POPULAR WORDS

October 14, 2009

Toll IPEC could buy up to 300 CNG-powered delivery vehicles, which the courier giant hopes could cut emissions by around 30 percent.

The company’s Canberra depot has taken delivery of two of Isuzu’s ‘New Gen’ trucks which run on compressed natural gas – the NPR 300 and FSR 700 – as part of its express parcel delivery fleet.

Toll IPEC Group General Manager Rodney Johnston says with the vehicles expected to cut emissions by 30 percent the company could place an order of around 300 more.

“The start-up costs are higher, but the fuel price is lower than diesel and can be contracted on a multi-year basis providing financial certainty,” he says.

“At Toll IPEC we are very keen to reduce our environmental impact. We must also ensure our operation is economical and effective for our customers. CNG seems to offer solid potential for addressing each of these requirements.”

The trucks exceed Euro 5 emissions standards, which will not be mandated in Australia until 2011, while PM (particulate matter) and NOx (nitrogen dioxide and nitrous oxide) emission cuts go beyond Euro 6 standards.

Johnson says the trucks will be supported in parts supply, maintenance and warranty by Isuzu.

“Isuzu has been a strong and reliable partner in the lead up to the trial and despite the economic downturn, they backed their product and are supporting Toll IPEC to reduce our carbon footprint," he says.

"Freight delivery in Australia is all about reliability and having a truck on the side of the road full of freight is certainly not an option for Toll IPEC's customer base – we are confident in the latest Isuzu CNG product.

The vehicles will be integrated into the Canberra fleet, which travel up 600km a week delivering cartons, palletised and sensitive freight.

“If the trials prove successful, the company will add to its CNG fleet, ultimately aiming for up to 300 vehicles working in all capital cities and major regional areas," Johnston says.

Isuzu Australia National Fleet Sales Manager Dean Stuhldreier says the company is committed to CNG technology.

The manufacturer is due to publicly launch CNG variants of the NLR 200, NPR 300, FSR 700 and FSR 850 models.