You wouldn’t expect there to be a huge variation in fidelity and functionality when it comes to prime movers, but the Actros’ slew of awards speaks to its prowess.
Reliability, efficiency, and comfort. You’d associate these words with high-end luxury automobiles like the Mercedes-Benz S Class, but they could equally be applied to one of the largest vehicles that Daimler produces – the Actros. Five years in the running, the Actros has taken home the International Truck of the Year award – no mean feat considering how hotly contested the market is.
That award-winning truck is finally here, courtesy of Hap Seng Trucks Distribution Sdn Bhd – or HSTD for short. It’s assembled locally at the Pekan plant, to the highest Daimler quality standards as you would expect. Powered by a 12.8-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that pushes a staggering 469 hp and 2,300 Nm of torque, the truck has racked up over 60 million kilometers of testing across the world, in all kinds of extreme temperatures and road conditions.
So confident is HSTD in their truck that they are offering a 3-year, 450,000 kilometer warranty – whichever comes first, in addition to being biodiesel-friendly for compatibility with Malaysian fuels. With the Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated manual transmission paired with the engine, the Actros boasts a 4% better fuel efficiency than before – something that really adds up when it comes to commercial applications. Operators can even run these trucks further with a service interval of up to 55,000 kilometers.
As trucks have become vastly more advanced, safety systems are fast becoming a requirement – and the Actros delivers with Active Brake Assist 5. This latest iteration of the system can detect both pedestrians and objects ahead in a single lane, and react with an automated warning and partial or full braking in optimal conditions. The system is available on selected models, as is the optional Lane Keeping Assist and Attention Assist that help to keep the Actros in its lane and to detect fatigue respectively.
When it comes to comfort, the Actros provides it in abundance. A pleasant working environment helps to keep the driver relaxed and focused for longer periods of time, and the aim with the Actros was to make it feel like you’re “being at home”. Convenience features like keyless start help to make the experience that much more seamless, while an adjustable suspension driver seat helps you find the perfect seating position with the best ergonomics.
A luxury bed sits at the back of the cab with a back section that can recline for expanded space and rest, and an optional Multimedia Cockpit adds two 10-inch color displays that show all driving and vehicle information in addition to supporting both Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Stowage space around the cabin allows drivers to take their belongings with them – an essential when being on the road for days at a time.
All in, the new Mercedes-Benz Actros returns to claim the crown that it took in 2019 – an inevitable evolution, and the next step forward for HSTD in committing for long term growth and partnerships with their range of customers. Both East and West Malaysia are catered to by HSTD, and you can expect to see these new Actros prime movers on the road in no time.
Keyword: The Award-Winning Actros Is Finally Here