Mercedes-Benz launches next generation truck in Australia

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1 Mercedes-Benz launches next generation truck in Australia Press Information October 19, 2015 Significant fuel savings from new high-performance 11-litre, 13-litre and 16-litre engines New cabin delivers comfort, refinement and spacious bed 20 trucks, 35 customers and 1 million plus km of local evaluation 500,000km/5 year s free scheduled servicing offer Mercedes-Benz has launched the next generation Actros in northern Queensland, setting a new standard for heavy trucks in Australia. More than 260 customers, dealers and media were on hand for the launch of the groundbreaking truck that has been introduced after an 18 month local evaluation program involving 35 customers, 20 trucks more than 1 million km. Introducing a new dimension for driver comfort, the next generation Actros, launched at a glittering event in Cairns, also delivers performance and economy with four new engines including a high-performance 11-litre, 13-litre and the range-topping 16-litre. Using feedback from the Australian and New Zealand trials, Mercedes-Benz has developed a product line-up that targets key mainstream applications, giving customers the exact trucks they need to get the job done. Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus director, Michael May, says the new Actros is ready to roll. We are excited to introduce the next generation Mercedes-Benz truck to our key Australian customers, Mr May says. They have helped us put together a fantastic line up of trucks that will deliver new standards of efficiency, reliability and comfort. Daimler Truck & Bus Australia/Pacific Corporate Communications

2 Mercedes-Benz has launched with prime mover models focusing on metro, regional, B-double and road train work. It will introduce rigid models in the second quarter of 2017, while all-wheel drive models will follow later that year. Page 2 The next generation Actros was the subject of an unprecedented development program with more than 50 million test km and grueling drive programs in six summer test cycles in Southern Italy and Spain with temperatures of up to 50 degrees and six winter test cycles in Sweden and Finland with temperatures dropping to minus 40 degrees. First launched five years ago in Europe, the Actros won the 2012 International Truck of the Year and a string of other awards for quality, economy and environmental credentials. Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 200,000 units of the next generation truck and customers have already covered an estimated 12 billion km. The truck features a new range of in-line six-cylinder engines that deliver fuel economy savings of up to 7 per cent* and an AdBlue consumption reduction of up to 40 per cent, while the latest generation of automated transmissions change gears 20 per cent faster and incorporate a clever new crawler function for low speed work. The next generation Actros also delivers when it comes to safety with a strong new cab, a range of standard safety systems and advanced optional electronic assistance programs including Proximity Control Assist adaptive cruise control with stop/start function and Active Brake Assist. Mercedes-Benz has introduced key local upgrades for the new Actros, locallysourcing inner-spring mattresses for increased comfort, long range fuel tanks and a 6.1-inch touch screen truck sat-nav unit and sound system. The feedback from our evaluation program indicates our key customers are very impressed by the trucks we have developed for our market and many have already placed orders, says Mercedes-Benz Trucks sales manager, Andrew Assimo. Mercedes-Benz is also committed to supporting the trucks when they hit the road and has undertaken its largest pre-launch technician preparation program, which

3 included theory training and servicing work on the 20 trucks in the evaluation fleet. Page 3 Mercedes-Benz is also offering 500,000km/5 year s free scheduled servicing on Actros prime movers. This offer, which will be available for the next 12 months, includes the Best Basic Service Plan which excludes wheels, rims and tyres. * The declared fuel consumption figures are determined by testing under standardised laboratory conditions to comply with ADR 81/02. Real world fuel consumption is influenced by many additional factors such as individual driving style, load, traffic and vehicle condition. The declared fuel consumption figure should only be used for the purpose of comparison amongst vehicles. -ENDS- Contact: James Stanford Head of Public Relations Daimler Truck & Bus james.stanford@daimler.com Internet sites: Further information from Daimler is available on the internet at

4 Page 4 RANGE AND TIMING Targeted models for key applications Staggered rollout for rigid and AWD Mercedes-Benz Trucks Australia is launching its family of prime mover models first, including metro, regional and B-double/road train offerings. These are on sale now. Rigid models will be introduced in the second quarter of 2017, while all-wheel drive variants will be made available later that year. Mercedes-Benz Trucks is launching with five key 6x4 prime mover models targeted squarely at key applications. These will make up the vast majority of sales, but a larger variety of 6x4 models, as well as 4x2 and 6x2 will also be offered. CHASSIS Wider, stiffer frame Improved roadholding Better steering feel The Mercedes-Benz Actros sits on a new wider and stiffer frame (834mm) for increased stability.

