DCP Haulage looks to Asset Alliance Group to provide latest fleet innovation from Mercedes-Benz

Asset Alliance Group has extended its relationship with DCP Haulage after supplying the Southampton-based business with the latest generation Mercedes-Benz Actros Edition 1 – one of only 35 mirrorless trucks in operation in the UK at the time of delivery.

The flagship 44-tonne tractor, supplied on a 36-month contract hire agreement, is fitted with a MirrorCam system which replaces the traditional exterior rear-view mirrors, projecting footage from external mounted cameras on two 15-inch displays inside the cab.

Asset Alliance Group secured the DCP Haulage deal, which was put out to competitive tender, through a combination of pricing and flexible deal terms.

Director of DCP Haulage, David Price, says: “We’ve worked with Asset Alliance Group for a number of years and we always look to them when we are looking to grow or upgrade our fleet. We knew the exact spec of truck we wanted and they were able to meet our needs, at the best price.”

He added: “The ongoing support and guidance we receive from the team is invaluable and they are regularly checking in to see how we are doing and if there is anything further we need which is very much appreciated.”

The Actros Edition 1 will be in operation on weekdays delivering containers of goods, including cars and machinery, throughout the UK. Asset Alliance Group will retain ownership of the vehicle, taking on all associated costs, including full servicing, maintenance and repairs, safety inspections, tyre replacement, and providing emergency roadside assistance.

Established five years ago, DCP Haulage is a family-run business, and among the first in the UK to operate the mirrorless truck, which was named International Truck of the Year 2020 by a jury of commercial vehicle journalists who consider it to have made the greatest contribution to road transport efficiency over the past 12 months.

As well as improved all-round visibility, the Actros Edition 1 offers enhanced aerodynamic efficiency and is said to be paving the way for autonomous driving. It comes as standard with seven option packs geared towards the driver, with features including a leather-covered cockpit, bi-xenon headlamps and a roof hatch with ambient LED lighting available in eight colours. The Edition 1 also comes with an innovative multimedia cockpit, which delivers a better working environment for the driver and increased ease of operation.

Mercedes-Benz is producing just 400 of these special models – each identified with ‘Edition 1’ lettering on the driver’s door, stainless-steel entrance steps and an illuminated Edition 1 entrance emblem. The interior also features an Edition 1 logo along with the words ‘One of 400’ engraved in polished and brushed aluminium on the dashboard.