Mercedes-Benz special trucks for disaster response get operator training in Jeju

StarTruck Korea, the official importer of Mercedes-Benz trucks in South Korea, conducted a safety driving education program for Unimog operators in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. The program aims to strengthen the operational capabilities of civil servants who deploy the specialized vehicles at public worksites, including snow removal, disaster recovery and road maintenance.

The company announced Monday that it completed the Unimog safety driving session on June 26 at the Nohyeong Office of Jeju Island's road management division. About 30 people attended, including Unimog supervisors and civil servants who drive the vehicles across the province.

Jeju currently operates a fleet of 23 Unimogs. The Unimog is a Mercedes-Benz multipurpose special truck used at public worksites for snow removal, road maintenance and disaster recovery. Because the vehicle is primarily deployed in off-road conditions and requires the attachment of various equipment, a driver's understanding of the vehicle and ability to respond on-site are critical.

The session focused on practical coursework that operators can apply directly on the job. The head of the Mercedes-Benz Unimog service center in Icheon participated, explaining vehicle structure and operating principles, how to read warning messages, and maintenance and repair standards.

The curriculum also covered operation of the new Uni-Touch system, an interface introduced in compliance with Europe's General Safety Regulation. Participants used actual vehicles to check key functions and learn how to identify warning messages and error codes that may arise during work.

Instruction on operating attached equipment — including snow blowers and brush cutters — was also part of the program. Because the Unimog can be fitted with a range of implements at the front and rear, its applications vary by season and site conditions. The session also included guidance on pre- and post-operation equipment inspection and maintenance.

Safe driving techniques in special environments such as off-road terrain, along with emergency response procedures, were also key topics. Road conditions at disaster sites are unpredictable and work environments can change rapidly, making a precise understanding of vehicle functions and familiarity with situation-specific response procedures essential.

StarTruck Korea plans to expand its professional education programs for public institutions, strengthening customer support through its nationwide service network and ensuring the stable operation of special trucks including the Unimog.

"The Unimog is a multipurpose special vehicle deployed year-round at disaster sites directly linked to public safety, which makes the expertise and response capabilities of its operators paramount," said Dong Geun-tae, chief executive of StarTruck Korea. "We will continue to provide systematic education programs and technical support in cooperation with public institutions, actively contributing to safe site operations and stronger disaster response capabilities."

The Unimog is used across a wide range of public-sector applications. Designed to operate in rugged terrain and extreme environments, it can be fitted and unfitted with various work implements, making it broadly useful for road and public infrastructure management.