Sprinter. The Can Do Van. Argosy. Awesome. - Mercedes-Benz

Argosy.
Awesome.
Sprinter. The Can Do Van.
ISSUE 12 December 2011
Issue 12
A bold new face for Freightliner’s cab-over Argosy is just the exterior
evidence of a host of new and improved features in the power train
and inside the cab that will ensure the model’s continuing success.
02
A van for all seasons – with the largest model line-up in the industry
and a long list of options the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van can be
tailored to suit practically any application.
06
Trucks & Trailers Ltd, the country’s largest and longest-serving
Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz truck and van dealership is now
in the hands of a new generation, but is promising the same high
standards of service.
08
With its emphasis on quality, Auckland-based Hallmark Chauffeur
Drive chooses Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses, Viano people
movers and S-Class passenger cars to provide customers with the
perfect travel experience.
10
Premium productivity is the common thread among the new
Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner trucks put to work in recent months
by high-profile operators around the country.
12
Three new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Vito vans demonstrate the
variety of chores that light commercials encounter and prove that
they are capable of working just as hard as the bigger trucks.
13
Improved performance and reduced cost don’t often go hand in
hand, but a major study pitting genuine Mercedes-Benz brake
components against after-market alternatives proves that quality
does pay.
14
Mercedes-Benz is both a supplier and a customer for a new towbar
design, testing and manufacturing operation in Tauranga that’s
part of the world’s largest towbar maker, German-based Westfalia
Automotive.
16
A new Mercedes-Benz Actros 3260L stock truck is a dream come
true for its driver and a spectacular representative on the road for its
owner, King Country’s 2500 acre Tapanui Station.
18
Dave Ballantyne
General Manager Commercial Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz NZ Ltd
The flexibility of its factory seating arrangements is the key to the
new Vito Shuttle, making it a real cross-over between the family car
and the working van as well as an eight seat minibus.
20
DriveLine Contributor
Freightliner Argosy logging trucks are proving they are tough enough 22
to handle some of the country’s most challenging forests as they play
a major role in handling the Nelson and Marlborough logging boom.
The end of 2011 is fast approaching and the year has certainly been
an interesting one for the industry and for New Zealand as a country.
This issue of Driveline is my first as General Manager Commercial
Vehicles, although having been involved with the publication since its
inception six years ago, I’m pleased to say that we are never short of
interesting customer stories to share.
From the new ownership of Trucks & Trailers Ltd in Manukau and
an indepth look at the South Island logging industry, to the quality
combination of Hallmark Chauffeur Drive and Mercedes-Benz,
we also look at the launch of the new Freightliner Argosy and the
versatility of the Sprinter across various markets and applications.
Since the last issue of DriveLIne, our commercial vehicle sales team
is completely new so we are taking this opportunity to introduce you
to everyone and for the first time we look at the long term value of
using genuine Mercedes-Benz components in your vehicles.
This year has proven to be one of our strongest for commercial
vehicle sales for some time and I sincerely thank our customers for
the trust they have put in our company, our brands and our dealers for
this. We’re looking forward to a positive year in 2012 with continued
growth for all our brands and wish all our customers continued
success for the new year.
One of New Zealand’s most experienced motoring, motorsport and road
transport journalists, Jon Addison was Chief Reporter of the Auckland Star and
editor of The 8 O’Clock sports paper before becoming founding editor of the
industry leading magazine New Zealand Trucking, a role he held for 15 years.
He now specialises in light commercials and has twice driven Mercedes-Benz
Vito vans in the Energywise economy rally, winning the class driver ranking on
both occasions.
Designed, and produced by ideafactory. neroli@ideafactory.co.nz
The Mercedes-Benz New Zealand commercial vehicle team may have 26
a new look, but underpinning it is extensive experience of Freightliner
and Mercedes-Benz trucks and vans and the industry overall.
Specialised knowledge of both the transport industry and the
financial solutions for providing its trucks has been the foundation of
the success of Mercedes-Benz Financial – and its customers.
ISSN 1179-8289
01
28
NEW ARGOSY
Big Improvements Behind
The Bold New Face
02
new grille...
..something
between a Schick
razor and a
transformer
Bruce Clarke
The strikingly bold grille may be the face of Freightliner’s new Argosy cab-over
truck, but it’s what is under the cab – and inside it – that sets the new model apart
from its predecessor.
Under the stylish new cab there’s now the choice of Detroit Diesel DD15 or
Cummins ISX heavy-duty diesel engines.
And inside the cab the Argosy has moved up to a whole new level in quality,
comfort and style, says Bruce Clarke, Mercedes-Benz New Zealand National Sales
Manager – Heavy Commercial Vehicles.
With its combination of high performance, low tare weight and proven American
power train, its predecessor has been a huge success for Freightliner since it was
launched on the New Zealand market in 1998. But Freightliner has re-engineered
and re-configured the chassis platform to accommodate the new generation of
heavy-duty American engines.
“The most obvious change – the new grille that’s been suggested to look like
something between a Schick razor and a transformer – isn’t there just for its good
looks,” Bruce explains. “It has made room for a massive 1650 square inch radiator.
The new EGR type (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) engines generate as much as 20%
to 30% more rejected heat than non EGR engines and the cooling system has to
be capable of handling it.”
The new Argosy has been tested under arduous conditions at ambient temperatures
of up to 48oC in Australia and previously under high ambient temperatures in the
United States without stressing the new cooling system.
Either side of the new grille are redesigned air intake cowls and below it is a new
bumper incorporating a radiator protection bar for optimum air flow and low weight
while providing strong frontal protection. The cab shell is designed with sufficient
strength to meet the ECE R29 standard.
“The Argosy cab is largely the same as the old one, but it has been raised
by 100mm,” Bruce adds. “This was necessary to create space for the taller
Cummins ISX, but it also increases airflow under the cab, which improves the
cooling further.”
The cabin was extensively tested in Freightliner’s wind tunnel to achieve the
lowest air resistance possible to optimise fuel consumption. The higher cab
mounting also enabled Freightliner to make the floor inside the cab completely
flat, which allows for easier movement around the interior.
While other changes around the big cab-over Freightliner may appear subtle, they
effectively add up to a new truck.
“We’ve taken to describing it as the ADR80/03 platform and the old model as
the EPA04 platform, which is the American standard similar to the previous
ADR80/02,” says Bruce. “It’s actually still possible to order an Argosy with the
new cab, but with the EPA04 platform and a Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine.”
ADR80/03 is the latest Australian standard for exhaust emissions. Both the ISX
and DD15 meet the new standard, but to accommodate them in the Argosy meant
a range of changes that resulted in the new platform, which includes new features
like power coated priming of the frame rails.
These changes can effectively be summed up as revised air intake and exhaust
system architecture, new wiring and new plumbing. While making the alterations
Freightliner rationalised the specification to appeal to both Australian and New
Zealand operators, which resulted in cost savings that partly offset the price
impact of the new ADR80/03 technology.
