DAF Euro-6 economy seals it for GBA Services
- Improved DAF Euro-6 economy signals 10 additional XF 4x2 tractors
- Euro-6 DAFs see 5-8% fuel return improvement over Euro-5 models
- DAFaid essential for GBA's time-critical logistics
- Recent DAF deliveries represent £2.5 million investment
Full-service logistics provider and one of the UK’s first DAF Euro-6 customers, GBA Services, has added a further 10 XF 460 FT Super Space Cabs for its UK and European ‘time critical’ operation. The new trucks, additions and replacements to the fleet, are delivered on the back of improved fuel economy from an initial batch of Euro-6 DAF XFs in operation with GBA Services since July 2013.
Figures obtained from like-for-like Euro-5 and Euro-6 DAF XFs have seen an average improvement in fuel economy in the range of 5 to 8% in favour of the trucks featuring the latter emissions standard.
“We’re almost 100% DAF now,” said GBA Managing Director, David Birkbeck, “and there are some compelling reasons for that; fuel economy, of course, but also driver appeal and service back-up. Fuel efficiency from our first Euro-6 DAFs saw an improvement over equivalent Euro-5 models and that’s been very encouraging. Crucially, however, and for the well-being of the operation, our drivers love their DAF XFs to work in.”
He went on, “Our customers demand a modern, time-critical logistics operation and if an issue should arise on the road, we demand an appropriate response that absolutely minimises downtime. DAFaid shows a willingness to go the extra mile and it’s that commitment that gives us peace-of-mind. We know that DAFaid is all over the problem straight away. It’s a safety-net that DAF provides – and it really works.”
He added, “We’re very close to DAF Trucks’ manufacturing base in Leyland, and we’ve developed deep-rooted relationships with key people there, and at the local dealership, Lancashire DAF in Preston. Indeed, that relationship extends to five other DAF dealer locations in the UK. This is a people industry, and a tight bond with DAF’s sales, service and parts personnel provides the backbone to our partnership.”
The company says its new DAF XF fleet will operate in part on its European routes in order to ‘maximise fuel consumption’, while a number of XFs will be utilised on contracts around the Midlands serving GBA’s automotive client portfolio.
With a 25% year-on-year increase in business, GBA has enjoyed impressive growth – especially with its automotive clients in the motoring heartland of the West Midlands. The second half of 2014 saw GBA open its world-class, highly secure 50,000 sq.ft. warehousing facility in Minworth. The same location has seen the company establish its European Automotive Hub, created in partnership with Birmingham City Council through the Green Bridge Supply Chain Programme – a regional incentive scheme to stimulate SME growth.
For further details please contact:
Belle Moss, Torque Agency Group
020 7952 1070
bmoss@torqueagencygroup.com
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