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THE STANDS THAT DELIVER

We have been sifting through the stand list provided by the show's organiser, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and through advance information released by exhibitors to compile this guide to the stands of most interest to CV operators. Commercial vehicle manufacturers come first, in alphabetical order.

Components are sub-divided as shown on the right:

VEHICLES

Austin Rover 419 • NlC visitors will have the chance to see the new Austin Rover/Perkins MDi two-litre direct-injection diesel engine installed in the Maestro diesel van.

The small, high-speed MDi engine — called the Prima by Perkins, which builds it at its Peterborough factory — is available in two forms.

Maestro diesel vans get the naturallyaspirated Prima 65, which has a maximum output of 46kW (62hp) at 4,500rpm and a peak torque of 122Nm (90th/It) at 2,50Orpm.

The more powerful turbocharged Prima 80T, with its maximum output of 59.5kW (80hp) and peak torque of 154Nm

(114Ib/ft) at 2,500rpm, will be fitted in the Maestro saloon.

The Prima 65 is transversely-mounted in the diesel Maestro van, which has a five-speed gearbox supplied by Honda.

Despite its recent component supply problems, Austin Rover will be hoping to expand its presence in the car-derived van market with the arrival of the diesel Maestro. The diesel CDV sector is growing rapidly and so far is dominated by Bedford and Ford, although products from Renault and Citroen are making in-roads.

In addition to the new diesel Maestro, ARG will be showing the 1.3-litre 46kW (63hp) and 1.6-litre 63kW (86hp) petrolengined Maestro vans in their 500 and 700, City and L versions.

Examples of the little Metro hatchback van will also be on display.

Bedford 551 III Considering its recent decision to pull out of heavy truck manufacturing (CM September 13), it's hardly surprising that the bulk of Bedford's NEC exhibits should be light commercials. Indeed of the 21 vehicles on the stand, 19 are at or below 3.5-tonnes gross weight.

At the bottom end of Bedford's van range is the little one-litre 33kW (44hp) Rascal micro, and there are no fewer than five of them on show.

Alongside the standard factory-built versions is a pickup convetsion with an Acklift 7500 aerial work platform produced by ACS of Southwell. The base of the one-man hoist can be quickly demounted from the pickup bed using special clamps.

For those micro operators looking for load volume beyond the standard van's 2.65m3, Bedford is showing a generalpurpose box van (based on the pickup) converted by Northern Truck Bodies of Jarrow.

The alloy and GRP mobile shop unit incorporates a full-height service shutter and a lift-up rear flap. Interior volume is an impressive 3.8e, with a payload of 430kg.

Showcase for the Astramax car-derived van range is a 560L model with the revised GM 1600cc DA indirect-injection diesel, automatic transmission and the optional load floor extension. This replaces the passenger seat, allowing loads up to 2.75m long to be carried inside the van.

Also on show is a special high roof, wheelchair-carrying version of the Astramax converted by Gowrings Mobility International of Newbury. Its conventional rear dampers have been replaced by a double-acting lift mechanism, allowing the vehicle rear to be lowered for easy loading of wheelchair passengers.

Alongside the purpose-built Astramax range, GM also has the estate-car based Astra Van.

Bedford's four-vehicle display of Isuzudesigned Midi vans includes an unusual crew cab pickup conversion carried out by Walkers of Markyate. Inside the fully enclosed crew area is seating for three people.

A sturdy full-height bulkhead at the back of the cab incorporates roof and waist stiffeners to provide structural rigidity. Aft of the bulkhead the normal van's body has been turned into a useful pickup bed with double skinning. The conversion includes protective capping to the side sills and a tailgate.

The long-serving CF2 range is represented by both vans and chassis cabs. The two show specials are a CF2/350 long-wheelbase chassis cab with crew cab conversion and tipping bodywork (by Northern Truck Bodies) and a high capacity panel van based on the extra long — 3.56m — wheelbase chassis cab.

Converted by Hawson Garner, the 13.6m3 body allows a walk-through facility from the cab to the integral body. The all-welded steel superstructure and underframe has softwood flooring and a GRP roof.

Completing Bedford's light CV display at Birmingham are two KB one-tonne pickups.

• Bedford has kept a toe-hold in the vehicle truck market with military contracts.

The TM 6x6 is just entering production against a new MoD order for over 1,000 vehicles. The display vehicle is a chassis-cab winch variant offering a 14tonne payload — sufficient to carry 10 standard NATO pallets.

Bedford's Blue series 8.2-litre engine in turbocharged form, rated at 154kW(206hp) is matched to a ZF S6-80 gearbox with Kirkstall two-speed transfer box, with synchronised shift and GIcl\I Kirkstall axles.

The 28-tonne gross weight TM2600 6x6 export model was developed by Bedford's Special Vehicle Engineering Group to give an off-road body payload capacity of 16.6-tonnes. Its design GCW with drawbar is 44 tonnes. The 4x4 Mtype has been developed as a medium mobility logistic support vehicle.

Citroen 415

• After scoring a notable success in the UK CDV market with its C15 Visa van, Citroen is planning to move up the weight range with its own version of the front wheel-drive SEVEL panel van which is already offered in Britain by Fiat and Peugeot Talbot.

The Citroen C25 is produced on the same assembly line in Italy as the Talbot Express and Fiat Ducat° and shares the same body shell and basic drive line components.

Until now Citroen has only sold the C25 in France. It hopes to put the onetonne panel van on sale in the UK from early next year, but the exact specification of the right-hand drive version has yet to be decided.

The version on display is the lett-handdrive C25 1300 diesel van with a payload of 1,405kg, powered by the same 2.5litre Citroen diesel engine as Talbot Express vans and chassis cabs.

In addition to the C25, there will also be a petrol and diesel Visa van on show, plus an unusal left-hand-drive Visa chassis cab which may be brought into the UK if it creates sufficient interest.

Duda 233

• On the Dacia Concessionaires stand is the new diesel-powered Duster GLX 4x4. Like the other Romanian-built models in the Duster range, the diesel version is equipped with a Renault engine — in this case the same 1.6-litre, four-cylinder indirect-injection engine which is fitted in the Renault Extra van.

The 1,600cc IDI unit delivers a maximum power of 40kW (54hp) at 4,800rpm and has a peak torque of 100Nm (751b/ft) at 2,500rpm.

The diesel option will be available on all Duster models as an alternative to the standard 48kW (65hp) 1,400cc Renault petrol engine. Diesel Dusters are expected to go on sale in 1987 and prices will be announced shortly.

The 1987 Duster models feature a number of improvements, including revisions to the vehicle's transfer box and strengthened suspension mountings.

Daihatsu 436 • One example from each of the two Daihatsu commercial vehicle ranges will be shown on the company's stand.

Daihatsu has a number of 4 x4 Fourtrak commercial models including hard and soft top versions with the choice of either petrol or diesel engines. On show is the Fourtrak hard top, powered by the 2.8litre. 54kW (87hp) diesel engine.

For micro van buyers. Daihatsu is also exhibiting its 843cc petrol-engined 850 low-roof van.

OAF 555

• Daf s six-vehicle display includes as its centre-piece the FT3600DKZ flagship of the ATi range and a recent addition to the UK range, the FAR2100DHT 6x2 22.1-tonne GVW rigid chassis.

The FT3600DKZ 4x2 tractive unit, complete with metallic black space cab produces 278kW (373hp) at 2,000rpm and 1,420Nm (1,047Ib/ft) of torque via a 2F16S-130 direct-drive gearbox.

Alongside it is another Au i model, the 'super economy' FTG2800DICXE 6x2 twin-steer on a 3.8m wheelbase finished in white. Its output is 215kW (288hp) at 1,80Orpm.

Both models have full air suspension, Daf's 1346 drive axle with 3.31 differential and several items which are now standard with British ATi models.

These include a single bunk, underbunk storage, new front grilles and an Eberspacher cab heater.

Complementing these two models are an FAD2500 DHS 8x4 30.49 GVW tipping chassis which is offered with either a single or hub reduction axle and an FT2500 DHS 4x2 tractive unit with a design weight of 40.5-tonne GCW. This can be plated at 28, 32 or 38 tonnes.

Both 2500 models shown have the 8.25-litre charge-cooled DHS engine which develops 182kW (244hp) and 933Nm (688lb/ft) of torque.

Making its British exhibition debut is Dafs FAR2100 DHT 6x2 rigid haulage chassis with lifting non-driven back axle.

Plated at 21 1-tonnes GVW. it offers more payload than 16-tonners, improved manoeuvrability and traction plus a £470 VED saving over 24-tonne vehicles.

Completing Daf s line-up, the FA 2100 chassis has Daf s top sleeper cab option.

Dafs transport advice system, TOPEC, now covers a variety of body forms and seven different route types to help operators with forward route planning.

ERF 548

• Four of the five new vehicles shown by ERF are fitted with Eaton Twin Splitter gearboxes and all are fitted with Cummins engines.

For operation at 38-tonnes, the E1432TT 6x2 twin-steer tractive unit uses an integrated steel/air suspension with single leaf springs and air transfer on the second steered axle.

With an unladen weight of 5.68-tonnes an E10-29ST 4x2 tractor with ERF's occasional-sleeper night cab is also specified for 38-tonne operation.

With four axles the E10-29R tipper chassis is equipped with a non-reactive four-spring bogie although ERF does offer Norde rubber suspension.

The E6, 16.26-tonne distribution chassis is offered in five wheelbase dimensions from four to 5.8m. A final drive ratio of 4.33:1 gives a geared speed of 111km/h and a theoretical gradeability of 22%.

A drop-frame version of the E6 has a laden frame height of 0.58m and meets the standard industry requirements for 10 pallet distribution on a 5.18m wheelbase. The factory-built chassis frame with one-piece side members is claimed to give even stress distribution and a high level of frame rigidity. Its short day cab is a walk-through version with low entry. On a 7.28m wheelbase a drop-frame length of 5.6m can be obtained.

Ford 550

• Since the recent setting up of Iveco Ford Truck IFT dealers have sole selling rights to the long wheelbase, LCY Transit, while the entire Ford dealer network can sell the short wheelbase, LC X range.

