Not lobbying but furious
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THE LETTER from Mr Rennard of Webasto on night heaters for lorries (CM.. March 24) deserves our reaction.
Putting aside Mr Rennard's views about his own product, we must clarify the issue of lobbying for legislation.
Mr Rennard better get his facts straight before he goes accusing his competition of "below the belt" tactics — unless he wants to meet us in court.
We have at no time pressed for legislation to fit night heaters to trucks — that is not our job.
What we have done, as indicated in the original article (CM, March 3), is ask questions at the Department of Transport and SMMT about what exactly the law says about cab heaters and sleeping in the cab. As a manufacturer that's our duty. How that can be construed as (to quote Rennard) "furious lobbying" is quite beyond us.
The law in Germany seems clear. if you add up the effect of limiting times on idling your engine with the blanket law that requires a cab to have some form of heating, the inference is to fit an independent heater or night heater if you intend to sleep in the cab. Such laws might spread through the EEC and arrive here one day.
As a leader in our field we must know about these laws ... is that "furious lobbying"?
Drivers and owners ask us what the law is so we have to research it on their behalf. ... is that "furious lobbying"?
We present, in our adverts, the facts about costly engine idling and wasted profits. We must know the law about these facts .. is that "furious lobbying"?
Our promotion and PR activity presents benefits for drivers who sleep in their cabs (and they do that Mr Rennard, rain or shine, summer or winter). The views of drivers, owners and the organisations that represent them are important to us.... Is that "furious lobbying"?
If we are to maintain our position as an authority on truck central heating we need to research and ask questions. We want our market satisfied today and tomorrow ... Is that "furious lobbying"?
We choose not to be drawn by Mr Rennard's product comments. We find them corny and tantamount to cheap publicity. Like an itchy collar on a cold morning.
If anyone wants the facts on night heaters ... legal, technical or commercial they should talk to Eberspacher UK or their authorised dealers.
Our advice is impartial, factual and free.
RICHARD YONWIN Eberspacher UK