Not only does Scania Driver Support monitor performance, it provides a star-based report on driving as well as offering helpful hints by which the driver may in future improve his score.

Scania has recognised for some considerable time that driver training is the single most effective means to reduce fuel consumption. Yet gaining a long-term benefit from limited training has been difficult.

This is where Scania Driver Support comes in.

Scania Driver Support is a new real-time support system that gives professional truck drivers hints and feedback so they can refine their driving style.

This innovative system is designed to maintain the skills obtained during driver training at a high level. The focus is on key parameters with a heavy influence on safety and economy.

It coaches the driver to climb a hill economically, use auxiliary brakes, anticipate and change gear when necessary, delivering very specific and useful tips to the driver, without causing distraction or annoyance.

Scania Driver Support is based on the same principles as Scania Driver Training. It displays instant feedback on driving behaviour in the instrument cluster.

In field-testing during the development of the System, Scania test drivers were able to achieve fuel savings of 10 percent just from encouraging the utilisation of Scania Driver Support.

Feedback from the testing was very positive, with drivers quickly accepting the challenge of recording an improved score.

Scania Driver System grades drivers via:

Anticipation: Analyses the time between release of accelerator and brake application. A sharp release of the accelerator and sharp application of the brakes reflects poor anticipation.
Brake usage: Grades the driver by how he uses the auxiliary brakes when braking. This encourages smoother deceleration.
Gear selection: Grades the driver’s ability to be in the right gear for the conditions, prompting a change if required on manual transmission vehicles, impacting on the grading if the tip is ignored.

Scania Driver Support is fitted to all long-haul trucks that are fitted with a Scania Retarder, a GRS or GRSO (manual or Opticruise) gearbox and EBS.

“Scania Driver Support is an innovative and highly functional system that will show tangible benefits to fleets and owner/drivers alike,” says Roger McCarthy, Managing Director of Scania Australia.

“Clear operational and financial benefits will be achieved in reducing fuel consumption, and also emissions, and over time, reduced wear and tear. This will contribute to greater safety for the driver and other motorists.

“So far, Scania’s testing has shown drivers quickly get into the groove of competing with themselves to achieve better and better results from the grading process.

“A system such as this, able to promote greater efficiency and reduce wear and tear, has to provide greater profitability to the operator.

“This unique Scania system underlines our progressive efforts to enhance our product for the benefit of customers,” Roger says.