 |
Knowledge Cafe |
I Don't Mean To
Be Rude, But. . .
by Simon Cowell
My comments:
I know, this is not a business book and obviously has nothing to do with commercial trucks and it's not the normal fare I put in the Knowledge Cafe, but this is a great book and a great motivational book too.
When you read how Simon grew up and how he ended up in the music business, it is fascinating. He is a very good writer and I have a smile and chuckles throughout with his witty humor and insights. But, what is in this book is something that is done so little in the world: a willingness to follow your dream even when you don't know how or when it will be done and to come to realize that what appear to be setbacks or obstacles now are many times, the seeds of the very success that you seek.
Another very important point is that Simon was willing to do for free in order to learn. It wasn't money he was asking for, but opportunity and especially an opportunity to learn from what he thought were the best in the field.
Another points is boldness. He may have had fear like we all do, but he did it anyway and got the results.
And, it is about focus. It is amazing what one can do when one focuses energy, money, talent on an objective.
This is an easy book to read and fun all the way. The important lessons picked up along the way are a wonderful bonus!
Enjoy!
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Book flap info:
Do YOU have what it takes to be a star? Simon Cowell reveals the answer and takes you behind the scenes of American Idol in this wickedly entertaining tell-all.
Since the debut of American Idol, puckish Brit judge Simon Cowell has become America?s most notorious critic?not only on account of his incredible instinct for spotting the next breakout musical stars, but for his hilarious, shockingly candid repartee with everyone who crosses his path. Now, true to form, he holds nothing back, offering you a backstage pass to America?s hottest show?the highlights, the gossip, the contestants who blew their chances?and takes you on a whirlwind tour of the music business while sharing his own insider opinions, on everything.
From his days in the mailroom at EMI Records to the creation of American Idol, Simon has always had a knack for judging talent?and for being center stage. Here, he tells the rollicking stories of his first insult (to his mother), his first music criticism (to first-grade teacher Mrs. Prigg), and his first image makeover (on his unfortunate younger brother). And of course, the side-splitting backstory of the birth of American Idol?and all the dreadful auditions, bad hair days, judges? squabbles, juicy rumors, surprise triumphs, and #1 singles that followed.
With his trademark wit and brutal honesty, Simon delivers the real dish on: Who gave the best and worst performances on the show? What really goes on between the three judges (and what was it like to kiss Paula Abdul)? Who were the biggest divas when the cameras weren?t rolling? And, if you?re an aspiring Justin or J.Lo, you?ll also learn the trade secrets that only Simon knows: how to develop an image and make the most of your talent, how to find an agent or manager, how to nail an audition, and?should you be so lucky to make it to the top?how to stretch your 15 minutes into a career.
Packed with razor-sharp insights into music, the fame game, and pop-music powerhouses from the Beatles to Britney Spears, I Don?t Mean to Be Rude, But?is your ticket inside American Idol, and a highly amusing, no-holds-barred look at what it takes to make it big.
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There's no time like the present. Here is a link to get it right away. You can get the hardcover at a great price. You will be so glad you did:
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K.C. Archive |
Here is a list of books and audio's that have been recommended in the Knowledge Cafe.
I Don't Mean To
Be Rude, But. . .
