The new Atego light rigid truck range

The Euro VI Mercedes-Benz Atego range comprises no fewer than 42 model variants in the 6.5-16-tonne gvw light distribution segment. The line-up includes four new cab designs while power comes from advanced, high-torque four- and six-cylinder engines mated as standard to Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmissions. These units offer a 90% reduction in particulate and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, while consuming significantly less fuel and up to 40% less AdBlue than their Euro V equivalents.

Drivers, meanwhile, benefit from outstanding comfort and manoeuvrability – the chassis, rear suspension, cab mounting and steering system have all been comprehensively reworked. For Midland Expressway Limited (MEL), operator of the strategic M6toll route through the West Midlands, the Atego’s ability to carry a team of three maintenance operatives in comfort and safety is key to its appeal. Based on a 7.5-tonne Atego 816, MEL’s new Incident Support Unit is on call round-the-clock to aid customers requiring assistance. It is also used by staff undertaking routine tasks, including lighting and road sign maintenance, and litter picking.

The vehicle has an S ClassicSpace cab and a platform body with rails and fold-down steps for safe operation by PD Stevens & Sons of Market Drayton, Shropshire. It carries cones and, in a large storage box, signs, lamps and materials for cleaning up after spills, as well as fuel for customers who run out, water and an assortment of tools. The Atego is also fitted with a high-visibility back board complete with strobes and flashing LED lights.

Opened in 2003, the 27-mile M6toll bypasses one of Europe’s most congested motorways. The new arrival has joined a fleet that includes two 18-tonne Mercedes-Benz Axors, a barrier repair rig and a tipper-grab used for general maintenance and clear-up work. MEL also has a 12-tonne Atego on order, this a traffic management version which will be used primarily to lay cones. Motorway Maintenance Manager Steve Warren observes: “The Atego is the only 7.5-tonner that allows you to carry a third, full-sized man on a proper, individual seat, rather than a bench or ‘baby’ seat, which is a very useful feature. The auto box has also been well received by our drivers, who do a lot of stop-start work on the hard shoulder, while I’m confident that our latest Atego will prove every bit as reliable as its three 7.5-tonne predecessors.”

Latest addition to the Virginia Water Motor Company fleet, meanwhile, is a 12-tonne Atego 1230 L with range-topping L BigSpace high-roofed sleeper cab. At 220 kW (299 hp), its 7.7-litre straight-six is the most powerful of the seven engine options available to Euro VI Atego operators.

The firm, which is based in Chobham, Surrey, and last year marked its 25th anniversary, is trusted by clients to transport exotic and luxury cars throughout the UK and Europe with the utmost care. Its second Euro VI Atego has an enclosed box body with roller shutter doors to both sides and the rear, and a sliding bed, by Newbury specialist Freightshield. This system allows the body to be rolled right off the back of the truck to provide the lowest possible loading angle, so even the most ground-hugging of sports models can be accommodated without risk of damage.

Managing Director Julian Sainsbury runs 15 Mercedes-Benz trucks, the line-up comprising four other 12-tonners, as well as 7.5- and 10-tonners, and Actros tractor units. He explains: “We’ve remained loyal to Mercedes-Benz trucks over the years because they’re amazingly well built and reliable. I’m still running the first covered transporter I ever bought, back in 1990 – it’s a 7.5-tonne 814 and has now covered comfortably in excess of one million kilometres yet is still going strong.”

www.m6toll.co.uk

www.virginiawatermotorco.co.uk

Photos: Impact