Coca-Cola 21-tonners trial aerodynamics, EEV and gas engines 11 June 2010

Coca-Cola Enterprises has begun trials of a 21-tonner truck fitted with an aerodynamic Bevan21 fast access curtainslider body.

The rigid is one of two Iveco Stralis six-wheelers, powered by ultra low-emission 310hp EEV engines, that have joined the Coca-Cola fleet in recent weeks. The other is fitted with the standard, flat-roofed version of the same body.

Darren O'Donnell, logistics asset manager for Coca-Cola Enterprises, explains: "We will now be running the two trucks head-to-head over the next six to nine months, to see whether the more streamlined unit can deliver any worthwhile benefits in terms of fuel savings."

He also reveals that a third Bevan-bodied 21-tonne Iveco, powered by a gas engine, is also due to begin trials in the coming weeks – and that all are on six-year contract hire and fleet management deals with Leeds-based CVL.

Halesowen-based bodybuilder Bevan says its aerodynamic offering, which has a curved roof and a specially moulded air deflector and cab collar, is designed to reduce wind resistance while maintaining cubic load volumes – and claims fuel bills can be reduced by 15%.

"Any aerodynamic system needs a long, steady run to deliver optimum results in terms of mpg efficiency, whereas these two new trucks are on multi-drop work in and around London," comments O'Donnell.

"Nevertheless, we're committed to doing everything we can to limit our fuel consumption and, by extension, our carbon footprint. That's why we're among the first to adopt the latest technology, such as the clean, green EEV engines, which we now specify on all our vehicles."

As for the rest of the engineering, the trucks are fully air suspended and have compact day cabs, fast-access curtainslider bodies and 2.0-tonne cantilever tail-lifts. They are also the first to be built for Coca-Cola Enterprises by Bevan Group since its acquisition earlier this year of the soft drinks giant's previous supplier PG Reeves.

"Bevan Group were our back-up bodybuilder previously, so we already had a good relationship with them, and I've every confidence in their ability to uphold quality standards and work with us on new initiatives," states O'Donnell.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Bevan Group Bodies Ltd

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