Supplied by dealer Marshall Truck & Van, the new additions are all Actros 2545 models with GigaSpace cabs. They replace a previous fleet of Actros and, like those, are supplied on contract hire through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.
Powered by 444bhp six-cylinder engines paired with PowerShift automated transmissions, the trucks are equipped with recordable cameras installed by SB Components, of Wisbech.
Key to Pentalver’s decision to specify its latest vehicles with optional Mercedes-Benz Safety Packs was its acquisition last May by US-based Genesee & Wyoming, which “raised the bar by another substantial notch” on safety standards across the business, according to Shaun Allen, Pentalver’s chief operating officer.
He says: “We invited all of the major manufacturers to tender on the basis of a revised specification which focused particularly on safety features, as well as value for money.
“It soon became clear that Mercedes-Benz had a definite edge over the competition in terms of accident prevention technology, particularly with its emergency braking system, while our previous experience with the Actros meant we knew it was more than up to the job.”
The Mercedes-Benz Safety Pack includes Active Brake Assist 4, Proximity Control Assist and a driver’s airbag.
Active Brake Assist 4 employs multi-mode radar to monitor moving and stationary objects in front of the vehicle. If no action is taken after an audible warning, it will apply staged braking followed by full braking power.
The system also features pedestrian recognition. On detecting a moving pedestrian – even one stepping into the truck’s path from behind a parked car – it can apply partial braking while simultaneously activating acoustic and visual warnings, up to a speed of 50kph.
The FORS Silver operator is now setting its sights on Gold accreditation. Says Allen: “The advanced safety technology on these new Mercedes-Benz trucks can only help us to achieve this goal.”