News from the Daimler Stable - September 2024

News

25 Sep

Geelong gains new Daimler Truck dealership.

A new regional Daimler Truck dealership has opened its doors in Geelong.

Daimler Trucks Geelong has opened in a new $10 million facility, setting a new benchmark for truck dealerships in the region.

The new facility, which sells and supports the Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner and Fuso brands, is operated by Velocity Truck Centres.

It features a 6637 square metre hardstand area, a 2829 square metre building with 15 bays and has 9.8 metre height clearance.

Daimler Truck Australia Pacific President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, said the opening of the new dealership is great news for Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner and Fuso customers in the region.

“Daimler Truck customers in Geelong and surrounds will now be supported with a first-class dealership experience through Daimler Trucks Geelong and that represents a fantastic step forward. This is a brilliant facility with a motivated team, providing the kind of support and experience that our customers deserve.”

Velocity Truck Centres President, Richard Higgins, says the new facility will be well received.

“We are excited to have a new modern facility for our customers and employees that is convenient to major transport roads. The new site is a significant upgrade on our previous location which reflects the considerable investment we continue to make across our Australian business.”

The new dealership is part of a continued drive to support Daimler Truck customers across Australia.

Daimler Truck delivers a range of measures aimed at driving down the cost of running trucks and buses, including low fuel consumption, long service intervals and easy finance options including guaranteed buy-back plans. Many Daimler Truck models currently come with complimentary service plans with varying time and kilometre limits that give customers peace of mind when it comes to operating costs.

eActros Named International Truck of the Year

The award, judged by an international panel, was unveiled at IAA Transportation in Hanover, Germany last week.

The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 was honoured for the performance of its powertrain, which is based on two 400 kW electric motors on the electric axle and three LFP battery packs of 207 kWh each, enabling a range of more than 500 kilometres without recharging.

The Jury President of the International Truck of the Year, Gianenrico Griffini, stated: “Once again, the automotive industry showcased cutting-edge technology at the IAA Transportation. Mercedes-Benz Trucks designed the eActros 600 from the outset as a battery-electric truck that can be used for a wide range of long-haul operations.

Truck Training Free with every Freightliner

Freightliner customers can enjoy complimentary TruckTraining product training with every Cascadia model sold.

The program is delivered by the same TruckTraining team that provides training for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and select Fuso models.

The Freightliner Cascadia introduced new technology into the conventional truck class in Australia in 2019, including a raft of features to help customers save fuel and improve their bottom line.

Daimler Truck Sales, Marketing and Operations Vice President, Andrew Assimo, says Freightliner customers benefit from the complimentary training offering.

“We are proud to offer the TruckTraining service to our customers because we know it translates into real-world savings,” he said. “Actros and Shogun customers have told us that they see improvements after our team has spent some time with their drivers, so we are thrilled that Cascadia customers will be able to realise the same benefits.”

TruckTraining is not designed to teach customers how to drive a truck, but instead help them to maximise the benefits of this advanced technology that can help drivers save fuel and reduce fatigue.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks Head of National Truck Sales in Australia, Gary Parker, says: “Anyone can step into a Cascadia and get good fuel economy, but to get really great fuel economy it pays to understand some of the features that really help save those extra litres.

“The Cascadia is not a traditional American truck. You don’t need to rev it hard. You can let the torque do the work, which means the truck will accelerate better and save fuel at the same time.”

Then there are specific technical features drivers may not have experienced yet because they might be available with other conventional trucks the driver has been piloting.

One such feature for trucks fitted with the Detroit DT12 Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) is the Intelligent Powertrain Management (IPM), which is unlocked when the driver engages cruise control.

IPM enables the truck to read topographic route data and its precise GPS location to maximise fuel economy. For example, it knows exactly when to select neutral and coast, when to hold on to a gear and not change up just before the crest of a hill and when to use the engine brake.

The Cascadia is available with 13-litre and 16-litre Detroit engines that combine advanced technology with legendary durability and are available with manual or AMT gearboxes.

Freightliner TruckTraining is available to single operators and fleets across Australia. T raining programs can be tailored for specific fleets for maximum effectiveness.

Daimler Fosters Equality

Daimler Truck Australia Pacific has once again been accredited as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) for 2023 - 2025.

This is the sixth year in a row that Daimler Truck Australia Pacific has achieved EOCGE accreditation.

“The prestigious EOCGE recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where every individual can thrive,” says Daimler Truck Australia President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead. “This accreditation is not just an award; it’s a reaffirmation of our values and our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.”

Workplace Gender Equality Agency Chief Executive Officer, Mary Wooldridge said, “The WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality citation recognise an employer’s efforts to tackle the deep-rooted causes of gender inequality in the workplace.”

Daimler Truck Australia Pacific is responsible for the Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Freightliner and Fuso commercial vehicle brands in Australia. It has just introduced a range of pioneering fully-electric trucks including the new-generation Fuso eCanter and the Mercedes-Benz eActros and eEconic.

ACFS Port Logistics goes electric with M-B eActros

ACFS Port Logistics is operating a Mercedes-Benz eActros as part of an all-electric container delivery pilot program in Sydney.

The leading logistics provider is the first company to run the eActros prime mover in Australia as part of the “ACFS Better Way” program, which represents the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the logistics industry.

The eActros has class-leading electric truck technology, including an e-axle, which integrates electric motors into the drive axle of the truck and replaces a traditional driveshaft.

Daniel Whitehead, Daimler Truck Australia Pacific President and CEO, said the ACFS pilot program is demonstrating the benefits of running an electric truck in Sydney.

“ACFS has a proven track record of striving to reduce its emissions in any way it can, including purchasing Daimler Truck vehicles that meet Euro 6 or equivalent emissions levels such as the Mercedes-Benz Actros and Fuso Shogun.

“The all-electric eActros goes a step further and delivers huge benefits in built up areas, producing zero driving emissions and operating near silently. It is a sustainability pioneer, but is also a true workhorse, which the ACFS team is finding out in its daily operations.”

ACFS Port Logistics Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Arthur Tzaneros (pictured above), said the pilot program represents an important milestone for the company.

"We are proud to introduce the Mercedes eActros to our fleet and be at the forefront of clean Transport solutions. This continuing focus to lead and innovate by piloting the heavy vehicle electric technology not only reflects our commitment to sustainability, but also enhances the service we provide to our customers.

Arthur Tzaneros further said that ACFS is looking to the future by integrating trucks such as the eActros.

“As we embrace innovative solutions, we are also taking significant steps toward reducing our carbon footprint and supporting the communities we serve. We believe this initiative will pave the way for further advancements and investment in our operations and contribute to a greener future for all.”

Daimler’s V.P., Andrew Assimo, said the company is ready to help customers achieve their sustainability goals. “Daimler Truck offers our customers a complete sustainable truck solution, whether it be low emission diesel or battery electric.

‘As part of that commitment, when it comes to our electric truck range from Mercedes-Benz and Fuso, we can help with everything from selecting the correct specification and route planning to charging infrastructure advice. Each truck comes with a complimentary servicing package and there is a raft of financing packages including guaranteed buyback options.”

The eActros features three lithium-ion battery packs with a total capacity of 336kWh. Running with a single trailer, it can operate at total Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 36-tonnes.

It features a five-stage recuperation braking system that works like an engine brake to both spare the service brakes and recoup significant amounts of electricity, which is fed into the batteries. (Ed: and it works a treat!)