Western Star Trucks recently made its 47X and 49X vocational truck models safer, adding Detroit Assurance with Active Brake Assist (ABA5) as a standard feature and a backup alert system as a factory-installed option.
The new X-Series was developed with safety as a guiding priority, according to Western Star parent Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), and now vocational customers can benefit from the ABA5 automated suite of safety systems regardless of the powertrain selected. The backup alert system boasts a 7-in. touchscreen display, backup camera, and reverse proximity sensor “seamlessly” integrated into the cab’s design.
“This is an important milestone in our pursuit of job site safety, as we now offer what should quickly become the new standard in equipment to improve overall operator experience,” Aaron Scates, DTNA vice president of vocational and medium-duty market development, said in a news release. “The vocational market covers a broad spectrum of applications, and with these added safety features integrated into our cab and chassis from the factory, vocational owners and operators can feel at ease having the additional layer of safety, no matter the job.
“Whether it be heavy construction, road maintenance, or infrastructure development, the X-Series with Detroit Assurance and the Backup Alert System will offer more safety to our customer’s operations.”
Detroit Assurance actively works to help mitigate or lessen the severity of a collision by detecting and alerting drivers when potential incidents can occur. Previously only available for customers with Detroit engines, now all customers can benefit from these advanced safety features, including those choosing third-party engines. Safety features like ABA5, Side Guard Assist (SGA), Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent High-Beam, and Automatic Wipers and Headlamps help drivers safely arrive at or depart from jobsites.
Detroit Assurance will now be available for all 47X and 49X customers, DTNA said.
Additionally, instead of retrofit solutions, customers now will have two available options for backup-camera installation, opting for either an end-of-frame mounted camera or a fully prepped camera with added harness length that will allow end customers or truck equipment manufacturers to easily relocate the backup camera to align with body needs. Pairing with the factory backup camera, drivers will have increased visibility of their rearview surroundings through the fully integrated touchscreen display, which will support steering wheel controls, hands-free calling, and USB-C and Bluetooth connection. The interactive display also will come standard with GPS navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, offering fewer distractions for drivers.
With the introduction of this new passive safety feature, customers will have the convenience of a fully integrated backup alert system from the factory that reduces upfit time. All necessary components for proper installation will be provided from the factory, and an optional extension harness can be ordered to accommodate specific body needs.
The backup alert system will be available for ordering this spring, with deliveries starting later this year, DTNA reported.