by Simon Cowell
The Seasons of Life
by Jim Rohn
Switch
by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
ReWork
by Jason Fried & David
Heinemeier Hansson
Maximum Confidence
by Jack Canfield
The Little Big Things
by Tom Peters
Customer Satisfaction
Is Worthless
Customer Loyalty
Is Priceless
by Jeffrey Gitomer
Linchpin
by Seth Godin
The Circle of
Innovation
by Tom Peters
Raving Fans
by Ken Blanchard
and Sheldon Bowles
All Marketers Are Liars
by Seth Godin
Failing Forward
by John C Maxwell
Leadership Is An Art and Leadership Jazz by Max DePree
The Spirituality of Success by Vincent M Roazzi
Power In Praise by Merlin Carothers
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg & Hohn David Mann
The Gratitude Effect by John DeMartini
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, MD
The Power To Have It All Audio Package by Bob Proctor
The Secret - Book and Audiobook by Rhonda Byrne
Acres of Diamonds by Russell Conwell
Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
As A Man Thinketh by James Allen
The Power of Focus by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Les Hewitt
How To Talk To Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere by Larry King
Lead the Field Audio by Earl Nightingale
Your Invisible Power by Genevieve Behrend
and
The Spirit of Opulence by Thomas Troward
You Were Born Rich by Bob Proctor
Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz, MD
You2 by Price Pritchett
The Magic of Believing by Claude M Bristol
Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins
Success Magazine
and
How To Lose Friends and Alienate People by Irving Tressler
and
How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy
and
How To Sell Anything To Anybody by Joe Girard
How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success In Selling by Frank Bettger
The Success Principle by Jack Canfield
Jeffrey Gitomer Little Books Collectors Edition: 5-pack of books plus CD
Enterprise One To One
and
The One To One Fieldbook by Don Peppers and Martha Rogers
Sales Bible by Jeffrey Gitomer
Customers For Life by Carl Sewell |
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Practice Is As Valuable As The Sale, Or Is It More? |
"Practice is just as valuable as a sale.
The sale will make you a living;
The skill will make you a fortune."
-- Jim Rohn
I have loved this quote from my mentor, Jim Rohn since I first heard it in 1981. I love the whole concept of it and how he makes the journey even more valuable than the destination. I agree wholeheartedly that it is the practice, the journey, the living of it daily that makes the whole worthwhile.
I know a lot of sales people who work somewhere and move to another and another and they never seem to grow--matter of fact, it seems like they go backward a few steps. It's not a career, it's just a job, sort of like someone being hired out on an hourly basis, or job by job basis. There's no accumulation factor. It doesn't make sense to me to spend the time on the sale or destination and ignoring the value of the skill accumulation or the value of the journey.
Wouldn't it be different to have gathered knowledge and skills that can be used in different ways later, like writing a book about the journey, using the skills gained to turn it into a whole new career either in your own business or working in a different company or industry. Then you'd be moving up to gather even more experience and skills toward the next twist in the road.
None of this would happen if you didn't practice, learn, and accumulate skills, knowledge, stories, wisdom. What a loss it would be to not take advantage of those things. Those opportunities could be worth millions in time, compared with thousands not paying attention to what is important.
Learn to value the practice. Learn to value the journey. Destinations are good, but even once you get to a destination, you must begin moving toward another. By learning to value practice and the journey, the destinations will be improving over time rather than regressing or maintaining the status quo.
This is not only great advice for an individual, but also a company. |
Marketing and Innovation Produce Results |
"Because its purpose is to create a customer, the business has two basic functions: marketing and innovation. Marketing and innovation produce results; all the rest are costs."
-- Peter Drucker
I was looking at some quotes to use in the CTS Daily Inspirations Blog and ran across this great quote from the management guru, Peter Drucker. It got me thinking about that and businesses that I have worked for and worked with over a long period of time. Here are the thoughts as a result. I love this quote because I also agree with it; however, almost every business that I have been associated with missed one of the critical two points: innovation. All of them got the first part--marketing--well, sort of. They talked like they were all about marketing. But their marketing was stereotypical and stale. They might use brochures, flyers, specials, newspaper advertising, specialty publication ads, yellow pages. . . you know. . . marketing--or is it? Some would "target market" and others would "mass market," all in the hopes of increased sales and revenue. Same old stuff which didn't much make a difference in the past and maybe they just didn't do it enough. You know, repetition is the name of the game and all that. To me, marketing is so much simpler, yet so broad in scope. In my experience, marketing