A strategy document from the Department for Transport has given long-term support to continued growth of rail freight. Derrick Potter, board member of the Rail Freight Group and executive director of The Potter Group, welcomes it.

Ronan Clinton, managing director of Heavey RF offers an alternative view on the RFID hype.

Whirlpool has become one of the first winners of SAP’s Manufacturing Co-Innovation Challenge, which recognises customers’ and partners’ development of composite applications.

Peter Brett Associates has invested in a package of geographic analysis and digital mapping products from MapMechanics, the specialist systems house in mobile management, scheduling and geographic information systems and data.

Multipart has launched its integrated systems platform – Msys.

IBS has appointed Lennart Bernard chief financial officer.

Inchcape Shipping Services has launched a PDA Mobile compatible web site – suitable for use with Palm, Pocket PC, Smartphone, Mobile or other small screen devices.

Minorplanet’s Vehicle Management Information System proved a life safer for a German truck driver who fell ill at the wheel.

Scania has produced a Euro 5 engine without exhaust after-treatment.

Volvo has produced seven demonstration trucks with nine litre diesel engines modified to operate on seven different types of renewable liquid and gaseous fuels.