130 Years of Mercedes-Benz Trucks

To celebrate its 130th anniversary, Mercedes-Benz Trucks brought together in France an impressive collection of historic vehicles, alongside its entire current expertise. We had the opportunity to experience this exceptional day from the inside, taking us on a genuine journey through time.

From the very first Unimog to the latest eActros, including the legendary LP, NG, SK, and the various generations of the Actros, Mercedes assembled several decades of history in one place. It was a rare opportunity to appreciate the evolution of the truck… and to realize that some ideas have ultimately never changed.

Far from being a simple static exhibition, this anniversary event was organized around numerous workshops, allowing visitors to discover every aspect of the Mercedes-Benz Trucks universe.

We had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of one of the legendary Unimog models on a particularly demanding off-road course. Sticking with driving experiences, it was impossible to miss the chance to drive a massive 8x4 Mercedes-Benz Arocs tipper truck, just to fully understand how deeply the construction industry is marked by the Mercedes Trucks footprint. It was a true demonstration of how these vehicles have retained the brand’s historic DNA in the toughest applications.

Another highlight of the day was a vast area dedicated to special-purpose vehicles. Road maintenance, emergency services, military, municipal services, snow removal, or waste collection… it was difficult to find an application that wasn’t represented—a true toy store for grown-ups. It was also a reminder that Mercedes is not limited to long-haul road transport but covers virtually every segment of the commercial vehicle industry.

Bodybuilder partners were also strongly represented, showcasing numerous specific configurations that illustrated the diversity of solutions available across the Mercedes range.

It would be impossible to talk about Mercedes without mentioning its driver assistance systems. During dynamic demonstrations, the brand’s teams showcased the latest safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, vulnerable road user protection, lane keeping assistance, intelligent distance control, and even automatic vehicle intervention in the event of driver incapacitation.

These particularly spectacular demonstrations showed just how capable modern heavy trucks have become in assisting drivers during the most critical situations.

The same applied to suppliers. MICHELIN, the world’s leading heavy-duty tire manufacturer, demonstrated its expertise and, above all, the technological positioning of its products compared with the competition. When it comes to road holding… fasten your seat belts—the experience is truly impressive!

Without a doubt, the most emotional moment of the day was the visit to the historical exhibition. Mercedes managed to assemble an exceptional collection thanks to numerous enthusiasts who came from all over France. Some vehicles are genuine museum pieces, while others instantly bring back memories for several generations of drivers.

With the indispensable Max—an expert among Mercedes-Benz experts—acting as master of ceremonies during the guided tour, this journey through time was an absolute pleasure.

The famous LP, the iconic NG, the legendary SK, not forgetting the Actros, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, all of these trucks displayed just for us each tell a part of the history of road transport. Some examples, restored with incredible attention to detail, simply look as though they have just left the factory.

As a truck enthusiast, believe me, this trip back in time was pure happiness and brought back so many wonderful memories.

Of course, for those who know me well, it was also impossible not to be captivated by the first Unimog models, the iconic “pig nose” trucks, and several vehicles that have become almost impossible to find today. It was a genuine open-air history lesson, reminding us how Mercedes-Benz Trucks has accompanied the evolution of road transport for more than a century.

It is impossible to summarize such a day in just a few lines. That is why we invite you to discover a large photo gallery directly on the TruckStop app. There, you will find numerous historic vehicles, the different workshops, and behind-the-scenes coverage of this exceptional anniversary.

Above all, don’t miss our full video report, available free of charge on the TruckStop app. For nearly 30 minutes, we take you behind the wheel of various vehicles, into the dynamic demonstrations, the safety workshops, and to the heart of this incredible retrospective retracing 130 years of Mercedes-Benz Trucks history.

Because sometimes images are worth far more than words… this video is undoubtedly the best way to relive this extraordinary event.

Text: Fabien Calvet Photos: Fabien Calvet and Mohamed Belmokhtar