• Over the weekend, 33 professional teams from all over Germany competed with the Unimog in the snow plow championship in Marktredwitz in front of over 7.000 spectators.
• The competition was designed to demonstrate in a practical way how reliable winter road maintenance can work – with a focus on precision and technology.
• A diverse supporting program included a winter service exhibition, family festival, and driving simulators.

Marktredwitz/Leinfelden-Echterdingen – For professional snow plow operators, winter started early this year—in September, with almost summer-like temperatures. On September 20, the 4th German Snow Plow Championship in Marktredwitz put 33 teams from all over Germany to the test. Competing alternately with three Unimog snow clearing vehicles equipped with the new UNI-TOUCH® operating system, participants tackled a course designed to simulate typical and demanding situations encountered in municipal winter road maintenance.

A key objective of the event was to raise public awareness about the physical and mental demands placed on winter service drivers. The championship presented the profession from a new perspective and aimed to attract young people to this important and responsible role.

Unimog: The Reliable Specialist Vehicle for Municipal Winter Service

For decades, the Unimog has been the vehicle of choice whenever flexibility, off-road capability, and maneuverability are required. Municipalities and road maintenance depots use it on narrow and winding roads, steep sections, and for snow clearing and spreading on highways. Attachments can be changed in a short time, allowing the Unimog to switch quickly from winter service to other daily municipal tasks. This versatility makes it a year-round solution for maintenance depots, road and highway authorities.

Course challenges

The course tasks were based on the diverse challenges that winter service staff face: precise maneuvering, shifting heavy objects, and driving the snow plow with millimeter accuracy were central requirements, as was reverse parking. New this year was the targeted involvement of co-drivers in the course. For certain obstacles, they had to actively participate and solve tasks together with the driver. This tested the team spirit of the participating crews—a vital foundation for seamless winter operations.

Fast and accurate work under time pressure ultimately determined the rankings, making the event exciting not only for industry professionals but also for families, children, and interested visitors.

Results and outlook

This year’s winners were Michael Wilhelmi and Lukas Kniesner from the Oberweyern Road Maintenance Department (Hesse). The Bingen Road Maintenance Department (Rhineland-Palatinate) took second place, and the Emmelshausen Highway Maintenance Department (Rhineland-Palatinate) finished third. These top three teams will represent Germany at the International Snow Plow Championship in Chambéry, France.

Supporting program for professionals and families

Alongside the competition, a comprehensive exhibition showcased winter service technology, driving simulators, attractions, and a family program. Culinary offerings and live music were also part of the festivities. Daimler Truck supported the championship as a sponsor, underscoring the appreciation for winter service and its professionals.