Liquefied Natural Gas powers MINI’s transport fleet

A new fleet of Iveco Stralis NP trucks, powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) is helping to drive sustainable logistics at MINI Plant Oxford. The 18 Natural Power LNG tractor-units have now hit the road, transporting parts and components from suppliers on 15 different routes across the UK to the home of the MINI brand.

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

Thomas Frank, Director of Logistics, MINI Plant Oxford said: “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. With environmental benefits, lower emissions and quieter engines, these LNG-powered trucks 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 per cent 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.”

The new units are operated by transport company Imperial UK, which has successfully trialled LNG trucks in both 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.

MINI Plant Oxford has already adapted to a 360-degree sustainability strategy involving heat regeneration, environmentally friendly production, the harvesting of rainwater and one of Britain’s largest solar energy facilities. The next step is to increase sustainability in all areas of its supply chain and logistics operations. Transport logistics has a key role to play in achieving the BMW Group’s supply chain sustainability target, by reducing CO² emissions per vehicle by 20 per cent by 2030 (base year: 2019). CO²-minimizing ‘Green Logistics’ concepts are also being developed.