Daimler commercial vehicles at the RAI 2012 in Amsterdam

Over three different exhibition stands, Daimler AG will be exhibiting a total of 19 commercial vehicles from the Mercedes-Benz and Fuso brands at this year's RAI in Amsterdam from 17 through to 21 April 2012.

Mercedes-Benz Vans will be on show at stand 04.110 in the Oosthalle. Mercedes-Benz Trucks will be presented in the Europahalle at stand 01.220. Fuso Canter Trucks will be exhibited near to the Mercedes-Benz Trucks at stand 01.230. The Dutch market for commercial vehicles is an interesting one as Dutch delivery and logistics firms always provide the European transport branch with innovative ways of doing things.

Mercedes-Benz Vans at the RAI 2012

In Amsterdam, four Vitos, two Vianos and three Sprinters will be exhibited. A 3D model of the new Citan urban delivery van will be presented outside hall 1.

The Vito E-Cell is of particular interest for those seeking locally emission-free transport solutions in inner cities. The Vito E-CELL crewbus is the world's first seven-seater vehicle which makes emission-free driving a possibility as standard ex-works. With its 130 km range, it is particulary suited for use in environmentally sensitive areas, such as pedestrianised zones. The electric motor (60 kW; 280 Nm max. torque), the power electronics, as well as the transformer and charger unit are all housed under the bonnet. Power is transferred to the wheels of the front axle. The powerful lithium ion traction batteries find their place under the floor of the passenger compartment. The nominal voltage is 380 V and the capacity 36 kWh. The batteries of the Vito E-CELL are charged from a 380/400 V supply, which takes a maximum of six hours. If necessary, the batteries can also be charged at a later stage from a 230 V supply. Recuperation also helps additionally charge the battery whilst the vehicle is in motion. The batteries are protected by a crash element. If an airbag is deployed, the high-voltage technology is automatically disabled. 

The new Mercedes-Benz Limited Edition Viano PEARL demonstrates the possibilities of a luxurious large-capacity vehicle. This range-topping Viano combines both space and exclusivity. The Viano PEARL's luxurious interior with specially selected materials and its dynamic exterior both set new standards. Two-tone 19-inch light-alloy wheels with 245/45 R 19 tyres further highlight the dynamism of the Limited Edition Viano PEARL. Thanks to its V6 diesel engine, the Limited Edition Viano PEARL CDI 3.0 BlueEfficiency develops 165 kW (224 hp) of power; a superior level of power with low fuel consumption. The top-of-the-line Viano model is alternatively available with a 3.5 l V6 petrol engine, which puts out 190 kW (258 hp) of power. In both variants, this power is transferred via an automatic transmission.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter starts in spring 2012 with several product improvements which underline its desire to be the leader in the vans segment. It is the first van in the world which can be ordered with a seven-speed automatic torque converter. The new 7G-TRONIC transmission will be available worldwide as an option on the van from the beginning of this year. The seven-speed automatic features fully electronic control and, despite having already proved itself in many Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars, the system has now been adapted to the demands of the vans segment. The advantage of this new transmission with its seven stages is the combination of a broad gear ratio spread with a close graduation of the gears. In practice, this means that a small ratio in first gear ensures a dynamic start. At high speeds, however, the Sprinter drives fuel-efficiently, with low emissions and low noise levels thanks to its low engine speeds.

FleetBoard telematics for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can be fitted ex-works as part of the original equipment. Experience in short-radius distribution has shown that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to 30 percent if the vehicle is driven in an economical way.

Mercedes-Benz at the Bedrijfsauto RAI

With five Mercedes-Benz trucks being exhibited in Amsterdam, a small selection from the delivery programme of the world's largest truck manufacturer will be on show. With the Dutch market traditionally being a market for cross-European long-distance delivery firms, three variants of the new Actos will be shown: 1842 LS Super Stream Space, 1842 Stream Space and 1851 Giga Space. For low-emissions short-radius distribution, there will be a small series of the Atego 1222 L BlueTec Hybrid. The vehicles presented will be rounded off by the tried and tested Actros 4144 Tipper construction truck with the WideSpread chassis specific to the Dutch market.

