News from Mercedes-Benz: A triumphant mpg performance from an Actros demonstration unit was instrumental in helping Belfast Dealer Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van to land a prestigious order from Armagh-based Carna Transport.
The high-profile operator, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in business last year, sent the truck with the three-pointed star into a head-to-head fuel efficiency shootout against a similarly-specified vehicle from another manufacturer.
Both were put to work on long-distance Continental haulage runs at up to 40 tonnes over several weeks, the Actros coming out on top by a clear margin with an average return of 11.4 mpg. Now Carna Transport is looking forward to an equally impressive performance from the three New Actros 1845 tractors it has just put into service.
Powered by 449bhp straight-six engines, all have range-topping, flat-floored GigaSpace cabs and are equipped with Daimler FleetBoard telematics hardware as well as Mercedes-Benz Predictive Powertrain Control technology.
PPC is a clever cruise control that employs 3D GPS mapping to read three kilometres of topography ahead, then responds by controlling speed, braking and the transmission to maximise fuel efficiency. The easy-to-operate system is optional on all Actros models at a cost of £1,349 or, if specified as part of a Mercedes-Benz Financial Services contract hire package, for just £2.50 a week – equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee.
PPC really comes into its own when the vehicle is travelling up or down hills. It makes maximum use of the truck’s standard-fit EcoRoll function on downhills, and applies carefully judged single or double downshifts of gear at an early stage. Mercedes-Benz says the “far-sighted” system reduces fuel use by approximately five per cent, although some operators are reporting even bigger savings.
General Manager Robert Heavin says, “Our decision to invest in these vehicles was very much influenced by the excellent fuel returns we achieved with the demonstrator – if we continue to hit figures like that we’ll be very happy.
“But that’s not all we looked at. Our trucks travel as far afield as Romania and Sicily, so we also place a high priority on effective back-up and comfortable, spacious cabs.
“Mercedes-Benz offers full 24-hour assistance across Europe, while the GigaSpace cabs are very well designed, with masses of storage space and a real quality feel. It’s no surprise that our drivers are delighted with their Actros.”
