Australian transport and logistics provider, Toll Group, has claimed to successfully enhance its reputation as an industry leader in environmental sustainability following its latest fleet acquisition of Isuzu CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)-powered medium duty trucks.
In a statement released on Wednesday (28 March), the company said Toll IPEC’s recent order of 42 Isuzu FSR 700 CNG models adds to the company’s earlier CNG purchases, bringing the total number of Isuzu CNG trucks in Toll’s fleet to more than 70.
This latest acquisition is reportedly the largest single CNG fleet purchase since the launch of Isuzu’s second generation CNG models in 2009.
CNG-powered vehicles show reductions of around 50% of nitrogen dioxide (NOx), 98% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and emit virtually zero PM (particulate matter) when compared to similarly sized conventional diesel trucks.
Toll IPEC general manager, Rodney Johnston said the CNG additions to the current fleet would assist in helping the company reach its environmental goals, while helping provide operational efficiencies.
“One of Toll Group’s key objectives is to look at ways to manage the environmental impacts within our facilities and operations, and act to reduce our rates of emissions, energy and waste,” Johnston said in the statement.
Toll has been conducting extensive CNG trials since 2009, which have led to the most recent purchases.
The company said that the price of CNG is normally between 30 and 50 %less than the equivalent price of diesel and has the benefit of not being tied to international parity pricing. Additional benefits can be obtained by securing a fixed long term CNG price contract with the supplier which provides better balance sheet control and overall lower running costs, the company said.
While CNG public refuelling infrastructure is still in its infancy in Australia, more sites are steadily opening; most recently, the opening of a facility in Laverton, Victoria, which is capable of refuelling large CNG fleets.
Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) national fleet sales manager, Dean Stuhldreier said the company and Toll have shared a close working relationship in recent years, and was pleased to assist the logistics company’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
“Toll Group is a company that recognised the potential of CNG as a transport fuel earlier than most,” Stuhldreier said.
“It’s always a challenge bringing new technology to market – to have interest from a well-regarded and high profile organisation such as Toll Group is very pleasing.
“Its acceptance and championing of CNG technology will encourage others to get on board and also reap the benefits.”
The Isuzu CNG range comprises four models: NLR 200, NPR 300, FSR 700 and FSR 850 CNG – all factory-backed.