SCOOP!! ‘ello John, Got a new motor?!

Posted on April 24, 2014 by truckbloguk

We all know the name of John M Phillips. Most of us remember the 2 stunning yellow Scania 143 custom trucks he ran through the 1990’s, 1 of which is being restored in Ireland back to its former Centurion glory, read about it HERE. How can we forget the Royal Centurion, really I don’t think we can. If you have forgotten or have no idea what I’m talking about, please click HERE. In recent years the trucks have been a little more subtle, until now. Well it’s still very subtle but once again its a really unique, head-turning, belter!! Spotted today by top North Walian truck spotter Shaun Broadbent. John Phillips was in to load at Shauns place in Holywell, North Wales today and I’m so pleased Shaun managed to get a quick photo. Hopefully next time he will be able to get a few more. John’s latest truck is a 6×2 Mercedes Benz Actros Gigaspace 2563. Yes that’s right folks a 2563!! A monster and must be one of the first if not the first 2563 standard tractor in the UK. Mr Broadbent managed to get the following spec detail which talking to Mr Phillips;

“630BHP 6×2 midlift. It went into the paint shop to have the door handles colour coded. John ended up having bespoke side-skirts made to Mercedes pattern as they’re only available off the shelf for a 4×2. A chassis infill panel was fitted. All painted in blue and white to match the cab. Then the whole cab was lacquered to enhance the paint finish. A slim-line illuminated headboard is fitted along with Kelsa bars and spotlights. Full leather seats with the Mercedes tristar embossed in the headrests. A full set of Alcoa alloy wheels with super singles on the front. Michelin tyres all around. Pulling 44ton most days on steel haulage for the same company (Armstrong Steels now ASD OCS – TB) that he has pulled for for the past 20 plus years, the truck is returning over 9mpg with a 28t payload. – Fill your boots!”

Hopefully this won’t be the last time this gorgeous German beast is featured on the blog. Thanks to Shaun for the Scoop and thanks to John for creating another stunning truck.

Actros Relief to Syria – Part 2

Posted on December 15, 2013 by truckbloguk

“Wings on Wheels – Combating the Cold” — second humanitarian aid convoy sets out to area along the Turkish-Syrian border

Urgently needed supplies worth a total of about €2 million: winter clothing, food, tents, and three ambulances
Daimler and its employees donate a total of €100,000

With the help of donations from Daimler employees, the second humanitarian aid convoy left the Mercedes-Benz plant in Untertürkheim today to carry supplies to Syrian refugees in Gaziantep in southern Turkey. Daimler Trucks and Wings of Help teamed up to send six Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks full of urgently needed relief supplies, including medicines and winter clothing, from Stuttgart to the refugees. In Adana, Turkey, the convoy will be joined by two more trucks carrying food and tents. The supplies are worth around €2 million in total. Gaziantep, which is located near the Syrian border, houses the logistics center from which the humanitarian aid will be distributed to the refugee camps. At the center, the relief supplies will be handed over to the Turkish Red Crescent (Kizilay) and the International Medical Corps, which will then distribute them to the refugees.

The Daimler employees’ response to the first convoy in September was outstanding. The company gladly acceded to the employees’ request for a second convoy and their wish to do something themselves. In a campaign titled “Wings on Wheels — Combating the Cold,” Daimler asked its employees to donate money for the relief convoy until December 6. The employees donated more than €50,000. Daimler then doubled this sum to over €100,000. In the first convoy, 11 Mercedes-Benz trucks transported relief supplies worth €4 million along the nearly 4,000-km-long land route to the Turkish-Syrian border.

The second convoy was sent on its six-day journey today by Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management, Head of Daimler Trucks and Buses; Frank Franke, President of Wings of Help; and Michael Brecht, Deputy Chairman of the General Works Council and member of the Daimler Supervisory Board.

“The refugees are suffering greatly, especially at this time of year,” said Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard at the sendoff of the “Wings on Wheels — Combating the Cold” convoy. “Millions of Syrians have fled their homes and hundreds of thousands of them have found refuge in Turkey. Half of the refugees are minors, most of them under the age of 12. Many children are traumatized or in bad health as a result of the war. That’s why we want to provide concrete help with our convoy and give the people hope. We have a strong public presence in Turkey through Mercedes-Benz Türk and our production locations in Istanbul and Aksaray. We consider it our duty to help our Turkish friends in this difficult situation.”

