By George Guimarães | Translated by Jorge Meditsch

Mercedes-Benz is using the Fenatran, from November 7 through 11, as a window for its Proconve P8 engine (equivalent to Euro 6) vehicles but also for what it sees as the future of cargo hauling. At the German brand’s stand at the fair are the e-Actros 300 battery electric tractor-trailer, already a reality in Europe, and the first level 4 autonomous truck in Brazil.

The e-Actros is a Mercedes-Benz’s initial market potential probe to evaluate customer preferences and needs regarding electric mobility. Nonetheless, Mercedes-Benz Trucks brought to present it in the fair in São Paulo no mess than its world CEO, Karin Rådström.

In a short speech, the executive said that, as the company’s largest market in the world, Brazil will keep relevant in its plans to expand electrification globally. On the other hand, Achim Puchert, president of Mercedes-Benz do Brasil and Latin America’s CEO, informed that the eActros will not be commercialized in Brazil right now. “Our goal to bring this modern truck to the event is to expand the debate on electric vehicles”, he emphasized.

The model shown at the Fenatran was recently presented in Europe and will begin to be produced in the second half of 2023. As the already known eActros 300, the powertrain has two integrated electric motors in the rear axle, delivering continuous 330 kW and a 400 kW peak power.

Much closer to Brazilian transporters is the second great brand’s attraction: the first truck with Level 4 (SAE) automation. In a partnership with the Brazilian startup Lume Robotics, responsible for the automation technology, Mercedes-Benz is already offering the Atego 1730 able to ride without a driver or need of supervision in slow-speed closed circuits.

Roberto Leoncini, Trucks and Buses sales and marketing vice-president, did not reveal the price of the autonomous truck. “The price depends on the kind of operation”, he justifies, anticipating that the first customer, from the state of São Paulo, studies to purchase 20 units.

“Besides developing an advanced technological solution, Mercedes-Benz goes further, launching a new business in Brazil”, adds Leoncini. “We are beginning to offer a specialized autonomous vehicles consultancy. More than the technical sale of a product, we provide a consultative sale. The great differential is that each autonomous truck operation has specific characteristics and needs.”

Photo: Mercedes-Benz Trucks

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