Word reaches Biglorryblog that, following successful trials over a 12-month period, Carlsberg UK has recently invested in two new Volvo FM artic units capable of performing completely separate functions. The brainchild of Carlsberg UK’s National Fleet Engineer, Andrew Davis, the multi-role tractors can be used as regular long-distance trunkers at night and for dray deliveries during the day. Now that IS clever says BLB. Known as the ‘MetroLiner’, the Volvos were carefully specified so that the fifth wheel height is as low as possible in order to facilitate manual unloading from the single-axle dray trailer seen here in the pictures...This was achieved by utilising low-profile 295.60/R22.5 tyres, specially adapted rear wings and by dispensing with the customary sub-frame. A ‘fast’ 2.50:1 drive-axle ratio ensures that road speeds are not compromised. According to Andrew Davis, low-height fifth wheels are not new. The real challenge was to achieve a low deck height for the dray trailer while allowing sufficient fore and aft articulation “Approximately 70% of our deliveries are unloaded manually from the side of the dray trailers,” he explains, adding: “A slim-line neck on the trailer means that the deck height is the same as our purpose-built rigids and while the combination is not quite as manoeuvrable as an urban artic., the MetroLiner will go anywhere a 26-tonne rigid can go.”

Powered by a 450-hp 11-litre Volvo diesel backed up by an I-Shift fully-automated gearbox the MetroLiner artics are already proving highly successful.Steve Maunder, depot manager for Carlsberg’s busy Nashmead, Newport operations says that the MetroLiners are employed primarily on rural rather than urban routes and that their drivers consider them to be the ‘Kings of the Fleet.’ It is projected that the MetroLiner concept could be used eventually on 10 per cent of Carlsberg’s routes. This new concept helps continue Carlsberg’s drive to save costs and strive for the best service to its customers. The term ‘MetroLiner’ adopted by Carlsberg maintains a close association with other company vehicles such as the ’DrayLiner ’ and was conceived and instituted by Andrew Davis. “We are constantly striving to introduce new cost-saving initiatives. The MetroLiner is simply the latest example of Carlsberg’s market leadership.”

Heads up Biglorrybloggers! Especially if you're one of the thousands of professional wheelmen who earn a driving a truck up and down the fair highways and motorways of Great Britain. For today marks the start of the Iveco New Stralis Road Show and yours truly dropped into South Mimms services where the good folks from Watford were busy setting up for the first afternoon event. And having asked nicely they generously allowed BLB to have a spin in their very smart 460hp EEV Stralis Hi-Way 40-tonner with the latest Montracon test trailer behind it. That Cursor engine has a lovely sounding rumble to it when it gets down to work and the EuroTronic auto box makes everything oh so easy. And as they'd just cleaned ready for the real drivers (rather than old hacks like me) I carefully kept it out of the puddles in return. Throughout the New Stralis UK road show Iveco is looking to get plenty of feedback from professional drivers on the 2013 International Truck of the Year. And to help you do so there are two fully-laden demo artics to drive--the aforementioned Hi-Way with the full-width cab and the Hi-Road with the narrower cabin (the two New Stralis models take over from the previous Stralis Active Space and Active Time).

There's also a static display vehicle to crawl over and get a good look at including a new Hi-Way with the latest Driver Support Evaluation System that allows you to see how you're doing in terms of fuel economy, smooth driving and anticipation. Plus a welcoming hospitality trailer, plus goody bags with free gifts and a free food voucher too for those dropping by. AND there's a daily competition at all the venues where anyone having a test drive of the New Stralis and who fills out the feedback form can be entered in a competition to win a 16GB mini i-Pad. All you have to do is tell them how your test drive went and what you think of New Stralis. If only I'd known beforehand I could have entered. And as you'll already seen from the story Rikki posted up you can keep track of the New Stralis road show by visiting the Truck & Driver website at  http://truckanddriver.co.uk/iveco-stralis-hi-way/ but if you haven't got access to a laptop or PC on the road to remind you of them, and you're keen to find out the venues here they are.

