Mercedes-Benz South Pacific is really into gear with a fortified assault on the Australian truck market. Benz transported both current and prospective operators from around the country to the Mount Cotton Driver Training Centre on Brisbane’s outskirts where a number of Actros, Atego and all-wheel drive models were available for a ride and drive experience under real conditions.
Mercedes-Benz was keen to exhibit how its range of truck models can contribute to profitability and safety in operation and what better way to do it than give those in transport the opportunity to see the company’s latest technology gains in action.
Those attending the event were given an activity packed program starting with an overview briefing on the trucks before venturing to areas offering practical demonstrations and real time driving on sections of the Mount Cotton course covering safety, power, and distribution and off road operation. On the large vehicle manoeuvring area the benefits of EBS were demonstrated in a safety station while on the main track people were able to get behind the wheel. Coupled with this was a demonstration of the new Active Brake Assist 2 system, one of the greatest safety innovations of our time, while in another area traction control was integrated with handling in distribution roles, and just to ensure all applications were covered, an off-road station put all wheel drive vehicles through their paces over some rough terrain.
The Mercedes-Benz Drive Day left no stone unturned, putting all types of not only trucks, but light vans and small four-wheel-drives, to the test. Benz showcased all factors of its latest engineering advancements.
One of the most popular vehicles for operators was the new Actros fitted with the Mercedes-Benz safety package including Active Brake Assist 2 and with 600hp under the cab. A special edition Actros 2660 with MegaSpace cab, ideal for long distance haulage, was coupled to a B-double combination for the event.
All new Actros prime movers now come with the Mercedes-Benz award-winning Active Brake Assist 2 as standard. The original Active Brake Assist has been recognised as saving lives and preventing an untold number of accidents since it was introduced, and the new system ups the safety ante.
The original safety system initiated emergency braking if there was a risk of a rear end collision with a slowing vehicle in front, but Active Brake Assist 2 also applies the brakes if stationary obstacles are detected.
Add that to the list of other Mercedes-Benz safety features – such as Telligent Proximity Control, Telligent Lane Assist, SRS driver’s airbag and seatbelt pretensioner – and you can understand why so many companies worldwide choose Actros.
Mercedes-Benz Actros engines deliver from 360 to 600 hp through the new-generation PowerShift2 automatic transmission system that provides rapid gear changes, optimised shifting and a huge reduction in wear and tear.
The new Actros is the first truck to include this automatic transmission system as standard in both haulage and construction specifications.
The MegaSpace cab delivers a high degree of comfort, providing a spacious living and working environment that is ideal for long journeys. It is fitted as standard with a comfort suspension seat, a manually controlled air conditioning system and, in the lower sleeping area, a new luxury bed featuring a slatted frame with elastic support and adjustable headboard. An upper bed is an available option.
From the level floor throughout the cab to the electric tilting roof, this cab has virtually everything you could think of to keep the driver happy, including a towel holder and shaving mirror.
The Telligent engine management system constantly monitors all relevant engine data, including engine speed, load and temperature to ensure high engine output, low fuel consumption and low-emission combustion. In the unlikely event of a malfunction, this is indicated in the display, allowing the driver to react. The instrument cluster has been refined in the new Actros and offers easy scan with anti-glare.
The on-road testing opportunity coupled safety, power and fuel economy attributes of the Benz truck range with the B-double, single trailer and tipper body rigid only stopping for driver changes. Simultaneously ongoing exercises exhibiting the benefits of Active Brake Assist 2 were underway.
The new Atego was available to test skills on a marked course simulating loading docks and tight manoeuvre areas that also proved popular during the event.
A new multi-function steering wheel is pneumatically adjustable for height and reach, increasing driver comfort. But it also enables drivers to operate the radio, telephone and driver information system without removing their hands from the wheel, significantly improving safety.
There’s a new graphics-capable instrument cluster which includes an ecometer to help save fuel.
Power from 240 and 279 hp is provided by Mercedes-Benz Euro 5 6-cylinder in-line engines which are designed to give long service life, low fuel consumption and long maintenance intervals.
A version with the Mercedes-Benz six-speed transmission system was available in a fuel challenge on the road course while the optionally available Telligent automatic gearshift was fitted to the truck in the skills area. Atego has excellent manoeuvrability and handling for tight, tricky urban environments and participants put the trucks to the test.
For those who are involved in off-road operation there was a range of heavy and light vehicles to tackle some tough going. All-wheel-drive configurations included 4×4, 6×4 and 8×8 trucks pitted against steep and muddy inclines with difficult entry and departure angles. Also on display was a Unimog that proved sure-footedness in all situations.
All trucks were demonstrated in both forward and reverse on the slopes and through and over some chassis twisting obstacles that most would find difficult to negotiate.
Mercedes-Benz concentrated on delivering a powerful sales message to participants in a practical and enjoyable manner, an event held annually and keenly anticipated by those lucky enough to receive an invite. The Drive Experience is a very positive tool in getting the message out to those in trucking.