Mercedes-Benz Trucks introduces innovations

In comparison to its predecessor, customers can expect up to 5% lower fuel consumption on the advanced Actros range.
Jo-Mare Duddy Booysen
Everyone talks, one delivers. The new Actros.

This is the recently launched claim for Mercedes-Benz Actros and with the new truck crowned International Truck of the Year 2020, it is clear that the brand is living up to its claim.

It was November 2019, when specialist commercial vehicle journalists from Europe, South Africa, Russia, Brazil, Australia and China voted the Mercedes-Benz Actros Truck of the Year for the fifth time since the first generation.

In line with the jury rules, the title is awarded annually to the truck that makes the biggest contribution towards road transport innovations that are advantageous to the economy, emissions, safety, drivability and comfort of vehicles.

“We are very proud and excited to introduce this phenomenal truck in the year in which it essentially holds the Global Truck of the Year title. This is not only historic for our market, but validates our progressive efforts to close the gap between our local and international product offerings, states Michael Dietz: CEO Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa.

Introducing over sixty-four new technological features and advancements on the Actros, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is undoubtedly committed to the ongoing development of its products to ensure lower total costs, greater safety, and maximised use for customers.

“Approximately two years ago, we launched the fourth generation Actros with resounding market success and today we are extremely honoured to fulfil our promise to expediently introduce the latest technology on the range without further delay”, says Maretha Gerber: head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

Fuel consumption

In comparison to its predecessor, customers can expect up to 5% lower fuel consumption on the advanced Actros range, of which the biggest contributor is the Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC). Mercedes-Benz Trucks is advancing trucking into a new dimension of fuel-saving driving with this technological feature. Depending on the traffic situation ahead, PPC can realise significant fuel savings.

In addition to a satellite-based positioning system, PPC uses accurate digital road maps that contain data on topography, which means the truck knows the road and route profile ahead. This allows the new Actros to employ an anticipatory driving style, saving as much fuel as possible and ensuring optimal driver support.

PPC requires precise 3D Map data for effective deployment of functionality and it is in this breath that Daimler Trucks made a notable investment to ensure all primary routes and most of the secondary routes in South Africa are mapped prior to the launch of this truck. This certainly signifies the importance of this market to the Daimler Trucks organisation.

Core features

In addition, four other core features stand out on the Actros as follows:

The MirrorCam: for the first time in a mass-produced truck, the MirrorCam replaces the conventional main and wide-angle mirror with a camera system. The MirrorCam improves safety and maneuverability.

Multimedia Cockpit: Revolutionises the Human Machine Interface (HMI) - immediately eye-catching inside the cab is the new Multimedia Cockpit. The neatly arranged and clear display informs the driver about all essential driving and operating states, as well as the actions performed by Active Brake Assist 5, Predictive Powertrain Control and other driver assistance systems.

Active Brake Assist 5: The new Active Brake Assist 5 affords greater safety for pedestrians. Active Brake Assist 5 is now capable of carrying out emergency braking when encountering pedestrians crossing its path, approaching from the front or walking across. If Active Brake Assist 5 detects a risk of collision with a vehicle travelling ahead, a stationary obstacle or a moving pedestrian, the driver is alerted of the danger by a threestage escalating warning system.

Mercedes-Benz Uptime: Reliability is essential for any fleet owner or manager. With the aim of greater vehicle availability, Mercedes-Benz Uptime offers an innovative service product for customers of Mercedes-Benz Trucks through intelligent vehicle networking in real time and through intensive customer care.

Benefitting directly from the innovations available in the new Actros is the new Arocs range.

Initially introduced in 2019, Arocs has set the benchmark in reliability, efficiency and safety within the distribution segment, while raising the bar in relation to reliability, robustness and bodybuilder friendliness within the construction segment.

Six new models have been added to the existing range, comprising three freight carries (the Arocs 3336/48, the Arocs 3340/48 and the Arocs 3352/45), an 8x4 tipper (the Arocs 4145K/51) and two all-wheel drives off road vehicles (the Arocs 1845AE/45 and the Arocs 3345AE/45). - MotorPress

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Namibian Sun 2024-04-27

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