DaimlerChrysler, which markets 3.5 to 7.5 tonne Mitsubishi Fuso Canter chassis through its Mercedes-Benz truck dealers, has added a high-mobility 4x4 Canter 7.5-tonner to the model line-up. Fuso product manager Mike Mudie says the model 7C18’s high ground clearance and ‘cross country’ capability is expected to appeal to public utilities and forestry concerns, especially those that might aspire to DC’s Unimog product but have budget restrictions. He adds that Network Rail contractors have shown a positive interest in a road-rail conversion of the 4x4 Canter. As shown in Birmingham, the chassis is powered by a Mitsubishi 4 litre diesel rated at 180hp, exerting 530Nm maximum torque.

* Nissan announces city locations
* Four key partners to support the tour

TRAPPES, France (April 26, 2007) – Nissan has announced the locations for each city of the QASHQAI Urban Challenge which commences in the UK on May 4 and culminates in France on June 23. So with less than two weeks to go, full preparations are underway and the riders are in training for a tour that will see the limits pushed for mountain bike free-riding.

The QASHQAI Urban Challenge is part of Nissan Europe’s commitment to adventure sports using an integrated communications platform. With the Nissan Sports Adventure, Nissan aims to support and promote adventure sports and an active outdoor lifestyle through world class events, media properties and integrated communications.

Nissan has created the first ever Pan European Urban free-ride event series, via the QASHQAI Urban Challenge along with the first six-figure prize fund in free-riding. A dedicated TV series of the tour is being produced by TWI for international distribution, guaranteeing major exposure for 25 of the world’s top MTB riders.

Event details

Date City / Location Discipline

May 4th/5th Newcastle (UK) Times Square North shore

May 11th/12th Milan (ITA)Piazza Duca d’Aosta Dirt

May 18th/19th Madrid (ESP)Acza Street

May 25th/26th Cologne (GER)Mediapark Park

June 22nd/23rd Paris (FR)La Villette Big Air

To ensure the QASHQAI Urban Challenge represents all aspects of urban free-riding, Nissan has teamed up with key partners to help deliver the ultimate free-riding event experience across the five European city tours bringing on board Oakley, Dakine, Kona, & Redbull as key partners.

The fully integrated content led website will go live on May 3. Visit the site (www.nisssan-QASHQAIchallenge.com) to find out all about the riders, judges, cities and tour details.

Making its first public appearance in the UK is MAN’s ‘cruiserweight’ TGM rigid six-wheeler. The 26 tonnes gvw 6x4 is the last model in the German company’s regeneration programme, which began with the heavy-duty TGA tractor and eight-wheeler chassis and continued with the launch at the NEC two years ago of the light/medium duty TGL, aimed principally at the 7.5 tonne segment.

Though MAN was without a six-wheeler on the UK market for many years, the subsequent adoption of the light and compact cab from Steyr (inherited when MAN acquired control of the Austrian manufacturer in 1991) enabled it to become a major player in the three-axled rigid market with an attractively light and competitively priced chassis.

There has been another wait for operators as MAN has geared up for TGM six-wheeler production. It is a far more advanced and better equipped model than its predecessor, but it remains to be seen whether operators of the former model, especially in the crucial tipper sector will be ready to pay the inevitably higher price for the TGM, which also brings a payload penalty.

MAN’s commitment to EGR NOx reduction, requiring no regular AdBlue replenishment, could prove critical on its 6x4 contender, where typical tipper operators instinctively opt for simplicity.

At 7.5 tonnes, MAN’s TGL chassis could benefit even more from the EGR stategy. Many users in that weight segment are rental companies or small tradesmen for whom the SCR – standard in all other 7.5 tonners, apart from the Japanese contenders – could be one complication too far.

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 24 April 2007 – Land Rover dealerships across the UK will open their doors this weekend (28-29 April) to showcase the latest addition to the Freelander 2 range – the 2.2-litre diesel automatic.

Customers interested in purchasing a Freelander 2 will have the opportunity to test the latest model, which features the same six-speed automatic transmission as the 3.2-litre i6 petrol Freelander 2, complete with Land Rover’s CommandShift for manual sequential gearchanging and a sports mode for more spirited driving. It is powered by the all-new 160 PS 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine and has a combined average fuel consumption of 33.2 mpg.

In addition, customers will have the unique opportunity to indulge their adventurous sides by entering a prize draw for a chance to win a ten-day trip for two to Australia or one of 200 half-day off-road driving sessions at a UK Land Rover Experience Centre.

“Since the launch of the Freelander 2 petrol and diesel manual models at the end of last year, demand has been really encouraging. The launch of the new diesel automatic now completes the range and offers our customers more choice,” commented Andy Griffiths, Land Rover UK marketing director.

