Mercedes-Benz New Actros impresses on fuel economy 18 July 2013

A trucks fuel-efficiency trial staged by temperature-controlled distribution McCulla (Ireland) has seen the Mercedes-Benz New Actros come out on top.

As a result, the Lisburn-based operator has ordered 10 New Actros 2545 tractor units, with aerodynamic StreamSpace cabs, from Newtownabbey dealer Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI).

McCulla has also ordered 10 more 6x2 StreamSpace units, with the same 450bhp straight-six engines, for delivery next year.

Transport director Brian Beattie says: "We trialled demonstration units from all the main manufacturers against a New Actros seed vehicle, which we'd bought from MB T&V at the end of last year. The Mercedes-Benz was the clear winner, in terms of fuel efficiency."

And he continues: "Readings from the Daimler FleetBoard telematics systems on the new vehicles tell us they are averaging well over 9mpg, and some are consistently returning better than 10mpg.

"With a few more miles under their belts, and with the benefit of some specialist driver training tips delivered by Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van, we confidently expect them to settle at around 9.75 mpg."

Helping the new trucks achieve these figures is the Mercedes-Benz Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) system, specified by McCulla as an optional extra.

PPC employs 3D GPS mapping to read 3km of topography ahead, then responds by controlling speed, braking and the transmission to maximise fuel efficiency.

Optionally available at a cost of £1,349 on all New Actros models, the system comes into its own when the vehicle is travelling up or down hills.

Mercedes-Benz also says that its 'far-sighted' cruise control uses the truck's standard-fit EcoRoll function when travelling downhill, and applies single or double downshifts of gear at an early stage.

The OEM claims that the system is easy-to-operate system and reduces fuel use by approximately 5%.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

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