Whether city traffic, twisting country roads, steep gravel tracks, or muddy forests: the X-Class with powerful six-cylinder engine, 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive impresses with its outstanding dynamism, assertiveness, and stylish appearance. The new X 350 d 4MATIC flagship model (combined fuel consumption: 9.0-8.8 l/100 km, combined CO2emissions: 236-230 g/km)1 develops 190 kW (258 hp) and a peak torque of 550 Nm. The tough performance pickup completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. Permanent all-wheel drive ensures high levels of driving stability and handling dynamics both on and off the road – even on wet and wintry asphalt. A choice of engine and transmission response levels, from comfortable to sporty, is at the driver’s fingertips. The X 350 d 4MATIC therefore offers the perfect blend of sportiness and practicality – for an agile life packed with variety. Since July 2018, the top-of-the-range model can be ordered with the PROGRESSIVE and POWER equipment lines in Europe. In Germany, prices for the X 350 d 4MATIC start at 53 360 euros (incl. 19 percent VAT). In addition, there are two EDITION models available: PROGRESSIVE EDITION (47 490 euros incl. 19 percent VAT) and POWER EDITION (53 490 euros incl. 19 percent VAT).

Nino Schurter, who races for the COTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team, is the first mountain biker ever to have won six world championships, while he also took gold at the 2016 Olympic Games. Now, Nino has another title to add to his already long list, Mercedes-Benz Brand Ambassador.

Six-times mountain biking world champion and Olympic medallist Nino Schurter becomes new brand ambassador for the Mercedes-Benz X-Class

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup includes ten races on three continents and is followed by millions of fans around the world. The favorite to win the title in is six-times mountain biking world champion and Olympic medallist Nino Schurter. In the coming races, the Swiss cyclist will enjoy support from Mercedes-Benz Vans: Nino Schurter is the new brand ambassador for the Mercedes-Benz X-Class.

“The X-Class is a terrific vehicle”, says Nino Schurter. “Not only does the loading area offer enough space for my mountain bikes – the pickup is also great for reaching unknown trails in the mountains. Together with the cool design and the comfort, the X-Class is the prime choice for me – both in my sporting career and in private.”

The 31-year-old swiss cyclist has countless junior titles to his name, as well as an excellent track record in U23 races at international level. He has taken part in three Olympics, winning bronze, silver and gold. Schurter became a mountain biking legend by winning the world championship six times between 2009 and 2017.

“We are delighted that Mercedes-Benz Vans is an active partner of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and Championships and proud to have now also recruited Nino Schurter as a brand ambassador”, says Sonja Schneemann, Head of Marketing Communications and Operations, Mercedes-Benz Vans. “Nino Schurter is a towering figure in mountain biking – an up-and-coming international sport that is enjoying growing popularity. Our pickup fits in perfectly here. The X-Class cuts a fine figure both on- and off-road, offers a large stowage area for sports equipment and appeals to people who actively pursue sports and recreational activities all over the world.”

The Mercedes-Benz “Concept X-CLASS” study, on display at the Geneva Motor Show from 9 to 19 March, provides an outlook on the brand’s forthcoming new pickup, the X-Class. The study, first unveiled in Sweden last year, illustrates that the X-Class will combine the hallmark strengths of a pickup – tough, functional, strong, and with off-road capability – with the classic characteristics of a star-branded vehicle – design, comfort, driving dynamics, and safety. This will make Mercedes-Benz the first premium manufacturer to account for the changing customer requirements in the global segment of mid-size pickups, and it will make the tough one-ton pickup with seating for up to five people the first such vehicle to represent an attractive proposition as an urban lifestyle and family vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz Concept X-CLASS

Mercedes-Benz Concept X-CLASS

Mercedes-Benz Concept X-CLASS

Mercedes-Benz Concept X-CLASS

With the pickup, Mercedes-Benz Vans will expand its product range with a fourth model series. At the same time, the brand bearing the three-pointed star will become the first premium manufacturer to occupy the promising segment of mid-size pickups. Daimler AG will make investments in the high nine figures (euro) in the new model series by the time of the market launch. It will be launched in late 2017 under the name Mercedes-Benz X-Class. The key markets will be Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Australia with New Zealand, and Europe.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “With the Mercedes-Benz pickup, we will close one of the last gaps in our portfolio. Our target: we want to offer customers vehicles matching their specific needs. The X-Class will set new standards in a growing segment.”

“We will open up and change the segment of mid-size pickups – with the world’s first true premium pickup for the modern urban lifestyle”, says Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans. “Our future X-Class will be a pickup that knows no compromise. Ladder-type frame, high-torque six-cylinder engine, and permanent all-wheel drive are compulsory for us. As an added value we bring safety, comfort, agility, and expressive design – in other words, everything that distinguishes vehicles bearing the Mercedes star. We will thus appeal to new customers who have not considered owning a pickup before.”

Changing segment: Mercedes-Benz first premium manufacturer of a pickup

Worldwide the market for mid-size pickups is undergoing a radical change. Gone are the days when they were bought as mere “workhorses”. Instead, they are becoming increasingly popular as versatile vehicles for a simultaneous private and commercial use and as vehicles for a strictly private use. The percentage of privately used pickups has been growing steadily for years. Accordingly, the double cab has emerged as the dominating body style, because it offers room for up to five people. More and more private and commercial customers ask for vehicles with the characteristics and comfort features of a passenger car. A similar development took place in the segment of off-road vehicles some 20 years ago. Back then, Mercedes-Benz was the first premium manufacturer to launch a sport utility vehicle (SUV), the M-Class, and completely redefined the off-road segment – with lasting success.

“Concept X-CLASS” study shows: progressive design with SUV looks

Unveiled in Sweden last October, the “Concept X-CLASS” study shows that the first star-branded premium pickup will combine the best of two worlds. This is demonstrated by the study’s two design variants. The concept car painted in lemonax metallic focuses on the classic traits of a pickup – toughness, functionality, strength, and off-road capability – with its electric winch, large, size 35 x 11.50 tyres, and an underride guard. The second concept car painted in white metallic combines these strengths with the design, comfort, driving dynamics, and safety for which star-branded vehicles are renowned. It impressively illustrates how the Mercedes-Benz pickup will make a decidedly stylish statement in its segment and in the urban environment. This concept car is exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show.

