LPG Vans and Hybrid Vehicles

Leading hybrid commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashwoods Automotive has clinched another award.

The Exeter-based company won the prestigious Manufacturing Innovation Award at the Insider Made in the South West Awards, held in Bristol.

Neil Tague, Editor at South West Business Insider which organises the Awards said: “The South West has some really smart businesses providing next-generation solutions in their chosen fields, and Ashwoods is one of the best.

“It has identified a market requirement for a more efficient and environmentally-friendly way to run commercial fleets and is meeting that demand superbly.”

Ashwoods Automotive is the UK’s largest supplier of hybrid commercial vehicles. The company is the sole hybrid vehicle supplier to the Department for Transport’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP), which provides subsidies to public sector bodies purchasing hybrid vans and minibuses.

Ashwoods is also fast-growing player in the fields of driver behaviour technology and the design of low carbon vehicle components. The company recently started manufacturing its innovative Ashwoods electric motor in the South West – significantly improving its bottom line.

Ashwoods is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the leading players in HEV and EV core drive train components including electric motors, gearboxes, batteries, battery management systems and eco-driving technologies. This includes the award winning Lightfoot in-cab driver efficiency system.

Martin Kadhim, Business Development Manager at Ashwoods Automotive, said: “Ashwoods entered the awards because we wanted to be recognised for our local efforts. We try to keep our supplier base as south-west based as possible, for example 75 per cent of the hybrid components are sourced from within 25 miles of the Exeter office – and despite the opportunity to manufacture overseas, Ashwoods Hybrid Drive system is manufactured in Weston-Super-Mare.”

He added: “Winning the award means so much to the team here at Ashwoods as it gives the team further recognition for their focus on developing great technologies that help reduce carbon and play a pivotal role in the fast developing low emission manufacturing industry in the UK.”

A total of six other category winners were announced at the ceremony at Marriott Hotel on November 8th.

These include:

Aerospace/Defence – Aero Stanrew (Barnstaple),

Exporter of the Year – Avon Metals (Gloucester)

Sustainable Manufacturer – Green Fuels (Stonehouse, Gloucestershire)

Food and Drink – Thatchers Cider (Sandford, Somerset)

Advanced Manufacturer – GKN Aerospace (Filton)

Manufacturer of the Year – Burts Chips (Roborough)

The Made in the South West Awards were sponsored by Barclays, Foot Anstey, Grant Thornton, GoIndustry, G4S, TasteTech and University of Bristol.

Sheffield City Council has unveiled six eco-friendly hybrid mini-buses for use by special needs schools, including Bents Green Special School.
They are the largest fleet of hybrid buses to have been provided by a local authority to date.
The buses were provided by Ashwoods Automotive Ltd. and use the award-winning Ashwoods Hybrid drive technology, which reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emmissions by 15-25%.
The technology stores energy whenever the vehicle slows down and transfers it to the wheels via an electric motor, eliminating the need for manual charging.
Funding for the buses came from the Department for Transport’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme.
They provide a grant of £3,430 per vehicle, which, coupled with the fuel savings the vehicles provide, means that the hybrids will actually reduce Sheffield’s fleet costs.
Cllr Jack Scott, Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Streetscene said: “These greener buses will reduce fuel costs at a time of rising prices and they will also help the environment, which is massively important to us.
“The introduction of these new vehicles is a really positive step forward to a more sustainable Sheffield and will help strengthen our reputation as England’s greenest city.”
Cllr Leigh Bramall, Cabinet Member for Transport, added: “It is great to be leading the way with these low emission vehicles.
“We need to use our transport fleet on a daily basis, especially for transporting children to and from school.
“If we can do this in a low-cost, fuel efficient way then this can only be a good thing.”

The shortlists have been announced for the inaugural Insider Made in the South West Awards, which will be held in exactly one month’s time on 8 November 2012 at the City Centre Marriott Hotel in Bristol. In all, 26 companies are in the running for the seven awards to be handed out on the night.

