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In mid-April DICV held a festive ceremony to inaugurate the 160-hectare manufacturing site
with an integrated research and development center and a state-of-the-art test track. Chen-
nai is one of the three Daimler truck plants that combine truck assembly and engine pro-
duction at a single location. The production launch of the heavy-duty BharatBenz truck
series is scheduled to take place in the third quar ter of 2012. The plant will have an initial
annual production capacity of 36,000 units. However, it has been designed to allow scala-
bility up to more than 70,000 commercial vehicles per year.
MAY 2012 | NEWSPAPER FOR EMPLOYEES OF DAIMLER TRUCKS
TrucksINSIDEThe Focus in 2012Four areas in which DaimlerTrucks will forge ahead Page 2
FreightlinerPositive market developmentin the NAFTA region Page 4
World TourEarth & Nature Expeditionin a Zetros Page 5
Canter 4x4A secure grip andgreat comfort Page 6
ORAGADAM PLANT FACTS AND FIGURES
Geographical coordinates:
1250 38 N 7956 53 E
About 1,270 millimeters of rain fall in
Oragadam on average during the
monsoon season.
The outdoor temperature during the
hottest period is 37.5 Celsius.
The 160-hectare facility was built in 24
months.
The adjacent test track is 1.55 kilome-
ters long.
Production is scalable up to more
than 70,000 vehicles per year.
By 2014 BharatBenz will be able to offer
17 different models at around 100
sales locations.
The company already has 1,400 em-
ployees. Around 450 suppliers are
working to provide the plant with every-
thing it needs.
The new production facility of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (DICV) in
Oragadam-Chennai was completed in just 24 months. The plant will be able to pro-
duce more than 70,000 BharatBenz trucks per year. The first vehicles will roll off
the assembly line in the third quarter of this year.
The new production plant in Oragadam near Chennai.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars; Marc Llistosella, Head of
DICV; and Andreas Renschler, Head of Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses, welcome Premier Nadu
Selvi J. Jayalalithaa of the state of Tamil Nadu.
> PAGE 2
Dear colleagues,
Almost 95 percent of the growth in the
global truck market between now and
2020 will be generated in the BRIC coun-
tries. Because we want a big slice of this
pie, we are forging ahead in these coun-
tries. A current example of what I mean
can be seen in India, where we presented
our new BharatBenz brand in March. A
few days ago we also inaugurated our new
BharatBenz plant in Chennai in southern
India. The plant was built in the record
time of only 24 months, and we dont in-
tend to take our foot off the gas. The
Chennai plant will begin production oper-
ations in the third quarter of 2012. We will
introduce a total of 17 BharatBenz mod-
els in India by 2014 in order to conquer
the countrys volume market. In view of
this breakneck speed, we wish our 1,400
new colleagues at Daimler India Commer-
cial Vehicles lots of endurance and stam-
ina. We are delighted to welcome them to
our Daimler Trucks family!
Although growth and a presence in all of
the worlds core markets are essential,
that alone is not enough. After all, the bot-
tom line is a key factor in everything we
do. But we still arent good enough in this
regard. If you compare Daimler Trucks
globally or our operating units (OUs) re-
gionally, you will notice that our competi-tors post significantly higher profits. If we
wish to survive in the truck market, we
must change. In particular, we have to
take advantage of our size and our global
position. To make that happen, we
launched our new Daimler Trucks #1 pro-
gram, or DT#1 for short, at the Top Man-
agement Meeting in late February. This
new program will continue to focus on the
individual OUs efficiency boosting meas-
ures, which will help us close the gap be-
tween us and the best truck manufactur-
ers in each region. To supplement these
programs, we have also developed cross-
unit initiatives for DT#1 that will enable us
to exploit our potential worldwide across
several OUs. The objective is clear and
ambitious: We want to climb back to the
top and become the worlds most prof-
itable truck manufacturer by 2014.
We arent content to be just another con-
tender. We want to win! And as we make
this effort Im counting on you and your
full support.
Sincerely,
Andreas Renschler
You can find more information about the
new DT#1 program in the Trucks INSIDE
extra supplement that is part of this issue.
EDITORIAL
INAUGURATION OF BHARATBENZ PRODUCTION PLANT
Namaste BharatBenz Welcome to Oragadam!
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The BharatBenz Power Yarta will have covered
a total of 7,000 kilometers by the time it com-
pletes its tour of 22 cities in June.
STILL ON COURSE FOR GROWTH
What Daimler Trucks Plans
to Achieve in 2012
The year 2011 was a very successful one for Daimler
Trucks, which saw sales and revenues both increase by 20
percent, while earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)
even doubled. To ensure that it remains on course forgrowth, Daimler Trucks has defined four areas in which it
plans to forge ahead in 2012:
MARKET DEVELOPMENT | The global economy is growing and
with it so is the demand for transport solutions. Between now
and 2020, almost 95 percent of the growth in trucks will take
place in the BRIC countries. Daimler Trucks focuses on total
cost of ownership in Europe, North America, and Japan, which
are the most important markets for premium trucks. Servicessuch as customized financing packages, electronic systems for
keeping service center appointments as short as possible, and
truck fleet management technologies help to cut such costs
and save customers money.
BRIC | BRAZIL: The introduction of the new Euro V
emissions standard led to a market contraction in
Brazil. Despite this decline, 140,000 trucks with
over six tons GVW are expected to be sold in the
country this year, and Daimler Trucks is looking to get a big
piece of the pie.
RUSSIA: Russia is the largest truck market in Eu-
rope and Daimler Trucks operates two joint ven-
tures in the country with its strategic partner, KA-
MAZ. The joint ventures sold a total of more than
4,000 Mercedes-Benz and Fuso trucks last year. In the future,
Russian customers will also be able to purchase a vehicle tai-
lored to their needs: a KAMAZ truck with Daimler components.
