Consett-based haulier Elddis Transport has invested in five new generation Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units becoming one of the first to have the external mirror-less trucks in the UK.

Rather than conventional door mirrors, the Actros tractor units are equipped with rear-facing cameras. MirrorCam is said to be a ground-breaking safety advance, while also offering fuel savings, according to the manufacturer. Compact rear-facing cameras in streamlined housings display images of the view down each side of the vehicle on screens inside the cab. As well as offering a wider and clearer field of rearward vision, MirrorCam removes previous blind spots caused by mirror housings, while its smaller, more aerodynamic profile improves mpg returns by reducing wind resistance.

Elddis Transport has run Mercedes-Benz trucks for more than 20 years, and its 150-strong fleet is dominated by Actros tractor units supplied by North-East Dealer Bell Truck and Van.

The new trucks have BigSpace cabs, but while three are Actros 2545 models that employ the 450hp engines usually preferred by Elddis, two are 476hp Actros 2548 variants. Elddis will be evaluating these more powerful units and comparing their performance and economy with its established fleet favourite.

In addition, the tractor units are equipped with a Multimedia Cockpit, which features two interactive screens and brings connectivity and intuitive operation to the fore via a new Truck Data Centre, which permanently connects the truck with the Cloud.

There are other new innovations on the Actros’, including the Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking system, which boasts improved pedestrian recognition capability, while the latest iteration of Predictive Powertrain Control – which uses 3D GPS mapping to ‘read’ the road ahead, then responds by managing speed, braking and the transmission to maximise fuel efficiency – offers increased functionality.

Nigel Cook, Elddis Transport’s managing director, said: “These trucks are already working hard in a variety of demanding roles, including a high-mileage double-shift application that will really give us a good indication of their fuel performance. We have very high expectations.

“I’ve driven the new Actros myself, both at the international launch event in Barcelona and in this country and been very impressed. I’ll admit to having initial concerns about MirrorCam, because I feared it might be a hurdle for more traditionally-minded drivers. I quickly realised, however, that it was not going to be a problem. The system is very easy to use and offers a much better view.

“The Multimedia Cockpit is beautifully finished and very intuitive, too. Along with other enhancements, it means the latest Actros leads the way in terms of truck technology.”

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