Page 8 - CTB n4 - 2013/4

NEWS
Energy Saving Tyres Help Reduce Fuel Consumption for Parcel Delivery Company
One of the UK's
leading home delivery
specialists, Hermes,
has renewed a three-
year Michelin tyre
contract which will see
it specifying the latest
generation fuel saving
tyres on its trunking
vehicles. Leeds-based
Hermes, which
operates 490 trucks
and 450 trailers,
traditionally fitted Michelin XTE3 ‘regional’ trailer tyres, before deciding to trial Michelin’s X Energy SaverGreen XT fitments when ordering 300 new aerodynamic Cartwright Cheetah Fastback trailers in September last year.
The combination of low rolling resistance tyres and aerodynamic trailers reduced the fuel consumption of vehicles pulling the trailers by an average of 4.5 per cent compared to standard tyres and trailers, prompting Hermes to renew its tyre contract for a further three years, and specifying Michelin’s low rolling resistance tyres across its long-distance fleet.
Hermes’ Fleet Manager, Rob Elmore, says: “When we placed an order for new aerodynamic trailers, Michelin recommended fitting energy saving tyres so we could get the maximum return from our investment. A combination of the trailers’ aerodynamic design and the Michelin fuel-saving tyres cut diesel consumption by nearly five per cent. For a fleet of our size, that adds up tosignificant savings; and as a direct result we have now started to
specify Michelin’s latest low rolling resistance tyres on our tractor units too.”
Hermes will continue to fit its trailers with X Energy SaverGreen XT tyres, whilst all new tractor units will come specified on the latest low rolling resistance X Line Energy tyres, as standard.
The two Michelin fuel-saving ranges, which are designed for vehicles operating at high average speeds on motorways and major trunk roads, help to reduce fuel bills, cut emissions, and offer a low total cost of ownership to the customer. Elmore added: “As a company we have set clear CO2 reduction targets which we’re keen not just to meet, but to exceed. It’s amazing how much a simple exercise such as switching tyres can contribute to lowering carbon emissions and fuel costs.”
Hermes vehicles travel across the UK collecting packages from its clients and delivering them to their customers’ homes. Its vehicles range from 7.5 tonne rigids to tractor unit and trailer combinations travelling up to 180,000 km a year.
Coach and Bus Live Reveals Increased Sector Confidence
Coach & Bus Live, which took place at the NEC in September, played host to the UK’s top bus and coach operators amidst a mood of optimism that the industry was set to benefit from growing confidence in the sector and in the economy as a whole. Transport Minister Norman Baker, meeting with industry suppliers
A highlight of the two day event at the NEC was the Live Showcase Arena created by organisers Expo Management and the Confederation of Passenger Transport. Griffin added: “The response to this new feature has been positive. We have certainly raised the bar in terms of creating a new type of feature area for the
organisers will be reviewing extensive research over the coming weeks on all aspects of the show.
Coach & Bus Live returns on Wednesday 30 September – Thursday 1 October 2015.
heard that Volvo Bus have recently taken on twelve apprentices in response to market demand, and was impressed by many other suppliers and exhibitors, reporting increased levels of employment. Mark Griffin, show director commented: “The sign of improving confidence demonstrated by bus and coach operators is clearly flowing into manufacturing and the wider supply chain, including technology providers, equipment manufacturers and parts suppliers amongst others. This is great news for UK jobs.”
sector. A live show demonstrating the benefits of the latest buses and coaches is a first in the UK. We know that there is still room for improvement in some areas and we will be consulting with the manufacturers, dealers and visitors involved in planning for the future, making it an even better event in 2015.”
Following a high profile pre-show marketing campaign, the organisers reported attendance of around 6,000 over the two days. Initial feedback showed that the live content was a factor in a well- attended two days and the
8 Commercial Tyre Business