The prototype vehicle was tested to see whether it was suitable for everyday operations during several shifts a day, which meant that it was on the road for almost 24 hours. “The conclusion drawn by our two drivers is extremely positive. The new Actros has the latest technology, it consumes less fuel and provides a high level of comfort,” says Michael Starke, Managing Director of Rhenus Trucking GmbH & Co. KG, summarizing the results.
Following the two test weeks, the experience gained by the Rhenus drivers was recorded in the form of a survey. The results will help provide support for the start of production process for the new Actros before its official launch on the assembly lines.
The new Actros meets the Euro V emissions standards and consumes 6-7 percent less diesel fuel than its predecessor. The six-cylinder engines can already satisfy the Euro VI emissions standards, which will come into force in 2014, as an alternative option. A stop-and-go function in conjunction with the proximity control assistant can start and brake the vehicle in traffic jams.
“The opportunity to test a vehicle like this was evidence of the huge level of trust placed in us by Daimler AG. We are currently planning new investments in our vehicle fleet and will also consider the new Actros as an interesting option,” says Michael Starke by way of summary.
Rhenus Trucking currently has a fleet of 75 of its own vehicles. As an internal service provider, the fleet is available to all the business areas within the Rhenus Group. Rhenus Trucking mainly transports goods for recycling and commercial goods in the form of LCLs, groupage freight, pallets, maritime containers and bulk commodities using walking floor applications in the FTL, FCL and LTL sectors within Germany.