Since it was launched in January, sales of the new Transit have reached almost 20,000 vehicles. The new Transit comes with a choice of three wheelbases, five body styles, four engines — including Ford's 2.5-litre direct-injection diesel — and six transmissions.

Making their debuts at the NEC, will be the latest 13 and 17-seat crewbuses, as well as the multi-purpose Transit Kombi — in effect a van with windows.

Both the Transit crewbus and Kombi are available with either a two-litre petrol or 2.5-litre diesel engine; the Kombi can also be fitted with a 1,600cc petrol engine.

Detailed improvements to the 1987 Transit range include the introduction of a high-backed driver's seat with an integral head restraint on all series models (they are optional on the standard models) plus a revised noise-insulation pack for all diesel Transits.

A heavy duty 1,330kg capacity front axle can also be specified on Transit 190 models fitted with a petrol engine, while the long wheelbase Transit 100 panel van will have narrow-section wheel arches.

Lower down Ford's LCV range is the Escort and the recently-introduced Combi van — basically a three door Escort Estate with blanked-in rear windows and a full load platform.

Escort Combi vans can now be supplied with fold-down rear seats, produced by Restall of Smethwick or Rescroft of Redditch.

Completing the Ford light CV line-up at the Motor Show are two Fiesta vans and standard and L trim 1'100 pickups.

Fist 420 II Fiat (UK)'s ten-vehicle light commercial line-up is headed by the new frontwheel-drive Ducato Maxi 1.8 model.

Making its UK debut at the NEC, the Maxi takes Fiat into the 3.5-tonne grossweight sector for the first time in Britain.

Two high-top van versions of the 1.8 Maxi — a 63kW (85hp) petrol and a 56kW (75hp) indirect-injection diesel — are being shown at Birmingham. Both vans have a 1,900kg payload and a useful 9.68m3 load volume.

The Ducat() Maxi is built at the same joint Peugeot/Fiat SEVEL assembly plant as the Talbot Express and Citroen C25. It is basically an uprated version of the 3.1-tonne GVW Ducat° 1.6 range, but with revised suspension, larger wheels and front disc brakes.

From the beginning of next year the Ducato Maxi 1.8 will also be available with the 69kW (92hp) direct-injection turbo diesel engine which is currently fitted in the Iveco Daily.

The standard five-speed Ducat° gear box has new ratios on the Maxi 1.8, with a 5.6:1 final drive claimed to give improved economy and performance.

In addition to the two Maxi 1.8 vans, Fiat (UK) is showing seven other Ducat° models including a Luton conversion on a 3.8m AL-K0 chassis, plus its popular Morino car-derived van.

Freight Rover 552

• Austin Rover is not the only Rover Group member to enjoy the benefits of the new Perkins Prima direct-injection engine. Freight Rover is also now fitting the two-litre 1)1 unit to its narrow-bodied (200 Series) diesel Sherpa vans and chassis cabs.

The new 1)1 engine — rated at 48kW (65hp gross) in the Sherpa — provides more power than the old 39kW (52hp) indirect-injection 'B' Series diesel and a 33% increase in maximum torque: 122Nm (90 lbft) at 2,5(0rpm.

Final drive ratios on the 200 diesel Sherpa have also been revised to match the DI engine's improved performance.

In fuel economy trials with a fully-laden Sherpa 200 van, the DI engine proved 309k more fuel efficient than the old 'B' Series diesel. At a steady 97km/h (60mph) FR quotes impressive fuel consumption of 7.93 lit/km (35.6mpg) for the DI Sherpa van.

Also being launched at the NEC is a second generation of FR's 1.7 and twolitre '0' Commercial petrol engines fitted in both the 200 and 300 Series Sherpa models.

The latest 1987 '0' Commercial engines have a new carburation system, tamper-proof and maintenance-free electronic ignition systems, and develop more torque at lower engine speeds.

The 1.7-litre low compression engine's power has been increased from 46kW (62hp) to 52kW (70hp), while the twolitre low compression engine has been uprated from 63kW (85hp) to 67kW (90hp).

Maximum torque of the two-litre unit is also achieved some 800rpm lower than before.

Also joining the Sherpa 300 Series engine range for 1987 is a 73kW (98hp) high-compression version of the two-litre '0' Commercial engine which has a maximum torque rating of 158Nm (1171b/ft) at 3,40Orpm.

Other changes for 1986 on the Sherpa 300 Series include rear door slam locks, lowered rear floor height and modified rear suspension, single-key door locking and knock-back wing mirrors.

Examples of both the revised 300 Series range and the DI Sherpa 200 will be shown on the Freight Rover stand.

International Motors 431/2

International Motors — the UK importers of Japanese-built Subaru and Korean-manufactured Hyundai vehicles — is showing two pickup models at the NEC.

The 1,800cc petrol-engined Subaru MV pickup is shown in its BRAT (Bi-recreational All-Terrain vehicle) trim, designed to appeal to the leisure market.

The 1.43-tonne GVW Hyundai Pony II pickup, which has a 500kg-plus payload, is also displayed.

Ives* Ford 516

Iveco Ford Truck, which makes its first corporate public appearance since it formed in July, is exhibiting no fewer than four new models among the 16 vehicles on its stand.

Three are Iveco models: a right-hand drive 6x2 TurboStar, a 175.24 rigid or artic unit for 38-tonnes GCW and a more powerful 175.17 16.26-tonner while the fourth, a Cargo 3828 extends the range into the 38-tonne-and-above category for the first time.

Equipped with Iveco's most powerful engine, the 313kW (420hp) turbocharged, 17-litre vee-eight, the TurboStar has a lifting/trailing rear axle and will complement Iveco Ford Truck's 220.30 and 220.38 twin-steer tractive units that are currently available in UK.

Improved durability, reliability and fuel economy are the main benefits claimed for the new 175.24 family of rigids and tractive unit that are on show.

These replacements for the 165.24 range are available in five wheelbases for rigid chassis between 3.8m and 5.9m but the artic unit has only the single 3.2m spread.

While its 177kW (240hp) power rating is unchanged, it uses a new 9.5-litre 8460.21 six-cylinder turbocharged engine (replacing the 8220.21) which has better high-speed breathing and a modified fuel injection pump.

It has a choice of Eaton's RTX 7609 nine-speed constant mesh or ZF's S6-90 12-speed synchromesh box with splitter while the rear axle is a Rockwell S106E with 5.13:1 final drive.

Iveco Ford's new 175.17 16-tonner on show is lighter and more powerful than its predecessor, the 159.17, and is expected to take a larger share of its market sector.

It is only available as a rigid and comes in five wheelbases from 3.8m to 5.9m, the most popular of which — the 5.5m version — is listed as having a 4,990kg kerb weight.

A lighter, more fuel-efficient engine, the 8060.25, 5.9-litre 130kW (174hp) turbocharged six is used together with the six-speed ZF S6-36 synchromesh gearbox and Rockwell CVC S106E 4.89 final drive as standard.

With the optional GV splitter, a lower, 5.13:1 ratio is specified.

Iveco Ford has not ignored the Cargo range either, extending it up to and beyond the 38-tonne GCW mark with rigid drawbar and tractive units. They are powered by the 208kW (283hp) chargecooled version of the 10-litre Cummins LTA10-290 engine.

The rigid 1628 is offered in five wheelbases from 3.52m to 6.20m and, apart from the shortest option, has an optional day or sleeper cab.

There is also a choice of gearboxes for the 3828 artic unit — but only the single 3.52m wheelbase.

Using the Cummins 10-litre helps keep the kerb weights competitive at 5,420kg for the shortest 1628 rigid and 5,210kg for the 16.5-tonne GVW artic both with bare day-cabbed chassis.

There is a choice of transmissions for the new Cargos with a standard ninespeed Eaton RT11609A or the optional Eaton TS011612 Twin-Splitter.

Lade 417

• A van conversion of the Lada Niva 4x4 1.6litre 63.5kW (85hp) petrol model makes its first public appearance. The importers have converted the four/five seat Niva hatchback into a 370kg capacity van by replacing the rear seat with a wooden floor and are showing it as a marketing exercise.

The Riva 820 1.5-litre 60kW (80hp) and the Riva 370 1.3-litre 54kV41 (72hp) estate-based vans are also on the stand.

Land Raver 130 • Six months after the launch of its 84kW (112hp) turbocharged diesel Range Rover, Land Rover is now offering a turbo-diesel engine option on all its fourwheel-drive Land Rover models.

Unlike the diesel Range Rover, which is powered by an Italian-built VM engine, the 63kW (85hp) turbocharged diesel Land Rover is fitted with a blown version of the existing 2.5-litre LR diesel power unit, which is also fitted in Sherpa 300 Series vans.

Turbocharging the 2.5-litre engine has increased its power and boosted its peak torque by 28% to 203Nm (150Ib/ft), at 1,800rpm. The turbo-diesel engine has a new cylinder block with an integral turbocharger oil feed. The revised crankshaft design has cross drilling to allow adequate lubrication under the higher loads imposed by the new engine.

Other developments include the use of nimonic exhaust valves, new pistons and rings and revised inlet and exhaust manifolds. The fuel-injeCtion system has a self-priming DPS pump with a cold start retard device.

In addition to the introduction of the new turbo-diesel, Land Rover has also improved the power and torque of its vee-eight petrol-engined derivatives.

Revised camshafts and carburation on the vee-eight have helped boost maximum power to 100kW (134hp), while peak torque has been raised to 253Nm (1871b/ft).

Land Rover has also made minor exterior and interior changes to 1987 models.

Examples of all the latest Land Rover and Range Rover four-wheel-drive models will be on the company's stand at the Motor Show.

Leyland Trucks 547 • For the first time in 25 years, Leyland has produced a fire appliance chassis. Based on a 16-tonne Freighter chassis with a Leyland 400 series engine it is matched to an automatic transmission. Use of special springs and low profile tyres has reduced frame height by 121mm to 935mm.

A crew cab extension, mounted on the chassis, is constructed in GRP. A flexible pneumatic seal allows the drivers' cab suspension to work independently.

