News from Mercedes-Benz: Leading online retailer Argos has announced the launch of a fleet of newly branded trucks. The 76 vehicles, all sporting the new brand colours and designs announced this week, will take to the road this autumn.
Part of Argos’ new multi-million pound advertising campaign, which will bring to life its ongoing drive to become a digital retail leader, the vehicles will carry the new strapline ‘GET SET GO ARGOS’ and feature vibrant colour explosions against a clean, white backdrop. The campaign is the biggest strategic change in its 40-year-plus history.
David Landy, Fleet Manager for Argos, said, “Our vehicles travel all over the country, seven days a week, delivering a range of 43,000 products to our 734 stores and direct to the doorstep, allowing customers to shop how and when they want. They will be seen and recognised by everyone, so it’s exciting to be part of the new campaign and the fantastic new Argos we are creating.”
The newly branded fleet comprises of 71 Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units and five Scania natural gas-powered trucks. The Scania trucks are designed to run completely on gas and provide carbon dioxide reductions of up to 70% when it uses pure biogas, as well as being extremely quiet.
The New Actros units, which will support Argos’ existing fleet of 400 tractors and 1000 trailers, are all powered by Euro-6 400 hp straight-six engines coupled to the Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmission. All feature the 2.3 metre wide ClassicSpace sleeper cab, which offers high levels of safety and comfort.
Helping maximise the new fleets’ efficiency, all 71 vehicles are equipped with Hatcher Components’ unique Active Freddie air management system. This ignition sparked cab top spoiler automatically adjusts to match the height of the trailer, minimising fuel consumption.
James Colbourne, Head of Strategic Accounts of Trucks for Mercedes-Benz UK, said, “Working with Argos on their latest Euro-6 vehicles has been an incredibly interesting and positive experience. Argos has a new fleet that will provide a robust and reliable partner for many years to come.
“The new livery is sure to strike a chord and complement Argos’ strong brand image.”
The multi-million pound advertising campaign will start on 14 October and spans out-of-home, digital, social media, print, radio and in-store channels. The new brand identity will extend to: Argos’ websites and apps; stores, with updated point of sale, redesigned carrier bags and new uniforms; as well as the new vehicles.