Kent-based international relocation specialist, Matthew James Global Relocations, has introduced the UK’s first Scania hybrid removal vehicle into its fleet. The truck, which will operate principally within the Greater London area, offers quiet, clean and fuel-efficient operation. It has been designed with vulnerable road users in mind and has been built to a specification which achieves a Three Star rating under Transport for London’s Direct Vision Scheme.
“We are proud to position ourselves at the forefront of the relocations industry and are delighted to be able to offer our customers this latest-generation vehicle,” comments Matthew De-Machen, Managing Director of Matthew James Global Relocations. “We are a long-standing client of Scania and their premium trucks, and I am completely confident they will have devoted sufficient time and money to ensure their hybrid product is reliable, robust and efficient in operation. In addition to low noise and low emissions, the hybrid is a particularly economical option for use in London, where our vehicles are often stationary for significant periods of time, due to the sheer volume of traffic.”
Supplied by Scania (Great Britain) Limited’s Maidstone branch, the vehicle is based on a Scania P 320 6×2*4 rigid chassis, featuring a steering rear-axle for maximum manoeuvrability. As a hybrid, the truck’s 320 hp/1,600 Nm torque, nine-litre internal combustion engine is complemented by an electric machine which delivers 177 hp and 1,050 Nm of torque. Using electrical power alone, the truck has a range of ten kilometres, based on a 15-tonne load on flat roads. It is thus ideal for ultra-quiet operation in city centres.
The vehicle’s 27-feet overall length body has been built by SBR Specialist Coachbuilders of Preston. For maximum accessibility, in addition to its rear doors, the load compartment features four container-style doors on the nearside. To allow for nights out, above the cab there is a crew-pod with two beds.
Formed in 1996, Matthew James Global Relocations operates a fleet of 35 vehicles and is involved in global relocations, storage, packing, shipping and air freight. The company’s UK hub in Dartford provides 34,000 square feet of storage space. The company also operates three depots in Spain.
