”Automated gear shifting means being in the right gear at all times – a huge advantage for long haul.”
Toshi Odawara, Vice President, UD Trucks Quester Product Line talks about New Quester’s qualities as a modern long haul transport solution.
What kind of demands or current trends within long haul are most important to customers?
It is becoming more important to make sure drivers can do the job more efficiently by utilising technology such as easy shifting ESCOT. Imagine how many manual shifts drivers need to do while on a long haul trip. ESCOT reduces this stress so they can focus more on other important tasks.
Driver comfort is key for a long haul trip. Drivers must take a proper rest in bed during the journey and in some cases cook inside the cab to shorten delivery time. The cab in this case is like a second home. Fleet owners are also focusing on providing a comfortable cabin for drivers in order to improve their working environment.
What makes New Quester so ideally suited to long haul operations?
New Quester has been designed to capture essential needs. It comes with double bunk high roof cab – our most spacious ever.
An air suspended comfortable seat provides lumbar support with arm rest, while the cab itself is also air suspended so that the driver doesn’t feel the direct impact of road conditions.
A huge advantage for long haul is the gear shifting ease of ESCOT. Automated gear shifting means being in the right gear at all times. This has a massive impact on fuel efficiency over long distances and can be a major contributor to greater profitability. For braking performance, New Quester offers the exhaust brakes, UD Extra Engine Brake and also the hydraulic retarder as an option for more severe downhill operations. ESCOT with its sensor will automatically down shift to effectively use the engine brake.
Which UD services can be of particular value to long haul customers?
Since the truck can go for long distances, proper back-up support is necessary. Our trained dealers are located on major routes and have proper competence to provide genuine standard services to minimize downtime. Mobile workshops are also available. The service intervals are optimized to reduce workshop visits and improve uptime.
UD Telematics, which comes with standard, will provide information to support fleet owners, such as location of the vehicle, fuel consumption and driver behaviour. Geofencing will also maximize trip time and to ensure drivers stay on the correct route. It is essential to give fleet owners the control to maximize their resources and carry proper loads. This allows them to create trust with their business partners and provides peace of mind.
