LOOKING AHEAD TO 2040 . . . but 23 years ago feels like recent history by Service Dealer Consultant Editor, Chris Biddle
Brexit could be a walk in the park compared to the game-changing transition from the internal combustion engine to - something else
First, let me hang a few figures out there for you.
In 2016, there were 34.4 million cars on UK roads. Car registrations were 2.69 million, of which 47.7% were diesel and 49% (the rest were hybrid or electric). UK built 1.72 million cars in 2016 and 2.54 million car engines (OK that's dwarfed by China who currently build 24 million cars annually). 8 out of 10 cars built in the UK are exported worth £40 billion - or 13% of UK's total exports. 814,000 people are employed across the UK automotive sector (Source: SMMT Indusry facts 2017).
Yet the Government is proposing to largely dismantle that whole infrastructure in 23 years time.
Why and who is to blame? Gordon Brown, couldn’t have been clearer could he? Then Chancellor, he told Parliament in 2001 that “diesel cars should attract less vehicle tax than their petrol equivalents because of better CO2 performance” and reduced vehicle tax for all cars with low CO2 emissions thus providing buyers an incentive to switch to diesel.
No mention of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, one component being nitrous oxide (N2O) considered 298 times more harmful than CO2. The case against diesel, particularly with older vehicles operating in urban areas, has been building for years. So taking the bull by the horns, the Government has announced banning the sale of both petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2040. Electric power is the way forward they say.
23 years ahead (2040) to those in their 20s, 30s or 40s must seem an age away. Just as to those of us at the other end of the age scale 23 years back to 1994 still seems like recent history.
Remember? 1994 was the year that Lidl opened its first 10 stores in Britain, the film Four Weddings and Funeral was released, the Channel Tunnel opened, cricket commentator Brian Johnston died, the National Lottery was launched, Sony introduced its first PlayStation and the Daily Telegraph became the first newspaper to go online. As I was saying - seems like yesterday.
So is 2040 a realistic date? Personally I would have preferred to see a phased, but purposeful, move to the ultimate ambition, rather than a firm date. The R&D challenges are immense. The infrastructure changes to provide thousands upon thousands of charging points, the availability of sufficient electricity capacity, the disruption to the replacement cycle of vehicles, the impact on vehicle values – and issues of getting the pricing the right for electric vehicles.
The motor industry has been making a rod for its own back in recent years (although it has driven sales growth) with the extraordinary growth in PCPs (personal contract purchases) which now accounts for 85% of all sales. The Bank of England estimate a current exposure ‘of over £20 billion’ for UK’s major banks. If a downturn comes, people walk away from their contracts – those residual values calculated to provide an attractive monthly commitment could prove fanciful and could impact on the wider economy.
Closer to home. Cordless mowers have been slow to follow the rapid popularity of cordless power tools. Price is still the issue. It would need the kind of seismic event such as when B&Q marketed the first sub-£100 petrol mowers in the 1990s for the public's value perception to be changed.
As for the bigger kit. We’ve hardly scratched the surface. Battery powered tractors are in their infancy (Deere have just launched a concept version). However . . . . current battery capacity limit it to about 4 hours work, with a three-hour recharge – and a current estimated cost of around £200,000 for the batteries alone! So there's much work to do.
I know that tractors, mowers are not included in the Governments present plans, but very quickly public opinion will turn against petrol and diesel powered products. Just as 'vapers', the cigarette substitute, are largely banned from many public spaces. It's perception again.
Believe me, Brexit will possibly prove to be a walk in the park compared with the mammoth transition from the internal combustion engine to . . . something else.
Editor Steve Gibbs is away having a well-deserved break
Husqvarna are looking to reduce their carbon footprint with the establishment of its first solar power generating facility at its current injection molding site.
Husqvarna Group is building its first solar power generating facility at its current injection molding site in Nashville, Arkansas, USA.
According to a report on Cision it's expected that the new facility will reduce the CO2 footprint by approximately 1,000 tons in the first year of operation and approximately 25,000 tons over the expected 25 year life of the facility.
