Red is the new ‘green’ with Kingswood’s Euro 5 FH-400

Bracknell-based pallet recycling specialist Kingswood Pallets has taken delivery of a Volvo FH-400 4x2 tractor unit finished in a striking Ferrari Red. The vehicle, which is fitted with a Euro 5-compliant engine - just three months after the Euro 4 regulations took force - and an I-Shift automated gearbox, will operate at 34 tonnes GCW.

“There were three reasons for the early move to Euro 5,” says owner Steve Page. “Firstly, I was really hoping for a government incentive – which hasn’t happened so far - but secondly, I was interested in re-sale value. In two years’ time, Euro 4 will be out of date and, if I run this for five years, a Euro 5 truck will be worth far more when the time comes to trade it. Finally, of course, the reduced emissions of a Euro 5 engine fit well with our image as a recycling specialist.”

Supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre London at Hayes, the Globetrotter XL cab is finished in ‘Comfort’ trim, featuring climate control, but Steve’s favourite feature is the I-Shift gearbox. “The FH I ran before this was an I-Shift too,” he says. “It makes it easy to cope with the amount of traffic about today, especially on B-roads, at the end of a long day. It’s a better drive than my car !”

Ferrari Red may not seem the obvious choice for a green business, and indeed Steve is not a fan of the Italian marque – or even of red trucks, normally. “Most red trucks don’t look so good,” he says, “but I just love this colour!” He runs two Montracon tri-axle flatbeds in matching livery; the truck will also be used outside working hours to pull the trailer carrying his son’s racing motorcycle – rather more in keeping with its paintwork.