All variants of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros are thoroughbread long-distance transport vehicles. Specially designed for use as a long-distance vehicle, a modular system forms the basis of the new Actros. This system includes seven spacious cabs, of which five with a level floor. Innovative interior design ideas, such as the separation of work and living areas, are characteristic of the new cab. A new cockpit which is as functional as it is attractive, a new, cleaner, more responsive and more efficient straight six-cylinder engine with additional torque reserves, a new frame and a dynamic chassis, as well as a further increased level of safety mean that the new Actros is a true innovator.

The new Actros is the first and, up to now, the only truck which has been developed to consistently meet the Euro VI emissions standard. Last year's record run over 10 000 km between Rotterdam and Stettin proved that: in the optional Euro V variant, the fuel consumption was around 7.6 percent less than that of its predecessor; in the Euro VI variant, fuel consumption was around 4.6 percent less and this was achieved with a reduction in AdBlue consumption of 40 percent. The newly developed heavy-duty engines of the new Actros also set standards. The new BlueEfficiency Power engine generation from Mercedes-Benz will, from the very beginning, meet the Euro VI emissions norms. The first member of the new engine family is the straight six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 471 with power outputs from 310 kW (421 hp) to 375 kW (510 hp) and torque from 2 100 to 2 500 Nm. A high torque even at engine speeds below 1 000 rpm and almost full power at 1 400 rpm make for excellent driveability. As a result of the high demands of the Euro VI norm, Mercedes-Benz employs extensive exhaust gas aftertreatment, which comprises SCR technology with AdBlue injection without compressed air, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a particulate filter. Extraordinary robustness and longevity are part of the reason the engine is so economical, as well as a service interval of up to 150 000 kilometres.

An international jury of experts awarded the new Mercedes-Benz Actros the title of "Truck of the Year 2012". The commercial vehicle journalists from 24 countries elected the flagship Mercedes-Benz best truck of the year for the fourth time. In 1997, the first Actros started off the success story, with its successors in 2004 and 2009 also picking up the most votes.

The Mercedes-Benz Atego 1222 L BlueTec Hybrid is also more efficient in times when the price of fuel keeps on rising.

With its innovative Hybrid drive, the Mercedes-Benz Atego allows Daimler AG to offer this technology, with its particulary low emissions, as standard ex-works in Europe; thereby promoting sustainable goods transport solutions. The basis of the Hybrid version is the Atego 1222 L Euro V: it already fulfils the environmentally friendly EEV standard for particularly reduced particulate emissions and can therefore already be driven on German roads without having to pay tolls. Its compact and light four-cylinder 4.8 l diesel engine puts out 160 kW (218 hp). Water-cooled electric motors with a maximum power of 44 kW round off the offering. The electric power for these is supplied by powerful lithium-ion batteries with a high energy density.

The electric motor is located behind the engine and clutch, but in front of the transmission. This construction allows both drive technologies to drive the vehicle, be it either individually or simultaneously. This parallel-hybrid architecture allows purely electric driving, recuperation, boost mode with the help of the electric motor and optimisation of the diesel engine's characteristic curve. The diesel engine's drive power is actuated via a clutch between the diesel engine and the electric motor. Before actuation, the diesel engine is solely used to drive ancillary equipment. This not only drastically reduces fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions by up to 15 percent, but also leads to a reduction in noise pollution. Use of the engine's automatic start/stop feature also brings consumption, emissions and noise levels down to zero when stopped at traffic lights.

In 2011, to put this important technology of the future through its paces, the first 50 Atego BlueTec Hybrid vehicles were delivered to customers involved in short-radius distribution. At the IAA in 2010, the Atego BlueTec Hybrid was elected "Truck of the Year 2011" by an international jury of specialists.