Both 6x4 and 8x4 Constructor models use rear bogies incorporating two double reduction axles and a lockable third differential. Both have 11-litre engines, but the 24-tonner's TL11B unit is rated at 178kW (238hp) at 2,100rpm with a torque figure of 970Nm (7151b/ft). It drives through a ten-speed Spicer SST constant mesh splitter gear box and rides on Tadchurch rubber suspension. The eightwheeled constructor tipper chassis has Leyland's TLI1C six-cylinder power unit developing 194kW(260hp) and 1,050Nm(7741b/ft) torque.

The Leyland Trucks exhibit incorporates 12 vehicles and four engines spanning a weight range from 7.5 to 300tonnes and power ratings from 86kW(115hp) to 261kW(350hp).

The Roadrunner 8.12 is powered by the Cummins 'B' series engine, giving maximum power at 2,800rpm and a torque output of 348Nm (257Ib/ft) at 1,300rpm. It is the first UK-produced truck to be fitted with disc brakes on the front axle and its suspension includes anti-roll bars front and rear as standard.

A more powerful version, with a 3.2m wheelbase tipper chassis has the Leyland-designated 302 engine, rated at 97kW (130hp) and torque of 386Nm (2851b/ft). Changes to the cab include new seat material, improved sound insulation and heated mirrors.

A drop frame Freighter 14.14, 5.1m wheelbase chassis is adapted for the distribution industry to give a frame height reduced from 928mm to 556min.

For articulated operation at 32.5tonnes the Cruiser 4x2 tractive unit offers a low kerb weight of 5,513kg.

Two tractive units, the 17.28 and 20.35, have design capacities of 40tonnes. Perkins' new Eagle 800 turbocharged and air-to-water charge-cooled 350T engine gives a power to weight ratio of over 6.5kW/tonne (9hp/ton).

At the top of the weight range the Scammell S26 50.40 heavy haulage tractor, fitted with a ballast box, has a drawbar capability of 300-tonnes. Its 298kW (400hp) 14-litre Cummins NTE engine drives through a ZF Transmatic torque converter and 16-speed Ecosplit gearbox to a 40-tonne two spring bogie.

On the export front the new Leyland Comet continues to employ the Leyland '98' series engine (no longer in production) and a five-speed gearbox and is fitted with an Edbro all-steel dropside body.

MAN 554 • The F90 38-tonne 4x 2 tractive unit is the newest addition to MAN's range and will become available to UK operators next spring.

The range uses the basic 291, 331 and 361 engines redesignated 292, 332 and 362 with detailed changes such as revised TIR piping on the 362, electronic pre-heat system, a 400cc single cylinder compressor, revised injector pump and a larger radiator.

Its new-style cab provides for integral air conditioning, has a four spring suspension, hydraulic tilt mechanism and external storage lockers on each side. Inside, the driver's air-suspended seat adjusts using a single lever.

Chassis suspension incorporates smaller air bellows at the rear, working at a higher pressure and claimed to give faster response time.

Larger asbestos-free brakes are load sensed on both axles while an in-line dryer with screw-in cartridge is fitted as standard.

For the first time on MAN 4X2 tractive units, spring park brakes are fitted to both axles.

Of the other seven models on the stand, the 16.331, 3.1m wheelbase 4 x 2 unit and 20.331, 3.6m 6x2 unit share the Fuller RTO 11613 13-speed constantmesh gearbox and 11.97-litre MAN 02866 six-cylinder in-line turbocharged and charge-cooled engine are constantly rated at 242kW (324hp) between 1,800 and 2,200rpm and torque of 1,350Nm (1,1061b/ft) from 1,100 to 1,500rpm.

The lower-powered 16.291 tractive unit shares the naturally aspirated 11.4litre MAN engine, developing 217kW (291hp) at 2,200rpm, with the 30.291 8x4 tipper chassis.

MAN's 16-tonne 4x2 rigid chassis comes in five wheelbase dimensions, from 3.6 to 5.9m. One of the models shown is equipped with a factory-fitted air suspension at the rear. It has a flat chassis and is powered by a six-cylinder inline turbocharged and charge-cooled diesel delivering 125kW (168hp) at 2,800rpm. MAN produced this model specifically for UK operation. A heavier two-axle rigid chassis offers a train weight of 31,300kg. In the 6.5 to 10-tonne range the MANVW MT 7.5-tonne 8.136 is also shown with rear air suspension.

MAN-VW 554

• For operators of vans and midi-buses the MAN-VW stand has several exhibits that are likely to be of particular interest.

The LT35E 2.95m wheelbase, highroof van is the latest addition to the LT range. Its maximum load volume is a generous 11.6m3 and single rear wheels allow a width between wheel arches of 1.37m, so pallets can be loaded at the rear. The turbocharged, 2.4-litre dieselengined version of the LT35E on display has a power rating of 76kW (102hp) at 4,30Orpm.

The same engine is used in MANVW's new five-tonne GVW parcel van, the LT50, which is based on a 3.65m wheelbase chassis cab, with bodywork built by Valle and Company of Dorset. Maximum load volume is 18.5m3, with a maximum payload of 2,410kg.

The other light vehicle exhibits on the MAN-VW stand include a four-wheeldrive Transporter Syncro van, a Polo carderived van and an Optare City Pacer 25seat bus.

Mercedes-Benz 546

• Billed as Europe's most powerful truck, Mercedes-Benz's I644S tractive unit makes its debut along with two other high performance 38-tonners, all dubbed Powerliners.

The new 1644S is powered by the recently developed 331kW (450hp) 0M442LA 14.6-litre engine and becomes the first right-hand-drive Mercedes-Benz truck to have a charge-cooled engine.

It is also the first model offered with the distinctive 6-cab which is 150mm wider (across the doors) and higher than the L, M and S-cabs on others in the heavy range.

Alongside it are the L-cabbed 1635S and the rear-steer 2035S Powerliner tractive units.

All three have Electronic Power Shift mg (EPS). Mercedes-Benz will demonstrate how the system works using a fullsized driving simulator on the stand.

Two versions of the 3.5 to 7.5-tonne T2 range which was launched in July are exhibited for the first time.

The heaviest model, a 3.7m wheelbase 7.5-tonne 8111) chassis cab with the 0M364A turbocharged engine is accompanied by a 6.6-tonne 7091) integral van.

An example of Mercedes-Benz's eight-wheeled tipper chassis, the 3025K which was first seen at the Scottish motor show is also on the stand. This can be compared with an 814 7.5-tonne chassis-cab from the LN2 range, which also joins the 11-vehicle display.

Other established models on show include a 1625S 4x2 artic unit, a 1617 rigid, the powertrain of which was reengineered last year and a turbo-engined 1317 13.0-tonner. A 2071) completes the line-up.

Mitsubishi 423

• The all-new Mitsubishi L300 panel van and L200 pickup make their European debut at the NEC show on the Colt Car Company's stand.

The latest L300 panel van is due to arrive in the UK in January 1987, and will be available in 2.43m long-wheelbase/high-roof and 2.23m wheelbase standard roof versions.

Operators will have the choice of either a 1.6-litre 51kW (68hp) petrol engine with a maximum torque of 122Nm (901b/ft), or a 51kW (68hp) 2.5-litre diesel engine with a peak torque of 147Nm (1081b/ft). All L300 variants have a fivespeed gearbox as standard.

Maximum payload on L300 models ranges from 885k,g to 1,145kg.

The L300's new wind-cheating mono coque body shell has a Cd factor of 0.47, compared to the 0.57 Cd factor achieved by the old L300 van. Twin side-loading doors are fitted as standard along with a top-hinged rear tailgate.

After a noticeable absence from the UK one-tonne pickup market, Mitsubishi has returned with its L200 range — available in either 42 or 1x4 versions. The L2(X) pickup goes on sale in Britain early next year.

The 2.95m standard wheelbase 4 x2 pickup will be offered with either a 66kW (88hp) two-litre petrol engine or the 2,5litre 51kW (68hp) diesel engine that is fitted in the L300 van.

The 2.68m short-wheelbase 4 X 4 version will only be fitted with the two-litre petrol engine, although all L200 pickups have a five-speed gearbox.

Payload on the 4 x 2 and 4 x4 L200 is around 1,200kg.

Nissan 424

MI Although Nissan recently opened its first UK assembly plant in Washington, Tyne and Wear, its commercial vehicles continue to be supplied from either Japan, or from Motor Iberica in Spain, in which the company holds a controlling stake.

There are 11 light commercials on the Nissan stand, including the Spanish-built 800kg-payload Vanette Compact van. The little Vanette is available with either a petrol or diesel engine and is a direct competitor against the Toyota Lite-Ace.

Alongside the Vanette are two larger Urvan panel vans — now available with the option of a diesel engine — and 4 x 2 and 4x4 versions of the Nissan pickup range launched earlier this year.

The 3.3-tonne Cabstar pickup is one of the few chassis cabs sold in the UK that can be supplied with a factory-fitted dropside body. Alongside the two conventional dropside Cabstars on the stand there is also a chassis with a Luton box van body.

Completing the light CV line-up there is a Nissan Patrol 4x4 with a hard top commercial conversion by Walker.

Peugeot Talbot 422

• Fiat isn't the only manufacturer to be launching a heavyweight SEVEL van in the UK at the Motor Show. Peugeot Talbot is getting in on the act with the arrival of its Talbot Express 1800, which also takes the Midlands-based company into the lucrative 3.5-tonne GVW sector for the first time.

Sales of the Italian-built Express 1800 will begin early next year with the model range consisting of a long-wheelbase high roof van and a chassis cab.

The choice of either an uprated 63kW(84hp) version of Peugeot's 1,971cc petrol engine, or the 55kW(74hp) 2.5litre Citroen indirect-injection diesel will be offered in the 1800 with a five-speed gearbox as standard on both.

To cope with the higher gross weight, the Talbot Express 1800 has undergone a number of mechanical changes, including the fitting of a new gearbox and final drive ratios, plus 406mm wheels with low profile tyres and uprated suspension. The front discs and rear drum brakes are also larger with a bigger brake servo unit.

