Mack Supplies More Pioneer Safety Package Details
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Mack Trucks provided more details in recent days on the safety packages carriers can expect on its flagship on-highway Pioneer tractor launched in April and set to begin serial production before the end of 2025.
The revamped safety packages are headlined by a switch away from Bendix Fusion to a proprietary safety and collision mitigation system — Mack Protect.
“With Mack Protect, we’re not just introducing new safety features — we’re fundamentally changing our approach to active safety technology,” said Jonathan Randall, president of Mack Trucks North America.
“By developing our own proprietary system, we’ve created a seamlessly integrated safety experience that’s optimized specifically for our vehicles and our customers’ needs,” he added.
in three formats:
- Standard includes forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, traffic stop-and-go functionality, forward pedestrian detection, road sign recognition and frontal air bags.
- Pro adds side protection including side curtain air bags, lane change and blind spot support on both driver and passenger sides, as well as side pedestrian detection, to the base package.
- Premier incorporates active steering capabilities with lane-keeping assist to the Pro package features.
(Mack Trucks)
Mack Protect includes several technologies previously unseen on a Class 8 tractor from the Volvo Group subsidiary, it said July 16.
These include: driver awareness support with heads-up display capability; forward and side pedestrian detection with automatic warnings; and active steering assistance with lane-keeping functionality.
“We’ve taken a thoughtful approach to packaging these safety technologies,” said Blake Routh, senior highway product manager at Mack Trucks. “Rather than overwhelming customers with complex option lists, we’ve created intuitive packages that make it easy to select the right level of protection for their specific applications.”
Mack Protect is part of a series of safety upgrades debuting in the Pioneer including an automatic emergency response system known as E-Call 911, a digital mirror system and a steel cab that exceeds federal standards.
E-Call 911 adopts a system similar to those found in passenger vehicles. It is activated by air bag deployment or a rollover. The doors unlock, interior lights activate and emergency services are contacted immediately with the vehicle’s location.
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The digital mirror system is a first for Mack, replacing traditional mirrors with cameras mounted in pods. It eliminates blind spots while also enhancing aerodynamics.
“The digital mirror system represents a major advancement in both safety and efficiency,” said Lukas Yates, chief designer at Mack Trucks. “It provides drivers with an expanded field of view, infrared night vision capability, clear visibility in rain and snow and trailer panning functionality with distance indicators. Beyond the safety benefits, the system improves fuel efficiency by approximately 1% through reduced drag.”
Meanwhile, the Pioneer also features a steel cab that exceeds federal safety requirements. The cab has been tested to meet Swedish Impact (BOF10) standards and UN ECE R29 Cab Strength protocols.
A spokeswoman said Mack Protect is also available on the overhauled Anthem tractor, which was Mack’s flagship on-highway Class 8 tractor until the Pioneer debuted.
The Anthem debuted in 2017. In June, Mack unveiled a substantial revamp and said the tractor would now be targeted at the regional haul market.
About 80%-90% of the overhauled Anthem shares components with the Pioneer, said Routh during a June 24 Facebook Live event for media members. The reason to choose the Anthem over the Pioneer is maneuverability, Routh said.