The Actros 4144 K WideSpread will be displayed for use in the Dutch construction industry. Special conversions with up to five axles are typical of the Dutch tipper market. Mercedes-Benz now delivers the WideSpread chassis ex-works. The delivery programme comprises models with three, four and five axles, additionally with optional 6x4 through 10x8 drive systems. The chassis is fitted with the Dynamic Truck and Trailer Suspension. The Electronic Truck Steering additionally allows the last axle to be steered up to speeds of 45 km/h.

The new Canter 4x4 all-wheel-drive at the Fuso stand

The third of the Daimler AG exhibition stands will present the vehicles of the Fuso brand. A total of five Fuso Canter vehicles will be shown, of which two models in the new all-wheel-drive 4x4 version. The conventionally rear-wheel-driven light truck with high payload capacity is now complemented by this variant with improved traction which features engageable all-wheel drive.

Its off-road capabilities make the Fuso Canter 4×4 the ideal choice for all applications where operation on unsurfaced roads is required, for example on construction sites, in the energy supply sector and in service with the fire brigade. For municipal authorities, it lends itself to use as a winter service vehicle with snowplough and salt spreader. Its width of a mere two metres means that it can also negotiate narrow openings with ease. The Canter 4×4, model designation 6C18, will be offered with a permissible gross vehicle weight of 6.5 tonnes, a two-metre wide comfort cab and a power output of 129 kW (175 hp). The all-wheel drive can be selected and deselected during a journey, thereby ensuring fuel-efficient operation. A differential lock for the rear axle is fitted as standard.

The new Fuso Canter 4×4 is powered by a four-cylinder turbo diesel engine with Euro V and EEV certification. Only the most powerful version of this 3-litre engine – developing 129 kW (175 hp) at 3 500 rpm – is installed on the all-wheel drive model. It boasts a maximum full-load torque of 430 Nm which is available constantly from 1 600 to 2 900 rpm.

In addition to SCR exhaust aftertreatment technology, a combination of exhaust gas recirculation and fully automatic particulate filter regeneration ensures optimum emissions performance. If the vehicle is being used mainly for very short trips, manual regeneration of the particulate filter may be necessary owing to the low engine temperatures.

The Canter 4×4 features the same traditional strengths as the Canter 4×2, namely excellent manoeuvrability, a space-saving cab-over-engine design, good visibility thanks to low windows and a short front overhang, a robust construction, a compact joystick shift lever on the dashboard, straightforward maintenance thanks to a tilting cab which provides easy access to the main assemblies, enhanced safety and reduced wear thanks to the standard-fitted exhaust brake.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Citan still "trapped" in Northern Scandinavia

The arrival of Volker Mornhinweg, former AMG boss, as head of the Mercedes-Benz Vans division has eventually paid off as a clever strategic manouevre aiming to heat things up in a market segment which lacks the emotional side. Apart from implementing alternative and more efficient drive solutions, Mr. Mornhinweg has now embarked on the mission of completely refreshing the entire vehicle lineup, starting from the bottom end up to the top models.


To boost sales and "hunt" for new customers, at the IAA Hannover show in September a new line of compact commercial models under the name of Citan is set to make the official debut, with sales following shortly after. This new addition is the fruit of the cooperation with Renault, which looks to spawn several other new technologies and models. The underpinnings come straight from the new Kangoo van and the efficient engines are co-developed by the two carmakers. The exterior styling will feature a more car-oriented influence and, given the teaser sketches we saw a while ago, the new design language has been applied and so the Citan is somehow resembling the new A-Class. Inside, the Mercedes-Benz touch will be visible in the general architecture of the dashboard and in the assembly quality, which aims to deliver a solid, premium package.




