Off the rack
Once described as niche, the market for quick-turnaround, ready-made trucks is one most manufacturers ignore at their peril. By Chris Tindall
Jewel in the crown
Stumbling across really impressive workshops isn’t anyone’s everyday experience. Brian Tinham reports on something rather special in Springburn
Tech Talk: Focus on specifying petrol tank tractors
An overview of modifications required of tractors hauling spirit tankers.
Musgrave selects Paneltex as official bodywork partner
Musgrave Retail Partners GB has upgraded part of its 400 strong distribution fleet for the Londis and Budgens retail outlets, using Paneltex for the first time.
IAA preview: Schmitz’s slimmer self
Weight reduction has become something of a mantra at European trailer builder Schmitz Cargobull. It has put many of its products on a strict diet to boost payload and cut fuel usage and CO2 emissions, reports Steve Banner
Let the Show begin
After months of planning, the doors of the NEC will soon be open to the commercial vehicle operator community. Here is just a selection of products that visitors can expect to see on 3, 14 and 15 April at the CV Operator Show 2010
Bodybuilding: Labour of love
A vehicle designer and a lubricant OEM have seen a prototype low-cost 4x2 for poor rural areas around the world begin testing in India, reports Will Dalrymple
Bring me sunshine
Solar power, which is at the forefront of sustainable technology, has come to trucks in the form of fuel-saving, roof-mounted panels. But who are they for? Chris Tindall reports
Invasion of the tridems
The eight-legger is a long-established rigid truck chassis layout with which operators are comfortable. But there is room for change. It is being joined by rear-steer and multi-steer options offering the potential to improve manoeuvrability, reduce fuel consumption and increase payload. Toby Clark reports
Bus and coach conversions: wheels within wheels
All coaches used on scheduled services must be wheelchair accessible by 2020. Richard Simpson takes a look at the products and the pitfalls