While Eather Group may not be ready for the electrification transition, it is instead focusing on the fuel efficiency and safety gains that Euro 6 prime movers bring.
This follows the company’s commitment to sustainability with its Green Transport Plan.
To support the family-run operation in Sydney – which engages in construction and major infrastructure projects, haulage, bulk material management and land rehabilitation – Eather Group has acquired a Euro 6 Mercedes-Benz 2658.
Divinia Eather, Eather Group Marketing Manager, said the business is not ready for electric trucks yet.
“Euro 6 is the basis for our next step and that is something we can do straight away and it makes a big difference,” she said.
In addition to improving fuel efficiency, safety is also a key focus for Eather Group.
It has added various third-party safety features for its trucks and trailers, but the Actros also comes with a full suite of integrated active safety features that are standard.
“Safety is really important to us, so the safety tech built into the truck is really next level,” said Eather.
“The fact the Actros is so comfortable and quiet also means that the driver is less fatigued and that is also important.”
The Mercedes-Benz 2658 uses a 16-litre six-cylinder engine teamed with a 12-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
Data, according to the OEM, shows the Euro 6 Mercedes-Benz is recording the best fuel economy in the Eather Group fleet, which is otherwise made up of conventional American-style trucks.
Eather Group was established in 2010 by husband-and-wife duo Peter and Sally-ann Eather.
It employs more than 40 people and has a fleet of more than 20 trucks, in addition to an array of earthmoving equipment.
The company has an ethos of creating opportunities for people who are underrepresented in the industry.
“Our team has always been diverse because we give people a go,” said Eather.
“The industry average is 13 per cent female, with just two per cent actually on the tools.
“Currently, in our business, 36 per cent including four female drivers and three female machine operators.”
Also, 28 per cent of employees at Eather Group are reported to be involved in on-job learning and upskilling.
In other news, the Mercedes-Benz Unimog may be the toughest truck on the planet.
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