In one of its largest fleet deals concluded to date, Mercedes-Benz Trucks handed over 101 Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks to Bakers SA Limited, an independently owned transport and logistics services company, based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. In an unprecedented move, all 101 trucks were presented to Bakers SA Limited at the Shongweni Equestrian Club, on 20 April 2016.
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 99% Mercedes-Benz trucks since its inception in the seventies.
“This is the single biggest order that Bakers SA Limited has concluded with Mercedes-Benz Trucks, and as in the past, we are sure that we will reap the benefits,” said Abdul Tayob, Chairman of Bakers SA Limited.
“There are a number of advantages that make us so loyal to the brand. 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,” added Tayob.
“It is no coincidence that as Daimler Trucks & Buses (DT&B), our aim is very much in line with Bakers’ mission. 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,” said Kobus van Zyl, Executive Director: Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa.
“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,” added Van Zyl.
