Newell & Wright debut new Volvo FH duo

Sheffield-based Newell & Wright Group has just added two new Volvo FH with I-Save 6×2 tractor units to its fleet to help cut its carbon footprint.

Supplied by Crossroads Truck and Bus, the new vehicles with I-Save tech use turbo-compounding to reduce fuel consumption without affecting drivability.

“Reducing environmental impact is our top priority and we have now placed clear targets to push for double figures in regard to the fuel consumption of our trucks,” said Stephen Newell, operations director, Newell & Wright Group.

“For older models from other manufacturers, those sorts of numbers are nothing more than a pipe dream. That’s not the case with these Volvos though. With the combined technology of the trucks and the superb driver training we received, in no time at all both of our new models were comfortably hitting that double figure target.”

The tractor units feature Euro 6 D13TC Step E engines rated at 460 hp and a peak torque of 2,600 Nm.

Further fuel gains are provided by Volvo’s I-Shift automated gearbox, plus predictive cruise control, I-See, and I-Cruise with I-Roll.

To maximise driver comfort, the new trucks were also spec’d with Drive++ packages which include leather upholstery, dual armrests and an adjustable steering wheel with neck-tilt.

The Globetrotter cabs are also air-suspended and have heated driver’s seats.

Both vehicles feature a modern dashboard with a fully digital 12-inch, high-resolution instrument display, DAB radio and navigation and an under bunk mounted 33-litre fridge freezer.

Safety is boosted through Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning systems, while visibility is increased with electrically heated and operated main and wide-angle mirrors and headlamps, which automatically adjust to ambient light conditions.

Though Newell & Wright Group previously ran a “purely Volvo fleet” – some older models of which it still maintains on site – its FH with I-Save trucks are the first new vehicles from the Swedish manufacturer to enter its fleet since 2013.

The new trucks are expected to cover at least 160,000 km annually, working five days a week across the next seven years.

The tractor units will work double shifts, with drivers conducting container deliveries around Sheffield and as far north as Newcastle during the day, before switching to long distance operations at night across the UK.

Founded in 1974, Newell & Wright Group provides haulage and container services via its fleet of 100 commercial vehicles. In addition to Sheffield headquarters, the company also operates two rail terminals.