is fastened at the hip to innovation and when innovation is lacking, marketing goes down with it. I think it is innovation that makes all the difference. Just think Apple: iphone, iride, ipod, ipad, irun, ijogg, ihear, ido. Yes. Innovation. Okay, so you're not Apple and not Steve Jobs. Maybe you're a body company or a truck dealership. So, you hire an outside sales team and go out and tell the story over and over. Take a demo and show it off, tell them about the specials you got going on and what the incentives are for them to buy today. Boring. Of course, you already know that if Apple did that, they would be an Apple Core. It is the innovation that completely revived this once headed for the heap company. And, there's no question about Steve Jobs being a strong leader, but that can be done in your company too. If you really want to and you start seeing a different picture. Do you think Apple salespeople have a hard time selling an iPad? or an iPhone? It's a piece of cake in the sales world, but only because of the innovative quality of the product. They have some nice marketing too, but again, that goes along for the ride. In a sluggish economy, their innovation is driving serious profits and new heights. What about your company? Or my company? As a former 10-year body rep, I can tell you without a doubt that innovation would make all the difference. There is absolutely nothing as valuable in the marketplace as enthusiasm and enthusiasm is driven by innovation. Going out and telling the same tired story is torture--for the salesperson and the prospect. Repackaging the same old stuff is nice, but it is the same old stuff still. All that's left is cutting the price. What we need is new stuff: new solutions, new design, new materials, new effectiveness, new colors, new textures, newer and cooler and greener--in other words, innovation. The same would be true of truck dealerships. Mass marketing has long lost its results. As a truck dealer, you don't control the chassis design, or body design, but here's the good news: you control everything else! How those two things are combined can be innovative. How the services are offered and performed need not be old, boring, same. They can be innovative services. There are a wealth of ways that innovation can take place and therefore drive marketing to new places in every dealership in the country. No, you're not Apple, or Microsoft, or whomever is the Hot One at the moment, but you certainly qualify as a candidate, and so do I. |
Chuck the Plan, Pull Out the Dream! |
"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice.
But, in practice, there is."
-- Jan L.A. van de Snepscheut
The Crystal Performance Ball is a business game that I've seen played widely. It entails creating business plans with lots of charts and graphs of projected revenues from the varied revenue streams which comes from the product spin-offs as the successful core is manipulated by the strategic marketing department by increasing the market share and expanding the demographic to encompass the ever widening advantages from the incentive based sales team.
With this empowered perspective, the sales management team has instituted a projection system and requirement for the sales staff to tell management what will be sold to whom over the specified period so that sales management can instruct production what to produce. Once produced, the quality control department will meet to determine quality issues and their solutions for the service department to entertain after the customer has taken delivery and made the second complaint. . .
Of course in theory this makes sense (well, sort of. . .) and though we practice it in our theory, it is the actual practice that has us hiding under the covers. And, it's no wonder. This is all so much crap. All for someone elses ego, I suppose, but not for a real purpose that I can think of. In all the years I've had to deal with this stuff, it has been a total waste of good energy and time. It is all so unnecessary and extremely ineffective.
Chuck the plan. Pull out the dream. Draw the dream and speak the dream for the team. Live the dream. Be the dream. Share the dream. Keep the dream alive. Without the dream, it is a hollow machine. |
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Welcome! |
 Welcome to the Commercial Truck Success Idealetter!
Published every other week, the Idealetter is an informative thought starter and news source for busy commercial sales professionals and managers with numerous links to great products, the Commercial Truck Success website, Daily Blog and many other links to useful information, tools and inspiration!
Please feel free to offer comments and suggestions for future topics that are of interest to you. Also, please forward this to others you wish to share it with. There is a forward email link at the bottom of this page. I wish you success! Keep up the good work! And, never stop learning! - Terry Minion, Editor |
Hino Prepares To Enter Ambulence Market |
April 29th, 2010 Novi, Michigan - In response to strong demand by body manufacturers and customers, Hino Trucks debuted an ambulance chassis during the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis. The truck on display was a Hino 2011 model year 258ALP. The truck is equipped with Hino Trucks' 2010 compliant SCR system, making it the only medium duty conventional truck to meet the stringent 2010 EPA Emissions Regulation without using credits.
