The Mercedes-Benz Atego is a general-purpose rigid truck that has been serving the needs of distribution haulage customers for 25 years. Since its debut in 1998, the Atego has been recognized for its versatility, profitability, comfort, and safety. It has also been a pioneer of electric mobility and sustainability in the truck industry. We will look at the history, features, and achievements of the Atego and how it has evolved to meet the market's changing demands.
The First Generation Atego: Setting a New Benchmark for Distribution Haulage
The first generation Atego was launched in 1998 at the RAI International Commercial Vehicle Show in Amsterdam. It replaced the LK model series, which had been in production since 1984. The Atego was designed to offer a wide range of configuration options to suit the diverse applications of the light to medium-duty truck segment. It covered the gross vehicle weight (GVW) range of 6.5 to 15 tonnes and offered 25 basic types, six power output categories, and four cab variants. The Atego also introduced a new frame concept, which improved the access and cross-cab access conditions for the drivers, who had to get in and out of the vehicle up to 30 times a day.
The Mercedes-Benz Atego was powered by the OM 904 LA and OM 906 LA diesel engines, which delivered 90 to 205 kW (122 to 279 hp) and a torque of 470 to 1,300 Nm. The engines were equipped with the Telligent engine system, which optimized the fuel injection, combustion, and exhaust gas treatment. The Atego also featured the Telligent gearshift system, which automated the gear selection and clutch operation, and the Telligent brake system, which integrated the anti-lock braking system (ABS), acceleration skid control (ASR), and engine brake. These systems enhanced the performance, efficiency, and safety of the Atego and set a new benchmark for the distribution haulage segment.
The Atego was well received by the customers and the media and won the prestigious International Truck of the Year award in 1999. It was praised for its innovative technology, ergonomic design, and low operating costs. The Atego also proved its reliability and durability in various endurance tests, such as the 100,000 km test by the German magazine Lastauto Omnibus and the 200,000 km test by the British magazine Commercial Motor.
The Second Generation Atego: A New Level of Comfort and Convenience
The second generation Atego was introduced in 2004, with a facelifted front section and a completely redesigned interior. The new Atego featured new H7 clear-glass headlamps, high-set white-glass indicators, wind deflectors, and exterior mirrors. The cockpit was more grouped around the driver, and the climate control system resembled heavy-duty Actros models. The Atego also offered a new nine-speed transmission, replacing the previous twelve-speed one. The Telligent gearshift system was improved with a roll-back lock, which prevented the vehicle from rolling back on uphill gradients. The Atego was also linked to the Fleetboard telematics system, which enabled the remote monitoring and management of vehicle data and driver behavior.
In 2005, a new payload-optimized model was added to the Atego range, which had a low chassis, 17.5-inch tires, and a new 160 kW (218 hp) four-cylinder engine. This model was designed to maximize the payload and fuel efficiency for the customers. Also, in 2005, the Atego models with over 18 tonnes of GVW were renamed the Mercedes-Benz Axor, which combined the heavy chassis of the Actros with the long Atego cab. The Axor was aimed at the regional and long-distance haulage segment, while the Atego focused on the urban and regional distribution segment.
In 2006, the Atego was equipped with high-performance disc brake technology on all axles, improving braking performance and reducing maintenance costs. The Atego also received a new 210 kW (286 hp) six-cylinder engine, which increased the power output range of the Atego to 115 to 210 kW (156 to 286 hp). The second generation Atego was produced until 2013 and reached a total of 250,000 units in 2008.
The Third Generation Atego: A Pioneer of Electric Mobility and Sustainability
The third generation Atego was launched in 2013 with a completely new design and technology. The new Atego featured a more aerodynamic and modern appearance, with a new radiator grille, bumper, headlamps, and LED daytime running lights. The interior was also revamped with a new instrument cluster, steering wheel, and multifunction key. The Atego offered five cab variants, including the new S-cab ClassicSpace and the L-cab BigSpace. The Atego also introduced a new generation of engines, transmissions, and axles, which reduced fuel consumption and emissions by up to 5%.
The new Mercedes-Benz Atego was powered by the OM 934 and OM 936 diesel engines, which delivered 115 to 220 kW (156 to 299 hp) and a torque of 650 to 1,200 Nm. The engines were equipped with the BlueEfficiency Power technology, which included the BlueTec 6 selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, the X-Pulse common-rail injection system, and the EcoRoll function. The Atego also featured the Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmission, which offered eight or nine gears, and the Mercedes Rear Axle (MRA), which reduced the weight and noise of the drivetrain. These components enhanced the efficiency, performance, and comfort of the Atego and made it one of the most economical and environmentally friendly trucks in its class.
The Atego also became a pioneer of electric mobility and sustainability in the truck industry by introducing the Atego BlueTec Hybrid and the Atego E-Cell models. The Atego BlueTec Hybrid was launched in 2010 and was Europe's first series-produced hybrid truck. It combined a 160 kW (218 hp) diesel engine with a 44 kW (60 hp) electric motor, which reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 15%. The Atego BlueTec Hybrid was awarded the German Sustainability Award in 2010 and is used by various customers in Germany, France, Switzerland, and Japan.
The Atego E-Cell was a fully electric truck that was developed as part of the E-Mobility Fleet project in 2011. It was powered by a 120 kW (163 hp) electric motor, which was fed by a lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 80 kWh. The Atego E-Cell had a range of up to 200 km and could be recharged in six hours. The Atego E-Cell was tested by several customers in Germany and Portugal and demonstrated the feasibility and potential of electric mobility for urban distribution haulage.