They will replace 4 to 5 years old diesel-powered vehicles in the Belgian firm’s fleet of 1,400 trucks and 3,000 trailers, which has grown steadily following a series of acquisitions. The company already operates 132 Stralis vehicles, including two running on compressed natural gas (CNG).

The pan-European transport and logistics specialist Jost Group has signed an innovative deal for 500 new trucks Iveco Stralis NP vehicles based on the LNG technology.

Designed to be the most sustainable long-distance heavy truck ever manufactured, the new deliveries will then run on LNG – widely regarded as the only currently available mass market alternative to diesel.

With such a deal, Jost Group clearly invests in the Future, in a sustainable way for the environment, faithful to its commitment to reduce CO2 emissions.

Taking that decision, Roland Jost opens the way to another vision of doing transport in Europe.

The 500 Stralis NP trucks powered by LNG will offer an excellent power-to-weight ratio, power density and quietness of operation. The first 150 vehicles will enter operation during 2018, with the full fleet to be in service by 2020.

They will replace 4 to 5 years old diesel-powered vehicles in the Belgian firm’s fleet of 1,400 trucks and 3,000 trailers, which has grown steadily following a series of acquisitions. The company already operates 132 Stralis vehicles, including two running on compressed natural gas (CNG).

Commenting on the agreement, Roland Jost, Owner of Jost Group, says: “This marks a key turning point for our business as we begin a strategic move away from our dependence on diesel and towards green logistics, also requested by our customers, to go to a more sustainable transport. Our excellent experience operating Stralis Euro 5 EEV diesel vehicles has seen us establish a solid relationship with IVECO, supported by a very strong service network across Belgium.

“This played in a key role in our decision to take the next step on the path to sustainability, choosing the IVECO Stralis NP as the best solution. We’re proud to be amongst the early adopters of this new technology : our goal for the next three years is to have 35% of our fleet running on LNG. Our Group is also supporting this with an investment in our own LNG refueling infrastructure, with plans to open up to three owned filling stations within our major operating centres in Belgium, in Herstal, Waarloos and Ghlin.”

Demand for LNG is growing rapidly across Europe, with the German Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) having identified LNG as the best solution for long-distance road transport in the short term and for the next 10 to 15 years. When running on fossil derived natural gas, CO2 emissions are up to 10% lower than its diesel equivalent, depending on mission and gas composition – rising to up to 95% lower with the use of biomethane.

With IVECO’s natural gas technology, the level of particulates are negligible and the NOx 50% lower compared to diesel over long haul missions. It is also much quieter, reducing engine noise levels by around 50% – aiding deliveries in urban areas.

Jost Group is a family business employing more than 2,800 members of staff, with offices spanning 10 countries in Europe and North Africa. It offers full, partial and bulk loads, including dry freight and temperature controlled cargos, plus the movement of containers, dangerous goods and wastes.

Jost Group is also the international key-partner in inter-modality, in air & sea freight and warehouse logistics, with its 300.000m² of interconnected warehouses.

Source: www.jostgroup.com