The contrast of emotionally appealing and yet purist surface treatment (“hot”) and technically precise, innovative and clever details (“cool”) reinterprets the design philosophy of Mercedes-Benz. The athletic design lends the concept car a markedly expressive and dynamic appearance. The distinctive front represents an evolution of the hallmark SUV face of the brand – with a more massive powerdome on the bonnet and headlamps extending far into the wings. The classic SUV front apron and the strongly flared wheel arches put even more emphasis on the sense of width, and give the vehicle an even more solid stance on the road. At the same time, the front cites the single-louvre grille with centrally positioned Mercedes star, the face of the elegant Mercedes-Benz coupés.

The flared front and rear wings make room for a wide track and large tyre/wheel combinations for tough off-road use. 22-inch light-alloy wheels with a contrasting anthracite chrome finish give the concept car a towering and superior stance. The running boards are integrated into the bodywork and emphasise the athletically sculpted body. Depending on the angle of the incoming light, the paintwork developed specifically for this concept car lends the urban pickup a look that gives the athletic profile even more emotional appeal.

The extremely short front overhang, the very long rear overhang and two long lines stretching along the side amplify the focus placed on driving dynamics. The rear sports the hallmark chromed SUV trim at the lower edge and, as a distinctive feature, a continuous LED light strip in a slim chrome surround on the tailgate. It points to the unique character of the future pickup.

Stylish interior with a high level of operating and display comfort

The interior of the concept car displayed at the Geneva Motor Show is an equally emotional and stylish statement – characterised by an intriguing contrast of warm and cool colours, as well as by high-quality materials. The world of colours and materials translates the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of sensual purity. The sensual touch and feel of the brown, very natural nubuck leather on the seats provides a cosy feel. This warm colour, which is also found on the dashboard, is combined with cool white nappa leather. The trim made of open-pore smoked oak contrasts with the brushed and polished aluminium trim elements. The world of modern luxury is realised in a highly stylish fashion.

The modern flair is further boosted by round air vents, the free-standing high-resolution central display as well as the central controller and multifunctional touchpad. Similar to a smartphone, all telematics functions can be controlled with the touchpad by using gestures or by entering characters and digits. Mercedes-Benz thus introduces the most modern control and display concept in the segment of mid-size pickups. At the same time, the characteristics and functionalities typical in the pickup segment have been retained, such as the handbrake in the centre console.

Further outlook on the X-Class: Mercedes me connect, powerful engine, high ride comfort, and exemplary safety

The X-Class will also set new standards in the segment with regard to connected life. Thanks to the communication module with on-board SIM card, it will be possible to use the extensive Mercedes me connect services. Drivers will be able to connect with their pickup by smartphone, tablet or PC at any time and from anywhere. For example, to send navigation destinations to the vehicle or query where the pickup is parked and how much fuel is in the tank. In addition to these optional remote online services, standard services such as accident recovery, maintenance management, and breakdown management will also be available.

Variety will likewise distinguish the engine range. The top-of-the-line model will be powered by a V6 diesel in combination with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive. The high-torque engine will provide high driving dynamics on the road and off the road. The all-wheel-drive system will combine an electronic traction system, a transfer case with reduction gear, and two differential locks. The traction system and the electrically operated on-demand differential locks will channel the power to where traction is best. Under extreme off-road conditions, the rear differential and the inter-axle differential can be locked. This will make it possible to safely master difficult obstacles and inclines.

The powerful drive system and the tough ladder-type frame will make a payload of more than 1.1 ton and a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons possible. Enough power for transporting some four cubic metres of firewood on the pickup bed and a sail boat hooked up to the trailer coupling, for example. At the same time, the specially constructed suspension with wide axles, a five-link rear axle with coil springs, and a precisely calibrated spring/damper set-up will ensure a high ride comfort – on the road and off the road. The pickup bearing the three-pointed star will impress with precise steering, a comfortable ride, and agile cornering. It will absorb bumps in a superior fashion, making it a perfect fit for the urban environment.

Like all Mercedes vehicles, the pickup will be distinguished by exemplary safety. Modern driver assistance systems based on cameras, radar, and ultrasound sensors will support and relieve the driver in many situations, and in so doing equally enhance safety and comfort. A host of assistance systems will already come as standard.

Focus on five customer groups

The forthcoming X-Class will combine the strengths of a pickup with the value appeal, comfort, driving fun, and safety that distinguish the vehicles bearing the Mercedes star. As a result, the Mercedes-Benz pickup will bridge the gap between commercial and private and between urban and rural use. It will consequently appeal not only to pickup owners wishing for more car-like characteristics, performance, safety, and comfort, but also and above all to people who drive a passenger car, SUV or van. Extensive market research studies conducted by Mercedes-Benz with potential customers in the target markets bear this out.

Mid-size pickups currently have the largest share of the total vehicle market in Australia with 14.1 percent. Argentina comes close behind with 11.6 percent. This means that in these countries, one out of every eight registered vehicles is a pickup in the one-ton category. In Brazil, mid-size pickups have a share of almost five percent of the total vehicle market. That figure is 0.5 percent in Germany, 1.3 percent in Great Britain, 1.4 percent in Turkey, and 0.8 percent in Russia.

Based on its market research studies, Mercedes-Benz has identified five customer groups for the forthcoming X-Class, which are of different relevance in the individual countries.

One important target group is constituted by families with an active lifestyle and an affinity to premium products. They use the pickup mostly for commuting to work, for shopping, taking the kids to school or sports activities, for weekend trips, and vacation. The key markets are Brazil, Argentina, Australia, and South Africa.

Another target group for the X-Class are successful adventurers, who live in an urban environment and participate in outdoor sports such as skiing or riding jet skis, or have their own boat. They need a comfortable premium vehicle for everyday use that at the same time offers sufficient cargo space and towing capacity for their recreational equipment. The top markets are Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Great Britain, and Germany.

In addition, the Mercedes-Benz pickup will have the potential to inspire trend-conscious individualists with an affinity to premium products. They lead an independent lifestyle and want a vehicle outside the mainstream that underscores their personality and status with a unique design. Independent individualists use the pickup as an “everyday vehicle” in the city, for evening and weekend activities, and for sporting events. The key markets for this target group are Germany, Great Britain, South Africa, and Brazil.

The fourth customer group comprises business owners such as building contractors, architects, and service providers who want to use their pickup for commercial and private purposes: that is as a comfortable company car for customer meetings, which is equally perfect for transporting customers and employees as well as tools and building materials, as an “everyday vehicle”, and as a vehicle for weekend activities. Significant markets for business owners are Germany, Great Britain, Australia, and Argentina.

