Trucks World News: February 2005

STORIES - USA - Former tech executive segues to trucker

CHICAGO,IL,USA -The Associated Press,by MICHAEL TARM -24/FEB/2005: -- As Tim Krauskopf steers his 33-ton rig and its load of frozen bagels down an Illinois highway, he is indistinguishable from other truckers hauling loads across the nation... is what he did before he became a trucker: At the dawn of the Internet Age in the 1990s, he was one of the 20- and 30-something whiz kids who helped make the Internet what it is today...
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D88F386G1.htm

STORIES - USA - Former tech executive segues to trucker

CHICAGO,IL,USA -The Associated Press,by MICHAEL TARM -FEB,24,2005: -- As Tim Krauskopf steers his 33-ton rig and its load of frozen bagels down an Illinois highway, he is indistinguishable from other truckers hauling loads across the nation... he did before he became a trucker: At the dawn of the Internet Age in the 1990s, he was one of the 20- and 30-something whiz kids who helped make the Internet what it is today...
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D88F386G1.htm

CLEAN - USA - Unsafe commercial vehicles cited

Maricopa,ARZ,USA -The Arizona Republic,by Josh Kelley -Feb,24,2005: -- Police are cracking down on trucks and commercial vehicles unfit for the road that travel through Gilbert, Queen Creek and surrounding county areas... More than 60 commercial vehicles were inspected, 40 citations handed out and three people arrested...
http://www.azcentral.com/community/gilbert/articles/0224gr-truckstopZ12.html

DISRUPTING SLEEP - USA - Trash trucks are disrupting sleep cycles

Exton,PA,USA -Exton Suburban Advertiser -02/24/2005: -- PHOENIXVILLE: Residents have complained to borough officials about noise from borough trash trucks waking them up as early as 5:45 a.m... The diesel-powered trash and recycling trucks require at least a 15-minute period to warm their motor oil on colder days...
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1678&dept_id=39393&newsid=14028148&PAG=461&rfi=9

SALES - SWEDEN - VOLVO Reports Increases for Truck Orders

USA -Forbes/Associated Press -02/23/2005: -- Truck maker Volvo AB said Wednesday its January orders for new trucks surged 30 percent thanks to demand from western Europe and North America... The number of orders in January rose to 15,869 vehicles, u from 12,222 in the year-ago period, said the Goteborg-based company, whose brands include Mack Trucks and Renault...
http://www.forbes.com/work/feeds/ap/2005/02/23/ap1843298.html

ROADS - EUROPE - Czech roads heave under the weight of trucks

UK -EUbusiness -23/02/2005: -- Situated at Europe's crossroads between east and west and north and south, the Czech Republic has been weighed down with an unprecedented rise in truck traffic since its EU accession last May... The problem is further compounded by the lack of proper roads to meet the higher demand...
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/050223030639.9e9y6i7d

REGULATIONS - USA - House votes to exempt more overweight trucks

PROVISION NOW FOR COAL HAULERS ONLY
Lexington,KY,USA -HERALD LEADER/Kentucky.com,by John Cheves- Feb. 23, 2005: -- FRANKFORT: A bitterly divided Kentucky House voted last night to let more 60-ton trucks rumble across the state's roadways, despite the law's general 40-ton weight limit...
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/local/10967926.htm

MAGAZINE - USA - The Favorite Magazine Among Hispanic Truckers

Transporte Latino Magazine Celebrates 4th. Year in the Trucking Industry
LA,Cal,USA -PRNewswire -Feb,22,2005: -- The first and only audited magazine dedicated to serving the expanding Hispanic community within the trucking industry goes nationwide... Just four years ago Ricardo Rodriguez-Long and Edgardo Iorio, both working in the trucking sector launched a magazine in Spanish to cater to over 500,000 Spanish speaking commercial truck drivers over the road...
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/02-22-2005/0003067827&EDATE=

PRODUCTION - USA - TOYOTA May Build More Factories in North America

LA,Cal,USA -LA Times/From Bloomberg News -Feb,22,2005: -- Toyota Motor Corp., which has broken its U.S. sales record for nine consecutive years, said it planned to expand production capacity in North America... plans to add two assembly factories by 2010, in addition to one planned for next year, for a total of eight plants as it attempts to boost sales in the world's largest auto market and challenge General Motors Corp....
http://www.blogger.com/publish.g?blogID=6950405&inprogress=true

BENEFITS - UK - Bigger trucks bring bigger benefits

UK -Transport News Network - 22/Feb/2005: -- Study Finds that the Benefits of Increasing Maximum Lorry Weight to 44 tonnes were Greater than Expected... an analysis... suggested that this measure would yield 'small, but significant' economic and environmental benefits. It predicted that greater consolidation of heavy loads would yield annual savings of:- 100 million vehicle-kms...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/research/plonearticle.2005-02-22.8566897269

ECOLOGY - USA - Urges Governor to Take Immediate Action to Reduce Health Risks from Diesel Pollution

New Report Shows More than 1,100 Pennsylvanians Die Each Year
HARRISBURG,Pa,USA -PRNewswire -Feb,22,2005: -- With a new national study showing more than 1,100 Pennsylvanians die each year from pollution from diesel engines - making our state the third most dangerous in sheer numbers and the eighth in per capita deaths in the nation - Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture) today urged Governor Ed Rendell to take immediate action to reduce pollution from diesel engines...
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/02-22-2005/0003067926&EDATE=

WEIGHT LIMITS - USA - Bill would raise weight limits on variety of heavy trucks

FRANKFORT,Ky,USA -WKYT/WYMT Headlines -20/Feb,2005: -- Trucks carrying a variety of natural resources, including sand, gravel, rock, oil and natural gas, would be allowed to carry up to 60 tons on Kentucky roadways under a bill being considered by the General Assembly... Currently, only coal trucks are allowed to skirt the 40-ton weight limit on state roads...
http://www.wkyt.com/Global/story.asp?S=2974667

PRODUCTION - INDIA - TATA Trucks plans to unveil new HCV

Bangalore,India -Sify -19,Feb,2005: -- Tatra Trucks, the heavy commercial vehicles manufacturer, plans to launch a highway transportation vehicle by the year-end to add to its existing portfolio of HCV...
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=13674724

SUED - USA - FORD Trucks Said to Have Defective Latches

LA,CAL,USA -LA Times,Bloomberg News - 19,FEB,2005: -- Ford Motor Co. was sued in Massachusetts over claims it installed defective door latches on trucks sold from 1997 to 2000, two law firms said... claims the latches could cause "unintended door openings" and "passenger ejectment in accidents,"...
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rup19.4feb19,1,5017358.story?coll=la-headlines-business&ctrack=1&cset=true

PRODUCTION - RUSSIA - Import Parts Form Russia’s Trucks

Moscow,Russia -Kommersant -FEB,18,2005: -- St. Petersburg launched production of Yarovit trucks yesterday... were developed by Russian designers but 70 percent of their parts are of foreign-make and they cost as much as foreign analogues. The market leader KamAZ doesn’t fear competition... Yarovit Motors was incorporated in Moscow in 1999. It was founded by individuals... which set up two companies to implement the project: Trucks and Dumpers (the UK; bought out 49 percent) and Elgin Systems (the United States; acquired 51 percent)...
http://www.kommersant.com/page.asp?id=548492

PRODUCTION - Noth America Vehicle production this week

Ward's Reports Estimated Production
SOUTHFIELD, Mich,USA -PRNewswire- Feb,18,2005: -- Vehicle production this week in the U.S., Canada and Mexico is expected to hit an estimated 358,130 units, up 0.3 percent from the 357,056 cars and trucks built last week, according to WardsAuto.com...
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/02-18-2005/0003030504&EDATE=

BUSINESS - INDIA - TATRA Trucks opens seat manufacturing unit

Bangalore,INDIA -Business Standard -Feb,19,2005: -- ... the Indian truck manufacturing operations of the UK based Vectra Group, announced the opening of a seat manufacturing facility in Hosur. The organisation plans to manufacture a range of seats for use in luxury bus segment buses... The seating manufacturing unit has been formed in collaboration with FAINSA of Spain...
http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?storyflag=y&leftnm=lmnu1&leftindx=1&lselect=1&chklogin=N&autono=181235

