It so happens that in Russia and Europe, the Mercedes , Ben z, a slightly different history. In the Old World, everything is familiar: after a certain period of time, a new generation model replaces its predecessor, continuing its forward movement. This is what happened this time: the current Actros has been traveling around Europe since 2018, having updated its fourth generation. Here, everything is somewhat different: the specifics of the market, firstly, require localization, and secondly, it does not always keep up with the pace of technology development. Mercedes - Benz representatives spoke about all the nuances of the cargo business at the St. Petersburg presentation of the new Actros at the dealership.
First, a brief excursion into history. After many years of supplying trucks to Russia, Mercedes-Benz became one of the shareholders of the domestic KAMAZ, and a little later a decision was made to create localized production. For this purpose, in 2010, a joint venture was created with the Russian auto giant, which now bears the name Daimler KAMAZ Rus. The production of third-generation Actros trucks began at new facilities, which in Europe... were in their last months.
Already in 2011, the newest Mercedes-Benz Actros IV was shown in Germany, which reached the Russian assembly line only in 2018, when the Actros V was presented in Europe to much fanfare. In parallel with this, a second plant for the production of cabin frames for Mercedes-Benz opened in Naberezhnye Chelny. Benz, and for new KAMAZ vehicles. The fact is that this frame is absolutely the same for both the fourth and fifth generations of German trucks, and for modern domestic tractors that borrowed the cab from German alliance partners.
In fact, at the turn of 2022, a situation arose on the Russian market when buyers of trucks had the opportunity to choose from three generations of alliance trucks, only produced in different countries, with different levels of localization and under different brands - these were the third-generation Actros warehouses, fourth-generation vehicles that have just entered the assembly line, as well as fifth-generation new products imported from Germany (not counting domestic vehicles with localized cabins, all from the same Mercedes-Benz).
Over 10 years in Russia, Daimler KAMAZ Rus has assembled more than 33 thousand Mercedes - Benz , and together with its subsidiary production of Fuso - more than 40 thousand units of equipment. The plant's plan for the production of cabin frames is 55 thousand pieces annually. The new plant is the most modern in the world; instead of people, 120 robots work there
Actually, now the fifth generation of Actros has officially arrived in Russia. Although representatives of Mercedes-Benz directly say that this is rather a restyling: the main part of the changes concerns the optional composition.
On the outside, the novelty is highlighted by new LED optics. Small side projectors illuminate a three-pointed star on the road. On the steering axle there are optional wide wheels of size 385/55 R22.5 - they provide better traction. And of course, the main “trick” of the update is the absence of side “mug” mirrors. Instead of them there are small horns for the side chambers!
Two trucks were provided for the premiere - 1845 with a BigSpace (blue) and 1848 with a GigaSpace (red). Representatives of the company say that almost no one orders the largest Giga cabin (+13 cm to the ceiling height), and therefore they did not localize such versions - they are supplied directly from Germany to those who wish. By the way, you can also stand at full height in the BigSpace
But inside the changes there is a cart and a small cart, although in general they all boil down to one thing: this is a fully digital Multimedia Cockpit workplace. So, from now on the driver of the Mercedes-Benz Actros V is surrounded by monitors - four of them!
Instead of an instrument panel there is a 12-inch display, which displays route information in different versions. To the right of it is a touchscreen display for controlling the truck’s secondary functions: climate control, lighting, radio, as well as all sorts of vehicle settings. Above it is a platform for wireless charging of a smartphone.
The Actros now starts The handbrake is now completely electronic. The Power Shift automated transmission is controlled by a steering column lever, like in Mercedes cars. He is also responsible for the retarder
The main thing is two huge 15-inch vertical screens on the front pillars of the cabin. These are, in fact, monitors that broadcast images from rear view cameras. And, of course, not just digital “mirrors”, but visual information systems: if necessary, the screen can be divided into several parts, each of which will show its own scale and perspective. In addition, the display shows dimensional marks - four lines that show distances: the first blue one is manually adjusted and by default reflects either the edge of the tractor or the beginning of the semi-trailer. Three yellow ones measure fixed distances behind the truck - 30, 60 and 100 meters, to make it easier for the driver to maneuver.
Another, already static, function of digital mirrors is video surveillance. During an overnight stay in a curtained cabin, the driver or forwarder can use a button in the sleeping bag to turn on the monitors and see what is happening around the tractor.
