Mercedes-Benz Trucks Launches Heavy-Duty Arocs and Actros Models in Japan
Daimler Truck AG, in partnership with Y-Engineering Company Ltd., has officially launched two of its most advanced heavy-duty transporter model series in Japan: the Mercedes-Benz Arocs and the Mercedes-Benz Actros. With this introduction, the German truck manufacturer brings new solutions to Japan’s logistics and infrastructure industries, offering vehicles specifically designed to handle the most demanding transportation needs.
At the forefront of the launch is the Mercedes-Benz Arocs 4763 8×6, which will make its public debut at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show (JMS) 2025 in Tokyo, running from October 29 to November 9, 2025. This variant will serve as a showcase model, highlighting the technical sophistication and engineering precision behind Mercedes-Benz’s heavy-duty truck lineup.
Meeting Japan’s Heavy-Duty Transport Needs
The Arocs and Actros heavy-duty transporter models are not ordinary trucks. They are engineered for specialized logistics tasks that require moving exceptionally heavy and oversized cargo, including wind turbines, power generators, industrial transformers, and equipment vital to infrastructure projects such as bridges and power plants.
According to Stina Fagerman, Head of Marketing, Sales, and Services at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, the launch represents a significant milestone:
“We are delighted to launch the Mercedes-Benz Arocs and Actros models for exceptional heavy-duty transport in Japan with our long-standing and proven partner Y-Engineering. This is a real milestone for the Japanese transport industry. Existing customers have already indicated their specific needs for trucks to transport particularly heavy loads in Japan. Accordingly, we see considerable potential for these vehicle types in this particular market segment.”
The growing demand for specialized heavy transport in Japan makes the timing of this launch particularly strategic, ensuring operators gain access to state-of-the-art technology and safety systems.
The Mercedes-Benz Arocs 4763 8×6 – Engineered for Japan
The featured Arocs 4763 8×6 is powered by the OM 473 15.6-liter engine, delivering an impressive 625 horsepower and 3,000 Nm of torque. Paired with the 16-speed PowerShift 3 Advanced transmission, the truck ensures smooth handling and high efficiency even under extreme load conditions.
Equipped with an additional cooling unit and a specially mounted fifth-wheel coupling plate, the Arocs is capable of towing loads up to 500 tons—making it a standout performer in the heavy-duty segment.
One of the unique aspects of this launch is the Japan-specific vehicle adaptation. Japanese regulations restrict truck height to a maximum of 3.8 meters, requiring Mercedes-Benz Trucks to engineer a unique configuration. For the first time, the ClassicSpace 2.3 cab has been combined with a compact auxiliary cooling tower on a chassis with a fourth axle. This tailored adaptation underscores Daimler Truck’s commitment to meeting local market regulations while maintaining performance.
Safety remains paramount, with the Arocs 4763 8×6 featuring Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist 6 (ABA6), lane-keeping assistant ASGA2, and Front Guard Assist as standard. The vehicle that will be exhibited at JMS 2025 will also carry a symbolic appearance, painted in white with red accents—the colors of the Japanese national flag.
Production and Customization
Both the Arocs and Actros destined for Japan are manufactured at the Mercedes-Benz Wörth plant in Germany, one of the world’s largest truck production facilities. They are then sent to the Mercedes-Benz Molsheim plant, where they undergo specialized modifications to transform them into heavy-duty transporters. At Molsheim, the trucks receive a fourth axle, the auxiliary cooling tower, as well as heavy-duty-compatible couplings and mounting plates through the Custom Tailored Trucks (CTT) program.
This combination of large-scale series production with bespoke modifications allows Mercedes-Benz Trucks to deliver high-quality, tailor-made solutions for markets with specific requirements.
Advanced Transmission Technology
Both truck series for Japan come equipped with the PowerShift 3 Advanced transmission with Turbo Retarder Clutch. This system is engineered for durability, fuel efficiency, and precise performance. During startup, power is transmitted hydraulically until synchronization is reached, ensuring seamless operation. Gear shifts are up to 40 percent faster and more precise than previous systems, contributing to efficiency and reduced driver fatigue.
When it comes to braking, the trucks offer unmatched performance. The combination of the primary retarder and the OM 473 engine brake delivers up to 980 horsepower of braking power—even at low speeds or when reversing—ensuring maximum safety during heavy load transport.
Y-Engineering: A Trusted Partner in Japan
The distribution, sales, and servicing of these Mercedes-Benz heavy-duty models in Japan are handled by Y-Engineering Company Ltd., led by Representative Director Mr. Sotaro Tonouchi. Since 2005, Y-Engineering has served as the general importer of Mercedes-Benz Special Truck models such as the Unimog and Econic, earning a reputation as a trusted partner for demanding vehicle solutions.
Headquartered in Yokohama, Y-Engineering operates five company-owned service centers and supports a nationwide network of over 100 service partners. This ensures comprehensive after-sales support and reliability for operators investing in the new heavy-duty transporters.
A Strategic Step for Daimler Truck in Japan
By launching the Mercedes-Benz Arocs and Actros heavy-duty transporters in Japan, Daimler Truck and Y-Engineering are setting new standards for performance, safety, and adaptability in the Japanese market. With its advanced engineering, powerful performance, and tailored design, the Arocs 4763 8×6—together with the Actros lineup—promises to play a vital role in supporting Japan’s growing need for specialized heavy logistics solutions.
