City West Commercials – News and Events

News & Events

Below are a selection of our latest news stories and articles.

Delivering Christmas How the UK’s van community is coming to the rescue this festive season.

n a year of unprecedented challenges and changes, Christmas 2020 is shaping up to be different for all of us. With shopping centres and brick-and-mortar stores facing an unpredictable calendar of restrictions, customers are relying on internet shopping to get their gifts – and the van community is under pressure like never before.

With Mercedes-Benz Trucks, the best just keeps getting better

The announcement last month of a new emergency stop function designed to further increase the safety of its ground-breaking Active Drive Assist technology has underlined once again Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ commitment to the constant improvement of its products. Many of the innovations and developments made to its range by the company’s engineers are in direct response to feedback from UK customers.

UK Surfacings stages a repeat performance with two FUSO Canters from City West Commercials

Six years after it became one of the first customers in Britain for the range-topping 8.55-tonne FUSO Canter, UK Surfacings has commissioned a like-for-like replacement

SCF Transport’s sharp-eyed driver shares his vision and travels with new Actros

Nick Shelby is undoubtedly well equipped for every journey but snaps into action every day with his new Actros. Unfolding some of his favourite aspects of the truck he shared some of his travels with us after dropping into City West Commercials, Avonmouth recently for an inspection. Nick who drives for SCF Transport in Clevedon, regularly travels as far as Lancaster or even Rochester but tell us "every journey in this truck feels amazing."

How to apply for an ECMT permit

Hauliers may need ECMT permits for some journeys to or through the EU from 1 January 2021. The Government advises that firms should apply for these now in case they’re needed. Permits are transferrable between vehicles and between operator licences held by the same operator but must be carried in the vehicle when it is travelling on an international journey.

It could soon be illegal to pick up your phone while driving

Drivers are technically only banned from making calls or texting while in charge of a vehicle – with pressure mounting for the law to be brought up to date to include functions like taking a photo, watching videos or playing games.

Reigate & Banstead invests £3.6m in ‘cleaner, greener’ Mercedes-Benz Econics from City West Commercials

Residents in the Surrey borough of Reigate & Banstead are now receiving waste and recyclables collection services from 11 new Mercedes-Benz Econics fitted with Dennis Eagle Olympus Twin Pack compaction bodies. Supplied by Dealer City West Commercials, the low-entry 26-tonners are significantly cleaner in terms of emissions than the seven-year-old vehicles they have replaced. 3 MINUTE READ | 641 WORDS

SHAPING THE NOW&NEXT.

Experience all the highlights of our digital Mercedes-Benz Trucks event. Learn more about the topics of the future and present: We present all the newest information on eMobility and the Actros Edition 2.

Workforce shortage in the logistics sector becomes critical as 33% set to retire

Logistics UK, previously known as Freight Transport Association (FTA), is campaigning for a sustained investment in skills and workforce within the logistics sector.

New digital services from Mercedes-Benz Trucks help to maximize vehicle use

Digitisation is turning truck manufacturers into service providers. Digital trucks offer value added services for logistics .Truck-as-a-Service creates the conditions for optimal transportability.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks presents another worldwide innovation for more safety on the road

Available from June 2021 for most Actros assembly model series: Active Drive Assist 2 comprises an emergency stop function which can automatically brake the vehicle to a complete halt in case of an emergency.

The Direct Vision Standard and HGV Safety Permit Guide

City West and Mercedes-Benz Trucks map the route to London. Even if you are South West based, get clear sight on the permits in our handy guide.

Mercedes-Benz unveils a new long-distance flagship – introducing the exclusive Actros Edition 2

A new special model from Mercedes-Benz Trucks, the Actros Edition 2 is aimed at innovation-loving professional drivers whose truck is their home.

Stronger. Together.

How the van community and small businesses are keeping the country moving.

Technology strategy for electrification: World premiere of Mercedes-Benz fuel-cell concept truck

Truck manufacturer Daimler Trucks today presented its technology strategy for the electrification of its vehicles, ranging from urban distribution to international long-haul transport, thus reaffirming its commitment to the goals of the Paris Climate Protection Convention.

