The Autosmart franchisee is using the latest addition to serve customers in north and east Norfolk.
Supplied through Orwell Truck & Van and with funding from Mercedes-Benz Finance, the Atego 1223 LnR has a ClassicSpace S-cab and low-height frame with air-suspended rear axle.
Its 5.1-litre, six-cylinder engine produces 228bhp and is paired with a PowerShift 3 automated transmission.
Drumack Coachworks, of Ballymena, kitted out the truck with racks and tanks. ADR vehicle specifications and driver qualifications reflect the fact that the trucks carry hazardous substances, such as traffic film remover.
Seed Brothers bought its first Mercedes-Benz truck, a 7.5-tonne Atego, 15 years ago. Since then it has also acquired 10-tonne variants. “These days, though, given the breadth of the Autosmart range, we’ve settled on 12-tonners as being ideally sized for our operation,” says Andrew Seed, managing director.
He adds: “Our vehicles are highly bespoke so we can’t simply hire a replacement if one’s off the road – a breakdown effectively means that we’re unable to work. For this reason, reliability is the single most important attribute we look for in a vehicle.”
The new Atego is the subject of a Mercedes-Benz Complete Service R&M package, with the dealer carrying out most inspections and maintenance at its Norwich branch.
“The service contracts are very cost effective and allow us to budget with confidence,” adds Seed.