Recent Entries

We are delighted to confirm that we are manufacturing increasing numbers of Cheetah products to help reduce our customer's fuel costs and lower their carbon footprint.

We are also pleased to see our competitors follow our lead in presenting their own versions of aerodynamic solutions however we are confident that the Cheetah trailer remains the most fuel efficient and cost effective trailer design currently available.

There has been recent confusion in the industry caused by an inaccurate report posted on the Department for Transport website, which we intend to resolve when we meet up with their representatives in February.

In the meantime we would like to assure our current and prospective customers of the key facts relating to the Cheetah Aerodynamic Trailer as follows:-

• The Cheetah range of products is being continually developed utilising our unique in house computational fluid dynamic systems in addition to fuel trials at MIRA and wind tunnel test work utilising scaled models. Therefore future products will be yet more fuel efficient as our development programme is continuous and to date still remains the only government sponsored project focussing on HGV articulated vehicle fuel savings.
• The only aerodynamic trailer that has been specifically designed following 1/10 and 4/10 model making and wind tunnel testing to validate aerodynamic performance at MIRA.
• The only aerodynamic trailer that has been independently track and road tested by an independent body over a 10 month period, this being the longest and most extensive test ever.
• The Cheetah aerodynamic trailer has been saving fuel and reducing CO² emissions since 1990, there are in excess of 2,500 currently in operation.
• Following many back to back independent and customer tests against competitors in the market, the Cheetah has produced better and repeatable fuel savings.
• The Cheetah aerodynamic trailer due to its more conventional shape is suitable for low height operations and continental routing where the height limit is only 4m, this contrasts with other types, which are taller and have longer journey times due to having to avoid low bridges and are not suitable for Continental operations.
• The Cheetah aerodynamic trailer is the lightest aerodynamic trailer on the market, therefore producing yet further fuel savings, higher payload and faster average speeds particularly on inclines leading to shorter journey times and increased fleet efficiency.
• The Cheetah aerodynamic trailer is economic to manufacture so its capital cost is low. In addition as it is a more conventional shape its residual value is stronger. This also means the weekly lease cost for a Cheetah trailer is significantly lower than our competitors, resulting in considerably lower whole life operating costs.
• The Cheetah aerodynamic trailer is more economic to repair due to its more conventional design and is suitable for use in urban areas due to its lower overall height.
• In addition to straight frame types the Cheetah Aerodynamic Trailer is available as a double deck trailer which produces a lower carbon footprint due to the higher volume delivered.

The current economic environment is throwing up challenges to everybody. The automotive world and the whole road transport sector have been hit hard, if not harder, than many other areas of industry.

Without doubt, the end of last year and this year have been very challenging for the commercial vehicle market, as operators were unsure of what procurement path they may take in 2009. The decision making process has become slower, as businesses continue to review their own efficiencies and cost bases to ensure they can survive the recession.

This, in turn, has led to numerous companies reducing costs, by looking at the way in which they carry out their day-to-day business activities. This, in many cases, has led to reduced vehicle fleet size and delayed procurement, as they challenge the way in which they carry out their transport and logistics processes.

We have been fortunate as we've not only maintained our level of trading but increased it.

But in this current economic climate there is no time for self-congratulation or any hint of complacency. Everyone in our industry needs to be looking forwards, sideways, rearwards and up and down, all at the same time, to maintain momentum.

Now perhaps more than ever is the time for all of us to be looking ahead at any possible new opportunities and markets, while increasing our own efficiencies and investments within our workplaces.

It seems to be the case that the wider product range you have then the more chance your company has of helping customers reduce their costs and increase their efficiencies. It's about working with them on alternative ways to move goods efficiently and in the most cost effective way.

Companies seem to be taking an increased interest in the issue of fuel economy. They are looking ever closer at products, such as our SRS Cheetah airfoil, that can reduce aerodynamic drag and increase fuel efficiency. But everything from new curtainsider designs, new double deck trailers, demountable and drawbar systems, high capacity trailers and lightweight rigid vehicles are coming under increased scrutiny from customers who know that now, more than ever, it is crucial to stay ahead of the crowd.

Customers now seem to prefer a more 'rounded' solution to their vehicle supply chain issues. They want to go to one place for their full trailer management service rather than go to one company for trailer build, another for maintenance and another for finance or rental. Our industry is not the only one where "one stop shop" preferences are coming to dominate. But, in such tight times, responding to these preferences will help shape our industry well beyond this current recession. Business activities developed in recessionary times often become the blueprint for the way we work when things are more prosperous.

In these uncertain times, it is unsurprising that many more customers are now seeking trailer rental and want more for their rental money. It is crucial that any trailer supplier meets those needs to gain the lasting commitment that we all value so much from customers. To do this, it's important to offer more than an "off the shelf" rental solution. We have recently launched our web portal for the rental fleet, which enables our rental customers to view and manage fleet information online. We are in an era where the customer wants and expects more - and we all have to provide it.

A recession can never be the happiest of times for many sectors of our industry.

The recession challenges us all. But responding to that challenge can bring rewards for all of us.