Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Hannover/Stuttgart, Germany, Sep 25, 2008

* Special-edition Actros one of the highlights at the 2008 International Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover

* Trust Edition's state-of-the-art technology and historical allusions embody unerringly high quality standards of Mercedes-Benz Trucks


Mercedes-Benz Trucks will be appearing at the International Commercial Vehicle Show (IAA) in Hanover backed by the brand promise "Trucks you can trust". One shining example of legendary Mercedes-Benz quality is the "Trust Edition", which promises to be one of the highlights of this year's IAA show. This Actros 1860 model is a special edition that serves as a symbol in many respects. The Trust Edition combines historical design allusions with state-of-the-art technology - a prime example of intrinsic value and sustainability in the truck-building industry.

The green-painted cab and the chassis finished in red, not to mention the bordeaux-red interior appointments, hark back to the classic colours used for commercial vehicles in the economic-miracle years and thus pay homage to the long tradition of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. Chrome elements, high-value details and the finest materials make for quality that people can actually feel and touch. At the heart of the one-off special-edition model is the reliable and economical technology used for the new Actros.

The Trust Edition was produced at Proceda - the renowned construction, modelmaking and design firm based in Weissach, around 20 kilometres west of Stuttgart. "In 15 years of prototype building, we have achieved a great deal. But this was almost without doubt our biggest project", says Proceda team leader Jörg Rudolf. It is immediately apparent that the Trust Edition is something very special indeed - on account of its unique colour combination: classic truck green is paired with satin black aprons and an oxblood-red chassis along with decorative strips in the same colour, all perfectly complemented by the distinct hub caps for the aluminium wheels. The rims of the front and rear wheels are painted in matt black, the hubs in oxblood red. At the front end, meanwhile, the crowning glory is a chrome trim on the grille, which lends the truck a contemporary feel.

Proceda created a special clay model to enable the roof lamp brackets for the auxiliary headlamps to be produced. Likewise, the aerodynamic side panelling for the Trust edition is custom-designed for this model. Other noteworthy features include the perforated sheet-metal catwalk between the cab and the fifth-wheel coupling, the latter boasting a specially designed leather cover. Technical refinements also abound, a case in point being the front camera which is fitted in place of the front mirror. Not to mention the chrome-plated "Trust Edition" lettering on the front-end flap and side panelling.

Cab interior boasting fine leather appointments

Inside the cab, perhaps the most eye-catching feature of all is the opulent dark- red leather adorning the steering wheel, the door panels, the stowage areas and, of course, the seats. "We spent a great deal of time looking for a top-quality product in this classic shade", says Proceda upholsterer Stefan Jörg. He used a special sewing machine to produce the stitching for the distinctive honeycomb design. The Trust Edition carpet on the engine tunnel and the floor mats are equally stylish.

Otherwise the cockpit is finished in black, apart from the surrounds, which are in classic truck green. The bed has an elegant Alcantara cover, also displaying a honeycomb pattern, while captivating chrome highlights feature on the instrument panel. The centre compartment has an aluminium frame. And the "Trust Edition" lettering can once again be seen on the dash support in front of the co-driver's seat. Jörg Rudolf is proud of this exceptional vehicle produced in his workshop: "Everything about it is classic Mercedes: solid, high-quality, reliable. Simply high-class workmanship."








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