French transport firm Jacky Perrenot has announced an order for 250 Stralis NP trucks at the Solutrans trade show in Lyon, adding to the 250 Stralis NP 400 hp vehicles ordered last year. They will include nearly 200 vehicles with the new 460 hp natural gas engine launched last month, for operation throughout France.

Jacky Perrenot, one of the largest transport firms in Europe, has announced an order for 250 Stralis NP heavy trucks.

By the end of 2018 the company will be running nearly 550 Stralis NP heavy trucks, with a target to have 1,000 gas vehicles on the road by 2020.

Commenting on the order, Philippe Givone, Chief Executive Officer of the Perrenot Group’s transport subsidiary, said: “This new order marks an important milestone in the Group’s history. We made the choice of gas many years ago, and today we are strengthening our position as leaders in clean transport in Europe thanks to IVECO’s expertise in alternative fuels.

“Thanks to the increasingly dense network of refuelling stations and the new Stralis NP 460, which offers equivalent or better performance than diesel, we are able to offer our customers a “green” logistics solution and a daily commitment to reduce our carbon footprint.

“Our ambition is to reach the goal of exceeding 1,000 gas vehicles in our fleet before the end of 2020. After the strong development of the food sector we now have strong expectations in the construction sector. With the arrival of the first Stralis X-Way NP, IVECO is once again in line with our expectations and will allow us to push back the limits of sustainable transport.”

Pierre Lahutte, IVECO Brand President, explains: “Gas is the most mature, versatile and affordable solution to replace diesel in the city and on the highway. More than the fuel of tomorrow, it is above all the fuel of today. That’s why we strive to offer ever more efficient vehicles that respect the environment. By choosing our new Stralis NP 460, Jacky Perrenot demonstrates the potential of natural gas and biomethane as an immediate alternative for freight transport.”

Demand for LNG is growing rapidly in Europe as the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) has identified LNG as the best applicable solution for long-distance haulage in the short term and for the next 10 to 15 years. By operating on natural gas of fossil origin, CO2 emissions from a Stralis NP are up to 10% lower than the diesel equivalent, depending on the mission and composition of the gas – and up to 95% lower when using biomethane.

Founded in 1945 and a loyal customer of the brand since 1960 (UNIC at the time), Jacky Perrenot has become one of the French leaders in transport. The company employs nearly 5,000 people and operates a 7,000-strong fleet, including 4,000 tractor units and rigids. IVECO is the dominant brand with more than 1,800 vehicles, including 850 tractors.

Jacky Perrenot is a pioneer in this field, choosing natural gas and biomethane as an alternative to diesel since 2012, and is today a leader in clean European transport.

With IVECO’s natural gas technology, particulate levels are negligible and NOx emissions are 60% lower than the Euro VI limits on long-haul missions. The trucks are also much quieter, with noise levels being reduced by about 50%, improving deliveries in urban areas. IVECO was the first commercial vehicle manufacturer to look at the potential of natural gas in 1991 – an anticipation that allowed the company to develop a full range of natural gas trucks, vans and buses. Currently, more than 23,000 IVECO gas-powered vehicles are in operation.

About the Author: John Loughran