Sweetest Transit Connect By Fritts Ford For Casey's Cupcakes & Cappuccinos

Fritts Ford of Riverside, CA shared this delightful Ford Transit Connect they had built for Casey's Cupcakes & Cappuccinos, also of Riverside, CA. Notice the helpful slide-out shelving in the rear to make this one super fine, and radical attention-getting delivery vehicle.

The Transit Connect has turned out to be an excellent move for Ford to sell in the United States. This vehicle has been available in other parts of the world for some time, but with America always looking for larger and more powerful, the Transit Connect with super fuel economy, compact size and cute figure, has cuddled its way into the hearts and minds of American business. Bravo to Ford for the boldness of thought to bring this great addition to market.

And thanks to Fritts Ford Fleet Department for showing this off and Casey's Cupcakes for the delightful coloring and graphics. One of the great things I've noticed about Transit Connect owners is that they like to make their Transit Connect's bold and fully personalized.

Let Fritts Ford Fleet guide you to your next business vehicle. See them at http://www.frittsfleet.com/. You can also see much more about Casey's Cupcakes at http://www.caseycupcake.com/. Their website is equally delightful.

The Low Loader w/ Low 3 Degree Load Angle by Detroit Wrecker Sales

While doing some surfing in my hunt for good commercial truck videos on YouTube, I came across this company and this video. This company has 112 videos posted. Most excellent. What caught my eye is the ultra low load angle available on this rollback which is an incredible 3 degree angle. Very important for those very special clients who are super sensitive about the care of their prize possesion being lifted about and potentially damaged.

What would be cool on this is to have someone talking about this rather than just music and a little screen story here and there. But, it is cool music.

This company also has an excellent website: http://www.detroitwreckersales.com/. Check them out, see the videos on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/user/detroitwrecker#p/a

Detroit Wrecker Sales, Home of the Low Loader. 313-835-8700, 877-TOW-0030.

Service Body Flip-Hatch From Highway Products, Inc

From Highway Products, Inc.: A new flip-hatch that gives you better access into your service body bed. Highway Products is a manufacturer of aluminum service bodies and specialized in aluminum products.

See more of their exciting aluminum products at http://www.highwayproducts.com/

The New Mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell: Through The City With Zero Emissions

The new Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL: Through the city with zero emissions

• Premiere: first van with ex factory battery-electric drive
• Quiet, emission-free driving in environmentally sensitive areas
• Range 130 km, large load compartment, high payload
• Powerful electric motor with high drive torque
• High-capacity lithium-ion drive batteries
• Intelligent charging technology lowers CO2 emissions and costs
• The usual high quality of service thanks to well-trained personnel

Stuttgart – With the first battery-electric van to be introduced ex factory by any automobile manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz is opening a new chapter in drive technology for light commercial vehicles. Thanks to its emission-free drive system, the Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL is ideally suitable for inner-city operations and for particularly environmentally sensitive areas. The Vito E-CELL operates with no emissions and almost silently, and imposes no restrictions on the operator in terms of load capacity and payload. Production of a small series of 100 Vito E-CELL vans has already commenced this year, and a further 2000 units are planned from 2011.

Quiet, emission-free driving in environmentally sensitive areas

Deliveries to inner-city areas and pedestrian precincts, operations in areas with rigorous access restrictions, in-company transport in production shops, delivery access via underground car parks – the quiet, emission-free Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL with its purely battery-electric drive system is the perfect answer to the question of delivery operations in environmentally sensitive areas. Moreover, the Vito E-CELL is not only able to carry out its transport assignments in areas with high exhaust pollution, but also where there are noise restrictions protecting e.g. health resorts or in residential areas with night-time driving bans.

In response to the growing environmental burden in the densely populated areas of Europe and other regions of the world, the relevant authorities are increasingly introducing vehicle access restrictions in the form of environmental zones based on emissions or with time constraints. Emission-free vehicles with electric drive are usually exempted. Accordingly the Vito E-CELL is eminently suitable for environmentally sensitive areas, both in commercial and public service operations, and in many areas of the service sector including e.g. parcel and postal deliveries, maintenance work and for other service providers.

There are also numerous incentive schemes for the purchase of emission-free vehicles. These are available in many countries and take widely different forms, ranging from direct purchasing subsidies to significant reductions in toll charges or vehicle taxes and exemption from access restrictions.

The Vito E-CELL is also considerably less expensive to operate. A comparison between the current diesel price and the cost of electrical power shows a factor of four to seven. This means that for the same driving distance, a Vito powered by an internal combustion engine incurs four to seven times the costs of a Vito E-CELL recharged overnight with low-priced off-peak power.

In densely populated areas the future belongs to electric drive

Experts are convinced that in highly populated areas with dense infrastructures, where exhaust and noise pollution levels are high, the future belongs to electrically powered vehicles. Additional incentives include a sense of responsibility on the part of businesses and not least the public relations effect of "clean" drive systems.

Another motivating factor for the development of vehicles with electric drive is the conservation of finite resources such as oil, as well as the political will for greater independence where energy supplies are concerned.

