Those Crazshee Dutch Guys are at it again! That most well-respected of Cloggie trucking journalists, Tim de Jong, has e-mailed me this picture and tells me: "Hi Brian, Behold this crazy Dutch, very rare if not unique Mercedes-Benz Econic artic which shortly goes on trial in Holland powered by LNG." Indeed, Tim tells me that no-less an operator than the mighty Vos Logistics (the largest haulage company in Holland) is set to test this new form of tractor trailer combination complete with an LNG-powered engine.
Tom goes on to say: "Underneath the Econic cab lurks a reworked Mercedes OM906 seven-litre engine which churns out a maximum of 279hp" He also adds something about maximum torque which has left me rather confused but I think it's 1,000Nm....or as Tim puts it "1,000 torques as measured by a famous British Car programme." What did I say about those wacky Dutchmen?
Meanwhile, the wind-cheating Econic's slippery cab has been restyled by a local Dutch company, in a clear homage to typical ‘80s top sleepers. Either way it makes it look like the already huge windscreen is equipped with an even bigger sunvisor! I think it's rather nice don't you?
Apparently Tim says the LNG Econic artic is very much a Dutch project aimed at cutting all those nasty exhaust emissions and he advises me: "Take a look at this very special Mercedes at the upcoming RAI Show. It will be on display, presumably, at the Mercedes stand."
Tim---thanks for a cracking story as usual from the land of the windmills and one Biglorryblog will be sure to follow up on!
Looks rather like a bin wagon cab with a huge pod on top, doesn't it?
i expect to see a lot more of the econic - its drastically underexpoited at the moment. a little too futuristic looking perhaps??? The next Magnum???
It kind of reminds me of MANs' X90 modular concept truck of the late 1970's.