Trucks
NEWS SUMMARY:
Deployed across Arnold Clark’s vast UK network, the trucks will be paired with Transport Engineering car transporter trailers and used to move vehicles between the company’s 200-plus depots nationwide.
Allan Brady, Fleet Service Manager, Maintenance and Engineering at Arnold Clark, says: “We have a strong working relationship with the team at Volvo and were keen to explore all available options during our latest fleet procurement cycle. After taking a close look at the FH Aero, we were impressed by the build quality and encouraged by its advanced fuel-efficiency technology. As a result, we felt the time was right to reintroduce Volvo vehicles into our fleet.”
Supplied by Jordan Stokes, Transport Solutions Executive, Volvo Truck & Bus Centre North & Scotland, the new trucks are powered with fuel-efficient Euro VI-compliant D13TC Step E engines, each producing 540 hp and a peak torque of 2,600 Nm.
The engines are paired with Volvo’s popular 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox technology, with I-See predictive cruise control to improve efficiency further. The latter allows Arnold Clark’s drivers to tackle hills and gradients in a higher gear, saving fuel without losing speed.
Fuel efficiency and driver comfort
A key element of the specification was a bespoke enhancement to Volvo Trucks’ idle shutdown technology, reflecting Arnold Clark’s commitment to reducing emissions wherever possible.
“Car transporters will by the nature of their work, spend a lot of time idling on PTO mode,” adds Brady. “We worked with Jordan and the team at Volvo to include a run lock safety system. The PTO can provide the power to operate the trailer, and after a certain amount of tick over time the engine will shut down, which saves us fuel and is better for the environment. Our guys can then restart the truck remotely with the wired system while still outside the cab.”
Arnold Clark also opted to boost the FH Aero’s aerodynamic design by replacing the traditional exterior mirrors with Volvo’s Camera Monitoring System (CMS). As well as improving fuel efficiency, CMS helps to increase the driver’s field of view, and when driving with a trailer, deploys auto-panning functionality to follow the rear of the trailer as it turns.
The FH Aeros – five painted in Arnold Clark’s eye-catching yellow livery and five in the white colours of subsidiary company Central Car Auctions – are equipped with high-specification Globetrotter XL cabs, creating a premium working environment for the company’s drivers.
As well as a full leather interior, fridge/freezer and microwave oven, the interior benefits from I-Park Cool. Volvo’s intelligent overnight air conditioning system provides 1,000 W of all-night cooling capacity or a 2,500 W blast of cool air for up to an hour during a hot day. Factory fitted, it has zero impact on fuel consumption.
The new trucks will join a 170-strong commercial vehicle fleet at Arnold Clark – with 30 more trucks currently in build – used to move an average of 28,000 cars per month.
Founded in 1954, Arnold Clark is the UK's largest independently owned, family-run car retailer. The business prides itself on offering customer service of the highest level as well as the best choice and biggest discounts on all new cars, nearly new cars, used cars, new vans and used vans.
For tagging on social media:
Facebook: Volvo Trucks UK
Instagram: Volvo Trucks UK
LinkedIn: Volvo Trucks UK
TikTok: Volvo Trucks UK
YouTube: Volvo Trucks UK
Martin Tomlinson
Head of Media, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland
Tel: +44 7775 938063
Email: martin.tomlinson@volvo.com
Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,200 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2025 approximately 120,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks’ work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.