As a pioneer in automobile development and production, Mercedes-Benz has the stated aim of safeguarding and shaping the mobility of the future on a sustainable basis with innovative technologies. The focus is on ecologically justifiable drive technologies such as those collectively termed BlueEFFICIENCY at Mercedes-Benz. The clear objective is emission-free driving, and Mercedes-Benz Vans has come another step closer to this goal with the Vito E-CELL.

All good things come in threes: vans with diesel, gas and battery- electric drive

The Vito E-CELL rounds off the wide range of environmentally compatible vans bearing the Mercedes star to form an ecological trio catering for practically all conceivable operations from specialised short-range to extreme long-distance transport. The lineup has continuously further developed and now almost perfected internal combustion engine systems, natural gas and LPG drive systems, and now purely electric drive.

Mercedes-Benz benefits from a wealth of experience

The Vito E-CELL is based on the wealth of experience in the field of electric drive systems that Mercedes-Benz has accumulated over the decades. As early as 1972 Mercedes-Benz developed its first electric van, the LE 306, which was soon followed by a first large-scale trial with the Mercedes-Benz 307 E. Further experimental vehicles followed with the Mercedes-Benz 308 E and the electrically powered Sprinter, and these are still in customer operations under real conditions today, for example on the North Sea island of Heligoland.

The next step to series production was however always foiled by inadequate battery technology. Apart from insufficient long-term durability, this limited both the payload and operating range to the extent that professional operation in larger numbers was not a viable proposition.

The way is now being cleared by modern lithium-ion batteries with a high energy density, supported by intelligent charging strategies and innovative driving strategies that were not possible in the past. The company is driving the development of new battery systems ahead at full speed, by conducting research and cooperating with partners. The Vito E-CELL will benefit from this when the impending series production commences.

Vito E-CELL: no restrictions in load capacity and payload

With its operating range of around 130 km, the Vito E-CELL meets average customer requirements for a daily van mileage of approx. 50-80 km with a considerable safety margin. At the same time the van's load compartment is usable with no restrictions whatever. With a payload of around 900 kg depending on equipment specifications, the Vito E-CELL is in every respect a fully-fledged van. Thanks to a top speed of 80 km/h it is also suitable for the short inter-urban stretches that frequently occur in densely populated areas and suburbs.

Externally it is only the decor of the Vito E-CELL that distinguishes it from the familiar appearance of the conventionally powered Vito, as the body is completely unmodified. Even the charging socket has found its place behind the flap usually concealing the fuel filler pipe in the lower section of the B-pillar on the left side of the vehicle. The ground clearance and angle of approach/departure are also practically unchanged compared to the Vito with an internal combustion engine. The Vito E-CELL is therefore equally suitable for facilities with steep ramps and approaches.

Powerful electric motor with high drive torque

In place of the usual four and six-cylinder engines plus peripheral units of the Vito, the engine cover of the Vito E-CELL conceals the electric motor and its ancillary systems. The electric motor, a permanent synchronous unit, develops a continuous output of 60 kW and a peak output of 70 kW. Maximum torque is 280 Nm.

As the full torque is inherently available right from the start in electric motors, the Vito E-CELL delivers dynamic performance at the familiar, high level of modern diesel engines. In view of the typical operating profile for the Vito E-CELL, and in the interests of maximising the operating range of the batteries, the van's top speed is limited to 80 km/h.

Power is transferred to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. This efficient unit was likewise developed specifically for the Vito E-CELL.

Vito E-CELL: the only Vito with front-wheel drive

To save installation space for the batteries, and in contrast to the other models in the Vito series, the vehicle has front-wheel drive. With the exception of a few suspension components adopted from the Vito 4x4, the front-wheel drive system was specially developed for the Vito E-CELL.

In addition to the electric motor, other components such as the power electronics, transformer and the mains charging unit are accommodated beneath the engine cover. The 12 V onboard network was also completely newly developed.

High-capacity lithium-ion drive batteries

The batteries are housed under the load compartment floor, where the propshaft and fuel tank are usually located in the Vito. The batteries are modern lithium-ion units with a high performance and load capacity, a high energy density and a nominal voltage of 360 volts. The total capacity of the batteries is 36 kWh, of which 32 kWh are available to power the vehicle. This proportion of around 90 percent is an outstandingly high figure compared to other electrically powered vehicles.

The battery pack of the Vito E-CELL consists of 16 modules with a total of 192 cells. Each of these cells is monitored by a battery management system. To avoid unnecessary power losses and the risk of damage caused by unauthorised persons when the vehicle is parked, a safety system ("Watchdog") deactivates the high-voltage network when not in use.

Water-cooled electrical components

The batteries, electric motor, converter and other electrical components of the drive system are water-cooled. Unlike an internal combustion engine, an electric motor does not reach its greatest efficiency at around 100 degrees Celsius, but at approx. 30 degrees Celsius. To ensure pleasant conditions for the driver during the colder months of the year despite these comparatively low temperatures, the Vito E-CELL is equipped with a heater booster. This is connected to the high-voltage network and the standard heating circuit in the instrument panel.

