Chester-based Farrall’s Group has taken delivery of 10 brand new Volvo FH 500 6×2 tractor units, building on its long working relationship with the truck manufacturer. Supplied by Mark Lingard, Customer Solutions Manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials, the new Volvos arrive as an expansion to the customer’s fleet, which is now 75-strong.
Matthew Farrall, Managing Director at Farrall’s Group, says: “We have been buying Volvo trucks for many years, and are always impressed by the driving performance, premium finish and reliability the product brings to the table. They never let you down.”
“Though we do run a mix of manufacturers, the Volvo service certainly stands out. Mark and the rest of the Thomas Hardie team regularly go above and beyond for us, and that was a major factor in choosing Volvo again for this latest order.”
Powered by a Euro-6 compliant Step E engine, producing 500 hp and a peak torque of 2,500 Nm, the new FHs are driven via a 12-speed automated I-Shift transmission.
The trucks will be used for general haulage work across the whole of the UK, with drivers often spending multiple nights a week out on the road. As such, Farrall’s Group has opted to laden the spacious Globetrotter cabs with numerous creature comforts, including full leather upholstery, a microwave, fridge freezer and TV, to keep its drivers as comfortable as possible.
The cabs also feature 245 litres of additional storage, two bottle holders and a premium 50mm mattress overlay protector, all courtesy of a Living+ package. The working environment is completed with DAB radio, a chrome-surrounded high performance 12-inch fully dynamic instrument cluster and a secondary colour display.
Complementing their interiors, the trucks’ red and white livery is paired with Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels to deliver a striking finish. In addition, rain-sensing wipers, electrically heated and operated main and wide-angle mirrors and LED headlamps are included via Volvo’s Visibility+ package.
“Our fleet is our image, so we take great pride in making sure every truck stands out from the crowd,” adds Farrall. “Getting the specification right is key to not just attracting but retaining the right calibre of driver. Thankfully, these new additions have turned heads – I’ve already had wind of a few drivers itching for us to secure our next Volvo order!”
To boost safety, the tractor units are equipped with Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Emergency Brake and Lane Departure Warning systems, while Volvo’s I-See Predictive Cruise Control helps to improve fuel economy.
Farrall’s Group’s new FHs – acquired via a hire purchase deal supplied through Volvo Financial Services – are backed by a five-year Volvo Gold Contract.
A third-generation family-run business founded in 1956, Farrall’s Group offers 24/7 nationwide delivery from its main depot in Chester. The customer expects its new vehicles to operate within its fleet for at least seven years, covering around 120,000km annually.