Mercedes-Benz is holding a customer launch with a difference for the new Actros in Australia and New Zealand.

In what is believed to be a first for a commercial vehicle manufacturer in the region, Mercedes-Benz will live stream a drive in the smart new truck as it travels from Melbourne to Daylesford in Victoria, starting at 11am AEST on Saturday 4 July.

With no restrictions on attendee numbers, everyone is welcome to tune into the interactive two-hour event. Mercedes-Benz director Andrew Assimo will be in the passenger seat for the Actros Live Drive event. 

“Normally, we would have held a traditional launch event with a huge number of our customers, but that is just not possible given Covid-19,” Assimo says. “Rather than just cancel an event or do something like a simple walk-around of the truck, we decided to head out onto the road and tell our story driving.”

Assimo said it will be a great opportunity to show the Actros in its natural habitat, while showcasing its class-leading technology focussed on driver comfort, safety and fuel efficiency.

“We have found the key features of this new truck really shine when it is out on the road,” he says. “Talking about it on a stage is great, but being able to show the audience the truck as it works is even better.”

MC Shura Taft and Assimo will host the Live Drive event, while a dedicated driver trainer will pilot the Actros. The hosts will be able to field questions asked by viewers, who can post questions in real time on the website.

Some of the key features to be demonstrated, given the raft of improvements the new Actros delivers, include the MirrorCam system, Predictive Powertrain Control, the Multimedia Cockpit displays, a further advanced Active Brake Assist 5 safety suite, interior upgrades and the SoloStar restful cabin concept.

Anyone can log into the Actros Live Drive by visiting https://www.actroslivedrive.com.au/ 

Mercedes-Benz has also released a preview of the new Actros in action with a video shot in remote New South Wales, which is available to view on the Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus YouTube channel.