Renault Premiums outperforming in fuel economy trials

Truck and trailer rental specialists, Hill Hire plc., has taken delivery of a number of new Renault trucks to meet increasing demand from its customers. In an important conquest deal, the vehicles were supplied by Renault Trucks distributor, JDS Trucks.

Of particular satisfaction to Hill Hire has been the recent success with refrigerated and ambient product distributor, Funstons, which has taken delivery of 10 new 6x2 Renault Premium 450 tractor units on a five year contract. The 44 tonne, Euro 4 trucks, with the Optidriver automated gearbox, are the first Renaults to join Funstons’ 70-strong mixed fleet of Mercedes, DAF, Scania and MAN vehicles.

Funstons specialises in supplier consolidation and the new Renault Premiums will be used to transport temperature sensitive products from suppliers to retailers nationwide.

Steve Heal, Managing Director, Funstons, says: “We have put in place a major strategy this year to quality benchmark the different trucks on our fleet - this is predominantly aimed at fuel economy. We chose the new Renault trucks as we have been trialling a Renault Premium which, to date, has returned a better than average fuel economy.”

“We plan to undertake a large replacement programme of up to 25 time-served vehicles” he continues. “The results of this benchmarking will determine which manufacturer we choose for the majority of our fleet from next year. We are pleased to say that the Renault Premium is performing well and is in the upper quarter of our results.”

Funstons has formed a strategic alliance with Hill Hire, who supplies the trucks on a single sourcing basis. The deal was concluded with Steve Williams, Sales Development Manager, Hill Hire Spalding, after a lengthy period of negotiation.

Steve Heal of Funstons cites Hill Hire’s ability to supply new trucks to their specification within a tight schedule at competitive rates as a key factor in its choice. “We were also very impressed with the high levels of service that Hill Hire provides – customer satisfaction is obviously very high on their list of priorities.”

Funstons is an independent family business, established in 1961. The company is based at two centres in Royston, Hertfordshire and Peterborough. As well as haulage, it also offers ambient to chill storage.

Hill Hire is one of the UK’s largest truck and trailer rental specialists. Part of the HBOS Group it has a growing fleet of over 21k vehicles. Established for 18 years, the company has 17 depots Nationwide, offers a 24 hour breakdown service, delivery and collection facilities and in-house workshops.