In the year following the launch of the “New Generation” from Daimler‑Benz, Lastauto Omnibus magazine wrote: “In times of increasing specialisation […] sophisticated manufacturing techniques […] are required to satisfy a wide range of vehicle buyers with all their different wishes.” And this new generation did indeed cut a completely new path. The vehicle was given a full makeover which covered everything including axles, engine and cab. But the revolutionary part was actually this: the modular principle was now here to stay. Just one year after launch, all 76 base configurations were ready for the range of models: the minimum number of assemblies and parts for the maximum number of model types to cover every transport need. One technical feature still has a place in today’s Actros: the planetary hub reduction axle.

From initial launch to becoming a statutory requirement for all new vehicles – the Antilock Braking System (ABS) developed by Daimler‑Benz was a huge step in the advancement of safety for heavy‑duty trucks. The system adopted state‑of‑the‑art technology: switching from analog technology to microcomputers gave it the sensitivity and reaction speed needed for mass market acceptance.

The foundations were laid, and new developments followed step by step, from Anti‑Skid Control and Lane‑Keeping Assist through to Active Sideguard Assist in the current Actros.

Seventeen per cent. Not an exceptional number on the surface, maybe. However, the engineers developing the new Actros brought in aerodynamics experts for the first time and achieved this dramatic reduction in the drag coefficient. This saw a significant fall in fuel consumption, especially at higher speeds.

The developers excelled in other areas too. The Megaspace cab was introduced, with 40 per cent more room inside, and the powerful and economical OM 500 engine series made its first appearance. “If these engines deliver what the data promises, we’ll have seen a new star rise in the engine heavens,” declared truck tester Frank Zeitzen.

The engine used an automated gearbox to transfer its power to the road – a first in the heavy‑duty truck segment. The dread of pulling away uphill was no more. The new truck was also a pioneer in aspects of safety: the driver’s airbag and seat‑belt tensioners were just the starting point. Before long, drivers were also enjoying support from the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and adaptive cruise control.

Over 300,000 LK (Light Class) trucks rolled off the production lines at Wörth. There was never room for complacency, however, and in 1998 the Atego took the stage – initially in the 6.5‑ to 15‑tonne weight class, and even up to 26 tonnes during a later transitional phase. The Atego assumed diverse roles ranging from platform truck and tipper to semitrailer tractor and box‑body vehicle. Fittingly, the cab was available in four different versions from the outset.

Is something missing here? Not at all: from 2018 the Actros has done away with its mirrors, proving that technology can move forward in leaps and bounds. MirrorCam with display screens, the Multimedia Cockpit operated like a smartphone, apps to support logistics, Predictive Powertrain Control for automated gear selection and speed control on the open road, continuous connectivity with the haulier and the workshop, Active Sideguard Assist – it’s hard to find an area where the Actros is not at the cutting edge. And the development continues: the fully electric eActros has been in series production since 2021.