Paul Group shows prototypes for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter high-load minibus and the versatility of a modified MB Arocs for highway use and as an agricultural truck

• The prototype of the Mercedes-Benz high-load Sprinter developed by Paul Commerical Vehicles(Nutzfahrzeuge) offers applications as a van or minibus with a gross vehicle weight of up to 6.8 tons.
• On behalf of Daimler Truck AG, Paul delivers 50 MB Arocs in small series with flexible construction vehicle superstructures for Autobahn GmbH des Bundes
• Agricultural truck: Arocs development by Paul in cooperation with Lankhorst Nord, part of the Krone Group - marketing has started successfully

Hanover / Vilshofen, September 16, 2024 - Paul Commercial Vehicles, part of the Paul Group, a fast-growing company and one of the market leaders in the European market for special vehicle construction, presents three current vehicle developments for a wide variety of applications at the IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024: The prototype of a Mercedes-Benz high-load Sprinter, a Mercedes-Benz Arocs - implemented with a crane body and roll-off tipper on a major order from Daimler Truck AG for Autobahn GmbH des Bundes, as well as the Arocs agricultural trucks, which are being built in cooperation with the agricultural sales specialist Lankhorst Nord, which is part of the Krone Group. Bernhard Wasner, Managing Director of the Paul Group, explains: "Complex body combinations in comparatively high quantities are an absolute Paul domain thanks to decades of experience, the corresponding technical expertise and the existing production capacities. We are proud of our continued very successful expansion of a market-leading position in Europe with Paul Commercial Vehicles in special vehicle construction. This division is part of our corporate DNA and forms the basis for flexible and efficient development strength and reliable innovation performance."

Mercedes-Benz high-load Sprinter can also be used as a minibus

The presented prototype of a Mercedes-Benz high-load Sprinter enables minibus application for small groups. With a gross vehicle weight rating of 6.8 tons without trailer, with a high load axle integrated by Paul for a wheelbase of 5100 mm for use as a van or minibus with various superstructures. A low-frame version with a lowered frame is also available. The Paul Group has made the following modifications based on its extensive experience: A new frame was integrated for the rear part of the chassis, a new rear axle for axle loads of up to 4.8 tons and air suspension on the rear axle. A wear-free, electromagnetic brake booster, a so-called Telma induction retarder, is also used to brake the high total weight safely.

Further applications for high-load transportation are possible in the future: The Mercedes-Benz high-load Sprinter could, for example, be realized with a motorhome body in various lengths. Variants for use by the fire department and as a towing vehicle are also being clarified.

50 Mercedes-Benz Arocs go to Autobahn GmbH des Bundes in cooperation with Daimler Truck

Paul Commercial Vehicles offers decades of experience and expertise for a wide range of municipal applications: Paul has already realized countless individual superstructures and conversions for use in areas such as city cleaning, gardening and landscaping, police vehicles and fire trucks. Bernhard Wasner: "Every new task is an exciting challenge for us, which we are happy to take on. 'There's no such thing' - that doesn't exist at Paul, we also realize the seemingly impossible." In cooperation with Daimler Truck, Autobahn GmbH des Bundes currently relies on a Mercedes-Benz Arocs modified by Paul Commercial Vehicles: As part of the major order, 50 vehicles will be built and already delivered by Paul - with an integrated roll-off tipper and superstructure crane on swap bodies and the option of flexibly accommodating seasonal winter service tools such as a front snow plow and a road salt machine in the rear.

Autobahn GmbH is responsible for the planning, construction, operation, maintenance and traffic management of highways and trunk roads in Germany. The Arocs are used by many of the more than 160 highway maintenance depots to clean crash barriers, mow and provide safety services for repair and maintenance work on freeways and roads.

Paul and Lankhorst Nord jointly optimize Arocs agricultural trucks

At the IAA, Paul Commercial Vehicles, in cooperation with Lankhorst Nord, is presenting the impressive agricultural truck based on the Arocs 2051 AS 4x4 with a 3900 millimeter wheelbase and 375 kW/510 hp at 1800 rpm; maximum 2500 Nm at 1100 rpm, with 9 t permissible axle load at the front and 10.4 t at the rear and a top speed of 80 km/h. Everything has been thought of for this vehicle : From registration as an LoF tractor as an agricultural tractor to appropriate modifications for the agricultural sector and sales and services. The Arocs stands for the successful agricultural truck concept: The Paul Group and the agricultural and distribution specialist Lankhorst Nord, part of the Krone Group, have entered into a strategic partnership and are jointly optimizing the series vehicle for agricultural use. They respond to individual customer wishes and offer decisive customer benefits: Agricultural trucks impress with their speed and efficiency, they save costs and can be equipped with alternative drive systems in the future, making them particularly climate-friendly. Trucks are quieter, narrower and cleaner than conventional agricultural vehicles and are therefore better accepted on public roads than tractors. Rainer Werda, Managing Director of Lankhorst Nord, says: "The marketing of the MB Arocs agricultural truck has got off to a very successful start, which confirms our partnership and encourages us to expand the concept further. "