Volvo Trucks’ new Fuel Advice service helps operators reduce their fuel costs. A fuel advisor assists them with both planning and follow-up of their fuel consumption. The results are long-term, with savings as high as 5%.

"In order to succeed in cutting fuel consumption, the part played by the drivers is vital. Our driver training courses in eco-driving have proven themselves to be effective, but without professional follow-up the results are often short-term," said Mikael Lidhage, Fuel Management Director at Volvo Trucks.

That is why Volvo Trucks is now launching Fuel Advice, a personal fuel advisor whose aim is to help hauliers cut their fuel costs while at the same time maintaining these improvements in the long-term perspective. The service consists of three modules: Fuel Coaching, Fuel Management Toolbox and Fuel Management Support. The system requires that the firm also appoints a specialist who is responsible for fuel efficiency and who handles all contacts with Volvo's advisor.

The whole point of the service is to improve the quality of all fuel-saving measures. By giving the customer ongoing feedback, these measures become increasingly natural and easy to use.  "An engaged and focussed customer who has open channels of communication with his drivers, with the company's own fuel economy specialist and with Volvo's fuel advisor, can fairly easily cut fuel consumption by between 3-5%," said Mikael Lidhage.

Fuel Advice is available with the new FH Series. For previous models equipped with Dynafleet it will become available as of the start of next year.  The service will initially only be available in Europe.

Facts about the three Fuel Advice modules:

Fuel Coaching
The fuel advisors register and analyse each driver's individual driving techniques, the data is summarised in monthly reports. The advisors provide practical tips on how fuel consumption can be reduced, as well as help with planning and with structuring the necessary follow-up. If a driver suddenly changes his or her driving style in a way that requires fast feedback and perhaps also action, the haulage firm's fuel economy specialist is notified.

Fuel Management Toolbox
A web-based toolbox with tools that provide inspiration, guidance and practical information about the best and simplest ways of working with fuel savings.

Fuel Management Support
The customer's interface for contacts with his or her individual fuel advisor, who is there to answer questions and offer advice.