Second-year success for ITT Hub
Representatives of the road transport sector returned to the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre on 11-12 May for the second Innovation & Technology in Transport – ITT Hub – event.
In addition to witnessing the latest vehicle and technology launches and showcases, attendees were able to hear from government officials and thought leaders in the sector, including at Logistics UK’s Future Logistics Conference, which saw transport minister Trudy Harrison unveil the £200 million funding package for zero-emission HGV trials.
The conference was also the platform for the launch of Logistics UK’s new report, Decarbonising Logistics: The journey to net zero.
The report builds on the trade body’s Route to Net Zero Commitment, to which companies such as UPS, DHL UK, John Lewis Partnership, Wincanton, Tarmac, Scottish Water, Royal Borough of Greenwich, and John Raymond Transport have signed up, pledging to decarbonise their operations as quickly and effectively as possible.
Michelle Gardner, acting deputy director for public policy at Logistics UK, said: “All the members signed up to the commitment have proved they are willing to go the extra mile for the environment.
“While the determination from industry may be there, the road to net zero is paved with uncertainty – currently there is no mass market zero emission HGV available, for example, and very limited alternative fuel or refuelling network.
“Through this new report, we highlight the areas of action that are needed to help progress the industry’s decarbonisation journey and make net zero a reality.”
Further highlights at ITT Hub included the new concept Renault Trucks E-Tech Master OptiModale, Ilesbus’ launch of its I-City Max vehicle, based on the 70C21 Iveco chassis and the launch of Michelin’s Connected Fleet management and telematics offering in the UK.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ display included a 6×2 Actros L GigaSpace tractor unit with a 460 kW (625 hp), 15.6-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, the first vehicle in the country to be fitted with second-generation MirrorCam technology.
The revised MirrorCam, developed in response to customer feedback, incorporates shorter camera arms and new image parameters that are said to provide even better support for drivers, while an updated housing design further reduces lens debris.
Iveco exhibited its S-Way CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and the new Iveco S-Way offering further aerodynamic enhancements and fitted with the new 490-horsepower Cursor 13 engine, as well as a 7-tonne Daily panel van (page 13).
DAF was showcasing its New Generation XF 450 FTP ADR/ Pet Reg and XG 530 FT low-deck tractor unit, while an XG 480 FTG 6×2 tractor – fully laden to 44-tonnes GCW – was available for driving evaluation on ITT Hub’s ride-and-drive route. The truck, which is equipped with Paccar MX-13 12.9-litre engine, is fuelled by HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil).
The manufacturer also displayed the British-built 19-tonne GVW LF Electric with Paccar box-van body, designed and manufactured at Leyland Trucks in Lancashire.
Meanwhile, a new feature at ITT Hub, the Energy Theatre Hub, hosted by National Grid and Western Power Distribution, offered daily panel discussions with industry guests covering topics surrounding energy, sustainable fuels and infrastructure on the road to net zero.
Leigh Lipton, stakeholder communications manager for UK regulation at National Grid, said: “We need to work with the transport industry and ITT Hub was a perfect opportunity to have those conversations. I’m pleased to announce that we will be here again next year to enable the transition to net zero.”
Another new addition, Cold Chain Hub, supported by TCS&D (Temperature Controlled Storage & Distribution), highlighted the challenges of decarbonising of the cold chain sector, which produces double the emissions of the wider transport sector, and the commitment made by manufacturers and vendors to work towards the goal through the use of new technologies.
Carlo Zoccali, show director at Farnborough International, said: “The atmosphere across ITT Hub this year was electric, with thanks to our commercial partners, exhibitors, and attendees.
“Since we acquired the show in 2021, our focus has been to establish ITT Hub’s position as the leading platform, news network and event connecting to the industry, from manufacturer to buyer and operator.
“We have been engaging and strengthening our partnerships with key government departments, national transport bodies and industry associations to do this and are thrilled with the outcomes of ITT Hub 2022.”
ITT Hub will return on 10-11 May 2023.
