First Volvos join Continental fleet

The trucks represent the first Volvos to join Continental’s UK fleet and will be used to set a new standard within the customer’s business going forward with regard to vehicle specification.

Simon Sumner, transport operations manager, Continental Tyres, said:

Though we’ve not run Volvos on the fleet before, we were already aware of their reputation. We really wanted to set a new benchmark with this latest fleet refresh and concluded that Volvo would be the best choice. The key aims were to take the driving experience to a new level versus the trucks these replaced and to make sure we were not just meeting but exceeding the industry standard in terms of safety in line with Continental’s mantra. With Volvo’s help, we’ve created a specification that delivers on both fronts.

All eight vehicles – decked out in Continental’s distinctive livery – share many similarities, including a heated and suspended driver’s seat. The trucks all feature a Drive++ package too, which includes an adjustable steering wheel, dual armrests on both driver and passenger seats, and electrically controlled air conditioning with a carbon filter and sun, mist, and air quality sensors.

Drivers can make use of a Volvo Media package with navigation, adding a chrome- surrounded 12-inch dynamic instrument cluster, a secondary colour display and DAB radio. Volvo’s one person Living+ package sees additional storage space, a cab parking heater and a bottle holder included on all eight trucks, while the rigids also feature a 28-litre fridge.

Despite their similarities, the vehicles do deploy different powertrains – though both utilise Euro VI Step E engines the tractor units generate 460hp and a peak torque of 2,300Nm compared to the rigids’ 380hp and 1,800Nm. All are equipped with Volvo’s I-Shift automated gearbox, which constantly evaluates information such as speed, weight, road grade and torque demand to perfectly time each gear shift.

The rigids are mounted with bespoke bodywork built by Bevan Motor Bodies, including specially designed load restraints and non-slip flooring to protect products during transit and boost safety during loading and unloading. These additional design features also increase the bodies’ structural integrity and will deliver long-term benefits in terms of damage reduction and asset uptime.

All eight trucks are covered by a five-year Volvo Gold Contract which delivers full cost control, worry-free ownership, and maximum uptime.

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