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To prepare for the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros at Mercedes-Benz sales partners and dealerships on November 12, 2011, an impressive star tour was held today, beginning at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth. Starting at 10 a.m., one of the 450 new Mercedes-Benz Actros demonstration vehicles left the world’s largest truck plant every 40 seconds.
The new Actros tractor trailers left the facility in pairs via a dual ramp. The vehicles are being driven to the various showrooms by Mercedes-Benz truck salespeople from all over Germany.
The sequence of departures was based on the final destination: those with the longest trips started first.
“We are extremely proud of the new Actros, which is the result of more than ten years of hard work and great dedication,” says Hubertus Troska, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “I’m delighted that we are today sending the truck on its way so that it can fascinate sales partners and customers throughout Germany.”
The fourth generation Mercedes-Benz Actros, which is about to hit the road, is consistently economical, comfortable, safe, and environmentally friendly. The new design further increases the appeal of Mercedes-Benz’ new flagship truck. The Actros is the world’s most successful heavy-duty truck, with sales of more than 700,000 vehicles since the launch in 1996.
The new Actros was redeveloped from scratch, enabling Daimler to further improve the successful truck model. The vehicle not only improves business operators’ bottom line by cutting fuel consumption; it also reduces the strain on drivers by boosting handling and ride comfort. In addition, it already meets the stringent Euro VI emissions limits. Compared to the previous Actros, which has long since proved its worth, the new model consumes six to seven percent less fuel in the Euro V variant, and three to four percent less fuel in the Euro VI version. The vehicle is the result of more than ten years of hard work, over 20 million test driving kilometers, and more than €2 billion spent on development and production technology.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The first Actros Euro VI was handed over to the Transalliance transport company today as part of a major order for over 500 Mercedes-Benz trucks. Ulrich Bastert, head of sales at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, handed over the vehicle to Alexandre Michel, owner and CEO of the Transalliance Group, in Wörth today. "There is a good, long-standing partnership between our company and Transalliance. We are delighted that our customer Transalliance is introducing the first Euro VI truck into its fleet, thereby highlighting the company's future-oriented approach," said Ulrich Bastert at the handover. The French company will be taking delivery of this major order in the coming months.
The new Mercedes-Benz Actros is the first truck to be designed specifically for the Euro VI standard, which will become mandatory in 2014. Its pollutant emissions have been reduced to a barely detectable range. The new Actros model also sets benchmarks in terms of fuel consumption: in comparison to the established Actros, the new Actros designed to Euro VI standard results in a further 3-4 percent reduction in fuel consumption.
"For us, economy, safe driving dynamics and greater comfort for the driver are the most important characteristics of a truck. We are proud to have the first Mercedes-Benz Actros with Euro VI technology in our fleet," declared Alexandre Michel from Transalliance. "Our efforts to support and actively promote future-oriented technologies are also being showcased in the technology days which we are currently staging at Transalliance. This event offers customers and employees an opportunity to catch up on the state of the art in our business."
Transalliance is one of the largest logistics companies in Europe. Its fleet comprises 3200 vehicles, including 700 trucks from Mercedes-Benz. Transalliance's workforce in 2011 stands at 4500. The handover of the first new Mercedes-Benz Actros complying with the Euro VI emissions standard which is to be introduced in 2014 further strengthens the level of cooperation between the two companies and demonstrates the two partners' commitment to meeting the highest possible environmental standards.
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Today the Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth started series production of the new Actros. To mark the event, Daimler CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche sat behind the wheel as the first unit of the new truck rolled off the assembly line. The vehicle was built at the company’s largest truck assembly plant. The new Actros was redeveloped from scratch, and already meets the strict Euro VI emissions limits. Compared to the previous Actros, the new model consumes six to seven percent less fuel in the Euro V variant, and three to four percent less fuel in the Euro VI variant. The vehicle is the result of more than ten years of hard work, over 20 million test driving kilometers, and more than €2 billion spent on development and production technology.
Since a production launch on this scale occurs only about every 15 years in the commercial vehicle industry, the plant and its workforce began to prepare for the event years ago.
“With Daimler Trucks we want to grow much faster than the market as a whole and sell more than 500,000 trucks in 2013”, said Daimler CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars in Wörth. “The new Mercedes-Benz Actros sets the benchmark among its competitors; it is our most important truck of the decade.”
