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The first Euro 4 trucks to be operated by contract distribution specialist Howard Tenens on behalf of leading ladder manufacturer Abru are equipped with fuel-efficient BlueTec® SCR technology and wear the three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz.
The new fleet was supplied by Derby dealer Mertux and comprises 10 Atego 7.5-tonners and an 18-tonne Axor, all with Aire Truck Bodies boxes and tail-lifts.
One of the UK’s largest privately-owned third-party logistics management groups, Howard Tenens recommended that Abru switch to Mercedes-Benz – its customer readily agreed.
Had they stuck with their previous vehicle supplier, the new fleet would employ EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) to meet Euro 4 emissions limits. Instead, because they’ve opted for Mercedes, the trucks use the rival SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system. SCR is the route employed by most manufacturers – only two have chosen the EGR alternative.
The EGR camp claims the non-toxic AdBlue reduction agent required in the SCR process to convert pollutant nitrogen dioxides into harmless nitrogen and water represents an unnecessary, additional burden for drivers and operators.
For Howard Tenens’ Divisional Contracts Manager Alex Bayne, though, any minor inconvenience arising from the use of AdBlue is far outweighed by the operational and cost benefits of running trucks bearing the three-pointed star.
“The Howard Tenens Group operates a significant number of Mercedes-Benz trucks and vans, and we know them to be reliable, fuel-efficient and popular with drivers,” he explains.
“The package on these latest vehicles, which incorporates a three-year repair and maintenance programme, was very attractive. And we are entirely comfortable with the use of AdBlue – availability is no longer an issue for us and it’s consumed very slowly indeed.”
Abru Managing Director Chris Ball adds: “These new Mercedes vehicles will provide us with excellent reliability, as well as delivering fuel efficiency gains. After a number of years of successfully working together, and building up a good relationship, we were happy to take Howard Tenens’ recommendation and change our fleet to Mercedes Benz.”
Most of the new trucks operate from Abru’s headquarters in Belper, Derbyshire, although three are based at a depot in Barking, Essex.
The 7.5-tonners are 816 models and boast more power (up from 150hp to 156hp) and significantly more torque (610Nm as opposed to 580Nm) than their Euro 3 equivalents. Most have day cabs but three are fitted with standard sleepers.
The 18-tonne Axor, meanwhile, is an 1824 with sleeper cab. It too offers more power (up from 230hp to just shy of 240hp) and torque (up from 810Nm to 850Nm) than its Euro 3 predecessor.
Abru was founded in 1968 and is now part of the Vaillant Group. Howard Tenens is responsible for the nationwide distribution of its customer’s market-leading range of access equipment, laundry care and timber connector products to retailers, including leading DIY chains such as B&Q and Homebase.
With headquarters in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Howard Tenens operates from a network of sites and specialises in logistics contract management and property management and development. The company is retained by a number of ‘blue chip’ customers and enjoys a turnover comfortably in excess of £50 million. |
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