Supplied by Midlands Truck & Van and on an operating lease through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, the Coventry-based operator’s new additions are Actros 2551 units, powered by second-generation 510bhp engines and fitted with Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) systems.
Bedworth’s Ian Thacker says the new trucks are already returning 10.5 mpg or more – 2 mpg ahead of other vehicles on his fleet – “and I’d like to think that as they loosen up the fuel figures will get even better,” he adds.
The Actros have GigaSpace cabs, with roof-mounted light bars and chrome highlights, and the interior spec includes leather upholstery and fridges.
Bedworth Haulage’s 34-strong tractor fleet includes three other marques, as well as five more Actros GigaSpace models with Euro 5 engines. The first of these, also a 2551, entered service early in 2013, and was followed later that year by a quartet of 450bhp Actros 2545 variants.
Thacker says: “The big disparity in fuel efficiency is partly explained by the fact that while our Mercedes-Benz trucks are powered by 12.8-litre straight-six engines, the majority of our Swedish trucks have big V8s.
“Even allowing for this, though, there’s no doubt in my mind that the Actros is the most economical truck on the market right now… and by a wide margin.
“Our Euro 5 Actros have always been comfortably ahead of the rest, but with these second-generation Euro 6 models, Mercedes-Benz has raised its game by another big notch.”
The new Actros, he adds, are delivering an extra half a mile per gallon over their predecessors: “Our trucks typically cover 3,000 km a week and the total bill for last week alone was £33,000, so savings of this magnitude are very welcome.”
The operator is also a fan of Mercedes-Benz FleetBoard telematics, which it fits not only to its Actros but also to other makes of truck, describing it as “simple to use” and providing “a wealth of invaluable data”.