In celebration of 100 years in operation, haulage business Wettenhalls has added 10 new Mercedes-Benz Actros models to its fleet.
The company, which began carting cream from Colac to Melbourne before refrigerated trailers even existed, has invested in 10 Actros models for operations in Queensland and Victoria.
Reginald Amezdroz was working at a western Victorian dairy as a cream tester and boiler attendant when he saw an opportunity to buy a truck and deliver the company’s product to Melbourne starting in 1925.
A lot has changed through the decades, and Wettenhalls no longer needs to add ice to keep its fresh cargo cool like it did in its starting years back in 1925.
Now, the Wettenhalls’ Actros models feature a raft of technology to reduce emissions, save fuel and operate as safely as possible.
When cruise control is activated, they use GPS data and road map information to coast in neutral whenever possible to save fuel and also change gears at the optimum moment.
Two Wettenhalls’ 2653 Actros models with single trailers have been delivering bread out of Brisbane since April, while eight of the same trucks have been added to its Melbourne operations for use as A doubles.
The first two trucks immediately recorded best-in-fleet fuel efficiency for that particular application, demonstrating the sort of fuel economy expected of the Mercedes-Benz Actros.
Wettenhalls’ head of fleet Marcus Prato says he is pleased to welcome the Mercedes-Benz trucks into the fleet.
“It’s early days, but we are seeing positive gains in fuel consumption and drivers are enjoying the comfort levels,” he says.
“The advanced safety features the Actros offers and support locations were key drivers in Wettenhalls’ purchasing decision.”
Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific president and CEO Daniel Whitehead says he is excited to see the Mercedes-Benz Actros join the Wettenhalls fleet.
“To see Mercedes-Benz trucks in Wettenhalls colours is very exciting wherever you’re from, but it is particularly special for those of us from western Victoria who understand how iconic this company is in the region,” he says.
Daimler Truck Australia Pacific Sales and Marketing vice president Andrew Assimo is also thrilled to see the Actros making its mark in the Wettenhalls fleet, particularly in such large numbers.
“We are delighted the Wettenhalls team has given us the opportunity to demonstrate how the Mercedes-Benz Actros can significantly reduce fuel consumption using long-proven Euro 6 technology, while providing the highest levels of safety,” he says.
The 2653 trucks that have joined the Wettenhalls fleet feature a 13-litre six-cylinder OM471 engine that produces 530hp and is teamed with a 12-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
Read more about the power of Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks.
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