VDO Completes a Digital Tachograph Retrofit and Training Programme for a Leading UK Direct Van Sales Operator
Birmingham, February 21, 2008
VDO has completed the retrofit of 160 Digital Tachographs to the vehicles of the largest independent direct door to door van sales operation in the UK; P&H Snacksdirect Ltd.
From its head office in Sheffield, their Logistics Manager, David Rowntree manages a 180 strong fleet of 7.5 tonne box vans based at forty locations, delivering sweet and savoury snack products to a range of outlets. P&H Snacksdirect Ltd had used the mobile shop exemption in the Drivers' Hours Rule to fit their vehicles with speedometers and record their drivers' activities in log books. However, new EC regulations which came into force on the 11th April 2007 removed this exemption and required their vehicles to be fitted with tachographs by the end of 2007.
In early 2007, David Rowntree chose the leading tachograph manufacturer, VDO for their tachograph requirements; a move based on positive experiences within the P&H Group and the fact that the majority of vehicle manufacturers had specified the VDO Digital Tachograph DTCO 1381. Simon Martin, VDO Account Manager, comments "This was a challenging retrofit program due to the diversity of the vehicles; which ranged from W reg DAF 45s to Automatic Isuzu NQRs. Our technical team developed seven different installations which were fitted by forty VOSA approved partners around the UK."
The retrofit programme was complimented with a comprehensive training course covering digital tachograph operation, data management and legislation. David Rowntree adds "We were delighted with the high standard of knowledge, planning and training provided by VDO. The installations were implemented in a very methodical and professional manner with minimal disruption to our business. The excellent training courses provided by VDO have enabled our staff to integrate this new technology into the business and meet our legislative obligations."
VDO, the tachograph market leader, has a compliment of over 25 retrofit kits for vans and 4x4s with the technical capability to develop solutions for most trucks and buses. In addition VDO offers a comprehensive training portfolio, led by experienced in-house trainers. A low-cost range of interactive, computer-based training aids is also available introducing drivers and fleet operators to digital tachographs.
With annual sales of more than €25 billion (based on 2006 figures), the Continental Corporation is one of the top five automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for the powertrain and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers, the corporation contributes towards enhanced driving safety and protection of the global climate. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. The corporation currently employs approximately 150,000 at nearly 200 locations in 36 countries.
