INTERSCHUTZ 2026

Arocs, Unimog, Econic, Zetros… the German giant brings out the big guns in Hanover

As extreme weather events continue to multiply across Europe and emergency services are faced with increasingly complex operations, Mercedes-Benz Trucks intends to demonstrate once again that the truck remains an essential link in civil protection.

At INTERSCHUTZ 2026, the largest European trade fair dedicated to firefighters, emergency services, civil protection and security, the German manufacturer is presenting this week in Hanover an impressive range of specialized vehicles designed to operate in the most demanding situations.

From giant water tankers intended for industrial fires to the 6x6 Zetros capable of operating in the most hostile terrain, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is clearly displaying its ambitions in a sector where robustness, mobility and reliability are non-negotiable.

Forest fires, floods, storms, natural disasters or industrial emergencies: the needs of emergency services are evolving rapidly.

“Emergency services are facing increasingly complex challenges. With our vehicle solutions, we want to provide support wherever reliability, off-road capability and operational availability are essential,” explains Daniel Zittel, Head of Sales at Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks.

And to illustrate this philosophy, the three-pointed star brand arrives at INTERSCHUTZ with a true demonstration of strength.

Among the stars of the Mercedes-Benz stand will be an impressive Arocs 4158 8x6/4 transformed into a giant water tanker by Rosenbauer for the Salzburg Fire Department.

With 16,000 liters of water, 500 liters of foam concentrate, and a pump capable of delivering up to 5,500 liters per minute, this vehicle is built for large-scale operations.

Its water cannons can project up to 4,000 liters per minute, enough to control the most significant incidents under particularly difficult conditions.

Another particularly interesting vehicle is an Atego 1630 AF 4x4 equipped by Schlingmann.

Designed for operations in rural and forest areas, this truck benefits from all-wheel drive, an Allison automatic transmission, and ground clearance adapted to difficult terrain.

Capable of fording up to 800 mm of water, it was specifically designed for vegetation fires but also for flood-related operations.

A specialization that is becoming increasingly sought after throughout Europe.

Mercedes-Benz will also display an Econic 2635 equipped with a 42-meter Magirus aerial ladder.

The special feature of this vehicle is its low-entry direct-vision cab.

Thanks to its unique driving position, the driver is practically at eye level with other road users. A characteristic particularly appreciated during operations in dense urban environments where pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles constantly share the same space.

Despite its 42-meter aerial ladder, the vehicle maintains an overall height of less than 3.30 meters, making it easier to operate in many European city centers.

It is impossible to talk about Mercedes-Benz emergency vehicles without mentioning the Unimog.

Two versions will be present in Hanover.

The first, a U 5025 configured as a 4,000-liter water tanker, remains faithful to the model’s legendary reputation. Portal axles, differential locks, central tire inflation system, impressive ground clearance and a 1.20-meter water fording capability make it difficult to find a vehicle more comfortable off the beaten track.

The second, a U 530 equipped by BAI Brescia Antincendi, focuses more on versatility. With a width limited to only 2.30 meters and a front-mounted water cannon, it is equally at ease in the narrow streets of historic city centers and on forest tracks.

But the real star of extraordinary operations could well be the Mercedes-Benz Zetros 2745 6x6.

Developed for the State of Lower Saxony, this heavy logistics vehicle features a 450-horsepower six-cylinder engine, permanent all-wheel drive, mechanical differential locks and a water-fording capability of up to one meter.

Designed for transporting heavy equipment during emergency situations, the Zetros confirms its status as a benchmark vehicle for operations in the most hostile environments.

With this particularly strong presence at INTERSCHUTZ 2026, Mercedes-Benz Trucks once again demonstrates the extent of its expertise in the world of specialized vehicles.

From the Atego to the Zetros, including the Arocs, Econic and Unimog, the manufacturer now covers virtually all the needs of European fire and rescue services.

At a time when natural disasters and emergency situations are becoming increasingly frequent, one thing is certain: European firefighters will continue to need trucks capable of going where others stop.

And apparently, Mercedes-Benz Trucks intends to remain on the front line.