Flexibility at the Mercedes-Benz plant Wörth
The Wörth plant produces each truck exactly in line with customer specifications. These results in a great variety of trucks so that, statistically speaking, no two vehicles produced in a single year are the same. What’s unusual about production in Wörth is that all three of the Mercedes-Benz model series (Actros, Axor, and Atego) are made here on the same assembly line. They will be joined by the new Actros, which will be integrated into the existing series production process and be assembled on the same production lines as the other current model series.
High quality from the Mercedes-Benz Wörth plant
More than €2 billion was spent on developing the new truck and preparing the Wörth plant and its equipment for the production launch. The company built an automated warehouse for small parts, which forms the basis for a new logistics concept. It has also established the Development and Research Center, a test track for new generations of trucks, which brings the development and production areas even closer together. The employees received extensive training that familiarized them with the new Actros’ system environment.
“Our plant will remain the home of the Actros,” says Yaris Pürsün, Head of Mercedes-Benz Wörth plant. “We have thoroughly prepared ourselves for the production launch of the new Actros. To us quality made in Wörth means best quality from the very first new Actros, in terms of trucks you can trust.”
Mercedes-Benz has around 12,000 employees at its Wörth plant. The first Mercedes-Benz Actros rolled off the production line in 1996, and it is now the brand’s best-selling model series, along with the Mercedes-Benz Atego and the Mercedes-Benz Axor. More than 700,000 Actros trucks have left the plant to date, and the truck accounts for two-thirds of the Wörth plant’s annual output.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Its looks have been optimised in the wind tunnel, its technology and engineering are masterful and its cab is a unique combination of workplace and home from home: the new Mercedes-Benz Actros is the new benchmark for premium-class trucks. It reconciles high performance with low fuel consumption, its emissions are lower in pollutants than any comparable vehicle and its has undergone testing of unprecedented intensity. The Mercedes-Benz Actros has taken the motto for the Frankfurt International Motor Show – "The future begins today" – at its word.
Polished up and streamlined for fuel efficiency in the wind tunnel
A truck in the wind tunnel? All part of the development routine at Mercedes-Benz. The engineers subjected the Actros to 2600 hours of intensive testing and optimisation in the wind tunnel. In view of a frontal area of around 10 m2, consisting of a height of 4.0 m and a width of 2.5 m, and annual mileage in the order of 150,000, every detail of the cab and its attachments is crucial. The design of the air deflectors on the roof, the roof itself, the front apron, the corner panelling and the cab-side extenders have been evolved with a meticulous attention to detail. Perforated slats on the radiator grille, a temperature-controlled radiator shutter, door leaves extended downwards, side panelling between front and rear axle – all these aspects have undergone testing to make the new Actros the most economical truck on the road.
On the outside, the new Actros sports a striking and powerful, quintessentially Mercedes-Benz appearance, boldly displaying its star credentials. It takes up visual trends from the current passenger car range, adopting them into the world of commercial vehicles. In view of its long product lifecycle, the new Actros shuns short-lived, fashionable features, however. It embarks on its career with an optimistic and friendly smile on its face – the new Actros is powerful, but not aggressive in character.
A true dream cab: more spacious than ever
A workplace to be envied: the generously proportioned cab of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros sets new benchmarks in spaciousness and ergonomics, quality of materials and appointments. The superior standards begin with the new multifunction key: suspension level control, activation of the interior lighting, call-up of key operating data, level of the fuel tank and other fluids, tyre pressure monitoring, activation of auxiliary heating or stationary air conditioning – all these functions and more besides can be carried out at a distance of up to 100 m with this truly all-round key. Just for the record: the door also serves to lock and unlock the doors.
Typically for a truck, the cab on the new Actros is available in a range of different variants. Less typically, two widths and no less than six height and roof variants are available, tailored precisely to individual operational requirements. And anything but typically, the majority of cabs for the new Actros feature a flat floor, offering generous freedom of movement on board. Particularly impressive is the new Actros with GigaSpace cab and almost 12 cubic metres of space inside – a real dream workplace.
