Friends of Trucks Original www.ecv360.com
WeChat public account: ecv360
Author: Zhang Jiuying
The domestic Mercedes-Benz Aktos Actros C series tractor (6x.4) appeared in the 354th batch of announcements issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology a few days ago, reflecting Foton Daimler's resolute determination in promoting the localization of imported brands, and also declaring that its new truck plant in Huairou, Beijing, has a certain amount of production capacity.
Previously, encouraged by the mainland's policy of canceling the restriction on the proportion of commercial vehicle investment shares, in addition to Mercedes-Benz's layout in Beijing, Scania and Volvo were placed in Rugao, Jiangsu and Taiyuan, Shanxi, respectively. Based on strategic considerations such as production planning and market competition, several import brands have focused on the launch time of domestic new products in 2022. Obviously, Foton Daimler seized the opportunity and took the lead in launching the Mercedes-Benz Aktos Actros C series products.
Undoubtedly, the debut of the new Mercedes-Benz Aktos Actros C series is a sign of the "China localization" stage of the international big name in the truck industry, and with the mass production and listing of the product, the new competitive landscape of the truck industry will also accelerate.
According to the previous exchanges with card friends, everyone generally holds the expectation of synchronizing the "high-end" of European localization products of international big brands in China. From the release information and product pictures, the two Mercedes-Benz Aktos Actros C series tractors are 89km/h, 110km/h 3-axle (6x.4) models, using the new Aktos cab shape currently on sale, the difference is that the front cover part cancels a decorative plate, and the imported model flip-up front pedal is changed to a hidden pedal.
The core technology reflects, but also the most concerned powertrain part, Mercedes-Benz Aktos Actros C series public content shows that it is equipped with Foton Cummins X12NS6B engine, covering 410, 440, 470 horsepower; although there is no clear transmission configuration information, but according to the mature matching of Foton Cummins and ZF products, it is likely to use ZF Chuansheng 12-gear AMT transmission; and according to the previously released News that Mei chi signed a supply agreement with Foton Daimler, The drive axle is apparently from Milcher with air suspension. According to the relevant standards, the 110 km/h speed limit models are equipped with a front anti-collision warning system, lane departure warning system, and electronic braking system (EBS).
The performance and quality of "Fukang X12 engine + ZF 12-speed AMT transmission" have been fully verified by Foton Daimler products in various regions of China, and then blessed by the international leading level of Meichi Bridge, the powertrain configuration is a golden match, highly competitive.
It is precisely because of the application of the above core configuration in Foton Auman heavy trucks, the industry has a view that domestic Mercedes-Benz is likely to further aggravate the "inner volume" of the domestic heavy truck industry.
The phenomenon of "inner volume" in the domestic heavy-duty truck manufacturing industry is indeed outstanding at a specific stage, the most significant is the homogenization of the configuration, the internal reason is from the product planning of the main engine factory on the one hand, and it is also related to the limitations of technological innovation. In recent years, with the continuous development of the manufacturing industry, the wide application of automation technology has provided the necessary support for the truck manufacturing level to a new level; from the progress of technology to materials, from the distribution of wiring harnesses to the improvement of vehicle matching, the progress of the whole industry has pushed the performance and quality of truck products to a higher level.
In the upgrading stage from National V emissions to China VI emissions, the truck manufacturing industry ushered in a climax of technological innovation. In the same period, with the acceleration of the commercialization of pure electric and hydrogen fuel technology routes, the development of the mainland truck industry has entered an era of unprecedented major changes.
Everything is gradual, and it is rarely achieved overnight. The "localized" production and manufacture of Mercedes-Benz trucks is actually rich in experience, dating back to the 1980s. However, due to market positioning, price, and more factors, the domestic Mercedes-Benz at that time was short-lived and failed to achieve better growth and development. When the time came to December 2020, Foton Motor and Daimler Trucks officially reached a cooperation on the localization project of Mercedes-Benz brand heavy trucks, and the two sides invested 3.8 billion yuan to build Foton Daimler's new truck factory in Huairou, Beijing.
Previously, the shareholders of Foton Daimler have cooperated for a long time in high-end truck technology and operation management, laying a certain foundation for the localization of Mercedes-Benz trucks. The launch of the new Aktos Actros C series can be described as a natural success, and of course, it is also a technological innovation of Foton Daimler strictly based on product planning. It is reported that in addition to the power of Fukang, the follow-up products of the series will also be equipped with Mercedes-Benz engines.
According to the product characteristics, it is not difficult to see that the Mercedes-Benz Aktos Actros C series focuses on long-distance and efficient logistics, and forms a three-dimensional strategy echo with Foton's Auman GTL, ETX and other products, as well as new energy products, and builds the most complete road transport solution system in the industry.
Although the current market is facing factors such as the continuation of the epidemic, changes in the international situation, high oil prices, contraction in demand, and fierce competition in transportation, there are still opportunities for industrial optimization and upgrading, the implementation of the "double carbon" goal, and the development of green logistics. Relying on Foton Motor, domestic Mercedes-Benz is bound to drive a new round of efficient transportation equipment upgrades while seizing the commanding heights of technological innovation, and the performance and advantages of the product will also be fully verified by the majority of card friends.