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Seven Mercedes-Benz Actros vehicles tackle airport winter service operations
South Korea's largest airport, Incheon, has expanded its fleet of winter service vehicles with the addition of a further seven Actros models from Mercedes-Benz. Handed over in the middle of February to Jae-Sun Ryu, the airport's Deputy Executive Director, the vehicles bring the total number of Mercedes-Benz Actros models in service at the modern airport to 28. The Mercedes-Benz Actros vehicles are fitted with CJS-type sweeper units from Aebi Schmidt. With a clearing width of up to 3560 mm, they are able to clear snow and ice from areas of the South Korean airport with the aid of snow ploughs, roller brushes and high-pressure blowers.
The 28 vehicles feature all-wheel drive and hydraulically-steered rear axles, making them ideal for driving on snow-covered surfaces. The Actros models are responsible for clearing snow from the apron areas, the four take-off and landing runways, and also the cargo areas. The international airport has again been voted the most modern and customer-friendly airport in the world. The winter service fleet from Mercedes-Benz contributes towards ensuring that each year more than 33 million passengers are able to enjoy reliable and punctual airport services, even in winter.
Incheon Airport is South Korea's largest airport and also one of the largest in Asia. The airport was opened in 2001 and last year was voted for the sixth time in a row as the airport with the world's best quality of service. In addition to 33 million passengers, each year the airport also transports around 2.7 million tons of air freight.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The 28 vehicles feature all-wheel drive and hydraulically-steered rear axles, making them ideal for driving on snow-covered surfaces. The Actros models are responsible for clearing snow from the apron areas, the four take-off and landing runways, and also the cargo areas. The international airport has again been voted the most modern and customer-friendly airport in the world. The winter service fleet from Mercedes-Benz contributes towards ensuring that each year more than 33 million passengers are able to enjoy reliable and punctual airport services, even in winter.
Incheon Airport is South Korea's largest airport and also one of the largest in Asia. The airport was opened in 2001 and last year was voted for the sixth time in a row as the airport with the world's best quality of service. In addition to 33 million passengers, each year the airport also transports around 2.7 million tons of air freight.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
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Leading Brazilian Construction Firm Adds 115 Mercedes-Benz Trucks to Its Fleet
Mercedes-Benz do Brasil continues to register a high level of orders for medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks. One of Brazil’s largest construction companies, Camargo Corrêa has now ordered 115 Mercedes-Benz trucks in order to upgrade its fleet. The order encompasses a wide range of products, including medium-duty Atego, heavy-duty Axor and Actros trucks. As part of the government’s Growth Acceleration Program (“Programa de Aceleração do Crescimento”/PAC), Camargo Corrêa is currently involved in a number of infrastructure projects for expansion of roads and rail systems. Brazil is preparing for 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics.
“Demand continues to be on a historically high level for our commercial vehicles in Latin America,” says Hubertus Troska, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks Europe and Latin America. “We are answering this demand with a state-of-the-art product range of trucks, buses, and light commercial vehicles. Our lineup includes modern BlueTec 5 technology and fulfills the PROCONVE P-7 emissions standard, which is comparable to Euro V and will go into effect in Brazil in January 2012.”
Camargo Corrêa is using Mercedes-Benz trucks so that it can make sustainable and rapid headway with its construction and infra-structure projects. In addition to 60 heavy-duty Actros 4844 8x4 and nine heavy-duty Axor 3344 6x4 dump trucks for transport of stone and earth, Camargo Corrêa is purchasing ten medium-duty Atego 1725 4x4 and 36 medium-duty FPN cab-over-engine models for the Latin American market. The Atego and FPN models will be used for construction support, including material transport and maintenance operations.
The Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks acquired by Camargo Corrêa are equipped with Mercedes-Benz’ innovative Fleetboard fleet manage-ment system. Fleetboard can reduce fuel consumption by up to ten percent by analyzing driver behavior and providing information on how to achieve better performance through an economical and preventive driving style.
“Our purchase decision took into consideration the durability of the components, the strength of the engines, the high load capacity, and all the other things that the brand offers in its vehicles,” says Carlos Maximiliano de Souza, Supply Manager at Camargo Corrêa. “A big contractor like Camargo Corrêa doesn’t want to buy only a truck, but a complete set — from the beginning to the end, as it should be in a partnership.”
Jürgen Ziegler, President of Mercedes-Benz do Brasil and CEO for Latin America, explains the good order situation as follows: “Our products stand for high performance, reliability, and durability. We offer outstanding value and can greatly boost the efficiency of our customers’ transport activities and increase their profitability.”
Mercedes-Benz do Brasil
Mercedes-Benz do Brasil is the biggest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in Latin America. Its São Bernardo do Campo plant is Daimler’s biggest outside of Germany, and the only one where trucks, bus chassis, powertrains (including engines, transmissions, and axles) and truck cabs are produced at a single location.
Another facility is located in Juiz de Fora, which is also part of Mercedes-Benz’ global commercial vehicle production network. Starting in early 2012, the plant will also produce Mercedes-Benz Actros heavy-duty and Accelo light-duty trucks for the Latin American market in order to fully exploit future growth potential.
One of Brazil’s biggest construction companies
With its 42,000 employees, Camargo Corrêa is one of Brazil’s largest construction companies. It also operates internationally in other South American countries.
Over the past 71 years, the major construction firm has gained extensive experience in numerous infrastructure projects. The company is currently involved in a variety of PAC projects for construction and maintenance of public works, such as bridges, roads, railroad tracks, subways, and much more. Camargo Corrêa has also participated in major Brazilian public works projects, including the São Paulo subway and the airports of Brasilia and Guarulhos.





Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
“Demand continues to be on a historically high level for our commercial vehicles in Latin America,” says Hubertus Troska, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks Europe and Latin America. “We are answering this demand with a state-of-the-art product range of trucks, buses, and light commercial vehicles. Our lineup includes modern BlueTec 5 technology and fulfills the PROCONVE P-7 emissions standard, which is comparable to Euro V and will go into effect in Brazil in January 2012.”
Camargo Corrêa is using Mercedes-Benz trucks so that it can make sustainable and rapid headway with its construction and infra-structure projects. In addition to 60 heavy-duty Actros 4844 8x4 and nine heavy-duty Axor 3344 6x4 dump trucks for transport of stone and earth, Camargo Corrêa is purchasing ten medium-duty Atego 1725 4x4 and 36 medium-duty FPN cab-over-engine models for the Latin American market. The Atego and FPN models will be used for construction support, including material transport and maintenance operations.
The Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks acquired by Camargo Corrêa are equipped with Mercedes-Benz’ innovative Fleetboard fleet manage-ment system. Fleetboard can reduce fuel consumption by up to ten percent by analyzing driver behavior and providing information on how to achieve better performance through an economical and preventive driving style.
“Our purchase decision took into consideration the durability of the components, the strength of the engines, the high load capacity, and all the other things that the brand offers in its vehicles,” says Carlos Maximiliano de Souza, Supply Manager at Camargo Corrêa. “A big contractor like Camargo Corrêa doesn’t want to buy only a truck, but a complete set — from the beginning to the end, as it should be in a partnership.”
Jürgen Ziegler, President of Mercedes-Benz do Brasil and CEO for Latin America, explains the good order situation as follows: “Our products stand for high performance, reliability, and durability. We offer outstanding value and can greatly boost the efficiency of our customers’ transport activities and increase their profitability.”
Mercedes-Benz do Brasil
Mercedes-Benz do Brasil is the biggest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in Latin America. Its São Bernardo do Campo plant is Daimler’s biggest outside of Germany, and the only one where trucks, bus chassis, powertrains (including engines, transmissions, and axles) and truck cabs are produced at a single location.
Another facility is located in Juiz de Fora, which is also part of Mercedes-Benz’ global commercial vehicle production network. Starting in early 2012, the plant will also produce Mercedes-Benz Actros heavy-duty and Accelo light-duty trucks for the Latin American market in order to fully exploit future growth potential.
One of Brazil’s biggest construction companies
With its 42,000 employees, Camargo Corrêa is one of Brazil’s largest construction companies. It also operates internationally in other South American countries.
Over the past 71 years, the major construction firm has gained extensive experience in numerous infrastructure projects. The company is currently involved in a variety of PAC projects for construction and maintenance of public works, such as bridges, roads, railroad tracks, subways, and much more. Camargo Corrêa has also participated in major Brazilian public works projects, including the São Paulo subway and the airports of Brasilia and Guarulhos.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
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New Actros takes “European Transport Sustainability Prize 2012” award
The new Mercedes Benz Actros has taken the “European Transport Sustainability Prize 2012” award in the “Trucks from 7.5 tonnes” category. This is the first year the prize sponsored by the Huss-Verlag publishing house has been awarded. The jury statement highlighted the vehicle’s low fuel consumption, which was achieved in spite of the technology measures required to meet the Euro VI standard.
