Tag: commercial vehicles
UK commercial vehicle production stable in October – SMMT
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reports that UK commercial vehicle (CV) production was down -0.2 per cent in October, with 9,065 units manufactured. Output destined for some crucial overseas markets was up 9.3 per cent, though production for the domestic market fell -8.5 per cent with demand weakening.
UK commercial vehicle production down 11.7% in September
A total of 7,320 commercial vehicles were produced in UK factories in September, reports the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This figure represents an 11.7 per cent year-on-year decline compared with September 2018. Output for crucial overseas markets was up some 25.4 per cent, but production for the domestic market fell -44.5 per cent in the face of ongoing political and economic uncertainty.
British CV production almost a third lower in July
Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a fourth successive month of negative growth in Britain’s commercial vehicle (CV) industry, with British CV production declining 31.2 per cent in July. Production for both home and overseas markets fell, by 16.8 per cent and 39.8 per cent respectively, as model changeovers continued to affect factory output.
Self-driving truck trial evaluated following A14 trial
Highways England and Blackwell, the earthworks contractor, have completed work on a short trial involving an autonomous dump truck (ADT) on the A14. The month-long project, which ended on May 1, was paid for with £150,000 from the Government’s Road Investment Strategy (RIS) innovation designation fund and took place on a section of the A14 between Cambridge and Huntingdon.
UK commercial vehicle production falls in April
Commercial vehicle manufacturing in the UK declined rapidly as a result of planned shutdowns in April. Just 2,162 units were produced, -70.9 per cent down on the previous month. The year to date figure remains positive, with volumes up 10.3 per cent as a result of domestic demand, though exports are still the majority, making up nearly 60 per cent of production in the first four months.
MWheels launches SOE CPD approved CV wheel training course
MWheels has launched the Wheel Awareness and Security Fleet Training programme. The classes will be delivered by renowned industry instructor, Phil Thirsk. The Manchester-based wheel services provider said that the new programme represents a new phase for its approach to commercial vehicle wheel safety. For many years, MWheels (formerly known as Motor Wheel Service Distribution) has campaigned for greater legislative support in ensuring the safety of wheels fitted to commercial vehicles, culminating in a change to EU law, which saw wheels categorised as a safety critical item. It has also collaborated with Michelin Training Centre to improve wheel safety knowledge within the industry. The announcement of the programme coincides with a wheel-loss incident receiving front-page coverage on the BBC website, in which a loose lorry wheel collided with a vehicle on the opposite side of the M6 Motorway in Lanacashire.
ZF signs definitive agreement to acquire WABCO
ZF Friedrichshafen AG, a leading global technology group and supplier of mobility systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WABCO for $136.50 per share. The planned acquisition has been approved by ZF’s management board and supervisory board and WABCO’s board of directors. Together, ZF and WABCO will form a leading global integrated mobility systems provider for commercial vehicles, creating added value for ZF’s commercial vehicle customers. The combined company will have sales of approximately €40 billion.
UK CV manufacturing 8.5% up in 2018
British commercial vehicle manufacturing grew 8.5 per cent in 2018, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed. The increase in output, with 84,888 units leaving production lines, follows weaker performances in 2016 and 2017. The SMMT added that strong market incentives ahead of model changes also played a part in boosting output.
Ford, Volkswagen Alliance targets win-win in vans, medium pickup trucks – Frost & Sullivan
The recently announced partnership between Ford and Volkswagen in the commercial vans and medium pickup trucks arena served to highlight the strong global demand that both companies foresee in these two segments. The partnership was made public on the sidelines of the just concluded North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2019, in Detroit. It marks the first step in a partnership that seeks to leverage the complementary strengths of both automotive giants in a bid to boost their competitiveness.
Electric goods vehicles now need an MOT
From 1 September 2018, electric vans will no longer be exempt from the MOT if they:
‘Brake relining buoyant’ – Roadlink
Brake shoe relining is currently enjoying a buoyant period, according to commercial vehicle brake specialist Roadlink International. Due to a number of defining factors, including the growth in drum brakes used on new trailers and cost pressures on transport operators, Roadlink’s continued investment in brake shoe relining has propelled the company forward as the 'go-to expert' in this area.
Volvo to sell electric trucks next year
Volvo has confirmed it will begin sales of electric trucks in Europe in 2019, with the first units being put into operation with selected reference customers later this year. As well as reducing CO2 emissions, Volvo sees the introduction of electric vehicles as an opportunity to reduce the number of trucks operating in peak hours.
Slight decline in January LCV sales
The UK’s new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market fell -4.2 per cent in January 2018, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The decline amounts to just 888 fewer vans being driven off forecourts in the first month of the year, compared with 2017.
Commercial drivers win toilet rights
Unite, the UK’s largest trade union, has won a long–running campaign for the right of delivery drivers to use an employers’ toilets while conducting deliveries. From this week employers in control of non-domestic premises are obliged to allow people who are not their employees but use their premises to access toilets and washing facilities.
Growing fleets could reduce costs, eco-footprint with PPK contracts – Michelin
According to the latest statistics on the UK commercial vehicle industry, the number of medium to large commercial vehicle operators has been rising in the last five years. This represents an opportunity for outsourced tyre contract and service providers, as larger fleets present an increasingly complex task to manage their tyre usage, and associated servicing. Michelin solutions estimates that 42 per cent of truck fleets in the UK operating 51 or more vehicles are still purchasing tyres on a transactional basis, and therefore managing them in-house. It argues that this process is likely increasing their costs and environmental footprint.