Michael Brecht added, “Two of the six Actros trucks are carrying three Sprinter ambulances, while the four other trucks are transporting winter clothing and urgently needed medicines. The convoy will be joined in Turkey by two trucks carrying food and winter-proof tents for families. The relief supplies were largely funded by donations from Daimler employees. I would like to thank all of the colleagues whose donations or practical assistance are helping to reduce the suffering and distress in the Syrian refugee camps. Such expressions of humanity and solidarity are desperately needed in view of the refugees’ difficult situation.”

“The civil war in Syria is becoming more and more horrifying. Around 2.2 million Syrians have fled to neighboring countries to date. That’s why we’re glad that we were able to cooperate with Daimler AG and its employees to put together another convoy at this harsh time of the year,” says Frank Franke, President of Wings of Help, about the situation that the Syrian refugees are facing.

A total of 200 tons of relief supplies, tents for about 1,600 refugees, and winter clothing and medicines that will help more than 50,000 needy people were sent on their way today. The beginning of winter was an important factor in all of the planning activities. One of the refugee camps along the Turkish-Syrian border is located at an altitude of 700 meters, where temperatures often drop below freezing at night and snow can be expected to fall.

Wings of Help, which is based at Frankfurt Airport, has been providing immediate disaster relief worldwide for the past ten years. The organization uses aircraft to transport urgently needed relief supplies to people in greatest need. Wings of Help receives support from the airport’s operator and airlines.

Actros Relief to Syria – Part 1

Posted on December 15, 2013 by truckbloguk

Convoy of Hope – Wings on Wheels brings aid to Gaziantep in southern Turkey

300 pallets of urgently needed food and medicine to be distributed, primarily to women and children
Convoy traveled 4,000 kilometers in six days without a hitch

The “Convoy of Hope – Wings on Wheels,” consisting of 11 new Mercedes-Benz Actros articulated trucks, has reached its destination: the city of Gaziantep in southern Turkey near the Syrian border. This is where the distribution center for humanitarian aid to the refugee camps is located. The aid convoy transported urgently needed aid supplies valued at approximately €4 million to this border area between Turkey and Syria after completing a land journey of almost 4,000 kilometers.

The convoy started out on 19 September from the IAA in Frankfurt. The six-day journey took it through six countries with very different road conditions: Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey. The convoy completed its long trek with no problems, except for long delays at some national borders. Many car drivers cheered the convoy on as it passed. On Monday, 23 September, the Daimler subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Türk held a press conference in Istanbul to mark the convoy’s passage. In Istanbul the convoy was joined by three trucks carrying flour, sugar, and other goods. Directly after the press conference, the convoy proceeded on its way in order to bring its urgently awaited supplies to its destination.

The joint project of Wings of Help and Daimler Trucks delivered tents, baby food, wheelchairs, two ambulances, seven mobile medical centers, 10,000 blankets, winter clothing for 40,000 people, and 50,000 child vaccinations to the Syrian refugees in the border region.

“Good news has reached us from Turkey. Our convoy of 11 Actros trucks carrying urgently needed aid supplies has arrived safely in Gaziantep. I believe that as a result of this transport, the conflict in Syria and the fate of the people there has become just a bit more real for all of us. Let’s hold on to the readiness to take on responsibility and the positive spirit that have accompanied our Convoy of Hope. This campaign of ours has demonstrated one thing: Everyone can help, and every bit of help counts!” said Wolfgang Bernhard, the Daimler Board of Management member responsible for Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses.

Millions of people are suffering because of the bloody conflict in Syria, and they urgently require assistance. The fighting has now been going on for over two years, and children are suffering the most. Overall, 70 percent of Syrian refugees are women and children; in fact, almost half of the refugees are children.

The convoy has reached the refugee camps just in time to deliver the supplies before the onset of winter. One of the refugee camps along the Turkish-Syrian border is located at an altitude of 700 meters. Here, temperatures often drop below freezing at night. This is why the convoy is also delivering winter-proof tents for 2,000 people as well as 10,000 blankets and winter clothing for 40,000 refugees.

Wings of Help, which is based at Frankfurt Airport, has been providing immediate disaster relief worldwide for the past ten years. The organization uses aircraft to transport urgently needed relief supplies to disaster victims. Wings of Help receives support from the airport’s operator and airlines.

Stop the Pigeon, Stop the Pigeon (Transporter!)

Posted on November 9, 2013 by truckbloguk

I WANT TO FIND MY ATEGO!!! I know she’s still out there but she seems to be the new Lord Lucan, she’s out there but I just can’t catch up with her! You’d think that if she is still in a half decent condition she’d be easy to spot especially in her new guise, reportedly now a pigeon carrier. How do I know? well 2 top spotters say they have seen her carrying the racing birds. The bizarre thing is that trying to find pigeon carrying companies is proving to be a little tricky. You’d think their would be facebook pages, websites and everything but it doesn’t appear so. There must be plenty of people who have seen the Atego out and about carrying our feathered friends to the start line.

