newdesk in depth and in brief
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QVD carries 11 Mercedes
Vehicle distribution specialist QVD Fleet Services has marked a 10-year association with Mercedes-Benz by investing in a new car transporter capable of carrying up to 11 of the German saloons.
The Actros 2444LS, which operates from QVD’s base in Tring, Hertfordshire, arrived via Hatfield dealer S&B Commercials as a 6x2 tractor unit with small-wheeled mid- lift axle. It was then sent to bodybuilder Transporter Engineering, of Halstead, Essex, which fitted a drawbar coupling and its latest Evo 4 car-carrying bodywork. Transporter Engineering also supplied the new trailer with which the Actros works.
Its low cab height and a mid-lift axle with 17.5in wheels that free up useful extra space for bodywork and ancillaries, make the Actros well suited to car transporter operation. Introduced last year, the new axle is 250kg lighter than that fitted to standard 6x2 Mercedes-Benz tractors, which have 22.5in wheels. It also has a
lower weight rating (4.3 tonnes, compared to the standard 7.1 tonnes) but can still be specified on vehicles operating at 44 tonnes Gross Combination Weight (gcw).
Transport Engineering, meanwhile, has incorporated additional hydraulic controls for safer loading of vehicles, ABS anti-lock braking on the trailer, a roll stability system (RSS) and the first Wabco smartboard to be fitted to a UK car transporter – this provides quick and easy access to a mass of valuable data on driver and trailer activity, including axle weights and potentially critical fault codes, information that could only previously be obtained by plugging in a laptop computer. QVD distributes some 40,000 Mercedes-Benz cars a year. It works for the manufacturer’s wholly-owned used car retail sales operation Mercedes-Benz Retail Used Cars, which has a network of showrooms across the UK. it also delivers pre- owned vehicles to the franchised Mercedes-Benz retail network, and
collects vehicles for return to Mercedes-Benz from fleet customers Avis and Enterprise.
QVD’s fleet includes a dozen Actros transporters, all of which are equipped with microwave ovens and fridges, CB radios and upgraded stereo systems. “Our drivers are invariably out in their trucks for a few nights each week so we like to make life as comfortable as possible for them,” says QVD managing director Vic Cole, whose latest truck also came – like all BlueTec Euro 5 Actros – with a Mercedes PowerShift automated transmission.
“I have a great deal of faith in the three-pointed star and in its dealer,” Mr Cole continues. “I’m convinced Mercedes-Benz trucks offer the best overall package in terms of whole-life costs – they’re reliable, fuel-efficient, and popular with our drivers, while I was also very pleasantly surprised by the values they commanded at auction when I recently stood down 10 Actros after five and six years of operation.”
www.qvdltd.co.uk
Aisle-Master expands to new facility
Aisle-Master Ltd will be moving production of its range of AC electric driven and LP Gas powered articulated forklifts to the premises of its affiliated company Combilift in May. Having outgrown its original base in Clontibret, the production line and R&D facilities available at the Monaghan site will enable the company to pursue its policy of continual product enhancement and add further models to the range. Aisle-Master is now headed up by Martin McVicar, who commented: “Just as Combilift addressed expansion by establishing its new premises in 2006, Aisle-Master’s move to Monaghan is
the next logical step to enable increased production of this very distinct and successful brand. Our engineering expertise and ability to invest substantial resources into research and development will ensure that Aisle-Master continues to enjoy its reputation as the quality articulated forklift in the marketplace, not only in the UK and Ireland but throughout the world.”
Combilift and Aisle-Master have a combined output of over 2,000 units a year, creating an annual turnover of £80m sterling.
www.aisle-master.com
Close enters the MHE fray
Close Asset Finance has appointed Jeremy Spooner as national sales manager to head up a new materials handling division.
Jeremy, who has worked in materials handling finance for over 15 years, will be providing the market with “a fresh approach to materials handling and allied equipment finance, providing flexible facilities for end users, dealers and manufacturers,” said Close.
Wholly owned by Close Brothers Group, a FTSE 250 Company and Independent Merchant Banking Group established in 1878, Close has been in the Asset Finance market for over 20 years, providing facilities to various market sectors.
www.closeassetfinance.co.uk
10 ShD April 2010 www.PressOnShD.com
●inbrief...
Extra money welcomed
The Chartered Institute of Logistics
and Transport in the UK (CILT), has welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement in the budget that there will be £100m for local road repairs and £285m for motorway improvements and expansion projects, such as allowing hard-shoulder running in busy times. This follows a call from the Institute that the next government – of whatever colour – must not cut essential maintenance on our transport infrastructure.
Chief Executive Steve Agg says: “The next Government must make sure that local government is adequately funded to maintain our highways networks: this will contribute towards Britain’s economic and environmental objectives. Neglecting essential repairs now will store up problems and higher costs for the future.”
www.cilt.org.uk
DHL wins Birds Eye contract
DHL Supply Chain has been awarded a £30 million, three-year contract with Birds Eye to handle exclusive distribution of all Birds Eye frozen foods to UK customers. The deal will see DHL handle around 550,000 pallets annually and manage activity to ensure seasonal peaks in product harvesting are supported.
Under the new arrangement, DHL will transport all Birds Eye frozen foods by road and ferry from all European production points to Birds Eye’s national distribution centre in Birmingham, as well as onward distribution to retail and wholesale distribution centres.
DHL was awarded the business following a competitive tender process, on the basis of the value it can deliver and its understanding of Birds Eye’s business needs, using a shared user network to allow new flexibility in its supply chain, including the use of additional fleet where necessary.
www.dhl.co.uk
inbrief
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