Mercedes-Benz Actros in the Fuel Duel: Newest Engine Generation OM 471 Records Even Higher Consumption Benefits in Fuel Comparison Tests

STUTTGART -- December 11, 2015: The Mercedes-Benz Actros has already completed 1901 Fuel Duels against the most important competitor trucks in Europe. In these fuel comparison tests, the 90 tractor units used have covered a total of 8 981 019 km across 22 European countries. A remarkable result: the Actros won over 90 percent of all the duels - with an average fuel saving of 10.3 percent over its competitors.

For Actros customers in the transport sector, this is hard cash back in their pockets. For fuel has a share of 29 percent and thus is the largest part of the total operating costs. If one only looks at the vehicle-related expenses, then the proportion accounted for by fuel rises to as much as 50 to 60 percent.

Never before has a long-distance truck been as systematically designed for maximum efficiency as the Mercedes-Benz Actros. It stands for the ultimate in economy in the tough transport business. The Actros is now further extending its efficiency lead with the latest generation of the OM 471 engine: The first vehicles with the new engine are now joining the fray. The new Fuel Duel tractor units will feature the Actros model 1845 LS, with 330 kW (448 hp) at 1600 rpm. Actros vehicles with the new generation of engines will compete in the Fuel Duel in all 22 European countries from 2016 onwards.

Future fuel comparison tests promise to show the Mercedes-Benz Actros to be even more economical. For, with the launch of the latest generation of OM 471 engines in five different output/torque variants, the already impressively low fuel consumption sinks by up to three percent again. And this with the maximum output/torque figures unchanged.

This is thanks to sophisticated engine technology such as the second generation of the unique X-Pulse injection system, a patented solution for exhaust gas recirculation and simultaneous control of the exhaust gas turbocharger, a highly precise turbocharger developed and produced in-house, plus a wealth of other measures including a longer axle ratio.

Despite the lower fuel consumption, the driving dynamics have been improved. A fast and steep increase in output ensures powerful moving off and acceleration, even from the bottom of the rev range. The engines start to respond powerfully directly from idling speed, and they reach maximum torque at under 1000 rpm.

The low fuel consumption achieved by the Actros is not only good for the company's bank balance, it also preserves resources: assuming a typical mileage of 130 000 km per year, predominantly demanding routes and full capacity utilisation, the Actros with the latest-generation OM 471 saves around 1100 litres of fuel per year compared to its predecessor. This is equivalent to a reduction in CO₂ emissions of around three tonnes for every single truck.

The first Fuel Duel using an Actros 1845 LS powered by a latest-generation OM 471 is planned for mid-December 2015. The Actros, in a new, green Fuel Duel design, will take over the jobs of a competitor vehicle which is part of the fleet of a haulage company for two weeks, carrying its payloads and driving its routes.

As with every fuel comparison test, the driver will receive an in-depth briefing in advance and will initially be accompanied by a professional trainer or an experienced member of the Mercedes-Benz Trucks sales team. The driver will then carry out his or her usual tasks in the Actros unaccompanied, supported by the FleetBoard telematics system and Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC). These two equipment features are on board every Fuel Duel truck and help give the truck bearing the star a significant competitive advantage where the total cost of ownership is concerned. And with the new-generation OM 471 engine, this advantage will be further increased