South Mimms
Welcome Break - M25, J23 Services
Feb 26th   14.00-21.00 
Feb 27th   06.00-14.00

Southampton
Roadchef Rownhams
Services - M27, J3-4
Mar 4th    14.00-21.00 
Mar 5th    06.00-12.00

Avonmouth
The Avon Lodge - Third Way, Bristol,
Avon, BS11 9YP
Mar 6th    06.00-21.00

Lymm
Moto Services - M6, J20
Mar 11th   14.00-21.00
Mar 12th   06.00-21.00

Rugby
Night Owl - M1 J18, Watling St,
Clifton Upon Dunsmore
Mar 13th   14.00-21.00
Mar 14th   06.00-21.00

Carlisle
Night Owl, M6, J44, Kingstown
Trading Estate, Carlisle  CA3 0J
Mar 19th   06.00-21.00

Hamilton
Roadchef - M74, J5-6
Mar 21st   06.00-21.00

And just to finish why not also click on this link to see the Iveco Hi-Way video on the Italian truck maker's website at http://stralis.iveco.com/ 

And breathe in...and relax. Word reaches Biglorryblog that Volvo Trucks has made major improvements to the air quality inside the new Volvo FH cab, primarily by using textiles and components that contain and emit fewer chemical substances. As a result, the air inside the new Swedish flagship tractor is considerably cleaner than in the surrounding traffic environment. “Our holistic approach has focused on minimising emissions from interior materials and on preventing small particles from entering the cab via the climate system. In this way we have managed to significantly reduce odour and the amount of particles and organic substances, such as formaldehyde,” explians Lars Mårtensson, Environmental Director at Volvo Trucks to BLB. Cab air quality has been part of Volvo Trucks’ research and development work for many years and has been the subject of increased focus over the past decade. In recent years, this work has been co-ordinated with the development of the new Volvo FH. “With many drivers spending up to 20 hours a day in the vehicle, our new long-haul truck is perfect for introducing this new holistic solution,” adds Hannele Nurmi, Substance Regulation Specialist at Volvo Trucks. “Our meticulous approach has resulted in a fixed emission limit for every organic substance present in all interior materials. We have worked closely with our suppliers to ensure that our demands are met.”

It seems that emissions of organic substances – Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) – from interior textile materials are a common issue in the automotive industry. In most cases, these emissions increase when the cab is very hot or exposed to direct sunlight. Volvo Trucks has addressed this in a number of ways. All flame retardants in the new FH cab’s textiles have been eliminated. Instead, the textiles have been made thicker and denser to meet the fire regulations. All textiles are certified according to the global Oeko-tex standard 100 – which means that they do not contain any hazardous levels of substances. Toxic chemicals in plastic and leather materials used in seats, steering-wheels and decor components have been replaced by less harmful substances and the leather has been tanned using a chrome-free process. As a result, not only VOC emissions have been reduced, but also the risk of contact allergies. To prevent particles from the outside air entering the cab, the incoming air passes through a combination of two active filters that are designed to minimise the number of small particles. “From our customer surveys we know that some truck drivers are particularly sensitive, resulting in allergic reactions. With the new FH cab we aim to help these drivers reduce this kind of problem,” says Hannele. What's more, to verify the results, the complete Volvo FH cab has been subjected to laboratory tests at high temperatures (40° and 65° Celsius). “The tests show that the amount of organic substances in the cab air has been reduced to a fraction, which means that drivers will have a cleaner and healthier working environment in the new FH. Our next aim is to incorporate this solution in the continuous renewal of our truck range. The goal is to offer the same high air quality in every Volvo truck sold all over the world,” concludes Lars. Well I for one will now breathe more easily knowing all this says BLB.

This story comes to Biglorryblog courtesy of my old Irish chum Jarlath Sweeney and it’s clear that what people usually expect to see along the legendary Las Vegas Strip at midnight is white stretch limousines, SUVs with tinted glass, and police cars racing through Sin City from one call to another with red lights flashing. So it was all the more astonishing for the jet set in Nevada when all of a sudden, they could make out in the darkness a gigantic yellow locomotive which, far away from any train tracks, was slowly moving forward to the north along the famous Las Vegas Boulevard.  What made this possible was once again the high-end transport equipment from Bavaria: serving as a substitute for the rails was the fourteen axle lines of the THP/SL heavy-duty module system from those special transport experts Goldhofer. The unusual load consisted of a 190-ton diesel-electric locomotive from the American locomotive manufacturer EMD, which has belonged to Caterpillar since 2010.  With a length of thirty metres a height of five metres and a width of three metres the EMD loco was not only the shining star on the Strip, but also the exhibition highlight at the Caterpillar stand at MINExpo 2012, the world’s leading mining tradeshow, which once again took place at the Las Vegas Convention Center. 