5 New air suspension, with four air bellows mounted beneath the frame, improves ride comfort. The spring bags are positioned far out to ensure better roll behavior and less lean in bends. Page 5 An enhanced steering gear has boosted accuracy and improved steering feel. CAB Flat floor and 1.97m of space to stand in. Largest single-piece traditional shape European bunk Massage seat option Mercedes-Benz Trucks is offering a wide range of cabs across the new Actros range, up from seven. The reinforced cab exceeds the Swedish cab strength test as well as the ECE R29 standard. The all-steel cab panels are zinc coated on both sides and put through a cathodic dip painting process for optimum corrosion protection. Each cab is coated with 20kg of paint. Designers have introduced door extensions and airflow deflection elements to reduce aerodynamic drag for optimum fuel economy. The largest cab is the 2.5m long StreamSpace, which allows for drivers to stand up thanks to a generous height of 1.97m and flat floor. It gives Mercedes-Benz the advantage of having the largest single-piece traditional shape European bunk in the Australian market with a width of 750mm. The local team has also introduced an Australian-sourced inner-sprung mattress for maximum comfort.

6 Other cabs include the M Cab ClassicSpace (320mm engine tunnel), L cab ClassicSpace (320mm) and L cab ClassicSpace (170mm). Page 6 The new cabs feature cascading steps for easy access. The all-new interior features a driver-focussed dashboard with easy to reach controls, while many of the most important functions can be operated using steering-wheel mounted controls. Mercedes-Benz has also relocated the transmission shifter, which is now mounted on an easy-to-use steering column stalk. A locally-sourced 6.1-inch touch screen radio has been introduced for the new model which features truck satellite navigation, Bluetooth, digital radio, AM and FM, a CD/DVD player and three camera inputs. In-cab options include leather seats, seats with massage function, a suspended passenger seat, an upper bunk bed and an electric sunroof. There are is also a choice of two different premium trim packages; the warm woodgrain Homeline Interior option and the brushed aluminium-look Styleline interior. Exterior cab options include an air deflector, which covers the roof and cab sides, and Bi-Xenon headlights. LED running lights and cornering lights are standard. ENGINES Four new engines available New high performance 13-litre Fuel savings of up to 7 per cent* Range-topping 16-litre has 625hp The new engine range delivers fuel economy savings of up to 7 per cent*. AdBlue consumption has also been reduced by as much as 40 per cent.

7 Meanwhile, asymmetric turbocharging and X-Pulse variable high pressure injection deliver improved responsiveness. Page 7 There are two new engine families in the Actros range. The first is the 8-litre OM 936, which features two turbochargers (using asymmetrical turbo technology) and high pressure fuel injection. The second engine family includes the OM litre, OM litre and OM litre, which use a single asymmetrical turbocharger and X-Pulse variable high pressure injection. These engines use a higher compression ratio and deliver higher torque at lower engine revs. The OM litre engine also features turbo compounding technology, which has been proven in other Daimler Trucks models, to maximise performance. There are 13 different output ratings across the engine range, running from 354hp all the way through to 625hp. Mercedes-Benz believes the new 13-litre 530hp will be an instant hit in B-double applications, a view backed up by initial customer feedback. All engines use one-piece steel pistons instead of aluminium, have reinforced conrods and a more rigid crankcase. The Mercedes-Benz asymmetric turbocharger improves performance at low engine speeds. The asymmetric turbo design, with its fixed turbine geometry, varies the intake flow with a simple valve. This turbocharger design features less moving parts than a variable geometry turbocharger. Drivability has been improved across the range with up to 30 per cent more torque when starting off. For example, this has allowed the clutch engagement zone to drop to rpm on the OM 471. It also contributes to longer clutch life with less stress when moving away from a stop and allows for a higher rear axle ratio. The cooling packages have also been improved with three radiators used through the range (depending on cab): 1085in2 (70dm2), 1395in2 (90dm2) and 1628in2 (105dm2). The largest radiator available for the last Actros was 127in2 (82dm2). The new Actros uses Selective Catalytic Reduction with AdBlue fluid, Exhaust Gas Recirculation and a Diesel Particulate Filter. TRANSMISSIONS