The world’s fastest electric ice cream van

The world's fastest electric ice cream van has scooped a Guinness World Record title by clocking up speeds of 73.921 mph. The record was broken by Edd China, a British inventor and TV presenter from Surrey, who doesn’t sell ice-cream for a living, but is on a mission to decrease carbon emissions.

Sight Management

Enforcement has been postponed until 2021, but hard questions surrounding Transport for London’s new Direct Vision regime remain ‘front of mind’ for many operators. Mercedes-Benz has plenty of answers.

Government urged to “get the job done” on post-Brexit border arrangements

While the UK has announced that it will not be introducing complete customs checks on goods arriving from the EU, Michel Barnier, EU Brexit negotiator has confirmed that from 1 January 2021, every UK product imported into the EU will face checks, regardless of whether or not a trade deal is reached. Logistics UK, previously known at the Freight Transport Association (FTA) say that while they welcome the statement from Michael Gove MP on July 13 clarifying post-Brexit border arrangements, they urge the government to get the job done now.

Speed cameras located in “good hunting grounds”

Long suspected by drivers, speed cameras are being used by some police forces to make money rather than enforce the law, according to a new report from a police watchdog.

Ready for Action with City West

All our depot Workshops are open but sometimes you need something special to remind you of how well your team work together. Plant Speed's Swiss Army knife of a truck hits Avonmouth.

There’s no looking back, as C&D South West’s drivers are won over by Mercedes-Benz MirrorCam

C&D South West’s new Managing Director Lorna Hammond came to a split decision when ordering four Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units from City West Commercials.

Versatile Mercedes-Benz Unimog leads the field for rural groundworks contractor Luke

Fourteen years after he began trading, agricultural and equestrian contractor Luke Finney is running his first Mercedes-Benz Unimog – but it’s unlikely to be his last. “If I’d known Unimogs were this good I would have bought one years ago,” he declared. “Having experienced the vehicle’s amazing range of abilities, I can’t understand why anyone in my line of work would choose anything else.

City West Comment - Steering the Direct Vision Standard and the industry forward.

3 MIN READ: Check out Simon Johnson-Taylor's article on the recent survey by CameraMatics about the Direct Vision Standard changes, are we ready as an industry and how City West are steering our customers through it all.

High-tech Mercedes-Benz Actros ticks all the boxes for Driven by Me

He’s a long-term fan of another truck brand, but Steve Garnier has been blown away by his new Mercedes-Benz, a beautifully presented Actros 2548 BigSpace tractor unit that wears the colours of Avonmouth-based haulier Driven by Me

John Dinham Transport opens a new chapter with first Approved Used FUSO Canter

These are exciting times for Mercedes-Benz Approved Used Trucks customer John Dinham Transport, which has just moved to a new base in Avonmouth.

Sweet takes the wheel at Mercedes-Benz Trucks Dealer City West Commercials

Operators in the south west will be hearing more from their local Mercedes-Benz Trucks Dealer – that’s the pledge from the man now steering City West Commercials into a new era.

Rich Smith joins City West's Truck Team

The award winning truck executive offers a quick turnaround for businesses looking to go the distance.

People power keeps van heroes moving.

The sacrifices made by the UK’s van community right now are greater than ever before – but the support of colleagues, employers and the general public keeps them moving.

Nominations for Truck & Driver Awards

It’s time to get nominations in for Truck & Driver Magazine Awards. There are five awards up for grabs: Young Driver of the Year, Hero of Haulage, Champion of Drivers, Truck of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award. Nominations close on 24th July.

Urgent plea for safer parking spaces

FTA, one of the UK’s biggest business groups, is urging the government to follow through on its promise made two years ago to provide safe parking spaces for HGV drivers. Two years after the government pledge, FTA’s members report that provision has not improved, and many are forced to take their rest breaks in unsafe locations without access to sanitation facilities.

It’s déjà vu all over again as FUSO Canter lands another two top awards

With a fully electric model that’s “way ahead of the game” and a “feisty” off-road variant, the FUSO Canter delivered a repeat performance at the 2020 Trade Van Driver Awards.

Wolfgang Theissen prepares to take the helm at Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK

Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK has announced the appointment of Wolfgang Theissen as its next Managing Director. He succeeds Mike Belk, who is to retire before the end of the year, having served the Mercedes-Benz brand for 30 years.