Hino's 258ALP (25550 lb GVW) model comes equipped with the Hino J08E Series 8-liter diesel engine and produces 220 hp with 520 lb-ft of torque. Hino's proprietary engine has received the J.D. Power and Associates Awards for "Highest Customer Satisfaction with Conventional Medium Duty Engines and Transmissions, Two Years in a Row.*
The Hino ambulance cab and chassis is designed for maximum maneuverability and reliable performance with ample power for the stressful demands required by the emergency rescue market. The ambulance will feature a new suspension from Hendrickson allowing for the frame height to be in the 28" range which is required in the ambulance industry.
"Hino's progression into the ambulance and emergency vehicles market is a direct result of our continuing efforts to develop new applications, and a natural expansion of our product" explained Glenn Ellis, Vice President, marketing and dealer operations. "We are certain EMS personnel will be impressed with Hino's roomy cab, smooth ride and superior reliability."
See more about Hino at www.hino.com |
Dairyman's Special From Stiles Truck |

This piece is courtesy of Scott Stiles of Stiles Truck Body and Equipment of Turlock, CA. Along with the photos, here is what he says about this body: We call it the dairyman's special, because it fits their needs perfectly. They have enough storage to haul all of the necessary tools and pharmaceuticals needed for everyday dairy life and it is able to pull any gooseneck trailer for cattle to the auction yard. This is a customized Knapheide Westerner Body wtih aluminum diamond plate trim package and B&W gooseneck hitch kit. We relocated the factory back up camera from the truck's original tailgate and installed it into the headboard of the body for easy gooseneck trailer hook-up. See more great bodies and other services from Scott's company at http://www.stilestruckbody.com/ |
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Katerack Storage & Retrieval System |
Katerack and Durarac for caterers, florists, and contractors:Catering Package Features:Rear facing sliding shelves; capable of 300 pounds capacity each.The shelving is infinitely adjustable up and down to customer needs. In other words, each sliding shelf can be adjusted to vertical spacing based on individual needs and is easily changed by the customer as needed.This product is more than a great idea; it offers the commercial customer these benefits: The bottom shelf can be spaced up off the floor to allow storage on the floor for stepladders, etc. Or the bottom sliding shelf can be adjusted near the floor allowing heavy materials such as tool boxes to be loaded and unloaded easily, without straining the back. Florist Package More compact payload, the big loads can be secured into a smaller space. This could mean a smaller van. When it comes to flowers, more flowers can be delivered in each van, because the shelves can be loaded vertically, one over the other, this is new! Most florists now deliver with all products setting on the floor. There is no center aisle such as used in full size van side racks and bins. This being wasted space. The installation of these traditional systems in smaller vans makes them very cramped and basically inaccessible. Think like the customer, given the option, which one will you choose?Side Mounted Shelving - Obsolete? The rear facing Katerack shelves can be accessed from outside the van, also leaving open space behind the seat for storage of taller flower arrangements.Tall Flowers behind Seat Delivery Control options include dividers and bins as well as a pin and grid system which will keep the wedding cake from sliding during delivery, and keeping the flowers upright! No need to improvise the support for each unique delivery, the system is adjustable to support each unique item.Example of Delivery Control System Preparation - The Old Way Loaded Flowers - Old Way
Other options include interior wall cladding and refrigeration for caterers providing for easy cleaning of the interior and food preservation. With the Katerack shelving system, more air is allowed to flow over and under the containers, allowing better temperature control.The Katerack is currently available for Ford Transit Connect Van & Wagon and the Durarac brand for Ford E-Series, Chevy Express and GMC Savannah.This product could be the future, think about more compact loads, smaller vehicles, decreased operating costs. A wise commercial customer will be taking a good hard look at this system, and if they don't then their competition will! Who is more likely to be more competitive and stay in business? More about other Katerack applications next time.Find out more about Katerack and Durarac at: http://www.dejana.com/katerack_main.htmlTo find distribution information or dealers near you contact:Jeannie Barrows at Dejana Truck & Utility Equipment Cos.at 856-303-1315 or email at jbarrows@dejana.comGuest post by Steve Taylor. Steve is a consultant in the Truck Equipment business with over 30 years in the snowplow and truck body manufacturing business. He specializes in the design and quality/reliability field and may be reached by email at steve@truckarchitect.com. You may visit his website at http://www.truckarchitect.com/. |
First Hino Hybrid Used In U.S. |
May 20, 2010. New York, New York - Hino Trucks, the world's leader in commercial hybrid truck technology, has brought its light-duty diesel hybrid cab-over (COE) to the US for the first time, providing its hybrid to the New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Hino's diesel hybrid COE will be on display at the 22nd Annual Vehicle and Equipment Show, hosted by the City of New York Department of Parks and Recreation.
