Ian Hooley Haulage convert to Renault Trucks
Haulage firm takes delivery of new high-spec C480 8x4 with insulated tarmac tipper body
STAFFORDSHIRE-based Ian Hooley Haulage have taken delivery of a new, high-specification Renault Trucks C480 8x4 with day and night cab and insulated tarmac tipper body by Aliweld.
Having previously operated another manufacturer’s vehicles for more than 20 years, it was the service and back-up support from Allports Group in Stoke-on-Trent and their recommendation of Renault Trucks that sparked the move.
Supplied by Allports Group, the new C480 is on the road 24h a day and has been added to the fleet for the owner-driver’s tarmac work, joining one other used Renault truck employed on an Aggregate Industries contract.
High levels of satisfaction with the dealer, Allports Group, and disappointment with the existing competitor model led to the recommendation of the Renault Trucks C, as Ian Hooley explained: ‘I wasn’t happy with the competitor vehicle I was running and the team at Allports Group in Stoke-on-Trent persuaded me to try a new Renault truck; their support was fundamental to the new purchase.’
He continued: ‘Running a truck 24h a day requires excellent back-up service, and Allports have never let me down; they are always around to help. So, when they recommended I try the Renault Trucks C, I trusted their judgement.’
The new C480 is fitted with a 13-litre engine and Optidriver AT2612F gearbox, providing a maximum torque of 2,550Nm, with 12 forward and three reverse gears. The high-spec vehicle has numerous additional extras including Alcoa Dura-Bright aluminium wheels, four-point cab air-suspension with ride-height control system, roof-mounted twin air horns, a heated and ventilated seat with leather trim, electric windows, night heater, comfort air-conditioning and a leather steering wheel.
Additionally, the C480 is equipped with ROADPAD+, an on-board assistant that allows the driver to listen to music, use a smartphone hands-free and manoeuvre safely thanks to the rear and side cameras. Navigation assistance from a truck-specific satnav system is also included.
Mr Hooley commented: ‘As I’m driving the C480 I have chosen a higher spec. I’ve previously had an 11 litre [truck] but I like the 13 litre and the extra power it provides, especially as the local terrain isn’t flat. I do very little motorway driving; the majority is on scenic A and B roads across the High Peak, Buxton, Derby, Shropshire, and the East and West Midlands.
‘The C480 has been out on the road and I am really happy with it so far. The fuel [efficiency] is improving as the engine beds in, it’s performing better than the competitor vehicle I was running, and I expect to see further improvement over time,’ he concluded.
