Mercedes Actros wins four-way trial to clinch 100-vehicle order

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Transport Engineer  /  August 30, 2016

Boughey Distribution has taken delivery of 25 Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks – the first phase of a 100-vehicle order, placed after the Actros came out top in a trial of four marques.

Supplied by dealer Roanza Truck & Van, the new additions are Actros 2545 models with BigSpace cabs and are powered by 449bhp 12.8-litre engines, driving through PowerShift 3 automated transmissions.

The evaluation was carried out over three months and a key focus was fuel efficiency. But this wasn’t the only criteria, as Boughey’s group fleet engineer Paul Brimelow explains: “The most economical truck in the world is no good if the manufacturer’s network cannot support it. So while the Actros returned the best fuel figures, we had to be sure the back-up will be there when we need it, too.

“Roanza and Mercedes-Benz displayed a highly professional and flexible approach, putting together a package that meets our needs perfectly. I have every faith they’ll keep our business moving.”

For the initial fuel trial, each manufacturer supplying a vehicle equipped with telematics, and a driver-trainer. The trucks were then sent out on a predetermined route from the operator’s headquarters near Nantwich, with four identical and equally-loaded trailers, first with the ‘expert’ at the wheel and a Boughey driver observing, and then with the roles reversed.

After that, the trucks went into normal operation, with the four drivers taking turns in each vehicle. Results were then compared, both between the four trucks and with the operator’s existing fleet.

“The Actros delivered the best overall fuel performance, and by a margin,” says Brimelow. “Not only was it the most economical of the contenders, but it was also the most consistent, with smaller variations between the different drivers. When we crunched the numbers it was a clear winner in terms of whole-life cost.”

Boughey Distribution maintains its fleet in-house, and Roanza has supplied training and diagnostic equipment for its technicians, as well as installing an imprest parts stock which is managed on site.

“The dealer has been very willing to work with us and we’re delighted with this arrangement, which will help to keep our workshop flowing smoothly,” adds Brimelow.

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