Heavy Duty Review: The New Mercedes Actros, Sales Statistics, and More

The Mercedes Actros L tractor unit has been presented with a new look: the front panel is now “molded,” with no distinct radiator grille, and the bumper features “mustaches” with LED matrix headlights. Mercedes has been testing the electric tractor eActros 600 for several months now, and there were rumors that its front design was a fake mask concealing a different layout. It turns out the design is genuine, and it will be applied not only to electric Actros models but also to diesel versions! It seems that recent global events have pushed Mercedes to temper its ambitions, even if they haven’t completely abandoned the dream of eco-friendly transport.

The diesel models feature Mercedes’ inline “six-cylinder” Euro 6 engines, producing up to 620 hp, including the particularly fuel-efficient third-generation OM471 (up to 520 hp). The transmission is the well-known Mercedes “robot” PowerShift. Wheel configurations include 4×2 and 6×2 in three variants (with a non-driven steerable middle axle, a fixed “lazy axle” at the rear, and a “lazy axle” with dual tires) and 6×4.

The redesigned ProCabin has been extended by 80 mm for improved aerodynamics and will be offered exclusively with a flat floor and three height options: Stream (internal height of 197 cm), Big (199 cm), and Giga (213 cm). New features include two refrigerators under the bed. Additionally, the “premium” mattress, 15 cm thick, along with the solid front panel and logo projection on the road when opening the door in the dark, is reminiscent of the Chinese Dongfeng GX tractor, which we will talk about soon.

Safety systems meet EU standards, which will be enforced starting in July: six radars and a front camera cover an angle of 270 degrees. The Active Brake Assist 6 system reacts more effectively to pedestrians and cyclists and monitors multiple lanes up to 250 meters. Active Sideguard Assist 2 warns of dangers from the side of the truck and can automatically brake at speeds of up to 30 km/h, while Front Guard Assist ensures that the driver doesn’t run into obstacles during maneuvers. The interior, featuring video mirrors and a tablet, remains the same, but by spring 2025, the truck will receive a “multimedia cockpit” with voice control. Production of the model will begin this December, but traditional Actros trucks will still be produced—thus, Mercedes has become the second European company after Volvo to offer two series of trucks in its lineup: one with traditional cabs and one with innovative cabs.

Sochi’s bus fleet has been updated: old buses, including Ukrainian Bogdan minibuses on Isuzu chassis, are being replaced by MAZ buses. Minsk-made buses are nothing new for the city: before the 2014 Olympics, 200 semi-low-floor MAZ-103 buses were delivered.

MAZ-303

In AR No. 10, 2021, we reported on the testing of the progressive MAZ-303 model in Sochi, which is equipped with a Mercedes diesel engine and a ZF automatic transmission (I was very impressed with it, both as a passenger and as a driver). By the way, two such MAZ-303 buses, still pre-sanction, have been operating on routes in Saint Petersburg for several years, including unit #001.

MAZ-203

However, in Sochi, they decided to purchase more traditional buses from the 200 series, but gas-powered. They look “like Moscow’s”: painted blue and equipped with similar front masks with small round headlights. A total of 140 buses will be delivered—119 large MAZ-203 buses and 21 shorter MAZ-206 buses. While the “shorties” are equipped with Chinese components—a Weichai gas engine and a Fast Gear transmission—the larger MAZ buses are fitted with Mercedes engines and Allison automatic transmissions, likely thanks to parallel imports. And sanctions didn’t stop them! Additionally, Gazprom has opened two new refueling stations (CNG).

MAZ-206

Bogdan A092

Sales data for commercial vehicles in the first three months of this year have been revealed: according to ASM Holding, markets continue to grow.

The biggest increase, 41.8% (22,668 units), is in the light truck market. The undisputed leader here is GAZ, which sold nearly 60% of the total, or 13,277 vehicles, including 7,819 Gazelle Next, 1,803 Gazelle Business, 531 Sobol NN, and 238 Gazelle NN units. Competitor Sollers sold only 1,873 units (1,449 Atlants and 424 Argo), and UAZ sold 1,190 Profi models. Electric vehicles are not doing well in this segment—only five units were registered in three months, including one Gazelle and one EVM based on the UAZ Profi.

However, electric bus deliveries have surged: while no electric buses were registered last year in the first quarter, 299 units were registered in the same period this year—189 KAMAZ buses, 77 LiAZ buses, 22 Volgabuses, and 11 Belarusian BKM buses. As for buses, this market grew by 24.1% (5,323 units), with PAZ retaining its traditional top spot with models like the 3205, Vector Next, and 4234.

The truck market also grew (29,784 vehicles, +11%), with 55% of the market now belonging to “Chinese” manufacturers. The leading position is held by Sitrak (5,991 units, +47.5%, including 4,312 popular C7H tractors), followed by KAMAZ (5,038 units, down 25.6%). However, according to KAMAZ itself, the company sold significantly more trucks on the Russian market in the first quarter, 8,488 (up 1.5%)—but it’s possible that these include vehicles for special structures. The production of KAMAZ K5 new-generation vehicles is also on the rise: in the first three months of 2023, 427 units were made, while in the same period this year, 1,618 units were produced.

The next spots in the top five are also occupied by “Chinese” brands: Shacman (3,673 vehicles, +0.4%), FAW (2,888 vehicles, +21.9%), and Dongfeng (1,745 vehicles, an increase of 603.6%). Among others, note the Valday 45 tractors (Foton Auman produced in Nizhny Novgorod): only 21 vehicles have been sold so far, while the Chinese Auman has sold 633 units. Sales of Mercedes Actros tractors have also increased significantly (817 units), clearly due to models from China. KAMAZ is gradually increasing the sales of medium- and light-duty trucks based on JAC models: 342 Compass 9, 326 Compass 12, and 232 light Compass 5 units have been sold.