Mercedes-Benz is launching an all-new rigid range at the Brisbane Truck Show covering everything from distribution to waste applications.
The rigid models bring a suite of new technology including Euro 6 emission ratings, fuel economy savings, reduced AdBlue consumption, advanced safety technology and new levels of comfort and refinement says Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
The new rigid model range was part of a comprehensive testing programme that has now included more than 35 customers, 20 trucks and more than 1.8 million km.
Mercedes-Benz developed the new generation rigid range after consulting clients in various operations. The model line-up features a wide variety of application-specific models, configured to get the job done.
The second phase of the new generation Mercedes-Benz truck introduction includes rigid on-road models, while the third phase, set for late this year, will see the launch of the construction and all-wheel-drive rigid models ready for off-road work.
Mercedes-Benz director, Michael May, says the rigid range introduction follows on from the successful introduction of the prime mover range last year in Australia and in New Zealand at the Transport and Heavy Equipment Expo in March.
“We have had some fantastic feedback from customers of our new generation prime movers who are extremely pleased with the performance and economy they are delivering,” says May.
“We are now ready for the second stage of our rollout, with our rigid distribution line-up set to provide a new standard of efficiency, reliability and versatility for our customers,” he says.
The rigid model line-up introduced in Brisbane runs all the way from a 12-tonne rigid city distribution unit through to a 32-tonne 8×4 model for palletized freight, equipment haulage or waste work.
Customers can choose from 8-litre and 11-litre units for the rigid range, although there are 13-litre and 16-litre engines are also available for individual builds.
The engines meet Euro 6 emission standards and feature asymmetric turbocharging as well as X-Pulse high-pressure direct injection technology, which both help more usable torque and assists with low-speed drivability.
They also feature a new engine brake with up to 340kW of power, although a water retarder can increase the available braking force to a total of 750kW.
The 8-litre six-cylinder engine is available with either 299hp or 354hp, while the 11-litre unit is available with ratings of 394hp, 428hp or 455hp.
The company believes the vast spread of available engines will cover a huge range of applications.
Fully automated transmissions are standard across the rigid range.
These eight-speed and 12-speed transmissions feature faster shifting, and a new creeper gear for low speed work such moving into loading bays.
There are three different cab groups, starting with the smaller 2.3m S Classic Space for the 1630L 4×2 medium-duty distribution model, moving up to the 2.3m M Classic Space for 2530 and 2535L 6×2 heavy duty distribution.
There is also the 2.3m M Classic Space for the 6×4 and 8×4 heavy duty distribution and vocational models. Sleeper cabs and rear seat options are available on selected models.
Mercedes-Benz has developed new cabs and chassis for the rigid range, delivering better stability and road holding as well as improved refinement and comfort.
All the cabs meet the strict Swedish cab test and come standard with roof-mounted air-horns, remote locking, electric mirrors and a locally-developed touchscreen sat nav and the audio unit with DVD player and Bluetooth connectivity.
The new driver-focused interior delivers a significant improvement in refinement levels, with controls located well within reach of the driver. Several items can now be controlled using the steering wheel controls.
Customers can also option up the cabins with interior style packs and can choose the wood-look/velour Home Line treatment or the metal-look Chrome Style Line treatment.
The new rigid range comes standard with an Electronic Braking System, with the principal models incorporating Stability Control Assist, Hill Hold Assist and Traction Control.
Models 18-tonne and above are also available with optional advanced safety systems including Active Brake Assist 4, which automatically performs emergency braking for most obstacles and can now initiate partial braking for pedestrians.
Daimler Truck and Bus New Zealand senior manager Pieter Theron told DIESELtalk.co.nz that details of the New Zealand range of rigid models is yet to be confirmed.