New Actros fulfils the Euro VI standard
This makes Mercedes-Benz the first supplier to develop a truck that meets the future Euro VI exhaust emissions standard. This achievement includes an 80-percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions.
Mercedes-Benz truck sets fuel economy record
The development objective for the new Actros was to reduce fuel consumption in spite of the Euro VI technology requirements. The current Actros 1844 LS was already the record-holder as the world’s most economical series-produced truck in this context. When the two models went head-to-head in a “record run” in summer 2011, the new Actros 1845 BlueTec 6 with Euro VI technology recorded fuel consumption of 25.9 litres / 100 km, 4.5 percent better than the existing record-holder. The new Actros BlueTec 5 with Euro V technology posted an amazing 25.1 litres / 100 km, 7.6 percent below the existing record. The FleetBoard telematics system fitted as standard equipment makes economic driving even easier.
Additional safety features and enhanced driving comfort
As well as offering better fuel economy and Euro VI compliance, the new model also features a stronger focus on safety. Integrated tyre pressure monitoring for the entire vehicle train reduces the risk of blow-outs, and optimum braking performance is ensured with a new water retarder. A Proximity Control assist with stop-and-go function and mirror with manoeuvring function enhance both safety and driver comfort.
These progressive features and compliance with the future Euro VI exhaust emissions standard have made the new Actros a worthy winner of the European sustainability prize sponsored by the Munich-based Huss-Verlag publishing house. Huss-Verlag has established this prize, awarded in 11 categories, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary. The firm is mainly a publisher of trade magazines in the transport and logistics sector.
The prize for the Mercedes-Benz Actros was handed to Daimler Trucks Worldwide Product Engineering Manager Georg Weiberg by Bernhard Kerscher, Managing Director of TÜV Süd Auto Service, at the German Museum in Munich.
In the words of Georg Weiberg: “We in Daimler Trucks are absolutely delighted with our victory, and we are deeply grateful to Huss-Verlag for this award. We see the prize as further confirmation that with the Actros we are already able to offer the customer a truck for the future, equipped with Euro VI technology. Our aim is to establish the new Actros in the marketplace as a worldwide best-seller on the basis of its fuel economy and safety performance.”
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
New Actros fulfils the Euro VI standard
This makes Mercedes-Benz the first supplier to develop a truck that meets the future Euro VI exhaust emissions standard. This achievement includes an 80-percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions.
Mercedes-Benz truck sets fuel economy record
The development objective for the new Actros was to reduce fuel consumption in spite of the Euro VI technology requirements. The current Actros 1844 LS was already the record-holder as the world’s most economical series-produced truck in this context. When the two models went head-to-head in a “record run” in summer 2011, the new Actros 1845 BlueTec 6 with Euro VI technology recorded fuel consumption of 25.9 litres / 100 km, 4.5 percent better than the existing record-holder. The new Actros BlueTec 5 with Euro V technology posted an amazing 25.1 litres / 100 km, 7.6 percent below the existing record. The FleetBoard telematics system fitted as standard equipment makes economic driving even easier.
Additional safety features and enhanced driving comfort
As well as offering better fuel economy and Euro VI compliance, the new model also features a stronger focus on safety. Integrated tyre pressure monitoring for the entire vehicle train reduces the risk of blow-outs, and optimum braking performance is ensured with a new water retarder. A Proximity Control assist with stop-and-go function and mirror with manoeuvring function enhance both safety and driver comfort.
These progressive features and compliance with the future Euro VI exhaust emissions standard have made the new Actros a worthy winner of the European sustainability prize sponsored by the Munich-based Huss-Verlag publishing house. Huss-Verlag has established this prize, awarded in 11 categories, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary. The firm is mainly a publisher of trade magazines in the transport and logistics sector.
The prize for the Mercedes-Benz Actros was handed to Daimler Trucks Worldwide Product Engineering Manager Georg Weiberg by Bernhard Kerscher, Managing Director of TÜV Süd Auto Service, at the German Museum in Munich.
In the words of Georg Weiberg: “We in Daimler Trucks are absolutely delighted with our victory, and we are deeply grateful to Huss-Verlag for this award. We see the prize as further confirmation that with the Actros we are already able to offer the customer a truck for the future, equipped with Euro VI technology. Our aim is to establish the new Actros in the marketplace as a worldwide best-seller on the basis of its fuel economy and safety performance.”
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
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New Mercedes-Benz Actros voted “Truck Of The Year 2012”
On the occasion of the international specialist trade fair “Trailer 2011” in Kortrijk, Belgium, an international expert jury awarded the new Mercedes-Benz Actros the title of “Truck Of The Year 2012”. The industry journalists, coming from 24 European countries and specialised in commercial vehicles, voted the flagship from the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle fleet the best truck of the year for the fourth time. This brilliant career began back in 1997 with the first Actros, whose successors were also able to secure victory in the competition again in 2004 and 2009.
Having won a total of eight titles, Mercedes-Benz is now the most successful brand in the competition for this prize that rewards technological advancement, the fundamental criterium in the selection process carried out by the Truck Of The Year Jury. Last year at the IAA International Motor Show in Hannover, the Mercedes-Benz Atego was honoured with the title of “Truck Of The Year 2011”.
Gianenrico Griffini, the president of the jury, commented the victory of the Actros: “With their new flagship, Mercedes-Benz have combined evolutionary elements with revolutionary new developments that raise the bar for efficiency, safety and comfort in a heavy-duty vehicle.”
According to the rules of the jury, the title is awarded yearly to the truck that has made the greatest contribution towards innovations for road transportation in the fields of economy, emissions, safety, driveability and comfort. Polling a total of 161 points, the Mercedes-Benz Actros won the contest, far ahead of the runner-up, with 67 points, while the third-placed contestant followed with 50 points. With this exceptionally high score the experts aknowledged the pioneering technology featured by the Actros.
Hubertus Troska, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, received the award at the Mercedes-Benz Symposium in Kortijk, Belgium. He said: “We are proud that the Truck Of The Year Jury has confirmed our efforts with this honour. Because over 10 years of dedicated effort and a lot of passion, heart and soul on the part of the entire team went into the making of the new Actros. The Actros is set to be our most important truck for the coming years, and this was a great motivation for us at Mercedes-Benz to create a milestone in this sector.”
Strong points of the Actros: economy, driving dynamics and comfort
The new Actros is uncompromisingly economically efficient, comfortable, safe and environmentally-compatible. Its new design enhances the attractiveness of this new Mercedes-Benz flagship. With over 700,000 units sold since its launch in 1996, the Actros is the most successful heavy-duty truck in the world.
The new Actros was redeveloped from scratch. This made it possible to further improve on the successful truck model. On the one hand the vehicle benefits operators’ bottom line by cutting fuel consumption and reduces the strain on drivers by boosting handling and ride comfort; on the other hand it already today meets the stringent Euro VI emissions limits. Compared to the previous well-proven Actros, the new model consumes 6 to 7 percent less in its Euro V version, and 3 to 4 percent less in the Euro VI variant.
The generously-dimensioned cab of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros sets standards in terms of spaciousness and ergonomics, quality of materials and equipment. The driver’s cab is workplace, lounge area, living room and sleeping area all rolled into one. The ergonomically-designed living-space corner and the entirely new bed concept fascinate drivers, as does the overall cab volume, which has been increased even further over previous models.
The new Actros is the result of over 22 million road test kilometres and investments in development and production technology amounting to more than two billion euros. A product launch of this magnitude takes place only about once every fifteen years in the commercial vehicle sector.
With this result Daimler fulfils its commitment to combine, in the new Actros, compliance with further improved environmental compatibility and enhanced economic performance.



Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Having won a total of eight titles, Mercedes-Benz is now the most successful brand in the competition for this prize that rewards technological advancement, the fundamental criterium in the selection process carried out by the Truck Of The Year Jury. Last year at the IAA International Motor Show in Hannover, the Mercedes-Benz Atego was honoured with the title of “Truck Of The Year 2011”.
Gianenrico Griffini, the president of the jury, commented the victory of the Actros: “With their new flagship, Mercedes-Benz have combined evolutionary elements with revolutionary new developments that raise the bar for efficiency, safety and comfort in a heavy-duty vehicle.”
According to the rules of the jury, the title is awarded yearly to the truck that has made the greatest contribution towards innovations for road transportation in the fields of economy, emissions, safety, driveability and comfort. Polling a total of 161 points, the Mercedes-Benz Actros won the contest, far ahead of the runner-up, with 67 points, while the third-placed contestant followed with 50 points. With this exceptionally high score the experts aknowledged the pioneering technology featured by the Actros.