South West Business Insider editor Neil Tague said: “This is the first year we’ve run the Made in the South West Awards and the response has been overwhelming. The UK economy needs to be rebalanced and manufacturing has to play a big part – it’s time the best of our manufacturers were championed for their world-class work.”

Simon Howes, area director of the Manufacturing Advisory Service, was among the independent judging panel. He said: “It’s been great to see so many excellent South West businesses enter these awards.

“Over the course of the year, MAS has helped some great companies flourish and this awards programme is something that can give richly deserved recognition to businesses that aren’t always recognised for the value they create and the good they do.”

The shortlists:

Manufacturing Innovation: Ashwoods, Swallowfield, Apetito, Magmatic

Aerospace/Defence: Aero Stanrew, Omega Engineering Services, Supacat

Exporter of the Year: Dycem, Swallowfield, TasteTech, Avon Metals, Quickgrind, Hilton Herbs, SFL

Sustainable Manufacturer: Green Fuels, Sharp’s, CFH

Food and Drink: Westaway Sausages, Burts Chips, Marshfield Bakery, Thatchers Cider, Wyke Farms, Butcombe Brewery

Advanced Manufacturer: Graphic, GKN Aerospace, Gooch & Housego

Manufacturer of the Year: Hilton Herbs, Vi Spring, Burts Chips, Ashwoods, Aero Stanrew

The judging panel comprised: Barry Warburton (chief executive, West of England Aerospace Forum); John Sheaves (chief executive, Taste of the West); Paul Knight (director of sales operations, EEF); Christine Marshall (chairman, South West Food & Drink); Alan Bailey (chairman, Low Carbon South West); Russell Jones (regional director, UK Trade and Investment); Simon Howes (area director, Manufacturing Advisory Service); and Neil Tague (editor, South West Business Insider).

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) has become the first emergency service in the UK to deploy hybrid van technology.

WMFS has invested in an Ashwoods Hybrid Transit from Ashwoods Automotive Ltd. The vehicle is now one of several in the organisation’s fleet of hybrid vans and cars which include the Honda Civic and the Toyota Prius and Auris models.

Speaking about the Ashwoods van, Chris Beebee fleet manager at WMFS said: “The aim is to significantly reduce the fuel and greenhouse gas emissions, while maximising financial savings.

“It is very straightforward to use and drivers don’t have to think about plugging it in to charge up the batteries, or worry that vehicle may not have sufficient charge to complete the journey.”

West Midlands purchased the vehicle through the Department for Transport’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP). This initiative aims to help public sector bodies in England and Wales to procure and assess 500 Ashwoods Hybrid LCVs. The DfT provides a subsidy of £3,430 per vehicle.

Mark Roberts, managing director of Ashwoods Automotive, said: “As public sector organisations, all emergency services can benefit from attractive Government subsidies for Ashwoods Hybrid Transits.”

Housing Associations can now buy low carbon hybrid light commercial vehicles (LCVs) for the same price as a standard diesel vehicle, thanks to a Government initiative.

The Department for Transport is offering to pay the difference between a standard Ford Transit and the hybrid equivalent, through its Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP). The programme was established to help public sector organisations such as central and local government bodies to become early adopters of low carbon vehicles. It has now been extended to cover housing associations.

The Ashwoods Hybrid Transit, produced by Ashwoods Automotive Ltd, is the only DfT-approved vehicle in the programme. It is available as a chassis cab, minibus or panel van. Under the LCVPP scheme, DfT provides a subsidy of more than £3,400 per vehicle.

Martin Kadhim, Business Development Director at Ashwoods Automotive, said: “This is a unique opportunity for the Social Housing sector to cut fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions from transport.
“Light commercial vehicles play an important role within any housing association; this is an opportunity to procure a proven environmental technology that delivers a real return on investment.”

