EC regs force up truck prices
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• Threatened EC regulations on road-friendly suspensions and engine reliability are set to force up truck prices.
The proposals will be debated by the European Commission in December: they could be in force by 1993.
The package includes moves to outlaw projections on cabs likely to cause injury to pedestrians and cyclists, in particular ornaments from the aftercare market.
But it is the proposals to introduce sophisticated new suspension systems on six and eightwheelers which are likely to force up operators' costs.
From January 1993 the sixwheelers will be allowed to run at 26 tonnes and eight-wheelers at 32 tonnes — but only if they are fitted with air suspension or an "equivalent".
This might include steel suspensions with longer springs to give a softer ride. Minimum power-to-weight ratio will rise from 4.5kW (6hp)/tonne to 5kW (6.7 hp)/tonne.
A reliability test will require vehicles to pull away five times in five minutes on a 12% gradient when fully laden.
UK market leader Iveco Ford says it is fully prepared to meet the new regulations: "We are working toward the legislation," it says, "and believe we have suspensions that are road friendly."
However, it fears that some operators may be reluctant to pay for more expensive suspension systems: "There is a price for technology," says Iveco Ford. "We manufacturers can build it, but can the operators afford it?"
Other measures in the new proposals include extending the turning circle requirement for 16.5 artics to include all lorries.