Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Feb 13, 2009

* Milestone vehicle delivered to the municipal services in Kassel

* Payload of more than ten tonnes, BlueTec and Euro 5

* Ergonomics and economy thanks to low-floor technology

Last year more than 1500 units of the Mercedes-Benz Econic were ordered for the first time. The milestone vehicle has now been delivered to the municipal cleaning services in Kassel. In purchasing this vehicle, the city of Kasselhas now changed over its entire fleet of vehicles, which are used for the disposal of residual waste, bio-waste, bulk refuse, yellow bags and waste paper, to the Mercedes-Benz Econic. With a gross vehicle weight rating of 26 tonnes and a power output of 240 kW (326 hp), the waste disposal vehicle can collect more than ten tonnes per run, such as waste paper for example. The waste collection vehicle is fitted with BlueTec diesel technology and already currently complies with Euro 5 emission standards. “The impressive performance characteristics reflect the city of Kassel’s commitment to participating actively through its own operations in improving the air quality of the city’s urban areas”, according to city mayor Thomas-Erik Junge.


At the same time, the good ergonomics, featuring low entry for the driver and up to three passengers, are also highly appreciated: "The modern low-floor technology reduces accidents that have occurred through personnel jumping from the vehicle in the past", says Stefan Weiland of the municipal cleaning service. Fewer accidents mean lower costs due to less staff absences and as a result better profitability. The convenient, low entry and egress is made possible by a lowered front frame section and the generally low frame height of only 874 mm. The well-conceived cab concept also includes a completely level floor and a folding door with a wide aperture.

As a real specialist for municipal, collection and distribution operations, the Mercedes-Benz Econic had all the attributes that were expected of vehicles operating in special sectors at the time when it was first presented at the "Entsorga"fair in 1998: for waste-disposal vehicles and also for firefighting, airport, tanker, furniture removals, milk collection or heating oil distribution vehicles. For the first time, the low-floor cab with up to four seats provided the conditions for rapid access and egress, plus sufficient space for the driver and crew of a waste-collection vehicle. With sales of more than 8000 units in a good ten years, the Econic has established an outstanding market position for itself and has long become the role model in the competitive lineup.

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