08 January 2020

A pioneering project to collate and share bus location data across England will soon see passengers able to plan their journeys with to-the-minute accuracy.

Announced by Buses Minister Baroness Vere, the project will see the standardisation and publication of information by all operators, enabling bus users to plan routes, estimate journey times and understand costs in advance.

The project will also see operators provide real-time bus location data so passengers can travel with confidence.

A project timetable set out by Baroness Vere suggests information on routes and timetables will be available from early 2020, followed by location and fares data by 2021.

Developers will be able to add the information into existing apps or develop new products to improve connectivity for communities and encourage more people turn to public transport.

Buses Minister, Baroness Vere, said, “By harnessing the transforming power of data and technology we could be on the threshold of a golden age for buses. Sharing data on routes, bus locations and fares will give passengers even more confidence to ride.”

08 January 2020

Specialist haulier Chris Wright Ltd has turned to Teletrac Navman as it takes its first steps into digital fleet management.

The company, which is best known for transporting specialist loads – everything from heavy duty excavators and bulldozers, to helicopters and train carriages – now has Teletrac Navman’s hardware installed across its entire 70-strong fleet.

As a result, the fleet is now centrally managed via Teletrac Navman’s DIRECTOR platform, which is an advanced fleet tracking system that provides fleet managers access to real time data in one easy-to-use interface.

With the requirement on Chris Wright Ltd. to have their loads on site at very specific times, DIRECTOR will enable its fleet manager to give real time location updates to drivers and customers alike.

Scott Ashdown, Fleet Manager at Chris Wright Ltd., said, “This has been a big commitment for the business to adopt new technology to create operational efficiencies. We’re looking forward to exploring other areas of our digital transformation with Teletrac Navman as our fleet management processes develop.”

18 December 2019

eSprinter, Dusseldorf plant, 2019

The electric version of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has entered production.

The milestone moment was marked by a ceremony on the production line at the van’s production plant in Dusseldorf for employees and invited guests.

More than 4.6 million vans have been produced at the plant since it was opened in 1962. Since 2018, production of the new Sprinter has also taken place there, with over 200,000 units having already left the assembly line.

The new eSprinter is intended to cover the broadest possible range of use in urban mobility. Initially it will be offered as a panel van with high roof and a permissible gross weight of 3,500 kilogrammes.

Its production follows a huge investment in the plant – the biggest van production facility operated worldwide by parent group Daimler AG – and the training of thousands of staff in EV technologies.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, said, “We are continuing to stay on track: the start of production of our eSprinter marks a further milestone on our way to electrification. In the coming years, electric drives will come to prevail more and more and become a mighty pillar in our product portfolio, which above all will govern the urban, commercial sector.”

18 December 2019

Van security is high on the agenda and has always been a top priority for manufacturers and operators. Keeping them secure is more important than ever given how vital the commercial vehicle is central to our economy.

We spoke to Andy Woodward, Sales and Marketing Director of Van Guard Accessories – a company that makes LCV security products – on ways to help keep vans secure.

What can LCV drivers do to prevent theft?

“Whereas previously vehicle owners and drivers were largely limited to a small range of dealer-fitted security options, today the average tradesperson can buy and fit a range of high security accessories themselves as aftermarket products. Not only has the cost of security options come down, but the options available to combat thefts have risen.

“As a side benefit, many of our products, in particular, are made from lightweight aluminum, which means that they are well placed to help drivers keep the weight of their vans to a minimum, helping to keep vehicle efficiency and security at a maximum at the same time.”

What changes have you seen during your time in the industry?

“As with most businesses the internet has had a major influence on the buying patterns of our core customers, namely tradespeople. Eight years ago, UK motor dealers were fitting aftermarket accessories after the vehicle had been delivered. The internet has changed all that and the average tradesperson knows he can fit accessories like van roof bars himself, and so shops around online to get the best price.

“Unfortunately, we have seen a growth in van break-ins and the theft of tools, and that is a real problem for those affected. As a result we have utilised our 40+ years of experience in British manufacturing and history in van security to launch our own range of van locks and security plates that can be fitted to all vehicles, adding an instant and effective barrier to entry for thieves, even if a vehicle’s electric security systems have been compromised.

“We are pleased to say that alongside the modernisation and evolution of our security systems over time, these original products are still going strong today. When it comes to securing your van, tools and livelihood, it really pays to start with the basics and work upwards from there.”

How has Van Guard adapted and evolved?

“Back in the early 90s, Van Guard was formed as an offshoot of a highly regarded aerospace engineering business in 1976. Because we were highly regarded for our engineering, we were approached by a local utility company who were experiencing vehicle break-ins. This resulted in the development of aftermarket rear window grilles and blanks that provided a visual deterrent against break-ins. Hence the name Van Guard.

“The success of the window grilles in deterring would-be thieves persuaded Van Guard to explore the van security market further by developing aftermarket Bulkheads, Tool Stores and Pipe Carriers, all of which were in response to the needs of customers who were experiencing losses in these areas.”

18 December 2019

MAN Truck and Bus UK has opened a new state-of-the-art dealership in Gateshead.

The new facility, which occupies a prominent 3.3 acre site on the Team Valley Trading Estate, has been built as part of a £20 million investment in the brand’s UK dealer network.

Purpose-built from the ground up and situated just a stone’s throw from the A1, the new site will be open 24-hours a day Monday to Friday and for extensive hours at weekends.

Incorporating a 12-bay workshop, the facility will help MAN meet its uptime commitment and will therefore hold a £350,000 stock of parts, accessible to technicians round the clock.

Looking forward and to address the needs of both future vehicles and customer requirements, the new facility also boasts four double vehicle Electric Vehicle charging points. MAN Gateshead is the first MAN eMobility workshop.