'The Mystery Machine'
That young thruster of a PR man James Keeler has sent me these pictures and wonders whether this is a "Silly idea for a blog attached----people in the street in London have been remarking to Menzies Distribution that their new vehicle, the Modec, looks just like the Mystery Machine from Scooby Doo."
The MODEC
He goes on to say, "I couldn't quite remember that cartoon vehicle from memory---but the attached pic from Google Images confirms their point...perhaps!" ell anyway james there's no way I'm going to put this on Biglorryblog...(and for a pie what were the names of the four main characters from Scooby Doo?) And click through here for the full story on the Menzies MODEC."Rooby Rooo! Heh, heh, heh, heh!"
Anyway, as I said the REAL story is that Menzies Distribution has become the first newspaper distribution company to operate a Modec electric vehicle, following the delivery of a seed 5.5 tonne model which will operate out of one of the company’s central London depots.
If the trial proves successful more electric vehicles could join the company’s 500-strong commercial vehicle fleet, which operates across the UK and Ireland delivering more than 5 million newspapers and 2.5 million magazines each day.
Stuart McLean, Logistics Manager at Menzies Distribution, explains to BLB: “We want to be at the forefront of learning about this new technology and the Modec allows us to experiment with operating an electric zero-emission vehicle in the heart of central London. It’s the perfect environment to really put the Modec through its paces, whilst enjoying a range of additional benefits including a 100% discount from the Congestion Charge."
The arrival of the Modec forms part of a wider project within Menzies Distribution aimed at further reducing its carbon footprint and follows the introduction two months ago of 10 Mercedes-Benz Eco-Start vans, which automatically cut the engine whenever the vehicle is stationary for more than two seconds, then automatically start it again when the driver depresses the clutch pedal. Menzies is also in discussion with Isuzu about bringing a hybrid electric/diesel truck into the fleet too.
Gavin Lightfoot, the first driver at Menzies to operate the Modec, reckons: “It’s the perfect vehicle to drive around the city on multi-drop work, with good visibility, a comfortable ride and easy access to and from the driver’s seat and the load area. The unique styling attracts a lot of attention and I’ve had a number of people stop me to say it looks like a modern day version of the ‘Mystery Machine’ from Scooby-Doo!”
(And no doubt he gives them a suitable repsonse too .i.e. "Drat those pesky busybodies I'd have gotten away with it if it wasn't for those etc, etc..")
Comments (1)
They both still have more street cred than your Fiat Milupa !!!
Posted by Road Rat | May 9, 2008 1:12 PM
Posted on May 9, 2008 13:12