Category Archives: NEWS

Not All Sunshine & Sand

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Hello guys. Three years ago I wrote a book called ‘NOT ALL SUNSHINE AND SAND’, a series of tales about my time in road transport including the Middle East run in the 70s. Most have been very complimentary about it. However all copies were sold out and a new publisher said they were very interested on re-publishing, this time in paperback. So on April 20th, next month, the book is being released by Old Pond Publishing at the exorbitant price of £7.95. !!!

Email. Info@oldpond.com
Phone. 01473 238200

If you decide to buy it then I hope you enjoy it. The stories are mostly humorous, but some are serious and some almost life and death.

By
Paul Rowlands

SCOOP!! New Mercedes Benz Atego is Here

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New Mercedes Benz Atego

Finally the new member of the all new Mercedes Benz line up I have been waiting for! I can’t say too much about it apart from what has been released in the press release today. I LOVE IT! The joys of “Cut & Paste” will become apparent right now – from the MB press release:

With the arrival of the new Atego, the medium-duty short-radius distribution truck in the 6.5 t to 16 t GVWR segment, the new truck generation from Mercedes-Benz is now complete. In appearance, too, the new Atego fits neatly into a line-up that already includes the Mercedes-Benz Actros, Antos and Arocs model series. A new bumper design with integrated daytime running lamps (an LED version is available as an option) defines the characteristic face of the Atego and, for all its clear individual identity, marks it out immediately as a member of today’s Mercedes-Benz truck family.

Inside the Atego cab, the driver will find a completely redesigned interior with a cockpit design that, in terms of styling and functionality, has been aligned with that of the Actros, Antos and Arocs. The central instrument with its large, clear graphic display, a multifunction steering wheel as standard – optionally available in leather, seats in a new design featuring integrated head restraints and armrests (in conjunction with Mercedes PowerShift 3) and a one-piece 7-zone cold foam mattress as an option are just a few examples of what to expect in the new Atego. To cope with the challenges posed by the growing complexity of short-radius distribution operations, the new Atego offers the possibility of integrating multimedia devices, along with the added functionality provided by the new electric/electronics concept.

With a comprehensive range of improvements to its chassis, rear suspension and cab mounting, along with a new steering system, the new Atego sets new standards for driving dynamics, handling safety and comfort. A total of 42 different model variants, covering a wide range of wheelbase lengths, three cab lengths and all-wheel-drive versions, meet all customer needs and requirement profiles in the short-radius distribution segment.

New Mercedes Benz Atego

New Mercedes Benz Atego

New Mercedes Benz Atego

■ Seven Euro VI engines with four or six cylinders and between 115 kW (156 hp) and 220 kW (299 hp), delivering significantly improved economy

■ Redesigned comfort cab provides a workplace with perfect ergonomics for the driver in four different variants

■ Stability Control Assist and daytime running lamps as standard

■ New Mercedes PowerShift 3 eight-speed automatic transmission for engines from 175 kW (238 hp) to 220 kW (299 hp)

■ Optional permanent magnet retarder provides wear-free braking as further support to new exhaust brake

■ New suspension combines maximum handling safety with good comfort

■ Extends benchmark position in the segment from 6.5 t to 16 t perm. GVW

The fourth and last member of the Mercedes-Benz truck family to undergo a complete makeover is the new Mercedes-Benz Atego with Euro VI, now coming on stage to continue its successful career as a bestseller in the short-radius distribution segment from 6.5 to 16 t permissible gross vehicle weight (perm. GVW).

This new version of the European market-leading Mercedes-Benz Atego retains its benchmark position in the light- and medium weight truck segment with regard to quality, reliability, repair and maintenance costs as well as durability. Indeed, this lead has now been extended even further by the introduction of numerous innovations in relation to the drive system, chassis and cab.

New Mercedes Benz Atego

New Mercedes Benz Atego

New Mercedes Benz Atego

To see some more press photos from the Daimler Group, please click HERE.
I can’t wait to see this little beauty, but then again by noow you should have all worked out that I am probably the only truckie who loves Tonka toys more than thumping great artics. Any way hopefully i’ll bring you more on the New Atego over the next few months. Thanks Mercedes Benz….

