Mercedes-Benz, truck, 2011--Mercedes-Benz truck takes out 2011 Truck of the Year

The Mercedes-Benz Atego has come out on top at the International Truck of the Year Awards, held in Hannover at the IAA Commercial Vehicle show

ZoomThe annual award is given to the vehicle which makes the biggest innovative contribution to road haulage in terms of economy, emissions, safety, driveability and comfort.

Jury members were impressed by the Atego's list of standard equipment and by the inclusion of a hybrid truck in the range.

Overall the Atego attracted 127 votes from the 23 IToY jurors, with the Volvo FMX second with 82, and Scania's new V8 range third with 45 votes.

Among the improvements offered on the new Atego is a lightweight retarder, revised storage and a production line hybrid.

On receiving the prize, Hubertus Troska, head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said: "We are pleased that, with this high honour, the Truck of the Year jury has confirmed our efforts in two significant points.

"Firstly, that we devote … the attention [the vehicle] deserves [to] performance. Secondly, that it was right to continue our investments and developments in technologies of the future, like hybrid drives, even in economic crisis situations. That has now paid off."

Source: Deels on Wheels