Mercedes-Benz Actros voted ‘Fleet Truck of the Year 2014’

The Mercedes-Benz New Actros has been voted ‘Fleet Truck of the Year’ at the prestigious Motor Transport Awards 2014. Announced to an audience of 1600 leading representatives from the transport sector, the Motor Transport Awards celebrate the achievements of the industry and recognise innovation, outstanding service, efficiency and quality.

Now in their 29th year, the Motor Transport Awards are widely regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the Transport Industry and are judged by an independent panel of experts.

Motor Transport Editor Steve Hobson said of the award: “The judging panel, made up of 60 highly experienced industry professionals, singled out the Mercedes-Benz New Actros for its high fuel efficiency, low cost of ownership, excellent parts and service support through a highly focused dealer network, class-leading residual values and unrivalled levels of driver comfort. These are all attributes that make a real difference to truck operators.

“Mercedes-Benz was also praised for being the first manufacturer to ‘break cover’ with Euro VI vehicles, and for doing so much to dispel fears that Euro VI trucks would be less fuel efficient.”

Presented with the award at the official ceremony, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, Michael Kamper, Managing Director – Trucks, Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd commented: “I’m delighted to accept this award and see it as a true indication that New Actros, our Customer Services and our Dealer network are exactly what the market demands.

“We pride ourselves in delivering vehicles that are safe, fuel efficient, technologically advanced, robust and trustworthy, and which in-turn are supported by a range of customer services that offer our customers real business benefits, all supported by a team of people who are focused and care.

“Since launch in early 2012, New Actros has found favour with countless fleets across the UK and this award recognises that we are delivering a range of vehicles and services that our customers can both rely on and value”.

Historically Mercedes-Benz trucks have won the coveted Motor Transport Award ‘Fleet Truck of the Year’ category four times in the last decade: 2004 - Axor, 2007 - Axor, 2011 – Axor and now, 2014 – New Actros. For 2014 New Actros beat off shortlisted rivals from Scania and Volvo.

One of Britain’s biggest privately-owned transport companies, Newmarket based Turners, attended the awards and Paul Day, Managing Director, added: “It was interesting to listen to the judges’ positive comments. We operate a fleet of 310 Actros, 210 of which are the new model and we’ve been delighted with their performance, particularly in terms of fuel efficiency, We’re very pleased, too, with the customer-focused service we receive from Mercedes-Benz UK and our local dealer Orwell Truck & Van. Both understand our business and do all they can to support us.”