BAE Systems and Bates Troy partner to test HybriDrive® parallel truck

December 5, 2011

JOHNSON CITY, New York —BAE Systems and Bates Troy Healthcare Linens Services are joining in a unique partnership, in which Bates Troy will use a BAE Systems test truck powered by a HybriDrive® parallel propulsion system in its healthcare linen service deliveries and pick-ups. While Bates Troy Healthcare Linens Services utilizes the truck for its linen service, BAE Systems will receive valuable data about the fuel economy and performance of the HybriDrive parallel system.

“Having the ability to test the HybriDrive parallel system in a real-world operational situation is very valuable to our product development, to further demonstrate and validate its benefits and value to end-users and their communities,” said Dr. Mike Mekhiche, director of programs for power and energy management at BAE Systems. “The opportunity to work with a local company with a sterling record of green initiatives such as Bates Troy, for our mutual benefit, is very enticing and makes absolute sense”

The HybriDrive parallel system is a heavy duty electric-hybrid propulsion system that complements BAE Systems’ HybriDrive series system. It was designed to respond to the specific needs of the heavy duty vocational truck market such as refuse, pick-up and delivery, and construction. With more than 300 million miles of revenue service, more than 25 million gallons of diesel fuel saved, and more than 280,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions prevented, the market-leading HybriDrive series system has proven itself to be one of the most efficient hybrid systems for the transit bus sector and has provided significant environmental benefits.

“Bates Troy has a history of dedication to state-of-the-art technology, and this partnership with BAE Systems to test their hybrid system, was a natural step for us,” said Brian Kradjian, president and CEO of Bates Troy Healthcare Linens Services. “We are excited to measure the efficiencies that can be gained through the utilization of the BAE Systems hybrid propulsion technology in our fleet.”

Bates Troy, Inc., is a Binghamton, N.Y.-based, family-owned and operated healthcare linen service, quality dry cleaning and tailoring, and fire and water restoration company. Dedicated to excellence, Bates Troy is proud to be one of the few HLAC-accredited healthcare laundries within New York state. As well, Bates Troy Quality Dry Cleaning is recognized by the National Dry Cleaning Association as a distinguished green dry cleaner unique to our area.

See more at http://www.baesystems.com/

Bridgestone Eco-Rally 2011

Environmentally-friendly transport isn't all sackcloth and sandals, as VansA2Z discovered on the 2011 Eco-Rally behind the wheel of a Ford Transit Connect Electric, converted to battery power by Azure Dynamics.
For the full story please visit http://www.vansa2z.com

Volkswagen eT! Electric Transporter Concept 2011

Volkswagen seems to have become obsessed with exclamation marks. First came the up! hatchback and now it's unveiled the battery-powered eT! concept vehicle; its vision of what the Transporter of the future might resemble.
For the full story please visit http://www.vansa2z.com/VW-unveils-eT-electric-Transporter-concept

SECOND 'CLEAN' GAS ISUZU JOINS CORIO WASTE MANAGEMENT

Leading Victorian waste management company, Corio Waste Management, has added a second Isuzu compressed natural gas (CNG)-fuelled compactor to its fleet, to better service its public litter and recyclables contract with the City of Casey in Melbourne's south-east.

A requirement for a larger payload sees the FSR 850 CNG take over duties from its smaller NPR 300 CNG stable mate, which has since made the journey west to collect quarantine waste from ships unloading at the Port of Geelong.

According to Corio Waste Management General Manager, Mathew Dickens, when a larger truck was required to meet increased demand of the City of Casey contract, choosing another natural gas-powered Isuzu was an easy decision.

As a qualified environmental scientist and carbon accounting/management expert, Mat immediately recognised the environmental benefits of Isuzu CNG - including zero particulate matter (PM) emissions and up to 50 per cent reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to similar sized conventional diesels.

But operating CNG has also delivered other bonuses for Corio Waste Management and its drivers.

"The first truck now has now covered about 70,000 kilometres and performed faultlessly; driver feedback is extremely positive - it's very quiet compared to a diesel and there's no discernable loss of power," Mat said.

