Ipswich-based GMA Warehousing & Transport is taking delivery of four new Volvo 26-tonners which have been specified for maximum fuel efficiency, as part of efforts to reduce the company’s fuel use and impact on the environment.
Supplied by Volvo Truck & Bus Centre East Anglia, the order includes four FM 6×2 rigids with Globetrotter cabs and D11K engines rated at 330 hp. They each feature Volvo’s long haul fuel package, together with a hydraulically steered and lifting rear axle to reduce rolling resistance and tyre wear when operating light or unladen.
Jay Kamat, Business Development Director at GMA Warehousing and Transport, says:
“Fuel is our single biggest variable expense so we’ve worked hard with Matt Kubot at the local dealership to look at every aspect of the truck, and ensure we’ve made it as efficient as possible for our operation.”Initial driver feedback during the first weeks has been very promising, and we’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact of Volvo’s fuel-saving innovations at the pumps,”
he adds.
Volvo’s long haul fuel package is designed for vehicles used on long distance missions and incorporates the latest generation I-See predictive cruise control and 12-speed I-Shift automated transmission with long haul optimised software. Other features include I-Cruise intelligent cruise control with I-Roll – which helps to save fuel when neither engine power nor engine braking is needed.
This option pack also adds an engine idle shut down facility which kicks in after two and a half minutes, to help further reduce fuel use and emissions, plus a variable displacement power steering pump which saves energy use on the move.Operating on groupage work nationwide, the new rigids are mounted with Lawrence David curtainside bodies and tail-lifts and have been delivered on a four-year full service contract hire agreement through Volvo Financial Services.
All scheduled servicing and maintenance will be undertaken at Volvo Truck & Bus Centre East Anglia’s site on the Ransomes Industrial Estate in Ipswich, less than half a mile from the customer’s base.Three new FMs are already in service, with a fourth set to enter operation in April.
