Bolton-based J&P Vehicle Deliveries is now operating the first two new model Volvo FM car transporter chassis to enter service in the UK.
The new FM rigids, supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials, feature the D13K 500 hp engine, a low roof sleeper cab which features a fully digital interface and Alexa – Amazon’s cloud-based voice service.
They operate with Transporter Engineering Odyssey bodywork and drawbar trailers and have a nine-camera safety system, plus Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels with Michelin tyres.
Cab interiors include ventilated and electrically adjustable leather seats, together with a fridge-freezer mounted under the bunk.
Supplied on hire purchase through Volvo Financial Services, they are also backed with five-year Gold Contracts.
This follows a move by J&P Vehicle Deliveries two years ago to transfer all repair and maintenance activities to Thomas Hardie Commercials, after its own in-house fitter retired.
All routine service work is now handled by the dealer in Trafford Park, which also carries out pre-inspection maintenance on the customer’s trailers under contract.
The new vehicles replace older trucks in the seven-strong J&P Vehicle Deliveries fleet and will be used mainly on contracts with leasing fleets and auction companies.
Paul Molyneux, Managing Director of J&P Vehicle Deliveries, says: “The best thing I ever did was putting our fleet on R&M with Thomas Hardie Commercials.
“When I looked at what we were spending on mechanic wages and parts, there wasn’t much in it – but operationally it has been transformational in reducing downtime.”
