New Actros and PPC win fuel fight for Carna Transport 04 March 2014

Co. Armagh-based refrigerated and dry freight transport services operator Carna Transport has taken delivery of three New Actros 1845 tractor units, following fuel-efficiency trials against another unnamed manufacturer.

Carna general manager Robert Heavin explains that both tractors were sent on continental haulage runs at up to 40 tonnes gcw over several weeks, and the New Actros came out on top by a clear margin, with an average return of 11.4 mpg.

Powered by Mercedes-Benz 449bhp straight-six engines mated to the OEM's predictive powertrain control (PPC) technology, all of the tractors were alos specified with flat-floored GigaSpace cabs and equipped with Daimler FleetBoard telematics hardware.

PPC is Mercedes-Benz's GPS mapping system, designed to read the road topography 3km ahead, controlling speed, braking and gear selection to maximise fuel efficiency. Mercedes claims up to 5% fuel improvement, although some operators are reporting even bigger savings.

"Our decision to invest in these vehicles was very much influenced by the excellent fuel returns we achieved with the demonstrator," comments Heavin.

"But that's not all we looked at. Our trucks travel as far afield as Romania and Sicily, so we also place a high priority on effective back-up and comfortable, spacious cabs," he continues.

"Mercedes-Benz offers 24-hour assistance across Europe, while the GigaSpace cabs are very well designed, with masses of storage space and a real quality feel."

PPC is available on all New Actros models at a cost of £1,349 or, if specified as part of a Mercedes-Benz Financial Services contract hire package, £2.50 a week.

Mercedes-Benz says it comes into its own when a vehicle is travelling up or down hills – with the system designed to maximise use of the truck's standard-fit EcoRoll function downhill, while engaging single or double downshifts early enough to optimise fuel consumption on uphill stretches.

Carna Transport boasts a fleet of 118 trucks. It has operated Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the past but these are its first from the New Actros range.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

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