Of course, a competitive business environment also requires that the decision to go for a 'greener' option needs to be made with consideration to the bottom line. In this respect the adoption of CNG has proven to be a revelation.

"With the NPR 300 CNG we experienced a considerable reduction in servicing costs compared to an equivalent diesel, but the best financial efficiency is gained through reduced fuel costs," Mat said.

The FSR 850 CNG is refuelled at Corio Waste Management's Dandenong depot, while a similar facility has also been installed in Geelong to service the NPR 300 CNG.

Installed by Advanced Fuels Technology, the refuelling systems feature compressor units that are plumbed into the gas pipeline and also connected to holding tanks so there is always gas on hand for a fast fill. Trucks can be filled in as little as 10 minutes.

Having negotiated a longer term contract with its gas supplier, Corio Waste Management is enjoying some excellent fuel cost savings.

"Depending on the price of diesel - which can fluctuate considerably - we are achieving a reduction of between 30 to 50 per cent in fuel costs," Mat said.

"A fixed gas rate also allows better balance sheet control because you know what the price of your fuel will be in six, 12 months or further into the future."

While public CNG refuelling infrastructure is still in its infancy in many parts of Australia - a factor that is slowing down wider adoption of the technology - Mat said this should not be a hindrance to the uptake of CNG.

"For any operators looking to add a CNG truck to their fleet, the best option is to set-up a refuelling facility at their depot," he said.

"Infrastructure can either be hired or purchased outright; getting into CNG doesn't have to be expensive - in the longer term it makes great sense."

Based on the strong performance of Corio Waste Management's current CNG trucks combined with clients' interest in being associated with a cleaner fuel, the company is looking to expand its CNG fleet in the near future.

CNG is also helping the company on its way towards the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2020.

FSR 850 CNG.

The FSR 850 CNG model features a 14 tonne GVM and is powered by the CNG 220 engine, a 7790 cc multi-point injected, 6-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled unit producing 162 kW of power at 2,400 rpm and 735 Nm of torque at 1,400 rpm. This torque output is greater than that of its diesel equivalent in conventional FSR 700 and FSR 850 models.

The engine is mated to Isuzu's 6-speed MZW-6P manual transmission with air assisted shift and synchromesh on gears 2-6.

The FSR 850 is fitted with a single 150 litre carbon fibre wrapped aluminium tank, two 100 litre steel tanks and an additional 90 litre steel tank for a total fuel capacity of 440 litres, which provides a combined cycle driving range of about 400 kilometres

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

Renault Kangoo Z.E. - International Van of the Year 2012

Renault's all-electric Kangoo Z.E. has been voted the International Van of the Year for 2012 by a jury of 22 specialist European journalists. It's the first time an electric van has been awarded the prestigious trophy.

For the full story please visit :- http://www.vansa2z.com

DFSK Loadhopper Lands in the UK

The first batch of Chinese manufacturer DFSK's Loadhopper microvans and mini trucks are being dispatched to dealers...

For the full story please visit http://www.vansa2z.com

Iveco Daily Review & Buyers' Guide - UK

Iveco updated the Daily at the beginning of 2010, with an extensive range of new Euro 5 diesel engines joining the existing Euro 4 line-up. All Euro 5 and EEV-compliant models are now branded as EcoDaily.

For the full story please visit:- http://http://www.vansa2z.com/Iveco-Daily-Review-Buyers-Guide

ISUZU DRIVES A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH

Need a scissor lift, boom lift or telehandler for your next project? Chances are, Force Access will have exactly what you're after.

The national rental business transports equipment to and from construction sites around the nation on the back of its 30-plus fleet of light and medium-duty trucks, which includes five lowloaders.

Force Access Chief Operating Officer, Pat Italiano, says the organisation is one of Australia's largest specialised equipment companies, with three divisions and over 4000 pieces of plant.

Mr Italiano says the organisation is currently renewing its truck fleet and just purchased 13 new Isuzus based on prior experience with the brand.