The transport of the rail-based behemoth from the marshalling yard of the train station to the convention center premises was a gigantic challenge for Goldhofer’s customer in North America, the heavy transport specialists Precision Heavy Haul (PHH) headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.  It was necessary for the PHH team to find a solution as to how the locomotive could be securely anchored to the THP modules without substantially increasing the transport weight.  At the same time, though, the construction had to be so stable that the track wheels of the locomotive were not damaged during transport.  “We were successful with both of these through a cleverly thought-out system,” says Mike Poppe, founder and owner of PHH.  “And with the THP/SL lines from Goldhofer, we had the absolutely ideal axle lines for this project.  Because with their high bending moment and low deadweight, the THP/SL axles were the perfect base for the transport of the locomotive. We can completely and totally rely upon our Goldhofer equipment at all times.”

With an axle load of up to 45 tons, an axle compensation of up to ± 300 mm, and the extremely high bending moment with at the same time the low deadweight, the twin-wheeled THP/SL modular systems from Goldhofer are the world’s leading heavy load axles and are always in demand when the heaviest loads have to be moved. “Such extraordinary projects as this one in Las Vegas strengthen our reputation as the leader in the world market for high-end transport equipment,” adds Stefan Fuchs, chairman of the board of Goldhofer Aktiengesellschaft.  “The specialists in the sector know that with difficult orders, there can be no compromise.  For that reason, they trust our systems from the very beginning, since they stand not only for quality, but at the same time also for thousands of successfully realized heavy transport projects over decades. With Goldhofer, you just know that it works.”

For PHH, the guarantee for success with the spectacular locomotive transport was not only the right Goldhofer equipment, but also the perfect project management.  For example, the transport route was selected in such a way that no bridges had to be crossed and the minimum number of intersections with traffic lights had to be traversed.  In order to avoid collisions with power lines and other utilities, a whole series of special service providers were involved in the project.  If it came to it, they would have to lift the lines with special hoisting constructions, or even disassemble traffic lights.  To be able to manage the route between the tracks and the Convention Center as quickly as possible, the transport specialists from PHH also at times switched over to the lanes for oncoming traffic.  The transport convoy was prepared for any eventuality, and it consisted of not only two tractors and the Goldhofer axle lines, but also five vehicles with hydraulic ramps and six telescopic loaders equipped with cranes and working platforms, as well as two civilian escort vehicles.  The PHH team was also assisted by eleven Highway Patrol officers who took care of safety for the transport and for the other users of the road.  PHH itself was out in force with a team of forty  people

The authorities in Las Vegas felt somewhat 'uncomfortable' during the run-up to the project, because right on the day of the transport, American president Barack Obama was in the city and there were fears of the presidential motorcade being held up by the Goldhofer-PHH transport.  “But fortunately there were no problems,” confirms Poppe with a smile.  “We brought off our transport absolutely on schedule, and as far as I know, the president’s fleeting visit also finished without any particular incident.”  The 4,300 horsepower locomotive was first of all lifted off of the tracks onto the Goldhofer THP/SL by means of special hoisting equipment during a narrow time window of five hours.  After the loading process, things went forward at 11:00 P.M. at walking speed along the most famous street in Las Vegas, passing by glorious hotels such as the Four Seasons and Mandalay Bay, toward the Convention Center.  Once it arrived there, the locomotive was unloaded directly at its exhibition location in the pavilion.  The actual transport time lasted more than six hours. And then after its grand entrance at the MINExpo, the EMD locomotive of course also had to be taken back.  “We carried out the return transport with our team that had plenty of experience working with each other, and of course once again with the same technical equipment and the Goldhofer axles,” Popp concludes.  “And here, too, everything went smoothly.” And BLB's congratulations on a job well done guys!

And here are more shots from the move...

And for a pie..what famous Vegas landmark is the convoy passing?

Journey's end...

"I've just heard there's going to be an exciting reunion event being supported by VCV Brisbane next month" says Biglorryblog's Mack man down-under Gary Richards who adds: "I expect a few of the anorak army may have missed "The Mighty Mungindi Truck Pull" back in 2003 so thought I had better fill in the gaps...all part of our 50 big years of Mack Downunder! The record for the world's longest road train was broken near Mungindi in '03 when a Mack Titan prime mover, driven by John Atkinson, pulled 87 trailers, with a combined length of 1235.3 metres. We guessed the GCM to be around 900-tonne!"