Landowners, such as cattle ranchers in Argentina, soy bean farmers in Brazil or vintners in South Africa, also use their pickup for commercial and private purposes. They need a vehicle that on the one hand takes them through unpaved terrain and has sufficient cargo and towing capacity. On the other hand, it must be suitable for driving to customer and supplier meetings as well as for use as an “everyday vehicle” for the family.

Production cooperation with Renault-Nissan

The market launch of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class in Europe will begin in late 2017. The new model series will be positioned in the segment at an attractive price. The pickup will be manufactured in a production cooperation with the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Production for the European, Australian and South African markets will start at the Nissan plant in Barcelona, Spain, in 2017. Production for the Latin American market will commence at a later stage at the Renault plant in Cordoba, Argentina.

With the X-Class, Daimler AG and the Renault-Nissan Alliance expand their strategic cooperation which began six years ago. This affords Mercedes-Benz fast and cost-efficient entrance to the fast-growing segment of mid-size pickups. In addition, both companies benefit from optimal utilisation of the production capacity. Nissan is the second-largest manufacturer of mid-size pickups with a payload of one ton in the world, and can look back on more than 80 years of experience in producing and marketing these types of vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz’s impending pickup truck could be dubbed the X-Class or Z-Class following the emergence of news from a secret Australian design forum about the car.

Local publication Car Advice says that the new premium pickup will continue the marque’s existing nomenclature and help to distinguish the pickup as a distinct model within its range.

We already know that the Mercedes pickup will be based around the Nissan Navara NP300 and therefore utilise the Nissan’s platform. Beyond that, however, the company says the pickup will be totally distinct from its Nissan sibling to ensure it retains the key values of Mercedes.

Mercedes-Benz Pickup Truck

Discussing this, Daimler board member Thomas Weber said “Yes, to come to an attractive price we are using a common platform, but all the rest is done by Mercedes – to design, to develop the vehicle specifically to meet Mercedes criteria.”

To cater to a broad range of customers, three distinct specifications will be offered. The entry-level model will be focused at trade workers, a more comfortable and versatile mid-range model and then a luxurious variant incorporating the firm’s best materials and technologies.

Due to the vehicle’s Nissan underpinnings, it will be produced at the group’s production facilities in Argentina and Spain, and be sold globally.

Mercedes-Benz Pickup Truck

Via: Carscoops

Almost 80 years after its official opening, the famous Hoover Dam was the setting for the World Premiere of the Freightliner Inspiration Truck. Doing double duty holding back trillion gallons of water and generating electricity for Las Vegas and California, the dam served as the largest projection screen ever in North America – something that has never been done before. This projection – at 1.17 million lumens – earned Freightliner the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title of Highest light output projection and, with the Freightliner Inspiration Truck, Daimler introduced the world’s first autonomous truck licensed to drive on public roads at the historic concrete arch-gravity dam in southeastern Nevada.

Freightliner Inspiration Truck, it is the first autonomous driving truck licensed for public roads in Nevada.

“The Hoover Dam provides the ideal setting for a debut as significant to the trucking industry as this. Not only was it built primarily using trucks, but it signifies inspiration like few other structures in the world. To show the significance and opportunities of autonomous driving functions for the global trucking industry we were willing to go ways that people did not dare to think about before,” emphasized Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Daimler Trucks and Buses. “The Inspiration Truck’s debut was made even more notable with Freightliner’s GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title of the Highest light output projection.”

To give this historic event a fitting, monumental backdrop, 60 projectors at 26,000 watts each projected the 30-minute presentation that introduced the Inspiration Truck. In a spectacular finish of the reveal, the truck drove onto the Hoover Dam in the desert of Nevada. This unique video screening was projected onto a surface of a little over 420,000 square feet. This is equal to almost nine football fields and over 87 average-size IMAX screens.

To achieve this, the 60 projectors were synchronized to create an image with a resolution of 4592 x 2048 pixels on the dam a half-mile away. In addition to the complexity of the projector setup, the output of the projectors was impressive in itself. Together the 60 units generated about 1.17 million lumens, which is equivalent to the output of more than 1,400 60-watt household light bulbs and an official world record among projections.

Using the Hoover Dam as North America’s largest projection screen was an enormous undertaking, requiring months of planning, preparation and setup. The technology used at the Hoover Dam has never been applied before on a scale this massive, with such a large screen requiring a high amount of light output. Used tonight, video projection mapping – the relatively new technique of using specialized software to warp and mask a projected image – allows for images to fit onto irregularly shaped screens. Being a curved surface, Hoover Dam most certainly fits into this category.

A new Mercedes-Benz Actros 1845 owned by freight forwarders Josef Schumacher is taking to the roads as displaying his historical version of earth on wheels thanks to a brightly colored paint finish depicting the what he believes to be the origins of mankind. On February 16, the truck named “The Cradle of Humanity” will be bringing some additional color to the Shrove Monday carnival procession in the city of Aachen.

Mercedes-Benz Actros

“The Cradle of Humanity” Actros left the paint shop of airbrush artist Walter Rosner in Mitterteich in Bavaria at the end of January to become an eye-catching addition to the fleet of vehicles operated by freight forwarder Josef Schumacher, located in Würselen near Aachen. It belongs to a whole series of highly colourful semitrailer tractors which have been created in cooperation with model manufacturer Herpa, featuring paint finishes depicting topics from history.

The fictional story begins on the driver’s side of the GigaSpace cab of the Actros 1845. The setting is the primeval African savannah, where a gorilla sits gazing across at its relatives, who are already walking upright. Two chimpanzees in a tree are also watching how the ancestors of modern man embraced the use of tools made of stone and, stretching across the length of the refrigerated semitrailer, how Australopithecus subsequently continued to evolve. On the co-driver’s side, early man is seen discovering fire, learning a variety of hunting techniques and guarding against the sabre-toothed tiger during the Stone Age. Walter Rosner’s naturally includes artists in the story, too. He shows them busily creating cave paintings to leave behind to posterity. Across the entire vehicle onlookers can also discover numerous other small references to key highlights from the history of the birth of mankind: the theory of evolution versus religion, the emergence of the intellectual awareness in the guise of philosophy, or the first great discoveries such as the sundial. The back of the trailer also features an overview in facts and figures.

“Of course designing a nice overall theme is one of the requirements”, says Walter Rosner, explaining his intentions, “but it is with such vehicles as this that I especially like to use lots of details to make onlookers curious about the whole story and perhaps even enable them to learn something in the process.”

