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Tried and tested BlueTec® Euro 5 SCR technology means international removals specialist Sterling Relocation is saving cash as well as helping the environment with its new 4x2 Mercedes Actros tractor unit.
The low-emissions Euro 5 Actros 1846 makes regular runs to the Continent, where many operators have already skipped Euro 4 and jumped directly to Euro 5, to take advantage of financial incentives offered by European governments.
“We do so many miles on Continental roads that it made sense to go straight to a Euro 5 vehicle, but there were other factors in our decision too,” says Andy Johnson, Director of Operations at west London-based Sterling Relocation.
“As an environmentally conscious company we are always looking at new ways to be be ‘greener’. Environmental impact is very high on the agenda for the ‘blue-chip’ companies that we deal with and is therefore a key consideration for us as a supplier of international relocation services.
“And being based in the heart of the proposed London Low Emission Zone, we’re keen to stay ahead of the game by running the cleanest vehicles possible for domestic work too.”
Its decision to opt for a Euro 5 truck effectively meant that Sterling Relocation must choose a vehicle using SCR (selective catalytic reduction) technology, as the rival EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system – which is employed by two other mainstream truck manufacturers – is unable to meet the very low level of emissions required. But Sterling had done its homework on both technologies before making the choice.
“We’d heard negative things from both camps,” continues Mr Johnson. “We were told that EGR was less fuel-efficient and could lead to engine wear problems, but that storing and using the all-important AdBlue solution required for SCR vehicles made them a pain to live with.
“The more we looked into it, though, the more convinced we became that SCR represented by far the best way forward. We believe it will bring us lower running costs in the long-term, and have also found that using AdBlue is not a problem at all. It’s non-flammable – which is very important when we’re storing so much furniture on site – and non-toxic. And as we don’t cover huge mileages the tank will only need topping up around once a month.
“On top of that we just feel that it makes more sense to deal with exhaust emissions in the exhaust system, rather than the engine. It seems a simpler approach.”
He adds: “Having decided on SCR we quickly realised it would be wise to go for a Euro 5 truck, and the Actros immediately emerged as a strong contender. We know there have been thousands of BlueTec® 5 Mercedes on the roads in Europe for some time now, so the technology is well proven. And our own experience has shown that no other trucks stay reliable and smart for as long as Mercedes.”
Sterling Relocation is the first port of call for most of Britain’s top businesses when they need to move staff to Europe, America, or even further afield. Many of the names on the country’s ‘rich list’ are also clients.
Its Northolt headquarters houses a high-tech traffic control department; a warehouse equipped with an automated overhead gantry and capable of storing 650 TEU containers, and a cavernous storage area for crated furniture.
The company also has depots in Paris, Lyon, Frankfurt and Munich and offers a comprehensive ‘one-stop shop’ service to its customers. Not only will it move their household goods anywhere in the world, it can also sell their UK house, find and buy them a new one, and even help to locate suitable schools for their children. |
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