Daimler Truck, the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, has thought of an original idea to promote the new eActros 600 long-haul electric heavy truck. On June 4th, the company will attempt to break the Guinness World Record of driving in reverse in an articulated truck at the Oschersleben racetrack.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks unveiled the eActros 600 in 2024, the brand’s first long-distance electric heavy truck with a range of 500 km on a single charge. Series production kicked off in November, and the first units were delivered to customers in December 2024, but it seems the model could use a little more promotion.
Driving in reverse for over 100 km
To bring the eActros 600 back into the spotlight, Mercedes-Benz Trucks plans to claim the Guinness World Record for “the longest distance driven in reverse in an articulated truck (individual).” The previous record was set by Brett Solomano in Atlanta, Georgia, US, on September 30th, 2020, at 89 kilometers.
Mercedes has partnered with an experienced driver to take back the German record. Marco Hellgrewe, an officer in the German Armed Forces and a truck enthusiast, set his record of 64 km in 2008 and is now looking to break through the 100 km mark.
Concentration for up to ten hours
Of course, driving these distances in reverse is nearly impossible on public roads. Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Hellgrewe will attempt the record at the Oschersleben racetrack. The challenge will be to keep concentration levels high around the 14 corners of the track, as the record attempt ends when the wheels stop turning.
Hellgrewe can’t stop during the run, so a single mistake when entering a corner can mean defeat. With speeds of 10 to 20 kilometers per hour, Hellgrewe will have to stay focused for five to 1ten hours nonstop, relying only on the Mercedes eActros 600’s rear-view cameras.
After the record, Hellgrewe will drive backwards again for around 30 km, on public roads and under police escort, to Daimler Truck’s new Global Parts Center in Halberstadt. The Global Parts Center will officially open its doors on July 10th, providing spare parts for Mercedes-Benz Trucks worldwide.
‘Drivers need more recognition’
“As a passionate truck driver, it is an honor to try to set this record again. Much 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. Reversing for many hours is a big challenge, but the test drives have gone well. It’s a lot of fun and enjoyable to be on the road with the eActros 600,” says Marco Hellgrewe, who came up with the idea for the record attempt.
“In addition, awareness of all road users must be raised. The image of professional drivers in the public domain is close to our hearts because we build our vehicles for them.”
Especially given the growing shortage of drivers, it is essential that they also receive the appropriate recognition for their hard work for society. Reversing is a central part of their day-to-day work, and what the drivers achieve in this respect is almost an art in itself,” adds Rainer Müller-Finkeldei, Head of Product Engineering, Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
