Exactly 25 years ago, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, paved the way in the evolution of trucking in South Africa when it launched its first generation Actros – an industry-first computerised truck specifically for long-distance and distribution haulage.
Since then, four more Actros generations have been produced from the Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) assembly plant in East London.
Each generation of the Actros has won the title of “International Truck of the Year”. The accolade is bestowed by top commercial vehicle journalists from across the globe to the truck that makes the biggest contribution towards road transport innovation, which is advantageous to the efficiency, emissions, safety, drivability and comfort of vehicles.
Commenting on the 25th anniversary, Maretha Gerber, Vice President: Sales & Marketing Daimler Truck Southern Africa: “We are gratified by the huge strides we have made as a trusted truck brand in the last quarter of a century.
“Not only does this milestone attest to our relentless efforts to produce the best-in-class trucks, but it is also a testament to our ongoing commitment to the region. Thank you to our customers, dealer partners and employees for withstanding the test of time.”
The first generation Actros (1998 – 2004) officially set foot in South Africa in 1998 as the first-ever computerised truck with innovative features such as the Electronically Controlled Air Brake System with Disc Brakes on both front and rear axles as well as the introduction of the Controller Area Network (CAN) Technology for the chassis and drivetrain.
The second generation Actros (2004 – 2009) made its debut in South Africa offering the first automated transmission as a standard option to customers. This generation came loaded with features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and a new stowage concept.
The third generation (2009 – 2018) took centre stage in South Africa as the first truck to introduce Fleetboard to customers, an in-house premium telematics system. The main benefits of the Fleetboard system are optimised fuel consumption, reduced wear and tear, and improved safety.
The fourth generation Actros (2018 – 2020) was a completely new truck from its predecessor setting new standards for Road Efficiency, because efficiency is the sum of the details: Low Total Costs, Greater Safety and Maximised Use. The fourth generation Actros came and took efficiency to a new level with the introduction of a Euro V emission engine variant. Globally, the fourth generation Actros was launched in 2012.
Mercedes-Benz trucks introduced its fifth generation Actros under the claim “Everyone talks, one delivers. The new Actros”. This is the first truck that took technology to the next level with the replacement of conventional main and wide-angled mirrors with MirrorCam, a camera system that plays a major role in safety and manoeuvrability.
Mitsubishi Motors has revived the Pajero name with the launch of the fifth generation Pajero Cross Country. The new model does not simply replace the previous Pajero that disappeared from the market in 2021. Its relationship with the Pajero Sport is equally important, particularly for markets such as South Africa.
Range Rover, long regarded as the original luxury SUV, has introduced its first electric model. The vehicle is built at the Solihull plant in the UK, where Range Rover production has taken place since 1970.
Audi South Africa has introduced the new Q5 range, comprising the third-generation Q5 SUV, second-generation Q5 Sportback, and the performance-focused SQ5 SUV and SQ5 Sportback. The range is built on Audi's Premium Platform Combustion and brings a new generation of petrol and diesel engines to the nameplate.
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