Work on the Actros and semitrailer took about seven weeks, since there were a few tasks to complete, particularly on the tractor unit, before the entire rig could be turned into a rolling canvas. Even though the base colour was already white in this case, everything still had to be dismantled and plastic parts in particular sanded and primed several times to provide a firm substrate for the colour paint – and all this work was completed by hand. After preparation, it was a case of putting everything back together and then creating, free-hand, the overall colour theme with its many exciting details, based on just a few pencil sketches on paper by way of reference. Finally this was followed by yet another process of disassembly to enable repeated sanding and application of a number of coats of clear varnish. By the time of its completion, the vehicle had used approximately 35 litres of colour paint and around an additional 65 litres of clear varnish.

Huge throngs of people at a Mercedes-Benz motor show stand are nothing unusual per se. But when these colourful throngs of people congregate right at the main entrance to the exhibition hall there has to be a very special reason. Just as in the case of the 65th IAA Commercial Vehicles now. A huge, dramatically designed poison green Mercedes-Benz Actros towers at the entrance to the Daimler World of Commercial Vehicles.

Basis of the “Highway Hero” show truck is a three-axle Actros 2551 6×2

When the owner of the multi-award-winning show truck revs up the engine, the fat exhaust stacks belt out a mighty sound. When the 510-hp engine is quiet, thumping shock waves from the vehicle sound system reverberate with – what else – American country music.

However, this is anything but a US truck. The basis is entirely German, a three-axle Actros 2551 6×2. The owner and the mounted body (22 m3 silo) are Finnish. The owner’s name is Mika Auvinen. He is the one who has given the most powerful 12.8 l Actros a completely new outfit, inside and out.

The paintwork of the truck and the trailer alone took more than 1200 hours to complete. A little imagination on the part of the observer is required in picturing the four-axle silo trailer (37 m3) because the entire tractor-trailer combination would of course be barred from entering Germany due to exceeding the maximum permissible length by a significant margin.

But the tractor unit by itself is impressive enough, to a point where the German-Finnish co-production was recently able to win the “Nordic Trophy 2014” as the best show truck. It is after all the first Mercedes-Benz truck to win in the 35-year history of this design competition held in Sweden. And it is easy to see why it is the reason for the huge throngs of people in front of the Mercedes-Benz exhibition hall.

The Mercedes-Benz Zetros is in its element when outstanding traction and maximum load-carrying capability are required. It combines extreme off-road capabilities with the load capacity of a heavy-duty truck.

Mercedes-Benz Zetros with mobile home body

Cab-behind-engine design, permanent all-wheel drive

A hallmark of the Zetros is its design as a conventional-cab truck. This results in low contours, easy entry and exit, a level, spacious cab and excellent ride comfort. Permanent all-wheel drive, robust planetary axles with high ground clearance and single tyres, three differential locks, two-stage transfer case – the superior off-road concept of the Mercedes-Benz Zetros provides the foundation for outstanding capabilities in off-road terrain.

The vehicle is powered by the proven 7.2-litre Mercedes-Benz OM 926 six-cylinder in-line engine developing 240 kW (326 hp) and featuring BlueTec technology. Power is transferred either by an eight-speed transmission with crawler gear or by an automatic torque converter transmission.

Mercedes-Benz Zetros

Tire pressure control system as new aid to traction

An optional tire pressure control system is a new feature. This is operated via pushbuttons in the cab. The four levels break down into Road, Off-Road and Sand, plus a particularly low level of tyre pressure for extreme terrain.

The Zetros range consists of solo vehicles with two or three axles. A new feature of the range is a wheelbase extended from 4800 mm to 5100 mm with an enlarged rear overhang for the two-axle Zetros. In future the Zetros 6×6 will be available with the six-cylinder in-line Mercedes-Benz OM 457 rated at 325 kW (428 hp).

Mercedes-Benz is revolutionizing the roadways, making semi-trucks safer to cars around them, more efficient and more comfortable for the driver.

From a vision to reality – the spectacular Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 study will be providing a visually exciting and technically feasible take on the long-distance truck of tomorrow at the 2014 International Commercial Vehicle show (IAA). In ten years’ time, trucks could be driving autonomously on motorways. Transport efficiency will increase, traffic will be safer for all road users, and fuel consumption and CO2 emissions will be further reduced. To do this Mercedes-Benz connects existing assistance systems with enhanced sensors to the “Highway Pilot” system. Autonomous driving is already possible at realistic speeds and in realistic motorway traffic situations. The Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 provides a glimpse of the future shape of trucks.

Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025

Revolution on the motorways: goods transport to become more efficient, safer and more connected in the future

The technology of tomorrow is already reality at Daimler Trucks. The Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 constitutes a revolution in efficiency, safety and networking, a revolution for road traffic and its infrastructure, for professional driving and for the road transport sector. This is not a new truck, but rather the key element in the interconnected transport system of the future. It is being developed as part of the “Shaping Future Transportation” initiative by Daimler Trucks to conserve resources and reduce emissions of all kinds. Other aims are to ensure the highest possible level of traffic safety and to boost networking with intelligent data management considerably for tailor-made vehicle and service solutions.

The prototype demonstrated the exciting capabilities of the Future Truck 2025 back in the summer at speeds of up to 80 km/h in realistic traffic situations on a section of the A14 motorway in Magdeburg, Germany. Now the thrilling exterior and interior of that same vehicle are being revealed. The tractor unit combined with an aerodynamically optimised trailer celebrates its world premiere as a study at the International Commercial Vehicles show (IAA).

Exterior: flowing forms with a light show

In terms of design, the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 study combines function, efficiency and emotion in a fascinating way. It adheres to the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of “Sensual Purity”. Soft, slightly curved surfaces that are near-natural represent both efficiency and emotion. Inside and outside, the exceptional visual appearance symbolises the great leap from classic truck to autonomous transport vehicle of the future. Innovative forms and the lighting engineering of tomorrow send the conventional truck cab into the future.

The designers have leveraged the opportunity presented by future length specifications: extending the front section allows soft, aerodynamically flowing forms to be created. Visual effects from the paintwork in light silver emphasise the enticingly smooth contours. Compact cameras replace conventional exterior mirrors. Its windscreen resembles a visor. The study’s integral sun screen and aero roof have a distinctive form.

Featuring signature Mercedes-Benz style, the design is composed around the star as the central element. Looking practically seamless and as if made of one piece, the cab exudes maximum calm. Its plain yet powerful appearance lends it an imposing monolithic air.

