Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks has announced the expansion of its Zetros product family, unveiling the new Mercedes-Benz Zetros 8×8 truck and a protected cab option available across the Zetros range. This strategic move strengthens Mercedes-Benz’s position in the military logistics and support vehicle sector, offering a comprehensive portfolio from two-axle to four-axle configurations, now all available from a single source.
The expanded Zetros lineup, including the new 8×8 variant and the protected cab, was showcased at Eurosatory, the leading European trade fair for Security & Defence in Paris. Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks presented a range of vehicles tailored for military applications, demonstrating their commitment to providing robust and versatile solutions for modern defense forces. The press event at Eurosatory took place on Monday, June 17, 2024, at stand D127 (EXTPe6b Outdoor).
Image: The new Mercedes-Benz Zetros 8×8 military truck, a highlight of the Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks exhibit at Eurosatory 2024.
Franziska Cusumano, Head of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, highlighted the significance of this expansion: “With the expansion of our portfolio, we can now offer our customers the complete product range of the Zetros high-terrain truck series. With the new Zetros 8×8, customers get a robust and highly mobile logistics vehicle with a large payload for military use. In future, they will also benefit from being able to obtain the Zetros with a protected cab from a single source. And all of this made in Germany, of course.”
New Zetros 8×8: Enhanced Payload and Versatility for Army Operations
The new Zetros 8×8 significantly boosts payload capacity, accommodating up to 25 tons while maintaining exceptional off-road performance. The extended vehicle frame also provides increased body space, broadening the scope of tactical and logistical applications for this mercedes benz army vehicle.
Powered by the proven OM 460 in-line six-cylinder diesel engine, the Zetros 8×8 delivers between 265 to 375 kW (360 to 510 hp), with a maximum torque of up to 2,300 Nm from its 12.8-liter displacement. This robust powertrain ensures reliable performance in demanding conditions. Off-road capabilities are further enhanced by impressive slope and ramp angles, excellent fordability, and engageable longitudinal and transverse differential locks, maximizing traction and maneuverability across diverse terrains.
Image: A Mercedes-Benz Zetros army vehicle equipped with a factory-installed protected cab, offering enhanced crew safety in military operations.
Two distinct Zetros 8×8 variants will be available: one featuring two front and two rear axles with steering on both front axles, and another configuration with one steerable front axle and three rear axles, with the last rear axle also steerable for a reduced turning radius. Both variants will be offered as tractor units and carrier vehicles with substantial body space, catering to diverse military requirements.
Protected Cab Option Now Available Across the Zetros Military Vehicle Series
Responding to the evolving needs of modern military operations, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks now offers a protected cab directly from the factory for all Zetros models. This factory-installed armoring provides critical protection for the vehicle crew against ballistic threats and landmines.
Initially available for the Zetros 6×6, the protected cab option will be progressively extended to the entire Zetros high-terrain series from 2025 onwards, available on a project-specific basis. This integrated solution allows customers to procure a complete mercedes benz army vehicle with a protected cab from a single manufacturer, ensuring component harmonization, streamlined procurement, and comprehensive service and spare parts support. While offering this in-house solution, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks will continue collaborations with specialized manufacturers to address specific customer requests and national requirements for protected driver cabs and cells.
Mercedes-Benz Military Vehicles on Display at Eurosatory 2024
Eurosatory 2024 provided a platform to showcase the breadth of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks’ offerings for the defense sector. Key vehicles on display included:
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Zetros 8×8 with Container: Highlighting the Canadian Ministry of Defence order, this model featured a Euro V OM 460 engine (376 kW/510 hp), Allison 4500 SP automatic transmission, tire pressure regulation system, 1.50-meter fordability, and a hook lift system for efficient container handling.
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Zetros 6×6 with Protected Cab and Self-Sealing Tank: This exhibit combined the new protected cab with a self-sealing tank from Lindner & Fischer, built in collaboration with WEW Westerwälder Eisenwerk GmbH. The interchangeable tank system demonstrated versatility and rapid deployment capabilities.
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Zetros 4×4 Flatbed/Tarpaulin: A representative of the core Zetros series, the 4×4 model featured a Mercedes-Benz OM460 Euro III engine (265 kW/360 hp) and a low-torsion platform body with tarpaulin and benches, configured for troop and materiel transport.
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Arocs 6×6 Semitrailer Tractor with Double Winch: Demonstrating heavy-duty capabilities, the Arocs 6×6, powered by the OM460 engine (310 kW/421 hp), featured twin tires and a double winch, suited for heavy off-road transport and vehicle recovery as an armored tractor unit.
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Unimog U 5000 Flatbed/Tarpaulin: Celebrating nearly 75 years in military service, the Unimog U 5000, equipped with a Euro 3 OM 924 engine (163 kW/222 hp) and a troop transporter body from EMPL Fahrzeugwerk GmbH, showcased its enduring versatility.
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FGA Chassis: The “chassis for protected superstructures,” derived from the Unimog, serves as a foundation for armored tactical military wheeled vehicles (APC), supporting gross vehicle weights from 9.5 to 14.8 tons. It featured a Euro III six-cylinder OM 926 LA diesel engine (240 kW/336 hp) and Allison 3500 automatic transmission, highlighting its adaptability for various military applications.
Image: The versatile Unimog U 5000, a long-serving mercedes benz army vehicle, on display at Eurosatory as part of the Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks exhibit.
Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks’ expanded Zetros range and comprehensive military vehicle portfolio underscore their commitment to providing cutting-edge, reliable, and adaptable solutions for modern military and defense forces worldwide. The introduction of the Zetros 8×8 and the factory-protected cab option marks a significant step in enhancing their offering within the Mercedes Benz Army Vehicles market.