Hubertus Troska, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, received the award at the Mercedes-Benz Symposium in Kortijk, Belgium. He said: “We are proud that the Truck Of The Year Jury has confirmed our efforts with this honour. Because over 10 years of dedicated effort and a lot of passion, heart and soul on the part of the entire team went into the making of the new Actros. The Actros is set to be our most important truck for the coming years, and this was a great motivation for us at Mercedes-Benz to create a milestone in this sector.”
Strong points of the Actros: economy, driving dynamics and comfort
The new Actros is uncompromisingly economically efficient, comfortable, safe and environmentally-compatible. Its new design enhances the attractiveness of this new Mercedes-Benz flagship. With over 700,000 units sold since its launch in 1996, the Actros is the most successful heavy-duty truck in the world.
The new Actros was redeveloped from scratch. This made it possible to further improve on the successful truck model. On the one hand the vehicle benefits operators’ bottom line by cutting fuel consumption and reduces the strain on drivers by boosting handling and ride comfort; on the other hand it already today meets the stringent Euro VI emissions limits. Compared to the previous well-proven Actros, the new model consumes 6 to 7 percent less in its Euro V version, and 3 to 4 percent less in the Euro VI variant.
The generously-dimensioned cab of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros sets standards in terms of spaciousness and ergonomics, quality of materials and equipment. The driver’s cab is workplace, lounge area, living room and sleeping area all rolled into one. The ergonomically-designed living-space corner and the entirely new bed concept fascinate drivers, as does the overall cab volume, which has been increased even further over previous models.
The new Actros is the result of over 22 million road test kilometres and investments in development and production technology amounting to more than two billion euros. A product launch of this magnitude takes place only about once every fifteen years in the commercial vehicle sector.
With this result Daimler fulfils its commitment to combine, in the new Actros, compliance with further improved environmental compatibility and enhanced economic performance.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Aero trailer design study from Mercedes-Benz: drastically cutting wind resistance and fuel consumption of semitrailer tractors
By
Adji
The wind resistance falls by 18 percent, the fuel consumption by virtually five percent: the design study from Mercedes-Benz goes by the working title “aero trailer” and shows how it is possible to reduce yet further the already low consumption and thus also the CO2 emissions of state-of-the-art trucks such as the new Actros. Mercedes-Benz will be presenting its ideas for the first time on the occasion of the “Trailer 2011” show taking place between 25 and 29 November in Kortrijk, Belgium.
Airdams, trim panels and tapers reduce wind resistance
The aero trailer encompasses the tremendous amount of know-how contributed by the developers and aerodynamicists at Mercedes-Benz. In close cooperation with the Commercial Vehicle Design department they have already succeeded in cutting the wind resistance of the new premium truck, the Mercedes-Benz Actros, bringing it down to 12 to 15 percent lower than that of its predecessor, depending on the model in question.
It is on this basis that the designers have now created a trailer with corresponding properties. Numerous individual measures drastically lower the wind resistance of the entire tractor unit. A front airdam on the trailer reduces the distance to the tractor unit and lowers the wind resistance by one percent. Meanwhile side trim panels contribute an eight-percent improvement. They are slightly drawn-in at the front and characterised by an opening at the rear. This steers the air in the direction of the striking rear diffuser. The diffuser has the shape of a parallelogram and links up with the underbody panelling. This improves the wind resistance by one to two percent.
A rear end taper measuring slightly more than 400 mm in length forms a crucial part of the aerodynamic concept. It features folding elements to facilitate access to the load compartment. The rear end taper improves wind resistance by a further seven percent.
Aero trailer saves 2000 l of diesel and more than five tonnes of CO2 per annum
All in all the aero trailer lowers the wind resistance of the entire semitrailer tractor by approximately 18 percent. In the experience of Mercedes-Benz this results in a reduction in fuel consumption amounting to almost five percent in real-life road traffic. In the case of an average mileage of 150,000 km a year this means a saving of some 2000 l of diesel fuel and relieves the burden on the environment to the tune of over five tonnes of CO2 per annum.
The fundamental feature of the revolutionary aero trailer is to be found in the trailer’s load compartment, whose dimensions remain totally unaffected. The familiar box – measuring 13.6 m in length, 2.55 m in width and with an overall height of four metres – remains available for the freight, just as before. The aero trailer’s only restriction is the fact that its length measurement exceeds the currently permissible limit by almost half a metre, due to the tail-end extension. That said, the handling and manoeuvrability are not in any way compromised by the taper. It is here that changes to legislation are necessary, as in the case of tail lifts and transportable fork-lift trucks, for instance, where exceptions of a similar magnitude are already granted.
Flagship of the “Truck and Trailer 7plus” initiative
The aero trailer is the flagship of the new “Truck and Trailer 7plus” initiative being launched by Mercedes-Benz. By taking a holistic approach to the tractor unit and trailer it aims to considerably cut the fuel consumption – and thus also the CO2 emissions of semitrailer tractors at the same time – even further than is currently the case.
The basis of the “Truck and Trailer 7plus” formula is the fuel consumption of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros, which is proven to be more than seven percent lower than its predecessor model, itself recognised as being frugal. This consumption advantage was achieved by the new Mercedes-Benz Actros earlier this year: during the “Record Run” it totalled 7.6 percent less consumption – with 25.1 to 27.1 litres/100 km. The values were determined by Mercedes-Benz under neutral supervision: semitrailer tractors bearing 40-tonne loads were each driven 10,000 km in identical conditions between Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Szczecin in Poland. “Truck and Trailer 7plus” stands for the fact that Mercedes-Benz wants to extend the consumption advantage achieved here by closely cooperating with the trailer manufacturers.
Trailer trim saves of 750 l diesel and 2 tonnes of CO2 a year
Intensive tests in the wind tunnel and on the road prove that considerable further consumption progress is possible for semitrailer tractors. By way of example, measurements taken in the wind tunnel at Mercedes-Benz have shown that a side trim panel on the trailer cuts wind resistance by eight percent.
During test drives on the Record Run route this translated into a real-life consumption benefit of some 2 percent for a semitrailer tractor weighing 40 tonnes. In the case of an average annual mileage of 150,000 km in long-distance transport this results in a saving of around 750 l of fuel and relieves the burden on the environment to the tune of approximately 2000 kg of CO2 emissions.
The proof is in the wind tunnel: “boat tail” saves 1000 l of diesel
In addition to this, at the instigation of Mercedes-Benz a working group of truck and trailer manufacturers under the umbrella of the German Association of the Automotive Industry has carried out further tests on the aerodynamics of semitrailer tractors. In the framework of this study, measurements in the wind tunnel at Mercedes-Benz concluded that modifications to the cab such as a supposedly aerodynamic extension result in merely minimal improvements where wind resistance is concerned.
There is much more potential in aerodynamic measures at the tail end of the trailer; a minor extension of the tail end in the form of a “boat tail” brings significant benefits. Four flaps measuring just 400 mm in length and positioned at an angle reduce the wind resistance of the entire semitrailer tractor by nearly ten percent. In arithmetical terms this corresponds to virtually three percent less fuel consumption or more than 1000 l of diesel a year. At the same time it saves the environment over 2600 kg of CO2 emissions. This is also proven by the simulations which have been carried out for the aero trailer.
Future integration of the trailer in telematics systems
As part of its “Truck and Trailer 7plus” initiative Mercedes-Benz is working on further holistic measures aimed at lowering fuel consumption. One of the projects involves the inclusion of information on the trailer’s tyres in the tyre pressure display in the cab of the new Actros.
The FleetBoard subsidiary – which leads the field when it comes to telematics for commercial vehicles – is also currently developing methods of integrating the trailer in its systems. This forms the basis for concrete opportunities for increasing economy and therefore environmental compatibility to an even greater extent. The nearest available suitable trailer for a particular job, the correct allocation of truck and trailer, the transmission of trailer data to the truck’s cockpit – these and other ideas could soon become reality.
Trailer axles from the truck manufacturer, highest service quality
Another idea has already been implemented: since the launch of the first-generation Mercedes-Benz Actros 15 years ago the company has been one of the leading manufacturers of trailer axles in Europe. The unique DCA Airmaster trailer axle is one of its outstanding products: it stores the compressed air for the trailer in the axle housing. This saves the air vessels for the trailer and reduces the weight, and with it fuel consumption and emissions.
TruckWorks is a further example of integrating the trailer in an overall system. More than 80 Mercedes-Benz locations now deal with the entire service for the tractor unit, trailer and bodies, plus their associated components. TruckWorks ensures the same levels of top quality at each location and saves the operators of semitrailer/tractor combinations expense and unnecessary journeys – which in turn means less fuel consumption and reduces the burden on the environment.