Payload on the petrol version will be approximately 1,900kg, while the slightly heavier diesel version has a payload of around 1,800kg.

All Express 1800s will have the improvements introduced on 1987 models, including new cloth seat trim, restyled and recOntoured seats, a fold-flat double passenger seat, new instrument panel and revised grille.

A turbocharged diesel version of the Express is also expected to be launched in the late Spring next year. Among the other CV exhibits on the Peugeot Talbot stand are the 205 and 305 car-derived vans and a wide variety of Express models.

Peugeot Talbot is also showing its 20seater tri-axle diesel bus — the Express Pulman Welfare — which has been built and bodied at the company's Stoke factory.

Suzuki 416

• Three versions of Suzuki's SJ light 1x4 range are on show. The Si 410 QB soft top and the SJ 410 VB van are both three door two-seaters and share the same 970cc 33.5kW (50hp) petrol engine. The Si 413K pickup is a two seat, two door flatbed with folding sides and a tailgate. It has a 1.3-litre 47kW (63hp) petrol engine.

The Luton-built Super Carry range is represented by a panel van and a pickup, both of which share the 970cc 33kW (44hp) petrol engine.

Renault Truck Industries 353

• The centrepiece of this stand is the new RVI 38-tonne tractive unit, the R340 Turboliner. Standard specification includes the high-roof Renault (ex-Berliet) cab, 247kW (331hp) MIDR 06.35.40G, turbocharged and charge-cooled 12-litre engine and B18 range-change with splitter synchromesh gearbox.

Two new options — an air-suspended drive axle and anti-lock braking system — are introduced to RVI's UK line-up with the R340 — both these options are expected to become available soon on the R310 tractor. At the lower end of the weight range covered by Rh I vehicles is the 5,600kg GVW S56, which is powered by the new Perkins engine — the 14.38 which was introduced in May. The vehicle on display has a Spicer 1'5-250 synchromesh gearbox and a host of PSV optional and special equipment.

The Dodge S75 High Capacity integral van has a serious new rival in the Mercedes T2, but the Dodge can still claim to be the only van of its kind built in Britain.

Three Renault (nee Dodge) Commandos are exhibited: a G08, a G16 and a G24 tipper. All three have Perkins engines, which are now standard throughout the Commando range.

Four examples of Renault's G range trucks illustrate the types of Renault truck now being assembled at Dunstable, from the 16.26-tonne GVW G170, to the 38-tonne GCW 6x2 G290 GT with its York second steer axle conversion.

The Show G290 GT 6x2 bristles with optional extras including Kienzle electronic tachograph, aluminium alloy wheels with chrome trims, Eberspacher cab night heater and Eminox stainless steel exhaust stack.

Renault UK 421

• Renault UK has been making impressive inroads into the UK light commercial vehicle market and has no fewer than 10 vehicles on its stand, including the latest Renault 5-based hatchback van and its recently-revised Trafic and Master van models.

The R5 hatchback on display is the TL model, powered by a 134kW(46hp) 1,100cc petrol engine. It has a 1.1m3 load volume and a nominal 400kg payload which places it in direct competition with the Austin Metro and Ford Fiesta vans.

The R5 hatchback van also fills the gap in Renault's range below the Extra, which is also based on the Renault 5 but fitted with a larger, purpose-built box body.

Changes on the front-wheel-drive Trafic van include the adoption of a 52kW(70hp) 1,721cc petrol engine in the T1000 van, in place of the previous 50kW(67hp) 1,647cc unit.

The old T1200 Trafic has also been replaced by a heavier gross weight T1300 model with a 1.3-tonne payload and the same 61kW(82hp) 1,995cc petrol engine used in the Master Van.

The two-litre petrol engine is also used in the recently-announced Trafic 4x4, although Renault will not be showing one at the NEC.

All Extra, Trafic and Master models now have the same grey/rainbow interior trim finish, while Trafic vans and chassis cabs will also gain a revised grille design.

In addition to its production van models, Renault is also showing two Master chassis cabs with box van and tipping bodywork and a 15-seater Trafic 11000 minibus.

Scania 556

• ticania is showing a lighter version of its 6 and P82 16-tonne rigid chassis called the Scania Urban. New chassis frames and suspensions save about 260kg over previous models. Its 8.5-litre engine develops 150kW (204hp) at 2,200rpm and 750Nm (533lb/ft) of torque at 1,550rpm. New brake valves produce quicker reaction and are said to give a better feel. Options include air suspension and computer-aided gearchanging.

A long time advocate of tag axles for 6x2 tractive units the company has at last introduced a twin-steer chassis design covering P92, P112, R112 and R142 models designated 6x2/4.

The stand model built to Pet Regs is a P112MA RC38, having a design weight of 52 tonnes. Its 11-litre engine is rated at 245kW (333hp) at 2,000rpm, while torque is 1,395Nm (1,029Ib/ft) at 1,250rpm. The GVW is 360kg more than for the tag axle model.

The 3.8m wheelbase chassis has a 1.23m bogie spread, giving a capacity of 16.27 tonnes under C and U regs.

Steel parabolic springs are fitted front and rear with air suspension to the intermediate axle.

At 38-tonnes GCW the new 6x2 gives a loading latitude of more than three tonnes.

Brakes incorporate an anti-lock system which will become available next year.

Other models on the stand include a 32.5-tonne GCW tractive unit, a 6x2 drawbar rigid chassis and 4x2 tractive units with design weights of up to 52tonnes.

All 142 models have a new version of the DSC14 14.2-litre vee-eight turbocharged and charge-cooled engine giving a torque increase of 52Nm (391b/ft) to 1,777Nm (1,3111b/ft).

Seddon Atkinson 549

Seddon Atkinson redesignates its 301 and 401 models to 3-11 and 4-11 with more power, new transmissions and incab revisions.

Power options ot 194 to 254kW (260 to 340hp) are offered on 6 x2 3-11 tractive units which, for the first time on a Seddon Atkinson, drive through to an Eaton Twin Splitter 12-speed gearbox.

For 32.5-tonne drawbar operation it is no longer necessary to stretch a tractor chassis. SA has a purpose-built model with low weight driveline, consisting of a Cummins 10-litre engine, Spicer 10speed, direct-top gearbox and an SA rear axle incorporating a Rockwell driving head and dill lock.

Cummins power of 180kW (241hp) at 2,100rpm is also used to satisfy the demand of 6x4 tipper operators. To match increased torque of 843Nm (5221b/ft) the nine-speed Fuller unit is replaced by a ten-speed Spicer SST 8010 overdrive gearbox.

The rest of the drive line remains unchanged, using a single reduction bogie on Norde rubber suspension.

A high-power output for 4-11 tractive units is supplied by a turbocharged and charge-cooled Cummins Super E 14-litre engine developing 290kW(388hp) at 1,90Orpm.

The new Perkins Phaser 180 Ti engine, rated at 128kW (173hp) is specified for the 2-11 16-tonner, SA's oldest exhibit (introduced in May this year) with 5.1m wheelbase, it has the optional lowered rear suspension and low profile tyres which reduce the frame height by about 50rnrn.

Cab styling changes include dirt deflectors mounted on the front quarter panels of 3-11 and 4-11 models while other aerodynamic aids have been specifically designed by Windfoil to suit individual

models. 62 11/,

Toyota 418

• Toyota's light commercial vehicle range is represented at the Motor Show by its Hi-Ace and Lite-Ace panel vans and a 4x2 and 4x4 version of the topselling Ili-Lux pickup.

In addition, two Optimo minibuses — 19 and an 18 seater, based on a Toyota chassis but with Caetano bodywork — are on the stand.

Included in the two Hi-Ace models is a window conversion carried out by Walkers.

Volvo 517

• Models from Volvo's FL range include an FL6 4x2 rigid chassis for 16.26tonne operation, specified with a 5.8-litre TD61F turbocharged and charge-cooled engine which has a net output of 152kW (207hp) and drives through to an eightspeed, fully synchronised range change gearbox.

The same gearbox and final drive ratio is used for the FL7 6x4 rigid chassis driven by a 6.7-litre TD71F 169kW (230hp) engine. This model is fitted with the new lightweight B-ride suspension replacing the L-ride bogie and benefits from a lighter but stronger chassis frame design.

A stronger R62 eight-speed gearbox is used with the FL10 4 x2 tractive unit which has a 9.6-litre engine producing a net installed output of 220kW (299hp). This model, for 38-tonne operation with a 3.4m wheelbase, is shown with Volvo's new air-suspension.

At the top of the range with a power output of 283kW (385hp), an F12 6x2 tractive unit with 12 gears plus two crawler gears is equipped with an electro-pneumatic bogie lift.

About to be launched in the UK, the FL4 takes Volvo into the 7.5-tonne class for the first time. Power comes from a direct injection, six-cylinder turbocharged TD41G engine, which with a capacity of 3.6-litres, develops 90kW (122hp) at 3,600rpm. Maximum torque of 280Nm (2061b/ft) is also produced at a relatively high 2.400rpm.

The same cab as used with the heavier FL6 model is mounted low on the chassis to give a floor height of just 667mrn when the vehicle is fully laden.

ACCESSORIES

Clarion 137

• Vehicle audio equipment manufacturers Clarion is planning to display a fullsized car mock-up packed with all the latest ideas about in-vehicle entertainment.

Features include an in-car navigation system, an automatic toll payment system, and a road traffic conditions information system.

Also on the stand will be a selection of the company's audio products.

Fischer 104

• Fischer will be attending the UK Motor Show for the first time this year to show its range of cassette holders which are offered in Austin Rover, Jaguar and Vauxhall cars.

Of particular interest to CM readers is the new Jumbo C-Box which has been designed especially for truck, van and coach drivers, who normally carry large tape collections in their vehicles.

Up to 18 cassettes can be stored in individual drawers in the C-Box, and can be selected at the touch of a button. Control indicators show which drawers are occupied and a numbering system and index card help tape selection. The Jumbo C-Box is expected to cost around £49 (inc VAT).

