As you may or may not already know, the 2005 International Commercial Vehicle Show is in full swing this month, and Mercedes has debuted a host of new commerical vehicles, guaranteed to make the hearts of big rig drivers everywhere beat a little faster.

Highlights of the show include the Mercedes-Benz Vito 4x4, which combines Mercedes' popular compact van with four wheel drive; the Mercedes-Benz hybrid Sprinter, which adds a hybrid drive to the fashionable Sprinter to improve emissions as well as fuel efficiency; and the Actros Cruiser 1860 LS concept truck, which features a new future-oriented cockpit design, sure to be at the top of every trucker's wish list this Christmas.

Rather than delving into specifics for each of the vehicles, I think it's best if you view the full press release below for complete information on all of Mercedes' latest commercial offerings. There is one thing especially to take note of:  in the photographs of Mercedes' new Actros Cruiser concept truck, you'll notice a feature no truck should be without.  No, your eyes do not deceive you, the truck does indeed feature teak hardwood floors - welcome to the 21st century ladies and gentlemen.  For next year's commercial vehicle show, I've heard rumors Mercedes is working on a new Actros concept truck that comes complete with it's own masseuse, a humidor that holds up to three boxes of Cohiba Esplendidos, and a 50 bottle wine cellar, perfect for the Château Le Pin wine collection you had imported directly from Bordeaux.

You can view Mercedes' full press release and photos below.


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


DaimlerChrysler at the 2005 International Commercial Vehicle Show (RAI) in Amsterdam



Amsterdam, Oct 13, 2005

DaimlerChrysler is presenting vans and trucks for economical, safe and environmentally compatible goods transport on two exhibition stands at the 2005 International Commercial Vehicle Show (RAI) in Amsterdam. The vehicle range is accompanied by a wide array of services ranging from vehicle procurement to resale.
Mercedes-Benz in Hall 4

On the exhibition stand in Hall 4, more than 20 Mercedes-Benz vans, trucks and Unimog vehicles demonstrate industry-specific transport solutions for distribution operations, international long-distance haulage and the construction sector. A large number of vehicles are celebrating their premiere to illustrate the future-oriented approach of the Commercial Vehicles Division at DaimlerChrysler AG: the Mercedes-Benz Vito 4x4 with all-wheel drive, "light" construction vehicles in the Axor family, BlueTec diesel technology for the Atego and Axor series, and as a highlight among the heavy long-distance trucks, the Actros "Cruiser" 1860 LS concept truck.

Mitsubishi Fuso Canter in Hall 2

In Hall 2, seven examples of industry-specific solutions for delivery and transport services, the construction and materials supply sector and municipal services are presented by the latest-generation light Canter truck by Mitsubishi Fuso. The vehicle range exhibited by this Japanese manufacturer – part of the DaimlerChrysler AG Commercial Vehicle Division – underlines the versatility and practicality of the new model series. The Canter is assembled in Portugal for the European market.

The new Canter trucks have been on sale in the European markets since spring 2005, and are available in four weight variants from 3.5 t to 7.5 t gross vehicle weight, with three cab variants. The engines cover an output range from 92 kW (125 hp) to 105 kW (143 hp).



Muscular range

The truck sector has witnessed new product launches in all segments during 2005, resulting in a completely revised model range: the Mercedes-Benz Atego 2 and Mercedes-Benz Axor 2 trucks were launched at the beginning of the year, for example. The Mercedes-Benz Atego 2 series in the gross vehicle weight range from 6.5 t to 15 t is mainly focused on distribution, light construction, municipal and special-purpose long-distance operations. With its significantly expanded model range from 18 t gross vehicle weight, the Mercedes-Benz Axor covers a much wider range of applications than the previous range consisting only of semitrailer tractors. The trucks in the Axor series are ideal for medium long-distance, heavy distribution and construction sector operations, and form a transition between the Atego and Actros.

The new BlueTec diesel technology, which already makes compliance with the future Euro 4 (2006) and Euro 5 (2009) exhaust emission limits possible, has been gradually phased into the Mercedes-Benz Actros series of long-distance trucks since the beginning of this year. To an unprecedented extent, this new technology combines further economic benefits with ecological aspects. About 5000 Actros trucks equipped with the new diesel technology will be delivered this year, of which around 98% will already be the BlueTec 5 version.