The side and front mirrors remain “analog”. As tests have shown, they have almost no effect on aerodynamics, unlike the huge “mugs” of the rear view
The driving position is very comfortable: the air-cushioned seats are equipped with heating, ventilation and massage - just like in business class cars. The right seat can be made the same for an additional fee.
A chic two-level sleeping bag with wide mattresses - like a home bed. There is heating, ventilation, lighting, and grids with drawers. Under the bottom shelf there is a pull-out box and a refrigerator in which standard one and a half liter bottles are placed vertically.
Storage compartments in the cabin - what's in your minivan. You can live here!
It's time to go. Alas, not on a flight, where you can evaluate all the advantages of a whole list of electronic assistants of the new Aktros, but only on the platform to evaluate maneuvering using digital mirrors. It’s immediately unusual: the instructor, telling you what, how and where, strongly urges you to park the tractor backwards solely due to the risks. Surprisingly, it works the first time - for the sake of clarity, we even leave the cabin to see how accurate the divisions on the mirror screens are.
With one “head” the power of the 12.8-liter engine is 450 hp. With. or even more so 480 hp. s., of course, is excessive: in turns on a track slippery from rain, the rear wheels keep slipping, like on some sports car. True, the driver does not feel this: the electronics unshakably keeps the Actros on the trajectory.
In general, the driving nuances of the new generation are a refinement of the driving electronic systems of the truck of the previous, fourth generation, which turns the truck driver actually into a drone operator.
German Gelfanov, truck sales director of Daimler KAMAZ Rus LLC, presented a new product in St. Petersburg
One of the main functions is PPC+, or Predictive Powertrain Control. This is a system that combines active cruise control, radar distance to the vehicle in front and terrain mapping: depending on the complexity of the route and the road situation, the Actros itself chooses at what distance from surrounding vehicles it needs to stay for maximum safety. The system works especially efficiently and clearly at night.
The same package also includes control of an automated transmission, when the automation simultaneously selects the optimal gear depending, again, on the complexity of the route. There are also a lot of preset modes: from the nominal Standard, Eco and Power to the advanced Economy+, which allows you to save fuel as efficiently as possible: as tests have shown, thanks to this function you can save up to 5%.
In addition, electronic assistants keep the car in its lane if, for example, the driver is distracted. There is a function for automatic movement in traffic jams, as well as a slightly modified emergency auto-braking system, which we tested two years ago at the Moscow Raceway.
Full autopilot is a thing of the future. While the Mercedes - Benz Actros can take control for no more than 20 seconds, after which it will require you to take the steering wheel
Built-in telematics
A separate topic for discussion is the Mercedes telematics and self-diagnosis system FleetBoard Uptime, which monitors absolutely everything that happens to the car and the driver. Mercedes-Benz Actros independently evaluates up to 500 algorithms - from the technical condition of almost all tractor systems to the driver's driving style - and assigns ratings to the latter, sending reports to both the company owner and the dealer servicing the truck, as well as directly to Daimler KAMAZ Rus (access configured by the owner).
Technical data on the vehicle is needed in order to proactively predict certain malfunctions and prevent the truck from being idle. If for some reason the owner ignores the recommendations, the nearest dealership will contact him for advice.
As for the driver's driving style, this information is necessary for control and savings. The owner or responsible manager of the fleet “live” (on a computer, tablet or smartphone) sees all the movement parameters of each car - for example, whether the driver turns off the engine at stops, uses electronic auxiliary systems and a retarder, and whether he maintains the optimal speed limit.
The truck driver, who in the Mercedes-Benz Actros is more like a robotic truck operator, must undergo a training course, or even more than one.
Based on all this data, artificial intelligence gives the driver a rating on a 10-point scale. According to Mercedes-Benz standards, a score below 9.5 points is a reason to send the driver to training.
The company’s experimental calculations have shown that fleets whose vehicles are equipped with FleetBoard Uptime telematics reduce the risk of an unscheduled service call by 30% and save up to 125 thousand rubles on fuel per vehicle.
The service interval between Mercedes and Benz Actros has been increased to 150 thousand km. Today there are 52 dealers operating in Russia, including Sotrans. There are plans to open five more centers
What's the result?
The fact that Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles have turned rather into a professional cargo gadget that requires not a truck driver at the wheel, but an operator of information and digital systems, only with a C/E category license, is already a fait accompli.