Cockpit and living area separated for the first time
Space and freedom of movement are of great importance in long-haul trucks. A driver may spend days or even weeks on the road in such vehicles. The cab thus serves as the driver's workplace, living area and sleeping berth in one. In view of this situation, the cockpit and living area have been separated from one another for the first time in the new Actros by means of the colour scheme and the cockpit's geometric design. The quality finish and feel of the interior appointments are on a par with the standard encountered in upper-range passenger cars – the new Actros is the Mercedes-Benz among trucks.
In keeping with the interior as a whole, the driver's seat has also been developed especially for the new Actros. It boasts a fascinating range of adjustment features: in addition to the customary basic functions, the air-sprung comfort seat also offers automatic weight adjustment, adjustable vertical dampers, lateral contour support, seat depth adjustment, shoulder support, horizontal springing and pneumatic lumbar support. The top-of-the-range variant even incorporates a massage function with pulsating air cushions in the backrest.
The driver receives tips on his style of driving
The cockpit of the new Actros is perfectly designed to meet the driver's needs. The multifunction steering wheel with its rim offering a good grip corresponds to the standard featuring in the current generation of passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz. The instruments offer more than the customary scope of information: the FleetBoard telematics system which comes as standard analyses the driver's style continuously by reference to numerous parameters. On the basis of the analysed data, the driver receives ongoing analyses and tips on his current driving style.
Numerous practical stowage facilities accommodate small and large items alike. Large stowage compartments provide an ideal base for a coffee machine or laptop. An integrated folding table is optionally available on the co-driver's side. The interior lighting adapts to the driver's needs: ceiling lamps ensure optimum illumination, with the work area lighting assisting the driver when studying documents, for example. The anti-dazzle green night lighting conjures up a pleasant atmosphere for night-time driving. The indirect blue ambience lighting employing fibre-optic cables to great effect helps the driver to relax during breaks.
The relaxation area in the new SoloStar Concept
The optional new SoloStar Concept takes the relaxation zone on board a truck to a new dimension. The central relaxation area is a rounded corner on the co-driver's side. Even tall drivers are able to stretch out their legs in this seating scenario and make themselves comfortable. A folding table provides an additional convenience factor. The beds in the new Actros offer even greater relaxation. They measure 2200 x 750 mm – more than enough even for the tallest drivers. Seven-zone cold-foam mattresses with an adjustable back section offer lying comfort on a par with that of a high-quality bed at home. The upper of the two beds can be levelled with a spirit level.
The heating utilising residual engine heat ensures a pleasant temperature during breaks or waiting times. During longer stops, the auxiliary heater goes into operation. The standard scope of equipment also includes air conditioning with automatic temperature control. A stationary air conditioning system is optionally available. This system stores cold which is generated while the vehicle is in motion, using it to cool the cab for up to eight hours at the end of the working day – a relief on hot summer nights, for example.
Plenty of space for luggage – and a shaving mirror
The stowage space in the new Actros boasts exceptional dimensions and accessibility. It is able to accommodate sufficient supplies and luggage even for long trips. With the Actros GigaSpace the stowage capacity totals 975 l – twice the luggage space available in a Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The outside flaps even open wide enough to stow away beverage crates.
Details transform the cab of the new Actros into a multifunctional home from home. The stowage compartment above the co-driver's area conceals a towel holder. A shaving mirror with flexible mounting is also on board. A spacious refrigerator box is optionally available. Similarly to the Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, various lines are available to upgrade the interior of the new Actros: the Home-Line emphasizes the new Actros's home-from-home character with wood-look trims and a door mirror in almond beige. This line also includes a leather steering wheel, with a wood/leather steering wheel available as an option. The Style-Line brings out the new Actros's dynamic character with chrome parts in brushed metal and interior door mirrors in black-silver velour. A chrome bar on the sunblind, chrome covers for the mirror housings and an illuminated Mercedes star lend the new Actros an extrovert character.
A real powerhouse: plenty of thrust right from the lowest revs
BlueEfficiency Power is the name of the game for the new engines in the new Mercedes-Benz Actros – combining clean running and power. The experience of driving with these engines is as impressive as these key data suggest: with a displacement of 12.9 l the six-cylinder in-line engines generate 310 kW (421 hp) and 375 kW (510 hp) in four stages, with maximum torque ranging between 2100 and 2500 Nm. The nominal engine speed stands at 180 rpm, with maximum torque available from 1100 rpm. These figures only provide a rough outline of the engines' performance, however: almost 100 percent of their full power output is already available at 1400 rpm, and high torque is on tap right from 800 to 900 rpm.
