UK logistics leader uses bioLNG fleet to transport BMW Group auto parts
Imperial Logistics has added 18 IVECO Stralis Natural Power trucks to its fleet, powered by sustainably produced bio-LNG. Ordered specifically for a contract with BMW Group, the new vehicles are based out of a satellite transport office that Imperial operates on the Unipart campus at MINI Plant Oxford in Cowley, Oxfordshire. The decision to make the switch to natural gas comes as part of BMW Group’s wider efforts to improve sustainability throughout all areas of the company, which includes its supply chain and logistics operations.
The 18 AS440S46TX/P LNG IVECO Stralis NP 460 tractors are expected to cover around 3.3 million kilometers per year collectively which Imperial estimates will remove over 3,000 tons of CO2 from its annual emissions.
IVECO NP heavy trucks are unique in the marketplace for being the only factory-built 6×2 tractors to run solely on natural gas. The 12.9-liter CURSOR 13 offers a diesel-equivalent 460hp and 2,000Nm of torque across a wide power band, ensuring that with the 12-speed HI-TRONIX automated gearbox with predictive mapping, there is no compromise to vehicle performance or driver enjoyment. The trucks run exceptionally quietly at 71dB, further minimizing Imperial’s and the manufacturing plant’s environmental impact by halving engine noise pollution.
“At Imperial we don’t just focus on our profitability; our people and the environment are a very important consideration. We consider it our duty as a responsible and caring member of the global business community to adopt environmental best practice whenever possible in the course of our daily activity; and so the opportunity to reduce our UK haulage operation’s environmental impact was compelling. We’re delighted to be working with our customers as part of a joint effort to improve sustainability in logistics, reconciling business efficiency with environmental protection,” said Mark Miles, Managing Director, Imperial UK.
IVECO UK Heavy Business-line Director, Gareth Lumsdaine, also commented: “It’s great to see that IVECO Natural Power trucks are having a powerful impact beyond their own road-haulage work. Not only are our products allowing transport operators to significantly reduce their own environmental impact but are allowing partnerships with pioneering businesses to make a meaningful green change back down the line.”
With a short turnaround from order to delivery from South West Truck & Van in Swindon, Imperial along with SWTV and IVECO UK’s Natural Power implementation specialists enlisted the expertise of Roadgas to support with fuel supply. While a permanent solution has since been completed at the Cowley site, Roadgas was able to expedite the roll-out of a temporary solution within a matter of weeks to support Imperial’s immediate need for bio-LNG deployment.
“The timings to deliver the temporary station were very tight,” explained Becky Rix, Marketing Director for Roadgas. “The resourceful collaborative planning with the Imperial team, together with the successful implementation of driver training and the install of this bespoke bio-LNG refueling station has been a great start for the team in 2021 after what has been a really tough year. We’re very proud to be working with the IVECO team and Imperial in helping to deliver their decarbonization goals.”
