Volvo and Dennison deliver for Tesco Northern Ireland 01 October 2013

Tesco has taken delivery of 28 new Volvo FM11 410 4x2 tractor units for its Belfast and Antrim, Northern Ireland, distribution centres.

The latest order, supplied by local dealer Dennison Commercials, takes the total Tesco NI fleet to 35 trucks and 115 trailers. Dennison will also deliver nine more FM trucks to the retail giant by the end of this year.

"Fuel efficiency was key to the product decision-making process, but whole life costs and value for the driver also played a strong part," states Cliff Smith, fleet engineering manager for Tesco GB.

Dennison's ability to provide a full repair and maintenance solution clinched the deal, he adds.

Smith went for Volvo's I-shift automatic gearbox and sleeper cabs. Safety features include red seat belts, full rear catwalks and a handbrake warning device. Cruise control, electrically-heated mirrors, an air sliding fifth wheel and disc lock wheel nuts were also included.

Tesco Belfast trialled a Volvo FM demonstrator for three weeks before making its decision. Volvo's telematics system Dynafleet was used to monitor driver behaviour, with Dennison's sales team and Volvo's driver trainer ensuring that Tesco was able to maximise fuel efficiency.

Robert Cromie, transport manager for Tesco NI, explains: "The Dynafleet fuel reports proved the Volvo to be the most efficient distribution vehicle currently in the truck market for the Tesco NI operation, with over 11mpg being achieved during the local trials."

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Volvo Group UK Ltd

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