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The new Mercedes-Benz Actros
With a total investment of more
than €1 billion for the vehicle’s complete development, the new
Mercedes-Benz Actros is the first truck to hit the road with a
design that’s consistently in line with Euro VI requirements. In
addition, more than €1 billion was invested in production
locations and equipment and tools for the model. The new
long-distance haulage truck will become available for ordering
on July 1, 2011. Expectations for it are high, as its main
competitor at the moment is the current Actros MP3, of which
more than 700,000 units have been sold to date, making it the
best-selling truck in Europe.
Economy, secure handling, and
driver comfort were the top priorities when the new truck was
developed from the ground up. The vehicle has a new range of
cabs, new engines, a new chassis, and a new design featuring
eye-catching lighting units. The design gives the truck a
powerful and dynamic look that also reveals the outstanding
aerodynamic fine-tuning carried out during the 2,600 hours the
model spent in the wind tunnel. The external dimensions of the
cabs promise generous interior space for drivers to work, live,
and relax in.
Economy: Three to seven percent
lower fuel consumption
Depending on its exhaust
classification, the new Actros boasts either three to four
percent (Euro VI), or six to seven percent (Euro V) lower diesel
consumption than the current Actros MP3. This will likely make
the new Actros the Euro VI long-distance haulage truck that most
efficiently converts energy from diesel fuel into transportation
performance in Europe.
To achieve this ambitious goal,
Daimler is using the new powertrain generation from Mannheim for
the Actros. The powertrain’s ultramodern technology, which
includes the unique X-Pulse injection system, as well as exhaust
gas recirculation, exhaust gas treatment with BlueTec diesel
technology, and a closed particulate filter, has been tried and
tested by American and Japanese Daimler Trucks customers in more
than 70,000 vehicles. Its reliability and great fuel economy
have already helped Daimler brands to achieve major increases in
market share in those countries.
“Although the European truck
market still has not regained its pre-crisis level, we expect
sales of trucks over six tons GVW to rise by at least 25 percent
this year, whereby higher growth rates are also possible,” says
Hubertus Troska, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “Our customers
are getting a boost and therefore so are we as truck
manufacturers. That’s why we plan to increase global sales of
Mercedes-Benz trucks by about 20 percent this year from their
2010 level of 135,000 units - and with the new Actros we’ve laid
the foundation for achieving this objective.”
Enhanced reliability with 20
percent longer engine operating performance (1.2 million
kilometers), maintenance intervals extended to as much as
150,000 km, and a cost reduction of up to six percent for the
Complete service contract are further aspects that are helping
to meet the demands of vehicle operators for greater economy. As
a result, the additional procurement costs for the Euro V
version of the new truck can be recouped within two years. A
similar result could be achieved with the Euro VI version if
appropriate incentives are offered.
Photo: MB
(Jun 21, 2011)
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