Atego Bluetec Recognized for Sustainability

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We may be used to Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance sports cars getting all the attention and the awards, but other vehicles from the automaker are also worthy of accolades. The Mercedes-Benz Atego Bluetec hybrid light rigid truck added another feather on the Mercedes cap by winning the German Sustainability Award.

The Atego Bluetec relied on strong numbers in terms of fuel economy
and reduced CO2 emissions. These are largely thanks to the technology
that powers the vehicle. The hybrid powertrain includes a 4.8-liter
4-cylinder engine rated at 218 horsepower and a 44kW electric motor
powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Aside from the hybrid powertrain, the Atego Bluetec also relies on an
automatic start-stop feature for added fuel economy. All of these
methods help slash the fuel consumption by some 15 percent compared to
your standard diesel-powered trucks.

There is currently a batch of Atego Bluetec trucks being fleet-tested
all over Germany, before the vehicle gets its official release sometime
in 2011. Observers are quick to praise the quietness of the truck, its
lowered emissions and its versatility.

Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler, received the award and cited the
company’s aim of continuing to be pioneers “even in the new automotive
environment.” We can only hope that this means a continued dedication to
being the leader in the development and application of alternative
drive systems to keep cars as green as possible.