The Ashwoods Hybrid Transit is fitted with an award-winning hybrid system that captures wasted energy and uses it to help the engine burn less fuel. It reduces diesel consumption by up to 25%, helping housing associations to lower their fleet fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions.

The van requires no charging, plugging in, or special treatment and can used for any job for which a regular van would be considered.

Ashwoods successfully proved its technology to the DfT over a three year period during which its vehicles covered 4 million miles. Ashwoods provided routine testing and fleet manager feedback from 14 public sector organisations, utilising 138 Hybrid vans.

DfT is only providing subsidies for the first 500 Ashwoods vehicles ordered – and all orders must be received by March 2013.

Further details on the LCVPP can be found at

http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/low-carbon-vehicle-public-procurement-programme/

For further information on the Ashwoods Hybrid Transit, please contact Martin Kadhim on 01392 340 414, email martin.kadhim@ashwoods.org or visit www.ashwoodshybrid.co.uk

Gary Whittam is joining Ashwoods Automotive as Director of Business Strategy, to drive sales of its new Lightfoot in-cab system for the Ford Transit.

Whittam said: “I am delighted to be joining Ashwoods, which has a great track record in developing low carbon vehicle products that are simple to use but incredibly effective”.

“When I left Ford, I resolved to only work on those van industry issues close to my heart – reducing cost, carbon and improving driver behaviour.  These are the big issues facing the van sector right now and Lightfoot meets all three objectives.

“Lightfoot actually engages with drivers, rather than simply criticising them with lots of telematics analysis. By working with drivers, we improve their vehicle control, delivering savings on fuel, CO2 and reducing component wear and tear.”

Whittam started his career as an apprentice truck mechanic and joined Ford Motor Company as a technician in 1978. He was promoted through a wide range of roles within the company over a career spanning 27 years, before retiring in 2006 as commercial vehicle director.

Gary joins Ashwoods Automotive after two years as European sales & marketing director for Azure Dynamics, producer of the Ford Transit Connect Electric.

Whittam is also Chairman of the Freight Transport Association’s Van Excellence Governance Group, which promotes operational excellence across the van industry – encompassing operators, manufacturers, dealers and lease providers.

Mark Roberts, managing director of Ashwoods Automotive, said: “Gary is one of the best known and best liked people in the commercial vehicle industry. His breadth of knowledge and passion for this industry are phenomenal; we are delighted to have him on board.

“Gary’s time with Azure Dynamics also gave him a unique experience in business development for a low carbon LCV technology on a Ford platform.”

Swansea Council is investing in greener light commercial vehicles and creating the largest fleet of hybrid vans in Wales.

The Council is rolling out 35 Ashwood Hybrid Transit vehicles across the city, to be used by services including corporate building, parks, library services and refuse collection.

The authority estimates that, over their working life, the Ashwoods vehicles will save it approximately £75,000 in fuel costs and reduce its carbon emissions by around 220 tonnes.

Cllr June Burtonshaw, Cabinet Member for Place in Swansea Council, said: “The Council has a large number of vehicles operating in the city on a daily basis.

“It’s really important that we do what we can to not only reduce fuel costs but also to lessen their impact on our local environment.

“The introduction of this new fleet of vehicles will give us the opportunity to save money and improve our green credentials.”

Cllr Sybil Crouch, Cabinet Member for Sustainability, added: “Councils need to look at more innovative and cost effective ways of providing services.

“The introduction of this new fleet of vehicles is a really positive step forward to a more sustainable Swansea.”

The award-winning Ashwoods Hybrid drive technology reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 15-25%.

The system is entirely self-powered; it stores energy every time the vehicle slows down then transfers it to the wheels via an electric motor.

Ashwoods says that unlike other hybrids or electric vehicles, it never needs plugging into a charging point – and operators don’t have to worry about the battery going flat.

Ashwoods has trained technicians at local Ford dealer CEM Days, which up-fitted its Hybrid Drive technology to standard Ford Transit panel vans and chassis cabs.