The engines are outstanding feats of engineering: two composite overhead camshafts with gear train and four valves per cylinder are just some of the distinguishing features. An outstanding attribute is the unique fuel injection technology based on a common rail system with pressure boost. A pressure of around 900 bar is generated in the rail. In the individual injectors, this pressure is boosted to as high as 2100 bar. Injection timing point, injection quantity, injection pressure and the pressure characteristic are all variable. Equally innovative is charging of the engines via an exhaust gas turbocharger with asymmetric turbine casing. This method provides for improved response.
The six-cylinder in-line engine has already demonstrated its extreme durability in extensive tests and in variants for other continents: the new engines achieve a mileage of at least 1.2 million km without overhauling. The maintenance intervals are equally spectacular, with up to 150,000 km possible between oil changes, depending on the vehicle's operating conditions.
Emission control: the exhaust muffler as a miniature chemical processing plant
The efficient emission control system marks a milestone in the development of clean automotive technologies. The new Actros already complies with the future Euro VI emissions standard, which will not become mandatory until 2014. Compliance with Euro VI requires more sophisticated technology: the new Actros combines SCR technology with AdBlue injection, exhaust gas recirculation and particulate filter – the exhaust muffler becomes a mini-chemical processing plant devoted to pollution control. The new Actros is optionally available in a variant corresponding to the current Euro V emissions standard.
Transmission: fast and precise gear-shifting
Transmissions are a fascinating aspect of truck technology and engineering. The new Actros is a high-tech trailblazer here with its PowerShift transmission. The fully automatic twelve-gear unit provides for fast gear-shifting with a precision which even the best driver cannot match. The transmission is operated by means of a steering column lever. The transmission supports the driver in diverse ways, with a choice of three driving programmes – Standard, Economy and Power – according to the demands of the given transport operations. A crawl function helps during manoeuvring much in the same way as with an automatic transmission, while a rocking mode is useful on slippery surfaces. EcoRoll mode switches the transmission to neutral when appropriate and subsequently engages the correct gear automatically, for maximum fuel economy in rolling phases.
Cruise along at only 1260 revs
Five different final drive ratios enable individualisation of the new Actros in accordance with its individual operational needs. This provides for a customised truck in line with the given body, weight and the topography of its typical routes. The high-torque engines allow high gearing: with the standard axle, the new Actros cruises along at only 1260 rpm at a motorway speed of 85 km/h – a prerequisite for low fuel consumption.
Air suspension as standard
The chassis and suspension play a major role on trucks as on passenger cars, though with a different emphasis. The new Actros comes with air suspension on the rear axle as standard, with additional front air suspension available as an option. The cab is additionally provided with a four-point suspension system, the top-of-the-range variant even featuring air suspension. Apart from the accuracy and precision of the speed-sensitive power steering, the variable power-assisted steering also saves fuel. The same applies to the auxiliary units operating in on-demand mode: from the alternator to the air compressor for the brake system, they all operate at zero fuel consumption in overrun mode.
In view of the permissible gross weight of 40 tons, the brakes play a particularly important role. The new Actros is fitted with internally ventilated disc brakes on all axles. A new feature is a particularly effective three-stage engine brake, which has a power output of up to 400 kW (544 hp) – more than the vehicle's engine. Even greater braking power is supplied by an auxiliary brake in the form of a retarder, whose brake power peaks at an outstanding 750 kW (1020 hp).
Assistance systems: a host of safety features on board
In the interests of maximum safety, diverse assistance systems are available for the new Actros. Proximity Control Assist maintains a preset safety distance, adapting the vehicle's speed accordingly. In addition, with the new stop-and-go function it now even controls moving off and stopping in congested traffic. Lane Keeping Assist warns the driver in good time if the truck threatens to leave its lane due to inattentiveness on his part. Stability Control Assist, which comes as standard, is the equivalent of ESP for trucks. Developing such a system posed a major challenge in view of the combination of tractor and semi-trailer and the large difference of around 25 tons between kerb weight and permissible gross weight. As a unique feature, Active Brake Assist initiates emergency braking automatically in the event of danger.
