Mercedes-Benz MENA revealed the new generation of Zetros recently which has been completely re-worked but remains available in Euro III and Euro V variants for markets with poor fuel quality.
With the trucks now out in the wild, Johannes Faatz, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, head of business development, opened the doors of the company’s showroom in Dubai to give T&FME a special preview of the vehicle and to take us for a tour of the new Zetros.
Thanks for allowing us to preview the new Zetros. When do you envision it will be available for order in the region?
The all-wheel-drive variants 4×4 and 6×6 as well as the 6×4 wheel configuration in Euro III and Euro V are available for ordering already. The 4×2 variant will become available in Q1/2021.
Why is the Zetros particularly suited for this region?
The Zetros perfectly fits the topographical and climate specifics as well as the transport tasks in MENA region. The region is characterized of extremely hot summers temperatures with a high humidity. The Zetros is equipped in standard with 92dm2 radiator ensuring the best possible cooling for the engine. Another extreme is the dusty environment, the Zetros is perfectly prepared for due to its cyclone pre-filter that is standard on all Zetros models which is filling level is clearly visible from outside and easy to clean. High sulphur and water content in the fuel is also one of the characteristics, we have in the MENA region. The Zetros is equipped with a specific fuel filter with water separator to separate the water from diesel (optionally also a second fuel filter is available) and the engine is designed for fuel wih sulphur content > 1,000ppm for bad fuel areas without additional modifications. These are only a few points outlining that the Zetros is perfectly matching the tough conditions of the MENA region.
What do you think are the main strengths of the vehicle?
The new Zetros combines the strength and characteristics of the former generation with gradual improvements to further enhance the customer’s experience. The truck boasts extreme off-roading capabilities; meaning it’s especially suited to deliver high loads to the remote areas with difficult terrain that are characteristic in this region. It also offers easy maintenance due to the cab-behind-engine concept and easy access to the maintenance points. The improvements made with the new generation are an increased engine output, increased cooling capacity and new features like the electronic parking brake and therefore is even better prepared for the toughest operations in the MENA region.
What are the main advantages for the new 4×2 set-up?
When developing the new Zetros, the decision was taken to close the missing wheel configurations for the 4×2 segment with chassis, tipper and tractor head in order to offer our customers a complete product portfolio with the cab-behind-engine concept. The Zetros is the perfect choice for customers who drive on a regular base in areas with a bad fuel quality (high sulphur content) even if the truck is registered in a market with a high emission norm. Additionally, the customers will benefit from the low overall height of the truck which is lower than on a cab-over-engine truck which is huge benefit for bodies in which an over-cab installation is needed (e.g. drilling equipment).
When I think of the roles for the Zetros here, I think of potential demand in oil and gas and in military applications – are these your target sectors? Are there others?
You are right about the segments you mentioned but there are more segments in which the Zetros will play an important role. We are targeting applications in the energy sector; for example in electricity companies for the maintenance of high voltage lines which are often in an remote off-road area. Also, for construction companies driving in remote areas with sparsely populated workshop,s the Zetros might be right choice as the basic maintenance work can be conducted on site by the operator. In addition also civil protection and fire-fighting applications are target segments due to the high fording ability and the available crew cabin which offers a total seating capacity for six passengers. Another completely different application for the Zetros is to convert it into a luxury motorhome or expedition vehicle.
The Zetros can also be equipped with two fuel tanks with a total capacity of up to 900 litres of diesel which are switchable and enable the driver for a long distance travelling.
Has there been any feedback from the region on the current generation that may have helped shape development?
We have several Zetros running in the MENA region and are in regular touch with our customers. A regular feedback received was the wish for a higher horsepower on the vehicle which is now being realized with the new engine configurations which go up to 476hp in Euro III 510 hp now with Euro V emission norm. Before the maximum horsepower with Euro III was 426 hp and Euro V was 330 hp.
Did you have an opportunity to test the new cooling system here? How does it improve on the previous system?
One of the major advantages of the new Zetros is the 92dm2 big radiator which was tested extensively in the region and we can say that the Zetros is perfectly equipped for the hot and humid summers we experience in the MENA region.
How have you managed to improve the power of the engine?
The new engine has a higher displacement (12.8l) than the engine we built into the previous Zetros generation. This fact in combination with a newly programmed engine control software allowed us to increase the power of the engine with up to 476hp (2,300Nm) in Euro III and 510hp (2,400 Nm) in Euro V.