New Actros systematically geared towards utmost efficiency
The inclusion of the trailer supplements the already superb economy displayed by the new Mercedes-Benz Actros. It is driven as economically as it is powerfully with a highly sophisticated drive system – perfectly matched to the particular application in question – from a single source. With a view to achieving the utmost efficiency the new Actros spent 2600 hours in the wind tunnel alone, being meticulously optimised – as intensively and carefully as no truck before it. As a result the new Actros is the most frugal and therefore the cleanest truck in its class.
Know-how from over 25 years of research into aerodynamics
There is a long tradition of adopting a holistic approach to the truck and trailer at Mercedes-Benz. Even back in the mid-1980s the development engineers were carrying out in-depth investigations into the aerodynamics of entire vehicle combinations. These involved research into the effect of air deflector panels, side trim panels, edge radii and rear end tapers.
The fundamental knowledge gained back then is still valid to this day and forms the basis for the current investigations. In those days the focus was merely on saving fuel for economic reasons; priority had not yet been given to protecting the environment by reducing CO2 output. Today, some 25 years later, environment relief, conservation of resources and economy represent seamless additions, in the form of the “Truck and Trailer 7plus” initiative.



Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Airdams, trim panels and tapers reduce wind resistance
The aero trailer encompasses the tremendous amount of know-how contributed by the developers and aerodynamicists at Mercedes-Benz. In close cooperation with the Commercial Vehicle Design department they have already succeeded in cutting the wind resistance of the new premium truck, the Mercedes-Benz Actros, bringing it down to 12 to 15 percent lower than that of its predecessor, depending on the model in question.
It is on this basis that the designers have now created a trailer with corresponding properties. Numerous individual measures drastically lower the wind resistance of the entire tractor unit. A front airdam on the trailer reduces the distance to the tractor unit and lowers the wind resistance by one percent. Meanwhile side trim panels contribute an eight-percent improvement. They are slightly drawn-in at the front and characterised by an opening at the rear. This steers the air in the direction of the striking rear diffuser. The diffuser has the shape of a parallelogram and links up with the underbody panelling. This improves the wind resistance by one to two percent.
A rear end taper measuring slightly more than 400 mm in length forms a crucial part of the aerodynamic concept. It features folding elements to facilitate access to the load compartment. The rear end taper improves wind resistance by a further seven percent.
Aero trailer saves 2000 l of diesel and more than five tonnes of CO2 per annum
All in all the aero trailer lowers the wind resistance of the entire semitrailer tractor by approximately 18 percent. In the experience of Mercedes-Benz this results in a reduction in fuel consumption amounting to almost five percent in real-life road traffic. In the case of an average mileage of 150,000 km a year this means a saving of some 2000 l of diesel fuel and relieves the burden on the environment to the tune of over five tonnes of CO2 per annum.
The fundamental feature of the revolutionary aero trailer is to be found in the trailer’s load compartment, whose dimensions remain totally unaffected. The familiar box – measuring 13.6 m in length, 2.55 m in width and with an overall height of four metres – remains available for the freight, just as before. The aero trailer’s only restriction is the fact that its length measurement exceeds the currently permissible limit by almost half a metre, due to the tail-end extension. That said, the handling and manoeuvrability are not in any way compromised by the taper. It is here that changes to legislation are necessary, as in the case of tail lifts and transportable fork-lift trucks, for instance, where exceptions of a similar magnitude are already granted.
Flagship of the “Truck and Trailer 7plus” initiative
The aero trailer is the flagship of the new “Truck and Trailer 7plus” initiative being launched by Mercedes-Benz. By taking a holistic approach to the tractor unit and trailer it aims to considerably cut the fuel consumption – and thus also the CO2 emissions of semitrailer tractors at the same time – even further than is currently the case.
The basis of the “Truck and Trailer 7plus” formula is the fuel consumption of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros, which is proven to be more than seven percent lower than its predecessor model, itself recognised as being frugal. This consumption advantage was achieved by the new Mercedes-Benz Actros earlier this year: during the “Record Run” it totalled 7.6 percent less consumption – with 25.1 to 27.1 litres/100 km. The values were determined by Mercedes-Benz under neutral supervision: semitrailer tractors bearing 40-tonne loads were each driven 10,000 km in identical conditions between Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Szczecin in Poland. “Truck and Trailer 7plus” stands for the fact that Mercedes-Benz wants to extend the consumption advantage achieved here by closely cooperating with the trailer manufacturers.
Trailer trim saves of 750 l diesel and 2 tonnes of CO2 a year
Intensive tests in the wind tunnel and on the road prove that considerable further consumption progress is possible for semitrailer tractors. By way of example, measurements taken in the wind tunnel at Mercedes-Benz have shown that a side trim panel on the trailer cuts wind resistance by eight percent.
During test drives on the Record Run route this translated into a real-life consumption benefit of some 2 percent for a semitrailer tractor weighing 40 tonnes. In the case of an average annual mileage of 150,000 km in long-distance transport this results in a saving of around 750 l of fuel and relieves the burden on the environment to the tune of approximately 2000 kg of CO2 emissions.
The proof is in the wind tunnel: “boat tail” saves 1000 l of diesel
In addition to this, at the instigation of Mercedes-Benz a working group of truck and trailer manufacturers under the umbrella of the German Association of the Automotive Industry has carried out further tests on the aerodynamics of semitrailer tractors. In the framework of this study, measurements in the wind tunnel at Mercedes-Benz concluded that modifications to the cab such as a supposedly aerodynamic extension result in merely minimal improvements where wind resistance is concerned.
There is much more potential in aerodynamic measures at the tail end of the trailer; a minor extension of the tail end in the form of a “boat tail” brings significant benefits. Four flaps measuring just 400 mm in length and positioned at an angle reduce the wind resistance of the entire semitrailer tractor by nearly ten percent. In arithmetical terms this corresponds to virtually three percent less fuel consumption or more than 1000 l of diesel a year. At the same time it saves the environment over 2600 kg of CO2 emissions. This is also proven by the simulations which have been carried out for the aero trailer.
Future integration of the trailer in telematics systems
As part of its “Truck and Trailer 7plus” initiative Mercedes-Benz is working on further holistic measures aimed at lowering fuel consumption. One of the projects involves the inclusion of information on the trailer’s tyres in the tyre pressure display in the cab of the new Actros.
The FleetBoard subsidiary – which leads the field when it comes to telematics for commercial vehicles – is also currently developing methods of integrating the trailer in its systems. This forms the basis for concrete opportunities for increasing economy and therefore environmental compatibility to an even greater extent. The nearest available suitable trailer for a particular job, the correct allocation of truck and trailer, the transmission of trailer data to the truck’s cockpit – these and other ideas could soon become reality.
Trailer axles from the truck manufacturer, highest service quality
Another idea has already been implemented: since the launch of the first-generation Mercedes-Benz Actros 15 years ago the company has been one of the leading manufacturers of trailer axles in Europe. The unique DCA Airmaster trailer axle is one of its outstanding products: it stores the compressed air for the trailer in the axle housing. This saves the air vessels for the trailer and reduces the weight, and with it fuel consumption and emissions.
TruckWorks is a further example of integrating the trailer in an overall system. More than 80 Mercedes-Benz locations now deal with the entire service for the tractor unit, trailer and bodies, plus their associated components. TruckWorks ensures the same levels of top quality at each location and saves the operators of semitrailer/tractor combinations expense and unnecessary journeys – which in turn means less fuel consumption and reduces the burden on the environment.
New Actros systematically geared towards utmost efficiency
The inclusion of the trailer supplements the already superb economy displayed by the new Mercedes-Benz Actros. It is driven as economically as it is powerfully with a highly sophisticated drive system – perfectly matched to the particular application in question – from a single source. With a view to achieving the utmost efficiency the new Actros spent 2600 hours in the wind tunnel alone, being meticulously optimised – as intensively and carefully as no truck before it. As a result the new Actros is the most frugal and therefore the cleanest truck in its class.
Know-how from over 25 years of research into aerodynamics
There is a long tradition of adopting a holistic approach to the truck and trailer at Mercedes-Benz. Even back in the mid-1980s the development engineers were carrying out in-depth investigations into the aerodynamics of entire vehicle combinations. These involved research into the effect of air deflector panels, side trim panels, edge radii and rear end tapers.
The fundamental knowledge gained back then is still valid to this day and forms the basis for the current investigations. In those days the focus was merely on saving fuel for economic reasons; priority had not yet been given to protecting the environment by reducing CO2 output. Today, some 25 years later, environment relief, conservation of resources and economy represent seamless additions, in the form of the “Truck and Trailer 7plus” initiative.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Major order from Turkey: Chocolate manufacturer orders more than 200 Mercedes-Benz trucks
By
Adji
The latest success for Mercedes-Benz Trucks involves another major order for 202 units of Mercedes-Benz Actros 1844 LS trucks placed by the Turkish chocolate manufacturing company Tören Gida, which is converting most of fleet to the tried and tested truck model. Tören Gida, which has its headquarters in Gaziantep in Southeast Anatolia, is one of the most important industrial companies in the region. The truck fleet delivers the company’s products to 25 countries in Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
“Turkey is the third-largest market for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and we want to significantly increase sales in the years ahead,“ said Hubertus Troska, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, about the big orders from Turkey.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the delivery of two Mercedes-Benz Actros 1844 LS vehicles as part of the major order, Tören Gida Chairman Mahmut Tören explained his decision to invest in a fleet of Actros trucks as follows: “Because the trucks are extremely fuel-efficient and have low operating and maintenance costs as well as a high resale value, we’re switching our fleet over to tractor-trailers from Mercedes-Benz.”