The new solar power generation plant has capacity of 1.3 megawatts (1.3 million watts) of solar power, allowing Husqvarna Group to increase its share of electricity from renewable sources of energy, and thereby reduce greenhouse gases and other emissions that incur from electricity generated by coal.
"At Husqvarna Group we are serious about contributing to a low-carbon future and a more sustainable society. Sustainovate is our approach to integrating sustainability into our business. Earlier this year we committed to reduce our CO2 emissions by a third by 2035 compared to 2015. This onsite solar power installation will generate about 25 percent of the annual power required by the Nashville facility", said Valentin Dahlhaus, SVP Group Operations of Husqvarna Group. "The Nashville initiative is an important example of how we're putting Sustainovate into action."
The construction is reported to begin in the third quarter of 2017, and is projected to be operational by the end of the year. The solar generating system is scalable and has the potential to be expanded in the future.
Husqvarna Group is building its first solar power generating facility at its current injection molding site in Nashville, Arkansas, USA. The new facility is expected to reduce the CO2 footprint by approximately 1,000 tons in the first year of operation and approximately 25,000 tons over the expected 25 year life of the facility.
The new solar power generation plant has capacity of 1.3 megawatts (1.3 million watts) of solar power, allowing Husqvarna Group to increase its share of electricity from renewable sources of energy, and thereby reduce greenhouse gases and other emissions that incur from electricity generated by coal.
"At Husqvarna Group we are serious about contributing to a low-carbon future and a more sustainable society. Sustainovate is our approach to integrating sustainability into our business. Earlier this year we committed to reduce ourCO2 emissions by a third by 2035 compared to 2015. This onsite solar power installation will generate about 25 percent of the annual power required by the Nashville facility", says Valentin Dahlhaus, SVP Group Operations of Husqvarna Group. "The Nashville initiative is an important example of how we're putting Sustainovate into action."
The construction will begin in the third quarter of 2017, and is projected to be operational by the end of the year. The solar generating system is scalable and has the potential to be expanded in the future.
The owner of an agricultural machinery dealership in Nashville has been charged with a $43 million investment scheme that conned investors out of $10 million.
It's been reported that the owner of an agricultural machinery dealership in Nashville, Tennessee has been charged with a $43 million investment scheme that conned investors out of $10 million.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for Middle Tennessee, 40-year-old Jeffery Lynn Gentry of White County owned and operated Gentry Brothers Tractor Supply and Gentry Auto in Sparta, reported Fox17 News Nashville.
Investigators say from 2012 through December 2016, Gentry told investors he was winning state contracts in Tennessee and other states to provide farm equipment such as tractors and mowers to the states.
Gentry convinced 50 people - which included friends and family - to invest a total of $43 million in his tractor supply company and promised big returns.
Instead, investigators say investors lost $10 million and Gentry used the money to buy real estate, vehicles, and open a used car lot called Gentry Auto.
Gentry was charged on July 5, 2017 for wire fraud and money laundering. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. He also faces a monetary judgement of at least $10 million.
Jim Robinson to look after the financial management of the Association and to manage the facilities and administration side of the business.
The AEA has announced that James (Jim) Robinson has joined the team as the new Finance and Facilities Manager.
Jim’s role comprises essentially of two functions: the one is for the financial management of the Association; the other is for the management of the facilities and administration of the business.
Jim will be responsible for all accounting functions and ensuring that the financial practices are in line with all statutory legislation and regulations. He will also take on the facilities management role within the organisation and as such be responsible for the day to day running of the business and premises.
From within a small business environment, Jim brings with him a wealth of experience in financial management and control at Director and senior level. Having spent his career looking after the finances of companies involved in logistics, commercial painting and more latterly electrical engineering and horticulture, his specialisms range from the full complement of financial practices including budgetary planning, the preparation of accounting schedules and the introduction of effective cost control procedures to the more strategic role of financially restructuring a business to ensure loss to profit turnaround.
Jim joins the Association as a replacement for John Marlow who will retire at the end of August after 17 years.
Ruth Bailey, CEO of the AEA said: “We are delighted that Jim has decided to join us at the AEA. It is essential that the solid, proven practices put in place over the last years are upheld and developed. For the Association to grow, good financial practice has to be a key part of the strategy.”
