Man denies stealing Volvo from Knaresborough showroomRipon firm Econ launches first electric gritter

Ripon firm Econ Engineering is launching its first electric gritter at a trade show in Harrogate today.

The Electric Quick Change Body has a demountable bodywork, which enables the vehicle to switch from gritting to tipping in 15 minutes.

Econ’s research and development team worked with Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland and truck dealer Crossroads to create the prototype, which is built on a 19-tonne Volvo FE Electric 4×2 chassis.

Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ, which is the UK’s leading manufacturer of winter maintenance and highways vehicles, said:

“We have spent a long time developing the new E-QCB, undertaking comprehensive redesigns and trialling it, to ensure that we can offer a fully electric solution for our customers that can be used all-year round.

“The vehicle operates best in urban environments, where daily mileage is typically less than some longer distance motorways or rural routes.

“As it is easy to switch body types with this model, customers can benefit from operating the vehicle all year-round.”

Econ electric gritter

Econ supplies gritters to many local authorities, which are increasingly demanding green vehicles to meet zero-emission targets.

The gritter will be unveiled today on the Econ stand at the two-day winter highway maintenance conference Cold Comfort 2023 at Harrogate Convention Centre.

Christian Coolsaet, managing director of Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, said:

“Every part of the transport sector needs to have its sights set on achieving net zero, and gritting and snowploughing is no exception.

“The team at Econ has developed an exceptional new product with our FE Electric chassis at its heart; this is going to allow gritter fleets to reap the benefits of operating cleaner, quieter and more efficient trucks.”

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Stray Ferret Business Awards: Digital Innovation Finalists

The Digital Innovation Award is sponsored by ASE Computer Services Ltd.

ASE Computers Ltd is an IT Sales and Services company offering both corporate clients and individuals IT solutions.

ASE Computers Ltd has recently become a Sophos Partner.

This award is designed to highlight businesses that have embraced digital and grown the business as a result.

Finalists

Re-Macs

Re-Macs is an online business specialising in refurbished Apple devices.

The company has introduced digitally automated systems that enable staff to calculate the profit made on each product.

Re-Macs also launched a sister site, mac-recycle.com, where customers can trade-in their used Apple Macs and get an instant quote.

Tom James, Director of Re-Macs, said:

“It is fantastic to see all our hard work considered for a nomination for the Stray Ferret awards. We are obsessed with improving all aspects of what we do all the time.

“We’re on our way now to becoming the largest seller of refurbished Apple computers in the UK!”

Strive Group

Strive Group is a connected experience agency in Harrogate.

Strive Group was tasked by Volvo to create a virtual specification configurator, using the power of its ICE (Interactive Customer Experience) ahead of the Volvo C40 Electric Recharge launch.

‘ICE’ permitted potential customers to explore the car with immersive features such as the opening and closing car doors, testing the media system and even fitting an external tow bar.

Alistair Grant, Director and Owner of Strive Group, said:

“As a Harrogate business, we are very proud to receive recognition within the business community for the work we deliver for global clients. Our ‘I.C.E.’ platform has been developed to create a fully immersive experience for brands.

“With Volvo, we have further developed this concept, allowing customers freedom to explore the car as they would in a real life showroom, build the car to their specification and complete the ownership experience through subscribing or purchase the vehicle”.

The Stray Ferret Business Award event sponsor is Prosperis. To find more and to purchase tickets for the big night, click here.

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