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Despite a full order book for the next six months in Europe, Daimler Truck bosses are forecasting a decline in the truck sector above six tonnes GVW, but not a complete nosedive.

According to Daimler Trucks boss Andreas Renschler, the European market will drop in 2009, but it won't be a complete disaster: "We've had a number of very strong years with unprecedented growth in  Europe," he told Commercial Motor, "and while I expect the market to decline, I see it dropping back to the levels of 2005, which was itself a strong year. I'm not predicting a complete disaster. The underlying growth prospects for the 29 states of Europe remain strong and this will ensure the market remains healthy."

Renschler was speaking ahead of the forthcoming IAA truck show in Hanover, where the company will unveil the construction version of the new Actros and an all-new heavy haulage tractor pushing out a mountain-flattening 650hp. The new tipper range benefits from the same update as the on-road Actros line-up, though with an additional 16 feature changes aimed at improving durability and efficiency of the new multi-wheeler range.

The 650hp Actros SLT 4165 8x4 tractor unit is powered by the V8 Mercedes engine - currently the top rated Actros is at 600hp for on-road applications - offering 3000Nm of torque delivered through the new 'Mercedes Powershift up to 250t'  powertrain. This automated heavy duty power train has been developed in co-operation with Voith and uses a new turbo coupling clutch, rather than the traditional torque converter approach, giving improved take-off performance.