Capital Equipment News June 2018

initiates partial braking. Using the 4 th generation of radar technology, it has been possible to further perfect range, resolution and reliability. A radar system detects moving obstacles in front of the truck while continuously calculating the difference in speed between the Actros and the vehicle in front. If the traffic situation does not change and an accident seems unavoidable, the driver first receives a visual warning, followed by an audible warning. If the risk of a collision increases, partial braking is initiated; in other words 30% of the full braking power

tested internationally in different operating conditions, such as Sweden and Finland where it was exposed to temperatures as low as -40°C and in South Italy and Spain, where temperatures were as high as +40°C. “The development process had to ensure reliable operation of vehicles under regional conditions, which called for special regional requirements to suit each region,” says Dietz. “For example, the vehicle was exposed to extremely high or low temperatures such as -45°C in Russia and 50°C in Saudi Arabia. The truck can operate efficiently in those varying conditions.” The Actros has covered more than 60 million test kilometres globally, doing 40 million kilometres of rough road testing and 23 million kilometres of durability testing. In South Africa, the new Actors covered more than 16 million test kilometres in different road profiles. “We had a very good experience during the local testing, where up to 6% of fuel efficiency was achieved compared with the predecessor range. We are confident that we have developed the most reliable Actros we have ever built in history,” concludes Dietz. ❂

is applied. If the driver still fails to react, the system applies the full braking power automatically. Meanwhile, Proximity Control Assist – which is standard on all Fuel Specification models –maintains the set desired speed similarly to the manner in which conventional cruise control works on free stretches of road. When the truck approaches a vehicle ahead, the speed is adapted automatically according to the set distance. The distance is set on the multifunction steering wheel. Roll Control Assist – also available as standard on Fuel Specification models – ensures the right level of vehicle damping for the situation at hand. It adapts and varies the damping hardness automatically to suit the current driving situation and road conditions. Sensors monitor the vertical movements at the front and rear axle, brake pressure, vehicle load, accelerator movements and road speed. Reliability is key Reliability has been another integral area of focus throughout the product development and production process of the new Actros. It has been extensively

“We are bringing the Euro V to South Africa, and we are confident that the country is ready for it.”

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS JUNE 2018 19