VW mini artic cuts fuel bills
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• The Lightweight Artie Co's XLT, a mini-artic based on the Volkswagen LT, is claimed to use up to 18% less fuel than a conventional 7.5-tormer with a similar load volume.
During tests conducted at the MIRA track, the XLT's fully laden fuel consumption averaged out at 22inpg. This equates to 1.63 pence per cubic metre mile. A comparable 7.5-tonner's running cost is 1.98 pence/m3-mite.
While the XLT's 3.0tonne payload is less than a typical 7.5-tonner's, the key to the saving is the claimed load volume of 45m3.
The package of tractor and trailer costs about .E40,000—a typical 7.5 tonne chassis-cab costs around £30,000.
A firm which regularly hauls between two locations can, with the use of three trailers, carry goods in both directions without needing to unload—a typical application would be for a regional courier firm.
The XLT (Xtra Light Trailer) is based on an LT 2.5TDI chassis conversion with either a conventional or a crew cab, and a choice of six trailers. These include flatbeds, curtainsiders or box vans in 7m and 10m lengths, costing from £9,000 to £18,800.
The Lightweight Artic Co claims the 1,800kg trailer's steel, aluminium and composite structure can withstand a six-tonne load.