Sometimes it is the minor details that make the difference. The fifth wheel coupling with sensor technology informs the driver of its locking mechanism's status via a display in the cab. The exterior mirror with manoeuvring function widens the field of vision by ten degrees by means of automatic adjustment when reverse gear is engaged.
Record low fuel consumption demonstrated in 10,000 km trial
Maximum economic efficiency is a prime consideration when developing commercial vehicles. Economy is tantamount to environmental friendliness here, as every litre of fuel saved not only lowers costs but also reduces emissions and helps to preserve finite resources. Despite the sophisticated emission control technology, a key priority for the new Actros was thus nevertheless a further reduction in fuel consumption. In an extensive road trial, the new Actros has demonstrated how its designers have indeed achieved a feat tantamount to squaring the circle.
Laden to a weight of 40 tons, two new Actros 1845s complying with emissions standard Euro V and Euro VI each covered the 10,000 stretch on the typical east-west route from Rotterdam to Szczecin and back. An Actros 1844 from the preceding model series also completed the trip for the purposes of comparison. The fuel consumption test was carried out under the supervision of the authorised Dekra inspection agency, ruling out any underhand practices. Numerous assemblies and tanks were lead-sealed and all refuelling operations were monitored.
Even the experts were astounded at the results. The established fuel-efficient Actros 1844 clocked up fuel consumption of 27.1 litres per 100 km as a reference value. The new Actros 1845 BlueTec 6 complying with the Euro VI emission standard – which will not become mandatory until 2014 – completed the trip on 25.9 litres per 100 km, thus undercutting its predecessor by 4.5%. The new Actros BlueTec 5 complying with the Euro V emissions standard shows a fuel consumption level of just 25.1 litres per 100 km – 7.6% below the reference value. This figure corresponds to fuel consumption approaching only 1 litre to 100 km per ton of payload for the new Actros. Even fuel-efficient passenger cars fall short of this fascinatingly low value, which was attained with standard production heavy-duty trucks in daily operating conditions.
The most thoroughly tested truck ever
The new Actros has been developed according to the strict rules of Daimler Trucks' eleven "quality gates", which control the development process in defined steps. This process entails countless individual tests on engines, transmissions, other drive components, chassis and cab on test benches, as well as tests on rough roads, endurance tests, functional tests and tests in a climatic chamber. All this is no substitute for the acid tests faced by the complete vehicle in real road trials, however. The new Actros has covered 20 million kilometres on the road, including daily use in intensive trials conducted by customers.
The diverse tests are rounded off by two unforgiving trial phases. For 20 years now, Mercedes-Benz has been testing its trucks in the searing heat of the Sierra Nevada in southern Spain. The route winds its way up the 45 km from Granada to the winter sports venue of Solynieve, negotiating inclines of between 8% and 12% along the way. Outside temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius apply at the start of the route. This is an ordeal not only for the vehicle, but for the test drivers, too – with air conditioning ruled out in the interests of comparability. An acid test takes place after completing just over half of the climb: three stops, each followed by a three-minute rest before briefly moving off again. Due to the lack of cooling from the airstream, this results in an extremely hot engine. The heat resistance of exhaust systems, the cab's equipment and appointments, the electronics, steering, brakes and tyres is measured.
Winter tests at the Arctic circle subjected the new Actros to extreme conditions at the other end of the spectrum. For many years now, Daimler AG has been running a test camp for trucks here in the Finnish town of Rovaniemi. The test programme here focuses on the engine's cold-starting properties, its temperature characteristic, cold start noise and the behaviour of the entire drive train, including transmission and gear-changing, at extremely low temperatures. Other key test items include heating of the cab, the icing and de-icing of windows, doors and exterior mirrors, the misting-up of headlamps and soiling.
