Daimler Truck Validates Zetros Defence Vehicles in Extreme Arctic Winter Testing

Wintertesting Mercedes-Benz Trucks Januar 2026
Winter Testing Mercedes-Benz Trucks January 2026

(IN BRIEF) Daimler Truck has completed intensive Arctic winter testing of its Mercedes-Benz Zetros defence vehicles in Finland, exposing them to temperatures down to minus 20 degrees Celsius and conducting additional cold-start tests at minus 40 degrees Celsius. The evaluation program assessed traction, stability, braking performance, electronic safety systems and overall winter reliability. The vehicles successfully met all technical performance criteria. Other Mercedes-Benz models, including the Unimog, Econic and eArocs 400, were also tested. The trials confirm the operational readiness of the vehicles for deployment in extreme cold climates.

(PRESS RELEASE) LEINFELDEN-ECHTERDINGEN / FINLAND, 4-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Daimler Truck has completed extensive winter testing of its Mercedes-Benz Zetros vehicles under extreme climatic conditions in the Finnish Arctic Circle. The trials, conducted at the beginning of the year, exposed the vehicles to temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, with roads largely covered in ice and deep snow — conditions designed to rigorously assess performance and durability in harsh winter environments.

Over several weeks, specialists from the Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks division carried out a comprehensive evaluation program to validate the operational reliability of the Zetros defence vehicle series in demanding cold-weather scenarios. The objective was to confirm that the trucks remain fully functional and mission-ready even under severe Arctic conditions.

Dennis Kinzelmann, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, emphasized that customers including Lithuania, Canada and Ukraine rely on vehicles capable of performing reliably in extreme climates. He noted that the vehicles were subjected to particularly challenging tasks in icy winter conditions and successfully met all testing requirements.

The evaluation covered traction, handling stability on frozen surfaces, low-temperature resilience and overall winter readiness. The Zetros vehicles demonstrated stable driving behavior and met all defined technical performance parameters.

As part of the test program, vehicles underwent cold starts in a climate chamber at temperatures of minus 40 degrees Celsius. Engineers also assessed the electronic stability program on icy and snow-covered roads to ensure the system effectively prevents skidding and enhances control on slippery surfaces.

Brake performance was tested extensively under varying load and surface conditions. Trials included scenarios with uneven traction, such as driving with wheels on one side positioned on ice sheets while the other side operated on loose gravel, simulating extreme real-world operational challenges. Additional assessments covered kerosene operation capability and the tire pressure control system, which adjusts air pressure to increase tire contact area on snow for improved grip.

Beyond drivetrain and chassis performance, the winter testing program encompassed evaluations of mechatronics, software and safety systems, emissions and exhaust aftertreatment, engine and transmission optimization, as well as climate control performance in the driver’s cab. The effectiveness of auxiliary heating systems at very low temperatures was also verified.

Alongside the Zetros series, additional Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles were tested in the same Arctic conditions, including the Mercedes-Benz Unimog, the Mercedes-Benz Econic and the Mercedes-Benz eArocs 400.

The results confirm the vehicles’ readiness for deployment in regions characterized by extreme winter conditions and reinforce Daimler Truck’s focus on reliability across diverse operational environments.

Media Contacts:

Lukas Hettmannsperger
Spokesperson Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks
lukas.hettmannsperger​@daimlertruck.com
+49 170 3871112

Ulrike Burkhart
Spokesperson Mercedes-Benz Trucks Product, Service & eTruck
ulrike.burkhart​@daimlertruck.com
+49 160 861 3757

SOURCE: Daimler Truck