Mark Roberts, managing director of Ashwoods Automotive, said: “Swansea is leading the way in the adoption of low carbon commercial vehicles in Wales.

“With 35 Ashwoods Hybrid Transits in its fleet, Swansea will significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce its fuel consumption.”

Swansea purchased the vehicles through the Department for Transport’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP).

This initiative aims to help public sector bodies in England and Wales to procure and assess 500 Ashwoods Hybrid LCVs. The DfT provides a grant of £3,430 per vehicle.

When coupled with the fuel savings the LCVs provide, this means the vehicles will actually reduce Swansea’s fleet costs.

Ashwoods had already supplied more than 130 hybrid LCVs in 2010 and 2011, to a wide range of organisations in England, including the Environment Agency and Coventry Council.

Swansea sought references from Coventry, which reported very good levels of performance from the Ashwoods vehicles in terms of reliability, fuel and emissions savings.

If a driver makes the same error three times, the system can record a penalty  that is included in an email report to the fleet manager every week or month.  This can be used to encourage the driver to compete for the title of best  driver. Ashwoods’ business development manager Martin Kadhim said the company  developed the system so customers using its retrofittable hybrid drivetrain  technology, such as BT and Royal Mail, could improve their fuel efficiency  further.

‘We developed the hybrid to make the vehicle as efficient as possible,’ he  told The Engineer. ‘Now we’ve developed Lightfoot to make the driver as  efficient as possible.’In order to create the hybrid drivetrain system, the company had to develop  computer algorithms that would tell it when to charge the system and when to  release that energy to assist the engine.Lightfoot uses these algorithms and the system that allows the vehicle’s  components to talk to each other (the CAN bus) to determine whether a driver is  driving as efficiently as he or she could.‘The vehicle knows exactly how it should be driven,’ said Kadhim. ‘We take  that information in the form of millions of messages in the vehicle’s CAN bus  system, take what we need and display that to the driver.’Previous telematic systems have focused on improving the safety or efficiency  of drivers’ behaviour using GPS tracking to produce reports. But Kadhim said  Lightfoot was different in that it provided instant feedback and was therefore  more likely to have a lasting impact on driving style.The company intends to adapt the system for fully electric vehicles in order  to help tackle range anxiety — the fear of running out of electricity  mid-journey — and hopes to sell it to individual drivers looking to cut their  fuel bills.

Read more:  http://www.theengineer.co.uk/sectors/automotive/news/hybrid-van-driver-alert-system-helps-companies-cut-fuel-bills/1013380.article#ixzz22OzSE0tV

Public and private sector investment totalling £56 million will lead to the development and demonstration of technologies to cut carbon emissions from road transport and accelerate the commercialisation of low carbon vehicles.

Over £27 million of public funding, from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles and the Technology Strategy Board, together with £29 million of private sector funding, will be invested in seventeen major research, development and validation projects.  While many of the projects will be led by major vehicle manufacturers such as Ford, Jaguar, LandRover and Nissan a large number of small and medium-sized companies, including suppliers, will be closely involved in the development work.

Transport Minister, Norman Baker MP, said:

“Accelerating the commercialisation of low carbon vehicle technologies will help to achieve our challenging climate change targets as well as creating new jobs, and increasing opportunities for UK businesses on the world stage.

“It is great to see such a positive response from industry to this competition, with the winning  projects covering a range of vehicle technologies from manufacturers, suppliers and universities.”

Business and Enterprise Minister, Mark Prisk MP, said:

“By working with industry to invest in innovative research and development we are putting the UK  at the cutting edge of low carbon vehicle technology – delivering long term benefits for the economy and the environment.”

The aim of the projects is to strengthen UK capability by encouraging a reduction of costs in the supply base and a faster adoption of new technologies on UK roads, with a focus on pulling technology through the various stages of the innovation chain.

Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board, commented:

“We were extremely impressed by the number and quality of the ideas presented to us. These include proposals for development and validation activity that follow-on from previous early-stage  projects funded by the Technology Strategy Board and it is great to see that these ideas will be  brought closer to market through this new investment.”