The truck will comply with the Euro V emissions standard and is
scheduled for market launch in 2014. Its coming at exactly the
right time because 70 percent of the commercial vehicles on
the road in Russia are more than 15 years old, and much of the
fleet therefore needs to be modernized.
INDIA: By 2014 the BharatBenz product range will
include 17 models, encompassing everything from
light to heavy-duty trucks. As a result, Daimler
Trucks will be able to compete in a rapidly growing
segment of the volume market: the modern domestic seg-
ment, which is expected to grow substantially by 2020. Modern
domestic trucks are more robust and have simpler equipment.
However, they boast higher quality and better fuel economy
than the trucks usually available in the low-cost segment.
CHINA: Aer receiving its business license, DaimlerTrucks can also forge ahead in the worlds biggest
truck market. The joint ventures trucks will be sold
under the well-established Auman brand name. The
company will have an annual production capacity of 160,000
units. The first trucks will roll off the line in the third quarter of
2012. Experts are predicting that the truck market in China will
grow to approximately 1.5 million units by 2020.
MODULE STRATEGY | On the basis of a global modular system,
products are adapted to the respective market needs with a fo-
cus on the powertrain. The new heavy-duty engines have a
shared parts rate of around 80 percent, for example. Daimler
Trucks plans to increase the use of shared parts in all major
components and systems over the medium term. This approach
will also apply to truck cabs not only in Mercedes-Benz Axor
models in Brazil and Turkey but also in the new trucks from
BharatBenz. Starting in 2014, KAMAZ vehicles will also join the
team.
PERFORMANCE | REGIONAL CHAMPION: Daimler Trucks goes
up against its most successful competitors in every region, and
always with one clear goal in mind: to be the number one truck
manufacturer in the region.
RETURN ON SALES: The synergies generated through Daimler
Trucks platform and modular strategies will help the division
achieve its profit target. By 2013, Daimler Trucks plans to begin
consistently recording an average return on sales (RoS) of eight
percent across all business cycles. Daimler Trucks aims to be
the benchmark for profitability by 2014.
ONE FIFTH: Services, aersales activities, and telematics sys-
tems already account for around 20 percent of Daimler Trucks
revenues, and this percentage is due to increase.
Truck News
2 | Trucks INSIDE | May 2012
NEW ENGINE GENERATION
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
A New Engine GenerationIs PresentedIn mid-March Mercedes-Benz unveiled its new generation of medium-duty engines in Stuttgart-Un-
tertrkheim. The engines, which bear the series designation OM93x, were unveiled together with the new
OM470 heavy-duty engine.
As a result, Daimler has expanded its range
of BlueEfficiency Power engines to create
a comprehensive lineup of units meeting
the upcoming Euro VI emissions limit, which
will become mandatory in the EU beginning
in 2013/14. The OM471, which was first
presented last year, is already being used
in the new Mercedes-Benz Actros for long-
haul operations.
Never before have all of the units in a com-
mercial vehicle engine series satisfied the
future Euro VI emissions standard. The new
medium-duty engines boast great durabili-
ty, high fuel efficiency, low consumption of
AdBlue and motor oil, and long maintenance
intervals. These are very important consid-
erations, since medium-duty engines are
primarily used in trucks and buses em-
ployed in metropolitan areas the areas
where emissions reductions directly benefit
the most people. The unit is equipped with a
number of technological highlights, includ-
ing the first-ever adjustable camsha in a
diesel engine, which automatically enables
the particulate filter to regenerate during
normal vehicle operation.
The new Mercedes-Benz OM934 and 936
engines will set new standards in the medi-
Dr. Elmar Bckenhoff, Head of Product Development Truck Powertrain;
Stefan Buchner, Head of Global Powertrain, Procurement and Manufactur-
ing Engineering Trucks; and Georg Weiberg, Head of Truck Product Engi-
neering, in front of the OM 936.
um-duty segment, says Georg Weiberg, Head of Product Engi-
neering at Daimler Trucks. We will position another engine be-
tween this new series and the OM471. It will be known as the
OM470 and will feature DNA from the OM471. We are doing this
because we are striving to offer a customized engine for every
truck and bus application. This unparalleled effort is called the
New Engine Generation.
The BharatBenz 2523 freight truck will be manufactured at the new plant
in Oragadam-Chennai.
The BharatBenz trucks are tar-
geted at the modern domestic segment,
which reflects the steadily rising demandsof Indian customers. Although this segment
currently accounts for only four percent of
all of the trucks in India, this figure is ex-
pected to rise to almost 80 percent by
2020. The BharatBenz product range will
encompass 17 commercial vehicles by
2014. To enable the company to fully exploit
Indias market potential, the plant was de-
signed to meet the needs of future local
truck production operations. As a result,
more than 40 percent of the 450 suppliers
are located within a radius of 40 kilometers
from the plant. The ultimate aim is to
achieve a localization rate of 85 percent in
production.
In cooperation with local car and commer-
cial vehicle dealers, DICV has built up a na-
tionwide retail network that will encompass
more than 100 locations by 2014. In the fu-
ture, Daimler Financial Services will offer fi-
nancing and insurance products for dealers
and their customers in order to support
sales of BharatBenz vehicles.
FROM START OF CONSTRUCTION TO PRODUCTION
Construction start: April 2009
Opening of test track: April 2010
Completion of production buildings: October 2011
Preparation for the production trials: 3rd quarter 2011
Production trials: 4th quarter 2011
Completion of office building: December 2011
Inauguration of the plant: April 2012
Start of production: June 2012
> PAGE 2
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BUSINESS LICENSE RECEIVED
Start of Operations in ChinaFollowing an extended flirt, the joint venture between Daimler
and the Chinese truck manufacturer Foton can finally begin
operations now that it has received its business license. The
new firm, which is named Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive
Co., Ltd. (BFDA), will enable Daimler Trucks to access Chinas
growing market for medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks.