And Gazza continues: "The event was organised to benefit the Vanessa Memorial Cancer Care Fund and Westpac Rescue Helicopter and won the town 'The Event of the Year' in the NSW Tidy Town Awards. Then in 2006, the record was lifted even higher and its still remains unbeaten today !! - as you can read on the plaque pic.  Regards, Gary." Well I certainly recall blogging on the event back in 2003 so it must have been on of the first stories I put down on BLB all those years ago back in 2005. If anyone has some shots of the 2003 and 2006 event perhaps they'd send them to BLB so I can post them up.

I never cease to be amazed at how quickly the truck makers can upgrade the software on their various drivetrain components like auto gearboxes etc. Where once a new gearbox or engine came along every 8-10 years now manufacturers can improve the quality of their drive-train products with regular electroinic upgrades every 18 months---or even sooner! Indeed, I was impressed to learn that Volvo Trucks is now introducing a new version of 'I-See' their cruise control system that can 'see' the road ahead and save fuel especially when driving in hilly terrain. The new version for the latest FH remotely obtains up-to-date information about the road’s topography from a central server, so all trucks with I-See have access to the same fuel-saving information. "Your own truck need not have driven on a particular hill even once - it will still be able to reap the full benefit of the system's potential. It's enough that someone else with I-See has covered that stretch of road," says Christer Pehrsson, Business Area Manager for Long-Haul Operations. Volvo says I-See can be likened to an autopilot that takes care of gear selection, acceleration and engine braking on hills in the most fuel-efficient way possible. The fuel saving for the long-haul assignment may be as much as five percent. The first time a truck equipped with the new version of I-See drives on a hilly stretch of road, information about the local topography is transmitted wirelessly to the Volvo Trucks server and is therefore not only stored locally in the truck's memory, as it was in the previous version of I-See.  When another truck with I-See drives on the same road, the system automatically receives topography information from the server and makes sure gear-changes and acceleration and braking take place fuel-efficiently the very first time it gets to the road.

With the new version all trucks with I-See, irrespective of which haulage firm they work for, always have access to current, updated information about the gradients they come across. The information is based entirely on actual topographical conditions, not on maps that may become obsolete over time.  The first version of I-See was launched as one of many innovative functions in the new Volvo FH. Even before delivery of the first new trucks to customers, an upgraded version of the system is now available. "Our aim is to continuously develop our offer to create customer benefit, not least by utilising the possibilities available with wireless communication, says Christer.

And in case you're wondering how I-See works it's a software system that cobines Volvo's I-Shift auto and engine with GPS. First, it requires that the truck's cruise control is activated. I-See then receives data about the topography of a forthcoming gradient from the Volvo Trucks server. When it registers that the truck is approaching an uphill gradient, the vehicle's speed increases. Thanks to kinetic energy the truck can drive longer in a higher gear and thus reduce the need for fuel-sapping down-changes. When the truck reaches the brow of the hill, I-See avoids unnecessary acceleration. Just before the start of the downhill gradient, the driveline is disengaged and the truck is allowed to freewheel to save energy. I-See starts gently applying the engine brake well bfore the slope comes to an end. And When a downhill slope is immediately followed by an uphill gradient, the truck is allowed to freewheel to build up extra kinetic energy that is used to take it on the first part of the uphill stretch.  STOP PRESS: Meanwhile, Biglorryblog also hears that orders for the new FH in the UK & Ireland have climbed above the 1000 mark since the launch in September 2012 (that's going some!) and early signs are that many operators will be making the trip to the NEC to see the new truck, described recently as a 'technological game changer' and 'an Icon Reborn'.

I know what you're thinking...it's a Land Rover Defender...doing what a Land Rover Defender does best...so what? Well look more closely and you'll see it's rather different Defender at that. For Biglorryblog learns that Land Rover is continuing to champion British innovation and cutting-edge automotive engineering by unveiling seven new electric Defender models at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The research vehicle delivers zero emissions whilst retaining its tough, go-anywhere capability. “Investing in innovation has always been the lifeblood of our business and our engineering teams are working hard to develop innovative new technology to provide sustainable motoring solutions,” says John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

The standard diesel engine and gearbox in the 110 Defenders have been replaced by a 70kW (94bhp), 330Nm electric motor twinned with a 300-volt, lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 27kWh, giving a range of more than 50 miles. In typical, low speed off-road use it can last for up to eight hours before recharging. The battery can be fully charged by a 7kW fast charger in four hours, or a portable 3kW charger in 10 hours. The electric vehicles (EVs) retain the Defender’s legendary four-wheel drive system and differential lock. Because the electric motor delivers maximum torque from the moment it starts, there’s no need for gear shifting and the transmission comprises a single speed, 2.7:1 reduction gearbox combined with the existing Defender four-wheel drive system. A modified version of Land Rover’s Terrain Response®System has also been incorporated.