Wolf-Dieter Kurz, President and CEO of Daimler’s Turkish subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Türk, reinforces the big order at the ceremony in Istanbul. “All of our activities continually focus on the demands and requirements of our customers. We’re very pleased that our vehicles are contributing to the success of Tören Gida,” he said. “Tören Gida’s extremely dynamic development and readiness for action has enabled it to become a very successful company in Turkey.”
Mercedes-Benz Türk
The Daimler subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Türk was established in Istanbul in 1967. It began producing buses for the Turkish market in 1968. The Aksaray plant launched truck production in 1986.The facilities in Aksaray and Hoşdere are key elements of Daimler’s global production network.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
“Turkey is the third-largest market for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and we want to significantly increase sales in the years ahead,“ said Hubertus Troska, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, about the big orders from Turkey.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the delivery of two Mercedes-Benz Actros 1844 LS vehicles as part of the major order, Tören Gida Chairman Mahmut Tören explained his decision to invest in a fleet of Actros trucks as follows: “Because the trucks are extremely fuel-efficient and have low operating and maintenance costs as well as a high resale value, we’re switching our fleet over to tractor-trailers from Mercedes-Benz.”
Wolf-Dieter Kurz, President and CEO of Daimler’s Turkish subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Türk, reinforces the big order at the ceremony in Istanbul. “All of our activities continually focus on the demands and requirements of our customers. We’re very pleased that our vehicles are contributing to the success of Tören Gida,” he said. “Tören Gida’s extremely dynamic development and readiness for action has enabled it to become a very successful company in Turkey.”
Mercedes-Benz Türk
The Daimler subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Türk was established in Istanbul in 1967. It began producing buses for the Turkish market in 1968. The Aksaray plant launched truck production in 1986.The facilities in Aksaray and Hoşdere are key elements of Daimler’s global production network.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Ready, Set, Go! 450 New Mercedes-Benz Actros Trucks Hit the Road
To prepare for the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros at Mercedes-Benz sales partners and dealerships on November 12, 2011, an impressive star tour was held today, beginning at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth. Starting at 10 a.m., one of the 450 new Mercedes-Benz Actros demonstration vehicles left the world’s largest truck plant every 40 seconds.
The new Actros tractor trailers left the facility in pairs via a dual ramp. The vehicles are being driven to the various showrooms by Mercedes-Benz truck salespeople from all over Germany.
The sequence of departures was based on the final destination: those with the longest trips started first.
“We are extremely proud of the new Actros, which is the result of more than ten years of hard work and great dedication,” says Hubertus Troska, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “I’m delighted that we are today sending the truck on its way so that it can fascinate sales partners and customers throughout Germany.”
The fourth generation Mercedes-Benz Actros, which is about to hit the road, is consistently economical, comfortable, safe, and environmentally friendly. The new design further increases the appeal of Mercedes-Benz’ new flagship truck. The Actros is the world’s most successful heavy-duty truck, with sales of more than 700,000 vehicles since the launch in 1996.
The new Actros was redeveloped from scratch, enabling Daimler to further improve the successful truck model. The vehicle not only improves business operators’ bottom line by cutting fuel consumption; it also reduces the strain on drivers by boosting handling and ride comfort. In addition, it already meets the stringent Euro VI emissions limits. Compared to the previous Actros, which has long since proved its worth, the new model consumes six to seven percent less fuel in the Euro V variant, and three to four percent less fuel in the Euro VI version. The vehicle is the result of more than ten years of hard work, over 20 million test driving kilometers, and more than €2 billion spent on development and production technology.


Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The new Actros tractor trailers left the facility in pairs via a dual ramp. The vehicles are being driven to the various showrooms by Mercedes-Benz truck salespeople from all over Germany.
The sequence of departures was based on the final destination: those with the longest trips started first.
“We are extremely proud of the new Actros, which is the result of more than ten years of hard work and great dedication,” says Hubertus Troska, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “I’m delighted that we are today sending the truck on its way so that it can fascinate sales partners and customers throughout Germany.”
The fourth generation Mercedes-Benz Actros, which is about to hit the road, is consistently economical, comfortable, safe, and environmentally friendly. The new design further increases the appeal of Mercedes-Benz’ new flagship truck. The Actros is the world’s most successful heavy-duty truck, with sales of more than 700,000 vehicles since the launch in 1996.
The new Actros was redeveloped from scratch, enabling Daimler to further improve the successful truck model. The vehicle not only improves business operators’ bottom line by cutting fuel consumption; it also reduces the strain on drivers by boosting handling and ride comfort. In addition, it already meets the stringent Euro VI emissions limits. Compared to the previous Actros, which has long since proved its worth, the new model consumes six to seven percent less fuel in the Euro V variant, and three to four percent less fuel in the Euro VI version. The vehicle is the result of more than ten years of hard work, over 20 million test driving kilometers, and more than €2 billion spent on development and production technology.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
First new "Euro VI" Mercedes-Benz Actros delivered to France
The first Actros Euro VI was handed over to the Transalliance transport company today as part of a major order for over 500 Mercedes-Benz trucks. Ulrich Bastert, head of sales at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, handed over the vehicle to Alexandre Michel, owner and CEO of the Transalliance Group, in Wörth today. "There is a good, long-standing partnership between our company and Transalliance. We are delighted that our customer Transalliance is introducing the first Euro VI truck into its fleet, thereby highlighting the company's future-oriented approach," said Ulrich Bastert at the handover. The French company will be taking delivery of this major order in the coming months.
The new Mercedes-Benz Actros is the first truck to be designed specifically for the Euro VI standard, which will become mandatory in 2014. Its pollutant emissions have been reduced to a barely detectable range. The new Actros model also sets benchmarks in terms of fuel consumption: in comparison to the established Actros, the new Actros designed to Euro VI standard results in a further 3-4 percent reduction in fuel consumption.
"For us, economy, safe driving dynamics and greater comfort for the driver are the most important characteristics of a truck. We are proud to have the first Mercedes-Benz Actros with Euro VI technology in our fleet," declared Alexandre Michel from Transalliance. "Our efforts to support and actively promote future-oriented technologies are also being showcased in the technology days which we are currently staging at Transalliance. This event offers customers and employees an opportunity to catch up on the state of the art in our business."
Transalliance is one of the largest logistics companies in Europe. Its fleet comprises 3200 vehicles, including 700 trucks from Mercedes-Benz. Transalliance's workforce in 2011 stands at 4500. The handover of the first new Mercedes-Benz Actros complying with the Euro VI emissions standard which is to be introduced in 2014 further strengthens the level of cooperation between the two companies and demonstrates the two partners' commitment to meeting the highest possible environmental standards.
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The new Mercedes-Benz Actros is the first truck to be designed specifically for the Euro VI standard, which will become mandatory in 2014. Its pollutant emissions have been reduced to a barely detectable range. The new Actros model also sets benchmarks in terms of fuel consumption: in comparison to the established Actros, the new Actros designed to Euro VI standard results in a further 3-4 percent reduction in fuel consumption.
"For us, economy, safe driving dynamics and greater comfort for the driver are the most important characteristics of a truck. We are proud to have the first Mercedes-Benz Actros with Euro VI technology in our fleet," declared Alexandre Michel from Transalliance. "Our efforts to support and actively promote future-oriented technologies are also being showcased in the technology days which we are currently staging at Transalliance. This event offers customers and employees an opportunity to catch up on the state of the art in our business."
Transalliance is one of the largest logistics companies in Europe. Its fleet comprises 3200 vehicles, including 700 trucks from Mercedes-Benz. Transalliance's workforce in 2011 stands at 4500. The handover of the first new Mercedes-Benz Actros complying with the Euro VI emissions standard which is to be introduced in 2014 further strengthens the level of cooperation between the two companies and demonstrates the two partners' commitment to meeting the highest possible environmental standards.
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
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Start of series production for the new Actros at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth
Today the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth started series production of the new Actros. To mark the event, Daimler CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche sat behind the wheel as the first unit of the new truck rolled off the assembly line. The vehicle was built at the company’s largest truck assembly plant. The new Actros was redeveloped from scratch, and already meets the strict Euro VI emissions limits. Compared to the previous Actros, the new model consumes six to seven percent less fuel in the Euro V variant, and three to four percent less fuel in the Euro VI variant. The vehicle is the result of more than ten years of hard work, over 20 million test driving kilometers, and more than €2 billion spent on development and production technology.
