Commercial Truck Success Blog

TV programme leads to new customer for Isuzu Truck

2012-02-23T02:50:00.000-08:00

The appearance of Isuzu Truck’s managing director Nikki King on the Channel 4 ‘Undercover Boss’ programme coincided with Somerset company Walton Civil Engineering reviewing its new vehicle acquisition policy. In recent years, the company has hired its 7.5 tonne trucks but, at the time the programme went ‘on air’, the management was considering the option of outright purchase. This opportunistic timing subsequently led to Isuzu being chosen for the first time as the preferred 7.5 tonne chassis/cab supplier and the first new Isuzu is now in service within the 140-strong commercial vehicle fleet operation at the Shepton Mallet based utility reinstatement company.

Following the TV programme and before making their final decision, Walton Civil Engineering took a close look at all the available vehicles at 7.5 tonnes. Ultimately it discovered that the Isuzu N75.190 was the only vehicle that could meet its minimum payload criteria of 2 tonnes of material, as well as carrying the necessary plant, tools and site equipment.

As John Binding, Logistics Director at Walton Civil Engineering said; “I saw Nikki on the television and entirely related to her ethos of customer care. Immediately, we added Isuzu to our potential supplier list. During the tender process, we also visited and spoke to other Isuzu operators who each confirmed the Isuzu reputation for impressive payload. However, we also discovered additional benefits with the Isuzu 7.5 tonner. Its low chassis and ride height successfully addresses various health and safety issues. As well as facilitating the loading and offloading of manual handling equipment, it also makes it far easier for our reinstatement teams to operate on site.”

The Isuzu Forward N75.190 4x2 rigid was specified with Isuzu’s popular Easyshift transmission and a bespoke body system manufactured by Thompsons of Blackburn. The tipper body was constructed into sections, and featured an electric winch, insulated cover, and a compartmentalised toolbox system for tool storage. Although designed primarily for carrying loose bulk material, the vehicle also has the flexibility to transport various petrol driven construction tools used on site for compaction, cutting and rolling.

“The decision to switch to Isuzu for the first time represents a whole new direction for us and the end result is that we now have an impressive all-purpose vehicle that addresses the various operational issues on site. We have worked closely with Isuzu and bodybuilder Thompsons to design an overall vehicle specification that successfully meets both our operational and financial objectives. We are currently running a further evaluation exercise with the Isuzu, moving it around our depots in the South of England to gauge further staff reactions, so far the initial responses have been excellent, without exception.”

Local Isuzu truck dealer in the southwest T Harvey & Sons supplied the Isuzu N75.190 and Walton Civil Engineering is expecting the vehicle to have a five-year operational life, working predominantly in the south and south west of England from Cornwall to West Sussex.

Walton’s’ John Binding was quick to praise the service they received from the Isuzu Truck dealer, commenting; “Harvey’s really are a very good ambassador for the Isuzu marque. The service and follow-up we have received so far is exactly in line with everything that Nikki King said customers could expect on the Undercover Boss programme. They have truly impressed us at every stage of this vehicle acquisition programme.”

Full details of the current Isuzu Truck range can be viewed and downloaded from the company’s website on www.isuzutruck.co.uk

SureFit Uni-Line Rack Models Tour

2012-02-22T00:35:00.001-08:00

Gary Kank, Sales Manager of SureFit Truck Racks gives us a tour of three different models of Uni-Line racks available nationwide. These include the standard model, camper shell or truck cap model and forklift loadable model.

To see more about SureFit Truck Racks, see www.SureFitRacks.com or call 866-478-7348.

Build the Ultimate Green Fleet with Venchurs' Premium Quality CNG Conversion System

2012-02-21T04:56:00.001-08:00

Venchurs Vehicle Systems has rolled out its new CNG conversion program with a stunning CNG powered Search & Rescue Ford F250 concept truck, built for use in the national parks which will be showcased at the Work Truck Show.

Adrian, MI (February, 2012) – Venchurs Vehicle Systems (VVS) is showcasing its class-leading new CNG and Bi-Fuel conversions for Ford F-250/350 trucks during the Work Truck Show at the Indiana Convention Center on March 6-8, 2012. As one of the first CNG QVMs (Qualified Vehicle Modifiers) for Ford Motor Co., VVS is dedicated to promoting green philosophies and practices for a sustainable future by providing cutting-edge CNG conversions and installations.

The 38 year old Michigan-based firm believes that the inherent cleanliness, safety and a domestic supply of natural gas, combined with current tax credits and grants available to green fleet operators, will make CNG a viable option for fleet operators big and small in the coming years.

“The Venchurs team welcomes the opportunity to bring our OE industry expertise and resources to this very important emerging market,” says Venchurs’ CEO Jeff Wyatt. “Our technology is extremely impressive—we understand that fleets need performance from their trucks and we’re prepared to offer that.”

To illustrate its CNG capabilities, VVS has built a CNG Search & Rescue (SAR) Ford F250 concept truck proposed for pilot program demonstrations by national park rangers. The truck has a Bi-Fuel system and is also upgraded to handle the outdoor's extreme environments and conditions. The EQUIP SAR upfit includes Michelin off-road tires, a roof-mounted light-bar with strobe lights, an on-board air compressor, Fab Fours heavy duty front bumper, IPF driving lights, AMP Research BedSteps and a Warn winch. The VVS system is rugged enough to handle nearly any environment and will allow rangers to access remote wilderness areas and support back country operations while running on clean-burning CNG.

Each CNG conversion will be performed at the Venchurs’ state-of-the-art 135,000 square foot conversion facility in Adrian, Michigan. VVS is dedicated to quality—the converted Ford vehicles maintain their original warranty and all conversions are monitored and inspected by QC technicians. For more information on Venchurs, as well as Venchurs Vehicle Systems and this CNG conversion program, please visit www.Venchurs.com and www.VenchursVehicles.com.

About VENCHURS
Venchurs Inc., a successful minority owned business located in Adrian, Michigan, has been serving the automotive OEM and aftermarket industries for more than 30 years, specializing in kit-packaging, order management, and service based logistics. Combining employee longevity with industry experience, Venchurs provides high quality products and exceptional customer service. Their newest division, Venchurs Vehicle Systems manages, develops and markets specialty vehicle assembly and sales programs, and is now certified as an official Qualified Vehicle Modifier for Ford. For more information visit www.Venchurs.com or www.VenchursVehicles.com.

About MICHELIN GREEN X® TIRES:
For over 19 years, Michelin has been dedicated to the research and development of energy-efficient tires and now, a complete line of fuel-efficient tires is available to fit the most immediate consumer needs. MICHELIN® GREEN X® labeled consumer tires are optimized for fuel economy by reducing their rolling resistance and weight without compromising other key performance factors such as traction, grip and tread wear. Each tire is marked with Michelin's "GREEN X" symbol on the sidewall, indicating to consumers a level of increased fuel-efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.