Hatcher 566

• Frarnlingham-based Hatcher Components shows the latest additions to its Night Cap range of over-cab sleeper units on stand 566 at this year's show.

There are now 18 models in the Night Cap range, including the latest additions which have been manufactured to fit the Volvo FL7 and FL10.

Also on display will be new aluminium Catwalk fuel tanks and steel chassis tanks plus a new range of three dimensional, cab-mounted truck air deflectors.

There will also be truck wheel embellishers, exterior sunvisors and anti-spray mudflaps on the stand, together with a number of truck accessories including air horns, cooling fans and grab handles.

• itachi 210A

• Visitors to the Hitachi stand receive a voucher offering a free pair of Hitachi speakers when they purchase the Auto Reverse Combination Unit Model CSK 350.

Land Rover Parts and

Equipment 130 and 532

• The recently-formed equipment and spares support company Land Rover Parts and Equipment will be present at the Motor Show on the Freight Rover stand 552, and the Land Rover stand 130.

On the Freight Rover stand, LRPE plans to show some of its Sherpa accessories, including load straps and speciallydeveloped fire extinguishers.

The Land Rover stand will feature a new ladder rack extension for the 90 and 110 models, a selection of new loadspace protectors (prices start at 249.45) and new nudge bars for both the Range Rover and the Land Rover ranges.

Supra Group 605

• Sound deadening equipment and underbody coating materials feature on the Supra Group's stand at the NEC. Supra Chemicals and Paints will show its magnetic sound deadening pads, sound damping pads and sprayable acoustic compound sound deadening system, together with a range of multi-layer floor pads and laminates sound absorption pads and barrier mats.

Black Wax underbody coating, garage floor paint, polyurethane mouldings and complete acoustic treatments will also be exhibited.

Sister company Supra Automotive will display a range of new products on the stand, including Surespark ignition leads, asbestos-free disc pads, inner CV joint boot kits, carburettor service kits, timing chain kits and radiator and heater hoses.

Truck and Trailer Components

• Rugby-based Truck and Trailer Components is publishing a new catalogue to coincide with the Motor Show. The new catalogue, listing 4,500 parts, is divided into six colour-coded sections corresponding to electrical components, body components, chassis components, air brake components, semi-trailer components and safety fittings.

Truck and Trailer has recently signed a deal to market Grauberg heavy duty braking systems in this country, and the full range of Grauberg sytems is included in the catalogue, together with products from other leading commercial vehicle parts manufacturers including Dunlop, Trico, York, Bendix, Clayton and Jost.

The company now guarantees an average 92% availability across the full range of its product lines.

Waso 614

• A number of commercial vehicle security systems will be on display on the Waso stand, including the 778 selfpowered modular system which can be fully automatic or manually operated, plus the 781 vehicle powered fully automatic system and the 737 manually-operated vehicle powered system.

All these systems are insurance approved, claims Waso, and can be installed through a nationwide network of approved Waso installation engineers.

A special demonstration model of the 778 system will be on display to show the features of the system.

AXLES AND SUSPENSION

Ashley Banks 633

• Ashley Banks will be launching the SV range of shock absorbers at this year's NEC — the first time SV shock absorbers have been displayed outside their native Finland.

Ashley Banks has been appointed as sole UK concessionaire for SV and plans to offer the units for trucks, buses, coaches, off-road vehicles, railway engines and rolling stock.

Repair kits for the absorbers are available from Ashley Banks, which will allow simple reconditioning. The stand will also feature the Autoballans and Donut ranges of suspension aids, handled by Ashley Banks in this country.

B PW-Marcar 522

• A custom-built articulated information and exhibition unit features several BPW products including a lightweight air suspension, Automatic slack adjusters and, increasingly popular, asbestos-free brake linings BPW-Marcar, the UK operation of Bergische Achenfabrik, claims to be Europes largest trailer axle and suspension manufacturer.

B ritish Springs 412

• British Springs has been manufacturing springs for 50 years. Its range of OE road springs, made to suit cars, Land Rovers, trailers, trucks and buses, includes continental-type parabolic springs to suit heavy and light commercials.

Hendrickson Nerde 526

• Hendrickson Norde offers four types of suspension — air, rubber, liquid and steel.

The Fluidride trailer suspension system is very light but gives automatic equalisation of loads between axles.

Priced lower than any other competitive suspension it allows large variation in fifth-wheel height without the use of complicated or expensive valves.

The water/antifreeze mixture contained within rubber bellows gives a ride quality comparable to that of air suspension.

Industrial Machinery Supplies

• IMS imports SAF axleisuspension equipment from West Germany and is showing a working example of a tri-axle air suspension.

The self-steering axle is said to reduce tyre wear on fully laden trailers.

Also on show is a truck rear end on a tag axle air suspension and universal drive axle air suspension designed to give high lateral stability using secondary leaf springs in addition to the trailing arms. SAF's lightest air suspension is claimed to carry virtually no weight penalty over conventional monoleaf designs.

Bribery Owen-Rockwell 576

• The most significant development on RO-R's stand is its new composite spring for trailer axles. This spring, developed in conjuction with the Inland Division of General Motors in the US, is claimed to be lighter, more flexible and more durable than comparable steel springs.

Weight savings quoted are of the order of 13kg over a 38kg steel leaf spring — more than 33%. The new spring is also said to last more than twice as long in fatigue testing as a three-leaf parabolic steel unit under the same conditions, and is claimed to have a deflec tion slightly greater than the three-leaf parabolic (which in turn flexes twice as much as a single leaf of the same load rating).

Also on the RU-R stand is its brandnew Mk3 trailer axle which is made on a

new million beam manufacturing system at the company's Llay plant in North Wales. The Mk 3, which has a 10-tonne rating, has hubs which are 8kg each lighter than their predecessors. The brakes, which are operated by a newprofile camshaft, are fitted with asbestofree linings claimed to give a 50% greater life than before, and there are new bearings with new sealing arrangements.

RO-R's lndair air suspension system is now available in twin-wheel form as well as the long-established single-wheel version. Because the twin-wheel versions have narrower trailing arms and shorter cross-members, they are much lighter than the single-wheel units. RU-R claims that they weight under 500kg per axle station, and thus have little or no weight penalty over a steel leaf suspension.

The new suspension is complemented by a revised Neway top mount; the AR90 has a rigid trailing arm and a two-pin mounting to the axle for greater control over axle movement. It carries a threeyear or 400,000km warranty.

Salter Springs & Pressings 645

• Salter Springs and Pressings and Luhn and Pulvermacher are mounting a joint display on stand 645 at this year's show.

Salter will be exhibiting its range of heavy duty push-on fixes which are designed to withstand very high loads. In many applications, one fixer replaces two or more components such as washers, circlips, or holding plates and nuts, claims the company.

Luhn and Pulyermacher, for whom Salter Springs and Pressings are sole UK agents, are also exhibiting a variety of products, including tapered leaf springs, stabiliser bars and torsion bars, as well as a special glass fibre spring — developed jointly with BASF in Germany — which is being exhibited for the first time in the UK.

40 Stamm CO. Stemco Truck Products has a new metric hub seal designed specifically for drive axles, especially of the hub-reduction type.

0 The new Euroseal is also said to be suitable for steering and trailer axles, and is an addition to the established range of standard Sterne° and Guardian oil-lubricated hub seals, which are generally available in Imperial sizes. Other products on the Sterne° stand include exhaust components, friction products for clutches and brakes, the Stemco-Monroe moisture ejector for compressed-air systems, and Stemco-Engler hub odometers.

TEC 561 • On stand 561 TEC Trailer Equipment and Components, part of the York Group, is launching two new products; a weight saving air suspension system and a light weight axle.

The new suspension system is called Tecair and is designed to suit single and twin wheel axles of 8and 1I-tonnes capacity.

There are five components to the systern: an axle beam, trailing arm spring, a spring seat, a pivot bush and an airspring. Together these weigh 203kg on the 8tonne model and 224kg on the 11-tonne model.

Weight saving is provided by the Tecair system, because it does not use any airspring offset so there is no need for a chassis crossmember above the air springs.

The new lightweight axle, called the Drub, employs a unitised hub drum assembly which uses conventional wheel bearings and is in all other respects a conventional axle.

The new Drub axle weighs 240kg or 250kg, depending on whether the beam is used for mechanical or air suspension.

TEC claims the new axle provides weight savings of around 200kg on a triaxle set and is so small that it fits almost completely within the profile of the 15R 22.5 single tyre, providing improved protection against brake contamination and loss of performance in wet and dirty operations.

The brake size is 394mm x 150mrn and the axle is approved for triaxle use only at loads up to nine tonnes.

The brake drum is made out of spheroidal graphite cast iron and TEC has applied for a patent on Drubs made from this material.

Transport 561 • Newly-independent Transpart is launching two new ranges at the Motor Show; trailer air suspension parts, and fast moving truck braking equipment.

The new ranges will allow Transpart to widen its service to customers, and help the company to complete nationally with independent factors.

Transpart, another independent subsidiary of the York Geoup, now includes genuine parts from a number of manufacturers, including York, ROR, SAF, and BPW,

BODIES AND TRAILERS

Asquith No 448 IN In response to demand for a smaller van, Asquith has developed "the Shetland", based on a new Reliant Fox chassis, giving a 350kg payload and a 1.6m' (58.8 ft.3) body capacity.

The Shetland joins the existing range of replica vintage vehicles, including the Shire panel van built on the Ford Transit chassis, the Mascot eight seater courtesy bus and the Palace 12 seater coach.

Stainless steel or brass radiators are features of the vehicles along with artillery wheels, deep button leather upholstery, claxon horn, mahogany battery box and burr walnut dashboard.

Bedvras Badyworks Stand 404 • Securicor subsidiary Bedwas Bodyworks is best-known for its security vehicle bodies. At the show it has opted to highlight its integral parcel van bodywork for the new Transit chassis cab.

This has one-piece side panels for a smooth external appearance, devoid of rivets. As an alternative to its intended use as a high-volume parcels van, the same design forms the basis of a public service vehicle. Both roles are demonstrated at the show, along with a sliding door package that can be fitted to standard Transit panel vans — Ford does not offer a sliding driver's door on the new Transit.

