The Mercedes-Benz Actros ProCabin has been named Truck of the Year Australasia 2026 following a unanimous decision by the judging panel.
The award was presented to Keith Andrews Trucks chief executive Darren Evans at the New Zealand Road Transport Hall of Fame in Invercargill on September 25.
The Actros ProCabin prevailed against the Fuso Shogun 530, UD Condor, Isuzu F Series and Iveco Eurocargo in the largest field assembled since the award began in 2023.
“We’re incredibly proud to see the Mercedes-Benz Actros ProCabin named Truck of the Year Australasia,” Evans says.
“Fuel is one of the biggest costs our customers face, and we know every improvement in efficiency matters. The ProCabin’s completely new, even more aerodynamic design helps reduce fuel consumption, making a meaningful difference to the business and people who rely on these trucks.
“With the Actros ProCabin already at work across Australia and New Zealand, this award recognises a truck that is delivering real-world value for operators on both sides of the Tasman.”
Truck of the Year Australasia judge and New Zealand Trucking Media editorial director Dave McCoid says each contender presented a strong case.
“Each machine offered a strong case, with three doing battle in the same market segment, so that made it interesting. The Fuso offered a specific market fit, as did the Actros.
“The launch of the ProCabin as part of the Mercedes-Benz range builds on the great strides the brand has made in terms of cutting-edge technology,” McCoid says.
“The extra length may only be 80mm, but it has enabled the designers to come up with a new design that will be suitable for any possible power option, from diesel to any other alternative power source.”
Senior judge and Australian heavy commercial vehicle journalist Tim Giles describes the ProCabin as a step-change from other trucks on the market.
“The launch of the ProCabin takes the Mercedes-Benz range into new territory,” Giles says.
“This truck is a step-change from other trucks on the market, and great to drive. The new cabin design houses an innovative air management system, and combining this with the latest state-of-the-art in Daimler safety technology creates a truck which is up for any task.”
Daimler Truck Australia Pacific vice president sales, marketing and operations Andrew Assimo says the ProCabin was developed to reduce fuel use and improve operational efficiency.
“The Actros ProCabin was shaped to cut fuel consumption even further, delivering our customers an edge that is even more valuable as fuel prices rise,” Assimo says.
“We’re thrilled this focus on real-world efficiency, as well our dedication to the most advanced safety, has been recognised by the Australasian Truck of the Year judges.”
Truck of the Year Australasia is affiliated with the International Truck of the Year organisation and recognises new heavy vehicles that improve the safety and efficiency of road freight in Australia and New Zealand.
Eligible trucks must have a gross vehicle mass of at least 4.5 tonnes, offer substantial technological improvements and be available to operators as a series-production model.
The award presentation alternates annually between Australia and New Zealand.
