The job is demanding. Behind the wheel of the truck, you have to remain alert, ready to react to traffic and road conditions, and maybe respond to an emergency. Taking time out every few moments is never an option. You have deliveries or pick-ups to make, and a time schedule to work to. You need to keep a careful eye on your driving hours. You are expected to be an ambassador for your company and its customers. And the way you drive will make a big impression on your vehicle’s daily fuel economy and long-term cost of operation.

Your working environment has to be right.

Adjusting the driving position.
Once behind the wheel of a Scania truck, any driver will find exactly the right position for the seat and steering column. On most Scania models, it is possible to choose a luxury or standard seat. Both offer movement fore and aft, for height, cushion angle and back support. The steering wheel column has a wide  range of tilt and reach adjustments. With so many possibilities, any driver can find an ideal seating position that allows all primary controls to fall immediately to hand, and at the same time have legs and back supported and arms neither too bent or over-stretched.

Comfort on the move.
All cabs have air suspension; according to model, it may be two-point or four-point. These mounting systems help isolate high frequency vibration from the chassis and sudden shocks from the road surface. In addition, the driver’s seat also has its own suspension system, which can be adjusted by the driver to provide a comfortable measure of cushioning and rebound damping.

All vehicles have a highly-effective heating and ventilation system that is capable of completely exchanging all air in the largest cab within 45 seconds. There is the option of air conditioning together with climate control. Hot weather or cold weather, humid or dry, good roads, bad roads or no roads, the driver of a Scania vehicle will be in the most comfortable environment possible.

Using the controls.
The tactile properties of all controls have been the subject of much experimentation and development. In the case of the steering, the feel is progressive, which means that as the vehicle develops speed, the effect of the power assistance is diminished. Switches have a firm, solid feel. Levers for the parking brake and retarder are robust and give an unambiguous impression of engagement in each setting. The gearshift also has a distinctive feel. It is precise, telling you for sure that a ratio has been engaged. The shift pattern is simple, the throw short and the position of the lever always exactly where you want it.

Noise levels.
Whilst driving at cruising speeds, the sound most in evidence is a distant hum from the powertrain, making it possible to have a conversation without raising the voice above normal speaking level.

For your own safety.
Seat belts are integrated within the seat’s structure. This means they are always in the right position, are comfortable and unobtrusive, retract when not in use, and are always handily-placed for buckling up. The safety and effectiveness of the seat belts can be further enhanced in P and R sleeper cabs with optional automatic tensioners. These allow complete freedom of movement at all times, unless retardation caused by severe braking, impact or sudden change of direction are detected. All vehicles equipped with automatic tensioners can also have a driver’s airbag.

Driveability.
The biggest factors influencing driveability are the characteristics of the powertrain. However, the driver still has to make use of those characteristics in the most appropriate manner, and at the same time read the road and be aware of traffic. A driver who is correctly seated with good posture, who is unstressed, alert and comfortable in temperature and  temperament, and who feels safe and secure, will be able to exert full and precise control of the vehicle without suffering irritation or undue effort. This is driveability, Scania style.

For the driver, it means respect for the truck and driving satisfaction. For the owner, it means best possible fuel economy, and long-term reliability.