Imagine driving a long-haul truck that can anticipate the road ahead and make speed and gearing changes in order to optimise both efficiency and fuel consumption. It is now possible with new technical innovations added to the fifth generation Mercedes-Benz Actros and Arocs.

The new truck – already crowned International Truck of the Year 2020 – prompted Michael Dietz: CEO Daimler Trucks & Buses Southern Africa to say: “We are very proud and excited to introduce this phenomenal truck in the year in which it essentially holds the Global Truck of the Year title. This is not only historic for our market, but validates our progressive efforts to close the gap between our local and international product offerings.”

More than 64 new technological features and advancements have been made on the Actros and Maretha Gerber: Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, says: “Mercedes-Benz Trucks is undoubtedly committed to the ongoing development of its products to ensure lower total costs, greater safety, and maximised use for customers.

“Approximately two years ago, we launched the fourth generation Actros with resounding market success and today we are extremely honored to fulfil our promise to expediently introduce the latest technology on the range without further delay.” 

In comparison to its predecessor, customers can expect up to 5% percent lower fuel consumption on the advanced Actros range, of which the biggest contributor is the Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC).

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

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

In addition, four other core features on the Actros are:

The MirrorCam: for the first time in a mass-produced truck, the MirrorCam replaces the conventional main and wide-angle mirror with a camera system. The MirrorCam improves safety and maneuverability. Set to always show the rear of the trailer, it helps with docking and cornering.

Multimedia Cockpit: The neatly arranged and clear display informs the driver about all essential driving and operating states, as well as the actions performed by Active Brake Assist 5, Predictive Powertrain Control and other driver assistance systems.

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

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

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

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

“We are therefore thrilled to announce six new models have been added to the existing range, comprising three freight carries (the Arocs 3336/48, the Arocs 3340/48 and the Arocs 3352/45), an 8×4 tipper (the Arocs 4145K/51) and two all-wheel drives off road vehicles (the Arocs 1845AE/45 and the Arocs 3345AE/45),” says Gerber.

“In both the distribution and construction applications, the new Mercedes-Benz Arocs model series impress not only with a comfortable driver workplace, but also with precisely coordinated, application-matched vehicle configurations, fuel-saving efficient technology and attractive service offers which lowers total costs.

“With new enhancements such as the multifunctional steering wheel, which enhances ergonomics and ease of operation, the electronic parking brake, which combines simple handling, driving comfort and safety, the key-less start, which improves driver convenience. The Arocs is more functional and comfortable than ever.

“Furthermore, the Arocs range comes standard with a seat belt monitor, rain sensor, and rubber mats for driver and co-driver’s side.

“With the addition of the new Actros and additional Arocs models, I am pleased to say we now boast a complete product line-up within the Heavy Duty Truck segment, that is not only unmatched in its design, but offers value for money to our customers.”