LTI have continued to investigate the under bonnet fires that have occurred on early build TX4s. These investigations have provided further insight into the root causes of the fires. Sufficient evidence has been gained for LTI to update the range of solutions designed to stop the type of under bonnet fires that have been experienced in the 12 early build TX4s. These comprise the following.
- Replace the Exhaust Gas Recirculation pipe
- Install a heat shield over the Exhaust Gas Recirculation pipe
- Install a formed steel cover to encase the NVH pad. This will prevent the NVH pad detaching from the bulkhead and provide additional shielding from heat sources in the engine bay.
- Thoroughly inspect all pipe runs and wiring for evidence of unusual wear and replace as necessary
The revised rework plan will commence on TX4s from VIN 200540 and LTI has confirmed to the PCO the details of this change point. TX4s with a VIN prior to 200540 were built with a different design of NVH pad and will be subject to the original rework programme, which will be due for completion week commencing 27th October 2008. This latest rework programme meets the approval of the Public Carriage Office.
LTI will continue to employ the services of Sigma who are based at Mann & Overton London to supplement LTI and M&O personnel and will utilise 30 ramps and an appropriate number of technicians to conduct the rework. Planning and trialling of the process has commenced and LTI are targeting an increased capacity of 300 per week when the process is stable, the technicians are trained and parts supply is able to support this rework rate. LTI will liaise with the PCO over the coming days to finalise the duration of the revised rework plan with which it is anticipated all suspended TX4s will be reworked by the 12th November 2008.
In London Mann & Overton will continue to contact drivers while outside of London drivers will be contacted by their dealer in VIN ascending order to book the TX4 in for the rework to be carried out.
Once the rework has been completed in London the driver will be issued with a certificate, updated from the certificate issued for the original rework, the design and content of which has been agreed with the PCO. The certificate will certify that the rework has been completed to LTI’s technical and quality standards.
The revised rework plan will also be implemented in respect of all other TX4s. LTI will continue its efforts to complete the work on all TX4s as quickly as possible and will keep the PCO fully informed of its progress.
Now that LTI have further insight and sufficient evidence into the root causes of the fires LTI can now progress discussions to look at where responsibility lies for the losses that various parties (including LTI) have suffered.
In the event that any person believes that they have suffered loss as a result of the recent events we suggest the following practical actions: -
- Record and keep evidence of all losses;
- Do what you can to reduce losses, e.g. sharing/hiring a taxi when your usual vehicle is actually affected;
- Consider who has actually caused the losses to occur;
- Wait until the losses have come to an end (or at least can be determined) before making a claim, so that, if recoverable, some of the losses are not missed by making a claim too soon;
- In any letter of claim set out in as much detail as possible the following: -
- Details of the vehicle affected and in particular the Vehicle Identification Number (“VIN”);
- The circumstances of the claim, for example the date and time when the vehicle is alleged to have been out of use;
- Any alleged losses; how they were calculated; and documentation in support;
- Servicing history;
- What efforts were made to minimise the losses;
- Receipts of purchase.
Once again LTI would like to thank drivers for their patience during this difficult time and can assure them that all possible progress is being made to get them back to work as soon as possible.