MBNI Truck & Van deliver Mercedes-Benz Econics to council

MBNI Truck & Van Deliver New Fleet of Mercedes-Benz Econics to Local Council

Causeway Coast and Glens Council has recently acquired nine new bin lorries from MBNI Truck & Van.

The Mercedes-Benz

Econic 2630 6x4 Rear Steers, fitted with Powertrak Hillend Engineering bodies supplied through Castlereagh Motors and including Active Brake Assist 5 offering industry leading pedestrian recognition, were an obvious choice for the council. Because waste collection is hard work that requires great care and attention, the Econic has been specifically designed to make life that little bit easier for refuse collectors. Take the truck’s low-entry concept, for example. There are only two steps up into the cab, making getting in and out much easier and safer than in virtually any other commercial vehicle. On a busy working day, that means a lot less climbing up and down in the Econic compared with other trucks. Also good for the back and the joints is the full air suspension with raising and lowering function on all axles.

Spacious Cab

The modern cab, innovative assistance systems and the expanded field of vision through the panoramic glazing and folding door make for both greater driving comfort and improved safety. And the cab has enough room for up to four people. The walk-through cab even allows the driver to conveniently enter and exit the cab from the traffic-free side of the road using the inwardopening folding door. That’s not just practical, it also prevents accidents. The Econic allows drivers to encounter other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, at eye level. The low seating position of the driver, the generously glazed cab and the additional safety assistance systems make for a great view of the road and pavements in all directions – and compared with regular trucks, that’s a great advantage in busy towns and cities, ensuring greater safety on the road. The clear displays and intuitive instruments in the cab also ensure that the driver quickly feels at home. Radio, telephone and the instrument cluster can all be conveniently controlled using the multifunction steering wheel, and thanks to the vehicle’s modern display, all important data can be quickly taken in by the driver.

Active Brake Assist

All the Econics feature the very latest Active Brake Assist 5, the tried-and-tested emergency braking system which combines radar and camera. It is capable of applying maximum full-stop braking in response to pedestrians crossing its path, approaching from the front or moving ahead. Active Brake Assist 5 can also detect vehicles ahead and stationary obstacles in the vehicle’s own lane – at vehicle speeds up to 90 km/h. If the system detects a dangerous situation, a three-stage reaction is immediately triggered: visual signals and a loud beeping sound warn the driver; partial braking with approx. 50% braking power is performed in order to reduce the speed (if the driver has not reacted beforehand); and maximum fullstop braking is initiated in order to bring the vehicle to a standstill, if the driver has still not reacted. If the system detects crossing pedestrians or people standing on the carriageway, the reaction chain is shortened even further. The driver is warned both visually and acoustically, but partial braking is simultaneously initiated autonomously. Because when people’s lives are at stake, there is no time for hesitation. Pedestrian detection can occur up to a vehicle speed of 50 km/h: if pedestrians cross the truck’s lane, approach it or walk in its lane.