Hicks goes back to Mercedes-Benz with fuel-efficient New Actros 24 May 2013

South Wales operator Hicks Logistics has returned to Mercedes-Benz trucks after more than two decades of operating rival manufacturers' models, attracted by the New Actros' fuel savings.

Managing director Terry Hicks says the New Actros is already returning an extra half a mile per gallon, compared to the family-owned company's established trucks' average.

He specified a New Actros 2545 with the 450bhp straight-six engine and flat-floored BigSpace cab, because of the duty, which is a mix of general work but primarily pulling bulk timber products in curtainside trailers for Premier Forest Products.

"It's heavy-duty work that takes us all over the UK," states Hicks. "The fleet average is 8mpg [for this duty], but the New Actros is already up to 8.5mpg. And these are still early days, so there's every reason to think this figure will improve still further."

In fact, he has already ordered a second New Actros tractor unit – powered by the same engine, but specified with a StreamSpace cab in its narrower, 2.3m form.

"The second New Actros is assigned to our contract with UK Platforms, which entails delivering powered access equipment on semi low-loader trailers nationwide," explains Hicks.

"We have to negotiate some tight country lanes, while access to construction sites can also be an issue, so the narrow cab should be an advantage."

Hicks Logistics is acquiring its New Actros trucks through flexible Agility funding packages from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. The first will cover 130,000 km per year, with the second scheduled to clock-up 100,000 km.

Sandwiched between the two New Actros, the company has also now taken delivery of four 2544 Long Distance units from the current Actros range, and also has a fifth on order.

These vehicles are the subject of CharterWay contract hire agreements, again through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. The first four are now at work, also in the colours of UK Platforms, and the next truck will be on the same job.

"It's been more than 20 years since we last ran a Mercedes truck, but we've now taken six since the beginning of March, with another due very soon," muses Hicks.

"The drivers are over the moon with the New Actros in particular, as am I. A saving of half a mile per gallon, if replicated across the fleet, would make a huge difference to our bottom line.

"I've been impressed, too, with the service we've received from Euro Commercials and Mercedes-Benz, which provided us with three demonstrators before we ordered our first New Actros on a 'suck it and see' basis.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

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