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Volvo calls for roadtrains
Page 7
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IN Volvo has thrown its weight behind the call for heavier trucks in order to boost productivity and lower vehicle emissions. At the launch of its new 600hp FH16 flagship this week, Volvo Trucks president Jorma Halonen declared: 1 believe that, in the future, we will see higher gross vehicle weights and extended lengths in the ongoing bid to improve road haulage efficiency in Europe."
Both Volvo and Scania are keen to see the Scandinavian 25.25m/60-tonne combination gain wider acceptance across the rest of the EU. Based on a rigid pulling a conventional 13.6m semi trailer, the Swedish rig is designed to carry a variety of intermodal containers and has been backed by the European Shippers Council (CM 9-16 Jan 2003).
Claes Avedal, head of Volvo's accident research commission says: If a 25.25m combination were allowed throughout the EU the number of vehicles would drop, which would in turn promote higher road safety.'
Volvo reports that two 25.25m rigs could carry as much as two 16.5m antics and an 1815m drawbar put together. Thus the number of vehicles needed to carry the same amount of freight would be reduced by a third, with two trucks doing the work of three. Emissions per tonne carried would therefore also be cut.
However, as yet EC officials have shown no public inclination to change current EU weights and dimensions legislation.
In this country, the main driving force for a change in the law has been Stafford-based Stan Robinson, who is looking to introduce his 80-tonne road train. Robinson says that the Working Time Directive will force the industry to consider many options, including roadtrains.
• Volvo is due to unveil its most powerful ever engine today (Thursday). The 16.1-litre MK is at the heart of the new FH16 model, and will be available rated at 550hp or 610hp. The new model, which also features exclusive styling inside and out, will be fully reviewed in next week's Commercial' Motor.