Truck and Track Winter 2023 www.truckandtrack.com 14 BUSINESS NEWS Mercedes-Benz Trucks has welcomed the latest member of its Authorised Repairer Network, providing allimportant support to heavy vehicle operators in the Central Belt of Scotland and beyond. Alltruck Group was appointed to its new status in July and has now opened to the public, following an intensive programme of staff training and recruitment. Meanwhile the finishing touches are being put to an extension and upgrade project at the company’s strategically located workshop, sandwiched between Falkirk and Grangemouth and just yards from the M9 motorway. Established since 2012, Alltruck has already built a solid reputation as an independent, all-makes service agent. As well as its workshop, the company runs a thriving truck rental business, with a fleet of more than 300 vehicles, and is a main agent for Fassi cranes in Scotland. “But joining the Mercedes-Benz network as an official Authorised Repairer has taken us to the next level,” said Managing Director Martin Shaw. The workshop sits on a secure 15-acre site and now boasts eight full-length bays, two of which have inspection pits. The staff of 22 technicians, which includes three apprentices, work across round-the-clock shifts from Monday morning to Friday evening, and all day on Saturdays. Plans are already in place to add a dedicated ATF lane early next year. Extra staff have also been taken on to look after the depot’s stock of MercedesBenz GenuineParts. “We’ve effectively created an entire parts department from scratch,” said Mr Shaw. “Previously, most of our parts were delivered as needed, now we hold an extensive stock with a team of seven specialists to manage it. “We’ve also taken on extra administration, reception and warranty staff, as well as increasing our roster of technicians,” he continued. “The result of all this is that while we were previously looking after around 200 operators, that number has now risen to close to 500. “Crucially, though, our commitment to those original customers remains unwavering. We understand the needs of those in the road transport industry and are fully committed to providing the very highest standards of service – so it’s very gratifying to report that the feedback we’ve received from long-standing customers, and those who are new to us, has been very positive.” Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK’s newly-appointed Head of Network Development, Leonhard Niemann, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Alltruck to bring even better service coverage to our customers in Scotland, and to expand our representation across the UK. “The appointment of this trusted partner helps us to provide a full parts and service offering to operators in this important part of the country, and we look forward to growing together.” Alltruck Group’s three-pointed star rises in the North Partners in progress: Alltruck Group Director Peter Hoggan, left, and Managing Director Martin Shaw at their newly extended and improved workshop ■ UK new light commercial vehicle market rises for 11th month in a row, up 12.7% to 27,433 units in November. ■ Demand for medium sized vans more than doubles, up 161.1%, but large vans still most popular as operators opt for payload efficiencies. ■ Second monthly decline in battery electric van uptake fails to derail YTD gains, but urgent solutions to Rules of Origin tariff threat and van-suitable charging infrastructure crucial to long-term growth. Britain’s new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew by 12.7% in November as 27,433 vans, pickups and 4x4s joined Britain’s fleets, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The performance is 4.6% above pre-pandemic 2019 levels and represents 11 consecutive months of rising demand, totalling 311,754 units – the largest volume for two years as product availability continues to improve. The greatest volume growth was delivered via medium-sized vans, more than doubling by 161.1% to 4,554 units, while rising registrations of 4x4s and pickups continued, up 6.5% and 14.9% respectively to 589 units and 3,783 units. New LCV buyers continue to show preference for payload and fuel efficiencies, however, with the largest van models – those weighing greater than 2.5 tonnes to 3.5 tonnes – representing 18,070 units and 65.9% of the market, albeit -1.6% units fewer than in November last year. Small van registrations, meanwhile, grew 10.4% to 437 units. Battery electric van (BEV) registrations fell for the second month, as 1,631 units were registered – some 343 fewer than in November last year – however, the broader trend is positive with BEV registrations up 15.0% since January. 17,289 BEVs have joined UK roads in 2023, accounting for almost one in 18 new vans registered across the year. The recent stall in demand, therefore, underscores the importance of measures that encourage van operators to invest in the benefits that zero emission technology offers, from lower CO2 emissions to increased performance, and potentially lower running costs. The most pressing priority is swift action to delay tough Rules of Origin requirements that will place tariffs on BEVs traded across the Channel from 1 January – potentially reducing choice and affordability. With four in five (83.6%) BEVs registered this year originating in the EU, and the UK increasing its BEV exports, the new rules pose a clear threat to the transition, just as new regulation mandating the sale of these vehicles comes into effect. Operator confidence must also be safeguarded by accelerating public chargepoint rollout with a national delivery plan that considers the specific needs of larger vans. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “An eleventh month of growth in Britain’s van sector is hugely positive, especially given fleet renewal is key to decarbonisation. It is crucial that operator demand also translates to zero emission van uptake, driving down CO2 emissions to meet Britain’s ambitious environmental targets. These are severely threatened by Rules of Origin requirements due in less than four weeks’ time, so it is essential that a pragmatic solution is found, and fast.” New van demand grows for 11th month but EV uptake needs 2024 boost Van registrations 3 5T year-to-date registrations and split November 23 TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
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