01/09/2006
Best Ever Argosy
Daimler Trucks has marked 80 months of continuous improvement of the Freightliner Argosy with the release of its "best truck ever" - the Argosy Evolution.
"Over the past six years we have made more than 120 significant changes to the Argosy in terms of technical developments, product improvements and visual enhancements. They were all direct improvements made as a result of listening to our customers," he said.
To celebrate this 80-month evolution, we have further enhanced our flagship model with the release of the Argosy Evolution. We have retained the design heritage which has made Argosy a leader in areas such as cabin ergonomics, low tare weight, driveability and occupational health and safety and we've now added the extra touches that are all about the driver.
The Evolution model is a demonstration of our confidence in the quality of this truck and the improvements we have engineered into the Argosy over the past 80 months.
Mr. Beltrame said the Argosy Evolution was a direct benefit of the decision earlier this year by Freightliner LLC to concentrate Argosy production solely on export vehicles, predominantly for Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.
"We have always had a great relationship with our US counterparts as evidenced by the huge number of improvements we've introduced on Argosy since its launch.
The Argosy Evolution is confirmation that we are now able to have an even bigger say in how the truck is designed, built and delivered. Everything about it - from the chrome to the superbly appointed cabin says this is a truck built for the Australian truck driver."
Arguably the most stylish cab-over truck available in Australia, the Argosy Evolution has a bolder, stronger exterior and an even more driver-friendly interior.
The truck boasts a host of feature highlights including a distinctive-shaped grille, chrome mirrors, re-designed exterior grab handles, adjustable chrome leather-wrap and wood rim steering wheel, extra cabin insulation, signature trim and more.
Bold exterior & interior
The new generation Freightliner Argosy Evolution includes exterior enhancements including:
- new distinctive-shaped grille;
- sun-visor with stainless steel insert and five amber marker lights;
- bright mirror head and stainless steel mirror arms;
- re-designed exterior oval grab handles; and
- lower bumper valance panel.
The majority of the changes can be found in the cabin of the Argosy Evolution, which is already recognised as a class leader.
Additional insulation further reduces the intrusion of noise and heat into the cabin while signature-stitched seats and Graphite Black Chaparral trim complement the addition of Oregon Burlwood gloss timber finish. The chrome leather-wrap and wood rim steering wheel is offset by chrome instrument bezels.
The Argosy Evolution is also now available with the latest Eaton Gen 3 transmission with Freightliner's patented SmartShift control. The extensive line-up of engine options remains unchanged, with the full engine offerings from Caterpillar, Cummins and Detroit ranging from 430 to 620hp. Other mechanical enhancements include stainless-steel exhaust as standard.
Quality Assurance
Daimler's commitment to the Argosy has also been further underlined with its Australian Quality Assurance Process.
Introduced earlier this year, four Daimler sites (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth) provide a final gate quality and ADR process prior to the trucks being sent to the dealer network.
"These sites represent a significant investment of time and money we are committing to ensure the vehicles that arrive at our dealerships have been through a thorough and rigorous quality process," Mr. Beltrame said.
"It's another one of the reasons why we are confident in saying that the Argosy Evolution is the best truck we've ever had."
