Scania annual report 2003
Scania annual report 2003
Scania annual report 2003
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The driver’s new world<br />
It has more room, better ergonomics<br />
and improved crash safety.<br />
A large proportion of the most important<br />
innovations in <strong>Scania</strong>’s new<br />
truck range have to do with the<br />
driver environment.<br />
<strong>Scania</strong> enlisted the help of numerous<br />
drivers, who use various<br />
truck makes, in order to design and<br />
test the driver’s favourite cab. The<br />
result is a new, ergonomic driver environment<br />
featuring a curved dashboard<br />
where everything is located<br />
within arm’s length. Sleeping comfort<br />
has also been improved. The<br />
most striking innovation, however,<br />
is the almost completely flat floor.<br />
No gear lever, no engine tunnel,<br />
but plenty of room.<br />
In other words, the focus has<br />
been on the driver, from the first<br />
sketch to the final design solution<br />
for the R-series cab. By increasing<br />
the driver’s satisfaction, dedication<br />
and ability to do as good and safe<br />
a job as possible, <strong>Scania</strong> helps improve<br />
its customers’ profitability.<br />
The placement of electrical<br />
switches, controls and other equipment<br />
on the dashboard is logical<br />
and strategically conceived on the<br />
basis of customer needs. A robust<br />
cup holder, a large drawer for an A4<br />
binder, spaces specially intended for<br />
fuel, credit or highway toll cards, as<br />
well as large flat work surfaces are<br />
details that add up to a more functional<br />
workplace.<br />
“We have not only focused on<br />
the driver environment, but also on<br />
the ‘mobile office’ and the ‘mobile<br />
café’. This is reflected in ample space<br />
as well as smart storage lockers below<br />
the dashboard,” explains Mats<br />
Holmstrand, who headed the task of<br />
developing the new instruments.<br />
The safety of the driver and any<br />
passenger has also been an important<br />
aspect throughout the development<br />
process. The steering wheel is<br />
designed to allow maximum visibility<br />
at all times and not to obscure the<br />
driver’s view of the dashboard.<br />
“The shape of the steering wheel<br />
and other components in front of<br />
the driver, such as the steering column<br />
and dashboard, work together<br />
to absorb a maximum of crash energy<br />
and minimise driver injuries in<br />
case of an accident.”<br />
25<br />
ANNUAL REPORT <strong>2003</strong>
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