A Washington-based haulier is “over the moon” with the first two of six new Next Generation Scania tractor units.
Hawthorns Logistics director Chris Kilsby said the operator chose the V8 S-series Scanias because of their promising residual value.
“They’re considerably more expensive, but we’ve gone down the route with the V8 models because of residual value,” he told CommercialMotor.com.
He added that the company had switched to running Scania from another manufacturer, because the Swedish manufacturer offered more reliable support services and has a dealership a mile down the road from its site.
Feedback on the two Scanias, which are already out on the road, has been strong so far.
Kilsby said: “The drivers love them. They’ve got the leather packing and Microlise, fridge freezers, reclining swivel passenger seats. The drivers can’t stop polishing them!”
“They’ve been completely revamped. The interior is completely different to the old R-series, and more streamlined. We’re over the moon with them. Time will tell on the residual values, but we’re hopeful.”
The remaining four vehicles will be delivered between September and November, and the additions will be used in either a one-truck-one-driver operation or 24-hour trunking.
Kilsby said Hawthorns intends to use trucks on the former for five years, and the vehicles working around the clock for around three.
The new tractor units are pictured here with specially designed trailers in Great North Air Ambulance liveries, which the operator has supported for 12 months.
“Around three years ago one of our vehicles was involved in a road traffic incident when a car driver took a funny turn and collided with one of our trucks. We believe the air ambulance that attended the scene saved that man’s life,” Kilsby told CM.
The livery is available to buy on a model of one of Hawthorn’s previous Scania trucks, with all proceeds going to the Great North Air Ambulance.