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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS
AUGUST 2015
4
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.
Keeping in line with Mercedes-Benz innovative
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.
Mercedes-Benz
AIMS TO ACHIEVE GREATER FUEL EFFICIENCY
AND SAFETY WITH NEW ENHANCEMENTS
By Pierre Sanson