In command round the clock
Improved touch, control and design: On Scania’s new steering wheel, controls have been regrouped so that all speed-control functions are readily accessible at the bottom.
Photo: Scania
Three o’clock
To the right are intuitive controls to navigate within the display. These include a button for the driver’s mobile phone.
Of all the parts of a truck, the driver station, including the steering wheel, is the one that drivers come in contact with the most. That’s why, in Scania’s new R-series flagship cab, no effort was spared to redesign the steering wheel and its controls.
While the shape and size (450 millimetres in diameter) of the steering wheel remains the same, the choice of premium materials, colour and finish has been expanded to fit into the new interior of the R-series cab. The materials include dark chrome, wood and genuine leather. The biggest change is in the layout of the controls on the steering wheel.
“Since drivers mainly use the speed functions when cruising on the highway, we have positioned all of these at the bottom so they can have a relaxed posture while using them,” says Hanna Johansson, Head of Vehicle Ergonomics at Scania.
Equally intuitive controls are at buttons on the RH spoke used to navigate within the display. These include a button for the driver’s mobile phone.
On the LH spoke are buttons to control the radio, CD player or MP3 player.
“The touch and feel of the controls provide intuitive and distinct feedback to one’s fingertips, so that drivers can keep their eyes safely on the road,” says Hanna Johansson.
