Aylestone Transport takes delivery of unique Charcon liveried Volvo FM 540

Leicestershire-based Aylestone Transport has taken delivery of a special Volvo FM 6×2 tractor unit adapted with a 540 hp engine, for use as part of its work with Aggregate Industries’ commercial hard landscaping division, Charcon.

Supplied by Jason Brewin, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East, the new vehicle joins the Aylestone fleet at Aggregate Industries’ base in Ashbourne. Backed by a 10-year three-star Direct Vision Standard permit, the truck will be used to haul slabs and kerbs into London.

‘Bodge’ Aylestone Ward, Managing Director of Aylestone Transport, says: “We’ve been ordering Volvos for many years now and so it was right at the top of the list when it came to choosing our latest addition. As far as we’re concerned, Volvo Trucks is unmatched on both performance and reliability, as underlined by the strong resale value we see whenever it is time to move any of our older models on.”

The vehicle – supplied on hire purchase through Volvo Financial Services – is unique in the customer’s fleet in that rather than sporting the company’s traditional blue and white colours, it has been decked out in Charcon green, white and orange. It has also been paired with Kelsa colour-matched light bars, Lazer lights, beacons, side skirts, as well as Alcoa Dura Bright alloy wheels.

In addition, as per the customer’s request, the new Volvo FM benefits from a Euro-6 compliant Step E engine generating 540 hp and a peak torque of 2,500 Nm, bringing the vehicle in line with the customer’s existing five-strong Volvo FH 540 fleet. The FM is driven through Volvo’s automated 12-speed I-Shift gearbox, which makes driving easier, safer and more comfortable and can also deliver improved fuel economy through perfectly timed gear changes.

Adding to the vehicle’s stand-out powertrain, it has also been equipped with a spacious Globetrotter cab and numerous packages. For instance, a Drive++ package adds dual armrests on both seats and an adjustable steering wheel with neck tilt. A microwave and a 30-litre fridge have also been installed, while the driver’s seat is suspended, heated and ventilated.

A one person Living package adds extra storage, a cab parking heater and a bottle holder, while Volvo’s Media package with navigation means drivers can enjoy a dynamic 12-inch high-resolution instrument cluster with an accompanying secondary colour information display and DAB radio.