Mercedes-Benz Trucks seeks Guinness World Records title for the longest distance driving in reverse
The drive in reverse is scheduled to take place in Oschersleben in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt on June 4th. Mercedes plans to set the new record on a closed-off track and then, independently of the record attempt, to reverse around 30 kilometers on public roads. This was announced on April 28 during a web call with media representatives from all over Europe.
With the brand-new eActros 600, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is seeking Guinness World Records title for the longest distance driving in reverse with an articulated truck. This was announced on April 28 during a web call with media representatives from all over Europe. Such an inusual activity has the target to raise awareness on e-mobility, road safety and driver image.
The drive in reverse is scheduled to take place in Oschersleben in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt on June 4th. Mercedes-Benz Trucks plans to set the new record on a closed-off track and then, independently of the record attempt, to reverse around 30 kilometers on public roads. Mercedes-Benz Trucks intends to bring the previous Guinness World Records title from 2020, which stood at around 89 kilometers and was set in the USA with a diesel truck, back to Germany.
Mercedes’ new attempt on the Guinness World Record
With its 14 tight bends designed for cars, the circuit is extremely demanding – but nevertheless offers fewer unpredictable risks of having to stop and thus interrupt the record attempt than public roads. After a rest period, the driver intends to take up the additional challenge of driving backwards on public roads under a police escort for an additional 30 kilometers to Halberstadt. In both parts, he is expected to be travelling mostly at speeds between 10 and 20 kilometers per hour
Marco Hellgrewe (50) from Werneuchen near Berlin, an officer in the German Armed Forces and a truck enthusiast, set his record in 2008. Back then, he covered a distance of 64 kilometers in a diesel truck. Hellgrewe kicked off the new all-electric record attempt and will be at the wheel of the eActros 600. He will be the driver of the eActros 600. “As a passionate truck driver, it is an honor for me to try to set this record again. A lot has happened in terms of technology since my first record-breaking drive – and to date no one in the world has taken this record with an electric truck. The eActros 600 represents the future of electric mobility in long-distance haulage and shows how manufacturers are successfully breaking new ground”, he said.
In the course of the record attempt, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is cooperating with the associations Blicki e.V. and PROFI – Pro Fahrer-Image e. V. The manufacturer is offering them a platform for their respective concerns – in particular promoting the necessity of educating children on how to behave correctly in road traffic and greater appreciation of driving as a profession.
