Gordon Brown Addresses Fuel Protesters Concerns

The widely publicised protests surrounding fuel prices may have influenced the announcement made by the Prime Minister yesterday afternoon.

"It is now understood that a global shock on this scale requires global solutions," Brown wrote in The Guardian newspaper.

Record oil prices have stimulated worldwide protest over the rising price of fuel, which in the UK is 40% up on last year. These increases have struck the haulage industry hard, subsequently the cost has been passed on into almost all industries and consumer products.

"However much we might wish otherwise, there is no easy answer to the global oil problem without a comprehensive international strategy," Brown said, adding that the problem should be made a "top priority" at the EU summit next month and the gathering of G8 leaders in July.

Strikes were called off by French Fishermen last Wednesday only to see the blockades maintained outside oil refineries and depots. Over 300 Truckers and Farmers rallied to protest about fuel prices.

With global economy being directly affected by rising oil prices it must only be a matter of time before someone or something steps up to prevent an international crisis.

Bulk Fuel Tank Diesel Prices Reach Record High

Yesterday morning the price of diesel purchased in bulk reached an all time high of  £1.05 per litre.

This is a direct result of a $4 increase on crude oil which rose to $135.

No doubt this increase will quickly filter to the pump prices which are feared to rise over £1.30 a litre at the pump.

Prices recorded during May last year and show as an average of 40% lower than today’s rates.

Even still, this continuing increase has not affected the sale of diesel in bulk, it has also further propelled the Biodiesel market.

For fleet operators wishing to invest in fuel storage tanks, Commercial Fuel Solutions Ltd are currently offering promotional prices on various models until August 31st.
Both of the following models are aimed at smaller fleets, include free national delivery and are ready use as soon as they are offloaded.

1400L Bunded Tank with 230v Pump System	2500L Bunded Tank with 230v Pump System
£819 + VAT	£1055 + VAT

More details are available from Commercial Fuel Solutions by either contacting them on 0845 688 9755 or by visiting www.commercialfuelsolutions.co.uk

BASF Shock AdBlue Price Increase

International chemical company BASF based in Ludwigshafen, Germany have shocked the industry by announcing the immediate price increase of their AdBlue product.

The news, announced May 13th detailed a sharp rise in the cost of AdBlue by €45 per 1,000 litres.

This has come as no surprise to leading Air1 online distributor, AdBlue Online. Robin Futcher, Managing Director of AdBlue Online (part of the Commercial Fuel Solutions Ltd Group) commented, “All AdBlue manufacturers have seen an increase in the cost of raw materials used in production over the course of the last year” he continued.., “Because we have such a high turnaround of product, we identified the need to implement our price increase earlier this year, softening the impact on our customers by providing plenty of notification, this also enabled us to keep our increases below £20 per tonne”

AdBlue is now the preffered choice of over 80% of HGV manufacturers in order to reach the imminent Euro 5 Emission Standards.

More information on AdBlue is available from Commercial Fuel Solutions dedicated AdBlue sales channel www.adblueonline.co.uk

Audi R8 Supercar Takes Advantage with AdBlue

What can only be described as probably the most fascinating car Audi has ever produced, the Audi R8 is the distilled epitome of over 70 years of motorsport innovation.
Traditionally, the R8 uses same 4.2 litre V8 petrol engine as found in the RS4, however a new version has been produced which takes advantage of modern diesel technology.
The diesel engine itself isn't entirely new. It's a six-litre V12 which is already scheduled for production in a future version of the Q7. Naturally, the R8 is a lot lighter and sportier than the Q7 so in this frame, the engine delivers a massive 493bhp of power compared to the (16% less) 414bhp of the V8 petrol.
As to be expected, the diesel R8 uses quite a lot of fuel, however in order to conform with proposed Euro 6 limits it relies on AdBlue technology to reduce emissions.
When the two models are compared in the table below, you can see exactly how the diesel/adblue version performs in comparison to it’s petrol fuelled sibling.

Fuel:	Petrol	Diesel
Engine:	4.2 V8	6.0 V12
BHP:	414bhp	493bhp
Top Speed:	limited to 187 m.p.h. on both
0-62mph:	4.6 seconds	4.2 seconds
Torque:	317 lb/ft	737 lb/ft

With combined diesel and adblue technology making this possible with one of the most revered sports cars to date, who knows what could be achieved using the same technology on other performance cars in the future

For more information, please visit: www.audi.co.uk

FBP Handbook Helps Improve Fuel Economy

A hand book encouraging drivers to operate with greater fuel efficiently is now available from the FBP (Freight Best Practice).

Richard Elviss, FBP programme manager quoted “The Fuel Efficient Truck Drivers Handbook is just one part of FBP’s aim to cut operators fuel use and overall carbon footprint”, he continued to explain that the guide is one of four case studies which show by switching off your truck engine when stationary for long periods can save up to 2 litres of fuel an hour.

The guide is available in one of two formats, either a traditional handbook which can accompany the driver at all times and a DVD which will appeal to fleet operators who wish to conduct group sessions.

“it’s easy to boost your company’s bottom line by saving fuel with simple changes” Elviss says, “it’s an enormous challenge to get the message across to drivers because everyone responds to a different approach.”, “For some drivers, league tables will work, while for others appointing a ‘fuel champion’ or bonus schemes for fuel-efficient driving is the answer."

The free of charge handbook is available by calling FBP on 0845 8770877.

