Pentalver lines up fuel savings with Mercedes-Benz trucks03 October 2011

A winning mpg performance from a demonstration unit has prompted container transport specialist Pentalver to place its first major order for Mercedes-Benz trucks.

The operator is now running 30 new Axor tractor units, supplied by south coast dealer Pentagon Commercials, from its 28-acre container facility in Staffordshire.

The trucks are all high-roofed 6x2 Axor 2543 models and are the subject of a three-year Mercedes-Benz Financial Services contract hire package, under which each will cover 150,000km per year.

"The Mercedes was clearly the best on fuel," recalls Dan Withers, Pentalver's head of procurement and process excellence.

"It returned an average 9.3mpg initially, but in the final week, after Pentagon's truck sales executive Steve Brewer had delivered some instruction and our drivers began using the engine brake system to its full potential, that figure shot up to 9.8mpg."

Withers explains that the firm is now operating its trucks on a round-the-clock basis. "While fuel economy was obviously crucial, we were also keen to ensure that we had identified the total cost of ownership, which meant factoring in the acquisition, service and parts elements," he adds.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd

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