The new Mercedes-Benz Actros passed these extreme tests. While the production vehicles will never encounter such harsh conditions in daily operation, it is reassuring to know that the new Actros would be able to cope in these scenarios.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Safer, cleaner and more economical than ever before, heavy-duty trucks today are fully fledged high-tech vehicles. Assistance systems maintain a constant safety distance, warn the driver when the vehicle threatens to leave its lane or even initiate emergency braking in case of danger. Engines with fascinating performance capabilities and featuring fully automated transmissions with twelve gears are perfectly matched to produce record-breaking fuel efficiency: long-haul semi-trailer/tractor combinations are now approaching fuel consumption levels in the order of 1 litre to 100 km per ton of payload. New emission control systems combine particle filter, exhaust gas recirculation and SCR system to minimise emissions. The motto for the Frankfurt International Motor Show – "The future begins today" – describes the current generation of trucks perfectly, with the new Mercedes-Benz Actros in the vanguard.
Assistance systems: a host of safety features on board
Drivers covering around 150,000 km a year – the common mileage for a truck on long-haul operations in Europe – have to deal with their fair share of tricky situations. And drivers moving 40 tons along the roads have a special responsibility. Against this background, diverse assistance systems are available for modern-day heavy-duty trucks, to support the driver in going about his responsible daily work. Assistance systems maintain a constant safety distance, adapting the vehicle's speed accordingly. They provide a timely warning when the vehicle threatens to leave its lane and prevent semi-trailer/tractor combinations from swerving – a major challenge for the developers in view of the combinations of vehicles involved. The new Mercedes-Benz Actros with Active Brake Assist even initiates emergency braking automatically in the event of danger. Sometimes it is little details that make a big difference: a sensor detects whether the fifth wheel coupling is correctly locked. Sophisticated mirror systems provide for good visibility – including a manoeuvring function with extended field of vision. Some systems are now firmly established standard features for heavy-duty trucks and require no further explanation: ABS anti-lock brake system, acceleration skid control (ASR), the Electronic Brake System (EBS) and internally ventilated disc brakes on all wheels, for example. Maximum safety is in every company's best interest – nothing is more costly to business operations than a truck that is out of service and unable to deliver its load to its destination on time.
High-tech auxiliary brakes rated at up to 750 kW (1020 hp)
While they demand respect, modern-day heavy-duty trucks such as the new Mercedes-Benz Actros need not be feared in any way. They incorporate a wealth of safety features which minimise the risk of an accident. The high-performance disc brakes are supported by a powerful engine brake, for example. At up to 400 kW (544 hp), this brake has a higher power output than the vehicle's engine. This system is commonly also backed up by an auxiliary brake in the form of a hydrodynamic retarder. Retarders attain a vast power output of up to 750 kW (1020 hp).
Emission control: high-tech processing system in the exhaust muffler
The exhaust muffler on a truck of the new generation is much more than a silencer, functioning rather as a compact high-tech laboratory dedicated to the task of emission control. Here too, the new Mercedes-Benz Actros plays a trailblazing role, combining SCR technology with feed-in of AdBlue, cooled exhaust gas recirculation and particulate filter. This extremely efficient emission control system reduces particles, nitrogen oxides and CO2 to a minimum. The new Mercedes-Benz Actros is the first truck to comply with the Euro VI emissions standard. Euro VI will become mandatory for heavy-duty commercial vehicles in 2013/2014, entailing a reduction of around 97 percent in particle emissions and around 95 percent in nitrogen oxides in comparison to Euro I dating from 1992. "If you run this engine (Euro VI) in a city with heavy air pollution, the exhaust gases will be cleaner than the ambient air," explains an expert from Daimler.
Fuel consumption per ton of payload reduced to only 1 litre per 100 km
Environmental friendliness, the conservation of resources and economic efficiency do not constitute conflicting aims for a truck. On the contrary – operators of commercial vehicles have to calculate their costs very keenly, and in addition to cutting costs every litre of fuel saved also helps to protect the environment and resources. Modern-day semi-trailer/tractor combinations with a total weight of 40 tons have long dipped below the 30 litres/100 km mark on many common routes. They are already approach 25 litres to 100 km. To put it another way: in tough everyday operations they run on only 1 litre to 100 km per ton of payload. This has been confirmed by Daimler's "record run" over 10,000 km on the Rotterdam – Szczecin – Rotterdam route. No small car comes anywhere near this figure, even under favourable conditions.