The last photo of her was this one parked in a High Street doing charity work for Colltex. This was way back in 2009 so I hope she is still in good order. I guess that as she is carrying pigeons she will have had a tidy up and perhaps be a bit shiny again. What I need you lot to do is clap eyes on her and send me any pics you can get out and about, or if your that way inclined and your involved in pigeon racing circles can you tell me who now owns her. I think there are only a few firms pulling the birds, so surely it shouldn’t be too difficult to track her down. I reckon it might now be on a private plate as the DVLA vehicle search doesn’t bring up any details.

If you spot the Atego and its safe, please take and send me a photo ben@truckblog.co.uk
If your into pigeons please tell me who owns the Atego now.

All help of course will be much appreciated and it gives you some thing to do while your driving about next week!

Delivering Hope with Private John

Posted on September 5, 2013 by truckbloguk

A great little tale from Private John……

Ben, I bought this tractor for £3500.00, in 1991, I sold it in 1993. I taxed it as a “car” and used it only for Humitarian Aid work. It completed 15 trips to orphanages in Romania, a trip to Albania in 1992 and 6 into war-torn Croatia, all for free, all for different charities etc.

All for £3500 eh!?! It was tacho exempt, (not that the Germans appreciated that). Pirelli sponsored the drive axle each trip with replacement remolds.

It drove like a dream!!

SCOOP!! New Mercedes Benz Atego is Here

Posted on March 13, 2013 by truckbloguk

Finally the new member of the all new Mercedes Benz line up I have been waiting for! I can’t say too much about it apart from what has been released in the press release today. I LOVE IT! The joys of “Cut & Paste” will become apparent right now – from the MB press release:

With the arrival of the new Atego, the medium-duty short-radius distribution truck in the 6.5 t to 16 t GVWR segment, the new truck generation from Mercedes-Benz is now complete. In appearance, too, the new Atego fits neatly into a line-up that already includes the Mercedes-Benz Actros, Antos and Arocs model series. A new bumper design with integrated daytime running lamps (an LED version is available as an option) defines the characteristic face of the Atego and, for all its clear individual identity, marks it out immediately as a member of today’s Mercedes-Benz truck family.

Inside the Atego cab, the driver will find a completely redesigned interior with a cockpit design that, in terms of styling and functionality, has been aligned with that of the Actros, Antos and Arocs. The central instrument with its large, clear graphic display, a multifunction steering wheel as standard – optionally available in leather, seats in a new design featuring integrated head restraints and armrests (in conjunction with Mercedes PowerShift 3) and a one-piece 7-zone cold foam mattress as an option are just a few examples of what to expect in the new Atego. To cope with the challenges posed by the growing complexity of short-radius distribution operations, the new Atego offers the possibility of integrating multimedia devices, along with the added functionality provided by the new electric/electronics concept.

With a comprehensive range of improvements to its chassis, rear suspension and cab mounting, along with a new steering system, the new Atego sets new standards for driving dynamics, handling safety and comfort. A total of 42 different model variants, covering a wide range of wheelbase lengths, three cab lengths and all-wheel-drive versions, meet all customer needs and requirement profiles in the short-radius distribution segment.

■ Seven Euro VI engines with four or six cylinders and between 115 kW (156 hp) and 220 kW (299 hp), delivering significantly improved economy

■ Redesigned comfort cab provides a workplace with perfect ergonomics for the driver in four different variants

■ Stability Control Assist and daytime running lamps as standard

■ New Mercedes PowerShift 3 eight-speed automatic transmission for engines from 175 kW (238 hp) to 220 kW (299 hp)

■ Optional permanent magnet retarder provides wear-free braking as further support to new exhaust brake

■ New suspension combines maximum handling safety with good comfort

■ Extends benchmark position in the segment from 6.5 t to 16 t perm. GVW

The fourth and last member of the Mercedes-Benz truck family to undergo a complete makeover is the new Mercedes-Benz Atego with Euro VI, now coming on stage to continue its successful career as a bestseller in the short-radius distribution segment from 6.5 to 16 t permissible gross vehicle weight (perm. GVW).

This new version of the European market-leading Mercedes-Benz Atego retains its benchmark position in the light- and medium weight truck segment with regard to quality, reliability, repair and maintenance costs as well as durability. Indeed, this lead has now been extended even further by the introduction of numerous innovations in relation to the drive system, chassis and cab.

