Mercedes-Benz Trucks Aims for World Record in Reverse Driving

Mercedes-Benz Trucks plans to draw attention to relevant issues for the transport industry and society with an unusual action: electrification, road safety, and the image of truck drivers. To this end, the manufacturer will have its new e-flagship, the battery-electric long-distance truck eActros 600, along with a trailer, drive more than 100 kilometers continuously in reverse.

(Leinfelden-Echterdingen) Mercedes-Benz Trucks aims to reclaim the current GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS world record from 2020, which stands at around 89 kilometers and was set in the USA with a diesel truck, back to Germany. The reverse drive is scheduled to take place on June 4 in Oschersleben, Saxony-Anhalt. Mercedes-Benz Trucks plans to set the new record on a closed track and then – regardless of the world record attempt – drive approximately 30 kilometers on public roads in reverse. The finish line is set to be at the Global Parts Center of Daimler Truck in Halberstadt, also in Saxony-Anhalt. The new location will officially open on July 10 and will gradually take over the global spare parts supply for Mercedes-Benz Trucks starting this year.

Marco Hellgrewe (50) from Werneuchen near Berlin, an officer in the Bundeswehr and truck enthusiast, set his record in 2008. At that time, he covered a distance of 64 kilometers with a diesel truck. Hellgrewe initiated the new, now fully electric record attempt and will be behind the wheel of the eActros 600.

Former Record Holder Competes Again

Marco Hellgrewe, initiator of the electric record attempt and driver of the eActros 600: “As a passionate truck driver, it is an honor for me to try to set this record again. Since my first record drive, technology has advanced significantly – and so far, no one worldwide has achieved this record with an electric truck. The eActros 600 represents the future of electric mobility in long-distance transport and shows how manufacturers can successfully take new paths. It is a great challenge to drive backwards for so many hours, but the previous test drives have gone very well. It is a lot of fun and very pleasant to be on the road with the eActros 600. I would like to sincerely thank Mercedes-Benz Trucks for their support at this point.”

Rainer Müller-Finkeldei, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks Product Engineering: “We are very pleased that Marco Hellgrewe thought of Mercedes-Benz Trucks and our eActros 600 for his new record attempt. His idea to conduct the reverse drive fully electric demonstrates a pioneering spirit with which we can identify as drivers of transformation. At the same time, this action gives us the opportunity to give important future topics a new push in the public eye.”

Müller-Finkeldei continued: “Our eActros 600 stands like no other electric truck with a star for the fact that the right electric vehicles are available. However, more momentum is needed to create further purchasing incentives for our customers and to advance the development of charging infrastructure. In terms of road safety, we have always been one of the pioneers as a manufacturer with our assistance systems. Our eActros 600 even exceeds some legal requirements. Additionally, the awareness of all road users must be sharpened. The image of professional drivers in the public eye is important to us because we build our vehicles for them. Especially in light of the increasing driver shortage, it is essential that they receive the appropriate recognition for their contributions to society. Driving in reverse is a central part of their daily work, and what the drivers achieve in this regard is often nothing short of an art.”

Drive for a Good Cause

Mercedes-Benz Trucks is cooperating with the associations Blicki e.V. and PROFI – Pro Fahrer-Image e.V. in the context of the record attempt. The manufacturer provides them with a platform for their respective concerns – particularly the promotion of education and training for children regarding proper behavior in road traffic and greater appreciation of the driving profession. For example, the logos of the associations will be placed on the eActros 600 and the trailer of the record attempt. The Blicki association plans to conduct road safety training in schools in Halberstadt. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will financially support both organizations as part of the record attempt.

Prof. Dr. Dirk Engelhardt, Chairman of the Board of PROFI – Pro Fahrer-Image e.V., comments on the reverse record drive: “We are very happy to support this initiative because it raises awareness of the important role of professional drivers in our society. The record attempt provides an excellent platform to increase appreciation for this profession. Furthermore, the action demonstrates how innovative technologies can make a positive contribution to the future of transport.”

Dirk Hendler, Managing Director of Blicki e.V.: “This project is a great opportunity to raise awareness of road safety among children and families. We are excited to be part of it and to spread our message in this way. With our nationwide workshops under the patronage of the Federal Minister of Transport, we have already prepared over 80,000 elementary school children for dealing with large vehicles.”

Reverse Driving Under Police Escort to Halberstadt

Initiator and driver Marco Hellgrewe aims to set the new record at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben racetrack. The circuit, with its 14 tight corners designed for cars, is highly demanding – but still offers less unpredictable risks for a stop and thus for a cancellation than public roads. Afterwards, following a break, Hellgrewe plans to take on the additional challenge of driving approximately 30 kilometers to Halberstadt under police escort on public roads in reverse. He is expected to travel at a speed between 10 and 20 kilometers per hour during both drives.

Photo: © Mercedes-Benz Truck / Image caption: Marco Hellgrewe with the battery-electric long-distance truck Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 during the preparation for the reverse record attempt