While at a standstill with the engine switched off the front mask is closed. Classic elements such as the headlamps seem to be missing at first glance. The Future Truck 2025 comes to life when the engine starts. LEDs illuminate the surfaces and light up the paintwork. The front mask gleams and LED bulbs shine instead of conventional headlamps to the left and right in the bumper. Orange flashing lights indicate when the truck is changing direction.

When the fully drivable study is being controlled manually and on the move, the lights are white. When the truck is driving autonomously, the colour of the lights changes from white to blue. They then pulsate strongly, thus symbolising the truck’s powerful heartbeat and clearly indicating the vehicle’s current operating mode to other road users.

Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025

Interior: calming design for a new way of working

The sensual purity of the Future Truck 2025’s calming design is also reflected by the interior. Flowing lines from the exterior are taken up again inside the cab.
Mercedes-Benz already creates a visual separation between the areas for driving and living in the cabs of long-distance transport. In the future the cab will also include a more comfortable and functional working area for autonomous driving phases.

The interior of the Future Truck 2025 is compelling as the focus is on essential functions and the design is almost puristic. The workplace for driving is calm and uncluttered like a modern, paperless office. Utilitarian engineering is excitingly juxtaposed with natural materials and a feeling of cosiness and warmth.

Wood flows from the floor to the instrument panel with generous use of the material underlying the inviting atmosphere and sense of well-being on board. The dark finish is strongly grained, open-pore and has a naturally aged effect – a welcome contrast to the high functionality of the working area.

The instrument panel is calm and uncluttered, with displays separating instruments and the exterior mirrors. They float like islands over the piano lacquer finish in the cockpit. Instead of conspicuous air outlets there is indirect climate control with a touchpad replacing conventional switch strips. The support for the instrument panel is clad in leather. Perfect craftsmanship and build quality sit side by side with the functional character of the truck’s technical features.

Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025

Exciting lighting effects inside the cab also underline the distinctive character of the Future Truck 2025.

When the truck is travelling autonomously, the driver may recline their seat and also turn it by 45 degrees into the space, allowing them to consciously adopt a relaxed, comfortable working position. At the same time, indirect lighting illuminates the interior without glare.

To communicate from the future workplace the driver uses a tablet computer. This is accommodated in the newly designed centre console but is removable. Here the driver can process documents, schedule more destinations, accept further orders and arrange the next break. The computer screen can be configured to suit individual requirements, also enabling the driver to call up all key trip data.

On long routes driven autonomously, the tablet computer becomes as crucial as the steering wheel and pedals are otherwise. The Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 ushers in a new way of working in the cab of a long-distance truck.

As an overall concept it combines the high-tech driver’s area of the future with a state-of-the-art, paperless office and a living room. The driver in the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 feels at home even when on the move thanks to the digital picture frame on the cab’s rear panel: here personal photographs of family or a past holiday scroll through on the screen. Despite all its functionality and efficiency, this high-tech truck also shows emotion.

Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025

Radar sensors and a camera scan the surroundings

The technology behind this exciting façade is no less impressive. The Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 is not, for instance, part of a platoon. It does not need to be daisy-chained to other vehicles either. Radar sensors and camera technology enable the Future Truck to drive autonomously, independently of other vehicles or central control stations. Its technical features are thus crucial in giving the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 its outstanding capabilities as an autonomous vehicle. For Mercedes-Benz the culmination of this is the highly intelligent “Highway Pilot” system, which resembles the autopilot on an aircraft. Networking with other trucks or passenger cars extends its abilities further, but is not necessary for autonomous driving.

A radar sensor in the lower area of the front end scans the road ahead at long and short range. The front radar sensor has a range of 250 m and scans an 18-degree segment. The short-range sensor has a range of 70 m and scans a 130-degree segment. The radar sensor is the basis for the proximity control and emergency braking safety systems already available today.

A stereo camera installed above the instrument support behind the windscreen keeps the area ahead of the vehicle in view. This is currently the location of a mono-camera if optional Lane Keeping Assist is ordered. The range of the stereo camera is 100 m, and it scans an area of 45 degrees horizontally and 27 degrees vertically.

The stereo camera of the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 identifies single- or two-lane roads, pedestrians, moving and stationary objects, all objects within the monitored area and also the road surface. The camera recognises everything that contrasts with the background, and is therefore also able to measure clearances precisely. The front stereo camera also registers the information on traffic signs.

In addition to object and distance recognition, the stereo camera recognises lane markings as a major function for autonomous lane guidance.

The road surface to the left and right of the truck is monitored by radar sensors installed in the sides. They are located on the left and right, ahead of the tractor unit’s rear axle. The sensors have a range of 60 m and cover an angle of 170 degrees in the longitudinal direction.

Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025

Blind Spot Assist: more safety when turning and changing lane

These sensors form the heart of the new Blind Spot Assist system from Mercedes-Benz. The radar sensor modules are arranged in such a way that they cover the area parallel to the truck over the entire length of a tractor/trailer combination or drawbar combination. In addition this strip is extended forwards to two metres in front of the truck.

Blind Spot Assist warns the truck driver about other road users not only when turning; it also warns about imminent collisions with stationary obstacles – for example signs or lamps – and serves as an assistance system when changing lane.

For Mercedes-Benz, the planned introduction of Blind Spot Assist over the next few years is a major step paving the way for the Future Truck 2025 and underlines Mercedes-Benz’s role in pioneering maximum road safety.

The transport system of tomorrow will be networked and autonomous

All sensors on board the Future Truck 2025 are networked (multi-sensor fusion), and provide a complete image of the surroundings. All moving and stationary objects in the truck’s vicinity are registered.

Fusion of the data by a high-performance multi-core processor in the central computer links the data from all sensors in the whole area in front of and beside the truck.

The sensor and camera technology is active from standstill to the legally permitted maximum speed for trucks. By intervening in the steering, it automatically keeps the truck safely in the centre of its lane. The system also includes a three-dimensional digital map, which is already used for the assistance system Predictive

Powertrain Control (PPC). This means that the truck is always fully aware of the road’s course and topography.

Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025

V2V and V2I – communication between vehicles and the outside world

The “Highway Pilot” is ideally partnered with V2V and V2I networking. Every vehicle equipped with this in the near future will transmit continuous information to its surroundings. This includes vehicle position and model, dimensions, direction of travel and speed, any acceleration and braking manoeuvres and the bend radii negotiated.

The frequency of information transfer depends on the vehicle speed and the intensity of any changes in its movement. It varies between one message per second when cruising to ten times this interval when changes are significant.

