Mack Trucks Introduces New Steering Feature, Receives SmartWay Certification

Mack Trucks is making the job of the highway truck driver easier with the introduction of Mack Command Steer in the Mack Anthem. Mack Command Steer, the latest in driver-assist technology, will be available for order on Mack Anthem models beginning in the second quarter of 2020. 

A highly advanced active steering system, Mack Command Steer adds an electric motor to the existing hydraulic steering to help reduce driver effort up to 85% and improve driver productivity and comfort.

“Even with the all-day comfort provided by the Mack Anthem model’s ergonomic interior, driving a heavy-duty truck remains a highly physical task,” says Stu Russoli, Mack Highway Product Manager. “With Mack Command Steer, we’re helping reduce driver fatigue and muscle strain by up to 30%, improving safety and productivity as well as helping to protect the truck’s most valuable asset: the driver.”

Mack Command Steer provides variable steering assist based on the driving situation. Multiple sensors throughout the truck monitor road conditions, driver inputs and even environmental elements, and relay those observations more than 2,000 times per second. The system’s electric motor then applies additional torque as needed to the steering, making it easier to keep the truck on the desired path.

Mack Command Steer adds an electric motor to the existing hydraulic steering to help reduce driver effort up to 85%.

“The additional torque, or steering force, provided by Mack Command Steer means drivers no longer have to ‘fight the wheel’ while driving on poor roads or in difficult weather conditions,” Russoli says. “This helps drivers maintain greater control and keep their focus on what’s ahead, enhancing safety for everyone on the road.”

Even in normal driving situations, Mack Command Steer helps suppress road disturbances such as potholes or other surface irregularities, smoothing the steering feedback and reducing the possibility of steering wheel “kicks.”

Another unique capability of Mack Command Steer is a return to zero feature that automatically returns the steering wheel to the center or zero position, helping simplify maneuvers in tight spaces, whether going forward or in reverse.

Mack Anthem day cab receives SmartWay certification

As another means of increasing operational efficiency for fleets, Mack Anthem day cab models are now SmartWay certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To become EPA SmartWay-certified, trucks must have technologies and features that reduce their environmental impact through improved fuel efficiency.

“Even with steady diesel prices, customers are continuing to place a strong emphasis on improving the fuel efficiency of their heavy-duty trucks,” says Russoli. “We’re proud to have our Anthem day cab model join our Anthem standup sleeper model as SmartWay-certified, giving customers fuel-efficient options for nearly every over-the-road application.”

To achieve SmartWay certification, Mack Anthem day cab models must be spec’d with roof fairings and side shields, chassis fairings and an aerodynamic bumper option. In addition, low rolling resistance SmartWay-certified tires are required. All SmartWay-certified Mack Anthem models feature a SmartWay logo on the doorjamb.

SmartWay certified Mack Anthem day cab models must be spec’d with roof fairings and side shields, chassis fairings and an aerodynamic bumper option.