There’s no missing Pollock (Scotrans)’ new fleet flagship – the stunning tractor unit is the very first of the recently launched Actros1 limited edition line from Mercedes-Benz, and presents a particularly imposing face thanks to its Nordic front protection and light bars.
A maximum of 100 exclusive Actros1s are being built. Loaded with optional technology, comfort features and eye-catching enhancements, this exciting new model represents the ultimate in driver appeal.
Pollock (Scotrans) is based in Bathgate, and provides a comprehensive portfolio of haulage, distribution, warehousing and logistics services. Actros1, number one, arrived via the Broxburn branch of Central Scotland Dealer Western Commercial.
Driver Allan Holt spent the first weekend with his new pride and joy on the Mercedes-Benz stand at Truckfest, Peterborough, where he won second prize in the organisers’ Best Kept New Truck competition.
Striking in its black paintwork with vivid green highlights – an alternative silver/black scheme is also available – his 6×2 chassis has a range-topping GigaSpace cab and is powered by a state-of-the-art, 15-6-litre straight-six which produces a potent 460 kW (625 hp).
Allan, who lives in Carnforth, Lancashire, is a huge Mercedes-Benz fan. “I’ve tried various makes of truck in the seven years I’ve been working for Pollock, and the Actros have definitely been the best,” he explained. “My previous vehicle was also a 625 hp GigaSpace. That was fabulous, but the Actros1 is something else altogether.”
He continued: “In terms of comfort and practicality it’s pretty much perfect; I can’t think of anything else I’d add. The uprated multimedia entertainment system is brilliant, the leather massage seats and Premium Comfort mattress supremely comfortable, and the additional rear overhead lockers very useful.”
Other enhancements to the Actros1’s Style Line interior include a leather-trimmed steering wheel, automatic climate control, a microwave and pull-out refrigerator, and an electric sunroof and sunblind.
Paired with a slick Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmission, the most powerful Actros engine also gets a resounding ‘thumbs up’. “It’s a superb piece of engineering,” enthused Allan. “I’m always hearing about Swedish V8s but my Mercedes-Benz will leave them for dead on the hills, and you barely feel you’re moving, it’s that smooth.”
Actros1 showcases Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ technological supremacy, and comes with a full complement of advanced systems designed to boost fuel-efficiency, increase safety and minimise downtime. These include the Active Brake Assist 4 emergency braking system with ground-breaking pedestrian recognition capability, the well-proven Predictive Powertrain Control for enhanced fuel-efficiency, and revolutionary Mercedes-Benz Uptime maintenance technology.
As well as its LightFix Nordic bar and extra front lights, Allan’s truck is fitted with rear perimeter lights, and black rear wing tops and back arches. He has also added a short affirmation of his delight with the vehicle, which appears in green script across the bottom of the windscreen. It reads: ‘Dreams Do Come True’.
Allan added: “I just love the way my Actros1 looks, and thoroughly enjoyed showing it off at Truckfest, where it created an enormous amount of interest. I can’t imagine there’s a better truck on the market today.”
His enthusiasm is shared by Pollock (Scotrans) Managing Director Scott Pollock, who declared: “Actros1 is a very special vehicle indeed, while Allan is a skilled and highly valued professional who looks after company assets as though they were his own. It’s for this reason that we were happy to indulge his request for the Nordic bars and other enhancements. The result is a fantastic new flagship for our business.”
Founded more than 75 years ago and still independently owned, Pollock (Scotrans) runs a mixed-marque fleet of around 240 trucks – 80 of these wear three-pointed stars, making Mercedes-Benz the best-represented manufacturer.
“The product is excellent, of course, but we also appreciate the high level of service we receive from Western Commercial, which I’d rate as our best supplier these days. They’ve really got their act together over the last few years.
“When inspections and maintenance are due we can drop our trucks off at Broxburn on a Saturday or even a Sunday, and get them back first thing Monday morning. That counts for a lot. The Dealer’s workshop also has an ATF lane, where we get our MoTs done. Western handle all the arrangements and make life very simple for us.”
Western Commercial Truck Sales Executive Mel Berwick has also recently supplied Pollock (Scotrans) with an 18-tonne Antos curtainsider, the operator’s first Mercedes-Benz rigid since 1979. The Antos 1824, like its Actros1, is the subject of a flexible, low-cost Agility funding agreement from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.
