Even Larger Road Trains on European Roads as Duo Trailer Tested by Auto and Logistics Groups

SPAIN – Spanish automotive group SEAT and logistics outfit Grupo Sesé have carried out a pilot test to analyse the performance of the duo trailer, a larger and more efficient freight delivery truck than those 'truck and drawbar' road trains currently driving on motorways in some European countries. The test journey was made from Zaragoza to the SEAT headquarters in Martorell and will be repeated in upcoming months while transporting components.

The duo trailer features two 13.60 metre long trailers pulled by a truck with a Scania cab, a Volkswagen Group brand, with a total length of 31.70 metres and a maximum payload capacity of 70 tonnes. In total, it should enable a reduction in CO₂ emissions of 20% per road journey and a 25% decrease in the logistics costs of transporting components, figures that these tests intend to verify. Designed for travelling on high capacity roads, the duo trailer will also lower the number of trucks that travel on conventional roads, which is where the highest number of road accidents take place. SEAT Vice-president for Production and Logistics Dr. Christian Vollmer commented:

“The duo trailer has the capacity to reduce by 50% the number of trucks on the road, and this implies huge benefits in terms of sustainability, environmental responsibility, safety and efficiency. Innovation is at the core of SEAT and these tests are in the same spirit that led us to bring the mega truck to Spain two years ago in partnership with Grupo Sesé.”

For the time being, this research study will conclude with a report to demonstrate the performance and benefits of this new vehicle in regards to emissions reduction, efficiency and road safety so that in the near future its use can be standardised in Spain. In relation to these benefits, Grupo Sesé Managing Director Ángel Pueyo said:

“The added advantage of this means of transport to reducing road accidents and emissions and cost savings is its versatility and the way it promotes multimodality and improves efficiency and sustainability.”

SEAT and Grupo Sesé made a firm commitment to sustainable mobility for road transport two years ago when they introduced the mega truck in Spain, a truck measuring more than 25 metres long that until now was the longest, most sustainable vehicle driving on Spanish roads. Although much larger road trains can be found on highways around the globe these tend to be in remote areas such as the deserts of Australia and the Middle East.

The arrival of the duo trailer in those regions of Europe where they are considered suitable should lower CO₂ emissions even further, down from 14% to 20% in comparison to a conventional truck. The main reason behind this is the improved fuel consumption efficiency per tonne transported, as it has 6 metres and 10 tonnes more load capacity when comparing both vehicles.