New Launches
Show Report: CV Show 2012
What a cracking event the 2012 Commercial Vehicle Show turned out to be, thanks in no small part to Ford… Read More
Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Long-Term Test 1
We has just taken delivery of a Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Club Cab for long-term appraisal… Read More
Ford Transit ECOnetic Brief Test
We’ve been putting a SWB 100hp 2.2TDi Euro 5 Transit 280 ECOnetic through its paces… Read More
Renault Kangoo ZE 2011 European Launch
Renault is at the forefront of manufacturers offering a mass produced factory-built electric van… Read More
Fuso Canter 2011 European Launch
Fuso has completely revamped its range of light and heavy truck Canter chassis and chassis crew cabs… Read More
Iveco Daily 2011 European Launch
Iveco has introduced new, latest generation diesels to its Daily range, along with detail changes inside and out… Read More
Ford Transit 2011 European Launch
Ford takes the iconic Transit to the next stage with an all-new range of 2.2-litre Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Volkswagen Crafter 2011 UK Launch
VW’s large panel van has undergone a serious makeover with changes to the front-end styling and the cab interior, as well as new Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Ford Transit Connect Electric Brief Test
We spent a day with the battery-powered Connect to get a better idea of what it’s like to live with in its natural, urban environment. Read More
Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL Brief Test
Currently undergoing trials with selected fleet customers in the UK, we managed to get behind the wheel of a battery-powered Vito E-CELL… Read More
Low Carbon Champions 2011 announced
Award winners in the drive to cut carbon emissions from road transport have been announced by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP). The Low Carbon Champions Awards recognise best practice in key areas, including vehicle manufacturing, fleet operation and the development of vehicles, products and services that reduce emissions from road transport.
Nissan GB scooped the overall Outstanding Achievement in Low Carbon Transport trophy as well as the Car/Van Manufacturer of the Year Award. At the forefront of Electric Vehicle and battery technology development, Nissan launched the all-electric LEAF passenger car in March 2011. The drivetrain involved will transfer to the LCV market in 2013 when the battery-powered e-NV200 comes to market. It’s currently undergoing trials with major fleet customers in the UK. Ford of Britain was runner-up and Renault UK was highly commended.
Sponsored by the Road Haulage Association, the Low Carbon Heavy Duty Vehicle Manufacturer of the Year accolade went to Iveco UK for its extensive selection of low carbon commercial vehicles. Its natural gas-powered range spans the complete 3.5 to 32 tonne sector and it markets an electric-powered Daily from gross vehicle weights of 3.5 to 5.2 tonnes. See Video Interview below.
Iveco works closely with Gasrec, joint winners of the Low Carbon Fuel Initiative of the Year Award. Gasrec produces liquid biomethane from waste gas which is 70 per cent lower in CO2 than diesel. It has been adopted by companies such as Coca Cola, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and UPS.
Element Energy’s Influence on the Low Carbon Car Market from 2020-2030 triumphed as winner of the 2011 Outstanding Low Carbon Publication or Report. The study examined the long-term costs of low carbon vehicles, using the latest data on technology costs from vehicle manufacturers and has received coverage in over 60 articles across 17 countries. VansA2Z has been working with Element Energy on a similar report for the light commercial vehicle market, the results of which will be made available early in 2012.
Commenting on the awards, managing director of the LowCVP, Greg Archer, said: “These awards recognise best practice and innovation, highlighting leadership in accelerating the shift to lower carbon vehicles and fuels. The number and quality of entries was even higher than last year which shows the level of energy and enthusiasm that exists to create new markets for lower carbon vehicles.”
Iveco UK's product Director, Martin Flach, talks alternative drivetrains with VansA2Z editor Neil McIntee.