8 8, 12 and 16-speed units Crawler function EcoRoll economy mode Page 8 The transmission line-up includes an 8-speed, 12-speed and 16-speed unit. The fully automated PowerShift 3 transmission changes 20 per cent faster than the previous generation unit. A clever crawl function allows the vehicle to start easing forward when the transmission is in Drive and when the accelerator pedal is not being pressed. The gear lever control is mounted on the right-hand stalk, along with controls for the engine brake function. The new Actros also has a fuel saving feature called EcoRoll. The transmission disconnects the drivetrain in overrun mode in certain circumstances when the truck is in automatic mode and is travelling in excess of 55km/h. It returns to normal opertaion if the accelerator, brake pedal or engine brake is applied. FUEL TANKS 1100 litre fuel tank option 110 litre AdBlue option Actros customers can choose from two fuel tank option packages. One is a 680 litre package including one 290 litre tank on the right hand side and one 570 litre tank on the left. Another option is the 1100 litre package sourced locally from Hilton Tanks, which includes one 400 litre tank on the right hand side and one 700 litre tank on the left. An optional 110 litre Hilton AdBlue tank is also available.

9 BRAKING Page 9 Up to 475kW of engine braking Automatic engine brake engagement Optional water retarder Engine braking has been increased dramatically, with between 340kW and 475kW braking force available thanks to a three-stage engine brake function. Three cylinders are used in phase one, six-cylinders are used in phase two, while sixcylinders, the EGR valve and wastegate are used in phase three for optimum braking power. The engine brake comes on automatically when the service brakes are engaged. Additionally, a water retarder offering maximum braking torque of up to 3560Nm is available as an option. The new Actros features a full Electronic Braking System with a back-up pneumatic system, anti-locking brakes and Stability Control Assist. Also standard is a hill-hold function to aid moving away from a stop on a grade. SAFETY High level of safety is standard Advanced safety tech option In addition to its anti-locking Electronic Braking System, the new Actros features traction control as standard, along with Stability Control Assist, which helps to maintain the stability of the vehicle combination in critical driving situations. This quick-acting system can reduce engine power and use targeted braking of individual wheels. When the vehicle brakes heavily, fast flashing hazard tail lights come on to warn other road users (upon full braking above 50km/h). The reinforced cab exceeds the Swedish cab strength test standard as well as ECE R29, while a driver s airbag is standard on all models.

10 Mercedes-Benz is offering advanced safety technology to Australian Actros customers with a Safety Pack that includes Lane Keeping Assist, Proximity Control Assist, Attention Assist and Active Brake Assist 3. Currently, around 80 per cent of Actros customers select this option and Mercedes-Benz expects an even greater take-up with the more advanced technology of the new Safety Pack. Page 10 Lane Keeping Assist warns a driver if the truck departs the lane without indicators engaged while travelling at more than 60km/h. Proximity Control Assist helps the driver maintain a distance to the truck in front. It is now effective from 0km/h and includes the ability to come to a complete stop and start again, as long as the truck is not stopped for more than two seconds. In that event, the driver needs only to tap the accelerator and the system will engage again. Attention Assist monitors the driver s attentiveness based on steering behaviour, lane keeping and driver activity. It activates Lane Keeping Assist as a first warning (if the system is deactivated) and issues another warning after 15 minutes if the inattentiveness worsens. Active Brake Assist 3 has the ability to perform emergency braking when it senses a road hazard. It now has the ability to perform full emergency braking for stationary objects and is active from 0km/h. SERVICE PLANS Preferential rates for parts and service Less hassle Optimised resale value The next generation Mercedes-Benz Actros is available with a range of Service Plans that make life easier for customers who appreciate attractive predetermined

11 maintenance and repair costs, improved vehicle operational reliability and reduced administration work. Page 11 These flexible plans can be customised for any fleet. There are four different Service Plans from Best Basic through to Complete. Customers taking up a Service Plan benefit from preferential rates on parts and labour, resale value maintenance, improved operational reliability. AGILITY Guaranteed future value Sell, trade or return the vehicle Mercedes-Benz Financial is the dedicated finance provider for Mercedes-Benz Trucks. It can tailor a plan to suit individual requirements and offer a suite of financing options that meet individual needs. Customers also have the option of using Agility, which allows Mercedes-Benz Financial to guarantee the future value of the vehicle, meaning that when the agreement comes to end, the customer has the option to trade-in, retain or return the vehicle. WARRANTY 2 year bumper to bumper with 800,000km Driveline Warranty * The declared fuel consumption figures are determined by testing under standardised laboratory conditions to comply with ADR 81/02. Real world fuel consumption is influenced by many additional factors such as individual driving style, load, traffic and vehicle condition. The declared fuel consumption figure should only be used for the purpose of comparison amongst vehicles.

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