Jim comes from a farming family and has close connections to the agricultural industry.
Cheshire and Powys based dealers have welcomed two Harper Adams University placement students who are are going to be working with them for the next 12 months.
Cheshire and Powys based dealers RVW Pugh have welcomed two Harper Adams University placement students who are are going to be working with them for the next 12 months.
Griff and Ben, the Harper Adams University placement students at RVW Pugh
The dealers say they looked to Harper Adams when it came to recruiting for some enthusiastic and ready to learn Demonstrator drivers for their Cheshire and Powys depots. After attending recruitment events at the end of 2016 and also delivering a presentation to a group of students about the company and what they were looking for tey say they got some good quality applicants.
The two new arrivals are raring to go and looking forward to a busy demonstration season with plenty of machinery to get out and about to customers. Gruff will be based at the Holmes Chapel depot. Originally from Lampeter, Gruff has had experience with both Gwilli Jones and Teme Valley dealers working in different departments to really get a good understanding of the way dealerships work. Gruff is keen to get out in the field and really see these machines work.
Ben, from Tyberton, will be based at the Churchstoke depot assisting the team there. Despite being at two different locations Ben and Gruff will work together with a fleet of demonstration equipment to get RVW's Massey Ferguson and Fendt equipment out to the public.
Ben is no stranger to farm machinery either and also holds a wealth of experience; with a couple of harvest seasons under his belt Ben is a keen operator. He is looking forward to delving into the guidance systems involved with these newer machines and wants to put his practical knowledge of machine operation into play.
A spokeperson for RVW Pugh said, "We wish both students the best of luck with their year with us and look forward to a busy 12 months ahead!"
McConnel has appointed Paul Jinks as its new territory sales manager.
McConnel has appointed Paul Jinks as its new territory sales manager for the East and South East.
An experienced sales professional with more than 15 years in the industry, Paul has worked as both a salesman and demonstrator with some of the UK’s best known agricultural companies.
Paul will be responsible for the sale of McConnel’s Power Arms, mowers, cultivation, and remote control technology.
McConnel’s UK sales manager Jonathan Webb said: “I’m delighted to welcome Paul to the team.
"He brings a wealth of agricultural expertise and sales experience to this role and will help us continue to grow business in the East and South East region.”
McConnel has appointed Paul Jinks as its new territory sales manager for the East and South East.
An experienced sales professional with more than 15 years in the industry, Paul has worked as both a salesman and demonstrator with some of the UK’s best known agricultural companies.
Paul will be responsible for the sale of McConnel’s world-famous Power Arms, mowers, cultivation, and remote control technology.
McConnel’s UK sales manager Jonathan Webb said: “I’m delighted to welcome Paul to the team.
He brings a wealth of agricultural expertise and sales experience to this role and will help us continue to grow business in the East and South East region.”
McConnel is the world’s leading manufacturer of Power Arms and a major international supplier of all-terrain remote control technology.
The 59th event takes place for the first time at Hatfield House, Hertfordshire, today with Kubota heavily involved in the show's construction.
The Game Fair opens for its 59th show today, taking place for the first time at Hatfield House, Hertfordshire.
As a key sponsor and a longstanding partner of the event, Kubota UK say their machinery continues to provide The Game Fair’s operations team with durability, reliability and performance, helping them to construct and host first class events for over a decade.
The wide range of utility vehicles, ride-on mowers and high power tractors provided by Kubota not only facilitate regular upkeep of the grounds, but also play an important part in constructing the show easily, quickly and safely.
Garrath Rowley, Operations Manager for The Game Fair, commented, “I have been dealing with Kubota for ten years and during this time the performance and reliability of all the machines have been key to the success of each show. Kubota is one of the longest and strongest partnerships we have at the event and I look forward to the next ten years of support from them.
“With such a vast site to maintain, we are in an enviable position as organisers to have such high quality machinery at our finger tips. Each year Kubota’s wide range of equipment ensures we can deliver a first class event that will be enjoyed by all.”
