Fewer rear-end collisions with truck emergency brake assist.

Safety system with pedestrian detection for effective collision warning and independent braking.

The danger of a collision between trucks and vehicles in front is high in urban traffic in particular, for instance in sudden tailbacks or stop-and-go traffic. Pedestrians suddenly crossing also represent a high risk of accident, as the driver often only has fractions of a second for braking.

Active Brake Assist 5 (ABA 5) from Mercedes-Benz can support Econic drivers in these critical situations* – with effective warning tones through to automatic maximum full-stop braking. As standard in all new Econic vehicles ex factory.

Precise control through consolidated sensor technology.

Active Brake Assist 5 is the next step on from the tried-and-tested emergency braking system Active Brake Assist 4 from Mercedes-Benz. This generation combines radar and camera. The new sensor fusion has dramatically improved the response to moving pedestrians at speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour. Active Brake Assist 5 is now capable of applying maximum full-stop braking in response to pedestrians crossing its path, approaching from the front or moving ahead.

Consolidated radar and camera components of Active Brake Assist 5 monitor the front area of the Econic.

Prevent rear-end collisions – with the clever emergency braking system.

Active Brake Assist 5 can detect vehicles ahead and stationary obstacles in the vehicle's own lane – at vehicle speeds up to 90 km/h. If the system detects a dangerous situation, a three-stage reaction is immediately triggered:

Visual signals and a loud beeping sound
warn the driver
Partial braking with approx. 50% braking power
is performed in order to reduce the speed (if the driver has not reacted beforehand)
Maximum full-stop braking
is initiated in order to bring the vehicle to a standstill (if the driver has still not reacted)

If the system detects crossing pedestrians or people standing on the carriageway, the reaction chain is shortened even further. The driver is warned both visually and acoustically, but partial braking is simultaneously initiated autonomously. Because when people's lives are at stake, there is no time for hesitation.

Pedestrian detection can occur up to a vehicle speed of 50 km/h: if pedestrians cross the truck's lane, approach it or walk in its lane.

Electronic parking brake with HOLD function.

The Econic's new electronic parking brake harmonises perfectly with Active Brake Assist 5 – and ensures more comfort and safety. When the vehicle is at a standstill, for example following emergency braking, the automatic HOLD function prevents unintended rolling away. If the journey is continued, the parking brake releases automatically as soon as the accelerator pedal is actuated.

The visual signal of ABA 5 can warn the driver directly in the instrument cluster of the danger of a collision. A loud beep is sounded simultaneously.

Safety taken a step further.

If Active Brake Assist 5 triggers automatic maximum full-stop braking the hazard warning light system is simultaneously activated in order to alert road users behind. At a standstill the new electric parking brake is also activated in order to prevent unintended rolling away of the Econic. This also relieves the burden on the Econic driver directly after critical situations.

As autonomous as necessary, as individual as possible.

Active Brake Assist 5 is active as standard and does not have to be activated via a switch. Within the limits of the system the refined warning system reduces the risk of rear-end collisions and the severity of an accident. However the driver continues to be fully responsible for driving the vehicle safely. If necessary the driver can intervene at any time, override the brake system and use their judgement to react individually to hazardous situations – for example with a steering movement, kickdown or emergency braking.

* Within the system limits or within physical limits, the system can react with partial or maximum full-stop braking if stationary and moving objects or moving pedestrians are detected. In these traffic situations, the driver still remains wholly responsible for driving the vehicle safely.