Newell & Wright Transport (NWT)
“The New Generation DAF is delivering considerably better fuel results and continuing to improve.”
Newell & Wright Transport (NWT), has signalled a return to the built-in-Britain DAF marque with the delivery of six new DAF XG 450 three-axle tractor units.
The new DAF XG tractors - featuring DAF’s ‘FTG’ 6x2 axle configuration - join the 105-vehicle operation following very encouraging fuel trials, with economy figures continuing to improve week-on-week since vehicles hit the road. Group Operations Director, Stephen Newell, describes how fuel economy is critical to the success of the fleet operation.
"We had some efficiency issues with previous DAFs, but the New Generation product is delivering considerably better fuel results and continuing to improve.”
Stephen Newell, Group Operations Director at NWT
The current fuel average across the new XG units stands at over 10.5 mpg, representing an almost 20% improvement in economy over previous DAF models, and, over 100,000 km / year, equating to a saving of over 5,200-litres of fuel per vehicle.
Drivers have been especially accepting of the New Generation DAF XG cab, citing excellent visibility boosted by the cab’s low belt-line, low dashboard and passenger door window.
“Our trucks are double-shifted. They run locally during the day and then onto distance work overnight. Other than weekends, the engines are running pretty much 24-hours a day.”
With a move into rail freight in 2016, NWT has drastically reduced its carbon footprint by cutting road miles by around 35%. The company operates out of two rail heads at Sheffield and Rotherham, handling 37 trains every week to Southampton, London Gateway and Felixstowe. The move has been a great success for the company with customers keen to take advantage of NWT’s green credentials.
“Like all fleets, fuel is the biggest overhead, so we’re very sensitive to any fluctuations in economy.”