03
There are now two main air intake options, the
“pallet” type with a flat intake at the rear of
the cab, which has been the most common in
New Zealand, and the more traditional framemounted low air cleaner with a vertical intake
tube, which has been the main option across
the Tasman.
It’s a similar situation with the exhaust
options, says Bruce. The particulate filter can
be mounted horizontally under the frame or
vertically behind the cab.
The ADR80/03 platform gives truck operators
a range of power and torque ratings for both
the Cummins and Detroit Diesel engines. The
ISX will be offered at outputs from 485hp to
600hp and up to 2050ft/lb of torque, while
the DD15 ranges from 500hp to 560hp and
up to 1850ft/lb.
New engine mounts for both heavy duty
units have been engineered for reduced
transmission of vibration and greater
durability.
Behind either engine the standard
transmission will be an Eaton Roadranger,
04
normally an 18 speed gearbox, with either
manual or AutoShift gear changing. Then
around the corner is the 18-speed UltraShift
Plus, Eaton’s next generation of automated
transmissions.
Under the new Argosy chassis the options
available from a range of proven American
componentry carry over from the outgoing
model, but the dominant specification will
remain multi-leaf parabolic springs at the
front and Freightliner’s Airliner air suspension
at the rear.
The truck will be available in 6x4 tractor and
8x4 rigid and tractor configurations.
The new Argosy cab will be available in a
range of sizes, culminating in the 110 inch
sleeper cabs popular with owner drivers. It’s
suspended above the chassis on completely
new, larger front mounts, which were
introduced towards the end of the ADR80/02
platform’s life, and rear airbags.
From the outside the most obvious change to
the cab is that it is now fitted with doors that
are shared with the Coronado.
On the inside the new doors are colour moulded
into the plastic surfaces where wear is at it’s
highest. Durability was a major consideration
in the interior surfaces of the doors.
The new doors and outside mirrors will also
remain cleaner as the redesigned air intake
cowls either side of the grille create a blanket
of air that directs road spray away from the
doors and mirrors.
Along with the flat floor inside the cab the new
engine tunnel has been designed to provide
increased space for the driver’s left foot.
However it’s the overall effect of a higher
standard of interior trim, which now matches
the Coronado’s that will impress operators
and drivers, says Bruce.
“It’s much improved with buttoned vinyl in the
sleeper and a two tone slate grey and light
grey dash,” he explains. “But the trim panels
are now also all fully injection moulded, which
results in better quality, better alignments and
improved fit and finish.
“Overall, the improvements have taken the
Argosy interior to a whole new level,” he adds.
Sprinter – Too Much Success
The unprecedented success of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in the campervan and
ambulance markets may be typecasting it and seeing it slip under the radar for a
host of other applications.
That, at least, is a concern held by Mercedes-Benz New Zealand National Sales
Manager – Vans, Blaine Barratt, who says it’s easy for local van operators to
overlook the Sprinter’s chameleon-like ability to be adapted to virtually any
application.
“Our standard Sprinter range is the broadest on the market, but with the
options we are able to access from Germany we can specify a vehicle exfactory to suit nearly any application imaginable,” he says. “We are able
to supply a price competitive basic panel van to suit a tradesman or a
luxurious 20 seat minibus and pretty well anything in between.”
the ability to work like a truck
even from the smallest van in the
range, the tradesman oriented
short wheelbase 210CDI.
06
The basic Sprinter models in New Zealand include vans ranging from
7.5 to 17 cubic metres, two minibuses and single and double-cab cab
and chassis trucks. Vans come in three wheelbases, three roof heights
and a range of body lengths.
Then there are fuel efficient four cylinder and V6 Euro 5 diesel engines
with four power and torque ratings, along with a choice of six speed
manual or five speed electronic automatic transmissions.
“The trend worldwide is to automatic transmissions and the Sprinter
is the only vehicle in its sector in New Zealand that is fully automatic,”
says Blaine. “It means that despite the size of the bigger vans in the
range they are as easy to drive as the family car.”
In fact much of the success of the Sprinter both in New Zealand and
throughout the world is that it works like a truck but drives like a car.
Most of the vans in the range can be driven on a standard car driving
licence and even the bigger vans require only a Class II licence. This
means that almost anyone in a business can drive the van without
specialist training or qualifications.
Mercedes-Benz goes to great lengths to ensure the driver is completely
at ease behind the Sprinter’s steering wheel – and to even greater
lengths to protect the driver and load if things do go wrong.
One example: While many vans on the New Zealand market lack any
form of stability program the Sprinter’s Adaptive ESP actually takes
into account the weight and position of the van’s load and centre of
gravity and intervenes accordingly. The Sprinter’s cab structure is
designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision and there are
airbags for both occupants of the cab.
Another: The Sprinter’s standard Adaptive Brake Lights flash rapidly
under hard braking to warn following motorists and can even switch
on the vehicle’s hazard warning lights.
The driver’s seat is adjustable over a wide range, including for height,
and the steering wheel adjusts in four directions to enable any driver to
find a comfortable position. Powerful air-conditioning keeps the large
windscreen and side windows clear and the side mirrors are heated.
And on the options list are driver friendly features like automatic
headlamps, rain sensing screen wipers and even a rear park distance
warning system.
While it may drive like a car the Sprinter has the ability to work like a
truck even from the smallest van in the range, the tradesman oriented
short wheelbase 210CDI. Although its footprint is around the same as
that of a double cab ute it can pack away almost a tonne and a half
of load and has an internal volume of more than 7.5 cubic metres.
Add a high roof and valuable ladders can be stowed safely under the
roof instead of vulnerably on a roof rack, and there’s still more interior
space than most other vans in the class offer in the first place.
At the opposite end of the range the awesome 519CDI extralong wheelbase, super high roof Sprinter has the 17 cubic
metre load volume of a small truck, but retains the driving
dynamics, economy and safety of all the Mercedes-Benz range.
Wide sliding doors and 180deg opening rear barn doors enable pallets
to be loaded with a forklift and Mercedes-Benz offers a wide range of
lining and load securing options.
“However the vans in the standard Sprinter range are really only a
starting point,” adds Blaine. “The options list extends to features like
all wheel drive, dual air conditioning, side windows and even doors that
open automatically when the driver approaches with both hands full,
then close and lock themselves when he walks away.”
07
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09
The Mark Of Quality
In the dictionary hallmark is defined as “the mark of quality” and
that’s precisely the standard of service being brought to a burgeoning
passenger transport niche by Auckland’s Hallmark Chauffeur Drive.
And Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses, Viano people movers and
S-Class passenger cars underpin the company’s image and presentation
at the very top end of the tourism and corporate travel market.
“There’s been a paradigm shift in the tourism market – it’s no longer cost
driven,” says Hallmark Operations Manager Mike Graves. “Customers
seek quality and safety as paramount considerations.”
