World launch for 'evolved' Actros
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THE NEW Mercedes-Benz Actros had its world launch at the CV Show this year, and visitors were being encouraged to view the interior where the bulk of the changes have been made.
"In terms of appearance, it doesn't look a whole lot different," admits Mercedes truck sales and marketing director John Baker. "We have simply improved an already excellent truck. It is more a case of evolution than revolution.
"I compare it to the 2008 Fl McLaren, which doesn't look very different from last year's car."
Although the new truck will be offered in both Euro-4 and Euro-5 guise, Baker says sales of the former are negligible. "We still sell a handful of Euro-4 rigids, but I can't remember the last Euro-4 tractor we sold,he says.
IN While the new Actros' options list is packed with the latest safety
equipment. Mercedes' John Baker questions how many will actually be specified by UK fleet buyers. "There is certainly more awareness of safety features such as Lane Assist and Proximity Control, but unfortunately, the hulk of buyers still won't pay," says Baker. He wonders whether the time is right for valuable safety features such as these to be made mandatory.