Drivers at STARK Building Materials have pitched in with ideas to help DAF Trucks improve on their HGV designs and come up with a ‘Vehicle of the Future’.
During a workshop and factory tour at the truck maker’s Leyland facilities, 15 of the material supply merchant’s drivers gave their thoughts and feedback about what works well and what could be improved upon in the performance and ergonomics of trucks with a drop-side body and crane.
The drivers involved worked for STARK firms Jewson, JP Corry, Frazer and Minster.
Mark Gingell, DAF Trucks national fleet sales manager, said: “Our trucks are the drivers’ offices – and where they spend most of their working day as they travel between branches, distribution hubs and customers’ sites.
“It’s really important to us that we make sure our trucks deliver what they need as a safe, comfortable and efficient vehicle and mobile workspace.”
One STARK driver, Stuart Yates, said he was blown away seeing the production of the truck he drives each day: “To be asked to give my feedback and to know that my ideas may end up being included in the vehicle design of the future is something I can’t quite believe – it’s great to be recognised in this way,” he added.
Darren O’Donnell, STARK UK fleet manager, said: “Our drivers do a really important job.
“They’re the face of our company and look after our customers’ deliveries with care and with pride.
“We really appreciate and value our drivers, and that’s why DAF invited them to have a direct input into how truck designs evolve and benefit from technology innovation to improve the driving experience and vehicle performance.”
