Freightliner has introduced the most advanced conventional truck in New Zealand.

The New Zealand and Australian Cascadia was launched by the chairman of the board of management Daimler Truck AG, Martin Daum, and the CEO of Daimler Trucks North America, Roger Nielson, at a special customer event in Sydney.

The Freightliner model will deliver class-leading fuel efficiency, comfort, connectivity and the most advanced safety technology available for conventional trucks sold in New Zealand.

The Cascadia, known for its legendary low cost of ownership, is the best-selling truck in the United States. However, Daimler invested an additional AU$100 million in order to develop the right-hand drive Cascadia and to ensure it was engineered for uniquely tough New Zealand and Australian conditions and meets local operator requirements.

As part of this commitment to the region, an unprecedented international market testing programme was held on both sides of the Pacific, with six test trucks operating in the US and three test trucks running up miles in Australia on challenging routes. This was in addition to millions of miles of on-highway testing conducted for the North American model.

“There is no such thing as a world truck,” says Daum. “We listened to our customers in Australia and New Zealand and developed this great truck specifically for them.”

Freightliner Australia Pacific director, Stephen Downes, says the team has worked tirelessly to ensure this is the right truck for New Zealand and Australian operators and is ready for uniquely tough local conditions. 

“We run our trucks hotter, harder and longer so we needed to make sure the Australian and New Zealand Cascadia would be up to the task,” he says.

“We made some changes and are extremely confident this truck is ready to start saving money for our customers and delivering an on-road experience we know drivers will love.”

Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific president and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, says the introduction of the Cascadia represents a new chapter for conventional trucks in Australia and New Zealand. 

“This is quite simply the best conventional truck available in Australia and New Zealand and raises the bar to a new level,” he says. “Whichever way you look at it, from its remarkable fuel efficiency to its advanced safety features, connectivity and driver comfort, the Cascadia is way out in front of its competitors.”

New safety features for Cascadia include the Sideguard Assist system that warns the driver if the truck‘s turning trailer could hit objects such as power poles when turning left, and also alerts the driver if they are about to merge left into an occupied lane. There is also a radar/camera system that can even detect a pedestrian and quickly bring the truck to a complete stop with no input from the driver.

The Cascadia will be available with a head-protecting airbag from launch and the cab meets ECE29 crash test standards.

The New Zealand Cascadia will be available with two new-generation Detroit engines that exceed Euro 6 emission standards by meeting US GHG 17 standards using an enhanced SCR system and upgraded common rail injection.

Engine choices include the new 16-litre DD16 with up to 600hp and 2050lb/ft and a new 13-litre DD13 with up to 505hp and 1850lb/ft. Transmissions include the smart DT12 Automated Manual Transmission and an 18-speed Eaton manual.  

GPS and road-reading Intelligent Powertrain Management will also help drive down fuel use, along with Cascadia‘s ultra-aerodynamic shape, built-in air deflectors, integrated antennas, and 12” and 20” cab side extenders.

On-road testing in Australian conditions has found that all of these changes have delivered fuel efficiency that will make the Cascadia the smart business choice.  

Safety is at the heart of the new Cascadia, with Freightliner Australia Pacific deciding to make the advanced safety features standard. The Cascadia has the fully integrated Detroit Assurance 5.0, which uses a radar and HD camera for active emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Tailgate Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent High Beam and Automatic Wipers/Headlamps are also standard.

The Cascadia introduction heralds the arrival of Detroit Connect in New Zealand, which enables remote vehicle updates, fault code diagnosis and repair recommendations, OEM analysis of fuel economy and safety performance, in addition to traditional telematics services such as GPS route tracking and incident alerts.

Fleet owners can even remotely alter the truck‘s top speed and idle shutdown temperature. 

At launch, Freightliner will offer the Cascadia as either 116” or 126” BBC units (Bumper to Back of Cab measurement), with everything from day cabs to 36”, 48”, 60”, and 60” raised roof cab options.

An all-new interior features steering-wheel controls as well as a wrap-around dashboard that puts everything within easy reach of the driver, aircraft–inspired ambient lighting on select models, three door seals, Sealy Posturepedic mattresses that measure up to 35 inches in width, a double bunk option, standard Laredo seat leather, an optional battery-powered sleeper cab HVAC system, a vast amount of interior storage spaces, and optional chrome touches and woodgrain panelling.   

The Cascadia is now available to order through Freightliner‘s New Zealand dealership network.