To see some more press photos from the Daimler Group, please click HERE.
I can’t wait to see this little beauty, but then again by noow you should have all worked out that I am probably the only truckie who loves Tonka toys more than thumping great artics. Any way hopefully i’ll bring you more on the New Atego over the next few months. Thanks Mercedes Benz….

SCOOP!!: 1st Pics of Mercedes Benz Arocs

Posted on January 28, 2013 by truckbloguk

The next arm of the new Mercedes Benz Truck range has today been launched in Munich. The new AROCS range is designed specifically for the construction industry. What are you thoughts? Leave a comment below or send me an email: ben@truckblog.co.uk

Arocs – the new force in construction

16 power output levels from 175 kW (238 hp) to 460 kW (625 hp)
PowerShift available as standard for the first time in a construction vehicle
First electrohydraulic power steering system in a commercial vehicle
Frames, axles, suspension, brakes: all optimised to match the job
Seven cabs available in 14 variants
Loader and Grounder: leading forces for special loads
Special vehicles available direct ex-works
Cab comfort and user-friendliness on a par with long-distance haulage vehicles
Profitability: ecology meets economic efficiency
All safety systems available

Mercedes-Benz has achieved a triple leap forward in the field of Euro VI compliance: this year the brand with the star is expanding its current heavy-duty vehicle range with the addition of the Arocs. This specialist in construction follows hot on the heels of the Antos, which celebrated its market launch in the heavy-duty short-radius distribution sector in 2012, and the Actros, which celebrated its market launch in the long-distance transport sector in 2011. In addition to maximum environmental compatibility thanks to Euro VI, the new Arocs vehicles also boast three outstanding qualities: power, efficiency and strength.

New Year New Actros

Posted on January 3, 2013 by truckbloguk

These new Mercedes Actros are increasingly popular by my reckoning. More and more operators here in the East of England seem to be realising that the new Merc does do what it says on the tin and is producing improved fuel figures right across the board, no mater what line of haulage your in.

Latest to join the party are Felixstowe container hauliers, DRS Logistics. A small order to start with but the numbers will grow if the new trucks perform as well as the Demonstrator provided by Orwell Trucks did. DRS have opted for these 2545LS Gigaspace 6×2’s so they can cope with the variety of containers that appear off the ships. Aaron Richardson at DRS say the trucks were purchased “For the improved efficiency they offer and also the style.” No one can argue that the new Merc is a good looking beast, even if it is wearing a big old cab top spoiler (Camel Toe Spoiler i’ve heard it called!!). The spoiler DRS have had fitted has been designed and manufactured by Hatcher Components and is set to match the height of a 40ft High Cube container on a skelly trailer. These German supermodels are smart and making container haulage really rather glamorous compared to the old days of Volvo FL10’s and the like!

Activ Once Again…..

Posted on December 22, 2012 by truckbloguk

Way back in the day I used to get rather excited at the sight of a little silver German mini artic. These little wonders are in particularly operated by Activ Cars GMBH from Achim, Bremen, Germany. Now and again i’d catch one on its way to or from Harwich on my way to work. I’ve not seen one for a while and after Activ Cars German HQ said they would send me some fleet photos around Christmas 2011 but never did, the little Germans have taken a bit of a quiet back seat. From blog favourite to blog back burner. That was until this week………

That was until Wednesday this week when I received an email from Blogger X. I know him as Blogger X so thats what we’ll call him. Now BX may have a regular slot on the blog if these shots are anythinng to go by. BX works at a company in North Wales that receive weekly deliveries from Activ Cars vehicles. Blogger X has said he will send some photos when ever one arrives, which i’m hoping may be weekly. BX sounds like he may be a keen photographer as he said he was hoping to get a photo of the above Mercedes Vario as it drove along but it arrived before he was ready…..I think we can let him off as it is his first attempt! Below is a fully liveried Activ Atego at its German base. Keep your pics coming Blogger X.

If you spot one of these little Mini Artics make sure you grab a pic and email it through to the blog, ben@truckblog.co.uk

IAA Commercial Vehicle Show 2012

Posted on October 2, 2012 by truckbloguk

Just over a week ago on a wet and windy evening I landed back at Stansted Airport, complete with 5 blisters and a Bratwurst in my pocket. Last Monday I spent the whole day at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, well it should have been 9-5 but the German bus driver side swiped a car on the Autobahn on the way, so we were a whole 45 minutes later than planned! This therefore put me onto the Volvo stand 45 minutes after everyone else, so by the time I found it the Swedish stand was already heaving with people gathering to see the ugly but intriguing new Volvo FH. I for one sat and watched the launch of said new FH on the Internet the other week and have to say I was part of the large amount of you who think it is as ugly as the front end of a bus. But when the new Mercedes Actros arrived I was also very sceptical until I saw it in the flesh.

