Mercedes-Benz Econic NGT Presented in Mexico

These days, German manufacturer Mercedes Benz is presenting the new Econic truck, equipped with Natural Gas Technology (NGT) at the World Climate Summit in Cancun, Mexico. The display is only a preview of a test, which will kick off in the country next year and which will see Mexico City taking one such model and putting it through its paces.

The Econic NGT comes with a choice of two engines, either a 900 series straight six-cylinder diesel engine or a natural-gas engine. The 900 series is a 6.9l M 906 LAG natural gas engine, capable of generating 279 horsepower.

The diesel variants of the unit feature SCR technology and combustion optimization, two attributes which allow it to come with reduced fuel consumption and emission figures. Regardless of the variant chosen, the engines run on biodiesel fuel, with no need for retrospective conversion.

The model on display in Cancun is a three-axle vehicle that weighs in at 26 tonnes gross weight. It is equipped with trailing axle, six-speed automatic transmission, unique cab design with panoramic windscreen and wide, automatically opening doors.

The Econic is one of the most successful models produced for this segment of the market by the German manufacturer. In about 12 years, some 12,000 units were sold, 1,000 of which are powered by natural gas.

The success of the model determined Mercedes-Benz to relocate the production of the Econic from the Center of Competence for Emission-free Mobility (KEM) in Mannheim to the Special Trucks Division at Wörth am Rhein in Germany, where a higher output can be achieved.