Mercedes-Benz safety tech on Actros impresses Calor

Calor has taken delivery of 20 new Euro-6 step D Mercedes-Benz Actros 2446 tractor units, after being impressed by the German manufacturer’s Active Brake Assist 4 safety technology.

Alan Harrison, Calor’s national vehicle engineering manager, oversaw a demonstration of the safety system at Mercedes’ Wentworth Park site.

“Seeing the system in action and the speed with which it can bring a truck safely to a halt with no driver input, was a real eye-opener. Safety was a crucial consideration when we sat down to evaluate the bids we’d received, and its leadership in the field was instrumental in enabling Mercedes-Benz to win our business,” explained Harrison.

Calor opted for 17.5in wheel mid-lift axles, which have a 300kg payload advantage over full-sized mid-lift Actros axles. Harrison said: “Given that the trend in recent years has been for trucks to become heavier as they are loaded with more technology, this is a very impressive figure, and one that will increase payload potential.”

They have been specified with 2.3m wide ClassicSpace cabs, which contribute towards Calor’s efforts to ensure that its new trucks are no heavier than their Euro-5 predecessors.

Spread across nine of the firm’s depots, the trucks have been well received by Calor’s drivers, as confirmed by Immingham site manager Andy Allan. “They’re enthusiastic about the truck’s pulling power and its very comfortable cab, while the fuel-saving Predictive Powertrain Control is exceptionally user-friendly.” 

Calor will also add 10 26-tonne Antos 2535 rigids with Lakeland Tankers bodywork to its 200-strong rigid tanker fleet. They will be used to deliver LPG and BioLPG to domestic and commercial customers.  All have been supplied by Ciceley Commercials, and have five-year ExtendPlus warranties.