Full battery at the charging station after six hours at most

The batteries are charged at charging stations provided to the pilot customers by the two energy providers EnBW and Vattenfall. These companies are participating in the customer trials as cooperation partners in the Berlin (Vattenfall) and Stuttgart (EnBW) regions. The charging stations are installed on the business premises of the fleets involved. The charging socket of the Vito E-CELL is connected to the station using a standard seven-pin charging cable.

The batteries of the Vito E-CELL are charged at 380/400 volt mains. The onboard chargers have an output of 6.1 kW. The charging time depends on the charge status of the batteries, and takes a maximum of six hours if the batteries are fully discharged.

Using an additional charging cable with a conventional domestic power plug, the Vito E-CELL can also be charged from the 230 volt mains if required. This may become necessary if the van is not at the charging station provided when left overnight. In this case the charging time is doubled, however.

Intelligent charging technologies lower CO2 emissions and costs

The design of the Vito E-CELL incorporates intelligent charging technology to reduce both CO2 emissions and costs. The necessary charging intervals are defined with the customer depending on the van's operating profile.

The Vito E-CELL features a Smart Charge Communication Unit (SCCU) as standard, making intelligently controlled charging possible. This ensures that within the defined period, the van is charged precisely when the energy providers supply "green" electrical power at off-peak, overnight rates. The result is a further, drastic reduction in CO2 emissions within the overall energy balance of the Vito E-CELL ("Well to Wheel"), quite apart from the vehicle's zero-emission performance during actual operation.

Moreover, at the multifunction steering wheel and in the instrument cluster, the charging units can be individually set to charge at times when not only ecologically generated, but also low-cost electrical power is available. This can also be done centrally on a PC by the scheduler. The SCCU also allows parallel charging of several vehicles in a fleet, without overloading the mains network.

Apart from this, the ability to charge the batteries at the company's own charging station or power sockets opens up intriguing perspectives: no more time-consuming trips to the filling-station, and if tours are cleverly planned neither the drivers nor fleet management need to worry about energy supplies for the vehicles.

Schedulers can control Vito E-CELL assignments according to charge status

Vehicle availability can also be calculated depending on the charge status of the batteries. A scheduler is able to call up the charge status and therefore the available operating range of the Vito E-CELL on his computer screen, and precisely determine whether a particular van is able to carry out an additional assignment at short notice.

All these intelligent control possibilities protect the environment while optimising customer benefits individually in widely differing businesses and operating conditions. At the same time these complex controls reduce loads on the batteries as far as possible, prolonging their operating life.

Recuperation: braking energy converted into electrical power

In the interests of maximising the operating range of the Vito E-CELL, its batteries are also charged by energy recuperation while on the move, i.e. by converting braking energy into electrical power. Recuperation not only takes place when operating the brakes, but also on the overrun and when reducing speed. All this is in interaction with the new ESP® system.

Based on the long-wheelbase Vito

The Vito E-CELL is based on the long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz Vito with a standard roof. The long wheelbase of 3200 mm provides the necessary underbody space for the traction batteries. With a permissible gross vehicle weight of 3050 kg, the approx. 900 kg payload of the Vito E-CELL is surprisingly high.

This large transport capacity is firstly due to the relatively compact and therefore light lithium-ion battery, which has a high energy density compared to conventional accumulators. Secondly, it is not least due to intelligent integration of the electric drive system into the bodyshell.

The Vito E-CELL is available with both left and right-hand drive.

Extensive and practically oriented standard equipment

The equipment level of the Vito E-CELL has in no way suffered from the efforts to achieve the highest possible payload. In addition to the heater booster, all 100 Vito E-CELL vans have an extensive range of standard equipment plus a heatable luxury seat for the driver, a multifunction steering wheel, heatable and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, a two-seater bench for the co-driver, two sliding doors, a tailgate and the "CARGO" equipment package.

A reversing camera with a monitor in the cab's COMAND system and the reverse warning device ensure that when manoeuvring at slow speed, the driver is able to recognise obstacles and also quickly notice pedestrians who have not heard the quiet Vito E-CELL approaching.

Active and passive safety at the highest level

The Vito E-CELL has the same, exemplary level of safety as all Vito models with an internal combustion engine. In the event of a collision the batteries are protected by a crash element. When the airbag control unit is triggered, the high-voltage technology is automatically deactivated. The Vito E-CELL has already impressively demonstrated its high safety standard in several crash tests. And should a Vito E-CELL be involved in an accident, the emergency services have special recovery guidelines available to them.

Active safety is also at the acknowledged, high level found in every Vito with an internal combustion engine. Like all other Vito models, the Vito E-CELL features a fully-fledged Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with all the familiar functions, plus a driver airbag and double co-driver airbag.

Mercedes-Benz has ensured a high level of operating safety with extensive trials. To this end, more than a dozen Vito E-CELL vans have undergone extended test drives both on enclosed test tracks and on the roads. Whether in the icy conditions of Scandinavia or the heat of Spain – the
Vito E-CELL has already demonstrated its high everyday practicality during
the trial phase.