Sophisticated technology is required in order to achieve such fuel economy. Heavy-duty trucks are commonly equipped with engine power in the order of 300 to 375 kW (408 to 510 hp). This power is available well below 2000 rpm, in a rev range where many a passenger-car diesel engine is still contending with turbo lag. The maximum torque of around 2000 to 2500 Nm is even available from just above idling speed, at around 1000 rpm. Thanks to this characteristic, truck engines run in fuel-efficient mode at only around 1300 rpm when travelling at the customary motorway speed of 85 km/h. Asymmetric exhaust gas turbochargers or twin turbochargers are one of the requirements for such vast power output at low revs. The power dimensions are fascinating: highly charged truck engines generally attain specific torque of around 200 Nm per litre of displacement – on a par with the most powerful passenger car engines.
Fuel injection at more than 2000 bar
The combination of power and economy begins in the combustion process: the fuel is injected into the cylinders under high pressure, in some instances well in excess of 2000 bar. This corresponds to around 800 times the standard pressure in a passenger car's tyres. The engine's electronic system calculates the timing and quantity of each diesel injection operation for each individual cylinder with precision in a fraction of a second, by reference to numerous parameters. On cutting-edge trucks, auxiliary units such as the alternator, the air compressor for the brake system, the water pump and even the power steering system operate in particularly economical on-demand mode.
In premium-class heavy-duty trucks the power output is apportioned by fully automated transmissions, usually with twelve forward gears. Thanks to sophisticated data-processing programmes, these transmissions carry out gear-shifting more effectively than even the best drivers. The transmissions are non-synchromesh in design, reducing weight and shift times. A defined portion of double-declutching during downshifting ensures perfect, jolt-free shift quality. Free-wheeling systems utilise the vehicle's momentum, leaving the truck in neutral where appropriate and subsequently engaging the right gear automatically when it is required.
Tested in the wind tunnel: spoilers reduce fuel consumption
In view of a truck's large frontal area and basic cubic form resulting from its maximum dimensions (central Europe: height 4.0 m, width 2.55 m, length of semi-trailer/truck combination 16.5 m), aerodynamics plays a key role in truck design. Against this background, developers put modern-day trucks through intensive wind tunnel testing. The cab itself, as well as its attachments, are optimised step by step in the course of these tests. Rather than serving to create a sporty appearance, a front apron, cab-side extenders and an adjustable air deflector on the roof of a heavy-duty truck provide effective means of reducing fuel consumption, thereby improving the vehicle's economic efficiency as well as its environmental performance.
The web special on the Actros at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show, featuring product information, live images and impressions from the stand, is available online at: www.mercedes-benz.com/actros4iaa .
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
With the launch of the new Actros, Mercedes-Benz is the first automobile manufacturer to offer a telematics system as standard. The FleetBoard system, an in-house development from Mercedes-Benz, will be available in all new Actros trucks throughout Europe at no extra charge for the hardware. The system will also function effectively in mixed fleets comprising various brands of vehicle.
New customers will have an opportunity to test the Vehicle Management and Time Management services free of charge for four months. FleetBoard is offering free driver training on economical driving practice during this test phase. Experience shows that the use of FleetBoard reduces fuel consumption by 5% - 15% in the short term.
A foresighted and economical style of driving also reduces wear. As a result, the maintenance interval for vehicles with activated FleetBoard can be extended by up to 30,000 km.
Companies which already have a different telematics system in use can also put FleetBoard to the test. It is possible to run two systems on board in parallel.
At the end of the test phase, the customer can actively decide to extend the service contract. The customer can then select the desired scope of services which he wishes to continue using from a comprehensive service portfolio. The minimum resultant monthly charge is € 59 per vehicle.
A one-off FleetBoard fee of € 800 will also be payable after the test phase. The customer can avoid this charge by opting for a Complete Mercedes-Benz truck service contract, however, covering all repair and maintenance work.
This results in a 50% reduction in hardware and service costs in comparison to the previous FleetBoard offering – with a broader scope of services into the bargain.
Markus Lipinsky, Managing Director of Daimler FleetBoard GmbH, stresses: "With this innovative product offering, FleetBoard is going that crucial step further and offering customers concrete savings from the very first mile. In conjunction with the most economical truck available, FleetBoard enables fleet managers to exploit the vehicles' potential to the full. With the entry-level costs for professional telematics now also reduced substantially, there is no longer any reason to go without such systems."
FleetBoard EcoSupport – trainer on board
FleetBoard EcoSupport provides the driver with a tool which analyses his current driving style in real time and provides direct feedback.
