Volvo Trucks
Volvo and ACEA co-operate on telematics to connect to the digital tachograph
The Heavy Truck Electronic Interface Group of ACEA - the European Automobile Manufacturers Association - have started an initiative to make the information stored in the Digital Tachograph accessible for telematics systems by downloading the data from the truck over the air. For this purpose, it is planned to extend the FMS Interface, an open standard for accessing electronic data of a truck’s CAN Bus.
Considerable interest in longer vehicle combinations in Europe
Last month Volvo Trucks organised a seminar in Warsaw on the opportunities offered by the European Modular System (EMS), together with the Swedish Road Administration and the Dutch Transport Ministry. This concept promises a safer and better traffic environment whilst lowering the burden on Europe’s roads.
German Volvo Truck dealer network and Nissan Germany in distribution co-operation
The German wholly-owned dealer network of Volvo Truck Corporation and the German subsidiary of Nissan Europe, have agreed conditions to enable the distribution of three of Nissan’s light commercial vehicles through the Volvo Truck dealer network in Germany. The co-operation includes sales and after sales activities.
Volvo Truck in focus at world congress for Intelligent Transport Systems
At the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress in London this week, a Volvo truck takes centre stage on the EU Commission’s stand. The truck, known as the Integrated Safety Truck, is the result of co-operation within the EU Commission’s Sixth Framework Programme where Europe’s leading vehicle manufacturers have worked together to develop joint solutions for enhanced traffic safety. The Volvo truck showcases the world’s most modern technologies within research for active safety – something that is called the ’virtual safety belt’.
Volvo Truck and Bus Centre Midlands think bike for parts
Volvo Truck and Bus Centre Midlands have set up their own motorcycle delivery service to beat the traffic and ferry truck and bus parts to customers in an area which stretches from Coventry to Kettering, Worcester and the Cotswolds. The unique and innovative approach is proving both customer-friendly and cost-effective, says Depot Manager Brent Norton. “We are seeing some journey times, such as that to Worcester from Coventry, cut by as much as 25 minutes using the bike compared to a van, without breaking speed limits. The bike is also proving to be more fuel efficient.”
Pearsons achieve 11 mpg fleet average by standardising on Volvo
Thetford, Norfolk-based, waste management and recycling specialist Pearsons is achieving a fleet average fuel economy of 11 mpg since standardising on Volvo for its fleet of 17 skip-trucks says Managing Director Jo Pearson. “The fuel economy of the Volvo’s is superb. Standardising on Volvo has given us a level playing field on which to measure fuel usage accurately and we are now meeting our target of 11 mpg.” To help their drivers achieve company fuel usage targets, Pearsons’ used the Driver Development services provided to customers by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia.
Volvo win TNT Logistics’ Euro 4 fuel trial with SCR
Two SCR equipped Volvo tractor units, operating at up to 44 tonnes, have won a competitive fuel trial run by TNT Logistics. The winning fuel figure of 9.70 mpg was revealed by TNT, who carefully conducted the test on a tank to tank basis supported by figures from the vehicle’s own Dynafleet systems. Both the Volvo’s were standard production models without modifications or non-standard components.
Volvo FM’s on multi-drop grocery deliveries with A F Blakemore
Twelve new FM-400 4x2 tractor units have entered service with West Midlands Retail Distribution specialist A F Blakemore on the firm’s SPAR grocery contract. Plated for 28 tonne GCW operation, the new FM’s join the Willenhall-based company’s 200 vehicle fleet on multi-drop deliveries to 800 stores in an area which stretches from Aberystwyth in the west to Humberside in the east by way of the Home Counties in the south.
Volvo FM’s help Musgrave Budgens Londis with driver recruitment
Community food retailer Budgens, part of the Musgrave Budgens Londis Group (MBL), is using the company’s 50 new Volvo FM tractor units to recruit new drivers and also lower the environmental impact of their trucks delivering to High Street stores.
Hallett Silbermann 150 tonne FH Heavy Hauler takes on 70 tonne Volvo Excavator
One of Hallett Silbermann’s two new Volvo FH-520, 150 tonne GCW Heavy Haulage 8x4 tractor units, is being used to move the largest and heaviest Crawler Excavator on the Volvo Construction Equipment demonstration fleet. The 8x4 tractor units are among the first specialist heavy haulage configuration Volvo’s with the D13A engine to go into service in the UK.
Volvo Trucks inaugurates factory in South Africa
Volvo Trucks is today inaugurating its new factory in Durban, South Africa, which will assemble trucks intended primarily for the growing South African market, in an initial investment of approximately 42 million Swedish kronor (£ 3.06m).
Volvo Truck deliveries
Deliveries from Volvo Trucks decreased by 3 per cent between January and July. In total, 60,068 trucks were delivered compared to 62,141 in the same period last year. The reduction relates mainly to lower delivery volumes to Iran. Excluding this market, deliveries increased by eleven per cent.
Hills Transport chills with FH reefer outfit
Shrewsbury-based haulier Hills Transport is double-shifting a new Volvo FH480 6x2 artic on chilled and frozen food deliveries across the UK, including a 7-day a week service to Scotland. The family-owned company has operated Volvo’s since 1988 and currently has 6 new-generation FH’s all hauling a variety of high-quality, locally produced food products, many of which are destined for deli-counters.
Grantley Sawmill’s 21 year old timber treasure
Grantley Sawmills near Ripon, Yorkshire, are still operating a 21-year old Volvo FL7 which the company bought new from local Dealer Crossroads Commercials in 1986. The long-wheelbase 8x4, chassis number 8000096, was one of the first FL-cabbed trucks to go into service in the UK and has spent its entire working life hauling timber.
European premiere for Volvo’s comprehensive new truck range
The international truck show in Hannover on 21st-28th September 2006 marks the premiere showing of Volvo’s entirely new truck range to a wider public. It is a product renewal programme that was implemented in less than ten months and has resulted in one of the most modern product ranges in the truck industry.