
the products exactly where they are required. This eliminates double handing of the products which can be securely placed inside of buildings, protecting them from the elements.
Palfinger launches ‘side-seat’ Truck Mounted Forklift range
One-side off-loading and driver comfort
The FLC 25 is the lightest Truck Mounted Forklift in its class which means it can also be fitted on the back of numerous trucks or trailers, with the minimum loss of overall payload. The FLS has a scissor (pantograph) reach system and retractable wheel arms which enables ‘one-side’ offloading which is extremely useful in tight delivery locations or along roadsides. The side-seat can rotate 25 degrees outwards to facilitate easy entry and exit from the cab. The driving position of the seat is rotated 5 degrees inwards which reduces strain on the operator’s neck when travelling in reverse. These features, together with the spacious footwell and pedal positions have been designed to eliminate driver fatigue.
The latest range of Truck Mounted forklifts is interchangeable with all existing mounting kits and customised mounting solutions can also be provided by the engineering team at Palfinger.
Supplied by Palfinger Ireland
The machine was supplied by Palfinger Ireland, in business for over 30 years and one of Palfinger’s longest serving and most successful dealers. The company has been supplying and installing an extensive range of truck mounted cranes to an ever-expanding range of applications including building materials, forestry, recycling and municipalities. “Our success has been based on the quality of the Palfinger products together with an extensive spare parts stock and technical support” explains company director Anthony Kane. “We are seeing an increase in the number of enquires for Truck Mounted Forklifts from our existing customer base and these latest models are really impressive in terms of styling, performance and operator comfort.”
Palfinger Ireland has invested in a demonstration fleet to enable potential customers to experience first hand the features and benefits of the new Palfinger Truck Mounted Forklifts.
Optimum visibility and ground controls
John Maher and his driver Seamus Murphy are extremely happy with the new Palfinger forklift stating: “We had been using a secondhand machine for several years and it was time to upgrade. Having had an opportunity to test the Palfinger it was obvious that a lot of research and engineering had gone into the design to optimise visibility, driver comfort and reliability. The ground control switches are an excellent feature which eliminates the need to keep getting up and down from the machine, when mounting or dismounting it from the back of the truck.”
4-way and electric models available
The new FLS range from Palfinger includes 4-way models for handing long loads such as timber, steel, pipes. An electrically powered version is also available for customers who want to invest in environmentally friendly solutions or need to make quiet night-time deliveries, in urban areas. Due to the positive reaction since the latest machines were launched at the bauma exhibition earlier this year, Palfinger expects this new European range will be well received in the Irish and UK markets.
Palfinger is a global leader in the manufacture of materials handing solutions and the Truck Mounted Forklift range includes both moving and static mast machines. More details on www. palfinger.com
Vivian Morgan from Palfinger Ireland can be contacted on 086 8069797 or v.morgan@palfinger.ie
Contact Joe O’brien, Palfinger Area Sales Manager via email: j.obrien@ palfinger.com
Text: Rob Van Dieten – rob@fleet.ie
Maritime Matters at home and abroad
HolyH e AD Port: Irish Ferries and Stena Line services operating through Holyhead Port which returned to previous timetables following the restoration of the second berth in mid-July are forecast to be further disrupted. In the course of his statement issued with the Irish Continental Group’s half year results for the period up to end June 2025, Group Chairmen John McGuckian cautioned that further restrictions could be applied to services later in 2025 and into 2026. This will enable contractors to complete the restoration of the second berth.
Ir ISH Ferr I e S: Following the successful introduction of HVO alternative fuel to power the fast ferry Dublin Swift operating on the Dublin/Holyhead route, the company is now using the carbon reduced HVO to fuel the ro-pax Isle of Inisheer sailing as a freight ferry on the Dublin/Cherbourg route. The introduction of this ferry to the route enables Irish Ferries to offer a daily service to hauliers in each direction.
b r I ttANy Ferr I e S: Following the decision of Stena Line to discontinue its long-standing rosslare/Cherbourg service on 1 October, brittany Ferries has announced the introduction of a revised rosslare/Cherbourg schedule with sailings from rosslare daily. It will also re-deploy vessels to enable the rosslare operation to be serviced by higher freight capacity ferries.
