Merecedes-Benz unveiled the 4x4 ZETROS

09:30 GMT, June 26, 2008 Just before EUROSATORY, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the 4x4 version of its new ZETROS line of off-road trucks. ZETROS is about to fill the last gap in the Mercedes-Benz military product portfolio. The Germans are now the only manufacturer who can cover the full payload range from 0.5t, with the Mercedes G model, to in excess of 110t, with their heavy-duty ACTROS.

Previously known as the S2000, ZETROS passed a long time in development and testing and is now ready for series production. ZETROS itself could be seen as a scaled up version of the UNIMOG, surely one of the world's most capable off-road military-type vehicles. However, ZETROS was designed to be deployed in peacekeeping missions such as Afghanistan, and therefore build to fulfil tough technical requirements for military transport and supply vehicles. Beyond that the ZETROS has the ability to be flown almost anywhere thanks to the low cab design that enables the vehicle to be air-lifted in transport aircraft such as the Hercules C-130 or the Transall C-160 with only the slightest of preparation.

Martin Daum, Head of Mercedes-Benz Plant Woerth and head of Special Trucks Division told defpro.daily: “The ZETROS marks a decisive, strategic addition to our product family. We are supremely confident that we can give our customers the ideal solution for their specific needs.” He also confirmed that some 20 vehicles are already built and most of them are currently been tested by armies all over the world. The first customers of ZETROS are the German Bundeswehr and the Bulgarian Army.

ZETROS will be available in a three-axle cab-behind-engine truck version (Zetros 2733 A 6x6) and a two-axle version (Zetros 1833 A 4x4). The three-axle model offers payloads from 7 tones to 10 tones, while the two-axle model has payloads of 4 tones to 6 tones. In December 2009 Mercedes will also present a civilian version of ZETROS.

The novel approach of a cab-behind-engine truck with its low design height and its centre of gravity behind the front axle provides an ideal platform for armoured versions capable of withstanding mines and ballistic attack. The cab of ZETROS can be modified providing ballistic protection for personnel. A 7 mm-thick steel cab underfloor combined with an integrated spall liner (optional) offers the occupants sufficient protection against AP mines without overloading the front axle. Parallel an extensive ballistic as well as CBRN protection concept for the cab has been developed together with the South African partner “Land Mobile Technologies”.