SOFT drinks giant AG Barr has commissioned nine new tractor units from Mercedes-Benz dealer, Western Commercial, in a bid to “future proof” its transport.
The Cumbernauld-based firm’s latest order for nine Actros 2543 models was motivated by a desire to minimise maintenance costs. The trucks all feature ClassicSpace cabs and 10.7-litre straight-six 315 kW engines.
The order was “well placed” considering the proposed introduction of low-emission zones in Edinburgh and Glasgow, the company said.
Each unit is equipped with a Mercedes-Benz Safety Pack incorporating the Active Brake Assist 4 system, which features pedestrian recognition, Proximity Control Assist and a driver’s airbag. The trucks all wear the livery of AG Barr’s famous IRN-BRU brand. The company runs 47 trucks in total, 97% of which are Mercedes-Benz. Rigid 26-tonners form the bulk of the fleet, with the Actros models being the only tractors.
Transport manager Gary Campbell commented, “We choose Mercedes-Benz trucks for their premium quality and reliability, and for the excellent back-up provided by the manufacturer’s strong, 24-hour UK dealer network. The support we’ve received from the Western Commercial sales team, and particularly from its truck sales executive Paul Mundie, has also been second to none.
“Our policy previously has been to acquire pre-owned vehicles. But we have chosen new trucks on this occasion to ensure that we benefit from their state-of-the-art safety specification. The hugely impressive active brake assist technology in particular, will make a major contribution to the protection not only of our drivers, but also of other road users.”
He added, “With low-emission zones on the horizon for Scotland we were keen to future-proof the business by moving to Euro VI engines, and to de-risk our maintenance cost exposure by purchasing new, rather than pre-owned vehicles.”