The Vito E-CELL is produced on the same line as the conventional Vito

In contrast to other electrically powered vans, Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer to produce the Vito E-CELL on the same lines, together with all the other Vito models, in its Vitoria plant. This further demonstrates that the Vito E-CELL is by no means an experimental vehicle or a prototype, but rather a van on its way to series production.

In view of the completely different drive configuration including a front-wheel drive module, the battery pack under the load compartment floor and the omission of many components, numerous changes and special training for all the personnel involved were necessary in production.

100 Vito E-CELL vans with fleet operators in two cities

Mercedes-Benz will deliver 100 Vito E-CELL vans to customers between August and December this year. Half each will be taken into operation in Berlin and Stuttgart, and further units will be used in the Basque region of Spain early next year, i.e. on the homeground of the Vito E-CELL. The main areas of operation are therefore concentrated on densely populated areas. These not only differ in size but also in topographical terms, ensuring different operating conditions and therefore additional findings.

The customers concerned are predominantly fleet operators. Both the fleet managers and drivers are being intensively trained in the control and operation of the Vito E-CELL, and carefully familiarised with its special features. This also extends to separate operating instructions for the Vito E-CELL.

The usual high quality of service thanks to well-trained personnel

Both in Berlin and Stuttgart, two workshop partners will be responsible for servicing the Vito E-CELL. Their personnel are undergoing thorough theoretical and practical training as a multi-stage process. Service specialists will also be on hand during the start-up phase in case unforeseen problems occur. The European emergency call center operated by Mercedes-Benz in Maastricht is also able to answer queries.

Mercedes-Benz is ensuring the customary, high quality of service processing for the Vito E-CELL. The van absolves the standardised workshop processes, and is e.g. diagnosed using the existing diagnostic systems. This further demonstrates the practically-oriented configuration of the Vito E-CELL with a view to series production.

Innovative business model: monthly user charge rather than purchase price

The customer trials for the Vito E-CELL are scheduled for four years and roughly 80,000 km per vehicle, after which the 100 vans will be returned to Mercedes-Benz. For this reason the customers are not purchasing their vehicles, but rather renting and financing them by paying a monthly user charge which also includes all the servicing for the Vito E-CELL. Ideally the 100 Vito E-CELL vans will cover a total of around eight million kilometres in roughly one dozen fleets during the customer trials – which will provide an unrivalled wealth of experience for the further development of electric drive systems in light commercial vehicles.

Financial support from the federal government

The Vito E-CELL project is being supported from the public purse in various ways. Within the support period, Vito E-CELL customers are able to use the van at no charge for several months. The financial resources are being provided by the German federal government as part of its Economic Support Package II, in which the Federal Ministry of the Environment and Nature Conservation is supporting the development and industrialisation of the Vito E-CELL. This applies to the production and testing of experimental vehicles, as well as the 50 vans for the customer trials in Berlin.

While large fleet operators are the main concern in Berlin, the focus of the customer trials to be held in parallel in Stuttgart is on both tradesmen and fleets. In this case the Federal Ministry of Transport, Construction and Urban Development is supporting customer operations in the Stuttgart pilot region for electro-mobility.

In Spain the Basque government is assisting with the construction of the special production facilities for the Vito E-CELL.

In parallel with the practical trials, Mercedes-Benz will evaluate data such as route profiles, operating ranges and other parameters in order to tailor electrically powered vehicles even more precisely to customer requirements.

Next step: series production of the Vito E-CELL starting soon

Mercedes-Benz will have built the small series of 100 vans at the Vitoria plant by the late autumn of this year. The next steps are already scheduled: a further 2000 units are already planned from 2011.

The Creed of the Ford Motor Company Under Henry Ford Is Timeless

One of the best books I have ever read about business was originally published in 1922 and yet it is as viable and important today as it ever was--and I expect that it will be thus far into the future. Today, I would like to share what Henry Ford called The Creed of the Ford Motor Company. You could think of it like a mission statement (although I laugh at most of those. . .), but it is so much more real and stronger than that. It was the guiding basis of how Henry Ford thought about business and in particular how he felt about being in business as the Ford Motor Company. Here is the quote from his book, My Life and Work by Henry Ford:

The principal part of a chisel is the cutting edge. If there is a single principle on which our business rests it is that. It makes no difference how finely made a chisel is or what splendid steel it has in it or how well it is forged--if it has no cutting edge it is not a chisel. It is just a piece of metal. All of which being translated means that it is what a thing does--not what it is supposed to do--that matters. What is the use of putting a tremendous force behind a blunt chisel if a light blow on a sharp chisel will do the work? The chisel is there to cut, not be be hammered. The hammering is only incidental to the job. So if we want to work why not concentrate on the work and do it in the quickest possible fashion? The cutting edge of merchandising is the point where the product touches the consumer. An unsatisfactory product is on that has a dull cutting edge. A lot of waste effort is needed to put it through. The cutting edge of a factory is the man and the machine on the job. If the man is not right the machine cannot be; if the machine is not right the man cannot be. For any one to be required to use more force than is absolutely necessary for the job in hand is waste.