The joint venture company will operate from the Foton Auman facil-
ity in Beijings Huairou district. In one of the first joint meetings of
the BFDAs Board of Directors, the partners established the new
companys organizational structure, its guidelines, and a strategy
for its future course. The clear goal here was to bring together the
best of both worlds. Besides making a financial investment, Daim-ler will share responsibility for the joint ventures Finance, IT, Quality
Management, and Development departments. In addition, Daimler
is responsible for setting up the local production facility for the
OM457 engine. This engine, which is being successfully used in
At a festive ceremony in Beijing, Andreas Renschler, Head of Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses (right),
and Beiqi Foton President Wang Jinyu unveiled a plaque bearing the name of the new joint venture.
The joint venture in China will produce the Auman GTL truck
in the future.
MAJOR ORDERS
Trucks for Big UndertakingsThe Chinese construction machinery manufacturer Zoom-
lion Heavy Industry has signed a letter of intent for the de-
livery of 2,500 Actros trucks. The vehicles will be produced
at the Wrth plant and adapted for concrete pump applica-
tions. The body manufacturer Rosenbauer has ordered 620
Actros trucks for use by firefighters in Saudi Arabia, and 200
new trucks are now delivering confectionery for the Turkish
chocolate manufacturer Tren Gida. In another contract,
the Turkish fruit and vegetable supplier Cekok Gida has or-
dered 150 Actros trucks for transporting its produce.
The supply chain solutions company Linfox Logistics has
added 140 Fuso Fighters to its f leet, and the Brazilian con-
struction firm Camargo Corra is now using 115 Mercedes-Benz trucks. Finally, 28 Actros snow plow trucks are now
ready to clear runways at South Koreas biggest airport
in Incheon.
Integrity in DialogueAt the end of February, around 150 people took part in Daim-
ler Trucks lighthouse event on integrity at the Mercedes-
Benz Museum in Stuttgart, where they discussed integrity-re-
lated issues at the company.
The event was opened by Frank Lindenberg, who was Head of Fi-
nance & Controlling Daimler Trucks & Daimler Buses at the time.
Lindenberg emphasized that the desired cultural transformation
would be a long-drawn-out process, during which Daimler would
have to develop a shared group-wide understanding of its basic val-
ues. He also stated that the integrity lighthouse events should pro-
vide orientation in the same way that real-life lighthouses help ships
find their way on the high, and sometimes stormy, seas.
Following Lindenbergs presentation, the participants formed
groups of five in order to watch videos of three dilemma cases. Each
group was given an iPad, which it used during subsequent discus-
sions of the factors that are important in such situations.
The groups also answered questions using a digital voting system.
Their replies were incorporated into the following panel discussion,
in which the whole Truck Executive Committee (TEC) took part, as
did employee representative Christine Buck, Head of the Cost Plan-
STAFF COMMENTS:
Sonja Engler, TE/QM, Supplier Recourse Claims: I thought the event
was very good. I particularly liked the fact that we were able to vote directly
via iPad and that the results were immediately tallied and evaluated.
Matthias Kaeding, TG/MGP, VKP Powertrain Trucks: The events format
was great and I really liked being able to discuss things in a small group of
five people. Django Asls introduction of the topic was good; it showed
that you can also address this serious issue in a humorous way. In addition,
the event clearly showed that there are zero tolerance situations as well
as circumstances in which youve got some leeway regarding an appropri-
ate course of action.
Participants hold group discussions and vote using their iPads.
Panel discussion with the Truck Executive Committee (TEC): Martin Daum, Georg Weiberg, Frank Lindenberg, Andreas
Renschler, Dr. Rainer Erlinger (moderator), Hubertus Troska, Stefan Buchner, Dr. Albert Kirchmann, and Christine Buck
(employee representative).
Truck News
Trucks INSIDE | May 2012 | 3
ning & Benchmark Center at the Wrth plant, and
Hans Otto Kienitz, Head of Sales Controlling at
EvoBus GmbH. Kienitz invited questions from the
audience, which were then addressed in the paneldiscussion. One such issue dealt with the rela-
tionship between managers and employees when
faced with various integrity-related dilemmas.
Dr. Albert Kirchmann, Head of Fuso, expressed
the discussions general tenor as follows: Its
very, very important to have a dialogue thats
based on an open door policy.
In his concluding remarks, Andreas Renschler, a
Board of Management member and Head of
Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses, pointed out
that we need employees, especially managers,
who have a sense of responsibility and dont try to
hide behind their colleagues.
DAIMLER TRUCKS LIGHTHOUSE EVENT
Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles in Europe
and Latin America, will meet the future China IV
emissions standard (which corresponds to Euro
IV). Foton is contributing its existing Auman medi-
um-duty and heavy-duty truck business, including
the production sites and the sales and service
network. The first jointly produced truck is sched-
uled to roll off the line in the third quarter. Once
the ramp-up phase is completed, BFDA will have a
production capacity of 160,000 trucks.
The market volume for medium-duty and heavy-duty
trucks in China has doubled over the past five years,rising to more than one million units per year. In 2011
the Chinese market accounted for approximately
40 percent of the total medium-duty and heavy-duty
trucks that were sold worldwide.
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4 | Trucks INSIDE | May 2012
Trucks NAFTA
TBB IS LOOKING FOR THE BUS DRIVER OF THE YEAR
Everyday HeroesThomas Built Buses is asking, Who will be the School Bus
Driver of the Year? And, for the seventh time, its inviting
school students in the U.S. and Canada to nominate their
candidates. Each entry submitted to the writing competi-
tion must explain exactly why its candidate deserves to win.
