Tip-top fuel economy sees Smith & Sons (Bletchington) acquire five new Volvo FMX rigids

Oxford-based Smith & Sons (Bletchington) has returned to Volvo Trucks for a new batch of FMX tippers, following the impressive fuel economy the customer has witnessed in similar vehicles delivered in 2022. Supplied by Ryan Masters, Transport Solutions Executive, Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East, the latest arrivals – which directly replace competitor models in the fleet – consist of three FMX 420 8×4 and two FMX 330 6×4 trucks, all fitted with Charlton SuperLite bodywork. Paul Needle, Fleet Manager, Smith and Sons (Bletchington), says: “We opted for Volvo two years ago due to its reputation for reliability and driving performance.

Not only has the FMX delivered on those promises, but it has also yielded impressive fuel efficiency. Those metrics were all key in us placing this latest order. “Compared to other manufacturers we’ve run on the fleet, the FMX achieves a notable improvement in fuel efficiency and therefore delivers a significant cost saving for the business.

Once these new models have had time to bed in properly, we’ve no doubt they’ll perform just as well.” Built for the toughest conditions and most demanding assignments, the FMX is ideally suited to Smith & Sons (Bletchington)’s line of work. The new vehicles will deliver sand, gravel and stone to customer sites daily, with the trucks working out of the business’ various quarries in Oxfordshire.

The FMX is designed to give a superior combination of agility, visibility and durability, keeping the driver safe and comfortable, while the customer has also opted for Volvo’s X-High chassis to unlock additional ground clearance. All five new trucks feature a Euro-6 compliant Step E engine, with the 8x4s’ D13K powertrains each producing 420 hp and a peak torque of 2,100 Nm compared to the 6x4s’ D11K engines which generate 330 hp and 1,600 Nm. They are all equipped with a 12-speed I-Shift transmission which makes driving easier, safer and more comfortable while also contributing to improved fuel economy.

The FMX day cabs feature a heated and suspended driver’s seat with dual armrests, plus a Media package with navigation to add a 12-inch fully dynamic instrument cluster with a secondary colour display and DAB radio. Safety is boosted through Forward Collision Warning with advanced emergency braking and Side Collision Avoidance Support systems, while visibility is aided through electrically heated and operated mirrors and headlights, which adapt automatically according to ambient light conditions. The FMXs’ arrival means 13 of the company’s 38-strong commercial vehicle fleet is now Volvo-supplied, with the latest additions all backed by Volvo Gold Contracts, delivering full cost control, worry-free ownership and maximum uptime.

Each new truck is expected to cover up to 75,000 km annually and will remain in the Smith & Sons (Bletchington) fleet for up to eight years.