Hallmark customers include international business executives, heads of
state and even a royal family.
It may seem odd to be transporting a royal family about the country
in a van, but Hallmark has gone to extreme lengths to create a fleet of
vehicles that rival the standards set by the private jets bringing many of
the company’s customers to New Zealand.
Consider one of the Hallmark Mercedes-Benz fleet – a 2010
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 515CDI with long wheelbase and super high
roof. It seats ten adults in the main compartment and an eleventh
beside the driver yet still has stowage space at the rear for more than
30 suitcases and bags.
“The seating in this Sprinter is really special,” Mike explains. “The seats
are space age design in full leather. They are mounted on full-length
floor tracks so can be moved about to best suit the mix of passengers.
They are fully adjustable, they recline and they can be rotated to face
each other in groups.
“And behind them is a floating panel that can be adjusted to increase
space for passengers or luggage depending on the demand,” he adds.
10
Access is through electric doors and automatically retracting steps and
there’s a full PA system so that the driver can communicate with or
provide a commentary to the passengers.
But what clinched the Sprinter for Mike Graves was its air-conditioning
system. “Nothing beats the Mercedes-Benz air-conditioning,” he says.
“In summer it can turn the interior into a refrigerator.”
Now Hallmark Chauffeur Drive has a steady stream of clients
through repeat business and referrals from international hotels
and travel agents, but Mike says initially many had the wrong
impression, believing they were being offered no more than up-market
taxi provision.
“But once we presented the vehicles to them and they could see the
standard of the fit-out, the interior space and flexibility and the overall
quality of the operation they were reassured they were the right vehicles
for them.”
The quality of the vehicles at Hallmark is matched by the quality of its
chauffeur/guide drivers, many of whom are successful businessmen
who have retired early and do the work because they love meeting new
people and showing off New Zealand to them.
Even though their qualifications enable Hallmark to offer chauffeurs
fluent in more than ten languages, the company still offers them
professional training as tour guides and chauffeurs.
Mike says the drivers prefer the Mercedes-Benz to other vans in the
fleet. While as professional drivers they would have no trouble with
manual gearboxes, he specifies automatic transmissions in all the vans
to make their job easier and better enable them to attend to the needs
of their passengers.
Established in 1986, Hallmark Chauffeur Drive now offers aroundthe-clock service and New Zealand’s largest and most diverse luxury
passenger vehicle fleet, these days numbering more than 30.
The company offers two levels of luxury service – Exclusive, where
the Mercedes-Benz vehicles operate and Premium, with mid-range
vehicles. The Exclusive grade vehicles cover only around 30,000km a
year as they can spend long periods idle while their passengers are at
events, functions or meetings. Mike says that after around three years
the Exclusive grade vehicles are moved down to Premium grade and
replaced by new vehicles.
The fact that this policy is well matched to the Mercedes-Benz threeyear vehicle warranty is a factor influencing his choice, Mike adds.
However he has found that once specifications are compared, the
Sprinters stack up against other vans as offering value for money.
“Vehicle acquisition can be examined not only in competitive price
points, but further to superior features, extended warranties and
nationwide emergency solutions,” he says. “Thus acquiring top-end
vehicles has proved a wise investment.”
11
Customer Trucks
Anchor Atego
A smooth riding factory rear air suspension system ensures it’s milk, not
milkshakes, being delivered around Christchurch by a new Mercedes-Benz
Atego truck. The 1324L Atego rigid four-wheeler works out of the Fonterra
depot in Hornby for contractor Anchor Southwest Ltd.
It’s the first Mercedes-Benz in a small fleet that until now has been
all-Japanese, and was selected partly because its six-speed Telligent
automated shift gearbox broadens the range of drivers capable of
delivering milk to the region’s dairies.
Powering the Atego is the Mercedes-Benz OM906LA engine rated at
240hp and a lusty 850Nm of torque.
Sales consultant: Theo Ferreira, Prestige Commercial Vehicles, Chch.
Productive Coronado
Running under new high productivity (HPV) regulations and covering
around 330,000km a year, this new Freightliner Coronado is destined to
haul massive volumes of freight during its working life.
The new 6x4 tractor unit was purchased by Auckland based Fitchett
Hoggard Ltd to pull a six axle B-train between Auckland and Wellington
daily for Freightways.
With the huge mileages planned for the rig the DD15 million kilometre
warranty, which even covers the turbocharger and injectors, was a factor
in specifying one of the first Coronados on the road in New Zealand.
Sales consultant: Ron Price, Trucks & Trailers, Manukau.
Linfox Actros
Another Mercedes-Benz Actros has gone to work in the colours of Linfox
Logistics (NZ) Ltd to deliver FMCG and retail goods around the North Island.
Pulling a Maxi-Cube quad-axle reefer for chilled and frozen products or a
curtainsider for ambient temperature freight, the new Actros 3248 twin-steer
prime mover is based at the Linfox Mangere depot and routinely operates
between Auckland and Palmerston North, but ranges beyond its regular
run as demand dictates. Under the Actros day cab is an OM501 engine
rated at 480hp and 2300Nm, driving through a Power Shift G330 12-speed
transmission and Mercedes-Benz H7 diffs on eight-bag air suspension.
Sales consultant: Dave Ballantye, National Sales Manager, Commercial
Vehicles, Mercedes-Benz NZ Ltd.
Machinery Line-hauler
A new Freightliner Argosy 6x4 tractor put into service by Palmerston
Transport Services heads one of the most unusual – and efficient – heavy
machinery rigs in the country.
Based in Palmerston North the Argosy pulls a B-train low loader, whereas
most machinery low loaders are semi trailers. The difference: The
Palmerston Argosy can cart two 13 tonne tractors, which would overload
a semi.
The new Argosy has a 525hp Series 60 Detroit Diesel engine under its cab,
running through a manual RTLO20918B gearbox.
Sales Consultant: Ben Tacon, Phil Wheelans Trucks And Vans,
Palmerston North.
12
Customer Vans
Koru Sprinters
Auckland-based Koru Cabs has long been known for its fleet of black people
movers, but its growing number of silver Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses
marks a step up in size, quality and image.
Specialist in airport and hotel transfers, VIP transport services and mini
tours, the company recently won an exclusive contract to provide transport
services for Air New Zealand air crew, and has added an initial seven
Sprinters, purchased in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz Finance, into its
Auckland fleet.
Among the factors influencing the decision to move up to the Sprinter were
reliability, longevity, driver acceptance, customer experience and brand.
Sales consultant: Ken Jeynes, Trucks & Trailers, Manukau.
Hard Working Vitos
Few vans would work as hard as a pair of Mercedes-Benz Vitos that cover
high mileages, often on poor roads, always loaded to near capacity for
Dannevirke based RDS Systems Ltd.
A long wheelbase Vito IIICDI purchased after being recommended to the
company has now covered more than 200,000km, is still running well.
