NEWS INDUSTRY
NEWS IN BRIEF
T
he UK’s new heavy goods vehicle
market increased 21.2 per cent in the
first quarter of 2019, with 11,859 units
registered, according to the latest figures
released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers
and Traders (SMMT).
A number of large orders and strong market
incentives helped drive registrations following flat
performances in 2017 and 2018.
Registrations of rigid trucks grew by 12.9 per
cent, with both the 6-16 tonne and over
16-tonne segments experiencing growth.
Meanwhile, demand for articulated vehicles also
rose, up a significant 32.3 per cent to 5520 units.
The majority of body types saw a rise in
registrations, including tractor units, the most
popular segment, with demand growing by
30.2 per cent.
Tippers and box vans also experienced uplifts,
of 18.2 per cent and 64.4 per cent respectively.
“The significant rise in truck registrations is
certainly welcome news, but it is important to
remember large fleet orders can have a big
impact on this relatively small volume market,”
said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.“Despite the increase in demand, ongoing
political and economic uncertainty is still a
significant factor for businesses and we may
see the market level out throughout 2019,”
he concluded.6 TRUCKING Summer 2019 http://www.truckingmag.co.uk
DAF boosts used
truck warranty
DAF Trucks has announced it is now
backing its complete range of First
Choice used vehicles with a full
manufacturer’s warranty as
standard, with no mileage limit.
DAF’s nearly-new trucks are under
five years old, have no more than
600,000 km on the clock, look like
new, and also have a fully
documented service history. In
addition, the Dutch truck-maker said
First Choice vehicles have passed
more than 200 checks to ensure
they are in “top technical condition”.
First Choice trucks under four years
old now come with a 12-month full
manufacturer’s warranty as
standard, which also covers all
factory options. First Choice
vehicles between four and five years
old are supplied with a 12-month
warranty on the driveline. “Supplying
a full manufacturer’s warranty as
standard for a used truck is unique
in the market,” said Marty van den
Dungen, sales director, DAF Used
Trucks. “A First Choice truck really is
as good as new.” All First Choice
trucks can be purchased with
finance terms offered by PACCAR
Financial and can be supplied with
“favourable” repair and maintenance
contracts from DAF MultiSupport.Electric dream?
A survey of British SMEs showed
the majority remain to be convinced
electric vehicles (EVs) are the future
of motorised transport in the UK,
despite many being convinced by
their environmental benefits,
according to the latest data from
Close Brothers Asset Finance. The
survey of 900 firms conducted in
April 2019 showed that while 41 per
cent think EVs will become
ubiquitous over time, for 36 per cent
it’s ‘too early to tell’ and for the
remaining 23 per cent it’s a definite
‘no’. In spite of the scepticism about
the eventual part EVs will play in
some quarters, nearly three out of
every five respondents (57 per cent)
said the vehicles are environmentally
positive (compared to the current
options). “Our research shows that
while only 30 per cent of those
polled had ever driven an electric
vehicle, the majority (59 per cent)
would consider purchasing an EV if
more incentives were available,” said
Close Brothers CEO, Neil Davies.Scrapping of M4 relief road to put
Welsh economy under threat
HGV registrations surge as
incentives boost demand
C
ontroversial plans to construct a new M
relief road have been scrapped by the
first minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, in
a move that has been met with frustration
by the road haulage industry.
The proposals originally sought to build a new
14-mile stretch of motorway to the south of Newport,
South Wales, which would run parallel to the M4 from
Junction 29, Castleton to Junction 23A at Magor.
The plans were first mooted in 1991, then dropped
by government in 2009. They resurfaced again in 2011,
and in 2014 Wales transport minister Edwina Hart
confirmed the so-called ‘Black Route’ would go ahead,
with completion targeted for 2022.
However, the plans have now been dropped again
due to cost and its effect on the environment, following
a public inquiry.
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) said the
decision will cost the Welsh economy “hundreds of
millions of pounds” in lost investment, adding the plans
would have tackled road congestion on both sides of
the Welsh border.
“FTA is urging the first minister to reconsider his
decision,” said Sally Gilson, head of Welsh Policy, FTA.
“The construction of a ‘Black Route’ is the only option
for the Welsh economy and its citizens.
“The M4 is a vital stretch of infrastructure with
international economic importance, yet it is blighted by
heavy congestion. FTA’s members have consistently
evidenced the urgent need to tackle these congestion
issues, and it is frustrating the opportunity to deliver
this essential investment into South Wales’
infrastructure has been missed.
“The decision will cost the Welsh economy hundreds
of millions of pounds in lost private sector investment,”
Gilson continued. “As per the Welsh government’s
own assessment, it would have delivered £2 for every
£1 invested.”The Road Haulage Association (RHA) called the
rejection a “huge blow” for the Welsh economy, adding
Drakeford’s decision “will dash the hopes of firms
expecting improvements to a creaking road network
after years of promises”.
RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett, said: “Firms
frustrated with crippling congestion on the M4 will feel
they’ve been let down by the Welsh government.
“South Wales needs high-capacity, high-quality road
infrastructure to keep people and goods moving
efficiently. But scrapping the relief road without a clear
alternative to reduce congestion will only make Wales
less attractive to investors.”http://www.truckingmag.co.uk“Black Route” was
originally proposed to relieve
congestion on the MSource: SMMT