Elddis’ mirrorless Merc is among UK’s first
Elddis Transport is one of the first UK fleets to operate the new ‘mirrorless’ Mercedes-Benz Actros.
Consett, County Durham-based Elddis has operated Mercedes-Benz trucks for over 20 years, and Actros tractors supplied by Bell Truck & Van dominate its 150-strong fleet.
Its new MirrorCam-equipped trucks have BigSpace cabs, but while three are Actros 2545 models which employ the 450 hp engines usually preferred by Elddis, two are 476 hp Actros 2548 variants. Elddis will be evaluating these more powerful units and comparing their performance and economy with its established fleet.
MirrorCam replaces conventional mirrors with compact rear-facing cameras in streamlined housings. The system displays images of the view down each side of the vehicle on screens inside the cab. As well as enhancing safety by offering a wider and clearer field of rearward vision, MirrorCam removes previous blind spots caused by mirror housings, while its smaller, more aerodynamic profile improves fuel economy by reducing wind resistance (Transport Operator 76).
Elddis Transport managing director Nigel Cook said: “These trucks are already working hard in a variety of demanding roles, including a high-mileage double-shift application that will really give us a good indication of their fuel performance. We have very high expectations.
“I’ve driven the new Actros myself, both at the international launch event in Barcelona and in this country, and been very impressed. I’ll admit to having initial concerns about MirrorCam, because I feared it might be a hurdle for more traditionally-minded drivers. I quickly realised, however, that it was not going to be a problem. The system is very easy to use, and offers a much better view.”
Elddis Transport is named in tribute to the current managing director’s grandfather, Siddle C Cook, who ran a famous heavy-haul operation in the 1950s. It can trace its family roots back to a horse and cart operation in the 19th century.
