Axor

Heavy-duty short-radius distribution places special demands on a truck. Here a key aspect is cost-effectiveness. In this sector, payload is decisive in determining just how economical a truck is. Thanks to the specifically targeted reduction of the unladen weight, the Axor can carry high payloads – a huge advantage for short-radius distribution operations. 

But payload is not the only aspect that makes the Axor such a great performer of heavy-duty short-radius distribution tasks:

High-torque, economical 6-cylinder in-line engines

Special powertrain configurations

Mercedes PowerShift automatic transmission

Robust technology and extremely long service intervals

BlueTec to ensure compliance with the Euro 5 standard

Engines – in a class of their own: the Euro 5 engines

There are six different output ratings available for the Euro 5 engines, covering every transport requirement. In heavy-duty short-radius distribution, low fuel consumption is vital, especially when carrying heavy loads and in constant stop-and-go traffic in inner cities.

This same technology is referred to as Telligent stability control when it's used on Mercedes' larger trucks, but it performs basically the same functions as ESP. If there is any threat to stability in the form of skidding, tailsliding, jack-knifing, etc., the Telligent system detects the danger at an early stage, and counteracts these tendencies with specific braking intervention and control of engine torque.  Most of the time, the Telligent system responds even before the driver is aware the vehicle is in danger of losing its traction.

The system is particularly recommended for operations involving hazardous materials, such as in the oil industry, but personally, I'd take it on any truck regardless of what I was hauling.