The average figure of 29.96 litres/100km was achieved by Denby’s 14 DAF vehicles for a four-week period in August – the first time any of Denby’s fleet sub-groups have dropped below the 30-litre mark.
Much of the operator’s work is on the European mainland, notably France, so it prefers the continental measure for fuel performance (the 29.96 figure equates to 9.43mpg).
Most of its DAF vehicles are 6x2 Euro VI XF tractors with 454bhp engines; the two most recent acquisitions were two New XF models, with 474bhp MX-13 engines, and both beat the 30-litre target in their own right.
“We’ve seen individual vehicles dip below the magic 30 litres, but this is the first time we’ve seen an entire marque within our fleet return this sustained benchmark figure – and across a significant period of time,” says Peter Denby, managing director.
“It’s very impressive and it proves exactly what can be achieved when high-powered engines are driven correctly.”
He adds: “Operationally, we’re delighted with the productivity and the reliability from the DAFs, and they come with the benefit of outstanding support from our local dealer Ford & Slater – something we’ve enjoyed for many, many years.”