Truckworld

Australian and New Zealand transport journalists converged on the DECA Hunter Plant Operator Training School (HPOTS) at Cessnock, NSW recently to experience the latest heavy vehicles on offer from the DaimlerChrysler Truck Group.

The successful media event was organised in conjunction with their annual national sales conference, which also included an extensive customer demonstration program.

“We chose the HPOTS facility because the focus of the event was predominately on our construction range of vehicles and we believe the diversity of conditions that HPOTS offers would really highlight the vehicles on demonstration,” Carlo Beltrame, Senior Executive DaimlerChrysler Truck Group said.

“Also we engaged the services of DECA’s professional drivers to ensure that our, customers, sales team and journalists could see each vehicle perform at its optimum,” Mr Beltrame added.

Trucks included in the drive component, at the Hunter Plant Operator Training Centre, include:

Sterling LT7500 tipper Sterling LT9500 tipper and dog trailer Sterling LT9500 semi tipper Sterling LT9500 premium 19-metre stag B-double

Freightliner Columbia CL112 tipper Freightliner Columbia CL120 semi tipper Freightliner Columbia CST120 semi tipper Freightliner Argosy 19-metre stag B-double

Mercedes-Benz Axor 1833A 4x4 super spreader Mercedes-Benz Atego 1628AF 4x4 tipper Mercedes-Benz Actros 2646LS/33 tipper and dog (Telligent Automated Transmission) Mercedes-Benz Actros 2646LS/33 semi tipper (STD Telligent Automated Transmission)

A select range of static trucks were also on hand, including a Euro 4 1629L/54 cab & chassis and 2646LS/33 Benz Boss)

“Our goal was to replicate as near as possible the type of conditions that each vehicle vocation could be called on in the real world,” Mr Beltrame continued. “For example our Mercedes-Benz Axor 1833A 4X4 super spreader really impressed all who saw it operating on a specific off-road coarse. It really highlighted the agility and ease of operation of this vehicle which we could not have demonstrated on a traditional road.”

“The larger multi combination rigs were able to demonstrate, their full potential from ride quality, power and manoeuvrability as you would typically find in a quarry type application,” Mr Beltrame said.

“Having the DECA professional drivers on hand really assisted us, demonstrate each vehicle in its best light, as not all those who attended the function had the necessary skills to operate all the vehicle combinations, Mr Beltrame concluded. “Overall the event was huge success giving a lot of people from the transport industry a greater appreciation of the diverse range of vehicles that we at DaimlerChrysler have to offer.”