BTS21: Digital dashboard for Freightliner Cascadia

Freightliner’s Cascadia will be the first conventional truck to be available with the tablet-style feature when it becomes an optional item in Australia and New Zealand from the fourth quarter of this year.

Drawing from technology already available in sister company Mercedes-Benz’s Actros, the high-definition Digital Dashboard introduces new levels of functionality and improves access for drivers via two large tablet-style screens that can be used to easily access a wide range of controls and information displays.

A 12.3-inch display replaces the traditional instrument cluster in front of the driver with a digital tacho and speedo as well as gauges, trip data and adaptive cruise control information.

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Another 10-inch centrally-mounted display features a touch screen for ease of use, allowing access to a raft of information and settings, but also features a row of traditional buttons for features a driver may want to control in a hurry, such as audio.

The driver can still operate the climate controls with easy-to-use dials to the left of the central screen.

Information on both screens can be accessed through controls on the steering wheel, which features intuitive thumb control pads.

Freightliner Australia Pacific Director, Stephen Downes, said at the launch in Brisbane the Digital Dashboard is another example of the Cascadia raising the bar in the conventional truck class.

“Cascadia has already raised the bar for drivers in the conventional class thanks to its spacious and ergonomic cabins, but the optional Digital Dashboard further improves the experience,” Mr Downes said.

“The screens are easy to use and give drivers access to more controls and more information than ever before. Furthermore, they look fantastic and we think our customers will absolutely love these displays that are way out in front of anything else available in the conventional truck class,” he added.

Freightliner is presenting its full line-up of Cascadia trucks to the public for the first time at the Brisbane Truck Show, which runs until May 16 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Freightliner recently revealed that a head-protecting side airbag would be available for the Cascadia heavy duty truck late this year, further extending its safety leadership in the conventional truck class.