Trucks Inside 0112

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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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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


5/8


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


6/8


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.


7/8


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.


8/8

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.


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

Documents

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