Mercedes-Benz has the right stuff for the white stuff
Mercedes-Benz is helping Britain gear up to prevent another snow-bound season of road closures and traffic mayhem, with the finest range of specialised winter maintenance vehicles on the market.
Those charged with the unenviable task of keeping the country's transport networks active in the face of ice, snow and sub-zero temperatures are already working hard to prepare for winter.
And with the comprehensive range of multi-wheel drive vehicles available from Mercedes-Benz, they have the perfect tools for a very difficult job. The three-pointed star's battalion of winter warriors includes:
• 4x4 Sprinter. A range of panel vans and chassis cabs with gross weights of 3.5- or 5.0-tonnes that offer all-wheel drive capability at the push of a button. Raised bodies and specially tuned chassis give improved ground clearance, and increased approach angles to gradients, while the acclaimed 4ETS Electronic Traction System does the work of up to three differential locks but with a much lower weight penalty. Vario 4x4 chassis at up to 7.5 tonnes are also available.
• 4x4 and 6x4 Atego and Axor. Purpose-designed 4x4 and 6x4 Mercedes-Benz trucks from 7.5 to 26 tonnes gvw are the gritting and ploughing chassis of choice for snow-clearing operations across Britain. These are not aftermarket conversions but factory-built models, so come with bumper-to-bumper warranties. Bomb-proof drivelines, sealing protection against the corrosive effects of rock salt, and vehicle electronics that mesh seamlessly with state-of-the-art gritting and snow-ploughing control systems, mean many of Britain's most important transport arteries will be kept clear of snow and ice by Mercedes-Benz vehicles this winter.
• 6x4 and 6x6 Actros. For even more powerful performance, at 26 and 32 tonnes, the mighty Mercedes-Benz Actros offers yet more options.
• 4x4 and 6x6 Zetros. The Zetros is a new model, available at 18-tonnes gvw as the 4x4 Zetros 1833 or 26-tonnes gvw as the 6x6 Zetros 2733. The Zetros was designed from the ground up to operate in the harshest conditions across the world, both on and off road. Zetros models can be specified as rigid chassis or articulated tractor units.
• Unimog. The Unimog is widely recognised as the most formidable off-road vehicle on the planet. Its 4x4 chassis offers massive ground clearance and capability, while a wide array of hydraulic attachment points and PTOs make it the perfect base vehicle for snow blowers/cutters. Its relatively compact footprint also means the Unimog is ideal for gritting and ploughing in narrow urban streets and country lanes.
Local authorities the length and breadth of the country have again been investing in new Mercedes-Benz vehicles in anticipation of winter's arrival. On the south coast, Brighton & Hove City Council has commissioned a new Unimog U500, to help clear the area's steep and narrow streets. And in the north-east of Scotland, Moray Council has ordered five gritters, three 4x4 Axor 1824AKs and a pair of 6x6 Actros 3332AK models.
Airports as far apart as Heathrow and Aberdeen are also about to take delivery of new Mercedes-Benz vehicles while the three-pointed star is a favoured brand among Britain's leading highway maintenance contractors too - Amey has just provided a new fleet of 25 4x4 Axor gritters to work for Birmingham City Council, while Carillion's 10 new 6x4 Axors will be patrolling the M40 motorway.
Mercedes-Benz Truck Sales & Marketing Director Sam Whittaker said: "After last winter's problems, it's no surprise that those whose job it is to keep our roads open are turning to Mercedes-Benz to help them in their vital task - when it comes to dealing with the white stuff, we have the right stuff!"