BUSINESS - USA - NAVISTAR to make engines for some heavy trucks

Chicago Tribune,by James P. Miller -Feb,18,2005: -- Navistar International Corp., in a move that seems likely to pinch suppliers Cummins Inc. and Caterpillar Inc., announced plans to begin producing a heavy diesel engine for its long-distance "Class 8" trucks... Currently, the Warrenville-based maker of medium and heavy trucks, manufactures the engines for its medium-duty commercial vehicles, and it also produces diesels for Ford Motor Co.'s pickup trucks...
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0502180271feb18,1,6494635.story?coll=chi-business-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true

STORIES - USA - Kings of the road

Akron's Roadway Express started trip into trucking history in 1930
Akron,OH,USA -Associated Press/Beacon Journal,By Mark J. Price -Feb. 21,2005: -- A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step... A journey of 75 years begins with a single truck... The slat-sided vehicle rumbled out of Akron on Feb. 22, 1930, a dreary, wet day in a gloomy, gray city. Its precious cargo -- a load of B.F. Goodrich tires -- was tied down beneath a canvas tarp...
http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/living/10953318.htm?1c

TECHNOLOGY - USA - Muon opportunists: Detecting the unseen with natural probes

Washington,DC,USA -EurekAlert -19/Feb/2005: -- Earth is showered constantly by particles called muons that are created by cosmic rays, and clever scientists are finding ways to use them as probes of dense objects, including... American researchers also have proposed using the energetic particles to detect smuggled nuclear materials in vehicles and cargo containers...
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-02/aaft-mod021205.php

FRONTIER USA/MEX - Most trucks at border get a safety once-over

San Diego,CA,USA -S.D.Union Tribune,by Gregory Alan Gross -Feb,18,2005: -- ... Government safety inspectors don't check the drivetrains on big rigs, neither at the U.S.-Mexico border nor farther north. Not Mexican trucks, not American trucks – not any trucks, anywhere in America... http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20050218-9999-2m18trucks.html

POLLUTION - ABU DHABI - Vehicles flouting pollution laws cause for concern

ABU DHABI —Khaleej Times Online,by Nada S. Mussallam -18,Feb,2005: -- Vehicular violations in the UAE that caused environmental pollution have registered 13 to 25 per cent of the total environment related violations, said an official...
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2005/February/theuae_February501.xml§ion=theuae

UPDATES - USA - Advisories and surprises

USA -Investor's Business Daily (subscription) -17/02/05: -- ... earns in 2005 - LONDON (MarketWatch) -- German trucks and printing ... It said the strong improvemnet in cargo activity continued in the quarter, with a ...
http://www.investors.com/breakingnews.asp?journalid=26004861&brk=1

FRONTIER USA/MEX - For most Mexican truckers, access to US a waiting game

Laredo,TX,USA -Christian Science Monitor,by Danna Harman -February 17, 2005: -- BRIDGE NO. 3, BETWEEN NUEVO LAREDO, MEXICO, AND LAREDO, TEXAS – Thousands of 18-wheelers roar across the Rio Grande every day, with more than 40 percent of all US-Mexican trade passing through this corridor... But efficiency isn't the name of the game, thanks in large part to an ongoing ban on Mexican long-haul trucks entering into the United States...
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0217/p07s02-woam.html

PROFITS - MAN drives 2004 profits higher

Johannesburg,South Africa -Business Report -Feb,17,2005: -- Munich-German engineering group MAN said Thursday it was able to report a sharp rise in profits last year on the back of strong demand for its trucks, diesel engines, ...
http://www.busrep.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=&fArticleId=2414929

LOUD SOUNDS - USA - Trucks' loud sounds banned in Magnolia

Little Rock,AR,USA -Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (subscription) -17/02/05: -- City Council members voted 8-0 Monday for an ordinance that prohibits trucks of more than one ton to "emit unacceptable noise levels by engine braking or ...
http://www.ardemgaz.com/_NewAuthLogin.asp?redir=%2FShowStoryTemplate%2Easp%3FPath%3DArDemocrat%2F2005%2F02%2F17%26ID%3DAr02007%26Section%3DArkansas

INFRASTRUCTURE - EUROPE - Project of transpirenaica highway

Euzkadi,Spain -EITB -17/02/2005: -- The project of transpirenaica highway: Iruñea-Salies de Bearn, appeared yesterday publicly to the affected municipalities, that consists of a fast route of two tracks by sense that appears like an alternative to the passage towards Europe by the axis Irun-Baiona, but in no case like a route of union between Navarrese territories... Instead of deciding on the improvement of the present highway...
http://www.eitb24.com/noticia_es.php?id=39711

REGULATION - SPAIN - Heavier trucks prohibition to drive holidays

Euskadi,Spain -EITB -2/17/05: -- The Basque Interior Councillor Javier Balza confirmed that the law that prohibits trucks heavier than 7,500 kilos drive on Sundays and bank holidays is still in force...
http://www.eitb24.com/noticia_en.php?id=39815

SALES - INDIA - ASHOK LEYLAND gets contract to supply 3,322 trucks to IRAK

Ernakulam,Kerala,India -New Kerala/Business India -Feb,16,2005: -- Ashok Leyland, Hinduja group's flagship company, has clinched a deal to supply 3,322 trucks to Iraq, the largest order so far for commercial vehicles from India... Other orders from the region include 100 trucks valued at five million dollars and an equal number of buses to Sudan...
http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=fullnews&id=73029

RECALLS - USA - TOYO TIRE Corp. recalls batch of tires

CYPRESS,CAL,USA - Feb,10,2005: -- Toyo Tire (U.S.A.) Corp. has announced the recall of a targeted batch of 24 medium duty radial truck tires produced in the GTY plant in Mt. Vernon, Ill., during the week of Dec. 12-18, 2004. A defect which relates to motor vehicle safety is possible on tires manufactured with DOT production date codes of “5004”...
http://www.thetrucker.com/stories/02_05/0210_toyo_recall.html

DIESEL - USA - Prices up, despite steady world oil reserves

WASHINGTON,USA - The Trucker -Feb,15,2005: -- At-the-pump diesel prices rose three-tenths of a cent a gallon during the week ending Feb. 14, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
That put the national average at $1.986 per gallon, or 40.2 cents higher than truckers were paying at the same time a year ago...
http://www.thetrucker.com/stories/02_05/0215_diesel.html

SECURITY - USA - Alliance Strengthens Homeland Security on Nation's Highways

USA -Truck Net -Jan,19,2005: -- Gabriel Technologies Corp founders of the WAR-LOK transportation security product line, today announced an unprecedented truck and cargo security and insurance alliance with OOIDA, the 119,061 member Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. The alliance has the potential to provide economic benefits to the two companies and their customers, and strengthen homeland security...
http://www.truck.net/

ECOLOGY - GERMANY - New blending rules put oomph in biodiesel

HAMBURG - German -Truck Net -Feb,9,2005: -- German output of biodiesel fuel made from rapeseed should move into the fast lane this year due to new regulations permitting blending with conventional diesel, the head of a trade association said on Tuesday...
http://www.truck.net/

TECHNOLOGY - USA - RIDGELINE is really good

Providence,RI,USA -Providence Journal(subscription) -Feb/2005: -- ... wheel independent suspension. Other trucks use solid rear axles and leaf springs to handle the weight of cargo. But solid rear ends ...
http://www.projo.com/wheels/content/projo_20050216_ridgeline.1caf73c.html

TECHNOLOGY - AUSTRALIA - Computerised Car Equipped with Crash Warning

VICTORIA,AUSTRALIA -ITS America -Feb,7,2005: -- An article on theage.com describes Australian tests on vehicles with intelligent speed adaptation... Also featured on these vehicles were manual override systems which allowed the driver to mitigate the feedback from the vehicle...
http://www.itsa.org/ITSNEWS.NSF/4e0650bef6193b3e852562350056a3a7/7a0b1683c67b973085256fa2000efd57?OpenDocument

TECHNOLOGY - USA - Cadillac with Real-Time XM Satellite Traffic

CHICAGO,IL,USA -ITS America -Feb,10,2005: -- General Motors and XM have expanded their work together. Starting this month, Cadillac will begin offering XM NavTraffic; the nation's first real-time satellite traffic information service for vehicle navigation systems... -- See how fast traffic is moving on the route -- See on-screen symbols that identify accidents, construction and road congestion -- Choose an alternate route to avoid traffic incidents and reach the destination faster...
http://www.itsa.org/ITSNEWS.NSF/4e0650bef6193b3e852562350056a3a7/570d4b79dd5b4d1185256fa40053ce02?OpenDocument

