Search and rescue Amarok uses eye in the sky to find missing persons

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Surrey Search & Rescue VW AmarokSurrey Search & Rescue (SurSAR) has updated its fleet with a new Volkswagen Amarok pick-up for use by the organisation’s Lowland Rescue Unit, which operates in England’s most densely wooded county.

Specialising in the rescue of missing people, SurSAR covers large areas of wilderness on a day-to-day basis, and required a vehicle that could perform on all terrains.

The Amarok was chosen thanks to its combination of innovative technology including ESP and off-road ABS, and an impressive load area of 2.5m2. This isn’t the first time the model has been chosen for its off-road rescue capability, either.

The Amarok has been converted to purpose for SurSAR’s search and rescue operations and is the first of its kind to be in active service in the UK. Working as SurSAR’s initial response vehicle, the Amarok carries essential medical equipment and is fitted with the latest GPS tracking technology.

The Amarok’s permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive system delivers optimal off-road performance and gives the team the ability to tackle steep gradients of up to 45° and power through water depths of up to half a metre.

The Amarok has also been equipped to work with the unit’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), better known as a drone. The rear of the Amarok is fitted with a fold-out monitor on which rescue workers can view a video feed from the unit’s UAV. This is fitted with cameras to enable the team to search the surrounding area for any changes in terrain or colour that might indicate a missing person.

In terrain with limited visibility, being able to zoom in on the search area from above could save hours of searching — and potentially save lives.

Scottish island airport chooses Nissan Navara for extreme conditions

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Inverness Airport Nissan Navara

Inverness Airport’s new Nissan Navara fire command vehicle alongside the airport’s 32-tonne airport fire appliance

If you drove 2,000 miles a month, you’d probably expect to be covering some distance away from your home or work. But Stornoway Airport’s new Nissan Navara covers this distance every month without leaving the airport site.

The main reason for this is that the specially-equipped pick-up acts as a mobile bird scarer, fitted with high-powered external speakers, that’s used to clear huge colonies of birds away from the runway at Stornway Airport, which is on the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Herbrides.

The truck is part of a diverse 100-strong fleet operated by Highlands and Islands Airport Ltd, which is responsbie for operating most of the airports scattered across the Scottish Highlands, Northern Isles and Western Isles.

Another recently-purchased Navara has been kitted out as a specialist fire command vehicle – complete with blue light pack and ground to tower radio system – and is now in operation with highly trained firefighters at Inverness Airport.

Paul Rodden, Chief Engineer and fleet manager at Highlands and Islands Airports, said:

“We went through a procurement procedure three years ago and Nissan came out on top. They were the only manufacturer that could supply vehicles that met our brief.

“Since then we’ve not been disappointed – the vehicles we’ve had have been up to any job and Nissan and Dicksons have been great at helping us maintain the fleet, much of which is scattered across remote areas where there are no dealerships.”

The Navara is available with a choice of 2.5dCi and 3.0 V6 dCi diesel engines. It has a payload of up to 1,250kg and a towing capacity of 3,000kg.

CV production trucks on with 54.5% rise in June

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This year’s surging commercial vehicle (CV) production isn’t news anymore. We’ve covered it every month this year. Yet June’s figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) were impressive, even by 2015 standards.

Both UK and export demand rose by more than 50%. Exports typically go to the EU and have been somewhat depressed this year, thanks to the combination of nationalistic vehicle buyers and depressed economies that make up the eurozone (I’ll leave you to decide which countries I’m referring to…).

Total manufacturing output rose by 54.5% to 9,805 units in June, a stunning increase on last year’s total of 6,348. Here’s how the figures break down:

CV manufacturing June-14 June-15 % Change YTD-14 YTD-15 % Change
Total 6,348 9,805 54.5% 37,460 48,677 29.9%
Home 3,054 4,769 56.2% 18,598 24,471 31.6%
Export 3,294 5,036 52.9% 18,862 24,206 28.3%
% export 51.9% 51.4% 51.2% 49.7%

Data courtesy of SMMT (www.smmt.co.uk)

This is great news for the UK economy. It may be no coincidence, too, that Britain’s automotive firms employ some of the most productive employees in Britain. According to a news story that’s been widely covered this week, productivity in the UK car industry is 35% higher than in 2010. Employees generate £100,000 per year in added value, more than twice the national average of £46,000.

I assume the same figures apply to employees at Britain’s commercial vehicle manufacturers — almost certainly in the case of Vauxhall, the UK’s largest volume CV manufacturer, as it also makes cars.

The reasons for this impressive performance seem to be modern, heavily automated factories, well-trained and loyal staff who are paid reasonably well, and a desirable product for which demand is currently very strong.

