Page 25

FleetMaintenance_July_2016

introducing DriverfirstTM DriverFirst is our pledge to put our customers’ business needs ahead of everything we do, starting with the one behind the wheel. It’s the soul of our product design strategy that led to extensive research and driver clinics, where we discovered what drivers need to keep them comfortable, safe and ready to tackle the road ahead. Learn more at InternationalTrucks.com/DriverFirst Optimizing productivity We’re raising performance with technologies that help keep drivers on the road. We introduced an industry-leading remote diagnostics system with OnCommand™ Connection and were fi rst to market with Over-The-Air Programming, making it quicker and easier to update engine software. We improved serviceability, and continue working on developments that expedite repairs and minimize service time. Enhancing Safety We’re delivering innovations that make driver safety a top priority. We were fi rst to market with Bendix® Wingman® Fusion,™ utilizing adaptive cruise control, braking features and alerts to help mitigate collisions. We increased side roll protection with RollTek seats, and improved visibility with LED headlights. Plus, we’re testing repositioned mirrors and new windows to boost visibility. Improving Comfort We’re focusing on ergonomics and features that make long days on the road easier to endure. We reduced noise vibration and harshness with the N13 engine and created an industry-leading ride. We studied the physical needs of drivers to enhance comfort. We are making adjustments that will place important controls within reach and adding storage to help reduce clutter in cab interiors. creating efficiency We’re constantly evaluating drivetrain technologies from industry-leading suppliers and we’re engineering ways to maximize effi ciency. We incorporated predictive cruise control pre-programmed to benefi t drivers immediately. We’re also addressing drivers’ need for consistency in control placement, so drivers can more quickly and easily adapt to different truck models. Driving Uptime Over the past decade, the shortage of professional drivers has reached an all-time high, posing a challenge to the trucking industry. Why? Without drivers, productivity literally comes to a standstill. Simply put, fewer drivers operating trucks mean fewer trucks making money. When factoring in the cost of reduced productivity and training, repeatedly hiring new drivers can be an expensive proposition. By providing trucks that are appealing to drivers, we can help customers retain valuable employees and attract new drivers, while increasing overall uptime. Putting Feedback in Motion To build trucks with drivers in mind, we have to fi rst understand what’s on their minds. So we interview hundreds of drivers in clinics, where they test various models and tell us what they want and need in a truck. Then we incorporate that feedback into our research and design development toward improved features and services. The common themes we hear most often from drivers fall into four key areas of focus. These driver needs have led to many improvements available in our trucks today, and will continue to inspire our research and innovations down the road.


FleetMaintenance_July_2016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above