Since a production launch on this scale occurs only about every 15 years in the commercial vehicle industry, the plant and its workforce began to prepare for the event years ago.
“With Daimler Trucks we want to grow much faster than the market as a whole and sell more than 500,000 trucks in 2013”, said Daimler CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars in Wörth. “The new Mercedes-Benz Actros sets the benchmark among its competitors; it is our most important truck of the decade.”
Flexibility at the Mercedes-Benz plant Wörth
The Wörth plant produces each truck exactly in line with customer specifications. These results in a great variety of trucks so that, statistically speaking, no two vehicles produced in a single year are the same. What’s unusual about production in Wörth is that all three of the Mercedes-Benz model series (Actros, Axor, and Atego) are made here on the same assembly line. They will be joined by the new Actros, which will be integrated into the existing series production process and be assembled on the same production lines as the other current model series.
High quality from the Mercedes-Benz Wörth plant
More than €2 billion was spent on developing the new truck and preparing the Wörth plant and its equipment for the production launch. The company built an automated warehouse for small parts, which forms the basis for a new logistics concept. It has also established the Development and Research Center, a test track for new generations of trucks, which brings the development and production areas even closer together. The employees received extensive training that familiarized them with the new Actros’ system environment.
“Our plant will remain the home of the Actros,” says Yaris Pürsün, Head of Mercedes-Benz Wörth plant. “We have thoroughly prepared ourselves for the production launch of the new Actros. To us quality made in Wörth means best quality from the very first new Actros, in terms of trucks you can trust.”
Mercedes-Benz has around 12,000 employees at its Wörth plant. The first Mercedes-Benz Actros rolled off the production line in 1996, and it is now the brand’s best-selling model series, along with the Mercedes-Benz Atego and the Mercedes-Benz Axor. More than 700,000 Actros trucks have left the plant to date, and the truck accounts for two-thirds of the Wörth plant’s annual output.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
New heavy-duty Actros truck: The Mercedes-Benz among trucks
Its looks have been optimised in the wind tunnel, its technology and engineering are masterful and its cab is a unique combination of workplace and home from home: the new Mercedes-Benz Actros is the new benchmark for premium-class trucks. It reconciles high performance with low fuel consumption, its emissions are lower in pollutants than any comparable vehicle and its has undergone testing of unprecedented intensity. The Mercedes-Benz Actros has taken the motto for the Frankfurt International Motor Show – "The future begins today" – at its word.
Polished up and streamlined for fuel efficiency in the wind tunnel
A truck in the wind tunnel? All part of the development routine at Mercedes-Benz. The engineers subjected the Actros to 2600 hours of intensive testing and optimisation in the wind tunnel. In view of a frontal area of around 10 m2, consisting of a height of 4.0 m and a width of 2.5 m, and annual mileage in the order of 150,000, every detail of the cab and its attachments is crucial. The design of the air deflectors on the roof, the roof itself, the front apron, the corner panelling and the cab-side extenders have been evolved with a meticulous attention to detail. Perforated slats on the radiator grille, a temperature-controlled radiator shutter, door leaves extended downwards, side panelling between front and rear axle – all these aspects have undergone testing to make the new Actros the most economical truck on the road.
On the outside, the new Actros sports a striking and powerful, quintessentially Mercedes-Benz appearance, boldly displaying its star credentials. It takes up visual trends from the current passenger car range, adopting them into the world of commercial vehicles. In view of its long product lifecycle, the new Actros shuns short-lived, fashionable features, however. It embarks on its career with an optimistic and friendly smile on its face – the new Actros is powerful, but not aggressive in character.
A true dream cab: more spacious than ever
A workplace to be envied: the generously proportioned cab of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros sets new benchmarks in spaciousness and ergonomics, quality of materials and appointments. The superior standards begin with the new multifunction key: suspension level control, activation of the interior lighting, call-up of key operating data, level of the fuel tank and other fluids, tyre pressure monitoring, activation of auxiliary heating or stationary air conditioning – all these functions and more besides can be carried out at a distance of up to 100 m with this truly all-round key. Just for the record: the door also serves to lock and unlock the doors.
Typically for a truck, the cab on the new Actros is available in a range of different variants. Less typically, two widths and no less than six height and roof variants are available, tailored precisely to individual operational requirements. And anything but typically, the majority of cabs for the new Actros feature a flat floor, offering generous freedom of movement on board. Particularly impressive is the new Actros with GigaSpace cab and almost 12 cubic metres of space inside – a real dream workplace.
Cockpit and living area separated for the first time
Space and freedom of movement are of great importance in long-haul trucks. A driver may spend days or even weeks on the road in such vehicles. The cab thus serves as the driver's workplace, living area and sleeping berth in one. In view of this situation, the cockpit and living area have been separated from one another for the first time in the new Actros by means of the colour scheme and the cockpit's geometric design. The quality finish and feel of the interior appointments are on a par with the standard encountered in upper-range passenger cars – the new Actros is the Mercedes-Benz among trucks.
In keeping with the interior as a whole, the driver's seat has also been developed especially for the new Actros. It boasts a fascinating range of adjustment features: in addition to the customary basic functions, the air-sprung comfort seat also offers automatic weight adjustment, adjustable vertical dampers, lateral contour support, seat depth adjustment, shoulder support, horizontal springing and pneumatic lumbar support. The top-of-the-range variant even incorporates a massage function with pulsating air cushions in the backrest.
The driver receives tips on his style of driving
The cockpit of the new Actros is perfectly designed to meet the driver's needs. The multifunction steering wheel with its rim offering a good grip corresponds to the standard featuring in the current generation of passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz. The instruments offer more than the customary scope of information: the FleetBoard telematics system which comes as standard analyses the driver's style continuously by reference to numerous parameters. On the basis of the analysed data, the driver receives ongoing analyses and tips on his current driving style.
Numerous practical stowage facilities accommodate small and large items alike. Large stowage compartments provide an ideal base for a coffee machine or laptop. An integrated folding table is optionally available on the co-driver's side. The interior lighting adapts to the driver's needs: ceiling lamps ensure optimum illumination, with the work area lighting assisting the driver when studying documents, for example. The anti-dazzle green night lighting conjures up a pleasant atmosphere for night-time driving. The indirect blue ambience lighting employing fibre-optic cables to great effect helps the driver to relax during breaks.
The relaxation area in the new SoloStar Concept
The optional new SoloStar Concept takes the relaxation zone on board a truck to a new dimension. The central relaxation area is a rounded corner on the co-driver's side. Even tall drivers are able to stretch out their legs in this seating scenario and make themselves comfortable. A folding table provides an additional convenience factor. The beds in the new Actros offer even greater relaxation. They measure 2200 x 750 mm – more than enough even for the tallest drivers. Seven-zone cold-foam mattresses with an adjustable back section offer lying comfort on a par with that of a high-quality bed at home. The upper of the two beds can be levelled with a spirit level.
The heating utilising residual engine heat ensures a pleasant temperature during breaks or waiting times. During longer stops, the auxiliary heater goes into operation. The standard scope of equipment also includes air conditioning with automatic temperature control. A stationary air conditioning system is optionally available. This system stores cold which is generated while the vehicle is in motion, using it to cool the cab for up to eight hours at the end of the working day – a relief on hot summer nights, for example.
Plenty of space for luggage – and a shaving mirror
The stowage space in the new Actros boasts exceptional dimensions and accessibility. It is able to accommodate sufficient supplies and luggage even for long trips. With the Actros GigaSpace the stowage capacity totals 975 l – twice the luggage space available in a Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The outside flaps even open wide enough to stow away beverage crates.
Details transform the cab of the new Actros into a multifunctional home from home. The stowage compartment above the co-driver's area conceals a towel holder. A shaving mirror with flexible mounting is also on board. A spacious refrigerator box is optionally available. Similarly to the Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, various lines are available to upgrade the interior of the new Actros: the Home-Line emphasizes the new Actros's home-from-home character with wood-look trims and a door mirror in almond beige. This line also includes a leather steering wheel, with a wood/leather steering wheel available as an option. The Style-Line brings out the new Actros's dynamic character with chrome parts in brushed metal and interior door mirrors in black-silver velour. A chrome bar on the sunblind, chrome covers for the mirror housings and an illuminated Mercedes star lend the new Actros an extrovert character.
