Dave Fulwood, Owner at Axis Logistics, says: “Last year, we were running a Volvo FH 460 with I-Save across similar routes and applications and the fuel economy was better than anything we had seen before. It was up to 12 mpg (miles per gallon) on some days, which is hugely impressive for the kind of loads and delivery work we are doing.
“We compared it closely to another truck on the fleet from another manufacturer and it blew it out of the water. That led us to buying a FH with I-Save at the end of last year, and now we have gone back for the Aero, which we are told is going to be even better again!”
Volvo Trucks’ latest version of its iconic FH features a new aerodynamic design – with a cab that’s 24 centimetres longer than that of the standard Volvo FH. Combined with a host of new technologies, the Aero can deliver energy consumption and emissions reductions of up to five per cent.
Supplied by Jack Castle, Area Sales Manager at Hartshorne Group, Axis Logistics’ new FH Aero is powered by a Euro 6-compliant D13TC Step E engine, producing 500 hp and a peak torque of 2,800 Nm. This is paired with a 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox and I-See predictive cruise control to yield significant sustainability benefits.
Volvo’s new Camera Monitoring System (CMS) replaces the exterior mirrors, helping to boost aerodynamic performance further. The system also increases the driver’s field of view and, when driving with a trailer, CMS deploys auto-panning functionality to follow the rear of the trailer as it turns. CMS also performs strongly in rainy and dark conditions, direct sunlight and even when driving in tunnels.
Axis Logistics has opted for several additional extras in the specification too, including full air suspension and the rear-steering tag axle to help improve manoeuvrability and reduce tyre wear.
Inside the Globetrotter XL cab a Drive ++ package adds creature comforts such as full leather interior, twin armrests on both driver and passenger seats, adjustable steering wheel with neck-tilt and electrically operated sun visor.
The cab also comes equipped with a 33-litre under bunk-mounted fridge/freezer, a microwave oven, a high performance 12-inch fully dynamic instrument cluster and DAB radio, plus the FH Aero’s built-in navigation system, featuring improved maps adapted to truck-specific needs and automatic map updates.
Safety is boosted with Forward Collision Warning with advanced emergency brake and Lane Departure Warning systems, as well as driver and passenger Side Collision Avoidance Support and Driver Alert Support functionality.
“It is a fantastic truck,” adds Fulwood. “One of our drivers was a huge fan of the manufacturer this one is replacing, but once he had a drive in the Volvo he’s been fully converted! The reliability of the Volvo product has always stood out for us, plus the level of service we get from Jack and the team at Hartshorne is top drawer.”
The new FH Aero is backed by a Volvo Gold Contract, guaranteeing maximum peace of mind, and is expected to clock-up in the region of 100,000km per year.