Truck and Track Winter 2023 www.truckandtrack.com 6 BUSINESS NEWS VBG Group’s 2024 Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday 2nd May. A Nomination Committee for VBG Group has now been formed. In accordance with the principles for the appointment of and instructions to the nomination committee adopted by the 2022 Annual General Meeting and based on the Swedish Code of Corporate Governance, VBG Group’s Nomination Committee shall consist of the Chairman of the Board and three members appointed by the three shareholders with the largest number of votes at the end of the third quarter, yearly. In accordance with the above decision, a Nomination Committee has been formed for the 2024 Annual General Meeting. The Nomination Committee members are: ■ Göran Bengtsson, Herman Krefting Foundation for Allergy and Asthma Research ■ Johnny Alvarsson, chairman of the board VBG Group AB ■ Johan Lannebo, Lannebo Funds ■ Richard Torgerson, Nordea Funds Ltd The Nomination Committee’s main task is to, on behalf of the shareholders, prepare proposals to the Annual General Meeting 2024 regarding the election of the Chairman of the General Meeting, Chairman of the Board and members of the Board, as well as proposals for fees and other compensation for board assignments and fees for the auditors. Shareholders who wish to submit proposals to the Nomination Committee can do so, no later than 1st January 2024, to the following address: VBG Group AB The selection committee Kungsgatan 57 461 34 Trollhättan Nomination Committee for the VBG Group Annual General Meeting 2024 Zero emissions automotive developer, First Hydrogen hosted representatives from 21 UK fleet operators and industry specialists at the HORIBA MIRA proving ground near Coventry to test drive its first-of-their-kind hydrogen fuel cell-powered light commercial vehicles (LCV). Attendees included fleet managers from the grocery sector with participants from Asda and Sainsbury’s, parcel delivery company DPD, NHS England, VINCI Group, mining organisation Anglo American, and Network Rail. Several utilities providers including Wales & West Utilities, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and National Gas were also present. The track day also drew interest from vehicle leasing and rental companies, with ARVAL (BNP Paribas Group), Novuna, and Redde Northgate attending, along with British motor trades residual value experts, Glass’s Guide. Also joining the event were representatives from Brit European Transport, National Windscreens plus the Canal & River Trust. Participating fleets operate more than 500,000 vehicles (est). The event gave operators a unique opportunity to get behind the wheel of a hydrogen fuel cell electric 3.5 tonne van (FCEV). 29 drivers took the opportunity to drive on the MIRA track, simulating different duty-cycles and reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. Operators experienced the vehicles’ smooth handling and appreciated the quiet drive. Drivers were also treated to a vehicle walk-round and under-thehood viewing of First Hydrogen’s technology. The Company’s partner, Ballard Power Systems, was present alongside First Hydrogen engineers to help attendees understand how the vehicles’ fuel cells work. Participants asked searching questions about the viability of hydrogen mobility, the maturity of hydrogen infrastructure and were presented with a review of Total Costs of Operation (TCO) based on First Hydrogen data collected from vehicles used during recent demo trials with UK fleets. Participants were quick to understand the TCO outlook, the benefits of FCEVs and how they compare alongside other zero emission vehicle technology. First Hydrogen’s road trials with fleet specialists Rivus and energy company SSE plc have demonstrated the impressive range the vehicles offer, with a peak range of more than 400 miles (630km) on a single fuelling achieved during journeys from Aberdeen. The real-world operational trials also showed the minimal effect carrying heavy loads or driving at higher speeds had on vehicle range – crucial attributes for this vehicle class. Steve Gill, CEO at First Hydrogen Automotive, says: “We’re delighted with the high level of interest we have received from UK fleet operators about our FCEVs and this enthusiasm was clearly present at our first driving experience day. By engaging fleets in similar events, we are demonstrating our FCEV’s capabilities to an audience who are on the road to zero emissions and can see a role for First Hydrogen technology in achieving their targets. Their feedback will help us achieve buy-in from fleets, some of whom are likely to become our Development Partners, helping us shape our future business and ultimately becoming customers for our vehicles.” Stephen Offley, Transport Manager at Wales & West Utilities, comments: “It was fantastic to see a hydrogen vehicle of this weight class in action. We already know that hydrogen power will be essential to meet the critical range, payload and towing capabilities required by public utilities and other users, which cannot be met by battery electric vans. This experience shows that adoption could soon become a reality and will help operators to transition their whole fleets to zero emission technology.” 21 major fleet operators and industry specialists drive First Hydrogen’s Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) at inaugural track day
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTE1MTA=