Mercedes-Benz begins production of intelligent truck axle

Production of the new fuel-efficient truck axle started yesterday at the Mercedes‑Benz plant in Kassel, Germany. The rear axle reduces fuel consumption of the Mercedes-Benz Actros by up to 0.5 percent.

In addition to the weight savings, the New Final Drive (NFD) particularly benefits from the actively controlled oil regulation in the final drive, the heart of the axle. According to Mercedes-Benz, this technology and type of construction is without parallel worldwide: the lubricating oil is supplied as needed depending on the speed, torque and temperature. Intelligent oil management minimises the swirl of liquid in the final drive and thus reduces the friction loss from the gears turning in the oil bath.

The first new final drive leaving the production line. The new fuel-efficient truck axle reduces fuel consumption by a further 0.5 percent.

The New Final Drive axle completes the second generation of the Integrated Powertrain from Daimler Trucks and results in fuel savings of up to 6.5 percent for the Mercedes‑Benz Actros compared with its predecessor. As part of the Daimler Trucks platform strategy, the new truck axle will be produced at the Mercedes‑Benz plant in Kassel and also at the US site in Detroit.

"The second generation of the Integrated Powertrain from Daimler Trucks – consisting of engine, transmission and axle – has already resulted in fuel savings of up to 6 percent for the Mercedes‑Benz Actros and ensures the lowest possible Total Cost of Ownership. The world's first intelligent truck axles even enable us to reduce fuel consumption by a further 0.5 percent. This once again demonstrates our technology leadership and directly pays off for our customers," says Dr Frank Reintjes, Head of Global Powertrain and Manufacturing Engineering Trucks.

New rear axle assembly line in Kassel
On June 13, 2017 the Mercedes‑Benz plant in Kassel saw the start of series production of the fuel-efficient truck axle and the inauguration of the ultra-modern assembly line that was constructed at the site in recent months.

The plant boasts cutting-edge production technologies and a high level of automation. For example, components inside the axle can now be directly welded together with new laser technology instead of being bolted. The resulting smooth mating surfaces reduce unnecessary oil swirl in the final drive and have a positive effect on fuel consumption. A total sum of around 30 million euros has been invested in the new NFD assembly line in Kassel.

India part of Global Powertrain integrated production network
Daimler Trucks Global Powertrain stands not only for the integrated drive system itself, but also for the integration of all global sites and relevant functions along the whole value chain. The powertrain plants in Germany (Mannheim, Gaggenau and Kassel), the USA (Detroit), Brazil (São Bernardo), India (Oragadam) and Japan (Kawasaki) produce innovative and reliable drive components with uniform global quality standards. The components are used in all Daimler commercial vehicle divisions and brands and by external customers.