Hap Seng Trucks Distribution Sdn Bhd, the official distributor for Daimler Trucks in Malaysia has just launched the latest generation Mercedes-Benz Actros truck or prime mover. There are many variants and options but the base vehicles are 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 prime mover trucks which can be configured with various equipment levels. The basic walkthough of the truck (mostly the 6x2) is featured on our Youtube channel as well as a presentation of the engine and AMT transmission unit. You can view the video below.
The International Truck of the Year 2020 winner, the new Mercedes-Benz Actros is finally in Malaysia in its newest form and is suitable for Malaysia especially in its Euro 3 and B20 Biodiesel capable OM640 6 cylinder engine which comes in various forms from 360hp to 469hp and up to 2,300Nm of torque.
Using the new Mercedes Powershift 3 Automated Manual Transmission, the 2020 Actros is efficient and coupled with better aerodynamics, it achieves around 4% better fuel efficiency than the previous generation model. It also best in class service interval of up to 55,000km even when using B20 biodiesel.
One reason why it achieves this is the use of pump line nozzle injectors rather than the high pressure commonrail injection systems which may get clogged up due to the high sulphur and other particles in Euro 3 diesel and B20 grade of biodiesel. Of course, Mercedes-Benz and the folks at Hap Seng had decided to play it safe for their customers and run properly specced Euro 3 engines. It may seem like it is losing out on ultimate efficiency, but you do have ultimate peace of mind running local quality fuel.
Sometimes, I find it difficult to fathom why the Malaysian government finds it so hard to implement Euro 6 standards when some of our neighbouring countries, which supposedly seem to be less 'developed' than us run those higher standards. So when Malaysian decides to fully implement the latest grade of Euro fuels, we shall see the latest commonrail injection engines here.
That being said, the latest Actros is highly impressive with its redesigned cabin and creature comforts.The cabin offered here is of the high roof variants (which actually act like a built in air-deflector to reduce drag) and is now about one foot higher than the previous one. The reasoning for the raise cabin height is to increase visibility for the driver as he or she now has a more commanding driving position compared to before. The increased height also allowed for better interior space packaging and allows for a flat floor in between the driver and passenger seats.
The interior also has a thicker cushioned bunk bed at the rear and can be specced out with everything from extra storage space, racks and even extra 24v outlets. In terms of driver's instrumentation, the Actros features two TFT digital screens (if you opt for this option over the standard 'classic' analouge displays and the one beside the instrument cluster readout, or the infotainment screen is also a touch capable screen. Like most Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, it can be connected to Apple Carplay and ANDROID Auto so you can actually use any navigation apps that you have in your smart phone.
The new Mercedes-Benz Actros heavy duty trucks are quite impressive and attractively priced as they are assembled at the Mercedes-Benz Pekan plant here in Malaysia. According to what we were told, the prices start at around RM460,000 and actually the sky is the limit
Aside from that, the new Actros also has active safety equipment like the advanced brake assist system called Active Brake Assist 5 which can detect both pedestrian and object in the vehicle's lane and has automated braking where a warning is followed by partial or full braking. This is available on selected models.
Other active safety options are Lane Keeping Assist and Attention Assist which could help the driver maintain his driving to a safe standard.
The biggest benefit of this new Actros is the efficiency even when running Euro3 diesel and that is can properly run b20 biodiesel due to not having those high pressure but very tiny nozzle piezo that are used in commonrail engines. These older injectors do not clog up easily as they do not have tiny sized openings under 0.004 of an inch wide. The sulphur and other contaminants in Euro3 fuel are way higher than in Euro6 and in the long run, the piezo injectors will get clogged up and cause extra running costs to operators.
The more simple engine is also better in terms of maintenance which is why Hap Seng is offering the long warranty and also long service intervals. Warranty is extremely excellent for Malaysia - up to 3 years or 450,000km which ever comes first. Couple that to the 55,000km service interval, it does seem like a good truck for transporters to operate.
All in all, the new generation Actros is impressive as a truck. It brings in a lot of car-like equipment like an electronic key fob, touch screens and active safety equipment.
Hap Seng Trucks Distribution have also stated that this new truck raises the bar in terms of what is offered in the heavy duty truck market. The Actros, with its latest specification should shape the future of transportation in Malaysia because of aggressive product packaging in terms of equipment, technology, pricing, warranty and even service intervals.
This is actually the first large scale launch conducted by Hap Seng Trucks Distribution after they had taken over distributorship of Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles here in Malaysia and they have stated that over the past one and a half years, they had grown their sales team, kept existing dealership outlets nationwide and also planned out their strategy. Now with this new Actros truck finally in Malaysia, they also feel that they can reinforce their presence and foothold in the heavy duty prime mover market.
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