As part of its initiative to reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions, DSNY has elected to run a Hino diesel hybrid COE for parts delivery. The Hino diesel hybrid COE has a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,500 lbs and a 16' van body. "The Hino hybrid has been running a dedicated route supplying our service centers and has been performing very well," commented Rocco DiRico, Deputy Commissioner of Support Services for DSNY. "The fuel economy advantages and reduced CO2 output provided by the Hino hybrid truck support our environmental initiative," added DiRico.
Hino expects to offer its next generation hybrid Class 4 and 5 COE trucks in the U.S. in the near future. Having already produced over 9,800 hybrid vehicles Hino is looking forward to it milestone 10,000th hybrid vehicle by the end of 2010. Hino has been developing its hybrid technology since the 1970's and built its first hybrid truck in 1993. "We are excited to introduce our world-leading hybrid technology to the U.S. market," said Glenn Ellis, Vice President, Marketing and Dealer Operations for Hino Motors Sales U.S.A., Inc. "Hino's hybrid technology is well suited to meet the challenging needs of our changing market, and we look forward to demonstrating our capabilities to DSNY."
To see more from Hino, go to www.hino.com.
About the New York City Department of Sanitation: The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) promotes a healthy environment through the efficient management of solid waste and the development of environmentally sound long-range plans for handling refuse. The Department operates 59 district garages and manages a fleet of 2,040 rear-loading collection trucks and 450 mechanical brooms. Each day approximately 11,900 tons of household and institutional waste are collected. The Department clears litter, snow, and ice from approximately 6,000 City street miles, and removes debris from vacant lots as well as abandoned vehicles from City streets.
About Hino: Hino Trucks, a Toyota Group Company, assembles, sells and services medium duty commercial trucks in the United States and is headquartered in Novi, Michigan. With over 175 dealers across the country, Hino Trucks is the fastest growing medium duty truck nameplate in the United States. Visit our internet home page at www.hino.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube |
New Stellar 17k OTR Tire Service Crane |
Garner, Iowa - Stellar Industries, Inc. is introducing the Stellar® model 17000 OTR tire service crane and the TM7120 tire manipulator. It was designed from the ground up to provide maximum lifting performance and solid stability in the off the road tire service market. This is the largest OTR tire service crane available in the market that will mount on a single axle truck.
The model 17000 crane has a 17,000-pound capacity at 10-feet and 10,000-pound capacity at 17-feet from the centerline of the crane. It offers 320 degrees of rotation with the use of a top mounted planetary drive that offers smooth, powerful performance with ease of serviceability. It features a hexagonal boom design, a well-known Stellar crane feature, that adds strength and durability and an exclusive radio remote control system that offers precise, smooth, multi-function operation. The crane is supported by a hydraulic fold down style stabilizing system that offers over 18-feet of spread. The model 17000 can be mounded on a single axle truck with a 17' body or a tandem axle truck with a 20' body.
The new TM7120 tire manipulator is an option for the model 17000 crane. The TM7120 can manipulate tires from 48" up to 123" in diameter and up to 7,200-pounds. It features over 300 degrees of body rotation, and either fixed or continuous rotation clamping pads. The tire manipulator articulation spans from +79 degrees to -43 degrees. The crane and manipulator combination can also place a tire on the bed as close as 51" from the back of the crane.
