Helps Morrison Supermarkets save 2% on fuel
Wm Morrison Supermarkets (Morrisons), the fourth largest supermarket chain in the UK, has over 420 stores. Its truck fleet of 700 vehicles delivers products nationwide. As part of Morrisons’ corporate target to reduce the carbon footprint of its haulage operation by eight per cent in 2010, compared with 2005, the head of engineering was waiting for an opportunity to decrease fuel consumption of the delivery trucks using energy-efficient lubricants.
In a control test, 10 identical vehicles were monitored, five using Shell Rimula R6 LME engine oil and the other five using a 10W-40 reference oil. Given the fuel savings results and the excellent condition of the vehicles after the test, Shell Rimula R6 LME engine oil, Shell Spirax S6 AXME axle oil and Shell Spirax S6 GME gear oil have now been rolled out across the entire Morrisons fleet to give further reduction in fuel consumption, with a view to giving a lower carbon footprint.
Morrisons wanted to reduce its fleet’s fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions and was interested in knowing how Shell synthetic lubricants could help to improve fuel efficiency. The challenge for Shell was to deliver increased fuel economy without compromising vehicle reliability and component protection.
Shell recommended a switch to Shell Rimula R6 LME, a low-viscosity engine oil specially designed to deliver fuel economy. Shell Spirax synthetic gear and axle oils were also suggested. In a control test, 10 identical vehicles were monitored, five using Shell Rimula R6 LME engine oil and the other five using a 0W-40 reference oil.
The trucks running on Shell Rimula R6 LME showed a significant reduction in fuel consumption. On an average, this was two per cent less compared with the standard 10W-40 reference oil. Engine inspection showed that the condition of the components was excellent, with no visible wear or deposits after covering 100,000 km.
Morrisons saved two per cent on its fuel consumption, which reduced the operating costs of the fleet. This improved fuel economy was not offset by a negative effect on engine performance or condition. Through the reduced use of fuel, the company’s carbon footprint was also lowered.
Shell Rimula R6 LME is a heavy-duty synthetic diesel engine oil. This oil features Shell’s exclusive low-SAPS (sulphated ash, phosphorus and sulphur) additive technology reinforced with a novel and unique anti-wear system. Its protective power is further enhanced through the use of synthetic base oil technology that increases additive activity to deliver low-viscosity fuel-saving performance with no compromise on durability. Shell Rimula R6 LME is compatible with exhaust emission control systems and offers extended maintenance intervals and fuel-economy performance. It is especially suitable for Euro 4 and 5 vehicles.
Shell Rimula R6 LME is particularly suitable for a wide range of trucking and transportation applications in modern low-emission vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, MAN and others. It is especially suitable for fleets with mixed Euro 2, 3, 4 and 5 engine types.
Shell Rimula R6 LME meets the latest requirements of Mercedes-Benz, MAN and others for Euro 4 and 5 engines and exceeds the performance requirements of industry specifications such as ACEA E6 and E7.
Performance features and benefits
• Fuel economy: Through the use of Shell’s most advanced technology, Shell Rimula R6 LME offers enhanced fuel economy that can save money on fuel without compromising engine protection or durability.
• Maintenance saving: Shell Rimula R6 LME meets the long oil-drain requirements of Mercedes-Benz, MAN and others, from the latest Euro to older-generation engines, to help enable operators to optimise their maintenance schedules and control their maintenance costs.
• Emissions-system compatibility: An advanced low-ash formulation helps to control blocking or poisoning of exhaust aftertreatment devices, which helps to maintain vehicle-emission compliance and engine fuel efficiency.
• Low wear, low deposits. The enhanced additive technology delivers the high levels of piston cleanliness essential for long engine life. A unique antiwear booster helps to meet the demanding wear-protection requirements of many engine types.