AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

Contenders ilto ready...

5th February 2009
Page 32
Page 32, 5th February 2009 — Contenders ilto ready...
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Words: CM test team Judging from the number of full solo road tests we were able to carry out in 2008, it wasn't exactly a vintage year. The optimism that accompanied the start of the year, with rising sales and delivery times stretching into 2009, evaporated like a transport minister's promise as the months ticked by.

The effects of the financial meltdown don't need repeating here, apart from saying that heavy truck manufacturers' press test fleets suddenly became even less accessible. It's an ill wind, though, and most manufacturers reckon some of the cash saved by not attending expensive trade shows will be spent on testing. Here's hoping!

As CM enters its 105th year, we have no intention of giving up our role as the journal of record, in which solo road tests form a pivotal part. But the past couple of years' dearth of test vehicles has prompted us to rethink our strategy, and alternative ways of testing are emerging.

Group tests published in 2008 ranged from electric vans to Dutch five-axled tippers. Collaboration with our colleagues on the Continent saw an Arctic test and two runnings of the industry's most respected heavy truck challenge, the 1,000-Point Test, as well as our established tipper and sleeper cab tests. We also carried out another of our Megagroup tests. spending two days in vans from the 3.0-tonne GVW sector.

This year will see more of the same, bringing you at least as much quality, and, hopefully, a bit more quantity as well. •

Tags


comments powered by Disqus