Flagship Actros V8-engined truck delivers 10.5mpg for MFR 22 December 2010

Fuel returns of almost 10.5mpg have vindicated the decision of MFR Haulage to buy a V8-engined Mercedes-Benz truck fleet, according to the firm.

MFR operations director Dave Halliday explains that he used to run a V8-engined Actros 1850, and took soundings from other operators, who were achieving good fuel returns from 6x2 Actros models.

"So I was confident that the mpg figures would be competitive," he says, adding "Intercounty Truck & Van quickly grasped what we needed and came up with a package that met all our requirements.

In brief detail, Halliday specified a 4x2 Actros 1851 with the 510hp, 16-litre engine and 12-speed PowerShift automated transmission.

As for the rest, its new 40-tonner has been equipped with the flat-floored MegaSpace cab, Alcoa alloy wheels and twin light bars, as well as air-conditioning and all the goodies to make its runs to Spain, southern Italy and Greece comfortable.

Commenting on his new flagship truck, Halliday says: "Although we don't have any other Mercedes-Benz trucks on the fleet, my past experience has proved to me that for this sort of job the Actros cannot be beaten."

And he continues: "Not only does it look good, it is also cutting our running costs because the 10.47mpg average it has returned in the first three weeks of operation represent a substantial saving over the vehicle it replaced."

Interestingly, his new Actros is the subject of a five-year contract hire package from Mercedes-Benz CharterWay. "We've always bought our trucks outright in the past but in the current climate, the contract hire deal … made a lot of sense," says Halliday.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Intercounty Truck & Van
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

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