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MOTORINDIA
l
January 2012
The New Actros is a truck that’s
both revolutionary and evolution-
ary. The revolution part lies in a
superb blend of improved driveline-
technology and cab aerodynamics
that neutralise the effects of Euro 6
on fuel consumption, one of the big-
gest concerns for road transport op-
erators, both now and for the future.
The vehicle’s all-new OM471
12.8-litre in-line-six engine comes
with a pressure-amplified com-
monrail injection system and an
asymmetric inlet turbocharger. It
also features a highly sophisticated
engine thermal-control system that
includes electrically-actuated radia-
tor shutters. The latest design of in-
strument panel and dashboard also
ensures an extremely user-friendly
man-machine interface.
The evolutionary aspects entail
updated cab interiors and layouts
with colour-code separation be-
tween the working (driving) and
living areas. Moreover, the New
Actros fairly bristles with safety
systems, including a second gen-
eration radar-controlled active brake
assist device, capable of detecting
stationary obstacles in the path of
the truck and bringing the vehicle to
a complete stop without the aid of
the driver.
Also, Mercedes-Benz’s decision
to offer its Fleet Board telematics
system as standard ensures a driver
receives direct feedback on the driv-
ing style, thus reducing fuel con-
sumption as well as CO
2
emissions.
And this will be a critical issue for
commercial vehicles in the EU over
the coming years.
Summing up the ITOY jury’s
vote, International Truck of the
Year Chairman, Gianenrico Griffini,
commented: “Mercedes-Benz has
delivered a new heavy duty truck
that’s both revolutionary and evo-
lutionary and one which, above all
else, has demonstrably ‘raised the
bar’ in heavy truck efficiency and
comfort.”
w
focus on trailers
Having already tested the
New Actros twice this year,
the ITOY jury was par-
ticularly impressed by its
ride-and-handling which
set a new benchmark in
the heavy-duty truck sec-
tor.