Weststar Associates Limited, the authorised distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Nigeria, has introduced the new Mercedes-Benz Atego 1726 medium-duty truck, targeting fleet operators seeking greater efficiency, durability and lower operating costs.

The new Atego 1726 replaces the Atego 1725, a model that has gained wide acceptance among transport and logistics operators in Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch, Head of Commercial Vehicles, Weststar Associates, Umoh Ekanem, said the latest version offers improved engineering, enhanced drivetrain technology and better operational efficiency to meet the increasing demands of businesses operating in the country’s challenging transport environment.

Ekanem said the vehicle is designed for commercial applications where uptime and total cost of ownership are critical. The truck is powered by Mercedes-Benz’s OM 926 six-cylinder, 7.2-litre diesel engine, producing 256 horsepower and 900Nm of torque.

According to him, the vehicle also features an optional High-Performance Engine Brake capable of delivering up to 300kW of braking power, improving vehicle control on difficult terrain while reducing wear on the service brakes.

The company said that Atego 1726’s adaptable chassis allows it to be configured for a wide range of applications, including FMCG distribution, beverage transportation, refrigerated logistics, waste management, construction, oil and gas operations, crane services and tipper duties. With a gross vehicle weight of 17.1 tonnes, the truck is engineered to handle heavy payloads while maintaining stability, ride comfort and durability through its parabolic spring suspension system.

To improve driver productivity, the Atego is available with Classic, Comfort and Standard cockpit options, enabling operators to choose configurations that best suit their operational needs while providing drivers with a more ergonomic working environment.

Ekanem added that the introduction of the Atego 1726 reflected the company’s commitment to delivering reliable and efficient transport solutions for Nigerian businesses.

He noted that fleet operators require vehicles capable of maximising uptime and productivity, adding that the new model builds on the Atego’s reputation as a dependable workhorse by offering improved technology, greater versatility and enhanced operational performance.