Cars aren't the only vehicles that need rigorous testing, trucks also need their winter testing, and that is exactly what Mercedes showed us. From 1 January 2014 all heavy duty vehicles sold in the European Union will have to comply with the Euro 6 standard, meaning all bus and truck manufacturers will have to upgrade their engines and their better do it fast.
The new BlueTec 6 engines have to go through a lengthy and rigorous testing process before they can be placed on any vehicle. Many of these tests take place in extreme environments, such as under conditions of extreme cold or intense heat.
The winter tests take place in Rovaniemi, Finland which is the capital of Lapland on the Arctic Circle where temperatures can reach minus 30ºC (-22ºF), while the summer testing (July/August) happens in the province of Granada in southern Spain with temperatures well above 40ºC (104ºF).
Besides the engine performance, other things are tested, like the air conditioning system, handling, safety standards, driver comfort, particulate filter, SCR system, and overall efficiency, besides many other testing parameters.
The new Unimog and Econic will be introduced in autumn 2013 together with the also new Mercedes-Benz BlueTec 6 engines.