A growing client base and service team has created demand for a second
vehicle, a new Mercedes-Benz 116CDI Vito. The Vito’s extended service
intervals, good handling on sealed and unsealed roads and extensive
safety features made RDS Systems’ decision easy.
Sales consultant: Rod MacNeill, Phil Wheelans Trucks and Vans,
Palmerston North.
Trendsetter Sprinter
The busy re-building of Christchurch has led local company Trendsetter
Homes to put to work one of the most novel Mercedes-Benz Sprinters in
the country. It’s a creative solution to the problem faced by many families
planning to purchase a new home - getting to the housing company’s
office. So Trendsetter Homes’ Tony Anderson decided to take the office
to the customers to show off his range of sections and house plans.
The mobile office is built into a long wheelbase, high roof Mercedes-Benz
Sprinter 313CDI with a six speed manual gearbox. The high roof gives the
van stand-up, walk around space.
Sales consultant: Richard Field, Prestige Commercial Vehicles,
Christchurch.
All our vans
are designed to
protect the most
important cargo:
you.
www.howsafeisyourvan.co.nz
Better Brakes Save Money
As Well As Lives
The importance of truck safety has led to
Mercedes-Benz emphasising that aspect of
its braking systems over the years, but now
a major product test has shown that better
brake components can also save transport
operators money.
The test pitted genuine Mercedes-Benz disc
rotors and pads against sets designed for
14
Actros heavy trucks sold by three European
after market manufacturers.
The tests showed clearly that while the genuine
Mercedes-Benz components cost more in the
first place, their greater durability and longer
operating life made them cheaper in the long
run. In fact in the durability section of the
test one other manufacturer’s pads wore out
before the test was completed and another’s
disc showed advanced wear, while the genuine
set lasted more than twice as long as one of
the others.
Although this particular test was on brake
components, experience here shows the same
sort of results would be achieved with many
other truck components.
The Mercedes-Benz programme involved
three separate tests done under controlled
conditions on an inertia dynamometer.
PHASE ONE:
CRACK TEST
In this test there were 500 brake applications, one
every 40 seconds, at 85km/h and under a constant
braking torque of 2800Nm. All of the after market
discs had cracked by the time 150 applications had
been made, while the genuine Mercedes-Benz ones
lasted the distance unscathed. So the genuine brake
was the only one to pass the cracking test.
PHASE TWO:
WEAR TEST
This test put the brakes through six cycles of braking
at different temperatures, speeds and torque
applications. One set of after market pads wore
through before the test was completed and one disc
showed advanced wear. This was the test that showed
the genuine Mercedes-Benz brakes lasting more than
twice as long as one of the after market sets.
PHASE THREE:
BRAKE POWER TEST
The test of brake performance measured remaining
braking torque after a series of applications at different
pressures and speeds. The genuine Mercedes-Benz
brakes remained at 100% through the test. Two of the
after market brakes dropped to 81% of their original
power, while the third plummeted to 69%.
CONCLUSION
Mercedes-Benz put the superior results achieved by
the genuine brake parts down to factors such as high
quality materials and excellent heat dissipation. But
the over-riding factor is perfect matching of the friction
characteristics of the brake rotor and the pads.
While these were European tests, if anything, the
differences between genuine and after-market parts
would be more pronounced in New Zealand because
our steep terrain is particularly hard on truck brakes.
Mercedes-Benz uses the slogan “Quality Matters” and
the tests showed that as well as producing outstanding
braking performance, which impacts directly on truck
safety, the genuine brakes outlasted the after market
alternatives.
When the after market brakes have to be replaced
twice as often as the genuine ones it’s not just the cost
of the components that adds up, there’s the labour
and the down-time to take into account as well.
And it doesn’t apply only to brake parts – the same
applies across the board.
Mercedes-Benz
Through ‘n’ Through
New Daimler Trucks Field Service Representative Ian Sparks grew up around
his family’s truck fleet, but after 28 years on the service side of the industry
says he is now “Mercedes-Benz through ‘n’ through.
“My family owned a small fleet of 11 vehicles in Britain and my earliest memories
are of climbing over trucks being repaired by my grandfather,” he says.
But rather than work for the family firm Ian trained as a technician on heavy
trucks, vans and buses for Mercedes-Benz Hertfordshire.
Then in 1996 the Sparks family immigrated to New Zealand and Ian, his wife
Denise and daughter Sam have since gained their citizenship.
In New Zealand he stayed in trucking and stuck with Mercedes-Benz, although
his first job as foreman at EuroStar Trucks in Albany saw him working on
Freightliner as well.
Ian then moved to Truck City Ltd in East Tamaki, covering Mercedes-Benz,
Freightliner and Sterling brands. During his time at Truck City he twice won the
New Zealand Mercedes-Benz Technician of the Year award.
He then moved back to the North Shore for a technical support role with the
120 strong Mercedes-Benz fleet of Smith & Davies Ltd before being appointed
Field Service Representative at Daimler Trucks.
These days working on trucks is more likely to involve a laptop than a threequarter-inch drive socket set, and Ian says the “traumatic changes” in the
industry over the years will continue.
“Technicians have had to grow with the products and develop skills they hadn’t
really set out to achieve,” he says.
“Fuel systems have developed beyond recognition and technicians have had
to train as electricians as well,” he adds. “Mercedes-Benz has led the way and
still does and I’ve been fortunate enough to be
part of this.”
Outside his work Ian is soccer mad and
still plays in a competition league for
over-35s on the North Shore.
15
Towbar Firm Takes On The World
A small Tauranga towbar manufacturing company has been purchased
by the world’s biggest towbar maker, which plans to make it a centre
of design and manufacture for the Southern Hemisphere.
German company Westfalia Automotive Ltd bought the majority
shareholding in Starck Industries Ltd in July to establish Westfalia
Automotive Asia Pacific Ltd and is retaining directors Stuart Terrell,
as Chief Executive Officer, and Henk de Kock to run the business.
The company supplies OEM branded towbars for Mercedes-Benz
cars, SUVs and vans and growth in the New Zealand
market is forging further links between the two German
brands.
Growth plans include a towbar installation service at
the customer’s home or place of work and eventually 15
Mercedes-Benz Vito vans will carry the technicians and
components to clients nationwide.
16
At this stage the first four, funded through Mercedes-Benz Financial,
have been commissioned and are working throughout the Auckland
and Waikato regions. Customers can call an 0800 number to order a
towbar installation for their vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz Financial works hand in hand with Mercedes-Benz
Commercial Vehicles – Vans and with van dealers to create a “onestop shop” for purchasers, efficiently tailoring the finance as part of
a single transaction for simple asset acquisition.
Stuart says an important factor in choosing Vitos was their compact
exterior dimensions, particularly their low roof height, while having
sufficient internal capacity for the work. This enables them to get down
tight driveways and behind houses, and especially into underground car
parks, for towbar installations.
