Smooth HGVs save 20%
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• Fuel savings of almost 20% are being recorded by the aerodynamic, articulated truck and trailer combinations operating with TNT in trials backed by the Department of Energy.
Two aerodynamic trucks have been returning lOmpg (28.261it/100km) in the early part of the trials, compared with 7.75mpg (36.451it/100km) on two unmodified trucks doing similar work.
"These results are very encouraging and have wide environmental implications for the industry," says Alan Parker, TNT's group chief engineer. "When you put these figures against the fuel used by a large fleet during a year, the savings can be substantial."
TNT has four tractive units and lfi trailers participating in the project. The tractors are MAN 17.332, 32-tonners, and the trailers are built by Cartwrights of Altrincham. They operate from the company's Durham and Thetford depots, running into the TNT parcels hub at Atherstone.
Parker says the aerodynamic vehicles should produce less noise and spray, with better handling. Wind tunnel tests suggest the CD drag factor has been cut by 45%.
It is expected that one of the vehicles will be displayed at the Birmingham Motor Show in September.