Modern? Not at all. Reliable? Absolutely! In 1962, Jakob Horvat’s L 3000 did not already have more than 20 years on the clock, but had also driven 2,239,000 kilometres on the often rumbling roads of what was then Yugoslavia. Horvat purchased the vehicle in 1940, first driving it on diesel before switching two years later to wood gas due to diesel shortages. The vehicle had already covered 261,000 kilometres and remained loyal to its owner, only having undergone two noteworthy repairs over the years. There was no doubt that Horvat was attached to the vehicle: “I still have all the original parts that were replaced during the repairs” he said. Maybe the old L 3000 is still running today?

Although in Belgium during 1962 around 80% of private households still used coal for heating, “central heating systems in apartment blocks, industrial buildings, etc. are clearly trending towards the use of heating oil,” reported the editorial team. A growing business, for example for Chantier Houiller from Brussels, who opted for the L 312, L 328 and LS 328. According to Operations Manager Weits, an important argument for the fleet adorned with the famous star was the rationalisation of the fleet and the diesel fuel: “The engines of our trucks are in continuous operation every day from seven o’clock to midnight. Between 23 and 25 litres of diesel oil is comparable to the consumption of 55 litres of petrol. [...] The vehicles are overhauled so thoroughly over the summer that no breakdowns occur during the enormous burdens placed on them in wintertime. According to Weits, this is “yet another argument in favour of Mercedes‑Benz vehicles. We hardly have any breakdowns when using your vehicles.”

At Chantier Houiller, rationalisation is also the principle in sales: Property managers and private households can both subscribe to oil deliveries. “An index card is kept for each subscriber, which shows when fuel oil needs to be topped up. [...] The deliveries can be arranged in such a way that the residents of entire streets are all supplied in sequence.”

Completely different liquids are transported by Acide Carbonique Pur (A.C.P.): The company produces carbonic acid, propane gas, and butane gas in five factories. The compressed end products are delivered by the L 328 throughout Belgium. American vehicles were still being used in the war, explained Director General Marquis de Murga, at a time when they were happy to have any trucks at all. For rationalisation reasons, A.C.P. switched to Mercedes‑Benz: “The truck payload corresponds exactly to one day’s delivery. This saves trips and helps to avoid overtime,” says Marquis. The robustness of the vehicles is also factored into the decision: “Repairs? I can’t say anything about that because I never needed any before, even though most vehicles need to cover 40,000 to 50,000 kilometres a year,” says de Murga. All in all, the trucks are a flawless business card – and are also freshly painted every year!

A number of deliveries are already crossing the border: “A Mercedes‑Benz L 312 truck with a payload of 4,600 kg regularly delivers meat products to the Belgian army stationed in Germany. ‘However, we need more than just this vehicle,’ says Director Mertens. ‘We employ three large Mercedes‑Benz vehicles (L 322, LP 322 and LP 312) as well as ten L 319’.”

Experience has borne a passion: “An L 3500 built in 1952 is still running every day on its first engine and with 513,000 kilometres behind it to date.” Mertens continues: “We are extremely demanding when it comes to Mercedes‑Benz’s customer service where we do not accept even the slightest level of carelessness. That’s why we buy Mercedes‑Benz.”

How can we bring it all under one roof: “Because of Daimler‑Benz AG’s completely comprehensive production programme, we just cannot cover the entire programme in every issue. If you would like a detailed description of a model that has not been described, just request it from us. We will promptly answer any questions that you might have.” All the same: An overview provides an idea of the wealth of possibilities.