Have you only ever bought used trucks for your fleet? It is certainly a leap of faith, as a used truck buyer is typically entrenched in the belief that a truck in its second life makes more economic sense. Looks like Paul McNicholas, Customer Solutions Manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials has done a great job convincing Oldham-based Kelvin Lord Group that they should buy new instead of used and that it should be a pair of 500hp Volvo FH Globetrotter XL tractor units!
The new pair of trucks join a fleet of 28 trucks of which 23 are now Volvos.
Kelvin Lord, Director at Kelvin Lord Group, says: “Though we have experience working with other manufacturers, time and time again we have found that Volvo’s product performance, reliability and fuel economy are second to none. We’re fully confident that these two new FHs will live up to this high reputation.”
The Volvo FH Specification
The new tractor units are powered by a Euro-VI compliant D13K Step E engine, producing 500 hp and a peak torque of 2,500 Nm. This is paired with an automated 12-speed I-Shift gearbox, which constantly evaluates information about speed, weight, road grade and torque demand to enable perfectly-timed gearshifts.
The FHs have been fitted with Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels as well as spacious Globetrotter XL cabs which are laden with several mod cons such as a 33-litre fridge, microwave and coffee maker. Kelvin Lord Group has opted for Volvo’s Drive++ package, which sees the inclusion of full leather upholstery, dual armrests on both seats and an adjustable steering wheel with neck tilt, to further enhance the working environment for its busy drivers.
Also onboard is a single bed Living+ package, featuring a lower bunk with a premium 50mm thick mattress topper and a luxury sleeper control panel, plus Volvo’s Media package with navigation. This includes a high performance 12-inch fully dynamic instrument cluster and a secondary colour information display.
As part of a Visibility+ package, the trucks are fitted with Volvo’s V-Shaped LED headlamps that automatically adapt to ambient light conditions, electrically heated and operated main and wide-angle mirrors and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.
The Buyer’s View
“Our drivers all put in their fair share of hard graft and then some, so it’s only right they are given the right tools to make their lives easier,” adds Kelvin.
“Moving forward, Volvo will remain our first port of call for any new vehicles we’re looking to take onboard.”
The new FHs have been supplied via a three-year finance lease agreement from Volvo Financial Services. They are each expected to cover 100,000 km annually working five days a week, Monday through Friday, in the company’s transport business.
Founded in 2006, Kelvin Lord Group is a family-run company offering general haulage, trailer leasing, roadside assistance and vehicle repair services across the UK.
