Transportation management company GTA (Gestion Transport Affrètement), headquartered in Bousbecque in northern France, has received its first Euro VI Scania P 340 LA4X2MNA – engineered for natural gas operations where noise and emissions reduction is essential in the cities of Europe. GTA has purchased the Scania truck as a statement of its environmentally responsible approach to logistics transportation, demanded by client companies such as Coca-Cola.
The P 340 LA4X2MNA model’s natural gas engine develops 340 hp. It carries 132 kg of compressed natural gas (CNG) or biomethane in eight cylinders, four mounted on each side of the truck. Specifications include an Allison 6-speed automatic transmission with hydraulic retarder, and single-reduction rear axle R780 with differential lock. Delivery was via Scania’s regional dealership, Scannord.
“The acquisition of this gas tractor is part of our sustainable development and demonstrates our strong ambition to minimize the environmental footprint of our operations. It is also for GTA to offer the best solution to meet customers' expectations of operational, economic and environmental performance,” says Luc Degrave, GTA manager.
“The transition to new energy sources such as gas is a response to this objective and also a bet on the future,” Degrave adds.
Scania gas engines have many advantages compared to diesel engines. They have the ability to make fine particle emissions near zero and reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides by up to 50% compared to the requirements of Euro 6. The CO2 rate is also lower than a diesel engine and use of renewable biomethane even allows a 100% carbon-free solution.
In early March, digital retailer Argos added the same Scania Euro VI biomethane model to its fleet, the first in the UK.