The Volvo Group and Daimler Truck AG to lead the development of sustainable transportation by forming joint venture for large-scale production of fuel cells

Daimler Truck AG and the Volvo Group share the vision of sustainable transport solutions.

CITY WEST - Health and Safety

At City West we are communicating regularly with our team to keep them up to date with our policy around the COVID-19 outbreak.

Kier wades in with his Mercedes-Benz Unimog as Storm Dennis floods hit Herefordshire

Apple grower and cider maker Kier Rogers has been hailed a hero of flooded Hampton Bishop after using his all-terrain Mercedes-Benz Unimog to ferry neighbours to and from their cut-off homes and businesses.

Sprinter retains Large Van of the Year title

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has retained the Large Van of the Year honour at the Great British Fleet Awards.

Too many vans have no alarm fitted

Four-in-ten new vans on sale today do not come with an alarm as standard, an investigation by What Car? Vans has concluded.

Uncertainty drives CV operators towards flexible solutions

The BVRLA has published its 2020 Industry Outlook for Commercial Vehicles report, charting the main challenges faced by the sector and providing some insight into how they are being overcome.

Vital safety features now in place on more than 8,000 lorries

Transport for London has issued more than 8,000 Heavy Goods Vehicle Safety Permits, as part of the Direct Vision Standard since it launched in October 2019.

RHA publishes vision to decarbonise freight and logistics

The Road Haulage Association has published a new strategy paper setting out its approach to decarbonising the freight and logistics sector.

How Brexit may affect HGV ownership models

An executive briefing just released by vehicle specialist Dawsongroup predicts that the traditional acquisition patterns in the haulage industry may be substantially disrupted by Brexit.

Pro Connect services added to Sprinter, Vito and eVito models

Mercedes-Benz Vans has enhanced the capabilities of its class-leading connectivity system, Mercedes PRO connect, with the addition of two new services – Remote Access and Digital Drivers’ Log.

Truck Sales Team Strengthen Team

City West welcome Ian Carlisle who has joined the Truck Sales Team. Bringing over 25 years of industry experience, Ian joins City West to strengthen our remit as one of the leading truck dealerships.

The Actros – A success story | 400 words | 3 min read

Specialist commercial vehicle journalists from 24 European countries voted for the Mercedes-Benz Actros to be crowned Truck of the Year of the fifth time.

Do your contracts need a ‘Brexit Clause’?

Hauliers involved in cross-border transport should consider inserting a ‘Brexit Clause’ into their commercial contracts, to avoid being locked into unaffordable agreements.

Should vans be regulated like HGVs?

A surge in the use of vans up to 3.5 tonnes for parcel deliveries and distribution has taken work traditionally done by HGVs and exploited a lack of regulation in the sector, according to a report on the Motor Transport website.

Zero-emission trucks require radical policy changes

The transition to carbon-neutral and zero-emission freight transport cannot happen without radical policy changes by the European Union and the governments of all member states.

Report identifies hauliers’ biggest concern

Driver recruitment and retention is still the biggest concern for hauliers, according to the RHA’s latest Cost Movement Report.

The benefits of a travelling canine companion

UK's professional drivers spend on average 17 hours completely alone on the roads each week. It's little surprise, then, that almost a third (32%) of these drivers choose to battle against loneliness and poor mental health by taking their dogs on the roads with them. In fact, 19% take their dog everywhere. But exactly why are so many of the nation's drivers dog lovers?

How do the UK’s van drivers keep Christmas moving?

Roads are expected to be far busier than usual on ‘Frantic Friday’, according to Highways England, with millions of people travelling to visit family and friends over the festive period. Our research reveals that 95% of van drivers feel responsible for making sure their Christmas runs smoothly. We’re asking, how do they manage?

Find a City West Location

Avonmouth
01173219899 Kings Weston Lane, St. Andrews Rd, Avonmouth, BS11 9BY
07974949322 Depot Manager - Terry Evans

Highbridge
01278401354 City West Commercials, Commerce Way, Highbridge, TA9 4AG
07771386840 Depot Manager - Taz Hutchings

Exeter
01392338076 City West Commercials Ltd, Unit 46, Woodbury Salterton, EX5 1EW
07551152146 Depot Manager - Joe Casley

Roche
01726421167 Victoria Business Park, Roche, PL26 8LX
07968795621 Depot Manager - Jim Miller