ACE targets 4% fuel saving with Iveco ECOSTRALIS
Ashford-based ACE Movements Transport has become one of the first operators to sign up to Iveco UK’s four per cent fuel guarantee, with the delivery of two ECOSTRALIS 6x2 mid-lift tractor units.
The ECOSTRALIS Active Space Super3 tractors (AS440S46TX/P) have been supplied by Haynes Trucks on a three year lease backed by a comprehensive repair and maintenance agreement with Iveco Capital.
The four per cent fuel guarantee will be measured against the combined average performance of ACE Movements Transport’s current heavy truck fleet.
Kevin Banbury, Managing Director of ACE Movements Transport, says: “Fuel is our main concern right now, and any savings we can make with ECOSTRALIS will directly impact on our bottom line.
“Before we placed the order Iveco technical staff carried out a detailed assessment of our current fleet before giving us the green light for the fuel guarantee. They are very confident ECOSTRALIS will deliver at least a four per cent improvement in fuel economy.”
Also key to securing the order for two new tractor units – which comprise one fleet replacement and one additional vehicle – were the whole life costs afforded by the ECOSTRALIS package.
“Total cost of ownership is paramount,” adds Banbury. “You don’t earn any more for operating the most expensive truck these days.
“The finance lease has enabled us to fix our costs over three years – with the only variables being insurance, putting a driver in the cab and diesel in the tank. And of course we expect the ECOSTRALIS to be the most economical on fuel.”
The two ECOSTRALIS tractor units benefit from a new EEV-rated Cursor 10 engine with revised engine mapping to reduce fuel consumption whilst maintaining performance. They are capable of producing up to 460 hp and a maximum torque of 2,100 Nm between 1,050 and 1,550 rev/min.
The ECOSTRALIS vehicles feature a standard specification which includes Blue&Me telematics, a comprehensive three year / 420,000 km vehicle warranty and an ECOSWITCH device that limits engine power output by adjusting it to the load of the vehicle and its route. A EuroTronic automated transmission incorporating a new ECOfleet mode automatically adjusts to the loading of the unit to fine-tune fuel economy, whilst Michelin X Energy SaverGreen low rolling resistance tyres and a higher gearing contribute to the promised fuel saving.
The four per cent improvement in fuel economy offered with the Iveco ECOSTRALIS is guaranteed for three years / 400,000 km.
Family-run ACE Movements Transport has been trading for over 20 years and operates a fleet of eight trucks and four vans. The ECOSTRALIS’ will be used in conjunction with a pair of Schmitz Cargobull and Dennison trailers, primarily used to transport pots to garden centres in Scotland, and returning fully-laden with Scottish stone.
For more information, visit acemovements.co.uk.
