Home FleetWatch 2016 MBSA hands over 101 Actros trucks to Bakers

MBSA hands over 101 Actros trucks to Bakers

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This impressive aerial view shows what 101 Actros trucks look like when grouped together. It was this fleet that was handed over to Bakers SA Limited by Mercedes-Benz Trucks at the Shongweni Equestrian Club last week. That’s one ‘moebi’ order.

In one of its largest fleet deals concluded to date, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has handed over 101 Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks to Bakers SA Limited, an independently owned transport and logistics services company based in Pietermaritzburg, KZN. In an unprecedented move, all 101 trucks were presented to Bakers SA Limited at the Shongweni Equestrian Club last week.

The handover serves to reiterate the decades-long relationship between Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA), of which Daimler Trucks and Buses forms a part, and Bakers SA Limited, which has operated a 99% Mercedes-Benz trucks fleet since its inception in the seventies.

“This is the single biggest order Bakers SA Limited has concluded with Mercedes-Benz Trucks and as in the past, we are sure we will reap the benefits,” says Abdool Tayob, Chairman of Bakers SA Limited.

An impressive sight as part of the convoy of 101 Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks made their way to the Shongweni Equestrian Club for the official handover.
An impressive sight as part of the convoy of 101 Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks made their way to the Shongweni Equestrian Club for the official handover.

Commenting on why Bakers is so loyal to the brand, Tayob says there are a number of advantages. “From a technical side, the trucks’ reliability, improved safety and low fuel consumption mean we could not have made a better choice. I have to add that the relationship we have with both MBSA and our local dealer Mercedes-Benz Garden City Commercials means that we received the best deal possible. That is why we decided on an all-inclusive package with all the value chain partners: FleetBoard, CharterWay and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. We look forward to even more success from this relationship,” says Tayob.

Kobus van Zyl, Executive Director: Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa, says it is no coincidence that as Daimler Trucks & Buses (DT&B), their aim is very much in line with Bakers’ mission.

It was smiles all round as the management of Bakers SA Limited, Daimler Trucks and Buses and Mercedes-Benz Garden City Commercials gathered for the symbolic key handover of the 101 Actros trucks. What a great occasion for all.
It was smiles all round as the management of Bakers SA Limited, Daimler Trucks and Buses and Mercedes-Benz Garden City Commercials gathered for the symbolic key handover of the 101 Actros trucks. What a great occasion for all.

“We want to be the benchmark commercial vehicle solutions provider that makes a real difference in the lives of our stakeholders. This includes everyone from our shareholders to customers and the various charities we support. This alignment is one of the major reasons this relationship will continue to move forward at such a rapid pace,” he says, adding that this landmark transaction has been the result of a rock-solid relationship between Bakers SA Limited and DT&B.

“By continuing to focus on our two core strategic business pillars –Best people and Operational Excellence – we continue to be the supplier of choice for ever-growing businesses such as Bakers,” he adds.

FleetWatch correspondent Dave Scott attended the handover and his take on this deal will be published in our next FleetWatch eMag. In the meantime, it’s a huge congratulations to Bakers SA Limited, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and of course, the dealer, Mercedes-Benz Garden City Commercials, on this magnificent deal. What a stunner!