Staplehurst Transits adds Mercedes-Benz New Actros 23 April 2013

Following an evaluation exercise involving several truck brands, Staplehurst Transits has bought its first Mercedes-Benz tractor unit.

The of Tonbridge, Kent-based family firm purchased a New Actros 2551 tractor unit with the aerodynamic StreamSpace cab – breaking with 25 years of acquiring trucks from a Swedish manufacturer.

Equipped with a Daimler FleetBoard telematics system, the New Actros also came with a free two-year Mercedes-Benz R&M contract. Under the terms of the deal, servicing and inspections will be undertaken by supplying dealer Sparshatts of Kent, which recently opened a new workshop in Tonbridge.

"I've driven it myself and it's definitely smoother and more comfortable than our established trucks, while the automated PowerShift transmission is very good too," comments director Darren Goldup.

The New Actros is powered by a straight-six unit that puts out 510bhp. And Glogup says it is already producing impressive fuel returns.

"The fleet average is between 9.1 and 9.2mpg, and, despite the fact that it's still very new and not properly loosened up yet, the New Actros is already hitting 8.9mpg.

"This compares well with a unit from our other supplier, which went on the road at the same time as the Mercedes. That vehicle is on similar work, but lagging behind at 8.5mpg."

And he continues: "We'll be monitoring the performance of the New Actros and the Mercedes-Benz back-up closely. It's fair to say, though, that our first impressions have been entirely positive, while Sparshatts of Kent has an excellent reputation in this area."

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd
Sparshatts of Kent Ltd

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