Food distribution firm NR Evans has taken delivery of 18 new Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units, all with Daimler FleetBoard telematics included.
All are premium specification Actros 2544s, with flat-floored MegaSpace cabs, and managing director Neil Evans says the telematics came free, as part of the Mercedes-Benz CharterWay contract-hire package – along with three months' vehicle management services.
Evans says the company gained its first experience with Actros tractor units six years ago, when it introduced the first eight trucks to its 120-strong fleet. That order followed a strong performance by a demonstration unit, which scored high on fuel economy and proved popular with the drivers.
"The quality and huge amount of space offered by the MegaSpace cab is still a big plus point in favour of the Actros," confirms Evans. "This, along with the excellent fuel returns and competitive contract hire rates, makes the big Mercedes a very attractive proposition," he adds.
"What really sets these trucks apart, though, are the telematics systems and the back-up we receive from Euro Commercials," continues Evans. "It's too early to put a figure on the fuel cost savings we expect FleetBoard to deliver, but the signs are certainly encouraging. Our drivers have reacted very positively to the feedback they are now receiving."
The Mercedes-Benz tractor units are now based at the operator's HQ in Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire, delivering temperature-controlled foodstuffs, typically to supermarket RDCs.
They were supplied by Swansea dealer Euro Commercials, and are the subject of a three-year contract hire deal.