Premiere: BlueTec for the Atego and Axor

At the International Commercial Vehicle Show (RAI) in Amsterdam, DaimlerChrysler is also presenting the Mercedes-Benz Atego and Mercedes-Benz Axor series with the new BlueTec diesel technology. As already successfully used in the Actros, these trucks are equipped with further developments of the 900-series and OM 457 LA engines in conjunction with emission control based on SCR technology.

Depending on the version, particulate emissions are reduced by up to 80% and nitrogen oxides by 30% (BlueTec 4) and 60% (BlueTec 5) compared to the limiting values prescribed at present. The advantage of BlueTec diesel technology is that this is accompanied by a reduction in fuel consumption, as tests conducted by the international commercial vehicle press have confirmed. The AdBlue required for SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) is now available from 800 filling stations throughout Europe – from the Arctic Circle to southern Spain.

Premiere: "light" Axor tippers and Axor concrete mixers

The new Mercedes-Benz Axor 2 series has previously comprised two-axle semitrailer tractors, heavy two-axle solo trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 18 t and three-axle trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 25 t. These are powered by in-line six-cylinder engines from the 900 series and the particularly powerful OM 457 LA six-cylinder unit. At RAI in Amsterdam the new Axor construction trucks with gross vehicle weights of 26 t and 32 t are being presented for the first time. These are available in 6x4 and 8x4 axle configurations and are powered by the 12-litre in-line six-cylinder OM 457 LA with 260 kW (354 hp), 295 kW (401 hp) and 315 kW (428 hp). The new "light" tippers and concrete mixers are of particular interest where a high payload is the primary consideration in bulk materials transport and concrete delivery operations. Compared to the Actros, which is designed for traction, overload capability and difficult terrain, the Axor has a payload advantage of up to 300 kg as a tipper and up to 200 kg as a concrete mixer.





Premiere: Actros "Cruiser" 1860 LS concept truck

The Actros "Cruiser" concept truck combines an innovative working environment with future-oriented vehicle technology. Features such as eye-catching alu-beam paintwork, teak wood flooring, leather and Alcantara upholstery, a new cockpit design and much more are intended as discussion points for customers on the Mercedes-Benz stand. The Actros 1860 LS on which the concept truck is based is also new.

It will become available from November 2005, is powered by a 440 kW (600 hp) eight-cylinder engine with BlueTec 5 diesel technology and is equipped with the new "Mercedes Power-Shift" transmission as standard.

It will become available from November 2005, is powered by a 440 kW (600 hp) eight-cylinder engine with BlueTec 5 diesel technology and is equipped with the new "Mercedes Power-Shift" transmission as standard.

Premiere: new generation of "Mercedes Power-Shift" transmissions

The Actros "Cruiser" shown at the International Commercial Vehicle Show (RAI) in Amsterdam also provides a preview of the future for transmissions in Mercedes-Benz trucks. Mercedes Power-Shift is the name of the new generation of fully automated transmissions with a particularly low component weight and highly favourable operating strategies. An intelligent engine, transmission and clutch management system replaces the previous baulked synchromesh. The new transmission is standard equipment in the Mercedes-Benz Actros 1860 LS, and will be available as special equipment for Actros road vehicles from 335 kW (456 hp) in future. This will be extended to other output classes during the course of 2006.

Premiere: Mercedes-Benz Vito 4x4 with all-wheel drive

The new Vito 4x4 with all-wheel drive combines the handy dimensions, good performance and agility of a compact van with the traction of an off-road vehicle. It features permanent four-wheel drive which distributes the drive torque to the front and rear axles on a 35:65 basis during normal operations on surfaces offering good traction. One of the special features of the Vito 4x4 is the lack of mechanical differential locks. Instead the four-wheel-drive system uses the Electronic Traction System 4ETS, which has already proved highly successful for instance in the Mercedes-Benz M-Class.

