City West Commercials – News and Events

News & Events

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

Foreign Truck Drivers are to Be Tested for Covid-19 on Arrival in the UK

At the end of March, the Government announced that logistics drivers, air crews and rail workers are to be tested for COVID-19 on arrival to the UK. The new coronavirus rule which applies to hauliers from outside the UK and Ireland came into force on 6 April.

Undeclared health conditions which invalidate insurance

Many drivers are unaware that if they develop a health condition that could affect their driving, they need to declare it to the DVLA and their insurance provider. Drivers over 70 are generally familiar with the regulations, because they must reapply for a licence every 3 years and declare any health conditions each time. Younger drivers with conditions such as diabetes, angina and hypertension may be unaware of the rules.

COVID-19 Rules for Safer Practice for International Hauliers

The Government has issued updated rules for international hauliers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance covers issues such as what to do if a driver or crew displays COVID symptoms, isolation in the driver cab, and sleep and rest arrangements.

£32 million funding for next generation trucks

A new centre of technology for electric HGV powertrain is being established in Wales. The Government has injected almost £32 million of funding into developing electric propulsion systems for heavy goods vehicles. The project in Cwmbran, Wales, will develop lightweight electric powertrain for commercial vehicles.

City West Brake Testing In-House with TotalKare

City West sharpens productivity and service offering with in-house brake testing with TotalKare

Funding to fix equivalent of 10 million potholes

The equivalent of 10 million potholes could be filled in by Councils across England with their allocated share of £500 million for highways maintenance.

Chancellor urged to support HGV driver jobs in budget and hold fuel duty at current levels

The logistics industry needs support in the 2021 Budget to ensure the continued health of the UK’s supply chain, according to business group Logistics UK.

Logistics UK welcomes electric charging at home for van drivers

Business organisation Logistics UK has welcomed the Government’s £50 million boost for electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints for those in leasehold and rented accommodation, as well as the expansion of the Workplace Charging Scheme for small and medium businesses.

Robert Veit announced as new Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Vans UK

Robert Veit, currently Vice President and Managing Director Sales and Marketing of Mercedes-Benz Vans USA, will take over the position as Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Vans UK as of 01 May 2021.

235,000 haulier tests completed and new rules for entering France

The government is reminding HGV drivers to get tested for COVID-19 early in their journey at one of 37 UK haulier advice sites providing tests. The French government has recently changed the testing arrangements facing hauliers looking to travel from the UK into the country.

Drivers paid nearly £60m in bus lane fines in 2019

Two million bus lane fines were issued across the UK in 2019, resulting in £59.6 million being handed over by motorists.

Phase-out of diesel HGVs planned to meet 2050 net zero deadline

The truck industry is ready to lead on phasing out diesel say European manufacturers. Europe’s vehicle manufacturers have joined forces with scientists to develop a roadmap to achieve carbon-neutral road freight transportation by 2050.

eSprinter Wins Coveted What Van? Safety Award 2021

Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Ltd is once again celebrating another award win – this time for the eSprinter, which was today honoured with the What Van? Safety Award for 2021.

Last reminder for HGVs driving in London without a Direct Vision Standard permit

The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and safety permit for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) requires operators of lorries over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight to apply and obtain a permit to enter or operate in Greater London. The Government say that Penalty Charge Notices will be enforced from 1 March 2021.

Connected Trucks: Towards future transport.

Connectivity solutions are radically transforming the transportation sector. Utilising approximately 400 sensors, trucks generate vast amounts of data and contain software that contains over 100 million lines of code – more than that of a jet plane.

Tariff concerns - Talk to us now

In the event of a no deal 'Brexit' import tariffs of 10% look likely but we understand the concerns.

Plant Speed’s three Mercedes-Benz SLTs play the starring roles in a new ‘blade runner’ epic

Heavy haulage specialist Plant Speed deployed its trio of 250-tonne Mercedes-Benz SLT tractor units to transport what are believed to be the longest wind turbine blades ever moved by road in this country. Leading the line was the Bristol-based operator’s latest flagship, an 8x4 Actros 4463 which arrived last month (November) via established partner City West Commercials.

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.

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

In 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.

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.

Find a City West Location

Avonmouth
0117 938 7770 Kings Weston Lane, St. Andrews Rd, Avonmouth, BS11 9BY
07551152147 AfterSales Director - Andy Passco

Highbridge
01278 555660 City West Commercials, Commerce Way, Highbridge, TA9 4AG
07771386840 Depot Manager - Taz Hutchings

Exeter
01392 360555 City West Commercials Ltd, Unit 46, Woodbury Salterton, EX5 1EW
07551152146 Depot Manager - Joe Casley

Roche
01726 421167 Victoria Business Park, Roche, PL26 8LX
07968795621 Depot Manager - Jim Miller