Mercedes-Benz Actros Joins Volvo FM and FH Aero with Five-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating

Two of Europe’s biggest truck makers now share the top spot for safety, after Mercedes-Benz’s Actros joined Volvo’s FM and FH Aero in earning a coveted five-star Euro NCAP Safer Truck rating.

This milestone marks a major step forward for heavy-duty vehicle safety, as Euro NCAP concluded its second-ever round of HGV testing. Ten of the continent’s most popular trucks were put through their paces, with the latest Actros impressing judges by significantly improving on its previous three-star result to match Volvo’s class-leading safety performance.

Raising the Safety Bar for Road Freight

Heavy goods vehicles represent less than 3% of vehicles on European roads, yet are involved in around 15% of road fatalities — with most victims being other road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and car occupants. Euro NCAP’s SAFER TRUCKS programme, launched in 2024, aims to address this gap by assessing trucks across three critical safety pillars: Safe Driving, Crash Avoidance, and Post-Crash Safety. Trucks that excel in urban environments also receive a CitySafe label, indicating they’re better equipped to protect vulnerable road users.

Two Manufacturers, One Safety Standard

Volvo made history last year when its FM and FH Aero models became the first HGVs to achieve a five-star safety rating — and they’ve maintained that status in 2025. Now, Mercedes-Benz joins the Swedish manufacturer at the top, with its latest Actros models boasting upgraded safety systems and enhanced performance.

The standard Actros model with the lowest cab height achieved the maximum five stars, while two taller versions — the Actros F and Actros L ProCabin — scored four stars due to slightly reduced driver visibility. All three variants were awarded the CitySafe label, making the Actros range a strong contender for urban and long-haul operations alike.

“Mercedes-Benz has responded positively to our 2024 tests, making meaningful improvements to its Actros range,” said Matthew Avery, Euro NCAP’s Director of Strategic Development. “Volvo continues to lead the way, but it’s encouraging to see more manufacturers meeting that benchmark.”

A Broader Shift Towards Safer Trucks

Other manufacturers also showed progress. Renault’s T model, now equipped with cyclist detection, achieved four stars and a CitySafe award. Scania’s R-series climbed from three to four stars, while DAF maintained a three-star rating with nearly all safety tech offered as standard equipment. MAN’s TGX, tested independently after the company declined participation, scored three stars but missed out on CitySafe recognition.

Euro NCAP says future tests — including crash assessments planned for 2028 — will push manufacturers to go even further, especially in passive safety.

The message for fleet operators is clear: safety is no longer optional. As technology advances, safer trucks like the Volvo FM, FH Aero, and Mercedes-Benz Actros don’t just protect lives — they also protect reputations and bottom lines.

With two global giants now leading the charge, the race for safer roads is well and truly underway.