New Mercedes-Benz Trucks boss aims to increase sales by tailoring trucks to owner-drivers and small fleet operators
By Gary Worrall | August 22, 2011
In his first interview with ATN since taking over as head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Australia, Joachim Heinke says one of the company’s goals is to increase sales to owner-drivers and small fleet operators.
So determined is he to chase the smaller operators, Heinke says Mercedes-Benz is about to launch a new version of the Actros with an owner-driver package.
Describing it as an “enriched” prime mover, Heinke says there will be an improved internal fitout designed to appeal to the single operator. While the package has not yet received a code name, he says it will include a mix of factory and locally-fitted items.
At the factory, the trucks will receive LED daytime running lamps, chrome roof-mounted air horn and chrome mirror covers.
The local component will see a leather package installed, including the seat cover embossed with the Mercedes-Benz logo, a door inlay and also a pad for the centre tray.
It will also have a Mercedes-Benz name plate emblem, chrome air intake covers and a six-light bar, with the operator to choose which brand and type of lights are fitted.
The leather package is designed and manufactured in Germany but Heinke says it will definitely be fitted locally.
See the September edition of ATN to get the full story on Jo Heinke and his plans for Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Australia.