A real powerhouse: plenty of thrust right from the lowest revs
BlueEfficiency Power is the name of the game for the new engines in the new Mercedes-Benz Actros – combining clean running and power. The experience of driving with these engines is as impressive as these key data suggest: with a displacement of 12.9 l the six-cylinder in-line engines generate 310 kW (421 hp) and 375 kW (510 hp) in four stages, with maximum torque ranging between 2100 and 2500 Nm. The nominal engine speed stands at 180 rpm, with maximum torque available from 1100 rpm. These figures only provide a rough outline of the engines' performance, however: almost 100 percent of their full power output is already available at 1400 rpm, and high torque is on tap right from 800 to 900 rpm.
The engines are outstanding feats of engineering: two composite overhead camshafts with gear train and four valves per cylinder are just some of the distinguishing features. An outstanding attribute is the unique fuel injection technology based on a common rail system with pressure boost. A pressure of around 900 bar is generated in the rail. In the individual injectors, this pressure is boosted to as high as 2100 bar. Injection timing point, injection quantity, injection pressure and the pressure characteristic are all variable. Equally innovative is charging of the engines via an exhaust gas turbocharger with asymmetric turbine casing. This method provides for improved response.
The six-cylinder in-line engine has already demonstrated its extreme durability in extensive tests and in variants for other continents: the new engines achieve a mileage of at least 1.2 million km without overhauling. The maintenance intervals are equally spectacular, with up to 150,000 km possible between oil changes, depending on the vehicle's operating conditions.
Emission control: the exhaust muffler as a miniature chemical processing plant
The efficient emission control system marks a milestone in the development of clean automotive technologies. The new Actros already complies with the future Euro VI emissions standard, which will not become mandatory until 2014. Compliance with Euro VI requires more sophisticated technology: the new Actros combines SCR technology with AdBlue injection, exhaust gas recirculation and particulate filter – the exhaust muffler becomes a mini-chemical processing plant devoted to pollution control. The new Actros is optionally available in a variant corresponding to the current Euro V emissions standard.
Transmission: fast and precise gear-shifting
Transmissions are a fascinating aspect of truck technology and engineering. The new Actros is a high-tech trailblazer here with its PowerShift transmission. The fully automatic twelve-gear unit provides for fast gear-shifting with a precision which even the best driver cannot match. The transmission is operated by means of a steering column lever. The transmission supports the driver in diverse ways, with a choice of three driving programmes – Standard, Economy and Power – according to the demands of the given transport operations. A crawl function helps during manoeuvring much in the same way as with an automatic transmission, while a rocking mode is useful on slippery surfaces. EcoRoll mode switches the transmission to neutral when appropriate and subsequently engages the correct gear automatically, for maximum fuel economy in rolling phases.
Cruise along at only 1260 revs
Five different final drive ratios enable individualisation of the new Actros in accordance with its individual operational needs. This provides for a customised truck in line with the given body, weight and the topography of its typical routes. The high-torque engines allow high gearing: with the standard axle, the new Actros cruises along at only 1260 rpm at a motorway speed of 85 km/h – a prerequisite for low fuel consumption.
Air suspension as standard
The chassis and suspension play a major role on trucks as on passenger cars, though with a different emphasis. The new Actros comes with air suspension on the rear axle as standard, with additional front air suspension available as an option. The cab is additionally provided with a four-point suspension system, the top-of-the-range variant even featuring air suspension. Apart from the accuracy and precision of the speed-sensitive power steering, the variable power-assisted steering also saves fuel. The same applies to the auxiliary units operating in on-demand mode: from the alternator to the air compressor for the brake system, they all operate at zero fuel consumption in overrun mode.
In view of the permissible gross weight of 40 tons, the brakes play a particularly important role. The new Actros is fitted with internally ventilated disc brakes on all axles. A new feature is a particularly effective three-stage engine brake, which has a power output of up to 400 kW (544 hp) – more than the vehicle's engine. Even greater braking power is supplied by an auxiliary brake in the form of a retarder, whose brake power peaks at an outstanding 750 kW (1020 hp).
Assistance systems: a host of safety features on board
In the interests of maximum safety, diverse assistance systems are available for the new Actros. Proximity Control Assist maintains a preset safety distance, adapting the vehicle's speed accordingly. In addition, with the new stop-and-go function it now even controls moving off and stopping in congested traffic. Lane Keeping Assist warns the driver in good time if the truck threatens to leave its lane due to inattentiveness on his part. Stability Control Assist, which comes as standard, is the equivalent of ESP for trucks. Developing such a system posed a major challenge in view of the combination of tractor and semi-trailer and the large difference of around 25 tons between kerb weight and permissible gross weight. As a unique feature, Active Brake Assist initiates emergency braking automatically in the event of danger.
Sometimes it is the minor details that make the difference. The fifth wheel coupling with sensor technology informs the driver of its locking mechanism's status via a display in the cab. The exterior mirror with manoeuvring function widens the field of vision by ten degrees by means of automatic adjustment when reverse gear is engaged.
Record low fuel consumption demonstrated in 10,000 km trial
Maximum economic efficiency is a prime consideration when developing commercial vehicles. Economy is tantamount to environmental friendliness here, as every litre of fuel saved not only lowers costs but also reduces emissions and helps to preserve finite resources. Despite the sophisticated emission control technology, a key priority for the new Actros was thus nevertheless a further reduction in fuel consumption. In an extensive road trial, the new Actros has demonstrated how its designers have indeed achieved a feat tantamount to squaring the circle.
Laden to a weight of 40 tons, two new Actros 1845s complying with emissions standard Euro V and Euro VI each covered the 10,000 stretch on the typical east-west route from Rotterdam to Szczecin and back. An Actros 1844 from the preceding model series also completed the trip for the purposes of comparison. The fuel consumption test was carried out under the supervision of the authorised Dekra inspection agency, ruling out any underhand practices. Numerous assemblies and tanks were lead-sealed and all refuelling operations were monitored.
Even the experts were astounded at the results. The established fuel-efficient Actros 1844 clocked up fuel consumption of 27.1 litres per 100 km as a reference value. The new Actros 1845 BlueTec 6 complying with the Euro VI emission standard – which will not become mandatory until 2014 – completed the trip on 25.9 litres per 100 km, thus undercutting its predecessor by 4.5%. The new Actros BlueTec 5 complying with the Euro V emissions standard shows a fuel consumption level of just 25.1 litres per 100 km – 7.6% below the reference value. This figure corresponds to fuel consumption approaching only 1 litre to 100 km per ton of payload for the new Actros. Even fuel-efficient passenger cars fall short of this fascinatingly low value, which was attained with standard production heavy-duty trucks in daily operating conditions.
The most thoroughly tested truck ever
The new Actros has been developed according to the strict rules of Daimler Trucks' eleven "quality gates", which control the development process in defined steps. This process entails countless individual tests on engines, transmissions, other drive components, chassis and cab on test benches, as well as tests on rough roads, endurance tests, functional tests and tests in a climatic chamber. All this is no substitute for the acid tests faced by the complete vehicle in real road trials, however. The new Actros has covered 20 million kilometres on the road, including daily use in intensive trials conducted by customers.
The diverse tests are rounded off by two unforgiving trial phases. For 20 years now, Mercedes-Benz has been testing its trucks in the searing heat of the Sierra Nevada in southern Spain. The route winds its way up the 45 km from Granada to the winter sports venue of Solynieve, negotiating inclines of between 8% and 12% along the way. Outside temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius apply at the start of the route. This is an ordeal not only for the vehicle, but for the test drivers, too – with air conditioning ruled out in the interests of comparability. An acid test takes place after completing just over half of the climb: three stops, each followed by a three-minute rest before briefly moving off again. Due to the lack of cooling from the airstream, this results in an extremely hot engine. The heat resistance of exhaust systems, the cab's equipment and appointments, the electronics, steering, brakes and tyres is measured.
Winter tests at the Arctic circle subjected the new Actros to extreme conditions at the other end of the spectrum. For many years now, Daimler AG has been running a test camp for trucks here in the Finnish town of Rovaniemi. The test programme here focuses on the engine's cold-starting properties, its temperature characteristic, cold start noise and the behaviour of the entire drive train, including transmission and gear-changing, at extremely low temperatures. Other key test items include heating of the cab, the icing and de-icing of windows, doors and exterior mirrors, the misting-up of headlamps and soiling.
The new Mercedes-Benz Actros passed these extreme tests. While the production vehicles will never encounter such harsh conditions in daily operation, it is reassuring to know that the new Actros would be able to cope in these scenarios.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Safe, clean and economical: "The future begins today" – the motto for the IAA Frankfurt 2011 also applies to modern-day high-tech trucks
By
Adji
Safer, cleaner and more economical than ever before, heavy-duty trucks today are fully fledged high-tech vehicles. Assistance systems maintain a constant safety distance, warn the driver when the vehicle threatens to leave its lane or even initiate emergency braking in case of danger. Engines with fascinating performance capabilities and featuring fully automated transmissions with twelve gears are perfectly matched to produce record-breaking fuel efficiency: long-haul semi-trailer/tractor combinations are now approaching fuel consumption levels in the order of 1 litre to 100 km per ton of payload. New emission control systems combine particle filter, exhaust gas recirculation and SCR system to minimise emissions. The motto for the Frankfurt International Motor Show – "The future begins today" – describes the current generation of trucks perfectly, with the new Mercedes-Benz Actros in the vanguard.