"New and old Isuzus account for around 80 per cent of our fleet and this is largely down to the brand's reliability and versatility," Mr Italiano said.

"We never have to do too much to the chassis - they just seem to be the right truck for the application."

Mr Italiano oversees Force Access' business operations across the nation, ensuring logistics, supply and service demands are met in supporting its wide customer base throughout Australia.

Force Access recently took delivery of four medium-duty FVD 1000s and two FRR 500s, with another seven Isuzus, which arrived in August. The new acquisitions have been fitted with remote-controlled tilt slides by Sydney-based body builder Suburban Towing & Equipment.

"Not having to manually operate the controls makes life easier," Mr Italiano said.

"Our drivers can simply winch the equipment onto the back of the truck by remote."

Mr Italiano says Force Access' new FVD 1000s feature Allison automatic transmissions, while the FRR 500s are equipped with automated manual transmissions (AMTs).

"Isuzu's automatic and automated variants help reduce overall running costs across the life of the vehicles, eliminating clutch-related gearbox issues," he said.

"We service our vehicles after hours so we don't have trucks off the road. Parts availability and customer support is very important to us, and we've never had an issue with Isuzu on either front."

Mr Italiano said the Homebush-based business first opened its doors in 1994 and now operates branches in all capital cities and several regional areas throughout Australia.

Force Access' new Isuzus perform pick-up-delivery work, predominantly from its capital city branches.

The 10,400kg-GVM Isuzu FRR 500 produces 151 kW of power at 2600 RPM, and 637 Nm of torque at 1600 RPM; the larger FVD 1000 has a GVM of 16,500kg and produces 221 kW of power at 2400 RPM, and 981 Nm of torque at 1450 RPM.

Both models feature the popular ISRI 6860 air suspended driver's seat, hill start aid (HSA), and an ECE-R29 compliant cab.

Force Access' range of special equipment includes scissor lifts, boom lifts, man lifts, telehandlers, and much more.

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

Hino Trucks Signs Long-Term Exclusive Agreement with Allison Transmission

NOVI, MI – Hino Trucks and Allison Transmission, Inc. (Allison) have recently signed a multi-year, long-term agreement that will make Allison transmissions the preferred and exclusive transmission for all current and future Hino conventional trucks in the United States.

Since Hino Trucks introduced its conventional truck line up in 2004, Allison transmissions have been the transmission of choice. The combination of Hino Trucks’ proprietary J-Series engine and Allison transmissions have proven to provide Hino customers with maximum uptime and industry leading fuel economy. In fact, Hino Trucks have ranked highest in JD Power’s Medium Duty Truck survey for highest customer satisfaction four years in a row in the Medium Duty Engine and Transmission category.

Through the new agreement, Hino will be able to offer its customers enhanced transmission coverage on Allison equipped vehicles. All Allison 2000 Highway Series (HS) transmissions will now carry a 4-year warranty and the 2000 and 3000 Rugged Duty Series (RDS) transmissions will carry a 3-year warranty through Hino Trucks starting with the 2012MY.

“The Hino-Allison combination has been a great success story in the medium duty truck industry. This agreement highlights our close working relationship and the importance we both place on offering our joint customers industry leading products at a greater value,” said Jim Wanaselja, Vice President of North American Marketing, Sales and Service for Allison Transmission.

Glenn Ellis, Vice President of Marketing for Hino Trucks added, “Allison transmissions are the benchmark in the medium duty truck industry. This long term agreement and our joint commitment to work together on bringing new technologies to the market will provide our customers with benefits today and for years to come.” Hino Motors Sales U.S.A., Inc., 41180 Bridge Street, Novi, MI 48375  Ph (248) 699-9300  http://www.hino.com/


