PASTY: Ginsters set for 5%-reduced fuel costs?
Ginsters could enjoy 5%-reduced fuel costs after the Cornish baker took delivery of a new Hitachi Capital and Solomons-developed refrigerated box van.
Fuel consumption is reduced by the prototype vehicle’s aerodynamic box body design, distinct wavy roofline and streamlined Thermo King cab-mounted fridge unit.
Based on a Mercedes Sprinter 3.5tonne GVW chassis, the vehicle will have a six-month run alongside a regular box van on identical routes in the Midlands region.
The fuel consumption of both vans will be closely monitored through its on-board telematics system.
Jon Lawes, Managing Director at Hitachi Capital Commercial Vehicle Solutions, said: “It is a common theme for fleets to want to reduce fuel consumption and we believe a partnership approach, working with a trusted supplier – in this case Solomons and Thermo King – is the way ahead.
“We should get an initial view after the six months trial where Ginsters can make some more longer-term planning on its fleet strategy.
The vehicle’s body is made of a standard three-element insulated panel design, with the fridge capable of transporting both chilled and frozen goods up to -20 centigrade.
Another modification being trialled is the body’s rear step and door configuration, designed to improve driver safety when unloading the van.
Andrew Gibbons, Fleet Continuous Improvements Manager at Ginsters, said: “Our fleet of box vans carries out the very high profile role of delivering our bakery products into thousands stores across the UK on a daily basis and we are looking forward to seeing the results of the trial.
“Once we have the results we will then decide on whether to extend the trial.”
Hitachi Capital will have supplied more than 50 of Ginsters’ vans on a four-year contract hire basis by the end of 2013.
They also manage Ginsters’ fleet maintenance provision through the Mercedes network.