However the New Zealand market will become a relatively minor part
of the company’s overall operations with Westfalia Automotive Chief
Executive Officer Jens Waldau saying the establishment of the Asia
He adds that towbars these days should be designed in conjunction
with vehicle manufacturers to preserve the integrity of rear crush
cells and deformable structures in the event of an impact, but in New
Zealand any unqualified person can design and install a towbar.
“They should also be inspected as part of the Warrant of Fitness
test,” Stuart says. There are safety standards in place for cars and
regulations covering the safety of light trailers, but nothing relating to
the connection between them.
Westfalia makes a
range of towbars to fit
almost
2000
different makes and models
of car and van.
Pacific company would “significantly strengthen the growth of the
Westfalia Group in the Southern Hemisphere.”
He says that Starck Industries had already been working with Westfalia
in the development of market specific solutions, and customers had
shown very favourable reactions to these innovations.
The Tauranga company is already exporting towbars and
sophisticated wiring looms to Australia and Westfalia Group
is targeting the expanding Asian market in particular.
Once at full strength it will have a staff of around 60
in an 1800 square metre building, carrying out design,
development, testing and manufacture of bars to suit a
broadening range of vehicles.
Westfalia, based in Rheda-Wiedenbruek, has 1000
employees worldwide and makes around 1.4 million towbars
a year, accounting for almost a third of the overall European
market and almost half of the German market. The company
invented the modern European type ball head towbar in 1932. It also
makes bicycle carriers and in partnership with Bosch and Hella has a
specialised wiring operation.
Stuart Terrell says that New Zealand has fallen behind the rest of
the world and now remains “the wild west of the towbar world – the
last country still using inch-and-seven-eighth balls, for example.” The
international standard is 50mm.
Along with laser cutting and other machinery for the manufacture of
towbars, Westfalia Automotive Asia Pacific is importing sophisticated
testing equipment to ensure they meet the Group’s exacting standards,
as well as regulations in place in the countries they will be exported to.
The company has already achieved registration for Australian ADR
certification as a design and manufacturing facility for towbars.
The high end Westfalia bicycle carriers are also being exported
from Tauranga to Mercedes-Benz Australia and will become available
in New Zealand.
Westfalia makes a range of towbars to fit almost 2000 different makes
and models of car and van. They include fixed, removable and foldaway
installations.
Most are supplied as OEM accessories, with only the certification
plate identifying their manufacturing source. In New Zealand vehicle
distributors supplied with Westfalia bars include Mercedes-Benz, BMW,
Ford, Subaru and Mazda. Internationally some 32 of the world’s largest
car companies include Westfalia towbars in their accessory catalogues.
Along with the towbars themselves, associated wiring looms these
days generally require input from the vehicle manufacturer to ensure
compatibility, Stuart says. Systems such as vehicle blind spot warning,
trailer sway control, electronic stability program and even onboard
diagnostics that warn the driver of a failed lamp bulb can all be affected
by the trailer connection.
17
The Ultimate
“Station Rig”
When the new owners of the King Country’s
Tapanui Station decided to buy a station rig
they didn’t for a minute consider the usual six
wheeler approaching the end of its working
life – like everything else about the property
they wanted to maximise the potential by
purchasing the best unit for the job.
For driver Peter Lipscombe, who has been
around livestock and stock trucks all his
working life, the past 20 of them for Tapanui
Station’s owners, it sounded like a dream
coming true, and now that his Mercedes-Benz
Actros 3260L has its first 20,000km under its
wheels, that’s exactly how it’s panned out.
“It’s quite impressive – magic, really,” Peter
says. “There’s not really a thing about it I’d
change, with the possible exception of a
longer crate on the truck.”
Tapanui Station’s new owners took over the
2500 acre sheep and beef farm near Te Kuiti at
the beginning of the year and soon afterwards
decided to put a dedicated stock truck to work
carting in store sheep and beef and taking fat
stock to freezing works.
“Having our own truck gives us more flexibility
and control,” explains Peter. “For example,
we can load a line of lambs at three in the
morning when it’s still nice and cool, with less
stress on milk lambs.”
The big Actros ranges throughout the North
Island both collecting the store animals and
delivering to works. These days with a range of
18
livestock trading options supply and demand
can be tracked almost to the minute and the
Tapanui Station rig is expected to travel close
to 60,000km a year, almost all of it loaded.
After trying other brands of truck Peter
Lipscombe and the farm owners tested a
Mercedes-Benz Actros 3255 twin steer from
Trucks & Trailers Ltd and that convinced them
to order the next available 3260 with a sleeper
cab. It has the 600hp rating for its 16 litre
V8 diesel engine, driving through a 12 speed
PowerShift automated transmission and
Mercedes-Benz 13 tonne planetary drive rear
axles. Actual ratings for the Euro 4 compliant
engine are 440kW at 1800rpm and a massive
2800Nm of torque at 1080rpm.
While Peter is impressed with the pulling
power of the big V8 engine, he’s even more
taken with the hold back produced by the
standard Active Engine Brake in conjunction
with a Voith R115 transmission retarder.
“Coming down the Brynderwyns with a full
load on you don’t have to touch the brakes at
all, and even down the Kaimais you only need
a couple of brief touches,” he says.
Traction, always a Mercedes-Benz strong point,
has also impressed Peter. “Up in Northland
in pouring rain everyone was having trouble
getting out but the Actros had no problem at
all – it just digs in its toes and goes.”
The Actros also boasts an electronic
“manoeuvring mode”, activated by a rocker
switch on the dash that engages a program
limiting engine speed to 1000rpm and makes
reversing into difficult loading races a smooth
and trouble free process.
Peter is also pleased with the 22 metre wall to
wall turning circle – “pretty good for an eight
wheeler”.
The clincher for the big Mercedes-Benz is
the comfort of the sleeper cab and the ease
of driving, particularly with the PowerShift
transmission. Peter admits that having no
clutch pedal and being able to leave the
gearbox to its own devices was “a bit strange
at first, but you get used to it. Now I’ll still shift
manually on a winding road, but otherwise I
leave it in auto.”
Tapanui Station sent the Actros to Jackson
Enterprises for the truck deck and four axle
trailer, and fitted both with Nationwide crates
set up to cart either two decks of cattle or four
decks of sheep. Peter hasn’t yet carted store
lambs but estimates capacity will be close to
700.
He is based in Morrinsville and drove stock
trucks for several Waikato based carriers
before joining the Tapanui Station owners as
a livestock agent, farm hand and driver. These
days when not behind the wheel of the new
Mercedes-Benz he’s likely to be operating a
digger on maintenance and improvements to
the new King Country farm.
19
Shuttle – The Most Versatile Vito
While it’s most likely to be spotted outside an airport or international hotel,
the new Mercedes-Benz Vito Shuttle is such a versatile vehicle it could turn up
anywhere from a construction site to a luxury lodge.