The essence of my idea then is that waste and greed block the delivery of true service. Both waste and greed are unnecessary. Waste is due largely to not understanding what one does, or being careless in doing of it. Greed is merely a species of nearsightedness. I have striven toward manufacturing with a minimum of waste, bot of materials and of human effort, and then toward distribution at a minimum of profit, depending for the total profit upon the volume of distribution. In the process of manufacturing I want to distribute the maximum of wage--that is, the maximum of buying power. Since also this makes for a minimum cost and we sell at a minimum profit, we can distribute a product in consonance with buying power. Thus everyone who is connected with us--either as a manager, worker, or purchaser--is the better for our existence. The institution that we have erected is performing a service. That is the only reason I have for talking about it. The principles of that service are these:

1. An absence of fear of the future and a veneration for the past. One who fears the future, who fears failure, limits his activities. Failure is only the opportunity more intelligently to begin again. There is no disgrace in honest failure; there is disgrace in fearing to fail. What is past is useful only as it suggests ways and means for progress.

2. A disregard for competition. Whoever does a thing best ought to be the one to do it. It is criminal to try to get business away from another man--criminal because on is then trying to lower for personal gain the condition of one's fellow man--to rule by force instead of by intelligence.

3. The putting of service before profit. Without a profit, business cannot extend. There is nothing inherently wrong about making a profit. Well-conducted business enterprise cannot fail to return a profit, but profit must and inevitably will come as a reward for good service. It cannot be the basis--it must be the result of service.

4. Manufacturing is not buying low and selling high. It is the process of buying materials fairly and, with the smallest possible addition of cost, transforming those materials into a consumable product and giving it to the consumer. Gambling, speculating, and sharp dealing, then only to clog this progression.

TriVan Truck Body - Mobile Command Center - Well Done!

Text from YouTube post: "This is a Mobile Command Center for King County Sheriff's Department that was built at TriVan Truck Body in Ferndale, WA. TriVan builds Specialty Vehicles of all sorts, including Mobile Command Centers, SWAT Trucks, Bomb Squad Vehicles, Hazmat Trucks, etc. Each vehicle is custom designed and built at our 40,000 foot facility. All bodies are built out of an extruded aluminum panel that is .100" thick, and features an integrated rib every 12". This affords great flexibility in design and application. We've sent our vehicles around the world, and if you're considering building a Specialty Vehicle, please contact us!"

I've been looking around YouTube for some good commercial truck videos. There aren't very many compared to how many there are with people falling down, or being arrested, or just acting the fool. Seems to me like it would be a really good thing to have a lot of these.

Anyway. . . I found this one and some 20 videos put up by TriVan Truck Body. (Here's a link to their YouTube site: www.youtube.com/user/cason234. I especially loved this one on a sweet rig built last year for King County Sheriff's Department in Washington. I love the truck sure enough and loved the specialty features too, but what I liked most was the wonderful, detailed narration presenting all of the features of this great body in a nice, calm, yet enthusiastic way. There seemed to be just a bit of pride for the job well done by the company. I loved how he pointed out each feature and explained some in great detail such as the electrical control system.

This video is one of several on this same truck, and I've watched the others too and they are good as well. This one stood out and I have high praise for getting these done, showing off their great work, and getting out there. Check out their website too: www.trivan.net.

Thanks TriVan! Keep sharing.

Pace Edwards Tonneau Cover Utility Bedlocker For Service Truck Beds

This video shows how to operate the utility bedlocker tonneau cover for service body truck beds from Pace Edwards. This may be a great solution for many instead of a cargo bed enclosure because it is lighter and it opens all the way, whereas a cargo bed enclosure usually opens 50 to 66% of the bed area only. The bedlocker tonneau cover also can be stopped at any point between open and closed and it is totally convenient since it operates electrically. It would also be a great solution for those with fifth wheel trailers to tow. Great idea. See the full line of products at http://www.pace-edwards.com/, or call them at 888-231-2686.

World's First Double Clutch Transmission From Mitsubishi Fuso

Fuso has presented a world first with a double-clutch transmission for commercial vehicles. The new transmission drives like an automatic transmission, but unlike a fully automatic torque converter transmission, it makes for lower consumption figures and therefore lower exhaust emissions. See more about Mitsubishi Fuso Trucks at http://www.mitfuso.com/

Ask The Builder Talks About Utility Truck Beds

Tim Carter, of http://www.askthebuilder.com/, explains the advantages of using work truck bodies over regular truck beds and shows some features you should look for when selecting utility truck beds.

This is a great video showing some of the advantages of a utility body over a pickup and Tim Carter does an outstanding job of it. He happens to be showing off a Knapheide KUV body.

Victorian Freight Specialists Grow Business With Isuzu Trucks

Leading Melbourne transport provider, Victorian Freight Specialists (VFS), has recently taken delivery of two new Isuzu FXL 1500 trucks and an Isuzu FXD 1000 truck to meet its expanded workload in regional Victoria.

