The 2008 International Commercial Vehicle Show officially kicked off yesterday, and with it, a host of world premiers from Mercedes-Benz.  To celebrate the momentous amount of Mercedes commercial vehicles on display at the event, the company today has published a wealth of content highlighting each of the key truck sectors and their offerings in each.  Select topics covered include Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Vans, Buses and TrailerAxleSystems.

Due to the immense amount of information published I will regrettably abstain from commenting, instead focusing on getting the content out as quickly as possible.  However, following our 2008 IAA coverage, regular programming will once again commence as usual.

There's going to be plenty of Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle coverage throughout the day, starting with a look at the Mercedes-Benz Trucks featured at this year's International Commercial Vehicle Show, so go grab a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy ladies and gentlemen – it's going to be a fun day.



OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Mercedes-Benz Actros: the star shines brighter than ever

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz Actros has been built for uncompromising economy, comfort, safety and environmental compatibility, while a fresh-looking but powerful design gives it yet greater appeal. This is one star that is shining brighter than ever before.

Milestone: first truck series with an automated transmission as standard

Mercedes PowerShift 2 is fitted as standard in the new Actros. The redeveloped version of the automated transmission now features a built-in incline sensor and optimised shift strategy. The refined sensor system results in a smoother yet far swifter change between the transmission ratios. Any vibrations when pulling away are detected at their onset and suppressed. The improvement in shift comfort brought about by the anti-judder control has significantly reduced the pitching and rolling movements of the cab. For the “Manoeuvring mode”, the entire torque build-up and reduction process was subject to a fundamental reworking.

The new Mercedes PowerShift 2 transmissions are direct-drive transmissions (apart from on 6x4). The direct-drive transmissions boast far superior efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

Innovative technology for greater economy

The new battery status display that will be fitted in the new Actros as standard from the end of 2008 makes it even more cost-effective.

Bringing about a further reduction in fuel consumption was an overriding priority for the Mercedes-Benz engineers when working on the new Actros, something which has been achieved by implementing a string of individual measures. The E‑APU (Electronic Air Processing Unit) is one of the innovations that has a positive impact on fuel consumption. It works by increasing the supply pressure in the brake circuits and additionally generating pressure during vehicle braking. In the new Actros, priority is given to running the air compressor in overrun mode only, and especially when driving downhill. A new coolant pump control mechanism that is due to be introduced in 2009 brings about further savings: it runs the pump at a lower speed at partial throttle, meaning reduced power consumption. This measure alone is able to cut fuel consumption by 0.7 per cent. When combined with the E-APU, fuel consumption drops by one per cent.

Engines spanning nine power categories: economical and environmentally sound

The new Actros employs the technically mature Euro 4/5 versions of the OM 501 LA and OM 502 LA engines. The line-up encompasses six 11.9 litre V6 engines ranging from 235 kW (320 hp) up to 350 kW (476 hp), along with three 15.9 litre V8 units with outputs of between 375 kW (510 hp) and 440 kW (598 hp). The powerplants have already proven their abilities in over 200,000 commercial vehicles, helped by their particularly economical and environ mentally friendly BlueTec technology.

Basic and Classic economy packages to boost cost-effectiveness

Anyone who keeps a tight rein on their costs might want to opt for the Basic economy package for the Actros. For semitrailer tractors, for example, this comprises automatic circuit breakers instead of conventional safety fuses, adjustable wind deflectors, as well as either a low-maintenance fifth-wheel coupling or a compact fifth-wheel coupling, plus a matching mounting plate. The Classic economy package supplements all this with a Voith retarder.

Actros raises the bar yet again for comfort

Optional rain and light sensors are available to assist the driver, marking a world first for trucks. There is the first ever level control to be fitted in a truck cab for smoothly adjusting the horizontal position of the comfort top bed. The bottom bed now also features a slatted frame with high point elasticity. The shaving mirror is a highly practical feature, as is the optional folding table. The towel rail included as standard in the new Actros L-cab and Megaspace cab is fitted with coat hooks. The new Actros is equipped as standard with a compressed-air connection in the cab, making it possible to clean the cab with a compressed-air gun.