A complete package is available with a crane, tire manipulator, steel service body, radio remote control system and an SHD-245 air compressor. The SHD-245 is an industrial truck mounted 4-cylinder, 2-stage compressor powered by a hydraulic motor and outputs 110 CFM at 175 PSI.
"Over the years Stellar has become the leader in OTR tire manipulating cranes," says Tim Davison, manager of bodies and cranes. He continues, "Stellar achieved this status by its unequivocal ability to listen to its ever changing customer's needs, as is the case with the 17000. Our customers asked us to develop a crane with increased capacity while still remaining on a single axle chassis, and we did just that, and more." Davison concludes, "We started with a clean slate and designed a strong, smooth performing crane from the ground up. Not only is it the highest capacity crane available on a single axle chassis, it is also designed and built strong, and easy to maintain and service."
Stellar Industries, Inc. was founded in 1990. It is an employee owned and operated manufacturer of hydraulic truck mounted equipment located in North Iowa. Products include hooklifts, container carriers, cable hoists, telescopic cranes, articulating cranes, and the X-Tra-Lift, as well as complete mechanic service truck packages, and tire service truck packages. Stellar is a progressive company that focuses on its people, as they are the key to making the products and the company successful.
For more information regarding Stellar Industries, Inc., visit www.stellarindustries.com, or call 800-321-3741. |
Commercial Truck
World View |
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New Vauxhall Movano Is Serious Player |
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Massive range with 29 body types to choose from
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Available with front or rear-wheel drive
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Class leading cabin ergonomics and cargo space
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Gross vehicle weight up to 4.5 tons, payload up to 2.5 tons
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New power trains with low operating costs
Luton: The all new Movano from Vauxhall will be a serious player in the heavy van segment when it's launched in the UK market this year.
Customers for Vauxhall's second generation Movano will be spoilt for choice when the new van goes on sale in May, with no less than 29 different body styles to choose from once all variants have come to market.
Movano's drivers can also expect to be among the happiest and most comfortable when they get behind the wheel with special attention having been paid to cabin comfort and ergonomics, as well as to the cargo space areas. A new range of fuel-sipping common rail diesel engines ensure operators will be just as content.
The modular platform, developed jointly with Renault, comes with front or rear-wheel drive depending on payload category. Rear-wheel drive variants can be ordered with twin wheels at the rear.
The new Vauxhall Movano will offer a wider selection of variants than most of the competition, as well as a tailor-made model for nearly every potential customer profile. The full range includes panel van, doublecab and Combi versions, chassis cabs with standard or crew cab, platform cab, three wheelbases, four vehicle lengths and three roof heights.
UK prices are also announced today and start from a highly competitive £21,660 (ex.VAT) for the L2H2 3300 FWD 100PS model.
New Movano is also an excellent base for conversions and will be available ex-works as a tipper, dropside and box van.
Cab comfort and safety has been enhanced in a number of areas such as driver visibility, multi-adjustable seats (in various configurations) and an adjustable steering column that allows for relaxed driving on the longest journeys. Meanwhile the options list for the new Movano has really moved the game on with items such as static cornering lights, a centre seat back that folds into a work surface and a rotating laptop table.
An array of easy-to-reach storage compartments round off the Movano's superbly practical use of space.
The cargo area of the new Movano offers load lengths extending to 4.4 metres, and load capacity of up to 17 cubic metres (L4H3 version).
Loading the new Movano couldn't be simpler. Front wheel drive variants feature low sill heights while all models offer side sliding and rear access doors. Large door apertures make access for large loads and Euro palettes easy.
Under the bonnet, a new generation of 2.3 CDTi four-cylinder common-rail diesel engines combine strong performance with low operating costs. Three power outputs are available: 100PS/285 Nm, 125 PS/310 Nm and 150PS/350 Nm. All engines come with a six-speed gearbox as standard and are Euro 4 or Euro 5 (with DPF) compliant. The 125PS and 150PS versions can be coupled with the semi-auto Techshift transmission.
New Movano's fuel consumption is expected to be among best in class when all versions are launched, depending on model and engine.
