Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) is hosting its biggest event of 2025, “The Daimler Truck Experience”, under the theme “For All Who Keep Africa Moving” at the Gerotek Testing Facility in Pretoria from 08-12 September 2025. The flagship showcase offers customers and industry stakeholders immersive, first-hand experience of Daimler Truck’s latest advancements in product innovation and transport technology.
The experience features a wide range of interactive activities, including: Electric truck experiences on the high-speed oval track with the eActros and eCanter models; Ride and handling sessions with the Mercedes-Benz Actros (2645LS/33, 2652LS/33, 4058S/39) and the FUSO TV33-400S; Gradient climbs with the Unimog U4000, FUSO FG 6-136TD, and FJ18-280 AT and straight track runs featuring the Mercedes-Benz Actros 2652LS/33 and eCanter.
Among the many exciting activities and information sessions, a key highlight of the event is the highly anticipated launch of the Allison Automatic Transmission on the FUSO FJ range. This major advancement in the FUSO product offering is designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s transport industries and will be available on the following FUSO models: FUSO FJ16230R SWB AT, FUSO FJ16-230R LWB AT, FUSO FJ18-280R SWB AT and the FUSO FJ18-280R LWB AT.
One of the most compelling showcases at the Daimler Truck Experience is the live demonstration of the latest safety features on the Mercedes-Benz Actros 2652LS/33 RE. From the next-generation Active Brake Assist 6 (ABA 6), demonstrated with an inflatable crash test vehicle, to the Active Side Guard Assist 2, showcased with a cyclist simulation, and the precision of Frontguard Assist – it is a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. These advanced systems reflect Daimler Truck’s ongoing commitment to intelligent safety and innovation on the road, not only reducing the severity of potential collisions but ultimately setting out to prevent them all together.
DTSA truly sets itself apart through a fully integrated value chain designed to deliver maximum uptime, cost efficiency, and customer-centric flexibility. From tailored financing options through its in-house division, Daimler Truck Financial Services, to the newly introduced Daimler Truck Rental, empowering customers with rental versus ownership choices, DTSA offers unmatched versatility.
The Daimler Truck Telematics Dashboard provides real-time fleet insights to optimize performance and reduce downtime, while expert driver training ensures safer, more efficient operations. DTSA’s after-sales excellence is driven by Mercedes-Benz Uptime and Daimler Truck Service24h Roadside Assist, offering proactive maintenance and emergency support across Southern Africa, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Leading in digital convenience, the Daimler Truck Parts Portal enables customers to order service and maintenance parts anytime, with collection or delivery within 48 hours. Finally, TruckStore supports long-term value with guaranteed future values for new truck purchases, while the newly launched TruckStore Warranty offers used truck customers greater peace of mind than ever before.
“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do,” says Olaf Petersen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Daimler Truck Southern Africa. “The Daimler Truck Experience is more than just an event – it is a powerful platform that allows us to connect directly with our customers and other industry stakeholders, giving them a first-hand look at how our latest innovations and product advancements can drive real value for their businesses. From cutting-edge technology to tailored transport solutions, we’re proud to showcase how Daimler Truck is shaping the future of mobility –together with our customers.”
Allison Automatic Transmission
Key benefits of the newly launched Allison Automatic Transmission on the FUSO FJ16-230 and FJ18-280 range:
Productivity is maximised through uninterrupted power, ensuring consistent output even under demanding conditions. Faster acceleration combined with smooth gear shifts enhances operational fluidity, while increased efficiency allows for more loads, stops, and tasks to be completed within shorter timeframes. Optimised performance supports heavy-duty workloads, and the inclusion of Downhill Control Mode not only improves safety but also reduces brake wear, contributing to long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Manoeuvrability is enhanced through superior traction, allowing confident navigation across soft or uneven terrain. Excellent gradeability ensures reliable performance on steep inclines, while consistent power delivery improves handling and control, making operations smoother and more responsive in challenging environments.
Uptime is significantly improved through the use of a torque converter, eliminating the need for clutch maintenance and reducing downtime. Smooth driveline operation provides added protection to key components, while durable parts contribute to lower overall maintenance requirements, ensuring reliable performance and extended service intervals.
Driver impact is significantly reduced through the ease of use offered by a fully automatic transmission, allowing operators to focus more on the task at hand. Comfortable operation reduces fatigue during long shifts, contributing to better wellbeing and productivity. By enhancing the overall driving experience, these features support driver retention, while minimising distractions from gear changes helps maintain sharper focus and safer operation.
Wider applications are supported by the constant drive PTO, enabling pump-and-roll functionality for specialised operations. This feature is particularly valuable for construction of water tankers and wildland firefighting, where continuous movement and simultaneous pumping are essential for efficiency and safety in dynamic environments.
Active Brake Assist 6
ABA 61, 2 uses 270 degrees detection of surroundings with additional radar sensors in the headlamps, and front mudguards. In addition, the new generation has extended the response to moving pedestrians and/or crossing cyclists to a speed range of up to 60 km/h. The reaction to vehicles in cornering situations is also now possible on bends with larger radius. Accidents can be avoided up to approximately 70 km/h and at higher speeds the severity of accidents can be significantly reduced.
ABA6 can assist the driver by applying full braking in the event of a stationary or moving object such as other cars or trucks. It can also assist the driver to apply partial and/or full braking in the event of a moving pedestrian and cyclist, reducing and in preventing accidents from happening in the first place.
ABA 6 uses a 3-stage warning cascade. Firstly, visual-acoustic warning, by means of an intermittent warning tone, if the driver shows no reaction, stage 2 will follow. In the second stage partial braking will be applied at 3m/s2 corresponding to 50% of the maximum braking power. If the driver still does not react, stage 3 will be activated where the system will perform an automated full brake within the system limits. In this stage, the hazard warning light system is activated to warn the traffic following behind. After the emergency brake, the HOLD function (service brake) is automatically activated as soon as the vehicle comes to a stop.