About Hino: Hino Trucks, a Toyota Group Company, assembles, sells, and services Class 4-7 conventional commercial trucks in the United States. The headquarters is located in Novi, Michigan and boasts a network of over 160 dealers nationwide committed to achieving excellence in customer service and support. Hino Trucks is the premier medium duty nameplate in the United States with a product lineup that offers the lowest total cost of ownership, superior fuel economy, industry-leading environmental friendliness, unmatched reliability and maneuverability, and the most comprehensive bundle of standard features in the market. For more information, visit our internet home page at http://www.hino.com/ or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About Allison Transmissions: Allison Transmission, Inc. (Allison) is the world’s largest manufacturer of fully-automatic transmissions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, medium- and heavy-tactical U.S. military vehicles and hybrid-propulsion systems for transit buses. Allison products are specified by over 300 of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers and are used in many market sectors including bus, refuse, fire, construction, distribution, military and specialty applications. Founded in 1915, the Allison business is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. and employs approximately 2,750 people. Regional headquarters with dedicated support staff are located in China, The Netherlands, Brazil, India and Japan. With a global presence in 80 countries, Allison has over 1,500 independent distributor and dealer locations. More information about Allison is available at http://www.allisontransmission.com/.

Road Test: 2012 Nissan NV 2500

See more about the Nissan NV Vans at http://www.nissancommercialvehicles.com/.

Knapheide 9' Service Body With Lots Of Drawers

Here's a job West Coast Truck Equipment did recently. It is a 9' Knapheide Service Body with treadbrite lids, LED compartment lighting with an automatic switch to turn them on when the door is opened, LED exterior lighting. This also has an 18" rear bumper platform extension with steel drop in tailgate, a class IV receiver and trailer plug.

What's really cool is the drawers and generator tray. The front compartment is loaded with a full compliment of HD pull out drawers, the horizontal compartment has one drawer, and the rear compartment has a pull out shelf that we are calling a generator tray because a generator is intended to be mounted here. All this mounted on a Ford F450 chassis.

See more from West Coast Truck Equipment in West Sacramento CA at http://www.wcteinc.com/ 

All-new Nissan NV400 goes on sale

Nissan dealers across the country are all set for the November roll-out of the Interstar replacement, the NV400...

Renault Master Conversions 2011

Renault began rolling out its range of factory-fitted off-the-shelf Master core conversions last year and prior to the Commercial Vehicle Show VansA2Z was able to get our hands on four of them; namely the Dropside, Tipper, Minibus and Box Van.

For the full story please visit http://www.vansa2z.com

Nissan LCVs go electric at Tokyo Truck Show 2011

Nissan has rolled out three EV concepts based on the Cabstar (Atlas) at this year's Tokyo Truck Show...

For the full story please visit http://www.vansa2z.com

Isuzu 3.5-ton Tipper Test

Launched in 1996, Isuzu Truck (UK) has grown from strength to strength with a nationwide dealer network in over 60 locations. In 2007 Isuzu Truck (UK) Ltd moved into a new, purpose-built marketing and sales headquarters incorporating a state of the art technical training centre for both dealer and customer technicians.

The product range consists of rigid chassis/cabs at 3.5t GVW known as the 'Grafter' range with the 'Forward' range at 5.0t, 6.2t, 7.5t, 11t, 12t, 15t and 18 tonnes.

All UK Isuzu trucks are manufactured in Japan and assembled by automotive specialists Vendas Novas based just outside of Lisbon, Portugal.

With its 150bhp turbocharged and intercooled 4-cylinder diesel engine and a 5-speed fully synchromesh gearbox, our 3.5 tonne range is robust, reliable and economical.

Whether pre-bodied or as a chassis/cab, this hardworking truck continues to offer the highest levels of comfort, equipment and driver satisfaction. The versatility of the 3.5 'Grafter' range makes it an ideal solution for the building trade, landscapers, boxes, refrigerated trucks, tippers and dropsides and is available with various wheelbases for custom built requirements.

For complete flexibility and instant delivery, you can choose our factory-bodied, rugged, steel tippers (a choice of 3 models) or a lightweight aluminium dropside. Depending on your business needs, you can also select a highly accessible narrow cab, a spacious wide cab or the six man crew cab.

See much more at the new website for Isuzu Truck UK at www.isuzutruck.co.uk/