Increased fuel efficiency isn't the only way new Movano owners will save money. The new engines are now designed with a 250,000 mile lifespan while extended mileage service intervals and reduced maintenance costs are an added bonus.
Movano's advanced chassis has been tuned to be agile but also comfortable, both when loaded and empty. Active and passive safety equipment includes ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) as standard on all models while electronic stability program (ESP) is also standard on rear-wheel drive and optional for front-wheel drive versions. Passive safety features include front airbags, side airbags integrated in the seats (optional) and seat-belt pretensioners.
The launch phase of the new Movano will be staggered according to the body variants and vehicles will be available in the UK from May.
See more on this an the other van models from Vauxhall at www.vauxhall.co.uk. |
New Smith Electric Minibus |
UK's first 17 seat Smith Edison minibus
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Range up to 100 miles -
Top speed 50mph - 40kwh lithium-ion battery pack
- First vehicle sold to Essex County Council
The UK's first 17 seat, all-electric minibus is now in production. Based on the Ford Transit chassis, the Smith Edison minibus has a top speed of 50mph and a range of up to 100 miles. A full recharge takes 6-8 hours, or 3-4 hours with Smith's new fast charging technology. Smith utilises an underlsung battery design, so that the 40 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack does not impinge on the passenger area of the vehicle. Designed for urban operations, the Edison minibus is targeted at applications such as airport passenger transfer, tourist attractions, city trips and closed campus travel on large commercial, military, education and industrial sites. Essex County Council has purchased the first vehicle, where it will be used for transporting people with learning disabilities, in the Harlow area. Essex County Councill's Yvonne Chappell, Head of Fleet Transport and Operations said: "Essex County Council takes sustainable transport very seriously and we want to show our residents how we can all reduce the environmental impact of our travelling. "We are proud to be leading the way in the adoption of new electric passenger vehicle technology and to be the first local authority to put this innovative minibus into service." See more from Smith at http://www.smithelectricvehicles.com/. |
Unimog Camper For The Outland |
Out into the big wide world with the Unimog
Stuttgart - An expedition camper based on the Mercedes-Benz Unimog - the dream of every bona fide globetrotter. At this year's "Abenteuer & Allrad", Europe's largest off-road vehicle show, the expedition camper will be on display in Bad Kissingen from 3 to 6 June 2010.
Michael Bocklet from Koblenz and his team have built a fully fledged go-anywhere vehicle based on the UniversalMotorGerät (Universal Motorized Unit), to give the Unimog its full name. The distinctive Unimog U 4000 with its Bocklet body is the archetypal expedition vehicle - the consummate solution for even the most ardent adventurer.
The U 4000 is the perfect expedition vehicle thanks to its absolutely unique chassis concept. Portal axles deliver excellent ground clearance and ensure constant road contact of all four wheels. The suspension with torque tube, transverse links and coil springs allows long spring travel and superb axle articulation - supporting diagonal axle articulation of up to 30 degrees. In conjunction with the short frame overhangs, the Unimog also effortlessly takes difficult obstacles, hilltops, slopes or embankments in its stride. Waterproof major assemblies and an air intake pipe level with the cabin roof ensure a fording capability of 1.20 metres. The Unimog comes with single tyres (as opposed to the twin tyres on an all-wheel-drive truck), thus offering high traction with low rolling resistance. The tirecontrol tyre pressure monitoring system can be used to reduce the tyre pressure conveniently from the driver's seat while on the move and so ensure the wheels do not get bogged down on soft ground. This technical feature improves traction and power delivery.
Trouble-free driving with the go-anywhere vehicle
The 4249-cc four-cylinder diesel unit produces 160 kW (218 hp). The permissible gross vehicle weight of the all-wheel-drive vehicle (wheelbase 3850 mm) is 7490 or 8500 kilograms respectively. In conjunction with the all-wheel drive and differential locks on the front and rear axle, the Unimog is the ideal solution for a superlative off-road expedition vehicle. Should it - in the very unlikely event - get stuck, the Unimog can use its hydraulic seven-tonne front winch to pull itself out of the quagmire with its "own hair" à la Baron Munchausen. However, you are much more likely to find it using the winch to pull out other vehicles from difficult situations. A diesel tank with a capacity of 290 litres (plus two 20-litre reserve canisters) also makes longer journeys less nerve-racking where refuelling is not an option. The comfort seats in the cab provide an ideal fatigue-free solution for these arduous stages.