STOLEN - USA - ATX Finds Nearly 90% of Stolen Vehicles

DALLAS-FORT WORTH,TX,USA -ITS America -Feb,8,2005: -- ATX Group, the world's second largest telematics service provider to the automotive industry, reported today that it recovered approximately 90 percent of the telematics-equipped vehicles that its subscribers in North America reported stolen in 2004...
http://www.itsa.org/ITSNEWS.NSF/4e0650bef6193b3e852562350056a3a7/fda5b5b5d462ccd585256fa400550e34?OpenDocument

TECHNOLOGY - USA - GM Unveils Industry-First Dual Depth Frontal Air Bag

Chicago,IL,USA -ITS America -Feb,12,2005: -- ... General Motors introduced the industry's first passenger-side frontal air bag that customizes restraint by deploying in two different sizes and at different pressures, depending on seat position, safety belt usage and crash severity...
http://www.itsa.org/new.nsf/vLookupForumIntro/Automotive+Telematics+and+Consumer+Electronics!OpenDocument

STUDIES - CHILE - 2nd Logistics Chain Improvement Project in Chile

Washington DC,USA - Feb/2005: -- The U.S. Trade & Development Agency has announced the opening of competition for the feasibility study for the Port of San Antonio Logistics Chain Improvement Project. This follows a similar study announced a few days ago for the Port of Valparaiso, also in Chile...
http://www.itsa.org/ITSNEWS.NSF/4e0650bef6193b3e852562350056a3a7/d7f74b1c963a1ca285256f9e0064eb42?OpenDocument

SAFETY - USA - Trucking Companies Say Highway Advisory Radio and Road Weather Information Systems Made Them Safer

SPOKANE,WA,USA -ITS America NEWS -Feb,10,2005: -- The Washington State Department of Transportation deployed improved road weather information systems (RWIS) and highway advisory radio (HAR) on a remote section of US-395 north of Spokane, Washington. An evaluation of the project used customer satisfaction surveys to evaluate the impacts of ITS information on the behavior, safety, and efficiency of commercial vehicle operators (CVOs)...
http://www.itsa.org/ITSNEWS.NSF/4e0650bef6193b3e852562350056a3a7/cb39b5db530420e985256fa5000e7a82?OpenDocument

TECHNOLOGY - USA - GM's Vehicles Standard Equipment: OnStar and StabiliTrak

NEW ORLEANS,LA,USA - ITS America News -Jan. 30, 2005: -– ... General Motors announced today that two proven life-saving safety technologies, OnStar and electronic stability control, will become standard features for retail customers in the United States and Canada, covering all segments and prices except... Based on stability systems now in use, NHTSA's study reported a 67 percent risk reduction in single-vehicle crashes for SUVs. The IIHS said as many as 800,000 of the 2 million single-vehicle crashes that occur each year could be avoided if stability control was standard on all vehicles sold in the United States...
http://www.itsa.org/ITSNEWS.NSF/4e0650bef6193b3e852562350056a3a7/9aa67efb6d64b09485256f9900781efe?OpenDocument

REGULATIONS - USA - States, Counties Target Trucks for EPA Compliance

Alexandria,Va.,USA - TTNews - Feb/2005: -- Although motor carriers are forced to buy heavy-duty trucks with more expensive and less fuel-efficient — but cleaner-burning — diesel engines, local and state government officials are increasingly targeting trucking operations as part of an effort to meet federal air quality standards.
www.ttnews.com

THEFTS - USA - Cargo thefts have big impact

Lawmakers say $43M in goods stolen in 2004.
Long Beach,CA,USA -Long Beach Press/Telegram,by Eric Johnson - Feb,11,2005: -- Thefts of cargo containers have a bigger impact on the economy than bank robberies, said Sgt. John Antillon of the CHP's Cargo Theft Interdiction Program... "The problem is significant, and growing", the speakers said...
http://www.presstelegram.com/Stories/0,1413,204~21478~2706674,00.html

PRODUCTION REPORTS - USA - NA vehicles estimated production: up 0,8%

Ward’s Reports Estimated Production
SOUTHFIELD,Mich.,USA -PRNewswire -Feb,11,2005: -- Vehicle production this week in the U.S., Canada and Mexico is expected to hit an estimated 355,974 units, up 0.8 percent from the 353,309 cars and trucks built last week, according to Ward’s Automotive Reports...
http://www.mysan.de/international/article40860.html

RECALLS - USA - GM recalls light trucks

Detroit,USA - Detroit Free Press - Feb,11,2005: General Motors Corp. is recalling nearly 200,000 vehicles because of various safety defects, federal regulators said Thursday... The largest recall is of 155,465 pickups, vans and SUVs-- including the Hummer H2 -- because of possible brake malfunctions, the automaker and federal safety regulators said...
http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/irep11e_20050211.htm

SALES - USA - Perfect time for Detroit's automakers to exports to the Old Continent

Detroit,USA -The Detroit News,by Christine Tierney -8,Feb,2005: -- During the past two years, the euro has risen by 30 percent against the dollar, reducing the value of revenues generated in the United States for European automakers... most European automakers hedged at least part of their dollar exposure. But the U.S. currency's persistent weakness - despite a recent up tick - means the Europeans can no longer fully protect themselves... Analysts estimate the foreign exchange shifts will cost Germany's auto industry close to $2 billion this year... this would seem the perfect time for Detroit's automakers to step up exports to the Old Continent... Because of the dollar's decline against the euro, Mercedes-Benz has postponed plans to introduce the B-Class in the U.S... General Motors Corp. has ambitious plans for Cadillac in Europe... But Detroit's automakers may find themselves handicapped by obstacles as much beyond their control as the vagaries of the currency markets... Recent polls suggest that a wave of anti-American sentiment sweeping over Europe may be hurting U.S. brands...
http://www.detnews.com/2005/insiders/0502/13/C01-83235.htm

OPINION - USA - Weakened dollar puts brakes on some European automakers

Detroit, USA - The Detroit News,by Christine Tierney - Feb,8,2005: -- DaimlerChrysler AG's, Mercedes-Benz division offered a tantalizing glimpse of an upcoming luxury hatchback at the North American International Auto Show... Because of the dollar's decline against the euro, Mercedes-Benz has postponed plans to introduce the B-Class in the U.S... Chrysler Group is exporting the iconic Dodge Viper sports car to Europe and plans to introduce more Dodge cars there next year...
http://www.detnews.com/2005/insiders/0502/13/C01-83235.htm

OPINION - USA - Moving to China? Here's some tips on finding a staff

Detroit,USA - Autos Insider,By Michael J. - Feb,10,2005: -- BEIJING -If the plan is to move your company into China, you should know some things about the people you will hire. As a starting point, you can dispel some commonly held myths about Chinese employees... Finding skilled professional workers in China can be tough...
http://www.detnews.com/2005/insiders/0502/13/01-85060.htm

COMMENTS - USA - GM seems to be stuck in neutral after great strides in overall quality

Detroit,USA - The Detroit News,By Daniel Howes -Feb,13,2005: -- With apologies to William Shakespeare, now is the winter of General Motors Corp.'s frustration... Double-digit inflation in its health care obligations to employees and retirees -- $5.2 billion off the bottom line last year -- show no sign of easing. By GM's own admission, this year likely will deliver anemic profits...
http://www.detnews.com/2005/insiders/0502/13/B01-87647.htm

PRODUCTS - USA - INTERNATIONAL RXT, new TRUCK or PICK-UP?

New RXT pick-up from International is unveiled in Chicago
Chicago,ILL,USA -Autos Insider,by John McCormick - Feb,10,2005: -- Positive reaction to the giant CXT pickup prompted commercial truck manufacturer, International Truck and Engine Corporation, to launch another version, the RXT... Weighing more than five tons and 22 feet long, powered by a diesel V8 engine with 230 horsepower and 540-pound-feet of torque... "The CXT can tow 20 tons, it's the mother of all trucks," said Dee Kapur, president of International's truck group...
http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0502/11/autos-86242.htm

PROFITS - SWEDEN - VOLVO 4Q profits driven by trucks

LONDON,UK - newratings - February 10, 2005: -– Swedish truck manufacturer Volvo AB said that increasing demand from buyers in Europe and North America had enabled it to return to profits in the fourth quarter... The truck manufacturer’s revenue for the three-month period increased by 17% from the year-ago period. The company’s board recommended a dividend of 12.50 kronor for the full year 2004 as compared to 8 kronor paid in 2003. Volvo’s 2004 truck deliveries increased by 48% in North America and 12% in Europe...

