Henderson Group increases Renault fleet with 29 additions

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Transport Engineer  /  January 17, 2020

Northern Ireland-based The Henderson Group has taken delivery of 15 Renault Range T460 and 14 Range D18 vehicles, citing vehicle quality and “exceptional” driver acceptance as reasons for the deal.

Supplied by dealer Diamond Trucks, the vehicles operate on multi-drop distribution operations for the group’s retail franchises, which include Spar, Eurospar and ViVO.

The latest additions are part of Henderson’s strategy to move from a mixed fleet to standardising on two key marques.

“We introduced the Range T and D in 2015, with seven Range T460 6x2s and a Range D26 fridge, and we haven’t looked back,” says David McCracken, group fleet engineer.

“Renault Trucks is now one of our preferred suppliers and business partners. We operate some 70 of its vehicles across our various divisions and forecast further investment in the Renault product by the end of 2020.”

He cites positive experience, vehicle reliability and driver acceptance as factors in the decision to add more Renault vehicles, which he describes as “the perfect truck – reliable, stylish and comfortable to drive”.

The Range T vehicles are doing 70 runs a day, both ambient and chilled, and McCracken says the model “offers the best compromise in terms of reliability, mpg, size of cab and driver appeal”.

The Range Ds, meanwhile, are a mix of 26- and 18-tonners, and are working within the group’s wholesale and foodservice divisions. The Range D’s compact size and tight turning circle is said to be “perfect” for these duties.

Henderson has acquired the Range Ds outright, with the Range Ts supplied on a four-year contract hire deal through BRS. All vehicle maintenance is carried out by Diamond Trucks.

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