Mercedes-Benz Actros ProCabin wins Truck of the Year Australasia

The Mercedes-Benz Actros ProCabin has been named Truck of the Year Australasia 2026, beating other finalists including the Fuso 530 Shogun, UD Condor, Isuzu F Series, and the Iveco Eurocargo.

"With the most contenders in the mix since Truck of the Year Australasia began in 2023, the decision on this year’s eventual winner was still unanimous," explained Truck of the Year Jury Chair, Tim Giles.

"That was no reflection on the quality of the contenders, but the outstanding quality and contribution the winner makes to the road transport undertaking in this part of the world."

“Each machine offered a strong case, with three doing battle in the same market segment, so that made it interesting. The Fuso offered a specific market fit, as did the Actros,” said fellow ToYA judge Dave McCoid.

The TOY Australasia 2026 award was presented to Keith Andrews Trucks' CEO Darren Evans, at the annual New Zealand Road Transport Hall of Fame event in Invercargill on September 25.

“We’re incredibly proud to see the Mercedes-Benz Actros ProCabin named Truck of the Year Australasia,” Andrews said.

“Fuel is one of the biggest costs our customers face, and we know every improvement in efficiency matters. The ProCabin’s completely new, even more aerodynamic design helps reduce fuel consumption, making a meaningful difference to the business and people who rely on these trucks.

“With the Actros ProCabin already at work across Australia and New Zealand, this award recognises a truck that is delivering real-world value for operators on both sides of the Tasman.”

“The launch of the ProCabin takes the Mercedes-Benz range into new territory,” Giles explained further about why the big 'Benz got the judges' votes.

“This truck is a step-change from other trucks on the market, and great to drive. The new cabin design houses an innovative air management system, and combining this with the latest state-of-the-art in Daimler safety technology creates a truck which is up for any task.”

McCoid said the ProCabin "builds on the great strides the brand has made in terms of cutting-edge technology".

“The extra length may only be 80mm, but it has enabled the designers to come up with a new design that will be suitable for any possible power option, from diesel to any other alternative power source," he said.

The International Truck of the Year (IToY) was launched in Europe in 1977, with this year's winner the Volvo FH Electric. The Australasia award is one of a number of spin-offs held annually around the world, including Truck of the Year Latin America and Chinese Truck of the Year.

The first Truck of the Year Australasia trophy was awarded to the Kenworth K220 in 2023, with the Volvo FH16 780 named 2025 International Truck Of The Year Australasia at last year's Brisbane Truck Show.

The presentation venue of the Australasia award alternates between Australia and New Zealand on a yearly basis.

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