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Torque of the town
Page 51
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FUEL TORQUE, a fuel consultancy programme designed to improve fuel economy, has been launched by NorthWest Volvo Truck and LDV dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials.
John Morkin, a fleet management consultant, says the scheme helps operators make the most of driver training programmes. "We audit customers by looking at the type of operation. the vehicles used, drivers' capabilities, any fuel data they have, and, if possible, any telematics," he says.
The dealer assesses the previous six months' operation, conducts driver training and then monitors the company for a minimum of 12 months to make sure the driver training continues.
"We have a live one at the moment: 45 vehicles, each covering 160,000km a year at 91p/lit [ex-VAT], running at 8.5mpg. If we save 5% fuel, that is a bottom-line saving of £108,900," he says.
The concept, says John Parry, an independent expert and former engineering director at DHL/Exel Supply Chain, could 'give a major boost to a company's profitability. "Fuel management should be a fundamental discipline of any transport operation," Morkin adds.
Thomas Hardie Commercials will supply the resource to the customer, he adds, analysing the transport operation, vehicles and drivers over a predetermined period. •