Capital Equipment News August 2015

Mercedes-Benz AIMS TO ACHIEVE GREATER FUEL EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY WITH NEW ENHANCEMENTS By Pierre Sanson

D evelopment of fundamental technol- ogies for particularly efficient, envi- ronmentally compatible vehicles has been a recurring theme in the history of the company and brand right from the early years. Mercedes-Benz Trucks has been the first to bring numerous relevant technologies to production and market maturity and con- tinues to develop them further even to the level of alternative technologies such as hy- brids and fuel-cell drive systems. Outstanding innovations have been regarded as milestones in the development of more efficient and environmentally compatible commercial vehicles. The Mercedes-Benz powertrain strategy not only offers an im- pressively wide range of available technolo- gies, but also the greatest possible flexibility in their use. Even within all the conceivable transitional scenarios, it optimally meets the varied requirements of different customers and markets.

technology, fuel economy in vehicles can be improved in many ways, including increas- ing engine efficiency, reducing aerodynamic drag, rolling friction and improving fuel con- sumption, amongst other things. Following on the success of the hypoid rear axle for the current Actros range, Mercedes-Benz engineers have produced new efficiency and safety enhancements on the Actros on-highway truck tractors which focus on driveline optimisation and safety. Many of these enhancements such as Telligent Stability Control and driver air bag have been incorporated as standard on the model range for 2015, from the Actros 1844LS/36 DD 4x2 to the flagship Actros 2658LS33. Two new additions to the range with varied horsepower are the Actros 2641LS/33DD for applications within the medium to long haul segment and the Actros 2646LS/33 which replaces the 2644LS/33. The increased power and torque in these upgraded models

are now more accessible and useable due to the optimised Direct Drive transmission driveline. The introduction of the Direct Drive trans- mission (on the 410 hp, 460 hp and 540 hp engines) on the 6x4 tractor further optimis- es the driveline, which is a welcome inno- vation to complement the hypoid axle pre- viously introduced. The G281-12 with 12 forward and four reverse gears is a Direct Drive Powershift constant mesh automat- ed manual transmission with integrated engine, transmission and clutch control for improved shifting times and high shift comfort. The Telligent Stability Control feature, which is now standard on 4x2 and 6x4 air-sus- pended prime movers, is a complete pack- age of systems covering all aspects of operation in the Actros. Intelligent systems monitor and regulate the vehicle’s func- tions, giving drivers a safer, smoother ride thus prolonging the life of the vehicle.

Keeping in line with Mercedes-Benz innovative

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