As it turns out, not all carriers in Russia are ready for such robotization. Even a small test drive at the site for drivers of transport companies instantly revealed the confusion of many professional drivers who have covered millions of kilometers across our and not our open spaces. People actually had to be forced not to touch the steering wheel and pedals, trusting the autopilot, and instead of searching for the necessary levers and toggle switches, show them in which sections to activate certain functions on the touch screen.
Representatives of the company are, of course, aware of all these nuances of domestic reality. Therefore, a digital truck driving course is included in the price of purchasing a new Mercedes-Benz Actros. If this is not enough, we are ready to continue the training - however, for an additional payment. Well, if we look into the future, the trend is obvious: no one will need to be trained in the near future, the task is to remove people from the management process, and with a high probability, commercial transport will become a pioneer in this direction.
, the official dealer of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, provides services for the sale of Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses, as well as a full range of after-sales services: Trade-in, sale of spare parts, service and body repair of any complexity
Mercedes-Benz Trucks launches two new models – Actros F and Actros Edition 2
Mercedes-Benz Trucks presented two opposite incarnations of the latest generation of Actros - the luxurious Edition 2 version, which can be considered a truck driver’s dream come true, and the purely functional F model. Logist.Today learned about this from a message published by the Daimler press service.
There can be no downtime in the commercial vehicle sector, especially as transport companies and truck manufacturers face significant challenges in a highly competitive environment. For this reason, and in order to even better satisfy the most varied customer requirements, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is adding two new models to its Actros model range: Actros F and Actros Edition 2 .
Mercedes Benz will present the new Actros F on the market in January 2022 in the 24 EU countries and in some countries outside the union. This truck is specially designed for consumers who are only interested in functionality.
The new Actros F is ideal for customers who are looking for a functional truck, but do not need all the innovations present in the latest generation of Actros. That is, they want a car with an attractive price-performance ratio that embodies the defining values of Mercedes-Benz. These include: high quality, reliability, efficiency, functionality, safety and high utility.
According to the manufacturer, the Actros F will be available in 17 variants and only with left-hand drive. The truck is ideal for long-distance general and regional transport, especially as a swap body, tipper or tank transporter.
To this end, special attention has been paid to high comfort for drivers as well as maximum functionality for fleet operators. The newly designed cab, available in StreamSpace or BigSpace variants, with a width of 2.5 meters and an engine tunnel height of 120 mm, offers excellent space for its class and also allows the driver to get in and out easily.
The new Actros F comes as standard with a classic cab, as well as conventional glass door mirrors. In combination with the navigation system, climate control and several additional equipment options of the current generation Actros, a new user-friendly 10-inch multimedia system with multifunction steering wheel has also been added.
New Predictive Powertrain Control is another optional feature that calibrates automatic gearshifts according to driving style adapted to the topography and provides additional fuel savings when combined with a finely tuned shift strategy.
In addition, the fifth-generation Active Brake Assist safety features have become standard in the new product. Optionally, the new Actros F can be equipped with Sideguard Assist.
The Actros Edition 2 , which can be ordered from January 2022, is the exact opposite of the Actros F. Mercedes-Benz Trucks has developed it for innovation-loving professional drivers whose trucks are their home and who place great importance on individual style and high comfort.
According to the company, Actros Edition 2 is designed for truck drivers who have a strong emotional connection with their car, which for them is more than a workhorse.
Up to 40 additional options for the interior and exterior, as well as design elements carried over from Edition 1, give the Actros Edition 2, which will be produced in a limited series of 400 vehicles, a unique character. The result is a premium Actros with a wow factor and features that set it apart from production models.
The Edition 2 Series hardware contains the following six packages:
- Safety package with a number of active driver assistance systems.
- Comfort package with LED lighting, shaving mirror, refrigerator and many other amenities for a comfortable stay.
- Driving Package with leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sunshade and more.
- Visibility package including bi-xenon headlights, rain sensor and LED taillights.
- Media package with sound system, laptop holder, additional 12/15 V socket.
- Extra Line with LED position lights in MirrorCam, LED indicators and welcome light.
In addition, Actros Edition 2 includes individually configurable service packages, such as the new Mercedes-Benz CompleteMile mileage-based service contract, as well as tailor-made leasing, financing and insurance solutions.
Logist.Today reminds that from June 2022, trucks of the Actros and Arocs model series will be equipped with Active Sideguard Assist with automatic braking function. In addition, most Actros models will feature Active Drive Assist 2, which can automatically brake the car to a complete stop in the event of an emergency.
You can find out more from the material “Mercedes-Benz Trucks introduced two new assistants for truck drivers.”
