Following a successful trial period with a demonstrator vehicle, Axis Logistics has added a new Volvo FH Aero 6x2 Globetrotter XL to its fleet. Impressed by fuel economy figures thanks to Volvo’s turbo compound technology, the vehicle replaces a truck from another manufacturer. The new truck will be put to work delivering building and construction materials paired with a flatbed trailer.
Dave Fulwood, owner at Axis Logistics, said: “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 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 an 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!
Supplied by Jack Castle, area sales manager at Hartshorne Group, the FH Aero is equipped with a 500bhp engine with peak torque of 2,800Nm. As well as the aerodynamic cab design, the truck features Volvo’s camera monitoring system in place of traditional mirrors. Axis Logistics added optional extras including full air suspension and a rear-steering tag axle.
The Globetrotter XL cab is fitted with the Drive++ package which adds full leather interior, dual armrests, adjustable steering wheel with neck tilt and an electric sun visor. The driver also has access to a 33-litre fridge/freezer, microwave, DAB radio, and in-built navigation system. Safety equipment includes forward collision warning with advanced emergency braking, lane departure warning, side collision avoidance and driver alert support.
Fulwood said: “It is a fantastic truck. 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.”
Supported by a Volvo gold repair and maintenance contract, the vehicle is expected to cover around 100,000km a year.
