Capital Equipment News March 2016

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

VOLVO TRUCKS/ McLaren-Honda Formula 1 Team

V olvo Trucks was recently announced as the as an official supplier of trucks and haulage to the McLaren-Honda Formula 1 team. The partnership will see McLaren-Honda take delivery of a brand new fleet of 24 state-of-the-art Volvo FH Series trucks for the duration of the four- year agreement to provide essential trans- port solutions and logistics support for both race team and hospitality operations. The McLaren-Honda team will campaign the 2016 FIA Formula 1 World Champion- ship with arguably the best driver pairing in the sport: world champions Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button. They will drive the McLaren-Honda MP4-31. The 24 Vol- vo FH 13-litre, 540hp trucks will comprise of three different specifications, including standard height, extra low, and top of the range, to cater for the ever-changing logis- tical requirements of the team at grand prix locations all over Europe. The technology used on the exclusive flag- ship truck is inspired by the racing world, and is the first time that a heavy goods vehicle has used its celebrated I-Shift au- tomated gearbox matched to the new Dual Clutch, offering unrivalled driveability in its class. The vehicle also features inde- pendent suspension using rack and pinion steering - features which have previously only been available in passenger cars.

solutions that offer fuel-efficient, torque- strong performance, responsive engines and comfortable cabs. The Volvo FH Series boasts the latest I-See gradient technology that can save fuel, and engines that meet the Euro-6 emissions standard, therefore reducing environmental impact in line with the team’s status as the only Formula 1 operation to be awarded the FIA Institute’s Environmental Award for the Achievement of Excellence. The FH Series is also the world’s safest Volvo product, equipped with unique safety systems including the strongest-ever Volvo cab, driver support systems, redesigned aerodynamic mirrors, improved instrument display and dynamic headlights. Jonathan Neale, Chief Operating Officer of McLaren Technology Group, said: “As well as looking for on-track efficiencies, as part of McLaren’s sustainability commitments we also look for improvements off it too. That’s why we’re very proud to partner with such a prestigious brand as Volvo Trucks, who are renowned for their innovative and high-performance heavy goods transport solutions.” “Away from the racing circuit, managing freight and logistics for a Formula 1 team presents a huge challenge in itself. Trans- porting McLaren-Honda’s entire race team operations across Europe in an efficient, re- liable and, most importantly, safe manner is

no mean feat. We knew that partnering with Volvo Trucks as an official supplier would fit that bill perfectly,” said Neale. “Like McLaren, Volvo Trucks prides itself on an enviable heritage in its field. They have been in operation for more than 80 years and built an impressive reputation for strong, reliable and economical transport products. We are looking forward to receiv- ing the first trucks from the new Volvo FH fleet from April onwards, and working with Volvo Trucks to refine our logistics solutions as the relationship progresses.” According to Mike Corcoran, Commercial Director at Volvo Trucks UK and Ireland, “We are extremely proud to have been select- ed as a supplier by McLaren-Honda. Our two companies share a number of values - particularly so in terms of our approach to quality and innovation, and we are both very much leaders in the use of technology. We are both winners in the race to find tech- nological solutions to a very different set of transport challenges: McLaren on the track, and Volvo Trucks on the roads and highways of the world.” Tobias Dahlgren, Brand Strategy at Imple- mentation Director at Volvo Trucks, added: “It is great to see that our trucks, known to be leading in innovation and quality, will deliver transport solutions to a customer in one of the most demanding businesses like McLaren-Honda.” b

McLaren-Honda will benefit from transport

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