PROFITS - GERMANY - DaimlerChrysler 2004 Rises Fivefold

Germany - Bloomberg - Feb.10,2005: -- DaimlerChrysler AG, the world's fifth- largest carmaker, said 2004 net income rose more than fivefold as the Chrysler and commercial vehicle divisions benefited from growing demand.

SECURITY - USA - DC Council Passes Bill to Reroute Hazardous Materials

Washington,USA - OMB WATCH - 02/07/2005: -- Last week, the City Council of Washington, DC, voted 10–1, to enact emergency legislation requiring rail companies to reroute hazardous cargo around the city. This legislation, “Terrorism Prevention in Hazardous Materials Transportation Emergency Act of 2005,” will make Washington the first city in the nation requiring companies to route hazardous cargo shipments away from population centers... Washington is not the only city that needs to address the very real security and safety vulnerabilities that come with the shipping of hazardous materials. On a daily basis, trucks, trains, barges and pipelines carry some 800,000 hazardous material shipments throughout the country, with dangers often unknown to many people...
http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/2646/1/1?TopicID=1

RULES - USA - Idling big rigs, buses are targeted

State looks to cut down on pollution by enforcing rule that drivers call unfair
Modesto,CA,USA - Mod Bee,by MELANIE TURNER - February 7, 2005: -- Standing in the fog outside the Flying J truck stop in Ripon, Sherry Uresti of Arkansas chose an adjective for a California rule that aims to keep trucks and buses from idling too long: -"Stupid," - she said... Exceptions to the rule: Supporters of the rule say it makes reasonable exceptions. For hydraulics, for example. And refrigerator trucks, which can be left idling so their cargo won't melt...
http://www.modbee.com/local/story/9909235p-10752690c.html

TECHNOLOGY - USA - Tracking trucks with radio tags

NJ, USA - North Jersey,by JOAN VERDON - February 8, 2005: -- While Wal-Mart and the other major retailers focus on how to use RFID technology to track products, a Hackensack company has carved out a lucrative niche providing systems to track the vehicles that ship and transport products... ID Systems Inc. has seen its stock price more than double over the past year in part on the success of its vehicle tracking systems...
http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkyOSZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5NjY0NjA0MSZ5cmlyeTdmNzE3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTI=

PRODUCTS - USA - A call for a new tradition in trucking

USA - The Trucker, by Lyndon Finney,Editor - Feb 2005: -- Last month, RemoteDynamics of Richardson, Tex., a provider of telematics-based management solutions for commercial fleets, announced the release of REDIview, a Web-based system that combines the power of global positioning system (GPS) technology and an “always on” Internet-based wireless network that allows for continually updated monitoring and exception-based reporting on vehicle tracking, performance and usage...
http://www.thetrucker.com/Features/eye_trucking.html

CIVIL SUIT - USA - Jury decides in favor of VOLVO in ‘fraud’

LITTLE ROCK,Ark,USA - The Trucker - Feb/2005: -- A jury took a little less than an hour Jan. 14 to reach a decision in favor of Volvo in an $80 million civil suit filed by a Little Rock, Ark., trucking company... maintained that Pro Transportation didn’t follow Volvo’s recommendation that the oil be changed after 25,000 miles...
http://www.thetrucker.com/stories/01_05/0131_volvo_defeats.html

TECHNOLOGY - New wireless truck scale introduced

HALIFAX,Nova Scotia - The Trucker - Feb/2005: -- TruckWeight.com on Feb. 1 announced it had launched a new wireless truck scale that the company said provides truckers with an affordable and reliable way to ensure their cargo is safe and legal... can be self-installed in minutes, enabling drivers to know the exact weight of their vehicle and weight per axle anytime, anywhere, with the simple press of a button...
http://www.thetrucker.com/stories/02_05/0202_truck_scale.html

REWARD - USA - Offered in theft of tractor/trailer

HUNTSVILLE,Tex,USA - The Trucker - Feb/2005: -- A Texas licensed private investigator is seeking to solve the theft of a 2004 Freightliner tractor and Fruehauf Pneumatic tanker trailer... the truck was stolen around Jan. 27 from the area of Highway 6 and Beechnut Road near the Harris/Fort Bend county line...The owner of the truck is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the recovery of the vehicle...
http://www.thetrucker.com/stories/02_05/0202_truck_theft.html

TECHNOLOGY - USA - RFID to be used at borders to ‘unclog’ traffic

NOGALES,Ariz,USA - The Trucker - Feb/2005: -- Radio Frequency Identification technology or RFID is predicted to be the next new technological wave to hit the freight industry, and now U.S. officials want to use the technology to help unclog border traffic...
http://www.thetrucker.com/stories/02_05/0203_rfid.html

SAFETY - USA - Study shows: All cell conversations distracting

WASHINGTON,USA - The Trucker - Feb/2005 -- The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) Feb. 3 cited new research from the University of Utah as further evidence that both hands-free and hand-held cell phone use are potentially dangerous behaviors while driving... The study, found that when 18- to 25-year-olds were placed in a driving simulator and talked on a cell phone, they reacted to brake lights from a car in front of them as slowly as a 65- to 74-year-olds who were not using a cell phone, according to a GHSA news release. The study also found that drivers who talked on cell phones were 18 percent slower in hitting their brakes than drivers who did not talk and drive. The drivers were distracted whether they were using a hand-held phone or using the hands-free feature...
http://www.thetrucker.com/stories/02_05/0204_cell_phones.html

SECURITY - USA - NITL names committee on security

ARLINGTON,Va.,USA - The Trucker - FEB/2005: -- National Industrial Transportation League Chairman Mick Barr announced Feb. 2 the creation of a new Select Committee on Security (SCS) the purpose of which will be to serve as a primary resource in developing recommendations for the League on current and new security programs/plans as well as to advance positions which will make our domestic and international supply chains safer...
http://www.thetrucker.com/stories/02_05/0207_NITL_committee.html

INVESTMENT - USA - DOT wants $284 billion for 6-year highway bill

WASHINGTON,USA - The Trucker,by Barb Kampbell - FEB/2005: -- The U.S. Department of Transportation’s budget request for fiscal year 2006 includes a request for a $28 billion funding increase for the President’s six-year surface transportation reauthorization proposal, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2003 (SAFETEA) from $256 billion to $284 billion...
http://www.thetrucker.com/stories/02_05/0208_highway_plan_tax.html

PRODUCTION - INDIA - Tata to introduce Daewoo trucks

New Delhi,India - NDTV - February 7, 2005: With a state of the art Daewoo facility in Gunsan in South Korea, Tata Motors is poised for domination in the domestic truck market, even at the higher end... The news comes on a day when Tata Motors saw an impressive jump of 32 per cent... Made in Korea, by Tata...The company took over the Korean truck making unit almost a year ago and since then there has been great anticipation of when the Indian will get the made in Korea trucks...
http://www.ndtv.com/money/showbusinessstory.asp?slug=Tata+to+introduce+Daewoo+trucks+in+India&id=23627

STOLEN - USA - Thieves set sights on trucks

Statistics show passenger trucks are still prime targets
HARLINGEN,TEX,USA - Valley Morning Star,by MATT LYNCH - Feb 07, 05: -- As program manager for the Reduce Auto Theft ... said Texans have a thing for trucks... But because of so many trucks on the road, said they have become prime targets for thieves... Of all vehicles reported stolen in Texas, in 2003, 61% were autos, 28% were trucks & buses...
http://www.valleystar.com/localnews_more.php?id=56675_0_19_0_M

SECURITY - USA - Hazardous cargo raises safety concerns

Fort Worth,Tex,USA - Kanssas City Star,by JEFF CLAASSEN - Feb. 07, 2005: ... Almost half the people in Tarrant County live close enough to railroad tracks to be at risk if a derailment spilled hazardous cargo,... hasn't had a fatal derailment in at least 30 years ... But activists and officials worried about cargo trains say that one rail car can carry as much hazardous material as three or four trucks... point to the advantage of using trains: Trucks are more expensive for hauling cargo long distances and are 16 times more likely to have an accident that spills chemicals or other hazardous cargo...
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/10839108.htm?1c

