This story first appeared in the June issue of AutoTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its advanced new Actros model featuring cameras instead of mirrors.
The vehicle was shown to the public for the first time at the Brisbane Truck Show and is expected to hit Australian and New Zealand roads by 2020.
The company has started its validation programme for the truck featuring a range of driver-focussed improvements including the MirrorCam system that uses aerodynamic cameras connected to two large screens in the cabin.
The new Mercedes-Benz model also features a new multimedia interface system with two high-resolution tablet-style screens.
The new truck also features GPS-assisted predictive powertrain control for increased fuel efficiency, enhanced connectivity and the latest generation of safety technology.
Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus Australia Pacific director Michael May says the company is focused on leading the local heavy duty truck market.
“The current Mercedes-Benz truck continues to win over new customers with its remarkable efficiency, reliability and comfort, but we will always look for ways we can further improve the experience of our partners with tried and tested innovation,” he says.
“This evolution is all about making life easier for drivers, while continuing to help push down the cost of operating a transport business in Australia.”
May says the new truck has been tested extensively in Europe, but Mercedes-Benz was determined to evaluate it locally.
“In the first stage of the validation programme, we will put more than half a dozen evaluation units to work across Australia.
“We are committed to working with our customers to determine the ideal model specification four our tough and unique conditions.”
MirrorCam can help deliver a fuel efficiency saving, thanks to the reduced drag of the small camera pods that replace the regular mirrors.
The increased range of vision that can be displayed on the two screens in the cabin, and the lack of a physical mirror blocking some of the view, is also set to deliver a big improvement for drivers and safety.
The reduced size of the camera wing, compared to a wing mirror, is also likely to reduce the chance of damage.
Mercedes-Benz says the cost of replacing the camera assembly could even be less than replacing a traditional mirror assembly if it is damaged.
Mercedes-Benz has also improved driver operation of a range of systems with new touch control buttons added to the steering wheel.
This allows drivers to change what information is displayed on the two large screens.
Euro 6 range winning NZ customers
Mercedes-Benz Trucks is celebrating a strong customer response to its new Euro6 range in New Zealand.
It’s the only brand in the country with a complete range of models that meet the stringent emissions standard, the company says.
Daimler Truck and Bus senior manager Pieter Theron says individuals and companies are actively seeking to purchase Euro 6 rated trucks as an easy way to reduce their carbon footprint.
“Our customers realise that it is very easy to be socially environmentally responsible with our range of Euro 6 trucks,” he says.
“Those who have made the switch to our trucks are saving money thanks to the reduced fuel consumption, the reduced AdBlue consumption and the very long service intervals.For some, it is simply a smart business decision and the environmental element is simply a bonus.”
Compared to industry standard Euro 5 engines, Euro 6 engines deliver a particulate matter reduction of 99% and a 97% reduction of nitrogen oxides.
In the Mercedes-Benz range, the Euro 6 prime movers also deliver a fuel economy saving of more than 7% over the previous model with Euro 5.
AdBlue usage has been dramatically reduced compared to trucks running Euro 5 engines, with reductions of up to 40% reported.
Mercedes-Benz introduced Euro 6 engines when the new generation Actros and Arocs models made their debut in 2017 and subsequent models have all introduced the technology.
The company has also introduced key safety features including Active Brake Assist 4, which automatically performs emergency braking for most obstacles and can even initiate partial braking for pedestrians, as well a lane departure warning and fatigue warning.
New generation Mercedes-Benz trucks feature new engine platforms featuring the latest technology to boost power and torque as well as longer service intervals, while driving down running costs.
The trucks are able to meet the stringent Euro 6 emissions standards by using selective catalytic reduction (with AdBlue fluid), exhaust gas recirculation and a diesel particulate filter.
Daimler engineers found that the best method was not to simply rely on one particular technology, but to use all three in order to drive down fuel and AdBlue usage while also cutting emissions.