Filling a niche left in the market by bigger international transport companies, VFS has tripled its clientele in the last 12 years through a combination of reliability and service.

Today, VFS provides overnight delivery services into regional Victoria and southern New South Wales, as well as metropolitan pick-up and delivery in city centres.

Currently, VFS employs over 70 staff members and approximately 30 drivers in Melbourne, and over 250 sub contractors and administration staff through 23 regional agents in Victoria and New South Wales.

Having used Isuzu trucks for over a decade, VFS Director, Chris Collins, said the FX models were purchased based on their versatility, power and suitability for VFS’ application.

"We purchased the FX model trucks because they offered us a tight turning circle along with an engine that was powerful enough to pull hefty loads on country roads," Mr Collins said.

The Isuzu FXL 1500s are fitted with 16 pallet mezzanine floor curtainside bodies, while the FXD 1000 is equipped with a 14 pallet mezzanine floor curtainside body and a 10 pallet pig trailer.

According to Mr Collins – who still remains very hands on and tests all new vehicles – reliability is the standout feature of Isuzu trucks.

"I’ve been using Isuzus for over 12 years, and I have never had any problems with them mechanically," Mr Collins said.

"We work the new FX trucks pretty hard, as they carry out double shifts in both stop-start city conditions as well as country highway driving – the trucks are performing very well," Mr Collins said.

The trucks’ Euro V emissions rating also assists VFS in the tendering process for new business, according to Mr Collins.

"VFS must meet very strict environmental and OH&S policies because they deliver for many of Australia’s leading companies," Mr Collins said.

"The FXs’ Euro V environmental rating goes a long way in showing our customers that we have the cleanest trucks on the market."

Fitted with standard Isri 6860 air-suspended driver’s seat, driver’s SRS Airbag, ABS brakes, electric mirrors, climate control, air conditioning and an easy to use touch-screen audio visual unit (TAV), the Isuzu FX provides comfort, convenience and safety for VFS drivers, according to Mr Collins.

"The drivers have all commented very positively on the cabin space and extra leg room in the new FX trucks," Mr Collins said.

"Our drivers spend a lot of time in the trucks and we want them to be as comfortable and safe as possible.

"Having Meritor ABS brakes, rear Hendrickson airbag suspension and Front Underun Protection Device as standard, the new FX models ensure that VFS complies with the most stringent chain of responsibility regulations," Mr Collins said.

To ensure it has the most up-to-date fleet, VFS renews its Isuzu trucks every four years and services its trucks internally with the assistance of specialist Isuzu mechanics.

To see more great trucks from Isuzu Australia, go to http://www.isuzu.com.au/

Geelong Power Sweep Isuzu Brushes The Competition

Geelong Power Sweep (GPS) owner, Glenn Laybourne, is counting on a newly acquired Isuzu FSR 850 Schwarze Road Sweeper to maintain his edge in an ultra competitive field.

Starting his working life as an interstate truck operator, Glenn has a sound knowledge of heavy vehicles and goes through a six month process of research, driver feedback and testing before purchase of any new equipment.

According to Glenn, taking a proactive 'hands on' approach in the truck specification process is not only crucial to GPS's survival, but a long time hobby as well.

"I have a vast interest in anything mechanical, as I have operated machinery all my working life," Glenn said.

"GPS, over the last two decades of operation has fended off a string of acquisition offers from bigger companies.

"Due to Geelong's close proximity to Melbourne, we face fierce competition on any new government and commercial projects in the area.

"Often the bigger engineering and construction companies are better resourced than we are, therefore it's essential that we have the best and most up to date equipment available," Glenn said.

Suitable for cleaning up a wide variety of materials and substances ranging from gravel, dirt and road pavement mix to fertiliser, mud and sewerage, the Isuzu powered sweeper often works in ship cargo bays, container terminals, on construction projects and housing estates, and at the scene of traffic accidents.

Fitted with an auxiliary engine and a six cubic metre hopper, GPS's Isuzu FSR 850 is able to sweep and vacuum up to five and a half tonnes of debris per run via its 355 millimetre suction hose, sweeping head and gutter broom.

For added safety and navigation, the truck is also fitted with a reversing camera, full colour closed circuit television camera system on its gutter brooms, satellite tracking and external LED display lamps.

According to Glenn, the Isuzu FSR 850's Euro IV emission rating is extremely valuable for GPS during large government project tenders.

"The truck's Euro IV rating makes it one of the cleanest 14 tonne trucks you can buy on the market," Glenn said.

"To further our truck's environmental advantage, we have also had the truck certified under the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) system, which measures the truck's decibel emissions as well as its dust and micron emissions.

"Having the cleanest truck on the market greatly benefits us when we tender for large government and construction projects, as it shows that we take the environment seriously," Glenn said.

Aside from the Isuzu's environmental credentials, GPS's purchase decision was also influenced by the truck's simple yet comfortable cabin ergonomics, plus reputation for reliability and functionality, according to Glenn.

