Leading electrical retailer Comet has taken on 35 Volvo FM12 tractor units on a four-year contract hire deal with Volvo Financial Services after Volvo won a competitive tender against several other manufacturers. The units are being used to carry electrical goods to Comet’s 260 stores as well as to its home delivery and distribution centres nationwide.
The retailers transport controller, Ian Markham, says: “Comet are a long standing operator of Volvo’s so they are a tried and tested product in the fleet. But we felt it was right to go back out to the market in this case. After intensive trials with a number of marques, only Volvo achieved the standards we set in terms of running costs, price and driver acceptability.”
With Volvo constantly introducing new products to the market place, Comet has taken advantage of new technology to ensure ‘best’ whole life cost for its business. It has tailored the specification to the Volvo FM12 380bhp 4×2 tractor, plated for 31-tonne GCW operation, complete with Volvo’s I-Shift gearbox, Globetrotter cabs in Comfort Trim, including climate control. All feature Comet’s new black corporate livery.
The trucks, supplied through Volvo dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials, are spread across five of Comet’s regional distribution centres – Harlow, Westbury, Golborne, Corby and Airdrie.
