Tesla opens order book for its Semi to UK buyers
UK operators are invited to place deposits for the Semi electric tractor unit.
News - Colin Barnett
May 16, 2022
The first customer deliveries of the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz Actros range, the Actros L, have been completed. Among the first to take to the road is a pair for Fraserburgh-based operator JA Killoh, which specialises in providing refrigerated transport of processed seafood direct to supermarket RDCs throughout the UK.
Killoh’s new 6x2 mid-lift 2546 tractors feature the BigSpace cab option, while GigaSpace and StreamSpace options are also available. The Actros L features better aerodynamics, improved noise and heat insulation and a new lower driving position said to improve visibility.
18 of Killoh’s 20 trucks are Mercedes products, but this is the first time the fleet has acquired brand new vehicles, which were bought from local dealer BLS Truck and Van, which will also provide after-sales support for the operator’s in-house maintenance facility.
Company owner James Killoh, who began his business almost 50 years ago, operating tippers on North Sea gas terminal construction, explained: “The used truck market is very strong at the moment and this is reflected in some of the prices. BLS Truck & Van’s Chris Dyer is a good salesman; he’s very professional and nothing is too much trouble for him. Chris told me about the Actros L and I liked the sound of it, so decided to order a couple, which we’ve also ‘specced’ with fridges and microwaves. These are still early days but first impressions are certainly positive. The drivers tell me they’re really quiet and comfortable, while in terms of fuel consumption the new trucks are already performing at the top end of our 9-9.5mpg fleet average. Obviously, I’m very happy with that.”
JA Killoh only returned to buying Mercedes since BLS took over the franchise in 2018. James Killoh said “We ran a lot of Mercedes-Benz trucks in the past, and they were always exceptionally reliable. Aftersales support was the issue, though. We moved away from the brand because the service in this part of the world wasn’t always up to standard. Things are definitely back in shape now. Since BLS Truck & Van took over there’s been a marked improvement in performance. Any spares we need are always readily available and if ever we have an issue we just give them a ring; they’re very helpful and will do whatever it takes to resolve the problem for us.”
Mercedes-Benx will be exhibiting at Road Transport Expo at NAEC Stoneleigh (30 June to 2 July). Register now for FREE.
