News

US-based OEMs have been somewhat reticent on the subject of China. But that now looks about to change, with the announcement by Paccar of the establishment of a second Chinese office in Shanghai. Paccar has maintained a sales office in Beijing for the past 15 years.But what is the Seattle-based manufacturer going to do with its new facility? Interestingly, the press release speaks only of a growing ‘demand for high-quality, reliable commercial vehicles’.

Reports in the Economic Times clarify in part Volvo’s plans for its Indian operations. India is to become a sourcing hub for its world-wide operations, and, as a result, Volvo plans to increase its Indian R&D and engineering design activities, IT services and auto components sourcing. Last year, the Swedish OEM sourced €70 / $91.97 / £46.95 from India. Initially, Volvo will increase the headcount at its engineering design office.

More mystery surrounds the exact nature of the relationship between Tata and Iveco as a result of this piece in the Times of India. The report, which suggests that Tata is to use Renault’s Trafic van platform in order to produce a three tonne passenger / commercial range, allowing it to plug the gap between its recently launched Ace one tonne product and the heavier duty 407 van.The three-way alliance between SAIC, Tata and Fiat becomes yet more confused.

25 years after CB radio became legal in the UK, the need to licence sets has finally been removed.

Truck operators are legally required to comply with drivers’ hours rules and the working time rules incorporated in the UK in The Working Time (Amendment) Regulations 2003 and The Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations 2005.

O-licence applicants must sign a declaration confirming they will comply with certain obligations to be given an O-licence and must continue to maintain standards to keep an O-licence once they have it.These include being a fit person to hold a licence; making proper maintenance arrangements for vehicles; controlling drivers’ hours, records and loading; running a suitable depot (known as the operating centre); having adequate financial resources and, for standard national and international licences, possessing the necessary professional competence qualifications.

Reporting infringements to the TC