The Motor Transport Awards 2008

The Motor Transport Awards enter into their 22nd Year on July 2nd 2008. Now hailed as the biggest event in the industry, the aim of the awards is to identify and encourage outstanding excellence at a national level.

The annual black tie event held at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, Central London has seen various celebrity hosts and previous hosts include; Jack Dee, Jonathan Ross and revered petrol head Jeremy Clarkson.

Awards include: Customer Care, the Environment Award, the Low Carbon & Efficiency Award, Network of the Year, Best Use of Technology, the Training Award and Fleet Engineer of the Year Award.

To see a short list of all entrants, submissions and previous winners, visit http://www.mtawards2008.co.uk/

Selected DAF Trucks OK with B100 Biodiesel

Dutch manufacturer DAF have confirmed suitability of specific Euro 4 and 5 trucks to be operated on 100% Biodiesel.

100% Biodiesel conforming to the EN14214 specification produces much less CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) than traditional EN590 specification diesel.

Considering that DAF now utilise 100% SCR technology in the UK to meet the new Euro Standards, this announcement clearly identifies the company’s stance against harmful emissions and improving UK Air quality.

In contrast Volvo, last October, declared suitability of up to 30% Biodiesel with some of their vehicles.

However it’s not as simple as switching your DAF fleet straight onto biofuel, DAF director Tony Pain explains ‘there are some provisions’, Including the requirement to drain oil twice as frequently and maintaining regular inspection of rubber hoses ensuring that they have not perished with the solvent effect of bio diesel fuel.

Despite Biodiesel reducing the amount of CO₂ produced, it does mean that the engine emits greater volumes of NOx, sceptics should not fear this though as DAF have introduced a sensor which reduces the available torque if their limits exceed the recommended output levels.

For more information, visit www.daf.co.uk, For more information on Biodiesel storage, visit www.biodiesel-expo.co.uk

Iveco Debut NEW Eurocargo

Iveco announced the official debut of their new Eurocargo rigid truck yesterday.

Although featuring a completely revamped cab, the Eurocargo still maintains Iveco’s own 4 and 6 cylinder Tector engines with 8 choices available. The forthcoming Euro 5 emissions standards are comfortably met courtesy of the SCR unit.

AdBlue consumption is estimated to be between 4-6% with longer distance/ heavy payloads demanding the higher end of the scale.

Other modifications include the addition of integral headlamps into the front bumper and colour coded wheel arches.

Further to the aesthetics, new servo shift and Eurotronic gearboxes are available, which when combined with the Euro 5 SCR promise improved fuel economy and fewer gear changes. (peak torque ranging from 1200 to 2100 RPM across various engines).

As always driver safety is absolutely paramount, new and improved features include: larger, thicker braking discs and pads, ASR, ESP and a Hill Hold function, A seat-belt warning system and an Audible door alarm (if the driver's door is opened without first applying the parking brake).

More information can be found at www.iveco.co.uk or by contacting your local dealership.

New AdBlue Storage Solutions :: Titan Bluestore

Titan Environmental have announced the release of the new Titan BlueStore®

AdBlue® is non-explosive and harmless to the environment. However, it is highly susceptible to contamination and the quality of the solution can be easily compromised by coming into contact with incorrect materials of construction, so should always be handled with care.

With its durable design and protective features, the innovative BlueStore® tank range is the perfect AdBlue storage solution. BlueStore's thermal insulation and dedicated heating / ventilating systems keep AdBlue at its optimum temperature. The bunded construction makes it extremely secure and a comprehensive leak detection system protects against overfill. The tanks are also resistant to UV radiation and will maintain their integrity over many years with minimal maintenance.

All BlueStore® tanks, when used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, are covered with a 10-year warranty and the equipment with a 1-year warranty.

BlueStore® tanks meet the safety standards recommended by the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), the requirements of BS EN ISO 9001:2000 FM 57348 and they hold European certificates, such as: DIBT and KIWA,

Standard equipment:

1. Internal tank with insulation,
2. 16'' service hatch,
3. External tank ventilation,
4. Distributor housing ventilation,
5. Level gauge,
6. Control panel,
7. Distributor housing heating,
8. Pump with a calibrated flow meter (optional),
9. Automatic nozzle,
10. 2'' fill point with TODO coupling
11. ZVA trigger nozzle
12. Leak detection system,
13. Trace heating (optional),
14. Bunded with 110% capacity of the internal tank.

The range of Titan Bluestore products are available to purchase from Commercial Fuel Solutions Ltd. More information, including prices can be found at: http://www.adblueonline.co.uk/adblue/storage_tank/  

AdBlueNews subscribers can obtain a 10% discount from all orders placed before June 30th 2008 by claiming code 005487D.

Air1 Transport in Massive Demand!

Further to the CV show last month, Air1 have reported to have completely exhausted their supply of model trucks!

For those of you who attended you will have realised that the Air1 stand was amongst the most busy, whether this was because of it’s prime position within Hall 6 adjacent to the leading truck manufacturers or because of the sublime nibbles being dished out one thing is for certain it was a huge success.

In addition, BTCC racing driver Martyn Bell was on hand signing autographs and handing out pens, caps, bottle openers and model trucks… Martyn was also kind enough to allow some of the younger attendees the privilege of sitting behind the wheel of his customised 250 BHP+ Vauxhall Astra Coupe.

Aside from completely running out of promotional goodies, the show was deemed yet again another record success!

Fortunately Air1’s production of AdBlue is stronger than ever and unlike the rapidly depleting supply of model trucks is ready and available to order both online and through the Air1 approved distributor network.