B osco 401 ▪ Besco's Project Motorway, a streamlined Luton body for the Sherpa 300' series, has undergone wind tunnel development to reduce wind resistance. A one piece GRP Luton head, shaped skirts, under-bumper air dram and a pinched tail completes the aerodynamic envelope, reducing the drag coefficient from a Cd figure of 0.6 to 0.41.

The power output needed to drive the vehicle at 112.6km/hr (70mph) is reduced from 60 to 40kW (80 to 54.4hp) and equates to a 24% saving on fuel use. A pick-up body, based on the Ford Transit chassis, has an enclosed front section styled to match the cab which sports a cap illuminated nameboard.

The Beskimo refrigerated body range, suitable for operation down to —20°C, is fitted with Apex Load Control load restraint and an easy-to-fit Loadmaker moveable bulkhead, designed in the USA.

B ushey Hall 705 • Another NEC debut is that of Bushey Hall Transport Equipment. It is showing several electric and hydraulic vehicle winches from the Ramsey range and has introduced a range of lightweight aluminium ramps.

Bushey Hall is now UK agent for Pullrnaster planetary winches widely used with lorry loader cranes.

Carrymastor 521 • Making its debut at this year's Motor Show is Carrymaster's new all-British 12.2-metre double deck trailer.

The new step-frame trailer provides more than 21 metres of clear deck space. Carrymaster has designed the unit to operate 580mm above ground level, providing full standing height access on both decks. Dual axle wheel boxes and full air suspension are fitted as standard.

The trailer unit on display will be partly loaded for demonstration purposes and finished in the livery of Argos Catalogue Showrooms.

Other exhibits on the Carrymaster stand include a 12.2-metre, tandem axle GRP dry freight trailer in Carrymaster's own livery on a high gloss exterior finish, and a 12.2-metre, tandem axle, refrigerated trailer which is available either with a moveable bulkhead or in a doubledecked design which allows frozen and chilled goods to be carried at the same time.

Carrymaster also displays a six-metre rigid, dry freight body fitted to a Leyland Freighter, designed specially for Marks and Spencer. The vehicle will be shown at the Show in Marks and Spencer colours.

Dayton Walther 501 • The Runcorn-based fifth wheel manufacturer introduces a new trailer landing leg at the NEC. Compared with its predecessor, the Vanguard leg, the new model has a coarser thread on the main screw and revised ratios to give a smoother and quieter lifting action. A single turn of the handle gives a lift of 0.9mm in low gear and 10mm in high gear. The legs have a lift capactity of 24 tonnes and a static capacity of 63.5 tonnes.

Dayton Walther also displays its latest CT2 cast steel fifth wheel, a second generation Trulok fabricated coupling, and a range of Ringfeder drawbar couplings.

Dormobile 810 and 402 • Dormobile, presently occupied with minibus production for companies throughout the length and breadth of the country, makes its biggest show appearance at NEC with six vehicles.

A 16 seat minibus on the new Ford Transit chassis is shown alongside a 21 seater built on a Mercedes 709 chassis while outside Hall 8 is a Dormobile/Sherpa 20 seater bus. All six exhibits, including three Welfare ambulances built on Ford Transit, Dodge 50 series and a Freight Rover chassis are finished in metallic silver. Hydraroll 531 • Hydraroll shows its pneumatic roller track system at this year's Motor Show.

The system, which last year won the Queen's Award for Export Achievement, is available in both manual and powered versions for installation in trucks and trailers, or in loading docks, warehouse floors and scissor lifts.

A Hydraroll system was installed earlier this year at the new £4 million BRS depot at Trafford Park, Manchester, and the company claims discharge time has been reduced from 20 minutes per 20 pallet load to less than 90 seconds.

James Jones 572 • The James Jones stand displays newgeneration lorry loaders from PaIf-Inger, Fiskars timber loaders from Finland and On-Spot, an award-winning Swedish traction device.

PaRinger's PK1600 16-tonne/metre crane, unveiled at the Show, features a new knuckle boom linkage design. There is also a 13.5-tonne/metre model and a 46-tonne model coming along later. They are all designed to operate with a wide range of handling equipment options.

Fiskars loaders are purpose designed for timber handling; they have hydraulically extended stabiliser beams. The James Jones Highland Bear is assembled in Larbert for the UK industry.

On-Spot traction chains feature a revolving wheel with short lengths of chain offered directly to the tyre "footprint". The system is controlled from a button on the dashboard.

Jost 527 • Jost's JSK 36DV pressed-steel fifth wheel has a replaceable throat as standard, allowing the operator to recondition the throat and locking mechanism without removing the fifth wheel from the chassis. Lawrence David 520 • Lawrence David introduces a new range of side-access bodies called Kerbsider at the NEC.

Included in the range is a curtain-sider which is resistant to theft through ripping open of the curtains. Instead of conventional curtains, the KS Kerbsider's side closures are made of stiff panels of extruded thermoplastics which bunch together like curtains when they are slid open, but close up to form a rigid wall, To prevent thieves from gaining access through the continuous flexible hinges which link the 300min wide plastic panels, they are protected by external plastic cappings.

The KC Kerbsider is a fabric curtainsided version of the new side-access body. Its curtains are made from Lawrence David's established Armour Sheet fabric, and it is consequently lighter and cheaper than the KS body.

All Kerbsider bodies have load-bearing sides which are hung from top rollers, and they all afford full end-to-end side access and enough internal width for two 1,200mm pallets.

Weightsaving innovations on the Kerbsiders enable Lawrence David to claim that the KS weighs no more than a comparable, conventional curtain sider while the KC weighs as little as Lawrence David's lightweight LX model. The KS body costs about 30% more than a conventional curtainsider.

Longdon Truck Equipment 544 • Longdon Truck Equipment, the sole concessionaires for Zepro Tail Lifts in this country, will be showing Zepro's latest products.

A lightweight 500kg column lift will be displayed on a 3.5 tonne Sherpa, as well

as a sliding 1,500kg cantilever, suitable for refrigerated trailers and rigids.

Also on show will be a number of aluminium platforms and seal systems.

Lynton 539 • A full air-brake system has been developed for the Lynton Minitran 3,5007,500kg trailer range. The vehicle battery operates the compressor through the regulator valve, with an isolation switch for times when the tractive unit and trailer are separated and when starting from cold.

An improved version of the electro servo brake is in use in the smaller combinations up to 3,500kg.

An integrated design concept is incorporated in Lynton's new plant and machinery trailer range (8ft 6in to 14ft 2in deck length; and 1,600kg to 2,960kg payload capacity). The base design is a flat deck built over a chassis frame running on tandem axles suspended by torsion bars. Construction is in steel with treated timber decking. Customers can order for particular needs.

McDonald Kane No 529a 111 Over the last four years McDonald Kane has risen to prominence in the British demountable market and, having produced over 3000 units, claims to be current leader in the specialist demountable vehicle system market.

The company's latest innovation, a low loader fully automatic swop body system based on a Leyland Cruiser with air suspension, is the 28th to have been purchased by Hitachi UK.

Motor Panels 532 • Motor Panels is demonstrating its advanced engineering capabilities using CAD/CAM equipment and is also displaying some of the advanced software being evaluated for robotic simulation, solid modeling and kinematics.

The Motor Panels Leyland show cab, manufactured from seven different materials, illustrates the latest technological developments now possible.

Somers 747 • Somers demonstrates its Hyvvema mobile vehicle lift Model RG5 (20-tonne lifting capacity), lifting a Leyland Landtrain truck with the Edbro rock-dump body as supplied to the African and Middle East market.

Somers lifts have Ministry of Defence Quality Control Assurance to Defcon 0524, the only mobile vehicle lift manufacturer to achieve this standard according to Somers. Telehoist 540 • Cheltenham-based Telehoist launches its new CH 503A Load Lugger at this year's Motor Show.

Built for use with 16-tonne GVW vehicles, the new skip handling equipment replaces Telehoist's CH 503.

The new CH 503A has an 11-tonne lifting capacity and can carry containers up to 13.76m3 (18yd.4). Containers can be lifted from almost a metre below ground level (978mm).

Telehoist says the new Load Lugger has a new improved PTO/pump combination, a positive grip pattern plate floor, faster operation and a new rear light cluster incorporating a full lighting array and increased lighting protection.

The company plans to display a range of hydraulic tipping displacement rams — the Telehoist 'G' range, which are designed for day to day tipping operations.

There will also be examples of Telehoist's 'L' and 'R' series power takeoffs, specialist cylinders and axial piston pumps on display.

VBG Conessionaires 568 • VBG's news is a power actuator for trailer coupling, said to be of particular use to those who have to couple and uncouple trailers regularly or on uneven ground where the pin may stick. It is a pneumatic unit, working off normal vehicle air, and fits straight on to the hexagon shaft of a normal VBG coupling without modification.

It provides power for both raising and lowering of the pin and is controlled by a three-position lever. The unit comes as a complete kit including actuator, control box, brackets and fixings, and air pipes — set up for the particular VBG trailer or automatic drawbar coupling concerned.

Welforcl Truck Bodies 545 At this year's Show, Welford Truck Bodies of Warley is concentrating on its complementary business as the UK importer of Pesci lorry loaders.

Making their first public showing are the Pesci SM100 and the SPI30. The first of these models has a 12 tonne/metre capacity and weighs only 1.8 tonnes. It has a maximum reach of 8.6m. The SP130 is a slightly heavier model and is displayed mounted on a Leyland Freighter 1615 for Wimpey.

Another Freighter 1615 on the stand demonstrates all three facets of Welford's business. The body is a double dropside steel tipper, double-skinned and with an outrigged underframe for low height. The twin ram tipping gear is also by Welford and there is a Pesci SM80/2 loader to complete the package.

BRAKES

Clayton Dewandre 557 • Clayton Dewandre is part of Wabco Automotive Products group which in turn is a subsidiary of American Standard.

Its NEC display is designed to show how belonging to such a large group can bring advantages in technological expertise.

