EPC-UK, a specialist in commercial explosives and drilling & blasting services, has taken delivery of its first consignment of Isuzu D-Max pickups for its fleet.
The first eight units from the initial batch of 20 new vehicles have been delivered, with a further 60+ on order for delivery during 2022.
Deployed on the back of extensive trials, the D-Max was chosen for its fuel efficiency, as the company continues work to improve the environmental credentials across the EPC-UK fleet. The business has already introduced hybrid company cars for executives and is investing in the latest fuel-efficient vehicles for use on-site.
Anthony Bird, driver training manager at EPC-UK, said: “We renew the vehicles within our fleet every three years, considering the latest machines to be less environmentally impactful. Our last generation of Isuzu D-Max was still Euro 6 compliant and used 1.9-litre power units, however, we wanted improvements in our MPG figures – as going further for less diesel has a significant impact on our operation, as well as emissions.”
The 1.9-litre Euro 6D engine fitted to the Isuzu D-Max uses the AdBlue fuel additive along with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system to reduce harmful nitrogen dioxide levels. To help further reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency, all Isuzu D-Max models also feature a Stop & Start system which turns off the engine momentarily when at a standstill, for example, when in heavy traffic or stopped at traffic lights.
Anthony Bird continued: “We are keen to embrace technological advancements as they develop before us and are committed to equipping our team with vehicles in the here-and-now that can further reduce our environmental impact.”
A further key factor in choosing the Isuzu D-Max was its safety technology. Its standard-fit ADAS system includes traffic sign recognition and cruise control, which is adaptive on auto models and alongside the speed limiter function can help operators reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
Durability and reliability were also a core focus; the firm’s operators are using the pickups to carry vast amounts of equipment in harsh off-road terrains, making use of the vehicles’ durability and reliability.
Chris Gillingwater, Isuzu sales manager at Motus Commercials, which is supplying the fleet, said: “EPC-UK are a long-standing customer and we are very pleased that they have opted to expand their fleet with the all-new Isuzu D-Max. EPC-UK have recognised the vehicle as a credible and dependable workmate, which is ideally suited for use in very demanding and often remote environments.”