Transmission is via WLAN technology, using the standard Europe-wide G5 frequency of 5.9 gigahertz. The basis is the ITS Vehicle Station (Intelligent Transport Systems and Services) on board the vehicle.

Communication between vehicles is also standardised. The range of these continuous sent messages is a radius of around 500 m. The vehicles inform each other about their movements, so that they can respond to them immediately in anticipatory mode. This includes reacting to vehicles joining a motorway, or when approaching the end of a traffic tailback, for example. The more vehicles are communicating with each other on these routes, the more dynamically and flexibly they are able to respond to one another and together.

In an ideal scenario, an uninterrupted chain of communication forms along a route that rigorously informs the driver and vehicle about road and traffic conditions a long way ahead on their journey.

V2I means that all these messages and signals are also sent to external recipients such as traffic control centres. These are then able to respond flexibly, for example by changing the speed limit or opening up additional lanes. Messages can also be sent to vehicles, for example about temporary roadworks.

All these data inform the driver and the onboard computer about events happening outside the range of vision in good time. The driver and vehicle are therefore aware of obstacles in advance, before they can become a hazard.

Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025

Anti-tailback measures: road traffic as a self-learning system

The Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 is therefore not on the road in isolation, but constantly communicates with its environment, unnoticed by the driver.

Traffic information are passed on in this way and the data become available to all road users. Because networked vehicles respond automatically to these data, homogeneous traffic flow is ensured along with exceptional utilisation of limited road infrastructure. In combination with autonomous driving, road traffic will develop into a self-learning system.

The average speed is thus improved by better traffic flow alone and without raising the maximum speed. At the same time, homogeneous traffic saves on fuel.
Future becomes reality: autonomous driving in practice, including independently of other road users

After joining the motorway, the driver of the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 merges with the traffic flow in the appropriate lane. The system then prompts the driver to activate the “Highway Pilot”. The driver activates it, and the vehicle switches to autonomous mode.

According to the given traffic situation, the Future Truck 2025 is on the road independently, as no vehicle in front is needed as a reference to guide it through the traffic. It acts autonomously in its lane. If there is another vehicle travelling ahead, the truck can adapt to its speed within the permitted limit and maintains a set safety distance. It is therefore always possible for other vehicles to join the lane safely. The safety distance is also always maintained – the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 adapts perfectly to its environment. The Future Truck 2025 operates independently of other road users thanks to networking. However, to fully benefit in terms of logistical efficiency and making optimum use of infrastructure, comprehensive networking is desirable. This development is certain to occur in a gradual manner. Open standards and protocols are important to this end.

From driver to transport manager in the cockpit of the future

In many situations autonomous driving relieves the driver of “having to” drive, especially on tiring and often monotonous long-distance routes. As the truck regulates its own speed and automatically finds the best route using a navigation app, and because the transport company, dispatcher and goods recipient are constantly informed about the location, route and expected time of arrival in real time, the driver is relieved of time pressure. Today this is a major stress factor for drivers.

The driver gains time for other activities and is able to communicate with his surroundings. It is conceivable that the driver will be able to take on tasks previously performed by the scheduling team or which provide social contact. Owner-driver businesses in particular will be able to perform office tasks conveniently on the move if required.

Carrying out further activities will significantly change the professional profile of the truck driver. This will in turn give rise to opportunities for advancement from the purely driving role to transport manager. The profession of truck driver will become more attractive – autonomous driving is therefore also a compelling answer to the shortage of drivers. With autonomous driving, the truck and its driver become a team more than ever before, an intelligent, highly capable and cost-effective combination of man and machine.

Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025

Consumption and emissions down – efficiency and safety up

At the same time fuel consumption and emissions are significantly reduced during autonomous driving, thanks to the more homogeneous traffic flow. Transport times will become more predictable. The new activities carried out by the driver or transport manager during journeys will revolutionise the freight forwarding sector, making it a dynamic and self-learning system.

Traffic flows on long-distance routes that are predictable for all road users mean more safety for all those involved. Already, assistance systems regulate vehicle speeds and are able to automatically initiate emergency braking to prevent accidents. Both have proved their worth for a number of years. Autonomous driving stands for perfection by fusion of the assistance systems.

In the future, accidents caused by human error will therefore be largely a thing of the past. Safety regulations such as speed limits or safety gaps between vehicles will always be strictly adhered to. Anticipatory driving, a recurring theme in driver training courses, means programmed safety and cost-effectiveness for the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025.

Autonomous driving: set to become reality in the short term

One of the most interesting questions on the subject of autonomous driving is the time horizon envisaged for its realisation. In purely technical terms, turning it into reality on the roads is already feasible within around five years. In terms of passenger car development cycles, a possible start is envisaged in 2020. Owing to the more complex factors for heavy commercial vehicles, the time horizon for such vehicles will, however, be rather longer – realistically implementation is possible within ten years, also in view of the legal considerations that still remain to be clarified.

The introduction of autonomous driving will not happen digitally from one day to the next, as development is progressing in a gradual manner: evolutionary stages are necessary to revolutionise goods haulage on the roads. In the coming years, new and improved assistance systems will continue to pave the clearly set-out way to autonomous driving.

Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025

Conditions necessary for autonomous driving

The technical preconditions are now being demonstrated for the first time with the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025; however legislation also needs to be adapted to this new dimension in driving. A further development of the “1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic”, which almost all European countries have signed and implemented, is already under way. The Convention is intended to make road traffic safer by standardising regulations, and one of its core principles is that the driver must have control of the vehicle at all times and in all circumstances.

On the basis of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, UN/ECE Regulation R 79 does permit corrective steering intervention for steering systems, but not automatic steering over 10 km/h. This allowance is a precondition for Parking Assist and Stop-and-Go Assist.

The Vienna Convention came about at a time when autonomous driving was still in the realms of science fiction. A committee of United Nations experts has recently supplemented the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, providing the basis for legalisation on autonomous driving. Corresponding systems will be permitted in the future, as long as they can be deactivated or overruled by the driver at any time. This is standard for the “Highway Pilot” in the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025.
Data security must also be ensured in technical and legal terms. This concerns external access to the individual vehicle, and also the transfer of data for V2V and V2I or internet communication.

In addition to operating permission it will be necessary to clarify other legal aspects such as liability for traffic infringements and accidents, which can never be completely ruled out. The same applies to insurance and product liability aspects. How new working models and professional profiles are to be reconciled with the current regulations on driving and resting times also remains to be defined.

