Light commercial vehicle fleets can expect to cut operating costs, according to vGroup International, after it launched a new polypropylene lining panel.

The lightweight characteristics of the lining unveiled by vGroup International’s vComms division delivers a “massive” advantage when compared to traditional plywood lining, reducing fuel consumption and increasing payload, says VGroup.

vComms also operates a mobile accessory fitment service to company cars and vans, with nationwide coverage from professional fitment specialists. Last year, it fitted more than 10,000 vehicles with a wide range of accessories from plylining to tow bars and racking systems to roof vents and lighting and electrical accessories.

The list of economical, installation, technical and environmental benefits offered to fleets by the lining, called Finesse Poly-line, is led by its weight-saving.

At just 1,500g per square metre, Finesse Poly-line offers a massive weight advantage to fleets when compared to traditional plywood - and that triggers vehicle fuel consumption benefits and increased payload.

Typically, standard hardwood plywood van linings weigh in at 3.59kgs/m2 (5.5mm thickness), 5.87kgs/m2 (9mm thickness) and 7.82kgs/m2 per sheet (12mm thickness).

If lining a typical panel van with traditional birch in 12mm thickness it would weigh 55.38kgs in total. However the equivalent Finesse Poly-line would weigh just 19.02kgs - delivering a weight saving of 36.36kgs.

Eliminating weight from a vehicle translates into potential fuel savings - depending on driving style adopted, road conditions and a variety of other factors. Saving almost 40kgs over 125,000 miles could cut fuel bills by about £450 - while the payload weight saved by utilising the lining could allow additional tools and other equipment to be carried.

However, the payload gains do not mean there is any compromise in the technical performance of Finesse Poly-line, which is extremely rigid and durable, offering strong impact and humidity resistance, plus, it’s also 100% recyclable, washable and resistant to acid and oils, says VGroup.

In addition, it’s also easy to handle and fit - avoiding splinters for installers - and it can be CNC (computer numerical control) machined.

James Nash, recently appointed managing director of vGroup International, said: “As a company we are continuously looking to provide fleets with new hi-tech solutions that improve vehicle operations. The use of timber linings for commercial vehicles is long-established and, while they will remain part of our product portfolio, we believe that Finesse Poly-line offers a 21st century alternative.”

Vicky Arnold, vGroup International’s sales and customer service director, said: “Finesse Poly-line complements our existing product portfolio. The launch of the new product enables vComms to widen its range of non-timber products and that fits perfectly within our current range of solutions and our approach to being environmentally-friendly promoting ‘greenness’ across our products.

“We are very excited about this latest addition and I’m confident that Finesse Poly-line will be a big success with both existing and prospective customers.”

Available to the UK transport sector through vComms, Finesse Poly-line is supplied in a light grey colour in sheet sizes from 4mm x 3250mm x 2000mm and in white colour from 4mm x 3050mm x 1525mm. The larger sheet size of Finesse Poly-line also eliminates unsightly joints that often result from the use of typically smaller plywood sheets ranging from 5.5mm x 2440mm x 1220mm.