AC Services take FM 460 Globetrotter

Banbury-based A C Services has invested in its first brand new Volvo truck, welcoming a
Volvo FM 460 Globetrotter 8×4 tipper to a fleet previously stocked exclusively by a rival
manufacturer.
Supplied by Ryan Masters, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre
South & East, the deal was secured on the back of the strong performance from two used
Volvos the firm had run in the past.
“We’ve always seen Volvo as a premium brand, and our drivers wholeheartedly agree,” says
Richard Coleman, Director at A C Services. “The two Volvos we’ve run before were very
popular, but as they were second hand, they didn’t have the ideal spec we needed so it was
very exciting to be able to go to town on a Volvo truck that fits our needs perfectly.”
A C Services’ new FM is powered by a fuel-efficient D13K Euro-6 compliant step E engine,
producing 460 hp and a peak torque of 2,300 Nm. This is paired with Volvo’s I-Shift
automated gearbox, which constantly evaluates information such as speed, weight, road
grade and torque demand to perfectly time each gear shift.
The company’s new naval blue truck – one of more than 800 different hues, tints and shades
available from the Volvo Trucks factory – comes with Alcoa Dura-Bright aluminium rims. It
also features a spacious Globetrotter cab fitted with luxuries such as a 28-litre fridge, plus
active safety technology including Volvo’s lane departure warning system.
“When we were putting together our spec, driver comfort and happiness were the top
priority, while we also wanted a truck that would turn heads when out on a job,” says
Coleman. “Resale value was also on our mind. We know that Volvo is a brand that’s very
much in demand, so we were eager to capitalise on the truck’s long-term value potential.”
The vehicle’s livery also features a nod to Coleman’s late grandfather’s former haulage
company, Coleman Transport, with the new truck adorned with images of the business’
Volvo fleet.
“Before my father founded A C Services, he helped his father build up Coleman Transport
and by 1998 they had six vehicles on their books,” adds Coleman. “As we’re still a family-run
business, when it came to designing our new truck’s livery it seemed a fitting tribute to their
work to have those trucks pictured in pride and place.”
The company’s new purchase – mounted with Swadlincote Aluminium tipper bodywork –
will work five days a week in its aggregate business, with its work expected to include
hauling loads for the government’s HS2 project.
The vehicle has been acquired on hire purchase via Volvo Financial Services, while A C
Services has also opted to back its new truck with a two-year Volvo Gold contract to
guarantee maximum uptime and worry-free ownership. All servicing work will take place at
the dealer’s Banbury depot.
A C Services is already planning a second Volvo purchase, which is expected to join its fleet
in 2023.
“We’re looking at opting for a similar spec as our driver’s reaction has been very positive,
and the truck’s fuel performance has been very strong and we only expect it to get better,”
says Coleman.

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