Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/493405
COMMERCIAL CARRIER JOURNAL | APRIL 2015 59 EQUIPMENT: DRIVER COMFORT with new entertainment technology, computing devices, social media, the Internet and anti-idling regulations – along with the aforementioned driver concerns – leading a mini-revolution. The evolution appears likely to continue: OEMs say the cabs they are designing today soon will offer drivers unprecedented levels of connectivity with both their fleet and family, be more energy- efficient and allow drivers to work smarter and relax better once the workday is through. "Understanding how drivers use the interiors equipped with the latest technology and meeting the latest regulations is key to devel- oping future driving and living environments," says Jason Spence, Volvo Trucks' long-haul product marketing manager. Spence says Volvo will continue to focus on its core objectives of safety, uptime, fuel efficiency and driver productivity when designing new interi- ors. "We continually review our truck interiors in order to meet the needs of all drivers," he says. Volvo's ergonomic considerations today also include female operators when designing things such as the steering wheel adjustment mechanism and the location of truck controls close to the steering wheel for easy reach, Spence says. More choices for drivers Mary Aufdemberg, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks, says the truck maker's latest design trends are aimed at creating more choices for drivers. "A well-rested driver is ultimately a safer and more productive driver," Aufdemberg says. "Connectivity is a big opportunity to help keep drivers connected personally and professionally. Auxiliary power unit options that provide a quiet cab and comfortable temperatures will continue to be important, as will new options such as the integration of sleep apnea equipment into the vehicle." Freightliner engineers also are target- ing other specific areas as they map out next-generation interiors, she says. "We are reviewing designs that create a comfort- able driving environment and contribute to the overall health and wellness of the driver. Many of our options such as heated and cooled seats, comfort upgrades, seating suspension systems and more are selected with the driver in mind. Navigation systems also contribute to the environment." Other areas on Freightliner's list include safer environments with strategically placed handles, airbags, wider entries and steps for entry and egress. Aufdemberg says entertainment options also increas- ingly are important. "We understand that being on the road can be challenging, so we are providing the luxuries of home in the cab, such as TV options, microwaves, refrigerators, improved mattress options and inverters to plug in hotel-like amenities," she adds. Swihart said fleet customers tell Kenworth they're able to attract and retain drivers because of the interior amenities and design features offered in the T680 and T880. "Kenworth will continue its efforts to enhance the environment in our cabs and sleepers for great productivity and comfort," he said. Hours-of-service rules aside, OEMs must remember that the interior cabin is a driver's home away from home. "When drivers need to rest, they want to do so in style and comfort with a mini- mum of hassles, including being cool in the summer and warm in the winter, all while maintaining a self-contained environment," says Phil Cary, Mack' highway segment manager. Cary says design ingenuity and listening to customers' needs both are keys to delivering the most-desired features and their benefits. Designers and engineers must listen to the customers who often suggest the ideas that lead to design improvements, he says. Behind the steering wheel Truck interior design essentially falls into two categories: the driver's work environment and everything else. While a quiet comfortable sleeper berth is important, the driver's seat is where the money is made. Chris Ito, Navistar's director of design, says the company cur- rently is focusing on enhancing storage, accessibility to switches and controls, the feel and accuracy of the switches and material choice for "cleanability." Another focus is centralizing driver information into high-visibility displays to consolidate a variety of information to minimize driver distraction. Drivers will be able to use more programmable information systems so they can prioritize the data and alerts they want to see. A well-rested driver is ultimately a safer and more productive driver. – Mary Aufdemberg, director of product marketing, Freightliner Trucks