Built for Africa: Mercedes-Benz Trucks unveils Base and Line Haul models

June 19, 2026

During a media launch at its Centurion head office, JULIA TEW learned more about how Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) is transforming its trucks in response to dynamic and challenging local market conditions.

The introduction of four new Mercedes-Benz Actros models occurs against a backdrop that’s impossible to ignore: Chinese competitors claiming market share and fuel prices squeezing operators across the region. The new Base and Line Haul models are the OEM’s answer – a deliberate effort to serve a broader spectrum of transport applications without sacrificing the brand’s long-standing reputation for reliability.

Olaf Petersen, DTSA’s vice-president of sales and marketing, elaborated during the vehicle launch: “Built on more than 130 years of trucking excellence, our new Base and Line Haul models represent the next step in making Mercedes-Benz Trucks even more accessible and relevant to our customers. We have taken our proven platforms and refined them to meet the evolving needs of the Southern African market, delivering the reliability, durability and efficiency our customers expect, with a sharper focus on value.”

Group CEO and president Maretha Gerber added that, as a customer-centric solutions powerhouse, DTSA is unlocking the potential of Africa to deliver “what matters most” to customers by creating a line of vehicles that are both fit-for-purpose and commercially competitive. Mirroring the diversity of operations across Southern Africa, each model has been carefully positioned to address distinct business needs, enabling customers to confidently select the right vehicle for their requirements.

The Base models, both fitted with a ClassicSpace Long Cab and a single bed, include the Actros 2645LS/33 Base – a dependable, value-focused truck designed to offer practical comfort and reliable performance in demanding conditions. Its durable OM460 engine generates power of 335kW at 1,600r/min and 2,200Nm of torque at 1,100r/min. It also features a wear-free hydraulic retarder. The Actros 2652LS/33 Base delivers strong performance from its OM473 engine, with power of 380kW at 1,600r/min and 2,600Nm of torque at 1,100r/min. This, together with robust safety systems, air suspension and a high-performance engine brake, makes it suitable for heavy-duty transport and long-haul applications.

Also ideal for long-distance trucking are the two Line Haul models, both featuring advanced safety systems, large fuel tank capacity and a StreamSpace Long Cab with dual beds for driver comfort. The efficient Actros 2645LS/33 Line Haul is powered by the OM460 engine, tuned to deliver 335kW at 1,600r/min and 2,200Nm of torque at 1,600r/min. It also features the wear-free hydraulic retarder. The powerful Actros 2652LS/33 Line Haul has the aforementioned OM473 engine and a high-performance engine brake.

In addition to their tailored specifications, all models share a gross combination mass (GCM) of 65 tonnes and are equipped with one 480-litre tank and one 400-litre tank for a combined total capacity of 880 litres, ensuring extended range for long-distance operations.

Safety remains a key priority, with each truck featuring a robust steel structure and rigid cab compliant with European ECE R29 standards. These are complemented by an electronic braking system with ABS and ASR, as well as a driver airbag and full LED lighting. Finally, the integrated fridge is a valuable, built-in feature enhancing driver comfort and wellbeing, especially on longer routes.

Other features designed to reduce maintenance costs and enhance practicality on high-risk and punishing African roads include unpainted lower sections of the truck – which reduce the need to touch up paint that has been chipped by stones – and the fitment of Tank Safe siphon-proof devices on each truck to thwart fuel theft.

All the trucks are assembled from CKD kits at DTSA’s East London production plant and supported, post-delivery, by the company’s extensive aftermarket ecosystem across the Southern African region.

Early feedback from customers who have been running the new models for several months has been positive, said Petersen, with one reporting unexpected fuel efficiency thanks to the shorter, more streamlined cab of the Base model.

The trucking industry in Southern Africa faces rapid change and, as Gerber acknowledged, no one can predict what comes next. But the new Base and Line Haul models make a clear case: engineered and priced for local conditions and backed by 130 years of trucking expertise, these are trucks built as much on trust as on technology.