Ste NA lIN e: Stena Line has taken delivery of the first of two next
generation methanol-ready hybrid Ferries. The Stena Futura will take up service on the belfast/Heysham route during September. With a freight garage of 2,800 lane metres the ship will offer 40% more trailer capacity than the vessel she replaces. In early 2026 Stena will introduce her sister ship, Stena Connecta to the route.
These vessel introductions will facilitate the re-development of the Dublin/Liverpool freight ferry service to a two-vessel operation, offering twice daily sailings in each direction.
S AMS k IP lIN e: Samskip Line has announced the introduction of a weekly container vessel service focused on Moroccan fruit and vegetables using a fleet of 45ft. reefer containers. It will operate between the ports of Agadir, Casablanca, rotterdam and London. Samskip claims that this will give significantly faster transit than other container services and will save up to 80% CO2 compared with road alternatives. In the course of the service announcement Samskip stated that deliveries to Ireland can be achieved within just six days of
departure from Agadir. This is promoted as a compelling new option for Irish importers looking for fresher, faster and more sustainable logistics from North Africa. This service will also provide significant reefer capacity for exports from Ireland to the region.
Samskip has also announced that it has joined DCSA+ (Digital Container Shipping Association) where the mission is to lead the development of standards-based digitalisation of all aspects of shipping. Samskip commented: “by joining the DCSA+Partner Programme we can help shape future industry standards that enhance not only our own multimodal operations but also the entire logistics ecosystem. Stronger standards lead to greater reliability, efficiency and service quality for everyone”.
wec lIN e S: WEC Lines has upgraded its weekly services linking rotterdam, Moerdijk, Antwerp and other Northern European ports with Portuguese, Spanish and Canary Island ports. WEC Lines has also introduced a weekly Zeebrugge/ Dublin/Le Havre service.
o ce AN Fre I g H t rAte S: A report by Maritime business Consultants, Drewry’s showed Seafreight rates sliding considerably as of end-August. On the Shanghai to rotterdam route rates slipped by 10% over the week to $2661 for 40ft. containers. On rotterdam to Shanghai there was a 2% drop with a 40ft. container rate being quoted at $467. Despite healthy demand and port delays in Europe, a growing surplus of vessel capacity has been pushing down spot rates and is likely to further reduce over coming weeks. rates on the rotterdam to New York leg have increased by 3% so far in 2025, coming in at $1956 for a 40ft. container, while there has been a significant increase in rates on containers coming from New York to rotterdam, up 14% year to date.
The continuation of tensions in the Middle East is preventing Lines from moving most services back to the Suez Canal routes with the Cape of Good Hope route still being preferred.
Text: Howard Knott
Samskip Morocco service
Dublin Swift Goes Green with HVO Fuel from Circle K
Brittany Ferries Santona
Launch of Stena Futura
Edited by Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie
The day when a battery electric powered vehicle is able to outdistance even the most frugal petrol or diesel powered car on a single tank of fuel is drawing steadily closer.
Mercedes-benz is the latest brand to showcase impressive range capabilities, taking a lightly modified EQS test vehicle fitted with a lithium-metal solid-state battery on a trip from Stuttgart in Germany to Malmö in Sweden via Denmark. The car completed the 1,205 kilometre trip without a single charging
Mercedes-benz EQS achieves over 1,200km range in real-world test drive
stop - moreover it arrived in Malmö with an impressive remaining range of 137 km.
The solid-state battery system was developed in collaboration with the brand’s Formula One division, MercedesAMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP). While regular EQS models now on sale can achieve WLTP ranges of up to 770km, the usable energy content of the solid-state battery was increased by 25%, while the weight and size of the battery remain comparable to the standard EQS battery. To support the cells during the volume changes typical
real Time Data can protect residual values of used EVs for fleets and leasing companies
Although demand for new electric cars has been on the up for a few months now, many fleets are still struggling with falling residual values, particularly of higher value electric vehicles.
