UK’s first Volvo FH Aero enters service

Low Wheel UK has taken delivery of a new Volvo FH Aero 500 6x2 tractor unit, the first of its kind to go into operation in the UK. Supplied by Daniel Byworth, area sales manager at Hartshorne Group, the new vehicle is part of a fleet expansion programme. Low Wheel runs 10 trucks and eight of these are Volvo vehicles. The company plans to double the size of its fleet over the next year.

Mick Wheeler, owner at Low Wheel UK, said: “We’re always looking to progress as a company, so opting for the very latest product from one of the most respected truck manufacturers was a simple decision. In the few weeks our FH Aero has been on the road, it has already been warmly received by both our team and our customers. It is certainly turning heads out on the road!

“Given that I’ve previously driven full-time myself, I know first-hand that Volvo Trucks have the best gearbox, reliability and fuel efficiency on the market – even before the FH Aero arrived. Pair that all with the superb backup service you get, and it’s a strong combination that takes some beating.”

As the name suggests, the FH Aero has an optimised aerodynamic design to reduce emissions by up to 5%. The cab is 24cm longer than a standard FH model and features Volvo’s camera monitoring system in place of traditional mirrors. 

Wheeler said: “The feedback our driver has given on the CMS has been solid. We do have some experience with similar set-ups from other manufacturers, but the early indications are that Volvo’s CMS is head and shoulders above the competition.”

The truck is fitted with safety equipment including forward collision warning with advanced emergency braking, lane departure warning, side collision avoidance support and driver alert support. Low Wheel’s FH Aero is equipped with a Euro 6-compliant D13TC Step E engine, with 500hp and a peak torque of 2,800nm. 

The Globetrotter cab is specified with the Volvo drive package which adds dual armrests, additional cab storage and electronic air conditioning. The vehicle is expected to cover 100,000km annually and will likely remain on fleet for five years.