Prices for the Freelander 2 TD4 Automatic start from £22,330 on the road. The Freelander 2 is already a multi-award winner, picking up the BBC Top Gear SUV of the Year and What Car? Best Compact 4x4 awards and has also recently become the only compact SUV to be awarded the maximum five star rating for Adult Occupant Protection by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).

As with all models in our product range, a cost for offsetting the carbon emissions for the first 45,000 miles is included in the on-the-road price. Administered by Climate Care, an independent provider, the programme ensures that the average amount of CO2 produced by a Land Rover is offset by investments in a mixed portfolio of projects, including renewable energy, technology change and energy efficiency initiatives.

To locate your nearest dealership or for more information regarding the Land Rover range, please log onto www.landrover.co.uk.

EXTRA POWER AND STYLE FOR PICK-UP DRIVERS

· Exclusive chilli orange and passion red colours add zest to new Ranger Wildtrak
· New 156PS, 3.0-litre TDCi engine
· On sale August 2007. Prices available nearer the time.

BIRMINGHAM, NEC, 24 April, 2007 – Spicy colours, extra equipment and a new engine for Ford's Ranger Wildtrak will make this a special edition not to be missed at this year's Commercial Vehicle Show. Already known for strong pulling power and car-like comfort, the new Ranger Wildtrak adds further style and capabilities to the range.

This latest model has rear box rail extensions, a stylish, aerodynamic sports bar, lower sports cladding and tail lamp protectors to enhance its appearance. Side intake 'gills' add to the visual effect. New integrated door mirror indicators and puddle lamps provide additional differentiation and Wildtrak decals on the front, side and rear identify it as a special Ford Ranger.

Combined with these stylish features are new alloy wheels, a new sports front grille, side steps, an aluminium style front over rider and roof rails, an integrated bedliner and a rear protection bar with integrated park distance control.

The cabin features all-new heated seats in leather and perforated alcantara with orange tricot backing, floor mats with Wildtrak logo, new sports steering wheel, dash-mounted off-road 'information centre', premium interior and footwell lighting. New Wildtrak scuff plates complete the package.

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is available with an exclusive range of unique two-tone colours: Chilli Orange or Passion Red combined with Titanium Grey on the lower part of the body for a truly striking appearance. Other body colours that can be combined with Titanium Grey are Steel Silver, Andaman Blue, Storm Black and Strato Blue.

Under the bonnet is a new and powerful 3.0-litre TDCi engine with 156PS and 380Nm of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is tuned for fuel economy while maintaining good overtaking ability.

Steve Kimber, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "The latest Ford Ranger is selling faster than the previous model. The new Wildtrak will take us deeper into the fiercely competitive pick-up market with a truck that really makes a statement."

Toyota has worked some motor sport magic on its legendary Hilux pick-up to create a special concept that’s big on both looks and performance.

The muscular Hilux Sport Concept will make its debut as a central attraction on the Toyota stand at the 2007 Commercial Vehicle Show.

The team at Toyota (GB) has created the pick-up as a one-off special and it is the first LCV-based concept to be shown by Toyota in the UK. The 3.0-litre D-4D diesel engine has a Toyota Motorsport power upgrade that increases output from 169 to around 200bhp. And with the addition of monster 22-inch alloy wheels, a sport trucktop, chrome-finished grille and B-pillars, tinted windows and lights and a special-design front guard, this unique Double Cab model has macho looks to match its grunt.

There are no plans to put the Hilux Sport Concept into production, but visitors to the CV show can view the full current Toyota LCV line-up. As previously announced, the display will include:

*

Hilux – refreshed for 2007 with higher output, Euro IV-compliant 2.5 and 3.0-litre D-4D engines, in Single, Extra and Double Cab body styles.
*

Hiace – a new-look model for 2007, available with Euro IV-compliant 2.5-litre D-4D engines. A single grade across the range provides electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, electric windows, remote central locking, ABS, driver’s airbag and remote central locking as standard.
*

Dyna – equipped with a new, more powerful 3.0-litre D-4D engine, completing Toyota’s comprehensive range of Euro IV powertrains for its LCV line-up.

The CV Show will run from 24 to 26 April. Toyota will be located on Stand 4351 in Hall 4.

Dear Challengers or Prospective Challengers,

6th May 2007
Tong – One of the UK’s premier Off Road sites is
hosting the AWDC Scorpion Racing Clubman Challenge.

Only 3 days left to enter and
only £45.00 for a great days competition.
(all entries must be in by the 28th April).

Newcomers to the sport are more than welcome, help will
be on hand to guide you through if required.

Camping and BBQ available on Saturday night for all

Competitors and marshals.

Did you know that co-drivers who have entered major
challenge events may also enter the Clubman Challenge as
drivers!

This will give the drivers an insight into what co-drivers go
through at challenge events!

Attached is a information pack including dates and entry

forms or you can enter online at www.awdc.co.uk

Scorpion Racing Clubman Challenge Information Pack

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.

See you there!

Scorpion Racing and AWDC.