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EXCLUSIVE: Woolworths leads Euro 5 charge

With an in-house fleet of 550 trucks and trailers, retailer Woolworths is leading the charge towards the introduction of Euro

With an in-house fleet of 550 trucks and trailers, retailer Woolworths is leading the charge towards the introduction of Euro 5 technology, with the purchase of 45 new vehicles.

Edwin Higginson, National Fleet Manager for Woolworths, says the decision was made to bring the new technology into place almost four years ahead of its legislated introduction date, to show the company’s commitment to environmental issues.

“We have a large fleet, so it is important to us to be seen to do the right thing,” he says.

According to Higginson, the company has purchased 15 Mercedes Benz Atego rigid trucks to operate in Sydney, as well as ordering a total of 30 prime movers from Volvo and DAF for Victorian work.

He says while there was some initial reluctance from manufacturers to requests on the availability of Euro 5-compliant vehicles, when Woolworths confirmed it was ready to place orders, the situation changed quickly.

In addition to the orders already placed, Higginson says there is now a tender process underway to begin the acquisition of Euro 5 technology in other states.

The switch to new technology is not just within the Woolworths organisation, with Higginson saying national carrier Toll ordering 50 Mercedes Benz Actros Euro 5 prime movers, for use around Sydney, carting the retailer’s trailers.

While Woolworths is not flexing its corporate muscle to force suppliers into upgrading their equipment, Higginson says it is appreciated that the new technology will be introduced.

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