Leinfelden-Echterdingen / Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) – Daimler Truck is consistently implementing its growth strategy in the defence business. At the World Defense Show in Riyadh, one of the leading trade fairs for security and defence in the Middle East and the Arabic-speaking world, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks will be showcasing a selection of its defence vehicle portfolio from February 8 to 12.

In the outdoor area at booth CY-J2.2, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks will be displaying two vehicles designed for use in hot, dusty and sandy regions: a Mercedes-Benz Zetros 4051 AS 6x6 and a Mercedes-Benz Arocs 4663 AS 8x8. In the indoor area at booth H1-HO.1, experts will be available to answer questions about products, services, and sales.

Daimler Truck can respond quickly and flexibly to the requirements of the defence sector thanks to its high production capacity and expertise at its own Mercedes-Benz Truck assembly plants in Wörth am Rhein, Germany, and Molsheim, France. The manufacturer can also carry out local vehicle assembly in numerous countries where its customers are based and relies on partnerships with specialized companies in the areas of product development, militarization, sales, and service. This ensures that the right portfolio and tailor-made services are always provided to meet customer requirements. Daimler Truck's qualified and global sales and service network ensures a high level of customer focus and supports the operational readiness of its vehicles.

Daimler Truck with regional representation – also in Dubai

Daimler Truck has been rooted in the African, Arab and Asian markets for decades with its dealer and service network and works closely with local partners and bodybuilders. In Saudi Arabia, Juffali Industrial Products Company (JIPCO) is Daimler Truck’s long-standing local general sales partner for Mercedes-Benz Trucks. JIPCO and Daimler Truck jointly operate the NAI (National Automotive Industry Company) joint venture for the local assembly of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The final assembly of trucks delivered in kit form (CKD, Completely Knocked Down) creates industrial value and jobs in the customer's country.

With its Middle East/Africa Regional Center in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), the manufacturer also offers close customer support and fast, uncomplicated vehicle and spare parts availability. In addition, the Regional Center implements the Daimler Truck strategy in over 60 markets, ensures compliance with regional requirements, and strengthens the performance of the network in the Middle East and Africa with comprehensive sales, service, and training expertise.

Daimler Truck as a full truck range supplier in the defence sector

Daimler Truck sees itself as a full truck range supplier for military logistics applications. Its portfolio ranges from the highly off-road capable Unimog and Zetros to the Atego, Actros, and Arocs, right up to heavy-duty tractors. Vehicles are available from 4x2 to 8x8, with or without a protected cab, with single or twin tires, and in various emission standards from Euro III to Euro VI. In addition, Daimler Truck sells the chassis for protected superstructures (FGA) derived from the Unimog, as well as CKD component kits for local vehicle assembly.

Vehicles at the World Defense Show – Mercedes-Benz Zetros

The Mercedes-Benz Zetros 4051 AS 6x6 is designed as a semi-trailer tractor for transporting wheeled or tracked vehicles. The bonneted vehicle offers space for three people as well as a sleeping area and storage space. It is powered by a Mercedes-Benz OM 460 Euro V engine with 375 kW (510 hp), combined with an Allison automatic transmission with retarder. The vehicle is equipped with the TLS 2.25 transport loading system with double winch, which can handle loads of up to 70 tons.

Differential locks, a tire pressure control system, large slope and ramp angles, and fording capability enable traction and propulsion even in sand, mud, when crossing rivers, and on steep terrain. The 780-liter diesel tank enables long off-road operations. In the tractor unit version, the Zetros can achieve total gross combination weights of up to 120 tons and, thanks to numerous body solutions, can be used for a wide range of transport tasks.

Mercedes-Benz Arocs

The Mercedes-Benz Arocs 4663 AS shown at the World Defense Show is designed as a heavy-duty tractor unit for off-road transport and is used, for example, as a tank tractor. The four-axle semi-trailer tractor has a gross vehicle weight of 46 tons and a total towing capacity of up to 250 tons. The double winch can be used to recover damaged vehicles and load and unload them onto a low loader connected to the tractor via a heavy-duty coupling. The tire pressure control system with infinitely variable pressure adjustment and the switchable differential locks improve off-road capability, while the 1,190-liter diesel tank enables long-duration operations. In addition to the driver, the cab can accommodate five other people with their extensive equipment.

The vehicle is powered by a Mercedes-Benz OM 473 Euro V engine with a displacement of 15.6 liters, 460 kW (625 hp), and 3,000 Nm of torque. The fully automatic Mercedes-Benz Powershift 3 transmission supports fuel-efficient driving. If the driver wants to rely on their own experience when changing gears, they can optionally use manual mode.

The Arocs is equipped with a turbo retarder clutch (TRC) as an optional extra, which transfers the torque. It enables smooth power transmission from the engine to the transmission, even under high loads. Reduced transmission wear and extended service life of the drive components contribute to longer maintenance-free operating periods.