The Expo aims to address the unique needs of the Scottish transport industry, providing a platform for professionals to network, showcase innovations and discuss industry trends.

This blue-chip UK truck show brought hundreds of exhibitors, fleet operators, policymakers, members of the public and of course, the T&BB team.

Michelin has added the Smart Predictive Tyre feature to the MICHELIN Connected Fleet suite of digital services in the UK. The system monitors tyre pressure (TPMS), wear and degradation using smart sensors to provide real-time alerts that help fleet operators improve safety and efficiency, specifically regarding scheduled maintenance.

T&BB spoke to Ian Jackson, the digital and fleet solutions manager for Conti UK. Jackson confirmed that by the end of the year, the smart sensors embedded in the new CV tyre range will have a new feature, accurate automated tread depth monitoring.

The system works by tapping into the vehicle’s Controller Area Network (CAN) and then any seatbelt violations prompt drivers to buckle up by sending an instant notification to the dashboard. This ensures compliance with laws and enhances safety.

Representatives from MAN told us that the company is taking orders with the truck now in series production at the Munich plant. Roger Turnbull, Head of EV Truck Sales at MAN UK was on hand to provide potential customers advice on choosing the correct vehicle configuration for their specific business needs.

The XB and XB Electric are set to replace the LF and LF Electric, with the XB Electric expected to go into series production in week 45, 2023, in Eindhoven.

The new sustainable-material demonstration truck tyre used 63% sustainable material with 15 sustainable ingredients across 20 tyre components. Furthermore, it was manufactured with four different carbon blacks sourced from plant-based oils rather than crude oil.

The Vector HE 17 offers refrigeration capacity output at 16kW coupled with a significant reduction in both noise levels (by 50%) and fuel consumption (by 30%) compared to the Vector 1550.

The lifting deck trailer has been designed to maximise cargo space in order to transport a range of different-sized goods (clothing and ambient freight). The upper deck has a usable load width of 2.44 metres, with space for “three additional dollies or two extra cages”.

HVS announced a new deal to supply 30 fuel cell HGVs to UK logistics company, Explore Plant & Transport Solutions. Furthermore, the agreement encompasses a maintenance, servicing and driver training (safe use of hydrogen) contract.

Available in 315/70 R22.5 in the UK, four additional sizes will be added by the end of the year and one further size in 2025. Bridgestone will add the Ecopia Enliten trailer tyre in Q4 2024. These tyres are produced in Stargard, Poland and Bilbao, Spain.