Unsurprisingly, SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes is bullish about prospects going forward:

“Today’s figures are encouraging for the sector, with demand for British-built vans, trucks and buses all on the rise. The UK commercial vehicle industry has experienced some turbulence in the recent past, with restructuring of some operations and changes to type approval affecting output. It is good to see the recovery continuing, and we are optimistic about the future with demand continuing to grow both in the UK and in Europe.”

However, while the car industry is hitting new records for production, it’s worth remembering that only a few years ago, the CV sector was cranking out more than twice as many vans and trucks as it is today:

SMMT CV manufacturing June 2015

Rolling year CV output, June 2008 – June 2015 (graph courtesy of SMMT)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A return to past levels of production seems unlikely, due as the big loss is due to the closure of volume plants such as Ford’s Southampton Transit plant, which are unlikely to return to the UK from cheaper climes abroad (Turkey, in Ford’s case).

Good news, although the evident success of UK-based automotive manufacturers has made me wonder. Was the move to offshore manufacturing driven by more attractive economic fundamentals, or simply the desire to avoid the costs of updating old UK factories?

After 250,000 miles in 3 years, it’s same again for minibus firm

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Arnald Cars Mercedes-Benz Vito TourerNo recommendation is more powerful than personal experience, and Dunstable-based private hire firm Arnald Cars didn’t hesitate when it came time to replace their 3-year old Mercedes-Benz Vito Traveliner, which had done 250,000 miles in just three years.

According to Arnald boss Colin Hall, the outgoing model was “impressively reliable and robust”, so Mr Hall and his wife Teresa had no doubts about replacing it with one of the first new model Vito Tourers to hit UK roads.

The Halls’ new Vito is a 9-seater, extra-long wheelbase 119 BlueTEC model, with optional rear-wheel drive and a Euro 6 2.1-litre, 190 hp diesel engine. Connecting wheels to engine is Mercedes’ 7G-Tronic Plus transmission, the world’s only automatic gearbox for vans with a torque converter and seven gears.

Despite the van’s size, however, a series of fuel-saving enhancements including alternator management, improved underbody aerodynamics and the ECO start/stop function, mean it should offer fuel economy of up to 47.1 mpg on the combined cycle.

Mr Hall says that Mercedes quality and brand image are an ideal complement to the ethos of his business:

“We pride ourselves on the quality of our friendly and reliable executive service, which explains why all of our drivers are CRB-checked, first aid-trained and fully licensed. The New Vito combines a stunning appearance with exemplary comfort levels, while the Mercedes-Benz brand image can only enhance customer perceptions of our business.”

The Halls’ new Vito is fully specced up for a high quality luxury taxi service. On the outside, the vehicle is smartly finished in metallic brilliant silver with colour-coded bumpers and 16-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, to which the customer added optional roof rails and fog lamps.

Inside, passengers don’t need to worry about summer heatwaves. The van’s range-topping SELECT specification includes comfort seating, TEMPMATIC air conditioning, and a carpeted passenger compartment, as well as a lighting package.

The driver will benefit from automatic Headlamp Assist function and a rain sensor which controls windscreen wiper frequency, along with an optional Parking Package and electric sliding doors.

 

 

Save 10% on Hertz Van Rental: EXCLUSIVE Discount Code [EXPIRED]

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Hertz van supersiteSaving money on van hire just got easier! For this week only, we have an exclusive 10% discount code for Hertz Van Rental.

The code is valid for pick-up periods from 20 July 2015 until 16 August 2015, so planning ahead now could deliver big savings.

Here are the details:

**THIS OFFER HAS NOW EXPIRED**

  • Offer: Save 10% on Hertz Van Rental (and get Nectar points)
  • Start: 20 July 2015
  • Expires: 26 July 2015
  • Pick-up period: Valid for pick up dates from 20 July 2015 until 16 August 2015
  • DISCOUNT CODE: 778648

 

Terms and conditions may apply, see Hertz website for details.

Volkswagen Transporter is newest choice for AA patrol fleet

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AA Patrol VW TransportersThe AA is adding 500 Volkswagen Transporter vans to its patrol fleet, including around 70 all-wheel drive 4MOTION models.

The Transporters will be painted in the AA’s distinctive yellow trademark colour at the Volkswagen factory in Hannover.

The vehicles will also be converted for purpose with specialist racking to accommodate the AA’s tow system, tools and additional equipment.

I’m not sure whether the AA fleet is switching wholesale to VW or whether the breakdown operator is adopting a mixed-marque policy. The Transporter has been used before, notably the T4 model. Recent years have also seen both the Ford Transit and Vauxhall Vivaro used as patrol vehicles by the AA, which seems to have less brand loyalty than it once did.

However, there’s no doubt that the Transporter is a high quality and capable choice that scores highly in the image department. VW’s network of more than 70 dedicated Van Centres around the UK also means that support should not be a problem, should problems arise.

