MJ Slater reaches twin peaks of exclusivity with awesome Actros Edition 2s from Ciceley Commercials
Cumbria’s MJ Slater is holding a pair of aces in the shape of two stunning, limited-edition Mercedes-Benz tractor units.
Just 400 Actros Edition 2s have been built for customers worldwide, and of these a handful reached the UK. Only by getting its order in very early was MJ Slater able to bag a brace.
Having set its first Edition 2 on the road late last year, the Carlisle-based operator has now taken delivery of the second. Both arrived via the local branch of Dealer Ciceley Commercials.
Long-serving drivers David Johnston and Leszek Kozyra have been entrusted with MJ Slater’s new flagships – and earned instant bragging rights among colleagues who all enjoy top-class, highly specified trucks. The fleet also includes a three-year-old unit from the previous Actros1 line of limited-run Mercedes-Benz ‘specials’.
One of the best-looking trucks on the road, the Mercedes-Benz Actros Edition 2 showcases the manufacturer’s industry-leading efficiency and safety technology, while simultaneously elevating driver appeal to a new level.
Mick Slater“The final, and possibly most important, piece of the jigsaw, is the excellent relationship we enjoy with Ciceley Commercials. Sales Executive Mike Ferguson knows our business and understands our requirements very well, while his service department colleagues will always do their utmost to carry out any work on our vehicles at times that best suit our busy operating schedule."
Established in 1988, MJ Slater offers general and specialised haulage services, as well as next-day deliveries. Its nine trucks, the majority of which are from Mercedes-Benz, operate throughout the UK, hauling mainly steel and concrete for importers, manufacturers and stockholders, and working with standard, extendable, urban flatbed and Euroliner trailers.
Its latest trucks are easily recognisable thanks to their Moonstone Grey grilles and sun visors – each incorporating four additional LED headlights – above which are deep black panels with EDITION 2 lettering. Other external highlights include illuminated three-pointed stars in dark chrome with black closed covers, gloss black trim, stainless steel entrance steps, three more LED headlights behind the cab, and chassis frame covers.
Their Gigaspace cabs, meanwhile, are every bit as eye-catching on the inside. An abundance of stitched black Nappa leather contrasts with dashboard components in carbon. There are sliding and tilting sunroofs, eight colours of ambient lighting, and drivers’ suspension seats that incorporate climate and massage functions.
The trucks also boast rear wall locker systems complete with microwave ovens and flat screen TVs, while a brushed and polished aluminium badge on the co-driver’s side hails each Edition 2 as “One of 400”.
“We don’t hold back when it comes to choosing the best, most highly appointed trucks for our drivers,” said Managing Director Mick Slater. “We consider it only fair, as they spend so much time in their vehicles.
“Our work means the lads are almost always away all week, every week – they spend more time in the cab than they do at home, so we want to make the living experience as comfortable as possible for them.”
David Johnston, driver of the first Edition 2, said: “It’s a fantastic truck, with lots of space and a real luxury feel. Unsurprisingly, it draws a lot of attention and admiration from other drivers out on the road.”
Leszek Kozyra added: “My new cab has all the home comforts I could wish for and it looks great too. The Edition 2 is a real driver’s truck.”
The new units lead the way when it comes to safety and efficiency as well. MirrorCam, Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ pioneering alternative to conventional mirrors, is fitted as standard on all Actros. So, too, are the latest version of Predictive Powertrain Control, which manages gear changes to optimise fuel economy, and Active Brake Assist 5, the emergency braking system that outperforms its rivals, particularly in its responses to pedestrians stepping into the vehicle’s path.
Edition 2 drivers also benefit from the upgraded interactive version of the radical, twin-screen Multimedia Cockpit, which boasts a larger, 12in instrument panel and comes with extra functionality, including satellite navigation. Other items on the lengthy specification list include Proximity Control Assist, Bi-xenon headlamps with a cleaning system, and LED tail-lights.
“They’re such smart-looking trucks and very good on fuel too, even with loads that are always heavy and usually far from aerodynamic,” continued Mick Slater.
“All of this explains why, since we bought our first Actros in 2012, Mercedes-Benz has gone on to claim the lion’s share of our fleet. We also have another highly specified tractor on order from Ciceley Commercials, which is due for delivery in the autumn.”
MJ Slater boasts a strong family ethos – Mick Slater’s wife Angela runs the office, and son Callum and son-in-law Samuel are drivers. Edition 2 driver David Johnston, meanwhile, is the uncle of Traffic Manager John Johnston.
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Great feedback for our Blackburn Service Team!⭐️
A huge thank you to the customer for their fantastic feedback, you can read more of our testimonials here: https://www.ciceley.com/testimonials/
The Mercedes-Benz diesel van range is built to keep your business moving. From the compact Citan to the versatile Vito and award-winning Sprinter, we’ve got the perfect van for every job.
🔥 Exclusive offers available now:
✅ Citan from £185* per month
✅ Vito from £395* + VAT per month
✅ Sprinter from £609* + VAT per month
✅ Up to 30 years’ Roadside Assistance with MobiloVan
Don’t miss out — these deals are only available while stocks last!
https://www.ciceley.com/ciceley-vans/offers/diesel-offers/
*Terms and conditions apply, please see our website for more information.
Exciting News!
We’re thrilled to announce that we’re expanding into Scotland with a brand-new Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus dealership at Eurocentral! 🙌
As a proud family-run business, we’ve spent over 50 years supporting operators with exceptional service, strong relationships, and continued investment in the future. This new site marks an exciting new chapter for us — bringing our people-first approach and trusted Mercedes-Benz expertise to a whole new region.
