UK & Ireland news

Norbert Dentressangle and Mitsubishi Electric clean up

Norbert Dentressangle and Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. – UK Branch (MEU-UK) have jointly invested in the latest clean vehicle technology, with the introduction of a diesel/electric hybrid to the dedicated distribution fleet.

Originally appointed by MEU-UK in 2008, Norbert Dentressangle is responsible for the distribution of products, including large industrial air conditioning units, Ecodan heating systems, spare parts and instruction manuals, to MEU-UK’s customers throughout the UK and Ireland. Using a mixed fleet of traditional 7.5 tonne and 18 tonne vehicles, the company handles upwards of 300 orders per day and delivers palletised product using a fleet of dedicated vehicles. It also manages the delivery of up to 300 parcels per day and provides a range of value-added services, including timed deliveries to meet construction schedules and Hiab and crane lifting solutions, enabling Mitsubishi Electric to meet its customers’ requirements accurately.

In line with Norbert Dentressangle and MEU-UK’s shared commitment to minimising the impact of their activities on the environment and volume growth in the operation, the two companies took the decision to invest in a 12 tonne DAF LF Hybrid. It is anticipated that the vehicle will deliver a 17% reduction in CO₂ emissions over a standard vehicle, along with an aditional two pallet load capacity over the 7.5 tonne vehicles and better accessibility than the 18 tonne vehicles in the existing fleet, supporting improved operational flexibility.

Divisional Manager and Head of IT and Supply Chain Management for MEU-UK and MEU-Ireland, Michael Freeman said: “Norbert Dentressangle have proved themselves a valuable partner to Mitsubishi Electric, both through the distribution operation and through our shared commitment to the environment. As the market leader in providing heating, cooling and ventilation solutions for commercial and domestic buildings, Mitsubishi Electric recognises its responsibility to the environment – not only in terms of our products but also in how we operate. In partnership with Norbert Dentressangle, the introduction of this new hybrid vehicle provides further evidence of this commitment.”

Norbert Dentressangle already owns Europe’s cleanest fleet, with 90% of its trucks meeting Euro IV and V standards and, earlier this year, became the first company to take delivery of a Euro VI vehicle, two years before the new standards come into force. The company already operates a number of diesel-electric hybrid vehicles, both in the UK and in mainland Europe and continues to invest in technical and operational solutions which optimise vehicle capacity and utilisation, e.g., double-deck trailers, longer semi-trailers, composite tankers and aluminium semi trailers, and works closely with customers to measure the carbon footprints of their transport operations, using its Bureau Veritas certified CO₂ emissions calculator.

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