Daimler Trucks North America and Walmart showed off a "technology truck" at the American Trucking Associations Management Conference and Exhibition in Dallas this week. The Freightliner Cascadia on display was based on Walmart's advanced fuel-efficient specs, with advanced aerodynamic and predictive technologies.


Since launching the project in late 2010, DTNA engineers and Walmart experts have worked closely together to create an environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient heavy-duty commercial vehicle, with many of the featured options now in production and available to DTNA's over-the-road customers.

"DTNA understands it is our responsibility to help shape future transportation through technology and innovation," said Wilfried Achenbach, senior vice president, engineering and technology for Daimler Trucks North America. "The advancements we've made thus far are just the beginning."

The 72-inch raised roof Detroit Diesel DD15-equipped Cascadia is outfitted with DTNA's proprietary Run Smart Predictive Cruise system, which evaluates upcoming road profiles more than a mile in advance and determines the most fuel-efficient vehicle speed. It also features Eaton's UltraShift Plus transmission with Hill Start Aid, and Meritor Wabco's OnGuard Collision Safety System with Adaptive Cruise Control and Active Braking.

The Cascadia has been enhanced with next-generation chassis side fairings and side extenders to maximize aerodynamics. Additional components focused on increasing efficiency and productivity include:

* A low solar-gain windshield to better insulate the cab;

* A viscously coupled fan drive;

* Eco driver feedback, which visually displays fuel economy feedback based on real-time conditions of the vehicle;

* Predictive torque management, which alters engine torque based on the vehicle's operating conditions;

* Flexible service system, which determines when maintenance is required based on driving conditions of vehicle, not pre-set mileage intervals; and

* The Lectronix T7000 infotainment system, which provides GPS navigation, radio, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth and onboard vehicle diagnostics, all on an ergonomically located LCD display.

"By combining all of these technologies into one vehicle, we are providing the industry a glimpse of what's to come from DTNA," said Mark Lampert, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Daimler Trucks North America. "With the EPA's 2014-2018 greenhouse gas and fuel efficiency emissions standards on the horizon, this collaboration with Walmart will ensure that we are prepared to provide the best products to both meet these standards and exceed our customers' expectations."