Mercedes-Benz is delighted to announce its New Actros has won the coveted title of International Truck of the Year 2012, becoming the first manufacturer in nearly two decades to win the award in consecutive years.

The New Actros has been making serious waves throughout the industry since its official unveiling in Brussels in June 2011, as it was the first truck to fully comply with Euro VI emissions and still ensured an improvement in fuel economy over current Actros Euro V engines.

The International Truck of the Year award is presented annually to the truck which has made the greatest contribution to road transport efficiency in terms of innovation, comfort, safety, driveability, fuel consumption and emission reduction.

As the result of a rigorous and benchmark research and development programme, including 20 million road kilometres covered, the New Actros is offered with three emissions levels, Euro V, EEV and Euro VI from the new Mercedes-Benz OM 471 engine, and offers between 4.5% and 7.6% lower fuel consumption than the current model line. In addition, FleetBoard is included as standard for the first time in any Mercedes-Benz truck, which can further cut fuel costs by up to 15%.

Polling a total of 161 points, the Mercedes-Benz New Actros won the International Truck of the Year 2012 far ahead of the runner-up with 67 points, while the third-placed contestant followed with 50 points. With this exceptionally high score the experts acknowledged the pioneering technology featured by the new vehicle.

Recognised by the judging panel, fuel efficiency was a key factor in the International Truck of the Year 2012 award. Respected industry commentator and UK jury member Brian Weatherley said: “The New Actros sets the benchmark for top weight tractor units in Europe with its’ stylish aerodynamic cabs, excellent ride, handling and driver comfort. The availability of Euro 6 engines also underpins Mercedes-Benz’ commitment to reducing emissions without compromising fuel economy.”

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz UK said: “We are delighted to have received this prestigious award from the International Truck of the Year jury for our New Actros. This award has confirmed our belief that we have created a truly revolutionary vehicle and that all of the testing and development was well worth it.

“The New Actros is the most fuel-efficient truck we have ever built, and is the most exciting new product for us since the first truck in 1896. Winning International Truck of the Year 2012 is testament to our continual investment in research and development. We must always focus on exceeding our customers’ expectations both in our products, support and services.”

Hubertus Troska, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, received the award at the Mercedes-Benz Symposium in Kortijk, Belgium. He said: “We are proud that the International Truck Of The Year jury has confirmed our efforts with this honour. Because over 10 years of dedicated effort and a lot of passion, heart and soul on the part of the entire team went into the making of the New Actros. The Actros is set to be our most important truck for the coming years, and this was a great motivation for us at Mercedes-Benz to create a milestone in this sector.”

Mercedes-Benz has had a highly successful history since the International Truck of the Year awards started in 1977, winning seven accolades throughout the years: 2011 Atego Hybrid, 2009 current Actros, 2004 Actros MP2, 1999 Atego, 1997 launch Actros, 1990 SK and 1985 LN2. Now with an eighth win, Mercedes-Benz is the most successful brand in the awards’ history.

The New Mercedes-Benz Actros has been developed around four key areas: Comfort, which has been maximised to include the best possible ergonomics designed for working and living; Driving dynamics, with optimised powertrain design, driver comfort and reliable safety and assistant systems; Economy, with the New Actros setting the industry benchmark for fuel and CO2 levels; and Extended product range to ensure a solution for every application.