FleetBoard EcoSupport is available in every Actros, irrespective of whether the FleetBoard system is activated. Criteria relating to an economical style of driving, such as steady speed, pedal movements, use of wear-free brakes, roll behaviour and similar are continuously analysed and evaluated. The calculation algorithm is fully compatible with FleetBoard Performance Analysis.
Truck Maintenance Management and telediagnostics reduce downtimes
Beyond this, Mercedes-Benz offers its customers a further special service on the basis of the FleetBoard data. Truck Maintenance Management enables fleet operators to assign the scheduling of maintenance work on their truck to a Mercedes-Benz service partner. The service partner then monitors the due dates for impending servicing and plans the servicing together with the fleet manager, so as to minimise downtimes for the vehicles.
Minimising downtimes is also the aim of reactive telediagnostics. In the event of a breakdown, the driver can transmit the diagnostic data to the workshop via FleetBoard at the push of a button. The service team member can analyse the fault symptoms prior to setting off for the breakdown site and can take appropriate preparatory measures for a swift remedy to the situation on site.
Comprehensive choice of services
The Vehicle Management services help to optimise the deployment of vehicles and to improve driving styles. This leads to reduced fuel consumption and wear-related costs.
The Logistics Management services support the logistics processes in the area of job scheduling. An additional terminal in the vehicle, the DispoPilot, displays the job data and facilitates communications with the driver. Customised workflows can be defined in accordance with the requirements of the individual company concerned.
The Time Management services enable recording of the drivers' working hours for further processing, e.g. in payroll or expenses accounting systems. The Tacho Management functions also belong to this area of services. Download of drivers' cards and the mass storage unit provides a simple and automatic means of meeting the statutory requirements on the storage of data.
FleetBoard services also remain available for other brands of vehicle on the familiar terms.
Further information on the Daimler FleetBoard product range is available at www.fleetboard.com.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
As you may already know from a previous post, the new Mercedes-Benz Actros is participating at the Record Run 2011, a complete 7-day journey on a total distance of 10,000 km between Rotterdam (NL) - Sczeczin (PL) - Rotterdam (NL) whose aim is to discover the efficiency potential of a heavy-duty vehicle. The new generation of this multi-awarded truck is competing as Record Chaser against the Record Holder: the Actros 1844 Euro V "Nardo" (MP 3), a champion of fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. There are not one, but two models attempting to beat the current record: the Actros 1844 LS Euro V and the Actros 1844 LS Euro VI. The trip started back on 26th June and will come to an end today, 2nd July, when the fleet composed of the three trucks is scheduled to return to the Dutch harbour city, where it all started one week ago. At the moment, the teams are crossing Germany nearing Hannover.
Read more interesting technical details and see further images after you press the jump button!
Overall Performance 26.06.2011 - 01.07.2011
Actros 1844 LS Euro V (MP 3)
Distance covered up to now: 7794 km
Speed: 77.66 km/h
Fuel Mileage: 26,89 l/100 km
Actros 1845 LS Euro V (MP 4)
Distance covered up to now: 7810 km
Speed: 77.44 km/h
Fuel Mileage: 24.85 l/100 km
Actros 1845 LS Euro VI (MP 4)
Distance covered up to now: 7794 km
Speed: 77.47 km/h
Fuel Mileage: 25.66 l/100 km
___________________________________
Comparison data: 1844 LS Euro V / 1845 LS Euro V / 1845 LS Euro VI
Kilometres driven*: 9.468 km / 9.494 km / 9.470 km
Current speed*: 84 kph / 13 kph / - kph
Use of speed control system***: 88 % / 84 % / 89 %
Time stationary with engine running***: 1h 17min 33s / 1h 12min 13s / 1h 04min 46s
Time stationary with engine off***: 13h 05min 58s / 12h 44min 02s / 13h 00min 57s
Service braking distance***: 0,69 % / 0,66 % / 0,68 %
Number of stops**: 175 / 169 / 183
Use of wear-free brakes***: 3,09 % / 2,92 % / 3,09 %
Vehicle weight: 40t / 40t / 40t
*Update every 10 min. ; **Update ~ every 4h ; ***Update ~ every 24h
Source: Record Run 2011
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
