NORTH East independent builders’ merchants has invested £400,000 in new fuel-efficient vehicles, which include technology to ensure they are driven economically.

Sunderland-based Thompson Building Centres has bought four new Volvo HGV wagons as part of its on-going commitment to replacing its fleet with more eco-friendly forms of transportation.

The new vehicles have also been fitted with an intelligent driving system that monitors a range of factors including fuel consumption, with the information being used to train the drivers in more energy efficient ways of motoring.

“These new vehicles will be a real asset to the company,” said company operations director Brent Ganley. “And we can use the information that is provided by the technology to ensure they are being driven in the most efficient way.

“Their purchase is part of our on-going plans to ensure our entire fleet of 36 vehicles will eventually be replaced with more eco friendly wagons.”

Thompson Building Centres has branches across the North East.