Supplied by dealer Euro Commercials, the Llanelli-based operator’s new additions join its 250-strong truck fleet and are all 2545 StreamSpace models with 450bhp straight-six engines, driving through PowerShift 3 automated transmissions.
The vehicle are the subject of CharterWay agreements from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.
“Within just a few weeks of entering service, the Actros were averaging 9.97 mpg, which is a full 1 mpg better than the rival brand vehicles they replaced,” says Barry Evans, Owens Group’s procurement manager.
“That’s exactly what we were hoping for, given what we’d already seen from the ‘seed’ vehicle, and in line with the figures Euro Commercials had predicted we could achieve. Given the potential savings, this order makes sound financial sense.”
However, fuel efficiency was only one of the main criteria. He adds: “We were impressed, too, with the contract hire deal, which combines attractive rates with a very high level of customer care. The service department at Euro Commercials’ Swansea branch is open 24 hours a day and offers the professional, flexible back-up we need.”
One of the trucks has become the operator flagship, sporting a vinyl wrap highlighting its new corporate branding.