SALES - RUSSIAN URAL Trucks delivered to MEXICO

MEXICO,MEX - RIA Novosti,by Mikhail Belyat 2005-02-07: -- ...has signed a contract with the Ural automaker to deliver a new batch of Russian trucks to Mexico... At issue is the delivery of 22 Russian trucks. The first agreement to purchase 52 Ural trucks was concluded last June... Russian trucks have won a good reputation with Mexican cross-country drivers... plans in particular include the project to set up a plant to assemble Urals trucks in Mexico....
http://en.rian.ru/rian/index.cfm?prd_id=160&msg_id=5386016&startrow=1&date=2005-02-07&do_alert=0

TECHNOLOGY - AUSTRALIA - Drive to ban trucks from suburbs

AUSTRALIA - QUEENSLAND NEWS,by Malcolm Cole, & Rosemary Odgers - 07feb05: HEAVY vehicles may be banned from Brisbane's suburban roads if incentives to force them on to the Logan Motorway fail... Transport Minister Paul Lucas has warned truck drivers and owners that the State Government is prepared to legislate to push them out of the suburbs if necessary...
http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,12171434%255E3102,00.html

PRODUCTION - USA - MACK planning to expand its work force

Valley company adding a second shift to keep up with demand for haulers.
NJ,USA - The Express-Times,by ANTHONY SALAMONE - February 05, 2005: -- Mack Trucks Inc. plans to launch a second shift in late spring at its Macungie plant, a move that will mean hiring between 100 and 200 people, a company spokesman said Friday...
http://www.nj.com/business/expresstimes/index.ssf?/base/business-1/1107598067181760.xml

DANGEROUS - USA - What's in those trucks?

Geauga County seeks funds to help prepare for chemical spills
OHIO,USA - News Herald, by.Justin Maynor - 02/05/2005: In an effort to better prepare for potentially dangerous chemical spills, Geauga County emergency officials are seeking state funds to study just what kinds of hazardous materials are being moved through the county...
http://www.news-herald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=13896710&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21849&rfi=6

REGULATIONS - USA - Are the trucks really prohibited?

Culpeper,Virginia,USA - Culpeper Star Exponent - February 5, 2005: At both ends of Blue Ridge Avenue, clearly posted signs state, “Through Trucks Prohibited.” ... However, no town ordinance prohibits truck travel through residential streets. Therefore, police technically can’t enforce the signs...
http://www.starexponent.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CSE/MGArticle/CSE_MGArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031780655787&tacodalogin=no

SECURITY - USA - Proposal Would Restrict Cell Phone Use in Cars, Trucks

North Dakota, USA - KFYR/TV News - 7/Feb/2005: A proposal to restrict cell phone use in cars and trucks is drawing opposition today -- from cell phone companies... Grafton Senator Harvey Tallackson is proposing the bill... says a driver can't use a cell phone in a car -- unless he or she can do it, while keeping both hands on the wheel... Tallackson says people can still use phones in their cars if they want to pull over while they're having a conversation...
http://www.kfyrtv.com/showNews.asp?whatStory=3517

REGULATIONS - USA - Do the time or do time!

Road Transport Working Time Regulations
TNN,UK - Feb/7/05: Washington, USA -- A reminder to operators of heavy goods vehicles of the draft Road Transport Working Time Regulations its effects and requirements...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/legal/plonearticle.2005-02-07.9657028143

INT'L COLLABORATION - Road 'no accident' says World Health Organization

Washington, USA - A collaborative venture by seven automotive and oil companies aims to cut the growing toll of road casualties in developing countries...is at the heart of a $10 million project to cut the 1.2 million road deaths and 50 million injuries globally... supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Red Cross and Crescent Federation, the idea is to be implemented by the Global Road Safety partnership(GRSP)... multi-national companies contributing to the initiative include Shell, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Michelin, Renault and Toyota. The programme intends to bring together representatives from governments, business and non- governmental organisations to work together on practical ideas to improve safety in the developing world, so as to reduce the serious social and economic impacts of road casualties. Road deaths and injuries are predicted to rise by 65% in the developing conuties unless something is done... www.GRSProadsafety.org
http://www.tnn.co.uk/WorldwideNews/plonearticle.2005-01-04.1535542772

INT´L ORGANIZATION - The International Road Transport Union

The International Road Transport Union, organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded to help the full international transport, assists bus and coach as well as taxi and truck operators throughout the world and briefs them on developments affecting their business. Through its national associations on every continent, the IRU speaks for the entire road transport industry...
http://www.iru.org/Presenting/Welcome.E.html

TOLLS - SWITZERLAND increases road tolls

TNN,UK - Feb/2005: Switzerland -- As from January 1st 2005, the road tolls that the Swiss government charges have increased by around 50% driving up the cost of transporting goods through the centre of Europe. Swiss road taxes have been steadily increasing in recent years, with the stated goal of Switzerland’s transport policy being to transfer all freight from road to rail...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/EuropeanNews/plonearticle.2005-01-06.0414744613

TOLLS - GERMANY - No drama as MAUT goes live

TNN,UK - Feb/2005: GERMANY -- After many months of political argument and several breakdowns in the technical equipment, the German MAUT road-tolling system finally went live on January 1st this year. Despite worries from transport companies and road transport industry groups, the predicted foul-up at the payment kiosks failed to materialise...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/EuropeanNews/plonearticle.2005-01-07.0299319159

SPEED LIMITS - IRELAND go metric

TNN,UK - Feb/2005: IRELAND -- As from this week, if you're driving in Eire be warned that the country's speed limits are going metric. Although distances in Southern Ireland have been marked in kilometres for some time now, speed limits have always been in mph as North of the border...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/EuropeanNews/plonearticle.2005-01-18.7316442065

TOO: Irish consider height limit...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/EuropeanNews/plonearticle.2005-01-25.6711659112

EDUCATION - AUSTRIA Wrong way hazard in

TNN, UK - Feb/2005: AUSTRIA -- A educational programme has been launched in Austria aimed at preventing drivers coming towards you on your side of the motorway. Austria's transport ministry is reported to be launching an urgent campaign to educate its motorists after some 550 drivers were caught driving on the wrong side of the country's motorways...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/EuropeanNews/plonearticle.2005-02-02.6780450949

REGULATIONS - FRANCE: Light up in?

TNN, UK - Feb/2005: France -- There is much dispute still going on over whether or not it is now a legal requirement for all vehicles to have dipped headlights on at all times of day and night in France and the experiment of having headlights on in France at all times has confused many drivers...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/EuropeanNews/plonearticle.2005-02-02.8769386177

TECHNECOLOGY - AUSTRALIA - Diesel from plastic bags

TNN, UK - Feb/2005: New process that converts waste plastic bags to diesel at low cost. We have heard so many stories about processes that produce diesel but here's one that really is environmentally sound... The system uses a pyrolysis chamber, a patented catalytic converter and series of specially built condensers to produce energy rich diesel fuel from...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/Technology/plonearticle.2004-11-23.1998994704

TECHNOLOGY - UK - New solution for tyred old problem

TNN - UK - Feb/2005: Every year 32 million car tyres and nearly 4 million truck tyres are scrapped. Despite many uses now being found for them, some 190,000 tonnes still end up in landfill sites each year - a method which will be banned by 2006... So a new distillation process under development by...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/Technology/plonearticle.2004-12-08.0169490021

TECHNOLOGY - USA - The future of Dualmode?

