No to Euro-6, yes to the environment
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Knowles Transport took the unusual step of replacing more than half its fleet this year with Euro-5 Volvo FH460s. Even more surprising was the fact it traded 60-plate Volvo FHs in the swap, departing from its normal five-year rolling replacement programme. "As a business we do consider the environmental impact of everything we do — and that's not because it's the done thing or we want to look good," Knowles insists. One initiative he's about to commission is the fitting of solar
panels on the warehouse roof. "The investment we'll have to make is quite considerable, but the 500kW panels will generate enough electricity to power the entire Wimblington HQ and warehouses with a net surplus exported back into the national grid. In six years we reach break-even, so it will save both resources and money." This was the same dilemma with vehicle replacement, but without the cost saving. Knowles explains: "In addition you have to
look at the overall picture. I know the reduction in noise and emissions from Euro-1 [and prior to that] to where we are now has been absolutely huge, but if you look at Euro-5 to Euro-6 we're starting to talk about minuscule amounts of gain. Manufacturers are pouring millions into engine R&D, operators are having to commit to bigger investments to pay for it all, and all to take a big financial hit. This isn't Germany where there's a carrot, we're just left with the big ugly stick."