The first Volvo FH Aero in Wales has gone into service with Pontypool-based JP Bull Transport. Volvo Trucks’ latest version of its iconic FH was launched to market earlier this year and is now starting to hit the roads across the UK.
JP Bull Transport’s Volvo FH Aero 500 6×2 tractor unit will carry out general haulage duties, including deliveries for one major supermarket chain, and continues the firm’s long-standing commitment to the Swedish manufacturer.
Jonathan Bull, Director at JP Bull Transport, says: “It’s nice to have Wales’ first Aero in operation, we were the first ones to put the last generation of the FH into service when that came out too. We have 24 trucks in total and 22 of those are Volvos now. The product is good and the drivers like it. It helps attract and retain drivers if you can offer them good kit and Volvo is definitely good kit!
“The overwhelming thing for us though is the service we get from our local dealer. That’s really important – having a truck off the road can be so damaging in terms of costs and reputation to a business like ours. The service we get is the best we’ve seen compared to what else is on the market.”
Supplied by Darren Padfield, Area Sales Manager at Truck and Bus Wales and West, JP Bull Transport’s new FH Aero is powered by a Euro 6-compliant D13TC Step E engine, producing 500 hp and a peak torque of 2,800 Nm. This is paired with a 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox and I-See predictive cruise control to yield significant sustainability benefits.
The new aerodynamic design of the Aero – with a cab that’s 24 centimetres longer than that of the standard Volvo FH – is complemented with new technologies that lead to energy consumption and emissions reductions of up to five per cent.
Volvo’s Camera Monitoring System (CMS) replaces traditional exterior mirrors, the solution increases the driver’s field of view and, when driving with a trailer, CMS deploys auto-panning functionality to follow the rear of the trailer as it turns. CMS also performs strongly in rainy and dark conditions, direct sunlight and even when driving in tunnels.
The distinctive new-look exterior features the largest Volvo Iron Mark in modern times, as well as the Volvo Spread Word Mark.
Inside the FH Aero Globetrotter cab, JP Bull Transport’s new truck is packed full of creature comforts to ensure the ideal working environment for the business’ busy drivers. These include a microwave, a 33-litre fridge / freezer, dual armrests on both passenger and driver’s seats, an extra shelf in each of the two front upper storage compartments and additional exterior storage units on both the left- and right-hand side.
“Our operation is a huge team effort, and we always aim to give our drivers the very best tools for the job,” says Bull. “We are really excited to see how all the technology on this new model performs. The key is for our drivers to really understand and maximise that technology, to unlock those fuel efficiency benefits. We are expecting good things.”
The Volvo FH Aero was financed by Volvo Financial Services and is backed with a two-year Volvo Gold Contract, to guarantee maximum uptime and peace of mind.
It will make collections from customer depots across South Wales and the south-west of England, running deliveries anywhere across the UK. Often used for double shift operations, the new truck is expected to travel up to 180,000 km per year.
