Fuel and flexibility secures first Renault Premiums for Owens
In an important conquest deal, Owens Road Services, one of South Wales’ leading distribution, storage and warehousing companies, has taken delivery of eight Renault Premium 460.25 6x2 tractor units, with the Optidriver automated gearbox, into its 225-strong fleet. Following a four-way competitive tendering process, contract hire company Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) was awarded the contract with vehicles supplied and maintained by Renault Trucks Cardiff. Excellent fuel economy of the Renault Premium and flexibility provided by CVS helped clinch the deal.
The new Renault Premiums are the first new trucks to join Owens’ fleet since 2009 and will be used on a range of operations including steel work in Port Talbot and national distribution.
Commenting on the evaluation criteria for the tender process, Barry Evans, Purchasing Manager for Owens says: “Fuel is our number one priority, it accounts for 38 percent of our operating costs and the excellent mpgs of the Renault Premium demonstrator was a key factor in our decision. While some of our older vehicles are achieving between 7.5 and 7.9mpg on our double shift run from Llanelli to Midlands, the Renault demonstrator achieved 8.46mpg. We calculate that the Renault Premium could save £40 per trip – on a double shift,
five days a week this could see savings of around £10,000 per year per truck on this run alone.”
He continues: “It’s all about mpgs. We spend £12m on fuel per annum, so we are doing everything we can to reduce consumption by investing in driver training and better vehicles.”
Central to Owens’ strategy is a change in procurement, moving from purchase to contract hire. Barry Evans says: “Although we would never lease more than 50 percent of our fleet, contract hire offers our business several advantages, taking the hassle out of financing the deal, maintenance and disposal. Flexibility is also a big consideration – we get trucks on the road more quickly and can change vehicles every two years rather than every five. CVS pulled together the right deal for our business and if the Renault Premiums continue to deliver on fuel economy we will be looking to take a further 10 to 20 units by the end of the year.”
Although Owens own workshops will undertake general maintenance, main servicing will be carried out by Renault Trucks Cardiff. Peter Harris, Renault Trucks Cardiff says: “Owens is a flagship fleet for South Wales and we are delighted to see the Renault Premium in their livery. Fuel economy is such a pressing issue in today’s climate and the outstanding returns achieved by the Renault Premium is putting the truck at the top of operators’ shopping lists.”
Owens Road Services is a modern and dynamic family-run business with over 40 years experience in the distribution, fleet support, storage and warehousing industry. The Llanelli-based firm runs a fleet of 225 trucks and 600 trailers and is expert in collecting and delivering everything from a single envelope to 28-tonne industrial loads across the UK and Europe. Its diverse client-base includes steelmakers and blue chip companies. It employs 500 highly motivated members of staff and provides services in recovery, repair and tachographs, as well as operating high-grade warehouse sites in strategic locations.
Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) are specialists in the provision of commercial vehicle and trailer solutions to all industries. Independent of any manufacturer, CVS is able to offer a completely impartial service to clients, who range from regional own account operators right through to large blue chip companies. Services span from a single day’s spot rental to long term contract hire and fleet management packages or a complete sale and leaseback solution.
For more information, visit owens-logistics.com.