Assistance systems: a host of safety features on board
Drivers covering around 150,000 km a year – the common mileage for a truck on long-haul operations in Europe – have to deal with their fair share of tricky situations. And drivers moving 40 tons along the roads have a special responsibility. Against this background, diverse assistance systems are available for modern-day heavy-duty trucks, to support the driver in going about his responsible daily work. Assistance systems maintain a constant safety distance, adapting the vehicle's speed accordingly. They provide a timely warning when the vehicle threatens to leave its lane and prevent semi-trailer/tractor combinations from swerving – a major challenge for the developers in view of the combinations of vehicles involved. The new Mercedes-Benz Actros with Active Brake Assist even initiates emergency braking automatically in the event of danger. Sometimes it is little details that make a big difference: a sensor detects whether the fifth wheel coupling is correctly locked. Sophisticated mirror systems provide for good visibility – including a manoeuvring function with extended field of vision. Some systems are now firmly established standard features for heavy-duty trucks and require no further explanation: ABS anti-lock brake system, acceleration skid control (ASR), the Electronic Brake System (EBS) and internally ventilated disc brakes on all wheels, for example. Maximum safety is in every company's best interest – nothing is more costly to business operations than a truck that is out of service and unable to deliver its load to its destination on time.
High-tech auxiliary brakes rated at up to 750 kW (1020 hp)
While they demand respect, modern-day heavy-duty trucks such as the new Mercedes-Benz Actros need not be feared in any way. They incorporate a wealth of safety features which minimise the risk of an accident. The high-performance disc brakes are supported by a powerful engine brake, for example. At up to 400 kW (544 hp), this brake has a higher power output than the vehicle's engine. This system is commonly also backed up by an auxiliary brake in the form of a hydrodynamic retarder. Retarders attain a vast power output of up to 750 kW (1020 hp).
Emission control: high-tech processing system in the exhaust muffler
The exhaust muffler on a truck of the new generation is much more than a silencer, functioning rather as a compact high-tech laboratory dedicated to the task of emission control. Here too, the new Mercedes-Benz Actros plays a trailblazing role, combining SCR technology with feed-in of AdBlue, cooled exhaust gas recirculation and particulate filter. This extremely efficient emission control system reduces particles, nitrogen oxides and CO2 to a minimum. The new Mercedes-Benz Actros is the first truck to comply with the Euro VI emissions standard. Euro VI will become mandatory for heavy-duty commercial vehicles in 2013/2014, entailing a reduction of around 97 percent in particle emissions and around 95 percent in nitrogen oxides in comparison to Euro I dating from 1992. "If you run this engine (Euro VI) in a city with heavy air pollution, the exhaust gases will be cleaner than the ambient air," explains an expert from Daimler.
Fuel consumption per ton of payload reduced to only 1 litre per 100 km
Environmental friendliness, the conservation of resources and economic efficiency do not constitute conflicting aims for a truck. On the contrary – operators of commercial vehicles have to calculate their costs very keenly, and in addition to cutting costs every litre of fuel saved also helps to protect the environment and resources. Modern-day semi-trailer/tractor combinations with a total weight of 40 tons have long dipped below the 30 litres/100 km mark on many common routes. They are already approach 25 litres to 100 km. To put it another way: in tough everyday operations they run on only 1 litre to 100 km per ton of payload. This has been confirmed by Daimler's "record run" over 10,000 km on the Rotterdam – Szczecin – Rotterdam route. No small car comes anywhere near this figure, even under favourable conditions.
Sophisticated technology is required in order to achieve such fuel economy. Heavy-duty trucks are commonly equipped with engine power in the order of 300 to 375 kW (408 to 510 hp). This power is available well below 2000 rpm, in a rev range where many a passenger-car diesel engine is still contending with turbo lag. The maximum torque of around 2000 to 2500 Nm is even available from just above idling speed, at around 1000 rpm. Thanks to this characteristic, truck engines run in fuel-efficient mode at only around 1300 rpm when travelling at the customary motorway speed of 85 km/h. Asymmetric exhaust gas turbochargers or twin turbochargers are one of the requirements for such vast power output at low revs. The power dimensions are fascinating: highly charged truck engines generally attain specific torque of around 200 Nm per litre of displacement – on a par with the most powerful passenger car engines.
Fuel injection at more than 2000 bar
The combination of power and economy begins in the combustion process: the fuel is injected into the cylinders under high pressure, in some instances well in excess of 2000 bar. This corresponds to around 800 times the standard pressure in a passenger car's tyres. The engine's electronic system calculates the timing and quantity of each diesel injection operation for each individual cylinder with precision in a fraction of a second, by reference to numerous parameters. On cutting-edge trucks, auxiliary units such as the alternator, the air compressor for the brake system, the water pump and even the power steering system operate in particularly economical on-demand mode.
In premium-class heavy-duty trucks the power output is apportioned by fully automated transmissions, usually with twelve forward gears. Thanks to sophisticated data-processing programmes, these transmissions carry out gear-shifting more effectively than even the best drivers. The transmissions are non-synchromesh in design, reducing weight and shift times. A defined portion of double-declutching during downshifting ensures perfect, jolt-free shift quality. Free-wheeling systems utilise the vehicle's momentum, leaving the truck in neutral where appropriate and subsequently engaging the right gear automatically when it is required.
Tested in the wind tunnel: spoilers reduce fuel consumption
In view of a truck's large frontal area and basic cubic form resulting from its maximum dimensions (central Europe: height 4.0 m, width 2.55 m, length of semi-trailer/truck combination 16.5 m), aerodynamics plays a key role in truck design. Against this background, developers put modern-day trucks through intensive wind tunnel testing. The cab itself, as well as its attachments, are optimised step by step in the course of these tests. Rather than serving to create a sporty appearance, a front apron, cab-side extenders and an adjustable air deflector on the roof of a heavy-duty truck provide effective means of reducing fuel consumption, thereby improving the vehicle's economic efficiency as well as its environmental performance.
The web special on the Actros at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show, featuring product information, live images and impressions from the stand, is available online at: www.mercedes-benz.com/actros4iaa .
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
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The new Mercedes-Benz Actros at Record Run 2011: Latest technical data and photos
As you may already know from a previous post, the new Mercedes-Benz Actros is participating at the Record Run 2011, a complete 7-day journey on a total distance of 10,000 km between Rotterdam (NL) - Sczeczin (PL) - Rotterdam (NL) whose aim is to discover the efficiency potential of a heavy-duty vehicle. The new generation of this multi-awarded truck is competing as Record Chaser against the Record Holder: the Actros 1844 Euro V "Nardo" (MP 3), a champion of fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. There are not one, but two models attempting to beat the current record: the Actros 1844 LS Euro V and the Actros 1844 LS Euro VI. The trip started back on 26th June and will come to an end today, 2nd July, when the fleet composed of the three trucks is scheduled to return to the Dutch harbour city, where it all started one week ago. At the moment, the teams are crossing Germany nearing Hannover.
Read more interesting technical details and see further images after you press the jump button!
Overall Performance 26.06.2011 - 01.07.2011
Actros 1844 LS Euro V (MP 3)
Distance covered up to now: 7794 km
Speed: 77.66 km/h
Fuel Mileage: 26,89 l/100 km
Actros 1845 LS Euro V (MP 4)
Distance covered up to now: 7810 km
Speed: 77.44 km/h
Fuel Mileage: 24.85 l/100 km
Actros 1845 LS Euro VI (MP 4)
Distance covered up to now: 7794 km
Speed: 77.47 km/h
Fuel Mileage: 25.66 l/100 km
___________________________________
Comparison data: 1844 LS Euro V / 1845 LS Euro V / 1845 LS Euro VI
Kilometres driven*: 9.468 km / 9.494 km / 9.470 km
Current speed*: 84 kph / 13 kph / - kph
Use of speed control system***: 88 % / 84 % / 89 %
Time stationary with engine running***: 1h 17min 33s / 1h 12min 13s / 1h 04min 46s
Time stationary with engine off***: 13h 05min 58s / 12h 44min 02s / 13h 00min 57s
Service braking distance***: 0,69 % / 0,66 % / 0,68 %
Number of stops**: 175 / 169 / 183
Use of wear-free brakes***: 3,09 % / 2,92 % / 3,09 %
Vehicle weight: 40t / 40t / 40t
*Update every 10 min. ; **Update ~ every 4h ; ***Update ~ every 24h
Source: Record Run 2011
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.


