Showcasing everything from the Unimog to the new generation Actros, including new camera technology and emergency braking, was all part of Daimler Trucks Drive Day.
The event was a chance for customers to see the latest on offer from Daimler Trucks with a full day of activities at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park on October 14.
It was also the first New Zealand reveal of the new generation Mercedes-Benz Actros with cameras replacing side mirrors. The MirrorCam system is connected to two large screens in the cabin that boost driver vision.
The technology also helps deliver fuel savings with the reduced drag and improved aerodynamics of the small camera pods which replace regular mirrors.
The truck is expected to go on sale in the second quarter of 2020 and is currently going through a local validation programme with customers evaluating the new models throughout the North and South Island.
Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus Australia pacific director Michael May says Mercedes-Benz is determined to continue its momentum in the New Zealand truck market.
“Many New Zealand customers have embraced the current generation Actros thanks to its remarkable efficiency, reliability and comfort, which has been fantastic for us,” he says.
“But Mercedes-Benz will always look for new ways to improve the experience of our partners,” he says.
The Unimog has also been attracting a lot of interest from customers since launching into the New Zealand commercial market for the first time last year.
Tourism operator Go Orange was one of the first major customers, purchasing eight Unimogs to transport rafting clients around Skippers Canyon in Queenstown.
Daimler Truck and Bus NZ senior manager Pieter Theron says the Unimog is “like a Swiss army knife” with the one vehicle capable of many tasks.
“Instead of buying three or four vehicles to do multiple jobs, this one vehicle can fulfil multiple purposes,” Theron says.
The public service sector, the energy sector, fire and rescue, airport services, agriculture and even road-rail applications are some areas where the Unimog will be targeted.
“The Unimog has a rich history in the defence force in New Zealand and we want to take that more to the commercial market and the private market,” he says.
Daimler Trucks and TransportTalk also had four Drive Day double passes to giveaway. The winners included Bob Edmiston, Curtis Mcguire, Joanne Dale and Susan Spelman.