Real time data is the key to assessing and achieving accurate valuations on used vehicles, according to leading connected transportation solutions provider Geotab.
While age and mileage remain key parameters in assessing used car valuations, a significant factor for EVs is the condition of the battery, which will be dependent on how it had been charged and whether the battery had been exposed to extreme tempera-
tures. While it is comparatively easy to measure the condition of a battery, inspections, measurements and workshop visits would not be needed if a digital image of the vehicle existed, into which various measurements were fed in real time - in other words, what is known in the industry as a digital twin.
of this technology and to ensure the necessary contact pressure on the cells, the solid-state battery was equipped with pneumatic actuators.
“The solid-state battery is a true game changer for electric mobility. With the successful long-distance drive of the EQS, we show that this technology delivers not only in the lab but also on the road. Our goal is to bring innovations like this into series production by the end of the decade and offer our customers a new level of range and comfort,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the board of Management of Mercedes-benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement.
While having digital twins on all vehicles in a fleet is unlikely to be feasible, Geotab points to modern data platforms as an alternative. Christoph Ludewig, Vice President Europe at Geotab, explained that integrations with OEM systems make it possible to
measure data on battery temperature and charging cycles providing valuable input for determining residual value. Furthermore such data can be used by companies to set up bonus programs that reward careful use of vehicles.
“Against the backdrop of a tight used car market and the shift towards electrification, this data-based approach can prove to be a competitive advantage,” said Christoph.
have you seen the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale? Alfanistas worried perhaps that the glory days of the brand may be in the past now that it is a relatively small cog in the multi-brand Stellantis empire will drool over this beautiful limited edition model that’s a worthy successor to the classic of the same name from the sixties. however, it is more mainstream models that will ensure Alfa’s continued existence, and the Junior, its new all-electric and hybrid compact crossover is an important model for the brand in that regard.
While it shares much of its underpinnings and running gear with the Peugeot E-2008, Fiat 500e and Opel Mokka Electric, Alfa has done a good job in giving the Junior a distinctive and Alfa-esque visual identity, notably the V-shaped grille that incorporates the Alfa logo. It also sits low by crossover standards accentuating its sporty nature.
Junior Elettrica Speciale evokes true Alfa romeo spirit
Inside there are very nice sporty bucket seats - an optional extra on this car - and some traditional Alfa features amongst the Stellantis hardware and software, such as the DNA performance settings (which don’t do a lot in reality) and rather stylish Alfa logos in the centre of the air vents which are backlight at night.
Power is via a 156hp electric motor to the front wheels which gives adequate if not startling performance. A 54kWh battery promises up to 406km of range but like many of the Stellantis products using this set-up it consistently over-promises on what it can deliver. The issue is it doesn’t seem to ‘learn’ a driver’s driving style from previous journeys. 350km is probably realistic in milder weather but do keep an eye on that
Dacia has made its reputation by focusing on specific market segments where value for money is key. As its largest model to date, the Bigster (the marketing department clearly didn’t claim too much overtime when coming up with the name) brings the brand into new territory…namely the C-Segment family sized medium crossover market. But with entry level prices starting below €30,000 rivals will certainly be paying attention.
Visually the bigster looks capable and rugged…very much like a larger Duster. Indeed from the front they are actually quite similar. At over 4.5 metres long it’s quite a large car and that shows
range figure if doing longer journeys. but it’s an Alfa… is it good to drive? A slightly mixed bag to be honest, the ride quality suffers from the usual clunkiness over poor surfaces typical of EVs with heavy batteries in the floor. On the upside though the steering is very nicely weighted with good feedback from the wheels. It certainly stands out compared to its Stellantis rivals in this respect.
v er DI ct
Maybe not the classic Alfasud reinvented, but the Alfa romeo Junior can lay claim to being a proper Alfa. If you want something a little different to the hoards of crossovers, this is worthy of consideration.
Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie
Model tested Alfa romeo Junior elettrica Speciale
Price as tested
€38,950 (prices from €34,995 to €51,495) battery 54 kWh range
Up to 406 km (WLTP Combined Cycle)
Electric motor output 156hp (FWD)
DC Charging time 20-80% 24 minutes
Power Consumption 15.3 kWh/100km (WLTP, Mixed)
Dacia bigster driven
on the inside where rear seat passengers are generously accommodated, while the 702 litre boot (612 litres if the hybrid model) is suitably family sized cavernous.
Sitting in the driver’s seat, there are plenty of hard wearing plastics and rubber fitments around but most of the points of the car you touch have softer feel materials. If not luxurious it certainly doesn’t feel bargain basement either. It’s very practical too with generous storage areas and not lacking equipment wise, at least in our range topping Extreme version as tested.
Offered in mild and full hybrid versions, we drove the 140hp front wheel drive mild hybrid model with
6-speed manual gearbox. It offers plenty of acceleration, though this driver never quite mastered seamless changes between 1st and 2nd gears - the ratios seemed slightly unmatched. road manners are perfectly acceptable and road noise is as well muted as most rivals.
v er DI ct
Dacia’s rivals have reasons to be worried. The bigster is a practical, comfortable, well equipped option in the C-Segment crossover market that significantly undercuts just about every rival on price. Dacia’s biggest car is its best yet.
Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie
Model tested Dacia bigster extreme
Price as tested
€34,990 (prices range from €29,990 to €39,690) Engine 1.2 TCe 3-cylinder petrol mild hybrid with 6-speed manual gearbox
Power / Torque
Emissions
The fourth all-electric model from Ford has gone on sale. Unlike the Mustang Mach-E which features a unique design, and the Explorer and Capri which have been built in collaboration with Volkswagen, the new Puma Gen-e will be more familiar to Ford aficionados, taking the body of the existing Puma and equipping it with an all-electric
Ford electrifies the Puma
drivetrain.
Visually it is similar to the petrol and hybrid models, with a smoothed out front grille, a longer rear spoiler and lettering in white rather than black at the rear the key differentiators.
Power is provided by a 168PS electric motor that is matched to a relatively small 43kWh (useable) battery which Ford says can deliver a driving range of up to 376km. It can accept DC charging at speeds of up to 100kW. Various stages of regenerative braking are possible, up to full one pedal driving. No heat pump is offered though.
Two trim levels are being offered,
New Dolphin Surf makes it five up for bYD
Chinese automotive giant BYD continues to make inroads into the Irish market. Just over two years since the launch of its first model, the Atto 3, the brand has introduced its fifth different product. The new all-electric Dolphin Surf is the smallest and cheapest BYD to be offered to date, with prices from €17,985 for the entry level Active trim up to €24,113 for the Comfort version. Set to compete with the likes of Hyundai’s Inster, Dacia Spring and Citroën ë-C3, the compact Dolphin Surf is ideally sized for urban use yet is well capable of tacking longer motorway journeys. Power is provided by either
an 88PS or 156PS electric motor that is matched to a 30kWh or 43.2kWh battery featuring bYD’s lithium-ion blade Technology, giving a driving range of up to 322km. The Dolphin Surf can accept DC charging at speeds of up to 85kW. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology that allows devices to be powered by the car’s own battery is available.
Although less than 4 metres long, space for passengers and luggage is quite generous. The boot offers 308 litres capacity, expandable to 1,037 litres when the rear seats are lowered. Inside there are up to 20 storage spaces. The display screen features bYD’s character-
have launched in Ireland in 2022 using a direct sales business model, Polestar, the Chinese owned Swedish performance electric brand, is expanding its retail reach with the opening of a new permanent Polestar Space facility in Sandyford, Dublin. While customers can still configure and order their Polestar online, the new facility allows them the opportunity to view the vehicles in the metal or to complete their order with the assistance of an in-house sales person. Earlier this year Polestar appointed
Select priced from €32,916 inc grants, and Premium from €35,718. The later gets larger alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlamps and a larger 12” landscape touchscreen display. Compared to the ICE powered Pumas the Gen-e gets a re-designed two-tier central console with a large 12.8” digital display in front of the driver.
