Imperial adds fleet of LNG trucks for Mini car factory

Eighteen LNG trucks from logistic solutions provider Imperial have hit the road, transporting parts and components from suppliers to the Mini Plant Oxford in the UK, the home of the BMW Group’s Mini brand of automobiles.

BMW said LNG trucks have lower fuel consumption, produce fewer harmful emissions and are quieter on the roads. The new fleet has delivered a reduction of approximately 20% in CO² and NOX emissions, compared to diesel alternatives, said the company. In future, a total CO² reduction of up to 90% is expected by using bio-LNG.

“We are really excited to be working with Imperial on this project as part of our wider efforts to improve sustainability throughout all areas of the BMW Group,” said Thomas Frank, Director of Logistics, Mini Plant Oxford. “With environmental benefits, lower emissions and quieter engines, these LNG-powered lorries will deliver components from across the UK to the heart and home of Mini in Oxford. The fleet will travel from more than a dozen key suppliers, including BMW Plant Hams Hall, and it means that around 20% of all lorries now coming to Mini Plant Oxford will be powered by LNG fuel. This is a great example of how two companies can work together to achieve their sustainability goals.”

Imperial has successfully trialled LNG trucks in the UK and Germany over the past 12 months. The company has installed its own LNG facility close to Mini Plant Oxford, which means vehicles on routes with limited refuelling opportunities can leave Oxford with a full tank before continuing their onward journey.

“At Imperial we don’t just focus on our profitability; our people and the environment are a very important consideration,” said Mark Miles, managing director, Imperial UK. “We consider it our duty as part of the worldwide population to invest in Environmental, Social and Governance and integrate respective practices whenever possible in the daily course of business; and so the opportunity to reduce our UK haulage operation’s environmental impact was compelling. We’re delighted to be working with the BMW Group and MINI Plant Oxford as part of a joint effort to improve sustainability in logistics, reconciling business efficiency with environmental protection.”

Imperial is an African and European focused provider of integrated market access and logistics solutions. It has a focus on five industries - healthcare, consumer, automotive, chemicals and industrial.