truckstop news
Issue 323 MAY 2014
Pike’s early Actros proves a winner
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imperne, Dorset-based supermarket trolley maintenance specialist KJ Pike has said its early delivery of a 4x2 New Actros 1851 tractor unit in November 2012 – a full 13 months before the latest round of EU emissions regulations came into force – is paying off. “Our trucks don’t cover high mileages, which is why we keep them for seven years or more,” said the firm’s financial director, Christian Pike. “We wanted to protect ourselves against future emissions controls in London and other cities, while also maximising its potential resale value by buying the cleanest, ‘greenest’ vehicle we could. “At the time, Mercedes-Benz was the only truck-maker offering a viable Euro 6 product, which was good news because our other vehicles are all by the same manufacturer.” Plated for operation at 38 tonnes gcw, the New Actros has a range-topping GigaSpace cab, a 510 bhp straight-six engine and PowerShift 3 automated gearbox. It works with one of KJ Pike’s four Gray & Adams
Pike said its Euro 6 Actros is frugal with fuel
twin-deck trailers, each of which carries up to 720 supermarket trollies. The unit is serviced by the Poole branch of Pentagon Commercials under a seven-year MercedesBenz Repair and Maintenance Contract. “We were told the Euro 6 vehicle would be economical to run, and so it’s proved,” Pike added. “Fuel figures vary according to
the work, but whereas our older tractors are in the 7-8 mpg range, the New Actros typically returns 8-9 mpg. “What’s more, it hasn’t missed a beat since day one, while driver John Fry really appreciates the space, comfort and sophistication of his cab, as well as the fact it’s such a great-looking truck.”
Renault returns to CV Show
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Renault will be showcasing its new Range T trucks at the NEC
enault Trucks has announced its return to the 2014 Commercial Vehicle Show after an absence of five years. The manufacturer will exhibit its new Euro 6 range of long-haul, construction and distribution vehicles, as well as its light commercial offering on its stand. “We’re delighted to be back at the CV Show and present our fantastic new Euro 6 range,” said Gino Costa, managing director, Renault Trucks UK. “Market conditions are improving and it’s a great opportunity to exhibit to the whole market. “Our new range is designed around a total cost of ownership
approach that we believe perfectly matches current UK buying behaviour, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to present this to the market at the show.” Exhibits on the Renault Trucks stand will include two Range T tractor units - a 6x2 owner operator specification and a 4x2 fleet specification; two Range D distribution chassis at 12 tonnes and 26 tonnes; an 8x4 Range C construction chassis and a Renault Master. The CV Show takes place at Birmingham’s NEC on April 29 to May 1, 2014. To register for free entry to the show, visit www.cvshow.com
SAFETY IT’S IN OUR DNA
Day in the cab for ScreenSafe manager
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creenSafe sales account manager Georgina Foster has spent a day with an ELB Partners truck driver to get a better view what it’s like to drive around London in a 44-tonne artic. Last year, ScreenSafe joined with the Road Haulage Association (RHA) to introduce Smart Test and encourage haulage operators and fleet managers to prepare for new laws in drug-driving being implemented this year, and the introduction of roadside drug testing devices which will lead to a significant rise in drug-driving testing. Foster said she wanted to experience a day in the life of a typical truck driver first hand to better understand the pressures they are under, and how drivers stay alert and manage safety risks they encounter during their work. “I was discussing with ELB Partners the upcoming changes to the drugdriving laws, and how road hauliers
can ensure their drug and alcohol policies are up to date,” Foster said. “They invited me to join a driver for the day – what an opportunity, I thought! To get a chance to see at first-hand how they work is a great way for us to find out how we could support them in the best way possible.” Mark Norman, one of ELB Partners’ managers, added: “We were delighted to welcome Georgina to join one of our drivers for the day, just as transport minister Stephen Hammond did a few months ago. “We’ve been operating for over three decades now, and we’re committed to achieving health and safety standards over and above the regulatory requirements. For example, ELB Partners has fitted all vehicles in its 40-strong fleet with cycle safety equipment, including cameras, audible left-turn signals and sideguards. All of our drivers have also completed urban awareness training as part of their Driver CPC,” he added.
Read the paper online at www.truckingmag.co.uk
To maintain an efficient and safe partnership between man and machine, you need the right mix of active safety features and driver skill. Speak to your local Volvo Trucks Dealer today about how our CPC and Safety Systems can help turn our science into your success. Go to: volvotrucks.co.uk/compliance
Volvo Trucks. Driving Progress
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