"I've been using Isuzu trucks for over 15 years, and I have never had any major problems with the trucks mechanically," Glenn said.

"When I tested the FSR 850, I was very impressed with the easy-to-use Touch-screen Audio Visual (TAV) unit, as well as the space of the cabin.

"Operators often feel cramped in dual steer vehicles, but in the Isuzu, there is plenty of leg room and visibility," Glenn said.

GPS's all Isuzu fleet is driven by three contract drivers and Glenn's son Eden. The newly delivered Isuzu FSR 850 currently operates in the Geelong area, running on eight or 12 hour cycles.

See more about Isuzu Trucks Australia at http://www.isuzu.com.au/.

Isuzu FRR 500 - Jack Of All Trades

A fleet of six new medium duty Isuzu FRR 500 trucks is helping to ensure clear drains, crack-free footpaths and healthy trees remain a charming feature of the historic City of Port Adelaide Enfield.

City of Port Adelaide Enfield Council Fleet Manager, Jim Bower, has confirmed that the three FRR 500 chipper trucks, two FRR 500 concrete tray trucks and an FRR 500 tipper with crane are now in action and hard at work throughout the city.

The three chipper trucks have been fitted out with a canopy body to catch the remains of tree limbs, which are shredded by Council’s parks and gardens staff.

Jim says the FRR 500 tipper with crane tows a three-ton vacuum unit and is primarily used in drainage maintenance across the city.

"The crane is powered by the truck’s PTO and is used to lift drain lids in the stormwater network so sumps can be cleared of leaf matter and debris that wash down and cause blockages," Jim said.

According to Jim, the long, flat trays fitted to the FRR 500 concrete trucks make it easier for Council maintenance staff to perform their tasks. In turn, this improves occupational health and safety outcomes.

"The ‘concreters’ are being used for roadside curb and footpath repairs and the implementation of pram-access ramps, " Jim said.

"We do up to 200 of these ramps each year, improving the footpath environment, developing residential and commercial areas, and making repairs to existing infrastructure."

All six of the bodies fitted to the Council’s new Isuzus were fabricated by North East Isuzu in Burton, about 20 kilometres north of Port Adelaide.

Jim said the dealership was tasked with specifying the trucks to include a range of storage and functional options.

"North East Isuzu were 100 per cent – we’ve never had an issue with them," Jim said. "Their attitude has been ‘if the customer has a request, we’ll accommodate it."

The rigorous procurement process in local government means a number of factors come into play when making purchasing decisions.

According to Jim, price is just one factor considered in this process, with other variables including serviceability, fuel efficiency and emissions, occupational health and safety, commonality within the fleet and an operator assessment. The latter can often be the most telling.

"When the operator does an assessment it’s usually about creature comfort and the Isuzu cabins are very well appointed," Jim said.

From the heated exterior mirrors to the quality Isri 6860 seat, driver airbag, car-like handling and optional multi information display unit with satellite navigation, the Isuzu FRR 500s remain at the forefront of cabin refinement in the Australian truck market.

The versatile FRR 500s also pack plenty of power with154 kW at 2,600 rpm and 637 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,600 rpm.

To see more trucks from Isuzu Australia, go to www.isuzu.com.au

Hino To Launch Automatic Trans Hybrid

Hino is poised to launch an automatic transmission version of its proven Hino Hybrid 300 Series diesel-electric truck.

Hino was the first manufacturer to offer a hybrid truck in Australia.

The new 300 Series model will be Australia’s first automatic hybrid truck.

The company is already conducting trials of medium-duty hybrid trucks – putting them to the test against Australia’s often demanding climate and road conditions.

Compared to a similar diesel truck, Hino’s Hybrid 300 Series delivers a significant reduction in fuel consumption and achieves reduced carbon monoxide emissions, as well as reductions in particulate matter and nitrogen oxide.

It is particularly suited to stop-start urban applications, such as city delivery operations. Blue chip companies, smaller family businesses and government bodies including local councils are equally now moving towards more environmentally sustainable transport solutions and are turning to hybrids to reduce their carbon footprint.

The new Hino Hybrid 714 Auto’s intelligent six-speed transmission has specially tailored control software to optimise electric assist during initial acceleration and maximise energy recovery through regenerative braking.

Key to the hybrid truck’s efficiency compared with a conventional diesel truck is its unique ability to use regenerative braking to capture the vehicle’s kinetic energy when decelerating and store that energy as electricity for later use powering the vehicle.

A conventional truck wastes that kinetic energy as heat through the service brakes. The hybrid truck therefore saves on brake life as well as fuel and emissions.

In addition, Hino Hybrid has an engine-stop feature, so the diesel engine stops when the vehicle is stationary.

The new automatic transmission truck offers significant fuel savings compared with an equivalent diesel automatic truck.

It uses the power from a 100kW diesel engine and 36kW electric motor, according to driving conditions, to optimise fuel use and minimise emissions.

The transmission is Hino’s proven A860E unit, for optimum reliability.

However, new “fuzzy logic” control software means the transmission mimics a manual transmission during both acceleration and deceleration.