The company introduced the competition to select the School Bus
Driver of the Year in 2006. A laptop and support with training are
the prizes for the school students. And the drivers arent left emp-
ty-handed. The winner receives a gift voucher worth $1,000.
School students have until June 30 to submit their nominations
for the 2012 selection of this everyday hero.
Commemorating 70 years of innovation and customer commitment, Freightliner
Trucks unveiled its Revolution Innovation Truck at the Mid-America Trucking Show
(MATS) in Louisville, Kentucky in March. The concept vehicle features the latest
advancements in technology and a full-size crossover cab offering day cab function-ality with the flexibility of a sleeper. The concept builds on Freightliners first Inno-
vation Truck which was introduced in 2009.
With a strong focus on aerodynamics, the fully functional Innovation Truck includes revolu-
tionary design elements for optimal performance. The striking, all-new look for day cabs fea-
tures a tightly packaged sloping
hood, a low-mounted grille and inte-
grated raised roof.
The Revolution concept vehicle tru-
ly encompasses all of the best of
DTNAs design and engineering ex-
pertise, said David Hames, general
manager, marketing and strategy for
Daimler Trucks North America.
Were proud of our heritage and
were excited to be a driving force
behind revolutionizing an industry.A museum-quality exhibit highlight-
ing 70 years of the companys
achievements was also featured in
the Freightliner Trucks booth at
MATS this year. Several special events and guest appearances by American celebrities took
place in the booth throughout the three-day show as well.
In addition, Freightliner trucks spanning almost every decade since the 1940s were show-
cased at MATS.
Demonstrating Freightliners heritage in the commercial
vehicle industry was this Bubblenose truck included as
part of the Historic Truck Display at MATS.
Continuing its legacy of developing cutting-edge innovation that improves customers bottom lines,
Freightliner Trucks unveiled its latest concept truck the Revolution Innovation Truck at this
years Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky.
DTNA Achieves 2014 Greenhouse
Gas CertificationOne year ahead of the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) mandate, Daimler
Trucks North America has received certification for complying with the new Green-
house Gas 2014 (GHG14) regulations. Led by the Freightliner Cascadia, which is
DTNAs flagship for fuel efficiency, aerodynamics and the industry leader in total
cost of ownership, the complete portfolio of model year 2013 on-highway, vocational
and medium-duty vehicles are all fully compliant with the new GHG14 regulations.
The GHG14 regulations are a product of the EPA and the Department of Transportations
Highway Traffic Safety Administrations (NHTSA) first-ever program to reduce heavy- and
medium-duty truck greenhouse gas emissions.
DTNA is committed to working with the EPA and NHTSA to address critical issues facing
the United States such as greenhouse gas reduction and dependence on foreign oil, said
Martin Daum, DTNA President and CEO. Early compliance with GHG14 regulations is clear
evidence of DTNAs strategic plan to demonstrate leadership in fuel efficiency and reduced
emissions well in advance of any regulatory deadlines.
Under the new GHG14 regulations, trucks and buses built in 2014 through 2018 are pro-
jected to reduce oil consumption by 530 million barrels and greenhouse gas emissions by
270 million metric tons.
The complete portfolio of vehicles from Daimler Trucks North America fulfills the requirements of
the new Greenhouse Gas Standard 2014 (GHG14).
FOCUS ON: CLEVELAND TRUCK PLANT
Manufacturing OperationsExpand to Meet DemandWith the North Carolina Governor in attendance at a recent event, Daimler Trucks
North America announced plans to increase production and add a second shift to
its operations at the Cleveland Truck Manufacturing Plant. The ramp-up in produc-
tion will create more than 1,100 jobs by the end of 2012 and is in response to in-
creased demand causing backorders as long as six months for the Freightliner
Cascadia model.
The new jobs will represent a 72 percent
increase in personnel at the plant and will
include approximately 1,072 shop employ-
ees and an additional 29 engineering and
support positions to facilitate increased
production. A majority of the positions will
be filled with recalled workers who were
previously laid off. The new production
shi is slated to be at full capacity by Sep-
tember 2012, nearly doubling daily pro-
duction rates.
We are incredibly pleased to be able to
make this announcement and to welcome
back so many of our valued employees,
said Roger Nielsen, DTNA COO. The grow-
ing demand for Freightliner products is tes-
timony to our brand focus on providing effi-
cient business solutions for our cus-
tomers, and access to Daimler resources
and technology. Were delivering trucks
with industry-leading fuel-efficiency tech-
nology and the lowest total cost of owner-
ship.
The largest Freightliner Trucks manu-
facturing plant in the United States,the Cleveland plant exclusively pro-
duces Class 8 on-highway truck mod-
els, including the Cascadia, Columbia
and Argosy product lines. Nearly 20
percent of the trucks built at the plant
are sold through Daimler subsidiaries
in the export markets of Australia,
New Zealand and South Africa.
North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue speaks about the states long-standing partnership with
Daimler Trucks North America at a press event in Cleveland, North Carolina.
MID-AMERICA TRUCKING SHOW
DTNA TRUCKS LEAD THE WAY IN GHG COMPLIANCE
US President Barack Obama visited the
Freightliner plant in Mount Holly in March.
During his visit he spoke about the eco-
nomic problems facing the U.S. and
learned about the DTNA vehicle portfolio.
MOUNT HOLLYS GUEST OF HONOR
Freightliner Trucks Celebrates 70th Anniversary
at MATS
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Trucks INSIDE | May 2012 | 5
Trucks Europe/Latin America
MB TRUCKS #1
Energy Efficiency in WrthThe Wrth plant is going green. The facilitys own combined heat and power plantwill begin covering a large share of the electricity and heating requirements at the
Wrth plant in 2013. Plant Manager Yaris Prsn says the existing infrastructure
will also be made more efficient: Here in Wrth we take responsibility for our nat-
ural resources seriously, and were therefore also working hard to make improve-
ments in the area of energy supply and distribution.
