New Solomons refrigerated box van on way to Ginsters 06 June 2013

Hitachi Capital Commercial Vehicle Solutions has teamed up with bodybuilder Solomons to develop a prototype refrigerated box van for Ginsters.

Aerodynamics, aimed at cutting fuel costs by 5%, were key to the project, so the vehicle has a new roofline design, with a streamlined Thermo King cab-mounted fridge unit.

Based on a Mercedes Sprinter 3.5 tonne gvw chassis, the vehicle will be run for six months alongside a regular box van on identical routes in the Midlands, where its fuel consumption will be monitored through the onboard telematics.

The body is made of standard three-element insulated panels, with the fridge capable of transporting both chilled and frozen goods up to -20°C.

Another modification being trialled is the box body's rear step and door configuration, designed to improve driver safety when unloading the van.

"Once we have the results we will then decide on whether to extend the trial," says Andrew Gibbons, Ginsters' fleet continuous improvements manager.

Author
John Challen

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