With the aid of specially built vehicles, based on normal cars, car transportation can take place more quickly, safely, and cheaply throughout Europe. So claims the Malmö-based Swedish company Certigo, whose specially built transport vehicles are registered as light trucks, thereby minimising problems with speed restrictions, customs, and regulations concerning working hours spent behind the wheel.

Despite Certigo's cars being so-called light trucks, that is, vehicles weighing less than 3,500 kg, they are permitted to carry loads up to two tonnes and may also pull an equally heavy trailer. In addition, they may be driven more quickly than large trucks are permitted. In Germany, for example, this means no speed limits and the opportunity to drive on Sundays, when larger trucks are forbidden. Regulations concerning working hours for road transport employees in Europe do not encompass the light transport vehicles that Certigo uses, which in practical terms means that such a vehicle with two drivers can be operated twenty-four hours a day.

"For many of our customers, it is both more profitable and safer to use us, even if we start in Malmö and the assignment involves transporting a particular car from the middle of Europe to southern Europe," explains Robert Solstad at Certigo.
The cars have pneumatic suspension and can be lowered considerably for loading and unloading. This is an advantage, for example, with low sport cars.
"This reduces the risk of something happening to the car," says Solstad. "When one must drive up a steep ramp or squeeze between other vehicles, there is a much greater risk for damage."
The transported cars are protected by the enclosed chassis in order to reduce the risk of the unexpected happening to the cargo. According to Solstad, the driver usually stays in the car throughout the entire transport time.
In order to enable good communications during transportation, the cars are also equipped with the latest technology.
"We have both satellite navigation equipment and the ability to receive e-mail in the cars. This limits the risk of taking wrong turnings and maximises the possibility of arriving on time," says Solstad.
Among their customers, we find both foreign and Swedish companies. Examples are the American firm George P Johnson, the Swedish car magazine Bilsport, and transportation assignments for Ferrari.

Technical Facts
The cars are based on normal family cars (SAAB and Audi), but are rebuilt to triple-axle transport vehicles with a cargo box on the chassis. The cargo space measures 5.5 m in length, 2.5 m in breadth, and 1.94 m in height.

Image text:
"With the aid of our specially built vehicles, based on normal cars, car transportation can take place more quickly, safely, and cheaply throughout Europe," says Certigo.

For additional information, please contact:
Robert Solstad, Certigo AB
Box 225, 211 55 Malmö, SWEDEN
tel: +46-(0)702-777 000
fax: +46-(0)491-240 00
e-mail: solstad@hogsby.net