Plenty of front
Trailer manufacturers continue to adopt aerodynamic revisions to reduce drag and fuel costs, but what about the cab? Dave Young looks at impending advances in tractor units
Pollution solutions
The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) aims to help businesses reduce carbon footprint. Deputy director Jonathan Murray talks to John Challen about which technologies will play the biggest parts
Proving fuel savings
Despite many operators talking positively about fuel saving devices, others are not convinced. Neil Fulton, manager of powertrain engineering at Millbrook Proving Ground tells John Challen why he is sceptical
Oil to burn
There may be a welcome respite in diesel prices, but don’t be fooled: it won’t last. Ian Norwell looks at the fundamentals of keeping fuel costs under control
One size fits all?
As more operators face up to a new reality of short-lived contract business, bodybuilders are increasing being asked for relatively standard, but advanced, fare. Steve Banner reports
Over the horizon
Trucks are changing, but what should fleet engineers expect? Will the future be better, or just different and more expensive? Ian Norwell dusts off his crystal ball
Scania trials spoiler claimed to cut truck fuel by two percent
Scania has begun tests of a rear air deflector, known as a boat-tail, said to reduce fuel consumption by up to two percent. The truck giant suggests that, if proven, that corresponds to an annual saving of 1,200 litres of fuel and three tonnes of CO2 emissions for a truck running 200,000km per year.
Searching for positives
Do operators have any real interest in running electric vehicles, or is their compliance in trials merely paying lip service to future propulsion technologies? John Challen considers current developments
Informed pragmatism
Getting trailer specifications right – not just for the immmediate requirement but also for the longer term – demands up to date knowledge of available technologies. However, a serious dose of informed pragmatism is also advisable, warns Brian Tinham
Innovative trucks
As vulnerable road users and local residents rise up the agenda for operators in urban centres, truck specifications need to evolve. Brian Weatherley reports on two novel adaptations