MAN manager hits 40 years
An MAN area technical manager for aftersales has recorded 40 years at the company.
News - Commercial Motor
January 21, 2016
A Lincolnshire haulier has said he is “really impressed” with his new 500hp Volvo FH with a Dual Clutch transmission system, which is thought to be one of the first operating in the country.
Andrew Thorpe, manager at L&K R Thorpe Transport and son of owner Keith, told CommercialMotor.com that the truck does between 13 and 15mpg, depending on wind and weight, compared to the 13 of the MAN TGX it replaced.
Volvo has made no claim that the dual-shift technology improves fuel efficiency, and a CM road test of the truck last year saw no difference in the vehicle’s mpg.
However Thorpe said: “On Christmas Eve I ran it back from Cornwall at about half weight, and it did 15.9 miles to the gallon. With a 26-tonner with that horsepower it’s extremely good. We’re really impressed with it.”
Thorpe said: “The problem we’ve had with automatic boxes [before] has been the gaps between the gears. It’s harder to build momentum and not as quick as the manual gear box. But with the dual clutch it’s instant and you don’t lose momentum. It’s incredible.”
Thorpe reckoned the dual-clutch gearbox would usually set a buyer back an extra £4,500 at least, but said Volvo had done his firm “a bit of a deal” because it’s keen to get more into the market.
“As far as Crossroads Truck and Bus knew, this is the first one on the roads apart from their demonstration vehicles,” said Thorpe.
The Globetrotter cab is fitted with spotlights, which Thorpe said has “minimal effect” on the vehicle’s performance.
“We go to some very obscure places as well, so it is good to have the extra lights, they’re not just for show.”
- This story originally appeared in the 14 January issue. Why not subscribe and get 12 issues for just £12?
