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Fuel prices are not getting any lower! Do you really know what your fuel economy is?


Transport operators more than anyone know the pain of higher fuel prices. A small change in fuel price can have a huge effect on the bottom line and the more trucks you operate the greater the effect. Recently we have seen prices increase to new high levels, in excess of $1.60lt for diesel. It is important now more than ever to ensure you are taking fuel economy into account when looking to purchase a truck.

Do you truly know what your fuel economy is? Many customers we speak to believe they have a rough idea of what their fuel economy is but are often surprised when they sit down and calculate the real number. On average fuel consumption is a third of the operating cost for a transport company. But it is a variable that if you can reduce it will increase the profitability of your business.

Below is a basic example of the savings that can be achieved with the slightest improvement in fuel economy. This conservative calculation is based on a b-double completing 200,000km per year and fuel at $1.50 per litre. An improvement of 0.1km/lt will provide a saving of nearly $10k per year. The more the fuel price increases or the greater the improvement in fuel economy, the more you will save.

We obviously have a vested interest in spruiking the benefits of improved fuel economy but this is because our customers are telling us consistently the advantages they are seeing from the new Mercedes-Benz product range. The advanced technology Euro 6 engine is helping achieve reduced fuel consumption but also reduced Adblue consumption which we have not calculated into these savings.

In the past we have seen a lot of customers purchase trucks based on emotion, on brand loyalty. But times have changed and it is important that running costs and cost of ownership be a strong consideration in your next purchase.

Our sales team are happy to sit down with you to discuss how we can help achieve reduced running costs, not just by fuel savings but also by increased up-time, contract maintenance and guaranteed future values.