The new-generation Mercedes Actros has followed in the tyre tracks of its illustrious predecessor by winning Europe’s most prestigious commercial vehicle award.

The Actros was named International Truck of the Year by a panel of industry journalists from 19 European countries.

UK judge Andy Salter, Editor of Commercial Motor, said they were impressed by the attention to detail, research and development, and exhaustive reliability and durability testing that had gone into the Actros.

But it was the improvements in driver comfort, and the way they were achieved, that really made the new Mercedes stand head and shoulders above the competition.
“This wasn’t just a case of four guys sitting in an office deciding what makes a good driver’s truck,” he explained. “They actually went out to the truckstops and did interview after interview with those at the sharp end of the industry, then acted on what they learned. It was largely thanks to these efforts that the judges were able to state categorically that the new Actros is the best driver-comfort vehicle on the road today.”

The original Actros took the same title in 1997, followed two years later by the Mercedes Atego rigid range. No manufacturer has scored more wins than
Mercedes-Benz.

Receiving the award at the RAI International CV Show, held in Amsterdam, Dr Eckhard Cordes, Member of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG responsible for the Commercial Vehicle Division, declared: “This success is the result of teamwork. We have people in our company of whom we can be proud.”

Highlights of the all-new Actros range of tractor units and high-end rigids include more sophisticated and powerful engines, new axle and suspension designs, improved aerodynamics, high-tech electronics and, of course, more stylish, comfortable and practical cabs that have been completely redesigned with the driver in mind.