Visitors to this year’s event will be able to view Kubota’s entire range of agricultural, construction and groundcare machinery on stand M153, including its brand new four seater utility vehicle, the RTV-X1140, which will be taking centre stage.
Karen Tipping, Kubota UK’s Marketing Manager, said: “With The Game Fair attracting over 100,000 visitors, it is an excellent opportunity to exhibit our product range. Visitors can view our sponsorship of The Game Fair throughout the entire show with all crew wearing Kubota clothing.
“Over the years, along with our continued sponsorship and exhibiting activities, we have also developed a close working partnership with the organisers of The Game Fair, who love having the use of our machines. Quality and reliability are our bywords and these attributes ensure the work can be done quickly and efficiently, in compliance with strict deadlines to ensure visitors have the best experience.”
Online visitor registration is now open for the IOG's event which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 1-2 November.
SALTEX 2017 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 1-2 November and online visitor registration is now open.
The show has already attracted over 250 exhibitors - a number which the IOG says is set to grow further in the weeks leading up to the event.
Confirmed to return are a number of leading brand names spanning the whole turf management industry including manufacturers and suppliers of products and services for the maintenance of pitches, grounds, landscaping, parks and estates.
SALTEX will also once again boast show features such as
Learning LIVE - free-to-attend education programme offering grounds and open space practitioners across all disciplines, volunteer as well as professional, the chance to increase their CPD points.
Outdoor demonstrations - providing an opportunity to see a number of products in action directly outside the SALTEX halls 6, 7 and 8.
The SALTEX College Cup - a national student-led sports-turf challenge sponsored by Ransomes.
Pathology & Soil Science LIVE - allowing visitors to look in detail at the symptoms of some common turfgrass fungal disease problems.
The Young Groundsmen’s Conference - an ideal opportunity for young people looking to advance their career in the groundscare industry
Ask the Expert – free pitchcare advice from the IOG’s team of regional pitch advisors based on the IOG Hub
The IOG Industry Awards - the UK’s biggest celebration in groundsmanship held on the evening of the first day (1 November) at the National Motorcycle Museum.
New for 2017: Careers advice area – the chance to receive one-to-one advice from an industry expert on how to progress careers, write a compelling CV and perform well in an interview situation.
Visitors can register to attend SALTEX via the website - www.iogsaltex.com. Visitors will receive a confirmation email with their badge to print and take along to the show in November, to gain free entry.
“The registration process is simple and takes a couple of minutes to complete, saving you time on the day and giving you longer to enjoy the show,” says Matthew Knight, event director.
L-R: EGRFC Chairman Bob Marsh and Steve Everton, Yeowart Agricultural Ltd sales manager
The new tractor will be used to manage and maintain three full-size pitches covering a total of 14 acres.
Chairman of EGRFC Bob Marsh is responsible for the operational management of the club as a business. He said, “The TLE4490 provides us with the capability to manage all of our own land. We are now able to mow, verti-drain and aerate our pitches without the need for dedicated machines for each job. The tractor provides us with the flexibility to hire in other equipment or attachments using our own power source.
The Iseki TLE4490 is part of the wider TLE series of compact tractors from Iseki. It features a 46hp water-cooled diesel engine and utilises an 8Fx8R mechanical drive transmission system. Three-point linkage with 1200kg lift capacity and one double-acting hydraulic service are equipped as standard, and the option of turf or agricultural tyres is provided.
“It’s what I like to call “a proper tractor.” It’s powerful, intuitive and easy-to-use, and most of all, it’s a simple tractor that is effective at doing the job that is required of it. We are delighted to be the first recipients in Europe of this fantastic machine."
20 year realtionship sees dealers supply fleet of John Deere grasscare machinery including three PrecisionCut cylinder mowers.
When Potters Point holiday resort in County Wicklow, Ireland replaced its golf course maintenance equipment fleet, it carried on a 20-year association with John Deere and dealers Dublin Grass Machinery.
The Potters Point greens staff with their new John Deere course maintenance fleet (left to right): Charlie Jackson, head greenkeeper Eamonn Delaney and Chris Doyle
This exclusive luxury mobile home park was established in 1957 and is situated in rolling parkland on a stunning headland overlooking Brittas Bay. Resort members have free use of Potters Point Golf Club; established in 1987, the nine-hole parkland course is also open to green fee paying non-members.