“In fact many of the first buyers of the Shuttle were choosing them for family
transport,” says Blaine Barratt, National Sales Manager – Vans for MercedesBenz New Zealand. “The Shuttle is a real crossover between the family car and
the working van.”
Secret of the Shuttle’s versatility is in the flexible passenger seating – three rows
of top quality factory seats that can accommodate eight adults in comfort and
with space to spare. The back two rows can also be folded away or removed
completely to provide as much as five cubic metres of load space.
Even when all three seating rows are in use, there’s enough room behind them
for the passengers’ luggage or sports equipment. When the third row is folded or
removed the Shuttle can accommodate five adults and a huge amount of gear.
In the comprehensive Vito range the Shuttle fits between the more van oriented
five seater Mixto and the luxurious flagship Viano. Based on the long wheelbase
Vito 113CDI it comes as standard with a five speed automatic transmission
behind the thrifty BlueEfficiency OM651 four cylinder diesel engine that is strong
on performance with ratings of 100kW at 3800rpm and 310Nm from 14002600rpm, yet is capable of fuel use as low as 7.2 litres/100km.
The appeal of the Shuttle as family transport lies in its responsive power train, along
with car like driving dynamics resulting from its new generation all independent
coil spring suspension, slick 11.0 metre turning circle and all disc braking.
“It’s as safe as the best cars, too, safer than the other vehicles in its class
in fact,” adds Blaine. “With adaptive ESP stability program, integrated safety
belts in all eight seats and front and side airbags it meets the top ANCAP 5 star
safety standard straight out of the showroom.”
Other safety equipment includes daytime driving lights, Adaptive Brake Lights
that flash during emergency braking and can automatically switch on the hazard
warning lights, ABS (anti-lock braking) with BAS (brake assist), electronic brake
force distribution and ASR (acceleration skid control).
A feature of the new Vito suspension is that Mercedes-Benz tailors it at the
factory to suit the vehicle’s end use, so a passenger oriented version like
the Shuttle rides a little more softly than a van in freight or tradesman’s
configuration. It can still cart an 895kg payload and tow a 2000kg trailer, but it
cossets its passengers to a degree unheard of in other van based mini buses .
20
Maximum eight seats option.
The back row of seats can be removed
to create more luggage space.
Or both rear rows of seats can be removed
creating even greater luggage space.
The Mercedes-Benz Comfort grade seats, with folding arm rests and
quality Lima anthracite fabric upholstery, also play an important role in
passenger comfort.
Access to the seats – or the load compartment when the seats are
removed – is made easy by wide sliding doors each side of the vehicle.
Even at speed on the motorway the interior of the Shuttle remains eerily
quiet as road and wind noises are subdued by thick carpet throughout the
vehicle, as well as full moulded interior linings and a padded headlining.
Despite being designed to withstand the rigours of a working life the
interior of the Shuttle is as stylish as most passenger cars.
This is important both to the shuttle operator wanting to offer a point of
difference at an airport pickup, and to the tourism operator who might
have passengers in the vehicle for considerable lengths of time.
The style extends to the exterior as well. Standard on the Shuttle are
alloy wheels and colour coded bumpers.
Despite its working van origins the Shuttle has an unusually high standard
specification, which includes cruise control with speed limiting, electric
windows, heated electric mirrors, automatic air conditioning with a duct
to the rear compartment, a multi function steering wheel and a quality
audio system with auxiliary inputs.
And while Mercedes-Benz emphasises low whole of life operation costs
resulting from low fuel use, extended service intervals and high resale
value, the Shuttle’s purchase price is a remarkably low $55,500 (plus
GST).
“We’ve been very aggressive with the pricing,” says Blaine. “Dollar for
dollar it beats the Toyota Previa, but offers the high-tech diesel engine
with 30,000km/12 month service intervals, ANCAP 5 star safety levels
and a huge range of options.
“Then there’s the Mercedes-Benz badge,” he adds. “It stands for quality
and reliability and that counts regardless of whether the Shuttle is doing
duty as a family car or as the flagship in a tour operator’s mini bus fleet.”
From catching a flight...
to sending a crew on site.
21
Argosy Trucks Tackle
Hauling logs is among the toughest challenges
for any truck and the forests of Nelson include
about the most demanding logging terrain in
the country, so it’s a testament to Freightliner
that Argosy logging trucks are thriving there.
The three major logging contractors working
the top of the South Island have put a total of
20 Argosy eight wheelers to work in the past
four years and they are doing their bit for the
local economy as well as contributing to their
owners’ profits.
During that period Nelson and Marlborough
have experienced a logging boom that has
brought the industry into the same league
22
as the horticultural mainstays of pip fruit and
wine that the region is famous for. In fact
logging and wood processing now employs
almost 2000 people and pours $340 million a
year into the local economy.
Around 16% of the region’s productive land
is planted in production forests, yielding
more than 2.4 million cubic metres of wood
a year. Around one third is exported as logs
and the rest milled or processed, particularly
by the Nelson Pine Industries Ltd GoldenEdge
MDF plant at Richmond, the world’s biggest
single site MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)
producer.
The three main log cartage contractors
servicing the industry deliver logs to Port
Nelson, Port Picton and the region’s mills
and processors, rarely venturing beyond
Greymouth on the West Coast or occasionally
Canterbury. All cart logs exclusively and their
trailers and logging gear are practically all
from Patchell Industries.
Longest-serving logging contractor of the
three, and the first to put an Argosy into the
local forests, is Borlase Transport Ltd. Owner
Duncan Borlase started in the bush with a log
loader in 1977 and two years later bought his
first truck, a 290hp International 3070.
Tough Terrain
The Borlase fleet now numbers 16, two in
50:50 partnerships with their drivers, and
eight are Freightliners. Duncan admits to
having “a bit of a soft spot for Cats” and four
of the Argosy 8x4s have Caterpillar engines,
with three Cummins-powered and the newest
one motivated by a Detroit Diesel Series 60.
While the imperatives of maximum log length
and minimum tare weight dictate 63 inch day
cabs on almost all of the Freightliners, two of
the Argosys in the Borlase fleet have 90 inch
sleepers and Duncan says that’s what he’ll
probably stick with in future.
“We took the first one because it was all we
could get at the time,” he explains. “As it turns
out you don’t lose much in log length as the
engine sticks out behind the day cab and
there was only 140kg-odd weight difference.
But the ride is definitely a lot better.”
Superior riding helps attract and retain
good drivers and meshes well with Duncan
Borlase’s policy of offering some partnerships
in their trucks. He says giving the driver
a vested interest encourages him to work
harder and offers the opportunity to reap
greater rewards.
Easily the biggest log cartage operation in
the district is the 60 strong fleet of Waimea
Contract Carriers Ltd, which in 2008
absorbed the eight logging trucks operated by
iconic TNL (Transport Nelson Ltd). Although
dominated by Scanias, the fleet has been
bolstered by seven Freightliner Argosy truck
and trailer rigs during the past year, with three
more due early in 2012.
