Mercedes-Benz’s new Actros has been voted as the International Truck of the Year 2020 (IToY), holding off competition from Iveco’s recently launched S-Way long-haul range and Volvo Trucks’ fuel-efficient FH I-Save.
The award was vote for by a jury of 24 commercial vehicle editors and senior journalists, representing 24 major trucking magazines from throughout Europe. The annual award is presented to the truck introduced into the market in the previous 12 months that has made the greatest contribution to road transport efficiency. Several criteria are considered, including technological innovation, comfort, safety, driveability, fuel economy, environmental footprint and total cost of ownership.
Professor Uwe Baake, head of product engineering at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, was presented with the award during the press day of Solutrans, the biennial International Show for Road & Urban Transport Solutions in Lyon, France.
The Actros had a winning score of 121 votes and the jury praised Mercedes-Benz’s introduction of the MirrorCam system, which replaces the traditional exterior rear-view mirrors and effectively supports the driver in manoeuvring, cornering or changing lanes. Moreover, the new solution not only improves all-around visibility but also aerodynamic efficiency.
During a recent extended test drive in southern Spain, the IToY jury members appreciated the new Active Drive Assist system which, in certain operational conditions, can take over the longitudinal and lateral guidance of the truck, thereby allowing partially automated driving in all speed ranges.
Finally, the IToY journalists praised the extended functions of the new Actros’ Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) system and the digital Multimedia Cockpit, which replaces the conventional instrument cluster. PPC can now also be used on winding cross-country routes, saving fuel and reducing driver’s workload.
Summing-up the jury vote, International Truck of the Year Chairman Gianenrico Griffini said: “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.”
Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK managing director, Mike Belk, added: “As the International Truck of the Year judges clearly recognised, new Actros is a genuine game-changer. With cutting-edge technology such as MirrorCam, Active Brake Assist 5 and the latest version of Predictive Powertrain Control, this remarkable vehicle offers major advances in terms of safety and operational efficiency.
“Meanwhile, not only does the Multimedia Cockpit provide drivers with completely new control options and a much improved, more comfortable working environment, but it also offers greatly enhanced fleet visibility and connectivity for managers.”
