Mack offers ‘smart’ cruise control on Vision tractors

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (March 8, 2000) — Mack Trucks has become the first OEM to offer the “SmartCruise” option with the Eaton VORAD EVT-300 collision-avoidance system.

Available only on Vision model tractors, and perhaps never on other Macks, this so-called “active” cruise control will automatically slow the truck down or speed it up to maintain a programmed following distance behind other vehicles.

SmartCruise maintains a pre-set speed and following distance but will adjust that speed by de-fuelling the engine or applying the J-Tech engine brake without driver intervention. When the following distance is back to its programmed setting, the system will return the truck to its previous road speed. The system works with either manual or automated mechanical transmissions.

All Visions ordered with the EVT-300, which has been available as a factory installation since the truckÕs introduction last year, include both the front and side blind-spot radar sensors as well as the systemÕs Vehicle Information Management System. The sensors are neatly integrated into the truckÕs bumper and side fairings, and the driverÕs display sits neatly atop the dash.