General Manager Phil Harris says that when
it comes to trucks capable of handling the
Nelson region’s steep and rugged terrain
“simple is good,” while trucks designed to meet
the latest European emissions regulations
are becoming increasingly complex and fuel
economy can suffer.
23
He specced the Argosy eight wheelers
with day cabs and Series 60 Detroit
Diesel engines, which he says “have been
around a long time and are tried and true.”
Phil adds that the Series 60 engines are
performing well and on similar work and at a
similar age are slightly ahead of the European
trucks on fuel economy.
Waimea Contract Carriers is unusual in having
a full inhouse engineering facility as well as a
truck workshop, which Phil says is cost driven.
“It comes back to economies of scale, but it
also enables us to maintain better control
over the quality of the work done. We are
able to train guys to look after logging trucks
specifically and in our way.”
Along with routine maintenance and repair
work, the company builds its own trailers and
logging gear, although using predominantly
Patchell components.
The other large Nelson region
24
logging contractor, Stuart Drummond
Transport Ltd, also has its own workshop,
which General Manager Glenn Heybourn says
is now necessary because of regular roadside
inspections of trucks.
“Every time a truck is in the workshop it gets
what is virtually a CoF (Certificate of Fitness)
test to make sure it’s going to pass the
roadside inspection,” he explains.
The Drummond fleet of 22 logging trucks
includes seven Freightliners, five with 550hp
Caterpillar C15 engines and the latest two
with Detroit Diesel Series 60 EGR engines
rated at 525hp.
“We prefer Cat, but they stopped making
truck engines,” Glenn says.
“The jury is still out on the
Detroit Diesels.” One of the
Drummond
Detroits
has
clocked up 240,000km running
24 hours a day for 18 months,
while the other has done
150,000km and both have
encountered a few
problems, primarily with the emissions gear.
“In logging you need simple gear and things
like sensors and valves don’t last,” he explains.
“The European trucks can be very expensive
to maintain because of dust and dirt affecting
the electronics.
“Mind you, our forests are among the harshest
in the country on gear – we’re on the tops of
mountains and there are places we don’t even
go into when it rains.
“For our conditions the component type truck
is best – and the less electronics the better,”
Glenn adds.
His standard spec includes big Rockwell
46160 diffs and manual 18 speed Eaton
Roadranger gearboxes.
“We’ve tried AutoShift 18 speeds,” he says.
“We had a driver who had limited use of one
arm so bought our first auto for him, but
for our application we’ll probably stick with
manuals in future.
“The gearbox can’t see what’s in front of the
truck,” Glenn points out.
That’s a reflection of the demanding terrain
encountered in the Nelson and Marlborough
forests, and even between them and the ports
and log processors.
STEVE KLINAC
BRUCE CLARKE
DAVE BALLANTYNE
New Team Are Old Hands
There’s a completely new look to the
commercial vehicle sales team at MercedesBenz New Zealand, but it’s underpinned by
years of experience of the truck and van brands
and of the motor vehicle industry overall.
Between them new General Manager
Commercial Vehicles Dave Ballantyne and
National Sales Manager - Heavy Commercial
Vehicles Bruce Clarke have amassed 35
years working with Mercedes-Benz and
Freightliner trucks.
“Our experience of the two brands is extensive,”
says Dave.
Changes in the team that supplies and supports
dealers around the country began last year
when then National Sales Manager for vans
Brian Carr took up a new role at Mercedes-Benz
Australia and a few months later then General
Manager Ian Walker moved to Freightliner in the
United States.
26
Dave, who had been National Sales Manager
– Heavy Trucks for 12 years, was promoted
to General Manager and his previous position
was filled by Bruce, who had until then
been responsible for field and technical service
for Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner trucks
and buses.
Both men trace their careers with MercedesBenz back to the period when German Motor
Distributors was the importer, Dave starting in
1994 and Bruce the following year.
And both are qualified diesel mechanics so
share a thorough knowledge of the technical
and mechanical aspects of commercial vehicles,
which is vital when it comes to navigating the
complexities of the specifications of trucks and
vans sourced from different parts of the world.
In fact Dave joined German Motors in a sales
engineering and support role and immediately
became a member of a team planning local
specifications for Freightliner trucks, which
were then being introduced to New Zealand
with factory support.
While his title may have changed over the past
17 years, Dave says the fundamental – and
most rewarding – aspect of his job, interacting
with trucking people, hasn’t.
“Fortunately over the years I’ve been able to
build really strong relationships with our dealers
and customers and one of my priorities still is
maintaining those relationships,” he says.
“Our overall goal is to improve the market
shares for both Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner,
but my primary aim is to listen to what our
dealers and customers are telling us and
use that information to improve the experience
of buying Daimler commercial vehicles,”
Dave adds.
Bruce traces his career back to the end of the
heavy transport petrol era when in 1980 he
BLAINE BARRATT
started as an apprentice on petrol buses and
trucks for New Zealand Road Services.
“Bruce brings a very extensive working
knowledge of our heavy commercial vehicle
range to his new position,” says Dave. “He
also brings a strong focus on both product and
driver training for our salesmen and customers.
“It is a real asset that he was already familiar
with our brands, systems, dealers and
customers and was able to hit the ground
running during a very busy time for truck sales.”
Meanwhile Blaine Barratt took on the role of
National Sales Manager – Vans in January
after 14 years on the retail side of the motor
industry, most recently as corporate account
manager and in fleet sales for John Andrew Ford
in Auckland, both for passenger cars and light
commercials.
He says that while a different set of skills is
required in supporting dealers rather than
customers directly, the major change in his
work results from the different approach
Mercedes-Benz takes with its vans.
“With Ford, Mazda and Mitsubishi you’re
JOHN CAMPBELL
basically selling what’s in the brochure, whereas
with Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Vito there’s a
huge flexibility in what can be ordered from the
factory and that requires a much greater depth
of knowledge of the vehicles,” he explains.
Also new to the trucks and vans team, but with
26 years of experience in the motor industry,
is Steve Klinac, the new Product and Marketing
Coordinator.
With his father Tony driving for, among others,
RFL and Freightways, Steve has been around
trucks “since I was a baby” but has worked
mostly on the car and light commercial side
for Holden, Nissan, Audi, Porsche and, most
recently, Ford. He also had his own business
recruiting staff for motor companies.
One of the country’s most experienced
truck salesmen, John Campbell, manages
SelecTrucks, the nationwide used truck
operation of Mercedes-Benz Commercial
Vehicles.
John had been selling trucks for more than
25 years when he took up his role at the then
new SelecTrucks in 2008. His experience of
SUSANNE HOEBER
practically every brand of truck on the market
has proved a real asset in turning SelecTrucks
into a leader in the used truck market, fielding
enquiries from as far away as Australia as well
as working closely with Mercedes-Benz and
Freightliner dealers around New Zealand.
