Three years of development for high-load conditions
25.5-ton dump powered by third-gen OM471 engine
Service network to expand to 22 centers; Hi-Tech Center to open
Star Truck Korea, the official importer of Mercedes-Benz trucks in South Korea, has launched the New Arocs 4153K Single Reduction Dump, a heavy-duty dump truck developed specifically for the country's high-load operating environment. The company aims to boost long-term profitability for customers through vehicle performance, an expanded service network and strengthened warranty programs.
Star Truck Korea unveiled the model Wednesday at the Mercedes-Benz Truck Star Center in Asan. The truck has been comprehensively optimized — from the chassis and engine to the drivetrain — to suit operating conditions at South Korea's aggregate and construction sites. Mercedes-Benz headquarters in Germany spent roughly three years analyzing domestic driving conditions and conducting research, development and verification.
The new truck is equipped with a third-generation OM471 engine producing a maximum output of 530 horsepower and peak torque of 2,600 Nm. It also features PowerShift Advanced, the latest automated transmission technology, and a proven single-reduction axle, enhancing both efficiency and durability. The gross vehicle weight has been raised from the previous 39-ton class to 41 tons, and the frame rigidity and key drivetrain components have been significantly reinforced.
Lee Won-jang, Star Truck Korea's head of product planning and marketing, described the New Arocs 4153K as "a smarter, stronger Korean-spec dump truck." He said the company achieved more powerful and efficient driving performance by applying a next-generation engine, an improved transmission and a newly designed single-reduction axle.
Safety and digital features have also been upgraded. The vehicle comes equipped with the latest active safety technologies, including Active Brake Assist 6 (ABA 6), Active Sideguard Assist 2 (ASGA 2), Front Guard Assist (FGA) and Active Distance Assist Distronic (AHA).
The truck also connects to the FleetBoard connectivity platform, which analyzes idle time, fuel efficiency, load weight and driving patterns to improve fleet operational efficiency. Star Truck Korea plans to provide owners with regular driving analysis reports going forward.
Alongside the vehicle launch, Star Truck Korea is moving to strengthen its service capabilities. The company currently operates 20 service centers nationwide and plans to open additional locations in Namyangju and Donghae this year, bringing the total network to 22. It also plans to open three Hi-Tech Service Centers dedicated to complex repairs at key locations during the third quarter.
The company is also expanding its parts supply chain. It will maintain a minimum two-month parts inventory at each service center nationwide and aims to keep a supply rate of 95 percent or higher for 400 types of key consumable parts. The parts warranty period has also been extended from one year to two years.
"The commercial vehicle market has moved beyond simple competition on power and fuel economy — the real competitive edge now lies in how reliably a vehicle can be operated to generate profit," said Dong Geun-tae, CEO of Star Truck Korea. "We will support customers in securing high long-term profitability through preventive maintenance and systematic vehicle management."
Star Truck Korea is also entering the used vehicle business to support customers across the full lifecycle of their vehicles. "We plan to launch a dealer-operated used vehicle division this month," Dong said. "By building an integrated support system covering new vehicle sales, maintenance and used vehicle transactions, we aim to enhance the asset value of our customers and help create a more trustworthy used commercial vehicle market."
"With proper maintenance, a Mercedes-Benz truck can easily clock 3 million km"
"The secret to driving a Mercedes-Benz truck more than 3 million kilometers is regular inspections. That is also why the Star Million Club offers free inspection benefits to support customers on long-haul journeys."
eyre@heraldcorp.com
