Immediately after the market launch of the fully-automated "Mercedes Power-Shift" transmission in the Mercedes-Benz Actros, this automated 12-speed unit is also being introduced in the Axor. The lightweight transmission is initially available for the model 1843, 1840 and 1836 semitrailer tractors with a 12-litre engine and 428 hp/2100 Nm to 360 hp/1850 Nm.

Early next year the three-axle model 2543 to 2536 6x2-chassis will also be optionally available with Mercedes Power-Shift. Compared with the 16-speed Telligent gearshift, Mercedes Power-Shift makes for a 50 kg increase in payload, and compared with the 9-speed manual shift it permits 40 kg more payload. The major attributes of this new transmission option include more customer benefits by virtue of further improved economy and faster, more comfortable gearshifts.

At the same time the advantages of this range-change splitter-box transmission, which is light in weight because its basic three-speed gearbox is unsynchronised, go hand in hand with the strengths of the Mercedes Axor. Designed with payload-sensitive operations in mind, this vehicle series parti­cularly shows these strengths in short-radius and long-distance operations with time and range constraints. It is especially here that the advantages of a fully automated manual transmission, which is able to increase the payload owing to its construction, come to the fore.Power-Shift also offers the driver numerous practical, additional driving programmes.

The further improved availability of vehicles by virtue of the minimised risk of operating errors has anyway been a major and inherent characteristic of automated manual transmissions since their market launch by Mercedes-Benz more than 20 years ago. All in all, both transport operators and drivers therefore benefit from the new transmission option in the Mercedes-Benz Axor.

Exclusive to the Axor – the "Turbobrake"

One of the exclusive options for the Axor is the "Turbobrake", which is available on request to complement the standard auxiliary brake combination consisting of a constantly open throttle valve brake and an exhaust flap brake; at engine speeds above 2000 rpm it develops braking performance of 450 kilowatts (612 hp) and can in many cases replace a heavier, more expensive secondary retarder. Compared with a retarder, the Tubobrake means an increase in payload capacity of 80 kg.

More safety – Telligent assistance systems for the Axor driver

To ensure that accidents can be actively prevented, Mercedes-Benz also offers a number of these safety systems for the Axor. They help the driver to master critical situations, and include Telligent stability control, Telligent Lane Assistant, Telligent proximity control (available from the end of 2007) and roll control for two and three-axle trucks.