 
The vehicles were developed by Land Rover’s Advanced Engineering Team following successful trials of the Defender-based electric vehicle, Leopard 1. The vehicles’ capability has been tested in extreme and environmentally sensitive conditions, demonstrating capabilities not shared by conventional road-going EVs. Trials included pulling a 12-tonne ‘road train’ up a 13 percent gradient and wading to a depth of 800mm. In keeping with Land Rover’s ‘Tread Lightly’ philosophy the smooth, low-speed capability of the electric drivetrain makes the electric Defenders especially well suited to climbing obstacles without damaging the ground unnecessarily. The battery weighs 410kg and is mounted in the front of the Defender in place of the diesel engine. Kerb weight is 100kg more than a basic Defender 110 and ranges from 2055kg to 2162kg depending whether the body style is a pick-up, hard top or station wagon. All the major components in the electric powertrain - including the battery, inverter and motor - are air-cooled rather than liquid cooled, saving a considerable amount of weight and complexity and adding robustness. Regenerative braking has been optimised to such an extent that using Hill Descent Control, the motor can generate 30kW of electricity. Because the battery technology can be charged very quickly at a rate of up to twice its capacity of 54kW without reducing battery life, almost all of the regenerated energy can be recovered and stored. Up to 80 percent of the kinetic energy in the vehicle can be recovered in this way, depending on conditions.
 

 “This project is acting as a rolling laboratory for Land Rover to assess electric vehicles, even in the most arduous all-terrain conditions. It gives us a chance to evolve and test some of the technologies that may one day be introduced into future Land Rover models,” adds Antony Harper, Jaguar Land Rover Head of Research.Although there are no plans for the all-terrain electric Defender to enter series production, the seven EVs will go into service in specialist real world trials later this year.

OK oh beloved anorak army. Been a while since we've had a mystery motor pie quiz on Biglorryblog---this should put things right. And what's this venerable old timer and I'm looking for make, year and model. And no I'm not giving you a clue...oooh you're so masterful BLB!

Is this the van of the future asks Biglorryblog? At next week’s Geneva International Motor Show, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be showing its transporter concept vehicle: the e-Co-Motion, which despite its large cargo capacity is compact and manoeuvrable. What's more along with an 800kg payload, it has zero emissions on the road thanks to an electric drive system. "Electric mobility – especially in light commercial vehicles – could play a crucial role in meeting the growing transport needs of the world’s megacities," explains Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Speaker of the Brand Board of Management.  "Freight trains and conventional or hybrid-powered high capacity lorries would deliver goods up to the city limits.  Then, at transfer stations, smaller electric delivery vans would take over.  Their predictable travel routes and fixed depots would simplify battery charging and equipment maintenance."

Exclusively conceptualised with an electric drive, the e-Co-Motion offers many user-relevant vehicle properties: high manoeuvrability with a small vehicle footprint, very good visibility and seating ergonomics with easy entry, exit and walk-through.  A low cargo floor height and large cargo capacity make loading easier. Fully independent of existing models, the exterior of the e-Co-Motion appeals with its ability to unify what at first appear to be contradictory development specifications: maximum space on a minimal vehicle footprint.  From a length of just 4.55 m (width: 1.90 m, height: 1.96 m) the concept vehicle offers a maximum cargo capacity of 4.6 m3 and an impressive 800 kg of payload.  This was enabled by clear partitioning of the vehicle body into a lower driving-relevant zone containing an underfloor drive unit, battery and gearbox; and an upper superstructure that is relevant to delivery tasks.  This generates ideal conditions for maximum space utilisation, and all sorts of body versions and customer solutions are imaginable.  Whether it is a driver’s cab in front of a cargo box, as in the concept vehicle, or a passenger shuttle, low platform or refrigerated box: the customer decides...

