Supplied by dealer Roanza Truck & Van, the new additions are both 2548 models with flat-floored BigSpace cabs and feature 476bhp engines driving through PowerShift 3 automated transmissions.
When IAE decided to change its single-supplier strategy, it looked around for another marque, as managing director Frank Klucznik explains: “We conducted our market research with a view to identifying the most eco-friendly, fuel-efficient and long-lasting trucks. It was important, too, that our new vehicles should command strong residual values, so we didn’t have to get tied into a buy-back scheme. The Actros appeared to tick all of these boxes, and more besides.”
The Actros are fitted with Mercedes-Benz FleetBoard telematics systems, which IAE is using to monitor fuel consumption and to coach its drivers to improve fuel-efficient driving.
First impressions of the vehicles are “certainly highly positive”, confirms Chris Green, IAE’s transport manager, adding: “The dealer’s collection and delivery service, coupled with the fact that its Stoke workshop can inspect and maintain our vehicles through the night, means we expect to incur minimal downtime.
“The whole package is excellent.”
The trucks are delivering products from IAE’s Longton factory to wholesalers across the UK and are expected to cover 120,000km a year.