TNN, UK - Feb/2005: UK -- Called the "Bladerunner" this latest concept in road/rail Dualmode transport is the result of years of effort by the engineering consultancy Silvertip Design based in Richmond, North Yorkshire. The project obviously looks as though it has potential as it has received funding from the freight trailer and body builder Don Bur from Stoke-on-Trent and the Government's own Department of Trade and Industry...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/Technology/

TECHNOLOGY - USA - US Truck Maker throws away the keys

TNN, UK - Feb/2005: TX, USA -- Peterbilt, the Texas-based Paccar subsidiary, has announced the fitting of a luxury car style keyless door entry system for all of its articulated, conventional (normal control) range... The company says the move will bring additional convenience and security to its trucks. The remote keyless option uses a two-button fob to lock and unlock the driver, passenger and full-size sleeper doors...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/Technology/plonearticle.2004-12-22.7511268587

TECHNOLOGY - UK - Aims to lead in alternative fuels

TNN - UK - Feb/2005: London -- UK Today Industry Minister Jacqui Smith announced the setting-up of two research and development centres devoted to alternative fuel sources. With funding of £15m the two centres will help the UK take a world lead in "smart" transport and zero emission vehicle technologies...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/Technology/

TECHNOLOGY - TYRES - GOODYEAR launchs 'puncture-proof' tyre

TNN, UK - Feb/2005: Goodyear tyres have just announced the production of a 'puncture-proof' tyre aimed squarely at the commercial vehicle market. The DuraSeal technology will automatically seal any cuts or punctures in the tyre and allow the driver to continue to use the tyre until retreading is required...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/Technology/plonearticle.2005-01-25.4152188568

PRODUCTION - CHINA - VOLKSWAGEN committs to

TNN, UK - Feb/2005: VW Volkswagen opened a new plant in Changchun, in northern China, with its joint venture FAW Volkswagen. The production of the Caddy model is due to start there in the Spring of next year. The Chinese partners FAW and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) will produce engines for the production in China...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/Manufacturers/plonearticle.2004-12-23.8409489597

PRODUCTION - VOLKSWAGEN assembles CVs in UAE

TNN - UK - Feb/2005: German automotive giant Volkswagen is to begin assembling heavy trucks in the United Arab Emirates beginning in 2006. The company plans to begin with 1,000 commercial vehicles, before expanding production to 3,000...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/Manufacturers/plonearticle.2004-12-23.8409489597

INVESTMENT - PAKISTAN - DAIMLERCHRYSLER to invest in

TNN, UK - Feb/2005: GERMANY -- A delegation of investors from Germany and the United Arab Emirates met Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in Islamabad on Tuesday, amongst them were senior representatives from DaimlerChrysler...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/Manufacturers/plonearticle.2005-01-12.8803736746

SALES - GERMANY - 25 per cent of MAN shares sold

TNN, UK - Feb/2005: The largest shareholders in MAN, Europe's third-largest truckmaker, sold their holding in the German multi-national this week for €1bn. Insurer Allianz, Munich Re and Commerzbank sold exactly 24.2% of MAN to institutional investors on Wednesday at €29 a share...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/Manufacturers/plonearticle.2005-01-14.6057210906

SALES - IVECO up for sale soon?

TNN - UK - Feb 2005: ITALY -- A story in the Italian language newspaper Milano Finanza (Milan Finance) suggests that Fiat Group is planning to announce that its Lancia car and Iveco truck subsidiaries may be offered for sale to raise €2bn as part of a two year restructuring plan for the indebted group...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/Manufacturers/plonearticle.2005-01-19.5837275188

INVESTIGATIONS - FRANCE - Mont Blanc trial investigates VOLVO

TNN - UK - Feb 2005: France - On Monday the trial is due to start in France that will investigate charges levelled against various people and companies as a result of the fire in the Mont Blanc tunnel. The fire in March 1999 killed 39 people and closed the tunnel for three years...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/Manufacturers/plonearticle.2005-01-28.7054285676

BUYS - DUBAI buys into DaimlerChrysler

TNN - London,UK - Feb/2005: It was announced on Sunday that the Emirate of Dubai has bought a $1bn stake in DaimlerChrysler. This represents just over 2% of the company's shares, and makes Dubai the third largest shareholder in the German automotive manufacturer...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/Manufacturers/plonearticle.2005-01-31.9387188507

PRODUCTS - RENAULT New Magnum launched

TNN/by Peter Shakespeare: ROADWAY magazine reports - London,UK - Feb 2005: The title of the song "It's a Family Affair" sprung to mind as Renault announced the latest revamp of its flagship tractor to an assembled European industry press... On the surface there are few detectable changes.. The only visible change being a widening of the wheel arches by 25mm to increase the surface area of the step into the cab... But under the surface a whole new gene pool...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/Manufacturers/plonearticle.2005-02-03.8283785294

PROFIT - UK - SCANIA Steams Ahead, but Warns of Clouds on the Horizon

TNN: London,UK - Feb 2005: Swedish OEM posts orders up 23 percent and deliveries up by 12 percent. Scania has reported increased sales and profits for 2004, but has also warned that Western European sales may hurt the company in 2005...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/Manufacturers/plonearticle.2005-02-04.1326874614

PROFITS - SWEDEN - SCANIA Steams Ahead, but Warns of Clouds on the Horizon

London,UK - TNN - Feb/2005: Swedish OEM posts orders up 23 percent and deliveries up by 12 percent. Scania has reported increased sales and profits for 2004, but has also warned that Western European sales may hurt the company in 2005...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/Manufacturers/plonearticle.2005-02-04.1326874614

UK - An Alternative Method of Lorry Road User Charging

Technology cost report,by Derek Beevor/Sep 2004
London,UK - TNN - Feb 2005: This paper suggests using standard Internet technology at a fraction of the cost of the Government’s over complex solution... The Government's LRUC is a proposal to change the way that lorries are taxed. The idea is to charge a fee for every mile / kilometre that a lorry drives on UK roads. The reason for this scheme is to attract revenue from foreign trucks that use the UK roads and, at present, do not pay for this use...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/CurrentIssues/plonearticle.2004-09-19.6469135425

PLANS - UK - Lorry Road User Charge scheme under FTA spotlight

The Freight Transport Association has appointed leading professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) to undertake a strategic review of the Government's plans for lorry road user charging in the UK.
http://www.tnn.co.uk/CurrentIssues/plonearticle.2005-01-18.1245652078

LOSS - GERMANY - Frans Maas issues profit warning

TNN / London,UK - Feb 200: Frans Maas, the Dutch registered European logistics group, has announced that during the second half of 2004 it made a loss of "several million euros" on account of what it calls "extraordinary expenses and disappointing performance in Spain and France" ...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/IndustryNews/plonearticle.2005-02-02.1321283599

SALES - UK - 2004 record year for CVs

London, UK - TNN - Feb/2005: Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 2004 was a record year for registrations of commercial vehicles. Sales were up 9.5% on last year with a total of 389,923 units, and with 2004 having the busiest December ever at 28,470...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/IndustryNews/plonearticle.2005-01-13.7503123537

AWARD - UK - Lubefreight has Safety at Heart

London, UK - TNN - Feb 2005: Lubefreight, the UK division of petro-chemical transport specialists Reynolds Logistics, has recently been honoured as 'Best Road Transport Contractor' in the inaugural Shell Marine Products Safety Heart Awards.
http://www.tnn.co.uk/IndustryNews/plonearticle.2005-01-07.1310425054

STORIES - UK - Road Tech Computer Systems Ltd., owner

London,UK - TNN - Feb 2005: Derek Beevor, now runs a very successful company, Road Tech Computer Systems Ltd. ... For Derek the combination of cheap mobile data transfer via GPRS and instant access to big servers via the Internet opened up all kinds of possibilities, and was destined to drive the telematics business further and faster... The system provides an electronic data interchange and messages flow back and forth between the consortium's terminals in nanoseconds... the system is so effective that punches well above its weight and is capable of taking on the industry's established heavyweights...is in no doubt that a large-scale shift in this direction will revolutionise the haulage business...
http://www.tnn.co.uk/IndustryNews/plonearticle.2004-12-14.6601739449

CONGESTIONS - USA - Truck traffic to double by 2020

Escondido,CA,USA - North County Times,by DAVE DOWNEY - February 5, 2005: It's bad enough that more and more cars keep pouring onto the freeway as Riverside County's growth boom rages on... More and more it's big trucks... Construction and freight trucks are everywhere. And transportation officials say commuters better get used to them because a whole lot more are coming... said Friday that trucks used to make up 3 percent of vehicles traveling the highways of the Los Angeles metropolitan region, whose long arms reach to Riverside County. That was in 1990...
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2005/02/06/news/californian/21_53_442_5_05.txt

SECURITY - SKID zone scare

Orange,TX,USA - Orange Leader,by Royal M. Hopper III - 3 Feb 2005: ...Donovan's specializes in cleaning up diesel and chemical spill accident sites involving 18-wheelers and other cargo trucks, and the men say ... "When they have a heavy rain, they will hit the water that collects there and hydroplane as they go through,"... "Some will skid and then manage to gain control, and others run off the road without getting into an accident - but it's an accident waiting to happen."
http://www.orangeleader.com/articles/2005/02/03/news/news2.txt

