Marston's is first in UK to
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pick up Renault T range
By Will Shiers
MARSTON'S HAS become the first UK company to take delivery of a Renault T range.
The brewing and pub business purchased two 440hp 6x2 Euro-6 tractors for its primary distribution fleet. The trucks, which have chassis numbers 54 and 55, are additions to its 22-strong, predominantly Scania, fleet. They will be double-shifted and are expected to cover more than 500,000km during the next five years.
Fleet manager Graham Benford explained how the brewer had only run Swedish marques until 2011, when local Renault dealer Allports gave them a Premium demonstrator.
Although immediately impressed with the truck, Benford was not convinced of its longevity.
"I had a bet with the salesman as to how long it would take for bits to fall off," he said.
"But I was wrong; and two-anda-half years later, there haven't been any problems." The lack of problems with the Premium gave Marston's the
confidence to purchase a second one, and ultimately the pair of T range tractors.
But it was Marston's driver Jon Whiting who had the deciding vote on the purchase.
Renault Trucks held a ride and drive event at Millbrook Proving Ground in October. Being a Premium driver, Benford thought it would be beneficial if Whiting attended. "The new truck is a vast improvement on the Premium, and is a fantastic piece of kit," Whiting said on his return.
Although he had reservations about the electronic handbrake, he added: "I am struggling to think of anything that is wrong with it."
Neither Benford nor head of group logistics Chris Evans have any real concerns about Euro-6, although both are keen to see what the fuel economy will be like once the trucks have bedded in.
"Yes, we could have gone for Euro-5 instead," said Benford, "but we have an environmental responsibility."
Marston's said the trucks have performed impeccably so far, and driver feedback has been positive.