Butcombe Brewery taps up Volvo Trucks for new FE and FL rigids

The customer’s new arrivals come in the form of a Volvo FE 6x2 and a Volvo FL 4x2 rigid, meaning the Swedish marque now accounts for seven of the customer’s 18-strong commercial vehicle fleet.

Supplied by Mike Gill, Area Sales Manager at Truck and Bus Wales and West, the trucks – both sporting eye-catching liveries promoting the brewer’s beers, Goram Zero and Tall Tales – will typically work five days a week, delivering to pubs and distribution centres predominately throughout the south of England, clocking as much as 70,000 miles annually.

 

Sam Jennings, Transport Manager, Butcombe Brewery, says: “After deciding to move away from our previous manufacturer of choice, it did not take long for us to settle on Volvo Trucks as our new supplier. The brand’s reputation speaks for itself, and we’ve certainly seen it reflected in the performance of the Volvos we’ve already welcomed onto the fleet.

 

“For our newest rigids, our drivers have already commented on how enjoyable and comfortable the ride is, as well as how their interiors are a step up on what they were driving previously. We’re definitely looking forward to welcoming more Volvos into the business in the near future.”

 

The customer’s new Volvo FE is powered by a D8K Euro-VI engine rated at 320 hp, which has been paired with an automated 12-speed I-Shift transmission, while the FL’s specification includes a D5K 240 hp engine and an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

 

The customer has opted for a Drive package on both vehicles – adding cab climate control and cruise control to the builds – as well as Volvo’s Airflow package. This includes cab roof and side deflectors as well as an exterior sun visor, which all contribute to optimised aerodynamic performance.

 

With the rigids expected to tackle both rural and urban roads, each has been specified with safety and visibility firmly in mind. The trucks benefit from electrically heated and operated main mirrors and an additional factory-fitted lower kerbside passenger door window to ensure drivers have a clear understanding of their immediate surroundings.

 

Vulnerable road users will be protected through the vehicles’ active safety features, including Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning systems.

 

Both vehicles’ day cabs also include a suspended and heated driver’s seat – complemented by rear and full air suspension on Butcombe Brewery’s FL and FE respectively – cab climate control and a DAB radio.

 

Founded in 1978, Butcombe Brewery operates more than 100 pubs, bars and inns across South West England, while also brewing its own range of beers and cider.