Image Credits: Autoevolution

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Production Milestone: The Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt produces 3-millionth vehicle

The Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt celebrates a new milestone: the 3,000,000th vehicle, B 200 BlueEFFICIENCY of the new generation in Jupiter red paint finish, rolled off the production line this week. This special model will reach a customer from Wuppertal. Peter Wesp, head of the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant, added on this occasion: "This production milestone is a milestone in our success story. As a center of excellence for compact vehicles, we are an elementary part of the Mercedes-Benz production network."


The Rastatt plant was officially inaugurated in 1992, with the E-Class being the first model to be assembled there until 1996. From 1997 onwards, the facility was established as a production site for the new A-Class. Prior to 2004, when the second generation came into force, around 1.1 million compact Mercedes-Benz premium models were sold to clients all over the world. Moreover, the current A-Class series appealed to more than one million customers and, in addition, beginning with 2005, the B-Class was also introduced in the production portfolio of the Rastatt factory. This niche vehicle, marketed as a compact sports tourer, became instantly popular, with total sales exceeding 700,000 units. Therefore, the Rastatt plant is unanimously recognized as a competence center for the construction of compact cars from Mercedes-Benz.

The new generation of compact class models

Starting September 2011, the new B-Class (W 246) was introduced in the range. Currently, preparations are being made at Rastatt to welcome the new A-Class, which is celebrating the world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012. The new generation of Mercedes-Benz premium compact cars further includes three more sporty, emotional models, including a coupe and an SUV. The five new models will be built in a comprehensive production network comprising the Rastatt plant and the new facility in Kecskemét, Hungary. Three of the five models will be assembled at Rastatt.

The Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt employs over 6,100 people. In 2011, a total of 177,572 vehicles rolled off the assembly line.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Seven Mercedes-Benz Actros vehicles tackle airport winter service operations

South Korea's largest airport, Incheon, has expanded its fleet of winter service vehicles with the addition of a further seven Actros models from Mercedes-Benz. Handed over in the middle of February to Jae-Sun Ryu, the airport's Deputy Executive Director, the vehicles bring the total number of Mercedes-Benz Actros models in service at the modern airport to 28. The Mercedes-Benz Actros vehicles are fitted with CJS-type sweeper units from Aebi Schmidt. With a clearing width of up to 3560 mm, they are able to clear snow and ice from areas of the South Korean airport with the aid of snow ploughs, roller brushes and high-pressure blowers.


The 28 vehicles feature all-wheel drive and hydraulically-steered rear axles, making them ideal for driving on snow-covered surfaces. The Actros models are responsible for clearing snow from the apron areas, the four take-off and landing runways, and also the cargo areas. The international airport has again been voted the most modern and customer-friendly airport in the world. The winter service fleet from Mercedes-Benz contributes towards ensuring that each year more than 33 million passengers are able to enjoy reliable and punctual airport services, even in winter.

Incheon Airport is South Korea's largest airport and also one of the largest in Asia. The airport was opened in 2001 and last year was voted for the sixth time in a row as the airport with the world's best quality of service. In addition to 33 million passengers, each year the airport also transports around 2.7 million tons of air freight.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Mercedes-Benz Unimog receives "Off-road Vehicle of the Year 2012" award

For the eighth time in succession, the Mercedes-Benz Unimog has been chosen as the best cross-country vehicle of the year by the readers of the trade magazine "Off-Road" in the category "special vehicles". The award "Off-road Vehicle of the Year 2012 – special vehicles category" was based on the votes given to the cross-country vehicles in the eight categories of the competition run by the old-established Munich magazine for off-road vehicles. The off-road obelisk was presented in a ceremonial atmosphere at a gala evening in Munich's theatre tent "Das Schloss". More than 57,000 votes were handed in by 16 January and there were 143 vehicles from 40 manufacturers to choose from. In the category for special vehicles, the Unimog took first place with an outstanding 34,3 % of the readers' votes.