“We bought our first John Deere machines in 1997,” says manager Irene Lacey. “We’d had nothing new since 2008, so the fleet was getting old. This time, rather than replace the machines individually and pay for ongoing repairs, we decided to change all the equipment at the same time. The benefits were a better trade-in price and all the new machines being up-to-date and equipped with the latest technology.”
The new fleet includes three PrecisionCut cylinder mowers - an 8700A for the fairways, a 2653B for tees and surrounds and a 2500B for the greens - a JX90 walk-behind rotary mower, a 1200A bunker rake, two 3038R compact tractors equipped with mid-mounted rotary mower decks plus one front loader, and three 6x4 diesel Gator utility vehicles.
“We opted to replace two quad bikes with an extra utility vehicle, as the Gator is far more versatile,” says Irene.
Whereas other makes have been demonstrated and test-driven in the past, this time Potters Point went straight to its long-time supplier, John Deere dealer Dublin Grass Machinery.
“I have been on a number of John Deere courses, so I know the equipment better than other makes,” says head greenkeeper Eamonn Delaney. “We've dealt with Dublin Grass Machinery for the past 20 years and know that they provide a high level of after-sales service.
“I also have a good working relationship with their chief technician Roger Ingles. We carry out regular maintenance on-site, while Dublin Grass Machinery takes the machines in for winter servicing and blade changing, and provides a 24 hour turnaround. As the equipment is serviced regularly, we’ve very little downtime and it means the staff are not having to sort out machines when we could be doing something else around the resort."
Chevin Golf Club’s Derby near Derby has increased their fleet of Toro machiney and has singled out Cheshire Turf Machinery's service for praise.
Course manager Andy Mellor joined Chevin Golf Club, six miles north of Derby, a year ago and felt that a few improvements could be made to the course.
“The course was in a good state when I arrived, but as with everything I felt there were some areas where improvements could be made,” he says.
“We’re a part-parkland course and one of the problem areas was the finish we were getting around the trees and on the roughs. I have used Toro before and I thought the answer to the problem would be the Groundsmaster 7200, and I’m pleased to say I was right. The accessibility it gives is fantastic, it’s in and out of the trees in no time. The range of cuts is extensive and that has allowed us to create a more bespoke cutting regime and a much smarter aesthetic on the roughs.”
Joining the GM7200 in the deal are the Greensmaster TriFlex 3400, Groundsmaster 4700-D, Reelmaster 3100-D, Reelmaster 3100-D with Sidewinder, Reelmaster 5510-D fairway mower and the ProCore 648 aerator, and Andy comments it is “a good selection of machines that work really well together”.
It’s not just the machines though, the service from dealer Cheshire Turf Machinery has played a large part in Andy’s satisfaction.
“I had a fantastic relationship with the Toro dealership Devon Garden Machinery who covered my previous club and the backup and support from Cheshire Turf Machinery here has been brilliant, too,” he says. “Nothing is too hard for my contact Chris Halley and it’s clear Reesink Turfcare takes a great deal of care over which dealerships to work with.”
Next for Chevin is an increase in utility vehicles. Quotes from Cheshire Turf Machinery are in and the wheels are in motion for Chevin to have a completely Toro red fleet.
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After returning to BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC in Birmingham this year, Grizzly Tools have received delightful feedback from a customer who purchased one of their products at the event as the result of a special promise.
Grizzly Tools are thrilled to report a heart-warming customer satisfaction success story.
After returning to BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC in Birmingham this year, they have received delightful feedback from a customer who purchased one of their products at the event as the result of a special promise.
The internationally acclaimed event was extra special this year due to Gardeners’ World Jubilee festivities, celebrating fifty years of gardening expertise and innovation. The crowds were lively and there were determined shoppers aplenty; stands are guaranteed passing trade but it’s the shoppers that head to the show with specific purchases in mind that really test the salesmanship of the retailers.
Mike from Shrewsbury attended BBC Gardeners’ World Live with a specific purchase in mind, hopeful that he’d come across the right product for the job at one of the very many garden tool brands on offer. He was on a mission to find a water pump with adequate pressure to do the rather large-scale task he had on his hands at home.