The Eurocentral dealership will feature:
🔧 12 workshop bays
🚛 Full sales, service & parts facilities for Mercedes-Benz trucks
🚌 Service and parts facilities for Mercedes-Benz buses
🧰 An Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) lane
👷 Around 40 new local jobs
Construction starts soon, with a temporary workshop opening mid-2026 and the full dealership launching autumn 2026.
Read the full story on our website.
🚛 Ciceley Commercials Joins the Actros L ProCabin Tour! 🚛
Yesterday we joined Mercedes-Benz Trucks at Route 74 Truckstop, Glasgow, for the Actros L ProCabin Tour — giving drivers the chance to step inside the next generation of comfort and innovation.
The Actros L ProCabin is more than just a truck – it’s a workspace, a rest space, and a tech hub on wheels.
✨ Here’s what makes it stand out:
🖥️ Digital Cockpit & MirrorCam for ultimate visibility
🪑 Ergonomic Design built for all-day comfort
🔋 Outstanding Efficiency that delivers every mile
We loved seeing everyone who stopped by to take a look inside, chat with the team, and experience the future of trucking first-hand.
Go further, cleaner, and quieter with the Mercedes-Benz electric van range. Whether it’s the eCitan, eVito, or eSprinter, enjoy zero-emission driving, impressive range, and fast charging times — all with premium Mercedes-Benz quality.
✅ The eCitan from £249* + VAT per month
✅ The eVito from £495* + VAT per month
✅ The eSprinter from £595* + VAT per month
Including:
4 FREE services
Up to 30 years’ Roadside Assistance with MobiloVan
8-year / 100,000-mile battery warranty
Switch to electric today and keep your business moving sustainably! See our website for more details.
*Terms and conditions apply, please see our website for more information.
🐝 From Hive to Jar! 🍯
Today we visited @eastlancshospice with our Beekeeper John to watch how he turns our MerceBEES hard work into delicious honey! 🌼
It was fantastic to share the experience with the hospice’s staff and patients, showing how the honeycomb is spun, sieved, and jarred to create the finished product.
This year, we’re proud to be selling our Ciceley honey with all profits donated to our charity partner, East Lancashire Hospice – supporting the incredible work they do every day. 💛
Our MerceBEES have been busy since we first introduced four hives and 320,000 bees to our Blackburn and Darwen sites as part of our ongoing sustainability journey. 🐝
🏁 On 5th September, our all-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 completed the 2025 EV Rally, driving from West Bromwich to Tatton Park, Cheshire ⚡🚛.
Along the way we:
☕ Recharged at Peak View Tea Rooms
🚚 Stopped at Sixt Van & Truck, Eccles
☀️ Showcased clean energy at Chamber House Solar Farm, Rochdale
🌳 And crossed the finish line at Tatton Park
Covering 248km fully loaded at 40t, the eActros 600 proved its range, efficiency, and cost savings – highlighting that zero-emission trucking isn’t the future, it’s here today. Get in touch with the team to put the eActros to the test
#evrally #explorer #collaboration #solarpower
✨ Another fantastic review for our Blackburn team! ✨
We’re proud to provide a service that makes things simple, stress-free and reliable for our customers.
Read more of our customer reviews here: https://www.ciceley.com/testimonials/
🍂 Autumn is here, and so are the chilly mornings!
Did you know that with the Mercedes-Benz app, you can pre-heat your electric Mercedes-Benz van before you even step outside?
✅ Warm and comfortable from the moment you get in
✅ Defrosted windows without scraping ice
All managed straight from your phone, giving you convenience and comfort whatever the weather.
❄️ A smart way to start your day as we head into winter.
⚽ Ciceley Takes on the Vantasy Football League! ⚽
Today, our Ciceley football team proudly represented us at the Mercedes-Benz Vantasy Football League at none other than St George’s Park – the home of England football!
Competing alongside eight teams made up of van drivers and Mercedes-Benz Van dealers from across the country, our squad battled hard and made it all the way to the semi-finals, finishing an impressive 3rd place overall! 🥉💪
The Vantasy Football initiative is about more than just football – it’s a fantastic campaign supporting mental health awareness for van drivers, many of whom work in isolating roles. We`re proud to support this important cause. 💙
A huge shout out to our amazing team:
Rob Claringbold, Gary Bridge, Jack Burgess, Matthew Coombe, Alex Lewis, Lee Holden, and Damian Holroyd – a brilliant mix from across our Sales, Service, IT, Accounts and Management teams.
Well played, team! 👏⚽
https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/vans/vantasy-football.html
#VantasyFootball #MercedesBenzVans #MentalHealthAwareness #TeamCiceley #StGeorgesPark #VanLife #FootballForGood
🌍 Tomorrow we’ll be at GreenFleet LIVE! 2025 in Rochdale!
Come and see us to explore the latest in electric vans and sustainable fleet solutions — and chat with our team about how we can support your journey to net zero. ⚡🚛
We’re looking forward to meeting fleet, transport and sustainability professionals from across the UK. See you there!
#GreenFleetLIVE #ElectricVehicles #CleanFleet #NetZero #LCV #Sustainability #CiceleyCommercials
☀️ Our eActros 400 has been out and about in sunny Scotland yesterday, with driver training sessions led by Jordan Lowe and Richard.
Great to see more drivers getting behind the wheel and experiencing the future of fully electric transport first-hand! ⚡🚛
#eActros #ElectricTrucks #DrivingTheFuture #CiceleyCommercials
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