Fleet Business
Telematics and fleet management services provider Masternaut has launched its new MoveElectric solution. With MoveElectric, the Michelin-owned firm aims to support the management of company fleets as they transition from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EV).
PJ Thory Ltd has installed a TyreWatch system to monitor and control tyre maintenance and safety across its extensive 8-wheeler HGV fleet. The firm’s diverse operation spans mixed haulage, aggregate supplies, waste management and demolition. Working with TyreWatch technicians and Prometeon Tyre Group, the agro and off-road tyre specialist, PJ Thory, undertook an analysis and short trial to assess their requirements and bed-in the new tyre pressure management system (TPMS), which is now fitted to 11 Scania vehicles with a number of new DAF 8 wheelers to follow.
Transport company Rotala PLC has extended its relationship with the Michelin Services and Solutions team by signing a further five-year Effitires contract. Michelin considered the renewal a sign of Rotalla’s “continued confidence in the product” as well as a “shared focus on sustainable transport.”
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has introduced a tyre intelligence solution for cargo van fleets. Called Goodyear SightLine, the solution will initially be available in Europe and North America, and later this year Goodyear will also offer it to original equipment customers and emerging fleet and mobility providers.
Wardle-based Boughey Distribution has specified the fitment of Michelin X Multi Energy tyres to all new vehicles joining its fleet, thus maintaining its policy of 100 per cent Michelin fitment across all axles. Boughey will be taking delivery of 127 new Volvo FH 460 6×2 tractor units with Globetrotter XL cabs over the next two years, all shod with 315/70 R22.5 Michelin X Multi Energy drive tyres.
Bulmans Bulk & Haulage is specifying Michelin tyres as original equipment on all new trucks, and as replacements across its truck and trailer fleet, after reaping the benefits offered by Michelin’s accidental tyre damage guarantee. The customer, which is a FORS bronze member, operates approximately 60 DAF tractor units and 70 trailers, fitting 315/80 R 22.5 X Multi Z and D tyres on its steer and drive axles respectively, and 235/75 R 17.5 X Multi T2 fitments on the mid-lift. All Fruehauf trailers benefit from a 385/65 R22.5 X Multi T replacement tyre policy – which offers versatility and longevity in all seasons.
April’s launch of Bridgestone’s quietest bus and coach tyre ever made followed 18 months of internal testing with its biggest fleet customer. The tyre is in part a product of a lengthy development project with Stagecoach, whose Manchester city centre fleet of green vehicles became the first in Europe to operate on the product. The U-AP 002 reduces rolling resistance, extends mileage, and reduces fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and total cost of ownership according to Bridgestone’s testing against its predecessor in size 275/70 R22.5. The tyre was developed to fulfil the requirements of an electric and hybrid bus fleet, a quickly growing target market.
Goodyear intends to significantly expand the UK operations of its 24/7 commercial vehicle support network, TruckForce. This expansion takes the form of headcount and van fleet growth, some changes to the network’s regional hubs as well as new key appointments.
Procon Readymix has become one of the first operators in the UK to protect its vehicles with the latest generation Wheely-Safe technology – combining intelligent tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS), wheel loss and brake temperature sensing systems with walkaround checkers to help drivers complete daily inspections. The London-based concrete supplier has installed the products onto two of its 32-tonne DAF multi-wheelers, with a view to rolling it out across the rest of its 18-strong fleet over the coming months.
Michelin will supply replacement tyres to the all-inclusive electric car subscription service Onto. Speaking about the decision to fit Michelin tyres, Onto states that it wants to ensure users can access dedicated electric vehicle (EV) tyres. Rob Jolly, co-founder and CEO of Onto said the company wanted a tyre partner that “truly understands EVs” and the “huge impact” tyres can have on EVs’ performance. The company wants its tyres to support extended battery range, low noise and long-lasting safety throughout their life. Chris Smith, managing director of Michelin UK, added that the deal demonstrates both brands’ commitment to sustainable mobility.
Bridgestone is to acquire the Otraco OTR tyre management solutions business from Downer EDI, continuing its growth strategy. The acquisition will be made by the number one tyre manufacturer’s group company, Bridgestone Mining Solutions Australia Pty. Ltd. Bridgestone said the acquisition will accelerate the growth of its global mining solutions business and expand the company’s service network in key markets such as Australia, Chile and South Africa. Bridgestone wants to complete the transaction, valued at 79 million Australian dollars (approximately £44 million), by the end of 2021.
Bridgestone has signed a new commercial fleet partnership with Stobart Energy, the UK’s number one supplier of biomass fuel. The fleet will run exclusively on the Bridgestone Duravis R002. The tyre is designed to lower cost per kilometre through both wear performance and fuel efficiency. Designed for the versatility segment, the Duravis R002 is available to all types of on-road fleet operation and deliver outstanding wet grip.
Founded in the South West in 1919, Gregory Distribution is one of the largest privately-owned transport companies in the UK. The Group consists of the Gregory Distribution business, ARR Craib Transport, newly acquired Pollock (Scotrans) and its joint venture business Hayton Coulthard Transport. Across the group it operates 1,100 vehicles and 2,000 trailers.
Continental has brought together its range of tyre services for the fleet sector under the banner of Conti360° Solutions. Going forwards, fleet solutions will be offered as an overall package: The Conti360° Solutions contracts comprise both digital solutions such as ContiConnect and ContiPressureCheck, and ContiLifeCycle – including the ContiRe and ContiTread retreading products and casing management.
Bridgestone
Michelin
Bridgestone
Michelin