BERGER Fahrzeugtechnik and Schmitz Cargobull are presenting new lightweight trailers as part of the Evolution vehicle generation. “The new generation combines a very lightweight BERGERecotrail chassis with Schmitz Cargobull’s versatile body concept. This enables higher payloads whilst simultaneously reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions,” explains Ralph Kleideiter, CSO at Schmitz Cargobull. With an unladen weight starting at 4.8 tonnes, the vehicles in the Performance range are among the lightest trailers on the market. 

The Evolution generation is available in the PerformanceEco and MegaEco series (up to three metres’ internal height with a height-adjustable VARIOS body) as single-, twin- or triple-axle models. Three-axle models with a coil trough are also available, known as the PerformanceCoil and MegaCoil respectively. If an open loading platform is required, flatbed variants are available, also as single-, twin- or three-axle models.

The weight saving of around 1.5 tonnes compared with comparable standard semi-trailers is down to BERGERecotrail®’s consistent use of lightweight construction and decades of experience: the company has been specialising in innovative lightweight construction for more than 60 years.

The current generation of chassis is based on high-strength fine-grained steel, precision welding technology and a clever frame design featuring pre-stressing and weight-reducing cut-outs in the shape of Reuleaux triangles. This structural principle makes it possible to cut out more material from the side members than would be possible with a circular geometry, for example – whilst ensuring optimum stress distribution, consistent stability and high robustness.

The special lightweight BERGERecotrail® semi-trailers have been available through the Schmitz Cargobull sales network since early 2024.