More than 180 UK truck operators have experienced what Mercedes-Benz is calling "the most important launch since the arrival of the first truck built by Daimler over 100 years ago".
The new Actros – which goes on sale from 1 January 2012, is a remarkable 7% better on fuel consumption than its predecessor at Euro 5, while even the Euro 6 version shows a 4% improvement.
Ben Morris, managing director of operations at logistics firm Howard Tenens, has been using Mercedes-Benz trucks for many years, and says: "I was really impressed with the new vehicle's enhanced features, from driver comfort and handling, to additional vehicle options.
"But most important for us is the promise of improved fuel efficiency. As a long-standing Actros operator we are delighted with the level of investment Mercedes-Benz has put in," he adds.
Meanwhile, Terry Potter, fleet engineer for North Yorkshire's Black Sheep Brewery, says he was struck by the cab comfort and driver appeal of the Actros 1842 model.
"Overall I'm very impressed," he comments. "The power delivery is effortless and the gear changes are smooth and precise, while the way that body roll has been suppressed, especially given the size of the cab, is remarkable."
And Alan Newton, head of transport planning & fleet management at heating, plumbing and building materials supplier Wolseley, states: "I sat in that cab and asked myself a simple question: as a driver, would I be happy to spend my working day in here? The answer was a definite 'yes'."
