Mercedes-Benz Trucks Marks 20th Anniversary of Actros truck with Special Edition

Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ MENA, teamed up with Emirates Motor Company (EMC), the brand’s authorized distributor in Abu Dhabi, to launch a special edition Actros truck to mark the 20^th anniversary of the model. The special edition of the truck was launched at an event at Endurance City where a live demonstration of the Actros 3844 S 6×4 tractor-head model and of its state-of-the-art equipment and innovative safety systems was held by professional Mercedes-Benz driver trainers from Germany and the Training and Product Management team of Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA.

The truck is powered by a highly fuel-efficient 6-cylinder engine (Euro 3) with an output of 435 hp and 2,100 NM of torque. Thanks to the power transfer to the two driven rear axles via a twin-plate clutch and the reliable and efficient 16-speed Mercedes PowerShift automated gearbox, the heavy-duty truck delivers great performance. Mercedes PowerShift provides specific driving modes that allows the driver to easily handle all kinds of traffic situations and enhances his level of concentration.

The scope for accidents has been reduced with Bluetooth radio enabling hands free use of a mobile phone while driving. The truck’s FleetBoard telematics system supports vehicle tracking, trip recording and professional fleet management, in addition to continuous analysis and rating of driver and vehicle performance, thus helping fleet managers and drivers to get the best out of their trucks.

Other distinctive features of the truck include a powerful engine & transmission cooling system, air intake on the upper side of the cab and a tandem air cleaner that is strong enough to cope with the MENA region’s extreme climate conditions. The Actros 20 Years Edition also comes with a performance optimized hydraulic retarder and an additional braking system for ensuring  the highest levels of braking performance and minimal wear of brakes and brake linings.

When it comes to safety, the key highlights of the Actros 20 Years Edition are its innovative safety features, both when it comes to active and passive safety. These include the standard electronically controlled Telligent braking system with Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Acceleration skid control (ASR), and the optional Active Brake Assist. The Active Brake Assist system involves the use of three radar beams, which constantly scan an area of 1 to 200 meters ahead of the truck. If the radars detect a collision with a moving obstacle, the driver would receive visual and audile alerts. Depending on the severity of the situation, the system might react with a partial braking maneuver and, might even initiate emergency braking to bring the truck to a standstill. Thus, the Active Brake Assist will go a long way towards avoiding dangerous rear-end collisions and minimizing their impact for occupants of the vehicle in the event that a collision occurs.

The Actros 20 Years Edition is notable for several safety features like a Driver Airbag, a Telligent Proximity Control and Telligent Lane Assistant. Telligent Proximity Control  automatically adjusts the speed of the truck depending on the traffic situation by tracking the speed of the vehicles in front of the truck. It also provides visual and auditory warnings to the driver is if a sudden obstacle appears, like a vehicle changing lanes.

The Telligent Lane Assistant features a digital camera behind the screen, which is used to detect the vehicle position in relation to the left-hand and right-hand lane markings. When the feature is activated, the system helps the driver to stay in lane by giving audible warning signals if he accidentally leaving the traffic lane. The additional front mirror increases the visible area in front of the truck, helping to recognize pedestrians or obstacles quickly.

Roland Schneider, President & CEO of Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA said: “The launch of the 20 Years Actros Edition is yet another milestone in the success story of our iconic flagship truck in the MENA region. The model’s state-of-the-art safety features and the highly fuel-efficient drivetrain underline the technological leadership of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The Actros provides the ideal product solution for customers seeking the highest safety and efficiency standards.”

The comfortable and spacious L-Cab is fully painted in a carbon black metallic colour enhanced with dynamic silver stripes with the 20 Years Actros emblem. The impressive design is complemented by chromed air-horns on top of the cab and an LED-illuminated Mercedes-Benz star on the front.

All features of the Actros 20 Years Edition are available from the Mercedes-Benz Trucks factory in Woerth/Germany, and can be ordered through the authorized Mercedes-Benz Truck distributors across the MENA region. Professional driver training is offered by Mercedes-Benz and its General Distributors to instruct fleet managers and drivers on how to operate the truck and its features focusing on maximum safety and efficiency.