Scania cleans up as its new utility truck sweeps to five stars

Leuven, Belgium – Refuse trucks provide an essential public service, but the nature of their role means they present potential hazards to both operators and other road users. Operating conditions that include frequent stops and starts, passing traffic, and people working near the vehicle pose substantial challenges for vehicle manufacturers in designing and delivering safe vehicles. These challenges make it even more remarkable that Scania’s new L-series has swept to a five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests – and earned the CitySafe seal of approval.

After assessing the L-series in 6x2 rigid configuration with a refuse compactor body (other configurations are also available) in its 270-kW electric powertrain, the 20-tonne utility truck was praised by Euro NCAP’s experts for its performance in both Safe Driving and Collision Avoidance categories.

Part of the secret to the L-series’ success is Scania’s decision to make the full suite of driver assistance safety systems available as an option, which effectively supports the truck driver during stop-start routes in busy environments. Noteworthy features include geofenced speed limiting and a cyclist dooring feature that warns when a door is being opened into the path of an approaching vehicle or cyclist.

At the same time, the L-series displays an approach that puts safety at the heart of the truck’s fundamental design, including a low-mounted cab that significantly enhances visibility for the driver, critical in urban and suburban environments. Conventional rear-view mirrors can suffer localised blind spots, but in this case, camera monitoring systems provide continuous views around the vehicle. The L-series also offers an effective autonomous emergency braking system (AEB), which monitors nearside turns and helps avoid collisions with cyclists positioned between the truck and the roadside – an important addition given many L-series trucks will be used in urban environments. The electric model also complies with Euro NCAP’s post-crash safety requirements.

Volvo continues five-star streak

The Volvo FH also secured a five-star Euro NCAP rating and the CitySafe award, bringing Volvo’s total to three five-star models (joining the FM and FH Aero). The FH remains an excellent choice for fleet long-haul operations, and Volvo is the only manufacturer whose line-up of models is all capable of 5-star safety.

Solid start for Ford; room for improvement at IVECO

A relatively new entrant to the HGV market, the Ford F-MAX earned a solid three-star rating. Tested as a 4x2 tractor unit in the fleet long-haul sector, the F-MAX complements Ford’s existing presence in the van market. Whilst its direct visibility for the driver is compromised by a high beltline, it features a high-performing Camera Monitoring System helping drivers’ rearward visibility. Euro NCAP noted that additional technology, such as AEB for nearside turning collisions, would be beneficial and help its safety ratings.

Previously rated at one star, the updated, diesel-powered IVECO S-WAY (tested in both 4x2 Tractor and 6x2 Rigid form) has now raised its performance to two stars. While the vehicle is now GSR2-compliant and features an effective Adaptive Cruise Control system, there remains significant room for improvement in protecting pedestrians and cyclists to move beyond its current highway-focused approach.

Competition is healthy, and in this case, Scania has thrown down the gauntlet to other truck manufacturers, showing how excellent levels of safety can be achieved through intelligent vehicle design and the availability of sophisticated driver assistance systems.

We see many fatal collisions with trucks in our cities. However, trucks are an essential part of daily life. Drivers should appreciate the benefit of this approach from their first time behind the wheel, while fleet operators have the peace of mind that they are equipping their colleagues with the safest vehicle in its class, protecting those around them.

Volvo maintains its no-compromise approach to truck safety, and Ford has got off to a good start with the F-MAX, with a three-star rating that could easily be improved with the fitment of additional autonomous driver assistance systems.

Matthew Avery, Director of Strategic Development Euro NCAP