The answer: Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025

Where the associated legal steps are taken, the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 with the “Highway Pilot” system is the answer to the challenges of the future. The answer to increasing traffic, inadequate infrastructures, increasing cost pressure and a shortage of drivers. Against the background of numerous new and enhanced assistance and telematics systems and V2V/V2I communication, a new era in road goods transport and communication is being ushered in. In the future traffic will flow more smoothly, predictably and safely. Traffic systems will become more flexible, with better use of the infrastructure. Avoidance of human error at the wheel will reduce hazards and accidents. Transport operators will operate more cost-effectively and flexibly. Truck drivers will be able to assume different tasks as transport managers. This answer to the many challenges is not just a vision, it is already reality.

Daimler Trucks presents the truck of the future — the self-driving Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025.

“The truck of the future is a Mercedes-Benz that drives itself.” Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, the member of Daimler’s Board of Management responsible for Daimler Trucks and Buses, came straight to the point in his description of the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025, which had its world premiere. The truck is equipped with the extremely intelligent Highway Pilot assistance system, which enables it to drive completely autonomously at speeds of up to 85 km/h. Daimler Trucks demonstrated the vehicle on a trip along a section of the A14 autobahn near the city of Magdeburg, in which the Future Truck drove itself in completely realistic driving situations.

Daimler Trucks managed to substantially increase its sales and revenues for 2012 while also generating good earnings. For 2013, one of the factors that will help strengthen Daimler Trucks is the Daimler Trucks #1 initiative, which is expected to generate positive effects that will amount to €1.6 billion through the end of 2014. Due to the expected course of market development, this growth will probably occur mainly in the second half of the year.

In 2012 the truck markets were affected by positive as well as negative developments. After many truck markets had posted strong sales increases in the first half of the year, all core markets saw demand increase more slowly or even decline in the third and fourth quarters. In Europe, the sovereign debt crisis and the associated economic downturn led to a marked decline in purchases. Economic constraints also limited demand in the NAFTA region to the procurement of essential replacement vehicles. Although reconstruction activities caused an upswing in Japan following the earthquake, this development slowed considerably in the course of the year. In Brazil, meanwhile, weak economic growth and the introduction of a tougher emissions standard led to a significant drop in unit sales since the beginning of 2012.

Daimler Mercedes-Benz Trucks

Strong growth in North America and Asia

In spite of these difficulties, Daimler Trucks succeeded in further increasing revenues and unit sales, with growth occurring in particular in Asia and the NAFTA region. Revenues rose by 9% worldwide, to €31.4 billion (2011: €28.8 billion). The division sold 462,000 vehicles, or 9% more than in 2011. Sales in the NAFTA region rose by 18% to around 135,000 units (114,000), and in Asia by 21% to 164,000 vehicles (135,000). In Western Europe, Daimler Trucks’ sales declined by 6% to 58,000 units (61,400). The result in Latin America was particularly impacted by the steep contraction of the Brazilian truck market. As a consequence, sales in the region as a whole dropped by around 25% to 46,200 vehicles (61,900).

“We’ve done relatively well in a difficult situation,” says Andreas Renschler, the Daimler Board of Management member responsible for Daimler Trucks and Buses. “We substantially increased sales and revenues despite volatile markets, thus demonstrating once again that we are properly positioned. That’s because our global presence enables us to offset the effects of weak markets more effectively.” The division’s EBIT amounted to €1.7 billion, which was around 9% lower than in the prior year, due to lower sales in Brazil and Western Europe as well as scheduled expenses for the current product offensive.

Although some of the markets presented difficult conditions, Daimler Trucks’ innovative range of cutting-edge products met with a good customer response and enabled it, as the global market leader, to increase its share of core markets. In spite of the sovereign debt crisis, the division continued to boost its leading position in Europe (EU 29) to 22.6% (2011: 21.7%) and increased its share of the German market by an even greater percentage to 39.2% (37.5%). In North America, the division strengthened its domination of the market for medium and heavy duty trucks (Class 6-8), which it has held for many years. “In 2012 we countered the headwinds with a fantastic product range that enabled us to remain among the top three manufacturers in all of the core markets and, in some cases, to even improve our position,” says Renschler.

In the development and expansion of its product range, Daimler Trucks proceeds as globally as possible and as locally as necessary. Through the rollout of global platforms and modules, Daimler Trucks can exploit the advantages of its worldwide presence extremely well and offer an optimal product lineup for each customer and market. One example of this is the heavy-duty truck platform on which the Mercedes-Benz Actros, Antos, and Arocs trucks are based. Daimler Trucks is rigorously implementing its shared parts and module strategy, for example in the new models it has launched over the past two years. As a result of the recently presented new Atego, Daimler Trucks also became the first manufacturer in the sector to complete the launch of a full range of Euro VI-compliant trucks. What’s more, this was achieved eight months before the new emissions standard goes into effect on January 1, 2014.

Daimler Mercedes-Benz Trucks

Daimler Trucks #1 excellence initiative launched

To safeguard its leading position as a global truck manufacturer and also achieve top profitability values, the division launched the Daimler Trucks #1 (DT#1) initiative in mid-2012. The initiative is part of the Global Excellence Strategy, which has guided the division’s actions since 2005. DT#1 consists of a range of programs that are tailored to the needs of the various business units (Trucks EU/LA, Trucks NAFTA, Trucks Asia, and Global Powertrain), as well as cross-business approaches. All of these measures aim to generate total improvements of €1.6 billion for Daimler Trucks by the end of 2014. Although some of these improvements will be achieved through higher sales and earnings, the reduction of fixed, material, production, and quality-related costs will also play an important role.

One element of the DT#1 initiative is the development of an integrated business model for Asia. “The aim is to exploit as much growth and synergy potential as possible in procurement, production, sales, and the product range,” says Renschler. Among other things, the division plans to produce robust Fuso brand trucks in Chennai, India, and export them – for example to markets in Asia and Africa.

Outlook: World market for medium and heavy-duty trucks expected to grow slightly

Daimler Trucks once again expects its business to get only limited support from economic developments this year. The prospects are particularly dim in the industrialized countries, which suffer from risks ranging from the euro crisis to the federal debt dispute in the U.S. This year the global economy will once again be primarily driven by the emerging markets, which are expected to contribute around three fourths of the world’s economic growth of 2.5 or, at best, 3 percent. The demand for medium and heavy-duty trucks is therefore expected to increase in 2013. It currently seems that the worst is probably over for the truck sector in the emerging markets, and in Brazil and India in particular, and demand is expected to stabilize in the triad later this year.

