New shapes are appearing on our motorways. Is it the latest craze? Are boat-tails and teardrops the new black? No – but they could save you up to 15% of your fuel bill. In the last year GB Liners have invested in new vehicles sporting a nifty boat-tail design at the back which is reported to save at least 7.5% of their fuel consumption. Built by the clever chaps at Unique Van Bodies, the vehicles also feature a bridge between the cab and body, which should make them even more efficient.

Logistics firm Tradeteam has opted for a different solution – teardrop shaped trailers. The company claims these will save at least 2% of fuel for vehicles used on specific runs. Again, these new vehicles also have a design which reduces the gap between tractor and trailer, thereby reducing drag. With these kind of statistics, we expect to see boat-tails and teardrops everywhere we look within the next few years. Just don’t try to Top Gear approach and make your own out of plywood and gaffa tape – we’re pretty sure it won’t have the same effect.