Clayton Dewandre's new road speed limiter for trucks and PSVs is on display, so is the sophisticated electronicallycontrolled cabin heating system, Climate Control, which is standard equipment on Kassbohrer coaches.

The new air brake plastic relay valve from the Rugby-based brake component manufacturer is lightweight, and said to be service and corrosion-free.

To illustrate its range of vacuum pumps for diesel engines, Clayton Dewandre is displaying a new, high-speed alternatordriven pump as used on the new Transit, and pumps fitted to the Peugeot 505 car diesel and the Perkins Prima, two-litre direct injection engine.

Garphyttan Hesselman 525 • Garphyttan Hesselman is showing products from its three main divisions, Haldex, Hesselman and Garphyttan at this year's show.

The company, formerly known as the SAB Automotive Company, will launch the Haldex single air drier at this show. The single drier is designed to remove moisture from braking systems and complements the twin drier already available.

Haldex's range of slack adjusters and automotive drain valves is on display along with Haldex concessionary products from Knorr Bremse and Paul Dahl.

Garphyttan also display its Oteva wire used in engine valve springs and piston rings, and the Hesselman Division shows its range of hydraulic power packs.

Mintex Don 218 • The new "Red Stripe" non-asbestos brake linings for trucks and buses will be seen in public for the first time on Min1 tex Don's stand.

DRIVELINE

AE Group 653 / Components group AE is showing a wide range of its engine components including pistons, rings, camshafts, bearings and liners.

Among the newer of these are Aeconoseal piston ring — which allows tworing piston design — and the Aeconoguide reduced-friction piston.

The new EMA (Electric Motor Actuated) speed control is there too, as is the new DP3 steel/bronze/PTFE bearing material for suspension struts.

Cummins Engine Company 560 • At least eight models from Cummins' newly widened range of truck, bus and coach engines are on display, a lastminute surprise addition could be the 'C' Series.

The Super E series engines are the latest versions of the long-serving 14 litre Cummins in-line six cylinder unit There are four Super E maximum power ratings — 238, 261, 283 and 298kW (320, 350, 380 and 400hp), all gross.

In the four years since its introduction in the UK, the 10-litre Cummins engine has established itself as a firm favourite with truck and PSY operators.

Now there are nine maximum power ratings in the 10-litre range, from 112 to 246kW (150 to 330hp). Two of the characteristics which have helped most to make the 10-litre the hest-selling truck engine in the UK for the past two years are its compactness and light weight.

The 'B' Series engines, which went into production at Cummins' Darlington plant earlier this year has been in production in the USA since 1983. It has taken Cummins into the 57 to 134kW (76 to 180hp) market sector for the first time, and thus more directly into competition in Europe with Perkins. Cummins' proud boast for the 'B' Series is that it has the lowest weight, the smallest number of different parts. the most common parts and is the simplest engine in its class to make and service.

The first two truck manufacturers to install the 'B' Series are Leyland. in the Roadrunner, and ERF in its new E6, 16Conner.

The 'C' Series engine was developed in parallel with the 'B' Series, by the Cummins/Case CDC company, and shares its characteristics of low weight and low number of components. Also like the 'B' Series, it uses proprietary fuel injection equipment in place of the Cummins unit injector system of the larger capacity enginers.

Cummins says the 'C' Series is not yet ready for truck applications in Europe but it is clear that it soon will be. 'C' Series power ratings range from 112 to 196kW (150 to 250hp).

Dana Europe 509 • Seven of this corporation's European divisions are represented including Floquet Monopole and Perfect Circle which supply engine components, and Intertruck with its enormous range of CV parts and accessories.

Spicer Transmission has three new gearbox models for the show. The 15290 is an uprated version of the T5-250, five-speed, synchromesh gearbox used by Renault Truck Industries, and by Leyland in its Roadrunner. Torque capacity has been increased to 393Nm (290 lb/ft) by widening the face of the main and countershaft gears, although the gearbox's external dimensions are unchanged.

Similarly, the five-speed 15-300 has been uprated to the T5-350.

Smoother, quieter splitter shifts will be possible from now on with the tenspeed, constant mesh Spicer gearbox fitted to Leyland Roadtrains as a result of the adoption of a synchronised splitter mechanism in place of a simple dog clutch. The SST 8010, 1310, and 1410 all benefit from the use of Spicer's new, slim, synchromesh splitter mechanism.

Spicer Universal Joint is exhibiting its range of propeller shafts and universal joints for light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles.

Spicer Clutches has new single and twin plate models, while power take-offs and pumps are shown by Chelsea.

Detroit Diesel Allison 529 ▪ DDA is emphasising its future plans for

Europe in new engines, automatic gearboxes and electronic control systems. The DDEC (Detroit Diesel Electronic Control) system which went into production in the USA last year will become available on a European engine next year, says the GM subsidiary.

Two new DDA engines resulting from the group's joint venture with John Deere also will become available for automotive applications in Europe next year. These are designated the 30 and 40 Series engines, and they will compete with Cummins B Series and Perkins Phasers.

The two Allison automatic gearboxes on show are both four speed units. The MTB644 is suitable for power outputs up to 186kW (250hp). Higher power outputs, up to 332kW (445hp) are catered for by the HT 740 gearbox.

Deutz 574 • Electronic power train management is the theme promoted this year on the Deutz Engine stand.

The basic concept is to broaden the range of applications for vehicle, so that the engine works with relatively equal economy whether lugging about on a muddy construction site or running at high speed along a motorway.

An Iveco 160.30 4x2 rigid was used as a mobile test bed.

Its Deutz BF8L513 engine was fitted with memory map-controlled injection and the 16-speed ZF gearbox was electronically controlled with logic operating the clutch.

A video entitled "The truth about ceramics in diesel engines" is aimed at correcting many of the misinformed statements that have been made on the subject.

Eaton Truck Components 528 III Eaton's own recent major

development activity, and the fruits of joint venture development are in evidence on this stand.

The Twin Splitter has earned quite a reputation among many drivers since its launch last year. The show exhibit is a cutaway, direct top gear TS 11612.

There are three examples from the new family of Eaton synchromesh gearboxes which was developed jointly with Iveco, but which is being manufactured solely by Eaton at its Basingstoke plant. These are the nine speed 6109 (Eaton's first synchromesh nine speed gearbox), the six speed 4106, and five speed 3105.

First user of any of the new family of gearboxes is ERF which has taken preproduction 4106s for its new Cummins B Series-powered Eli, 16 tonner. 74 10, The jointly developed Eaton/MAN single reduction drive axles, with which the company is aiming to win back some business from its major rival Rockwell, are not yet in production, but examples are on display at Birmingham. The 1344 has a 13 tonne maximum axle weight and is designed for vehicles up to 44 tonnes GCW while the lightweight 0818 is an eight tonne axle for vehicle, up to 18 tonnes GVW.

If you are fascinated by electronics, you will probably find Eaton's display board showing how its SAMT (semi automated mechanical transmission) control system works of particular interest. To find out how it works on a real truck you can try a MAN demonstrator outside the NEC.

Eaton Fluid Power Operations 562

111 Eaton displays a wide range of its viscous fan drives for cars, commercial vehicles and agricultural tractors. The Series 280 remote sensing fan drive is being developed for vehicles where coolant temperature sensing, rather than the more common radiator discharge air temperature sensing is required.

The surprise news from Eaton Fluid Power is the first showing in Europe of its supercharger for car and light truck engines. The Roots-type blower has been under development since 1977, says Eaton, and full scale production will begin next year.

Who will be fitting the supercharger? That the company is not yet saying. The Eaton supercharger is designed to operate at 1-3 times engine speed and makes extensive use of aluminium alloy.

Eminox 406a

• Eminox exhaust stacks are manufactured from the finest stainless steel containing 18% chrome and 9% nickel. Exhaust systems can be tailored to match vehicle configuration and engine requirements.

L Gardner and Sons 504

III Gardner's current range of truck bus and coach engines was introduced two years ago. This year's Birmingham Show sees the maximum power output of the 15.5 litre 6LY1' taken up to 261kW (350hp) at a characteristically low speed of 1,800 rpm. Gardner has already made it plain that this engine was designed to go to 298kW (400hp) and beyond.

Although it shares virtually no parts with earlier Gardner engines, and is the first unit built to metric dimensions to come from Patricroft, it does maintain the Gardner tradition of excellent spefific fuel consumption, very low weight (due largely to its aluminium alloy crankcase) and the potential of first class durability. The 12.7 litre 6LXDT is available in three power ratings — 186, 194 and 201kW (250, 260 and 270 hp). Its first major applications have been in six and eight wheeled rigids, but increasingly it is being specified for lightweight 32 and 38 tonne tractive units, The Gardner show line-up is completed by two 10.5 litre engines — the turbocharged, 172kW (230 hp) 6LXCT, and the naturally aspirated unit which has been many a PSV engineer's favourite for many years — the 6LXB, which is rated at a modest 140W (188hp).

Kysor 536

• Kysor has revised the clutch of its Dynair fan: the new unit is claimed to weigh 30% less than its predecessor. The company is also showing its usual range of radiator shutters.

Lip* 5711

• The 330mm Life ceramic disc or nonasbestos full-faced discs are suitable for torque levels of between 305Nm and 644Nm (225 and 475 lb/ft), while the 380inm single and twin plate models take the range up to 1900Nm (1400 lb/ft).

Perkins Engines 511

• Perkins exhibits an impressively wide range of diesel engines, from the world-beating two-litre direct-injection Prima, to the latest 12.2-litre Eagle engine from Shrewsbury — the 800 Series.

In between these two extremes are the recently-introduced Phaser, four and six cylinder engines in the 76 to 134kW (90 to 180hp) sector, the long-serving 16.354.4, from which Phaser was developed, and the new T4.38, 70kW (93hp), Dodge 50 Series engine. The four-cylinder 110T Phaser on display has a maximum power rating of 79kW (106hp) and is aimed mainly at urban delivery trucks.

The second Phaser is the 134kW (180hp) six-cylinder, turbocharged and charge-cooled 180Ti, intended primarily for 16-tonne rigids and artics up to 24 tonnes GCW.