During initial acceleration, revised up-shift points make better use of the electric motor’s torque.

During deceleration, torque converter lock-up is maintained and the transmission initiates down-shifts sooner – to boost the regenerative braking effect and hence capture more kinetic energy.

Isuzu Giga Crane Trucks Have Rad Appeal

Carting large loads of steel may look like heavy work, but with the right equipment the job is made easier – such is the case for ETA Transport who recently took delivery of two new Isuzu EXD 455 Premium models to help with an expanded workload.

ETA Transport specialises in all types of crane work, and uses the two new Isuzu crane trucks to deliver heavy products for customers including well-known steel manufacturers, Stratco and Metroll.

Established in 2005, the company has since grown to employ 12 staff and is enjoying the benefits of Australia’s sustained residential and commercial building activity.

According to company owner, Rad Ivanic, the Gigas were selected because Isuzu’s reliability is second to none.

"When purchasing a new vehicle I look for a truck that is reliable and won’t break down, we can’t afford to keep our customers waiting," Mr Ivanic said.

"Isuzu trucks are very reliable in service and maintenance. We also previously used an earlier model Giga 425 EXY which proved very reliable and still have a light duty NPR 200 Tradepack for small jobs."

Features of the Giga EXD 455 trucks such as the twelve speed constant mesh Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) and the electronically controlled airbag suspension are useful for carting heavy loads.

"The 455 horsepower engines in the Isuzu Giga EXDs offer plenty of power to cart steel and other heavy products," Mr Ivanic said.

ETA Transport makes one particular modification to the bodies of their trucks – the addition of a crane mounted behind the cabin.

"All of our trucks have cranes. We use them to ensure there is no damage to the product when we are unloading to our customers; this is particularly important when there is no machinery at the delivery site to assist," Mr Ivanic said.

As well as coping with the heavy loads, the trucks on the ETA Transport fleet also cover significant ground – up to 150,000 kilometres per year.

"We usually deliver to our customers’ private addresses, so our trucks operate in all conditions, from highway driving right through to rough secondary roads. Isuzu trucks offer a comfortable ride even for our interstate deliveries thanks to the Isri driver’s seat and other cabin appointments," Mr Ivanic said.

Mr Ivanic purchased his new Giga from Patterson Cheney Trucks, located in Dandenong, and was impressed with what they had to offer.

"As a customer whose business relies largely on its fleet, I hold customer service and servicing in great importance. The staff at Patterson Cheney Trucks are extremely helpful and the 24 hour service centre is very convenient and it means less downtime for our business."

Given the demanding nature of the work and the kilometres travelled, Mr Ivanic has opted to take out 750,000 kilometer extended warranties on the new trucks for additional peace of mind.

With business booming, Mr Ivanic plans to add further Isuzu models to the ETA Transport fleet in the near future.

To see more great Isuzu Trucks, go to http://www.isuzu.com.au/.

Isuzu Caters To Reynolds Needs For Last 7 Years

Seven years after the first Isuzu joined the all-refrigerated fleet at Reynolds in 2003, the company now runs almost 70 Isuzu trucks. Following the recent arrival of a further 31 new Isuzu Forward 7.5t rigids, the Waltham Abbey based catering company now predominantly specifies Isuzu for all their 7.5t distribution truck requirements.

45% of the 164 strong Reynolds vehicle fleet runs at 7.5 tonnes GVW and as Commercial Director Paul Collins says, ”Originally we were attracted by the Isuzu’s payload potential for our intensive multi-drop distribution routes. Over the years though, the Isuzu’s have given us additional benefits, as they have proved to be extremely reliable and they offer really low operational running costs, all of which is backed by a superb working relationship between the two companies.”

The latest 31 Isuzu Forward N75.190 rigids have been specified with the popular Easyshift transmission, which is proving to be ideal for the Reynolds stop/start delivery journeys. The trucks are also all fitted with the latest single compartment Solomon’s refrigerated bodies which feature Carrier Transicold Xarios 600 direct drive refrigeration systems.

Working out of the five Reynolds distribution depots nationwide and with an estimated working life of between 5 and 7 years, the Isuzu’s are worked hard on intensive daily delivery routes involving between 25 and 30 drops per truck journey.

Established over 60 years ago and still a family business, Reynolds has grown to become one of the UK’s leading independent distributors of fresh produce and ambient goods to the foodservice market. Reynolds now has strategically located depots in Scotland, Leicester, Manchester and Bristol as well as its national distribution centre and head office at Waltham Cross.

“The success of the 7.5t Isuzu’s at Reynolds is testament to the strength of the relationship between the two companies. Intensive multi-drop food distribution is a challenge for any vehicle and the Isuzus have proven to be consistently good performers and up to the job over the years. We have worked closely with Reynolds now for seven years to ensure that our vehicles provide them with unquestionable reliability and good service, day in, day out,” said Keith Child, Marketing Director, Isuzu Truck UK.

Full details of the 2010 Isuzu Truck product range can be viewed and downloaded from the company’s website http://www.isuzutruck.co.uk/