Word reaches Biglorryblog that Mercedes' New Actros has walked off with a prestigious 'iF design award' in the product design category, and that's the fourth renowned design gong to be claimed by the Germans' flagship truck. Kai Sieber, Head of Design for Mercedes-Benz Trucks & Vans tells Biglorryblog: "Our focus is on achieving the most perfect possible harmony between form and function." The new Mercedes-Benz Actros has already won the 'red dot' design award from the Design Zentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, the 'German Design Award 2013' in the category 'Transportation and Public Space' and the 'Focus in Gold 2012' from the Design Center Stuttgart.

In case you didn't know, the iF label is recognised worldwide as a hallmark of excellent design – a cachet that now attaches to the new Mercedes-Benz Actros. This year, 49 experts from the areas of design, industry and education chose their favourites from over 3000 entries. The competition forms part of the “iF design awards”, which are now in their 60th year – organised by the International Forum Design, which is based in Hanover and stages exhibitions worldwide. Each year, the awards for excellent design are presented in the three disciplines "product”, “communication” and “packaging".

The jury spent three days viewing, handling, testing and analysing the entries behind closed doors."All award-winning entries are examples of exceptional product design," affirms the statement by the international expert jury. Key criteria are target group appeal and content, design quality and creativity, relevance to the customer, economy, originality and innovation. The winning entries at the 'iF design'awards reflect current design trends and the economic credentials of well designed objects "The fact that our Actros has won such an important design award is a magnificent acknowledgement of our daily work," notes Kai. And here's what the finished model looks like on the right and the Antos on the left...though I do like those groovy design treatments don't you?

Great Wall of China Biglorryblog! Yes the Great Wall Steed, the UK’s most affordable 4x4 double-cab pick up, has just become even more appealing to trade and recreational buyers alike with the introduction of two special edition models - the ‘Steed Chrome’ and ‘Steed Tracker’. Both special editions go on sale in March. Building on the impressive array of standard equipment found on the entry-level Steed S, both models represent outstanding value for money, offering savings of at least £800 over the accessories purchased individually. The Steed’s recently-uprated towing capacity of 2,500kg (braked) and a 1,050kg maximum payload make it the ideal load-lugger both off-road and on it. Featuring a host of interior and exterior styling upgrades, the Steed Chrome is ideal for the jobbing tradesman wanting to stand out from the crowd, and for the increasing number of trade users who also use their vehicle at the weekends. In addition to the standard Steed S equipment list, it adds chrome side bars and sports bars, chrome fog-lamp surrounds, chrome rear-lamp finishers, stainless-steel door entry guards, an over-rail bedliner, tinted windows, metallic paint and carpet floor mats.

Meanwhile, the rugged Steed Tracker promises to be the perfect outdoor companion, with additional equipment including special fit General Grabber All-Terrain Tyres, an over-rail bedliner, a towbar with audible monitor, front and rear mud flaps, rubber mats and metallic paint. Both special editions also come with the wealth of standard features that are fitted to the Steed S, including 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, remote central locking, a Thatcham-approved Category 1 alarm, electric front and rear windows, an Alpine CD/radio with USB/MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, air-conditioning, heated fronted seats and a full leather interior. “Since it was launched last year, the Steed has always represented outstanding value for money both to buy and own, and the introduction of these two special editions underlines the vehicle’s status as Britain’s best-value double-cab pick-up,” comments Hadyn Davies of Great Wall Motor UK.  “The Chrome and Tracker have been created to suit a variety of Great Wall customers.  The Chrome will appeal to the individual or small business looking for a pick-up with real visual impact, while the Tracker is a dedicated workhorse with a host of rugged and robust additional features,” he concludes. All Steeds are powered by Great Wall’s 2.0-litre 16-valve turbocharged diesel powerplant that delivers fuel economy of 34.0 mpg (combined), as well as a low-range gearbox and a ‘shift on the fly’ four-wheel-drive system that can be selected by the driver when the terrain becomes challenging.For further details on the full Great Wall range, including the Steed Chrome and Steed Tracker, please visit www.greatwallmotor.co.uk

Having unveiled the New FH I suppose it was only a matter of time before the good folks in Gothenburg started talking about replacing the FM too. And Biglorryblog can reveal that the new Volvo FM will soon be breaking cover complete with the very latest Volvo Dynamic Steering (as seen previously on BLB) in Europe on March 19th. But it can already be spotted on public roads as part of a clever competition to see who can be the first to 'spy' the new FM."The new Volvo FM will provide drivers with a completely new level of handling and an innovative cab environment. Transport companies will have an efficient truck with increased flexibility," says Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks to BLB. And as if you needed telling its aforementioned Volvo Dynamic Steering combines a conventional hydraulic power steering system with an electronically-regulated electric motor fitted to the steering gear to give the driver effortless steering at low speeds, as well as unbeatable directional stability on the open road.

