In the late 1940s, a truck was developed for military use in Germany. After World War II, Germany faced a labor shortage and was on the brink of a new era of agricultural mechanization. To propose an entirely new agricultural paradigm, the Benz brand envisioned a multi-purpose vehicle for agriculture and industry, creating a new car based on a tractor.
This truck, equipped with various agricultural tools and functions, could achieve a maximum speed of 31 mph (50 km/h) using a 25-horsepower gasoline engine at the time. The truck’s history, which began to improve agricultural efficiency, continues today. A multi-purpose truck that can do anything, anywhere—that’s the Mercedes Benz Unimog.
Multi-Purpose, Multi-Functional
Steering Wheel Changes in One Go
The Unimog’s features start with its history as a farm truck.
Because of this, it has an overwhelming off-road driving ability. A unique feature is the portal axle, which maximizes ground clearance by connecting gears to each wheel and is applied to most vehicles.
The Unimog also boasts a unique interior feature called the Vario Pilot. This feature, available in some model lineups, allows the driver to adjust their seat position according to the situation at hand by unlocking a fixed latch and pushing the steering wheel to the left or right. This makes it easy to import into countries where the steering wheel position is different, as only simple movement is needed, eliminating the need for modifications.
Somewhat Lacking in Cargo Transport
Mainly Used by the Military
However, despite its off-road driving, equipment expandability, and off-road towing capabilities, there are some disappointing aspects regarding cargo loading and transport. The maximum load capacity is about 3.5 tons, similar to Hyundai’s Mighty, and the output is not very high, ranging from 156 to 299 horsepower.
Despite this, the Unimog’s unparalleled towing and off-road driving capabilities are mainly due to its excellent gear ratio. Because it has a clear purpose and excels at performing its tasks, it is used as a military truck in many European countries, including Germany. The Korean Army and Air Force also use it as a snowplow.
Used as a Fire Truck in Korea
Proving its Reliability Built Over History
The Unimog is highly utilized in various public institutions, including the military. It has been deployed in some areas to supplement high-performance wildfire suppression vehicles in Korea. The fact that the Unimog, which started as a tractor, is now used as a military truck, ambulance, fire truck, snowplow, and in various other ways shows that its original purpose has not faded and continues to this day.
The Unimog is considered the most powerful and dependable multi-purpose vehicle globally. It has earned a reputation for reliability throughout its history. The Unimog will likely be utilized for new purposes and will continue to demonstrate various features.
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