Into the new Century
Page 20
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by John Kendall III Mercedes-Benz' US sub sidiary Freightliner launched its Century Class truck range at the recent Mid-America Truck Show. The truck incorporates a range of features which are likely to find their way into the new Mercedes SKN heavy truck range, due to make its debut at the Hanover Show in September.
First of these is the electronic braking system (EBS) developed jointly with Wabco. The system will be available to Freightliner in late 1996, around the time of the SKN launch. In place of airoperated brake valves, EBS opens the valves electrically, offering a faster braking response time and shorter stopping distances. Freightliner also claims automatic load compensation, brake fade compensation and combined control with ABS and anti-skid systems.
Mercedes may also exploit its co-operation with Detroit Diesel to use the DDEC III electronic engine management system on future electronically controlled Mercedes European engines. The Century Class uses onboard electronics to warn drivers of potential problems. The Driver Message Centre is a small screen in front of the driver which has a 20-character, twoline display. Detected faults are flagged up on the screen so the driver can take appropriate action. On-board data relating to driving and engine conditions can also be logged for future down loading.
Freightliner's gell deepcycle battery is likely to arouse interest at Mercedes. Cell-cell batteries can offer up to three times the life of conventional wet-cell batteries. Designed to power ancillary equipment in isolation from the main batteries, the gell-cell features a lowvoltage alarm and can be re-charged in 3.5 hours.
Safety features are likely to be high on the equip ment list for the Mer cedes SKN.
Freight liner offered a first with optional factory fitting of the Eaton Vorad EVT2000 collision avoidance system on the Century Class. On Europe's more crowded roads the system could be a welcome option. Slow moving or stationary objects up to 100m away can be detected and an additional side sensor can warn of objects in the driver's blind-spot.