Supplied by Hartshorne Group’s Area Sales Manager Jack Castle, the new trucks bolster the company’s commercial vehicle line-up, which now comprises over 80 units.
James Waters, Director at BJ Waters, commented: “We first added Volvo FH models to our fleet in 2018 due to a very competitive package. That positive experience gave us the confidence to continue investing in Volvo trucks. When the new FH Aero launched, it immediately caught our attention. Our drivers are pleased with the updated design, which maintains the familiar feel but offers added comfort and performance. The support from Volvo’s dealer network also helps minimise downtime, which is crucial to our operation.”
Each of the new vehicles is powered by a Euro 6-compliant D13TC Step E engine, delivering 500 horsepower and peak torque of 2,800 Nm. The trucks benefit from turbo-compounding technology, which recovers excess energy from exhaust gases to deliver additional torque directly to the crankshaft – further improving fuel economy.
The drivetrain includes Volvo’s 12-speed I-Shift automated transmission and I-See predictive cruise control, which optimises gear changes and manages gradients efficiently to reduce fuel use without sacrificing performance.
The FH Aero models feature a newly refined aerodynamic profile, helping reduce drag and improve overall energy efficiency. Visually, the trucks stand out with Volvo’s largest Iron Mark badge to date and the updated Spread Word Mark, presented alongside BJ Waters’ traditional green livery to create a strong and modern brand image.
Waters added: “With the FH Aero, we’re investing in the future of our fleet — not only from an efficiency and performance standpoint but also in terms of projecting a professional, forward-thinking image. These trucks reflect the direction of our industry and position us well for the years ahead.”
Inside, the trucks are specified to a high standard, offering drivers a comfortable environment that includes leather seats with dual armrests, neck-tilt steering adjustment, and full climate control.
All 10 vehicles are covered by Volvo Gold Contracts, which include scheduled maintenance and repairs to ensure optimum uptime. Operating five days per week, each unit is expected to cover up to 120,000 km annually (approximately 75,000 miles).