STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz Trucks replaces the conventional rearview mirrors with the MirrorCam camera system such as the new Mercedes-Benz Actros heavy duty truck which is easy to recognise at first glance due to the missing rearview and wide-angle mirrors.
The advantages of the new system are obvious – lower consumption due to improved aerodynamics and increased traffic safety thanks to better visibility.
Thanks to the MirrorCam, the driver now has an unobstructed view where rearview and wide-angle mirrors previously covered large areas to the right and left of the A-pillar. An advantage above all at junctions, when manoeuvring and in tight bends.
The optimised aerodynamics can reduce consumption: the optimised wind resistance thanks to MirrorCam can result in up to 1.5 percent less fuel.
Thanks to the position of the cameras high up on the vehicle, the small roof above the camera lens, a special coating and the digital transmission of the image to a display in the cab, misting and dirt hardly affect the system at all.
In low-light conditions, the MirrorCam has an advantage as the light transmission of the cameras is high. Thus the displays show an image that is much brighter. So drivers receive better information about their surroundings than with a mirror.
The sustainably improved aerodynamics and safety provided by the introduction of the MirrorCam in the new Actros is one of the reasons why the vehicle won the title "International Truck of the Year 2020".
New features in the Actros include Active Drive Assist which enables semi-automated driving in all speed ranges, the improved Active Brake Assist 5 emergency brake assistance system, the fully networked Multimedia Cockpit, and the Predictive Powertrain Control intelligent cruise control and transmission management system.
