International Truck has announced plans to offer predictive cruise control technology on its International ProStar and LoneStar Class 8 on-highway trucks. International’s predictive cruise control uses preinstalled GPS maps and the latest commercial route data to make adjustments to cruising speed without the need to pre-drive the route.

Predictive cruise control optimizes cruising speed based on topographical GPS data inputs to help maximize fuel economy. It monitors driver speed, engine load, weight and the road grade in order to optimize the vehicle’s performance based on the road ahead. As a truck enters certain types of terrain, such as rolling hills, predictive cruise control modulates cruising speed to correspond to the topography.

“Because the GPS maps and route data are already loaded, this smart technology will enable fleets and drivers to obtain greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions right out of the box,” said Denny Mooney, the company’s senior vice president of global product development. “As a result, drivers who frequently run different routes will experience the same benefit as drivers who are used to driving a standard route. We’re seeing data indicating that this technology, when coupled with a Navistar or Cummins engine and an Eaton transmission, can increase fuel efficiency by up to 4%.”