The trailer of the future?
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While Mercedes-Benz was collecting its International Truck of the Year 2012 trophy for the Actros at the Trailer 2011 show, the company also took the wraps off a new aerodynamic trailer design that could reduce fuel consumption by 5%
Words: Andy Salter Before the trailer makers start getting
jumpy, it’s worth making the point that this new aero trailer design from Mercedes-Benz does not signal a leap into trailer manufacturing by the German automotive giant. “Don’t read anything into this,” said Mercedes truck chief Hubertus Troska at the press launch of the new trailer design, “it’s an indication of what is possible.” With Mercedes already building trailer axles, the company does have an interest in the sector. With the trailer makers present at the launch of the new design hardly tripping over themselves to start production of the new slippery trailer, one can understand why Mercedes engineers might fancy their chances in this arena, particularly as fuel eficiency continues to be the main thing on the minds of most freight transport operators.
Speculation aside, the new aero trailer is a design demonstration aimed at showing how it is possible to continue to eke out more eficiency from the latest generation of tractor units.
Lower wind resistance