Tested by Thomas

Being a field test driver for Scania involves absolute confidentiality, attention to detail and commitment to providing ongoing feedback as to functionality and cab design. The result is a truck that reflects the driver’s needs.

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Photo: Carl-Erik Andersson

Driver Thomas Wolf is on the job, field testing the functionality of the Scania R 620.

TEXT: EMMA NORRMAN

For two years, Thomas Wolf has been field testing a partly new product for Scania. His experience has led to many improvements during development. Driver opinions are valuable, and Wolf himself has enjoyed his role as a link to Scania’s product developers.

Wolf, who is employed by haulier Guyan AG Schiers in Switzerland, has been assigned to field test a Scania R 620 over a two-year period to evaluate its new functionality and the cab’s interior fittings. His opinions are conveyed to Scania’s development engineers, who re-evaluate and adapt the product.

Interviewing the test driver

Today Wolf is meeting Scania field test engineer Lars Johansson at Scania Schumont AG, a dealership in the small village of Rüthi. Here, with livestock grazing nearby, Wolf and Johansson can converse without interruption.

“Do you like the feel when you open and close this new storage box next to the driver’s seat?” Johansson asks.

“Yes, I do, but it would be better if it could stay open so that I can read an address or peek at a map while driving,” Wolf replies. Johansson notes these opinions in his computer.

When Wolf’s boss asked him if he wanted to be a test driver, Wolf was both surprised and pleased. He had worked at the company for less than a year.

“This assignment is an honour,” Wolf says. “It shows that my boss has confidence in me.”

3 questions to...


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Lars Johansson, field test engineer.

What requirements must a haulier meet in order to participate in a field test?

“It is paramount for the haulier and the driver to observe confidentiality. They must be prepared to set aside time for testing. All observations, opinions and faults are to be reported. Driving logs must be kept up to date. We also require that the driver is available for interviews.”

Are hauliers taking a risk when they accept a field test truck?

“Because it’s a prototype, there is always a risk that something won’t work perfectly. We avoid involving hauliers that are dependent on all trucks. The truck may be forced to stand still for a few weeks for updates. We are extremely careful about explaining this when we start collaboration.”

What is required of you?

“Total flexibility is a must. I adapt my test truck visits to the hauliers’ operations. The drivers are using our test trucks commercially, and their customers demand that goods arrive on time. For various reasons, the driver might be unable to show up on the day we have scheduled for an appointment.”