Mercedes-Benz Axors add up to a true bargain

Fast-growing discount store chain Home Bargains picked up an unmissable deal of its own when it ordered a new fleet of a dozen Mercedes-Benz tractor units.

Supplied by Liverpool dealer Road Range Commercials, the Axor 1840s are equipped with optional Mercedes PowerShift automated transmissions and fitted with full air management kits.

A competitive purchase price and excellent fuel returns from a demonstration unit helped Mercedes-Benz to win the deal in the face of competition from two rival manufacturers. Home Bargains’ first Mercedes-Benz trucks have joined a fleet of 54 heavy vehicles, most of which are 4x2 tractors plated at 34 tonnes.

Transport Manager Alan Beech explained: “It’s our policy when investing in new vehicles always to seek three quotations. Road Range responded very professionally and were quick to offer us the use of a demonstration unit.

“We wanted to get a feel for the overall build quality of the truck and gauge the reaction of our drivers to it, and were also keen to see how it performed on fuel. The average return of 10.71mpg was very encouraging compared to the rest of our fleet.”

Home Bargains bought its new Axors outright and plans to runs them for five years. “We’re a discount retailer operating on very tight margins,” continued Mr Beech. “Our distribution fleet represents a substantial outlay so achieving the best price and maximum efficiency over the life of our vehicles is of paramount importance.

“We’re confident that these Mercedes-Benz vehicles will give us reliable and cost-effective performance over the next five years, and will retain a strong residual value at the end of their time in our fleet.”

Liverpool-based Home Bargains is the trading name of TJ Morris. Established more than 30 years ago by businessman Tom Morris, and still family-owned, it is now one the UK’s fastest-growing discount retailers with a nationwide network of 200 high street stores.