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Past Issues

May 2005

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D R I V E R    C O M F O R T

Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles has introduced its new Atego and Axor truck models and our prediction is that drivers are going to love them. While technical improvements designed to give operational efficiencies are certainly part of the package, what stood out during the presentation given to media at the East London launch was the accent paid to the new cab features which have been incorporated to enhance the driver's working life. FleetWatch takes this launch as a milestone in that it truly heralds in the 'era of the driver' writes Patrick O'Leary.

Who would ever have a thought that the day would arrive when a major truck supplier would stand up at the launch of a new truck and say: "The driver is the most important person in the life of a vehicle."
 

DETAIL Mercedes-Benz' Peter Wraight demonstrates the grab handles and steps which make windscreen cleaning easy for the driver. It's the little things - the attention to detail - that have enhanced driver comfort and safety features on the new Axor and Atego models.

TEST ROUTE Gert Grobler, MB's light and medium brands product manager, on the test route used to give journalists a 'quick' hands-on feel of the ride characteristics of the different Axor and Atego models. DCSA's Testing Unit in East London has been fully integrated into the development process of parent company DCAG.

For many years, FleetWatch has put forward the notion that the key to the success of any transport operation is the driver. It was heartening - and indeed relieving - therefore to hear Peter Wraight, product manager, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, kick off the media presentation on the new Axor and Atego products by focussing on the driver.

"Up to now," he said, "the driver has been regarded as the loose nut behind the wheel. He's been looked on as being dangerous, has been shown little respect and been given little understanding. In short, lip service has been paid to the driver's role in trucking. The truth is that the driver can make or break a truck, a supplier and his employer. He is responsible for the safety of the vehicle as well as that of other road users. He is responsible for the vehicle's performance and productivity. He is, in fact, the key to successful trucking."

There we go. What we have been saying for years is now openly voiced by a major truck manufacturer. The driver is the 'key' and it is thus that Wraight and his colleagues focussed big-time at the launch on the improvements made to the new Axor and Atego models in the driver comfort arena. But let's have an overall look at what's on offer...
 

What's on offer?
The introduction of the new Atego and Axor truck range follows the successful upgrading of the company's Actros truck series. New technology, ranging from the chassis and other major components, to practical technical features, adds up to improved transport capacity and greater economy. The redesigned cabs with the striking radiator grille now present a uniform design signature across all the Mercedes-Benz truck series.

Among the most outstanding features, however, is the completely new interior of both the new Mercedes-Benz Atego and Mercedes-Benz Axor: the seats, interior linings, heating and ventilation and comfortable bunks in the long-distance cab ensure a purpose-designed workplace and a high level of ride comfort. 

There is a unique choice of cockpits to suit the operating profile of the new trucks: the "distribution cockpit" with easy cross-cab access and the "long-distance" cockpit, which builds on the basic version with a wealth of additional stowage facilities. The wide range of available cabs with a total of four variants reflects the very varied operating profile.

Added safety during freight operations is provided by new clear glass headlamps, new mirror systems that drastically reduce the blind spot, an innovative working spot lamp as a maneuvering aid and other high-tech solutions.
 

AMAZING PAYLOADS These two pics demonstrate the diverse scenarios we are dealing with in terms of road safety in South Africa - both seen on the same public road.  Top is a new truck incorporating the latest safety technology from Europe. Right is a 'bakkie' showing the unsafe reality of Africa's roads. Eeeeish!

Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles are also repositioning the new truck series within this segment. In the range from 10 tonnes to 15 tonnes GVM, the new Atego series is particularly concentrated on distribution, light construction and municipal operations, as well as certain specific long-distance transport tasks. 

With a significantly expanded range starting from 18 tonnes GVM, the new Axor covers a much wider range of applications than the previous series, which consisted only of truck tractors. The new trucks are ideal for medium long-distance, heavy distribution and construction site operations and create a connecting link between the new Atego and the Actros.

