Mercedes-Benz Actros L ProCabin named 2026 Truck of the Year Australasia

The Mercedes-Benz Actros L ProCabin has been named 2026 Truck of the Year Australasia, recognising the new-generation truck’s contribution to safety and efficiency in road freight transport. It was one of five shortlisted trucks in contention for the award, including Keith Andrews stablemate the FUSO Shogun 530.

Truck of the Year Australasia (ToYA) judge Tim Giles described the launch of the ProCabin as taking the Mercedes-Benz range into “new territory”.

“This truck is a step-change from other trucks on the market and great to drive,” said Giles. “The new cabin design houses an innovative air management system and combining this with the latest state-of-the-art in Daimler safety technology creates a truck which is up for any task.”

At the heart of the Actros L ProCabin is a completely redesigned aerodynamic cab, engineered to reduce drag and contribute to fuel consumption savings of up to 3% compared with its predecessor. Combined with an optimised powertrain and the latest generation OM473 engine, those gains have direct relevance for operators facing continued pressure on operating costs.

The ToYA award was presented to Keith Andrews Chief Executive Officer Darren Evans at the annual New Zealand Road Transport Hall of Fame event in Invercargill on 25 September.

Evans said the award is welcome recognition of the practical benefits the Actros L ProCabin brings to operators.

“We’re incredibly proud to see the Mercedes-Benz Actros L ProCabin named Truck of the Year Australasia,” said Evans.

“Fuel is one of the biggest costs our customers face, so even incremental improvements in efficiency can make a meaningful difference over the working life of a truck. That’s particularly important in long-haul operations, where vehicles are covering significant distances every week.

“With the Actros L ProCabin already at work across Australia and New Zealand, this award recognises a truck that is delivering real-world value for operators on both sides of the Tasman.”

New Zealand’s early adopters

Earlier this year, Christchurch-based B&D Doors became the first operator in the Southern Hemisphere to take delivery of the Actros L ProCabin, adding three of the new trucks to its fleet. Its long-haul vehicles travel up to 3,000km a week.

“Fuel efficiency is always a factor for us and we were attracted to what the Actros L ProCabin offers there,” said Luke Fifield, Driver Team Leader and Fleet Manager at B&D Doors. “We’re also big on emissions and sustainability, so it really fits the bill.”

“Fuel efficiency is always a factor for us. We’re also big on emissions and sustainability, so it really fits the bill.” 

– Luke Fifield, Driver Team Leader and Fleet Manager at B&D Doors

Enhanced driver comfort and safety are central to the ProCabin design. Alongside a quieter cab and Multimedia Cockpit Interactive 2, Actros L introduces the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz driver assistance technology, including Active Brake Assist 6, Active Sideguard Assist 2 and Active Drive Assist 3.

“We spend a lot of time in the truck, so comfort is massive,” said Fifield. “Inside, it’s unbelievably quiet and the transmission is smoother. You really notice the difference. The whole cab has a premium feel – everything from the seating to the lighting just makes it a great place to be. It’s a real step up.”

Fifield also points to the support behind the vehicles, saying “we’ve also had nothing but brilliant service from the Keith Andrews team.”

Nationwide support from Keith Andrews

Behind the Actros L ProCabin is nationwide sales and aftersales support from Keith Andrews, with Mercedes-Benz truck parts and service available through its dealerships across New Zealand. Trained technicians and specialist diagnostic equipment support operators throughout the working life of their vehicles.

Operators interested in experiencing the award-winning Actros L ProCabin can contact the Keith Andrews Sales team on 0800 487 825 to enquire about the national demo truck and arrange an opportunity to see it in action.

International recognition

The Australasian title follows international recognition for the Actros L ProCabin. Earlier this year, it was named Fleet Truck of the Year 2026 at the UK’s Motor Transport Awards, where judges highlighted its better-than-claimed fuel economy, driver comfort and advanced safety features.

The Mercedes-Benz Actros L ProCabin was joined on the ToYA finalist shortlist by its Keith Andrews stablemate, the FUSO Shogun 530 – Japan’s most powerful truck ever and the flagship of the new-generation Shogun range.

Japan's most powerful truck – the FUSO Shogun 530 – was a Truck of the Year Australasia finalist

Shogun Hi Top tractor sales have increased 71% this year, demonstrating the growing popularity of the new Shogun among line-haul operators.

“We are extremely proud to be the New Zealand home of both the Australasian Truck of the Year and another of this year’s finalists,” said Keith Andrews Chief Executive Officer Darren Evans.

“It reflects the quality and investment in technology across the Mercedes-Benz and FUSO ranges. Through our national dealer network, New Zealand transport operators have access to two highly capable truck brands that provide exceptional value and peace of mind – backed by comprehensive sales and aftersales support.”

The other 2026 finalists were the UD Condor, Isuzu F Series and IVECO Eurocargo.

To be eligible for ToYA, trucks must have a gross vehicle mass above 4.5 tonnes, with judging focused on their contribution to the safety and efficiency of goods transport by road in Australasia.

Shogun Hi Top tractor sales have increased 71% this year, demonstrating the growing popularity of the new Shogun among line-haul operators.

“We are extremely proud to be the New Zealand home of both the Australasian Truck of the Year and another of this year’s finalists,” said Keith Andrews Chief Executive Officer Darren Evans.

“It reflects the quality and investment in technology across the Mercedes-Benz and FUSO ranges. Through our national dealer network, New Zealand transport operators have access to two highly capable truck brands that provide exceptional value and peace of mind – backed by comprehensive sales and aftersales support.”

The other 2026 finalists were the UD Condor, Isuzu F Series and IVECO Eurocargo.

To be eligible for ToYA, trucks must have a gross vehicle mass above 4.5 tonnes, with judging focused on their contribution to the safety and efficiency of goods transport by road in Australasia.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PRO CABIN HERE >