Choosing a lower-powered engine, removing sun visors and selecting an optimum chassis height – Volvo were not messing about when they went into battle with the competition for the Culina Group 134-strong fleet deal.
The effort appears to have paid off – the Culina Group has subsequently taken delivery of 134 new Volvo FH 460 6×2 tractor units. The trial highlighted their excellent fuel-saving performance, coupled with the impressive driver comfort from the spacious Globetrotter cabs.
The new trucks join the 3PL’s extensive fleet of 2,400 commercial vehicles, delivering food and drink products across the UK for a wide range of Culina Group’s blue-chip customers.
Coming Out Top – A Straight Fight
Mark Matkin, Fleet Director of Culina Group, says: “We opted for Volvo after comparing the FH closely against equivalent vehicles from most of the other major manufacturers. As well as being the most competitive on fuel, the Globetrotter cab scored highly for driver comfort; plus with Volvo we get the peace of mind of a dealer network which goes above and beyond to look after us.”
Supplied by Hartshorne Motor Services, the new FHs are powered by Volvo’s D13K engine, producing up to 460 hp and 2,300 Nm of torque. The trucks come equipped with Volvo’s Dynafleet telematics system and all benefit from Volvo’s long-haul fuel package.
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“We have changed from 500 hp to 460 hp for this order,” explains Matkin, who worked with the team at Hartshorne to carefully specify the trucks to maximise fuel efficiency. “We have also gone for a medium height chassis and removed the external sun visor to further improve the aerodynamics.
“All these points add up to the new FHs being incredibly fuel efficient – helping us get the most out
The interior of the Globetrotter cabs feature Drive Plus and Single Bed Living packages, plus full leather seats, fridge and media package with satellite navigation.
“The drivers love them,” says Matkin. “The Volvo cabs are always very popular, but these have been enhanced further with the premium upgrades that Hartshorne added for us.”
In operation seven days a week, working a variety of shift patterns, the trucks will clock up anywhere from 150,000 – 260,000 km per annum and are expected to stay in service for three years.