The boot features the Puma’s party trick of the deep-mounted Gigabox which helps to give a capacity of 523 litres - more than the 456 litres in regular models. There’s also a useful 43 litre ‘frunk’ in the front.
istic rotating functionality., while key functions such as heating controls are controlled by physical knobs rather than in-screen.
As well as growing its model line-up, bYD has also been busy expanding its dealer network. Currently it has eleven outlets, with a further six expected to be announced by the end of the year.
cathal Doyle
Polestar launches business Edition models as new permanent Polestar Space opens in Dublin
the OHM Group as its sole distributor for its products in Ireland. Six authorised repair premises located around the country continue to provide after sales services for the brand.
To coincide with the opening of the seven car showroom that also houses three customer handover bays, Polestar has launched business Edition specifications across the three models currently on sale.
Standard specification on the Polestar 2 SrSM business Edition includes metallic paint, 19” alloys wheels, adaptive cruise control, electric tailgate and Polestar High-Performance Audio. With a WLTP
range of 554km the Polestar 2 business Edition retails at €44,025, inclusive of SEAI grant and delivery charges.
The Polestar 4 LrSM business Edition which retails at €56,490 and delivers a WLTP range of 620km features, 20” alloy wheels, full length panoramic sunroof, 360 degree camera system and heated front seats as standard.
The range topping Polestar 3 LrSM business Edition comes with full length panoramic sunroof, luxury interior specification, adaptive cruise control, acoustic windows as standard. The large SUV retails at €83,590 and offers up to 706km WLTP range.
cathal Doyle
At its Gujarat Plant in western India, Suzuki Motor Corporation has commenced dispatch of Suzuki’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the eVITARA, and battery packs for hybrid vehicles in India.
The eVITArA, the brand’s first bEV, will be exported to over 100 countries and regions worldwide, including Europe and Japan. The lithium-ion batteries used in the hybrid models are manufactured
Suzuki launches eVITAr A bEV – Made in India
at TDS Lithium-Ion battery Gujarat Private Limited (TDSG), which contributes to Suzuki’s ‘Make in India’ philosophy.
With the concept of “Emotional Versatile Cruiser,” the eVITArA features a bEV powertrain that delivers an emission-free driving experience, an electric 4WD system “ALLGrIP-e” off-road capability and a newly developed platform “HEArTECT-e” specifically for bEVs.
TDSG, a joint venture established by Suzuki, Toshiba Corporation, and Denso Corporation to manufacture automotive lithium-ion batteries, began production
New Model Y Performance from Tesla
Tesla has announced details of the new Model Y Performance version. This 460hp family SUV variant of the world’s bestselling car has clocked 0-60mph in just 3.3 seconds, and can achieve a range of up to 580km before charging. The new Performance model comes with extensive reengineering to maximise comfort, efficiency, connectivity and safety.
With pricing starting at €61,990 in Ireland, Model Y Performance is now available to order across Europe, with deliveries starting in October in the UK and Ireland.
“Our new Model Y Performance builds on improvements introduced earlier in 2025: extensive reengineering to maximise efficiency, comfort, connectivity and safety, along with a redesigned interior and exterior,” explained Cameron Wood, Customer Engagement Manager, UK & Ireland.
“These upgrades give Model Y Performance a distinct look, making it recognisable on the road while staying true to Tesla’s sleek and functional signature design. The new front and rear fascias, new rear diffuser and car-
The arrival of an electric powered Peugeot 408 to Ireland completes the brand’s electrified line-up. The addition of the new E-408 fastback styled crossover coupe means every passenger car model currently sold by Peugeot is now available in electric form.
of batteries for petrol-electric hybrid vehicles. The batteries are currently installed in the Grand Vitara with plans to introduce to other models in the future.
