From Show to Go. Neil’s Mellow Yellow Merc.

In-depth

23 Nov

A new Mercedes-Benz Actros Super B combination has hit the road for the Glen Cameron Group.

The 2663 has been purchased by long-time Glen Cameron Group subcontractor, Neil Beattie, who has been entrusted with a new Vawdrey Super B trailer set.

Neil, who owns four trucks operating for the company, fell in love with the new Actros on the stand at last year’s Brisbane Truck Show.

“When I saw that truck on the stand in Brisbane, with all those iPad-style screens and everything else, I was just blown away. I said on the spot to my mate that I was going to buy one.

“After the show I did a run in a demo truck with Whitehorse Truck Centre in Dandenong (V) and that sealed the deal as far as I was concerned. I ordered the truck through them and now, here we are.”

**Neil with his smart new piece of kit.**

Neil’s choice was the top-of-the-line 2663, which runs a 625 horsepower 16-litre six-cylinder Euro 6 compliant engine, mated to a 12-speed automated transmission.

As with all Actros models, Neil’s new ride comes standard with Active Brake Assist, a radar/camera system that can perform full emergency braking for vehicles and even initiate braking for pedestrians silly enough to step out in front of a truck.

There’s also Predictive Powertrain Control, which uses topographic map data to help the truck anticipate terrain and select the optimum shift pattern and engine response for maximum fuel economy. (If you haven’t experienced PPC go and have a test drive sometime over hilly terrain – it’s pretty amazing stuff!)

“This is a state-of-the-art machine,” said Neil. “It does everything you could possibly want. I never thought I would ever see anything so futuristic in a truck in my lifetime. On top of that it’s actually very intuitive, it really is very easy to use.”

**Note the neatly integrated bar - replete with three-pointed stars**

The truck performed well on its first few runs between Melbourne and Sydney, meeting all of Neil’s expectations – to the point where he’s looking at adding another Actros to his fleet.

The “iPad-style” screens Neil refers to are what Mercedes-Benz calls the Multimedia Cockpit comprising two high-resolution screens, including one with touch screen technology, which display a vast range of information in an easy-to-read manner.

**Screens are configurable to suit your personal taste**

The new Actros is running as a Performance Based Standards 68.5-tonne combination, which includes a 4.2 metre high double drop Super B trailer set with 42 pallet capacity. The trailer set features steerable axles and the combination tracks well on the road, says Neil.

Neil Beattie has subbied for Glen Cameron since 1997. The Actros is the tenth truck he has bought to run in the company’s distinctive yellow paint scheme – a long term investment he says he’s happy to make.

“I’ve always been paid each and every week, they never a miss, and I’ve always felt like I’ve worked in a family business,” he said. “Cameron’s have always done the right thing by me, I respect them and vice versa. It’s a true partnership.”

Happy trucking Neil.