With the Prima, Perkins (with a lot of help from Austin Rover) has won the race to produce the first direct-injection diesel engine suitable for cars and car derived vans. As CM already has proved in a road test of the Maestro van, the first Prima-equipped vehicle, the engine's major attribute is its outstanding fuel economy. The engine, designated MDi for all Austin Rover applications, is being built in naturally-aspirated and turbocharged form, and both are on display.

The advantages claimed for the 800 Series Eagle engines over the Eagles (which will continue in production for the time being) are up to 8% better fuel economy, higher torque (and torque rise), a 5% weight reduction, and improved durability — typically an 800,000km service life, says Perkins, owing to the latest silicon carbide-impregnated wet cylinder liners.

Initially the 800 Series Eagle engines will be available only in Leyland trucks.

Rockwell International 569

• Rockwell's S and U-180E solo drive axles are especially suited to turbocharged diesels developing 298kW (400hp) or more and have hypoid gears cut for increased durability, their fast ratios (3.07) are aimed at the heavy truck needs of the '80s and '90s.

The SHRD 55-tonne-GCW bogie, introduced last year, is a lightweight derivative of the SSHD 65-tonne-GCW model and features a 1,829mm (72in) track lead axle, driver-controlled low-profile crossaxle differential lock and inter-axle diff lock. The SSHD model 2,057nun (Ski) trailing axle features wide single tyres.

Major fleet operators in particular may be attracted by the latest offering from Rockwell CVC's axle range. the Rockwell D-125E 5.5-tonne solo drive axle offering disc brake capability and diff lock.

Additions to the wedge brake family are the Stopmaster III simplex brake (RS 360 x 170mm; RS 140 x 200tnm) combining braking stability with low weight and reliability. Integral automatic adjustment reduces maintenance.

Vol& 559

• Designed for city bus application Voith's fully-automatic D851.2 transmission, with integral retarder, has been shown to give substantial savings on brake lining wear.

The company's range of angle drives illustrates Voith's versatility in comple menting a wide range of different drive line designs.

The Voith VHBK 130 retarder can be fitted to a wide range of proprietary gearboxes used on trucks and coaches. Recent improvements include a higher braking performance at low road speed.

ELECTRICAL AND INSTRUMENTS

Luau Eledrical 133

• Lucas Electrical Parts and Services Division appears at this year's Motor Show on the Lucas Industries stand 133.

There will be a working model of Radiomobile car radios and cassette players reflecting the Science of Sound theme and a video display featuring highlights from this year's Lucas British Formula Three Championship along with a demonstration of the B90 and Lucas lighting range.

Also on display from the company will be Bluecol Antifreeze, Defroster and Screenwash.

Lucas Kiensie 558 MI Pride of place goes to the Lucas Kienzle 1318 fully automatic tachograph, which is currently being fitted as original equipment by a number of British and European truck manufacturers.

The 1318 incorporates self-diagnostic features to keep maintenance costs to a minimum and a fibre optic communication port for direct transmission of data to an in-cab computer.

New computer software will be featured on the stand, that has been developed by the company in collaboration with the Department of Transport, which can be used to analyse tachograph charts in the light of the new Community Drivers' Hours Legislation.

Also on the stand will be the company's speed limiter system, which can be seen in full working form, a fuel consumption meter system (also in model form) and a range of replacement tachographs.

Ripautts 627

• New exhibits from Ripaults this year include ranges of suppressed ignition leads and d-i-y auto electrical wiring, and trailer plugs and sockets. Other additions can be seen in the 64-page catalogue on the stand.

Speedograph 608

• Speedograph Richfield will be displaying a wide range of products on its stand at the NEC including the new FF Full Flow range of performance air filters.

The company will also be showing the MotoMeter range of instrumentation, including workshop Chart Recording Compression Testers and specialist brake testing equipment for use by vehicle engineering and development engineers.

Other products on the stand include speedometer and control cables, tachographs and accessories, specialised seats and a selection of instruments suitable for trucks and buses.

Time Instruments 742

• Jaeger has a number of new developments which it is launching at the show, including a new generation tachograph and a tyre deflation warning unit. A fog warning device tells the driver if he is travelling too fast in relation to visibility, while another warning device links engine revs to oil pressure.

VDO Instruments 216

• A concept vehicle interior forms the highlight of VDO Instrument's stand this year.

The "V2 car" utilises two different display technologies; liquid crystal display, for essential messages regarding speed, rpm, fuel and time, and a television tube which displays various trip computer functions, service information, warning messages and a vehicle navigation system.

VDO has chosen to display dark figures on a light background on the liquid crystal display because, the company claims, there is less chance of glare. A television tube has also been chosen because it allows the presentation of graphics as well as text.

Veeder-Reet 570

• Dundee-based Veeder-Root is launching two new products at this year's NEC show.

The Veeder-Root Road Speed Limiter uses electronic control and pneumatic actuation to limit vehicle speeds. The company claims the system will pay for itself in a few months, if fitted to vehicles doing motorway work. Also new for the show is a range of electronic speedometers suitable for commercial and specialist vehicle applications, which are available in analogue and digital versions.

Veeder-Root hopes to interest commercial vehicle operators in its Tachograph Chart analysers, the ACE 2E and ACE 4E, and in its wide range of tachographs, both automatic and mechanical.

HEATERS

Eberspacher 652

• Cab heater manufacturer, Eberspacher, will be displaying its warm air heaters which are designed to keep temperatures up inside freight containers.

Eberspacher says this is particulary important when transporting temperaturesensitive cargoes like house plants, computers and bananas. The company will be displaying its full range of cargo heaters in a variety of outputs, suitable for small vans up to 12.2 trailers.

Also on the Eberspacher stand will be the company's DlL heater, which, it claims, can prove economic to use in day cabs as well as sleeper cabs.

There will be a torch promotion campaign on the Eberspacher stand, in which 100 torches can be won. Visitors to the stand have to match up a coupon to win the rugged torches which are particularly well suited to trucking applications.

Hefac Engineering 537

• The Motor Show provides the venue tor the launch of the new Webasto model HL18 night cab heater.

The new heater is smaller, lighter, easier to install, quieter, more economical and cheaper than any previous heater from the company, claims Webasto.

Webasto says the HL18 should have a maximum fuel consumption of no more than 0.23 litres per hour.

The HL18 has been operating in lorry cabs on the continent for several years, and Webasto claims it has gained a reputation for trouble-free operation. All the heaters in the Webasto range will be featured on the company's stand.

SEATS

B ostrom 575

▪ Bostrom Europe's latest range of truck and van suspension seats will be on display at the Motor Show. Highlight of the Bostrom stand will be the Air Viking 714/1 lveco Ford Cargo version, which automatically adjusts for driver weight, and is now available from lveco Ford as a special vehicle option. Optional headrests and armrests are available from Bostrom dealers.

Bostrom will also be displaying the Air Viking 711 and its mechanical equivalent, the Viking 411 which have been chosen by Iveco to fit the Iveco Turbostar and 'T' ranges.

One of the key features of the Air Viking 711, which' was especially designed for the Iveco contract, is a 'rapid dump valve which allows the driver to deflate the air bag so he can exit the seat quickly.

liostrom also plans to display its Scania Viking 414 mechanical seat which fits Scania models 81, 82, 91, 92, 111, 112, 141 and 142, and its Viking 414 replacement seat.

Willibald Grammer 563 ▪ Grammer !nodular truck and bus scat is a whole seat family with interchangeable components. The range includes air suspension, mechanical suspension and static seating.

A variety of optional equipment can be provided, such as back rest extensions and seat heating, but throughout the range the controls are functionally-located on the one side of the seat, which is fully adjustable for height, suspension stiffness, cushion depth and armrest angle.

WORKSHOP

Allen Diagnostic 750 • on show (or the first time in the UK, the Allen computerised engine analyser (DEA) brings state of the art technology within reach of the smaller garage from around £4,700, claims the company. Mobile stands, printers and CO gas analyser can be added according to individual requirements.

Allen is also showing its latest four-gas emissions analysers designed to meet the stringent needs of emission-controlled engines. They can be integrated either with the DEA model mentioned, or the SEA analyser that was specified by General Motors and is claimed to be the top seller in the USA and able to carry out almost three times the number of specific diagnostic measurements of its nearest competitor.

Blackhawk 755 • From its base in vehicle repair measurement and straightening equipment, Blackhawk is diversifying and has a new 30-strong air tool range, including dust-free sanders. It is also entering the two-tonne trolley jack market, and for the first time is showing a 21/2-tonne mobile lift designed for bodyshop mobility.

Guyson 762 • Demonstrations are being given on the Guyson International stand of its Beadblast process to remove burnt-on carbon, rust, scale, tarnish and other surface deposits from engine and vehicle components.

The latest development based on the Galaxie all-plastic beadblasting cabinet is making its first appearance.

An exhibit aimed at the high-volume remanufacturer is the Guyson Euroblast range of metalbead blasting machines, electrically powered and using no compressed air.

H artridge 510 • Motor Show debuts are made by the Hartridge Series-600 and 700 diesel fuel injection pump test stands, the first with a 5.5kW (7.5hp) motor with an 80 to 3,500 rev/min range without gear or belt changes, and the latter including a lightweight injector mount that can be positioned on either side across the pump or across the end of the work table.

The Series-2500 universal test stand is now available with either a 7.5kW (10hp) or 11kW (15hp) motor and can be specified with a VDM system or pistonin-graduate metering system.

Karcher 756 • A machine for every automotive cleaning job is available from Karcher (UK), says the firm, which is featuring a German coin-operated small van and car wash booth system. Karcher's RI:1S 4000 commercial vehicle washer is also displayed.

Wet-and-dry vacuum cleaners from Karcher separate wet from dry debris by means of a cyclone effect.

Spraybake 748 • Spraybake's new combined spraybooth/low bake units are finished throughout in white polyester with stainless steel joiners and cappings. The doors incorporate anti-slam and self-closing devices. Electronic controls give the operator full control over the essential elements of heat, time and airflow.

The following stands may also be of interest. Details of the exhibits were not available at the time of going to