Save 5% on Hertz Van Rental — from just £13 per day [EXPIRED]

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Hertz Van RentalIf you’re hiring a van this summer, then this new 5% discount code from Hertz Van Rental may useful.

Hertz discounted van hire prices now start from just £13 per day.

This code is valid until 2 August 2015, so get booking to ensure you don’t miss out.

**THIS OFFER HAS NOW EXPIRED**

  • Offer: Save 5% and get van hire from just £13 per day with Hertz Van Rental
  • Expiry: 2 August 2015
  • Discount Code: 778636

 

 

 

Terms and conditions may apply. See Hertz website for details.

DVLA licence check code now valid for 21 days — good news

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View your driving licence infoThe DVLA has extended the validity period of the check code generated for motorists to share their driving licence details – making it easier for customers to arrive prepared for their van rental pick-up.

The one-use code is now active for 21 days, unlike the previous validity of 72 hours, which meant that motorists had to visit the View Driving Licence website and generate a code less than three days before they intended to hire a car.

“We’re pleased that the DVLA has listened to industry feedback that the code lifespan was too short,” said Gerry Keaney, Chief Executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association.

“This common sense approach will reduce queues at rental desks and give millions of renters more time to plan and arrive prepared ahead of their journey.”

On 8 June 2015, the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence was abolished.

Motorists can now view up-to-date driving licence information using the DVLA’s View Driving Licence website, which includes a Share My Licence service. This generates a code enabling hire companies and other third-parties to check for any endorsements.

To see our step-by-step illustrated guide to generating a licence check code, click here.

This service is free to use but drivers will need their National Insurance number and driving licence details to generate a code.

Drivers with old-style paper licences (issued until 1998) can continue to use these licences but should note that they will not be updated with penalty points or details of convictions.

Limesquare Vehicle Rental expands presence on vanrental.co.uk

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Limesquare Vehicle RentalBracknell-based daily rental firm Limesquare Vehicle Rental first joined vanrental.co.uk in May, when we listed the company’s Bracknell van and minibus hire branch.

I’m delighted to announce that the firm has now expanded its presence on vanrental.co.uk to include all seven of its branches, all of which offer van, minibus (and car) hire for personal and business customers:

Limsquare offers a full range of vans and minibuses for daily hire, including:

  • Small/car-derived vans — e.g. Vauxhall Combo
  • Short wheelbase panel vans — e.g. Volkswagen Transporter
  • Long wheelbase low roof van — e.g. Vauxhall Vivaro LWB
  • High roof medium wheelbase van — e.g. Volkswagen Crafter MWB
  • High roof long wheelbase van — e.g. Volkswagen Crafter LWB
  • Luton van w/ tail lift — e.g. Volkswagen Crafter Luton
  • ‘Maxiload’ high-capacity luton — ideal for removals
  • 3.5t dropside vans
  • 3.5t tipper vans
  • 3.5t double cab tippers

7, 9, and 17-seater minibuses are also available, along with a range of cars.

Please note that Limesquare is only able to rent to drivers aged over 25.

For more information or to obtain a quote, contact Limesquare directly:

If you’d like to promote your van or minibus rental business on vanrental.co.uk, check out our advertising options.

New van demand drives CV registrations to six-month record

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UK commercial vehicle registrations rose to an all-time six-month record of 186,404 during the first half of 2015, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Rising demand for new vans was the main reason for the surge in demand. Registrations of new vans rose by 16.4% to 35,742 in June. Over the last twelve months, registrations have reached 352,558, 20.2% higher than during the previous twelve-month period.

UK van and truck registrations: 2015 and % change on 2014

June % change Year-to-date % change Rolling year % change
Vans 35,742 16.4% 186,404 19.8% 352,558 20.2%
Trucks 4,568 41.5% 23,111 40.6% 48,144 -6.2%
Total 40,310 18.8% 209,515 21.8% 400,702 16.2%

Source: SMMT (www.smmt.co.uk)

Commenting on the figures, Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said that the strong demand was not a surprise:

“The record half-year total for commercial vehicle registrations is not unexpected given the significant gains being made in the van market. Registrations of vans have been increasing strongly for some time, underpinned by economic confidence among large and small businesses, as well as the growing trend for home deliveries.”

The long-running recovery in the van market can most easily be shown in graphical form:

SMMT CV registrations June 2015

UK van and truck registrations Jan 2010 – June 2015 (courtesy of SMMT)

The growth in new registrations was strongest in the 2.5-3.5t sector, which includes popular models such as the Ford Transit Custom and Transit, the Volkswagen Transporter, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and the Vauxhall Vivaro. Sales rose by 24% to 21,693 in June, an increase of 4,205 vans compared to June 2014.