Enhancing Class 8 Truck Design with Hands-On, In-Depth Commercial Vehicle and Fleet Research

Business Issue

A world-class original equipment manufacturer (OEM) had recently launched a new Class 8 tractor in-market and wanted to understand how it was performing in real-world fleet operations.

The manufacturer engaged Escalent to uncover how fleet businesses of all vocations were using the vehicle, identify operational and technical pain points, and determine how the truck should evolve over the next 36 months.

What We Did

Leveraging intelligence and expertise from Escalent’s Fleet Advisory Hub syndicated research in the commercial vehicle market, we designed a multi-layered strategy to capture authentic feedback on the tractor’s role and performance within fleet operations. Across the US, we went in-field and engaged businesses that ranged from regional hauling and auto transport to container shipping to:

• Conduct comprehensive vehicle evaluations, including ride-alongs, to observe real-world performance and capture detailed operator feedback.
• Interview operational staff to understand how the tractor integrates into broader fleet operations.
• Observe service and maintenance facilities firsthand to identify challenges with parts, repairs, and workflow.
• Consult with industry experts to connect operational insights with vehicle design considerations.

Result

Escalent delivered to the client a broad, ground-level view into every aspect of the truck and its impact on fleets, including:

• Vehicle performance across drivability, visibility, payload, power, weight, technology, and safety.
• Fleet satisfaction and operational insights, identifying areas for improvement and anomalies specific to unique use cases.
• Uptime and downtime analysis, including detailed observations at the component and parts level.
• Opportunities for future enhancements of the chassis, powertrain, vehicle dynamics, and onboard technology.

The manufacturer is now leveraging these insights to shape its next generation Class 8 tractor, presently in development, ensuring it will outperform the current model and strengthen the brand’s position in the commercial vehicle market.