Supplied by dealer Roanza Truck & Van, 75 of the new vehicles are 6x2 Actros 2545 StreamSpace tractors with 444bhp 12.8-litre engines. The remaining 15 are 26-tonne Actros 2533s rigids, with ClassicSpace cabs and 10.7-litre powerplants, generating 322bhp.
The trucks are working from Air Products’ gas production facility and distribution hubs across the UK and Ireland. The tractors haul gas tank trailers, while the rigids are equipped with tank bodies and are used to deliver to locations with restricted access. All are being inspected and maintained under Mercedes-Benz Complete Service Contracts.
The tender focused on total cost of ownership, fuel and residual values, says Andy Stanfield, category specialist for Air Products. He adds: “By our calculations, the Actros was clearly the best buy.”
Air Products’ new trucks are fitted with Fleetboard telematics and optional Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC). The operator also specified the Safety Pack, which includes Active Brake Assist 4, Proximity Control Assist and driver’s airbag.
The vehicles also have Mercedes-Benz Uptime technology, which uses sensors to monitor vehicle condition so the dealer knows which parts to order in advance of the truck reaching the workshop.
Stanfield says both Mercedes-Benz and Roanza demonstrated “impressive levels of care and attention” to secure the order, adding: “Both have worked hard to ensure we get the best from our new fleet, putting in the time to understand our requirements, arranging a ‘one-stop’ pre-delivery inspection service which also covered ancillary items, and providing familiarisation sessions for our own driver-trainers.
“The whole package has been superb.”