Wettenhalls has marked its centenary with a major fleet investment, welcoming ten new Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks into its national operations. The milestone move represents a blend of tradition and transformation for the iconic transport company, which began delivering dairy products from Colac to Melbourne in 1925—long before refrigerated trailers were even a concept.
The new trucks, all Actros 2653 models, are now working in Queensland and Victoria, supporting the company’s growing operations in both states. Two trucks have been based in Brisbane since April, delivering bread with single trailers, while eight units have joined Wettenhalls’ A-Double operations in Melbourne.
According to Wettenhalls’ Head of Fleet, Marcus Prato, early results are already showing strong fuel economy. “It’s early days, but we are seeing positive gains in fuel consumption and drivers are enjoying the comfort levels,” he said.
The trucks are fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s latest fuel-saving and safety technology, including GPS-enabled cruise control that allows the vehicle to coast in neutral where appropriate and shift gears at the optimal time. These innovations are designed to reduce fuel usage and emissions, while also improving driver comfort and safety.
From bread to building materials, the Actros is well suited to high-utilisation linehaul operations. The new 2653 models are powered by the 13-litre six-cylinder OM471 engine, generating 530hp and paired with a 12-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
For Wettenhalls, the decision wasn’t just about power and performance—it was also about support and safety. “The advanced safety features the Actros offers and support locations were key drivers in Wettenhalls’ purchasing decision,” Prato added.
Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, acknowledged the significance of the announcement. “To see Mercedes-Benz trucks in Wettenhalls colours is very exciting wherever you’re from, but it is particularly special for those of us from western Victoria who understand how iconic this company is in the region.”
The addition of the Actros trucks aligns with Wettenhalls’ long-standing commitment to innovation and customer service. While the technology has come a long way since founder Reginald Amezdroz was adding blocks of ice to cream deliveries, the values of reliability and quality remain firmly intact.
Andrew Assimo, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Daimler Truck Australia Pacific, said he was proud to support Wettenhalls with vehicles that combine cutting-edge emissions technology and operational savings. “We are delighted the Wettenhalls team has given us the opportunity to demonstrate how the Mercedes-Benz Actros can significantly reduce fuel consumption using long-proven Euro 6 technology, while providing the highest levels of safety,” he said.
As Wettenhalls celebrates 100 years of service to Australia’s freight industry, the investment in new Actros trucks highlights the company’s forward-thinking approach and readiness for the next century.
With a legacy rooted in dairy deliveries and a future focused on sustainability and technology, Wettenhalls continues to evolve without forgetting its origins—still proudly serving the same dairy customer it began with in 1925.
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