Mercedes-Benz’s new Actros wins the International Truck of the Year

Mercedes-Benz’s new Actros has been elected International Truck of the Year 2020 by a jury of 24 commercial vehicle editors and senior journalists, representing 24 major trucking magazines from throughout Europe.

The prestigious award was handed over to Prof. Uwe Baake, Head of Product Engineering Mercedes-Benz Trucks, during the press day of Solutrans, the biennial International Show for Road & Urban Transport Solutions in Lyon, France.

With a winning score of 121 votes, the German flagship fought off the strong challenge posed by Iveco’s recently launched S-Way long-haul range and Volvo Trucks’ fuel-efficient FH I-Save.

Based on the International Truck of the Year (IToY) rules, the annual award is presented to the truck introduced into the market in the previous 12 months which has made the greatest contribution to road transport efficiency. Several important criteria are considered, including technological innovation, comfort, safety, driveability, fuel economy, environmental footprint and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

Mercedes-Benz has built upon the technical strengths of its current range to deliver a new truck that introduces substantial improvements in crucial areas, such as partial automated driving, expanded cruise and transmission control systems, digital human-machine interface and several state-of-the art safety systems.

Among the latter, the jury praised the introduction of the MirrorCam system, which replaces the traditional exterior rear-view mirrors and effectively supports the driver in maneuvering, cornering or changing lanes. Moreover, the new solution not only improves all-around visibility but also aerodynamic efficiency.

During a recent extended test drive in southern Spain, the Truck of the Year jury members appreciated the new Active Drive Assist system which, in certain operational conditions, can take over the longitudinal and lateral guidance of the truck, thereby allowing partially automated driving in all speed ranges.

Finally, the IToY journalists praised the extended functions of the new Actros’ Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) system and the totally digital Multimedia Cockpit, which replaces the conventional instrument cluster. PPC, in particular, can now also be used on winding cross-country routes, saving fuel and reducing driver’s workload.

Summing-up the jury vote, International Truck of the Year Chairman Gianenrico Griffini commented: “With the introduction of the new Actros, Mercedes-Benz has delivered a state-of the-art heavyduty truck that paves the way towards autonomous driving vehicles of the future”.

News

Renault trucks renews partnership with the world food programme

Renault trucks renews partnership with the world food programme

Renault Trucks is set to continue its transfer of expertise to the UN agency for the next five years by training its teams, particularly in Africa. The aim is to make it easier for the World Food Programme to run and maintain its fleet of trucks on the ground, helping...

MAN Lion’s Coach is the “Sustainable Bus of the Year 2022”

MAN Lion’s Coach is the “Sustainable Bus of the Year 2022”

Sustainable Bus of the year - Coach category MAN Lion’s Coach MAN Lion’s Coach has impressed the jury for several reasons. With the longest version it can offer space for 61 passengers with the lowest CO2 emission per passenger. The 510 Hp engine is 100% compatible to...

Volvo VISTA is back

Volvo VISTA is back

VISTA (Volvo International Service Training Award) is an international competition open to all Service Market professionals within the Volvo Trucks’ and Volvo Buses’ global service network. Currently it is the world’s largest competition for Service Market personnel....

Volvo’s electric trucks tested in extreme winter weather

Volvo’s electric trucks tested in extreme winter weather

Many of us have experienced it - the battery in the phone loses power when the blistering cold sets in. To avoid the same fate, Volvo Trucks has tested it´s electric trucks in extremely cold weather close to the Arctic Circle. The result? A feature to maintain battery...

Transpotec Logitec

Transpotec Logitec

New vehicles, great previews, and equipment for every type of application, integrated logistic solutions, refresher courses and professional training: Transpotec Logitec, the reference event for road transport and logistics, from 27 to 30 January 2022...