The deal will involve some 200 new trucks to replace and renew the tanker fleet nationwide.
Clive Jones, National Sales Manager for Volvo Truck & Bus, says the company has worked hard to re-secure its position with Fonterra.
“We have always made a very good tanker truck, drawing heavily on our ability to custom-build to Fonterra’s specific requirements in our Brisbane production plant. Additionally, we have many years of experience within our team in dealing with the specifics of the milk collection task.”
The tender process took place over a period of four months where a large number of heavy trucks were evaluated for the task.
“Fonterra has a very inclusive process where many key people in the business such as drivers and technicians are asked to report on the available options,” says Jones.
“This involvement in the assessment ensures that only the best vehicle for the job makes it to last base."
The new trucks will meet the new Euro 4 emission standard using the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) method, utilizing Ad Blue, a liquid additive injected into the exhaust as an after treatment.
Jones believes this is a huge shot in the arm for this technology and a clear indication that SCR is the cleanest and most future proof emission reduction technology currently available.
“Fonterra looked hard at the alternatives. I believe this is a clear indication of where the market will head in the long term in respect to the increasing demand to be clean and green,” says Jones.
“Fonterra places huge weight on the environmental impact of their business. These new trucks will make a dramatic combined reduction in their carbon footprint as well as reducing operating costs owing to market leading fuel consumption.”
The new Volvo FM’s will feature the D13 480hp version of Volvo’s highest volume production engine and will feature the I Shift transmission which is now a proven market leader. The trucks will enter service from May 2009 and are expected to complete around five years and 1.2 million kilometres of service as tankers.