BigLorryBlog

And so to the 2008 IAA Hannover Show where BigLorryBlog bowls up to the Mercedes-Benz pre-show evening bunfight and press feed and takes a few piccies of what's on their stand. And what should I find? They've only gone an launched a new 4x4 heavy duty off-road truck called the Zetros haven't they!

And here it is, an 1833, so that's an 18-tonner with a 330hp engine, which suggests it's the 7.2-litre inline six rather than the vee-six. The three-man cab looks as if it's been put together using various bits from the Merc parts bin too. Pretty chunky-looking chap I'd say.

And here's another surprise [well, not quite - it was flagged up last week on Roadtransport.com -  Web Ed] ...a hybrid Axor tractor - one of no fewer than 11 'green truck/alternative fuel/hybrid vehicles' on show. Daimler's vice-president of truck engine powertrains Bernhard Heil tells me that the diesel-electric driveline could save weight and fuel and provide an extra boost of power to the diesel engine whilst hill climbing or pulling away from lights. The diesel-electric option also provides the potential to downsize on the diesel engine too.

Just to prove Daimler's a global truck maker it had plenty of its brands on display including this rather smart looking Mitsubishi Fuso cabover 6x4 tractor which goes by the modest name of 'Super Great'...well get you!

Freightliner M2e Hybrid is ready for the North American low-emission market...

While Hybrid Canters have already started in-service trials in the UK and mainland Europe - as mentioned in Biglorryblog earlier...

Nothing 'hybrid' about this mother - a double-tough Freightliner Coronado long-haul tractor with all the necessary whistles and bells for the discerning US owner-driver... now click through here for one more.