Fraikin
Menzies Distribution, a UK newspaper distributor, has signed a
contract hire deal with Fraikin, one of the UK’s biggest providers
of commercial vehicle fleet services, to acquire 20 new Isuzu
7.5-tonne trucks as well as its first new ‘Forward’ 18- tonne Isuzu
model.
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The 20-strong fleet of trucks is being purchased from vehicle
manufacturer, Isuzu Trucks, as a mix of additional new trucks and
replacement vehicles for some of Menzies’ remaining non-Isuzu
7.5-tonne vehicles.
The five-year-term deal with Fraikin also includes full
maintenance services, fleet management, replacement vehicles and a
full three-year warranty.
Menzies has been acquiring trucks from vehicle manufacturer,
Isuzu, on a contract hire basis since 2004.
The Isuzu range now comprises 50 per cent of Menzies’ fleet.
Meanwhile, Menzies has a longestablished relationship with Fraikin
for its contract hire deals and vehicle acquisition.
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By GlobalDataStuart McLean, logistics manager at Menzies Distribution, said:
“The substantial payload advantage of the Isuzu range, matched by
the proven reliability and fuel economy of the vehicles, are
critical factors in our seven-day newspaper and magazine
distribution operation.”
Menzies is the first Scottish company to use the new ‘Forward’
18-tonne truck product range, which was launched at the Commercial
Vehicle Show in April 2008. Menzies will receive the new ‘Forward’
18-tonne model at the end of the year.
All of the 20 new Isuzu 7.5- tonne vehicles feature the
EasyShift transmission and have fast-track curtain-sided bodies.
The new range has also matched Menzies’ demands.
McLean said: “If we did have a slight complaint about the
previous Isuzu range it was that drivers were critical about the
size of the cab and the uncomfortable seating. But this is where
Isuzu has shown itself to be customer-aware and has listened. The
new cabs on the Forward range have addressed these areas of
concern.”
Menzies was initially attracted to Isuzu’s range because the
vehicles could deliver the maximum payload available compared with
what its other 7.5-tonne vehicles could deliver. Menzies increased
its payloads by 400kg, a 12 per cent increase.
“Menzies has tried and tested the Isuzu brand over the last four
years and have stuck with it because the vehicles provide a better
return on fuel consumption, better reliability and increased
payload,” David Nosh, a spokesperson at Isuzu Trucks, said.
Menzies Distribution runs a fleet of 480 commercial vehicles
from 3.5 tonnes up to 26 tonnes, and all the latest new Isuzu
trucks have been purchased through Isuzu’s local Scottish dealer AM
Phillip.
Katherine Gregory
