Action Hero
Mercedes-Benz and EMC team up to celebrate the Actros trucks 20th anniversary in the region
By Matthew Treanor
In the new Actros 3844 S 6×4, Mercedes-Benz Trucks MENA and its authorised distributor in the emirate of Abu Dhabi with Emirates Motor Company (EMC) have found a fitting and smart way to celebrate the Actros 20 years of service in the Middle East.
At a special media launch event recently held in Endurance City, the two partners provided a live demonstration of the new Actros 3844 S 6×4 tractor-head model. It was also a great opportunity to get an overview of its state-of-the-art equipment and innovative safety systems from a visiting team of professional Mercedes-Benz driver trainers from Germany and the Training and Product Management team of Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA.
After two decades of slogging up and down the roads while dutifully getting its hands dirty on construction sites and oil and gas fields across the region, the Actros has earned the right to have its own so-called 20 Years Edition. It has been given a carbon black metallic coloured exterior makeover with a striking silver stripe that has the 20 Years Actros emblem emblazoned on it. It also has chromed air-horns on top of the cab and an LED-illuminated Mercedes-Benz star on the front.
The launch of the 20 Years Actros Edition is yet another milestone in the success story of our iconic flagship truck in the MENA region, says Roland Schneider, president & CEO of Daimler Commercial Vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz and EMC have packed in a highly fuel-efficient 6-cylinder engine (Euro 3) which boasts 435 hp and 2,100 Nm of torque, into the heavy-duty truck. It also comes with Mercedes PowerShift, a 16-speed automated gearbox that provides specific driving for most traffic situations. According to the German auto-maker the set-up benefits greatly from the reliable and efficient power transfer from the twin-plate clutch to the two driven rear axles. The truck is easy and convenient to drive, claims Mercedes-Benz, helping the drivers level of concentration.
Further specifications on the engineering aspects of the trucks include a powerful engine and transmission cooling system, air intake on the upper side of the cab and a tandem air cleaner that Mercedes-Benz claims will provide outstanding robustness and reliability even under the MENA regions extreme climate conditions.
The L-Cab used on the 20 Years Actros Edition is also spacious with an engine tunnel that only reaches 130mm in height and a headroom in the cab of 1.4m.
The roomy interior is surprising given the amount of technology EMC and Mercedes-Benz have managed to fit in the truck. The Bluetooth radio enables hands-free use of a mobile phone whilst driving. The truck comes with the Mercedes FleetBoard telematics system installed which provides not only vehicle tracking, trip recording and professional fleet management, but also continuous analysis and rating of driver and vehicle performance.
A driver airbag heads the list of safety features. The Telligent Proximity Control automatically adjusts the speed of the truck according to the traffic situation, constantly analysing the distance of vehicles driving in front of it. Additionally, if a sudden obstacle appears, such as a vehicle changing lanes, the driver is warned both visually and audibly.
Meanwhile, the Telligent Lane Assistant features a digital camera behind the screen, detecting the vehicle position in relation to the left-hand and right-hand lane markings. When activated, the system helps the driver to stay in lane by giving audible warning signals when accidentally leaving the traffic lane. An additional front mirror increases the visible area in front of the truck, helping to recognise pedestrians or obstacles quickly.
Mercedes-Benz has been developing many of its safety systems for more than 50 years and many feature on this special edition version of the Actros. Besides the now-standard electronically-controlled Telligent braking system, Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the Acceleration skid control (ASR), the truck is also equipped with the optional Active Brake Assist. This system operates using three radar beams to constantly scan an area of 1-200m ahead of the truck. Drivers are given both a visual and audible alert by the system when it detects a potential collision with a moving obstacle.
Depending on the severity of the situation, the system will react with a partial braking manoeuvre and, if necessary, even initiates an emergency braking to standstill, says Mercedes-Benz, thus helping to avoid dangerous rear-end collisions, particularly in heavy traffic.
In its way the 20 Years Actros Edition is also a celebration of Mercedes-Benz ground-breaking work in commercial vehicles. It is both a truck to admire and a showroom on wheels for both Mercedes-Benz and EMC.
The models state-of-the-art safety features and the highly fuel-efficient drivetrain underline the technological leadership of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, says Schneider. The Actros provides the ideal product solution for customers seeking the highest safety and efficiency standards.
All features of the Actros 20 Years Edition are available from the Mercedes-Benz Trucks factory in Woerth/Germany, and can be ordered through the authorised distributors across the MENA region. Professional driver training is offered by Mercedes-Benz and its distributors to instruct fleet managers and drivers on how to operate the truck and its features focusing on maximum safety and efficiency.
Specifications:
Power: 2,100Nm
6-cyl Engine Power: 435 hp
Wheelbase: 3.3m
GVW: 38t
Axle config: 6×4
