Foden's 'Next Generation' Alpha has been with us for a couple of years now. While to some it may seem little more than a Daf CF85 with a Cummins or Caterpillar beneath the hood, Foden has still managed, with assorted options, to stamp its own identity on the vehicle. Consequently it's been winning fans, especially with disenchanted ERF users of old.

Foden makes them light - our 6x2 test truck weighed 7.8 tonnes when full of fuel and with the high-roof XL cab, now fast becoming 'standard' among many fleet buyers. The Europa trim pack adds a touch of welcome luxury while the optional AS-Tronic gearbox means you never have to use your left leg again! Volvo reckons its FM12 Globetrotter is now its most popular tractor, even outselling the FH. It's not hard to see why.

Despite being mounted lower down, its cab is as wide as the FH's and sits atop the same 12-litre driveline as in its big brother. Our test tractor was in typical fleet spec, complete with Living Package One trim, ideal for one-man operation. Mindful of how long drivers are now spending in fleet tractors, Volvo has put together an impressive list of options for the FM Globetrotter including built-in fridges and microwaves. Adding a Globetrotter cab gives you 390mm more headroom over a standard sleeper.

(For full story see June's T&D).