Supplied by Steve Moon, Truck Sales Director at MC Truck & Bus, the truck joins a 40-strong commercial vehicle fleet, of which 90 per cent is Volvo-supplied. The FH with I-Save will be tasked with general haulage work on a variety of routes across the UK.
Matt Clarke, Operations Director, Castledene Transport, says: “The majority of our fleet has been Volvo for many years now, and we’ve come to really embrace the product for its reliability, comfort and overall performance.
“What shines through in our opinion is the level of service we receive, which is truly second to none – its team is Premier League while other manufacturers are still playing Sunday league. Whenever we need to call on MC Truck & Bus, we know for certain that they’ll work quickly and diligently to get the job done, all while keeping us fully up to date with what exactly is happening. That is a massive help when it comes to managing our fleet.”
The customer’s latest arrival features a 500 hp Euro-VI compliant Step E engine that generates a peak torque of 2,800 Nm, benefitted by ultra-efficient turbo-compound technology that allows the driver to maintain lower revs and a higher gear for a longer time. On the road, this contributes to a smoother, quieter and more fuel-efficient journey.
Also included in the I-Save package is Volvo’s predictive cruise control system, I-See, which analyses and adapts to gradients in the road ahead, and I-Cruise with I-Roll, which adjusts speed to further optimise fuel consumption.
Additional fuel economy gains are unlocked by roof and cab side air deflectors, while a 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox analyses factors such as speed, weight, road grade and torque demand to perfectly time every shift.
The truck features a Globetrotter XL cab sporting the customer’s distinct red and white livery which has been tweaked to reflect Castledene Transport’s 45th year in business, leather upholstery and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels.
Inside, a Drive+ package adds dual armrests, an adjustable steering wheel with neck tilt and electrically controlled air conditioning, all complemented by a suspended and heated driver’s seat.
The customer has also added a two-person Living+ package to the specification – this sees the addition of a cab parking heater, a 33-litre fridge/freezer and a premium 50mm mattress protector. A Media pack with navigation includes a 12-inch fully dynamic instrument cluster, a secondary colour display and DAB radio.
Forward Collision Warning with advanced emergency braking and Lane Departure Warning systems work to maximise safety, while visibility is increased through electrically heated and operated main and wide-angle mirrors and headlights which automatically adapt to ambient light conditions.
Based in Aylesford, Castledene Transport’s hard-working fleet operates 24/7, with the customer’s new FH with I-Save expected to clock up as much as 130,000 miles annually.