IMPERIAL orders 300 Mercedes-Benz trucks

IMPERIAL Logistics International is investing in new semi-trailer tractors built by Mercedes-Benz. The basis for purchasing these Actros models is an International Framework Agreement (IFA) between IMPERIAL and Daimler AG. This document was signed at the IMPERIAL fair booth by officers of the two parties on May 6, during the “transport logistic” trade show in Munich.

In the course of a festive ceremony, ranking representatives of the IMPERIAL Logistics International Group and Daimler AG executed an International Framework Agreement on May 6, on the occasion of the “transport logistic” trade show in Munich. The contract provides for IMPERIAL’s purchasing up to 300 prime movers from the Actros series, made by Mercedes-Benz, by the end of 2016. The vehicles, complying with the Euro VI, today’s lowest exhaust emission standard, will be used primarily by the LEHNKERING and PANOPA groups.

“The IFA signed today extends the collaboration between Daimler and LEHNKERING, which was initiated in 2007. At the same time, the cooperation is being expanded to cover the entire IMPERIAL Logistics International Group,” explained Rudiger Buss, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at IMPERIAL Logistics International and CEO of PANOPA Logistik GmbH. Uwe Willhaus, Member of the Management Board at IMPERIAL Logistics International and CEO at the LEHNKERING Group, added: “We accept no compromises in regard to safety whenever we move chemicals. That is why we are one of the first companies in Germany to have an alcohol tester, augmented by an engine immobiliser, installed in each of these new vehicles. Thus we are defining an above-average safety standard, and are more than willing to shoulder the financial expenditure.”

The new low-emission tractors, meeting the Euro VI exhaust standards, are at the cutting edge in regard to technical safety assistants and economy. The Predictive Power Train Control (PPC) system adjusts the cruise control setting and the gear selection to suit the course of the road. Result: Fuel consumption is reduced by up to five percent.

Additional support and safety functions: Proactive braking assistant and driver drowsiness detection, integrated tyre pressure monitoring, LED daytime running lights and adaptive headlights that follow curves, built-in rain and light sensors, as well as a sensor-assisted fifth wheel for convenient hitching.

Rudiger Buss: “We decided on the Actros from Mercedes-Benz because we want to offer our professional drivers an attractive workplace that makes for low-stress, concentrated operations. In view of increasing personnel shortages, a comfortable and ergonomically perfect cab, at least among professional drivers, is one of the decisive arguments when selecting an employer.”

Both parties profit from the frame IFA. The agreement also provides for both flexible financing and run-time models. “All in all, the framework contract guarantees variable fleet financing and thus increased flexibility in the fleet inventory. These are tailored to the differing market conditions for the individual IMPERIAL companies,” explained Ulrich Bastert, sales and marketing manager at Mercedes-Benz Trucks. In addition, Mercedes-Benz, thanks to the new agreement, is able to deliver commercial vehicles at favourable terms to all IMPERIAL companies, including those in other European countries. “Here the entire IMPERIAL Group will profit from simplified and centrally organised vehicle procurement,” Bastert promised.

Among those present at the signing ceremonies were: Carsten Taucke, CEO of IMPERIAL Logistics International, Steffen Bauer, General Manager at LEHNKERING Chemical Transport, PANOPA Fleet Coordinator Manfred Hunold, Oliver Kraft, Manager of Key Client Management at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, as well as Michael Albrecht of Key Client Management at Mercedes-Benz Trucks.