Fuel economy was the driving force behind George H Kime & Co Ltd’s decision to buy their latest Renault Trucks Range T tractor units. In a significant deal, the company has taken delivery of 19 T480 6×2 pusher TML tractor units from Thompson Commercials to join the mixed fleet of 44 trucks.
However, it seems that the performance of the local Renault Trucks dealership, Thompson Commercials had something to do with the decision. The salesperson sells the first truck – the service department sells every subsequent one. George H Kime is aiming to be 100% Renault by next year.
Part of TPN, George H Kime’s Range Ts are transporting palletised freight on curtain-siders and double deck trailers. “These are extremely busy times and we need vehicles that are economical, robust, reliable and come with a first-class back up service. Renault Trucks and Thompson Commercials deliver every time,” says Managing Director Nigel Kime.
Nigel Kime continues: “All that matters to us is fuel economy and the Range T is renowned for being good on fuel. The trucks are running over 1500 miles and we are getting over 11mpg. We’ve never come across figures like this, ever!”
Specified for Fuel Economy
A forward-thinking company dedicated to improving fuel economy and reducing its carbon footprint, George H Kime has ensured the vehicle specification was right for their operation.
This includes adaptive cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring systems, visible marking for fifth wheel positioning to meet optimum fuel economy and measuring vehicles against their trailers to ensure optimum settings for the roof deflectors.
Nigel Kime adds: “We have a great team of drivers and they’ve all been through Renault Trucks’ full intensive 2 day driver training course at Warwick offering them time in the classroom, together with urban country and motorway driving techniques, which is proving to be so beneficial in terms of increased productivity, mpg and reducing our carbon footprint.”
George H Kime has been using the Range T successfully in its fleet since 2013. The latest Range T’s are an upgrade with a driver-led specification including camera system, microwaves and iPads linked to the traffic pad.
Driver Spec’d Interior
The cab is equipped for driver comfort, with air suspended heated driver’s seat, with two armrests, sleeper cab with Ultimate upper bunk transformable into storage, 24 litre fridge, electronically regulated comfort air conditioning with compressor optimisation, ultimate leather steering wheel with cruise and telephone control. The Range T’s also feature 4 point cab air suspension with ride height control system, Anti Rollaway Park Brake when the driver’s door is opened at a speed below 3km/h and adaptive cruise control linked to the advanced emergency braking system.
George H Kime has also specified Optivision Map Based gear shift strategy for FUEL ECO which anticipates topography and centralised data storage, ECO Cruise control with Optiroll, adjustable roof deflector, side deflectors and the Ultimate aluminium finish.
Commenting on the T480’s DTi 13 litre Step D Euro-6 engine, which produces 473hp and 2400 Nm of torque, Nigel Kime says: “The Step D 13 litre engine is incredible; it’s the best fleet vehicle for the application. Our drivers have been in most manufacturer’s vehicles, but these go above and beyond anything they’ve ever driven,” says Nigel.
George H Kime has opted for a five year Renault Trucks Start & Drive hire purchase contract by Renault Trucks Financial Services with maintenance carried out by Thompson Commercials, Boston. Commenting on the quality of support they receive from the local dealer, Nigel Kime says: “We run a fleet of 44 trucks, 30 tractor units, as well as 18t, 26t and 12t and thanks to the extended opening hours and responsive service we receive from Craig Osborne and the team at Thompsons in Boston, we’ll be going 100% Renault Trucks by June 2021.”
Additionally, George H Kime has unveiled a re-branded trailer which pays tribute to the NHS. The Lawrence David curtainside trailer bears the rainbow graphic that has become a symbol of support for those wanting to show their appreciation for NHS workers and offers a message of hope. Nigel Kime comments on the move: “With our trailers running flat out we are very proud to be supporting the incredible work of the NHS during these challenging times.”