Fleet of 100 ’green’ Euro 5 trucks into service with NYK Logistics

Northampton-based NYK Logistics (UK) Limited - part of the global NYK Logistics Group - has taken delivery of a 100 strong fleet of Euro 5 Volvo FM-440 Globetrotter-cabbed 4x2 tractors. Supplied through Volvo dealer Hartshorne Motor Services Limited, part of the Hartshorne Group, based in Walsall, West Midlands, and using Hartshorne’s own new rental product, the trucks are all operating on a tailored 3-year contract rental package with full maintenance.

“We continue to buy Volvo’s for their excellent whole-life costs and good fuel economy,” explains Mark LeMontais, Director of Engineering and Central Support for NYK Logistics (UK) Ltd. “The Euro 5 choice is a direct response to increasingly important ‘green’ issues and to lower our overall carbon footprint as a leading logistics business. We’ve gone for the Globetrotter cab for greater driver acceptability and the I-Shift automated gearbox for improved fuel economy, greater driver acceptability and reduced driver fatigue. We were able to get the trucks in a reasonable time frame and Hartshorne’s were able to put together a compelling contract rental deal.”

He adds, “We’ve had a relationship with Hartshorne’s for over 10 years; they’re our preferred supplier and dealer for Volvo. The bottom line is that we look for innovative solutions from our truck suppliers and that’s what we get from Hartshorne’s.”

Mark Vann, Director, Hartshorne Motor Services Limited added, “With the recent opening of a new Contract Hire and Rental department, this is our first major contract rental deal. We’re delighted to be supplying and supporting NYK Logistics on this prestigious fleet deal with our new innovative rental product. We put together a special financial package tailored to their particular needs”.

The replacement trucks, split 50:50 between the St. Helens (Merseyside) and Castleford (West Yorkshire) depots, are expected to cover 100,000 miles per year on the new Hartshorne’s contract rental product. Featuring single sleeper Globetrotter cabs in ‘Comfort’ trim; all 100 of the trucks are identical in specification for ease of logistics. The contract includes full maintenance and 365 day 24/7 breakdown and roadside assistance cover. The trucks will be serviced at Hartshorne outlets as well as other Volvo dealer points up and down the U.K.