The idea for the measures originated with the Energy
Efficiency expert project developed in 2011 on the ba-
sis of the Truck Operating System. Standardized meth-
ods were initially employed to analyze all the processes and infrastructures at the plant. Af-
ter that, a series of workshops was held that involved inspecting the facility, installing the
required measuring instruments, and visually depicting the actual situation. Possible ap-
proaches to solutions were then simulated and concrete measures, new standards, and a
detailed implementation plan were derived from the results. The various measures will be
monitored and the knowledge gained will be passed on to all parties involved in order to en-
sure long-term success. The policy of incorporating the users of the new infrastructure into
the process played a key role in the success of the project. This was important because em-
ployees from logistics and production, for example, have detailed knowledge of conditions
at the facility and were therefore able to help find the best solution.
Energy cost savings of some 400,000 ($516,786 USD as of 5/11/12) were achieved in
the buildings targeted during the pilot phase of the project. Measures here included imple-
mentation of a new heating management system and optimization of ventilation, produc-
tion, and lighting equipment.
ACTROS TRUCKING TOUR
New and Proven Actros Models ComparedStuttgartMalaga and back: International commercial vehicle journalists tested the new Actros and compared it to its
proven predecessor on a 12-day journey that sent ten trucks over a distance of some 5,500 kilometers through five countries.
Experienced truck drivers know what its
like to travel at all hours of the day andnight, in all types of weather across Europe.
The route from Stuttgart to Malaga and
back included a broad range of driving situ-
ations for putting the Actros through its
paces. The goal of this particular test was to
enable the journalists who went along to ex-perience the special concept behind the
new Actros and directly compare it to its
predecessor. To this end, the journalists
switched between the tried and tested Ac-
tros and its new version several times dur-
ing the course of the trip.Aer putting in several hundred kilometers
each day, the media representatives spent
the night in their cabs at rest stops just
like real truck drivers.
An Actros on its way to the Brenner Pass.The comparison test begins.
World Tour with the ZetrosBy embarking on an Earth & Nature Expedition with the
Zetros, two former employees of a German automotive sup-
plier company plan to make a dream come true. They want
to drive around the world in the summer of 2012.
The expedition will begin in Africa, after which the two world trav-
elers will make their way to Asia or South America, depending on
the overall political situation. The plan is to completely circumvent
the globe by land wherever possible and to drive through Russia
and China as part of the trip.
The adventurers will travel in a reliable tried-and-tested expedi-
tion vehicle: a Mercedes-Benz Zetros. With every kilometer driv-
en, the Zetros will bring them closer to their goal of exploring
unspoiled nature and observing the flora and fauna that grow on
different continents. The also hope to learn more about tradition-
al methods of healing that are practiced by the indigenous peo-
ples they will meet.
The Zetros will be able to make the most of its strengths during
the challenging trip. After all, the vehicle boasts smooth and sta-
ble handling, a
balanced weight
distribution, andan optimal cen-
ter of gravity. It is
therefore ideally
equipped to han-
dle rough terrain
and a range of
other extreme
conditions.
Departure into the
Zetros zone.
ECONIC BLUETEC HYBRID
Environmentally Friendly and QuietIf theres one word to describe how the Econic
BlueTec Hybrid drives along the streets, its qui-
et. Thats because it accelerates electrically.
The Econic Bluetec Hybrid was presented for the first
time at the 2008 IAA Motor Show. The models develop-
ers invested a great deal of time and work into refining
it for a practical trial run in Berlin. The vehicle is now
equipped with plug-in technology and a higher-capacity
battery. It also consumed 11 liters less diesel fuel than
its predecessor every day in operations with the Berlin-
er Stadtreinigung (BSR) sanitation company.
ZETROSZONE
The trucks lower fuel consumption is the direct result of
a sophisticated drive system strategy. The electric mo-
tor gets its power for initial acceleration and spurts of
speed from a lithium-ion battery. The combustion en-
gine takes over at speeds above 30 kilometers per hour.
The battery is charged with recuperation energy. And
there was another aspect that was very important to the
BSR employees who drove the trucks the Econics low-
floor concept, which made all that climbing in and out of
the vehicle a lot easier.
The BSR test was part of the Customer Driving Test
program for prototypes and preproduction models. For
the trials at BSR, the Econic
BlueTec Hybrid alternated
operations with an Econic
BlueTec without a hybrid
drive between the months
of January and December.
The latter was equipped
with an identical diesel en-
gine and was used for pur-
poses of comparison. Thismade it possible to precise-
ly calculate the difference in
fuel consumption under all
types of weather condi-
tions. The result of the test
was impressive: The Econic
BlueTec Hybrid consumed
23.9 percent less fuel,
which is equivalent to 2,500
liters less fuel per year.The Econic BlueTec Hybrid on its morning route in Berlin.
THE ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAMS IN WRTH, including the cogeneration plant, will
lead to a 20 percent reduction of CO 2 emissions beginning in 2013. Within the framework of MB
Trucks#1, this translates into a total annual savings potential of approximately 6 million ($7.8 million
USD as of 5/11/12).
INFO | Youll find more information on the Earth & Nature Expedition at:www.zetroszone.com
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6 | Trucks INSIDE | May 2012
Trucks Asia
FUSO 2015
Green Transport TechnologiesResource-conserving transportation is one of the key issues being addressed by
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporations Fuso 2015 initiative, which aims to
make Fuso the innovation leader for green transport technologies in Asia.