The following categories were available: "off-road vehicles", "luxury off-road vehicles", "sports utility vehicles (SUV)", "luxury SUV", "classics", "pick-ups", "special vehicles" and "crossover vehicles". Among the special vehicles entered – i.e. off-road vehicles designed to transport goods and loads to remote areas, or also to be used as the basis for special bodies for fire-fighting, expedition and military vehicles – the Unimog was clearly more than one step ahead. Particular praise was given to its characteristic product features such as its outstanding off-road mobility due to portal axles and extreme torsional flexibility combined with its extreme toughness and stability.

Where the Unimog gets through, others don't even arrive

The outstandingly mobile off-road Unimog product range U 4000/U 5000 has been produced in Wörth since 2002 as a special vehicle for complicated jobs in remote areas only accessible over difficult terrain with no roads or tracks. It is mainly used by fire services – in particular for fighting forest fires – as well as for disaster control, expeditions and servicing and maintenance work in hard to reach areas – with the slogan "Where the Unimog gets through, others don't even arrive".

As a result, Unimog models U 4000 and U 5000 are the ideal supplement to vehicles in product ranges U 300 to U 500 which are off-road implement carriers mainly found working for public services, municipal contractors, the construction and energy industries as well as for in-plant transport and road-rail operations. The youngest member of the Unimog family is the compact Unimog U 20 which was launched in 2008.
"Off-Road" magazine has been giving its readers the opportunity to vote for their off-road vehicle of the year since 1982.

60 Years of Mercedes-Benz Unimog – the success of an idea

Sixty-one years ago, on 3 June 1951 to be exact, the first Mercedes-Benz Unimog rolled off the line in Gaggenau. A unique vehicle concept had been created with great off-road mobility due to its four-wheel drive and fast driving features for road use.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Mercedes-Benz miniatures win eight categories in readers' poll: The SLS AMG 1:12 voted Super Model Vehicle Of The Year 2011

Readers of MODELL FAHRZEUG, Germany's leading magazine for model cars, have declared miniature versions of Mercedes-Benz vehicles the winners in no less than eight categories. Two awards went to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 1:12 scale model from model-car maker Premium Classixxs: the gullwing model from the Mercedes-Benz Collection won the overall award "Super Model Vehicle 2011" as well as achieving first place in the 1:12 category. Readers voted on a total of 162 models (including 31 Mercedes-Benz models) in 22 categories.


In addition to these accolades, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH won the award in the new category "Premium brand 2011 auto industry". For this award, which was given for the first time this year, the readers had to decide which car maker had made the best policy for model cars in 2011. "We are naturally very pleased to receive this recognition," says Christian Boucke, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH. "Model cars that remain faithful to the original and are produced with great attention to detail have always had a special importance – both in our Collection and in the case of our licensed products. Over 350 models bearing the Mercedes star currently arouse the passion for perfection and design common to collectors all over the world. And models from around 130 licensed partners allow Mercedes-Benz to widen its range of products at specialist retailers."

The table below highlights the winning Mercedes models as voted for by the readers of MODELL FAHRZEUG magazine:

For collectors: Mercedes miniatures displaying great attention to detail

Since the invention of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has built its vehicles out of conviction and passion. Such is the extent of this passion that even the miniature vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz Collection are produced with enormous attention to detail – so much so that they even stand up to comparison with their larger role models. As soon as you see a new Mercedes-Benz on the road, you can be sure that a miniature version – available in a range of almost 100-percent genuine colours and a choice of scales, of course – will be waiting for enthusiasts at Mercedes-Benz outlets.

Numerous model cars produced in collaboration with licensed partners widen the range of model cars sporting the Mercedes star – not only collector's models but also miniatures in categories not currently covered by Mercedes‑Benz Accessories GmbH, such as RC cars or slot cars. When it comes to the licensed products, too, Mercedes-Benz naturally attaches great importance to attention to detail and high value: hence the developers have access to either CAD data or digitalised design data from the original. Or they are given a vehicle for photographic purposes. Aspects checked before approval is given include design, quality and logos.






Source: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.