Mercedes-Benz » Actros Aerodynamic Truck & Trailer

To further reduce fuel consumption in truck/semitrailer combinations, Daimler launched its "Aerodynamics Truck & Trailer" initiative. With the new Mercedes-Benz Aerodynamics trailer, a long-haul tractor unit can save approximately 2000 litres of diesel annually, thereby saving its operator nearly 3000 euros in expenses. The second vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz Aerodynamics truck, is a rigid truck for long-distance haulage and short-radius distribution operations. It saves between 300 and 600 litres of diesel. The both vehicles will celebrate their world premiere at the International Motors Show for commercial vehicles (IAA). The real-world tests conducted by Mercedes-Benz on the road proved that a tractor/semitrailer combination with a gross weight of 40 tones consisting of a Mercedes-Benz Actros – currently offering the best aerodynamics in a series production truck – and the aerodynamically optimized Aerodynamics trailer can achieve fuel savings of 4.5 percent in long-haul usage.

The tractor unit, here the new Mercedes-Benz Actros with StreamSpace cab, remains unchanged. The new Actros is already aerodynamically optimised. It will merely be equipped with an air deflector on the roof, cab side deflectors and side trim panels between the axles. This aerodynamics package is already available ex factory for heavy-duty Mercedes-Benz trucks in long-haul transport. The designers and developers from Mercedes-Benz did not rely on unrealistic show effects when combining the new Actros with the Aerodynamics trailer: this vehicle combination is producible, upholds the framework of coming legal requirements and is absolutely realistic for everyday use under tough road transport conditions. Whether for ground clearance, approach/departure angle or ease of loading at the rear – the Aerodynamics trailer meets all the usual requirements of everyday haulage.