TDSG was established in 2017 to ensure a stable supply of automotive lithium-ion batteries within India and to support the promotion of environmentally friendly vehicles in the country. As India’s first plant to produce lithium-ion batteries from the cell level, TDSG started production of batteries for mild hybrid vehicles in 2021. Since then over 1 million battery powered vehicles have been produced.
Jarlath Sweeney
bon-fibre spoiler work together to create greater downforce, resulting in 10% less drag and 64% reduced lift for a 27% improvement overall in front-to-rear lift balance compared to earlier Model Y Performance vehicles,” he added.
Jarlath Sweeney
Peugeot completes electric line-up with E-408
The E-408 is the first model to feature the latest Stellantis powertrain, which boasts a bigger battery and more powerful electric motor, and will be rolled out on many other models in the future. It has a 210hp electric motor that develops 345Nm of torque and a 58kWh battery can return a WLTP measured range of up to 453km. The battery can accept DC charging at speeds of up to 120kW meaning charging from 20 to 80% should take just 30 minutes. The car can also accept 11kW DC charging. Ensuring the maximum range capacity is met is further enhanced
by the inclusion of a heat pump as standard fitment. Three levels of regeneration are available via paddles on the steering wheel, though full one pedal driving isn’t possible even with full regen on.
Available to order now, the E-408 is sold alongside a hybrid model, the Hybrid 145 e-DSC6 with a 136 hp petrol engine and 48V mild-hybrid technology. Offered in two trims of Allure and GT, both electric and hybrid models are priced at €38,995 in Allure specification, with GT models priced at €42,995 for the Hybrid and €43,995 for the E-408. cathal Doyle
If I were in the market for a new car right now, very high up my list of priorities in determining what model to choose would be how it handles ADAS notifications. Which is a rather sad reflection on how poorly many brands are implementing what is vital safety technology.
To recap, since July of last year the European Commission has required that all new vehicles sold are fitted with a range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These include, amongst others, Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) which uses cameras to read road signs and GPS data to inform drivers of speed limits, Driver Drowsiness and Distraction Warning which monitors the driver’s eye movements, Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) which uses cameras and other sensors to detect road marking and steer the vehicle accordingly, and Automated Emergency braking which automatically applies the brakes if the driver fails to react to a potential hazard.
To be clear, all of these are positive additions in preventing accidents and improving road safety, and when they work properly are a definite boon to drivers. The problem is that their application and obtrusiveness vary hugely between brands, to the extent that in some vehicles they are more likely to cause an accident than prevent one.
Particularly annoying is the Driver Drowsiness and Distraction Warning which in some cars goes into overdrive if you take your eyes off the straight ahead
best to test out a car’s
ADAS
systems before deciding to buy
even for a second to look in your rear view mirror. One car I sat into recently had warned me no fewer than six times within the first kilometre travelled to keep my eyes on the road…and it wasn’t that I was distracted at any point in that time. Sorry DDDW but you’re not helping…time to deactivate you.
Incidentally at the other end of the scale, if I do ever feel tired when driving I’ll make a point to immediately pull over as soon as possible and have a break. I’ve yet though to have a system warn me any time I have felt drowsy.
Intelligent Speed Assistance - ISA - is probably one of the first ADAS systems a driver will encounter. Exceed the speed limit and the speed limit sign on the dash will flash accompanied by a warning noise. Which is great if that warning noise is a gentle pulse - it’s a very useful reminder to slow down, and most drivers will be happy to have that alert. However in some cars it’s so harsh and loud as to literally make you jump. Which could be argued is more effective but the reality is that overly intrusive warnings will only result in a driver turning them off completely.
There is another issue with ISA which is that the system often offers wrong information, sometimes through picking up the wrong speed limit sign, for example a lower speed limit on a slip road off a motorway, or just through bad software. One vehicle I drove recently suggested 120km/h was legal on a single carriage road with grass growing in the middle, yet regularly defaulted to 60km/h on national roads. It’s also interesting to note that with the reduction in speed limits on secondary rural roads to 60km/h earlier
this year, the majority of cars I’ve driven will initially pick up the correct speed limit from a road sign, but will revert a short time later return to the previously applicable 80km/h.
