Coca-Cola and Mercedes-Benz are two iconic brands that have been around for over a century. They are known for their products, marketing, and social impact. But they are also innovators who are constantly looking for ways to improve their environmental performance and reduce their carbon footprint.

One of the areas where they are making a difference is in the field of sustainable transport. Both companies have been investing in electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuels to power their fleets and deliver their goods. And this year, they have teamed up to showcase their commitment to green mobility in a festive way: by using the Mercedes-Benz eActros to accompany the Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour through Austria.

What is the Mercedes-Benz eActros?

The Mercedes-Benz eActros is a heavy-duty electric truck that was launched in 2018 as part of the eActros innovation fleet. It is designed to transport goods in urban and regional areas with zero local emissions and low noise levels. The eActros has a range of up to 200 km (124 miles) and a payload of up to 18 tons (39,683 lbs).

The eActros is powered by two electric motors that deliver a total output of 400 kW (536 hp) and a maximum torque of 2,000 Nm (1,475 lb-ft). The energy is stored in lithium-ion batteries that have a capacity of 240 kWh and can be fully charged in about two hours. The eActros also features a regenerative braking system that recovers energy when the vehicle decelerates.

The eActros is not only eco-friendly but also cost-efficient. According to Mercedes-Benz, the eActros can save up to 60% of the operating costs compared to a conventional diesel truck, thanks to lower energy and maintenance costs. The eActros also offers a high level of comfort and safety for the driver, with a spacious cab, a digital cockpit, and advanced driver assistance systems.

What is the Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour?

The Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour is a popular tradition that started in 1995, when Coca-Cola launched its famous “Holidays are coming” campaign featuring a convoy of red trucks decorated with lights and the Coca-Cola logo. Since then, the Coca-Cola Christmas trucks have been traveling around the world, spreading joy and festive spirit to millions of people.

The Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour is not only a marketing event but also a social initiative. Coca-Cola partners with local charities and organizations to support various causes, such as food banks, children’s hospitals, and environmental projects. The Coca-Cola Christmas trucks also invite people to participate in interactive activities, such as taking photos, playing games, and enjoying free samples of Coca-Cola products.

The Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour is also a platform for showcasing Coca-Cola’s sustainability efforts. Coca-Cola has been working to reduce its environmental impact by improving its packaging, sourcing, and distribution. For example, Coca-Cola has been using 100% recycled plastic bottles in Austria since 2019 and aims to collect and recycle every bottle it sells by 2030. Coca-Cola has also been investing in renewable energy and low-carbon transport, such as electric and hybrid vehicles.

How did Coca-Cola and Mercedes-Benz collaborate?

Coca-Cola and Mercedes-Benz have been collaborating for several years to test and implement the eActros in their logistics operations. Coca-Cola was one of the first customers to join the eActros innovation fleet in 2018 and has been using the eActros to deliver beverages to supermarkets and restaurants in Germany. Mercedes-Benz has been providing technical support and feedback to Coca-Cola, as well as collecting data and insights from the real-world use of the eActros.

This year, Coca-Cola and Mercedes-Benz decided to take their partnership to the next level by using the eActros to accompany the Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour through Austria. The eActros was specially decorated with lights and the Coca-Cola logo and followed the Coca-Cola Christmas trucks on their journey across the country. The eActros was used to transport additional supplies and equipment for the tour, as well as to demonstrate the benefits of electric mobility to the public.

The eActros was also equipped with a special feature: a sound generator that played festive tunes and jingles when the truck was driving or parked. The sound generator was designed to create a cheerful atmosphere and to compensate for the lack of engine noise, which is a common challenge for electric vehicles. The sound generator was also a safety measure, as it alerted pedestrians and cyclists to the presence of the truck.

The eActros and the Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour visited 12 locations in Austria between November 25 and December 23, 2023. The tour started in Vienna and ended in Salzburg, covering a total distance of about 1,000 km (621 miles). The eActros performed flawlessly, proving its reliability and efficiency in different weather and road conditions. The eActros also attracted a lot of attention and curiosity from the visitors, who were impressed by its design and performance.

What are the benefits of the collaboration?

The collaboration between Coca-Cola and Mercedes-Benz was a win-win situation for both parties, as well as for the environment and society. Here are some of the benefits of the collaboration:

• For Coca-Cola, the collaboration was an opportunity to showcase its commitment to sustainability and innovation and enhance its brand image and reputation. Coca-Cola also gained valuable experience and knowledge from using eActros, which will help the company optimize its logistics and reduce its emissions in the future.
• For Mercedes-Benz, the collaboration was an opportunity to promote its eActros and its vision of electric mobility and reach a wider and more diverse audience. Mercedes-Benz also received positive feedback and recognition from Coca-Cola and the public, which will help the company to improve its products and services and to expand its market share in the electric truck segment.
• For the environment, the collaboration was a positive contribution to the fight against climate change and air pollution. The eActros emitted zero local emissions and reduced the noise levels, improving the quality of life and the health of the people and the ecosystems. The eActros also saved about 3,000 liters (792 gallons) of diesel and about 8 tons (17,637 lbs) of CO2 compared to a conventional truck, making a significant difference in the carbon footprint of the tour.
• For the society, the collaboration was a source of inspiration and education and a catalyst for change. The eActros and the Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour brought happiness and excitement to millions of people, especially children, who enjoyed the festive atmosphere and the free samples of Coca-Cola products. The eActros and the Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour also raised awareness and interest in electric mobility and sustainability and encouraged people to adopt more eco-friendly behaviors and choices.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Coca-Cola and Mercedes-Benz was a successful and meaningful example of how two leading brands can work together to create value and impact for themselves and for others. The eActros and the Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour demonstrated the potential and the benefits of electric mobility and sustainability and set a new standard for the future of transport. The eActros and the Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour also showed that innovation and tradition can go hand in hand and that sustainability and fun can be compatible.

The eActros and the Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour were more than just a truck and a tour. They were a symbol of hope and a message of optimism. They were a reminder that holidays are coming and that a better world is possible. ? @via Panorica.