Frugal Mercedes-Benz Actros V8 gives MFR fuel for thought
Stunning fuel returns of almost 10.5mpg have vindicated the decision of MFR Haulage to invest in a V8-engined Mercedes-Benz fleet flagship.
In addition to its 510hp, 16-litre powerplant, which is mated to a 12-speed Mercedes PowerShift automated transmission, the 4x2 Actros 1851’s mouth-watering specification includes an air-conditioned, flat-floored MegaSpace cab with fridge and microwave oven.
Supplied by Wellingborough dealer Intercounty Truck & Van, the new 40-tonner is also a real head-turner, thanks to its Alcoa alloy wheels and twin light bars.
“We wanted a flagship to promote our new business and knew exactly how it should look,” said MFR Operations Director Dave Halliday. “But it also had to be cost-effective and reliable in operation.
“And although we don’t have any other Mercedes-Benz trucks on the fleet, my past experience has proved to me that for this sort of job the Actros cannot be beaten.”
Mr Halliday ran a V8-engined Actros 1850 in a previous role, and took soundings from other operators who were achieving very good fuel returns from 6x2 Actros models.
“So I was confident that the mpg figures would be highly competitive,” he continued, “while Intercounty sales executive Peter Finkel quickly grasped what we needed and came up with a package that met all our requirements.
“Not only does the Actros look good, it is also cutting our running costs because the 10.47mpg average it has returned in the first three weeks of operation represent a substantial saving over the vehicle it has replaced.”
The Actros is the subject of a five-year contract hire package from in-house commercial vehicle finance division Mercedes-Benz CharterWay. “We’ve always bought our trucks outright in the past but in the current climate the contract hire deal, with minimal outlay, highly competitive rates and totally predictable monthly payments, made a lot of sense,” explained Mr Halliday.
MFR Haulage, which operates from a depot in Bolnhurst, near Bedford, was formed earlier this year after parent company Mobile Freezer Rentals decided to expand its transport division. It relied previously on a fleet of rigid and articulated vehicles equipped with cranes to move its own freezer units, but has now diversified into chilled and frozen food transport, and even general haulage.
The new Actros is one of four trucks working in MFR Haulage colours. It makes regular runs to Spain, southern Italy and Greece, delivering loads of ‘home comfort’ foodstuffs to retailers who serve the ‘ex-pat’ community, and returning with local produce for British supermarkets.
Company owner Chris Sadler said: “Our core business is the rental of mobile freezers and chiller units to the catering and event industries, but the haulage business was formed to offer existing and new customers a wider range of services. Not only can we provide food suppliers with fridges to store their product, we can also transport it for them – it’s a ‘one-stop shop’ solution.”
