Steering group

A consortium of manufacturers and academics is planning to create safer, more efficient and environmentally-friendly heavy goods vehicles. Its next target is to make sophisticated improvements to HGV steering systems.

HGV manufacturing in the

is a relatively fragmented industry, but by forming the

(CVDC) it is able to sponsor, assist and benefit from innovations. Now it is embarking on a three-year research project that could help many, including other road users. The aim is to develop prototype vehicles that can be the springboard for new, better transport.

CVDC includes Arvin Meritor, Bridgestone, Camcon, Denby Transport, Firestone, Fluid Power Design, FM Engineering, Fruehauf, Haldex, Mekatronika Systems, MIRA, Qinetiq, Shell UK, Tinsley Bridge and Volvo Trucks. 'The members of the consortium influence the aims and directions of research in vehicle dynamics, and obtain the benefits, including exploitation of intellectual property, for relatively low cost,' said Dr David Cebon of the engineering department at