Wright Self Drive takes delivery of the first production model Scania R 730, the world's most powerful truck

Welshpool, mid-Wales based transport operator, Wright Self Drive Limited has taken delivery of the first series-production 730 horsepower Scania V8 tractor unit. As such, the company becomes the world's first operator to acquire an example of the recently launched Scania R 730, the world's most powerful truck.

Supplied by West Pennine Trucks Limited, the Scania dealer for Powys, Shropshire, Staffordshire and Greater Manchester, the vehicle is an R 730 LA6x2MNA trailing-axle model equipped with the new Scania Opticruise gear-selection system and Scania Driver Support. The truck will be maintained by West Pennine Trucks' Oswestry depot.

Appointed to the luxurious Griffin specification, the interior includes leather seats embossed with Scania V8 logo, wood-effect dashboard, piano black steering wheel, leather centre mat, microwave, fridge-freezer and coffee maker.

"We are involved in a variety of transport operations, much of which is carried out on a sub-contract basis for T Alun Jones Limited of Welshpool, and includes continental fridge work, low-loaders and forestry, " says Wright Self Drive Director, Gary Wright. "Power, performance and traction are therefore extremely important to us, hence our decision to opt for the R 730 with a 6x2 wheelplan.

"While we already operate a total of five Scania trucks, this is the first one we have purchased new. My first impressions are that it's an awesome vehicle with unbelievable power! I'm now looking forward to taking it to Austria for its inaugural run. There will be two of us travelling together and living in the cab on that job, as my father, Haydn, who founded the business almost 20 years ago, is coming along to see how it performs!"

In addition to its haulage operations, Wright Self Drive offers a vehicle hire service with a 20-strong fleet of vans and light commercials.