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That was the year...
Page 14
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CM was launched in 1905; for our centenary year we're bringing you stories from years gone by. This week we're back in 1950 and 2000.
1950
English newspapers announced that the United States, a non-entity in football terms, had beaten England one-nil. England. a pre-tournament favourite, was participating in its first World Cup. as were the Yanks... many readers thought the result was a typographical error. The Peak District became Britain's first national park.The world said hello to actors Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane and Bill Murray — and bid farewell to George Orwell, author of 1984 and Animal Farm.
Leading the way
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported that the UK was the world's biggest exporter of commercial vehicles. CM reported that overseas sales were up 75%, crowing that the trend looked set to continue -for the foreseeable future-.
Running costs up again
The Labour Budget ramped up fuel duty, much to the disappointment of the road transport industry. CM predicted running costs would jump 10% as a result.
Who is Volvo?
While British hauliers wouldn't see Volvo CVs until the mid-1970s. the launch of its L34 — a T-cab 4x2 rigid designed for local deliveries — caused Commercial Motor to wonder if the future could lie in bonneted cabs rather than cabovers.
2000
George W Bush became US President; for a few days chads dominated the world's headlines. The Tate Modern opened and at the Australian Olympics rower Sir Steve Redgrave captured his fifth Gold Medal,
The MAN who fell to ERF
MAN ended months of speculation by buying ERF for £110m — four times what previous owner Canadian company Western Star had paid in 1996.
Scania shares
Volvo's attempt to take over Scania was blocked by the European Commission's Competition Commission, allowing Volkswagen to step in and snap up ilbn worth of shares, giving it 34% of the company.
In praise of roadtrains
Haulier Stan Robinson began trumpeting the 'Roadtrain' cause with a 72-tonne B-Train featuring two 45ft semi-trailers. BTAC trials at MIRA showed it had double the payload potential of a conventional artic, improving productivity by 20%.
Fresh faces
Launches included new engines from Renault: the dCi 420 for the Premium and the E-Tech for the Magnum. ERF introduced the ECS and ECX; MAN unveiled the long awaited TGA range, replacing the F2000.