Arriving at the Grizzly stand, Mike was greeted by the MD Danny Strollo and they discussed the products on offer; unconvinced that the TSP 550K would work best, Danny suggested that Mike take the product home today at the extra special show discount rate and if he found that it wasn’t quite right, Grizzly Tools promised to replace it with the TSP 1100 INOX, their larger model of water pump at no extra cost.
This indeed turned out to be the case and Mike called up to arrange collection and delivery of the larger pump. With “nothing but praise” for Grizzly, Mike said that it was incredibly “unusual for a business to go to the lengths [they] did to keep me happy” and for the company to have given its word and stand by it, was “deeply appreciated”.
Grizzly hopes to inspire brand loyalty by going the extra mile for their customers and people like Mike who gratefully claim that he will consider Grizzly first for “all future tool-related purchases”. It’s nice to be nice and it often pays too!
Sample Grizzly’s brilliant offering for yourself, enjoy their unrivalled quality products and effective marketing by becoming a Grizzly dealer today: get Grizzly and see the difference!
Grizzly Tools manufacture quality power tools for every gardener; sold across Europe for over 20 years, the brand is well established and trusted by tradesmen and humble home gardeners alike.
If you’d like to speak to Grizzly Tools about their range of products, please give Shnayde a call on 0845 683 2670.
For a free demonstration contact Evopos on Tel: 01202 795900
For a free demonstration contact Evopos on Tel: 01202 795900
Evopos UK Ltd are the producer of the Dealer management software which service dealers are taking a serious look at. This all-in-one solution with friendly and effective telephone support may be worth checking out, if you are a new service dealer or are currently unsatisfied with your current system.
The latest version includes quick and easy point of sale software, comprehensive stock control, workshop organiser, hire contract module, accounting package and state of the art automated SMS and email marketing, all of these features are available in specifically designed dealer packages.
"What makes Evopos streets ahead of its competitors?" asks Denis Bullen (MD). "Evopos is perfect for the Service Industry; everything about the customer is tracked, sales of parts, whole goods and all vital contact information."
Denis Bullen, Evopos md
Denis continues, "The workshop module is of particular interest to most service dealers. Evopos will fulfil the main three requirements that make any busy workshop successful.
1. Easy to use; this minimises mistakes making sure correct time is billed for and all the information is correct.
2. Maximises sales and repeat custom using the excellent time management and service reminder tools built into Evopos.
3. Helps to provide the very best customer service; by providing engineers and salesman with all the necessary information to make the job or the sale as easy for the customer as it as easy for you.
"As far as I can see the workshop process is fairly straight forward
Step one: Book the job in, providing the customer with details regarding the job.
Step two: Book parts and labour to the job.(Evopos will automatically remind the customer to drop the machine off and when the job is finished, let the customer know when to pick it up via an SMS text or email alert.)
Set three: Produce a professional looking invoice for when the customer picks up their machine.
"A comprehensive history is retained within the Evopos system. For example for each machine you can see who has previously owned it and what work it has had done to it.
"Evopos offers a very competitive pricing structure, where costs are kept to a minimum. A standard dealer package can cost as little as £75.00 per month, there are no hidden extras. If you are concerned about losing your old customer database, this shouldn't be a problem. The helpful support team can convert most databases into workable Evopos data at no extra charge.
"Evopos is a low cost way to help make your business more controllable and profitable. It's a total business management solution."
Whether you are a new start-up or run an existing business, why not contact Evopos and arrange a no obligation free demo and see what Evopos can do for your business.
Contact them direct on telephone: 01202 795900 or register online at Evopos.com and they will call you.
The following companies are kindly sponsoring the 2017 Service Dealer Conference & Awards which takes place at the Oxford Belfry Hotel on Thursday November 16th
PRINCIPAL SPONSOR: Kramp PLANTINUM SPONSOR: STIHL GB
The following organisations have confirmed their sponsorship of the 2017 Service Dealer Conference and Awards. We’d like to welcome them on board and thank them for their support and input.
