Mercedes-Benz delivers first natural gas Econic semi

Mercedes-Benz has delivered the first production version of its Econic tractor-trailer fueled by natural gas. Natural gas is an increasingly popular fuel for commercial applications like this truck because these vehicles typically operate from a central depot over a limited range. The trucks can be fueled at the depot.

This first Econic NGT was delivered to ALDI SÜD for food distribution to grocery stores. The natural gas-fueled truck provides cleaner operation in confined European urban areas with almost no particulate emissions and lower CO₂ and NOx emissions. The truck can also run on biogas, which makes it essentially carbon neutral in operation. The press release is after the jump.

[Source: Daimler]

press release

Mercedes-Benz Econic powered by natural gas handed over to ALDI SÜD

• First natural gas powered Mercedes-Benz Econic for ALDI SÜD
• Tailor-made configuration with low cab for food distribution operations and city logistics
• Saving costs while protecting the environment: economy and ecology go hand-in-hand for the Mercedes-Benz Econic
• Econic as a natural gas powered semitrailer tractor has received the "Blue Angel" environmental award

Mönchengladbach/ Wörth – The first Mercedes-Benz Econic with NGT (Natural Gas Technology) for food distribution operations has been handed over to the ALDI SÜD group of companies in Mönchengladbach. The vehicle is a semitrailer tractor with a high roof and a refrigerated semitrailer. To honour its environment­tal responsibilities in the areas of procurement and distribution, ALDI SÜD decided in favour of an environmentally friendly natural gas engine - this is now being put to the test with this vehicle.

City logistics and natural gas power for environmentally sensitive urban areas

ALDI SÜD uses the new Mercedes-Benz Econic NGT to supply its branches on the left bank of the Lower Rhine from the central warehouse in Mönchengladbach. Traffic-calming zones, narrow entrances, illegally parked cars, increasing environmental regulations and access restrictions – as well as enormous time pressure – mean that city logistics make heavy demands on both the driver and vehicle. A modern distribution vehicle must therefore meet high requirements with respect to load capacity, manoeuvrability, environmental compatibility and economy. Lower CO2 emissions versus comparable, diesel powered vehicles, CO2-neutral operation when biogas is used as a fuel, zero particulate emissions and a low noise level - all these are the ecological benefits of the Econic NGT. Power is transferred by a six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle meets the stringent EEV emission standard (Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicle), and is therefore entitled to bear the "Blue Angel" environmental emblem.