(Not So) New Internet service: Mercedes-Benz Online Truck Configurator
Stuttgart, Germany, October 30, 2001
Anyone with an interest in trucks, whether haulier or enthusiast, can now configure a Mercedes-Benz Actros, Atego or Axor online. The new Internet service, developed by DaimlerChrysler, enables users to configure trucks to their individual requirements - at any time and without leaving the home or office. "We already offer this service for Mercedes-Benz minibuses and the truck configurator underlines the importance we attach to the Internet in terms of customer loyalty and generating new business," says Dr. Eckhard Cordes, DaimlerChrysler AG Board Member for the Commercial Vehicle Division.
The "Online Truck Configurator" covers an extensive range of vehicle types, including everything from equipment to bodies. At the end of the confi-gura-tion process, the user is presented with a vehicle résumé, containing a detailed description of all the selected technical features and equipment. The customer can print these vehicle configuration details out and also send them to a Mercedes-Benz dealer at the click of a mouse. What's more, the dealer will reply within 24 hours to arrange an appointment. "We have launched this online service to provide our customers with a sophisticated tool which goes far beyond just obtaining comprehensive information," says Dr. Klaus Maier, Head of the Mercedes-Benz Truck Division of Daimler-Chrysler AG. "This allows us to increase personal contact with the Mercedes-Benz sales staff, not replace it. After all, direct communication with the customers - from advice and test drives to price negotiations - remains the focus of our business relations," says Maier.
The "Online Truck Configurator" can be found on the web at http://www.mercedes-benz.de, by clicking on "Trucks" and then "Configu-rator". It offers three different routes to the perfect transport solution: based on vehicle technology, transport task or industry.
Vehicle technology: transparency of models and variants
Hauliers who know their vehicle technology and are able to define vehicles based on technical features can immediately jump from the start page to a series of questions aimed at locating the desired powertrain, vehicle type or cab. Answering these questions does not require product-specific know-ledge: step by step, the website guides hauliers to their desired vehicle - which could be an Atego, Actros or Axor.
Users then simply click on the required links to download videos, photos or technical data and drawings. These could be for an Atego tipper, an Actros semitrailer tractor for long-distance haulage or short-radius distribution or an Atego with concrete mixer, by way of example. The information obtained can cover details such as short or long cabs, possible engine ratings or Telligent systems.
Transport task: definition of technical equipment
Those not yet so familiar with details such as the wheelbase or power take-off units can opt to take a second route: configuration based on transport task. By working through specific menus, the user arrives at a made-to-measure vehicle constellation, based on what the vehicle has to carry: standard cargo, Euro or industry pallets, crates or roller pallets. This is of particular importance in the case of bulk containers transporting heavy-duty and bulky or liquid goods.
Once on the website, hauliers simply have to select the type of freight, en-ter the route profile and give details of operating conditions. They then re-ceive a list of suitable vehicles, all fully-configured and made-to-measure for the transport task in hand.
Industry solution: fully-configured vehicles are just a few mouse clicks away
There is also a third route open to users, based on specific industries. All they need to do is indicate the industry in which they work. For the sake of argument, this might be food transport or large-volume transport. The next step would then be to define the type of food. This is done by checking the relevant box. This could, for example, be refrigerated food or dry-bulk goods. In other words, it takes three mouse clicks, at most, to produce a list of fully-configured vehicles.
The only thing the "Online Truck Configurator" cannot offer the user is a test drive.( Editors Note: Sounds a lot like TACH Comparagraph
Publishers Note :Check Out The Auto Channel 4 car compar-a-graph which lets you compare 4 cars or trucks by almost 200 criteria.Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...thanks MB