In early April, MFTBC presentedthe Fuel Efficient Truck concept
vehicle, which is approximately
ten percent more fuel-efficient
than conventional heavy-duty
trucks. The concept vehicle
achieves this feat mainly thanks
to its modified powertrain in
combination with improved aero-
dynamics, a lighter structure, and
an optimized generator manage-
ment system. The FUSO-Concept
II looks even farther into the fu-
ture to the year 2032, when the
Fuso brand will be celebrating its
centennial. The concept vehicleThe Fuso Fuel Efficient Truck.
Truck of the future: The FUSO-Concept II.
SPECIAL ORDER FOR FUSO
Tailored for Firefighting
AssignmentsA team of specialists from Fuso recently transformed three Fuso Super Great
trucks into fire trucks precisely adapted to the needs of the client and the au-
thorities in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Throughout Asia, Fuso offers a broad range of products ex works. In addition, there
is also a big demand for special vehicles, particularly from customers beyond Japans
borders. In response to this situation, Fuso set up a team of specialists last year in
order to boost exports further.
The teams first assignment was
to create three Super Great fire
trucks for the Vietnamese capi-
tal city Hanoi. A special chassis
forms the basis of the vehicles.
The engine is also special as it
is equipped with a connection
for the built-in water pump. As a
result, it is possible to dispense
with a separate assembly.
Shown here are three Fuso Super Great trucks that were turned into fire
trucks for Hanoi. Since the beginning of the year, special orders like
these have been handled by a new Fuso team.
CANTER 4x4
Comfortable Off-road DrivingThe updated Fuso Canter 4x4 made its debut back in October 2011. Customers in Europe can now or-
der the truck for the first time with all-wheel drive. Since February 2012, production of the vehicle has
been running at full capacity at the plant in Tramagal, Portugal.
An all-wheel drive system that can be turned on and
off during trips enables the new Fuso Canter 4x4 to
easily come to terms with rugged terrain. Compared
to the Canter 4x2, the new model has much greater
road clearance and can handle even extremely steep
slopes. That makes the Canter 4x4 an ideal choice
for all off-road assignments. At construction sites,
the vehicle maintains a firm grip on the ground when
traveling on slippery surfaces. And given that the
trucks width is only two meters, the vehicle can nav-
igate along narrow alleys without problems when
performing municipal tasks.
Besides gaining new capabilities, the Canter 4x4 al-
so retains its predecessors strengths. For example,
it still boasts a small turning circle and a
space-saving cab-over-engine design. A
particularly interesting new feature is the
optional start/stop function, which in con-
junction with the selectable all-wheel
drive, reduces fuel consumption in every-
day operation. The vehicle update also
enhances comfort, as customers can now
select either a three-seat single cab or a
seven-seat crew cab. Another important
feature is the sturdy cab design, which en-
sures maximum safety and protects the
driver should an accident occur.
JAPAN REBUILDS
One Year Aer the TsunamiIn March 2011 Japan was hit by the most devastating earthquake since seismolog-
ical records began. The subsequent tsunami caused an unimaginable amount of
damage. The disaster area has been undergoing reconstruction since then. Daimler
has been actively contributing to the effort in the form of vehicles and donations.
The tsunami devastated hundreds of kilo-
meters of coastline and brought death and
destruction far into the island nations inte-
rior. Buildings, fields, and infrastructure sys-
tems were destroyed, reducing large areas
to wasteland.
Immediately aer the earthquake, Daimler
provided 2 million ($2.6 million USD as of
5/11/12) in aid, and the companys em-
ployees donated an additional 600,000
($775,209 USD as of
5/11/12). In addition to
monetary support,
Daimler immediately
sent vehicles to the af-
fected regions as well. In
addition to the 30 Can-
ter trucks supplied by
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck
and Bus Corporation
(MFTBC), eight Zetros
vehicles, four Unimogs,
and eight G-Class SUVs
were flown in from Germany. The vehicles
are making an extremely valuable contribu-
tion to cleanup and reconstruction activities
and are ensuring that vital supplies get to
the people who need them.
The Zetros vehicles are ideal for removing
rubble. They also oen bring in sand and
soil from parts of the country unaffected by
the disaster. This replaces topsoil that has
lost its fertility due to contact with seawa-
The eight Zetros vehicles are providing valuable
assistance. Their main tasks include removing
rubble and bringing in fertile soil.
Two large-capacity freight planes (Antonov 124) flew eight Zetros vehicles, four Unimogs, and eight
G-Class SUVs to Japan.
Daimler Human Resources Director Wilfried Porth visited the
affected MFTBC facilities.
Bookmobile: The children are delighted with the
reading material thousands of families lost
everything they owned.
ter. One of the Canters has been specially
equipped so that it can act as a bookmobile.
Every day, this vehicle visits two to three
elementary schools to supply local children
with books. In addition to the trucks donat-
ed by Daimler, several demonstration vehi-
cles were also used to transport emergency
supplies.
is a heavy-duty truck that takes a whole new
approach to aerodynamics. But thats not
the only thing that is unique. The concepts
solar cell-powered hybrid drive and integrat-
ed traffic guidance systems arent currently
found in any other truck either.
The Canter 4x4 maximizes functionality, safety, and comfort.
The Fuel Efficient Truck and the FUSO-Con-
cept II were created within the framework of
the Fuso 2015 initiative, which aims to cut
the CO2 emissions of the Fuso fleet by 7.5
percent. Hybrid and electric drive systems
are to play a key role in this initiative.
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Trucks INSIDE | May 2012 | 7
Truck Component Production & Production Planning/Product Development
TRAINING 2.0
New Learning Platform in MannheimDaimler is taking a new approach to the dual train-
ing-education system. The new Career Learning
in the Production Process web-based learning
platform was launched by the Mercedes-Benz
Mannheim plant at the beginning of March.