But back to that on-line 'Paparazzi' competition. As I said before, the official launch of the Volvo FM is on March 19th. HOWEVER, Volvo Trucks is already giving truck spotters an opportunity to catch a glimpse of it. Starting today, two unmasked trucks will embark on an extensive two-week tour across Europe, with the sharpest-eyed ‘paparazzi’ along the route being 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 my old mate 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, but both will start in Spain. Perhaps 'The Boss' might spot them running through France?  Anyroadup, to help would-be ‘spotters’, both trucks have distinctive stripes to make them stand out from the surrounding traffic. To take part in the competition, to see if the trucks will pass near you - or just to see the first images of the new Volvo FM truck - visit the competition site: http://paparazzi.volvotrucks.com/STOP PRESS: BLB has just learned from the Towering Titan of Truck Tittle-Tattle (err...Nigel Hanwell, PR wallah at Volvo Trucks in the UK) that one of those New FM trucks is 'possibly' destined to visit the UK and 'might' drop into Blighty on Thursday morning (Mar 7th)...perhaps. So in the words of the immortal Shaw Taylor of Police Five fame 'Keep 'em peeled!'

OK guys Biglorryblog can now reveal that the mystery truck that had you all stumped was an MAN-Saurer 4-5-tonne chain-truck from way back in 1917...and sorry to Mike D and others for keeping you waiting so long! Now how about this one? And yes I admit it, I airbrushed out the name on the top of the radiator the first time around...how sneaky is that?

Yes I know I normally blather on about Moggies but I've also got a soft spot for Daily 4x4s (not least having driven one through dungeon, fire and sword a while ago and was most impressed by it). Well now I learn that Network Rail, the organisation responsible for running, maintaining and developing the majority of Britain’s railway infrastructure, is adding 29 Iveco Daily 4x4s to its support fleet. Each vehicle has been specially adapted by Burton on Trent-based LH Access Technology to operate not only on-road and off-road, but also on the railways. Termed a ‘Road Rail Vehicle’ (RRV), the multi-purpose 5.5 tonne Daily 55S17DW chassis crew cabs will be used for carrying crew and materials directly to site for general maintenance activities.
The Daily 4x4 allows teams to drive straight onto the track, speeding up the time taken to get from an access point to the actual worksite.  This helps to reduce the time crews are on-site and means essential repairs cause less disruption to rail passengers. Prior to entering service, the first Daily 4x4 was put through a rigorous 100 hours of testing to ensure its complete reliability on a section of test track in Nottinghamshire. This saw the Daily operated backwards and forwards, up and down the track continually, checking every component was functioning as expected.  The customer then carried out detailed compliance testing to ensure the vehicle could safely navigate over switches and crosses, over high check rails, down gradients, as well as being able to easily get on and off the track. The testing phase also included braking trials on the rails in both dry and wet conditions, to ensure the vehicle is fully fit for purpose.

Equipped with a factory-built crew cab, the Daily 4x4 can accommodate a driver and two crew in the front, and a further four crew in the rear section of the cabin, with each seat featuring a full headrest.  The cab roof is also fitted with a series of floodlights to meet the requirements for conducting track inspections. A flexible bodywork structure allows each vehicle to be adapted for a series of possible applications, with options including a crane and a cable drum dispenser.
The Daily 4x4s have been supplied through Iveco dealer Sherwood Truck & Van and are powered by a 3.0 litre FPT Industrial engine, capable of producing up to 170 hp between 2,990 and 3,500 rev/min, and up to 400 Nm of torque between 1,250 and 2,990 rev/min, driven through a six speed synchromesh gearbox.The new fleet will support Network Rail’s brief to run, maintain and develop Britain’s rail tracks, signalling, bridges, tunnels, level crossings, viaducts, as well as 17 of the biggest and busiest railway stations in the country – used by an estimated 800 million passengers each year.  Network Rail took over the running of Britain’s rail infrastructure in October 2002, with a mandate from the Government to improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of the railway.