Feature Article
MERCEDES-BENZ ACTROS EARNS 2020 INTERNATIONAL TRUCK OF THE YEAR AWARD
Criteria includes technological innovation, comfort, safety, driveability, fuel economy, environmental footprint and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Coming out on top, the new Mercedes-Benz Actros was judged to have “built upon the technical strengths of its current range to deliver a new truck that introduces substantial improvements in crucial areas”.
The “crucial areas” cover partial automated driving, expanded cruise and transmission control, digital human-machine interface and state-of-the-art safety systems, such as:
- Active Drive Assist
- Active Brake Assist 5
- MirrorCam
- Traffic Sign Assist
- Sideguard Assist
- Proximity Control Assist
Following a test drive in Spain, the judges praised the Active Drive Assist (ADA) system that introduces partially automated driving to the series for improved safety.
Active Drive Assist provides autonomous braking and acceleration, allowing it to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead and prevent collisions. It incorporates Predictive Powertrain Control, Active Brake Assist 5, Proximity Control Assist
and the use of advanced radar and camera technology.
Lane Keeping Assist and the electrically assisted Servotwin steering handle also work together to provide lateral guidance of the truck.
Another feature that stood out to the panel was the new MirrorCam system. Replacing traditional exterior rear-view mirrors, MirrorCam’s interior screens display an all-round view from exterior cameras. This improves visibility and aerodynamic efficiency, and could cut fuel consumption by up to 1.3%.
“With the introduction of the new Actros, Mercedes-Benz has delivered a state-of-the-art heavy-duty truck that paves the way towards autonomous driving vehicles of the future,” said International Truck of the Year chairman Gianenrico Griffini.
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