motor

Ashford-based ACE Movements Transport has become one of the first operators to sign up to Iveco UK�s four per cent fuel guarantee, with the delivery of two ECOSTRALIS 6x2 mid-lift tractor units.The ECOSTRALIS Active Space Super3 tractors (AS440S46TX/P) have been supplied by Haynes Trucks on a three year lease backed by a comprehensive repair and maintenance agreement with Iveco Capital.

The four per cent fuel guarantee will be measured against the combined average performance of ACE Movements Transport�s current heavy truck fleet. Kevin Banbury, Managing Director of ACE Movements Transport, says: �Fuel is our main concern right now, and any savings we can make with ECOSTRALIS will directly impact on our bottom line.

�Before we placed the order Iveco technical staff carried out a detailed assessment of our current fleet before giving us the green light for the fuel guarantee. They are very confident ECOSTRALIS will deliver at least a four per cent improvement in fuel economy.�



Also key to securing the order for two new tractor units � which comprise one fleet replacement and one additional vehicle � were the whole life costs afforded by the ECOSTRALIS package.

�Total cost of ownership is paramount,� adds Banbury. �You don�t earn any more for operating the most expensive truck these days.

�The finance lease has enabled us to fix our costs over three years � with the only variables being insurance, putting a driver in the cab and diesel in the tank. And of course we expect the ECOSTRALIS to be the most economical on fuel.�

The two ECOSTRALIS tractor units benefit from a new EEV-rated Cursor 10 engine with revised engine mapping to reduce fuel consumption whilst maintaining performance. They are 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 vehicles feature a standard specification which includes Blue&Me telematics, a comprehensive three year / 420,000 km* vehicle warranty and an ECOSWITCH device that limits engine power output by adjusting it to the load of the vehicle and its route. A EuroTronic automated transmission incorporating a new ECOfleet mode automatically adjusts to the loading of the unit to fine-tune fuel economy, whilst Michelin X Energy SaverGreen low rolling resistance tyres and a higher gearing contribute to the promised fuel saving.

The four per cent improvement in fuel economy offered with the Iveco ECOSTRALIS** is guaranteed for three years / 400,000 km***.

Family-run ACE Movements Transport has been trading for over 20 years and operates a fleet of eight trucks and four vans. The ECOSTRALIS� will be used in conjunction with a pair of Schmitz Cargobull and Dennison trailers, primarily used to transport pots to garden centres in Scotland, and returning fully-laden with Scottish stone.

* Whichever comes first
** Subject to terms & conditions, available in full on request to Iveco
*** The fuel guarantee does not cover the initial 20,000 km running-in period

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