Mercedes-Benz Econic NGT Allows for Night Shift Operations at Magna Steyr

The entire range of activities at Magna Stey, operated on a two-shift basis during the economic crisis, calls for comprehensive transport and supply logistics. Following the recent upturn in the economy, Magna Steyr in Thondorf is now looking to re-introduce a three-shift operation.

Following the conclusion of the "Clean Heavy Duty" ("Environmentally Friendly Commercial Vehicle") research project, around 20 to 30 diesel trucks are to be replaced by Econic semitrailer tractor vehicles, so that the Magna Steyr operations in Graz include a third shift - the night shift.

Multiple factors have influenced this decision, including the fact that the Mercedes-Benz Econic can run on biogas (methane) produced from bio-waste, without requiring any technical changes to be made to the vehicle. This use of regenerative energy not only saves resources, but in addition also creates jobs.

As a special-purpose vehicle for municipal, collection and distribution transportation applications, the Mercedes-Benz Econic has all of the qualities expected of vehicles used in a wide variety of sectors: whether as a waste disposal, firefighting, or airport ground service vehicle, as well as a tanker, furniture delivery truck, or milk collection or heating oil delivery vehicle.

The specialist vehicle is available in five wheelbases, as a two-axle (4x2) unit, a three-axle (6x2) unit and also a three-axle unit with two rear-driven axles (6x4). In addition, it also comes as a four-axle variant with a gross vehicle weight rating of 32 t, suitable for very heavy-duty applications.