Spanish car manufacturer SEAT and logistics partner Grupo Sesé have carried out a pilot test of the duo trailer, which has total length of 31.7 metres and payload of 70 tonnes.
The test journey was made from Zaragoza to the SEAT headquarters in Martorell and will be repeated in upcoming months while transporting components.
The duo trailer comprises two 13.60 metre long trailers pulled by a Scania tractor unit and promises a 25 per cent reduction in the cost of transporting components along with a 20 per cent reduction n in CO2 emissions.
SEAT says the duo trailer is designed for travelling on high capacity roads, and will lower the number of trucks that travel on conventional roads, which is where the highest number of road accidents take place.
Vice-president for production and logistics Dr Christian Vollmer said: “The duo trailer has the capacity to reduce by 50 per cent the number of trucks on the road, and this implies huge benefits in terms of sustainability, environmental responsibility, safety and efficiency. Innovation is at the core of SEAT and these tests are in the same spirit that led us to bring the mega truck to Spain two years ago in partnership with Grupo Sesé.”
For the time being, this research study will conclude with a report to demonstrate the performance and benefits of this new vehicle in regards to emissions reduction, efficiency and road safety so that in the near future its use can be standardised in Spain.
Grupo Sesé managing director Ángel Pueyo said: “The added advantage of this means of transport to reducing road accidents and emissions and cost savings is its versatility and the way it promotes multimodality and improves efficiency and sustainability.”
SEAT and Grupo Sesé introduced the 25m long mega truck in Spain, until now the longest vehicle driving on Spanish roads.