Mercedes-Benz Unimog trucks set a new altitude world record

Mercedes-Benz Unimog trucks climbed the world's highest volcano as a part of a scientific expedition in Chile and have set a new altitude world record. The experiment was a part of a team to set up an emergency radio system in the Chilean Volcano.

The trucks that helped the company in securing the record were modified Unimog U 5023 vehicles. The vehicles acted as support trucks for a 10-person team which was led by Matthias Jeschke, owner of a company called Extrem Events. 

The main aim behind the expedition was to install four emergency radios at high-altitude camps on the Ojos de Salado volcano. The communication held as essential means to connect to three other base camps on the volcano. Lastly, the fourth radio was placed at 6,694 meters, setting a world record for the automaker. 

The heavily modified Unimogs that helped in the successful completion of the project was developed and built by specialists at the Unimog Museum, Unimog bodybuilder AS Söder and by the engineers from the Unimog development team. 

The development team equipped both the vehicles with special tires and winches, along with a variable center of gravity balancing system to successfully scale the mountains. Apart from accommodating the team members, the trucks also carried their gears.

Previously, Jeschke in 2014, Matthias set the world record for trucks at altitude in a Mercedes Zetros which reached at a height of 6,675 meters. Interestingly, his new record set a benchmark for all wheeled vehicles by beating the figure set by a 1986 Suzuki Samurai on the same volcano.

Also read: 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift previewed