Co Antrim-based Woodside Motorfreight has a new flagship truck for its specialist vehicle transport service - a Mercedes-Benz drawbar unit supplied by MBNI Truck and Van.
The new Actros 1836 with aerodynamic StreamSpace cab has a 10.7-litre straight-six engine that produces 360hp, as well as a fully enclosed transporter body by Dave Bland Engineering of York with space for two large cars. Another pair can be carried in the matching drawbar trailer, which is by Belle Coachworks of Lowestoft, and the combination offers a maximum gross train weight of 36 tonnes.
The 18-tonne Actros includes the manufacturer’s safety pack of options, which includes Active Brake Assist 3, Proximity Control Assist and Roll Control Assist systems, as well as a driver’s airbag. It also comes with a five-year Mercedes-Benz R&M contract.
Woodside Motorfreight MD Tim Woodside said: “Operating with maximum safety is always at the forefront of our minds. The advanced technology on this new vehicle will make a huge contribution towards accident risk reduction. It underlines our commitment to the protection of our own employees and other road users, and the precious cargoes we carry.
“The Actros looks extremely smart, which is important given that we’re carrying some of the most prestigious cars, while we know from long experience that we can rely on MBNI Truck and Van to look after us well.
“The whole package represents superb value for money, not only is the R&M agreement competitively priced, but the safety pack is also highly cost-effective - we’d have paid a lot more for a vehicle by another manufacturer that had been specified to a similar level.
“We’re certainly very pleased with our latest acquisition. The Actros is now the pride of the fleet.”
