News

Daimler AG, previously called the DaimlerChrysler group, is strengthening its position as the major provider of environmentally friendly road transport, and a key part of this will take place in the UK. Ten Mitsubishi Fuso Canter Eco Hybrids are about to enter real-world UK operations  with household-name companies. The operators involved are TNT, Tesco, Ringway, Amey, DHL, Scottish and Southern Energy and Royal Mail.

The 7.5-tonne Canter Eco Hybrid has a 3.0-litre Euro-4 turbo-diesel engine producing 143hp/362Nm, supported by a 35kW AC motor and 1.9kWh of lithium-ion batteries, driving through a  Japanese Inomat five-speed automatic transmission. Despite the extra technology, the Canter still has a claimed gross payload of 3,600kg. DHL has already successfully conducted extensive operations with the Canter in Japan in Germany, it will shortly be commencing trials with two Ategos, a 12-tonner based on the Freightliner M2 and a Canter-based 7.5-tonner.

Another interesting UK-bound vehicle was revealed at its 'Shaping Future Transportation' event in Stuttgart on Monday - a compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered Mercedes-Benz Econic 6x2 which is entering trials with Tesco, making quiet night-time deliveries in the London area. The 'Tesconic' has a 275hp/1,000Nm engine and Allison 3000PR 6 transmission, and features a Gray & Adams body and Thermoking refrigeration.

Daimler Trucks boss Andreas Renschler has reiterated the plea for governments to get together and create global standards, both for engine emissions and alternative fuels. Currently the US, Europe and Japan all have unique emissions standards, while the situation regarding various types of synthetic and biofuels is even more confused.