News

Bird's Groupage Services has snubbed SCR technology and replaced 40 of its Mercedes trucks with Euro-4 MAN TGA tractor units that rely on EGR.

This represents a manufacturer switch for Bird's, but it allows the company to "avoid the complexities and costs of using AdBlue at Euro-4". It says drivers are already reporting favourable fuel economy from the vehicles.

Bird's Groupage Services director Andy Levett explains: "We, like many  large-fleet hauliers, see the AdBlue issue as too complicated. Bunkering, another filler tank on the truck, a greater onus on the driver, additional costs, health and safety... it's just all too much.

"EGR is far simpler," he adds. "We add nothing. I'm delighted by the initial fuel returns from the new MANs as well. They're well above our initial expectations."

UK and European AdBlue supplier GreenChem recently admitted there have been significant problems over the take-up of the additive in the UK, due to negative press and lack of availability from oil companies.

l CM catches up with the Oldbury, West Midlands-based Bird's Groupage Services on page 62.