International unveils the ProStar Class 8 flagship aerodynamic tractor at world’s largest Trucking Show

From the quietness of the climate-controlled cab to the massaging seats, drivers are positioned comfortably as they take in the superior view of the road. In-depth ergonomic research, including detailed measurement of hundreds of truck drivers, was used to design the cab and sleeper with maximum comfort, safety and productivity. From the available seat travel, to flexible positioning of the steering wheel, instrument panel gauges and steering wheel-based controls, the International ProStar accommodates the full range of driver sizes and reduces "cognitive demand," on drivers so they can focus on the road.

Also, drivers will feel at home in the comfortable sleeper accommodations, which boast improved fit-and-finish, storage space options, excellent HVAC performance, as well as a roomy feel with more natural light. Designers from International's Fort Wayne Truck Development and Technology Center slept in a variety of tractor sleepers and went on the road with drivers throughout the development program to better understand their requirements for living and sleeping space utilization.

"The integrity and durability of the new International ProStar cab delivers a smoother, quieter ride, minimizing driver fatigue and maximizing productivity," added Baughman. "The objective is for the driver to feel confident, comfortable and secure."

Unprecedented Uptime

Productivity optimization goes beyond the driver, it also requires a reliable tractor. International's goal of best-in-class reliability drove every design and process improvement. "We spent a lot of time with customers mining their maintenance records and discussing the top causes of downtime," said Baughman. "Every targeted system improvement has been tracked ongoing from component testing through to vehicle testing to be sure we provide customers a product that stands up to the grueling and time sensitive demands synonymous with line haul applications."

Downtime can be caused by a variety of factors and components, including tires, electrical harnesses, connectors, batteries, air leaks, air brakes and fuel systems, to name a few. With so many moving pieces to track, the International ProStar has been designed with monitoring, prognostic and diagnostic systems to help fleet managers and drivers better anticipate and handle issues causing downtime.

However, achieving unprecedented uptime at International Truck and Engine involves more than the systems available to a customer when they take delivery. The company is working to identify and eliminate potential vehicle problems before these trucks are even in customers' hands.

Since 2004, more than 25 production validation tractors have been on the road accumulating more than six million miles of road testing, including internal test vehicles and customer test units.

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