Germany's Daimler Trucks found 14% reductions in CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy using a comprehensively optimized truck as part of the company’s Efficiency Run tests.

Using efficienct technology that involved all parts of a vehicle and trailer rather than focusing on a single component, Daimler’s tests found that each truck consumed around 12% to 14% less fuel than standards vehicles in each fleet.

The Efficiency Run took place in Berlin, Germany in cooperation with German logistics companies DB Schenker Logistics, Grosse-Behne and Elflein.

It involved freight being driven on normal roads under realistic conditions using two Mercedes-Benz Actros semi-trailer combinations. The tests were measured and certified by an independent testing organization known as DEKRA.

“We have proven [that] if we want to significantly further reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in road transport, we need to look beyond just the engine,” said Wolfgang Bernhard, Daimler board member. “We must widen our focus to include tires, semi-trailer and other key components.”

The tests also investigated the potential of the Long Combination vehicle and found that fuel consumption was reduced by around 17% compared with standard semi-trailer combinations used in volume-based transport.

For the Efficiency Run, Daimler wanted to reduce emissions and improve efficiency using real-world components and conditions. The company chose standard tractor units with standard powertrains; in this case an Actros 1842 hooked up to a weight-optimized Krone Eco trailer.

The goal was to adopt an integrated approach in which all participants involved in freight transportation could take part in achieving targets including manufacturers, body and tire suppliers, logistics companies and even politicians.

Efficiency Run also stressed improvements in vehicle operation such as driver training, cargo pooling, infrastructure and fleet renewal.

“Our aim is to ensure that customers who buy a Mercedes-Benz Actros have the most efficient vehicle in its class so, naturally, we were especially keen to see how much more optimization is possible on the vehicle as a whole,” said Stefan Buchner, head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “Reductions of up to 14% on the standard semi-trailer combination clearly exceeded our expectations.”