Even at today's prices, fuel costs make up around 50-60% of the total vehicle costs over the entire life cycle of a vehicle. Since the Actros made it into the Guinness Book of World Records 10 years ago as the most fuel-frugal truck in the world, it consistently manages to prove its worthiness for this leading role. Thanks to innovative technology, intelligent innovations and efficient further development, the Actros was and still is unbeaten in terms of fuel consumption. But that's not all: in the future, we will also continue to work on reducing its consumption even further.

Besides fuel savings, CO₂ savings are currently among the greatest challenges in road-based haulage operations. In order to meet the climate and energy targets of the European Union, by the year 2020 CO₂ emissions, among other things, have to be further reduced. The Fuel Challenger shows that the Actros doesn't just achieve much lower fuel consumption, but that it also demonstrates a corresponding reduction in CO₂ emissions. Thus also proving that economical transport operations can also be sustainable and environmentally friendly.

The Fuel Challenger configuration of the Actros see the kerb weight drastically reduced which in turn increases its economy in everyday operations. As part of this configuration, the Actros is equipped as standard with aluminium rims. Selected optional extras like super single tyres at the rear axle, aluminium compressed air reservoirs and a compact fifth-wheel coupling demonstrably ensure lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions.

PPC stands for Predictive Powertrain Control, the system which incorporates GPS technology into the automated transmission. By using a satellite-based positioning system and a 3D road map the system discerns the course of the road such as upcoming uphill or downhill sections and can act accordingly by optimising shift points and cruise control speed in advance. This can result in additional fuel savings of up to 5%. In addition to the “economy” mode there is now also “fleet”; mode to help support an economical driving style.

A driving style which is conducive to reducing fuel consumption and wear significantly increases the overall efficiency of the Actros. To this end, the Fleetboard Performance Analysis Service records and analyses technical data from the truck. The driver's style of driving is assessed on the basis of the data and enables an objective assessment of the driving style. Individual coaching sessions pinpoint where there is potential for improvement.

1100 litres of fuel per year saved, approx. three tonnes less CO2 – these are two essential basic parameters for a long-distance tractor unit truck with the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz OM 471 heavy-duty engine in the case of an annual mileage of 130,000km. 

Four years after the revolutionary engine generation was introduced, now the next development step has been made – with it, the Mercedes-Benz Actros from Daimler Trucks has increased its efficiency lead even further. The engineers at Mercedes-Benz have managed to square the circle: fuel consumption has been reduced once again by up to 3%, and at the same time, with increased torque, driving dynamics have improved. The crowning glory of this model series is a new top output of 390 kW (530 hp) and 2600Nm torque. And last but not least, robustness has been improved further too. This means that the second generation of the OM 471 sets new standards in the heavy-duty engine sector for heavy commercial vehicles.

Sophisticated aerodynamics.

When designing the Actros we tested every individual part extensively. In the wind tunnel and over many millions of test kilometres – for extremely low wind resistance and low fuel consumption.

Low drag and rolling resistance.

The design of the Actros has been optimised right down to the smallest detail in order to reduce wind resistance. This is especially apparent on the StreamSpace cab. The radiator grille with an electronically controlled radiator shutter and the door extensions also save fuel. Air management kits to suit the body or trailer precisely also play a role in cutting consumption. Along with the tyre pressure monitoring system, super-wide tyres on the drive axle reduce rolling resistance and therefore fuel consumption, too.

A driving style which is conducive to reducing fuel consumption and wear significantly increases the overall efficiency of the Actros. To this end, the Fleetboard Performance Analysis Service records and analyses technical data from the truck. The driver's style of driving is assessed on the basis of the data and enables an objective assessment of the driving style. Individual coaching sessions pinpoint where there is potential for improvement. With a more economical driving style, you can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15%.