Zetros 6 x 6 is a mega-truck: 360 horsepower, 16 tons load capacity and hip-high tires. It comes from Daimler and promises to be a very profitable niche product. It can be used in extremely difficult terrain. For example, in northern Lapland, its being used for the construction of power lines.A Zetros costs at least 110 thousand euros, but thats cheaper than transporting raw materials and equipment by helicopter, which is the only other realistic alternative. The Zetros 6x6 was designed in Daimlers development center and assembled in the worlds largest truck factory in Wörth. Its built as a basic platform, then adapted to fit the customers needs. Its also being sold as a military vehicle, for example. MADE IN GERMANY reporter Karl Harenbrock saw the Zetros in action in Finland and also visited the Daimler plant in Wörth. His visit included the R & D department, normally off limits to reporters, where he spoke with the engineers who work on the special vehicles. At the testing grounds, the monster trucks have to tackle inclines of up to 80 percent. Are such vehicles profitable for the manufacturer, or are they expensive prestige projects? MADE IN GERMANY went to find out.

• published: 14 Apr 2010
• views: 413850