ERF's exclusive southern dealership, KL Commercials, has supplied Southampton-based Pentalver Transport with four of the newly- launched ERF ECT tractor units.

The new model is the result of collaboration between ERF's engineers and their colleagues at MAN, ERF's new German parent company.

Over the past 18 months, Pentalver has taken delivery of 22 new ERF tractor units from KL Commercials.

The new vehicles replace other manufacturers' models at Pentalver's Southampton headquarters and the company's new storage and haulage facility in Felixstowe.

"The new ERF ECT brings the level of in-cab specification on a par with that of a luxury car," said Andy Jellis, operations manager.

"Over the past 20 months we have been very impressed with the ERF trucks and service provided by KL Commercials, and were keen to acquire the new ERF ECT model as soon as it was launched."

The vehicles have been supplied to Pentalver by KL Commercials on a five-year full contract hire package, provided by ERF Transcom.

They will be followed in 2003 by a further four ERF ECT tractor units.

Established in Southampton 21 years ago, Pentalver Transport was bought by the Maersk Line seven years ago.

Now employing a workforce of 145, the company operates a repair company and container storage facility from three yards in Southampton Docks in addition to its new depot in Felixstowe.

It operates a fleet of 28 vehicles as well as sub-contracting a further 30 trucks and trailers.