Charcon-liveried Volvo FM 540 for Aylestone Transport
Midlands haulage firm takes delivery of unique tractor unit for Charcon deliveries into London
LEICESTERSHIRE-based Aylestone Transport have taken delivery of a special Volvo FM 6x2 tractor unit adapted with a 540hp engine, for use as part of their work with Aggregate Industries’ commercial hard landscaping division, Charcon.
Supplied by Jason Brewin, transport solutions executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East, the new vehicle joins the Aylestone fleet at Aggregate Industries’ base in Ashbourne. Backed by a 10-year, three-star Direct Vision Standard permit, the truck will be used to haul slabs and kerbs into London.
‘Bodge’ Aylestone Ward, managing director of Aylestone Transport, said: ‘We’ve been ordering Volvos for many years now and so it was right at the top of the list when it came to choosing our latest addition. As far as we’re concerned, Volvo Trucks are unmatched on both performance and reliability, as underlined by the strong resale value we see whenever it is time to move any of our older models on.’
The vehicle – supplied on hire purchase through Volvo Financial Services – is unique in the customer’s fleet in that rather than sporting the company’s traditional blue and white colours, it has been decked out in Charcon green, white and orange. It has also been paired with Kelsa colour-matched light bars, Lazer lights, beacons, side skirts, as well as Alcoa Dura Bright alloy wheels.
In addition, as per the customer’s request, the new Volvo FM benefits from a Euro-6 compliant Step E engine generating 540hp and a peak torque of 2,500Nm, bringing the vehicle in line with the customer’s existing five-strong Volvo FH 540 fleet. The FM is driven through Volvo’s automated 12-speed I-Shift gearbox, which makes driving easier, safer, and more comfortable and can also deliver improved fuel economy through perfectly timed gear changes.
The vehicle has also been equipped with a spacious Globetrotter cab and numerous packages. For instance, a Drive++ package adds dual armrests on both seats and an adjustable steering wheel with neck tilt. A microwave and a 30-litre fridge have also been installed, whilst the driver’s seat is suspended, heated, and ventilated.
A one person Living package adds extra storage, a cab parking heater, and a bottle holder, while Volvo’s Media package with navigation means drivers can enjoy a dynamic 12-in high-resolution instrument cluster with an accompanying secondary colour information display and DAB radio.
Volvo’s Long Haul Fuel package, featuring I-See predictive cruise control for maximum fuel efficiency, is also onboard, whilst visibility is boosted thanks to Volvo’s distinctive V-shaped LED headlights, which automatically adapt to ambient light conditions, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, and electrically heated rear view mirrors, all of which are included as part of a Visibility+ package.
Forward Collision Warning with advanced emergency braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Support and adaptive cruise control systems contribute to a thorough intelligent safety setup.
Volvo’s powerful smart fleet-management tool, Volvo Connect, is also included, allowing the customer to boost uptime, productivity and overall performance by leveraging vehicle insights visible through a single digital interface whilst monitoring emissions, fuel usage, and safety related data.
Paired with an SDC trailer fitted with Aylestone’s first Palfinger crane, the new truck will be used for crane haulage work five days a week. It is expected to cover up to 100,000km annually and is backed by a Volvo Blue Contract including all preventative maintenance.