The platform, which was developed with the IG Metall
trade union, Infoman AG, and the Leadership Kulturs-
tiung Landau foundation, is being funded by Ger-
manys Ministry of Education and Research. This way,
training is practically oriented, can be aligned with indi-
vidual needs, and features state-of-the-art technology.
The goal of the project is to increase networking and
cooperation between the Professional Academy, theA trainee at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Mannheim uses the new
web-based learning platform.
DETROIT COMPONENTS BRAND
Powertrain Solutions for DTNA Vehicles from a Single SourceDaimler Trucks North America used the occasion of the Mid-
America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, this past
March to present the latest member of its powertrain model
family to the public: Detroit Transmissions. Detroit is now the
only manufacturer in the NAFTA region to offer a completeand perfectly aligned range of powertrain components con-
sisting of engines, axles, and transmissions.
Customers of Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) will in the fu-
ture be able to obtain all the powertrain components for the vehi-
cles they order from a single source. Whats more, they will be able
to do so for the entire truck model range. The new Detroit compo-
nents umbrella brand will therefore not only play a major role in
DTNAs future success but will also strengthen the entire Daimler
Trucks division. The integrated powertrain concept pays off for both
sides. On the one hand, customers benefit from an extensive range
of products combined with technical expertise and global re-
sources. On the other hand, as far as Detroit is concerned, Daimler
Trucks global platform strategy ensures optimal production capac-
ity, higher quality standards, and lower costs. Detroit brand engines, transmissions, and axles will be offered in all DTNA trucks in the future.
Close to 400 Environmen-tally Friendly ColorsGreener production and lower solvent emissions an eco-
logically friendly water-based paint technology is now being
used in the new top coat paint shop at the Wrth plant. The
fully automated line went into operation in mid-March.
Altogether 15 million ($19.3 million USD as of 5/11/12) was in-
vested in the modernization of the top coat paint shop in Wrth,
which now uses water-based paints in truck cabs. One of the re-
sults is a significant reduction of pollutant emissions. A total of 85
percent of the vehicles built in Wrth can now be painted with
such water-based lacquers. And thats good news not only for the
environment but also for the plants workforce.
Thats because the paint shop modernization has optimized the
cleaning process as well. In particular, robots now clean the vehi-
cle bodies automatically before theyre painted, eliminating dust
during the painting process.
Customers can now also choose from almost 400 different col-
ors. The Wrth plant has lowered solvent emissions by almost one
third over the last five years, which means its solvent emission
levels are well below the legal maximum.
The two fully automated robots apply the red top coat in an
environmentally friendly manner.
Employees in Kassel have been taking a close
look at the issue of energy consumption. A proj-
ect group headed by energy manager Jochen
Lynker has developed guidelines for more effi-
cient use of energy by employees. Among other
things, the group has identified the big energy
guzzlers at the facility as it strives to make Kas-
sel a truly energy-efficient plant.
Energy is also now a major focus at the Wrth
plant. Read more on page 5.
Solar Power Despite the WeatherKuppenheim is ready for the solar age. After a con-
struction time of five months, the roof of the
stamping plant is now equipped with new photo-
voltaic panels. All the electricity they generate will
be fed into the plant grid.
The new photovoltaic facility occupies a to-
tal area of 17,000 square meters and con-
sists of 4,320 modules that will generate
more than one million kilowatt-hours of
electricity per year. The power produced by
the 2.5 million ($3.2 million USD as of
5/11/12) facility will cover approximately
ten percent of the plants average annual
electricity requirements and could theoreti-
cally provide electricity to 280 households.
This green form of power generation using
renewable energy sources can also reduce
annual CO2 greenhouse gas emissions by
up to 560,000 kilograms. As a result, the so-
lar power facility will be benefiting the plant
on cloudy and rainy days as well.
The new photovoltaic facility that is now operating on the roof of the
stamping plant in Kuppenheim was officially commissioned by (le to
right) c2energy Managing Director Christian Weber, Mercedes-Benz
Gaggenau Plant Manager Dr. Matthias Jurytko, and GEWA GmbH Manag-
ing Director Michael Warbanoff.
KUPPENHEIM STAMPING PLANT
KASSEL PLANT
Workers in Kuppenheim can keep up to date with the
state of electricity production on a display located at the
plant entrance, which provides accurate information on
the amount of power being generated by the facility.
NEW PAINT SHOP IN WRTH
Training Center, and production units through the use of
web 2.0 based new media. All of this will create the con-
ditions necessary for holistic learning and training with a
focus on work processes.
Trainees will receive their personal programs from the
platform, and forums will also be established that allow
them to discuss issues with others and contribute their
knowledge to an online lexicon. In addition, Academy in-
structors and trainers will be able to share knowledge
and experiences via the platform, upload documents,
provide trainees with feedback, and jointly teach cours-
es online. As a result, the platform is helping to develop
a new learning culture one that directly incorporates
trainees into the curriculum design process.
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GLOBAL PROCUREMENT SYSTEM
Daimler Key Supplier Meeting 2012In mid-March 2012 Daimler presented the Daimler Supplier Award 2011 to its 13
best suppliers worldwide at the Mercedes-Benz Center in Stuttgart. In addition, all
of the Japanese suppliers received a special award to honor them for the great com-
mitment they showed following the natural disaster in March 2011.
A 3D picture of the new Actros on the glass front of the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Stuttgart.
WORLDS LARGEST IT FAIR
Mercedes-Benz Trucks @ CeBITIn early March numerous visitors flocked to the CeBIT trade fair in Hanover, where
they also had the chance to admire the new Actros. At the fair Daimler also pre-
sented its TruckSupply system, which manages production logistics at the Mer-
cedes-Benz plant in Wrth.
