New Mercedes Actros fleet helps Irn-Bru travel in style

Scotland’s most famous export is travelling in style thanks to a new fleet of Irn-Bru liveried Mercedes Actros tractor units, with driver assistance technology and Euro 6 diesel engines.

The Actros 2543 models come with ClassicSpace cabs and 10.7-litre straight-six engines producing 315 kW (428bhp). Each is equipped with a Mercedes-Benz Safety Pack incorporating the company’s Active Brake Assist 4 system, which features a sector first in the shape of pedestrian recognition, as well as Proximity Control Assist to help identify vulnerable road users.

AG Barr – Irn-Bru’s parent company – runs 47 trucks, 94% of which are by Mercedes-Benz. Rigid 26-tonners form the backbone of the fleet, with the new Actros models being its only tractors.

Transport Manager Gary Campbell said: “Our policy previously has been to acquire pre-owned vehicles. But we have chosen new trucks on this occasion to ensure that we benefit from their state-of-the-art safety specification. The Active Brake Assist technology in particular, will make a major contribution to the protection not only of our drivers, but also of other road users.”

Eight of the Actros trucks will work from its headquarters and main production and distribution centre in Cumbernauld, with the the other running out of a facility in Forfar.

Mr Campbell added: “With low-emission zones on the horizon for Scotland we were keen to futureproof the business by moving to Euro 6 engines, and to de-risk our maintenance cost exposure by purchasing new, rather than pre-owned vehicles.”.