Having sat up high overlooking the Volvo stand for quite a while I did come to the very simple conclusion that the reason it is “ugly” is only due to the grill, the actual shape is very tidy. We are so used to the badges of trucks being on the grill, is it just the case that it’s different, that is the cause of the visual unlikenment! I’m sure you have seen the photo shopped pictures of the new FH with the Volvo badge mounted on the grill and I think it looks so much better. I think there will soon be an after market pack to change the front of your new Volvo if you so wish.

Other than the grill issue, the shape of the new Volvo on the outside is rather nice and it seems different. Amazing how designers can make a shed on wheels constantly seem so different from manufacturer to manufacturer! As for the interior, well it is rather comfy. Gone is that old FH feeling of the front of the truck closing in on you. It feels huge inside (a whole extra cubic metre of space), with big lockers above the windscreen along with a rather nice sunroof panel (actually a real escape hatch!), a swivel passenger seat, a table, the list goes on and what ever I write on here won’t really do it justice. It is a Volvo and the quality is Volvo. Designed with you in mind, its super practical but also can be super comfortable if required. My overall opinion of the New FH has been changed. I like it….a lot. Ugly or not, it’s a Volvo, it’s practical, it will earn you money and keep your drivers happy.

On with the show… The Iveco stand with it’s new crown of Truck of The Year, was amazing orange. The crazy Italians have gone a little colour crazy, but I will say zis once, the Iveco stable gets more appealing!! There you go SW I really did say it, the new Hi-Way Stralis is ok.

DAF also went with orange, but it kind of suits the new childlike, cartoon front end of the XF, only problem being is that it’s not a kids toy. The DAF XF is one of the most popular trucks in Europe but i’m afraid DAF haven’t impressed many people with the new look, I for one am not keen. Are they old Mercedes Actros headlights?! Perhaps some slightly older adolescence should be offered the sweet bag when the next update is due.

The Renault stand gave me the feeling that they were trying to divert your attention away from the fact their centre piece was a 22 year old French piece of art. Although the Magnum is still different to the rest, the fact that Renault had the most beautiful girls to attract you in, the trucks were the same as when I went to Hanover in 2010. I’m not sure how they can or will replace the Magnum, but I think a breath of fresh air is required in Renault land.

Hide it, talk it down, do what you like, what ever you do the R730 Scania is still a beautiful thing in my eyes. On show in a nearly white, silver it is still an awesome piece of kit. If you have not driven the current generation of Scania trucks, then before you slate them, take one for a drive. I still feel there is no truck with a better, more confident ride, backed up with the legendary V8, all its needs is a little something on the inside, but i’m not sure what.

The Daimler hall was so impressive it was untrue. The size of a couple of football pitches. From the small vans right up to the new Actros, buses and Unimogs, all models were available for you to get your sticky paws on.

The new Actros in all it’s guises is highly impressive and I have to say that it is still in my top 3. Lovely looking truck. They had a nice little Atego on the stand, but it has to be said that it does need it’s new cab, which will bring it in line with the new range and the new look. More to come on my thoughts of the Atego replacement.

This just leaves the MAN hall. There was tons of other stuff to tell you about at the show and I will get round to it, but I thought you’d be happy with a general sum up of all the major players. MAN, like their German rivals had a large display, with loads of trucks and lots of buses, as well as the South American Volkswagen trucks. The normal trucks on the stand were popular and each truck has a couple of MAN employees to help guide you round each truck and answer your questions. There was a big special TGS 40.540 tractor unit designed for off road heavy haul use, and I wish i’d taken a few more snaps of the chassis and springs as it was a monster.

Also, much to my delight and also my annoyance, the gorgeous little TGL 12.250 was one of the most popular trucks on the stand. For my older readers you know I love a TGL and in Germany they are super popular. This particular one is the new Euro 6 model that will be available from January 2013. A new interior along with the new look grill and bumper, will surely mean that this little Tonka continues to be a huge hit. I just wish I could buy one to join the club! …….Dear Father Christmas………

The whole show was knackering. There is so much to see, but despite the bus drivers best efforts I just about had enough time to see it all and go back and see my favourite bits a second time. Probably a good year to go too, what with the new Merc’s, the new Iveco, new look DAF and of course the completely new Volvo, it was a good day out despite the blisters. I have loads more pics, yes I do, click HERE to see them. Also I will put more stuff I saw at the show on the blog over the next few months. As well as the normal trucks, there are stands of trailers, vans, parts, etc etc etc. In 2014, treat yourself and go. You might even see a full size Lego truck!

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