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New Actros takes fuel efficiency to the ‘max’

16th November 2012 Print
Mercedes-Benz Actros

Food ingredient distribution specialist Maxim Logistics has hit upon a tasty recipe for fuel-saving success in the shape of its first three Mercedes-Benz tractor units.

The Corby-based operator’s New Actros 2545s have aerodynamic, flat-floored StreamSpace cabs and 450 hp engines which transmit their power to the road via the latest Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmissions.

Supplied by Wellingborough dealer Intercounty Truck & Van, the New Actros are the subject of a CharterWay contract hire agreement from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.

And as Proprietor Andy Lawrence revealed, after just five weeks on the road they are already well ahead of the other vehicles on the company’s mixed-marque fleet in terms of fuel efficiency.

“We’d been hearing and reading good things about the mpg returns some operators have been getting from New Actros, and ours are certainly proving every bit as economical to run as we’d hoped,” he said.

“They’ve each covered less than 15,000 km but are already returning 8.6 mpg. Given that the average across the fleet is significantly less, this equates to a potential annual saving per unit of over £4,000. And on that basis, if we switched all 25 of our tractors to New Actros we could slash our total diesel bill by over £100,000 a year!”

Mr Lawrence continued: “These Mercedes-Benz units also offer huge driver appeal. They’ve been assigned as a reward to three of our best drivers – Rob Bell, Barry Eady and Steve Mitchell – and they’re all thrilled, while the trucks look fantastic in our colours too.”

In addition to its double-shifted tractors Maxim Logistics operates approximately 25 rigid trucks of varying sizes. All vehicles are equipped with telematics systems, and the Daimler FleetBoard hardware fitted to its New Actros has also won a resounding ‘thumbs up’ from the operator. “FleetBoard’s system is exceptionally good because of its interactivity and the quality of the data it provides on driving styles,” observed Mr Lawrence.

Maxim Logistics provides a nationwide, food-dedicated, shared-user distribution service covering a huge range of ambient food products, including bakery ingredients, ethnic sauces, additives and flavourings.

Mr Lawrence, who joined the company as a traffic planner in 1995, then purchased it six years ago, added: “Intercounty Truck & Van has done everything right so far. The contract hire deal was attractively priced and the trucks were delivered on time and to the correct specification, while the dealer is also providing a collection and delivery service for routine maintenance.”

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Mercedes-Benz Actros