NEXT WEEK
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THE SELF-DRIVE market has evolved into an important sector of the road transport industry and we're looking into some aspects of it next week. We've also a road test of the MAN-VW 8126F 7.5tonner and feature two conferences.
• The truck and van rental market can be split into two sectors — the business rental market and the domestic or private individual market. Ryder Truck Rental covers both but has a service that is unusual — it is specifically tailored for the do-it-yourself removals people.
• Six months ago another truck rental company joined the fray. Its entry should be more significant than most because it comes from the same breeding ground as Trailerent, a company that has already rocketed through the rental ranks.
• The use of self-drive hire minibuses by football supporters will be one way around Government controls on football crowd movements. At present anyone can hire a minibus provided they have a clean driving licence — Noel Milker has been looking the market and discusses whether it provides good value for money or unfair and unsafe competition for the qualified psv operator. • Contract hire and rental is driving a gaping hole through the Department of Transport's laws which control lorries. Jack Semple reports on the issues, and some warnings for operators.
• Is 136hhp really necessary in a 7.5tanner? According to MAN-VW's sales figures the answer is yes. Although the 7.5 MT range is offered at two power ratings — 90 and 136hp — it is the higher powered six-cylinder 8.136F that dominates the model's UK sales.
Brian Weatherley has road tested the 8.136F (our 12th 7.5-tonner since hgv speed limits were revised) to find out just what this light middleweight has to offer British operators. I Iis full report is in next week's CM.
• The accident rate for light goods vehicles for the 10 years up to 1983 reduced by 40 per cent — an exemplary record and one which compared with a reduction of only 22 per cent for private cars. This safety trend by the commercials is in some part a reflection of improved maintenance standards promoted by annual plating and testing and roadside inspections. Bill Brock reports from one of these checks.
• The Institute of Wastes Management has been at the seaside this week. The Institute's 87th annual conference and exhibition was at Scarborough and CM brings you a pictorial report from the exhibition.
• And Bill Brock will be covering the Federation of Engine Remanufacturers' Conference at Blackpool.