Truck manufacturers move on emission kits
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+ Most chassis manufacturers are still considering their strategies, but the majority offer either Eminox or Wasey kits for dealer fitment. The most important move to date is Tesco's order for 600 Eminox-equipped Scania tractors f see page 12).
Alone, so far, Volvo has begun offering diesel vehicles eligible for VED rebates ex-factory. Eminox CRT filters are now available as line-fitted options on FM7 four and six-wheel rigids, and more models will be covered as demand increases. The first batch of four CRT-equipped Volvo FM7 26-tonners, complete with their reducedemission certificates, has just been delivered to Sainsbury's supermarket delivery fleet.
The High Street giants are typical of operations which can provide the maximum gains to all concerned. On the one hand, they operate in the locations most likely to benefit from cleaner emissions. On the other, they run vehicles with enough VED liability to benefit from the rebate, keeping them long enough to more than recover the capital outlay. The rebate on the Sainsbury FM7s, for example, amounts to 43.7% of their VED.
Taking an alternative route is Ivaco Ford, which offers a range of wholly CHG-powered vehicles. The Daily can now be supplied in van and chassis-cab forms, while the EuroTech is available as a 4x2 at 18 twines and as a 6x2 at 26 tonnes. Both versions are powered by the same 9.5litre engine, provisionally rated at 220hp.
Looking further ahead, at least two UK manufacturers, Foden and Leyland Oaf, are seriously examining the possibility that some of their engines can meet the VED rebate requirements with no add-ons. Even further in the future, some manufacturers are known to be investigating the use of plasma technology from the nuclear processing industry to virtually eliminate particulates at a fraction of the present cost.