Lane Keeping Assistance can be very useful for keeping you in your lane on clearly marked roads, but the technology can actually be dangerous on secondary roads particularly if there are no road markings. Too often it can misread a seam of different tarmac as a line and attempt to steer the vehicle accordingly - often straight toward a ditch or an oncoming vehicle. Again, it varies greatly between cars. And Automated Emergency braking can also often detect situations that do not exist. One vehicle recently driven would perform an emergency stop every time at the exact same place when driving along a narrow laneway even though there was no obstacle there.
Most of these systems can be deactivated but this has to be done every time a vehicle is started, and in some cases involves having to go through multiple menus on the screenitself hardly an exercise in safety if trying to do it on the move. The point is you should not feel the need to turn them off.
What is clear is that some manufacturers have put time and effort into properly incorporating this safety technology into their vehicles whereas others may have done enough to tick the boxes, but their applications leave a lot to be desired. Any potential buyer taking a new car for a test drive would be well advised to put these features to the test before making a decision.
Text: Cathal Doyle - cathal@fleet.ie
The Fleet Bus & Coach Awards 2026
Is your company leading the way in the Irish passenger transport industry? It’s time to get the recognition you deserve.
The Fleet Bus & Coach Awards return on Thursday 13th November 2025 at the Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield, County Meath—and we want to celebrate the best in the business. For years, these awards have recognised outstanding performance, innovation, and dedication across the sector.
This is your opportunity to:
n Showcase your company’s achievements n Gain national recognition n Boost your profile with industry leaders and customers n Network with key players and decision-makers
Entries are FREE and open NOW, with a wide range of categories available. You can enter your own company, or be nominated by a customer, supplier, or industry partner.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the biggest celebration in Irish passenger transport.
Enter today and let your success speak for itself!
CatEgoriEs
What category can my company enter?
You may enter as many category as you wish. Applications are open to companies/individuals to enter or be nominated by a customer, or supplier.
Applications are open to companies/individuals to enter or be nominated by a customer, or supplier.
Coach Operator Award –Town/City Service & Local Link Provider –sponsored by EVM Limited
Open to operators operating a scheduled local service in an urban or rural area.
Coach Operator Award – InterCity/Airport Service –sponsored by AdTec Aerauto
For operators running cross-country city to city and or long-distance Airport service
Coach Operator Award – Tours –sponsored by Daimler Buses
For operators providing extended tour service to national and international agents
Coach Operator Award – Tour Organiser & Coach Provider –sponsored by Volvo Bus
Aimed at operators which arrange and organise their own touring itineraries for both national and international visitors
Bus Operator Award (less than 10 vehicles) –sponsored by Harris Bus & Coach
For the typical small fleet operator, providing various services in their community, school transport, private hire etc.
Bus Operator Award (more than 10 vehicles) –sponsored by Clarke Autowash
For the larger fleet operator providing various services in their community, school transport, private operator etc.
School Bus Operator Award – Sponsor TBC
Aimed at operators providing service on school and student contracts
Safety Practice & Training Award – sponsored by Coach Climate Systems - Operators are all too aware of the risks associated with business, companies that have specific safety plans above the statutory requirements are invited to present their programmes and training structures in place.
Livery & Corporate Identity –sponsored by Brian Noone Ltd
Livery is the opportunity for an operator to catch the public eye and promote their services. Operators in this category are invited to share their thoughts and strategies behind their logo and design.
Care for the Environment and Sustainability –sponsored by PTSB
How operators are reducing their carbon footprint throughout day-to-day activities and at facilities. Proven methods of energy reduction accepted
Investment in Innovation – Sponsored by Coach Tourism & Transport Council
Innovation can be the difference between success and failure. Entrants to demonstrate how innovation has saved money and improved their efficiency
Women in Public Transport Award –sponsored by Apex Buses
This category recognise the sometimes overlooked and forgotten contribution made by woman in the bus and coach sector.
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