Trucks
Over two and a half years, the German haulage company Fehrenkötter Transport & Logistik GmbH, together with trade magazine Trans Aktuell, tested seven different heavy-duty truck models. After taking into consideration all the relevant costs: from procurement and operation to downtime and resale value – the Volvo FH finished first in the total cost of ownership (TCO) rankings.
When all costs over the 30 months were taken into consideration, the Volvo FH finished on top with a total cost of €196,151.95. Second was the DAF XF460 with €199,369.76.
In addition to being the most cost-effective truck over the two and a half years, the report also praised the Volvo FH’s level of driver comfort: “The Volvo FH is a genuine driver’s truck, in which many details are really well thought out and make life easier for the driver.”
Superior fuel consumption
Over the 30 months, the Volvo FH460 consumed an average of 28.93 litres per 100 km, making it the most fuel-efficient of the seven participating trucks. The next most fuel-efficient trucks were the Mercedes-Benz Actros 2545 (30.24 litres) and DAF XF460 (30.47 litres).
Repair and maintenance costs
For the Volvo FH, the accumulated repair and maintenance costs over 30 months were €2,599.58, second only to the DAF XF at €2,480.19.
Resale value
Of the seven participating trucks, the Volvo FH’s purchase price was lower than Scania, Mercedes and MAN, while higher than DAF, Renault Trucks and Iveco. However, its estimated resale value on the used trucks market was second only to Mercedes, making a significant contribution to its TCO.