Fuel-efficiency wins Iveco EcoStralis order with CFT Services

Lancashire-based CFT Services has acquired 8 new ultra fuel-efficient Iveco EcoStralis 6x2 mid-lift tractor units – and has an additional six identical vehicles due for delivery in September 2012.

The company trialled an EcoStralis demonstrator prior to placing
the order; and during a fortnight under the spotlight it recorded a 0.5 mpg fuel saving measured against the fleet average.

Chris Flynn, Managing Director of CFT Services, which operates from sites in Heywood and Wednesbury, explains, “With diesel prices hitting record levels, a 0.5 mpg saving on fuel can make a big difference to our overall vehicle operating costs. Together with a competitive finance package from Iveco Capital, EcoStralis made sound business sense.”

Flynn says the performance of the local dealer was also crucial to securing his business, “Guest Truck & Van in West Bromwich has gone out of its way to look after us. A good truck is nothing without excellent dealer back-up; to-date they have really impressed.”

The new EcoStralis’ join a 70-strong fleet of commercial vehicles and are each fitted with a GPS vehicle tracking system for added efficiency and security. They will be used for long-haul national distribution, roaming the country and delivering primarily to supermarket regional distribution centres. Each vehicle will be manned by a single driver and is expected to clock-up more than 100,000 miles per year – with servicing undertaken via the Iveco dealer network.

Iveco’s fuel-saving EcoStralis model stands out from regular Stralis Active Space Super3 heavy trucks due to a re-mapped version of the FPT Cursor 10 engine, which helps to reduce fuel consumption whilst maintaining performance. The EEV-rated 10.3-litre engine is 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 also benefits from an extensive array of added features which includes a Blue&Me Fleet telematics system and an EcoSwitch that uses the vehicle weight information from the ECAS/EBS systems to limit engine torque according to the gross vehicle weight – ensuring overall performance in line with that of a fully laden vehicle. This allows fuel consumption to be minimised during acceleration without affecting overall speed capability.

EcoStralis models also feature a EuroTronic transmission with a unique ECOfleet mode which automatically adjusts to the loading of the unit to fine-tune fuel economy. Michelin X Energy SaverGreen low rolling resistance tyres, a higher gearing and an 85 km/h speed limiter contribute to the optimised fuel performance.

Together, the 14 EcoStralis tractor units being delivered in 2012 join a further six Stralis Active Time tractors which went into service during December 2011 and January 2012.  The Stralis ATs operate 24/7 and are used largely in support of the Pallet Track network.

Posted in: 6x2,Bromwich,CFT Services,Chris Flynn,GPS,Heywood,International,Iveco,Iveco Capital,Iveco EcoStralis,Lancashire,Managing Director,Mid-Lift Tractor Unit,Truck,Vehicle Tracking System,Wednesbury