Daimler Trucks expects the market for medium and heavy-duty trucks (Class 6 to 8) to contract by 5 to 10% in the NAFTA region. In Europe, the demand for medium and heavy-duty trucks is forecast to decline by up to 5%, while the Japanese market is expected to remain at roughly last year’s level.

The market will probably improve considerably in Brazil. Following difficult developments in 2012, the country’s overall economic prospects have now improved substantially and the government will continue to offer favorable financing terms for commercial vehicles. As a result, Brazil’s truck market might increase by up to 10%.

“The year 2013 will be challenging on the whole and business has been rather sluggish in the first few months. However, in the second half of the year the markets should gather momentum”, says Renschler. In view of these market developments and the full availability of Euro VI-compliant Mercedes-Benz medium and heavy-duty trucks in Europe, Renschler expects Daimler Trucks to increase its sales, market share, and profits in 2013.

“The three new Mercedes-Benz vehicles clearly deserve a triple A rating,” said Andreas Renschler, the Daimler Board of Management Member responsible for Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses, at the Arocs world premiere, which took place today in Munich. “The first three representatives of our heavy-duty truck platform are giving our global module strategy a big boost. At the same time, the all-new Arocs is enabling us to bring our Euro VI offensive for heavy-duty trucks to a close a full nine months before the new emissions limit goes into effect.” As a result, Mercedes-Benz customers are well prepared not only with regard to timing but also with respect to the total cost of ownership. Although the trucks are fitted with complex Euro VI technology, the Actros, Antos, and also the new Arocs are more efficient than their predecessor models. In fact, fuel consumption has been reduced by up to five percent.

The investment in the development of new vehicles is paying off. In 2012 Daimler Trucks produced almost as many vehicles in 11 months as it did in the whole of 2011, when the division’s six truck brands (Mercedes-Benz, Fuso, Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, and BharatBenz) manufactured approximately 426,000 vehicles. “Daimler Trucks substantially increased sales in 2012, despite volatile markets,” said Renschler. “We want to grow this year as well, especially in the second half of the year. We are benefiting from our global business model. Although the debt crisis hampered markets in Europe, Mercedes-Benz was able to buck the general trend, thanks, in part, to the model offensive spearheaded by the new Actros. In Germany, three out of four new Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks are already being ordered with Euro VI technology.”

Arocs to be launched on the market in mid-2013

Beginning in May 2013, the new Mercedes-Benz Arocs will be gradually introduced in Europe. In addition to being extremely environmental friendly as a result of Euro VI technology, the special construction vehicles boast three special attributes: power, efficiency, and robustness.

Never before in the history of Mercedes-Benz Trucks has the range of heavy-duty construction vehicles been as broad as it is today. The truck brand was established more than 110 years ago, when automobiles began to supplant horse-drawn vehicles. “Our roots are here in the construction industry,” said Stefan Buchner, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks since December 2012, at the presentation of the all-new Arocs. “Mercedes-Benz has shaped the construction sector more than any other truck manufacturer. We have an above-average market share in nearly all areas of the construction sector. Almost half of the construction site trucks in Germany sport the Mercedes star on their hoods. More than two out of five Mercedes-Benz trucks sold worldwide are construction site vehicles.”

The all-new Arocs is Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ third heavy-duty special vehicle. The first was the Actros for long-haulage operations, followed by the Antos for heavy-duty distribution transportation, and now the Arocs for the heavy-duty construction segment. Stefan Buchner is convinced that this product strategy exactly matches the interests of today’s customers. “All-purpose vehicles are increasingly becoming a thing of the past,” he said. “That’s why we used a common platform to develop custom-tailored vehicle series for individual segments.”

This product strategy is already beginning to pay off for the Actros. “To date, we have sold more than 16.000 units of the new Actros truck in Europe,” Buchner said. “One-third of these trucks feature Euro VI technology. It was mainly due to the Actros that no other manufacturer sold more tractors in Europe last year than we did.”

The construction industry has a lot of catching-up to do

Andreas Renschler, Head of Daimler Trucks, predicts that the all-new Arocs will have a bright future. “The commercial vehicle business will continue to grow globally,” he said. “This is due, in part, to the construction industry, which estimates that alone in Germany there is a demand for 250,000 new apartments per year. New construction was about 40,000 units below this figure in 2012 and will probably be about 20,000 units lower this year. In other words, the construction industry has a lot of catching-up to do.”

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) and Daimler Buses have once again received orders for low-emission vehicles. Thomas Built Buses, Daimler Trucks North America’s school bus manufacturer, has received an order for 130 compressed natural gas (CNG) school buses. That’s the biggest contract for natural gas buses in the company’s history. The buses were ordered by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), and the vehicles are scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2010.

The LAUSD transportation services division only accepts bids for buses operating on alternative fuels. The district currently operates the largest CNG bus fleet in California, with more than 300 natural gas buses. Thomas Built CNG’s produce emission levels that are close to zero. The buses have complied with the U.S. EPA 2010 emissions standards since 2007 and also meet the state’s tough California Air Resources Board (CARB) limits.

“We welcome this opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship and enhanced passenger safety,” says Kelley Platt, President and CEO of Thomas Built Buses. “LAUSD underscores its commitment to sound environmental strategies with its selection of 130 additional school buses that incorporate clean-fuel technologies.”

Customer acceptance of buses with alternative drive systems is also demonstrated by the orders for Orion-brand hybrid and CNG buses. Daimler Buses North America has so far obtained more than 3,000 orders for Orion buses with hybrid systems, and it delivered 25 Orion VII CNG transit buses to four transit agencies in California last month.

Besides natural gas drives, DTNA is also using other alternative drive systems, including hybrid technology, in commercial vehicles. Last month, Daimler Trucks North America delivered four medium-duty Freightliner Business Class M2 106 Hybrid trucks to the city of Denver. These aerial bucket trucks will be used for forestry, traffic signal, and traffic sign repair.

In June, DTNA also announced the opening of the Local Hybrid Application Center at its Portland location. It will serve as a local competence center for the research and development of hybrid technology in North America and supplement Daimler Trucks’ Global Hybrid Center in Japan.

The new contracts are part of Daimler’s “Shaping Future Transportation” initiative for commercial vehicles. With this initiative, the company aims to use clean and efficient drive systems along with alternative fuels in order to realize the vision of zero-emission commercial vehicles that will satisfy tomorrow’s transportation needs. The initiative involves the sparing use of resources and the reduction of emissions of every kind, while guaranteeing maximum traffic safety.