News

Renault has launched updated versions of its Clio and Kangoo vans and has enhanced its environmental credentials by launching biodiesel models of the Trafic and Master.The diminutive Clio Campus, based on the company's passenger car, gets a smartly restyled front and rear as well as a newly standard multi-function trip computer to add to ABS with electronic brake distribution (EBD).Power comes from a 1.5-litre dCi unit producing 68hp with maximum torque of 160Nm.Moving up a category, the exterior of the Kangoo sees min

Hauliers carrying grain and sugar beet were paid less per tonne last year than in 2005 even though their fuel and wage costs went up sharply, according to the annual survey just published by the Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA). The survey found that rates being achieved for UK journeys fell by an average of 3%, equating to 22p/tonne, with rates for longer journeys falling more than rates for shorter ones.

Devon reefer specialist Armoric Freight International has moved to new premises which will enable it to diversify into ambient storage. The firm, founded in 1975, now boasts 1,765m2 of warehouse space - room for 1,800 pallets - at its Plympton site; its former site had space for just 350 pallets. MD Marc Payne says: "We had outgrown our old site and we needed to diversify as well to make sure we weren't stuck doing just fridge work." The firm runs 13 trucks and 15 trailers on a mix of domestic and Continenta

Iveco has continued its recent run of sales success in the North-East with two trucks joining another well regarded fleet - Phillips (Seahouses). The sale of the pair of Stralises to Phillips continues a highly successful period for local dealer North East Truck and Van which has also sold trucks to other prominent North-East hauliers including Fergusons (Blyth), Simpson Brothers and Devereux Developments. The two trucks join Phillips' existing fleet of 18 commercial ve

Jack Semple has joined the RHA as its director of policy. He replaces Karen Dee who has moved to the CBI. Semple takes up his new post at the end of the month, having served eight years on the staff of Motor Transport, latterly as assistant editor, news and technical.

Artic drivers' basic hourly pay has risen sharply by an average 9.4%, according to new figures from Incomes Data Services.The pay leap is despite suggestions that recruitment and retention difficulties could be easing.The survey of pay and conditions in 104 haulage firms, in association with the RHA, reveals the average hourly basic rate for an artic driver is £8.23 an hour, 9.4% up on last year.

Asked about Fiat Group’s commitment to the total ownership of a medium and heavy duty truck manufacturer, CEO Sergio Marchionne responded that it was ‘unwavering’.

According to the Japanese Nikkei newspaper, Hino is to launch its diesel-electric Dutro Hybrid truck in Australia this month. By taking advantage of brisk demand for environment-friendly vehicles outside Japan, the truck maker aims to triple its overseas truck sales to 150,000 by 2015, the business daily said.

The news that Ford has filed suit against Navistar shouldn’t come as a surprise; the Warrenville, Illinois-based manufacturer has been a contender for our favourite basketcase OEM award for a time now. Aided in part by the fact that its previous accountants have had some difficulty adding up, its financials are a mess, and its strategy – whilst commendable from the perspective of an industry attempting to globalise – seems to have been leading it nowhere.

Interesting report here about KaMAZ and its plans for India. This is the market to be in at the moment, and it’ll be interesting to see just how the Russian OEM gets on against the indigenous giants – Tata and Ashok – and the newly keen European OEMs – including Volvo, MB, Scania and MAN.