Bodywork specialist Rolfo has launched a new car transporter bodywork to the UK market that can transport 12 cars, or mixed loadings with large vehicles.
The Italian manufacturer presented its EGO 539 model to prospective UK customers for the first time, at Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ Wentworth Park customer experience centre in South Yorkshire recently.
The transporter is based on a Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor unit, which was supplied by Dealer Midlands Truck & Van.
The truck is a 428hp Actros 2443. It has a low-roofed CompactSpace cab, as well as a space- and weight-saving small-wheeled mid-lift axle, and an uprated 9-tonne front axle.
SB Components of Wisbech replaced the standard 390-litre fuel tank with a long-range 525-litre version, while relocating the batteries and air tanks to free up as much room on the chassis as possible for Rolfo’s bodywork. The drive axle tyres were also swapped for low-profile 315/60 rubber, to reduce the vehicle’s height.
Built for a long operating life of more than 14 years, Rolfo’s latest transporter incorporates a variety of features designed to increase operating efficiency, minimise whole-life operating costs, and enhance safety.
For example, each individual platform on the body and trailer is rated to carry cars weighing up to three tonnes, while the combination is typically two to three inches lower overall than its previous, 11-car EGO model.
Davide Sobrino, managing director of Unirolfo, Rolfo Group’s agent for the UK market, acknowledged that the EGO 539’s market-leading carrying capacity was sure to catch the eye of many potential customers. But he insisted this was only part of the story.
“With its increased loading volume, this vehicle is more productive than anything Rolfo has built before,” he said. “Features like all-round disc brakes mean it sets very high safety standards too.
“Constructed from high yield steel, and fully hot-dip galvanised for ultimate protection, it’s also extremely durable and cost effective. Even the loading skids are galvanised steel, rather than aluminium, which makes them extremely tough and hard-wearing.
“The Rolfo R&D team focused specifically on total life cost when designing the EGO 539. One body and trailer can easily work for seven years with a base vehicle, then – thanks to the modular design – be swapped to a new chassis for a second life of another seven years.
“The Mercedes-Benz Actros is the perfect template for this concept. With the small wheels on the mid-lift axle, the chassis is very adaptable and able to accept our bodywork while maintaining a low overall height. The Actros also reflects the same focus on cost-effectiveness, high productivity, safety, and quality engineering as our own equipment.”