The rear of the Bocklet accommodation module is tapered at an angle to retain the Unimog's full off-road capabilities. The inside of the module measures 4.35 metres long and 2.20 metres wide (standing height 1.95 metres). The roof and walls of the three-point mounted, thermal bridge-free fibreglass-reinforced plastic box are 50 mm thick, standing on a 60-mm-thick floor. All the walls are finished with a 2-mm-thick fabric-reinforced outer layer. The hatches and doors all come with hollow rubber seals and multi-point locks, which help protect the stowage compartments against the ingress of dust or water.
Behind the driver's seat is the accommodation module washroom, fitted out with a cassette toilet, wash basin and shower. Hot water is provided by a combined Truma gas/electric boiler with a capacity of 10 litres. The corner kitchen is fitted towards the rear and comes with a two-burner gas stove, sink and drainer.
A (lockable) passage leads to the cab, with a wardrobe fitted on the right behind the co-passenger seat. The 110-litre compressor fridge occupies the space up to the entrance door.
Benches arranged longitudinally to the direction of travel provide two seats with exquisite Alcantara® upholstery. Tanks and additional stowage space are housed under the dinette in the false floor. The Unimog carries around 300 litres of fresh water on-board, along with a waste tank holding 200 litres. The entire rear area is home to a 200 x 135-cm double bed. Additional stowage space, which can be accessed from outside, is provided under the bed.
A diesel-powered Eberspächer hot air heater ensures a comfortable night's sleep in colder climes or during the winter months. To ensure sufficient 'juice', Bocklet has installed 220 Ah of battery capacity, backed up by 260-W solar panels, an automatic charger (24 V / 50 A) and a 1.2-kW inverter. A control panel with an ampere-hour metre monitors the power system; minimal energy consumption comes courtesy of the low-energy lights and LED spots fitted in the interior. There is a TFT television plus satellite dish and a DVD player for entertainment and information during the expedition, no matter how far away from home you venture. The 6.85-metre-long, 2.35-metre-wide and 3.50-metre-high expedition camper based on the Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 4000 costs EUR $248,300. |
Isuzu Cleans Up East Lancashire |

The superb towing capacity of the Isuzu chassis was a key factor in the recent decision by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to choose three new Isuzu Grafter 3.5 tonne 4x2 rigid crewcab trucks for ground maintenance work for various parks and school contracts within the borough.All three Isuzu N35.150 Grafters have rigid tipping bodies specified as standard and tow drawbar platform trailers that are used to transport the council's ride-on mowers to designated locations. The Isuzu chassis cabs have also been modified to include a storage facility behind the cab to house portable ground maintenance equipment, such as strimmers and leaf blowers.Commenting on the new Isuzu's, Craig Baron, Transport Manager at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said, "During the tender process we identified that the Isuzu chassis had one of the best towing capacities of all the vehicles under consideration. Now that the vehicles have been in service for a few months, they have coped extremely well with the operational requirements for ground maintenance within the borough and are proving to be an excellent purchase."Local Isuzu dealer, Warrington Vehicle Centre, supplied all the new Isuzu's and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council anticipates keeping them for a five-year working life."For many local authorities, the Isuzu 3.5 tonne Grafter is the proven workhorse of their fleet and, over the years, they have performed faultlessly week in, week out, providing a flexible and reliable service, in often quite arduous situations. The Grafter is an unbeatable vehicle in such circumstances even when asked to perform as a draw bar application as here in East Lancashire. With a design gross combination weight of 7 tonnes and a 150bhp engine the Grafter is easily up to the job," said Keith Child, Marketing Director, Isuzu Truck UK.See more Isuzu applications in the UK at http://www.isuzutruck.co.uk/ |
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