Basic, Classic and Top comfort packages for yet greater appeal

Comfort packages are available to add to the appeal of the Actros. The Basic comfort package includes two-way speakers, ambient interior lighting, an electri cally adjustable roller blind, extended central locking with remote control, along with an electrically operated tilting/sliding glass sunroof. The Classic comfort package supplements this with a leather steering wheel, a roller sunblind on both sides, air horns, plus, in Germany, the pre-installation for FleetBoard and a communications interface. For supreme comfort there is the Top comfort package. This adds a refrigerator with a 25-litre capacity in the slide-out compartment, automatic climate control and the illuminated Mercedes star in the centre of the radiator grille.

Active Brake Assist slams on the brakes when danger threatens

The new Actros is the first and, so far, the only truck in series production to be offered with the option of Active Brake Assist. It is based on the Telligent proxi mity control and independently triggers a full brake application when there is an acute risk of a rear-end collision with vehicles in front.

Additional safety systems that come to the driver’s aid are available as special equipment: the Telligent Lane Assistant emits an audible signal to alert drivers when they are on the verge of drifting out of lane. Telligent stability control is an active driving safety system that reduces the risk of semitrailer rigs skidding. Vehicle damping that adapts to the changing situation is available with Telligent roll control.

Safety packages rewarded with discounts on insurance premiums

Starting with Germany, the safety assistance systems are to be offered for the new Actros in safety packages. The Top safety package features all of the available systems, including Active Brake Assist. Allianz Insurance is taking part in the SafetyPlus scheme by offering a discount of ten per cent in conjunction with this package. To coincide with the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros, the Mercedes-Benz Bank is also offering a truck insurance policy which rewards the inclusion of safety systems.

Actros design: dynamism and a visible aura of outstanding capability

The Mercedes-Benz Actros exhibits an emotive yet functional design. The most emotional new feature – at least in the dark – is the discreetly glowing Mercedes star. This effect is achieved by the optional LED illumination. With its sweeping V‑shape, the new front flap blends seamlessly into the striking front aspect of the Actros. The line extends all the way up to the sun screen in a gentle curve. At the same time, the fins in the trim grille in front of the radiator have been reduced in number and given a far bolder look, courtesy of their dynamic shape. The new sun screen, which appears to be split into three sections and blends smoothly into the V‑shape, reinforces the impression of power and dynamism.

The new Mercedes-Benz Actros at the 2008 International Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover

Six vehicles for on-road applications mirror the broad operating spectrum of the Actros. Taking centre stage are two-axle semitrailer tractors, including the Actros 1844 LS with an L-cab, the 1846 LS and 1851 LS with the Megaspace cab, as well as the range-topping Actros 1860 LS, again in Megaspace guise. These are accompanied by the Actros 2655 LS three-axle semitrailer tractor with a 6x4 axle configuration and a Megaspace cab. A 2444 L 6x2 is also on show as an example of an air-sprung chassis.


World premiere: the new construction Actros - the consummate pro for the construction site

The new Actros for construction-site transport is receiving its world premiere at the 2008 International Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover. It has been perfectly honed for construction-site transport applications, courtesy of several dozen innovations and improvements that have made it more robust, economical, comfortable and easier to fit bodies to than ever.

Striking stainless-steel protective plate to prevent damage

The most noticeable improvement to the new construction Actros is a four-millimetre-thick, high-strength plate made from stainless steel for protecting the radiator and engine. This plate shields the components from damage, while its ridges also lend further impact to the powerful styling of the new Actros construction truck.

The well-protected exterior mirrors on the new construction Actros are nearly as eye-catching as the protective plate. Their robust housing is made from shock-proof, scratch-resistant plastic. The new improved pivoting step is another typical feature of construction vehicles. It has now been made immune to lateral strain too. Also new are the protective grilles for the headlamps, which are made from sturdy, black-painted steel. A quick-release fastening allows the grilles to be opened for cleaning purposes. The tail lights are equally as well shielded. The fuel tank is one of the components which is especially at risk in a construction vehicle – on the new Actros, a shield plate can be installed underneath it.

Mercedes PowerShift Off-road for the construction Actros

The new construction Actros is also optionally available with the new twelve-speed automatic gearshift from Mercedes-Benz and all its accompanying benefits. In view of its modified configuration and different functions, this version of the automated manual transmission has been aptly christened the PowerShift Off-road. The transmission’s swift, precise gear changes are especially vital when negotiating construction sites.

