Mercedes-Benz Actros Fuel Challenger wins its place in HPH fleet
HPH is running its first Mercedes-Benz trucks, after an Actros Fuel Challenger trounced the operator’s fleet favourite and a vehicle by a third manufacturer.
The Preston-based haulier has now added four Actros 2545 tractor units to its 60-strong fleet. They arrived via the Blackburn branch of Dealer Ciceley Commercials and have been hailed as “absolutely fantastic” by its drivers.
HPH picked a real-life, day and night application as the battleground for its month-long, three-way fuel fight. Its new Actros have now been assigned to the same operation, which entails hauling tissue products between Cumbria, Lancashire and North Wales. Following HPH’s typical truck use pattern they will stay on this high-mileage job for a year, during which each will rack up some 250,000 km, then switch to less intensive, single-shift general work.
Steve Sugden"While I prefer not to quote specific figures, it’s fair to say that Ciceley’s Actros demonstrator performed exceptionally well, its mpg returns putting it ahead of the competition by a clear margin.”
The Actros are the subject of a CharterWay contract hire agreement which includes tyres, from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.
General Manager Steve Sugden said: “We’d been running trucks by the same manufacturer for some years but felt the time was now right to take a look at what the competition can offer. Having also seen and heard a number of reports about other operators making significant fuel savings with the Actros, we were particularly keen to see what the
Mercedes-Benz truck could do.
He continued: “Other factors were important too, of course. The price had to be right and we wanted our drivers to be happy, while we also demand very high standards of support. Ciceley’s after sales performance will be measured carefully over the coming months and years, but we’ve been given all the right assurances and are confident that we’ve made the correct choice.”
HPH began trading as H Parkinson Haulage more than 60 years ago, and has served clients in the paper industry almost since its inception. Today, it offers transport and warehousing services to a range of sectors and is proudof its commitment to minimise impact on the environment by constant efforts to reduce consumption of fuel, water, energy and materials. The company also runs a fully equipped truck workshop with two dedicated DVSA Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) lanes.
The Mercedes-Benz Fuel Challenger programme invites operators to put an Actros to work on their fleet, then compare its diesel consumption with the best of their own vehicles. The truck bearing the three-pointed star has won 90% of the 310 Fuel Challenges completed since the first took place in 2014, achieving average fuel savings of 7.5%.
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Our Prep Centre and Darwen Service teams were out on Friday and Saturday supporting @eastlancshospice by helping with their Christmas tree collection across Lancashire 🎄💚
Over the course of the collection, our teams travelled a combined 163.2 miles, completing 149 tree pick-ups across Lancashire. Every donation from the collections goes directly to East Lancs Hospice, supporting the vital care they provide to local families.
As our charity partner, East Lancashire Hospice is incredibly important to us, and we’re proud to support initiatives like this that make a real difference in our communities.
Dave McGinnes, Darwen Service Manager, commented:
“It’s brilliant to be able to support the hospice and the communities we serve by allowing our teams to volunteer and providing vehicles and resources. This was a real team effort across both sites, and it’s great to see the positive impact we can have by working together for such a worthwhile cause.”
Important Update: Plug-in Truck Grant Enhanced 🚛
The UK Government has announced increased funding for zero-emission trucks, with grants now available up to £120,000 for eligible vehicles.
These enhanced Plug-in Truck Grant rates are available now and apply to zero-emission trucks across Great Britain, but funding is time-limited and first-come, first-served.
Read more on our website.
As we move into the New Year, it’s the ideal time to plan maintenance for your Mercedes-Benz car.
If you need servicing or genuine parts this January, our Bolton site provides manufacturer-approved Mercedes-Benz car servicing delivered by trained technicians.
Get In touch with the team.
0333 014 6181
enquiries@ciceley.com
https://www.ciceley.com/mercedes-benz-passenger-car/
Happy New Year from everyone at Ciceley Commercials! 🎉
As we welcome the New Year, we’d like to thank our customers, partners and colleagues for your continued support throughout the past year. It’s been another busy and successful year across all our sites, and we’re excited for what lies ahead.
✨ That’s a wrap on 2025! ✨
As we count down to the New Year, we’re looking back at some of our favourite moments from across Ciceley Commercials this year. From exciting vehicle handovers and industry events to site developments and team achievements, it’s been another busy and rewarding year for us all.
A huge thank you to our customers, partners and colleagues for your continued support throughout 2025. We couldn’t do what we do without you.
Happy New Year from everyone at Ciceley Commercials! 🥂🚛🎆
We’ve received some lovely feedback from a customer who recently visited our Blackburn site.
A big thank you to Amy and Laura for delivering great service and making the visit so positive.🌟
Merry Christmas from everyone at Ciceley Commercials 🎄
Wishing our customers, partners and colleagues a very happy Christmas and thank you for your continued support throughout the year. 🎁✨
🎅🚐 Even Santa needs a little help sometimes…
Our 24-hour Roadside Assistance team is on hand throughout Christmas to keep you moving when the unexpected happens. Whether it’s festive deliveries or essential journeys, we’re here day and night, even over the Christmas period.
Because breakdowns don’t take Christmas off — and neither do we. ❄️
See our website for more details.
Still looking for that last minute gift? 🎄
Did you know we stock a range of Mercedes-Benz Genuine Accessories and Collection items – perfect for those hard-to-buy-for moments?
From stylish gifts like the Mercedes-AMG Monopoly set to practical accessories designed to fit your Mercedes-Benz perfectly, there’s something for every fan of the three-pointed star.
Pop in and speak to the team or give us a call to find the perfect last-minute gift.
01254 697926
www.ciceley.com
Christmas Jumper Day at Ciceley Commercials 🧶🎄
We’ve had a fab time across our sites getting into the festive spirit and raising money for @eastlancshospice 💙
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated and wore their best (and boldest!) Christmas jumpers — all in support of an incredible local charity that does such important work in our community.
Well done team, and thank you for spreading a little Christmas cheer 🎅✨
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 continues to demonstrate what zero-emission transport can achieve, having successfully completed the legendary John O’Groats to Land’s End route in just over 24 hours — the first electric HGV to do so.
Travelling 1,378 km with only three charging stops, the journey showcased the practicality of electric power for long-distance haulage. Running solely on renewable electricity, the 39.5-tonne eActros 600 delivered a range exceeding 500 km per charge, achieved an average efficiency of 1.175 km/kWh, and prevented more than one tonne of CO₂ emissions compared to a diesel equivalent.
This achievement reinforces that electric heavy goods vehicles are already capable of meeting the demands of modern transport operations.
The challenge also supported Globe Truckers UK, helping shine a light on the wellbeing of the drivers who keep our industry moving.
To explore how electric trucks could work for your fleet, speak to the team at Ciceley Commercials today.
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