Abbey’s 18-tonner Mercedes ‘future proofed’

Abbey Upholsterers & Specialist Joinery from Carrickfergus, County Antrim, ticked nearly every box on the Mercedes-Benz options list when specifying what must be one of the most impressive 18-tonners on UK roads.

Purchased from Newtownabbey Dealer Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI), the Mercedes-Benz Actros 1836 features Euro VI engine technology and is powered by a state-of the-art 265 kW (360 hp) straight-six engine paired with a Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmission.

The Actros can accommodate a crew of six people safely and in comfort with a four-man bench seat in the cabin and is fully air-suspended with a StreamSpace cab. Its bespoke body was built by Drumack Coachworks, of Ballymena, who also fitted its roof fairing, cab collar and side skirts.

A full suite of cameras give the driver a 360-degree view and proximity sensors linked to audible alarmsmean the Actros is fully compliant with the Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS).

The truck also features eye-catching livery with colour-coded bumper and mirrors, set off by Xenon headlights, a roof-mounted light bar and airhorns, Alcoa alloy wheels and a grille-mounted three-pointed star that can be illuminated at night. Design flair is also evident inside, where the optional Style-Line interior employs chrome-effect trim and other enhancements to give the cab an up-to-the-minute ambience.

Paul Devlin who is part of the third-generation family business explained, ‘We’re working with top-end clients so it wasn’t enough for the truck to be fit for purpose, it also had to look the part. When you’re parking outside Harrods, or in residential Belgravia, image is all important and must be spot on.’

Abbey Upholsterers & Specialist Joinery was founded more than 90 years ago by George Devlin. Today, his son, also George, is Managing Director, while grandsons Paul, Des and George Junior also work for the family concern.