New Volvo FM & New Competition

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Paparazzi competition

Straight from Volvo’s excellent Press Department:

The Volvo FM is next in line in the rapid renewal of Volvo Trucks’ product range – with the groundbreaking innovation Volvo Dynamic Steering as one of its prominent features. The truck will be launched in Europe on March 19, but it can already be spotted on public roads as part of a competition to be the first to see the new FM. The Volvo FM will be equipped with Volvo Dynamic Steering, which combines a conventional hydraulic power steering system with an electronically regulated electric motor fitted to the steering gear. The system gives the driver effortless steering at low speeds as well as unbeatable directional stability on the open road.

On-line “Paparazzi” competition

The official launch of the Volvo FM is on March 19, but Volvo Trucks is already giving the public the opportunity to catch a glimpse of it. Starting today, two unmasked trucks will embark on an extensive two-week tour across Europe. The sharpest-eyed “paparazzi” along the route will be rewarded by the Swedish truck maker.

“We want the public to send us the first snapshots of the new truck. The images will be published on a dedicated website and the winners will be invited to an exclusive test drive of the new truck in Gothenburg,” says Jeff Bird, Director Press tests at Volvo Trucks and the project leader of the competition. Each of the trucks is following a separate route throughout Europe. The two trucks have distinctive stripes to make them stand out from the surrounding traffic. To take part in the competition or to see the first images of the new Volvo FM truck, please go to the competition site.

New FM by Joan Garriga

So if you want to be like Joan Garriga, who took this photo above to be a winner, keep your eyes peeled as Volvo Trucks UK have been given the ‘nod’ that one of the trucks is destined for the UK and is due to land in the UK on Thursday morning (Mar 7).
It will drive via the M20/M25 to Cobham Services (clockwise) for a lunch break around 11am and then on to Warwick for around 4pm, where it will then ‘overnight’. Next day the vehicle will then travel via the M6/A14 to Cambridge Services (11am) – for a break – before going on via the M11/M25/M20 back to the channel coast and its next destination overseas.

If you are interested in being at one of these venues, please check social media, Twitter/Facebook search “Volvo Trucks UK”, for up-to-date timings and route locations.

New FM

SCOOP!! Astran / Tekno New Model Release

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Astran Model release

I’m spoiling you, 2 blogs in a matter of days! But this is big news and it can’t wait for me to get my A*se in gear. I had an email today from Kevin Letham, yes him in charge of the most famous intercontinental trucking company ever, Astran. Kevin asked if I wanted to be on the list for the next and possibly the best Astran model yet. So of course I said yes please put me on the list, to which he replied, i’ve already put your name down but I thought I better just let you know! Anyway for those of you who don’t know, there have been 2 Tekno 1/50 scale models produced already and both sold out in days. Now you have to pay twice the original price to get one off the electronic auction websites. So how about this time around, want to see if you can get your name down on the original list??

Astran Model release

As you can see this time the model is based on a Scania 140 drawbar, reg no JLL 686K. Kevin said in his email; “We currently have, in production, what has already been called the “Best Model so far!!”. It was decided to make a 140 Draw bar as accurate as possible to the original. I have attached the design drawings and think that it will make a perfect addition to the previous models. Price has not been fixed yet, but it is thought to be slightly more than the previous models at £175.00 due to the extras that Tekno have had to make for it.”

It sounds to me like this will be a great model once again. I think it is fair to say that Dutch model builders Tekno, do know what they are doing when it comes to creating a real collectors item. This time around i’m sure that the Certificated Limited Edition Astran model will be hugely popular, so please get emailing Kevin now to try and secure you place on the list. To contact Kevin please email: kevin@astran-cargo.com or you can tweet him: @astran_kevin or i’m sure it’d be ok to call Astran direct if your not really an email person. How ever you do it, do it now because you really don’t to miss out on this one…..DO IT NOW!

Astran Model release

What the FAP is That??!!

