Doug Jeffery, Group Commercial Director, Owens Group, says: “Our first batch of Volvos quickly proved to be extremely reliable while also providing the comfort and positive driving experience our drivers deserve. Those factors, combined with the trucks’ fuel performance, made it an easy decision to go with Volvo this time around too.
“Volvo is a quality brand, with its current range filled with modern looking trucks that would reflect well in any business’ fleet. While we had a cursory look to see what else is in the market currently, it was clear pretty quickly that we would place our confidence in Volvo Trucks for this order.”
Supplied by Stuart Pearce, New Truck Sales Director at Truck and Bus Wales and West, all 30 trucks feature a comfortable yet practical spec. They benefit from a spacious Globetrotter cab as well as Volvo’s Drive and one person Living packages. These see the addition of elements including dual armrests, bottle holders and extra cab storage, while the FH with I-Save trucks also have a 33-litre fridge/freezer onboard.
However, it is fuel economy where Owens Group’s new assets really shine, demonstrated most prominently by its FH with I-Save units. These each feature a 460 hp Euro-6 compliant Step E engine benefitted by ultra-efficient turbo-compound technology to allow the driver to maintain lower revs and a higher gear for a longer time, contributing to a smoother, quieter and more fuel-efficient journey.
The powertrain is paired with a more aerodynamic cab design, plus 12-speed I-Shift transmission and a map-based I-See system which constantly reads the road ahead to optimise gear changing strategy, ensuring the best possible fuel performance.
“Ever since we experienced Volvo’s fuel economy firsthand, we’ve been very impressed,” adds Jeffery. “The mpg figures returned on our first 60 units are very good, so the knowledge that this is only going to improve thanks to Volvo’s I-Save technology is an exciting prospect and one that should help us reduce our fuel costs and our impact on the environment.”
All 30 trucks are backed by a Volvo Gold Contract, including preventive maintenance and repairs to guarantee Owens Group complete peace of mind, as well as a comprehensive and personal service.
“Our drivers are always treated with respect and understanding whenever they take a truck in for servicing,” concludes Jeffery. “Both teams at Thomas Hardie Commercials – who supplied our 2021 units – and Truck and Bus Wales and West are a credit to Volvo, and it is a pleasure to work with them.”
As Wales’ largest family-owned independent logistics, warehousing, pallet network and express parcel delivery company, Owens Group runs a large diverse fleet, consisting of 400 trucks, 200 vans and 850 trailers with Volvo now accounting for around a quarter of the truck fleet.
Its latest arrivals will be based across the customer’s depots in south and west Wales, where they will be used to provide a reliable first-class delivery service to a long list of blue-chip customers. They are expected to remain on the fleet for a minimum of five years.