The presentation marked Mercedes-Benz
Trucks first-ever appearance at CeBIT,
where it organized a stand in cooperation
with IBM. The big eyecatcher at the stand
was the new Actros, which has been
named Truck of the Year 2012 and is the
flagship vehicle of the Mercedes-Benz
truck plant in Wrth. After holding the
opening speech at CeBIT, German Chan-
cellor Angela Merkel visited the stand to
learn more about the latest technological
developments.
TruckSupply uses new components and
hardware architecture to modernize the IT
system landscape for production logistics
at the Wrth plant. The logistics solution,
which was developed in cooperation with
IBM, not only meets the highly complex re-
quirements of truck production but also
automatically integrates extensive parts
supply chains in order to comply with the
needs of just-in-time and just-in-sequence
manufacturing.
In a Group-wide presentation called Digi-
tal Life, Daimler demonstrated the in-
creasing importance of mobile information technologies for society and the effects these
technologies are having on the automotive business. At CeBIT 2012 specialists from the
Group also presented information on Daimlers current Digital Life initiatives: Next Workplace The PC workstation of the future
Open Innovation Network Digital communities as part of innovation management
Virtual and mixed reality: Digitization in development work
The Mercedes-Benz sales specialists workplace of the future Networking and inte-
gration at the point of sale
Fostering young talent with Genius: Daimlers young knowledge community
The IBM partner stand at CeBIT: German Chan-
cellor Angela Merkel in front of the new Actros.
ONE-OF-A-KIND STANDS What should bicycle stands in a truck plant look like? The employees at
Daimler Trucks North Americas main facility in Portland decided that it should, of course, feature a
truck design. They therefore handcrafted one-of-a-kind stainless steel stands, which can now be used
by colleagues and visitors in front of the entrances to the various buildings. The stands also remind
employees that they can help protect the environment by commuting to work on bicycles. Around 150
employees have made the switch and now regularly ride to the companys headquarters on their bikes.
DESIGN CONTEST
Tomorrows TrucksFreightliner Trucks recently held a contest focusing on new
ideas and up-and-coming talented young designers. College
students were called on to submit original designs for a truck
in the year 2030.
The entries had to meet demanding requirements that took not only
aesthetics, functionality, and aerodynamics but also payload and
ease of maintenance into account. Comfort was another important
issue for the designers. Aer all, truckers spend many hours at the
wheel, out on the road and far away from home.
Freightliner conducted the contest on the social networking site
Facebook and the Core77.com website, which is popular among de-
signers. This approach made it possible to reach up-and-coming
designers. A panel of judges narrowed the 50 submissions down
to the top three, and the Facebook community selected the winner
from the three finalists. In March Freightliner announced that Min-
woo Songs entry, titled 2020 Freightliner Super Truck, had won
the contest. Song, who attends the College of Creative Studies in
Detroit, Michigan, was delighted to receive a $20,000 scholarship
along with a paid internship at Daimler Trucks North America.The truck body unites aesthetics with aerodynamic styling.
Sophisticated features ensure a high level of comfort.
CONCEPT VEHICLE
A Van Legend Is RebornOnce upon a time, it was a magnificent leg-
endary vehicle with a glamorous name: the
Blue Wonder. In fact, the famous racing car
carrier built in 1955 became internationally
famous as the sleek vehicle that transport-
ed the Silver Arrow race cars and the hugely
successful 300 SLR racing sports car. The
historic truck has now served as the inspira-
tion for a concept vehicle that will lead to
the creation of a futuristic successor model.
Known as the Blue Arrow, it will combine
the fascination of auto racing with the high-
tech excitement of electric mobility. The fu-
turistic transport vehicle not only boasts its
own electric motor but will also carry two
electric racing vehicles inside its body to the
racetracks. These e-racers were designed
to fit precisely on top of one another inside
the transport vehicle so as to take up as lit-
tle space as possible. Arranged in this man-
ner, the transport vehicle and the race cars
form a single unit. The Blue Arrow will also
serve as a mobile pit stop and an e-racer
charging station during the racing events.
This visionary
concept has
been designed
to generate in-
terest in the use
of alternative
drive systems in
a contemporary
race car series.
INFO | Further information and photos can be found at the Employee Portal by entering the followingportal code into the field on the upper right: @bluearrow
The Blue Arrow carrier vehicle can transport two e-racers in its belly.
8 | Trucks INSIDE | May 2012
Truck World
MASTHEAD Publisher: Trucks INSIDE, newspaper for employees of Daimler Trucks For the publisher: Stefan Ulbig, Head of Internal Communications and News Management Editors: Sabine Bremer (Editor-in-Chief), Natalie Teglev,
Rebecca Nickel, Gert Hofmann Editorial employees: Silke Anders, Vera Pfister Editorial address: Daimler AG, COM/M, HPC: E402, Werk 096, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany. Tel.: +49 (0)711/17-40,672, e-mail: [email protected] Layout: Atelier Schwerzmann
Printing: Krner Rotationsdruck, Sindelfingen | The next issue will appear in July 2012.
The highlight for the approximately 650
guests was undoubtedly the new Actros,
which appeared in a larger-than-life 3D pro-
jection across the glass front of the dealer-
ship. The virtual truck headed straight to-
ward the audience until it finally came to a
stop right in front of the stage.
The Board of Management members Wolf-
gang Bernhard, Wilfried Porth, and Andreas
Renschler honored a total of 13 suppliers
for the year 2011. The Daimler Supplier
Award honors companies for outstanding
performance in the areas of quality, costs,
on-time delivery, technology, and innova-
tion. The award ceremony came to a close
with an especially emotional moment dur-
ing which all of Daimlers Japanese suppli-
ers received a specially designed trophy
bearing the Japanese character for friend-
ship. The trophy expressed the firms grat-
itude for the commitment they showed fol-
lowing last years natural disaster.
UNIQUE BIKE RACKS AT DTNA HQ