 The projects include:

-          The development of a complete EV drive system that incorporates motor, controller and gearbox, cooling and connectors within a single cast plug and play package.The outputs will be low cost, with a range of power outputs, and suitable for integration across multiple OEM vehicle platforms (led by Ashwoods Automotive Ltd).

-          ‘Car for Young Drivers’ will deliver novel, low carbon transport solutions to alleviate the issues associated with getting young drivers safely integrated into the vehicle owning and driving population. The project will produce a quadricycle vehicle for 2 people that features novel hybrid driveline technology, lightweight impact-resistant body and features designed specifically to appeal to young drivers (led by mi Technology Group Ltd).

-          The development of a production-ready flywheel hybrid midibus by 2014, targeting a 15% reduction in fuel consumption.  The product could lead to a step change in fuel consumption and emissions of the Wrightbus midibus fleet and, through future retro-fit projects, for existing vehicles (led by Wrightbus Ltd).

-          The development of ground-breaking woven 3D reinforcement systems for automotive components. CO₂ emissions can be directly addressed by using lightweight, low inertia materials, such as aluminium matrix composites (AMCs), which can combine the strength and stiffness of steels with the weight of aluminium. This work builds on a previous Technology Strategy Board-funded project, which proved the feasibility of using AMC inserts (led by Jaguar Cars Ltd).

 The companies leading the projects are: Artemis Intelligent Power Ltd, Ashwoods Automotive Ltd, Delta Motorsport Ltd, Ford Motor Company Ltd, GKN Structures, Jaguar Cars Ltd (4 projects), Land Rover, mi Technology Group Ltd, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd, Nissan Technical Centre Europe, Prodrive Automotive Technology (Europe) Ltd, Ricardo UK Ltd, Turbo Power Systems and Wrightbus Ltd.

The competition and funding is managed by the Technology Strategy Board through the Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform (LCVIP), which promotes low carbon vehicle research, design, development and demonstration in the UK.  The Platform has leveraged £300 million of innovation investment for low carbon vehicle research and development since it was established in 2007.

Cenex has announced it has been selected by the Environment Agency to undertake a technology review of its Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) fleet. The results of this work aim to provide accurate information that will enable the Agency to effectively plan its on-going low carbon fleet strategy.

As a stakeholder in the Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (managed by Cenex), the Environment Agency has been trialling 12 Ashwoods hybrid transit vans within its fleet operations over the past three years. This trial has highlighted a number of options available for reducing carbon emissions from its transport operations and as a result, Cenex has been tasked with undertaking a technology review of its LCV fleet. It has also been briefed to run operationally based simulations using the Cenex Fleet Carbon Reduction Tool (FCRT) to help the Environment Agency better understand the best deployment of different low carbon technologies within their operations.

“The Environment Agency has improved the performance of its fleet over the past few years, reducing mileage by 19 million, cutting carbon emissions by 5,000 tonnes and saving some £10m. We are leading the way across government to dramatically increase the environmental efficiency of our fleet operations” says Dale Eynon, head of fleet operations, Environment Agency.

As well as analysing the performance of different transport fuels and technology options in real-world fleet applications, the FCRT is a simulation tool that can calculate the fuel usage, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated and operating costs incurred by the operation of a fleet of vehicles. The tool is designed to be flexible in operation and employs drive cycle based whole life cost modelling so that the evaluation of a variety of differing powertrain technologies within a fleet can be compared on equal terms. In addition, the FCRT can be used to ascertain the vehicle power and battery size required to cover a specified duty cycle in order to identify the lowest cost vehicle capable of fulfilling the task.

“The results to date of the Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme have already demonstrated the cost savings available by adopting low carbon vehicles. The reduction of carbon emissions from their fleet operations is crucial for the Environment Agency and we are pleased to be working with them to help them make informative decisions about their low carbon fleet strategy” says Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex.