Marks & Spencer and its dedicated logistics provider Joint Retail Logistics were presented with the Urban Distribution Vehicle of the Year award at the Motor Transport Magazine's prestigious award ceremony at London's Royal Albert Hall on Thursday 11th July.
The vehicle, designed specifically to reduce the environmental impact of the company's transport operation in towns and city centres, was developed with Marks & Spencer logistics suppliers Joint Retail Logistics*, Isuzu Truck Ltd** and Don-Bur ***, using the most up-to-date and innovative design and technology solutions.
Colin Brown, Logistics Controller at Marks & Spencer, said, "This trial has been an outstanding success - emissions of carbon dioxide, particulates and other noxious gases have been reduced by over 50% due to a dramatic improvement in fuel consumption. The height of the vehicle is lower than the standard tractor / trailer combination, which makes it less visually intrusive to the public, but with no reduction in load volume or ease of access. The fact that the vehicle's capital costs are only two-thirds that of a standard vehicle is also a great bonus."
Speaking of the contribution made to this project by Marks & Spencer's logistics partners, Colin Brown added, "This has been a superb team effort. Without the co-operation and total support of Joint Retail Logistics, Isuzu Truck Ltd and Don-Bur in this partnership, none of it could have been achieved."
Marks & Spencer has already placed additional orders for more urban distribution vehicles and will continue to use them to service some of its central London stores, whilst investigating opportunities for extending their use in other towns and city centres across the country.
-ENDS-
b>Notes to editors:
- Annually, Marks & Spencer transports some 380 million non-food items
valued at approximately £4bn from 350 suppliers to over 300 stores via
11 distribution centres. 80% of Marks & Spencer stores are situated in
towns and city centres.
- Over the last 3 years Marks & Spencer, through its strategic alliance
with Joint Retail Logistics, has reduced the number of vehicles used in this
operation by 40%, reduced mileage by over 15% and improved fuel consumption
by 7%. The ongoing reduction in emissions is a high priority and is being
achieved via the use of a central transport management system, vehicle telematics,
the fitment of particulate traps and ongoing trials of alternative fuels.
*Joint Retail Logistics is a 50 : 50 joint venture between Exel and Tibbett
& Britten operating exclusively for Marks & Spencer.
**Isuzu Truck Ltd is recognised for its innovation and the company's mission
is to be the first truly customer-facing truck manufacturer in the world. With
its award winning Care Programme, customers know that they are going to be the
focus of outstanding after sales attention and will reap the benefit of the
reliability of its products.
***Don-Bur specialises in quality and innovative trailer and bodywork solutions
and is a leading supplier to the Logistics and Road Transport industries.
For further information please contact:
Cheryl Kuczynski,
Corporate Press Office 020 7268 1919