The Mercedes-Benz Vito 4x4 is available in the two engine variants Vito 111 CDI (80 kW/109 hp) and Vito 115 CDI (110 kW/150 hp). Like the Vito with conventional drive, the four-wheel-drive variants are optionally available with a particulate filter and the exhaust emissions classification Euro 4 or EU 4/III.

Premiere: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with hybrid drive

The Sprinter with hybrid drive is still undergoing customer trials in the USA, however it is becoming more topical than ever in view of high fuel prices and the debate concerning fine particle emissions. In the Hybrid Sprinter an electric motor is integrated between the transmission and clutch. It obtains its energy from a nickel/metal-hydride battery, which it recharges as a generator using the energy obtained from braking or driving on downhill gradients. The Sprinter with hybrid drive is able to operate with zero emissions and very quietly indeed in inner cities and other areas sensitive to emissions. Thanks to the additional internal combustion engine there is no limitation to the operating range. Depending on the type of operation, the consumption of diesel fuel is reduced by around 10% to 20%.

Commercial vehicle technologies for the future

Hybrid drive systems were also included in a range of 50 topics covering future commercial vehicle technologies which were presented to media representatives from all over the world ahead of the RAI International Commercial Vehicle Show. Alternative drive systems such as hybrid technology in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Mitsubishi Fuso Canter and the Freightliner/Eaton delivery truck will shortly have their market launch, while hybrid drive urban buses by Fuso (Japan) and Orion (USA) are already in day-to-day operation. Other technologies such as fuel-cell-powered urban buses by Mercedes-Benz are undergoing fleet trials, but are expected to require a few years of further development before their general use is a viable commercial proposition.

In recent years DaimlerChrysler has introduced a whole range of safety and support systems for vans, trucks and buses which are able to achieve a lasting reduction in accident rates for commercial vehicles. Examples include ESP or the stability control system, proximity control, electronically controlled brakes, Brake Assist and Lane Assistant. DaimlerChrysler development engineers in Asia, Europe and the USA are heavily engaged in gradually making the vision of accident-free driving a reality.

As early as 2006 the automatic emergency brake for trucks will begin to reduce the incidence of typical rear-end collisions and mitigate the effects of accidents. Various lane-keeping technologies will help to prevent trucks and buses from leaving the road or ensure that they remain on course. Active roll control is designed to keep vans upright when negotiating bends, and cross-directional steering will compensate for side winds and sudden gusts.

Innovative technologies and expertise in the development of future vehicle generations are the basis of the commercial vehicle business for DaimlerChrysler. The foremost aim is to create economic advantages for the vehicle operator. The advances made in the fields of traffic safety and environmental compatibility also make a lasting contribution to public acceptance of commercial vehicle traffic.

Financial services and fleet management from a single source

Tailor-made solutions from a single source, and with only one point of contact, are available for the entire DaimlerChrysler commercial vehicle range across all industries and fleet sizes. Together with the DaimlerChrysler sales organisation, DaimlerChrysler Services AG is constantly expanding its range of financing, service and fleet management solutions in Europe. Customers are able to lease or finance trucks complete with a body and semitrailer via the DaimlerChrysler Bank, for example.

The operating and management services of Mercedes-Benz CharterWay round off the range of single-sourced packages. The CharterWay Service product line is able to package maintenance and repairs in two variants: the entry-level "Service Select" package extends the factory powertrain warranty by one year or the equivalent mileage, while "Service Excellent" is a full-service package which includes all maintenance and repair work as well as wearing parts. If the customer wishes to eliminate every repair risk with "Service Excellent", and combine this with a classic leasing contract at the same time, the "Service-Leasing Excellent" package is the ideal solution.

Commercial vehicle rental is proving increasingly popular as an alternative form of procurement. Short-term rental covers temporary bottlenecks of up to one year, while the vehicle is configured to the customer’s requirements in the case of long-term rental for up to four years. This can include a driver if required: the "Rent and Drive" package – which is so far unique in Germany – is offered in collaboration with Dekra Arbeit GmbH. Mercedes-Benz CharterWay has a portfolio of around 70,000 vehicles throughout Europe with these service packages.

Copyright © 2005, Daimler Chrysler AG