Family-owned Fred Smith & Sons has treated itself to a very special 75th birthday present – two New Actros tractor units from Mercedes-Benz dealer Midlands Truck & Van .But the West Bromwich-based firm said its rental customers are the ones who should really be celebrating, though, as the 4×2 flagships have taken pride of place on its spot hire fleet.
The new trucks are 1845 models and designed to achieve maximum fuel-efficiency – features include state-of-the-art 450 bhp engines which drive through the latest Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmissions, and aerodynamic, flat-floored StreamSpace cabs. Both also wear ‘75th anniversary’ decals above their windscreens.
Truck rental director Clarke Smith said: “This year represents a very important milestone for our business, so we were keen our new vehicles should have a high impact on the road and double as a mobile billboard for the Fred Smith & Sons brand.
“The New Actros was the obvious choice. It’s a fantastic vehicle and represents the very latest in truck technology, as well as being a real head-turner thanks to its futuristic appearance. We’ve only had the trucks a couple of days, but have already received lots of positive feedback from customers commenting on how great they look.”
In addition to the two New Actros, the rental fleet includes a number of 18- and 26-tonne Mercedes-Benz Axor rigids supplied over the last couple of years by Midlands Truck & Van, Wolverhampton, which is also due to deliver another 18-tonner shortly.
“We fit these vehicles with our own bodies and maintain them in-house,” Smith added. “But the dealer’s sales service, plus parts and warranty back-up, are first class.”