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While wondering around the halls of the IAA Show in Hanover I came across what looked like an SK cabbed Mercedes, well from the side I was walking towards it anyway. It turns out that the 2 trucks in question were brand new Euro 5, FAP trucks. FAP are built in Serbia and extensively use old Mercedes cabs in their truck range. In fact if you scroll through the trucks pages on their website they use Merc badged trucks to show what they produce.. FAP is Serbia’s largest (and only??) commercial vehicle producer. Based in the Serbian town of Prijbol they employ something like 1200 people, making what look like rugged trucks for both private use and army use. FAP stands for Fabrika Automobila Priboj, just in case it comes up in a pub quiz! So if any of you die hard Merc SK fans have some spare cash, perhaps you need to pop to Serbia to get a brand new Euro 5 FAP…….If only they bought the rights to the 1 series Scania for their next truck range!!

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Show Time – How things have changed…

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So its 2 years after I last went to Germany, the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show at Hannover. It’s a bi-annual show that is the showcase for all the heavy vehicle and bus manufacturers along with all and sundry who make accessories and products associated with commercial vehicles. I’m flying this evening, have a might in a posh hotel then I’ll be at the show for 9am to spend the day looking about, where as I went in 2010 just for the day, I only had about 5 hours between my flights.

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This year I think there will be a lot that has changed. The very recent release of the new Volvo range. The new Mercedes Benz Actros is making it’s first IAA appearence, along with the face lifted DAF’s. How can I forget the newly crowned Truck of The Year, the Iveco Stralis Hi-Way. I’m also hoping to find some lovely German mini artic manufacturers!!

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I will post up my findings over the next few weeks. I won’t be taking the lap top with me, so unless I can find some free wi-fi and I can work out how to blog on my phone you will just have to check the photo panel for any uploads or the twits on twitter.

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Iveco Stralis HI-WAY Voted “Truck of The Year 2013”

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Iveco Stralis Hi-Way

Yes really!! I know we’ve not heard a great deal about it, but the new version of Iveco’s popular Stralis, the “Hi-Way” has been named as Truck of The Year for 2013. Like me, you were probably thinking it looks like it’s just had a new grill and bumper, but we’re wrong it’s had more than that. Apparently it offers a reduction in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of up to 4%! Iveco Say;

“The new STRALIS is equipped with Cursor FPT Industrial engines, ensuring low fuel consumption and excellent performance. The unique High Efficiency SCR (HI-eSCR) catalytic reduction system, designed, patented and produced by FPT Industrial, makes the new STRALIS the only heavy vehicle on the market to meet Euro VI emission limits without the use of EGR. The FPT Industrial High Efficiency SCR system reduces nitrogen oxide levels by over 95%. The after-treatment technology of FPT Industrial for Euro VI vehicles is unique and exclusive, since it meets the strict limits for nitrogen oxide emissions, without increasing fuel consumption. The STRALIS Hi-Way comes, in addition, with a thoroughly redesigned cabin. The improved ergonomics and comfort are the product of close cooperation with dealers and customers. The external restyling of the cab has focused on improving vehicle aerodynamics and therefore fuel efficiency, and features a new central grille and redesigned “air deflectors” and a new bumper dam design, among others. The vehicle incorporates new advanced and integrated telematics services, improved customer services instruments and the most advanced road safety features, such as EBS with the Brake Assistant function, Lane Departure Warning System, ESP, Adaptive Cruise Control, Daytime Running Lights, the new Driver Attention Support function and the Advanced Emergency Braking System. To improve driver performance, the new STRALIS adds to the already broad range an offer with the unique “Driving Style Evaluation” function, an instrument that allows the driver to improve driving behaviour in real time. Additionally, if connected to the IVECONNECT FLEET system, this program allows the fleet manager to remotely assess the performance of each individual driver.”

1st New Volvo FH For Sale

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New Volvo FH

Hot off the newspress desk yesterday is this interesting little announcement from Volvo;

Volvo Trucks is to sell the first series-manufactured new Volvo FH to the highest bidder on eBay. The truck is a unique one-off collector’s item and all the proceeds will go to charity with bids starting at €1 (81p).

