New generation Freightliner Argosy creates a grand entrance
The Freightliner division of Mercedes- Benz South Africa Commercial Vehicles has just introduced their new generation Argosy to customers. The arrival of the new truck in Southern Africa has been eagerly anticipated by the road freight industry, and was launched amid great pomp and splendour amongst the dunes of Swakopmund in Namibia. Freightliner has been a leading force in long haul trucking in South Africa since 1996, and has consistently been a top seller in the over 400hp 6x4 truck tractor market in recent years.
A sneak preview of the new generation model caused quite a stir at the Johannesburg International Motor Show in October last year. Known for its apt motto, ?Run Smart?, the Freightliner offers customers performance excellence by maximising the payload while also lowering overall cost per kilometre due to exceptional fuel economy, ease of maintenance and long term reliability. MBSA vice president for Commercial Vehicles, Kobus van Zyl, told guests at the launch:
?Our vehicles are not only cutting edge in terms of technology, comfort, safety and fuel efficiency, but we are also leaders in sustainable mobility solutions ? giving you and your business the ability to ?Go Green?.? Freightliner product manager, Duncan Prince says: ?The Freightliner brand has offered many firsts to South African fleet owners. We were the first OEM in South Africa to offer standard ABS on heavy trucks back in the 1990 and the first to offer automated conventional transmission as standard execution in 2002. We have consistently provided customers with new technology appropriate for the South African environment.
?We are constantly looking at innovative ways to make our exceptional products even better,? he adds. ?One of the most significant changes in the new generation Argosy is the inclusion of the Eaton Fuller Ultrashift plus transmission.? The new transmission will be available in 13 or 18 speed configuration.
Initially only the Cummins- powered models will be equipped with this technology, with the Detroit Diesel engine powered models coming on line by the fourth quarter of 2012. A gradient sensor allows the truck to determine whether it is on a gradient or on a flat surface, and automatically defaults to an appropriate starting gear to pull away, so that the truck can get up to speed with as few gearshifts as possible, but not at the expense of clutch life.
The end result for the truck owner is lower wear and tear as well as more efficient fuel consumption, even with an only partially skilled driver at the wheel. Faster gear shifts also conserve momentum, which in turn conserves fuel. Dynamic braking is also improved by the new transmission.
The New Generation Argosy has an ergonomic new cab and grille, offering more comfortable, high-back seats and better insulation to offer drivers a quieter ride, and more protection against temperature extremes on the long road. Electric windows, previously only available on premium models, are a standard feature. All Detroit Diesel Series 60 models of the new generation Argosy will come with a 5-year, 800 000 kilometre warranty at no additional cost.
? Words and image: quickpic.co.za
A sneak preview of the new generation model caused quite a stir at the Johannesburg International Motor Show in October last year. Known for its apt motto, ?Run Smart?, the Freightliner offers customers performance excellence by maximising the payload while also lowering overall cost per kilometre due to exceptional fuel economy, ease of maintenance and long term reliability. MBSA vice president for Commercial Vehicles, Kobus van Zyl, told guests at the launch:
?Our vehicles are not only cutting edge in terms of technology, comfort, safety and fuel efficiency, but we are also leaders in sustainable mobility solutions ? giving you and your business the ability to ?Go Green?.? Freightliner product manager, Duncan Prince says: ?The Freightliner brand has offered many firsts to South African fleet owners. We were the first OEM in South Africa to offer standard ABS on heavy trucks back in the 1990 and the first to offer automated conventional transmission as standard execution in 2002. We have consistently provided customers with new technology appropriate for the South African environment.
?We are constantly looking at innovative ways to make our exceptional products even better,? he adds. ?One of the most significant changes in the new generation Argosy is the inclusion of the Eaton Fuller Ultrashift plus transmission.? The new transmission will be available in 13 or 18 speed configuration.
Initially only the Cummins- powered models will be equipped with this technology, with the Detroit Diesel engine powered models coming on line by the fourth quarter of 2012. A gradient sensor allows the truck to determine whether it is on a gradient or on a flat surface, and automatically defaults to an appropriate starting gear to pull away, so that the truck can get up to speed with as few gearshifts as possible, but not at the expense of clutch life.
The end result for the truck owner is lower wear and tear as well as more efficient fuel consumption, even with an only partially skilled driver at the wheel. Faster gear shifts also conserve momentum, which in turn conserves fuel. Dynamic braking is also improved by the new transmission.
The New Generation Argosy has an ergonomic new cab and grille, offering more comfortable, high-back seats and better insulation to offer drivers a quieter ride, and more protection against temperature extremes on the long road. Electric windows, previously only available on premium models, are a standard feature. All Detroit Diesel Series 60 models of the new generation Argosy will come with a 5-year, 800 000 kilometre warranty at no additional cost.
? Words and image: quickpic.co.za
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