Air-con upgrade for Mercedes-Benz Econic

The Mercedes-Benz Econic is now available with more powerful air-conditioning, says Mercedes-Benz Trucks Australia.

The air-con upgrade follows consultation with local customers, and is part of an update that also includes improved driver access and the adoption of Sidegard Assist, which monitors the truck's nearside and alerts the driver to any potential collisions.

Both the single- and dual-control version of the Econic are available with the more powerful air-con, with systems now spanning 8.5kW to 10kW of power to better address the heat of the Australian summer.

"Our Australian operators identified a way that we could further improve this brilliant truck and we listened," says Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus Australia Director, Andrew Assimo.

"The Econic has a raft of advantages over competitor trucks including ease of access, class-leading safety and remarkable vision. Now the more powerful air-conditioning will help ensure optimum driver comfort in any conditions."

Meanwhile Sideguard Assist, which is available on select Econic models, utilises radar technology to 'see' down the left side of the truck, alerting the driver to any vehicles, pedestrians or objects when the truck is turning left or changing lanes.

It's one of several high-tech safety systems available on the Econic, including lane keeping assist and autonomous emergency braking, while driver vision is maximised by the truck's expansive glasshouse.

Some interior repackaging in the dual-control Econic has freed up additional cabin space, making it easier to move through the area, while driver ingress and egress has also been improved in the dual-control truck via a door that now opens by a further 15 degrees.

The single-control Econic, meanwhile, now features a bus-style super-low-entry door for even easier driver access.

The Mercedes-Benz Econic is powered by a 7.7-litre, six-cylinder turbo-diesel. The powerplant features Euro 6 emissions compliance and produces up to 260kW (353hp), with drive fed via an Allison 3000P six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

The dual-control Econic features two separate steering boxes, instead of a cheaper rod-linked system, with key control items like gearshift levers and handbrakes duplicated.

The Mercedes-Benz Econic rides on air suspension front and rear and is available in a 6x4 format in a variety of wheelbase options.