Functions such as the Manoeuvring mode, the Rock Free mode and the four reverse gears truly come into their own when faced with the rugged conditions on construction sites. The same applies to the refined transmission control resulting from the built-in incline sensor system and the further improved anti-judder control. The transmission comes with specially developed, extra-robust forged-steel arms for coping with the toughest applications.

Dependable, economical and environmentally sound engines

Just like the Actros for long-distance transport, the construction Actros employs the technically mature OM 501 LA and OM 502 LA engines. The line-up encompasses six 11.9-litre V6 engines ranging from 235 kW (320 hp) up to 350 kW (476 hp), along with three 15.9-litre V8 units with outputs of between 375 kW (510 hp) and 440 kW (598 hp). The powerplants have proven their abilities 200,000 times over, helped by their particularly economical and environ mentally friendly BlueTec technology. The excellent economy of the new construction Actros is given a further boost by a new, long final drive ratio.

Actros heavy-duty tractor unit: Mercedes PowerShift up to GCW of 250t

The Mercedes PowerShift transmission demonstrates its performance capabilities in the preproduction Actros heavy-duty tractor unit, featuring a Megaspace cab and a maximum gross combination weight of 250 tonnes. The uprated OM 502 LA V8 turbodiesel engine in BlueTec 5 guise musters up 480 kW (653 hp) from its 15.9‑litre displacement along with a peak torque of 3000 Nm.

The transfer of power to the transmission in the G 280-16 version of the Mercedes-Benz PowerShift employs a fill-controlled hydro dynamic clutch. This generates high pulling power even at low engine speeds, whilst enabling the engine to rev up to maximum torque with zero load. The result is staggering tractive power combined with smooth acceleration and good controllability. A manoeuvring mode enables ultra-low speeds for precise manoeuvring with high loads.

Straightforward body attachment with no conversion work

The new construction Actros makes body attachment particularly easy, thanks to features such as the adjustable exhaust behind the cab, whose height can be adapted in just a few simple steps. The direction of discharge can be individually varied at the same time. This handy adjustment facility eliminates the need for awkward subsequent conversion work that may not be carried out to a professional standard.

Dump truck operators are able to order their new truck equipped as a road paver straight from the factory. Specification includes a high-level rear floodlight, rear reflectors at the sides, shortened wings with folding splash guards, tail light grilles with eyelets, along with a folding rear underride guard.

There is a new tipper body from Meiller that can be ordered factory-fitted for the new construction Actros. This incorporates a host of advances, including side boards and a tailgate with improved wear resistance and gap sealing, a larger tipping angle, noise-reduced fittings and catches, improved ease of operation when folding down the side board and an automatic unloading system with double closing force.

Premiere: the first construction truck with a battery status display

The new battery status display that will be fitted in the new Actros as standard from the end of 2008 makes it even more cost effective. Its bar-chart display in dicates the current charge status as well as forecasting the remaining battery life.

The task of cleaning the cab of the new construction Actros is straightforward, thanks to the compressed-air connection fitted inside it. With the help of the compressed-air gun supplied as standard, the driver is now able to quickly blow loose bits of dirt out of the cab. The new roller sunblinds on the left and right of the cab are no less practical. The handy folding table on the co-driver's side also helps to boost the sense of wellbeing. And when it’s time to freshen up, drivers are also bound to appreciate the towel rail.

Excellent visibility is provided by the work lamp that is installed on the rear wall of the cab in the centre and illuminates an area measuring 10 x 5 m in size. The onset of darkness or rain calls the rain and light sensor into action. There is now a continuous handrail above the construction-site step at the side which continues up over the rear wall and forwards along the cab roof.

The new Mercedes-Benz construction Actros at the 2008 International Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover

Three dump trucks and a tractor unit provide an overview of what the new construction Actros has to offer: a two-axle Actros 1841 AK all-wheel-drive dump truck with an M‑cab and a three-way tipper body from Meiller, the Actros 2646 LK 6x4, a three-axle dump truck with air suspension also featuring the M‑cab and a three-way tipper body from Meiller, plus the highlight amongst the classic dump trucks being exhibited at the show, an Actros 4148 AK 8x4/4 with an M‑cab and a rear tipper from Carnehl. The uninteresting-sounding model designation 4165 S 8x4/4 actually denotes a must-see exhibit, as it is the name of the superb Actros heavy-duty tractor unit that generates an uprated engine output of 480 kW (653 hp). It has a permissible gross combination weight of 250 tonnes.















































































































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