The judging panel of the ‘red dot’ design awards, Europe’s most internationally acclaimed design competition, has awarded Mercedes-Benz the coveted red dot award for the new Actros truck.

Regarded as a seal of quality for outstanding design, the red dot awards attracted entries from 1,800 manufacturers and designers across 58 countries. The high-profile jury of international and independent experts assessed over 4,500 products in a competition that recognises well-conceived innovative products, aesthetic quality and pioneering design.

The highly respected judging panel under Professor Peter Zec, initiator and director of the red dot design awards, felt that the new truck by Mercedes-Benz met these ambitious criteria: "What is important is a durable and functional design idiom that continues to look appealing and modern for years to come. The new Actros balances function with perfect exterior form".

Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle design director Kai Sieber confirmed this assessment by saying that for this truck "both form and function are a key focus. It is made as if from a single cast".

The publication 'Dimensions', produced by Mercedes-Benz Trucks to coincide with the market launch of the new Actros, was also honoured with a red dot award – in the Magazines & Daily Press category.

Dimensions presented the Actros as it has never been seen before, treating the new Mercedes-Benz truck more like a design object than a business asset. A combination of beautifully-photographed images and an unusual editorial layout added to the overall presentation of the concept.

This is the second time the Actros has been honoured with a red dot award. The first generation Actros won the coveted award back in 1998.