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.

Volvo’s Long Haul Fuel package, featuring I-See predictive cruise control for maximum fuel
efficiency, is also onboard. Visibility is boosted thanks to Volvo’s distinctive V-shaped LED
headlights, which automatically adapt to ambient light conditions, rain sensing windscreen
wipers and electrically heated rear view mirrors, all included as part of a Visibility+ package.
Forward Collision Warning with advanced emergency braking, Lane Departure Warning,
Lane Change Support and adaptive cruise control systems contribute to a thorough
intelligent safety setup.

Volvo’s powerful smart fleet management tool, Volvo Connect, is also included, allowing the
customer to boost uptime, productivity and overall performance by leveraging vehicle
insights visible through a single digital interface whilst monitoring emissions, fuel usage and
safety related data.

“Volvo’s tech is the best in the business,” adds Bodge. “That was a critical component when
spec’ing this vehicle. As always, Volvo’s team were easy to work with and understood exactly
what we needed and the service we receive from the team at Volvo Bardon is second to
none.”

The new truck will be paired with an SDC trailer fitted with Aylestone’s first Palfinger crane
and will be used for crane haulage work five days a week. It is expected to cover up to
100,000 km annually and is backed by a Volvo Blue Contract including all preventative
maintenance.