An anniversary in 12 stories.

Precision instead of gut feeling: As one of the first (semi-)automatic shift systems, the Telligent shift system assessed the driving situation in a split second and chose the appropriate gear. This not only brought significantly more comfort to the cockpit, but also helped conserve diesel fuel! The result: a major step forward for the transport industry – and a little more ease for every journey.

One of the first digital maintenance management systems for trucks — and the start of a new service era: The "Telligent Maintenance System" in the Actros relied on intelligence rather than rigid maintenance intervals as early as 1996. Sensors continuously monitored oil, filters, brakes, fluids, driving style and mileage. The result: maintenance only when it is truly necessary. Greater vehicle availability, lower costs and an innovation that, starting with the first Actros, delivered increased efficiency in transport operations.

As one of the first trucks, the Actros already relied on a central CAN bus network for digital communication between engine, transmission and chassis when it was launched. That made the vehicle more reliable, more powerful and significantly smarter. This networking was the basis for innovative systems such as the Telligent maintenance system: only through the rapid exchange of data between control units and assemblies did intelligent, predictive maintenance become possible at all.

With the MegaSpace cab in the first generation of the Actros, Actros drivers experienced a new form of comfort in 1996: a flat floor and a continuous ceiling height of 1.92 metres throughout the interior made it one of the most spacious and comfortable driver's cabs of its time – tailor-made for relaxed working and living on the road.

With Active Brake Assist¹, the Actros received in 2006 the world’s first automatic emergency braking system for trucks. The assistant, which has been continually developed since its introduction, monitors the area in front of the vehicle with radar and cameras and can detect vehicles, obstacles, as well as pedestrians and cyclists. In dangerous situations it can first warn the driver visually and audibly. If the driver does not respond adequately, the system can brake automatically — including a full application of the brakes to bring the vehicle to a standstill. For increased safety, fewer accidents and improved protection for the driver and other road users.

More than just a cab – from 2011 the optionally available interior package SoloStar Concept turned the Actros into a living space on wheels. Work, relax, live: thanks to flexible use of space with fold-down bunks and a practical corner seat for stretching out your legs, the interior was quickly transformed into a cosy lounge – made for long-haul journeys, whether alone or as a pair. A genuine success story: for 15 years now the SoloStar Concept has stood in the Actros GigaSpace, BigSpace and StreamSpace cabs for comfort, functionality and a true feeling of home on the road.

From 2012 the introduction of Predictive Powertrain Control meant that the Actros already knew in advance what road conditions awaited it "behind the next hill." The advanced cruise control was regarded as the world’s first anticipatory cruise control. Using GPS and three-dimensional maps, the system was familiar with over 95 % of Europe’s main and country roads. It automatically selected appropriate shift points, let the truck roll instead of braking and avoided unnecessary acceleration. This resulted in lower fuel consumption, greater efficiency and more relaxed driving.