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Predator stalks the docks up in the North-East
Page 68
Page 69
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The winner of the Mercedes-Benz/CM competition to win a limited edition Actros Predator picked up
the keys and put it straight into action...
The prize was a limited edition Mercedes-Benz Actros Predator 2543LD, with just about every bell and whistle available, all yours for 12 months with all the service backup you could ask for. All you had to do answer three simple questions and provide a driver.
More than 1,000 entries were taken by DaimlerChrysler UK and Commercial Motor— and this was after the entries without an 0licence were discarded.The draw was made on the final day of the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC in March; the winning entry was drawn out of the hat by DaimlerChrysler UK boss Ian Jones. The winner,Tony Hill, is the
joint director, with his wife Jenny, ofJentone Freight in Middlesbrough. He was passing the stand the morning of the draw and was persuaded to have a go by the DaimlerChrysler UKApproved Used Commercials team.
The couple run a tank container operation with skeletal trailers out ofTeesport docks and the city's rail terminal.They started the company in 1990 employing one driver and the business has grown gradually. "I had a quick look and the Predator looked impressive, really good," says Tony. "With the paint job it looked six months old." Its first job was to deliver in Sunderland, then Edinburgh
before reloading from Aberdeen.
For the next 12 months the service backup will be handled by Mercedes-Benz dealership Bell Trucks in Billingham. "If it's reliable, the same or better than our current fleet, and backup service is good then we will look at adding Mercedes-Benz to the fleet," he adds. The current fleet comprises 12 Scanias (from 2 to 4-Series); vehicles are bought new or second-hand depending on the type of deal available. Eight of the trucks run at 44 tonnes with one at 41
tonnes and the rest at 40 tonnes.
The Actros Predator will have one driver throughout its 12-month sojourn in the NorthEast. So far he's impressed — but as Hill points out, he's only done 200 miles in it. DaimlerChrysler UK has produced seven limited edition Actros Predators:Three others
have already found new homes, leaving just three up for grabs. The truck is valued at £29,950 (ex-VAT) and is available with a £3,500 deposit for £249.95 per week over 36 months, with repair and maintenance included. There will be an Actros Predator show vehicle at Truckfest 2004 at Peterborough on 2-3 May. • Actros Predator Mercedes-Benz Actros Predator 2543LD Model: 2543 6x2 tractor Engine: 430hp V6 Gearbox: Telligent Autotrans Cab: Long Distance, twin bunk Colour: Metallic black Registered: 2000 on an X-plate Accessories: Full air kit, alloy wheels, chrome exhaust stack, chrome hub covers and steps, storage lockers, sun visor, seat and bunk covers, fog and spot lights, chequerplate chassis in-fill, Predator mud flaps, carbon fibre dash, tinted windows with defectors, headlight protectors and CD player Includes: Repair and maintenance contract, RFL, tyres