In addition to the 4 x 2 truck tractors, this truck family now includes two three-axle versions with a GVM of 25 tonnes and 26 tonnes. Following the extension of the range, the powerful in-line 6-cylinder OM 906 LA engine, which is already familiar in the previous Atego heavy truck tractor series, is offered.

Extended warranty
Of great interest to operators will be that Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles offers an extended warranty on the Powertrain to three years or a specified maximum kilometer limit for trucks in the Actros, Axor and Atego ranges. 

This warranty kilometer limit is valid up to a mileage of 450 000 km for Actros and Axor trucks in all operations, with the exception of the Actros 3331K/33 and the 4140B/51 where the kilometer warranty limit is 250 000 kms. These units are primarily tippers used for heavy duty construction. 

With the new Axor trucks over 18 ton used for optional highway operation, the kilometers are extended to 450 000 kms and up to a kilometer limit of 250 000 km for these Axor trucks used in all other types of operation. For the new Atego trucks with less than 18 ton GVM, the warranty kms is limited to 250 000 kms.

DRIVER FEATURES The pictures on this page show some of the features of the new Atego designed to enhance driver comfort and operations. Dave Scott, technical editor of FleetWatch, demonstrates how a helping hand via the new extended grab handles and low step comes in handy when entering and exiting the cab. He also raved about the seat belts provided for the driver and two assistants - a vital safety feature. And note a simple thing like a cooldrink/cup holder within easy reach of the driver. It all adds up to a happier driver in a smart looking truck.

Operator needs
We have made a big fuss here of driver features but what about the needs of the operator? These have certainly not been forgotten and increasing economy and reducing operating costs for the operator were also among the top priorities during the development of the vehicles and here there is much to digest.

Let's take maintenance on the Axor as one issue. The Axor is subject to an extremely wide spectrum of usage profiles. Given this, the annual mileage covered by different vehicles can vary significantly while the actual wear and stress levels to which the vehicles are subject can be completely different. 

The Telligent maintenance system continuously monitors all the key operating parameters such as the outside air temperature, fluid levels (fuel, coolant, engine oil, hydraulic fluid for the steering system etc.), the condition of the air filters and brake pads, the temperature of the oil in the engine and the driven axles. Depending on the operating conditions, the maintenance intervals are always calculated on the basis of the greatest possible wear potential of the service products/wear parts. 

The maintenance strategy can also be adjusted. The operator can choose whether the "wear potential" of each maintenance item should be exploited optimally, or whether the dates on which the various maintenance operations are due should be grouped for optimum scheduling. This is made possible by the use of particularly durable heavy-duty technology throughout the power train. 

Furthermore, the benefits associated with the high proportion of low- and zero-maintenance components also make themselves felt. These components include low-maintenance batteries, rubber molecular bearings, maintenance-free links and propeller shafts and the long-lasting, low-maintenance disc brakes.

Lot's more to tell
OK - that's the nutshell version of a great range of offerings. It's all there - plenty to keep both the driver and the operator happy and there is a whole lot more to tell. As per FleetWatch's usual stance, we urge operators to contact their nearest Merc dealer for a total walk-through of the various models on offer. And please take your drivers with you. Merc has taken them into prime consideration in upgrading the new models and FleetWatch urges operators to use this as a tool to get a getter understanding and link between drivers and management.

That is, to me, what really stands out here. Having attended many truck launches, this one must be used as a way to herald in a new era for driver/manager relationships. Many of our readers will recall the book "You and Your Driver' which we published with partners, Daimler Chrysler Driver Training Academy and Engen where we urged for managers and drivers to link hands in going forward.

If you are looking to replace or buy new vehicles and are interested in what the Actros, Axor or Atego have to offer, take your drivers with you to have a look. They truly are the key to successful transport operations and if their needs and opinions are being considered, you will endear yourself to them.

THE new Axor is a real beauty which drivers and operators will delight in. Electric windows, air-conditioning and loads of storage space as well as comfortable bunks make for a home from home. Note too the rain spray suppression over the wheels - a welcomed safety feature for motorists driving behind in a downpour. Under the skin are a 'herd' of enhanced safety and operational features including sophisticated braking systems that are truly state-of-the-art.