Mack Trucks Tuesday unveiled its new Mack Pioneer in Brooklyn, New York where John and Gus Mack founded the company 125 years ago.
The company said the new model emphasizes driver comfort and represents “the future of Mack’s highway offerings.”
Production of the Pioneer will begin this summer.
The Pioneer will be available in the U.S. and Canada in multiple configurations to suit various operational needs.
“The Pioneer’s comfort features reflect our deep understanding of drivers’ needs and our commitment to their well-being,” said Stephen Roy, president of Mack Trucks. “With the Pioneer, we’re not just introducing a new truck. We’re redefining what a highway truck can be, taking trucking into the 21st century with features that transform the daily experience of professional drivers who spend an average of 150 hours per month in their trucks.”
Focus on Driver Comfort
“Professional drivers inspired every aspect of the Pioneer’s interior design,” said Vince Lokers, specialist chief designer at Mack Trucks, who designed the interior of the Pioneer. “We reached out to our dealer network to understand pain points and day-to-day nuances, which helped us develop unique features that make a real difference in driver comfort and productivity.”
The Pioneer introduces Mack‘s exclusive premium seating system, featuring a wider and taller frame with expanded shoulder and headrest areas. A major innovation is the inclusion of armrests on both sides of the seat, a first for Mack.
Other driver comfort innovations include a push-button start, Mack-first mDrive transmission stalk that moves gear selection to the steering column for improved safety and ergonomics, and an industry-first flat-bottom steering wheel that allows for easier entry and exit.
The Pioneer also offers wireless charging options and a customizable switch layout that allows drivers to arrange switch banks according to their preferences, creating a more personalized and intuitive driving experience.
The Pioneer introduces the Mack Integrated Parking Cooler as an optional upgrade, an advanced Electric Auxiliary Power Unit designed to keep drivers cool and comfortable during warm nights. By utilizing the truck’s batteries and integrated HVAC system, the Mack Integrated Parking Cooler offers efficient cabin cooling without the need to idle the engine.
Living in the Pioneer
The Pioneer is available as:
- Day Cab
- 44″ Mid-Roof Sleeper
- 64″ Mid-Roof Sleeper
- 76″ Mid-Roof Sleeper
- 76″ High-Roof Sleeper
The 76″ sleeper configuration offers the innovative FlexSuite system in which the lower bunk can be rotated up against the rear wall to create more living space. A fold-down dinette area and a reclining mattress providemspaces for meals and relaxation.
Pioneer’s Safety Features
Frontal air bags will be offered as standard equipment with the Pioneer, as well as Mack Protect, a new proprietary advanced driver assistance system) that incorporatesactive and passive safety technologies for commercial vehicles.
“What makes Mack unique is that we capture function first, then form,” said Yates. “The steps are designed with enhanced grip treads and teeth with a non-slip edge. The openings in the steps allow snow and ice to fall through, preventing buildup in winter conditions, while the extended width gives drivers more secure footing.”
The truck also features interior grab bars for secure cabin access in all weather conditions and a structural dash extrusion that aids mobility.
Pioneer Includes Aerodynamic Excellence
The Pioneer features an aggressive windshield angle, streamlined chassis design and an optional innovative digital mirror system that replaces traditional mirrors with cameras. The design team started with the driver’s position, building everything around the driver, including the windscreen and the door architecture, to ensure both optimal visibility and aerodynamics, according to Mack.
“This truck was designed for class-leading driver comfort and to maximize aerodynamic performance,” Yates said. “Every detail, from the lowered fenders to the continuous surface from the front grille to the back of the sleeper box, was engineered to reduce drag and enhance fuel efficiency while maintaining the commanding presence for which Mack is known.”
The aerodynamics of the Pioneer combined with engine and transmission upgrades can deliver up to an 11% improvement in fuel efficiency compared with the equivalent prior model from Mack. One of the most notable aerodynamic innovations is the digital mirror system, which replaces traditional side mirrors with cameras housed in pods on top of the sleeper.
Integrated Connectivity and Charging
The Mack Pioneer will be the most connected Mack truck ever, featuring a substantial increase in remote diagnostics and over-the-air software update capabilities. The new MyMack smartphone app will enable drivers to remotely check truck status and control lights and HVAC systems.
In addition to aiding in mobility, the structural dash extrusion provides convenient device mounting options. The Pioneer features an advanced communications system with a versatile ball socket joint mount for phones and navigation devices. A dedicated ELD mounting plate provides secure placement for essential compliance equipment, and a tablet holder positioned below accommodates iPads and similar devices.
For convenient power management, the truck includes dual inductive charging stations – one optimized for the driving position and another located in the living environment – eliminating cable clutter, while ensuring devices remain powered throughout the journey.
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