Starting on September 19th, the auction will be open for ten days to bidders from all over Europe, including Russia, Turkey and Israel. Volvo Trucks will donate all the proceeds to Star for Life, a South African non-profit organisation that aims to reduce the number of HIV-positive high school students. Then, in the spring of 2013, the winner will be invited to hand over the money in person at a ceremony in South Africa.

“Our aim with this auction is to raise as much money as possible for the ‘Star for Life’ programme,” says Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks EMEA Sales & Global Brand.

New Volvo FH

The new Volvo FH to be auctioned is a visibly unique and high-spec special edition truck with an exclusive ‘number one’ emblem on the windscreen.

Visit the auction here: http://auction.volvotrucks.com/ 

A video interview with Claes Nilsson is also available at : http://www.youtube.com/VolvoTrucks

New Volvo FH

New Volvo Comes with Optional Tight Rope & Walker!

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It seems that Volvo have thought of every thing with there new truck range….you can even spec a rope connecting to another truck and also a stunt woman! Not to sure what its all in aid of other than the release publicity for the launch, but still its quite impressive. Truck and woman that is!

The press release from Volvo says the following;

“The driving force behind the film is Volvo Trucks. The aim is to highlight the driveability and superior handling of the company’s latest truck model – the new Volvo FH. The stunt was possible to carry out due to the excellent stability and handling of the new Volvo FH. It was thanks to this stability that both trucks could maintain a steady gap throughout the stunt.

“It’s not enough simply to say that we are good. We wanted to demonstrate just how much progress we’ve made in the area of both driveability and handling,” says Ulf Nordqvist, project manager for the new Volvo FH series.”

The world premiere and official launch of the Volvo FH Series will be held on September 5th at 8pm GMT and the launch event will be webcast live at www.volvotrucks.com/fh

SCOOP!! Mercedes Benz Antos – First Release

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New: Mercedes Benz Antos

After the recent launch of the New Actros range, we all knew it would be long before the other new models came along. First up is the Antos. This is the first few paragraphs from the press release. There is lots more waffle but all you need to know for now is as follows;

“At the beginning of the week Daimler presented the new Mercedes-Benz Antos, the first specialist vehicle model series designed for heavy-duty short-radius distribution transportation use. The vehicle will celebrate its public premiere at the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hannover in September (I’m already booked to go – Ed). Whether put to use for food, heating oil, building materials or municipal transportation applications, with a permissible gross vehicle weight of between 18 and 26 tonnes the Antos is totally at home in the regional transportation sector. Even though its exterior unmistakably reflects its relationship with the new Actros, the Antos boasts a number of special highlights in terms of its design. In line with its often urban area of application, on the one hand the Antos sports a very friendly look. At the same time, the relatively flat design for short-radius distribution creates an extremely robust and sturdy appearance. The continuous 2.30 metre-wide cab of the new Mercedes-Benz Antos is available in the ClassicSpace design in short (S) and medium (M) lengths. The medium-length variant is also available as the super-flat CompactSpace cab, for trucks with cooling units fitted to the body, for example. The premium cockpit area provides the driver with an ergonomic place of work: the vehicle instruments are clearly arranged and easy to use from an ergonomic point of view. In addition, the modern multifunction steering wheel as well as the generous seat adjustment options help to make the day-to-day work of the driver easier.”

New: Mercedes Benz Antos

Engine sizes are from 7.7 litre to 12.8 litre and power ranges from 238hp all the way to 510hp if required. One of the most impressive claims of the Antos is that, supposedly you can buy a 40 ton tractor unit with a Euro VI, 428hp engine that weighs in at approx 6,400kg. If you go for the Antos Loader you can achieve an unladen weight of less than 6,000kg. You have to admit that’s pretty impressive. Would the drive axle weights be up to it?? My only thought with such a huge range of variants, will the Antos not contradict the Actros range? I’m sure there’s some one at Mercedes Benz who can explain the differences between the 2 ranges other than the cab type availability. I look forward to the new Construction range which I think will be next year and then the new Atego after that.

New: Mercedes Benz Antos