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Scania’s Urban Tipper concept targets visibility

Scania aims to boost driver awareness in new urban-based vehicle concept

 

Swedish truck maker Scania is aiming to develop a new standard for tippers, releasing an Urban Tipper concept truck in the UK that places a greater emphasis on driver visibility and the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

The top supplier of 8X4 tippers in the region, Scania says it has teamed up with “its industry-partners and academic research bodies” to design future tippers slated for city centre operations.

These discussions have led to the Urban Tipper.

Featuring a range of technological advances, a lightweight body, and a 410hp SCR Euro 6 engine, the concept truck breaks away from the normal 8X4 configuration and instead focuses on manoeuvrability with a 8X2*6 layout that allows for three steering axles.

The engine, which Scania says “has set new fuel-efficiency records in independent trials conducted throughout Europe”, is backed with a fully-automated, two-pedal Scania Opticruise transmission “to enhance safety in operation by reducing stress and fatigue on the driver”.

In terms of suspension, Scania has fitted full air-suspension to allow the truck to be lowered during urban operation to increase visibility for the driver and to be raised for rougher terrain.

The concept design’s focus on visibility continues to the layout of the truck’s windows with the lower section of the passenger door featuring a glass panel providing a line of sight to truck’s front-left corner.

Technology also adds to the driver’s eyes through the inclusion of a 360o camera monitoring system providing a live stream into the truck’s dashboard.

Advanced Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Electronic Stability Program, and nearside proximity sensors add to the included safety equipment.

Scania’s new focus, and the subsequent concept, comes as research in London concerning the growing number of incidents involving cyclists the UK has been released.

The research, which was carried out on behalf of the local government body Transport for London, tested the 19 best-selling trucks in the region and found low-entry cabs to offer the greatest visibility.

With visibility obscured in some vehicles up to 1.5m, the research suggests vehicle height, driver seat location, window design, and windscreen apertures need to be examined when developing urban-based vehicles.

  

 

 

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