SECURITY - HONDURAS - Inspection systems to be installed at customs facilities

Tegucigalpa,Honduras - The Daily Transcript,by Diana Casanova. San Diego,CA,USA - February 3, 2005: Science Applications International Corporation announced Thursday that its VACIS inspection system has been purchased by Camiones y Motores S.A. for operation at the Port of Puerto Cortes under contract to Honduran Customs.
http://www.sddt.com/News/article.cfm?SourceCode=20050203cza

USA - FAST card deadline moved back to May 1

USA - eTrucker,by Jill Dunn - Feb/2005: Because of a backlog in processing thousands of applications, the deadline for requiring Free And Secure Trade cards of all Border Release Advance Screening and Selectivity drivers has been extended to May 1... announced four days before the previously scheduled date of Jan. 31 that enforcement would be delayed for the first group of 40 ports...
http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=46142

USA - BILL to extend federal truck limits returns to Senate

USA - eTrucker,by Jill Dunn - Feb/2005: A bill that would extend the Interstate Highway System truck weight and length limits to the National Highway System, instead of allowing states that jurisdiction, has been reintroduced in the Senate...
http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=46140

PRODUCTS - USA - VOLVO launches new highway truck, powerful engine

USA - eTrucker,by Sean Kelley - Feb/2005: Volvo Trucks North America gave a brief glimpse Feb. 2, during a press event in Phoenix, at its latest foray into the on-highway market. The new VT 880 features Volvo’s biggest engine, the D16, a 16-liter powerhouse that can rate up to 625 horsepower with 2250 lb.-ft. of torque...
http://www.etrucker.com/apps/news/article.asp?id=46208

USA 's TRUCKING WIDE

A business to business reference guide... 8,500 listing, phone book style, 694 categories, daily industry news...
www.trucking.ws

STORIES - Woman's Driver feeling

Joyful Companions
Akron,PA,USA - Layover.com/By Theresa Martinez - Jan/2005: As Valentine's Day approaches at a rapid pace, I thought about the intense loneliness we sometimes feel on the road, especially during special holidays such as this one... there are a lot of solo drivers out there, men or women who have left families at home or those that have no one. We even feel it at times. Such as when Christmas approached and we were unable to get to Texas to see his sister and her family.
http://www.layover.com/driverscorner/womenintrucking/perspective/0205.html

SECURITY - USA - Sought on Rule for Truckers

Lakeland,FL,USA - The Ledger,by JEFF NESMITH/Cox News Service - February 2, 2005: -- WASHINGTON,USA: ... administration is asking for public comment on a rule,... that allows drivers of big trucks to spend up to 11 straight hours on the road without rest... That's an hour longer than old rules allowed... About 5,000 fatal crashes involving big trucks occur annually in America, ... by about 10 percent between 1991 and 2001, ... On average, large trucks are involved in 2.3 fatal crashes for every 100 million miles they travel. Passenger cars have an average of 1.9 fatal crashes for every 100 million miles,...
http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050202/NEWS/502020335/1001/BUSINESS

PRODUCTION - MEXICO - TOYOTA Celebrates Grand Opening of Tijuana Plant

TIJUANA, Mexico - mysan.de (Pressemitteilung / Heidelberg,Germany)/ PRNewswire-FirstCall - Feb.1 2005: Baja California Governor Eugenio Elorduy joined state and local leaders and Toyota associates and executives today for the grand opening celebration of Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California in Tijuana .... began production of Tacoma truck beds in August 2004 and Tacoma trucks in December 2004. At full production, the $140 million plant will manufacture 180,000 truck beds and 30,000 Tacoma vehicles per year...

PRODUCTION - MALAYSIA - DRB-HICOM unit to assemble Isuzu pick-up trucks

Malaysia - Malaysia Star - February 1, 2005: MALAYSIAN Truck and Bus Sdn Bhd (MTB), an 80%-owned subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Bhd, has signed an agreement with Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd (IMSB) to establish a working and business relationship and start negotiations towards appointment of MTB to undertake the assembly of Isuzu DMax pick-up trucks... In a statement to the Bursa Malaysia, it said that the assembly of the pick-up trucks would be carried out at MTB's assembly plant at Peramu Jaya Industrial Estate, Pekan, Pahang upon ...

TECHNOLOGY - USA - IT - operations merge will form future of trucking: techie

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill.,USA - Today's Trucking - Jan. 31, 2005: Technology can do more than automate trucking processes; it can change, merge or eliminate them to attain far greater efficiency. But that kind of success requires a tighter combination of business and technical skills than ever before... said two major factors help decide the extent and functionality of trucking technologies: the physical characteristics of computing devices and the potential impact these technologies have on the trucking functions...

INSURANCE - CANADA - Covering Yourself: Self-insurance for mid-sized fleets

TORONTO,CAN - Today's Trucking (USA) - Jan. 31, 2005: In trucking, insurance rates bounce back and forth from periods of unforgiving increases to unsustainably cheap. This is what's known as a hard and soft cycle... Since early 2001, trucking companies have been hit with a market as hard as a two-by-four. With fewer companies writing insurance for truckers, the hardened market has shed light on a different opportunity for providing coverage: a form of self-insurance called a group captive program. For mid-size carriers, a well-managed group captive looks like an enticing alternative to traditional insurance..

COMMUNICATION - USA - Qualcomm, Aeris.et merge trailer tracking technology

SAN JOSE,Calif,USA - Today's Trucking - Feb. 1, 2005: Aeris.net, a leading provider of wireless machine-to-machine (M2M) fixed and mobile communications services, announced today that wireless IT supplier Qualcomm is incorporating Aeris’ MicroBurst short data packet messaging service into its T2 Untethered TrailerTRACS asset management solution. Qualcomm’s implementation will take advantage of the latest version ...

TIRES - PRODUCTION - MICHELIN ups retreading capacity

Introduces 5th version of X One single
COVINGTON,Ga.,CANADA - Today's Trucking (USA) - Feb. 1, 2005: Michelin Retread Technologies is increasing its production capacity, adding a new press at its Covington, Ga., retreading operation as a result of increasing demand... The new MRT press, which began operation last week at the facility, has been designed to produce new high-technology treads and to take advantage of Michelin’s advanced co-extrusion technique, a process where ...

EXPO - CANADA - 2006 Truck World announced

Canada's biggest and best truck show is back again in 2006.
TORONTO,CANADA - Today's Trucking (USA) - Feb. 1, 2005: Owner and producer Truck World Corp. has announced that the biannual three-day national exposition will take place April 20 - 22, 2006 at the International Centre in Toronto...

STORIES - CANADA - Ice road trucking family lose loved one

YELLOWKNIFE,CANADA - Today's Trucking (USA) - Feb. 1, 2005: A Canadian pioneer in arctic and ice road trucking has lost a valued worker and loved family member... Gary Robinson was the senior of the third generation to grab hold of the reins of family owned and operated RTL Robinson. Grandson of founder Dick Robinson, Gary died tragically on Dec. 29, 2004. He was 23 years-old...

PRODUCTION - JAPAN - EARLY ASSEMBLY BLAMED

Bad parts built into new Fuso trucks
Tokyo,Japan - Asahi Shimbun - 31/jan/2005: In another hit to shaky Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corp., the transport ministry said Friday that the automaker produced new-model Cantor trucks with defective engine and brake parts last autumn, before the vehicle was certified as safe... The ministry has instructed Fuso to repair about 2,000 of the 2,847 new Cantor trucks built from September to December. Fuso agreed to recall about 255,000 current-model Cantor trucks that have the defective parts, officials said...

SALES - UGANDA - Jifang Trucks Begin to Nip Market

Africa Kampala - AllAfrica.com/The Monitor, by Dorothy Nakaweesi - January 31, 2005: Jifang, a Chinese auto manufacturing firm, is making its mark on the Ugandan market... More than 100 brand new Jifang trucks have been imported into the country since 2003 and more than 65 sold to different individuals and companies.

