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Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa (DTBSA) has handed over 77 Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks to Bakers SA Limited, an independently owned transport and logistics services company, based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The order is one of its largest fleet deals concluded with DTBSA to date.
“This is one of the biggest orders that we have concluded with Mercedes-Benz Trucks, and as in the past, we are sure that we will reap the benefits, especially with the latest Actros Euro V” said Abdul Tayob, Chairman of Bakers SA Limited.
In an unprecedented move, all 77 trucks are Euro V emission standard. The new Euro V models have the lowest total cost of ownership and are the most environmentally friendly vehicles on offer in the new Actros range. The New Actros Euro V reduces the harmful Nox and particulate matter emissions by up to 90% in comparison to Euro II emission standards.
As the amount of C02 emitted is directly related to the amount of diesel burnt, the global average fuel saving of up to 7% of the new Euro V Actros also means that CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 7%. It’s a win-win situation for the operator and the environment. The only requirements is that 50ppm Low Sulphur diesel is used. This is required both technically for the vehicles and to meet emission standards.
“More attention to the environmental and safety standards is becoming the norm. These aspects are therefore becoming increasingly important to us. As well as having a bearing on a company’s image, they have tangible economic benefits,” said Tayob.
The handover of Bakers’ new fleet serves to reiterate the decades-long relationship between Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa and Bakers SA Limited, which has operated 99% Mercedes-Benz trucks since its inception in the seventies.
“There are a number of advantages that persuaded us to purchase only Euro V Actros. From a technical side, the trucks’ reliability, improved safety and low fuel consumption meant this was the best choice we could make. I have to add that the relationship we have with both DTBSA and our local dealer Mercedes-Benz Garden City Commercials also means that we received the best deal possible.
“That is why we decided on an all-inclusive package with all the value chain partners: FleetBoard and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. We look forward to even more success from this relationship,” added Tayob.
Maretha Gerber, Head: Mercedes-Benz Trucks added “It is no coincidence that as Daimler Trucks & Buses (DTBSA), our aim is very much in line with Bakers’ mission. We share similar company values in that we are very people focused, believe in professionalism in what we do and are environmentally responsible.
“Regarding digitisation we have plans for a pilot project in collaboration with Bakers to further improve uptime. We want to be the benchmark commercial vehicle solutions provider that makes a real difference in the lives of our stakeholders. This includes everyone from our shareholders to customers. This alignment is one of the major reasons this relationship with Bakers continues to move forward.”
“This landmark transaction has been the result of a rock-solid relationship between Bakers SA Limited and DTBSA. By continuing to focus on our shared core values such as – Dedication and Integrity– we continue to be the supplier of choice for ever-growing businesses such as Bakers,” added Gerber.