The “veteran” of the Mercedes-Benz New
Zealand commercial vehicles team in her
current role as Sales and Product Coordinator
since 2009 is Susanne Hoeber.
Hailing from the home of Mercedes-Benz,
Stuttgart, she visited New Zealand to improve
her English, but liked the country so much she
returned and has become a resident. Susanne
joined Mercedes-Benz New Zealand in aftersales support for vans in 2005 before being
appointed Sales and Product Coordinator in
November 2009.
“Sue is the ‘glue’ for our team,” says Dave
Ballantyne. “She has the ability to provide
backup to the other team members across
the different department functions, which is
extremely valuable.”
27
Major Financial
Milestone
When Christchurch bulk transport operator Burnell and Sons Transport
Ltd purchased its eighth new Freightliner truck this year a major milestone
was marked for Mercedes-Benz Financial, which reached total financial
volume of $500 million since starting operations in New Zealand.
Mercedes-Benz Financial, established here in 1998 and Burnells,
founded in 2000 when Wayne and Kathy Burnell bought a two tip truck
operation Wayne had been driving for, have grown together, and that’s
the result of personal relationships developed among the Burnells, Dino
Pavlovich, General Manager – Commercial Vehicles for Mercedes-Benz
Financial and Trevor McCallum, Freightliner sales specialist at Prestige
Commercial Vehicles.
The relationships began when Dino met Wayne and Kathy shortly after
they had bought the business and were looking to replace one of the
original Isuzu tip trucks with a new Freightliner purchased from Trevor.
Since then the fleet has grown to a Freightliner Columbia and seven
Freightliner Argosy tippers, all purchased from Trevor and funded by
specialised finance packages through Mercedes-Benz Financial.
The trucks are all employed on tipper work around Canterbury and
carting bulk commodities, such as potatoes, further afield.
The relationship that Trevor and Dino have built with Wayne has
enabled him to grow the fleet in the knowledge he has the backing of
one of the best brands of trucks and the best finance solution for his
business needs.
Trevor says that the success of Mercedes-Benz Financial in the
commercial vehicle field resulted from specialised knowledge of
transport operations such as Burnells.
“Truck operators often don’t want to discuss their financial arrangements
with the truck salesmen and it is vital that the finance representative
understands trucks.
“Dino is a walking calculator when it comes to finance, but he knows his
trucks as well,” Trevor says.
500
M I L L I O N F I NA NC E
Our job: to make your job easier;
finance solutions for your business
Mercedes-Benz Financial is a business name of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services New Zealand Limited.
Dealer &
Service
Network
TRUCKS Sales
Trucks & Trailers Ltd (Auckland) Phil Wheelans Trucks & Vans (Palmerston North) Phil Wheelans Trucks & Vans (Wellington) Prestige Commercial Vehicles (Neslon) Prestige Commercial Vehicles (Christchurch) Prestige Commercial Vehicles (Dunedin) Ph: 09 262 2465
Ph: 06 350 0484
Ph: 04 568 7950
Ph: 03 544 9580
Ph: 03 344 4900
Ph: 03 477 9286
TRUCKS Service/Parts
Keith Andrews Trucks (Whangarei)
Truck City (Auckland)
Trucks & Trailers Ltd (Auckland)
Tidd Ross Todd (Hamilton)
Central Diesel Services (Mt Maunganui)
Parts & Service Taupo (Taupo)
WR Phillips Ltd (New Plymouth)
Jim Young Motors (Napier)
Phil Wheelans Trucks & Vans (Palmerston North)
Phil Wheelans Trucks & Vans (Wellington) Truck Specialists (Nelson)
Prestige Commercial Vehicles (Greymouth)
Prestige Commercial Vehicles (Christchurch)
Prestige Commercial Vehicles (Timaru)
Prestige Commercial Vehicles (Cromwell)
Prestige Commercial Vehicles (Dunedin)
Prestige Commercial Vehicles (Invercargill)
Ph: 09 430 3900
Ph: 09 274 6523
Ph: 09 262 2465
Ph: 07 849 4839
Ph: 07 574 8407
Ph: 07 378 2673
Ph: 06 755 2069
Ph: 06 836 6126
Ph: 06 350 0484
Ph: 04 568 7950
Ph: 03 544 6090
Ph: 03 214 1325
Ph: 03 344 4900
Ph: 03 687 4650
Ph: 03 445 0853
Ph: 03 477 9286
Ph: 03 214 1325
LIGHT COMMERCIAL Sales
Keith Andrews Trucks (Whangarei)
Coutts North Shore (Auckland)
Trucks & Trailers Ltd (Auckland)
Ingham Sears (Tauranga)
Phil Wheelans Trucks & Vans (Palmerston North)
Phil Wheelans Trucks & Vans (Wellington) Prestige Commercial Vehicles (Christchurch)
Ph: 09 430 3900
Ph: 09 443 3808
Ph: 09 262 2465
Ph: 07 572 8260
Ph: 06 350 0484
Ph: 04 568 7950
Ph: 03 344 4900
LIGHT COMMERCIAL Service/Parts
KeriKeri Autohaus (KeriKeri)
Keith Andrews Trucks (Whangarei)
Coutts North Shore (Auckland)
Auckland Autohaus (Auckland)
Trucks & Trailers Ltd (Auckland)
Ingham Prestige (Hamilton)
Ingham Sears (Tauranga)
Morrell Motors Ltd (Taupo)
WR Phillips Ltd (New Plymouth)
Jim Young Motors (Napier)
Mercedes Benz Hawkes Bay (Napier)
Phil Wheelans Trucks & Vans (Palmerston North)
Phil Wheelans Trucks & Vans (Wellington) Wellington Star (Wellington)
Houston Prestige Ltd (Nelson)
Truck Specialists (Nelson)
Prestige Commercial Vehicles (Greymouth)
Prestige Commercial Vehicles (Christchurch)
Prestige Commercial Vehicles (Timaru)
Prestige Commercial Vehicles (Cromwell)
Prestige Commercial Vehicles (Dunedin)
Prestige Commercial Vehicles (Invercargill)
Armstrong Prestige (Christchurch)
Hansens Autos (Queenstown)
Ph: 09 407 9785
Ph: 09 430 3900
Ph: 09 443 3808
Ph: 09 303 3563
Ph: 09 262 2465
Ph: 07 846 8940
Ph: 07 572 8260
Ph: 07 378 5759
Ph: 06 755 2069
Ph: 06 836 6126
Ph: 06 834 2340
Ph: 06 350 0484
Ph: 04 568 7950
Ph: 04 385 3260
Ph: 03 545 6732
Ph: 03 544 6090
Ph: 03 214 1325
Ph: 03 344 4900
Ph: 03 687 4650
Ph: 03 445 0853
Ph: 03 477 9286
Ph: 03 214 1325
Ph: 03 343 2468
Ph: 03 442 9702
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