At more than 2500 metres above sea level, the
Mercedes-Benz Unimog carries tourists to the lava field
of the Torre del Filosofo
Its use on Mount Etna provides renewed evidence of the
unique off-road capabilities of this model series
Stuttgart/Catania - The Unimog 5000 meets even the most
challenging objectives: it is used between May and October
each year to carry the streams of tourists from the Etna
cable car station at 2500 metres up to the Torre del
Filosofo. Here, at 2935 metres above sea level, is where
the hiking trail begins for those tourists who want to be
as close as possible to the lava fields. More than 300,000
tourists are drawn each year to Sicily by the prospect of
climbing Mount Etna.
The Unimog range, which has been built since 2002 at the
Mercedes-Benz plant in Wörth, is the ideal candidate for
use in the harsh conditions that prevail on Etna: the only
vehicle concept of this type in the world, it guarantees
the ultimate off-road capability. A flexible ladder frame,
all-wheel drive with differential locks in both axles,
which are in fact portal axles, and the central tire
inflation system Tirecontrol - every single technical
detail plays its part in ensuring that the
"Universal-Motor-Gerät", or "Universal Motor
Device" - the German version of which provides the
acronym that makes up the Unimog name - remains a
dependable partner on the rough tracks and ash fields of
Europe's highest active volcano.
Transport, maintenance procedures, construction work - full
programme on Mount Etna
The extremely versatile Unimog carries out vital duties
against a spectacular backdrop: a bus body on the U 5000
provides seats for the tourists, carrying them safely from
the cable car station all the way up the steep track. Also
in service on Etna is a U1550 L, fitted with the necessary
attachments for its task of clearing snow or ash from the
tracks. The versatility of the Unimog has also come into
its own during the building of a new cable car to replace
one that was destroyed by volcanic eruptions.
Award-winning model series with a 60-year history
In 2011, the readers of the specialist magazine "Off
Road" voted the series 4000 to 5000 Unimog the best
off-road vehicle of the year in the category of
special-purpose vehicles. Its use on Mount Etna provides
renewed evidence of how worthy of the honour the
award-winning Unimog is. The principle areas of application
for this model series are in tricky off-road terrain far
off the beaten track, for example in situations involving
the fire services, disaster control or expedition support,
or for service and maintenance work in poorly accessible
areas.
The broad scope of its potential areas of operation, the
unique vehicle concept and the longevity of the vehicles
all help to explain the popularity that the various Unimog
model series have enjoyed for over sixty years now. Since
production started, more than 380,000 units of the Unimog
have been built.