PRODUCTION - S.AFRICA - VW to introduce trucks and busses

Cape Town,South Africa - IAfrica South African News - 31 Jan 2005: Volkswagen South Africa it would introduce Volkswagen truck and bus products into the heavy commercial market within the next two years... The group pointed out that the total investment from VWSA and its dealer network would be approximately R300-million in facilities and infrastructure...

REGULATIONS - USA - TAXES and trucks top council agenda

Burlington,IA,USA - Burlington Hawk Eye,by JAMES QUIRK Jr. - 30/JAN/2005: ... In another matter, the council plans to discuss a proposed ordinance that would make it illegal for trucks to use excessively loud engine or compression brakes ... Tractor–trailer trucks that enter Fort Madison are not allowed to use the loud brakes... "Some of those trucks sound like a machine gun,"...

PRODUCTION - JAPAN - Tainted Mitsubishi Fuso gets gov't reprieve on new trucks

Tokyo,Japan - Mainichi Shimbun - Jan. 28, 2005: The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on Friday granted tainted Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. type approval to sell new vehicles, after accepting a follow-up report from the firm on safety and managerial responsibility... The ministry had frozen type approval of new vehicles since autumn last year following deaths caused by Mitsubishi vehicle faults. The approval was announced by Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kazuo Kitagawa in a news conference held after a Cabinet meeting Friday...

SPARE PARTS - GERMANY - ArvinMeritor Awarded Contract to Supply Drum Brakes to Volvo Trucks North America

Heidelberg,Germany - PRNewswire/mysan.de (Pressemitteilung) - Jan,28,2005: -- TROY, Mich.,USA - ArvinMeritor, Inc.announced today its Commercial Vehicle Systems (CVS) business group has been awarded a major three-year supply contract to supply its Meritor(R) Q Plus(TM) cam brakes to Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.... the Q Plus is the industries' most popular air brake, and is standard equipment on more North American heavy- and medium-duty trucks than any other brand...

RECALLS (II) - FORD Says Probing More Trucks, SUVs for Fire Risk

DETROIT,IL,USA - Reuters,by Poornima Gupta - Jan 28, 2005: Ford Motor Co. said on Friday it was investigating some of its top-selling pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and minivans from 1997 to 2002 model years for possible fire risk from overheating of cruise control switches... The investigation, which could include millions of vehicles, follows Thursday's recall of about 792,000 pickup trucks and SUVs for engine fires that may be sparked by the defective switches...

SECURITY - USA / MEX - FAST Lane Opens at US/Mexico Border

Modern Bulk Transporter
Akron,PA,USA - Layover.com - 01/27/2005: The Calexico CA port of entry at the US/Mexico border has opened dedicated lanes for cargo trucks enrolled in the Free And Secure Trade (FAST) program, according to Department of Homeland Security information... The lanes lead from Mexico into the Calexico ports east cargo facility. FAST is an expedited clearance program for known low-risk cargo shipments through which Mexico and the United States have agreed to harmonize processes for clearance of commercial shipments...

SECURITY - USA / MEX - U.S. Boosts Border Security Measures

New York,NY,USA - FOX News,by Liza Porteus - January 29, 2005: U.S. officials keep instituting measures to bolster security on the nation's borders, particularly its land borders, but they are finding it tricky to do so without putting a damper on commerce levels... Some of the biggest advances in border security so far have come from the Free and Secure Trade lanes program, the Container Security Initiative and the Smart Border Action Plan, among others...

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Feb 24, 2005

STORIES - USA - Former tech executive segues to trucker

STORIES - USA - Former tech executive segues to trucker

CLEAN - USA - Unsafe commercial vehicles cited

DISRUPTING SLEEP - USA - Trash trucks are disrupting sleep cycles

SALES - SWEDEN - VOLVO Reports Increases for Truck Orders

ROADS - EUROPE - Czech roads heave under the weight of trucks

REGULATIONS - USA - House votes to exempt more overweight trucks

MAGAZINE - USA - The Favorite Magazine Among Hispanic Truckers

PRODUCTION - USA - TOYOTA May Build More Factories in North America

BENEFITS - UK - Bigger trucks bring bigger benefits

ECOLOGY - USA - Urges Governor to Take Immediate Action to Reduce Health Risks from Diesel Pollution

WEIGHT LIMITS - USA - Bill would raise weight limits on variety of heavy trucks

PRODUCTION - INDIA - TATA Trucks plans to unveil new HCV

SUED - USA - FORD Trucks Said to Have Defective Latches

Feb 22, 2005

PRODUCTION - RUSSIA - Import Parts Form Russia’s Trucks

PRODUCTION - Noth America Vehicle production this week

BUSINESS - INDIA - TATRA Trucks opens seat manufacturing unit

BUSINESS - USA - NAVISTAR to make engines for some heavy trucks

STORIES - USA - Kings of the road

TECHNOLOGY - USA - Muon opportunists: Detecting the unseen with natural probes

FRONTIER USA/MEX - Most trucks at border get a safety once-over

POLLUTION - ABU DHABI - Vehicles flouting pollution laws cause for concern

UPDATES - USA - Advisories and surprises

FRONTIER USA/MEX - For most Mexican truckers, access to US a waiting game

PROFITS - MAN drives 2004 profits higher

LOUD SOUNDS - USA - Trucks' loud sounds banned in Magnolia

INFRASTRUCTURE - EUROPE - Project of transpirenaica highway

REGULATION - SPAIN - Heavier trucks prohibition to drive holidays

SALES - INDIA - ASHOK LEYLAND gets contract to supply 3,322 trucks to IRAK

Feb 17, 2005

RECALLS - USA - TOYO TIRE Corp. recalls batch of tires

DIESEL - USA - Prices up, despite steady world oil reserves

SECURITY - USA - Alliance Strengthens Homeland Security on Nation's Highways

ECOLOGY - GERMANY - New blending rules put oomph in biodiesel

TECHNOLOGY - USA - RIDGELINE is really good

Feb 15, 2005

TECHNOLOGY - AUSTRALIA - Computerised Car Equipped with Crash Warning

TECHNOLOGY - USA - Cadillac with Real-Time XM Satellite Traffic

STOLEN - USA - ATX Finds Nearly 90% of Stolen Vehicles

TECHNOLOGY - USA - GM Unveils Industry-First Dual Depth Frontal Air Bag

STUDIES - CHILE - 2nd Logistics Chain Improvement Project in Chile

SAFETY - USA - Trucking Companies Say Highway Advisory Radio and Road Weather Information Systems Made Them Safer

TECHNOLOGY - USA - GM's Vehicles Standard Equipment: OnStar and StabiliTrak

REGULATIONS - USA - States, Counties Target Trucks for EPA Compliance

Feb 13, 2005

THEFTS - USA - Cargo thefts have big impact

PRODUCTION REPORTS - USA - NA vehicles estimated production: up 0,8%

RECALLS - USA - GM recalls light trucks

SALES - USA - Perfect time for Detroit's automakers to exports to the Old Continent

OPINION - USA - Weakened dollar puts brakes on some European automakers

OPINION - USA - Moving to China? Here's some tips on finding a staff

COMMENTS - USA - GM seems to be stuck in neutral after great strides in overall quality

PRODUCTS - USA - INTERNATIONAL RXT, new TRUCK or PICK-UP?

Feb 11, 2005

PROFITS - SWEDEN - VOLVO 4Q profits driven by trucks

PROFITS - GERMANY - DaimlerChrysler 2004 Rises Fivefold

Feb 10, 2005

SECURITY - USA - DC Council Passes Bill to Reroute Hazardous Materials

RULES - USA - Idling big rigs, buses are targeted

TECHNOLOGY - USA - Tracking trucks with radio tags

PRODUCTS - USA - A call for a new tradition in trucking

CIVIL SUIT - USA - Jury decides in favor of VOLVO in ‘fraud’

TECHNOLOGY - New wireless truck scale introduced

REWARD - USA - Offered in theft of tractor/trailer

TECHNOLOGY - USA - RFID to be used at borders to ‘unclog’ traffic

SAFETY - USA - Study shows: All cell conversations distracting

SECURITY - USA - NITL names committee on security

INVESTMENT - USA - DOT wants $284 billion for 6-year highway bill

PRODUCTION - INDIA - Tata to introduce Daewoo trucks

STOLEN - USA - Thieves set sights on trucks

SECURITY - USA - Hazardous cargo raises safety concerns

SALES - RUSSIAN URAL Trucks delivered to MEXICO