Experienced drivers embrace MirrorCam

Loyal to the three-pointed star.

The Bristol-based company is a specialist supplier of animal bedding, delivering sawdust and wood shavings in bulk to farms, country stores and equestrian establishments throughout southern England and South Wales.

Phillip Harris started the business in 1980 and it is now run by his daughter Philippa after he passed away six years ago. Mendip bought its first Mercedes-Benz trucks, a pair of first-generation Actros trucks, in 2000. Today, all but four of the 21 vehicles in its fleet wear three-pointed stars.

– Arthur Selway, New Actros Driver, Mendip Wood Shavings

Increased visibility helps drivers feel safe.

The most recent purchase for the company was two identical New Actros 2545 models, equipped with MirrorCam as standard. Driver Arthur was one of the lucky drivers to be given the keys to one of the prestigious trucks and he hasn’t looked back since. “MirrorCam is so much better (than traditional mirrors) and I can really see these camera-based systems taking off."

For Arthur, one of the biggest benefits is increased visibility, not only when he is driving but also when parked up. He explains, “When I’m parked up in a layby for the night and hear someone pull up behind me, I can just hit the button in the back of the cab which activates the cameras, have a nose at what’s going on outside, and reassure myself that there’s nothing to worry about.”

Reversing made easy.

MirrorCam delivers significant benefits when cornering or reversing, as the image on the in-cab screens adapts automatically to provide the driver with a clear view of the full length of the semi-trailer (not possible with ordinary mirrors). A guidance line on the display which shows where the end of the trailer is assists with precision reversing.

“They don’t stick out as much (as traditional mirrors) either – having an extra foot of width on both sides of the truck certainly helped the other day, when I was swapping trailers in a congested part of West London,” says Arthur.

– David Moon, New Actros Driver, Mendip Wood Shavings

Incredible technology and fuel savings.

MirrorCam also offers improved mpg performance due to the compact and streamlined profile of the camera housings; Mercedes-Benz Trucks estimates fuel savings of 1.5%.

Arthur’s colleague David Moon is equally impressed; he drives the other New Actros tractor unit and was surprised at how quickly he adapted to the technology, “It takes a very short time to get used to the cameras, once you’ve done so they’re pretty incredible, because you can see so much more.”

Additionally, the trucks feature an Multimedia Cockpit, interactive, Predictive Powertrain Control and the latest Active Brake Assist system, ABA5. Both are powered by 12.8-litre in-line six-cylinder engines and have flat-floored BigSpace cabs with contemporary StyleLine interior trim packages and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels.

Thumbs up all-round.

The drivers aren’t the only ones who are pleased; Mendip Sales & Transport Manager Simon Wood is also very happy. “Mercedes-Benz trucks are certainly reliable, fuel-efficient and well-liked by our drivers, particularly these two new units, which are very impressive.”

That’s a thumbs up all-round for MirrorCam from the team at Mendip!

Have you driven a New Actros yet?

What do you think of the innovative MirrorCam technology? Would you like to take one for a demonstration? Tell us below.