Navistar showcased a few driver-centric features on the International ProStar+ and the International TranStar during the American Trucking Association’s conference yesterday.

Jim Hebe, Navistar vice president, cited the growing driver shortage among class 8 fleets as the inspiration for the upgrades.

“Customers today are asking us more and more to provide products that will help fleets attract and retain qualified drivers," Hebe explained.

Upgrades to the ProStar+ include an in-dash GPS system with prognostics, fault code and tire pressure monitoring.

The auto stop/start has safeguards against battery depletion under extreme temperature conditions by automatically starting the engine to recharge the batteries — ensuring the truck battery does not unexpectedly deplete overnight due to CPAP machine operation makes sure there is starting power after extended bunk time.

Additionally, a Bendix Wingman Advanced collision mitigation system provides distance alerts, and will apply the brakes to help the driver avoid a collision. The system also gives a three-second warning of any metallic object blocking the lane. There’s also a Bendix AutoVue lane departure system, and LED exterior lighting that uses 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.

Navistar gave the TranStar the same interior trim package currently offered on the ProStar+, but the big change is the Allison TC-10 transmission, available for ordering in mid-2012, that will give seamless shifting through a 10-gear range, said Navistar.

LED lighting and the Bendix Wingman Advanced collision mitigation system are also included in the TranStar, along with a Rand McNally in-dash GPS system that has truck-specific software.

Both the ProStar+ and the TranStar have been outfitted with Diamond Logic Electrical System that features, among other things, an automated pre-trip vehicle inspection that prompts the driver to confirm exterior lights are working, and a parking brake alarm for when the key is off and the parking brake is not set.