16 Mercedes-Benz Atego 12 tonne trucks for food company

Proven reliability and durability over a demanding working life led Welsh wholesaler Castell Howell Foods back to the Mercedes-Benz Atego range for the latest additions to its temperature-controlled fleet.

The company has taken delivery of 16 new Atego 12-tonners from South Wales Dealer Euro Commercials. All are 1224 LnR models with low-frame chassis, and S- ClassicSpace day cabs. Their 7.7-litre six-cylinder engines produce 175 kW (238 hp), and drive through Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmissions.

have been fitted with dual-compartment insulated bodies by Gray & Adams, and Frigoblock refrigeration units so they can carry chilled and frozen product.

“We’ve been running Atego rigids in a variety of sizes for 15 years or more,” said Martin Jones, the company’s Director of Transport Operations. “They’ve been an integral part of our ongoing success story, proving in service to be exceptionally tough and reliable, as well as highly competitive in terms of whole-life operating costs.

“With each model revision the level of refinement and driver appeal has gone up. The latest versions are as well engineered as ever, and drive very smoothly, while smart touches like LED daytime running lights mean they really look the part too.”

The new trucks are being used primarily on distribution routes into rural West Wales. Their lower frames allow for a reduced overall height, to minimise the risk of damage from overhanging trees, but the trucks retain a load volume comparable to a standard vehicle.