Navistar recently showcased several driver-centric features on two of its most popular models: the ProStar+ and TranStar. “Rebounding freight volume, along with the effects of CSA 2010, have resulted in a growing driver shortage among Class 8 fleets,” said Jim Hebe, Navistar senior vice president, North American sales operations. “Customers today are asking us more and more to provide products that will help fleets attract and retain qualified drivers. We believe these product features deliver on that need.”
According to the company, the ProStar+ features a new Diamond interior trim package design concept, offering diamond-stitched trim on the seats, door panels, and throughout the sleeper cab. This interior option will be available for order in mid-2012. The following options also are available for the ProStar+:
• An in-dash GPS system featuring prognostics, fault code and tire pressure monitoring, and a premium stereo featuring XM Radio, iPod/MP3 command and control and multiple speakers.
• The MaxxPower Battery Powered HVAC system for a no-idle heating and cooling solution. The auto stop/start feature safeguards against battery depletion under extreme temperature conditions by automatically starting the engine to recharge the batteries.
• The Bendix Wingman Advanced collision mitigation system, which brings together adaptive cruise control with braking features, along with collision mitigation braking technology. The system also provides unique stationary object alerts, providing the driver up to a three second warning of any metallic object blocking the driver’s lane of travel.
• The Bendix all-wheel air disc brake package
• Bendix AutoVue lane departure warning system.
• LED exterior lighting that is designed to last 100 times longer and use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• A Fontaine 12-in. Ultra NT fifth wheel, which offers weight savings of up to 50 lbs. or more over competitive products and features a no-slack feature which reduces the “chugging” caused when a trailer ball has excess room in the fifth wheel.
TranStar now has Eagle interior, in-dash GPS and an Allison TC-10 transmission, which will be available for ordering in mid-2012, Navistar said. The transmission will offer seamless shifting through a 10-gear range through the use of a torque converter and twin countershaft design. The TranStar also offers the following optional features:
• LED exterior lighting that is designed to last 100 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Like on the ProStar+, this feature helps keep drivers in compliance with CSA 2010 regulations by reducing the number of times a bulb goes bad over the life of a vehicle.
• The Bendix Wingman Advanced collision mitigation system.
The ProStar+ and TranStar are both fully integrated with the Diamond Logic Electrical System to drive down costs while giving customers available convenience features that make their jobs easier and safer, the truck maker added.
